taking junior to school

Camille didn’t get much sleep. Though she was beyond relieved that her daughter was home safe, she kept getting up and peeking in on the guest room to see her kids sleeping.

at 6:30, she decided to get up. She took a quick shower, then went into the guest room and woke her children up. They both grumbled the first time, begging for more sleep. The second time, Camille wasn’t taking no for an answer.

While the kids got dressed, Camile made breakfast that consisted of Bacon, eggs, and toast.

She put the food on the plate when she heard someone say. “I see you’re finally making yourself at home.”

Camille turned and saw Emily standing there in a white robe and fuzzy slippers. “I trying. Again, I can’t thank you enough.”

“My pleasure. “Emily started walking towards her. “What are families for?”

The way she said it sent chills down Camille’s spine. She shook it off. “ I made extra for you.”

“That’s okay. “Emily walked past her towards the door. “I’ve better get to work to make up for yesterday.”

As she opened the door, Camille said. “Did I tell you that Detective Stone wants to talk to me.”

Emily froze in her tracks, then looked over her shoulder. “Oh, really. About what?”

“I really don’t know, He says he has some new angle on the case.”

Emily lightly nodded her head and pursed her lips. “Well, good luck. I just hope he’s still not trying to pin the murder on you.”

Camille waved her off. “I’m sure he’s not. Now go to work.”

Emily stood there a moment before stepping out and closing the door.

Camille got a weird sense that she couldn’t describe, which was interrupted when she heard Cassandra say. Morning.” In a chipper tone.

Camille looked at her and smiled. “Morning. Where’s your brother?”

He’s coming. “ Cassandra walked over and gave her mom a hug, then released her.

“What’s that for?” Camille pleasantly said.

“Because I love you.” Cassandra smiled.

Tears started welling in Camille’s eyes. “She reached over and stroked her daughter's cheek. “I love you too. “ She retracted her arm. “Now sit down and eat.”

Cassandra did as ordered. Camille sat down. She took a bite of egg, then said. “Are you sure you want to go to school today? Maybe it’d be best if you just stay home and relax.”

Cassandra took a bite of bacon. “Thanks mom.” She chewed as she talked. “I really need to go and face them. I can’t hide forever.”

Camille just stared at her.
”Really, I’ll, be fine.” Cassandra stated in a reassuring tone.

“Alright. But don’t want you picking a fight with that Carol, or her Minions.”

Cassandra chuckled. “I promise.”

They continued eating in silence until a young voice said. “To infinity.”

Camille and Cassandra looked to see Junior standing there in a Woody shirt and blue jeans. In unison, they said. “And beyond.”

Junior ran over and sat down. He immediately shoved an egg into his mouth and took a bite of toast.

“Boy, you must be hungry,” Camille said with a big smile on her face.

“Yeah, “ Junior said with a full mouth. Pieces of egg shot out of his mouth. He winced as he swallowed his food. “Sorry mom.”

“That’s okay.” Camille paused a moment. “Oh shoot,” She stood up. “I forgot the orange juice.” She walked to the kitchen and returned with three glasses full of orange juice. She placed it on the table, then sat down.

They ate in silence, but kept glancing at one another. When they were finished, Camille stood up and put the dishes in the sink. She walked towards the door where Cassandra was already standing.

“N ow, you’re sure about this?” She gave her a stare of concern.

“Yes mom.” She smiled and kissed her mom on the cheek, Love you.” She quickly opened the door and stepped out.

“Love you.” Camille said while her daughter was shutting the door.

She then turned and faced her son. “Well, we need to go ourselves. Don’t want you to be late.”

She opened the door and stepped out with Junior right behind her.

chapter 20

When Jake got home, he still felt too bad to eat. Instead, he drank two bottles of Budweiser and called it a night.

When he finally awoke, he looked at his phone and saw that it was two minutes past seven. His stomach felt raw. And then when he tried getting up, his head ached. He felt hungover. But it wasn’t from two beers on an empty stomach; it was the shame he felt knowing Jeremy killed himself after they interviewed him. And the sympathy he felt for his mother. He really wanted to go over and express his condolences, but the other detectives told him it was best to leave well enough alone.

This tragedy has instantly taken over the top spot of the worst thing his job have played upon him. Previously held by his divorce, and taking too much time away from his son.

He grunted as he sat up, then shook off the cobwebs in his head. Now more than ever, he really wanted to go over to his ex-wife’s house and visit his son. But again, duty calls. He took a long, hot shower, hoping it would make him feel a little better. But it did nothing to wash his pain away.

Before leaving, he decided to call his ex to see if he could speak to his son for a minute. She said he was sleeping with such force that he didn’t push it any further.

As he drove to the station, questions began to form in his mind. Why did he kill himself? And why did he leave a note saying “ Tell Camille I’m sorry.”? Did he think Cassandra was dead? How much did he know about his girlfriend’s plan to leave her in the park?

As he pulled into the station’s parking lot, he knew he had to come to terms with the fact that he may never know.