CHAPTER FIVE
Heather—
Two days later, Tucker and I make it to San Jose.
I turn in at a motel I researched at our last stop.
It’s basic with just two levels that surround a pool.
The only thing I don’t like is that the doors open to the outside rather than an interior hallway, but it’s in the lower price range and has decent ratings.
There’s one bed, a mini fridge, a microwave, and a table with two chairs.
Tucker is happy as long as there’s a tv. He also likes the fact that our room overlooks the pool.
On the way in, I pulled through a fast-food drive-thru and got us some burgers. Tucker is excited with his kid’s meal and superhero toy.
I put cartoons on for him, then text my brother that we’re safe in San Jose. My phone immediately buzzes with an incoming video call from him.
“I needed to see your face,” he says when I pick up. Tucker and I both get on the call, and it puts my brother at ease.
“Hi Uncle Jared.” Tucker takes the phone from me.
“Hey, kiddo. How’s it going?”
“Great. We got a hotel room and guess what!”
“What?”
“There’s a pool. Mommy said we could go swimming tomorrow, but she has to get us bathing suits first.”
“Awesome.”
“Guess what else!”
“What?”
“I got a space ranger toy with my dinner.”
“Wow, that’s cool. Hey, kiddo, can I talk to your mom for a minute?”
“Sure. Here, Mommy. He wants to talk to you.” Tucker hands me the phone and goes back to his cartoons.
I walk over to the window and talk softly so Tucker doesn’t hear. “Hey, Jared.”
“Mom is distraught, Heather. You should call her.”
“I will. How is everything? You didn’t get any visitors, did you?”
“No. That guy never showed up, but I researched his name. You were right to run. This guy has done time in prison for assault, rape, burglary… you name it, he’s done it. Plus, one of the police reports said he’s a member of a motorcycle gang. Did you know that?”
“Not at first. When I found out, it was too late. I couldn’t get rid of him.”
“Well, thank God you and Tucker got away. I imagine you running out on your lease is going to play havoc with your credit score, so you better find a new place before it shows on your credit history.”
“I plan to look tomorrow. I’ll find something before that happens. Don’t worry.”
“Don’t worry? Easy for you to say. That’s all I’ve done. That’s all Mom and Dad have done.”
I look out the window, pushing the drapes aside. “I’m so sorry to put everyone through so much. Ever since Ryan died, I feel like I’ve been so much trouble to all of you.”
“Don’t say that. It’s not that you’re a burden. We all hate this for you, and now you’ve run clear across the country because of this asshole. It’s not fair, Heather.”
“Life isn’t fair. I’ve had to learn that the hard way, Jared.”
“I know. You’ve been through so much. You’re young and beautiful, and life shouldn’t be so hard. I wish I could make this go away for you.”
“I tried that once. Making it all go away. That day on the bridge.”
“That wasn’t the answer, and that’s not what I meant,” Jared says softly.
“I know.” There’s a catch in my throat and tears form in my eyes.
“I want you and Tucker to be okay, ya know?”
I nod. “Yeah,” I manage around the lump in my throat. “I know.”
“Please don’t disappear on us. Please keep in contact. Promise me.”
“I will. I promise.”
“I’d drive out there and help you get set up, but I don’t think I can get away from work.”
“We’ll be fine. That’s not necessary.”
“I’d drop everything for you if you need me. Work be damned.”
“You have a family. You need that job, Jared. I’ll be fine.”
“This sucks.”
“It does. I know. But maybe it’s for the best. A fresh start, ya know?”
“Yeah. I get that.”
“Tell Mom I love her.”
“I will.”
“Dad, too.”
“Yeah.”
“I’m going to hang up before I start bawling.”
“Okay, kid. Me, too.”
“Bye, Jared.”
“Bye, Brat.” His nickname for me since I was a kid makes the tears flow when I disconnect the phone.
“Mommy?” Tucker whispers from the bed. “What’s wrong?”
I move to him and put my arms around him. “Nothing, honey. I just miss Uncle Jared.”
“It’ll be okay, Mommy.”
I kiss his forehead. “Yes, baby. Everything is going to be okay.”