Chapter Nine

The ride back to California felt like forever, I rested my head into Izaiah's chest for comfort. I'm just glad to be far away from that place, I've endured enough in just a year, not to mention my loved ones. I can't wait to see Ava and give her the tightest hug. I know she probably has a million and one questions right now, but it's best to keep her from all that drama.

“You okay?" Izaiah's smokey voice questioned, causing me to look up in his eyes. “I'm fine." I assured him with a small smile, directing my attention back out the window. But deep down not everything is fine. I got shot, almost died, and in the mist of it all I lost a child. I didn't even have time to greave properly.

Almost six hours later, we were pulling up to a really nice house. Travis cut the engine as we all got out the car. A dog quickly rushed to the door after Izaiah turned the locks. “Calm that shit down, ice." Izaiah snapped, causing the cute dog to pout. He'd told me a few brief things that he thought I needed to know on the way back. Such as, him getting a puppy for Ava, being a successful owner of five car dealerships and the house setup. I missed a lot and it only made me sad. I couldn't get to enjoy being a newly wedded wife, and I missed my daughters second birthday.

"Mommy!" That familiar voice screamed from the living room. I quickly scooped Ava into my arms, giving her the tightest hug. I could feel myself growing emotional. “Hello, my sweet girl. I missed you so so so much!" I kissed her cheek, still holding her so tight, I was scared to let her go, honestly. “Mommy, are you back?" She questioned, looking deeply in my eyes, almost as if she could see into my soul. “I am back, and I'm not going anywhere mama." I assured her before giving her another kiss, placing her little feet back to the floor. She’s two years old and growing so sweetly, her curly textured hair was braided into a half up half down style and her baby hairs were laid.

Looking over at Becky who stood up, she rushed over, giving me a big hug. I gladly returned the hug, my best friend is my other half, and it felt damn good to be able to hug her again. “Thank god you're safe." Becky said into my ear. We were both crying at this point as the guys let us have our moment. “I'm so glad to be home." I told her, breaking our hug. Becky had this very familiar glow to her skin, one I knew all too well. But now wasn't the time to go into conversation about what I thought. “Are you okay? Are you hungry? I cooked." She questioned, pulling in her bottom lip.

"I-I'm okay." I lied. "And I damn sure could eat." I laughed, causing her to crack a smile. “Good, I made your favorites." She spoke. “Thank you, Beck. Just let me get a nice hot shower first." I told her. She nodded her head in agreement, claiming her seat back on the nice couch that sat in the living room. After getting a simple house tour from Izaiah, I was gearing up for a shower. I stood in the bathroom, looking at myself in the mirror. I looked different, my eyes held bags underneath them. My lips were partially dry, and I still had a slight bruise on my left cheek.

I began removing my clothes, taking a mental note to toss them after my shower. My fingers ran across the scar that now sat under my right breast. I find it crazy how in the blink of a second, your whole entire life can flash right in front your eyes. I couldn't thank anyone else but god, for allowing me to return safely to my family. Cutting on the water, I stood to the side waiting for it to get nice and hot. Minutes later I was standing in the tub, scrubbing my body with the rose oil body wash. I scrubbed, and I scrubbed, but nothing could erase all the trauma that I'd now have to live with. Tears rolled down my cheeks as I found myself crying.

I couldn't control my sobbing, which only caused Izaiah to come in. “You good?" He questioned, standing by the bathroom door. “Y-Yeah. I'm fine." I told him lying once again, while wetting my face.

“Everything you need is in the closet." He said before leaving me to finish showering. I pulled myself together, coming to the end of my long shower. I grabbed the white towel, wrapping it around my body. Wiping off the foggy mirror, I brushed my teeth and washed my face. After roaming through the spacious closet for some clothes, I settled on a blue tank top with some black sweat pants. It didn't take me long to get dressed and head downstairs with the others.

Everyone was seated in the nice dining room, as all my favorite foods went down the long table. Baked Mac and cheese, grilled salmon, fry shrimp, seafood rice and corn bread. “Everything smells really good." I smiled at Becky, taking a seat next to Ava as she sat between her dad and I. “You know how I do boo." She smiled, poking her lips out. “Before we eat, I want us to say grace." Becky spoke, holding her hand out for Travis. We all joined hands, bowing our heads. “Heavenly father, I want to start by thanking you for bringing London home to us. Thank you for keeping her sane through such a horrifying time. Thank you for this delicious food we are about to eat, continue to watch over each one of us lord, amen."

"Amen." We all said, on que. The guys immediately dug into the plates of food. There was a little bit of everything on my plate, it's been so long since I've come across a good meal. I was definitely gonna take advantage of my bestie throwing down in the kitchen. I watched as Ava ate her food, needing no help what so ever. It amazed me how educated she was for a two year old, but I wasn't surprised. Izaiah did his job being a great father. The rest of the night was spent in the living room, catching up and making conversation. It felt really good to be surrounded by familiar faces. It felt even better to hold my daughter and husband, knowing I wouldn't leave them again and that they'd be here, forever.

                Life is tough, but so are you.