Page 113 of Watercolor Skulls

Lily ~ 2 months later

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"Lily, you did a great job today,” Jesse says.

My family sat with me as we watched the arrests play out on the news yesterday. Today I did a press conference. Dan stood by my side the entire time. He’s been my rock.

“I’m just glad it’s over,” I grumble, helping her set up for Jackson’s birthday party.

It’s been a rollercoaster the past few months, but things seem to be working out the way they were supposed to. Not everyone was charged. Some of the video was disputable, it was either too dark or too grainy but most of the videos led to arrests. Now we have to wait to see who will be convicted.

My attorney has told me my father will spend the rest of his life in prison. I haven’t spoken to him nor do I plan to. My mother called, wanting to come stay with me. I refused. I can’t allow any negativity in my life. Maybe I’m a terrible daughter but I have to look out for my mental health first and foremost.

I don’t know what will happen with my father’s finances. Right now, everything is frozen. If I do receive anything it will all go to Jesse’s charity. I’ve been helping her with that. She’s made me the spokesperson. She says I have great public speaking skills which I guess is one thing I can thank my father for. Whatever helps, I’ll do.

Anyhow, things are going well. Raffe drives me to therapy once a week. I’ll admit that there were a few weeks I had to go twice. Our therapist always makes time for any emergency visits I might need. So far I haven’t had to take anything for my anxiety. Dan has been so sweet. He’s bought me a weighted blanket, candles, oils, anything he can think of that might help. Like I said he is my rock.

Jenny has been moved to a nearby cemetery. Her parents are moving here in a few months. They say Vegas is too much hustle and bustle for them. Yes, I finally found my balls to meet them. I thought they might hate me for what my father did to Jenny. I was wrong about that. They are grateful Jenny and I had become friends. I’ll get to see them today. They are coming to Jackson’s birthday party.

I spend a lot of time visiting Jenny. Most days I go and sit with her and talk. It’s quiet there. I still haven’t done anything with her journals. Maybe I should give them to her parents. I guess they aren’t hurting anything. They are still on the bedside table in Dan’s room.

My gaze falls on Dan. He is filling balloons with helium for the party. He turns my way as if he can sense my eyes on him. He smiles, winking at me. My tummy does a little flip.

The club is all here, and my mouth is watering as the smell of Mama Bear’s cooking wafts through the warehouse all the way out to the patio.

JD steps out, his eyes roaming over the activity going on. When he spots me he grins, rushing my way. “Guess what I have here?” he sing songs, slapping some papers on the picnic table in front of me.

I jump up and down and squeal. JD and I are going into business together. We’re renting the building right across the street from Dan and Jesse’s tattoo parlor. The name of our business is Junkyard Creations.

He picks me up off my feet and swings me around. Bill grunts. “You stole my best bartender,” he grumbles. But we both know he’s only joking. He’s happy for us.

Dan walks over. “What’s going on here?” He pulls me out of JD’s grip, giving him the hairy eye.

JD ignores him, laughing. Nothing can burst the happy bubble we’re in.

“It’s the lease papers for the shop across from yours. We’re going to be neighbors.”

Dan kisses me on top of my head. “Good, I can keep an eye on you there.” He looks over my shoulder, giving JD a teasing scowl.

I’m so happy my heart is going to explode.

Once Jenny’s parents show up we are ready to get this little boy’s party started. We are all sitting around, waiting for him to open his mountain of presents.

“Lily. Lily. Lily.” Jackson runs up to me with a large envelope in his hand. “Will you read my birthday story.” I glance at Dan confused.

He laughs. “Jackson why don’t you tell Lily what it is first.”

Jackson climbs up on my lap. “It’s a birthday story. My angel mom sends me one every year.”

Now I am confused. Dan explains, “Jackson is adopted. After Raffe’s accident he was unable to have children, but an angel sent Raffe and Rachel this little guy.” He chucks Jackson under the chin, making him laugh.

“Oh, how lucky they are to have gotten you,” I tell Jackson. “Of course, I’ll read it. If it’s okay with your mom and dad.”

“My mom already said you could,” he tells me as he excitedly opens it.

Everyone quiets down to hear the story as Jackson hands it to me.

It is wrote in beautiful handwriting like someone put a lot of love into it. I glance up to make sure everyone is listening as Jackson settles comfortably on my lap.

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