Page 68 of The Ranger
Yeah, that.
I keep scrolling and find photo after photo of us together.At parties, and our Thursday nights where she’s taken a selfie of us in the kitchen or watching a show.Always with some sassy comment about my TV taste.
This is not just me.
Scarlett is in love with me, too.
I’m...almostsure of it.
“It would’ve been great to figure this shit out earlier, you idiot,” I mutter as my eyes drift shut.
When I fall into a deep, uncomfortable sleep on the sofa, I dream that Scarlett is holding one hand and our little girl is holding the other one, skipping beside me.
My two girls.
Dark gray storm clouds cross the sky with unnatural speed and rush at us.I scoop up our daughter and pull Scarlett into my arms, protecting them as we run to safety.The door of a random rickety barnlike structure batters against the storm as I press my hands against it.They both cry, scared, while the wind roars around us.
I wake five hours later, my heart pounding as I bolt upright.
Just a dream.
It’s not real.
Slicing my fingers through the front of my hair, I sit up and curse.
“Jesus fucking Christ,”
Staring at the bright blue morning sky, I fight the need to fight the demon which doesn’t exist.The warrior in me tense and ready to battle.
I’m not a dream analyst or psychologist, but I’m almost certain that meant something.Deep in my subconscious, I must believe they are both mine to protect.
Scarlettandour baby.
I think about what she’s told me about her mother, and it makes sense she’s looking for security.To not make more of the mistakes her mom did.Getting sexually involved with me, so we are together but not when the baby is born, is stabilizing for all of us.
I need to make a decision.
Fuck that.I’ve already made it...I just need time to get this assignment done so I can give her all the focus she deserves.
After this week, we will sit down and talk.
If Scarlett does love me, then this is exactly what I want.A home with a wife and my children living under the same roof.
If she doesn’t, and I’m reading into everything, then I refuse to have a loveless marriage like my parents.It’s not fair to anyone.It just keeps the generational cycle going.
Mom’s parting words to me yesterday return.
“Cole, look deeper.You’ll find the answers you’re looking for.”
I laughed.“Okay, Mom.”
I stare at the coffee table, and grab my neck, trying to get the kink out.
Fuck.
Look deeper.Shit.QuantumCore.
I leap to my feet and race through the house to the shower.I’ve overlooked something important.
