Page 4 of Baratta's Darkness

The kind of work that I am in comes with hazards that can get my family killed. Hell, it can get me killed. I don’t worry about any of that though. I have zero guilt when it comes to putting a bullet into someone. I actually never think of them again.

While I don’t feel shit when it comes to others, I know my rage would take over if anything happened to my Aunt and Uncle. My cousin too.

I’m really fond of Markayla. She was always really sweet to me when we were younger. The other kids and even the teachers treated me like shit. They said something was wrong with me.

Especially after the day I hit another kid in the head with a rock busting his head open. He had pushed Markayla down on the playground making her knee bleed. I refused to say I was sorry for what I did to him because hell, I wasn’t sorry at all.

All these years later and I’m still not sorry.

Fiona

I didn’t sleep at all last night, today is opening day at Poison Pen. It’s still early so I am sitting at the counter at Bella’s coffee shop. I thought it would calm me down but it’s just adding to my already frazzled nerves.

Bella and Mina are sitting on either side of me, for moral support. Bella is sucking down coffee like it’s going out of style. I suppose having two babies at home, she needs the caffeine. Victory is a newborn and Justice is teething.

I am just about to ask where Miranda and Hayden are, when they come walking in the door. “Speak of the devil.” I say instead.

“Huh?” They both look at me.

“I was just about to ask about the two of you.” I reply as they join us.

Hayden orders a coffee from Bella’s mom but Miranda just asks for water. We all turn to look at her; she immediately gives us a shy grin.

“Well you know how me and Blood decided to try for a baby? My doctor said caffeine is bad for him or her.” She says with a sly grin. It takes a minute for her meaning to sink into my already frazzled nerves but then I understand.

“OH MY GOD!” I scream, “I am going to be an Aunt!”

We all jump up surrounding Miranda, all of us giving her congratulations and hugs. When it’s my turn I wrap my arms around my new sister and burst into tears. Now everybody is hugging me instead.

The words, “don’t cry” make it through my sobbing but I explain they are happy tears.

“I am just so happy. Today I open my new shop and findout I have a new niece or nephew on the way. There is nothing that can ruin my day now.”

Maybe I spoke too soon.

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