“She left me for a month after you kidnapped her. It was the worst month of my entire existence. I thought I might die without her. Yes, we are together. And if I have anything to say about it, we will be, forever. You’re going to need to deal with that.”
“I’m glad you’re both happy. You deserve it.”
I’m hit with the memory of him finding us together, and I swallow the lump in my throat. “I never meant to fall in love with her. I never meant to sleep with her either. I tried so hard to stay away from her. I didn’t want to hurt you. I’m sorry that I did.”
He shakes his head, “I was already on drugs. That wasn’t why. It’s not your fault.”
Reaching into his pocket, he pulls out a piece of paper and hands it to me.
The guard comes over, “Let me see that.”
I hand it to him, and he reads it with a raised eyebrow before handing it back to me. “It’s fine,” he says and walks away.
“Would you give that to Mercy, please?” Nash asks.
“Nash.”
“Please. It’s an apology. It might help her.”
I nod, “Fine.”
“You seem better.”
“Well, I’m drug free and participating in NA and going to the counseling they offer in the jail. I’m going to get my life straightened out.”
Elle beams at him, “That’s great Nash.”
A voice comes over the loudspeaker: “Visitation is over.”
Nash looks up, “Will you come back?”
I shrug, “I don’t know. Mercy had a difficult time with me coming today. I will have to see how she feels.”
He nods, “Alright, I understand.”
But he looks crushed beyond belief.
We stand, and I pull him into my arms, and he breaks down and sobs, “I’m sorry, Dad. I’m so sorry.”
“I know, son. I know.”
I release him, and Elle hugs him, “I’m proud of you Nash. Keep up the good work. Everyone can find redemption.”
We leave, and I have the weight of the world on my shoulders. I hate seeing my son in jail. It’s the worst feeling. I know he deserves it after what he did. Still, it leaves me with a crushing pain in my chest. Elle’s sobs make it even more unbearable as we slide into the vehicle.
I called Mercy but she said she made lunch at home and could we stay in. So, we head to the house. I’m not sure this is a great idea, considering Elle's mood. But she said she wanted to spend time with Mercy, so I agreed.
Elle has finally ceased crying as I pull into the driveway.
We head inside and damn, my girl gets me every time, so beautiful.
Her long dark hair is pulled into a high ponytail, she’s wearing jeans and a t-shirt. Nothing fancy but fuck, she looks perfect. She smiles shyly.
“Hi, Elle. It’s good to see you again.”
Elle smiles back, “It’s good to see you too, Mercy.”
Mercy pulls out a chair, “Come sit. I made lunch.”