The Forgotten Child

Chapter 17

Alyson and crew were deadly silent as they drove back to the house. Mason's empty seat weighing heavily on everyone.

Once they pulled up to the house the van was already there waiting for them. They were late by an hour or so. Alyson tried to wipe away some of the tears that pooled in her eyes at the sight of the house.

They had no idea how to tell the rest of the family, but Alyson wouldn't let the others tell them she was insistent on telling them herself. Though she didn't trust her voice very much at the moment.

The group sat in the car longer than necessary trying to gather themselves enough to be able to face everyone else. Alyson could still feel Mason's blood on her skin, it burnt. She like the rest didn't have time to change or the will to do so.

So, the blood of battle stuck to their skin.

Alyson wanted nothing more than a hot shower and some alone time. But she would get neither for a while. It was time to update everyone on the information they found.

Taking a deep calming breath, she popped open her door. And stepping out, the sun over head was too bright and the air too calm for the storm raging inside Alyson.

The others followed suit, their eyes downcast and tearful. Even the mighty Dustin was in tears they feel from his eyes without abandon.

The first to greet Alyson was Kit and Koda. They looked up at her with sad eyes knowing the pain she felt. She gave them sad pets.

She drags her feet to the house. She caught her own reflection in the front door.

She looked worse than she thought she did. Her eyes sunken and hollow red from tears. Her hair matted with blood. Her jacket ripped a part, but she didn't feel the cold just the deep hurt that came with death. She met her own eyes and tried to will determination in them.

Without any more hesitation she pulled open the door. The sounds hit her so suddenly she felt like she might fall apart. The sounds of a happy thriving family. It was lunchtime, everyone was gathered at the table.

The air was filled with joy, it almost made Alyson's determination fall apart. But she forced herself to keep going knowing she'd be ruining their happiness.

She stumbled towards the kitchen her body bone tired and every ounce of her felt heavy. When she walked in the first person to notice her was Sarah.

She gasped loudly at Alyson appearance. Instantly all the heads turned to her. A broken girl standing in the doorway. Alyson heard the boys come in after her Alyson didn't need to know that their faces matched her own expression.

Then Sarah said the words Alyson had been expecting.

"Where's Mason?" She asked her voice thin with worry. Tears threatened to spill over, but Alyson willed them away. The boys were not so able. Alyson shook her head.

Realization spread through the room like wildfire. Each person taking a different emotion. Some too shocked to speak or cry. Some instantly burst into tears. Some fists clenched with anger.

"I... I tried to save him I... I swear...I" Alyson started cut off by choking on her tears. No one moved, the air seemed to freeze. Like they were stuck in a photo.

"He was...was too far gone..." Alyson said looking away from the family, she could feel Daniel's gaze the heaviest. His son was taken from him much too early just to save her.

Alyson looked down at her blood covered hands unable to meet any glances.

She jumped out of her skin when some wrapped her up in their arms. The smell of mint and pine whiffed to her. Hayden.