A Hero's Journey

Chapter 3

    “Aren, I know what you're thinking, but we need to think this through carefully.” My dad said cutting through my thoughts trying to make sure that I didn’t do anything stupid that could make the situation worse. 

“Dad, I understand your hesitation in this because of mom might have been murdered at their hands, but I know what has to be done. Just trust me on this, okay?” I say to my dad trying to hurry this conversation along so that I cannot waste any more time and find her. 

“No, I can’t ju-” My dad started, but was soon cut off by someone saying, 

“Just let her go, she knows how to protect herself, and others. You know I hate to say this, but she was trained by the best, her mother.” 

“Uncle Jimmy,” I shouted with excitement, running over to him. 

“Hey, kiddo” He chuckled while ruffling my hair. 

“I'm not as you put it, a kiddo, I'm almost 18, come on” I pouted as he laughed. 

“Go on now, I got to talk to your dad,” 

I give Jimmy a smile and a nod. I turn to my dad before leaving but don’t say anything. This is going to be fun I thought as I began to walk out the station door to go home. On the walk home all I could think about what they might be talking about. I went home thinking of the things they could be talking about. It was driving me crazy not being there, but it was already so late, it was best for me to go home. As soon as I got home, I went straight to bed, wondering how tomorrow is going to play out.

After uncle Jimmy got here last night he and dad sent me home, so that they could talk. Right now, I'm in our home gym. My family is not rich or poor, were comfortable, to say the least. My dad always wanted to have my brother join the force and be like him, but he wouldn’t let me. I know sexist, right? Though my brother is a musician at heart, and that’s what he wants to do. So, after a while, my dad gave up on the dream of my brother being like him. I mean, I understand that my dad not wanting me to join the force has to do with my mom’s death, but he remarried, and that was his choice to move on, so he needs to move on and stop trying to control our lives and let us move on to. 

“Hey kiddo, look I know what you must be thinking, but your dad just wants what's best for you. He just wants to keep you safe.” My uncle said. 

After one last punch to the punching bag, I look back to see my uncle pushing himself off the door frame to come into the room fully. Great, he is taking dad's side in this, I thought. 

“If he really knew and wanted what was best for me he wo-” I was saying intel uncle Jimmy cut me off. 

“He said yes, to your plan. He knows that no matter what he says you are still going to go save her. He decided to back you up on this though.” He told me smirking. 

“Wow t-that’s great,” I stuttered out “But, that’s not the only reason why you’re here, is it?” I continue a bit confused. 

“Yes, Aren you are correct,” he confessed, “I am here to help you brush up on your training so that if anything goes bad you will know what to do.” 

“Honestly, I-I don’t know, I haven't trained with anyone after mom. I always did it by myself. I'm best on my own, but Makaylah’s life is in danger. So, I guess I could use your help.” I finish with a sad smile. 

“And also, uncle, come on you need to stop interrupting people.” We both started laughing at that. 

But he gave me a small nod, related to my earlier comment, then we begun. Uncle Jimmy trained with me for that whole week, he helped me train mentally and physically. I am now ready, and we can't wait any longer to go save Makaylah. She needs me and I have to be there for her.