Guns 'N' Roses

MEMORIES

The car ride back home was filled with silence. Jane Doe couldn’t even let out a word as she felt the aura of Vincent’s anger emit towards her. She wasn’t sure why he was angry but she can tell and it confused her. She held a bag that she found on her seat, inside the bag was everything she needed on a daily basis. Her other hand held onto the sleeping cat. She had no idea what to do about the stray cat she saved but she couldn’t leave it all alone and ended up bringing the cat home.

“Why do you have a cat with you?”

Jane Doe jumped at Vincent’s sudden question. She wasn’t expecting him to speak so suddenly but she did feel a bit relieved that the silence wasn’t going to go on forever. She patted the cat’s head, unsure of what how to answer his question. She didn’t even know why she brought the cat with her.

“I found it on the street, it looked scared when the people were walking. I ended up bringing it with me.”

“So you brought the cat that would have some kind of sickness with you and expect me to keep it?”

“We don’t need to keep it or anything, I just want the little one safe from harm. That’s all.”

The silence kicked back in once more. Vincent eyed the cat every chance he can get. If he wasn’t was irritated by the sudden sight of Drake, he would have considered a cat, Kasey would enjoy a furry four-legged creature running around the house. He gripped the wheel hard at the thought of Drake touching Jane Doe with a smile.

“Kid, did he do anything to you? Say anything he shouldn’t say?” Vincent casually questioned.

Jane Doe switched the way she sat on her seat, glancing at Vincent then to the wide window. “He didn’t do anything bad to me. He grabbed my arm and pulled me towards him but that’s all.”

Vincent sighed. “Good.” He felt half of the dead weight fall off his chest. He was somewhat satisfied with the answer. He accepts what he gets.

“Do you really sleep with every girl you bring to your place?”

Vincent abruptly stopped the car on the side causing Jane Doe to go forward. She thanked heaven above that she buckled up or she’d be flying from the window or worse. Vincent felt speechless on how to answer the sudden question or how she even knew what to ask.

“Did Drake tell you that?”

Jane Doe nodded softly, eyes meeting away. She felt confused, he felt anger. Not because she asked such a thing but the fact that he couldn’t find her sooner so Drake didn’t say anything that would hurt her.

“He shouldn’t be saying stupid things to you considering that Drake is not my friend but a virus in my life. I also do not bring girls over since our work is dangerous.”

“But you do bring girls over and you do sleep with them?”

Vincent sighed. “Not anymore. When I’m stressed, Eve and I would you know.”

Jane Doe nodded while biting her lip. She couldn’t understand why she felt so upset towards his answer. She felt a pang of pain in her chest as her eyes burned. The vision of the cat on her lap got blurry. Vincent laid on his seat and took a deep breath, not looking at her. He eventually side glanced her with red eyes and quivering lips. His hand reached to her head and let his hand linger.

“What are you crying about? It’s not even your business with what I do with girls.”

“I know that I don’t particularly care about that. I just don’t want people to assume that about me. I’m not living there for you or anything, you felt pity for someone who has nowhere to go at such a crucial time. There’s nothing than that.”

Vincent went quiet. He acknowledged her words but he just couldn’t accept it. Pity? Why should I feel pity for her? She is in no way whatsoever important to me to have any known sympathy out of me. His thoughts ran through his mind as his hand went from her head to the wheel and started the car again.

“Then I seriously hope you remember your life so you can get out and we don’t have to face each other” Vincent said sternly.

The pain in Jane Doe’s chest went worse. She felt as though she couldn’t breathe. It hurt her, how Vincent spoke. But she knew she was half to blame to agitate him. She didn’t say another word during the ride which was pleasant for Vincent, who couldn’t take any more of the nonsense from Drake spoiling her mind.

After 20 minutes of silence in the car, they arrived at the mansion. Jane Doe was filled with happiness to see Jack smiling and waving at their arrival. She unbuckled as fast as she can and got out to run into Jack’s arms. Jack hugged her with a confused look.

“Hey Kiddo, is everything okay? Why are you shivering?”

Jane Doe said nothing and snuggled in his arms, smelling in his scent and opening to his warmth. She held back the tears with a deep sigh. Jack rubbed her back, calming her shivers down. He glanced at Vincent who was walking up to them. Vincent grunted with annoyance.

“Jack, she’s your responsibility till she gets her life back in order. I got her the essential things she needs. Next time, you’re taking her out to shop or look for things she needs.” He walked passed them just to stop midway through the entrance. “Oh, right. Jack, please do something about that cat she’s holding. You can ask Sean since he’s excellent with animals.” And with that, he disappeared into the hallway.

“I’m guessing something happened?” Jack tilted Jane Doe’s teary face, drying away tears with his thumbs.

“Jack, I want to remember who I am, where I’m from. I want to remember everything and quickly.”

“Already tired of us huh?” He chuckled.

Jane Doe shook her head violently. “I love you guys. How can I grow tired towards the people that saved my life and gave me a place to live. Vincent would be happier if I’m gone.”

Jack let out a deep blow while putting his arm around Jane Doe and walked inside towards the stairs to head to her room. He rubbed her arm while thinking about Vincent. Jack understood Vincent better than anyone in the house. Losing his mother was like losing trust in everyone he ever knew.

“Kiddo, don’t worry about Vincent. Just take your time.”

“I get scared thinking about my missing memories.”

“What do you mean?”

Jane Doe stood by the first step of the stairs. “I feel like I shouldn’t remember if I’m not prepared for it.”

Jack turned around, Jane Doe was pulling on her shirt. Her eyes gazed at the creamy wall with fear, the cat meows loudly. Jack came down and took the cat from Jane Doe, his eyes stuck on Jane Doe’s expression.

“Then don’t remember it. Just take your time and play with this cute cat and go out places with me. Don’t worry about Vincent, he’s usually a grumpy guy. I’m here for you so you have nothing to worry about” He ruffled Jane Doe’s hair “Okay kiddo?”

Jane Doe frowned lightly then smiled while nodding her head. “Thank you, Jack. This means a lot to me.”

While heading upstairs to her room, Jane Doe explained the situation she encountered with Drake and Vincent, how mad he was during the car ride, how she couldn’t understand why he was mad and how upset she was because he was upset.

Jane Doe fell on the comfy bed with a sigh as Jack placed the cat on the pillow before sitting on the edge, crossed legged. The cat fell fast asleep on the pillow.

“So you had that kind of problem. Must have been tough.”

“It was tough and awkward. I couldn’t understand what was happening but I was angry at the way he talked low about Vincent.” She furrowed her eyebrows together while pulling her fingers.

“I’m not surprised, Drake and Vincent go a long way back.”

“How long?”

“High school”

“How old are you guys?” She raised an eyebrow.

Jack flicked her forehead, ignoring her question as she giggled.

“Drake came from a rich family like Vincent. But Vincent’s family has always been part of a mafia for a long time. Drake only started a mafia family but he’s not as good as Vincent of course.”

“So they’ve been having a beef since high school and none of them actually thought of working it out and move on?”

“That’s one way of putting it.” Jack chuckled.

Jane Doe smiled. Her mind wandered off to the incident. She felt a sense of strong feelings towards Vincent, to be by his side and protect his name and pride the way he protected her and her life.

“Ever since his mom died. He wasn’t the same.” He sighed.

“Jack, what was his mom like? Do you know her?”

Jack eyed Jane Doe’s curious expression. The way she bit her lip and twirled her fingers on repeat. Her eyes glistened to the new information she might get from him. He can only be amused by her reaction.

“I remember Claire. She was quite a gem to see.”

“Claire? What a pretty name. Was she that pretty?”

Jack nodded. “She was beautiful and kind. The most selfless person I ever met. She would do anything for Keith, Vincent and Kasey, even dying for them.”

“Keith?”

“He was the former leader before Vincent, basically Vincent’s dad. He died a few years after Claire’s death.”

I wish I saw Keith one last time, tell him how much I loved him.

Jane Doe blinked at the sudden voice she remembered. She wasn’t sure who it was but she knew she heard the name Keith before. She had a feeling that she met Claire before too. She closed her eyes, focusing on the voice in her head. She felt warmth and sadness mix in her body. She wanted to smile but she also wanted to cry and she doesn’t know why.

A lady suddenly popped into her mind. It was blurry but she could make out the features, a smile so kind that it melts her heart, a voice so pure and gentle, a person as beautiful that she could be a lie. A beautiful lie. Her dark almond eyes, sharp nose and bright red lips compliments her oval face shape. Neck length wavy chestnut brown hair with pale blonde highlights striking her face structure with grace. Claire Grace a beauty with affection.

Jane Doe glanced at Jack staring back with his eyes wide as if he seen a ghost past by, his face turned pale as he rubbed his chest. She tilted her head, confused by his expression. She doesn’t know if she said anything or he spoke up and didn’t hear.

“What’s the matter?”

“Just now… What name did you say?”

“I said something?” Jane Doe tried to remember if she ever spoke out but can’t seem to remember.

“You said Claire Grace?”

“I did? I said that?”

“How did you know? How did you know Claire?” Jack leaned forward.

Jane Doe leaned backwards “You just told me her name was Claire.”

“I said her name was Claire, I didn’t say her middle name was Grace.”

“Huh?” Jane Doe felt her stomach twist and turn. Her throat felt dry, not for the need of water but for the need of what she’s hearing.

“Her name is Claire Grace Anderson. She’s the mother of Vincent and Kasey. Did you know their mother? Kiddo?”

“I-I...” She licked her lips. “I don’t know, I thought I was thinking the name. I didn’t realize that I said the name out loud.”

“You met Claire.” Jack smiled softly at that thought. His smile changed into a shocked face once again. “Wait, Claire died 10 years ago. Vincent was 18, Kasey who was only a small tyke can’t even remember Claire.”

“Claire Grace? That guy, Krane killed her right?”

“Yeah, She was taken while she was doing an errand at the mall. We looked day and night, called every connection we had around the world and another part of the area to help us look for her. No one had any luck. After a few months of no success, someone called Keith and told them they found Claire near a highway. She was dead within a month or so.”

“Who was the someone?”

Jack shrugged. “We tried calling the person back but it wasn’t reachable. We also tried tracking the number but it was a dead cell.” Jack’s eyebrows met together as his face went red. “Keith did whatever he can to track down the caller or killer. So we had the coroner to examine Claire’s body and we got a DNA off her and we found out the killer is named Krane.”

“All that just to find the killer?”

“Claire was our reason of humanity. She hated what Keith does for a living and the idea that Vincent will take the leadership role after. Despite the dislike for violence, she loved her family very much and would do anything for them, including violence.”

“She sounds wonderful and loving.” Jane Doe smiled softly. She only wished she could see her, remember if she met her before.

“The fact that you know her means you’ve met her somewhere right? Maybe as a kid or something?”

Jane Doe reeled in the information that Jack was suggesting. Could she really have met such a person in her life and not remember? She found the idea absurd to the point of laughing it off to the side. She rubbed her palms on the bed sheet while licking her lips.

Jack watched her expression change over and over again. He wanted to say something but he kept silent. He’s starting to wonder who Jane Doe really is and how she knew Claire. The last person that Claire saw was probably Jane Doe and she doesn’t remember. Jack came to a conclusion that Jane Doe may also know Krane or worse, his young victim that escaped.

“Kiddo, you must be tired from all that drama you encountered. Why don’t you rest for a bit? I’ll bring you lunch when it’s ready. You and Vincent left without eating right? Shouldn’t let your stomach be hungry.” Jack patted her head before picking the small cat up. “I’ll give this cutie to Sean and decide what we should do with it. Don’t worry, I’ll fight for it to stay here or a proper home is given.”

Jane Doe nodded with a smile before falling to her pillow, it didn’t take minutes till she fell fast asleep. Jack walked out her room to notice Sarah standing in front of the doorway, her falling off her shoulder like silk memorized Jack.

“I thought you would be in her room.”

Jack could tell by the way she spoke that she was not happy with his habit of going in Jane Doe’s room and not coming out quickly. Sarah bit her inner cheek while looking away from Jack’s apologetic eyes.

“Sorry, I know I haven’t been hanging with you ever since she came but it’s only for a while. She has no one at the moment.”

“She would if she just remember her life quickly.” Sarah muttered under breath.

Jack sighed, knowing how stubborn Sarah can be if it doesn’t go her way. “Why don’t you talk to her? She’s a sweet person.”

Sarah scoffed. “Yeah, then ask me if I should adopt her.” She crossed her arms leaning on the stair rails

Jack frowned at her answer. He didn’t understand why Sarah had such a dislike towards Jane Doe even though the two of them have never had any first words. Jack stepped up to say something but paused as laughter ran through his ears.

“Aww, are the couples fighting?” Eve smiled while walking towards them. “I can hear you cute dispute from the stairs. Never miss a chance of romance with Jack, Sarah?”

“Eve, it wasn’t like that. Don’t misunderstand. I was just looking for Jack since I didn’t see him for a bit.”

Jack felt his chest squeeze at Sarah’s reply. He knew there was nothing going between him and Sarah, they weren’t dating, he knew that. But he could only hope for them to be together though he kept shut since he understands that Sarah will only look towards Vincent and not him. He understood but he couldn’t accept it.

“Was in that memory loss room? Jack, what can you possibly gain by hanging with something so useless that you can’t shine?”

“Jane Doe is not a something, she’s a someone. How can she be useless when she shines brighter than sun with her determination to get her memories back, she didn’t lose her life.” Jack growled.

“Maybe she should have lost her life right after her memories.”

“If she did, and I find out you had something to do with it, I won’t hesitate to kill you with my bare hands.” Jack said sternly.

Eve and Sarah were taken back with the carefree Jack being serious and scary. Sarah couldn’t understand why he would protect a nobody who just met by coincidence. She remembered when Jack came back with Vincent after they admitted her to the hospital, how shaken he looked. His eyes were wide with sorrow and worry. He didn’t even eat, stayed up at night, walking back and forth the main hall. Vincent didn’t allow anyone to speak to Jack unless it’s him. All for a nobody.

“Aren’t you getting too attached to that ugly stranger Jack?”

“So what if I am?” Jack grazed Sarah. “It’s not like I’m with anyone to feel hurt by my attachment towards Jane Doe.”

Sarah was aware that the last sentence was meant for her. She hid her pain in the tears she forced back. She watched Eve burn with anger. She couldn’t tell if she shouldn’t be angry or not. She glanced back at Jack. His eyes gazed at Jane Doe’s door with an expression she never saw before. She wanted to ask what he’s thinking about, would she dare speak right after she spoke ill about the girl? She knew better to not speak about this with him and leave him to his thoughts. And that’s what she did. Sarah left Jack and went down the stairs.

“Lunch will be ready soon. Tell Jane-”

“I’m bringing the food up to her, I’ll be there soon.” Jack didn’t even face her.

Sarah bit her inner cheek to withhold any comments and headed down the stairs. Eve followed down, leaving Jack to his thoughts. Jack’s mind kept replaying the conversation he had with Jane Doe. Could Jane Doe really know Claire and Krane or am I imagining things? Jack ruffled his hair, making the thought disappear.

He opened the door and peered in, Jane Doe was sound asleep, holding her creamy white blanket close to her chest. He smiled, closing the quietly and walking down the stairs, his mind once again raced with questions and connections between Jane Doe, Claire and Krane. He couldn’t comprehend most of his connections, but the fact that Jane Doe could have been one of the victims that escaped Krane’s claw.

He leaned against the wall on the bottom of the stairs and sighed. “I can’t figure it out no matter how I put it.”

“Can’t figure what out?”

Jack jumped as Vincent’s face came clear from the other side of the wall. He took deep breaths, calming his heart and body at the sudden surprise. Vincent raised an eyebrow, watching the cat yawn in Jack’s arms.

“You still have that damn feline?”

“Uh, yeah. I was going to bring it to Sean.”

“Where’s the kid?” Vincent looked behind Jack looking for Jane Doe’s presence. He felt a sense of relief seeing Jane Doe nowhere near Jack.

“She’s in her room. I asked her to rest after what happened today. I was going to bring her lunch upstairs.”

“She told you about Drake?”

Jack nodded. “Yeah. I didn’t think he would step foot in that kind of places.”

“Me neither.” Vincent allowed Jack to pass through. “What was it that you couldn’t figure out?”

“Huh?” Jack glanced at Vincent as he walked by his side.

“You were saying earlier that you couldn’t figure something out. What was it?”

“Oh, that.” He bit his lip before smiling it off. “I couldn’t figure out Jane Doe, that’s all. She’s such a mystery and a total cutie pie.”

Vincent felt annoyed as Jack laughed it off. He felt like hitting Jack for being close to Jane Doe without knowing who she is. Even he couldn’t be this close to her, even if he wanted to be close, he couldn’t be.

“Jack, do you like Jane Doe?”

“Who wouldn’t? Once you get to know her a little, you can’t help but like her.” Jack smiled at the thought of her mysterious personality. He can wish for her to remain unknown to her memories so he can care for her like the little sister he once had.

Vincent stared at the endless hallway, his chest burned like a wildfire. He held his chest, taking deep breaths. He would never have known his best friend likes Jane Doe that strongly. He wanted to tell Jack that he can’t love her, she’s a stranger who will leave this place, she’s not even rightfully his to love.

He glanced towards Jack. His smile beaming like a child on Christmas morning. His mom would always tell him to smile. Smiling makes you look younger. Maybe that’s why he thought his mother was young looking even after giving birth to Kasey. Her elegance always captured his eyes while growing up. His father was is role model; strong protects his people and look upon with respect. His mother was his ideal type of women he wants; kind, putting others first, stand up for others and herself. But, for some reason, the only girls he could find were those that only want to sleep with the leader of a mafia. Of course, he doesn’t mind, what man will say no to that opening? What he fails to make out of the situation is how come he can’t consider doing that to Jane Doe.

Aside from the fact that she’s a stranger in his house, he was confident that she was just like the rest. Heck, she could even be lying about her whole memory loss to get with him or anyone else in the house. He knew that wasn’t the fact since the doctor told him about her condition while she was still asleep. He still remembered how she looked while sleeping, how his hand wanted to touch her, wipe off her hair from her stained cheeks, how he couldn’t stop staring at her bloody face looking beautiful to him. He can only question himself to even harbour such thoughts for a stranger such as herself, he knew Jack should also understand not to have such feelings for her.

“Jack….”

“Hmmm?”

“I think it’s too early for you to show such affection towards the girl.”

“What makes you say that?”

“She’s someone we don’t know, she could be dangerous for all we know.”

“You’re sounding like Connor now, V.” Jack chuckled lightly.

“I say something true and I suddenly speak like him?” Vincent huffed.

“I don’t understand what is so dangerous about a sweet teenager going through a rough patch.”

“Jack, we do not have rights to be affectionate towards her, you should not.”

“We? Me?” Jack walked faster, stopped and turned around to glance at Vincent with a stern face. “Or you?”

Vincent raised an eyebrow. “What?”

“I’m just saying, Vincent. Just because you can’t show it to her, doesn’t mean I shouldn’t be allowed. Jane Doe doesn’t deserve it, man.”

Without saying a word back, he followed Jack to the dining room. Sarah finished setting up the table just in time to see Jack and Vincent entering the hall. She smiled, walking towards them.

“Vincent, just in time. Kasey wouldn’t eat without you.”

Vincent nodded and walked to the table and kissed Kasey’s forehead before sitting beside her. Kasey stood up on the chair and jumped on her big brother with a hug. Jack lightly laughed before facing Sarah.

Her small smile popped her green eyes out, her rose gold hair falling out of place. Jack couldn’t help but love the way her loose waves fall on her bare shoulders. His eyes grazed up and down, off shoulder white romper with red flowers imprinted fitting to her petite figure. Jack smiled, amazed at the usual beauty. Sarah peered at Jack smiling randomly.

“What are you smiling for?”

“Why? I can’t smile?” He frowned.

Sarah shook her head. “No, I’m curious why you’re smiling.”

“Well, yeah when someone looks cute of course, they smile.” He muttered under his breath.

“Who looks cute?”

Jack blinked then held out the cat. “Look at this cat, it’s super cute. Isn’t it?”

Sarah raised an eyebrow, holding the cat down, away from her. “Yeah, it’s so cute that it brings a smile on a person’s face.”

Jack awkwardly laughed, leaving that behind him he started looking around. “Say, where’s Sean?”

“Right beside you, Jack.”

Jack jumped, startled by Sean’s presence beside him. Sean raised an eyebrow as Jack took deep breaths. “Sean, you scared me. How long have you been there?”

“When you and Vincent were silently walking to the dining room after a small dispute you two had.”

Vincent looked behind his shoulder towards Sean, Jack blinked a few times before laughing it off.

“Come on Sean, don’t be ridiculous. We were just talking about things.”

“Jane Doe must really be interesting then.”

Jack raised an eyebrow as Sarah turned away, hiding her anger inside. Vincent looked back at Kasey eating. Sean eyed his surrounding before landing his sight on the cat Jack was holding.

“Cute cat, can I have it?”

“Huh?” Jack blinked before nodding his head. “Oh yeah, I was bringing the cat to you. The kid found it outside and brought it with her. Vincent and I thought of bringing it to you.”

“Of course she’ll bring a stray animal, she’s one too.” Eve laughed.

Jack took a big sigh as Sean’s face turned annoyed. Eve walked towards Vincent and wrapped her arms around his neck with a sly smile.

“Vincy baby, when are you going to kick that stray out?”

“No one can kick her out while I’m around. As her caretaker, I got responsibilities unlike someone here who roams around and plays and twirls men like little ballerinas in a music box.”

Eve scowled at Jack’s comment. Jack smiled at his proud moment and handed the cat to Sean. He looked up to Jack for saying what he wants to say to Eve since he can’t do it. He knew Jack is also an i***t for being so oblivious towards Sarah’s feelings for him but his entertainment will be over if he says anything.

“Do something about it animal boy.”

“So, I can keep him?”

“Him?”

“I’m not gonna explain how I know it’s a boy. Can I keep him?”

“Yeah, just she would want to play with him too.”

“So this guy has two owners..” Sean started walking out of the dining room. “Lucky bastard.”

“Sean! Food?”

“I’ll eat after I’m done.”

“Done what?” Sarah questioned.

Jack shook his head with a sigh. “Don’t ask, even I don’t know.”

Sarah quietly nodded, unable to understand Sean and his actions. Jack took a plate from the table and covered it with food.

“I’m bringing this to the kid, she’s gonna wake up for food later.”

Vincent nodded, not even looking at Jack. His anger still never left him, he doesn’t want Jack to be spelled by the girl but he knew he can’t do anything about it but hear him leave the room to be with her.

“He must like her, huh?”

Sarah’s voice was soft, Vincent nodded. He knew the question wasn’t for him but for herself yet, he’s wondering the same question.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Floors creaking, windows banging as if someone is ordering her to open the window. She curled herself in her light blue blanket, holding back her sobs and cries of fear. Shouting, plates breakings, walls thumping. Then silence lingered before a loud scream filled the house. She covered her ears, crying quietly. She wasn’t sure what was happening but only that she was scared and that she wanted her mommy to hold her and coo her with her soft voice.

The screaming stopped abruptly. She got out of her bed and unlocked her door, a scent filled her nose quickly, She always hated the smell of metal, it made her want to feel gross and weird. Her small body moved down the stairs, her eyes searching in the dark for any familiar figure to come out. She followed the light from the kitchen and basement.

Her legs stopped moving, a male figure came out of the basement door. He was blurry and wrapped. He grunted before turning to her. His plain white shirt was coloured with red stains, his whole body shivered before walking towards her. She never moved from the spot, she just looked around before facing him.

“What are you doing out your room, Kiddo? Are you hungry?”

“Daddy, where’s mommy? You guys were fighting again so I want to hug both of you.”

He took the deep silence in before answering. “Sorry, Kiddo. Mommy left the house.”

“When is she coming back?”

“She’s never coming back, She never loved both of us. She hated us, now she took the chance to leave us.”

She didn’t understand what he was saying. Her mommy hating her? Impossible. Her mommy always came to her room, read her a book, hug her till she falls asleep and gives her all the kisses she wants. Did she do something bad to her mommy that mommy would hate her? She was always a good girl to her mommy and daddy, to be their proud little girl.

“I wasn’t a good girl, Daddy? Is that why Mommy left?”

“Of course not, Sweetpea. You’re a gem in our eyes.” He crouched down and patted her head. The stench of metal tickled her nose. “It’s late, do you want to eat or sleep?”

She can’t tell him that she wants Mommy or he’ll get upset with her. “No Daddy, I’ll go to bed now.”

He nodded, kissing her forehead and headed back to the basement. She stood there, unable to ask if Mommy really left or not. Holding her head high, she turned around to leave. Her body froze at the sight of the living room. Coffee table smashed, windows were broken, shards lie on the ground waiting to be stepped on, couches ripped from left to right, the dried colour of red stains every inch of the room. Her nose trickled her with displeasure as she ran back upstairs into her room. She flew back inside her blanket and closed her eyes, wishing to unsee the seen.

“Jane Doe!”

Her eyes shot open with fear. They were coming for her, she doesn’t know who but she knows she’s going to die. She didn’t want to die. She only wanted to hug her mommy and be happy with her family.

“Jane Doe!”

“NO!” she screamed out.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Jane Doe opened her eyes, shooting herself up with sweat and fear.

“Jane Doe! Are you okay? What’s wrong?”

Her eyes studied Jack as her breathing came back calmly. Her body trembled, she hugged herself tightly and took a deep sigh. A dream? It was so real. Her thoughts fumbled in her mind.

“Kid, are you okay? Talk to me, no one is going to hurt you.”

“Hurt me?”

“You were having a bad dream so I thought someone was hurting you in your dream.”

She shook her head. “I think it’s more like, I saw someone getting hurt or the aftermath of the person being hurt. There was blood all over the place.”

“Did you see anyone in the dream?” Jack sat on the edge of the bed.

Jane Doe nodded. “A man, but I don’t know how he looks like, he was blurry but he was also covered in the same scent.”

“Scent?”

“Yeah, a scent like the living room. A scent of metal.”

"Blood was on the man as well?”

Jane Doe nodded as she rubbed her arms, letting the warmth travel. Jack stayed quiet, keeping an eye on her actions. He then brought the plate up close with a smile.

“Don’t stress about it, you must be hungry after that horrible nightmare, huh?”

Jane Doe stared at the plate before nodding with a smile. “Thank you.”

“Let me feed you, I don’t think you can eat with shaky hands, now can you?”

Jack chuckled as she turned slightly turned red at his comment but did not deny his request. She pushed aside her nightmare for the time being to enjoy her time with Jack. She wouldn’t know when it would be the last time she can enjoy his presence.