Father Damon
I run up to his room. The door was locked! I start beating on the door.
Me: JAY?!
He didn’t answer. I keep beating on it until I start kicking it in.
Me: JAY!
The door finally burst open, but I was too late. I drop to my knees. I start crying as I scramble over to his body. I check his pulse. Nothing! I pull him into my arms and slap his face.
Me: Jay! Jay! Wake up!
I ignored the blood on the floor.
Me: Come on! Bro, you not that stupid!
I hit his chest. His face was pale. I check his pulse again. Still nothing!
Me: Don’t do this! I would have kept this secret! I would have protected you! You’re my brother!
I rest my head against him. I pull him closer to me. I slowly scan his body looking for the cause. His wrist wasn’t slit. His head drops to the side, and I see the cut across his neck.
Me: You...idiot!
Dad: WHAT HAPPENED?!
I woke up screaming. No matter how much time passed, that moment always stayed with me. So many things I wish I said, wish I had done differently. Like what if I didn't go to school that day? What if I had stopped him that night from going out? What if I would have told him everything was going to be ok? Eliza comes running into the room.
Eliza: Daddy, ok?
Me: I'm fine princess.
It had been five years since Jacob passed and it took me a while to get over it. Everyone took it hard, but nowhere near as much as me. It took years for me to finally be able to tell everyone what happened that night before his death, leading to that day. Everyone went into a deep depression. I did something extremely stupid that year. I ended up going to a party getting drunk, slept with some senior girl, and she got pregnant. Eliza was born and then I found out she was cheating on me with Autumn's husband. I ended things. She got in a car accident after driving under the influence and passed away. I ended up with custody of Eliza. She was my world. She climbed into the bed and kissed my cheek. I hug her and sit up in bed. I start stretching and she mimics me.
Me: Let's go have breakfast.
She crawls out of bed and lifts her arms. I pick her up and carry her to the kitchen. I didn't have much, but since I lived a simple life, I made enough to get by for the two of us. Luckily, I had one hell of a support system.
Me: Are you going to behave for Nana and Papa?
Eliza: Yes daddy.
Me: That's my girl.
I was doing my best to keep her positive to always see the good in everything. I never wanted my daughter sad or upset. I was always worried that's what made it worse. That that's what the curse was tied to. So, if she was always happy then she would have to feel the things any of us have felt, make her not want to do cruel and mean things to people. I make us a bowl of cereal.
Me: I heard Nana and Papa want to take a trip.
Eliza: Where?
Me: I don't know but it's for your great granny and great Papa anniversary.
Eliza: Can we go?!
Me: Of course, Princess.
She finishes eating cereal and I start getting her dressed. She goes to the living room and waits patiently for mom to show up. I start getting ready for work. I at worked Mom and Grandma's law firm as a janitor and on the weekends, I worked as security at a club. To be there for my daughter full time I wasn't able to go to college, but I was doing fine. I finish getting ready for work and head down just in time. The doorbell rings. I open Eliza jumps up and runs into her arms.
Eliza: Nana!
Mom: There's my special girl!
She walks over and hugs me.
Me: Hey mom.
Mom: Ready for work?
Me: Yeah.
Mom: Well, have a good day.
Eliza: Bye daddy!
Me: Bye princess. I'll see you when I get off work.
I kiss her forehead and get in my car and drive to work. When I arrive, I clock in and start making my rounds. I get to My grandma's office and knock.
Grandma: Come in.
Me: Mrs. Soleski.
Grandma: Don't make me kick your ass. Get over here!
I walk over and hug her.
Grandma: How's my great-granddaughter?
Me: She's good. She's with mom right now.
Grandma: Pictures?
I pull out my phone and start flipping through pictures of Eliza and me.
Grandma: So precious. My little mini me.
Me: If the stories I've been told about you are true, I hope not.
Grandma: Either way, thank you for naming her after me. Little Eliza Dawn Matthews-Soleski.
Me: Don't make me call in sick.
She starts laughing.
Grandma: You may be my grandson but you're still going to work buddy.
Me: I know. Which reminds me, I should get back to work.
She nods. I grab her trash and empty it, then return to making my rounds.
