Beneath the Surface

LexieCopyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

It takes all of my willpower not to cry when I see Justin hug Carson. He finally seems to be almost completely over what happened almost three months ago. Now if only Jason could make as much progress as his twin. Since he actually saw me being stabbed I don’t know if he will ever get back to the little boy he was last year. I’m actually surprised Justin has so quickly. He seems to be getting back to his normal self with every day that passes. He only walked in my room after it was over, but that visual was more than enough to traumatize any child. I was naked and there was blood everywhere. I had over twenty cuts across my chest and abdomen besides the stab wound in my side. I’m considering calling a therapist for Jason. I have no idea what I can do to help him, but maybe a therapist can make some progress and bring my little boy back. His nightmares have gotten better in the last couple weeks, but I still see the fear in his eyes more times than not.

I hear Jason whisper,” I haven’t had one in almost two weeks. It usually happens at least once a week, but it hasn’t happened.” As the boys run into the house I walk over to Carson and lay my hand on his arm as I stretch to whisper in his ear. “I have no idea how to thank you Carson, so I’ll make you the same offer you made me. If you ever want to talk you know where to find me.” He smiles at me and nods before I turn and head into the house behind the boys with my brothers and sisters following behind me.

A few hours later we all sit on my back patio having a drink while we all laugh and talk. I sit back and look at all of them. God I’ve missed everyone. I’ve only been gone about a month, but a month before that I was in the hospital then the safe house, and we couldn’t get together like this. Before the attack, I barely left Shawn’s house except for work for about a month and we were all waiting to see what happened next so we couldn’t let loose and have a drink and have fun like this. I can’t get over how happy and almost carefree I feel surrounded by my family. I haven’t felt like this in almost a year. Sure the fear is still there, but for this one night it’s on the back burner as I push it aside and enjoy just being with the people I love. We are sitting around my patio furniture which is a round black metal table with a glass top, and four chairs. It’s a little complicated with six of us, but we made it work. I sit with my back against the house so I can scan the yard for any threats whenever I feel the need. Mason sits in the chair to my right while Maddie perches on the arm of his chair. Shawn sits to my left with his wife, Jessica, sitting in his lap. Directly across from me is Tyler Masterson.

Tyler is my brother, but he’s not really my brother. He’s been Shawn’s best friend since middle school, and practically lived at our house during the school years. During the summer his father made him help at the family construction business, Masterson Construction. Tyler owns and runs the company now. As much time as he spent at our house as kids he became one of the family a long time ago so while we aren’t related by blood we all look at him as a big brother. Our parents felt the same way and considered him one of their own. It’s great seeing him, I haven’t seen him since I was in the hospital and they all camped out in my room. I tell him so and he grins at me. “Yeah it’s good to see you too Lexie, it’s been way too long. You seem to be doing better.” We chat about my life since I moved here until we’re interrupted by Maddie.

“Hey you guys! Come on over and join us.”

I turn to see Jax, Carson, and Dillon, along with the older couple walking out the back door. Dillon gets a huge smile on his face. “Sure thing, beautiful.”

I look at Jax to find him looking at me as though asking permission. I smile at him and nod, “Yall might want to bring some chairs. We’re a little short already.”

He gives me a small smile as all three guys grab two chairs and head our way with the older couple leading the way. the man looks over all of us. “We don’t want to interrupt your night. Yall young people seem to be having a good time. we won’t stay long.”

I smile at man who looks to be in his late 50’s him and his wife have walked ahead of the guys, “Yall stay as long as you like it’s no problem. We’re just sitting around talking, and having a couple drinks. Would y’all like anything?” they both shake their heads at me. I notice the man looks a lot like Dillon but older with salt and pepper hair. He has the same gray eyes as Dillon. His wife has Beautiful light brown hair the same color as Dillon’s, but her eyes are blue. These must be his parents. I think back to when he first introduced himself. What was his last name again? “I’m guessing y’all are Mr. and Mrs. Johnson?” they smile at me and nod. “My name is Lexie Evans,” I hold my hand out to shake theirs. I point to everyone at the table and introduce them.