C97 Fragile And Fleeting

Annabelle’s I-ill-have-good-day-even-if-it-kills-me mood spurred her on to make an instant decision.

Cathy deserved a carefree day, and Annabelle was determined to give it to her.

And to herself.

She deserved to have a day where she didn’t have to worry about all the bullshits around her.

“If I just want a day where all I do is breathe, I damn well deserve it”

So, she started with something she had been craving.

A tangy lemonade.

“Because I feel like it,” she muttered to herself like anyone was judging.

She leaned against the kitchen counter, stirring a pitcher of lemonade, her long chestnut waves tied back into a loose braid.

The light blue sweater she wore clung softly to her frame, paired with faded jeans and well-worn sneakers.

The gentle rhythm of her movements steadied her as she mentally planned out their escape from the monotony and undercurrents of unease that had taken over their lives.

In a sudden thought of chivalry, she decided to include Mauve.

“Mom?” Annabelle called, glancing toward the hallway.

The bedroom door remained firmly shut, silence answering her.

With a sigh, she set the pitcher down and walked to Cathy, who was quietly staring out the window.

The little girl’s thin frame was draped in a pink hoodie and jeans, her curls hung loose and untamed.

“Hey,” Annabelle said softly. “You and me, kid. We’re going to have the best day. A picnic, games, snacks. Just us.”

Cathy turned to her, her brows drawn together. “What about Mom? Isn’t she coming?”

Annabelle hesitated, brushing a strand of hair from Cathy’s face. “She’s... resting. She needs time, okay? But I’m here. And today, it’s all about you.”

Cathy nodded reluctantly, her lips pressed into a thin line.

Then she beamed and headed towards the bathroom.

“Hey, we have hot water now! I am going to use a lot,” she called excitedly a moment later.

Annabelle smiled as she said, “Knock yourself out. Not literally, of course.”

Cathay’s laughter warmed her as she went to pack their picnic fare.

The picnic plan hit a snag the moment Annabelle stepped outside with the basket in her hand. Dante’s men stood near the car.

Annabelle could remember that the car was not there when she came out earlier.

At this point, she had stopped bothering herself with their movements.

In as much as they didn’t disturb anyone.

The tall, broad-shouldered one stepped forward as if sensing her intentions.

She supposed he was their leader and her suspicion was confirmed as he spoke.

“We’re coming with you,” he stated, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Annabelle set the basket down and folded her arms. “No, you’re not.”

He blinked, unruffled. “Miss Whitaker, Mr. Cazador gave clear instructions. We’re not to let you out of our sight.”

Annabelle’s jaw tightened. “And what if I say no?”

“Then you can take it up with him.” His face was impassive as if he had not just dared her to do something.

Annabelle almost took him up on it too.

Almost.

Her pulse quickened as she stared at the phone.

The last thing she wanted was another conversation with Dante.

Not so soon after their last heated exchange.

Unless he was calling to give her a response about her proposal, of course.

She planted her feet firmly on the ground. “Fine. But I don’t want your guns anywhere near us. Keep them hidden. I’m not letting Cathy’s day get ruined because you can’t leave your weapons behind.”

He tilted his head, considering her. “That can be arranged.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Good.”

Without waiting for further response, she turned back to Cathy, who was now clutching a small backpack filled with games and snacks.

The little girl glanced back at the house one last time, her gaze lingering as if hoping their mother might magically appear.

Annabelle squeezed her shoulder.

“Let’s go, girl.”

The picnic site Annabelle had chosen was tucked away at the edge of the cherry orchard.

The thought of the orchard where Jose had once worked brought memories of the young man who was killed while he was trying to help her carry out her plans.

As that thought wanted to ruin her newly found moo, she put it aside firmly, knowing it wouldn’t do her any good.

Still, she hoped she could truly see Jose’s sister one day to let her know what really happened to her brother.

A carpet of wild grass stretched beneath their feet, dotted with vibrant patches of wildflowers.

The sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting dappled patterns across the blanket as the group set up.

The men carried the heavier baskets.

Though Annabelle noted their movements were efficient, almost clinical, as though they’d rather be somewhere else.

She pushed aside the thought and focused on Cathy, who was slowly beginning to perk up as the setup took shape.

“What do you think?” Annabelle asked, kneeling beside her sister as she spread out a blanket.

Cathy’s eyes sparkled, a small smile breaking through her earlier worry. “It’s nice. Can we play tag later?”

Annabelle grinned. “Only if you promise not to cheat.”

“I don’t cheat!” Cathy protested, a giggle escaping her lips.

The sound was music to Annabelle’s ears.

Once everything was in place…the blankets, snacks, and even a small stack of board games, Annabelle settled beside Cathy and handed her a juice box.

The men hovered nearby with their sharp eyes scanning the area.

She ignored them, refusing to let their looming presence dampen her mood.

After a few rounds of board games, Cathy’s frown had disappeared entirely, and it was replaced by a wide, toothy grin.

She raced around the open field with Annabelle close behind, the sound of their laughter filling the crisp afternoon air.

Even the guards seemed to loosen up, one of them reluctantly joining Cathy in a makeshift game of catch while the other helped Annabelle with setting up more activities.

For a few blissful hours, it was easy to forget the shadow that hung over their lives.

Annabelle watched Cathy run barefoot through the grass, her curls bouncing wildly as she twirled with abandon.

Her heart swelled with a mix of pride and sorrow.

Cathy was resilient, stronger than she should have to be at her age.

“I won!” Cathy declared, plopping down on the blanket beside Annabelle after a game of tag.

“Only because you cheated,” Annabelle teased, ruffling her hair.

“I did not!” Cathy laughed, sticking out her tongue.

Annabelle couldn’t stop smiling.

As the sun began to dip toward the horizon, painting the sky in hues of amber and rose, the men started packing up the remains of their picnic.

Cathy clutched a flower crown she’d made from the wildflowers, her cheeks flushed from the day’s activities.

Annabelle leaned back on her hands, her hair falling loose from its braid as she watched the fading light dance across the trees.

For the first time in what felt like forever, she allowed herself to hope.

“Things will get better,” she murmured, more to herself than anyone else.

But Cathy heard and glanced at her.

Her fingers reached for Annabelle’s hand as she asked, “You promise?”

Annabelle’s throat tightened, but she nodded. “I promise.”

Just as they were loading the last of their things into the car, the lead guard’s phone buzzed.

He stepped away to answer it, his expression unreadable as he spoke in low tones.

Annabelle frowned as her earlier sense of peace evaporated.

When he returned, his face was impassive, but his tone carried a weight that made her stomach drop.

“There’s a man at your house, miss,” he said. “Your mother seems to know him well.”

Annabelle froze, her hand tightening around Cathy’s. “Who is he?”

The man shook his head. “He didn’t say.”

Her pulse quickened as unease settled over her.

Whatever peace they’d managed to create today was fragile and fleeting.

And now, it seemed it was already slipping away.