C3 Chapter 3

I awoke before the break of dawn, fully aware that today held special significance for my family. Catherine, my beloved daughter, was turning eight years old, marking a milestone in her journey through childhood. She possessed a brilliant mind and a compassionate heart, and as her father, my greatest desire was to ensure her happiness and well-being. Despite her condition as an asthmatic, her determination and spirit remained unwavering, inspiring me every day.

My wife, Gabriella, still fast asleep, I seized the opportunity to quietly slip out of the house and pay a visit to the toy store. The previous day had been unexpectedly tumultuous, with the news of Vandel's release catching me off guard. Nevertheless, I was determined to secure the perfect birthday present for Catherine, a task I had regretfully postponed.

As I made my way to the store, a haunting sensation of being watched crept over me, causing me to glance over my shoulder repeatedly. Yet, each time I turned, there was no one to be seen. Perhaps my mind was playing tricks on me, or perhaps I was simply overly vigilant. Regardless, I entered the toy store and approached the counter where Mrs. Elvy, the kind-hearted and helpful owner, awaited.

"Good morning, Mrs. Elvy," I greeted her warmly upon entering the store.

"Ah, Jay, you're up bright and early today," Mrs. Elvy observed.

"Yes, indeed. I've come to collect the new collection of Barbie toys I ordered last week. My apologies for not being able to retrieve them as planned yesterday. Unexpected circumstances arose, but I do hope I'm not too late," I explained, hoping that the coveted toys for Catherine's collection were still available. She had been pleading for them for months.

Mrs Elvy smiled kindly, assuaging my concerns. "Fear not, Jay. The toys are still here, ready for you. As a matter of fact, let me offer them as a gift for Catherine's birthday. It's my pleasure to contribute to her happiness. I'll even drop by later this evening to personally extend my wishes to her," she graciously offered.

A wave of gratitude washed over me as I attempted to convey my appreciation. "Thank you so much, Mrs. Elvy. Your generosity is deeply moving. Catherine will be overjoyed to receive these gifts from you."

"You're most welcome," she replied with a warm smile. "It's truly my pleasure, Jay. I have always admired Catherine's resilience and kindness, despite her asthma. She possesses a remarkable spirit."

"I couldn't agree more," I replied, touched by Mrs. Elvy's understanding of Catherine's struggles. "Your words mean a great deal to me. It's heartwarming to know that others recognize her strength."

With the toys now safely in my possession, I expressed my gratitude once more and bid Mrs. Elvy farewell. As I stepped out into the bustling streets, a sudden gust of wind whipped through, causing me to shiver involuntarily. The feeling of being observed returned, intensifying with each passing minute. It was as if a pair of invisible eyes were tracking my every move.

On my way back home from the toy store, I decided to drop by a pastry store to get the famous "Marbled tres leches cake". It was Cathy's favourite dessert. After making the payment i left the pastry store and headed back home. I stood across the street from my house, waiting for the road to clear up.

As soon as i was sure that there wasn't any movement on the road anymore, I immediately entered the road but all of a sudden, a car came out of nowhere and began to speed directly towards me, but fortunately for me, i was able to quickly move out of the road before the car could hit me and the driver immediately sped off.

"Hey, are you crazy or what,do you wanna kill me". I shouted after the driver but i got no reply. I gave a heavy sigh and entered into my house. I met Gabriella had already started the decorations for the party.

"Good morning sweetheart". I greeted, calling her attention as i dropped the gifts on the table.

"Morning my love". Gabriella replied giving me a peck on my cheek. When i woke up this morning, you had already left the house, i was really worried you know, where exactly did you go to so early this morning". Gabriella asked as she began to take out the box containing the decorations from the shelves.

" I went out to get the gifts for Cathy, am sorry i made you worry so much, i promise it won't ever happen again." I said trying to reassure her.

"Jay are you alright". Gabriella questioned, as she noticed the uneasiness in my voice.

"Yea.....yes am fine". i stammered trying to stop my voice from shaking.

"Jay Wilson, you had better start talking now is or else....". Gabriella threatened.

"I almost got into an accident on my way home". I finally opened up.

"Oh my goodness, are you hurt ". Gabriella asked, turning me around and checking his body if there was any form of Injuries or scars.

"Gabriella am fine, you don't have worry so much, i wasn't hurt it anyway. Thankfully i was able to avoid the car before it could hit me, am safe now, please don't worry". I said trying to calm Gabriella down.

"How could i possibly not worry Jay, you're my husband and you almost died how exactly do you expect me to be okay after hearing such bad news". Gabriella protested with tears in her eyes.

"Its alright Gabriella, am so sorry for making you worry, and i promise that from now on, i will be more careful". I said using my handkerchief to wipe off the tears from her eyes and giving her a reassuring hug.

"Anyway, how's the preparation coming along". I asked trying to change the topic.

"Well, am almost done with the decorations for the house, my sister claudeth will be the one to handle the food, drinks and pastries that will be used for the party while i get Catherine ready before the guests arrived". Gabriella as her mood began to brightened up again.

"That's wonderful, it seems you already have everything under control if you need help with anything, just let me know and I'll be there to get the job done". I said offering my help.

"Alright dear". Gabriella replied. Just then, the door bell rang.

"Its still quite early, who could it be." I asked as it was still too early to be expecting any guest.

"Am not sure about it either". She went over to the door and opened it revealing her sister, Claudeth.

"Good morning sister". Claudeth greeted giving Gabriella a hug.

"its good to see you sister, its been awhile since you dropped by, I've really missed you". Gabriella noted as she continued removing the decoration materials from the box.

"I've missed you too, but you know that i don't like staying in a place where i don't feel safe". Claudeth hinted referring to my past criminal record.

"Claudeth, that's enough, you don't have to constantly remind Jay about his past Mistakes every single time you come here". Gabriella snapped, trying to defend me as i just stood there quietly without saying a word.

"But isn't it true Gabriella, ever since you got married to this man without our parents consent, you've become So distant from us all, you barely call or even drop by to check up on us and it's all because of this criminal you call Your husband, today is Catherine's birthday, their grand daughter and even still, they refuse to step their foot into this house, it isn't fair to them either". Claudeth stated angrily. But before Gabriella could say anything in my defense, i knew I have to say something before things get out of hand. Claudeth replied already boiling with anger.

"Gabriella, its fine, i will just go and check on Catherine". I spoke up, leaving the room to prevent any further arguments.

As i got to the door step of Catherine bedroom, i gave a little knock at the door before i entered into the room, she was seated on her bed playing with her toys.

"Happy birthday my lovely princess". I said giving Catherine a peck on both of her cheek before handing the gifts over to Catherine as she unwrapped the gifts.

"Oh my goodness, daddy you got me my favorite toy and the famous Des leches cake, thank you so much dad, you've made me so happy today". Catherine Jubilated, giving me a big hug.

"Anything for you my princess, you know daddy loves you so much even more than you can imagine". I expressed hugging her more tightly.

"i know that daddy and i love you so much too, and that's why i can't wait to grow up so that i can take good care of you and mommy, we will always be together forever". Catherine said with a big smile on her face.

"That's for certain, we will always be together no matter what happens. Anyways, its your birthday today so why aren't you getting ready yet". I observed, looking around the room to see her dress still inside the box.

"Well, mommy was supposed to get my clothes and also braid my hair for me,but she's not here right now". Catherine muttered looking a little bit disappointed.

"Well your mom is a little busy right now,but hey i can braid your hair for you instead if you want". I offered trying to brighten her mood.

"Are you sure about that daddy". Catherine asked.

"Of course, i mean after years of watching your mother braid your hair,i think am ready to do it too". I replied confidently.

"Well alright then". Catherine replied as she sat in front of her mirror. That was actually the first time i had ever braided a hair in my life, and i won't lie, it was really difficult it took hours before i could finally get the style right. When Gabriella was done with the decorations, she came up to get Catherine ready for the party cause guests had already started arriving, she was really surprised at the braid i had done for Catherine, she added a few finishing touches to the hair and got Catherine dressed for the party.

The party started, and Catherine was really having a lot of fun, she received a lot of gifts and well wishes from friends, family and loved one's. The highlight of the party was when Catherine was asked to cut the cake and the guests began to sing her a happy birthday song, she got really emotional and she began to cry. It was one of her most memorable birthdays.

After the party the guest had already left the house, Catherine began to unwrap her gifts, she was really happy at the so many gifts she had received. After a while, she left the room and came back again holding a painting in her hands. She handed it over to us, it was a painting of our family.

"Mommy, Daddy i just want to say thank you for always being there for me, taking care of me all this years and showering me with so much love, I am proud and really lucky to be your daughter and if i had another life time, I'd still choose you to be my parents. I love you both so much". Catherine said she held both of our hands on her palms and put them on each other and gave us both a tight bear hug".

"We love you too". Gabriella and i chorused. Just then, the door bell rang. I stood up to answer the door, but when i opened there was no one there, it was only a small package on the floor. I took it inside and closed the door. The package had the name Catherine written as the recipient .I gave the package to Catherine thinking it was just another birthday gift. She unwrapped the package, but what was inside was a toy gun and a short letter in it boldly written

"I'll be seeing you soon".

by

Uncle V.

I anxiously paced back and forth in my living room, clutching onto the letter with trembling hands. The crimson stain on the paper sent shivers down my spine, making me fear for the safety of my family. I knew i couldn't waste any time; We had to find a safer place to stay.

I immediately instructed my wife, Gabriella and our daughter, Catherine to pack their bags as I hurriedly packed some essentials into a bag. I didn't know who or what was after me even though I had a hunch, but i couldn't risk their lives any longer. The safety of my family was paramount.

As we rushed out of the house, i quickly glanced around, checking for any signs of danger. The dark and deserted street made me feel even more vulnerable. I couldn't shake off the feeling that they were being watched, hunted even. We needed to find a temporary refuge until they could figure out who wanted them dead and why.

With adrenaline coursing through my veins, i recalled an old family cabin situated deep in the nearby woods. It had been abandoned for years, but it seemed like the perfect hideout for now. Its isolation and seclusion could provide some level of safety against their pursuers.

We piled into our car, i gripped the steering wheel tightly as I drove through winding roads, my mind racing with thoughts of the unknown forces that threatened their lives. What had he gotten himself into? Who could possibly want me, or my family, dead?

The drive to the cabin felt never-ending, each minute stretching like elastic as my mind conjured up terrifying scenarios. The eerie silence inside the car was broken only by the occasional sound of twigs snapping under the tires. It felt as if the forest itself was aware of our arrival, whispering warnings through the rustling leaves.

I finally parked our car in front of the weathered cabin, its wooden exterior covered in overgrown vines. They hastily unloaded their belongings, stepping inside the cabin with caution. The musty scent of disuse filled the air, reminding them of the years this place had been abandoned.

The cabin was somewhat bare, but i spotted a few pieces of furniture that were still intact. We would have to make do with what we had. Safety was our priority now, not comfort.

With a heavy sigh, i locked the cabin door, hoping it would keep the outside world at bay. However, i couldn't ignore the nagging feeling that they were merely out of sight, not out of reach. I would need to uncover the truth behind the letter and the warning i had received to protect my family.

As night fell, i glanced at my sleeping daughter, her innocence reminding me of the urgency of their situation. Whoever was after them needed to be unmasked, their intentions laid bare.