The Screeching Banshees

“I can’t wait to see mom.” Josie said the next day as the RV drove down the sunny highway with the Motley Crue bus close behind.

“I can’t wait either mainly I can’t wait for your mom’s cooking.” Rodney said chuckling as Josie elbowed him a smile forming on her lips.

“She’s not gonna believe we’re on tour with one of the biggest rock bands in the world.” Brooklynn said sitting in the center between the driver and passengers seats.

“Speaking of bands I think we should have a little chat.” Rodney said stopping at a red light then glanced at the two. “Not just as your manager but as your friend, brother, and confidant.”

Josie and Brooklynn looked at each other. “What’s up?” Brooklynn said.

“I know how thrilled you both are about this tour and the fact you’ve met a band y’all always liked and admired.” Rodney said. “I can see you two seem pretty fond towards Nikki and Tommy.” “I don’t want to see either of you get hurt by them.”

“Rodney, you sound a little like my dad.” Brooklynn said.

“Just hear me out we all about Motley Crue and their rep they’re used to just fucking young pretty things using them then throwing them away like their nothing more than a two cent whore on the street.” Rodney said. “I just don’t want to see either of you treated or hurt like that.”

“We’re not walking into this blindly.” Brooklynn said. “I like Tommy but it’s nothing serious.” “It’s just two consenting adults having fun we both know what it is so I’m not worried about it.”

“I’m not concerned about you as much as I am about you.” Rodney said glancing at Josie as the light turned green.

“Nothing’s going on Rodney.” Josie said looking out the window avoiding his eyes.

“That performance last night says otherwise.” Rodney stated. “Two people who are just friends or even just acquaintances don’t give a kiss on the neck.”

“It was just part of the show; it was completely random by me.” Josie said firmly.

“Tell me you didn’t want to do that and that you didn’t want his hands on you.” Rodney pushed. “Tell me that you don’t find him attractive and that you don’t want something to happen between you two.”

Josie couldn’t make those words come to her mouth. “I can’t.”

“Look, I’m not trying to tell either of you how to live your lives or what to do with them.” Rodney said softly. “I just don’t want to see either of your minds or emotions being fucked with especially yours.” He said glancing at Josie as she turned to look at him with a hard expression.

“You afraid I’ll have another little episode that I’ll go off the handle again?” She asked defensively.

“Josie I just can’t take your mind being messed with after everything you’ve been through.” Rodney said softly. “I almost lost you.”

“We all almost did.” Brooklynn said smiling sadly rubbing her friend’s arm.

“I saw what happened to you during those months, I was afraid and didn’t know if you would make it, and when that happened I felt so hopeless seeing you my friend who’s like a sister to me be in so much pain, both physically and psychologically and that there was nothing I could do to take it away or make it better.” Rodney said wiping a stray tear away making Josie’s hardness fade. “I can’t bear to see you like that again.”

Josie reached over placing a hand on Rodney’s leg; he glanced at her seeing tears in her eyes as he squeezed her hand. She looked at Brooklynn whose eyes were glistening slightly.

“I know Rodney and I don’t ever want you to feel like again.” Josie said smiling softly.

She stood as best as she could in the moving RV and hugged Rodney and Brooklynn making him swerve against a curb forcing him to break the hug and get the vehicle back in control.

“Okay, can we talk about something less depressing please?” Lyra said coming up front and smiling at Josie squeezing her shoulder.

“Sure, let’s talk about how Josie’s mom used to collect shrunken heads.” Lyra said laughing.

Josie made a face, shook her head, and face palmed. “Let’s not.” She said making the other three laugh.
______________________________________________________________________________
It was almost two when the RV drove into the desert for about 15 mintues before coming to stop near red orange rustic ranch style home surrounded by cactuses and flowers of various shades of different flowers. After turning off the RV the band made their way out Josie looking fondly at her old home. She turned seeing Motley Crue and their managers coming out the bus.

“How nice.” Mick said looking at the house with what she guessed was wonder behind his shades.

“Thanks.” Josie said smiling. “Mom likes to decorate a lot so don’t be surprised if you can’t find a place to sit.”

“You can always sit on my lap.” Nikki whispered making her shiver.

She blushed smiling at his flirtation before leading the way up the walkway and to the front door.
Josie rang the doorbell she heard footsteps in the house getting closer to the door. The door opened revealing a middle aged woman with hazel eyes, a fair complexion, medium auburn hair, and wearing a long bohemian style skirt with a floral top.

“Josie!” Rena yelled as she embraced her daughter.

“Mom!” Josie exclaimed throwing herself into her mom’s arms causing her to stumble as they hugged.

“It’s been forever.” Rena said hugging her tightly.

“It’s only been a few months but it does feel a lot longer.” Josie said pulling away to look her mom in the eyes.

“God, look at you.” Rena said gently pulling Josie’s hair away from her face and lovingly stroking her cheeks. “You look so healthy and beautiful.”

“You look great too mom.” Josie said still holding her mom’s arms.

“I would hope you know your dad isn’t the only one to credits with your good looks.” Rena said making the others chuckle. “You’ve brought guests, lots of guests.”

“Hey Mrs. Mara.” Rodney said.

“Rodney, it’s so good to see you.” She hugged him tightly then pulled back with a frown. “You’re skin and bones I see I’ll have to fatten you while you’re here.”

“Just don’t put me in the oven to eat me.” He said making her laugh.

“Still a joker.” Rena said affectionately then took notice of the others. “You brought the whole gang!”

Josie chuckled. “Yes, mom.”

Rena embraced and hugged each member lovingly giving them each some compliment which made them laugh or blush. Finally she saw the Crue her eyes widen in shock.

“Dear God…she looked at Josie. “Josie is that…

Josie nodded then laughed. “Yes mom, it’s Motley Crue.” “Guys, this is my mom Rena.”

“Pleasure to meet you Mrs. Mara.” Tommy said politely.

“Dear, you can just call me Rena.” She said then placed a hand over her chest where her heart was beating. “Be still my heart Motley Crue is standing right in front of me.”

The band chuckled as Rena slapped her cheeks a couple of times to make sure she wasn’t seeing things.

“I can’t believe this.” Rena said. “Not that I’m not a fan and beyond thrilled to meet you hell I’m fangirling on the inside but what are you doing here?”

“Well, we had some shows here in Arizona and Josie asked us if we could make a detour to visit you.” Nikki said smiling brightly.

Rena turned to look at her daughter. “You’re on tour with Motley Crue?”

“Yes.” Josie said nodded.

“Baby, this is wonderful news!” Rena exclaimed. “How did this happen?”

“Kinda a long story mom.” Josie said.

“You can tell me inside I’ve just made a fresh pitcher of lemonade and a fresh batch of snickerdoodles.” Rena said.

“Sweet!” Rodney and Brooklynn exclaimed at the same time and high fived each other.
________________________________________________________________________________
“And here we are mom.” Josie said sitting in the living room in her dad’s old recliner. “On tour with Motley Crue.”

“I have to say I’m not surprised you reacted the way you did something like this doesn’t happen every day.” Rena said. “I’m still in awe about it all.”

“Us too mom.” Josie said.

“So where all are you touring?” She asked the band who either were sitting on the couch or the various chairs in the living room.

“We have a show tonight in Phoenix, then Dever, Kansas City, the others dates are all over the country.” Vince said. Then the third leg of the tour is out of the country, and the final leg we’re back
here in the States.”

“Wow, all over the world.” Rena said. “This is such a great opportunity for the Banshees and I really appreciate you for giving them this.” “They’ve worked for as long as I can remember just waiting for someone to take a chance with an all-woman band is this male dominated world of rock.”

“It’s nothing Mrs. Mara.” Mick said smiling softly from the rocking chair he occupied.

“Nonsense, and please call me Rena.” She said smiling softly.

“Well Rena, you have a very lovely home.” Tommy said. “And Rodney and the girls weren’t exaggerating when they said your snickerdoodles were to die for!”

“Well Tommy you’re such a charming.” Rena said then smiled slightly flirty. “May I say you’re even more handsome in person.” She said looking over the rest of the Crue. “You all are.”

“Well, you’re really kind.” Nikki said smiling his signature smile.

Rena returned the smile. “The magazines and interviews don’t do you any justice Mr. Sixx.” “I’m surprised Josie didn’t have a full on heart attack when she met you.”

“Mom…Josie said blushing slightly and looked into her glass of lemonade.

“Oh hush Josie what kind of mother would I be if I didn’t embarrass you even a little?” Rena asked with a subtle smirk.

Josie gave her mom a tight but loving smile. “You would actually be a normal mom but normal isn’t part of your vocabulary I doubt you even know what the work means.”

“Exactly, anyway Josie had the biggest crush on you Nikki.” Rena continued as Josie looked anywhere to avoid Nikki’s eyes. “She always talked about how hot you were and how she would meet you one day.”

Nikki looked at Josie who avoided his gaze then smirked. “Really?”

“Yeah, not to mention I caught her more than a couple of times watching y’alls live performances though I’m sure she was paying more attention to your ass in those leather pants then the actual concert.” Rena said bluntly.

“Mom!” Josie exclaimed blushing hard.

“I knew it!” Brooklynn said laughing at her friend’s expression. “I knew you thought his ass was cute!”

Everyone was laughing highly amused at Rena’s bluntness and Josie’s embarrassment. Rena simply patted Josie’s arm as she mocked glared at her mom.

“Really mom?” She asked.

“What?” Rena asked. “I’m just stating a fact the man’s ass looks good in a pair of leather pants hell all of theirs do.”

Tommy chuckled. “Josie can your mom come on tour with us?” “She’s a riot.”

“No, she’s embarrassed me enough already.” Josie said giving her mom an unamused look.

“Sweetheart, you wouldn’t have me any other way.” Rena said squeezing her daughter’s shoulders.
J
osie smiled knowing she wouldn’t have gotten through without her mother’s support, love, and hilarity. “True, I missed you so much mom.” She said.

“I miss you too baby.” Rena said.

“Have you ever thought about moving to California so you can be closer to each other?” Vince asked.

“A couple of times but I couldn’t just leave my little desert sanctuary plus I’m not a big city person.” Rena said. “All the bright lights, loud noises, and the crime rate I wouldn’t be able to enjoy nature and all its wonders in the city.”

“True true.” Mick agreed.

Josie looked around. “Mom, is Horus still around?”

“Very much so.” Rena said.

“Who’s Horus?” Tommy asked confused as to why Josie was looking around.

Josie and Rena exchanged a look. “You guys have to promise to remain calm and make no sudden movements or sounds.” She said looking at the Crue. “Okay?”

Motley Crue actually looked nervous wondering who or what Horus was.
Josie nodded her head to her mother who then whistled. Everyone remained silent as a screeching noise could be hear followed by a flapping of wings as something flew pass the bands and onto Rena’s shoulder.

“Holy shit!” Vince startled then remained quiet remembering Josie’s words. “Is that a hawk?”

“Falcon.” Rena said stroking Horus’ wings. “A gyr saker falcon to be exact.”

“Isn’t it illegal to own a falcon?” Tommy asked.

Rena raised an eyebrow. “Haven’t you engaged and done plenty of illegal activities?”

Tommy chuckled. “Touche.”

“He’s a beautiful bird.” Mick commented softly. “How did you obtain him?”

Josie whistled to Horus the falcon flew to her shoulder tilting his head looking at her closely before running his head under her chin cooing as she stroked his wings.

“He was shot out the sky by a hunter, the hunter whoever they were couldn’t find where he fell too.” Rena said. “I was walking around in the woods when I came across him, took him to the animal shelter they claimed there was nothing they could do for him and that he should just be put down.” “I didn’t buy that I had to do some big talk and convinced them to let me take him under the impression I was gonna bury him but I mended his wing and nursed him back to health.” “Finally he was able to fly I went into the woods and let him go but Horus kept coming back.” “He comes and goes as he pleases but he still comes back here and he’s been part of the family ever since.”

“Nice.” Mick said as Horus looked in his direction curiously.

“Would you like to pet him?” Josie asked.

“Is it safe?” Mick asked his usual calm expression faltered.

“Mick Mars guitarist of a band that uses pyrotechnics in their acts is afraid of a falcon.” Lyra said laughing as did some of the others.

“He might confuse your hair for a nest but you won’t hurt you.” Josie said standing and walking towards him.

“What do I do?” Mick asked.

“Hold your arm out like this.” Josie said doing a demonstration.

Mick imitated her arm. “Now whistle for him.” She instructed. Mick whistled and Horus flew from her shoulder to his outstretched arm landing softly on it.

“Whoa.” Mick said softly as Horus titled his head at him cawing softly before jumping on his shoulder and rubbed his head against Mick’s cheek.

Rena smiled. “He likes you.”

“Hmm.” Mick said pulling up his shades and looking into Horus’s pitch black eyes.

“Since you still have Horus do you still have Roxy?” Brooklynn asked.

“Do we even want to know who Roxy is?” Vince asked still looking mildly afraid of the falcon which was still perched on Mick’s shoulder.

Lyra scoffed rolling her eyes. “Such a baby Roxy is probably more reserved then Horus is.”

“She is I’ll be surprised if she comes out.” Rena said. “She’s really shy.”

“Bring her out it’s been awhile since I’ve seen ol pointy ears.” Rodney said.
Rena and Josie glanced at each other before Rena started making a weird chittering noise making the Crue glance at each other wondering had her mom gone crazy.

It was about five minutes before the faint sound of a bell could be heard jingling. Then the sound of pattering feet could be heard as the jingling got louder. Finally appearing from around the corner appeared Roxy as she tilted her head at the strange faces and retreated slightly.

“Come here girl.” Josie smiled softly.

Roxy recognized Josie took a step forward before running to her and scrambled up the chair into her lap.

“No way.” Tommy said looking at the fennec fox which snuggled into Josie’s lap making herself comfortable.

“Yes way.” Josie said scratching Roxy’s ears. “Isn’t she beautiful?”

“Very.” Mick said. “How did you get her?”

“Sad tragic story.” Rena said with a somber expression. “Roxy was caught in a hunter’s trap apparently she struggled so much to get out the trap that she almost severed her back right leg off.”

“Ouch.” Nikki said with a wince.

“The sick son of a bitch who trapped her didn’t even have enough decency to at least put her out of her misery.” Rena said with a frown. “So he just left her there with a partially severed leg bleeding to death in the woods.” “Until me and my sister Sadie found her took her to the vet where they were forced to cut off her leg since it was so badly damaged and infected they couldn’t save it.”

“Damn.” Tommy said as Josie lifted Roxy showing she only had three legs.

“Once again I talked the vets into letting me take her since they thought she was gonna die.” Rena said then smiled. “Nursed her back to health now here she is.”

“You’re a healer Mrs. Mara.” Nikki said admirably.

“Well, I don’t know about that but thank you.” Rena said smiling. “And it’s Rena.”

“Rena.” Nikki said with a smile then looked at Josie’s content expression as she played with Roxy.

She must’ve sensed him looking at her cause she looked up making eye contact with him.

“You want to hold her?” She asked standing up.

“I don’t think I should.” Nikki said weary.

Both Lyra and Aries snorted. “I can’t believe you big bad rockstars who are known as the most dangerous band in the world are scared of a couple of animals.” Aries said.

“All those events to an extent were controlled this is different.” Nikki said in defense.

“She is controlled.” Josie said. “She’s as domesticated as any ordinary dog.”

“But she’s not a dog.” Vince said. “She’s a fox.”

“Foxes are part of the canidae or canine family therefore there are dogs retard.” Lyra said making Vince glare at her.

Nikki chuckled at her comment before looking at Josie who was still looking at him holding Roxy. He sighed and nodded she walked forward.

“Hold out your arms.” She instructed as he did what he was told. “Be gentle with her.”

“Okay.” Nikki said as she sat Roxy in his arms. The fox looked at him curiously before sniffing his torso. She made a small sound before walking in a small circle in his lap before snuggling in his lap curling her tail around her as she closed her eyes.

Nikki looked in amazement before looking at Josie who had a soft smile on her face.
______________________________________________________________________________
“Mom you kept my room the same?” Josie asked in disbelief as she walked into her old room.

“I couldn’t change it leaving as is makes me feel like you’re closer.” Rena said. “All your belongings you no longer need coupled with the paint and ceiling remaining the same makes me feel you’re still here.”

Josie smiled softly her smile faltered slightly as she saw one small side of the room was still painted a medium shade of purple. There was a small white dresser with small toys on it.

“You kept this the same too?” Josie asked softly.

Rena looked sadly. “Yes, I know it hurts to remember but I don’t ever want to forget her.”

“I understand mom.” Josie said walking over to the dresser and opening the drawer pulling out a pink onesie that still had the tags on. She held it to her heart as her eyes filled with tears.

Rena walked over to her daughter placing a hand on her shoulder. “I know it hurts baby but…

“I know mom.” Josie said turning to her. “It’s…there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about her.” “What habits she would’ve picked up from me, what she would look like.”

“With any luck she would’ve looked just like you instead of her disgraceful father.” Rena said firmly. “Everything that bastard put you through…

“Mom…Josie said with a slight wince.

Rena composed herself. “I know baby but just because she’s gone doesn’t mean we have to forget her.”

With that being said Rena opened another drawer and pulled out a picture frame with stars around it.

“We don’t have to forget her and how happy she made us for that short period of time.” Rena repeated handing the picture to Josie.

Josie smiled sadly at the photo tracing the shape. “I miss her so much mom.”

“Me too honey.” Rena said sniffling softly before embracing her daughter.

Mother and daughter stood there for a few minutes hugging each other comfortingly. Finally Rena pulled away wiping her daughters face and smiling warmly.

“Let’s not be all sad and focus on the positive and good of the present.” Rena said.

Josie smiled softly. “I love you so much mom.”

“I love you too baby.” Rena said kissing her daughters cheek.

“I’m gonna see what the others are up too and show them around the house.” Rena said.

“Okay, I’m just gonna stay and reminisce a little.” Josie said her mom nodded before leaving the room with the door open.

Josie looked around her old room it was still the same navy blue her ceiling was still decorated with the mythological creatures, fairies, witches, and random drawings she drew throughout her teens.
Her bed was still covered by the same purple spread with a crescent moon with a fairy sitting on said moon. Her plasma lamp still sat on her dresser and her lava lamp was still sitting on her bedside. On the left side wall it was littered with pictures of her and her parents that her mother had copied to replace the ones she took with her when she moved out.

Josie smiled at the photo of her and her dad who was helping her climb the monkey bars in one.

“I miss you so much daddy.” She said softly. “I wish you were here.”

She looked at the picture she still held and sat on her bed tracing the shape of the head and the umbilical cord that was attached to the lining of her uterus.

Setting the picture on the bed Josie looked at the ceiling again she got up and shut the blinds.

Grabbing the remote from her bedside she pressed the button as the ceiling lit up and her pictures started glowing various colors and began moving giving the impression that they were flying. She smiled happily before lying back on the bed reminiscing about the times her and her father would talk about and admire her ceiling artwork.

It was almost ten minutes and Josie was still absorbed in her memories that she didn’t heart the sound of footsteps coming toward her room and stop at her door.

“Knock knock.” A voice said followed by two knocks on the wall.

Josie looked at the door upside down and from the natural light of the hallway saw a familiar figure standing there.

“Hey.” She said sitting up.

“Hey.” Nikki said. “Can I come in?”

“Sure.” She said.

“Wow.” Nikki said looking at the ceiling. “This is pretty cool.”

“Thanks me and my dad made it.” Josie said.

“No shit?” Nikki asked in amazement.

“No shit.” Josie said stopping the display and stood up opening up the blinds so she could see him clearly. “So, what do you think?”

“Your mom is definitely a character but she’s cool.” Nikki said with a smile. “She supports you, looks out for you, and cares for you miles ahead of my mother.”

Josie knew about Nikki’s damaged family background and felt compassion.

“Nikki I’m so sorry.” She said.

“For what?” Nikki asked confused.

“That you didn’t have such a great life growing up that your parents weren’t there for you like parents are supposed to be.” Josie said. “It’s so unfair you didn’t get the love, attention, and support you deserved.”

Nikki shrugged. “My grandparents were there for me and took care of me so it wasn’t all bad.”

“Still, it shouldn’t have been your grandparents being your primary caretakers it should’ve been your actual parents.” Josie said.

“Hey, I’m not bellyaching about it I mean look at me now.” He said raising his arms out. “I’m in a highly successful rock band and making a fuckton of money.” “Living the good life is the greatest revenge.”

“True.” Josie said smiling and observed as Nikki walked around her room.

He came to a thick black book that was open to a drawing of a women’s face that was half normal and half wolf. He turned the page to a drawing of a mermaid with very detailed scales.

“Wow, did you draw these?” He asked looking at Josie.

She looked shyly and nodded as he continued to look through her portfolio seeing pictures of vampires, goblins, Cyclops, trolls, etc.

“You don’t draw anything normal do you?” Nikki asked with a smirk.

“I’m really into mythology, supernatural, and the paranormal.” Josie said. “It’s always fascinated me the idea of things out there that we can’t explain it’s interesting and adds to the mystery in life.” “Plus I can relate to a lot of those creatures.”

“How so?” Nikki asked.

“Being a loner not fitting into society because you’re different.” Josie said. “It was like that for me growing up I was one of the few biracial kids in my school as you can see I inherited my mom’s pigmentation but whenever I was seen with my dad people would look at me funny and actually come up to me and ask me if I was adopted all cause my dad was black and I’m white as snow.”

“Fucking idiots.” Nikki said in disdain.

Josie nodded in agreement. “Plus I was just weird I was interested in serial killers how their mind worked and what motivated them to kill in the first place they’re partially the reason why I took a major in psychology.”

Josie looked down and smiled. “All the other little girls wanted to be a princess I wanted to be a vampire.”

“A vampire.” Nikki said then smirked. “Really?”

“Either that or a werewolf.” Josie said. “There’s something very alluring about the dark side and we all have a dark side.” “A side that we try to hide from our loved ones that is inside of us just waiting to be free but we’re scared to unleash it because we don’t know what the animal will do when it’s unleashed.” “But we wish to unleash it to have that feeling of being uninhibited and free.”

“She has some pretty deep thoughts.” Nikki thought to himself flipping through another page and coming to some drawings of her family and friends.

Josie observed him her face going slightly red as he came to a drawing of him. Nikki stopped and looked at her tilted his head before looking at the precise detail of his features.

“So, what’s this about your mom saying you had a big crush on me?” Nikki asked smiling his signature smile.

Josie smiled coyly. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Oh, I think you do.” Nikki said as he approached her making her take a step back.

Josie continued to smile coyly and shook her head as she continued to walk backwards.

“Are you gonna affirm that statement or am I gonna have to force it out you?” Nikki said still smiling and approaching her.

“You’ll never get it out of me.” Josie said walking till her back hit the wall trapping her.

“I think I will.” Nikki said raising his arms caging her against the wall.

They looked deeply into each other’s eyes Nikki slowly trailed his hand down the wall then down her side till his hand rested on her hip.

“You think my ass looks good in my leather pants?” Nikki asked huskily as he played with a strand of her hair.

Josie shuddered as he pulled her shirt a couple of inches then caressed her exposed hip.

“Answer me.” Nikki implored softly.

Josie didn’t instead she raised a hand and squeezed his bicep through his jacket. Her hand trailed around his back going down then it stayed just above his waistline. She looked into his eyes her other hand reached up pushing his bangs aside his hand which had been playing with her hair cupped her face and caressed her bottom lip.

“You know I enjoyed that little performance last night.” Nikki said. “You have very soft lips they’re like little pillows.”

She sighed as he wrapped his arm around her waist pulling her against him.

“Nikki we…I

“Just one kiss.” He said.

Josie looked as he leaned in she closed her eyes feeling his lips graze hers before they pressed their lips together. She had meant for it to be a quick kiss but Nikki had other ideas. He put his other hand on the nape of her neck and tilted her head making her lips part allowing him to taste her fully. Josie’s hand which had been resting on his waistline went into his jeans she moaned at the feel of his bare ass. It briefly registered in her mind they shouldn’t be getting hot and heavy like this under her mom’s roof with the door wide open with a whole group of people in the house. This thought vanished as Nikki wrapped his hands around her waist before lifted her she wrapped her legs around his waist as his lips went down her neck. She gasped as he thrust against her making her feel his want and desire for her against her heated pulsating core. Josie’s eyes popped open as the logical part of her brain spoke again.

“Nikki.” She said and he stopped immediately. “I can’t.”

He gently sat her back on her feet as she tried to compose her flustered state avoiding his gaze.

Due to her avoidance of his gaze he felt something in him sink thinking she regretted that makeup session.

“Josie I’m sorry.” He said quickly.

Josie stopped fixing her clothes and shook her head. “Don’t be I wanted to I…wanted you to.” “It’s just not here not under my mom’s house and the others could come in at any minute.”
Nikki felt relief so she did want this and wanted him as much as he wanted her.

“I better see what the others are up too.” Josie said fixing her hair back to its normal state.

“Okay I’ll catch up in a bit.” Nikki said.

She walked to the door and turned giving him a final look and a small smile before leaving.
Nikki straightened his hair and his clothes and began to leave the room when something on the bed caught his eye. He picked up the picture frame his eyes widening as he looked at the ultrasound and the caption which said Hailey 6 months.

Nikki and the group were currently being shown around the backyard by Josie and Lyra. Rena had excused herself to the kitchen stating she needed to talk to Rodney and Brooklynn.
Sometime during the tour Nikki excused himself to go to the bathroom.

As he walked out he could hear voices coming from the kitchen. “You say she’s doing a lot better?” Rena asked.

“Yes, she’s been taking her meds and everything’s been great these past months.” Brooklynn said.

“Meds?” Nikki thought to himself as he listened in on the conversation.

“I’m so grateful to you too I don’t know how Josie would’ve got through this without y’all there to watch her and I couldn’t have done this alone without y’all there to help me get through to her.” Rena said. “Has she had any episodes?”

“Nope.” Rodney said. “She’s come a long way I hope it stays like this I can’t bear to think of her being in that place again.”

“You and me both.” Rena said smiling sadly and wiping a stray tear away. “After what happened to Hailey and everything that followed when she…

Rena’s voice trailed off as a sob escaped her lips and Rodney hugged her tightly allowing her to cry in his shirt while Brooklynn embraced her also.

Nikki’s mind was swirling with thoughts what happened to Josie’s baby Hailey?

Why did she have to take medication? And what to her mother, Rodney, and Brooklynn mean when they said she hadn’t had an episode in a while? And what place couldn’t they bear of her being in again