Seeing Ghosts
Chapter 13
By Dottie
Copyright 2015
The door opens and Maggie Parker leans heavily on her walker as she makes her way slowly into the cabin. Her guest is slowly coming around again. She peeks into the bedroom to find the children still sleeping soundly. Closing the door quietly, she turns back to find the young man sitting up, rubbing his head. "How do you feel?"
He looks up at her. "About the same. How are the children?"
She smiles. "Still sleeping."
He smiles weakly. "I wish I could remember something. Anything."
She looks at him and says, "I...think maybe I figured out what happened."
He looks up. "What? How?"
She moves to sit across from him. "I went down to the store for a few supplies. I...there was a news report...on the television. People looking for you."
His face is pale with fear. "What did I do?"
She shakes her head. "Nothing. You and your children were in the plane that crashed on Christmas Eve. When I found you...I didn't know who you were. I brought you here because I didn't want to deal with the police. I'm an old woman and I like my privacy. Now that you're stronger...and I know what's going on...I...called the forestry service. Someone will be out to pick you up soon."
His eyes widen. "Tell me who I am. Who's looking for me?"
She smiles. "Your name is Kevin Richardson; the children are Sophie and DJ. Your children." His eyes soften and she whispers, "We knew that. What we didn't know is that you are one of the Backstreet Boys."
He rubs his eyes. "Who are the Backstreet Boys?"
She laughs again. "I had to ask too. Being an old woman on a mountain keeps you pretty much closed off from the world. The Backstreet Boys are a singing group."
He leans back. "Why can't I remember?"
Maggie struggles to stand. Kevin jumps up and helps her. Once her hands are on her walker, she murmurs, "They'll be here soon. Why don't you get the children?"
He hugs her gently. "How can I ever thank you Maggie?"
She laughs. "Keep those filthy reporters away from me and bring those babies back to visit."
Tears sting his eyes. "I promise. I won't forget you."
She pats his face and says, "I know you won't. I'm glad we know who you are now. I ain't ashamed to say for a while there I thought you had kidnapped those babies. I'm glad I was wrong."
He gives her a watery smile. "Thank you for helping us."
An hour later, Kevin finds himself in a hospital exam room with Sophie and DJ. He insists the doctor check out the kids first. As he’s watching them look over DJ, Sophie sits cuddled in his arms sucking her thumb.
The door opens and he looks up to see Nick standing there with tears in his eyes. Kevin doesn't remember the younger man. But deep in his heart he knows they are friends. His suspicions are confirmed when Sophie perks up and reaches for him.
Nick comes in and whispers, "Hey Sweet Cheeks." After kissing her cheek, he looks at Kevin, letting his tears fall. "Kev...man..." He steps closer and envelops his friend in a huge bear hug. "I'm so damn glad to see you."
When he steps back, Kevin whispers hoarsely, "I...I don't know..."
Nick clears his throat.”It's ok. You'll remember me. All of us." He holds his hands out for Sophie. "Come here, Beautiful. The doctor needs to check out Daddy."
Kevin watches Sophie lean for the tall stranger happily. He looks over to see DJ reaching for him too. His children know the man. As Nick moves to the corner to entertain the children Kevin scoots back on the exam table and lets the doctor start his examination.
When the doctor mentions sending Kevin for a CAT scan to determine the severity of his concussion, Nick clears his throat. "Umm...can our friends come in before...we all just need to see him."
The doctor nods. "Of course. I'll make the arrangements and give you some time. Other than the concussion, you all look fine."
After the doctor leaves, Nick turns to Kevin. "I know you don't remember us yet, but before the guys come in...Kevin, they don't know DJ and Sophie yet."
Kevin rubs his eyes. "Why?"
Sophie reaches for her daddy and Kevin takes her, hugging her close, smiling as DJ lays his head over on Nick's shoulder. Nick pats the little boy's back. "It's a long story Kevin. A really long story. For now...they want to see you and then...if you're ok with it, we'll take care of the kids so the doctor can take care of you. The quicker you get your memory back, the easier this is going to be to explain."
Kevin kisses Sophie's head. "I don't know much, but I can see my children trust you."
Nick smiles. "We became good buddies in Chicago before Christmas. I can't believe that was only a couple of weeks ago." He looks down at DJ curled up against his chest before looking up at Kevin. "They'll be three years old in a few days."
Kevin smiles. "I hope I remember them by then. And their mom. Where is she?"
Nick's eyes cloud over. "That's another long story Kevin. I'll tell you once they've examined you."
Kevin's smile frowns. "Are we divorced?"
Nick shakes his head. "No. I've never known two people more in love. Just...I'll tell you everything later. OK?"
Before Kevin can reply, the door opens. He looks up as Brian, AJ and Howie come in. All of them are crying. Brian reaches out and hugs him tightly. "Thank you almighty God." When he pulls away, he grabs Kevin's face and whispers, "I didn't think I'd ever see you again, Cuz." He looks down at Sophie snuggling up to Kevin, watching him suspiciously. He wipes his eyes and says, "You must be Sophie."
As she's giving him a shy grin, AJ slips past Brian to hug Kevin. "I'm so glad you're ok, Kev." He bends down to kiss Sophie's cheek. "Hey Cutie, where's your brother?"
From the corner, Nick says, "He's over here with his favorite Uncle."
As they all chuckle and AJ and Brian go to meet DJ, Howie takes his turn hugging Kevin. "Welcome home Kev. Welcome home."
Kevin rubs his head. "I wish I could remember home."
Brian turns back to Kevin. "You will. Let the doctors take care you, ok? You'll get your memory back."
The nurse comes in. "Mr. Richardson, we need to take you for your CAT scan."
By now, AJ has coaxed DJ into his arms, so Nick stands and moves to the bed. When Sophie fairly leaps into his arms, they all looked shocked. Howie laughs. "Nick Carter with a kid. Two of them no less. I've seen it all."
Nick laughs with them and hugs Sophie close. "These two are special."
The nurse helps Kevin into a wheelchair. "We'll be putting Mr. Richardson into a room as soon as the scan is complete. If you wait..."
Kevin cuts her off. "No, I'd rather go home with my kids." When they all start to protest, he says, "I survived for over a week with an old woman in the woods. I'm not leaving my kids."
Nick passes Sophie to Brian and turns to Kevin. "Dude, you have to do what they say."
Kevin sighs, rubbing his eyes again. "Look, you're all here, I have two kids, and their mother isn't here. That tells me something isn't right. When I mention her, you all look away." When no one says anything, he whispers, "I'm going home with my children and one of you is going to tell me exactly what's going on."
As the nurse turns the wheelchair to take him out of the room, AJ mutters, "You might not remember us, but you're remembering how to be bossy."
Kevin laughs as the nurse takes him from the room. As the door closes, Sophie whimpers, "Dada."
Nick turns and gives her a smile. "It's ok Sweetie. Daddy will be back soon." She leans toward Nick and he takes her in his arms.
She lays her head on his shoulder and cries. "Mama."
Nick pats her back and whispers, "Mama will be home soon Sophie. We're going to find her and bring her home."
All the men look at each other and they're thinking the same thing. Every minute Chealyn is missing, the chance she'll be found alive grows dim. Thankfully the FBI is involved now and a nationwide manhunt is underway for Grant Desmond and his hostage, Chealyn...Elena Richardson.
Chapter End Notes:
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