chapter 7 - DON'T CRY

DON'T CRY 😭😭😔😔

A story that talks about her hidden darkness 🕳️🕳️

Chapter 7

Cathy POV

"But mom, calm down. You can't say that in front of the kids," I said, trying to defend them, even though my voice was shaking.

"That's your problem. Bye," she said sharply and stormed out, not even bothering to say goodbye to the twins.

You might be wondering how I got the kids. The truth is, I used to be a rough girl — not because I wanted to, but because of the life I was born into. Growing up in the ghetto taught me how to fight, how to be smart, and how to survive, but it also stole away the innocence I once had. I was wild, bold, and sharp, yet I made sure of one thing — I'd never let anyone take advantage of me, and I'd never defile myself.

But one fateful night changed everything. I was just fifteen, working as a waitress in a noisy bar to earn a little money for my mother and myself. That night, I was attacked and raped. I could never forget the pain, the helplessness, or the fear that came with it. The only thing I remembered about the man was that he was white — his face, his name, everything else was a blur.

Months later, I found out I was pregnant. My whole world collapsed. I didn't know what to do or who to turn to. When I finally gave birth to the twins, I couldn't even bring myself to look at them without feeling that old pain. I handed them over to my mother and left, thinking she would do a better job raising them than I could.

"Mom, what are you thinking about?" my son's little voice broke through my thoughts, and I immediately snapped back to reality.

"Nothing, son," I said softly, forcing a smile. "Where are your bags?" I added, quickly grabbing my phone and typing a message to Jasper, informing him that I wouldn't be available for work today.

After packing their things, I lay on the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling, wondering what to do with both of them. My mind was a storm of guilt and confusion. I'd spent so many years trying to bury my past, but now, seeing my children in front of me, that buried pain was slowly resurfacing.

"Mom," Luna's tender voice called out, pulling me from my thoughts.

"Yes, baby?" I answered, turning to face her with a gentle smile.

She stood there for a moment, fidgeting with her little fingers before finally asking, "Do you… really hate us?"

Her question struck me like a knife straight to the chest. My breath caught, and for a moment, I just stared at her, speechless. Luna was such a beautiful, smart girl — she had soft curly hair that bounced with every move, her skin glowed like golden honey, and her eyes… those amber eyes that shimmered when she looked at me — they were the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen. She looked like me, yes, but something about her was purer, calmer, almost angelic.

"No, my love," I whispered, shaking my head quickly as I pulled her close to me. "I could never hate you," I said, resting her head on my shoulder, gently patting her hair as I felt tears prick at my eyes.

"Grandma said you hated us… that's why you left," she cried softly.

My heart shattered into pieces. I couldn't even speak for a moment. All the years I had been away, I thought I was doing the right thing — that leaving them with my mother would give them a better life than the one I could offer. But hearing those words, seeing those tears, made me realize how wrong I had been.

"Oh, baby," I whispered brokenly, brushing away her tears. "I didn't leave because I hated you. I left because… I thought it was the best thing for you. But I was wrong. I'm so sorry."

Before I could say more, Lucas — my son — ran into my arms, his small hands clutching my shirt tightly. His voice trembled as he spoke.

"Mom, don't leave us again," he said, tears streaming down his little face.

That was it — the last wall around my heart crumbled. I wrapped both of them in my arms and held them close, crying silently as the guilt and pain poured out of me like a flood.

"I won't," I promised, my voice breaking as I kissed the tops of their heads. "I swear, I'll never leave you again. No matter what happens."

They clung to me even tighter, their tiny arms wrapped around my waist, their sobs mixing with mine. And in that moment, for the first time in years, I felt whole again.

All the pain, all the regret, all the loneliness — it didn't matter anymore.

Because right here, in my arms, was everything I'd ever lost… and everything I needed to heal.

Jasper's POV

The entire day felt unusually heavy. The office was quieter than normal, the ticking clock louder, the air colder. But none of that compared to the emptiness I felt knowing Cathy hadn't come to work. Her absence left a strange void — one I couldn't ignore no matter how hard I tried.

I told myself I was fine, that maybe she just needed some time, but deep down, I missed her — her calm presence, her gentle smile, the way her voice always softened the chaos in my mind. Still lost in thought, my gaze was fixed on the papers in front of me when James walked in, a rare excitement gleaming in his eyes.

"Sir," he said, a little breathless, "Mr. Jude and Miss Jane are back."

For a moment, I froze, unsure if I heard him right.

"What?" I asked, my heart leaping in disbelief.

"Yes, sir. They just landed," James confirmed.

Without a second thought, I rose from my chair, grabbed my coat, and rushed out of the office. I hadn't seen my younger siblings in years — my precious twins who had been overseas since they were eighteen. The memories of our last day together flashed through my mind: the tears, the promises, the way Jane had clung to me, refusing to let go, and how Jude had tried to act brave even though his eyes betrayed him.

"James," I said as we got into the car, "drive faster."

"Yes, sir," he replied immediately, and soon we were speeding through the busy streets toward the airport. My heart raced with every passing second. It had been seven long years. Seven years without seeing them. Seven years of missing their laughter, their endless teasing, their energy that always filled the house with life.

When we finally arrived, I didn't wait for James to open the door — I jumped out myself, scanning through the crowd. And then, I saw them.

"Jude! Jane!" I called out, waving as I hurried toward them.

Jane was the first to notice me. She screamed with joy and ran straight into my arms. "Jasper!" she said, wrapping me in a tight hug before planting a quick peck on my cheek.

"Hello, sweetest sibling," I said with a warm laugh, hugging her back just as tightly. The scent of her familiar perfume almost made me emotional.

Jude followed right behind, and when our eyes met, we both smiled. No words were needed. He pulled me into a brotherly hug, patting my back firmly.

"What's up, bro?" he said, his voice deeper, more mature.

I pulled back slightly, studying him. He had changed — broader shoulders, sharper features, a calm but confident aura. He looked every bit the man I always hoped he'd become. I couldn't help but smile. "You've changed a lot," I said proudly.

He grinned. "So have you, old man."

We all laughed, and for the first time in a long while, I felt peace — genuine, warm peace. The kind that only family can bring.

"Alright," I said, glancing at both of them fondly. "Let's head home. Everyone's waiting."

"Finally," Jane said, looping her arm around mine as we walked toward the exit.

As we drove home, their laughter filled the car — bright, contagious, and full of life. For a while, I forgot about all the pain, the heartbreak, the loneliness.

And though Cathy still lingered in my thoughts, I couldn't help but smile. Because today, I had my family back — and that alone made my world a little brighter.

Cathy's POV

I woke up the next morning with a strange feeling — a warmth that spread from my chest down to my fingertips. For the first time in a long while, I felt genuinely happy. I couldn't explain why, but something about the morning sunlight pouring through my thin curtains filled me with a quiet excitement.

I turned my head and saw my two precious children sleeping peacefully beside me. Their tiny faces looked so calm, so innocent. Luna's little arm was wrapped around Lucas's neck, and he was holding her hand even in his sleep. That sight alone melted my heart.

I brushed a strand of hair off Luna's face and whispered, "Wakey-wakey, my babies."

Their eyes fluttered open almost at the same time, and when they saw me smiling, they both sat up quickly and leaned forward to plant soft kisses on my cheeks.

"Good morning, Mommy!" they chorused in their sweet, sleepy voices.

That simple greeting made my heart bloom. I laughed softly and hugged them close, inhaling their fresh morning scent — a mix of baby soap and innocence.

"Alright, my loves," I said playfully, tickling them as they giggled uncontrollably. "Guess what?"

"What, Mommy?" Luna asked, her big eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"We're all going to work today!" I announced dramatically.

Their eyes widened with excitement, and they both screamed in joy. Lucas jumped off the bed, while Luna spun around, her curly hair bouncing with each turn.

"You mean we get to see your office?" Lucas asked, his face lighting up.

"Yes, baby," I said, smiling proudly. "But first, let's go freshen up."

We all ran into the tiny bathroom together, laughing like we hadn't in years. The bathroom was small, barely enough to fit the three of us, but that didn't matter. The laughter, the splashing water, and their happy giggles made it feel like the biggest, brightest place in the world.

"Mommy, you're getting wet!" Luna laughed, splashing a handful of water on me.

"Oh, really?" I teased back, pretending to splash her in return. Lucas joined in, and soon the room was filled with the sound of joy — the kind of joy I thought I had forgotten how to feel.

As I watched them, I realized something — no matter how hard life had been, no matter the pain of my past, I still had a reason to smile. They were my reason.

After we were done, I dressed them both in their best outfits — Luna in a little floral gown with matching hairbands and Lucas in his neatly pressed shirt and shorts. Seeing them so happy made my heart swell with pride.

I looked at myself in the mirror — tired eyes, yes, but there was something new in them today. Hope.

"Alright, my darlings," I said as we stood by the door, ready to leave. "Let's go make this day beautiful."

They both nodded eagerly, holding my hands tightly as we stepped out together.

And for the first time in a long while, I felt complete — like maybe, just maybe, life was finally giving me a chance to smile again.

Jasper's POV

Yesterday was nothing short of bliss. After years of being apart, sitting around the family dining table again with Jude and Jane felt like the old days — loud laughter, playful teasing, and endless stories about life abroad. The house, which had been painfully quiet for so long, was now bursting with energy again.

After dinner, while I was still sipping my wine, Jane suddenly clapped her hands dramatically and said, "I have an idea!"

I looked up suspiciously — her "ideas" were never as innocent as they sounded. "What now, Jane?" I asked with a smirk.

She grinned mischievously. "Let's go clubbing!"

"Clubbing?" I repeated, almost choking on my drink.

"Yes!" she squealed. "We've been apart for too long, and we need to celebrate properly. You work too much, big brother. Tonight, you're coming out with us — no excuses."

Before I could respond, Jude chuckled, his voice calm but teasing. "Come on, Jasper. It won't kill you to have fun once in a while. Besides, it's been ages since we all went out together."

I sighed, pretending to be reluctant, but deep down, I was already giving in. "Fine," I said, raising my hands in surrender. "But don't expect me to dance."

They both burst into laughter, and before I knew it, we were in Jane's car, loud music blasting through the speakers as we drove into the night.

The club was alive — neon lights flashing, the air thick with music, laughter, and the scent of expensive perfume. Jane, of course, was the life of the party. She danced like she owned the place, pulling everyone around her into her orbit. Jude, though quieter, still managed to draw attention effortlessly — confident, composed, and always charming.

And me? I just sat at the corner with a drink, watching them, smiling to myself. It felt good — too good. For the first time in a long time, I wasn't thinking about work, about expectations, or even about Cathy… though, no matter how hard I tried, she still slipped into my thoughts.

I could almost see her — her calm face, her shy smile, the way her eyes softened whenever she looked at me. I sighed quietly, staring down at my drink. "Why can't I get you out of my head, Cathy?" I murmured to myself.

The night passed with laughter, drinks, and a few harmless dares from Jane that made us all laugh until our stomachs hurt. For the first time in years, I felt alive again.

Now, the next morning, sunlight spilled through the curtains as I opened my eyes with a groan. My head pounded slightly — not from the drinks, but from the exhaustion of last night's chaos. Jane was sprawled across the couch, still in her glittering dress, while Jude was half-asleep at the dining table, a coffee mug in front of him.

I chuckled softly. "You both look like you got hit by a truck."

Jane opened one eye lazily. "Says the man who was smiling all through last night," she teased, her voice raspy from lack of sleep.

I shook my head, still grinning as I adjusted my shirt. "Alright, enough fun for now. I've got work to do."

Jude looked up from his mug. "I'll stop by your office this afternoon — Jane too. We'll bring lunch. Consider it a peace offering for dragging you out last night."

"Fine," I said, fastening my watch. "Just don't turn my office into another party."

Jane laughed as I grabbed my car keys. "No promises, big brother!"

As I stepped out of the house, the morning breeze brushed against my face. It was fresh, gentle — and for the first time in a long while, I felt a sense of balance. My family was home again.

Still, as I got into my car and drove toward my office, my mind drifted back to Cathy. I didn't know why, but somehow, I had this strange feeling that today… something about her would change my world again.

Chapter 7 - chapter 7