Tallis had become a ghost, a shell of her former self. Nothing brought her joy. Nothing brought her happiness. She was just...numb. Floating through the days so high that just looking at the substance would send her into an overdose. Jeremy's movements caught her attention and she watched him move in front of her. [b]“I can’t fuckin’ do this anymore. You’ve gotta talk to me, babe.”[/b] He put his thumb and pointer finger on her chin and pulled her towards him to kiss her. He lingered for a moment before backing up and resuming their eye contact. [b]“Tell me what's going on."[/b]

It took all she had not to look away.

"I see him every time I close my eyes. I can still feel his blood on me. I can hear his bones breaking and his skull splitting open." A shiver raced down her spine and she violently twitched. "This man abused me for years, took away my ability to have children, and ruined my life...but killing him was too much, Jeremy. I feel like a monster. I murdered someone. I can barely handle killing Cameron...how can I expect to kill the man that hit Taylor." And just like that, the true reason for Tallis coming back was out in the open. There would be more blood on her hands before the year was over. "I thought once he was dead he would go away...but it's like he's haunting me."

The young woman leaned forward, pressing her forehead to Jeremy's as she begged for comfort.

____________________________________________

Despite the rage that was boiling up inside her, Kaci was calm as Solo entered their cozy apartment. She took the gifts gingerly and placed them on the floor at her feet before stomping on the chocolates. "My day has been wonderful, thanks for asking, Solomon! I finally finished the baby's nursery, made myself some lunch, and then met the woman you cheated on me with. She seems like a really nice girl, Solo, I understand why you fucked her. Cute. Perky tits. Not pregnant with your child. I totally understand." A heavy sigh signaled the end of her rant and the start of her sobbing. "How could you do this to me, Solo? Even Jeremy isn't sleeping with other women on runs. Jeremy! I have given you everything, and you go and fuck another girl?"

Kaci couldn't wrap her pretty little head around the situation. Tallis had been right; she wasn't cut out to be an old lady.