Karma is definitely a b*tch but in a good way

-Damien

I looked ahead of me as I parked the car a bit far away from the house. The parking was full so I had to. I didn't expect so many people to show up at Lila's funeral but again how could have I. I never gave her a chance to speak.

Rain picked up Amber as she exited the car. I could see Rain was struggling with Amber so I took her from Rain. Rain didn't say a word but her face fell. I didn't want to hurt her feelings but I knew she wasn't capable of carrying Amber.

Amber rested her head on my shoulder, ready to doze off. Whatever Rain says but I am taking her to a doctor. It is not good to sleep this much.

We reached the house. It wasn't anything outstanding but looked like a cozy two storey house. I turned around to see there was a park behind. I still remember this park. It is the same place I met that six year old girl who passed me her courage with that locket. I was thirteen at that time and even if this town is small I never saw that girl again. As if she vanished.

I turned back as Rain rang the door bell and the song 'I am a Barbie girl' played. This completely woke up Amber as if she realized she has reached her nana's house. She looked at me and I winked at her. She graced me with a smile that would always make my day.

The door opened and Naomi, Amber's nana graced us with her presence. She squealed like a child as she pulled Rain in a bear hug. I am not a fan of hugs but I knew that hug meant so much to both the women. I could see the unshed tears in Naomi's eyes. I was also sure that Rain was also on verges of crying. I just knew it.

"Where is my cupcake?", she said a bit too loudly and Amber started bouncing in my arms ready to jump. Maybe Naomi said it loudly to catch Amber's attention.

She took Amber from my arms. More like snatched her from my arms. She completely ignored me as if I didn't exist. I swallowed the chuckle that was rising my throat. She is something different. I heard Rain chuckle ahead. Maybe she also find it funny.

Soon Walton came in the picture as we entered the house. Both the women were so busy that they didn't see Walton passing me an apologetic smile. He took Amber in his arms.

Everyone came around and started mingling with each other. I looked around and found a quiet corner to stand. I kept my eyes on Amber to make sure she wasn't uncomfortable.

I looked around the house to absorb as much the essence of the house as much as possible. I wanted Rain and Amber to feel that my house is their home.

I looked outside and the park was clearly visible. I sighed as I remember that cold afternoon. I never knew Rain lived so near to this park.

*~*

I parked my car near to the park. The snow has gathered around my boots. But I didn't care. Neither about the weather nor about me being underage to drive. No one has the the power to say a word to me except sir and my mother.

I have never been to this park of the town. But I was just running today and somehow ended up here. I am running from everything; my past, my present and my future. It is all just so suffocating. I can't live up to anyone's expectation.

Pathetic

I am pathetic. I have to rule the underworld and here I am feeling miserable at murdering a woman. It was first time I murdered a woman. I never wanted to but I couldn't do anything to stop because if I shouldn't have killed her, sir should have beaten me.

I sighed and rubbed my hands as I walked inside the park. The park was deserted and as if even people should been near then also no one should have reached to me. I am very hostile.

I looked a bit further and say a little girl sitting alone on a bench. She looked three to four years old. I looked around for her parents but no one was there. I frowned. Who leaves such a small child alone in the park in such weather?

I became curious so I made my way to her. She didn't notice me. She was busy munching her chocolate. I sat next to her. But not before removing the snow from the bench. It was only after I sat that she noticed me.

"Hey!" , I said as softly as possible. She looked in my direction while rubbing away the chocolate on her lips with the sleeve of her black sweater. She looked at me or more likely assessed me to know if I was any danger.

I passed her a soft smile. She smiled back in return. It was the first time someone passed me a genuine smile. Most probably because she didn't know who I was. But if felt nice and moreover refreshing.

"Hey!", she said softly. Her voice very clear for her age.

"How old are you?", I asked.

"Six.", she said. Her answer crisp and precise. Nothing more and nothing less.

I was taken aback. She looked max about four. I didn't expect that she would say six.

But again looks can be decisive. Just like me. People say I look like an angel but what I do is worst than what a devil does.

"So what is your name?", I asked. She shook her head.

"Papa says not to tell my name to stranger. You know stranger danger.", she said in a cautious tone.

I chuckled at her innocence. Darling if I want I would have your like history in just matters of hours. But I never voiced my thoughts.

"Why do you sit here all alone?", I asked her.

"Just enjoying the weather.", she said.

"This is no weather to enjoy.", I told her with my distaste for snow dripping in my voice.

"White means peace. So it provides me with peace.", she said. I simply nodded. She indeed look content.

"But why are you here?", she asked me.

I didn't know what to say. I don't know myself why I was there. How could I tell her that a thirteen years old boy was running. It will be so bashing.

"Just for a stroll.", I said.

"Your prior silence say you are lying.", she stated casually. I was speechless. How could such a small child understand that? I looked at her and saw she was looking at the grey sky covered with clouds weighing with snow.

"You caught me.", I said as my body stiffen. She didn't say anything.

"Lying is bad.", she finally said. I sighed and muttered a sorry. She looked at me and smiled.

"I was feeling guilty for a reason so I ran from the house to get some fresh air.", I told her. She made a cute confused face.

"What is guilty?", she asked.

I let go of a laugh. I have laughed after so long. Maybe she is not as smart as I thought.

"Guilty is when you feel bad for some reason.", I explained her. She nodded her head in a way as if she was analyzing everything.

How cute!

"Why are you guilty?", she asked that question that I wasn't ready to answer.

"I can't tell you that. You know stranger danger.", I repeated the same line she said.

She pouted. Maybe she was curious. Then again all kids are curious.

"I won't tell anyone. I pinky promise.", she said sweetly.

I made an apologetic face as I shook my head.

She sighed.

"But why can't you go back home?", she asked.

"Because I don't have the courage.", I said truthfully. It felt nice sharing my burden. My shoulder felt lighter and my about to be murdered heart felt at peace.

"I know what can be done!", she exclaimed. Just as she said that snow started falling again.

I looked at her to see her removing her locket in which it was written 'with love'.

She signalled me to come closer and I complied. She placed her locket in her tiny palms as she opened it. It had two photos. One of a man and other of a woman. Most probably her parents.

"You know when ever I feel sad this gives me courage.", she said pointing in the direction of the picture. Love and adoration swimming in her blue orbs. Something I lack for my parents but not like they deserve it.

"This is my papa. He is my superhero and is super strong.", she said pointing in the direction of the man in one of the two heart frame of the locket.

"This is my momma and she makes the best food.", she added pointing in the direction of woman in the other frame.

"I have then in real life so I don't need the photo. So you can have it. They will give you courage too.", she said placing the locket in my palm.

I didn't know what to say. I was at lost of words. Was this kindness?

"It is snowing I need to go back home. Hot coco and papa must be waiting for me.", she said as she swiftly got down the bench and ran in the direction of the exit.

I fisted the locket in my palm as I got up from the bench.

"Wait!", I called.

She turned around around with a smile and waved at me. Before I could say anything else, she turned around and ran to where her house was.

I looked around to see what I was left with. A half eaten chocolate of that girl, her locket and maybe with courage.

Courage to face the past, present and future. Maybe because one day I meet her again and with pride tell her that I fought with my situation with courage.

Yes courage!

*~*

I was brought out of my day dreaming when a man stepped on my left foot. I looked in his direction and passed him my deathly glare. He muttered a shaky sorry and vanished.

I looked ahead of me to see Amber was in Naomi's arms. She looked really happy. Then my eyes fell on Rain. She was talking to a boy. I couldn't see his face so I concentrated on Rain's expressions.

Usually when she meets people she has a gentle smile on her face but while talking to this boy, she had no smile on her face. Her eyes were cold and face neutral.

Something is off. I thought to myself. I tried focusing on their conversations but the pathetic lives around her made it difficult.

I looked at them and found Rain nodding her head.

I think the boy said something as they started making their way up the stairs. What are they up to? I wanted to stop and ask Rain but I knew I had no right to. She may be the mother of my child but she isn't yet mine.

Soon both of them vanished somewhere upstairs. Most probably in Rain's room.

I sighed. There wasn't much that could be done by me so I made my way to Naomi. But I was so lost that mid way I stumbled upon the table. The photograph on the table fell. But luckily the photo didn't crack. I bent down and picked it up.

As I turned the photo around I couldn't help the frown that made its way to my forehead. What is the photo of this woman doing in Rain's house.

Before I could think of anything else, Naomi made her way to me and passed Amber in my arms.

"My old arms can't hold her any longer.", she said dramatically.

"Who is this Naomi?", I asked pointing in the direction of the photo.

"This? This is my daughter and Rain's mother.", she said softly.

This is Rain's mother. That means that girl, she was Rain? I didn't know how to react to this news. Karma plays it's fair share of game but I didn't know that the world was this small. Like how can it be?

Before I could ask anything from Naomi she left. I felt Amber tap my cheek. I looked at her and passed her a grin. She passed me a questionable look.

"You know I am one of the luckiest man in the world.", I said as I made my way back to the quiet corner.

I still have that locket with me safely. Maybe I can please Rain. I thought. I looked up to see Rain has still not come down. It had started to worry me. I thought of going up but before I could move, the door bell rang and Samuel entered. As soon as Amber saw him she started jumping in my arms. What is so great about him?

"My princess!", he exclaimed as he made his way to us. He took Amber from my arms and kissed her cheeks. This all annoyed me.

"Hi Mr Black.", Samuel said and I just nodded my head.

"Ah, just a thing I wanted to tell you that tomorrow is doll's birthday. Though she doesn't like celebrating her birthday but still I thought I should tell you.", Samuel said.

I wanted to thank him but my ego didn't let me do that. I again nod my head.

God! I didn't know it is Rain's birthday tomorrow. But I have the perfect gift for her.

"No!", I heard a female yell from up. Followed by banging of door. My heart beat increased. Could it be Rain?

Before I could dash up she herself came down. She wasn't crying so that was a relief. Her face was stoic but her stature didn't go unnoticed by me.

Vulnerable

"Rain..."

Naomi tried stopping her mid way but she ignored her and stood directly in front of me.

"Lets go.", she said. Her voice emotionless. What is wrong with her.