Chapter Nineteen: Signs and Unwonders.

For every single thing I have gone through, it is hard to recall when something left me completely speechless.

That something is making my skin crawl. Making me want—no—NEED to leave.

Comfort food be damned.

Keith and Keiran's hands are all still on my back.

One is bringing me comfort, while the other is terrorizing me.

The warmth of one is pleasant and kind. The coldness of the other is menacing and evil.

Even without looking, I feel the standoff between the two forces.

One that will never do me harm.

One that I am not so sure of.

By now, every single eye in the room is on me. Closing my eyes, I try to breathe my fears away.

Finally, after what seems like years but likely was only minutes, a voice of reason sounds.

"Well, I don't know about y'all, but I think this food ain't going to eat itself!" Leave it to Jenna to try to defuse the tension between everyone.

"That is a great idea. Let's eat. I am sorry, Miss Magnolia, for giving you stress. Keiran, you are right. She seems like a lovely lady." Mackenzie replies sweetly.

Neither hand leaves my back.

My breathing becomes more erratic and my body shakes with a force I don't think I ever have had.

The third set of hands pulls me away from Keith and Keiran. Jenna's small, dainty, and safe hands.

My eyes are not opening, as I am not sure I want them to. Chairs get moved, and they sit me down in one.

Still shaking, I try to open my mouth but am unable to.

Fear.

"My sweet Magnolia, I am sorry more than words can say. It was never my intention to make you feel uncomfortable with me. I will do anything I can to make this up to you, my sweet flower." Keiran's words sound cold, menacing, full of hate.

Finally, opening my eyes, I take in the surrounding scene. Keith and Jenna appear concerned. Mackenzie seems scared.

Keiran. Keiran…

A vision strikes me.

Mad laughter fills the air. I'm not sure where I am, but screams are coming from a burning house.

God, let there not be children in that house!

I can hear a window break and then the cries of a child.

"Fuck! There weren't supposed to be any kids here! Fucking asshole, gave me the wrong information!" An oddly familiar voice curses. "Damn it, those kids are innocent." He wars with himself before running back toward the home.

The man enters the house and makes his way to the children. All four of them: three girls and a boy.

He grabs the littlest two and gets them to safety.

I hear two more screams. The screams of their parents, I assume.

The man brings the children to the neighbors' home, and after knocking on their door, runs.

Fire, police, and ambulance crews come quickly.

But the familiar voice is nowhere to be found.

Or is he?

Who's screaming? Can't we make them stop?

My throat hurts. Why is my throat hurting?

Voices surround me, but I can't understand them. Jenna sounds frantic. Keith is trying to calm Jenna down while getting my attention, I think.

Keiran's arms seem to be around me and that leaves me unsettled.

Again.

Another set of arms surrounds me and they make me feel comforted.

And that is when I blackout.

I wake up with a groan, and I hate groaning.

I also hate that I am not sure how I ended up in my bed. Someone likely carried me here, I am guessing.

But worse than that, is the pounding in my head. It's probably from the shouting going on between Keith and Keiran.

"What's your deal, Keiran? Why did you not stop when I begged you to? Jenna told you that Maggie was overwhelmed with everything that was going on! I told you not to come on so strong! I don't get it!" Keith yells.

"When you told me about your wife and friend, I knew your friend was going to be important. In my life. She will be everything I need for my perfect partner. You knew I needed to meet her. She must have known that we needed to meet. I don't understand your issue." Keiran yells back.

I try to keep my eyes closed. Sadly, Jenna knows when I am awake and faking it. I am praying she doesn't notice.

"Guys, is this the time for this yelling match? Really and truly? Who knows when Maggie will wake up and I think it would be best if she didn't have all this hollering, stupid men."

I just barely hold back the snort threatening to escape. It's a miracle.

I catch the sound of shuffling.

A hand grabs mine and kisses it.

Must not shudder. Must stay still.

A kiss on my forehead is next. "I am so sorry, my dear Magnolia. My brain is trying to protect you. I will protect you with everything I have within me. You are my life now. I am grateful that you have come into my life." Keiran whispers in a very creepy-sounding voice.

His voice makes me think that is what a serial killer would sound like.

I open my eyes and veer them to the side opposite of Keiran.

I am grateful when I see Jenna.

"See! She's awake. I knew you idiots would wake her up! Keiran, you need to let go of her hand."

Love it when Jenna takes over as Queen Bitch.

"I won't do that to my darlin' until I know that she is alright. My darlin', how are you doing? How's your head?"

It takes everything in me not to roll my eyes at Keiran. I do what I can to smile.

"My head hurts a bit, but I am okay. Thank you, Keiran. Have you all eaten?" The surrounding looks signify they haven't. "Please go eat!"

Keiran doesn't seem happy with this answer and tries to get me to have a different idea.

"I think it would be best that we don't leave you alone. You just went through a major shock. And I asked that Mackenzie leave us. She was upsetting you too much, my darlin'. I will take care of her. Don't you worry." He kisses my hand.

I try to smile while squeezing his hand.

"Keiran, I appreciate your taking care of me. But how can you take care of me if you neglect yourself? I want you to take care of yourself and eat. Please?" I try to look sweet and loving. It must have worked, because the smile he gave me could almost melt my heart.

"Are you sure you will be alright? I can bring you a plate or carry you into the kitchen. You should eat as well." I looked over at Jenna and Keith, and they give me two distinct looks. Keith was trying to say no and Jenna, yes.

"Maybe Jenna can help me go to the bathroom and then I can go eat. How does that sound?"

This seems to make everyone happy.

"Sounds good, Mags. Let's go!" Jenna replies and I get out of the bed.

Jenna heads to the bathroom, and Keith grabs Keiran and pulls him toward the kitchen.

"I will start you a plate, my darlin'. Call me if you need me."

I smile and the men leave.

Jenna looks at me with concern when I join her in the bathroom. I turn the sink on and make sure it's full blast. Then Jenna starts to speak.

"We need to be careful with him. Something isn't…"

I cut Jenna off. "For now, I need to pretend that I like him. Something isn't right. But we plan on leaving. Hopefully, we will be gone before things get crazy." For good measure, I go to the bathroom and wash my hands. Didn't want too many questions asked.

"You're right, Mags. Let's pray that we are close to being done with Keiran."

I nod at Jenna. I turn off the water, and we go to the kitchen.

Keiran and Keith are sitting at the table and four places are set with napkins, utensils, and drinks. I sit in between Keith and Keiran, Jenna across from me.

I smile at the plate in front of me and I look at both the men. Keiran looks at me with love and devotion. Keith looks at me like he's trying to tell me all is well.

"Sorry to keep you all waiting. Thank you all for taking care of me. Let's eat!"

And eat we did.

AN:

Hello everyone! Sorry that I have not posted this chapter but things have been weird in my house. Good, but weird.

Writing blocks stick!

What did you think about that chapter? How are we feeling about Keiran and Mackenzie?

Thank you all for reading and for your reviews. Until next time!

Stay safe.