Broken vows

"I know" I said with a slight smile as I let my eyes slowly shut.

————————

Jai's POV

I slowly opened my eyes and I struggled to move as Ashley laid on top of me sleeping gently. A soft smile crept across my face, as I gently played with her hair, realizing the weight of stress on both of us because we would be on a flight to Tokyo tonight. The anticipation of the unknown lingered. Who knows what would happen if we were spotted. I knew I would do the deal tonight so she could relax and unwind before our flight. Her well-being meant everything to me, and she means so much to me, I want her to be comfortable. I heard a soft moan from Ashley as she stretched.

"Morning" I laughed as she turned to me.

"Morning" she smiled as she leant closer in and kissed me. She placed her head back on my chest.

It was quiet for a moment before I spoke, "I'll do the deal tonight".

"Why" she questioned with a snarky tone.

"So, you can pack and everything" I said while lightly laughing at her attitude.

"I have all day" she snapped back.

"Ashley, I just think it would be easier for you. You can enjoy yourself and wind down before our flight" I said stroking her head.

"I can't be stuck here alone in my thoughts all day" she moaned while rolling off the bed.

"We will be okay" I said as she glanced over to me. "I'll get everything organised" I added.

Ashley left the room, and I stayed in bed. I knew I would ask Maria to take charge while we were gone and to keep everything on the down low. I didn't want to put the responsibility on her, but I knew she was the smartest out of the group.

Ashley's POV

I made my way to the kitchen and began to make me and Jai a coffee. I soon finished and held the warm cups in my hands before walking back into the bedroom. I handed one of the mugs to Jai with a smile as I sat down next to him.

"We need to make a stop at the house" I said looking at Jai. "We need to let them know our plans" I continued.

"Yeah, we will leave soon. I was thinking we put Maria in charge while we are gone. She is the most responsible and she knows what to do in most situations" Jai smiled before taking a sip.

"Yeah, I guess, I just feel bad leaving" I said softly while taking a sip.

"I know" Jai said with a sigh.

I reached for the remote and turned on the tv while sipping on my coffee. A million thoughts swarming my head. I knew I was over thinking. I knew I would be fine. I finished my coffee and stood up from the bed. I needed to start getting ready.

"I'm going to get ready" I smiled walking to the bathroom.

"Yep" I heard Jai smile.

I walked into the bathroom and brushed my dark brown hair which use to be crimson red. Before we moved, I had completely changed my appearance by dying my hair. The change gave me courage to embark a new life in an unfamiliar country. I started to eat and change my unhealthy. I looked like myself again, the girl I was before I moved to Tokyo, but with dark brown hair. I placed the hair brush down and picked up my makeup bag. I soon finished my makeup just doing a simple look. I walked out of the bathroom and to the closet. I pulled out a simple black mini dress and wriggled into the dress. I pulled put a large black trench coat and though it on over the dress and walked out of my room and into the kitchen where Jai sat waiting.

"Finally." he laughed. I rolled my eyes and followed Jai out of the door.

We got into the car speeding into the busy streets, the house wasn't too far away. We kept all of our stock here, and our close employees lived here. We would occasionally visit to see how things were going. We were getting closer and closer, and I wondered if they knew about Kurt and what happned. I became more nervous as we pulled into the driveway.

I swung open the door and stepped out flicking the hair out of my face. I waited for Jai to join my side as we started to walk closer to the front door. I unlocked the door and walked through the large entrance to the living room where I saw Maria and Chloe crying on the couch. I felt my lips quiver into a frown as I slowly walked closer and sat next to them both.

"Are you okay" I said holding Maria's hand.

"It just hurts" she cried. I grabbed her head and brought to my chest.

"I know, I know" I said softly as I held her close.

I grabbed Chloe's hand and held it as she sobbed. I tried to calm them both down.

"Where are the boy's" I questioned as their cries became lighter.

"To find the men that killed him" Chloe spoke. I looked up to her.

"Chloe, they're all dead" I said a bit confused.

Maria started to sit up as she looked up at me. I looked away in guilt.

"I need to ask a favour" I said low looking away.

"What is it" Maria spoke.

"I – We are going out of town" I said low looking back to them.

"For how long" Chloe spoke her voice trembling.

"I don't know. Not for too long" I replied.

"Why" Maria said looking at me.

"My sisters getting married. I promise nothing will happen while I'm gone. Just stay on the down low" I said searching their eyes for hope.

"I don't know how long I can do this" Chloe said low looking away from me. I watched as Maria turned to Chloe.

"Yeah, I don't want to end up like Kurt" she said as her voice broke.

"I promise once we get back, we will resolve this. We can find an alternative. I just need you guys to do this for me" I said beggingly.

I watched as the girl's exchanged glances, uncertainty spread across their faces as I watched as they hesitantly nodded their heads. I had no plan. They had signed up for this, they had willingly entered this lifestyle knowing the dangers. They knew exactly what to expect. I couldn't change anything. They had no escape from my grip, except death.

I rose up from the couch, shooting Jai a meaningful glance. He trailed behind me as I left the house. I got into the passenger's seat and slumped down with a huff. The weight of my stress lingered, uncertain about everything. The girls were so distraught I didn't know if they could handle this responsibility. I looked to Jai and gave him a subtle smile before we pulled out of the driveway, just as the boys were returning. I slightly waved at them before driving away, leaving them in the rear-view mirror.

...

I walked into the house and went to my room, the air hung heavy of anticipation. Jai had gone out to do a crucial deal. This was important so I hoped he wouldn't mess this up. I walked to the closet and pulled out a large suitcase and dropped it on the floor before reaching above and throwing Jai's suitcase down. I started to search through the closet picking out some clothing. I sighed in annoyance. I needed to go shopping for a dress for the wedding. I through the things on the floor and walked into the bathroom. I picked up my essentials, my hair stuff and my makeup and stuffed it in a small bag. I walked back into the closet and sat down. I started to fold the clothes while my hands trembled. Annoyance melted into sorrow as tears welled, memories flooding my consciousness. I had vowed to never return to Tokyo but here I was packing to willingly go back. I dropped the folded shirt that was in my hands and covered my face with my shaking hands. I backed up to the wall and let my head fall into the knees, letting the memories wash over as tears escaped. The very act of packing became a painful journey through my past.

I tried to calm myself down, but it was no use. I stood up weak and dragged myself to the kitchen. Desperation led me to a bottle of whiskey hidden in the top cupboard. I pulled out a glass and poured a little into the glass. I put the bottle back and picked up my glass. I slowly walked back into my room in tears. I promised myself I would limit my alcohol intake, but it was my only escape. While not as reckless as before, a single glass often blurred the lines. I sat back down on the closet floor and took a deep breathe while tears still streamed down my face. I took a sip and smiled low to myself. I placed the glass next to me, the weight of the glass and the weight of memories intermingled as I continued to pack my suitcase and soon after Jai's.

...

I let out a big sigh as I finally zipped up the suitcase. I fell back onto my knees with a huff, weariness seeping through every pore. I turned to my side and picked up my glass and finished the rest of the content. I smiled low as I downed the remnants. I built up the strength to lift myself up and I dragged the suitcases out of our room and down the hallway near our front door, their weight matching the burdens I carried. My gaze fixated on the oversized hung on the wall. It was almost 8 and Jai would be home soon after that. I sat down at the couch my eyes remained fixated on the clock, each passing second building up the anticipation, anxiety fluttering as I awaited Jai's call. I knew the deal wouldn't take long. It was a quick exchange. I just wanted confirmation that if everything went smoothly. As I strained to keep my eyes open, the accumulated stress overpowered me.

...

The abrupt slam of the front door jolted me, snapping me back to consciousness. Blinking away the remnants of sleep, I watched as Jai tossed the bag onto the table. A smile graced my lips as I stretched and rose from the couch. I snuck up behind Jai and embraced him in a hug.

"Everything went okay?" I smiled, finding comfort in the embrace of his body.

"Yep," he replied softly, turning to face me. His arms wrapped around my neck, drawing me in close. I rested my head on his chest, a wide smile playing on my lips.

"I love you" he whispered lightly.

"I love you too" I replied as my stomach turned. I gently pulled away and grinned as stood on my tiptoes. I cupped his face and drew him closer and gave him a soft kiss.

"Everything's packed" I spoke as I pulled the bar stood from under the table and sat down.

"Okay, thank you" he smiled while he opened the bag. "We have to get leaving soon" he continued. I nodded lightly and shot him a smile.