Echoes of the Heart - 3. Chapter 3: Jeremy and Carter meet and talk after his Jeremy's return.

Jeremy entered the twins' room slowly, the door creaking softly as he stepped inside. Immediately, he felt something indescribable—a kind of electrical energy, a pull that surged through him. It was a familiar, comforting presence, like walking into a sacred space. His heart began to pound in his chest, a rapid rhythm that intensified with each step he took toward the bed. There, under the soft glow of the nightlight, he saw them—Oliver and Andrew, fast asleep, their small bodies curled up against each other, holding each other close like they had been each other’s comfort all these months.

Jeremy's breath hitched in his throat, the sight overwhelming him. He stood still for a moment, his legs weak with emotion. His sons. His boys. His heart pounded harder, his chest swelling with a mix of joy and guilt that made it difficult to breathe. The excitement of seeing them again after so long clashed violently with the deep regret that he had left them behind. How could he have done it? How could he have been away from them for so long?

Without thinking, Jeremy moved closer to the bed, his body driven purely by instinct. He sat down on the edge of the mattress, the softness sinking beneath his weight, and his trembling hands reached out to touch them. His fingers grazed their tiny arms, and they shifted slightly in their sleep, still holding each other but now more at ease under his touch.

Jeremy's throat tightened as he leaned down, pressing his lips gently against Oliver’s cheek, then Andrew’s. The moment felt surreal, like a dream he hadn’t realized he’d been having all these months. Tears welled up in his eyes, the weight of everything hitting him all at once—the lost time, the missed moments, the months without holding them, without being able to tell them how much he loved them. A tear slipped down his face as he lay on the bed beside them, curling his body around theirs protectively. His arms wrapped around his boys, holding them close, as if afraid they would disappear if he let go.

As he held them, Oliver stirred. He blinked sleepily, his small hand reaching out for something before his eyes landed on Jeremy. He squinted in the dim light, his soft, confused voice breaking the quiet.

“Daddy?” Oliver whispered, his voice thick with sleep. “Am I dreaming?”

Jeremy’s heart ached at the sound of his son’s voice, so innocent, so fragile. He shook his head gently, a sad smile tugging at his lips. “No, baby,” he whispered, his voice barely holding together.

“I’m here. I’m right here. I’m going to hold you the entire night, I promise. Go back to sleep.”

Oliver’s eyes fluttered as he rested his head against Jeremy’s chest.

“I missed you, Daddy,” he mumbled, his little voice filled with yearning. “I wanted you to come home.”

Tears slipped silently down Jeremy’s face, his arms tightening around both boys as his body trembled with emotion. His heart broke at the simple truth of it all.

‘How could I have left them for so long?’ he asked himself, the guilt gnawing at him, but there was no answer, no justification that could take away the pain of that realization.

“I’m so sorry,” Jeremy whispered, his voice breaking as he kissed the top of Oliver’s head and then Andrew’s. “I’m never leaving again... never.”

He held them closer, the warmth of their small bodies anchoring him as he wept quietly, overwhelmed by both the miracle of being with them again and the burden of having missed so much. He stayed like that, cradling his sons in his arms, vowing silently to never let them go again.

***

Carter sat at his small, cluttered table, the dim light of his apartment casting long shadows across the room. His face was serious, eyes narrowed as he worked on his latest sketches, the lines on the page slowly coming together into something tangible. Every so often, he’d pause to sip his coffee, his focus unbroken. The day had slipped away so quickly, and his mind kept circling back to Jeremy. He hadn't seen him or heard from him since the moment Jeremy returned home, and even Jeff had been absent from work. Carter didn’t mind; he was genuinely happy for them, knowing they were having a much-needed family moment.

The steady rhythm of his work was suddenly interrupted by the sound of the doorbell ringing. He blinked, momentarily thrown off, and took a deep breath, setting his pencil down before standing up. Stretching his arms over his head, he felt the stiffness in his muscles, a reminder of how long he’d been sitting there. As he approached the door, he wondered who it could be at this hour.

When Carter opened the door, his eyes widened in shock. Standing there, bathed in the soft glow of the hallway light, was Jeremy, wearing a hoodie and smiling the brightest smile Carter had ever seen on him. For a moment, the world seemed to stop. Carter’s face lit up with surprise, and tears quickly welled in his eyes as he took in the sight of the man he had missed so much.

Jeremy stood there, enjoying the look on Carter’s face, feeling a warmth he hadn’t expected. Before he could say a word, Carter gasped, “Jeremy? Oh my God, I can’t believe you’re here! This is such a surprise—I didn’t even think you'd come.”

Jeremy chuckled softly.

“I wanted to surprise you. Jeff told me you moved, so I thought I'd check out the new place.”

He extended his hand in greeting, but Carter barely glanced at it. Instead, Carter did something that completely caught Jeremy off guard. Without a word, he rushed forward, wrapping his arms tightly around Jeremy, pressing his head against his chest. Jeremy stood frozen for a moment, his eyes wide in shock, unsure of what to do. His head moved robotically, staring down at the boy clinging to him so tightly, warmth spreading through him at the unexpected embrace.

“You have no idea how much I’ve missed you,” Carter whispered, his voice muffled against Jeremy’s chest.

Slowly, hesitantly, Jeremy’s arms moved on their own, wrapping around Carter’s small frame.

“I missed you too,” he admitted, his voice quiet and filled with a tenderness that surprised even him.

Carter pulled back slightly, a radiant smile on his face, tears still glistening in his eyes. He grabbed Jeremy’s hand and led him inside, closing the door behind them. "Come on, sit down." Carter practically dragged him toward the small living room, making sure they sat close together on the couch.

“So,” Carter began, his excitement palpable, “how was your day? How did the twins react when they saw you?”

Jeremy chuckled, relaxing a little.

“As expected. They cried, clung to me, wouldn’t let me go. I spent the whole day playing with them.”

Carter laughed. “Serves you right! You left them for too long. I’d have beaten you first before I hug you if I were them.”

Jeremy smirked, but before he could respond, Carter’s expression turned serious.

“But really... where were you all these months?” He raised an eyebrow. “I tried to contact you. Wrote emails. Not a single reply. It was like you had suddenly disappeared from the face of the earth. For a man who is so known, you really were quiet.”

Jeremy’s smile faded, and he looked away, his eyes darkening.

“I’ve been... everywhere. A couple of places. I knew my mom was looking for me, so I didn’t stay in one place for too long. I didn’t wanna be found yet because I had to deal with a lot of things by myself. I just wasn’t ready to be around anyone.”

He sighed heavily.

“I had a lot of self-reflection to do. Battles I had to fight on my own. But I’m doing better now. Much better.”

Jeremy paused, glancing back at Carter.

“Jeff told me about your plan to bring me back. Very clever.”

Carter grinned sheepishly, playfully holding his ears in mock apology.

“Sorry about that. But I couldn’t just sit by and watch your kids and your mom miss you every single day. It wasn’t fair to them. And... I’m sorry if I brought you back before you were ready.”

Jeremy shook his head, a hint of a smile returning.

“I’d been gone so long that I felt guilty coming back home. But seeing them again, I don’t know if I can ever forgive myself for leaving my kids like that for so long.”

Carter’s expression softened, and he leaned in closer.

“I know you left for a reason. I’m not gonna pry. You’ll tell me when you’re ready. But…” He extended his hand toward Jeremy, his eyes serious now. “Promise me one thing. Don’t disappear like that ever again.”

Jeremy stared at Carter’s hand for a moment, then slowly extended his own, shaking Carter’s hand with a firm grip. He nodded, meeting Carter’s eyes.

Carter squealed like a child, bouncing slightly on the couch.

“Alright, come on!”

Jeremy frowned in confusion.

“Where are we going?”

Carter laughed, jumping to his feet and pulling Jeremy up with him.

“You’ve come to my new place after being gone for so long—we’re gonna celebrate. The best way I know.”

Jeremy followed Carter, still wondering where the boy was taking him, a mixture of curiosity and amusement swirling in his chest.

*

The garden outside Carter’s apartment was peaceful, the gentle swing creaking softly beneath them as it swayed back and forth. A cool breeze brushed their skin, bringing with it the scent of fresh grass and the distant hum of the city, but here it felt like their own little world. Carter, seated next to Jeremy, held a small bowl of ice cream in his hands, slowly enjoying each scoop. The evening was calm, yet electric, like something important was lingering in the air.

Jeremy glanced at Carter, his expression soft.

“So… how have you been holding up these past few months? Did you manage to find what you were looking for?”

Carter paused mid-scoop, his face clouding with frustration and exhaustion. He took a deep breath, his eyes fixed on the melting ice cream in his bowl.

“I don’t know, Jeremy,” he sighed. “Every path I’ve taken has led to a dead end. It’s like they just vanished. Either my mother and brother left the country, or they don’t want to be found.”

The weight of his words hung between them, thick and heavy. Carter took a slow lick of the ice cream, his eyes drifting off into the distance, lost in his thoughts. Jeremy watched him, the familiar pang of helplessness stirring inside him. He hated seeing Carter like this.

“Do you have a picture of them?” Jeremy asked after a moment of silence.

Carter looked up, nodding slightly.

“Yeah, I have one picture. It’s the only thing my father left me before he… before everything fell apart.”

Jeremy leaned forward, his voice steady.

“Give it to me. I’ll help you find some information. I have a few connections.”

Carter’s face lit up, a smile brightening his expression as he nudged Jeremy with his elbow.

“Are you serious? Thank you so much!” His eyes sparkled with gratitude. Then, in a teasing tone, he chuckled. “Though, I hope you don’t mind that I found myself a new place using your money.”

Jeremy laughed heartily, shaking his head. “It’s about time you upgraded, Carter. It was long overdue.”

Carter laughed too, his head tilting back as he scooped another spoonful of ice cream. “You’re right. You’ve changed a lot, but you know what? I like this new version of you.”

Jeremy smiled, though there was a nervous edge to it.

“Change is necessary. After all, someone once told me that.” His eyes flicked briefly toward Carter, as if acknowledging just how much the boy had influenced him too.

Carter blushed slightly, his smile softening. Jeremy found himself lost in the sight—Carter’s eyes glowing with warmth, the quiet joy in his expression. His heartbeat quickened, a strange rhythm that sent shivers down his spine, and he became acutely aware of how much Carter had changed, how much brighter he seemed. He hadn’t even noticed that Carter was staring back at him, calling his name softly.

“Jeremy? Jeremy, are you even listening?” Carter’s voice broke through his thoughts, followed by the snap of fingers in front of his face.

Jeremy blinked, startled, and chuckled nervously.

“Yeah, sorry. I was just… thinking about how different you look.”

“Oh?” Carter raised an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at his lips.

“You’re more lively now,” Jeremy continued, his tone soft. “Not arguing with me as much. It’s… nice.”

Carter’s smile grew, a touch of pride flickering in his eyes.

“I’ve had a lot of time to reflect on everything too.” He paused to scoop up another spoonful of ice cream, then raised an eyebrow, his grin widening mischievously. “Now, open up.”

Jeremy blinked in confusion.

“What?”

Carter held up the spoon, a playful glint in his eyes.

“I told you, we need to celebrate the best way I know how—ice cream. So, open up!”

Jeremy hesitated for a moment, but then, under Carter’s expectant gaze, he gave in. Slowly, he opened his mouth, and Carter gently fed him the ice cream. The cold sweetness melted on his tongue, but what surprised him more was Carter’s burst of laughter that followed.

“Jeremy!” Carter gasped between laughs, pointing at him. “You’ve got a stain on the side of your mouth.”

Jeremy quickly wiped at the wrong side of his mouth, missing the spot completely. Carter’s laughter grew louder as he shook his head.

“Not there. Let me help you.”

Without hesitation, Carter reached out, his fingers carefully wiping the ice cream stain from Jeremy’s mouth. Jeremy’s heart skipped a beat as Carter’s hand lingered a second longer than necessary. His gaze remained locked on Carter, feeling the warmth of his touch, once again getting lost in the moment.

Meanwhile, in the distance, a car sat parked on the edge of the lot, its engine idling. Inside, a man’s hands gripped the steering wheel with white-knuckled force, his breaths coming out harsh and ragged. The sight of Carter and Jeremy laughing together, so close, sent shockwaves of anger and envy surging through him. His entire body vibrated with barely-contained rage.

Dexter’s eyes were bloodshot, his face contorted in fury as he watched them from a distance. His vision blurred with red-hot anger. Every laugh, every smile, every innocent touch between them felt like a knife twisting in his chest. The car’s interior was suffocating, his grip tightening on the steering wheel until it groaned under the pressure.

He saw nothing but red. Jeremy was back. And worse, he was with Carter. The jealousy burned like fire in his veins, an uncontrollable force that threatened to consume him whole. His breaths were harsh, his body trembling as he continued to watch, eyes burning with a toxic mix of envy and fury.

Carter and Jeremy had no idea just how dangerous the gaze that was fixed on them had become.

***

Jeremy entered his mansion, a faint smile lingering on his lips, the echoes of his evening with Carter still swirling in his mind. The grand hallway was quiet, save for the distant rustle of footsteps approaching. Laura appeared from around the corner, her face lighting up with a warm, relieved smile as she hurried towards him.

“Jeremy! You're finally home,” Laura greeted, her voice filled with a mix of joy and concern. “I thought you were going to have dinner with us after so long. What kept you so late?”

Jeremy's smile softened, a hint of apology flickering in his eyes.

“I’m sorry, Mom. I didn’t mean to take so long… Carter kept me longer than I expected.”

At the mention of Carter’s name, Laura’s smile faltered, the warmth in her expression vanishing in an instant. Her face stiffened, the deep-seated anger she had been harboring for so long surfacing with sudden intensity.

“Carter?” she asked, her tone sharp, almost venomous. “What were you doing at his place? That boy who made you disappear from us for months? He’s the reason you left us, the reason our family fell apart!”

Jeremy sighed, knowing the argument that was about to unfold. He ran a hand through his hair, trying to keep his voice calm.

“Mom, Carter didn’t make me disappear. If anything, he helped me see that the pain and anger I was holding onto were only tearing this family apart.”

Laura’s lips tightened, her eyes flashing with resentment.

“Every time you get close to that boy, something bad happens to you! Have you forgotten how you almost died in the jungle because of him? Or how he made you disappear for months? Our family was destroyed because of him.”

Jeremy shook his head.

“You can’t blame Carter for every little thing that goes wrong in my life.”

“It’s not every little thing,” Laura snapped, her frustration boiling over. “That boy is bad luck for you, Jeremy. Don’t you see that? You two shouldn’t be friends. You shouldn’t even be near him.”

Jeremy gave her a small, weary smile. He leaned in, kissing her cheek softly.

“Mom, you’re overreacting. I’m fine.” With that, he turned and headed upstairs, leaving Laura standing there, her fists clenched, her expression one of simmering anger.

Upstairs, Jeremy entered his room, closing the door gently behind him. He leaned against it for a moment, exhaling deeply. The memories of his time with Carter played in his mind like a film reel—the laughter, the warmth, the closeness they had shared on the swing. It had been peaceful, so simple, yet it had stirred something in him he hadn’t felt in months.

Running his fingers through his hair, Jeremy pulled out his phone, his heart quickening as he scrolled through his contacts. He paused, staring at a number he hadn’t dialed in a long time. His hand hovered over the screen before he finally pressed the call button.

As the phone rang, Jeremy’s nerves began to gnaw at him. He started pacing around the room, the anxious energy flowing through him as he waited. Each ring seemed to stretch longer than the last. His mind raced—what if there was no answer? What if—

Meanwhile, in a dark, dingy room far away, the phone vibrated noisily on a dust-covered table. The room was cold, barely illuminated by the dim light slipping through the cracks in the windows. Elena’s head jerked up, her eyes widening as she heard the unmistakable sound of the ringing phone.

She struggled against the ropes that bound her wrists and ankles to the chair. Her body ached, bruised and swollen from days of captivity. Desperation surged through her as she fought to loosen the binds, her breaths quickening. The scraping sound of the chair’s legs against the floor echoed harshly as she twisted and squirmed.

“Come on… come on…” Elena muttered under her breath, the phone ringing just a few feet away, mocking her helplessness.

The chair slipped suddenly, and with a thud, she crashed onto the floor, pain searing through her body like a bolt of lightning. She groaned, tears welling in her eyes as she gritted her teeth against the pain. But she refused to give up. With one violent pull on her arm, she felt the rope loosen just slightly.

Her heart pounded in her chest, sweat dripping down her face as she pulled harder. Her body screamed in agony, but after a few agonizing moments, one of her hands slipped free from the binds. With trembling fingers, she began to work on the other hand, her swollen, bruised fingers shaking with the effort. It felt like forever, but finally, she freed herself.

Elena’s heart raced as she untied her feet, though standing was another battle. The pain in her legs nearly buckled her knees, but she pushed through it, staggering towards the phone. Her fingers brushed against the dusty table as the ringing finally stopped.

“No… no!” she gasped, her voice hoarse.

She reached for the phone, and when her eyes landed on the number that had called, a flicker of hope surged through her. A smile began to creep across her face, despite the agony.

But just as she was about to dial the number back, a sharp pain erupted at the back of her head. Her entire body jolted as the pain radiated through her skull, blinding and sudden. The phone slipped from her grasp, falling to the floor with a clatter as her hand instinctively reached up to the back of her head.

Her fingers brushed against something warm and wet—blood. Elena’s vision blurred, her knees weakening as she staggered, her breath coming out in ragged gasps. Her surroundings spun wildly, and as she sank to the ground, her eyes caught sight of a figure standing over her, a twisted, malicious grin spread across their face.

The world around her dimmed as her body collapsed, her mind struggling to cling to consciousness. That smile—the last thing she saw before everything went black.

To be continued…