Chapter 2
"Destiny, I can't believe this. Michelle?" Jeffrey says, astonished. Destiny nods, too choked up to answer with words. Bo comes out of his office with Natalie. Everyone crowds around them.
"Well, what did you find?" Matthew asks.
"I have a couple of places I want to check out," Bo says.
"What places?" Destiny asks.
"We shouldn't share that with you right now," Natalie says. "We're all upset, but this is up to the police."
"Well, that's great," Jeffrey says. He and Matthew start to follow Bo.
Bo stops. "Um. You guys stay behind. It will just be a quick couple of searches."
"Maybe, we can help," Jeffrey says.
"That won't be necessary. We'll keep you posted, if we find anything," Bo says. "And Matthew, keep trying to reach Michelle." Matthew nods. Bo takes Shaun and Natalie along with him, leaving Destiny, Matthew and Jeffrey in the station.
Matthew huffs, pacing around the room. "I should be going with him. Drew is my son."
"Well, you won't be much help. You're too worked up," Jeffrey says.
"Of course I'm worked up. If you had a son, you'd understand," Matthew says, challengingly.
"I don't need to have kids to understand what you guys are going through. I'm just saying that Bo is right."
"Guys, don't argue," Destiny says.
"Sorry, Destiny," the boys say, simultaneously.
"All we can do now is wait for Bo to get back," Jeffrey says. Destiny leans into his shoulder, her eyes trying to stay open. "You're tired."
"And sleepy," she adds. "But, I don't want to go home. I can't stop thinking about Drew. I won't get any sleep until he's back with me."
"Come on. You can rest at our apartment," Jeffrey offers.
"Good idea," Matthew says, wanting to keep an eye on them, but mostly Jeffrey. He can't help but be a little annoyed and jealous. Jeffrey is good with Drew and everybody likes him. But, Jeffrey is too likeable. Too perfect. And that's never a good thing.
When they get to the apartment, Jeffrey moves a sleepy Destiny towards the couch.
"You don't have to sleep on the sofa," Matthew says. "You can sleep in my bed." Both Destiny and Jeffrey give him blank stares. "And… I'll sleep on the couch."
"Thanks, Matthew. But, I don't want to sleep in your bed knowing that Michelle's skanky ass has been there and now she's run away with my son."
"That's understandable," Jeffrey remarks, sly. Matthew narrows his eyes at him, while Destiny isn't looking. Jeffrey half- smiles.
"The couch is just fine," Destiny says.
"I'll stay with you," Both Matthew and Jeffrey say.
"Guys, I can take care of myself," she says. "Go get some sleep yourselves."
"I'll get you a blanket," Matthew says. While Jeffrey is sitting with Destiny, Matthew goes to look for a clean blanket. He grimaces, seeing that some of Michelle's things are still in his room. One of her tank tops is on the floor and a pair of her panties he drags from underneath the bed using his foot. He finds a plastic bag and starts bagging up all the things she left behind. Michelle was a messy girl, as well as a skanky ho. There were so many signs that he missed. He sits and thinks about the first time he and Michelle had sex. She was way too good at it to be a virgin. Did she lie about that, too? And what was the point of lying about being a virgin? Not to mention, doing it just hours upon meeting each other for the first time, in a hotel room. But, he was just desperate for some female affection.
"I'm such an idiot," Matthew says to himself. He goes to dump out the bottom half of the night stand, which he graciously let Michelle use. He pulls it out and empties the contents into the plastic bag. But, a photo going into the bag catches his eye. He puts the bag down and stares at the photo in horror. It's a picture of Michelle and Jeffrey, smiling, posing for a friendly photo. Matthew shakes away his fears. No. Because the whole time she was there, they were hostile toward each other. So, when did they ever take such a happy picture? And why does Michelle keep it? Matthew's thoughts run wild. Was she cheating? Did they already know each other? None of that is possible, he forces himself to believe. Matthew takes notice of their clothes and surroundings. Hawaiian styled tee shirts. Natives and leafy trees in the background. It's a vacation photo.
"Okay. Don't assume anything," Matthew says to himself. "You don't want to look like a fool." Matthew decides to keep the picture, but he hasn't decided on what he plans to use it for. About to head back into the living area, he remembers he was meant to get a blanket. He goes through the laundry, finding one folded clean one. Thank God for his mother. He takes the blanket to Destiny. As she is lying peacefully stretched out across the couch, he lays the blanket on top of her.
"Matthew," she moans, in her sleep. Jeffrey is asleep in the chair with his shoes off and one foot on the table. Matthew goes to knock his foot down and sees a strange tattoo on the bottom of it. He pokes Jeffrey's shoulder.
Jeffrey wakes. "What's up, Man?"
"Funny spot for a tattoo." Matthew points to Jeffrey's foot.
"Oh." Jeffrey quickly gets his shoes back on. "That's nothing."
"When people get tattoos, they usually mean something."
"Not this one." Jeffrey stands up. Matthew eyes him peculiarly. "I got it a long time ago. I was sixteen and I wanted to do something cool like get a tattoo because all my friends had one. It was stupid. It's not even a cool design."
"Why is it on the bottom of your foot where no one can see it?"
"That's the point," Jeffrey says, with a nervous chuckle. "I don't want people to see it. I had a feeling one day, I'd regret it."
Matthew is tempted to ask him about the photo he found of him and Michelle. But, he decides to save that for later, seeing that his questions about his tattoo have made Jeffrey uneasy.
"I'm really tired, man."
"Yeah, me too," Matthew says.
"Good night."
"Good night."
Jeffrey goes into his room, to get away from Matthew and his curiosity.
"Matt," Destiny asks.
"I'm right here," Matthew says, leaning down. "What do you need?"
"I close my eyes and I keep seeing Drew."
"That's bad?"
"What if he's hurting? She doesn't know anything about my baby. She doesn't know how to calm him down when he's upset and he doesn't have his teddy that Clint gave him."
"Destiny, you're thinking too much. Bo will find him."
"We should be out there searching." Destiny throws the blanket back, about to get up and Matthew stops her.
"Listen to me. Things are going to turn out fine. We'll get Drew back and Michelle is going to get what she deserves."
"You think so."
"Of course. Michelle isn't that smart. She'll make a mistake." He thinks about the photo he found in the night stand. "Try to get some sleep."
"But, I can't."
Matthew sighs. He crawls onto the sofa, getting behind Destiny.
"Thanks, Matthew," she says, when he's tucked in behind her.
"I'll always be here for you, Des," he says into her ear. "I know I've been a jerk… and blind to what really matters, but…" He looks over into her face and sees that she has dozed off. He plants a kiss on her temple and then lays down his head.
The next morning, Dani wakes up in Arturo's bed, opening her eyes to him leaning over her, staring, unhappy to see her.
"Arturo." She wipes sleep from her eyes. "You're back."
"What are you doing in my apartment?"
She frowns at his lifeless tone of voice and wonders if he is in some sort of trouble. "I wanted to be with you."
"You can't just walk in here whenever you feel like it," Arturo says, filling up a suitcase with clothes from his closet. "I almost called the police until I saw that it was you."
"I'm sorry," she says, watching him. "Where are you off to, this time?"
"Dani, you must understand that I have a life."
"I have a life, too."
"Then, go live it. Doesn't your friend, Destiny, need you right now?"
"You're trying to get rid of me," she accuses.
He sighs. "You're acting really silly."
"You've got another girl."
"That is ridiculous."
"Then, why are you treating me this way?" Dani bursts into tears.
"I don't have time for this," Arturo mutters. "Don't be here when I return." He pecks her cheek with a kiss. She watches him leave, confusion on her face. Not wanting to be alone in Arturo's apartment feeling rejected, she does what he says and gets out. Dani returns to Matthew and Jeffrey's apartment that they share with her.
"Hey, guys. I'm home," she says, opening the door. "Oh," she gasps, seeing Destiny and Matthew sleeping on the couch together, underneath a blanket. Matthew stirs and sees Dani looking at them.
"Dani, hi." He jumps. Jeffrey comes out in only his heather grey boxer shorts, stealing her attention. His abs glistening, because he forgot to dry off his chest.
"Well, hello," Dani says, fixated on Jeffrey's abdomen.
"Good morning, Dani. Matt. Des," Jeffrey says, spirited. He goes to pour himself a glass of orange juice. Destiny wakes up and smiles at Matthew.
"I'm going to go shower," Matthew says.
"Me, too," says Destiny. They pause.
"Not together, of course," Matthew tacks on quickly.
"Yeah. Cuz…. Yeah," Destiny says, giving Dani and Jeffrey a good chuckle. "I'll go after you."
"Nonsense. Ladies, first," Matthew says.
Dani shakes her head, picturing herself in Destiny's place.
"I'll just go home and shower," Destiny says. "Thanks for letting me stay the night, guys." Destiny retreats for the door. "Bye, guys."
"Bye," They all say.
Dani stares at Matthew.
"Stop looking over here. Nothing happened," Matthew says.
"Maybe you forgot, but Destiny is my girl," Jeffrey says. "I know you were just comforting her, so I'm going to let it slide… this time."
They laugh at his playful tone.
"So, where did you spend the night?" Jeffrey asks, pouring a second glass of orange juice for Dani. She goes and has a seat on a stool. She rejects the orange juice and pours herself a cup of Chardonnay. Matthew and Jeffrey stare at her.
"I can answer that."
"Shut up, Matthew," Dani barks. "I can speak for myself. And yes, I was at my boyfriend's place. That's where I spent the night. I know you two disapprove of my rich, caring, always- there- for- me- man candy, but I don't care what you think." Dani downs the liquor.
"You forgot old," Matthew sneers. Jeffrey laughs under his breath. Dani gives Matthew an icy glare.
Destiny returns to her apartment, waiting for Bo to call and tell her that they found Drew. Waiting for any news, at all. She starts to think that coming home was not a good idea as seeing all of Drew's things remind her that he isn't here. He's out there with a spiteful psycho and anything could be happening to him. Destiny cries hard into one of Drew's blankets. She starts getting phone calls from Dani, Jeffrey, Shaun, Nora, and others- all calling to check on her. But, the only call she's interested in is Bo's, and he hasn't called, yet. She just wants to be alone, but no one seems to be taking the hint.
She eventually cries herself to sleep and wakes to knocking on the door. She wraps a sheet around herself and goes to answer it.
"Matthew, what are you doing here?" she asks, after opening the door.
"I thought I should be with you."
"So, now I'm an obligation. Don't bother, if that's what this is." She starts to close the door, but Matthew puts his hand in the way.
"I'm here because I want to be."
"You're here because your crazy ex-girlfriend kidnapped my son and you feel bad about it."
"I'm trying to do what's right and you're making it very hard."
"What's right? I don't need your pity. Don't do it, if your heart isn't in it."
"First of all, Drew is our son, not just yours. And second, no one pities you, Destiny. You're a strong woman. Everyone sees that. And I don't know what you're trying to prove by rejecting my family's help, when you need all the help you can get. You don't have to work yourself to death, yet you choose to anyway."
"I don't want Buchannan money. I make my own money for me and Drew. Maybe, tell your parents to stop treating me like a charity case."
"You choose to see it that way, but its family helping family."
"I'm not your family, Matthew. You knocked me up and left me. You don't care about Drew. You never did. And when I get Drew back, you're going to go back to the same old Matthew- ignoring us, turning your nose up when you see us coming. I'm just glad that Drew is too young to notice." Matthew freezes, paralyzed by her hurtful words. "Aren't you going to say something?" she asks. "The truth hurts, doesn't it?" Destiny closes the door on him and sinks to the floor, the tears coming. She is surprised to hear him knocking again. "Go away, Buchannan."
"I'm not going anywhere, until you open this door."
"I'm done fighting with you." Minutes later, she looks through the peephole. He's still there. "Go home, Matthew," she begs.
"We're not done."
"I'm done with you."
"Okay, fine. I'm leaving. Is that really what you want?"
"It doesn't matter."
"You are the mother of my son. It matters to me."
Destiny shakes her head, and gives in. She opens the door, facing Matthew. They look at each other.
"Why was that so hard?" he asks, rhetorical.
"Shut up and get in here."
Matthew steps into Destiny's apartment as if he has just planted his feet on some foreign land. "This is the first time that I've seen your place."
"I know. Really sad, when you think about it."
"It is really sad," he agrees. He sits down. "I want things to be different between us. I'm going to be a better father to Drew, and be a better friend to you….much better…. You look like you don't believe me."
"I won't believe anything until I see it."
"That's fair." Destiny opens the door, ready for him to leave. Matthew gets up and goes, but he stops in the doorway and turns to her. "Bye, Destiny."
Destiny sighs looking at the ceiling. "Matthew, wait. You don't have to leave. I can be really rude to you, but it's just because you make me so mad."
"It's okay. I deserve it."
"No. I," she sighs deeply. "I miss you. There- I admitted it."
He bucks his eyes. "I miss you, too."
"No. What I mean is I really miss what we had, the old you- before the baby. I'm not saying I regret Drew because I don't."
"I know what you're saying."
"I mean what we had- it was special. We were like best friends."
"We were best friends," he says.
"It was great." He nods, agreeing. "But, I want something more than that."
"Destiny."
"If it's too much to ask, then just tell me I'm wrong."
"No, it's not," he says, grabbing her face. "And Jeffrey?"
"He's really nice and sweet. But he's not you. He's not who I have feelings for."
"Come here, Destiny."
Destiny goes into Matthew's arms and gasps as Matthew's hands travel up her ruffled, white blouse, fondling her breasts. She breaks away, quickly.
"What's wrong?" he asks, alarmed.
"Nothing," she says, turning back to him. He unbuttons each button and pulls the blouse down her arms, removing it. Then, he takes off her bra. Destiny shields herself with her arms. Then, Matthew takes her arms and wraps them around his neck, forcing them close enough to kiss.
"Where's your bedroom?" he asks. Destiny points and he lifts her up and heads in that direction, kissing her thick lips. Destiny gets him a condom from her medicine cabinet in the bathroom.
After he tosses her onto the bed, Destiny begins to have second thoughts. "We should talk about this."
"I'm tired of talking," Matthew says. She agrees and helps him get his shirt off and his belt undone. After getting off the rest off their clothes, Matthew presses his hard- on in between her legs, pushing it as far into her as it will go. In sync, they rock back and forth, going in and out.
"Oh God, Matthew," she exclaims. Her body quivers, as she is holding onto him tightly, digging her nails into his sweaty skin. He sucks on her neck, the feeling sending her senses into overload. Nearing her peak, her hands yank on his soft, brown hair. Matthew grunts, as he reaches his release. He falls against Destiny, exhausted, breath heavy. He gets behind her, wrapping his arms around her as they're bathed in each other's sweat.
"I feel so much better," Matthew says, against her cheek.
"Me, too."
"Destiny!" She sits up, hearing Jeffrey's voice suddenly call her name.
"You gave him a key?" Matthew asks, surprised. Jeffrey enters the room.
"Destiny, I've been trying to reach-" He pauses, stunned by the sight of Destiny and Matthew in bed together and naked. "…you."
"Jeffrey," Destiny says, her voice cracks.
"We can explain," adds Matthew. "This is not-"
"Don't bother. I have eyes," Jeffrey says, cutting him off. "I guess I'm out." Jeffrey leaves and Destiny and Matthew get their clothes on. Destiny follows him to the door.
"I was going to break up with you," Destiny says. Jeffrey turns to face her.
"So, this is just bad timing?" he asks, sarcastic. He puts the key in the palm of Destiny's hand. "Why him, Destiny, after the way he's treated you. I never took you for this kind of girl. So, are you guys together now?"
"Um," Matthew says.
"We're working things out," Destiny says.
"Destiny," Matthew says, shushing her. She glances at him, confused.
"How could you do this to me?" Jeffrey asks. "I've been nothing but good to you."
"I know, Jeffrey," she says. "I'm sorry. I don't know what else to say."
"You don't seem sorry," he counters. "I hope it was worth it." Jeffrey leaves the apartment.
Matthew and Destiny stand in silence for a moment.
"What was that?" She asks, turning to Matthew. "Why did you shush me?"
"We don't need to rush this," he says. "You should go after him."
"What for?"
"Destiny, this happened really fast."
"What are you saying, you used me?"
"No," he snaps. "We were both caught up in the moment."
"You used me. You did. Get out." She pushes him toward the door. "You still haven't learned your lesson. You want sex without everything that comes with it. No wonder you preferred that internet whore over me. I bet that's all you guys did was sleep together. You sat there and let me pour out my feelings to you and you took advantage. You're so immature, Matthew. You need to grow up." Without giving him a chance to speak, she slams the door in his face.
Matthew stands on the welcome mat, buttoning up his shirt. He knows she won't open the door back this time, so he doesn't even bother knocking.
Matthew sits in his car, trying to sort out his feelings for Destiny. He's still not ready to take on the responsibilities of fatherhood. When he sees Destiny, he sees that. And it's scary, the end of his life. But, he does love Drew, despite what people say. His phone starts buzzing. He answers without thinking.
"Destiny," he assumes.
"No, sweetie. It's Michelle."
Matthew pauses, face hard as stone.
"You thought I was Destiny. That's laughable."
"If you're not calling to give back Drew-"
"Relax. I just called to let you know how he's doing. He's doing really well. He's such a good baby."
Matthew sighs. "Tell me where you are."
"Why would I do that? That's suicide. Anyways, I'm giving Drew a good home. You don't have to worry."
"Is there a point to this conversation?"
"I already told you."
"You're a spiteful bitch, you know that? Drew has done nothing to you. He deserves to be with his family."
"I am his family now, Matthew."
She hangs up the phone. Matthew takes his rage out on the steering wheel, screaming and beating up the inside of his car.
Natalie Buchannan is escorted down the halls of Statesville Maximum Security prison by two prison guards. This is the last place she wants to be. She should be with Cutter. He's going to think she blew him off. She stands before a cell holding Allison Perkins, who is grinning at her through the bars. The woman she caught poisoning her father Clint a month earlier.
"Well, if it isn't poor little rich girl Natalie Buchannan," Allison says, smiling. "What brings you here?"
"You know why I'm here you crazy bitch," Natalie snaps. "I know that you and Michelle McCall know each other. She kidnapped Drew and we want him back."
Allison laughs, hysterically. "You think I have something to do with that?"
"You always do. You and your cult have some weird obsession with babies."
"You're barking up the wrong tree."
"And you're full of shit. You have tortured us and lied to my family for years. You have no idea how happy it makes me to see you stranded behind these bars and that your evil leader is finally dead for good. But, I'm here to make you an offer I know you can't resist, to set you free."
Allison's eyes buck, surprised and with joy. "You're just going to set me free, just like that?"
"It's only temporary. You're going to help us get Drew back."
"And after I help you, you're just going to throw me back in here? I don't think so."
"That's the deal. And you don't have a choice so you may as well agree to it."
"On what grounds?"
Natalie pauses. "It stinks in here. I know you're aching for some fresh air."
"Oh. So you're working alone?" Allison concludes. Natalie shifts, nervously. She wasn't supposed to figure that out. "You paid off the guards. Oh, the things you can do with Buchannan money."
"Agree or you're never getting out of here."
"Fine. Now release me."
Natalie is handed the cell key from a guard and she opens up the cell. Allison steps out, her grin wide.
She changes clothes and her and Natalie step outside into the fresh air. Natalie leads Allison to her car.
"It is a shame about Mitch. He was well loved," Allison says. Natalie looks at her, disgusted.
"Mitch was a psychopath. He was the devil. He is rotting in hell as we speak."
Allison is aggravated by Natalie's ill talk of her beloved leader. "Mitch may be gone, but his work lives on."
"What are you talking about?"
"There is a new 'Mitch Laurence' in town, with devoted disciples ready to bend to the will of our deceased messenger now known as St. Mitchell."
"Who? You tell me his name, right now!" Natalie demands, grabbing her by the collar of her shirt.
"You're looking at her. Hahahaha!" She laughs as Natalie stares at her, shocked and confused. "You're never going to get Drew back. A life for a life, rich girl."
"You bitch!" Natalie slams Allison against the car. They struggle against each other. She throws Allison on the ground, where the crazed woman finds a brick and reaches for it. Natalie grabs her up by the back of her hair. Allison twists around and clocks Natalie in the forehead with the brick, then takes off running down the street. Natalie falls against her car and sinks to the ground, unconscious.
It's lights out for Natalie Buchannan as Allison flees the scene, going God knows where.
Dani sits on a stool in the apartment, two glasses and a bottle of red wine before her on the counter. She fills up one glass to the rim, then starts having second thoughts. She pushes the wine back.
"I need something stronger," she says to herself. The knock at the door makes her jump. She goes and answers it. "Arturo," she says, surprised to see him. "I thought you were gone."
"I didn't want to leave the way I left at my apartment. You deserve better than that and I'm sorry."
"Aw. Don't apologize. Come in."
Arturo steps into the apartment. "Where are your friends?"
"Everybody is out," she says, fluffing up the pillows on the furniture. "Have a seat."
"Thank you, but I can't stay long."
"At least tell me where you're going."
"It's private business- work. Once I tell you, you will be too bored and stop caring."
"Try me," she says, suggestively. Arturo looks her up and down and becomes fixated on her lips, where he plants a kiss. They start making out, Arturo's hands traveling up her denim mini- skirt, hooking his fingers through her panties. He leans her back onto the sofa and places himself between her legs. The door opens.
Matthew looks away as they get decent.
"Hello, Matthew," Arturo says, his voice friendly.
"Hi," Matthews answers, scowling.
"I must go," Arturo says. He kisses Dani on the cheek, then proceeds out the door.
"I'm not in the mood for your crap," Dani warns, as she moves into the kitchen. Matthew follows and grabs up the bottle of red wine. "No comeback? What did you do? How much trouble are you in?"
Matthew glares at her.
Calling from a dark, secret location, Allison contacts Michelle on the phone.
Shaking all over and sweaty, Michelle picks up the phone.
"Hello?" she answers, her voice gloom and trembling.
"What happened? What took you so long? I thought we had a deal," Allison crows.
"We did. I mean we do. I just didn't know I was going to develop these feelings."
"What feelings?" Allison demands.
"I love Matthew."
"Whatever. I just wish you had chosen little Liam or one of Jessica's children. But, baby Drew will do just fine. He is Buchannan blood."
"After you get what you need, then you will let me go?"
"That is up to the cult to decide, my dear."
"You promised me!" Michelle screams and cries.
"Pull yourself together. How is the child?"
"He's fine. Matthew is going to hate me forever."
"Forget about him. We have a bigger fish to fry. Keep the baby alive for the harvest. We need him to be healthy. We will all meet up at the commune. Keep in touch."
"Yes, master."
"Talk to you soon."
"Good bye, master." Michelle and Allison hang up. Michelle looks back at baby Drew who is lying in a Mose's basket on the bed. She ignores his cries for affection and snorts up a long line of coke from off the night stand.