Misunderstandings Among Heartbreaking Betrayal
Chap4: Zandra's
Sue had gone on as if nothing had ever happened and Leah didn't exist and Harry, being a "good" husband, obeyed and tried to do the same but wasn't very convincing. No one understands why he's such a pushover with Sue but so powerful and respected among our people. Our parents hated each other from then on. I'd, thankfully, moved away for college and never contacted them or they me ever again. I had no family and they had no son or brother and that's the way I'd planned on keeping it.
I kept in contact with a few people like Embry and Quil and occasionally sent a greeting Paul's way since he'd tried that once to get me and Leah together and his attitude towards us had changed, for the most part, since that shit had hit the fan; he was still a tool though but just his usual tool bag self. Rachel and I didn't talk again until recently, by accident, despite the fact she and Paul are married. We weren't really any better off than Leah and Harry; she'd hurt and betrayed me deeply, along with Leah, and that's not easily forgiven. It slowly a least once or twice but that's still saying something, started to change when my life changed drastically a few of months ago.
J+L=J+L=J+L=J+L=J+L
I was unhappy and didn't know why, all I knew was that I needed to get away from everything: my job, my friends, my life, everything. My spirit and Taha Aki lead me to Boston for,; I knew it was serious from that alone. I'd figure I'd stay for two or three weeks and then move on to somewhere else, but I've learned things never go as planned.
While there, I'd hooked up with a cool group of guys and we'd hit the town and they'd showed me around.
"Let's hit up Zandra's!"-one named Trevor suggested and they cheered agreement before we headed there.
I had no idea what Zandra's was but it turned out to be a nice lounge with plenty of women. The guys were thrilled at that, but surprisingly I just didn't care. I actually hadn't cared about women for a while now; eventually I did "get over" Leah and lived it up but lately, for a while now, I just wasn't interested. The moment we walked in it was like mating season: males clamoring for and trying to impress women and the women primping themselves to be noticed and chosen. But, unlike most places, in Zandra's it somehow didn't come off as sleazy or slutty. The atmosphere was different.
We got our table and a cute enough waitress named Lauren took our drink orders. She eyed us, lingering on me but I wasn't interested. She flirted and the guys shamelessly flirted back before she went to place out drink orders. We started talking about a hockey game but my spirit was restless and my palms were sweaty; I could hear Taha Aki telling me to shut up about the hockey game and look up and I was beginning to freak out. Taha Aki doesn't just show up or talk to just anyone and about just anything. So, I shut up and looked around, but didn't see anything special so I checked my phone to see if there was a message I was supposed to see and when I didn't see one I got back into the conversation. He sighed and called me stupid before I felt him leave. It was times like this that I wished I could've had my dad to talk to and explain why Taha Aki was speaking to me and dispel some of my freaking out about it.
When our drinks arrived the guys started whistling at the new waitress carrying them and it was when I heard her voice is when I paid attention. That voice tied a rope and lassoed me in. I couldn't see her face because her hair was blocking her but there was something about her. When she walked back to the bar I found myself standing to follow her.
"You can always spot an out-of-towner. Sit down you horny bastard you don't have a shot!"-one of the guys, Piston laughed.
"Nobody does, not with Zandra."-another sighed.
The entire night I watched her, begging in my mind for her to look at me! I couldn't sit still and I couldn't concentrate on anything else other than this mystery waitress whose hair wouldn't move out if the damn way. Taha Aki reappeared, telling me to get up already and stop sitting there like an idiot. When I got up I had to pee so I went to the bathroom; he sighed calling me hopeless and left me again. When I was coming back from washing my hands she was sitting our check down and brushing off their advances.
"Couldn't stay away from me could you?"-I said in her ear. I prepared myself for the usual jump my bones look women get when they see me…but it never came. This was weird and I was completely out of my element with this.
She just stood there with her mouth slightly open and her veins popping out of her neck.
"I left you speechless."-I smirked, trying to smooth things over. If my looks didn't work right away my sexy talk would.
"We're closed pay and get out!"-she exclaimed, glaring at me, then walked into a room behind the bar, slamming the door. I stood there shocked.
"You two know each other?"-somebody laughed.
"That was fun."-somebody mumbled.
"I told you! Brush it off; come on let's go."-Piston smiled, slapping me on the back.
"If she doesn't want you I'll take you."-the waitress, Lauren had said as we left. I ignored her and took one more look at the door behind the bar before walking out. What the hell was that about? No wonder she didn't like me, she was crazy; that explained it.
I couldn't sleep that night, just try to figure out what that waitress's problem was. I couldn't let it go, her go, so I left the guys and went back to Zandra's the next night. Zandra, it was a nice name but it didn't suit her. She was by far the most beautiful woman I'd ever seen! But something or someone, Taha Aki maybe, told me I was missing something.
When I got there this time I sat in the back where it was darker and just watched her as she moved about. Men constantly threw themselves at her or left huge tips. It pissed me off! I felt very possessive of this woman and I didn't even know her! Plus she yelled at me. I was drawn to her and felt like I needed her. What the hell that's about I didn't know or care.
When she struggled with a heavy box I jumped up to help her, but some tool from the back had beat me to it. I sat back down mumbling threats he couldn't hear but it made me feel better. That is until she smiled and kissed him in the cheek.
"Thank you sweetie."-I'd heard her say.
"Who the hell is that!"-I all but growled, gaining attention from patrons next to me. "Can I help you?"-I hissed glaring. I was pissed! They looked away but I could tell they probably thought I was crazy or drunk. I didn't care.
"Fuck him."-I scoffed and got up and took a seat at the end of the bar.
"Why don't you come wait on my table?"-some drunk guy said to Zandra. It was obvious he wasn't talking about an actual table.
"It's not big enough."-she smirked and those around laughed. The tool that had helped her with the box stepped forward pissed and I rolled my eyes. But, I just stared at him seeing him up close in more light, dim but brighter, and couldn't help notice he looked familiar. My spirit was getting restless again but remained under control.
"It's ok sweetie he's just drunk I can handle it, go. Go on and finish inventory."-Zara mumbled. I grounded my teeth wanting to take a bottle to "sweetie's" head then the drunk's. I can take care of her she doesn't need him! He was half her age too! What was he going to do spill his milk on him?
Lover boy nodded and left.
"Hey!"-the drunk shouted, slurring and grabbed her arm, pulling. I jumped up and got behind him.
"If I were you I'd take my hands off of her, now!"-I said just about to grab him. She snapped her fingers and a bouncer came and tossed the guy.
"Are you ok?"-I'd asked her.
"I was handling him just fine thank you!"-she hissed. Now at that point I was completely confused...and a little annoyed at her attitude.
"I just helped you out you should be thanking me!"-I exclaimed, leaning over the counter towards the crazy woman. She's still a beauty though!
"I don't want anything from you; I don't need anything from you! So why don't you just get out!"-she screamed shaking as she pointed to the door. What the hell was this broad's problem?
"Fine I'm gone!"-I shouted and walked towards the door.
"Go ahead leave, you're good at it!"-she shouted after me. I stopped and turned.
"What the hell does that mean? You say that like you know me!"-I scoffed. She looked insulted by that and when I thought I saw tears in her eyes, she slammed the door to the office behind the bar and I was escorted out.
I hopped on my bike, but was too riled up to ride off. I just didn't understand what this chick's deal was or why I cared. My spirit was restless and I could feel Taha Aki lingering too, further confusing and stressing me. I killed the engine and angrily paced back and forth, deciding to wait for this Zandra after closing.
Finally after two hours of waiting she came out, but with lover boy.
"I'll see you when you get home. Lock up tight after me and don't let anyone in!"-Zandra scolded.
"Yes mom!"-lover boy said before kissing her on the cheek. I thought he wasn't serious because usually when someone says that they're joking. Boy was I in for a surprise.
Just before she got in her car I made a move, rushing over to her…in a dark parking lot. Not the best idea but still.
"I think you owe me an apology and a thank you."-I'd said making her jump. She screamed and punched me hard in the stomach, and went to knee me in the crotch but I blocked it.
"You!"-she hissed when she got a look at me then started hitting me again.
"Hey!"-I shouted trying to dodge her, still coughing from the blow she dealt me.
"I owe you an apology? I owe you an apology?"-she shrieked. I'd caught her arms and pinned her up against her truck, trapping her between it and my body.
"Enough lady! What is your problem do I know you or something?"-I shouted confused.
"Get off of me before I call the cops! After kneeing your dick off!"-she hissed with tears in her eyes, struggling to get away.
"Maybe lover boy should've walked you to your car then."-I scoffed. He let her walk out here to her car at three in the morning; anything could've happened to her.
"Lover boy?"-she asked very confused, confused enough that she stopped struggling.
"Your little boy toy that let you walk out here all on your own in the dead of night."-I said, titling my head towards the back bar door. She laughed, hard, and had to catch her breath before speaking.
"Still a dumbass."-she giggled and I froze.
That giggle completely took me off guard and my heart pounded in my chest. I swallowed hard being very affected by that one giggle. Why is that giggle familiar, I know that giggle but from where? I tried composing myself and glared down at her.
"Sorry I don't know you're life story!"-I hissed. She stopped laughing and looked really sad and upset.
"Yes you do."- she said as tears welled in her eyes. What the hell was going on?
"How, who are you Zandra?"-I shouted, shaking her a little just as the back bar door flew open. I was desperate to know what the hell her problem was and felt like I was going crazy. She shoved me off of her when the door caught my attention.
"You think you would know your own wife."-she mumbled quietly as tears spilled. I felt terrible, scared, and confused.
"What,"-I stuttered
"Or should I say ex-wife since our parents made us get an annulment, the best thing they've ever done for me."-she said with a quivering lip, the same lip that would quiver whenever she was bullied all those years ago, the same lip I kissed on our honeymoon, the lip I cried over for months, years.
"Leah,"-I breathed, staggering back.
This wasn't happening, she wasn't right in front of me after all of these years. This was a mirage or I was gong crazy. But when I looked, I could see it. Those big brown eyes, only they held only sadness now, her raven hair, only it was down her back instead of a bob, her voice, only now it was deeper and husky, her body, only now she had curves, plenty of curves on her fit body. She looked exactly the same but completely different. She was a woman not a little girl.
It couldn't be but it was.
"Leah,"-I breathed, taking a step towards her with my hand out like a zombie trying to touch her. She backed away and that stung.
"Don't touch me, don't talk to me, don't come here anymore! Just leave me alone. I got the message long ago that you want the same."-she said angrily as lover boy and a bouncer shouted at me as they ran over. I ignored them. My heart was pounding so hard my ears were ringing and I felt like bursting into tears not knowing why or if they were happy or sad tears.
"What do you mean? I I...I..."-I had no idea what to say or where to begin. I couldn't believe she was right there in front of me! After all the years of wondering where she was, how she was, what she looked like over time, she was right in front of me!
"Please just go."-she whispered suddenly very nervous. She quickly glanced at lover boy and I felt anger rising and my possessiveness creeping in.
"What, don't want lover boy to know you were married?"-I hissed angry and hurt. As if I gave a shit about him!
"He's not my 'lover'. I just don't think it's a good idea him meeting his father as he pins his mother against her truck harassing her!"-she hissed in a whisper.
My eyes widened and my heart skipped several beats before stopping altogether. My throat was dry and the ringing in my ears got even louder. Taha Aki was there and my spirit felt different: calmer yet eager and anxious. Son, he was my son, I have a son? I recognized him because he was me!
"Mom!"-lov-her son, my son, shouted as he hugged her, giving me a death glare over her head. The bouncer grabbed my collar shaking me, but my eyes were fixated on Leah and her son while my mind was spinning a mile a minute.
"I'm alright he was just leaving."-Leah sighed, wiping her tears, but they wouldn't stop and her hands were shaking uncontrollably.
"Leah, I..."-I breathed not knowing anything about anything! I looked at them, my wife, ex-wife, and son!
"My God what did our parents do?"-I whispered when a tear fell down my cheek.
"Time to go buddy."-the bouncer said and yanked me to my bike. Leah's son, my son, had protectively walked her back into the bar with her still crying, but not before she gave me one more look. Suddenly furious, I hopped on my bike and took off. I drove like a zombie to the hotel I was staying in to grab my wallet and leave my bike, hopped a red eye flight, and headed back to a place I hadn't seen or ever wanted to see again in twenty-two years, La Push.
I'd ignored the stares, gasps, advances, and waves I'd received. I knew me coming back here was instantly the talk of the town but I didn't care or have time to. I was on a mission and marched straight to my destination: the little red house I grew up in and worked hard to leave.
I burst through the door knowing it was always unlocked.
"Jacob?"-my dad gasped as he jumped up, dropping his glass of water. I squared up, marched over to him and punched him in the face, hard. I hadn't cared he was my dad or what I was doing I just wanted him in pain, lots of pain. It was long overdue. He fell back hard, slamming on the floor just when Sarah came running out screaming.
"Hello mother,"-I spit.
"Jacob!"-she gasped as she jumped out of her skin as if she'd seen a ghost.
Whelp that spread just as fast as me and Leah's marriage and crowds had "casually" gathered at neighboring houses while I was inside going ballistic. I'd demanded Harry and Sue get their asses over there or I'd give them the same treatment I was giving my parents. They were very nervous and scared but no one was thrilled to see me and the feeling was mutual.
"You're a man now."-Billy started proudly through his hand over his bloody nose, as if I was there to catch up.
"I want to know everything now!"-I shouted, slamming my hand on the kitchen table where I'd made them sit, cracking it. They all jumped and Sarah and Sue looked mortified and for once, silent letting me know they knew exactly why I was there.
"What do you mean there's noth-"-Sarah started feebly.
"Bullshit! Not ten hours ago I saw Leah...and my son! Start talking!"-I shouted, punching my hand through a wall this time. They all jumped, shocked and scared, looking between one another. Sue and Sarah tried hiding beside their husbands. but, Billy was confused and that caught my attention.
"What do you mean your son?"-he asked slowly. Sue and Sarah quickly looked at each other while Harry, the coward, kept his head down.
It turns out while they sent me to get "scared straight" Sarah had run into Leah who'd desperately wanted to see me or just know how I was. It was then that Sarah was so incensed by Leah's audacity to ask to see me that she'd told her that I hated her for all the trouble she caused and decided to run away and that I wasn't coming back. Leah had burst into tears. With not seeing me, how I'd been treating her from feeling guilty about our pitiful honeymoon, and never getting a chance to explain why, she'd believed them. Sue thought it was true at first but found out the truth when her and Sarah got into an argument at the supermarket one evening. Sarah thought it would serve Leah right for the stress and embarrassment she put on the family.
Soon Leah had started getting sick so they took her to the doctors and found out she was three months pregnant, pregnant! Sue couldn't be consoled and was furious. She refused to have anyone find out, so she begged family members to take Leah in. Finally Harry's older distant cousin Zandra, agreed. It killed Harry but he never spoke up so he was just as guilty and Seth followed what his parents said and cut contact with her. Sarah wanted Leah on a platter when Sue told her what "her stupid son had done" and wanted me on a platter in return. So Leah was gone and she wasn't allowed back; all three of them had banned her as members of the council.
They knew if Billy found out about the pregnancy he wouldn't have allowed Leah to be tossed out and would've no doubt let us remarry and live together. So they agreed to keep it from him. When I'd gotten back they'd fed me the same lie they'd told Leah.
Billy was shocked, furious, and heartbroken when this news broke. But I reminded him how he was barely any better than they were. He seemed ashamed but his pride wouldn't let him admit it or his wrongs, nor apologize to me. They were all like that except Harry who couldn't even look up at me.
"I never would've even found out or found her if Taha Aki handed guided me and instructed me to go to Boston and pay attention."-I breathed, heaving with anger. Billy's head popped up.
"He talked to you?"-he gasped as did everyone else.
"Yeah he did."-I said distracted as the back door opened and Rachel burst through.
"How? When? About what? Oh my gosh this is huge son!"-he exclaimed jumping up, te rest with shocked, confused, and eager faces. I clenched my jaw and the look on my face was murderous; he stepped back but the look behind his eyes were a mixture of many things, pride and a million questions being two of them. Having gotten the information I came for, I stormed out of the house straight pass Rachel, hopped back on a plane, back to Leah and her son, our son.
It's been three months and Leah's insulted, threatened, hit, and hated me the whole way, shouting at me to leave and to leave her alone. But, sometime she stiffens nervously, or watches me when she thinks I'm not looking, before she catches herself and hates me all over again and I have to bulldoze through even more walls. She likes me around spending time with Jr. though; she almost kind of told me one day while yelling at me and kicking me in the shins.
I'd explained most things that had happened and the truth. There is no way I could possibly apologize for all she's been through and what I put her through with making her feel unwanted. We were both hurt by others and lied to, it wasn't us, but the more than two decades of thinking it was made it hard to get past and realize. I know she still wants me but she's hurt, broken, and trusts no one and I respect and understand that and will give her time. But I'm never giving up and I'm only giving her but so much time; we've already wasted twenty-two years.
Back then I was a boy with no real clue on how to be there for her or protect us both from those that meant us no good, or be a good husband. Not anymore. I'm a man now and am more than capable of doing all of the above and keeping us protected from whatever we face, all three of us, and will never allow another soul to hurt her, myself, or our son. So Leah better get used to me because I'm not going anywhere ever again. Because of all the years of pretty much doing it on her own and feeling alone, she needs to get used to having someone look out for her for a change and not have to be alone or do everything for herself and our son, him to. Some days I feel like I'm making leeway while on others I feel completely hopeless. We were thrown for a curveball and inadvertently got a little closer one particular day when the doorbell rang and Leah answered it. None of us were expecting this.
AN: Hope you like! Thanks for all the adds, faves, follows, reviews, & messages they are much loved. As I've said my laptop if bleh even after buying the new part & now having to buy an additional one despite being told I didn't. I've been trying all different things to no avail but it actually came on today & I wanted to hurry & get this out before it shut off or blacked out like it usually does. I've been gone for a while for a few reasons & want to get back into writing all of my stories & some new ones, even want to venture into Star Trek, & hope it coming on is a good sign. This was already written, only needing editing which is why I've UD this one & not others, but they're on the way so bare with me. Only one chap left for this & it's complete…sort of. I'd write more but I have to call it a night…morning. Fingers crossed it comes on when get home later this afternoon!
The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few…so I need you to read then I need you to review…I'm exhausted, in pain, & have to be up in like three hours so I can't give a snarky line with a crazy current event topic *starts to shrug but grabs shoulder in pain & ends up yawning*
