Sorry for the wait. I've been busy. I just transferred colleges which caused me to move back home to commute. I started classes a week ago and I already have a load of work to do. I didn't post because, I did not need any distractions.
Thanks to those who were patient. I know I said I was going to update last Friday and I tried but my flash-drive couldn't be found in my laptop. It's fixed now.
To make things up to you, I've given a preview of an upcoming chapter. Enjoy.
/ / / / / / / / / /
Beck walked into the Gentlemen's Club with his two friends, Colton and Derek. The place was packed and live. Music was blasting, men all sat at tables drinking, eating, and laughing. There were women giving lap dances, more dancing on poles as perverted men cheered them on throwing cash at them. Beck shook his head in disgust.
Derek: Dude, are you listening?
Beck: Huh, what?
Derek: Let's get a table.
Beck followed his two friends over to a table and sat.
Beck: I'm only getting a drink after that, I'm gone.
Colton: Lighten up Beck.
Derek: How could you not like this?
Beck took another look around the club.
Beck: Where should I start?
Colton: Why don't we order you a lap dance?
Beck: No.
Derek: Want to go watch the ladies?
Beck: No.
Beck stood up from the table walking away, his two friends shrugged. Beck walked over to the bar and sat down. A bartender dressed in a tight skirt wearing only a bra approached Beck, he looked at the woman and sighed.
Beck: Just a Black Velvet, please.
Beck handed the woman his money, she nodded making his drink.
Bartender: You don't look too happy to be here tonight.
The bartender handed Beck his drink, he took a sip.
Beck: I'm not.
Jade sat backstage, she was touching up on her makeup. A woman walked in and up to her.
Avril: Alright Jade, you're up.
Jade stood up pulling down her tight skirt.
Jade: How is it out there?
Avril: It's packed and wild tonight.
The woman held up a stack of cash showing Jade as she walked away. Jade waited as she heard her stage name announced as she made her way out on stage. Jade took her time as she seductively walked over to a pole in the center of the stage, immediately becoming surrounding by greedy, chanting men cheering her on.
Colton: Back so soon?
Beck sat down at the table with his friend.
Beck: I don't want to seem like such a downer tonight.
Colton: That's the spirit Beck. Just chill out and enjoy the ladies.
Beck: Where did Derek go?
Colton: He's up there.
Beck's friend gestured towards the stage of dancing strippers.
Beck: Man, what a way to waste money.
Beck watched as the men sat around the stage throwing money on the strippers. Beck thought they were acting like idiots, he shook his head in disgust.
Colton: That one bitch must be popular.
Beck looked ahead at the one stripper who attracted most of the crowd.
Colton: She kinda reminds me of someone.
Beck studied the woman as she slid down from the pole nearly naked collecting cash from the floor.
Colton: Remember that scary chick from college?
Jade walked away leaving the stage as she headed backstage, Beck watched her closely.
Colton: Sheryl? Linda? Carla?
Beck: Jade!
Colton: Oh yeah.
Beck: That's Jade!
Beck pounced out his chair as he ran catching up with Jade.
Beck: Jade! Jade! Jade!
Jade was surprised to hear her real name over the loud music, she turned meeting with Beck's eyes. Jade grew shocked.
Jade: Beck?
Jade stopped in her tracks as Beck caught up with her out of breath.
Beck: What the hell are you doing here?
Jade: I could be asking you the same question.
Beck: Is this what you do? Stripping naked, for, for fools?
Beck became angry losing his patience.
Beck: That's it, that is it! I've had it!
Jade: I have to go.
Jade turned to leave, Beck grabbed her by her arm.
Beck: You've crossed the line Jade!
Jade: Shh, shut up!
Jade looked around in a panic.
Jade: I don't want these morons knowing my name.
Beck: This is what you do, huh? Strip?
Jade: What? You think you're better than me?
Beck walked closer to Jade with an angry look on his face. He spoke in a serious tone.
Beck: I am calling my lawyer first thing in the morning, this takes the cake.
Jade: Call your lawyer and I'll call mine, you pedophile.
Beck became silent, he knew it wasn't a good look for him to be seen at a gentlemen's club.
Jade: You're not better than me, you're worse.
Beck: I could lose my job if you open your mouth.
Jade: I can lose everything if you open yours, Mr. Oliver.
Jade gave Beck a dirty look before turning away walking off backstage. Beck didn't try stopping her, instead he walked back over to his friends.
Colton: There you are.
Derek: What's wrong man?
Beck: Jade.
Colton: So, that was her?
Beck: (nods) Yeah. I'm gonna head home.
Derek: But dude, we haven't been here for an hour.
Beck: Have a great birthday Derek. I'll see you guys later.
Beck felt for his car keys in his pocket taking them out. He gave a nod to his friends before walking away from their table making his way out.
/ / / / / / / / / /
A few days later, Beck nervously sat in his lawyer's office waiting. He tapped his fingers on the chair as he listened to his heart pounding from his chest.
Conrad: Alright Beck, sorry for the wait.
Beck's lawyer took a seat at his desk in front of Beck.
Conrad: You okay?
Beck: I just have a lot on my mind, that's all.
Beck's lawyer reached for a letter on his desk, he held it for Beck to see.
Conrad: I received a fax today from Jade's attorney.
Beck felt anxious, he was afraid Jade told her lawyer about their meeting, a few nights ago.
Conrad: Some complaints were made by Jade.
Beck: Complaints? About what?
Conrad: She says you don't have enough space to provide for your children.
Beck: Well, what does she expect? I have a one bedroom apartment.
Conrad: She also says you work fulltime and she's part time.
Beck: That's not a problem, my mom doesn't mind watching them.
Conrad: Uh, yeah, Jade mentioned your mother too.
Beck's lawyer looked closely to the letter, reading off Jade's complaint.
Conrad: She feels concerned for your mother's age.
Beck: Okay, just stop. This is getting ridiculous.
Conrad: Mr. Oliver, the mother's concerns do prove a point.
Beck: My mother enjoys watching my kids.
Conrad: Not that, your apartment.
Beck sighed frustrated, he nodded agreeing with his lawyer.
Conrad: You have no chances of winning this case if you can't provide enough space.
Beck: What do you expect me to do on a teacher's budget?
Conrad: Rent a house, buy some beds, do the best you can.
Beck: How long do I have?
/ / / / / / / / / / / / / /
A couple days later, it was Friday, Beck's day to get the kids. Jade was busy packing the kids' duffle bag in a rush due to Beck texting her announcing he'd be there soon. Jade packed the duffle bag, carelessly stuffing clothes into it annoyed with Zeek.
Zeek: Come on Jade, stop bitching around.
Jade: Would you please, give me some space?
Zeek: You don't need space.
Jade zipped the duffle bag closed leaving it on the floor. She walked out the room, Zeek followed behind her.
Jade: Why are you following me?
The toddlers all sat on the floor of the living room rolling an old blue ball to each other. The ball was nearly out of air, the tots didn't mind, they were happy to have something to play with. Jade walked into the living room with Zeek behind.
Zeek: I'm tired of you being a bitch.
Zeek walked into the middle of the circle the tots sat in, as Tori rolled the ball to Robbie, Zeek kicked it hard to the wall.
Jade: You don't have to be an ass to them.
Jade picked up her check from the coffee table, Zeek snatched it away from her.
Jade: Are you fucking kidding me? I said, no!
Jade tried grabbing the check from Zeek, he pushed her away.
Jade: Stop playing around and give it to me.
Zeek: No.
Jade: I've been waiting all month for that, I need to cash it.
Zeek: I've been waiting all month too babe, I have things to do.
Jade: You can't cash my check, it's not in your name.
Zeek: Give me your I.D like I said.
Jade: No Zeek, give me my damn money!
Zeek: I need this Jade, you know I have business to handle.
Jade: And you know I need to buy groceries.
Zeek: I got people out, looking for me. If I don't have this money-
Jade: I don't care Zeek, give it back!
Jade tried taking the check away from Zeek, he snatched it back pushing her away giving a warning look.
Zeek: What did I say about putting your hands on me?
Jade: You get on my fucking nerves! Always taking my shit away!
Zeek shrugged as Jade stormed away to her room, she slammed the door shut.
Zeek: (yells) You're lucky those little brats are here, I'd kick your ass, bitch!
Zeek tucked Jade's monthly check she received from the state into his pocket. The tots all sat silently against a wall, afraid of retrieving their ball, it was near the couch Zeek was sitting on. A few minutes passed, Jade was still in her room upset. The tots all stared at their ball afraid of getting too close to Zeek to get it. Zeek sat on the couch as he sorted out white powdered substance into snack sized bags, concentrating hard. Feeling their stares Zeek looked up.
Zeek: The fuck are you clowns looking at?
Zeek stood up from the couch walking away to the kitchen.
Tori: I can get it.
Tori crawled over towards the couch to get the ball, there was a knock coming from the front door. Tori stood up holding the ball as Zeek rushed out from the kitchen.
Zeek: Shit.
Zeek quickly cleared the coffee table scooping the powder all into a bag. Putting it into his pocket as another knock came from the door. Zeek grabbed the remaining snack sized bag from the table, he grabbed Tori by her arm.
Zeek: Hold on to this for me.
Zeek stuffed the bag into Tori's pocket as the knocking continued. He walked over to the door opening it, Beck walked in.
Zeek: What do you want?
Beck was annoyed to see Zeek and more annoyed he answered the door.
Beck: I'm here to get my kids.
Tori ran to Beck reaching up, he picked her up as she wrapped her arms around his neck hiding from Zeek.
Zeek: Good.
Beck looked over to the four frightened toddlers still sitting against the wall.
Beck: What's wrong? You can get up.
The tots looked from Beck to Zeek unsure of what to do. Beck walked over to them carrying Tori, he stood her on her feet as he helped up the four tots.
Beck: Did he do anything to you?
Zeek: Man, no one touched your screaming brats.
Beck: You better watch who you're talking to.
Zeek: Or what, teacher dude?
Zeek walked closely to Beck, the two stood giving each other threatening looks.
Beck: I'm not Jade.
Zeek: I'll kick your ass just like Jade's.
Before Beck could say anything, Jade tiredly walked into the living room. It was no secret that she had been crying, her face looked red and puffy.
Jade: Beck, go help them put on their shoes.
Beck turned his attention to the tots, he took their hands walking away to their bedroom.
Zeek: Yeah that's right daddy. Go help the brats with their shoes.
Beck quickly got the kids ready to leave, putting on their worn out shoes and jackets for them. He grabbed their duffle bags and they were out the house. He was strapping them into their car seats before leaving.
Robbie: Can you make cheesy bread?
Beck: You want grilled cheese for dinner?
The tots all smiled nodding at Beck.
Beck: How about we eat broccoli instead?
The tots all giggled as they shook their heads at Beck.
Tori: No, I no like that.
Andre: That's yucky daddy.
Beck: What? I like broccoli.
Trina: No, you like cheesy bread.
Beck: I do? What about carrots?
Beck chuckled as he earned more giggles from the tots.
Cat: That's not yummy, cheesy bread is yummy.
Beck: I'll make grilled cheese for dinner.
Andre: Yay!
The tots were all safely strapped into their car seats. Beck smiled as he closed the door shut of his minivan. He looked up as he heard another door slam, Jade rushed off the porch and up to Beck.
Beck: Did we forget something?
Jade: Call off the stupid custody battle.
Beck: Excuse me?
Jade: You heard me. Call it off.
Beck: What makes you think I'll do that?
Jade: Because if you don't, I'll tell about you being at the strip club.
Beck looked around embarrassed making sure no one heard.
Beck: That, that wasn't my fault Jade.
Jade: Call it off or I'm telling.
Beck: Are you trying to get me fired?
Jade: This whole custody battle is just, stupid!
Beck: You don't even want our kids, I'm doing you a favor.
Jade: Of course I, want them, I love them or whatever.
Beck: No you don't. You just want more money.
Jade: It doesn't matter what you think. Call it off or else.
Beck: Don't do this to them, Jade.
Beck looked in disbelief as Jade walked away to the house, she looked back to Beck.
Jade: Do it today while your lawyer is still working.
Beck: You're wrong for this Jade and you know it.
Jade: Drop them off a little late on Sunday, I'll be busy.
Jade walked up onto the porch and into her house slamming the door shut.
/ / / / / / / / / / /
Later that day at Beck's apartment, the toddlers were all happily playing with their toys and chasing each other around. Beck was in his kitchen talking on the phone as he cooked dinner.
Conrad: What? Beck, are you sure?
Beck: Yes, I am sure.
Conrad: I need you to be positive.
Beck: I'm very positive about it.
Conrad: After all the complaints you're giving up now?
Beck: I'm not giving up, I'm just doing what's best.
Conrad: From what you told me, this isn't what's best.
Beck: It is, trust me.
Conrad: Take a few days to think this through.
Beck: There's no need, I've made my decision.
Conrad: (sighs) Okay, I'll call Jade's attorney and go from there.
Beck: Thanks, and sorry for wasting your time.
Beck finished his phone conversation. He was cutting up the grilled cheese sandwiches making it easy for the toddlers to eat. Cat ran over to Beck patting his leg.
Cat: Daddy, I want the book but Robbie has it.
Beck: Are you playing nice with Robbie?
Cat: No, him's not sharing.
Beck: You can see the book after dinner.
Cat: Cheesy bread?
Beck: Yep.
Cat: Yay, I hungry.
Beck looked up to the living room in his small apartment.
Beck: Dinner's ready, come get your cheesy bread.
The tots all excitedly threw down their toys as they raced to the kitchen. Beck helped them onto the chairs at the table to eat. He placed their plates in front of them.
Andre: Fries?
Beck: You don't like fries?
Andre: I do. I love fries.
Andre smiled eating his dinner.
Beck: Guess what?
Trina: What daddy?
Beck: My friend is coming over to meet you.
Cat: Friend?
Robbie: Daddy, you can't have no friends.
Beck looked confused at the toddler.
Beck: But why Robbie? Why can't I have friends?
Cat: Him will be mean.
Beck: She's not mean sweetie.
Trina: But, mommy has a friend, Zeek.
Beck: I know that princess.
Robbie: Zeek is mean.
Beck: No, no, no. My friend isn't friends with me in that way.
Beck wasn't in a relationship with Jenny and he didn't want the toddlers to confuse him with that.
Beck: And she's not mean, she's very nice. Okay?
Robbie: Okay daddy.
Tori: Daddy can I take this out now?
Beck looked to Tori as she reached into her pocket pulling out the snack bag.
Beck: Where did you get that?
Beck unwilling snatched the drugs away from Tori.
Tori: Zeek put it there.
Beck stared at the substance in the bag, he felt himself getting angry.
Andre: Daddy?
Cat: Him mad at you Tori.
/ / / / / / / / / / / / /
Thanks for reading, more to come.
Extra Characters:
*Derek: Beck's friend.
*Colton: Beck's friend.
*Character not in BLYL or The Start stories. Please don't confuse it.
Preview:
Beck: Are you telling me, they're not mine?
Jade: That's not what I said Beck.
Jade looked away afraid to look into Beck's eyes.
Beck: Oh my God, out of all the things you've done.
Jade: They're yours Beck and you know it.
Beck: I can't believe you Jade. Who are you?
Beck stood up from the porch, walking away to his van.
Beck: I'm getting a test.
Jade: Those kids are yours Beck, everyone can tell you that!
