Hello my darling readers! What day is it? FRIDAY! Meaning chapter update! All of you were so happy with the last chapter, and I got so many thank yous, that there was no way I couldn't not update today. I love each and everyone of you for reading and giving me so much love and support in reviews, favorites, and follows... Speaking of follows. We made it to 100 people! That's so awesome! You all rock!
I had some pretty great guesses in my reviews about who the figure in the shadows was, but no one got it right, so I hope it'll be a nice little surprise for you :) Happy reading...
Disclaimer: I own nothing but my plot and my original characters.
Chapter 9- Lies and Misunderstandings
(Previously on Lips of an Angel)
Out of the corner of his eye, Bellamy caught movement in the shadows. Without turning, Bellamy spoke calmly, "I figured you'd be turning up sooner or later, especially with everything that's been going on."
The figure moved gracefully from the shadows, and took a step into the light.
"How could I not? I'm perplexed as to why you haven't called me, your dear uncle, and I had to hear everything from Damian." Marcus Kane scolded his nephew. "I mean, no sleep for four days, getting shot in the arm, beating you brother to a bloody pulp… Don't even get me started on you taking a swing at your father, and I show up to see you drinking this early in the morning? What the hell Nephew?"
Bellamy grimaced at Marcus calling Finn his brother and sighed heavily. "Okay firstly, he's my half-brother… I'm so damn tired of everyone calling him my brother." Bellamy spat. "Secondly, I haven't called you because I've been busy. I have a legitimate business and several illegal businesses to run here, hence the no sleep for four days, which is not a huge deal... I've survived on less to be honest. Thirdly, Finn deserves more than the beating he got, so he should count himself lucky I was so sleep deprived that I didn't think to beat his ass before I got to dad's house… Lesson learned, I'll just be smarter next time, and well, as for Dad, he shouldn't have tried to stop me… Simple as that. Lastly, I respect you Uncle, truly, but I don't have to explain myself to anyone. It is out of that deep respect though, and seeing as how you're already here, that I might as well give you the full story, and not the melodramatic version I'm sure has been regaled to you by my father, and probably my grandmother as well."
"What are you talking…? I haven't…" Marcus started to deny, but Bellamy quickly cut the older man off.
"So you're going to tell me my father didn't call you Thursday morning, the second I walked out of that house, and tell you how out of control I was? Then you didn't call Nonni Thursday night after you were sure I'd left her house, and pumped her of any information she would give you about what happened and my state of mind when we visited?" Bellamy question monotonously, staring blankly out the window. He had yet to lay eyes on his uncle. "I'm sure you didn't get a lot, but kudos for trying."
Marcus didn't say a word. Bellamy shook his head knowingly and took a sip of his drink. That was exactly what had happened... "Your silence is deafening Uncle. I know you all too well."
"Why were you in the hospital today Nephew? What happened?" Marcus questioned, deflecting the previous comments and questions. Bellamy rolled his eyes… His head still turned so his uncle didn't catch the disrespectful movement.
"Technically, it was yesterday. There was an incident in the park, and there was no way I could avoid not going to the hospital." Bellamy said vaguely, which further agitated Marcus.
"Damn it Bellamy! Tell me what the hell happened now, and cut the bullshit." Marcus said sternly.
Bellamy pulled his hand from his pocket and ran it over his face wearily, before dropping it back to his side. Finally turning to gaze at his uncle, he said, "Fine… Sit." Before motioning to the large sofa. "This is going to take a while."
For the next thirty minutes, Bellamy told his uncle as much as he could about what really happened Thursday morning, the undramatic version of course, before he got a text from Miller saying he was downstairs with the envelope. After running downstairs quickly to grab it, he returned to finish debriefing his uncle on the day's events. He told him about the incident in the park as well as what happened at the club, and excluded anything Clarke-related. He didn't feel right revealing anything about her, including that he even met her… He wanted to keep her all to himself and as guarded as possible, and that included not talking about her with other people, even his trusted uncle.
After the events were recounted, Marcus stood and began pacing. He ran one of his hands over his face, a sure sign he was worried or stressed.
"You're sure it's Jaha behind all of it?" Marcus asked with raised eyebrows, "You know a man will say anything if tortured long enough."
Bellamy sat back and nodded his head. "I'm sure."
"Okay then. I'm telling Damian to up your guard. From now on you will have a minimum of three guys with you at all times. Pull three guys from patrol, and bring in more to take over the vacant positions. This was too close a call, Nephew."
Bellamy, who was reclining on the couch, the picture of calm, and said, "No way. I've got a new guy coming in Monday, and he'll be my guard in public. I don't need three of dad's goons babysitting me… Send them to watch Finn. He needs it more. I can take care of myself. Besides, me and my guys are fine… We can handle this crap. Hell, it's what I trained them for. They found this guy within four and half hours after the shooting… Name me someone else who could do what they did." Bellamy demanded, knowing there was no one else as good as his guys.
Marcus scoffed, knowing his nephew had him. "Fine, I'll let it go for now, but I'm still telling your father my recommendation."
Bellamy shook his head, "Why? You know he'll saddle me with those so called 'trained' idiots anyway. While I can't disobey Dad's orders, I'll warn you now, my boys will be trigger happy when they find out… Especially Antonio. You know they'll take this as an insult, and react accordingly, so when there are three bodies that wash up along the banks of Eastchester Bay in the Bronx, don't say I didn't warn you. I have one bodyguard in public, and then my guys watching my back when we are working the rest of the time. That's how it has worked for years, and I have no plans for it to change."
Marcus raised his eyebrows, "That is not enough!" He said heatedly.
Bellamy leaned forward, "Yes, it is. Look, if I were next in line to be boss, I might consider letting it happen, but consequently, I'm not. So the situation is null and void. Leave it Uncle… I don't wish to fight. I'll inform Dad about what happened the next time I see him. I have my people watching my back, and I'm already handling the situation, my way. It's done and dealt with as far as I'm concerned."
Bellamy knew if his father's men became his bodyguards, he would have every single one of his moves watched and reported right back to his dad. There was just no way that was happening. He wasn't a child, or some fresh-faced rookie just off the streets that needed to be watched. He was one of the most feared men in the country. No one in their right mind would come after him, they wouldn't dare. This whole debacle only proved Jaha was clearly already a deranged man, and clearly not in his right mind.
Marcus sighed heavily. "Fine. Just… Be careful please." Marcus said wearily. "You know I don't have biological children of my own, and I can't take losing my surrogate son."
Bellamy swallowed thickly, the unexpected emotional words from someone he considered to be a father, hitting him hard. "I promise Uncle."
They spent the remaining wee hours of the morning discussing business deals coming up. After Bellamy had quick shower and changed his clothes into something more casual, Marcus and Bellamy both decided to go out for breakfast at a small diner up the street. Once they were both seated with food in front of them, Marcus revealed some interesting news.
"Your father is looking into marrying Finn off." Marcus stated nonchalantly, cutting into his stack of pancakes.
"Damn," Bellamy cursed, "Poor girl. Seems like cruel and unusual punishment to me. He's going to have a hell of a time with that venture. No girl in her right mind would willingly marry his whiny ass. Damian's going to have to bring a girl over from the motherland who doesn't speak a lick of English to get him married off."
Finn never wanted to learn Italian, or any other language for that matter, and of course whatever Finn wanted, Finn got. Bellamy didn't think the man had ever worked a day in his life… He was just constantly handed things.
"Well your father is hoping to marry him off to another Boss's daughter, unite two families and then Finn will settle down and take over both, while your dad retires." Marcus stated.
"Who's he looking at for a wife?" Bellamy asked curiously.
"Las Vegas, Jacksonville, Detroit, Boston, Chicago, and Seattle." Marcus listed off. Bellamy's stomach dropped hearing Seattle being listed amongst the contenders. The look on Bellamy's face of shock was mistaken for confusion by Marcus, and prompted him to explain, "Those are the cities their families are headquartered, and where the girls are from."
"What are your thoughts on all this Uncle?" Bellamy asked feigning disinterest of the subject, while secretly hoping Jake's Charlotte would be spared the distress that marrying his half-brother would cause a person, considering the brutal, vicious life she'd had thus far. He knew Jake's Charlotte was a strong girl, just from the things Jake had told Bellamy about over the years.
"I don't actually know any of the girls' names, just cities and the bosses of each city. Vegas and Jacksonville are a bit farfetched in my opinion. Just too… Wild, savage, and unpredictable. They would both want a heavy backing in any wars they started with other families, and Finn just cannot handle any of that. Detroit is way too poor... They would bring in no income, would be a huge liability, and would require substantial funding. Boston and Chicago would be good picks if possible… Both are relatively close, and we have good standing with both." Marcus shrugged.
"And Seattle?" Bellamy prompted when his uncle didn't continue.
"Well that's the thing… Seattle is a bit far away, but it's ideal in the fact that it gives us a foot hold on the West Coast. It is an acceptable choice, except for the fact that no one seems to know what this girl looks like. Griffin has kept her a well-hidden secret. I've heard rumors that say she's beautiful, and others that say she's hideous. There are more in favor of the latter to be honest, but none of them could be reliable due to the fact that no one has ever laid eyes on the girl, and lived to tell about it. While the girl's looks are questionable, she's rumored to be a complete badass… I've heard stuff like she shoots as good as any man, if not better, wicked quick reflexes, smart as a whip, and my personal favorite, fighting skills so good, she could land a UFC heavyweight champion on his back in three seconds flat, and have him crying for mommy in another five. I'd want to meet her." Marcus finished.
Bellamy only nodded. He had never seen a photo of Jake's Charlotte, or had Jake describe what she looked like, so he had no idea about any of her physical features. The other stuff sounded dead on though. Jake loved to tell Bellamy all about his daughter, and how proud he was of her even though he didn't get to spend a whole lot of time with her. The whole thing certainly gave Bellamy a lot to think over, so he decided to change the subject onto a happier note.
"How's Finn's drug withdrawal coming by the way? Hurting like a bitch I hope." Bellamy said grinning at the thought.
Marcus rolled his eyes. "Yeah, he's been sweating buckets and puking his guts out for days now from what I hear."
Bellamy scoffed, "That's what he gets for doing drugs. That shit really messes people up… I have no idea how Damian didn't notice. I mean, he has to see him at least every other day or so, with Vanessa dragging him home for this and that."
Marcus just shrugged, "I don't know, but we've got another major problem that needs to be dealt with, and quickly… Your dad's gotten reports of some new drug flooding the high schools in the Bronx. Already killed a few kids. As of right now, we can't tell who the supplier is. The dealers are a tight knit group… Almost impossible to identify really. The whole thing is right up your alley to handle, so we're turning it over to you."
Bellamy shook his head ruefully, "What you mean is that the Family is being accused of being the ones pushing the shit, and Dad wants the real culprits found, wrapped up like a pretty little present, and handed over to the police to clear our name."
Again, Marcus just shrugged. Bellamy scoffed, "Do I really look like I have the time to be dealing with this shit? I have a crap load of other stuff to be doing damn it! Where the hell is the rest of Dad's capos', huh?" The look on Marcus's face made Bellamy pinch the bridge of his nose. "Never mind, don't answer that. I can take an accurate guess that they are all off somewhere sitting on their asses smoking a Cuban cigar." Bellamy ran a hand through his hair, and tugged tersely. This was so typical for him to be dealing with this shit. He got handed all the dirty work, and then his father's people would try to step in and micromanage him and the situation from the comfort of their swanky homes, while he's out at all hours of the night, not sleeping for days. After a moment of thought, Bellamy said, "Fine, I'll handle it… My way. I'll get the job done, but the first sign of interference from anyone, and I mean ANYONE, I'm done. I don't care if it's a suggestion, order, command, or just simply asking what the progress is, I will start unloading my clip in the first person who opens their mouth."
Marcus just grinned… It baffled him sometimes how much Bellamy sacrificed for the Family, and it frustrated him that Damian could continue with the ridiculous idea of Finn being Boss when Bellamy was truly the living-breathing embodiment of what an exceptional Don was supposed to be like. But then again, he knew the reason Damian insisted on Finn being Boss… Guilt.
After agreeing to pass along the message, conversation was kept light for the rest of the meal, and just before they left, Bellamy asked, "You're going to church tomorrow right?"
Damian, Vanessa, and Marcus all attended church regularly. Vanessa only went for the shopping that she did afterwards, while Damian and Marcus were devout Christians. They both believed in the faith, same as his grandmother. Bellamy believed in the existence of a God, he just didn't think God cared… Not for or about him anyway. Going to church was really just a means to make his grandmother happy for Bellamy.
Marcus shook his head. "Your dad needs me at the house tomorrow morning for a conference call, and Vanessa refuses to leave Finn. He, Vanessa and Finn won't be in church either… So you're in the clear. Just…" Marcus paused. "Keep those hooligans of yours out of trouble, okay? And try to keep your grandmother happy."
Bellamy agreed, and after their goodbyes, they parted ways. Bellamy walked back to his apartment, enjoying the warm weather and the bustle of the city as people started venturing out on such a nice day. Once in the safety of his apartment, Bellamy went to his office on the second floor and began to work.
Working on weekends and late into the night during the week weren't uncommon for him. Work took his mind off the ghosts that haunted his nightmares and the demons that seemed to follow and watch him from the shadows in the light of day. He figured with the added work on his plate of the drug problem in the Bronx, getting as much work done now would give him time later in the week to actually get a couple hours of sleep.
He surfaced around one in the afternoon, exhausted. He stumbled to his bedroom and flopped on the bed. He fell asleep quickly dreaming of a pair of beautiful blue eyes and a golden blonde halo.
XxxX
Slowly, Bellamy woke feeling as though something was off. Sitting up, he looked around, noticing the fading sunlight. Suddenly the realization struck him as he looked at his phone screen and noticed the time… 8:12 P.M.
He had slept longer than five hours… With no nightmare. Bellamy felt stunned. He always had nightmares… Even when he was sedated, he had them. Always waking with a racing heart or gasping like every breath would be his last… More often than not, both.
Bellamy sat back against the headboard in utter confusion. After years of troubled sleep with not one successful cure or remedy, what in the hell caused him to have actual peaceful sleep? While he didn't remember having a dream, he did remember the feelings of contentment and even happiness, something he hadn't felt in a long time.
Finally giving up and just accepting it as a fluke that unfortunately, probably wouldn't happen again, Bellamy walked back to his great room. He grabbed the two glasses he and Marcus had used earlier in the morning to wash them in the kitchen, when something caught his eye. A thin white envelope was wedged between the arm and the cushion of the chair. Bellamy picked it up and noticed his name written in printed handwriting along with a Mount Sinai letterhead. This was Clarke's schedule.
The glasses forgotten about on the coffee table, Bellamy sat heavily on the couch, resting his elbows on his knees; Bellamy gazed at the envelope cradled in his hands. He knew he should just hand the envelope over to Sterling, but… He didn't want to. Every thought and moment he'd had with his princess was a gift, albeit one he didn't deserve… But being the selfish bastard that he was, he wanted anyway. He wanted to know where she was, what she was doing, who she associated with, and what she was thinking… He wanted to know everything about her. He was too selfish a man to ignore his own wants in regard to Clarke Griffin.
Bellamy ripped the envelope open and scanned the information on the page hungrily. She had tomorrow off, but she was back to work on Monday with a 12-hour shift. She had Tuesday off, was on call Wednesday, had a night shift Thursday evening that ended Friday late morning, and the weekend free. Bellamy reread the information and came across a piece he'd missed… She was getting off tonight at nine.
Before he could think about what he was doing, Bellamy was already striding to his bedroom, and then into the closet. He stripped, throwing on a pair of sweat pants, a t-shirt, and a hoodie. He was out the door with his phone in his pocket, and his small sub compact sig hidden from view, strapped to his ankle. He knew she'd be walking alone through the park to get home, and that was completely unacceptable… That was the stuff nightmares were made of. Bellamy didn't know why he cared so much about her safety… He chalked it all up to just repaying a debt.
Once in the elevator, Bellamy pulled the hood over his head, hiding his face from view, and hit the button for the second floor. The elevator doors opened moments later, and Bellamy moved briskly and stealthily through the hallways to the emergency stairwell, avoiding cameras. He quickly descended the stairs to the ground floor and slipped out the backdoor into the dark alleyway.
He set his pace to jog and made his way toward the hospital quickly. He stopped across the street of the hospital and surveyed his surroundings. He had about six minutes until nine, so he had time to find a good vantage point. The hospital entrance that he'd staked out was the one closest to Central Park. The hospital was right on the edge of the park, so there were no alleys to hide him, but there were large trees planted across the street that concealed him well enough.
Bellamy waited patiently, hidden in the shadows of a large oak tree. He watched the hospital entrance, looking for any sign of her, while still being alert and watchful of his surroundings. His side of the street was practically vacant, but he noticed a couple of people coming and going on the other side of the street, with one man in particular standing out.
He was a tall man, with broad shoulders. He had brown skin, almost like a rich tan, and a shaven head. He was about Diego's size, and Diego was a huge dude. The man had a muscular build and a couple of tattoos on his neck, and arms. He looked familiar to Bellamy, that's what caught his attention, but he couldn't place how he knew the man.
Bellamy's attention was drawn from the man, who was leaning calmly against the side of the building, to the hospital doors, which had opened to reveal his beautiful sleep-deprived princess. Her braid was even messier, and her scrubs more wrinkled than the last time he saw her. Bellamy's breath caught in his throat. She was so stunningly gorgeous, even with the bone-weary exhaustion that seemed to cling to her. He wondered briefly what it would be like to be the person she went home to at night, and woke up with in the morning. Before he could contemplate the bizarre direction in which his thoughts had turned, Bellamy watched as her sluggish movements caused her to stumble briefly, before she righted herself with a small measure of grace. Before he knew what he was doing, Bellamy moved to step out of the shadows to get to her before she truly fell over, but stopped short.
He watched with trepidation as the leaning man he noticed before, pushed off the wall, stood straighter and walked up behind Clarke, who was distractedly texting on her phone. He leaned over her shoulder and whispered something in her ear. Clarke's face went from a firm mask of concentration to shock and fear to complete and utter happiness in the span of seconds. Her lethargy seemed to dissipate.
Bellamy watched in horror as she grinned widely and squealed, before turning to throw herself in the man's arms, hugging him tightly around the neck. The man laughed heartily and wrapped a large arm around her waist hauling her off her feet and spinning around, while his other hand held the back of her head.
Bellamy felt like someone had punched him in the gut. He quickly searched his memory for any mention of a significant other, or a wedding band… Some sort of clue that could have indicated she had a lover. Coming up with nothing, Bellamy's only thought watching the scene unfolding before him was… She has a fucking boyfriend!
Jealousy washed over him like a tidal wave, causing him to stumble from the force of it. His eyes narrowed, still not believing what he was seeing. He could have sworn she had flirted with him a bit, but she didn't really seem like the type to cheat or flirt with someone while being in a committed relationship.
This is what you get for trying, or even thinking you had a chance… All women are devious, deceitful creatures, and you're a fool to believe she was any different. His subconscious whispered in the back of his mind. Bellamy tried to shake the thought off. She wasn't like that though. He thought back weakly, but watching the couple holding each other like they would never see each other again, he couldn't convince himself that his subconscious was wrong.
He was still gazing at the couple's reunion, and found that he couldn't bring himself to look away. Bellamy watched the man set Clarke down gingerly and smile at her. He began talking to her and she was nodding along happily, laughing gleefully at whatever he was saying. Jealousy was rapidly being replaced with anger. Anger at her for having and not mentioning her boyfriend, and at himself for wanting or even thinking he had any semblance of a chance with her. He was angriest at his reaction and attachment to this girl… It made no sense!
Bellamy watched in a haze, as the man wrapped one of his large arms around her small frame and they began walking toward the park. Shortly before they turned the corner out of view, Bellamy noticed the man lean down and tenderly kiss the top of her head, as she snuggled further into the man's hold.
Long after they were gone, Bellamy still stood frozen in place. He somehow made the jog back to his apartment, but if you asked Bellamy, it was nothing but a blur. Once back in his apartment building, Bellamy went to the gym on the first floor, and began working out. He found the punching bag especially helpful in burning off his lingering anger and excessive energy.
After a couple hours, Bellamy called it quits, and headed to his penthouse. He seemed to work on autopilot. He didn't remember taking his shower and shaving, changing into sleep clothes, or getting into bed- his mind off somewhere on the Upper West side, with a certain blonde doctor.
He didn't feel like eating anything… He just wanted to sleep like he had earlier in the day, and forget everything, but alas, the images running through his head, and the dark thoughts that took him to even darker places, prevented him from sleeping.
He lay there for hours until he eventually slipped into a fitful slumber during the wee hours of the morning.
XxxX
Bellamy jolted awake, his heart beating erratically in his chest. The gunshot from his nightmare was still ringing in his ears, and his wrist still tingled from where his dead mothers pale bloody hand had gripped him tight, shortly before rebuking and condemning him like she always did.
The thing that shook him to his core though, was the lifeless blue eyes and blood soaked blonde hair of a certain doctor, and her pleading voice, begging for him to save her and not let her die, just before being killed.
Bellamy rubbed his eyes wearily, swinging his legs over the side of the bed. He realized it was a good thing Clarke was taken by another man. She was happy, and more importantly, safe with the other guy. She didn't have to worry about being in the spotlight, or getting hurt merely for being associated with him. It was a good thing the way things had played out… A blessing in disguise is what his grandmother would call it.
He looked at the time. 8:29. Bellamy paused, his heart stuttering in his chest. He was late. He was late, and his grandmother was going to kill him.
"Damn it!" Bellamy cursed loudly before rushing to get ready. Mass started at nine, and traffic was a bitch on Sunday mornings.
Rushing out the door and into the elevator, Bellamy quickly hit the garage button. Once the doors closed, he took notice of his appearance and grimaced. He quickly straitened his tie and jacket, adjusting his gun. He ran his hand through his hair a couple of times, to make sure it looked presentable. Once the elevator doors slid open, Bellamy took off toward his Charger. He slid in the driver's seat, turned the car on, and quickly exited the garage, merging into traffic with practiced ease.
He began smoothly weaving in and out of traffic, shifting gears, and speeding up to catch yellow lights just before they turned red. Thankfully the Shrine Church of St. Anthony of Padua was only 20 minutes or so from his apartment building, so he hoped he wouldn't be too terribly late… Maybe only 5 or 10 minutes.
After hastily parking, Bellamy made his way to the church doors, and slipped into the large cathedral quietly. He searched for his motley crew of boys and his grandmother, spotting them towards the rear of the church.
His guys took up a whole pew, leaving a space open at the end… For him presumably. His grandmother looked absolutely murderous sitting tense in the pew behind the boys. As he quietly and stealthily made his way toward where they were seated, Bellamy childishly hoped she wouldn't have noticed he wasn't there, or see him slip in, and would just believe he'd been there the whole time.
Once he was seated in his spot next to Miller, Bellamy dared not turn around, afraid his deeply devout grandmother would rain hell fire and brimstone down on him, or something to that effect, for his tardiness. That didn't stop him from feeling the heat of her glare on the back of his head though, which dashed his childish hope to ashes.
He was trying to concentrate on what the Father was saying, when suddenly the sound of a book hitting something hard and a whimper drew his attention to where Jasper was rubbing the back of his head, glaring at his feet. Bellamy noticed that his tie was undone, and Nonni's closed Bible was clutched in her hand, still slowly lowering it from where it had hit Jasper's head, to rest on the pew beside her. Nonni reached around, and fixed Jasper's tie before tightening it tightly. Jasper reached up to fiddle with it, but Amelia slapped the back of his hand. He turned his pleading gaze on her, but with a glare and a point of her fingers, Jasper turned toward the front and started sulking, not daring to touch the tie again.
Fifteen minutes passed, when suddenly a Bible was plopped down on his thigh. There was a folded piece of paper in the front cover, ripped from a music sheet book it looked like, and a pen marking a Bible verse. Bellamy unfolded the paper and noticed writing on the back.
You're so dead. –Lucca the werewolf
Nonni is going to skewer you. –Romeo the heartbreaker
I bet she fillets you alive. –Monty Carlo the party destination
Does anyone know what the heck this guy is saying? I'm so lost. Oh… And does anyone else hear that squalling child toward the front? I can relate to it. Dressing me up in this monkey suit with this noose around my neck… I swear, church is hell. –Jasper the Jazziest
Skip… Read the Bible passage, and imagine you're the one in the chair with Samuel L. Jackson pointing a gun at you, and then shooting you afterwards. That's what Nonni is going to do when she gets ahold of you. I would try to help you out, but she scares the JESUS out of me (Ha, I'm so punny!), so it was nice knowing you. Sinceriously, -Murph-alicious
Jasper and Monty switched the sheet music out for Highway to Hell before church, and started circling the song 666 in the hymnals… They only got four before I caught them and put them in their seats. –Antonio
Lucca and Romeo brought five different cereals in plastic bags, and all four of them are currently passing the bags back and forth. Before church, I caught both of them in the Father's office. Romeo was making calls to 900 numbers, and Lucca was tampering with his office lighting. I made them fix it, and dragged them to their seats. –Diego
Murphy paid a kid five bucks to ask the Father whether he preferred to be stoned or crucified after prayer. Told the kid his name was Hugh G. Rection. It hasn't happened yet, so be on the lookout (Kid was gone before I could tell him not to). All four showed up without ties, said they forgot them at home, but Nonni pulled four out of her purse, and somehow wrangled one on each of them before they scampered off to their pre-church shenanigans. It was entertaining… I have a video for you. Also, I would watch out if I were you… She's probably got another tie in her purse with your name on it, except I'm sure she'll strangle you with it. P.S. - They got bored, had nothing better to do just sitting her before church started, and that's where all the dumb names are coming from. –Miller
Opening the Bible to its pen marker, Bellamy saw the passage marked was Ezekiel 25:17… The same verse Sam Jackson recited right before he shot the guy in Pulp Fiction. It was Murphy's second favorite movie… Right after Goodfellas.
Bellamy hung his head, sighed heavily, and rubbed his eyes. This day was already shaping up to be a crappy one. Bellamy finally looked up and focused his attention to the front of the church where Father Peter was droning on about forgiveness and mercy being healthy and cleansing for the soul, and leaving vengeance to the Lord God Almighty. Bellamy mentally scoffed. He lived his life by the exact opposite of those principles. Forgiveness and mercy made you look weak and got you killed, and as for vengeance… Well, vengeance was his to take for the wrongful acts committed against him. Bellamy began to count down the minutes before he could leave.
Scanning the congregation, Bellamy noticed several friends of his grandmother, whom he had been introduced to numerous times, and a couple business associates. He scanned over several more people before stopping and doing a double take. No. Freaking. Way.
There across the aisle, seven pews in front of him, was none other than Doctor Clarke Griffin. He could make out her side profile, while she was focusing on the Father as he preached. Her gorgeous blonde hair hung in soft curls around her shoulders. The man who was with her last night sat to her side with an arm slung across the back of the pew around her shoulders. For the rest of the service, Bellamy watched her discreetly. Occasionally she would lean over and point something out or whisper in the man's ear, and vice versa. Bellamy tensed every time and clenched his fist. He had to stop himself from outright glaring or doing something stupid like getting up and snatching her out of the other man's grasp.
The thoughts he'd had this morning about things working out the way they had for the better, were slowly slipping through his fingers. Nowhere in that thought process, was the idea that he would see her again, and even worse, have to watch her interact with her boyfriend. New York was a big city… The odds of ever actually seeing one another again, without being at the hospital she worked at, or actively seeking her out like he had the night before, were slim. Only this would happen to me, he thought ruefully.
Finally came time for the last prayer before they were dismissed. Bellamy waited patiently to actually see if this kid would say what he was paid to say. Bellamy hoped not, because he was already in a world of trouble as is, he didn't need to get a lecture on this too, even though he had nothing to do with it.
His hopes were dashed when a small child stood from the pew and hollered, "Father Peter! Father Peter!" while waving his hands wildly. The parents tried to wrestle the kid, who was no more than 4 or 5, back down into the pew.
Father Peter, who looked a tad amused, waved the child forward. "Speak my child, and you shall be heard."
The kids scrambled into the aisle, and asked a bit bashfully, but sincerely, "Do you like being stoneded or crux-fried like Jesus?" The whole church broke out in whispers and little chuckles at the innocent child's question and wording. Bellamy watched as Clarke and her companion shook with silent laughter. He could hear his guys all trying to hide their laughter… Looking over, he noticed a couple of them red in the face trying to keep their laughter silent.
The Father looked directly at Bellamy's group of mischief-makers and narrowed his eyes. He turned back to the child and said, "I would follow in the path of our Lord and Savior, and be crucified. Alright everyone, have a wonderful afternoon, and be safe."
With those final quick words, they were dismissed. Father Peter watched from the pulpit as Bellamy rushed his motley crew outside, trying to avoid another altercation. They didn't stop until they were outside, on the steps of the church.
Amelia got caught up talking to several people, allowing Bellamy a moment with his guys. Once the loud howling of laughter was complete, everyone slowly went silent noticing Bellamy had been completely silent.
While their antics were amusing to Bellamy, he had to be stern with them, and let them know this behavior wasn't condonable in church.
Bellamy shook his head at each of his five troublemakers. "I am so very disappointed." Is all he had to say for each of them to hang their heads in shame. "Pull anything like that again in church, and there will be severe consequences. You should all know better. It makes it worse to have all of this happen while I'm not here. This behavior can be construed extremely badly… It looks like I have no control over my own guys, and I just let you all run wild." Bellamy took a minute to make sure his voiced remained cool. "Get your act together. Do you understand?"
He received various 'Yes Sirs'. Bellamy nodded. "Okay… We've been given another situation to deal with. Apparently there are some new up and coming young thugs in the Bronx that are dealing a new highly addictive drug in the high schools. Go home all of you, and get some sleep… Recoup. We've got serious work to be done tonight. I want Monty and Jasper on computers and everyone else on the streets, collecting any and all intel you can. This is a bit of a time sensitive issue... I want this mess cleaned up before school lets out at the end of the month. Not only are there kids being killed, but Jake is talking about coming in for a visit and to do a bit of business in a few weeks, and I'd like this to be resolved before he gets here."
While his guys were nodding, Bellamy noticed his grandmother slowly encroaching on where he and his guys were standing. He knew he only had a few precious seconds to finish issuing his orders before his Nonni got a hold of him. "Antonio… Give Sterling my number, and text me his. Inform him to be on the lookout for my call later. If no one has heard from me by the time you leave tonight, assume I'm dead, my grandmother has killed me, and my body is in the Hudson River. Off you go… All of you."
They left rather quickly, knowing their Boss was about to get an ear full from the Collins family matriarch.
Bellamy stood straight, and watched as his grandmother made her was casually toward him stopping to say hi and ask how people were. Bellamy briefly thought to run, and save himself, but he knew it was useless. She'd just find him and lecture him 'til his ears bled. At least if he stood his ground and took it like a man, he had a chance of survival.
Finally, she stood before him. She had a pleasant smile on her face, but her eyes were a hard blue. "Well if it isn't my tardy grandson who tried to sneak into church like a rat, hoping to be slick, without his dear old Nonni seeing. Oh how you hurt my heart child. What was so important that you miss the first 15 minutes of church, huh?" She asked sternly. Oh she was mad. When she got really mad, she didn't speak Italian, only English. It was the exact opposite of him.
"I am so terribly sorry Nonni. I forgot to set my alarm, and I didn't fall asleep 'til very early this morning. I didn't mean to miss the first 15 minutes of church." Bellamy apologized.
"What on God's green earth happened to your face child?" She asked, ignoring his apology, as she reached up and grabbed his chin turning his head downward and to the side to better see his forehead.
"Uh… Fell." Bellamy said. It wasn't technically a lie. He did fall… After Adam pushed him that is. He just left out the circumstances surrounding the incident.
"Uh-huh… Look around you. We are on holy ground. Lying by omission is still lying, so do you want to try retelling that?" She asked with her eyebrow raised.
Bellamy sighed heavily. "It's a really long story. Just know that it was a bad bit of business, and that I handled it. I promise you I am fine. I had it looked at in the hospital." He gave his best reassuring smile, thinking she would be appeased by the news he had a professional look him over… Drop dead gorgeous professional, but a professional none the less.
"So first off, you don't call your Nonni and tell her you're hurt and in the hospital, or that you're okay, then you try to lie about what happened, then you come late to church? My goodness grandson. What has the world come to?" She finished in Italian.
Bellamy relaxed a bit hearing her speak Italian. She was still upset with him, but not furious, which was progress. Bellamy decided, rather than open his mouth, and risk digging himself in to his grave further, he would just settle for silent pleading. He put on his best innocent-remorseful face and waited. His big brown eyes hadn't failed him yet…
Amelia stared at her remorseful grandson. The poor thing looked so haggard and worn down. She decided to cut him some slack. The sweet boy always worked so hard to please everyone. At least he made an effort to come to church at all.
"It's okay tesorino (sweetheart). Give Nonni a hug. All is well." She said sweetly. After hugging his grandmother, she began speaking. "Now, I was thinking of introducing you to Mrs. Helen and Mrs. Doris, they have granddaughters about your age which they'll try and push on you, but…"
Bellamy tuned out whatever his grandmother was saying, as something over her shoulder caught his attention… Clarke and her companion were exiting the church. Clarke had on a beautiful white sleeveless dress made of some kind of lace that hugged her waist and fell loosely around her hips and seemed to sway as she walked. The dress ended at the top of her knees, giving him a nice view of her legs. She looked positively radiant.
The couple faced each other, with Clarke's back facing Bellamy. The man said some words to her and she nodded at what he was saying. Then he hugged her tightly, and noticed Bellamy watching them. He glared hostilely at Bellamy before focusing back on Clarke. He kissed her temple, and then made his way down the steps and across the street to a silver Nissan GT-R NISMO.
Bellamy only knew about the car, because Romeo and Diego had been talking nonstop about wanting one for months now. Of course the son of a bitch has one. Perfect girl, perfect car… Perfect life. Bellamy thought bitterly.
Bellamy was so immersed in his melancholy thoughts with his head down, he didn't notice that his grandmother had stopped talking and was quietly observing him, wondering what caused her grandson to become so downcast and miserable looking. He also missed the blonde that caught sight of his grandmother and started to walk over.
Once Amelia caught sight of Clarke a few step away, she grinned with delight and moved to hug the younger woman.
"Hello mia cara ragazza (my dear girl). How are you doing?" She asked with a silvery voice.
Clarke's voice snapped Bellamy out of his musings. He turned to watch her smile genuinely and brightly at his grandmother. "I am doing wonderful Mrs. Collins. What about yourself?"
"Oh Clarke how many times must I tell you to call me Amelia? I am doing fantastic. I got my grandson to come to church with me today. Come, let me introduce you to him." His grandmother pulled Clarke the last few steps so she was standing directly in front of him.
"Actually, I met him a couple of days ago." Clarke said to a surprised Amelia. She looked at Bellamy. "How's the head and arm Mr. Blake?"
"Are we really going to go through this again Princess? It's Bellamy." He said with a smirk. "I'm feeling much better. I guess it's because I had such a great doctor." He finished with a charming wink. Cue the blush.
"I take it you two know each other?" Amelia said, her eyes flittering between the two of them with interest.
"Yeah Nonni… She was my doctor at the hospital when I was there Friday." Bellamy said, still watching Clarke intensely.
"Oh really?" Amelia asked a bit surprised. "Well thank you so much dear." She said to Clarke.
Clarke blushed a bit more. "It was nothing really. I was just doing my job."
"You're so modest, sweet girl. It is a real relief for me, to know you were the one looking after him. I really enjoyed meeting you for lunch last week. We must do it again. Please?" Amelia and Clarke both looked so joyous talking to one another. They had practically all but ignored Bellamy who was still standing there, peering at Clarke in a way that he hoped wasn't completely obvious.
"I would absolutely love to do lunch again. How does Tuesday sound?" Clarke asked excitedly.
"Wonderful! I'll find a new restaurant for us to try out, and send you the information. Speaking of restaurants… Bellamy, I can't do lunch today." His grandmother said turning to him with serious, sorrowful look on her face, but a glint of something in her eyes, that Bellamy, for the life of him, couldn't place.
Bellamy was positively confused. They didn't have lunch plans. He was going to ask his grandmother to go to lunch with him of course, but he hadn't gotten the chance… Maybe he forgot they already had plans? Before her could question her on what she was talking about, Amelia continued. "I know we were supposed to go for lunch today, but Gloria is insisting I attend her ridiculous tea luncheon to discuss the charity gala we're planning. Completely preposterous if you ask me, to do it on a Sunday, but what can you do?" She said with exasperation. She looked at Bellamy. "I hate to disrupt our plans… But perhaps you could take Clarke instead." She quickly turned to Clarke, "That is, if you don't mind dear. If you have a prior engagement, I completely understand, but if I know my grandson, he'll just go home and work in his office the rest of the day if he has no one to get him out."
Now he knew what was going on… His grandmother was setting him up on a date! Good God. This was not happening. Clarke looked a bit uneasy, and quite frankly, the idea of going out with her, and spending time with her, only to have her go home to another man, put Bellamy on edge. Not to mention his grandmother setting him up was completely mortifying… Jeez. You'd think he had no type of game with the way his grandmother was talking.
"Nonni… I'm sure she has a boyfriend to be getting to. We wouldn't want to delay her." Bellamy said with a pointed look at his grandmother. Nonni had the temerity to look innocent. She turned to Clarke.
"Why dear, you never told me you had a young man… You must bring him to church to meet the ladies."
Clarke cleared her throat and said, "Actually, I don't have a boyfriend or anything. It's just me." Her smile was a bit forced before becoming genuine as she said, "My older brother just flew into town last night. I brought him with me this morning. He just left not just ten minutes ago, so you missed him by a smidge. He's looking at apartments today before he has to leave again tomorrow, so I let him borrow my car. I'm not sure how long he'll be." It was obvious by the way she talked about him, that she loved her brother very dearly.
Bellamy felt the knot in his chest loosen upon hearing that the strange man from last night and this morning was her brother. He began putting the pieces together- the reason why they never kissed on the lips, and why she was so comfortable with the man. He was there last night, because he had just gotten into town, and wanted to surprise his little sister. That also explained her reaction of shock and joy upon seeing him. The man's glare, just minutes ago was a warning not to stay away from his girl, but to stay away from his little sister. The perfect car was her car, and she was single.
Bellamy fought hard to keep his face neutral, and not let the massive grin spread across his face. He watched as his grandmother began asking Clarke various questions about this older brother she clearly adored. He was too preoccupied with his relief to follow what was being said in the conversation. Clarke's genuine, melodious laugh caused something to stir in Bellamy's chest. He felt… Warm. For the first time in a long time, he didn't feel the crushing, numbing, coldness.
"Bambino? Bellamy?" His grandmother called him. He realized he'd been standing there for a while in a daze, probably looking like an idiot. He quickly responded.
"Sorry Nonni… Lost in thought." Bellamy said sheepishly. She just patted his cheek lovingly before turning back to Clarke.
"See dear… He needs to get out." Oh dear Lord! He was not that bad!
"Nonni…" He started to protest.
"Actually, I would love to go out for lunch." Clarke said to his grandmother. She turned to Bellamy. "If that's okay with you Bellamy."
Bellamy nodded stunned, while his grandmother was practically rejoicing. She quickly said her goodbyes, with a kiss on the cheek for her grandson, and a hug and a promise to call about lunch on Tuesday for Clarke, and then she was off.
There was an awkward pause before Bellamy spoke. "I'm sorry about that… I had no idea she was going to try and set us up like that." He said waving his hand in the direction his grandmother had disappeared.
"It's okay," She said with a smile. "I really like your grandmother. She is so sweet. It's so clear how much she loves and worries for you." She paused before saying a bit nervously. "We don't actually have to go out. I understand your grandmother was pressuring you, and I figured she would be disappointed if one of us declined, and I didn't want to do that. I completely understand if you have somewhere to be or someone to meet." She finished earnestly.
"Trying to ditch me Princess? Who would have thought you were so heartless as to drop a man after agreeing to go to lunch with him?" Bellamy held a hand over his heart in mock hurt, and smirked at her look of horror. "Fortunately for you, you can't get rid of me that easily. I've got all the time in the world to take you out for lunch, so where do you want to go?"
"McDonald's." She said without hesitation. Bellamy about choked on air. She had to be joking right? The girl was about to have lunch with a multi-billionaire, and she wanted McDonald's… What?! Albeit she didn't know he was a multi-billionaire, at least he didn't think she did, but still… What?!
Suddenly she busted out laughing. She laughed so hard, she had tears streaming down her face. She was completely red in the face by the time she was finished. "I'm sorry, but I had to get you back for the ditching comment." She said finally, giggling a bit. "You should have seen your face." She did, what he guessed, was supposed to be an imitation of what his face must have looked like- horror, lots of horror, with a hint of fear. She collapsed in another fit of laughter, with Bellamy joining her this time.
"You really had me going for a minute there Princess." Bellamy said breathing heavily from all the laughing. Finally, once both people were composed, he asked. "Where would you like to eat, for real this time?"
She shrugged. "I have no idea. Out-of-towner here, remember?" She said pointing at herself. Then she poked him in the chest lightly. "You're the New Yorker, so you pick the place. I eat everything but fish."
Bellamy thought for a moment. She didn't seem like the type of girl to appreciate or be impressed by a really ritzy place, but he wasn't about to take her to a food truck or, God forbid, a McDonald's.
Finally, the perfect place popped into his mind… It was a bit of a personal place, but he knew she would just absolutely love it. He offered her his right arm, noticing that she didn't hesitate before looping her arm around his. They began walking down the rest of the steps of the church, and toward his car. It was about a ten-minute drive to the place.
He opened her door for her, like the gentleman his mother and grandmother raised him to be, and waited for her to get in before saying, with a little grin, "Alright Princess… I know a great place. I hope you like pizza." Before closing her door.
He walked around, got into the driver's seat, started the car, and then they were off.
Hmmm... So Clarke has a brother. Interesting or no? Damian's trying to marry Finn off? WHAT?! Who was freaking out thinking she had a boyfriend (I know some of you were -_-)? What about the guys and their pre-church buffoonery? Was anyone surprised it was Marcus in the shadows? Did Nonni let Bellamy off too easy for being late? I WANT TO KNOW! Anything and everything you think about the chapter, or the story in general. I LOVE hearing from you guys.
-Redhead17x
Guest 1: You are so welcome for the early update! I couldn't have it be Lincoln... Bellamy and Lincoln will be best buddies, but that will come in later chapters, as will the meeting. The Bellarke starts now... ;)
Guest 2: I'm glad you love it! More next Friday :)
Guest 3: You are so welcome. It means the world to hear you think I'm an amazing writer, so thank you!
Wright: I'm happy you like the blood diamond plot... It is a serious issue, one I feel strongly about, and I guess those feelings transferred to my writing. Jaha is a crazy loon, and I haven't quite decided what I'm going to do with Wells yet. We'll have to see. Bellamy really is a good man, even though he doesn't believe or see it in himself. I plan to include just about as many characters as I can, and they will surface slowly, not all at once. Some of them will outright appear out of nowhere and smack you right in the face to be honest, so be prepared. I'm happy you enjoyed last chapter, and I look forward to hearing what you thought of this chapter!
Guest 4: I love that you love it! You are so very welcome for the early update :) I hope you enjoyed the chapter!
Guest 5: Here's the Friday post :) Don't worry, I got you... I am so happy you love my story!
