Chapter 71
Part 1
Ambers's tongue darted around in Lex's mouth as he eagerly pressed his lips against hers, their kiss starting to go beyond just a friendly peck. "Ahem!" came a loud throat clearing from Salene inside the cage. But this didn't interrupt them for even a second as Lex's hands wondered to the zipper of Amber's new ensemble. Her eyes widened as his hands caressed the bare skin of her back that the low cut top she was sporting didn't cover. Lex slowly drew the zipper on the back of her top down, kissing her neck as he did so and letting his hand drop when he felt the top loosen and start to slip from her shoulders. All the while, Amber ran her fingers roughly through his long, black hair, as her head tilted back in pleasure at his kisses, traveling further and further down her chest.
"AHEM!" came the loud throat clearing from Salene again, sounding as if she was a heavy smoker and couldn't quite clear the mucus from her throat. She frowned and turned her head as she was ignored yet again, and saw as Amber's top was thrown aside, exposing her upper half. "Oh my gosh.this isn't happening!" mumbled Salene to herself as she faced the opposite direction of them, now cringing at the sound of more zippers being hastily drawn down and buttons popping off of shirts from not being able to be undone quick enough. A few moans escaped Amber's mouth as she was fully lowered to the ground now and all clothes were lying on either side of her and Lex.
The torture to Salene carried on for about fifteen minutes, with a countless amount of animal like grunts and moans from both Lex and Amber echoing throughout the small room. But all feel silent when the doorknob to the room turned and in walked Bray. He let out a girl like scream at the sight of Amber and Lex's nude forms atop each other. "Amber! How could you?!" he cried out as he jerked around dramatically, his long hair zipping around as he ran from the room. Amber blinked, not really knowing how all that just happened so quickly; Bray was here, then he wasn't."Wish I could make him disappear that quick more often." said Amber with a smirk. Lex let out a small laugh, "Yeah.well, let's not talk about Bray ok?" he said with a sly smile. "Whatever you say babe." Replied Amber with a seductive smile as she rolled over on top of him, ready to really "ride" the sheriff of this ever so innocent city.
Part 2
Jack and Ellie now lay in Jack's bed, on top of the covers, Ellie lying back in Jack's arms. Ellie was caught up in unknown thoughts of her own and was unaware of Jack staring down at her. "What are you thinking about?" he asked. "Oh..me?.nothing." said Ellie flatly as she tried to push away a sudden flashback that sprung to her mind.
**Flashback**
Ellie didn't dare resist as he tore at her clothes, lusting over her just as she was him. Well, actually she just needed something to take her mind off of a few things happening in her life, but this was the next best thing right?
She soon found herself stripped down to her undergarments, and just lay there, vulnerable, and ready to do anything he might suggest. "You're so sexy." he whispered huskily into her ear as he kissed down her collar bone. She forced a small smile to her lips and ran her fingers through his short, recently cut and bleached blonde hair.
**End of flashback**
"Ellie?" came Jack's voice, startling her out of her thoughts. "What happened? You were miles away there." he said softly, playing with a strand of her long, stick straight hair. "Yeah..oh well.guess I'm just a bit tired, mind if I take a nap?" asked Ellie, her eye lids really beginning to feel heavy. "Sure.go ahead." Said Jack lovingly, pulling her to him and letting her rest her head on his chest as he wrapped her in his warm arms.
Chapter 72
Bray sat in his and Amber's room, shredding countless pictures of the two of them together. "How.*rip*..could.*rip*.she do.*rip*.this to me?" he cried to himself. Bray thought of everything that had happened in this solitary day; the wrecking of his relationship with Amber, and now his life. "I'll never tell her the rest." he said to himself.
"Tell who what?" asked Danni, stepping from the shadows of his open doorway and stepping into his room. "It's none of your d.amn business!" shouted Bray angrily. Danni smirked, "It's alright, I already know anyways.just wanted to see if you'd reveal it yourself." She said coolly. Bray's head snapped around to fully face Danni as he studied her face, trying to figure out if she really knew his deepest, darkest, secret. "You know I know don't you?" she said with a slight smile. Bray didn't answer.
"Well.your secret is that you used-"started Danni. "Stop! You don't know nothing you hear?! Nothing!" screamed Bray, shocked at her knowledge of something so terrible and life changing. "Right.I know nothing." said Danni with a wink before she leaned down and ran her finger down Bray's cheek and pressed her lips against his in a rough kiss, in which he did not return. Danni pulled away and winked at him again, "Talk to you later then." she said before strutting out of the room, her hips swaying seductively with her steps.
Bray fell back against his bed as his mind flashed back to the night Amber and "himself" had created Baby Bray.
***Flashback***
"Bray.it's so dark in here.how can you even see me?" asked Amber. "I don't need to be able to see you Amb, I know where you are." said Bray. "Bray? Why do you sound so far away?" asked Amber as she placed her hands on the well built man straddling her waist. "I'm right here babe." Said Bray nervously from beside the bed. He knew it was wrong to lie to Amber, to make her think she was with him when she wasn't, but she just couldn't know his secret.she just couldn't. It would hurt her, and Baby Bray would have never been born, had he not taken the actions he'd taken on this night.
He coughed to signal his trusted friend that sat astride Amber to begin what she wanted.
***End of flashback***
Meanwhile, Amber lay nude in Lex's arms, tired after an hour of non-stop lust. Salene just lay against the cage facing in the opposite direction, holding her head in her hands. Lex noticed Salene and laughed "What Sal? Don't you like seeing me naked?" he said as he grinned down at Amber. "I don't particularly like seeing two MARRIED people going at it!" hissed Salene. "Aww.well that's just too bad, you don't know what you're missin." he said as he winked at Amber, who reached up and pulled him to her for a long kiss. "Ugh!" moaned Salene as the sound of their animalistic kiss echoed throughout the small room.
Lex nonchalantly glanced down at his watch and let out a silent gasp. "Trudy is going to wonder.I think I should get back." Said Lex as he sat up, pulling her with him. "What if Bray's already spilled the beans to Trudy?" asked Amber softly. "He hasn't.I know Bray.he probably went back to his room to cry.he really did love you ya know." said Lex. "Ha! He loves me? Yeah right!" said Amber as she pulled her top back on and reached for her skirt. Lex brought his hand to her face, and his expression turned serious, "What would you say if I told you I loved you? And have since that day back in high school when Bray introduced us." He said firmly, not moving his hand from her cheek. Amber had a mixed emotions look on her face, as if she was trying to decide something. "B- but you're married." She murmured. "You have a child with someone else." she added. "But so do you." Replied Lex. "I can't let myself love you Lex.I just.can't!" said Amber, her face flustering as she stood and rushed out of the room.
Chapter 73
Sara lay in Martin's arms, wondering what had happened the day before when Shante' had drug him off to the café to "have a cup of coffee". When they'd returned to their room before, Martin had assured her that Shante' and himself had only had a couple of cups of coffee and a little friendly chit chat, and nothing more, so she need not worry.
"What's wrong Sara?" asked Martin softly. Sara forced a smile to her face, "Nothing hun, nothing at all." She said sweetly. "Alright, if you say so. But you'd tell me if something was bothering you wouldn't you? Say, like Shante' and mine's coffee break last night?" said Martin with a knowing look. Sara was surprised at his response, "How'd you know that's what I was thinking about?" she asked.
Martin pulled her closer to him, "A man knows when the woman he loves is upset, and if it's true love, he knows what she's upset about," replied Martin with a loving smile. Sara couldn't help but return the infectious smile as he leaned in to kiss her. As they parted Martin spoke again; "Was I right though?" he asked softly, bringing his hand to her cheek. Sara frowned and nodded her head.
"Oh Sara, I'm sorry, I should have never agreed to having coffee with her.it just happened so quick, her dragging me out I mean. I just didn't have time to think. Just don't forget ok?" said Martin. "Forget what?" asked Sara. "That you're the one I love, and no one else can take your place." He said. Sara smiled a sincere smile for the first time that day and all worries she had about what may have happened the day before diminished.
Meanwhile, Shante' sat on a stool in front of a mirror, applying her make- up and tribal markings. "Watcha doing babe?" Ram asked as he walked from the bathroom linked to their room, having just styled his hair. "What does it look like I'm doing?" said Shante' as she rolled her eyes. "Woah! Feisty today are we?" he said with a laugh as he wrapped his arms around her torso from behind. Shante' watched him in the mirror she was looking into as she put the finishing touches on her eye make-up and set the compact down on the hard surface of the dresser. BANG BANG BANG! Both their heads jerked around and Ram's grip around Shante' tightened as they heard the heavy rap on the door to their room.
"Are you going to answer it?" asked Shante' calmly. "Oh...yeah.right." said Ram, as he reluctantly let her loose and went to answer the door. He slowly opened the door only to have a small body push through the crack, forcing it open and running into the room. "Brady?" said Shante', a little confused. "Auntie Shante'!" cried Brady. She'd started to call all the women besides her mother Auntie. "What's wrong sweetheart?" asked Shante', her voice softening. "Daddy is crying!" said Brady. "Why's he crying dear?" asked Shante' as she stood up from the stool and looked down at the little girl before her. "I don't know! He came back to see me and mommy, and mommy yelled, and now he's crying! You have to help him Auntie Shante'! Please?" said the little girl, her eyes filled with grief.
"Does your mommy and daddy know you're here?" asked Shante'. "No, I ran away!" said Brady with bravery. "Well, let's take you back then ok?" said Shante'. "Ok." Sniffed Brady as Shante' took her little hand. "I'll be back in a bit Ram ok?" she said. "Sure." Said Ram with a small smile as he watched his girlfriend walk out of the room, talking so motherly to Brady as she did, and wondered what she'd be like having a child of her own.
Part 2
"American woman! Stay away from me! American woman! Mama let me be!" sang Jay as he rocked Tara in his arms. Ebony, who was seated on their bed, burst out laughing. "What?!" said Jay all flustered. "What kind of lullaby is that?!" said Ebony as more laughter escaped her mouth. Jay blushed, "Well you said to sing something I knew." he mumbled.
"You don't sing stuff like that to an 8 month old Jay! Geeze! She's gonna be corrupted, and it'll be all your fault!" said Ebony with another laugh as she got up and walked to her husband and daughter. "Well I'm sorry if I don't know the words to "The Itsy Bitsy Spider!" said Jay. "Oh cheer up hunny, I'm only trying to rowl you up!" said Ebony with a smile as she stood on her tip toes, leaned over her daughter and brushed her lips across Jay's in a light kiss. "Mmm.that's better." Said Jay with a sly smile. But before he could lean down to kiss Ebony again, a shrill burst of fighting voices erupted from across the hall.
"How could you Lex?! We're married! We have a child! Bray's your best friend! How could you do that to him?!" came Trudy's angry, shaky voice. "People can't help how they feel Trudy!" said Lex. "People can however, help who they sleep with!" spat back Trudy. "It wasn't like that Trudy! It just happened." said Lex, knowing very well that he sounded totally stupid, for that was no excuse for cheating on his wife. "I mean.I'm sorry Trudy.I just couldn't help my feelings for her." added Lex, only infuriating Trudy even further.
"WHAT?! Don't you DARE talk about feelings to me Lex! You could care less about feelings! All you wanted was a piece of a*s! You know, I thought you had changed your ways from before we got together, but I suppose I was wrong, old habits never change!" yelled Trudy before she ran out of the room, tears daring to roll down her cheeks. Lex's head slumped and he brought his hands to his face as a few tears escaped his own eyes. "I can't help it.I love Amber." he said to himself.
Back in Jack and Ellie's room..
Ellie sat at her desk, with Jack standing behind her, massaging her shoulders as they came up with baby names. "How about Ken?" said Jack. Ellie laughed, "Yeah sure, and we can call our next child Barbie!" she said. "Geeze, all you had to say was that you didn't like it!" said Jack with a small smile, as he held his hand to his chest, pretending to be hurt by her comment on his name suggestion. Ellie smiled as she glanced up at him, "Your blond is fading, and you need a hair cut." She blurted out. "Well aren't you just full of compliments today!" said Jack with a smirk. "I thought you didn't like when I died my hair blond?" Jack questioned. "Of course I did! It was sexy! And that short hair cut you had when you died it was lookin good too!" said Ellie as she stood and turned to him, letting his arms lock around her waist, "Sexy eh?" said Jack in a husky voice, as a grin spread over his face.
[b]Chapter 74
Part 1 Characters : Trudy, Luke, Mega[/b]
Trudy had locked herself in the large bathroom near the café; sitting on a metal stool in front of an oval mirror hanging on the wall. She stared at her reflection, frowning at the dripping mascara and the streaks of purple make up running down her face. "I have no room to talk." she whispered to herself. KNOCK KNOCK!
Trudy jumped at the loud knock on the door and wiped her face with a wet rag, only causing the make-up to smear across her swollen cheeks. She sighed and stood. "Who is it?" called Trudy in a quivering voice.
"Trud? Is that you? I thought I heard someone crying in there." came the former Chosen Lieutenant's pleasant voice from behind the door. "Luke?" choked out Trudy as she scrubbed at her face, trying to clear all traces of make-up.
"Yeah it's me.are you ok?" asked Luke with sympathy. Trudy took a final look in the mirror, and upon seeing her now spotless face, she walked to the door, turned the lock, and edged it open. The tall figure behind it peered in and raised an eyebrow at her, "Wow." he said.
"What?" said Trudy as she turned to look back in the mirror, thinking she must still have a smudge of mascara or dot of eye shadow on her cheeks. "You're not wearing any make-up." Said Luke in a sort of surprised voice. "Is that a bad thing?" asked Trudy with sad eyes.
Luke took a step forward and brought his hand to his cheek, "No, you look beautiful.I don't know why you even go to the trouble of putting it all on, because you definitely look gorgeous without it." Said Luke.
Trudy looked at him for a moment, before suddenly bursting out laughing. Luke dropped his hand by instinct. "What's so funny?" he asked, a little confused at her sudden mood change.
"Oh lord.'You look gorgeous without it?'" Trudy mimicked. "What a great pick up line!" said Trudy with another laugh. "Perhaps you should teach it to Lex." she added, and upon thinking about it, the bitter, sad look returning to her face.
Luke frowned, "Right." he said. A long, awkward silence proceeded, until Luke spoke up, "Umm.I have somewhere I have to be.but perhaps we could talk later?" he said. "Sure." Mumbled Trudy. Luke glanced at her before scurrying off down the hallway.
Trudy rolled her eyes, "Men! They're all the same.all lying b*st*rds!" she said to herself.
"Woah." came a voice from behind her. She jerked around at the sound of the deep voice, "M-Mega.what are you doing here?" she asked nervously. "I was just.passing." said Mega as he eyed her, also noticing her lack of dark violet eye liner. "Oh.well.I gotta go!" said Trudy so fast, that it sounded like one long word to Mega. She looked at him for a moment, and then walked quickly down the hallway, wanting nothing more than to escape his presence.
[b]Part 2 Characters : Jay, Tara, Ebony[/b]
"She won't go to sleep!" said Jay to himself as he stared down at Tara, still in his arms, who was staring up at him, with a big baby smile plastered on her face. Jay switched her to his hip and danced around a bit with her.
"She looked at me with big brown eyes, and said, you ain't seen nothing yet! B-b-baby, you just ain't seen nothing yet! " sang Jay, remembering one of the old tunes that he'd heard on his mom's radio when he was a small child.
"Your hopeless Jay! Hopeless!" came Ebony's voice as she exited their bathroom and saw her husband trying to entertain their daughter. Tara giggled and Jay turned and saw Ebony standing in the doorway to the bathroom, shaking her head at Jay, who was doing an air guitar with his free arm.
"C'mon Ebbs, join in on the fun." said Jay with a grin as he motioned her over with his index finger. Ebony smiled and said "Only if I get to pick the song" "Whatever you say." said Jay with another grin.
Ebony walked to the small CD player in their room and put on a CD, leaving it low so she could sing over it. Jay smiled at her song choice. "I used to think maybe you loved me, now baby I'm sure!" sang Ebony as she danced over to Jay and their daughter. They both burst out in a great fit of laughter when they saw Tara raise her little arms in the air and wave them about, between multiple claps.
"I'm walkin on sunshine, wooooah, and don't it feel good!" sang Ebony as she leaned up to kiss Jay, who brought his free hand to the back of her braids and deepened the kiss. "Oww!" said Jay suddenly as he pulled away from Ebony. "What?" said Ebony confused.
"She hit me!" said Jay, looking down at Tara, who smiled up at her father. "What do you mean she hit you?" said Ebony as she looked from Jay to Tara. "In the face!" said Jay as he rubbed his cheek.
"Awww.poor baby.beat up by his 8 month old daughter!" said Ebony with a cheeky smile as she glanced at his cheek. "Good lord! Our baby packs quite a punch there Jay!" said Ebony as she saw the small hand print on Jay's left cheek. "Ha ha, real funny." Said Jay with a role of his eyes.
"Awww, should I kiss it better?" said Ebony with another grin. "No! That's what caused me to get hit in the first place!" said Jay as he took a step back. "Oh! That hurts Jay! Right here!" said Ebony as she held her hand to her heart and laughed.
Tara giggled again and slapped her father in the other cheek. "AGH!" said Jay as he looked down at his daughter, who looked innocently up at him.
[b]Part 3 Characters : Amber, Lex[/b]
Amber hugged her knees to her chest and sighed. "What's wrong with me? Why am I even thinking about him? I'm married.I have a child." said Amber out loud to herself. "Why does he remind me so much of my son?" Amber asked herself.
"Ugh.what am I going to do.I have no one to talk to.no one to turn to." she said, but was interrupted when the door to the small balcony she was sitting upon opened, and out rushed Lex. "Amber?" he said, a little surprised. "Lex? What are you doing here?" asked Amber as she cocked her head to the side to see him.
"This is just where I come to think.I didn't think anyone else knew it was here." said Lex. "I didn't think anyone knew it was here either.I mean.it's just a little balcony attached to the side of the mall.really an escape route." Said Amber.
"Yeah." said Lex, "Mind if I join you?" he asked, hoping she'd say yes. "I suppose not." said Amber, as the voice in her head screamed "No! Tell him to get lost! You've already caused your marriage enough damage!".but her heart said "Your marriage was doomed from the start.follow your heart to the man you really love."
Lex sat down next to her, on the small blanket she was sitting on and gazed up at the setting sun. "Amber?" he said after what seemed like an eternity of silence. Amber turned her head towards him, but didn't reply. Lex looked over at her after a moment, "What are you thinking about?" he asked.
"Today.you.everything." said Amber softly. "Me too." Replied Lex, and without another word, he scooted closer to Amber, and wrapped his arm around her shoulders, and was surprised when she didn't pull away, but leaned against him, as if looking for some sort of comfort and escape from her life's troubles. Lex squeezed her shoulder and she snuggled closer to him, resting her head on his shoulder, without so much as a word, enjoying the way it felt to be with him, to have his arms around her, filling her with an undying love.
[b]Part 4 Characters : Jack, Ellie[/b]
Jack and Ellie lay in their bed, as they'd done many a time in these past 6 months, with Jack's arms wrapped around her as they just lay there together, too scared of hurting the baby to try anything too risqué. It was here that most of Ellie's flashbacks would occur, so it was no surprise to her when her mind flashed back to that night once again..
**Flashback**
Ellie lay under the sheets, a man lying next to her, under the sheets as well. "How was I?" he asked, noticing she was awake. "Huh?" said Ellie, not really paying attention to him. "You know what I mean." he said, urging her to answer. "Oh.yeah.it was ok.." she mumbled.
"Ok?" he said, a little discouraged. "Why do you care?" asked Ellie as she glanced over at him. "Because.it was my first time." he said coolly. "How can it be your first time?" Ellie questioned. "My first time sober I mean.." he replied.
"Oh.well...I suppose you're right." said Ellie, thinking of their previous relations. "So?" he said. "So what? What do you want me to say? That you were like a wild animal, and that was the most pleasure anyone's ever given me?" she asked, a grin spreading over her face.
"I wouldn't be hurt if that was your response." He said. Ellie laughed and rolled over closer to him, running her finger down his chest as she leaned in for a soft kiss. His lips connected with hers and she felt a bit of electricity run down her spine at the feel of the kiss. They pulled apart for air, and Ellie spoke, "I love you.Jack." She said, causing a loving look to spread across his own face before he leaned in for a longer, more passionate kiss. **End of Flashback**
Chapter 75
Shante' lightly knocked on the door to Trudy and Lex's room. "Who is it?" called Trudy from inside. "Hey..It's Shante', was just bringing Brady back, she sort of ran away." Said Shante' from behind the door. Shante' heard a shuffle from inside the room and the door opened. "Brady! I thought you were with your father!" said Trudy as she looked disapprovingly at her daughter, who looked innocently up at her mother.
"Come on young lady!" said Trudy firmly, taking Brady's hand, "Thanks Shante', for bringing her back." Said Trudy. "Sure.it's no problem at all, she's good company." Said Shante' with a chuckle. "So I've heard!" said Trudy with a laugh as she thought of Jack's encounter with her daughter.
"Trudy?" said Shante'. "Yeah?" said Trudy as she let go of her daughters hand and the little girl walked into the room and climbed up onto the king size bed, curled up and let her eyes drift shut. Trudy stepped outside of the room and shut the door behind her. "What's going on with you and Lex?" blurted out Shante'.
"What makes you think something is going on with me and Lex?" Trudy replied. "Let's just say Brady's a smart little kid." Said Shante'. Trudy nodded, "Well.it's a bit complicated.you see." started Trudy, and soon, she'd poured out the whole story of Lex and Amber, gory details and all!
Meanwhile..back in Bray and Amber's room, Bray sat indian style on the bed, propping his head up on his hand as he thought of how in the world he was going to tell Amber the rest. One part of him said "Don't tell her, she betrayed you too, she deserved everything she got!" , but his gentler side said, "But she needs to know.Baby Bray should know his biological father." As Bray contemplated his options, he stood up, and began to pace the room. " I have to tell her.I'm the one who went along with everything that night.and only because I was scared I wouldn't satisfy her.Baby Bray could have been mine.and I let my scum bag friend have all the fun the first time." said Bray out loud to himself.
Back on the balcony, Lex and Amber now lay on the blanket, with Amber resting her head on his chest as they watched the stars that began to dot the black sky. "Amb? Are you awake?" asked Lex in a whisper. "Mmm." mumbled Amber, to signal her being somewhat awake. "Where's this headed?" said Lex, wondering how even if they did love each other, how in the world they were going to make things work for them. "I don't know Lex.I don't know." mumbled Amber. "Where do you want it to head?" he asked, wanting to know how Amber truly felt before he let himself fall too hard for her, only to find there was nothing there for him.
"You mean do I want there to ever be an 'us'?" asked Amber, stalling on answering his question. "Yeah...you know how I feel.now I want to know how you feel." Said Lex as he sat up on the blanket, pulling her up with him. "I feel.lost." Said Amber with a blank expression. "Lost?" echoed Lex. "Yeah.I don't even know what's happening Lex.I mean, this mourning I woke up next to the man I thought I loved, and who loved me.I just never expected to end the day in another's arms, being overwhelmed with a totally different kind of feeling." Said Amber. "It's hard to explain." She added. "No, it's ok, I understand." Said Lex as he leaned over and kissed her cheek.
Meanwhile, Salene stood in her cell, furiously picking at the lock on it with a hair pen. "Ugh! Stupid thing!" said Salene as she moaned in defeat at seeing the pen break off in the lock. "Maybe I can help." came a voice from the dark corner of the room. Salene jumped back in the cell and looked around, "W-who's there?" she said, "Lex? Is that you? Are you trying to scare me? I won't fall for it, I won't!" said Salene as she stood straight in the cage. "Does Lex look like this?" said the voice, and Salene gasped when she saw The Guardian leap from the shadows, decked out in a neon pink, spandex thong. "Go on! Touch it!" he said.
Chapter 76
Salene jumped back in horror, "Guardian! I couldn't!" she exclaimed. "Oh c'mon babe, you didn't mind touching it last night!" he replied with a grin. Salene stared at it for a long moment and soon found her arm extending through the cage bars. In no time at all, her hand contacted with the long, hard, baseball bat clutched in The Guardian's hands. "Isn't it great?!" gushed The Guardian, holding the bat out for her to touch. "It's so.smooth." Said Salene, running her hand the length of the bat. "Yep! This baby is what I hit all my homers with in little league!" said The Guardian proudly as he puffed out his chest a little.
"Lex?" whispered Amber, lifting her head from his shoulder, in which she'd been laying back against the past 15 minutes. "Hmmm?" mumbled Lex, not removing his arms from around her. "I think I'm falling for you." said Amber, tilting her head sideways to look at him. "I've already fallen for you." replied Lex as he leaned down and softly kissed Amber, bringing his hand to her cheek as the kiss deepened.
The two parted for air, and it was only then that they realized the door to the balcony cracked open, and a person looming in the doorway. "Who's there?" called Lex as their stares stayed glued to the door. It opened a little more and Amber's mouth dropped a little, "Bray." she breathed.
"I just thought there was something you should know." Said Bray, stepping out a little onto the balcony and letting the moonlight stream down on his face. "What should I know Bray?" asked Amber, pulling away from Lex and standing up. Lex stood up quickly beside Amber, standing close by in case Bray decided to try anything crazy. "It's Baby Bray." said Bray softly. Lex stiffened a bit for a reason unknown to Amber and seemed to be waiting for Bray to continue as well.
"He's not.he's not." said Bray but stopped. "He's not what Bray?" said Amber, a little confused. "He's not mine Amber." Said Bray, forcing the words from his lips. "What?" said Amber, her voice quivering. "You heard me." said Bray, looking into her eyes. "B-but.that's not possible.you're the only one who I ever slept with.then." said Amber, not understanding how Bray could say such a thing. "No.you don't understand Amber.that wasn't me that night." Said Bray. "What do you mean it wasn't you?!" said Amber, a little frightened as to what his answer may be. "I mean.I was there yes, but that wasn't me [I]with[/I] you." said Bray.
"You're lying!" said Amber, not wanting to believe what she'd just been told, that they're nearly two year old son was in fact not theirs, but Amber's and someone else's. "I'm sorry Amber.I never meant to hurt you." said Bray as a tear slid down his face. "I still want to be his father though, I still want to be in his life." Bray continued. "No.It's not your duty to Bray." Said Lex, stepping in between them, and giving Bray a stern look. Amber looked from Bray to Lex, the confused expression returning to her face.
Second Half
Patch sat upon a kiddy chair in the nursery, bouncing little Tara on his knee. "You're so good with her!" exclaimed Ebony as she walked into the nursery to collect her daughter, closely followed by Jay. Jay and Ebony had wanted a bit of time to eat a peaceful dinner so they'd asked Siva and Patch to watch Tara for a little while. Siva and Patch had happily agreed.
"Ya think?" said Patch as he reached to push his glasses back onto his nose before Tara got a hold of them, and stood. Jay stepped forward and snatched his daughter from Patch's arms. "Da!" said the 7 month old as her father hoisted her to his shoulders. Patch and Siva exchanged looks but didn't say anything. Ebony raised an eyebrow at Jay's possessiveness, as if he didn't want Patch to have anything to do with Tara.
"Well, thanks you guys, you're such sweethearts!" said Ebony enthusiastically. "Anytime, the kid makes me laugh." Said Patch, as he glanced up at Tara, who was busily pulling at her dad's short blonde hair and laughing. Siva laughed out loud as she watched Jay's face contort to that of pain as Tara tightened her grip and pulled.
"Tara hunny, I don't want to be married to a bald man!" said Ebony with a laugh. Tara looked up at her mom's voice and held out her arms. Jay pulled her down from his shoulders and handed her to Ebony. Tara rested her head on her mother's shoulder and settled down.
"Now why won't she do that for me?" said Jay as he crossed his arms across his chest. "Oh Jay, you just don't have that gentle touch; perhaps you should take some lessons from Patch here!" Said Ebony with a wink at Patch. Patch blushed and looked towards the ground. Jay just grunted, "Uh, I think we should get her to bed, don't you Ebony?" he said. "Oh, yes, of course. Thanks again guys, we'll have to get you to sit again some time." Said Ebony as she waved and her and Jay exited the room.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Jack and Ellie were now seated in the café, at a table, across from Ram and Shante'. There was nothing but silence as the two couples ate, for it seemed they had nothing at all in common, therefore limiting conversation topics.
"So.Ellie.When are you due?" asked Shante', trying to break the defining silence. "Three months." Replied Ellie between bites of the peanut butter sandwich sitting on the table in front of her. To the four's relief, in walked Sara and Martin, who walked with Sara's arm around martin's waist and Martin's around Sara's shoulders. "Oh, hi guys!" said Sara cheerfully as her and Martin headed for the table next to the one the other two couples were seated at.
"Why the non talking?" asked Martin as Sara and himself sat down on one side of the table, beside each other, with their hands now linked together as Martin rubbed his thumb across the top of Sara's hand under the table. "We're eating man." Said Ram, speaking up for the group. "Well, care for a game?" asked Sara happily. "A game?" repeated Ellie skeptically. "Yes, a game. A game of truth! Oh c'mon guys, perk up, it'll be fun, we'll go around asking each other questions, and you have to tell the truth!" said Sara with a grin. "I don't know." said Jack as he shifted uneasily in his chair. "Sure, why not!" said Ram and Shante' in unison, knowing they had nothing to hide from each other. "Oh ok." said Ellie and Jack."
"Who's first?" asked Shante'. "Me! I have a question for Sara!" said Ram with a sly smile as he eyed her. Sara chuckled and put her hand to her forehead, "Oh no, should I be scared?" she said with another laugh. "SO Sara, do you find me sexy?? C'mon, don't deny!" said Ram with an evil grin, Shante' punched him in the shoulder. "Oww! Whatcha do that for?!" he asked. "You perv!" said Shante' punching him again, but not being able to keep from laughing. Sara whispered something into Martin's ear and stood, walking to Ram, and sitting in his lap and locking her hands behind his neck. Shante's smile faded and Ram's expression turned a little surprised, but he didn't move to push Sara off of him. "Well Ram.I've always found you extremely good looking." purred Sara into Ram's ear.
"Huh?" said Ram, a little taken aback. "What? You don't find me sexy as well?" said Sara giving him a fake pout. "Uh." said Ram. He felt a sharp pop in the back of his head, "Oww!" he said as he looked over at a glaring Shante'. This is when Sara burst out laughing and jumped up from Ram's lap, "Oh lord! You actually thought I was serious!" said Sara between laughs. Ram frowned,
"So I'm not good looking?" he chimed. "Of course you are, of course." Said Sara as she winked at Martin and sat back down beside him. Martin smiled and slipped his arm around her waist, pulling her and her chair closer to him. "I knew it!" said Ram with a nod of his head. Shante' just shook her head, "Who's next?" she asked. "Ellie!" said Ram, motioning toward Ellie, who looked to be trying to hide from everyone else under Jack's arm. "Me?" she said.
"Yes you!" replied Ram. "Ummm.oh I don't know.I guess I'll ask Jack something." she said. Jack turned in his chair to face Ellie, swallowing the knot that had begun to form in the back of his throat. "Jack, do you have feelings for Kadelyn?" asked Ellie. The other four faces in the room turned from happy to uncomfortable as they waited to see if jack would answer.
Chapter 77
"What are you talking about Lex? Of course It's Bray's duty to take care of my son, he's his father!" said Amber, still not believing what Bray had just revealed. "No, he's not Amber." Said Lex, looking deep into Amber's eyes, a somber look playing on his face as he took her left hand in his. "Amber.that night.I did Bray a favor." said Lex.
"W- what kind of favor Lex?" asked Amber, tears brimming her eyes. "That was me in the bed with you.not Bray.Baby Bray.well.he's my son Amber." Said Lex. Amber's expression turned hard and she jerked free of Lex. "How could you?!" she yelled at both men, that were tearing her heart to shreds.
"Amber-" both men said at the same time, but were cut off as Amber first slapped Lex, then Bray, hard across their faces. "I don't ever want to talk to either of you ever again! Neither of you are to see my son.ever!" she cried before running off through the balcony door.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Well answer her man!" said Ram, after a long pause, in which Jack said nothing. Shante' punched Ram in the shoulder again and motioned for him to be quiet. "Must you hit me woman?!" said Ram, rubbing his shoulder. "Yes, I must." Replied Shante' as she brought her index finger to her lips, this time getting the point across as silence filled the room again.
"I don't think so." mumbled Jack. The other two women besides Ellie rose an eyebrow at Jack's reply. Even Martin and Ram were a little worried for Jack now, for you don't tell your fiancé, who you're supposed to marry in four months and who's pregnant with your child that you don't 'think' you have feelings for another woman.
Ellie stood and quietly pushed her chair in again, and struggled to reach over the table with her pregnant stomach to retrieve the purse she'd brought along. "Ellie I-" started Jack, but stopped when Ellie turned her back on him and confidently strode out of the café.
"I guess that was the wrong answer." chimed Ram. "RAM!" said Shante' and Sara in unison. "What?" said Ram. This time Martin reached across the small gap between the tables and slapped Ram in the back of the head. "Just be quiet man!" he said.
Jack sat motionless in the same chair, looking down at his hands. "Jack? Are you alright?" asked Shante' standing up and walking towards Jack, resting a hand on his shoulder.
"Yeah.I'm fine.I just screwed up with the woman I'm supposed to marry in a single sentence.but yes, I'm fine!" said Jack as he stood and forcefully shoved his chair under the table and walked out of the café.
"Tough night." Commented Ram, prompting the next person in line to punch him in the shoulder, this time it being Sara. "GEEZE! What is it with you guys and hitting me?! I mean, I knew I was sexy, but this is something else!" he said with a sly grin. Sara and Shante' sighed and rolled their eyes as Martin chuckled and shook his head.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"What was that all about?" asked Ebony as she finally lay the sleeping Tara down in her crib. "What was what all about?" said Jay, acting like he had no clue what his wife was talking about.
"You know what Jay! Why were you being so rude towards Patch and my sister?" asked Ebony as she sat down on the edge of their bed. "I wasn't being rude to Siva Ebony." said Jay as he stood in front of their dresser mirror, wiping his tribal markings away with a wet washcloth.
"Well.you weren't exactly treating Patch with much respect." Said Ebony. Jay turned and walked towards Ebony. He looked down at her for a moment before speaking, "I guess I was just.jealous." He said, as his gaze shifted to the ground. "Jealous?! Why in the world would you be jealous Jay?" asked Ebony, totally baffled at his words.
"Well.you know.you said Patch was good with Tara.and I wasn't.." mumbled Jay. Ebony laughed, "Oh Jay! You poor guy! You should know I was just kidding with you! You're a wonderful father, Tara loves you!" said Ebony as she rose and stood on her tiptoes, linking her hands together behind Jay's neck.
"You think?" replied Jay. "Of course! I mean, if it weren't for you, who's hair would she be able to pull?" said Ebony with a laugh. Jay shook his head, "Ha ha, real funny Ebbs." He said. Ebony giggled and leaned up for a kiss, midway getting interrupted by a knock at their door. Jay moaned with annoyance and reluctantly went to open the door. "Trudy?" said Jay confused. "Can I talk with you Jay? Alone?" asked a very distraught Trudy, running a hand through her violet streaked hair.
"Er.sure." said Jay as he turned back to Ebony, "I'll be right back Ebbs." He said. Ebony smiled and nodded as Jay disappeared through the door. When the door was shut, Trudy collapsed in Jay's arms, "Oh Jay! It's Lex.he.he.cheated on me." sobbed Trudy. Jay wrapped his arms around her and stroked the back of her head soothingly. "With who Trudy?" he asked softly. "Amber!" cried Trudy as she buried her head in Jay's chest.
Chapter 78
Jay's shirt was beginning to become soggy with Trudy's tears as she cried harder into his chest, sobbing out things Jay could barely comprehend. "What can I do to help Trudy?" asked Jay as he dropped his hand to her lower back, rubbing it too. Trudy pulled back a little to look up at him. "Love me Jay." she breathed, her lip quivering and her eyes preparing for another load of tears.
"Love you?" repeated Jay. "Yes.love me.like you love Ebony Jay.I know I could make you happy Jay.if you'd just give me a chance." Continued Trudy. Jay abruptly pulled fully away from her, putting a couple of feet between the two of them. "I love my wife Trudy." Stated Jay firmly.
From inside the room, Ebony stood next to the door, her ear pressed to it so as to hear the conversation going on outside it. It wasn't that she didn't trust her husband; it was Trudy she didn't think could be trusted.or was it? A small smile appeared on her face at Jay's confession of love for her to Trudy.
Back outside the room, Trudy frowned and looked sadly up at Jay. "Fine! If you won't give me a chance, then I'll find someone who will! I don't know what I ever saw in you anyways, you and Ebony are both trash, you deserve to be together!" spat out Trudy. "Now listen here-" started Jay, but Trudy turned and scurried off down the hallway in a huff before he could finish.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Mega?" whispered Kadelyn as she walked back into the room they shared, finding him laying on his side in the middle of their bed, his back turned to her. Mega didn't answer as Kadelyn neared the bed, and she soon noticed the steady rise of his chest as he breathed in and out, obviously in a deep sleep.
Kadelyn sighed and sat down on the bed beside him, causing him to instantly awaken, "Oh..I'm sorry.I didn't mean to wake you." Said Kadelyn quickly, her words running together. "Don't apologize.I'm glad you're here.where'd you go off to anyways?" said Mega as he turned over and sat up next to her.
"Oh, I just went down to the café, but turned back, there seems to be some drama going on down there at the moment." Said Kadelyn with a shake of her head. "Oh? Who's it this time?" asked Mega as he rolled his eyes. "You know.the usual.Jack and Ellie.him cheating on her.her storming out of the room.and all that good stuff. I just don't get why the two don't break it off already!" said Kadelyn in an exasperated tone.
Mega chuckled, "Hunny, those two are in it for the long run, they'll never [I]really[/I] be broken up; it'd take one of the two dying for either of them to even consider being in a serious relationship with someone else." Said Mega.
"I hope we don't ever get as crazy as them, I don't think I could take all the stuff he puts the poor girl through." said Kadelyn as she glanced at Mega. Mega lifted his hand to her cheek and leaned in, giving her a soft kiss before pulling back a little. "I'd never do that to you Kade.you know I wouldn't. I'm in it for the long run too." said Mega, causing Kadelyn's eyes to instantly grow as big as saucers. But before she could get any words out, he'd leaned in for another kiss, still soft, but deeper.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Jack had fled the mall, no clue of what to do, where to go, who to talk to. But minutes later, the sand of the beach appeared beneath his sneakers and he kicked them off, gazing around at the moonlit ocean.
"She hates me." he whispered to himself as he shivered at a sudden pick up of the wind. "I should just make it easy for her.and disappear." Jack breathed as he stood still on the beach, sand creeping up between his bare toes.
"But what about the baby?" said Jack to himself, a little voice appearing in his mind and contradicting his statement moments before. "She can take care of the baby.she'll find someone else.she doesn't need you." Said the other voice, a little louder than the reasonable one.
Jack suddenly took a step forward, towards the water, now blocking the voice urging him to turn back, to run back to Ellie, to run back to the life he was meant to live. But was it really the life he was meant to live? Or was he destined to end it this way, this night, this time.
Jack's eyes glazed over and his expression went blank as he stepped into the shallow water, only up to his ankles at the moment. But as time kept ticking, and Jack's feet kept moving, he moved further and further into the water.until at last it was up to the tip of his chin, daring to cover his face. Jack closed his eyes and took one last step, this time reaching the point where the water engulfed his head and he was fully underwater. He went to take a breath and felt as the salty water rushed into his mouth and up his nose, filling his lungs and depriving his lungs of that sweet air they'd been filled with seconds before.
Part 1
Ambers's tongue darted around in Lex's mouth as he eagerly pressed his lips against hers, their kiss starting to go beyond just a friendly peck. "Ahem!" came a loud throat clearing from Salene inside the cage. But this didn't interrupt them for even a second as Lex's hands wondered to the zipper of Amber's new ensemble. Her eyes widened as his hands caressed the bare skin of her back that the low cut top she was sporting didn't cover. Lex slowly drew the zipper on the back of her top down, kissing her neck as he did so and letting his hand drop when he felt the top loosen and start to slip from her shoulders. All the while, Amber ran her fingers roughly through his long, black hair, as her head tilted back in pleasure at his kisses, traveling further and further down her chest.
"AHEM!" came the loud throat clearing from Salene again, sounding as if she was a heavy smoker and couldn't quite clear the mucus from her throat. She frowned and turned her head as she was ignored yet again, and saw as Amber's top was thrown aside, exposing her upper half. "Oh my gosh.this isn't happening!" mumbled Salene to herself as she faced the opposite direction of them, now cringing at the sound of more zippers being hastily drawn down and buttons popping off of shirts from not being able to be undone quick enough. A few moans escaped Amber's mouth as she was fully lowered to the ground now and all clothes were lying on either side of her and Lex.
The torture to Salene carried on for about fifteen minutes, with a countless amount of animal like grunts and moans from both Lex and Amber echoing throughout the small room. But all feel silent when the doorknob to the room turned and in walked Bray. He let out a girl like scream at the sight of Amber and Lex's nude forms atop each other. "Amber! How could you?!" he cried out as he jerked around dramatically, his long hair zipping around as he ran from the room. Amber blinked, not really knowing how all that just happened so quickly; Bray was here, then he wasn't."Wish I could make him disappear that quick more often." said Amber with a smirk. Lex let out a small laugh, "Yeah.well, let's not talk about Bray ok?" he said with a sly smile. "Whatever you say babe." Replied Amber with a seductive smile as she rolled over on top of him, ready to really "ride" the sheriff of this ever so innocent city.
Part 2
Jack and Ellie now lay in Jack's bed, on top of the covers, Ellie lying back in Jack's arms. Ellie was caught up in unknown thoughts of her own and was unaware of Jack staring down at her. "What are you thinking about?" he asked. "Oh..me?.nothing." said Ellie flatly as she tried to push away a sudden flashback that sprung to her mind.
**Flashback**
Ellie didn't dare resist as he tore at her clothes, lusting over her just as she was him. Well, actually she just needed something to take her mind off of a few things happening in her life, but this was the next best thing right?
She soon found herself stripped down to her undergarments, and just lay there, vulnerable, and ready to do anything he might suggest. "You're so sexy." he whispered huskily into her ear as he kissed down her collar bone. She forced a small smile to her lips and ran her fingers through his short, recently cut and bleached blonde hair.
**End of flashback**
"Ellie?" came Jack's voice, startling her out of her thoughts. "What happened? You were miles away there." he said softly, playing with a strand of her long, stick straight hair. "Yeah..oh well.guess I'm just a bit tired, mind if I take a nap?" asked Ellie, her eye lids really beginning to feel heavy. "Sure.go ahead." Said Jack lovingly, pulling her to him and letting her rest her head on his chest as he wrapped her in his warm arms.
Chapter 72
Bray sat in his and Amber's room, shredding countless pictures of the two of them together. "How.*rip*..could.*rip*.she do.*rip*.this to me?" he cried to himself. Bray thought of everything that had happened in this solitary day; the wrecking of his relationship with Amber, and now his life. "I'll never tell her the rest." he said to himself.
"Tell who what?" asked Danni, stepping from the shadows of his open doorway and stepping into his room. "It's none of your d.amn business!" shouted Bray angrily. Danni smirked, "It's alright, I already know anyways.just wanted to see if you'd reveal it yourself." She said coolly. Bray's head snapped around to fully face Danni as he studied her face, trying to figure out if she really knew his deepest, darkest, secret. "You know I know don't you?" she said with a slight smile. Bray didn't answer.
"Well.your secret is that you used-"started Danni. "Stop! You don't know nothing you hear?! Nothing!" screamed Bray, shocked at her knowledge of something so terrible and life changing. "Right.I know nothing." said Danni with a wink before she leaned down and ran her finger down Bray's cheek and pressed her lips against his in a rough kiss, in which he did not return. Danni pulled away and winked at him again, "Talk to you later then." she said before strutting out of the room, her hips swaying seductively with her steps.
Bray fell back against his bed as his mind flashed back to the night Amber and "himself" had created Baby Bray.
***Flashback***
"Bray.it's so dark in here.how can you even see me?" asked Amber. "I don't need to be able to see you Amb, I know where you are." said Bray. "Bray? Why do you sound so far away?" asked Amber as she placed her hands on the well built man straddling her waist. "I'm right here babe." Said Bray nervously from beside the bed. He knew it was wrong to lie to Amber, to make her think she was with him when she wasn't, but she just couldn't know his secret.she just couldn't. It would hurt her, and Baby Bray would have never been born, had he not taken the actions he'd taken on this night.
He coughed to signal his trusted friend that sat astride Amber to begin what she wanted.
***End of flashback***
Meanwhile, Amber lay nude in Lex's arms, tired after an hour of non-stop lust. Salene just lay against the cage facing in the opposite direction, holding her head in her hands. Lex noticed Salene and laughed "What Sal? Don't you like seeing me naked?" he said as he grinned down at Amber. "I don't particularly like seeing two MARRIED people going at it!" hissed Salene. "Aww.well that's just too bad, you don't know what you're missin." he said as he winked at Amber, who reached up and pulled him to her for a long kiss. "Ugh!" moaned Salene as the sound of their animalistic kiss echoed throughout the small room.
Lex nonchalantly glanced down at his watch and let out a silent gasp. "Trudy is going to wonder.I think I should get back." Said Lex as he sat up, pulling her with him. "What if Bray's already spilled the beans to Trudy?" asked Amber softly. "He hasn't.I know Bray.he probably went back to his room to cry.he really did love you ya know." said Lex. "Ha! He loves me? Yeah right!" said Amber as she pulled her top back on and reached for her skirt. Lex brought his hand to her face, and his expression turned serious, "What would you say if I told you I loved you? And have since that day back in high school when Bray introduced us." He said firmly, not moving his hand from her cheek. Amber had a mixed emotions look on her face, as if she was trying to decide something. "B- but you're married." She murmured. "You have a child with someone else." she added. "But so do you." Replied Lex. "I can't let myself love you Lex.I just.can't!" said Amber, her face flustering as she stood and rushed out of the room.
Chapter 73
Sara lay in Martin's arms, wondering what had happened the day before when Shante' had drug him off to the café to "have a cup of coffee". When they'd returned to their room before, Martin had assured her that Shante' and himself had only had a couple of cups of coffee and a little friendly chit chat, and nothing more, so she need not worry.
"What's wrong Sara?" asked Martin softly. Sara forced a smile to her face, "Nothing hun, nothing at all." She said sweetly. "Alright, if you say so. But you'd tell me if something was bothering you wouldn't you? Say, like Shante' and mine's coffee break last night?" said Martin with a knowing look. Sara was surprised at his response, "How'd you know that's what I was thinking about?" she asked.
Martin pulled her closer to him, "A man knows when the woman he loves is upset, and if it's true love, he knows what she's upset about," replied Martin with a loving smile. Sara couldn't help but return the infectious smile as he leaned in to kiss her. As they parted Martin spoke again; "Was I right though?" he asked softly, bringing his hand to her cheek. Sara frowned and nodded her head.
"Oh Sara, I'm sorry, I should have never agreed to having coffee with her.it just happened so quick, her dragging me out I mean. I just didn't have time to think. Just don't forget ok?" said Martin. "Forget what?" asked Sara. "That you're the one I love, and no one else can take your place." He said. Sara smiled a sincere smile for the first time that day and all worries she had about what may have happened the day before diminished.
Meanwhile, Shante' sat on a stool in front of a mirror, applying her make- up and tribal markings. "Watcha doing babe?" Ram asked as he walked from the bathroom linked to their room, having just styled his hair. "What does it look like I'm doing?" said Shante' as she rolled her eyes. "Woah! Feisty today are we?" he said with a laugh as he wrapped his arms around her torso from behind. Shante' watched him in the mirror she was looking into as she put the finishing touches on her eye make-up and set the compact down on the hard surface of the dresser. BANG BANG BANG! Both their heads jerked around and Ram's grip around Shante' tightened as they heard the heavy rap on the door to their room.
"Are you going to answer it?" asked Shante' calmly. "Oh...yeah.right." said Ram, as he reluctantly let her loose and went to answer the door. He slowly opened the door only to have a small body push through the crack, forcing it open and running into the room. "Brady?" said Shante', a little confused. "Auntie Shante'!" cried Brady. She'd started to call all the women besides her mother Auntie. "What's wrong sweetheart?" asked Shante', her voice softening. "Daddy is crying!" said Brady. "Why's he crying dear?" asked Shante' as she stood up from the stool and looked down at the little girl before her. "I don't know! He came back to see me and mommy, and mommy yelled, and now he's crying! You have to help him Auntie Shante'! Please?" said the little girl, her eyes filled with grief.
"Does your mommy and daddy know you're here?" asked Shante'. "No, I ran away!" said Brady with bravery. "Well, let's take you back then ok?" said Shante'. "Ok." Sniffed Brady as Shante' took her little hand. "I'll be back in a bit Ram ok?" she said. "Sure." Said Ram with a small smile as he watched his girlfriend walk out of the room, talking so motherly to Brady as she did, and wondered what she'd be like having a child of her own.
Part 2
"American woman! Stay away from me! American woman! Mama let me be!" sang Jay as he rocked Tara in his arms. Ebony, who was seated on their bed, burst out laughing. "What?!" said Jay all flustered. "What kind of lullaby is that?!" said Ebony as more laughter escaped her mouth. Jay blushed, "Well you said to sing something I knew." he mumbled.
"You don't sing stuff like that to an 8 month old Jay! Geeze! She's gonna be corrupted, and it'll be all your fault!" said Ebony with another laugh as she got up and walked to her husband and daughter. "Well I'm sorry if I don't know the words to "The Itsy Bitsy Spider!" said Jay. "Oh cheer up hunny, I'm only trying to rowl you up!" said Ebony with a smile as she stood on her tip toes, leaned over her daughter and brushed her lips across Jay's in a light kiss. "Mmm.that's better." Said Jay with a sly smile. But before he could lean down to kiss Ebony again, a shrill burst of fighting voices erupted from across the hall.
"How could you Lex?! We're married! We have a child! Bray's your best friend! How could you do that to him?!" came Trudy's angry, shaky voice. "People can't help how they feel Trudy!" said Lex. "People can however, help who they sleep with!" spat back Trudy. "It wasn't like that Trudy! It just happened." said Lex, knowing very well that he sounded totally stupid, for that was no excuse for cheating on his wife. "I mean.I'm sorry Trudy.I just couldn't help my feelings for her." added Lex, only infuriating Trudy even further.
"WHAT?! Don't you DARE talk about feelings to me Lex! You could care less about feelings! All you wanted was a piece of a*s! You know, I thought you had changed your ways from before we got together, but I suppose I was wrong, old habits never change!" yelled Trudy before she ran out of the room, tears daring to roll down her cheeks. Lex's head slumped and he brought his hands to his face as a few tears escaped his own eyes. "I can't help it.I love Amber." he said to himself.
Back in Jack and Ellie's room..
Ellie sat at her desk, with Jack standing behind her, massaging her shoulders as they came up with baby names. "How about Ken?" said Jack. Ellie laughed, "Yeah sure, and we can call our next child Barbie!" she said. "Geeze, all you had to say was that you didn't like it!" said Jack with a small smile, as he held his hand to his chest, pretending to be hurt by her comment on his name suggestion. Ellie smiled as she glanced up at him, "Your blond is fading, and you need a hair cut." She blurted out. "Well aren't you just full of compliments today!" said Jack with a smirk. "I thought you didn't like when I died my hair blond?" Jack questioned. "Of course I did! It was sexy! And that short hair cut you had when you died it was lookin good too!" said Ellie as she stood and turned to him, letting his arms lock around her waist, "Sexy eh?" said Jack in a husky voice, as a grin spread over his face.
[b]Chapter 74
Part 1 Characters : Trudy, Luke, Mega[/b]
Trudy had locked herself in the large bathroom near the café; sitting on a metal stool in front of an oval mirror hanging on the wall. She stared at her reflection, frowning at the dripping mascara and the streaks of purple make up running down her face. "I have no room to talk." she whispered to herself. KNOCK KNOCK!
Trudy jumped at the loud knock on the door and wiped her face with a wet rag, only causing the make-up to smear across her swollen cheeks. She sighed and stood. "Who is it?" called Trudy in a quivering voice.
"Trud? Is that you? I thought I heard someone crying in there." came the former Chosen Lieutenant's pleasant voice from behind the door. "Luke?" choked out Trudy as she scrubbed at her face, trying to clear all traces of make-up.
"Yeah it's me.are you ok?" asked Luke with sympathy. Trudy took a final look in the mirror, and upon seeing her now spotless face, she walked to the door, turned the lock, and edged it open. The tall figure behind it peered in and raised an eyebrow at her, "Wow." he said.
"What?" said Trudy as she turned to look back in the mirror, thinking she must still have a smudge of mascara or dot of eye shadow on her cheeks. "You're not wearing any make-up." Said Luke in a sort of surprised voice. "Is that a bad thing?" asked Trudy with sad eyes.
Luke took a step forward and brought his hand to his cheek, "No, you look beautiful.I don't know why you even go to the trouble of putting it all on, because you definitely look gorgeous without it." Said Luke.
Trudy looked at him for a moment, before suddenly bursting out laughing. Luke dropped his hand by instinct. "What's so funny?" he asked, a little confused at her sudden mood change.
"Oh lord.'You look gorgeous without it?'" Trudy mimicked. "What a great pick up line!" said Trudy with another laugh. "Perhaps you should teach it to Lex." she added, and upon thinking about it, the bitter, sad look returning to her face.
Luke frowned, "Right." he said. A long, awkward silence proceeded, until Luke spoke up, "Umm.I have somewhere I have to be.but perhaps we could talk later?" he said. "Sure." Mumbled Trudy. Luke glanced at her before scurrying off down the hallway.
Trudy rolled her eyes, "Men! They're all the same.all lying b*st*rds!" she said to herself.
"Woah." came a voice from behind her. She jerked around at the sound of the deep voice, "M-Mega.what are you doing here?" she asked nervously. "I was just.passing." said Mega as he eyed her, also noticing her lack of dark violet eye liner. "Oh.well.I gotta go!" said Trudy so fast, that it sounded like one long word to Mega. She looked at him for a moment, and then walked quickly down the hallway, wanting nothing more than to escape his presence.
[b]Part 2 Characters : Jay, Tara, Ebony[/b]
"She won't go to sleep!" said Jay to himself as he stared down at Tara, still in his arms, who was staring up at him, with a big baby smile plastered on her face. Jay switched her to his hip and danced around a bit with her.
"She looked at me with big brown eyes, and said, you ain't seen nothing yet! B-b-baby, you just ain't seen nothing yet! " sang Jay, remembering one of the old tunes that he'd heard on his mom's radio when he was a small child.
"Your hopeless Jay! Hopeless!" came Ebony's voice as she exited their bathroom and saw her husband trying to entertain their daughter. Tara giggled and Jay turned and saw Ebony standing in the doorway to the bathroom, shaking her head at Jay, who was doing an air guitar with his free arm.
"C'mon Ebbs, join in on the fun." said Jay with a grin as he motioned her over with his index finger. Ebony smiled and said "Only if I get to pick the song" "Whatever you say." said Jay with another grin.
Ebony walked to the small CD player in their room and put on a CD, leaving it low so she could sing over it. Jay smiled at her song choice. "I used to think maybe you loved me, now baby I'm sure!" sang Ebony as she danced over to Jay and their daughter. They both burst out in a great fit of laughter when they saw Tara raise her little arms in the air and wave them about, between multiple claps.
"I'm walkin on sunshine, wooooah, and don't it feel good!" sang Ebony as she leaned up to kiss Jay, who brought his free hand to the back of her braids and deepened the kiss. "Oww!" said Jay suddenly as he pulled away from Ebony. "What?" said Ebony confused.
"She hit me!" said Jay, looking down at Tara, who smiled up at her father. "What do you mean she hit you?" said Ebony as she looked from Jay to Tara. "In the face!" said Jay as he rubbed his cheek.
"Awww.poor baby.beat up by his 8 month old daughter!" said Ebony with a cheeky smile as she glanced at his cheek. "Good lord! Our baby packs quite a punch there Jay!" said Ebony as she saw the small hand print on Jay's left cheek. "Ha ha, real funny." Said Jay with a role of his eyes.
"Awww, should I kiss it better?" said Ebony with another grin. "No! That's what caused me to get hit in the first place!" said Jay as he took a step back. "Oh! That hurts Jay! Right here!" said Ebony as she held her hand to her heart and laughed.
Tara giggled again and slapped her father in the other cheek. "AGH!" said Jay as he looked down at his daughter, who looked innocently up at him.
[b]Part 3 Characters : Amber, Lex[/b]
Amber hugged her knees to her chest and sighed. "What's wrong with me? Why am I even thinking about him? I'm married.I have a child." said Amber out loud to herself. "Why does he remind me so much of my son?" Amber asked herself.
"Ugh.what am I going to do.I have no one to talk to.no one to turn to." she said, but was interrupted when the door to the small balcony she was sitting upon opened, and out rushed Lex. "Amber?" he said, a little surprised. "Lex? What are you doing here?" asked Amber as she cocked her head to the side to see him.
"This is just where I come to think.I didn't think anyone else knew it was here." said Lex. "I didn't think anyone knew it was here either.I mean.it's just a little balcony attached to the side of the mall.really an escape route." Said Amber.
"Yeah." said Lex, "Mind if I join you?" he asked, hoping she'd say yes. "I suppose not." said Amber, as the voice in her head screamed "No! Tell him to get lost! You've already caused your marriage enough damage!".but her heart said "Your marriage was doomed from the start.follow your heart to the man you really love."
Lex sat down next to her, on the small blanket she was sitting on and gazed up at the setting sun. "Amber?" he said after what seemed like an eternity of silence. Amber turned her head towards him, but didn't reply. Lex looked over at her after a moment, "What are you thinking about?" he asked.
"Today.you.everything." said Amber softly. "Me too." Replied Lex, and without another word, he scooted closer to Amber, and wrapped his arm around her shoulders, and was surprised when she didn't pull away, but leaned against him, as if looking for some sort of comfort and escape from her life's troubles. Lex squeezed her shoulder and she snuggled closer to him, resting her head on his shoulder, without so much as a word, enjoying the way it felt to be with him, to have his arms around her, filling her with an undying love.
[b]Part 4 Characters : Jack, Ellie[/b]
Jack and Ellie lay in their bed, as they'd done many a time in these past 6 months, with Jack's arms wrapped around her as they just lay there together, too scared of hurting the baby to try anything too risqué. It was here that most of Ellie's flashbacks would occur, so it was no surprise to her when her mind flashed back to that night once again..
**Flashback**
Ellie lay under the sheets, a man lying next to her, under the sheets as well. "How was I?" he asked, noticing she was awake. "Huh?" said Ellie, not really paying attention to him. "You know what I mean." he said, urging her to answer. "Oh.yeah.it was ok.." she mumbled.
"Ok?" he said, a little discouraged. "Why do you care?" asked Ellie as she glanced over at him. "Because.it was my first time." he said coolly. "How can it be your first time?" Ellie questioned. "My first time sober I mean.." he replied.
"Oh.well...I suppose you're right." said Ellie, thinking of their previous relations. "So?" he said. "So what? What do you want me to say? That you were like a wild animal, and that was the most pleasure anyone's ever given me?" she asked, a grin spreading over her face.
"I wouldn't be hurt if that was your response." He said. Ellie laughed and rolled over closer to him, running her finger down his chest as she leaned in for a soft kiss. His lips connected with hers and she felt a bit of electricity run down her spine at the feel of the kiss. They pulled apart for air, and Ellie spoke, "I love you.Jack." She said, causing a loving look to spread across his own face before he leaned in for a longer, more passionate kiss. **End of Flashback**
Chapter 75
Shante' lightly knocked on the door to Trudy and Lex's room. "Who is it?" called Trudy from inside. "Hey..It's Shante', was just bringing Brady back, she sort of ran away." Said Shante' from behind the door. Shante' heard a shuffle from inside the room and the door opened. "Brady! I thought you were with your father!" said Trudy as she looked disapprovingly at her daughter, who looked innocently up at her mother.
"Come on young lady!" said Trudy firmly, taking Brady's hand, "Thanks Shante', for bringing her back." Said Trudy. "Sure.it's no problem at all, she's good company." Said Shante' with a chuckle. "So I've heard!" said Trudy with a laugh as she thought of Jack's encounter with her daughter.
"Trudy?" said Shante'. "Yeah?" said Trudy as she let go of her daughters hand and the little girl walked into the room and climbed up onto the king size bed, curled up and let her eyes drift shut. Trudy stepped outside of the room and shut the door behind her. "What's going on with you and Lex?" blurted out Shante'.
"What makes you think something is going on with me and Lex?" Trudy replied. "Let's just say Brady's a smart little kid." Said Shante'. Trudy nodded, "Well.it's a bit complicated.you see." started Trudy, and soon, she'd poured out the whole story of Lex and Amber, gory details and all!
Meanwhile..back in Bray and Amber's room, Bray sat indian style on the bed, propping his head up on his hand as he thought of how in the world he was going to tell Amber the rest. One part of him said "Don't tell her, she betrayed you too, she deserved everything she got!" , but his gentler side said, "But she needs to know.Baby Bray should know his biological father." As Bray contemplated his options, he stood up, and began to pace the room. " I have to tell her.I'm the one who went along with everything that night.and only because I was scared I wouldn't satisfy her.Baby Bray could have been mine.and I let my scum bag friend have all the fun the first time." said Bray out loud to himself.
Back on the balcony, Lex and Amber now lay on the blanket, with Amber resting her head on his chest as they watched the stars that began to dot the black sky. "Amb? Are you awake?" asked Lex in a whisper. "Mmm." mumbled Amber, to signal her being somewhat awake. "Where's this headed?" said Lex, wondering how even if they did love each other, how in the world they were going to make things work for them. "I don't know Lex.I don't know." mumbled Amber. "Where do you want it to head?" he asked, wanting to know how Amber truly felt before he let himself fall too hard for her, only to find there was nothing there for him.
"You mean do I want there to ever be an 'us'?" asked Amber, stalling on answering his question. "Yeah...you know how I feel.now I want to know how you feel." Said Lex as he sat up on the blanket, pulling her up with him. "I feel.lost." Said Amber with a blank expression. "Lost?" echoed Lex. "Yeah.I don't even know what's happening Lex.I mean, this mourning I woke up next to the man I thought I loved, and who loved me.I just never expected to end the day in another's arms, being overwhelmed with a totally different kind of feeling." Said Amber. "It's hard to explain." She added. "No, it's ok, I understand." Said Lex as he leaned over and kissed her cheek.
Meanwhile, Salene stood in her cell, furiously picking at the lock on it with a hair pen. "Ugh! Stupid thing!" said Salene as she moaned in defeat at seeing the pen break off in the lock. "Maybe I can help." came a voice from the dark corner of the room. Salene jumped back in the cell and looked around, "W-who's there?" she said, "Lex? Is that you? Are you trying to scare me? I won't fall for it, I won't!" said Salene as she stood straight in the cage. "Does Lex look like this?" said the voice, and Salene gasped when she saw The Guardian leap from the shadows, decked out in a neon pink, spandex thong. "Go on! Touch it!" he said.
Chapter 76
Salene jumped back in horror, "Guardian! I couldn't!" she exclaimed. "Oh c'mon babe, you didn't mind touching it last night!" he replied with a grin. Salene stared at it for a long moment and soon found her arm extending through the cage bars. In no time at all, her hand contacted with the long, hard, baseball bat clutched in The Guardian's hands. "Isn't it great?!" gushed The Guardian, holding the bat out for her to touch. "It's so.smooth." Said Salene, running her hand the length of the bat. "Yep! This baby is what I hit all my homers with in little league!" said The Guardian proudly as he puffed out his chest a little.
"Lex?" whispered Amber, lifting her head from his shoulder, in which she'd been laying back against the past 15 minutes. "Hmmm?" mumbled Lex, not removing his arms from around her. "I think I'm falling for you." said Amber, tilting her head sideways to look at him. "I've already fallen for you." replied Lex as he leaned down and softly kissed Amber, bringing his hand to her cheek as the kiss deepened.
The two parted for air, and it was only then that they realized the door to the balcony cracked open, and a person looming in the doorway. "Who's there?" called Lex as their stares stayed glued to the door. It opened a little more and Amber's mouth dropped a little, "Bray." she breathed.
"I just thought there was something you should know." Said Bray, stepping out a little onto the balcony and letting the moonlight stream down on his face. "What should I know Bray?" asked Amber, pulling away from Lex and standing up. Lex stood up quickly beside Amber, standing close by in case Bray decided to try anything crazy. "It's Baby Bray." said Bray softly. Lex stiffened a bit for a reason unknown to Amber and seemed to be waiting for Bray to continue as well.
"He's not.he's not." said Bray but stopped. "He's not what Bray?" said Amber, a little confused. "He's not mine Amber." Said Bray, forcing the words from his lips. "What?" said Amber, her voice quivering. "You heard me." said Bray, looking into her eyes. "B-but.that's not possible.you're the only one who I ever slept with.then." said Amber, not understanding how Bray could say such a thing. "No.you don't understand Amber.that wasn't me that night." Said Bray. "What do you mean it wasn't you?!" said Amber, a little frightened as to what his answer may be. "I mean.I was there yes, but that wasn't me [I]with[/I] you." said Bray.
"You're lying!" said Amber, not wanting to believe what she'd just been told, that they're nearly two year old son was in fact not theirs, but Amber's and someone else's. "I'm sorry Amber.I never meant to hurt you." said Bray as a tear slid down his face. "I still want to be his father though, I still want to be in his life." Bray continued. "No.It's not your duty to Bray." Said Lex, stepping in between them, and giving Bray a stern look. Amber looked from Bray to Lex, the confused expression returning to her face.
Second Half
Patch sat upon a kiddy chair in the nursery, bouncing little Tara on his knee. "You're so good with her!" exclaimed Ebony as she walked into the nursery to collect her daughter, closely followed by Jay. Jay and Ebony had wanted a bit of time to eat a peaceful dinner so they'd asked Siva and Patch to watch Tara for a little while. Siva and Patch had happily agreed.
"Ya think?" said Patch as he reached to push his glasses back onto his nose before Tara got a hold of them, and stood. Jay stepped forward and snatched his daughter from Patch's arms. "Da!" said the 7 month old as her father hoisted her to his shoulders. Patch and Siva exchanged looks but didn't say anything. Ebony raised an eyebrow at Jay's possessiveness, as if he didn't want Patch to have anything to do with Tara.
"Well, thanks you guys, you're such sweethearts!" said Ebony enthusiastically. "Anytime, the kid makes me laugh." Said Patch, as he glanced up at Tara, who was busily pulling at her dad's short blonde hair and laughing. Siva laughed out loud as she watched Jay's face contort to that of pain as Tara tightened her grip and pulled.
"Tara hunny, I don't want to be married to a bald man!" said Ebony with a laugh. Tara looked up at her mom's voice and held out her arms. Jay pulled her down from his shoulders and handed her to Ebony. Tara rested her head on her mother's shoulder and settled down.
"Now why won't she do that for me?" said Jay as he crossed his arms across his chest. "Oh Jay, you just don't have that gentle touch; perhaps you should take some lessons from Patch here!" Said Ebony with a wink at Patch. Patch blushed and looked towards the ground. Jay just grunted, "Uh, I think we should get her to bed, don't you Ebony?" he said. "Oh, yes, of course. Thanks again guys, we'll have to get you to sit again some time." Said Ebony as she waved and her and Jay exited the room.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Jack and Ellie were now seated in the café, at a table, across from Ram and Shante'. There was nothing but silence as the two couples ate, for it seemed they had nothing at all in common, therefore limiting conversation topics.
"So.Ellie.When are you due?" asked Shante', trying to break the defining silence. "Three months." Replied Ellie between bites of the peanut butter sandwich sitting on the table in front of her. To the four's relief, in walked Sara and Martin, who walked with Sara's arm around martin's waist and Martin's around Sara's shoulders. "Oh, hi guys!" said Sara cheerfully as her and Martin headed for the table next to the one the other two couples were seated at.
"Why the non talking?" asked Martin as Sara and himself sat down on one side of the table, beside each other, with their hands now linked together as Martin rubbed his thumb across the top of Sara's hand under the table. "We're eating man." Said Ram, speaking up for the group. "Well, care for a game?" asked Sara happily. "A game?" repeated Ellie skeptically. "Yes, a game. A game of truth! Oh c'mon guys, perk up, it'll be fun, we'll go around asking each other questions, and you have to tell the truth!" said Sara with a grin. "I don't know." said Jack as he shifted uneasily in his chair. "Sure, why not!" said Ram and Shante' in unison, knowing they had nothing to hide from each other. "Oh ok." said Ellie and Jack."
"Who's first?" asked Shante'. "Me! I have a question for Sara!" said Ram with a sly smile as he eyed her. Sara chuckled and put her hand to her forehead, "Oh no, should I be scared?" she said with another laugh. "SO Sara, do you find me sexy?? C'mon, don't deny!" said Ram with an evil grin, Shante' punched him in the shoulder. "Oww! Whatcha do that for?!" he asked. "You perv!" said Shante' punching him again, but not being able to keep from laughing. Sara whispered something into Martin's ear and stood, walking to Ram, and sitting in his lap and locking her hands behind his neck. Shante's smile faded and Ram's expression turned a little surprised, but he didn't move to push Sara off of him. "Well Ram.I've always found you extremely good looking." purred Sara into Ram's ear.
"Huh?" said Ram, a little taken aback. "What? You don't find me sexy as well?" said Sara giving him a fake pout. "Uh." said Ram. He felt a sharp pop in the back of his head, "Oww!" he said as he looked over at a glaring Shante'. This is when Sara burst out laughing and jumped up from Ram's lap, "Oh lord! You actually thought I was serious!" said Sara between laughs. Ram frowned,
"So I'm not good looking?" he chimed. "Of course you are, of course." Said Sara as she winked at Martin and sat back down beside him. Martin smiled and slipped his arm around her waist, pulling her and her chair closer to him. "I knew it!" said Ram with a nod of his head. Shante' just shook her head, "Who's next?" she asked. "Ellie!" said Ram, motioning toward Ellie, who looked to be trying to hide from everyone else under Jack's arm. "Me?" she said.
"Yes you!" replied Ram. "Ummm.oh I don't know.I guess I'll ask Jack something." she said. Jack turned in his chair to face Ellie, swallowing the knot that had begun to form in the back of his throat. "Jack, do you have feelings for Kadelyn?" asked Ellie. The other four faces in the room turned from happy to uncomfortable as they waited to see if jack would answer.
Chapter 77
"What are you talking about Lex? Of course It's Bray's duty to take care of my son, he's his father!" said Amber, still not believing what Bray had just revealed. "No, he's not Amber." Said Lex, looking deep into Amber's eyes, a somber look playing on his face as he took her left hand in his. "Amber.that night.I did Bray a favor." said Lex.
"W- what kind of favor Lex?" asked Amber, tears brimming her eyes. "That was me in the bed with you.not Bray.Baby Bray.well.he's my son Amber." Said Lex. Amber's expression turned hard and she jerked free of Lex. "How could you?!" she yelled at both men, that were tearing her heart to shreds.
"Amber-" both men said at the same time, but were cut off as Amber first slapped Lex, then Bray, hard across their faces. "I don't ever want to talk to either of you ever again! Neither of you are to see my son.ever!" she cried before running off through the balcony door.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Well answer her man!" said Ram, after a long pause, in which Jack said nothing. Shante' punched Ram in the shoulder again and motioned for him to be quiet. "Must you hit me woman?!" said Ram, rubbing his shoulder. "Yes, I must." Replied Shante' as she brought her index finger to her lips, this time getting the point across as silence filled the room again.
"I don't think so." mumbled Jack. The other two women besides Ellie rose an eyebrow at Jack's reply. Even Martin and Ram were a little worried for Jack now, for you don't tell your fiancé, who you're supposed to marry in four months and who's pregnant with your child that you don't 'think' you have feelings for another woman.
Ellie stood and quietly pushed her chair in again, and struggled to reach over the table with her pregnant stomach to retrieve the purse she'd brought along. "Ellie I-" started Jack, but stopped when Ellie turned her back on him and confidently strode out of the café.
"I guess that was the wrong answer." chimed Ram. "RAM!" said Shante' and Sara in unison. "What?" said Ram. This time Martin reached across the small gap between the tables and slapped Ram in the back of the head. "Just be quiet man!" he said.
Jack sat motionless in the same chair, looking down at his hands. "Jack? Are you alright?" asked Shante' standing up and walking towards Jack, resting a hand on his shoulder.
"Yeah.I'm fine.I just screwed up with the woman I'm supposed to marry in a single sentence.but yes, I'm fine!" said Jack as he stood and forcefully shoved his chair under the table and walked out of the café.
"Tough night." Commented Ram, prompting the next person in line to punch him in the shoulder, this time it being Sara. "GEEZE! What is it with you guys and hitting me?! I mean, I knew I was sexy, but this is something else!" he said with a sly grin. Sara and Shante' sighed and rolled their eyes as Martin chuckled and shook his head.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"What was that all about?" asked Ebony as she finally lay the sleeping Tara down in her crib. "What was what all about?" said Jay, acting like he had no clue what his wife was talking about.
"You know what Jay! Why were you being so rude towards Patch and my sister?" asked Ebony as she sat down on the edge of their bed. "I wasn't being rude to Siva Ebony." said Jay as he stood in front of their dresser mirror, wiping his tribal markings away with a wet washcloth.
"Well.you weren't exactly treating Patch with much respect." Said Ebony. Jay turned and walked towards Ebony. He looked down at her for a moment before speaking, "I guess I was just.jealous." He said, as his gaze shifted to the ground. "Jealous?! Why in the world would you be jealous Jay?" asked Ebony, totally baffled at his words.
"Well.you know.you said Patch was good with Tara.and I wasn't.." mumbled Jay. Ebony laughed, "Oh Jay! You poor guy! You should know I was just kidding with you! You're a wonderful father, Tara loves you!" said Ebony as she rose and stood on her tiptoes, linking her hands together behind Jay's neck.
"You think?" replied Jay. "Of course! I mean, if it weren't for you, who's hair would she be able to pull?" said Ebony with a laugh. Jay shook his head, "Ha ha, real funny Ebbs." He said. Ebony giggled and leaned up for a kiss, midway getting interrupted by a knock at their door. Jay moaned with annoyance and reluctantly went to open the door. "Trudy?" said Jay confused. "Can I talk with you Jay? Alone?" asked a very distraught Trudy, running a hand through her violet streaked hair.
"Er.sure." said Jay as he turned back to Ebony, "I'll be right back Ebbs." He said. Ebony smiled and nodded as Jay disappeared through the door. When the door was shut, Trudy collapsed in Jay's arms, "Oh Jay! It's Lex.he.he.cheated on me." sobbed Trudy. Jay wrapped his arms around her and stroked the back of her head soothingly. "With who Trudy?" he asked softly. "Amber!" cried Trudy as she buried her head in Jay's chest.
Chapter 78
Jay's shirt was beginning to become soggy with Trudy's tears as she cried harder into his chest, sobbing out things Jay could barely comprehend. "What can I do to help Trudy?" asked Jay as he dropped his hand to her lower back, rubbing it too. Trudy pulled back a little to look up at him. "Love me Jay." she breathed, her lip quivering and her eyes preparing for another load of tears.
"Love you?" repeated Jay. "Yes.love me.like you love Ebony Jay.I know I could make you happy Jay.if you'd just give me a chance." Continued Trudy. Jay abruptly pulled fully away from her, putting a couple of feet between the two of them. "I love my wife Trudy." Stated Jay firmly.
From inside the room, Ebony stood next to the door, her ear pressed to it so as to hear the conversation going on outside it. It wasn't that she didn't trust her husband; it was Trudy she didn't think could be trusted.or was it? A small smile appeared on her face at Jay's confession of love for her to Trudy.
Back outside the room, Trudy frowned and looked sadly up at Jay. "Fine! If you won't give me a chance, then I'll find someone who will! I don't know what I ever saw in you anyways, you and Ebony are both trash, you deserve to be together!" spat out Trudy. "Now listen here-" started Jay, but Trudy turned and scurried off down the hallway in a huff before he could finish.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Mega?" whispered Kadelyn as she walked back into the room they shared, finding him laying on his side in the middle of their bed, his back turned to her. Mega didn't answer as Kadelyn neared the bed, and she soon noticed the steady rise of his chest as he breathed in and out, obviously in a deep sleep.
Kadelyn sighed and sat down on the bed beside him, causing him to instantly awaken, "Oh..I'm sorry.I didn't mean to wake you." Said Kadelyn quickly, her words running together. "Don't apologize.I'm glad you're here.where'd you go off to anyways?" said Mega as he turned over and sat up next to her.
"Oh, I just went down to the café, but turned back, there seems to be some drama going on down there at the moment." Said Kadelyn with a shake of her head. "Oh? Who's it this time?" asked Mega as he rolled his eyes. "You know.the usual.Jack and Ellie.him cheating on her.her storming out of the room.and all that good stuff. I just don't get why the two don't break it off already!" said Kadelyn in an exasperated tone.
Mega chuckled, "Hunny, those two are in it for the long run, they'll never [I]really[/I] be broken up; it'd take one of the two dying for either of them to even consider being in a serious relationship with someone else." Said Mega.
"I hope we don't ever get as crazy as them, I don't think I could take all the stuff he puts the poor girl through." said Kadelyn as she glanced at Mega. Mega lifted his hand to her cheek and leaned in, giving her a soft kiss before pulling back a little. "I'd never do that to you Kade.you know I wouldn't. I'm in it for the long run too." said Mega, causing Kadelyn's eyes to instantly grow as big as saucers. But before she could get any words out, he'd leaned in for another kiss, still soft, but deeper.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Jack had fled the mall, no clue of what to do, where to go, who to talk to. But minutes later, the sand of the beach appeared beneath his sneakers and he kicked them off, gazing around at the moonlit ocean.
"She hates me." he whispered to himself as he shivered at a sudden pick up of the wind. "I should just make it easy for her.and disappear." Jack breathed as he stood still on the beach, sand creeping up between his bare toes.
"But what about the baby?" said Jack to himself, a little voice appearing in his mind and contradicting his statement moments before. "She can take care of the baby.she'll find someone else.she doesn't need you." Said the other voice, a little louder than the reasonable one.
Jack suddenly took a step forward, towards the water, now blocking the voice urging him to turn back, to run back to Ellie, to run back to the life he was meant to live. But was it really the life he was meant to live? Or was he destined to end it this way, this night, this time.
Jack's eyes glazed over and his expression went blank as he stepped into the shallow water, only up to his ankles at the moment. But as time kept ticking, and Jack's feet kept moving, he moved further and further into the water.until at last it was up to the tip of his chin, daring to cover his face. Jack closed his eyes and took one last step, this time reaching the point where the water engulfed his head and he was fully underwater. He went to take a breath and felt as the salty water rushed into his mouth and up his nose, filling his lungs and depriving his lungs of that sweet air they'd been filled with seconds before.