***Hey everyone. It's been awhile, huh? ):
I just wanted to apologize for the wait. Between classes and laptop issues, it's been SO hard to post this. But here it is! Please leave a review, and don't forget to follow ThsBabeNmedReba on twitter! Thank y'all so much for the reads and nice comments. Hope you enjoy it! The next chapter will come sooner, I promise.***
-Chapter 23-
My vision was blurry. I fell against the wall to steady myself as I stared at the motorcycle in front of me.
There's no way. There's no way. I repeated to myself. My palms were sweating and it felt as if the night air was thick and suffocating me. The first thought that came to my mind was Brock. I had to get to him as soon as I could.
The fact that the first thing I thought of was Brock scared me. I could feel myself beginning to grow dependent on him, and I knew I couldn't let that happen. I can get by on my own. But for now, as much as I hated to admit it, I need him.
I steadied myself and took a deep breath before walking back inside. Smoke hit me from all angles when I first stepped in, and the loud music was almost overwhelming. I could see a million different faces in a million different directions, all laughing, smiling, and having a good time. It seemed strange to see such carefree people while in the state I was in. It hit me like a ton of bricks when I realized he was somewhere hidden among the crowd. He could be lurking in the shadows, seeking a new victim to his evil game, or he could be standing right in front of me, ready to take back the victim he had lost.
With shaky knees I pushed through the throngs of people.
"Excuse me." I muttered quietly, practically to myself, as I gently pushed people out of my way. No one seemed to notice me.
My heart was beating faster, and I knew I wasn't safe. I wanted to find Brock. I needed to. I tried to search the faces around me, but they all seemed distant and disoriented. Suddenly, a few feet in front of me, I saw a man with dark hair standing with a group of people. I gasped and put my hand over my mouth.
"Ma'am, are you okay?" A hand was on my shoulder. I turned quickly and saw John's face behind me. I screamed. He stepped back as his dark hair became blonde and his aged face became youthful. "I'm sorry, I was just asking." The young boy kept his wide-eyed gaze as he slowly backed up.
"I just- I thought- I'm so sorry." I tried to speak, but he had already walked away. I turned back to the man with dark hair, my heart racing. I didn't know where to go or what to do. My brain was telling me to run as fast as I could, but my legs couldn't seem to move. I was paralyzed. And then, with a quick movement, the man turned from the crowd of people and starting walking my way. It was only then that I realized his blue eyes and gentle smile. It wasn't John.
He must have noticed my stare, because he walked up to me. "You okay, sweetie?" He asked, stepping close to me and putting a hand on my shoulder. I swallowed hard and jerked away.
"I'm fine." I tried to turn, but he returned his hand to my shoulder and brought me back to him. He squinted his eyebrows and cocked his head to the side, obviously concerned.
"Are you sure? You look like you've seen a ghost."
"I-I'm fine. I need to go." I shook loose from him and made my way to the door which led to the restroom hallway.
The sudden silence overwhelmed be as I walked in and shut the door behind me. It was a long hallway with doors leading to the men's and women's rooms, as well as two 'employees only' rooms and an exit at the end. There was a bench against the wall, and it took all of my strength to keep myself steady as I walked to it and sat down. I propped my elbows on my knees and sunk my face into my hands as I tried to hold back my tears.
I heard a woman's high heels click as she came out of the restroom and the loud noise from outside briefly as she walked out the door. Then, I heard the door open again. The sound of boots walking a few steps in and then stopping came into my thoughts. I knew he was staring at me.
"Reba?" I heard his voice. My body tensed up and I could feel my arms shaking as I remained paralyzed, my head still in my hands. Slowly, his boots began to clunk, indicating that he was cautiously walking towards me. I didn't dare move as I felt him standing in front of me. I felt a tear escape as he squatted down to where he was on my level.
"Please..." I struggled to breathe. "Please just leave me alone."
"Why, Reba? What did I do darlin?" That wasn't John's voice. I was confused, but still refused to move. I felt two calloused yet gentle hands touch my forearms, and only then did I realize who it was. I looked up.
"Brock!" I yelled as my body sprung loose and I wrapped my arms around his neck. "God, I'm so glad to see you." I was still shaking and could feel paranoia shrouded around me, but the relief of seeing his face made me calm down some.
"Well, I'm glad to see you too." He said, pulling back and smiling up at me. "But what's going on?"
I got serious again as I realized the answer to his question. "Nothing. But I think it's time for us to go."
"The kids are already in the car. Some drunk men were hitting on Kyra, so I knew we had to go. I told them to go wait for you. We were all wondering where you were." He said, then brushed a hair from my face. "Now, please tell me what's going on."
"I told you, Brock. Nothing." I said, breaking the bond our eyes held and standing up. I knew if I stared at him any longer I'd pour my heart out to him. As much as I wanted to, I knew I couldn't. The minute he found out John was here he'd kill him. I couldn't risk that.
"Reba, please." He stood after me. I started walking towards the exit at the end of the hall. I heard him rush up to me.
"Did you see someone? Did someone do something to you? Please talk to me! You were a mess when I walked in." He reached me and turned me around, his hands on both of my shoulders. "Who did you think I was? Why did this person need to leave you alone?"
I knew better than to look him in the eyes, but instead stared at his boots. "Can we talk about this later?" I asked, sounding drained. "I really just need to get home. I need some rest." It was quiet for a second as Brock kept his hands firm around my shoulders. I continued to stare down until he let out a long sigh.
"Fine. But do you promise you'll talk to me when you're ready?" He asked.
"Yes." I said shyly. "Now I really need to go. You're leaving too, right?"
He squeezed my shoulders before letting go and accepting my change in the subject. "Yeah. I'm actually pretty tired. I can't party like I used to." He said with a laugh, although I knew he was still worried about me. "I don't remember this place being so rowdy. Do you?" I didn't respond-my mind was elsewhere. Instead, I reached over and grabbed his hand tightly, keeping a distant gaze fixed in front of me. I saw him look at me out of the corner of my eye, but continued to stare forward. He released his grip on my hand and wrapped his arm around my shoulder, pulling me close to him as we walked out the door and into the parking lot.
"I wish you'd talk to me." I didn't respond. He was quiet for several seconds as we continued walking across the gravel. I knew John's motorcycle was coming up, and all the anxiety that had faded away was slowly resurfacing. "I know you have every reason not to. Just know I'm here for you, and I love you. So much." He said, kissing the top of my head. "And one way or another, you're going to tell me what's going on. Whether you like it or not." He said playfully, pushing me a little but still keeping his arm around me. I didn't laugh or respond in any way. He sighed.
My breath caught as I saw the Mercedes, my legs tightened as I saw the beat up Ford, my hands shook as I saw the Honda, and as I prepared myself for what was coming next, I saw...Nothing. An empty parking place was right where I could have sworn I saw John's motorcycle. I stopped abruptly and pulled away from Brock's embrace, and then walked over to get a closer look.
"What are you looking at?" He asked, walking behind me.
"It was here. It was right here!" I practically yelled, pointing at the empty space. "Just now! It was here, Brock!"
He looked confused. "What was, Reba?"
I didn't respond, but instead ran my fingers through my hair and rested a hand on my hip. "I'm going insane." I said under my breath. At first I imagined his motorcycle, and then I imagined his face and his voice. Yes, insane is a good word to describe it.
"Reba." Brock looked into my eyes. He spoke slowly. "Please, talk to me."
"Well, it's nothing now. I guess that margarita just got to me." There had to be more to it, but I'd figure out later. I was just happy that he wasn't there. So happy, in fact, that instead of responding I pulled Brock into a tight hug. "I love you too."
"Huh?" He asked.
"You told me earlier you loved me." I looked up at him.
He smiled. "So you were listening?"
"Yes. I'm sorry, I've just been kind of out of it today."
"I can tell." He said, his arms still firmly around me. "Anything you want to talk about?"
"Not now. I just want to get home." I said seriously.
He nodded in agreement. "I understand. Just promise you'll talk when you're ready. I want things to be different for us this time around. I always want you to let me know what's on your mind. And I promise I'll always listen." He said, making me smile. I reached up and pecked his lips softly.
"I promise. And thank you, Brock."
"Of course." Even after a little peck he still wore that silly I-just-got-kissed face. I thought it was absolutely adorable. I smiled as I stepped back and let my arms fall. "I should probably go. Be safe tonight, okay Brock?"
"I will." He said, and I believed him. I could tell he was changing back to his old self, and it filled me with joy. It was so relieving to not have to worry about him every night. As I was turning to walk away, he stopped me. "Reba?"
I turned. "Yes?"
"Thank you." He said. I cocked my head and looked at him curiously. "For tonight." He added. "I never knew how fun it would be to dance with you." He beamed like a little kid.
"We should do it more often."
"I'm up for it." His smile made my knees weak. I smiled one last time.
"Sweetdreams, Brock. Call me if you need anything." I said over my shoulder as I walked away.
"Same for you, Reba."
.
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..
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"Thanks for hurrying, Mrs. H. It's not like we're having a heat stroke or anything." Van said sarcastically as I climbed in the Tahoe.
"What are you talking about? It feels great outside!" I said.
"Maybe outside, but not crowded up in this stupid car. You have the keys in your purse, so we couldn't even turn on the AC! We're lucky the doors were unlocked." He yelled from the very back, where he was squashed against the window. Elizabeth's car seat took up the middle seat and Cheyenne was on the other side of her. Kyra and Jake sat in the two middle seats, each looking down at their phones.
"Stop whining Van. You know, you could have just opened a door." I said as I turned on the car and put the AC on high. Van scoffed in the background.
"So Reba, how was your night?" I rolled my eyes as I realized Barbara Jean was in the passenger seat next to me. I forgot we had given her a ride there.
"It was good. How was yours?" I asked, just because I had to. I turned out of the parking lot and saw Brock's car lights as he pulled out a little behind me.
"It was amazing! Me and Cheyenne watched you and Brock the whole time." My eyes widened and I bit my lip. "Well, at least until you two disappeared." She said in a suggestive tone.
"Brock was talking to some people by the lake and I had to make a phone call." I said matter-of-factly, following Brock's plan.
"Sure, mom." Cheyenne said from the back.
"Wait, what are y'all talking about? Where did you and Mr.H go?" Van asked, and we all giggled at his frustration. After a while with no one responding, he sighed and sunk down in his seat. "Grandparents these days, always finding a way to get alone and feel each other up and what not..." He ranted quietly to no one specific. Cheyenne slapped him, but couldn't help but giggle even more.
The rest of the ride home was quiet and almost peaceful, besides Barbara Jean's constant talking that we've all learned to just ignore. It wasn't until we were almost home when Cheyenne broke the silence. You could tell by how suddenly she spoke that she had just remembered something she was meaning to tell me.
"Oh mom! I almost forgot!" She said. "A man asked for you tonight."
"A man?"
"Yes. He came up to me right as we were getting in the car. I think he was just a fan who recognized my face or something. He was really cute, though. In a manly kind of way. He came up and asked me if I was your daughter, and when I said yes he asked where you were, but I said I didn't know."
"Oh. Well, was that it?" I responded, not really affected by what she was saying and focusing more on the road.
"Yes, sort of. As he was walking away, I asked where he was going. He just kind of left in the middle of our conversation. He told me he had plans he had to work on, and that he'd be seeing us soon. Maybe he has tickets to a concert or something?"
"Oh. That's neat. I can't wait to meet him." I said nonchalantly.
I heard Kyra, who I didn't even know was paying attention, chime in. "That's kind of mysterious."
"Yeah, he was a mysterious man. After he said that, he lit a cigarette and got on his motorcycle and left."
Barbara Jean screamed as I nearly ran off the road.