Stephenie Meyer owns all things Twilight. No copyright infringement is intended.
Beta'd by HollettLA
WARNING: THIS CHAPTER contains strong emotions and extreme actions which may be hard to read. Please remember my policy of no E/B cheating and HEA always. Know that everything I write, I write for a reason, and I do not take any of the issues portrayed in this chapter lightly. This is a significant chapter in Riders on the Storm, and these events will resonate as the story continues to unfold. Things always get worse before they get better :-)
Sorry for the long note. I have a lot of questions to answer . . .
1) I do not know how long Riders will be.
2) I plan to update Offbeat ASAP, as soon as the next chapter is written . . . Same with Made in the Shades. I apologize for the long wait. RL...forget about it. I won't get into it. Riders is pre-written, you know? Again, I'm sorry for the wait.
3) When I say "hateful" reviews? I mean nasty and mean, insulting ME, the author who you do not know...simply saying, "This story sucks. Stop writing", calling me names...that's not cool. I do not read those reviews, nor do I appreciate them - the flames.
BUT If you have ANY reaction - negative or positive - and want to leave a review, sign in and tell me. Don't just flounce or hide behind anonymity.
Our author/reader relationship is important to me, and I want to know how YOU feel about my work and the emotions it evokes in you. Even if you say something negative, it's cool. Constructive criticism is awesome. I love it. Telling me you hate a character, that's cool too. If you don't agree with something, by all means. TELL ME. There's a difference between flames/bullying and leaving me your thoughts in a respective manner.
4) OK, Storm Freaks! We've been nominated for a few awards. Please go vote for the Storm Series and Weather the Storm. You can select up to three in each category. Vote for your favorites! It's split, wolves and vamps/humans.
thefandomchoiceawards dot blogspot dot com
On with the show . . .
Riders on the Storm
Chapter Thirty-Seven: OOC
EDWARD POV
Ever since the day Kylie learned to talk, she has never stopped. My daughter has always been vocal about everything—from bitching, speaking for the sake of doing so, busting my chops, or . . .
She just talks a lot.
Well, she did stop. Kylie hasn't said a word today and it's noticeable, although she'll respond when spoken to. She didn't even tag along with Bella when my wife went to lunch with Maggie. Kylie doesn't need a formal invite to those things. She and Bella are attached at the hip, same goes with Maggie . . . the three of them.
However, I haven't so much as seen or heard from Sonny, and thus Maggie, since Saturday. I've been keeping shop at the Twilight club to give him space.
Even though, the past couple days, I heard he hasn't been around Eclipse or Midnight Sun all that often. It's his business, whatever. I'm just glad he listened to me—has taken a step back while also keeping shit in check.
It's possible, no matter how impossible he deemed it.
My son's upset with me—thinks I'm riding his ass or some bullshit—but I hope that our problems weren't being pushed onto the girls . . .
Then again, if that was the case, that'd create problems for Bella and Maggie, and those two are getting along just fine. My daughter-in-law hasn't been around my house either the past four days, when she'll usually pop by often, but that could be Sonny. He's not one to hold a grudge. He is the type to just tell his wife not to come around anymore—just to be a prick.
Maybe Kylie is just depressed because we're going on vacation? That's probably exactly what it is. We've never gone away—on purpose, for pleasure—without her before. She's upset about not staying with Sonny and Maggie—that I knew. She bitched about it, yet she didn't make a big stink, which was a surprise.
I didn't know the reasons why. That's Sonny's house, he's married, and I can't make him look out for his sister. It's a douchebag move, but . . .
Kylie's going to stay with Carlisle and Alex—where we're heading now. Vito offered to take her, but I opted to do so. Kylie said good-bye to Bella earlier, and when we left, her mother was still out.
"I bet Mom stops by before we head to the airport tomorrow . . ." I trailed off, giving Kylie a fleeting glance. "Just in case, you know…" I wondered what was up with Maggie and Bella going to lunch so suddenly, too, and without Kylie.
"I hope you guys have fun," she whispered, and I waited for her smart ass, perverted remark to no avail. I left it wide open for her, for her to say some shit about me tapping—boinking her mother our entire time away.
Alas, the drive to my brother's house lasts two minutes at best. We could have walked, but driving is safer—especially since we were by ourselves.
I'm always overly cautious when it comes to my girls . . . overly concerned, too.
My bruisers are golden. While I'll worry about them as well, there's less to be concerned about with them—they're happiness. At the end of the day, Sonny and Damion are adults and can take care of themselves.
Me? Even if it's in passing or intentional, I always find myself surrounded by Bella, Kylie, and now Maggie on the regular, Alex too, and I just observe shit. I may not get into the gossip, but . . . I'm the patriarch of this family. It's my job to insert myself into shit.
Especially all things Kylie and Bella, which goes without saying. They're mine—belong to me, are my problem so to speak.
"You okay?" I pulled up to the curb, turning to see Carlisle tossing a football around with the twins. It was a cute sight. "Yo!" I lifted my hand.
Carlisle gave me chin jerk.
"Kylie!" Blaze and Ronald shouted in unison. "Kylie, Kylie!" They ran to the car, opening the door for her.
"I have Hungry Hungry Hippos set up," Blaze said, pulling on her hand.
"Yeah, they're really-really hungry!" Ronald nodded.
"I bet they're starving-starving." My daughter pepped up a bit.
"They are."
"Mmmhmm." The boys confirmed, which made me chuckle. They were too cute for words, fucking adorable. I missed when my babies were that little. They're going to be five soon…I don't know when exactly. I'd have to ask Bella.
"Boys!" Carlisle gestured to the lawn.
"Look at you guys; you must be freezing." Kylie palmed their reddened cheeks. The twins were bundled from head to toe, though.
And by this time tomorrow, I'll be sitting on a beach with a Corona.
That thought alone made me smile to myself.
"Daddy said we had to play with him," Ronald whispered, wiping his nose with the back of his hand.
"We don't like football a lot." Blaze looked to the sky, thought about that for a second. "We like it a little bit—not a-lot-a-lot to play it."
I leaned over, waving a hand to grab their attention. "No love for Uncle Edward? What's good?"
They beamed at me and then faced each other before answering. "We're umcited to see Kylie." Blaze spoke for them both, Ronald nodding along.
"Excited?" I chuckled. "You're gonna take care of her while I'm gone?"
"Dad…" Kylie drew out my name.
"We will. We promise!" Ronald shouted.
"Let's go!" Carlisle hollered, tossing the ball into the air—playing catch by himself, yet his kids ignored him . . . so did we, Kylie and me.
"Can I have a dollar?" Blaze asked.
"What do you need a dollar for?" I raised a brow.
"'Cause like…I want one." He sorta sang, doing a little wiggle that reminded me of Dame.
"Me too." Ronald added.
"Get jobs," I said. "You'll make mad money."
"We're little boys." Ronald's hand went to his hip. "We don't got jobs."
"It's just a buck, Uncle Edward." Kylie smiled, and that was worth many more dollars.
I went into my pocket. "Right…But for a buck, I want a smooch and a hug from each of youse." I wasn't even sure if I had anything smaller than a ten on me.
"You don't have to pay them for affection," Kylie said. "They weren't raised by you…to do things for money." She left the car, walking onto the lawn. "I'll play." She opened her arms for the football.
"Kylie Cat enters the field!" Carlisle grinned, tossing it over. "Watch out now!"
My daughter giggled and almost missed, but she caught it awkwardly and then threw it back.
"Uncle Edward." Blaze held out his hand.
"Um." I cleared my throat, handing him a ten spot. "Split it—share it or something."
Like savages, they dove for the bill, fighting over who would hold it.
"Chill," I said, my previous amusement back for a second. "You guys should save it."
"We're gonna get candy," Ronald told me. "Mommy says, um, we can have more candy when we have our, like, own monies—" He grabbed it away from Blaze.
"She says that 'cause she don't think we can get money." Blaze stole it back, and that was a smart move. Shit. By the time Sonny's my age, they'll be his age—around it anyway—and they could be fucking lethal, the already witty pair. They're four, playing their mother. Even I wasn't that with it, scheming and shit as a toddler. I was actually precocious, like Dame as a kid, never raised hell until I was older, and for no good reason. Time and circumstances made me…what I am. "I wanna hold it!"
"We have to split it—"
"Share. Five dollars each." I left the car, fast to walk around it.
They forgot about the money, attacking my legs as I stepped onto the sidewalk.
I bent down to hug them both. "You guys make sure Kylie smiles a lot, okay?"
"Okay." Blaze kissed my cheek.
"You too." I pointed to my other one, looking to Ronald.
But then the jig was up, and they left me to fight over the money again.
Blaze tore the bill in half. "Here…five dollars!" He handed Ron's piece over to him.
"Yours is bigger!"
I didn't have the heart to tell them that it was worthless, no matter whose half was bigger. For the record, I said they were witty, not exactly intelligent.
There's a difference.
"Daddy, look-it what Uncle Edward gave us—just 'cause we was nice!" Ronald ran to Carlisle.
My brother placed the ball under his arm. "What's this?" He showed it to me.
I shrugged.
"Oh." He nodded, realization coloring his face. "Five dollars?" Carlisle smiled down to his sons. "I told you….you can't make change that way. I know it seems logical, but that's not how it's done." He held his hand out for the other half. "I'll hold it—tape it back together. When Mom goes grocery shopping, I'll give it back."
"Okay."
"Yeah, sounds legit." The twins came to a mutual agreement.
"Come here." My brother's face lit up, groaning and pulling them both into his arms, kissing their heads. "We ready to play?"
The boys expressed their dislike for football as I looked over to Kylie. "Can we talk a second?" I kept my tone hushed.
She slumped her shoulders. "What'd I do now?"
"Nothing . . . that I know of."
"Hey!" Alex shouted from the door, which caught our attention. "That's enough. Come inside. It's too cold."
"They're fine," Carlisle said. "They're tough. You're not cold, right?"
Blaze and Ronald shook their heads no.
"My babies are frozen," Alex insisted. "Come on…I have hot cocoa all ready."
The twins sprinted to the door, almost knocking their mother over to get inside.
"Yo…you got something hot and sweet for me?" Carlisle winked.
"Gag!" Kylie stuck her finger in her mouth.
"You know I do," Alex giggled. "Hey, Edward."
"How you doin', hun?" I jerked my chin.
"Fine." She nodded. "Make sure Bella takes pictures . . . If you two ever leave the room." She stuck her tongue out at Kylie and then went back inside.
"I'll…" My daughter started, pointing to the house.
"Wait," I said, looking to my brother. "Dad's all checked in and settled at The Gregory—room 207."
"Bet." Carlisle slapped his hand to mine, pulling me in for a hug. "Have fun…unwind, fucking relax. I got the call earlier, everything's set. I'mma tell Aro and Sonny tomorrow."
"Yeah…" I nodded, stepping back.
The hit on Heidi was to happen while I was gone—out of the country.
Inside, I was ecstatic to get away. I even wrote down a few things I wanna do outside the bedroom, shit I'd never done before because Bella's pussy was too important, or my kids were the priority—making them happy while we were on vacation. I wanted to windsurf, charter a boat, deep-sea fish, or snorkel with Bella—do things a normal couple might. I didn't fucking know.
We have all this money . . . and we never do anything, always too busy maintaining, sustaining, taking care of others . . .
We needed this so fucking bad.
We'd earned it, although we were only going away for five days. Bella said we'd play it by ear. I let her make the travel plans, and then she books our getaway for less than a week.
I figured . . .
Who am I kidding?
I won't fucking snorkel.
My wife is still more important, and I wanted to make Bella come over and over and over again in a different country. Shit. If we can fuck on the plane, that'll be a plus. In fact, tomorrow afternoon felt like an eternity away. We have to be at the airport early, which goes without saying, but still . . .
If that Heidi shit isn't wrapped in five days, Bella and I will make a detour—do something.
"Bring me back a shot glass," Kylie said.
"Me too." Carlisle added.
My gaze fell to the ball. "What's up? You making them play with you?"
My brother nodded. "They play inside all the time. They're babies and they're always on the computers, the iPads, playing video games, the Xbox . . . They're not fat kids or anything, but they need exercise—to play outside. We played outside, rode our bikes." He gestured between us.
I started laughing. "I played outside, raised hell around the 'hood on my bike. You . . . you were always inside, on your computer or reading, you fuckin' nerd."
"There's nothing wrong with that." Kylie spoke up. "We can't all be as cool as you."
"Regardless," Carlisle interjected, "being outside for a minute with me isn't going to kill them. They need to learn sports and shit. I dunno. I play on the computer with them, too . . . I mean, my vampire-son, Edward, won't leave his bedroom at all, it seems, except to feed." He hit my arm, smirking. "And I never played catch with Anthony."
"It's just important you play with them—doesn't matter what. And just because—I think you know already—you didn't play with Ant, played football . . . Well, it doesn't mean anything." Kylie got defensive, sounding like her mother, but refused to spell it out, afraid. She was frightened of the subject matter; I could feel it rolling off of her.
"He knows, baby girl. Relax," I said.
"That's not what I'm saying." Carlisle shook his head. "I don't know what I'm saying." His face fell.
Kylie looked relieved. "I find it refreshing…I love gay people, homosexuals, by the way. I almost wish I was one, just so I could be different." She shrugged. "Yeah, I'd like to be a gay man. I have a lot in common with them." I think her thought ran away from her, or . . . "I mean, I'd still be me…but I'd have a thing."
My brother and I shared a look, neither of us commenting—going to touch that.
"Didn't mean…have a thing, like a peen. I meant…crap." She snorted. "That's funny. But I meant, like, be different."
"I get it." I wasn't sure that I truly did.
"A shtick?" Carlisle asked.
"Not a dick." Kylie shook her head.
"I didn't—"
I placed my hand on Carlisle's arm. He needn't bother to explain that.
"Nothing matters, though." She looked depressed again. "He was born that way—lucky—it wasn't something you did. Anthony's happy . . . you should just be happy for him." Kylie went to walk into the house again.
"Wait," I said.
She turned, standing at attention but looking away from me.
"I am happy for him," Carlisle said. "As a parent…The way his future is looking, him being what he is, as openly as he is, isn't going to be easy." He spoke of Ant's involvement. "I'm worried."
"About what?" Kylie was interested now.
"All right." I gave Carlisle a pound, and he got the memo, disappearing into the house.
My gaze fell on Kylie. "Can we talk?"
She shivered. "Can we sit in the car?"
"Of course." I used the remote to open the door, and then we both got in. "What's going on?" I turned to face her.
"Nothing." She bit her thumbnail.
"Are you sure…? If something's bothering you—"
"I'd talk to Mom, but nothing's wrong," she whispered.
"You can talk to me, too. I mean, it feels like you're mad at me."
It always comes in pairs it seems. If things are going well with one of my children, the other two hate me, or vice versa. My relationship with Damion is better than ever, while Sonny hates my guts . . . It bothers me that he can't separate. He used to be able to, able to understand and roll with the punches. When I'm at Eclipse, Midnight Sun, or we're sitting down in that capacity, I'm not his father. I'm his boss.
"I'm not . . . I hope you and Mom have a great time." She grinned at me, but it seemed fake—something off with it.
"Kylie…" I shook her gently, trying to shake the truth out. It usually works. I never have to twist her arm to voice a damn thing, though. "What's going on, Ky?"
"I'm…I'm boring. My life is boring. Nothing is wrong." She kept her head ducked.
"You're not boring." I scoffed. "Far fucking from it."
"I am . . . I'm like…a goody-goody. I'm about as edgy as a butter knife, Daddy." She turned to me with watery eyes, and she was serious.
"Um…" I thought it was something heavy, like she was depressed about Gio, upset about Mom and me leaving . . . the on-going conflict in the Middle East.
"I've literally done nothing. Nothing. I have no life experience. I'm immature. I see that now…I'm not at the same level with my peers."
"Well . . . Kylie, don't take this the wrong way, but you are a fucking baby. You're young. You have your whole life to…spice it up." I shook my head. "There's nothing wrong with being good—a good person."
"I'm not saying that." She sniffled. "I know I'm a good person. I'm a goody-two-shoes, like Grandpa said."
"Why are you listening to him?"
"Because—"
"Because nothing." I palmed her cheek. "Don't put stock into that—consider the source." My father still has his wits, but fuck that. "You trust me, right?"
"Yeah." She nodded.
"I say you're interesting—one of the most interesting people I know, and you . . . you're sharp, you have an edge. But seriously, tell me what's really wrong."
She widened her eyes. "That's what's wrong."
"Oh…"
"Maggie and I are fighting, too." She pursed her lips. "We're getting on each other's nerves. She thinks we spend too much time together, but sometimes I just wanna knock her one." She furrowed her brow. "You know? Just punch her in the face."
I bit my lips to stop from smiling.
"But I love her . . . She's not doing anything wrong…I don't understand."
"Well," I cleared my throat, "you grew up with two big brothers. You know how sometimes you wanna deck Mom?"
She nodded. "It's the same thing. We're like…Maggie's like my sister. No matter how annoying, I still love her, and I'd never…Um. Well, I did hit her, but don't tell Sonny; he'd be mad at me." She looked out the window. "She got over it…like Jesus, she forgave me." She groaned, covering her face, cringing into her hands.
"Even fucking Maggie!" she shouted. "The Once Virgin Mary has more swag than I do…man!" Kylie sucked her teeth, sitting back. "I feel bad for her, but I'm also jealous. We're always together, and if a guy walks by or is around, they check her out…and she's married, and I don't think she's prettier than me. I don't know. What do you think?"
"You're gorgeous." I chuckled. "You also know that. Maggie's cute, but she ain't got shit on you." I didn't know what to say.
"Stop." Kylie's face flushed; I made my daughter blush, which was adorable.
"You have plenty of swag. As for dudes, I don't know." I didn't want to say that, hitting on, checking out Sonny's wife wasn't as bad as scoping the Skip's daughter—wasn't as feared.
They're together but they don't leave the 'hood. Everyone knows Kylie, who she is, who her father is. "Your friend's just…had a lot of growing up to do lately because of the choices she made—"
"Why is that?" She turned to me again. "You were going to stop my wedding…Sonny knew better and he…he condemned her in a way." Her lip quivered. "You guys did nothing. Ugh. So, while I'm happy she's who she is—my sister-in-law, and I love Sonny more 'cause he gave me a sister—I feel bad for my friend, even if a small part of me wishes I was her. Well, not her—just interesting. Everybody changed and I stayed the same."
I sighed. "They flew out to Vegas…Once it was done, all that was left to do was be happy for them. We couldn't change what they did. Do you understand that?"
She nodded.
"Personally . . ." Words failed me.
At the end of the day, Maggie wasn't my daughter. Sonny wanted her, and I wanted Sonny to be happy. They love each other and all that. Despite their age difference, they truly have a bond, a strong love for one another. I've also grown to genuinely care for my daughter-in-law, and I see Kylie's point. Nowadays, Maggie gets shuffled in with the rest...who I look out for.
However, I would never let Kylie marry someone like Sonny—like myself.
"You're proud of him," she said. "You may not admit it, but he's…he's turning out just like you . . . You think Damion is more like you, but that's not true. Sonny is Skip Jr. to a T . . . Mom said that."
"She did?" I asked.
"I told you…I spoke to Mom already, but I still feel icky."
"What'd Mom say?" I pushed her hair behind her ear.
"She thinks you guys messed up, as parents…" She bit her bottom lip. "You guys gave Damion and Sonny a lot more freedom—"
"Stop." I put my hand up, having heard that a million times already.
"See?" Suddenly she was bawling. "You won't let me live!"
"No!" I barked. "Geez. That's not what I'm saying. I'm sorry." I yanked her into my side as she cried. "Baby girl, just ride out the winter and get through the spring. Summer comes around, Gio's coming back. You guys'll be down at the shore, you'll get ready for college…things'll be different." I nodded, kissing her hair. "I promise."
"Swear it." She held up her pinky.
"Swear." I grabbed hers with my own, pulling her hand up to kiss it. "I swear it. You have to understand…It's not what you think, baby. I'm sorry for the choices I made—that it's not safe for you." I gave her a squeeze. "Please understand that. You know a lot more than I ever flat-out told you...calling me Skip to boot. You see. You have your mother's intuition…you just know things. I have enemies…some I can see, some…hey, I'd rather make you just a little bit miserable now than—God forbid."
"I can't even smoke weed," she sobbed.
"What?" That came from left field.
"I had some, and I didn't know what to do with it."
"Well…" I was torn, 'cause it's Kylie, and my mindset is different when parenting her. But this was my chance to be a cool dad. After all, I've smoked with Sonny and Damion. I've done a lot of shit I'm not proud of alongside Sonny. "Um…you smoke it."
"I knew that…but we were running around trying find ways to do it. We found Sonny's bong."
I smiled. "Cool."
Overall, I was proud—not about the weed—but that I had a child, who at nineteen, hadn't so much as been exposed to marijuana. When the other two . . . maybe not Damion. He's only gotten into shit the last few years, but Sonny…? It's not even drugs or anything. He was into things adults would be, just knew shit, just got into everything and anything from when he was young. Now he's a quick-witted and intelligent motherfucker.
So, I saw it as a good thing that Kylie was, as she said, a goody-goody.
But…was it the right thing for her? To have sheltered her?
I felt like I was between a rock and hard place.
And Bella thinks we did wrong . . . possibly that we didn't let nature take its course.
"Then we asked Gino how to use it…but now Gino's not allowed to drive Maggie anymore." She sniffled. "I feel bad . . . we did that, got him fired."
"He didn't get fired," I laughed. "Sonny probably has him doing something else."
"Mom thinks I'm sad because of that—because he's not around anymore either, that I miss Gio and Gino, that I'm masking that with my bullshit problems, but I'm not—I swear."
"Whoa…back up." I lifted her face to see her. "You…had a thing with Gino?"
"No…I thought I liked him, but I don't. It was a crush. I'd never, you know, do that to Gio. I love him." She sobbed harder. "He was just so cool, but Mom made me feel worse about it…I'm mad at her, too. 'Cause she said my problems were bullshit."
"What else did Mom say?" My wife is usually right on the fucking money, which is why Kylie wants to be angry with her—will be mad at Bella because she doesn't wanna say, "You're right, Mom."
"She thinks I have a thing for…for…forget it." She sat up, backing away from me.
"Tell me…talk to me." I turned the engine over to get some heat on. "I have time." And I did.
Dropping her off now was her choice. She wanted to be here for dinner, having called Alex to ask what they were having. Roast beef was better than the sandwich Bella told Kylie to make—since she was going out and would be packing later. Fuck. I should stay here for dinner, too.
"This is so embarrassing." She grumbled. "She said most girls—women—are attracted to guys who remind them of their dads, which is just so, so, it's gross!" Kylie shrieked. "You're gross." She eyed me.
"Okay." I was stuck again. "I'm gross."
"She also said I should know better, and if I didn't, she made sure she told me…bad boys aren't all they're cracked up to be."
"She said that?" I was surprised. "Bella, your mother, said that?" I threw my head back and laughed. My wife gets wet when she so much as gets a glimpse of my nine. If it's in my hand, forget about it. Bella can front all she wants, bake as many cookies as she wants and smile at church, but I know...She's down to ride with me, gets a thrill from it.
"Joe was Joe…but Damion says he was a punk. He wasn't…I don't know. Gio is good for me, a great person, and I love him. I love him so much." She sounded like she was trying to sell me—herself—that idea.
"I believe you . . . you don't have to tell me that."
"I don't like people getting the wrong impression." She wiped her nose with her hand.
I reached over to grab a booger.
"Dad, get out my nose!" She swatted me away. "I'm not a baby." She smudged it onto her cheek.
"Okay." I nodded.
"You don't pick Sonny's nose."
I would if he had a snot hanging off his face, I thought. "Look…" She'd touched on many things, and I didn't know where to start. "You smoked…got high. How was that? Is it something you'll do again?"
She seemed nervous now. "It was only one time. Since Mom was okay with it, I thought you wouldn't care. I told her—she's not mad at me."
"I'm not mad at you either," I said.
"Oh . . . well, I'm not sure if I'd do it again. It was fun." Her face fell once more. "We all had so much fun. Gino, Maggie, and me—Gino wasn't so serious after we smoked. Maggie was a lot of fun and carefree. We made weird sandwiches, watched a movie…Gino passed out and we painted his toes. Then Sonny and Damion came home…and then I had a lot of fun with Damion. It was Saturday night."
"Right." I remember Dame disappearing, but he showed up at the house the next morning—had breakfast with us.
"I want more times like that…maybe not with the weed, but just hanging out. Gio—with Gio, I always have fun like that. He's been my best friend forever, and he's really nice to look at."
"Damion and Sonny are really busy. Peto's not coming back until May." And I'd make sure Gino kept his distance, just because I felt like it, or maybe I should leave that alone? "You might be stuck with Maggie for a while…but I can chill, too."
"Yeah, right."
"No," I said. "I'm fun…you can ask Mom…Don't we always have a good time? Come on, Ky. Be honest."
A smile crept up to her lips. "Yeah…"
"See?"
"But . . . I want . . . that's another problem 'cause I don't know what I want."
"You're nineteen. You don't need all the answers yet." I chuckled. "If you need answers, ask me some shit. I'll tell you."
"Whatever…sure. But you're not my problem, Dad. I do hope you and Mom have a great time." She nodded. "It's not all about you...geez."
"Then stop with all those snarky, backhanded comments directed at me," I said.
"I'm sorry...It's everything else that's crap. And I'd feel a lot better if I was remotely interesting."
"You are!" I hollered, didn't how to make her believe it.
"The one plan I had all week is canceled…Maggie said forget it, and she signed us up. We were going to volunteer at the church—the coat drive." She was disappointed.
"Kylie…now you're pushing it—volunteering? It's not a bad thing, but you're my kid, and I have a feeling you're not going to dig doing a bunch of work for nothing."
"I know that…but I'd be around people."
"What's so great about being around people?" I didn't understand that. "Most get on my nerves."
She grinned. "It's cool because . . . everyone has a story, and I try to guess which journey brought them to the exact same spot where I'd be standing."
"Okay." I pursed my lips, getting it.
"But even Mom and Alex have more . . . better plans. Here we are, volunteering, and those two know how to have fun…they're goofy, sometimes corny, but they're always happy when they're together."
"They're older. They can do more."
"Alex mentioned something. They're having women's self-defense classes at the community center. It's just one session, but I'd like to do that and kickbox. They said they'd all do it with me. It'll be a blast."
"That's cool." I nodded.
"It'd help me lose weight, and learn how to fight. Sonny taught me how to punch, but that's it."
"That's really cool. You should do that." I bit my tongue, but then thought I'd test the waters. "I mean, anything can happen…you don't know. But…I mean, learning to defend yourself in combat is awesome—kicking balls and whatnot. But if you knew how to use a gun, you'd…in some cases, whoever's tryin'a hurt you won't get close enough."
She blinked, staring at me. "You think I need to lose weight?"
"What?" I was confused.
"I said I needed to lose weight, and you didn't argue with me."
I smiled, palming her cheek. "You're so much like your mother it's scary."
"But—"
"You don't need to lose a pound; you're perfect . . . Defending yourself stole all my attention, and learning how to use a gun was just a thought."
"No!" She grabbed my arms but she was beaming. "That's it. That can be my edge."
"Whoa!" I laughed. "You'd learn how to use a gun, respect it and what it can do. It wouldn't be some prop like a new cell phone to show off at parties. I'm not giving you one."
"I know that. The point is, I'd know that. No one else has to know…I mean, Sonny taught Maggie, and Maggie taught me how to load and unload. It was no big deal, but learning how to really use one…We couldn't figure out the bong, but Maggie's slick with the AK."
"AK?" I raised a brow. "Sonny has an AK-47 somewhere in that house…just lying around?" It wasn't a bad thing, but once a Fed shows his face—hauls one of us in—even for bullshit, we all clean house, put shit away.
"The clip was empty."
"Where is it?" I asked.
She paused, wasn't going to tell me. "You'd really teach me?"
"Yeah…" I sighed. "Maybe I'm not the coolest dad…I'm not down to drop you off at a frat house…I'd be more inclined if you were strapped, but that's not my point. Go to those classes, too. I'll teach you some shit…a weapon can be used against you as well."
She nodded.
"Push comes to shove, you can't pause—you can't hesitate. If you're scared, some fucker's coming at you…I promise you. It's best you pull a trigger or kick some ass and ask questions later. That's why it's called self-defense."
"Yeah, yeah, motherfucker! What?" She slapped her chest.
Her little ghetto outburst was cute, but I grasped her biceps. "I'd feel better if you knew this stuff." I was relieved, happy, she brought this shit up. It gave me the opportunity to gauge her reaction.
"But…but are we in danger?"
"No, not at all. You'd still have a driver. I'm not saying I'm giving you a gun and sending you out into the world. . . You'd just know how to use one. It's like driving the car. We'll play it by ear."
"Okay." She got quiet, staring out the windshield. "I feel a little bit better, I think." And she truly is childlike, but I have to say she's getting better, more mature.
"Good." I wasn't sure if my words and I solved any of her problems, which weren't dire.
But as long as she felt better . . .
She showed me her palm. "You gotta gimme money."
"Right." I took out my wad, giving her two hundred.
"That's it? You're going away for a week."
"Five days, and you get your check tomorrow—think I don't know." I scoffed, taking a hundred dollars back. "My wife does the books. I know when you get paid."
"Hey!"
"What do you need money for anyway? Your uncle will feed you. Alex will entertain you. All you need is cash to buy lunch while you're at the salon. Even then, the pizza next door is free. You won't go without."
Kylie pouted. "What if Maggie and I go shopping? She'll have her own money." I happen to know that Kylie's sister-in-law is more than generous, buys her something wherever they go—just if Kylie wants something. Sonny bitched about it. It's his money. "She just takes it out of a drawer—whatever she needs. It's all right there. I have to ask…"
"Kylie, I'm your father, not your husband—"
"I know that, nasty. What are you saying?" She left the car. "Keep your money, weirdo!"
"Kylie!"
"What?" She whipped back to me.
I didn't understand her reaction, but I held out the money. "Here…"
She reached over to grab it. "I need my bag out the trunk."
I hit the button, opening it for her. "Come gimme a hug. I'm leaving."
"No…I'm old now. I can't just be hugging you. What do you think this is?" She went around to the back.
I hissed, leaving the car. "Get over here." I pointed to the ground.
She put her head down, slamming the trunk closed.
When she was in front of me, I lifted her chin. "You're never too old to hug your daddy. What's wrong with you?" I gave her a nudge. "You're always hugging up on Grandpa and your uncle. They don't deserve it. Trust me."
"Nothing's wrong with me." She lightly wrapped her arms around me but was quick to pat my back, like our embrace was over before it started.
"Hug me," I said.
Kylie gave me a small squeeze.
I bent low to kiss her forehead, and she jumped back.
"Bye."
I widened my arms, watching her go. Personally, I thought our talk would earn me some points, make me cooler. "What the fuck?" I asked myself.
"Have fun!" She waved, closing the door behind herself.
I groaned, getting into the car and peeling away from the curb.
God bless that motherfucker Peto. He's gonna have his hands full, that was for sure. Carlisle's actually commented that—although they had their problems after Esme died and slightly before—raising Hanna and Carli was a lot easier than the time he had with Ant and now Eddie.
I disagree.
Sonny and Damion . . . I mean, all my kids can be bitchy, but they were easy to please, appease, raise—parent. They were also taught not to whine, yet we can see how well that worked out . . . in the long run.
Maybe I'm strict with Kylie where I wasn't with the boys. But our daughter was always Bella's—dare I say—problem. She took care of all of them, but focused on Kylie, and I took a bigger role with the boys. It made sense.
And maybe my brother has a screwier sense of the female population in general, and maybe his daughters are . . . loose, but he gets along with them just fine.
They love their father, think the world of him—fuck, no matter what Bella says, Kylie thinks the same of Carlisle, too—and they didn't turn out that bad. Shit could be worse.
I mean, look at Aro's kids—fucking Katie and Aro Jr.—and that motherfucker thinks they're The Brady Bunch. Katie is just a cunt, like her mother, and AJ doesn't know if he's eating pussy or sucking dick.
Denial isn't just a river in Egypt.
Excited now—because we might as well already be on vacation—I waved to Sal and practically skipped up the walkway. Bella was home. I didn't see her when I first entered.
"Wife…? Where you at?" I double locked the door.
"In here." Now when that's shouted in a large house . . .
"Where?" I stood in the hall.
"The bedroom!"
"Oh…" I smiled, feeling giddy as I marched down there.
Our bed was covered with clothes and two suitcases, Bella folding laundry, doing shit.
As soon as I entered the room, I pulled her away. "Hey…" I nipped those lips, deepening the kiss quickly, but she didn't put any effort into it. "What's wrong?"
"Um…"
"You know…" My eyes fell to all the crap on the bed. "I plan to be naked or in board shorts most of the time. I expect you to wear your bikinis…we don't need this much shit...pack some of my undershirts, though. And I bet we only need one suitcase."
"I wasn't sure." She looked back to the bed. "I figured…like when we'd pack the kids up, we'd better be safe than sorry."
I shook my head. "Whatever we forget that we need, we'll buy that shit. Fuck it." I pushed all the clothes away.
"Edward! I just folded all that, and you know how much I hate folding..."
"Whatever…just throw that shit in the bag." The clothes were still partially folded, as all I did was do a quick sweep.
"You know what? Be wrinkly. Who knows us in Bermuda? We can be that wrinkly couple from—we'll say we're from somewhere's else."
"Shut up." I yanked on her hand, making her fall on top of me. "We're alone…" I nuzzled my nose to her cheek. "We should get naked from now. Right?" I bit her jaw.
She sighed, huffing and leaning away.
"What's wrong?"
She rolled onto her back, not caring about our garments now.
I turned onto my side. "I just played the guessing game with Kylie…I'm not doing it with you, too. So, if something's wrong…" Seeing a sliver of Bella skin, I lifted her shirt, bending low to kiss her stomach.
"Maybe I'll feel better once we're out of New York."
I nodded. "You'll feel even better than that once you're outta these jeans." I popped the button; meanwhile, I still wore my coat.
"Edward, just stop!" She pushed me away, only to cover her face with her forearms.
"'The fuck's wrong with you?" I asked.
"What's going on with Sonny?" She wouldn't look at me.
I thought about that, so I could answer her honestly. My son bitches, has outbursts like that every once in a while. He's the only person who gets away with speaking to me like that. But I know Sonny. He just needs to get it all out, yell at a motherfucker. "Nothing…he's busy."
"I heard it's a lot more than that." She leaned up on her elbows.
"Like what? I don't understand."
"Maggie told me—"
"Here we go!" I shouted, jumping from the bed, my temper instantly getting the best of me. "Now their problems become our problems. Go 'head. Talk, scream, I'll listen." I shrugged, having gone through this a few times.
"This is different," she whispered. "This is our son." Bella started crying, and this was different. Otherwise, she would moan, talk about it at great length. "Maggie doesn't know what's going on, and I only know some things . . . Why are you putting him through the ringer?"
"Ringer? He knows better than anyone. You reap what you sow—"
"He's running two crews, doing his own thing, and taking care of Caius's—"
"Don't talk about shit you know nothing about. I know what Sonny's taking care of," I said. "You don't have to remind me."
"Know nothing about?" she laughed but nothing was funny. "Oh, I know a shitload more than our scared little daughter-in-law."
"That's Sonny's problem."
"She's ready to sneak out—go stay with her parents!" she shouted. "Something's wrong. Something's really wrong. You didn't see her."
"The honeymoon's over. They hit a rough patch adjusting to shit. All couples go through it, and what did Sonny expect? She's young—a fucking baby. Of course, she'll run back to—"
"Think about it." She pointed to her temple. "You've met the Sullivans. How bad does shit have to be that she'd go back to them?"
I shook my head, groaning. "Maybe she's better off—"
"You're not—ugh!" Bella cringed. "Do you think—what do you think's going to happen if Maggie leaves him?"
"He'll walk around the corner and go get her." I snorted. "The Sullivans live right there." My hand went east.
"And if she goes a step farther 'cause she feels trapped? Takes a bundle of cash and hits the road? Sonny would stop at nothing until he found her. He'll make her come back, or worse...I don't know." She shuddered. "He loves her so much. It scares the crap outta me—thinking of what he might do."
"Sonny? Come on." I sucked my teeth. "He'd never hurt her—"
"Like you'd never hurt me? Edward, sometimes things happen, and we don't mean for it to...I mean, what would you do if I ran?"
"You wouldn't." I blew out a breath. "Did she say this? It's kind of stupid…going to you with this shit. Did you tell Sonny to hide his money? Keep an eye out?"
"Edward. Christ!" She pulled her hair. "No, she didn't have to tell me. I already knew. Ask me how I knew that, Edward?"
Shrugging out of my coat, I sat on the bed. "You had a gut feeling."
"No…"
"What does it matter? She can't drive…really go anywhere. Sonny has nothing to worry about."
"She's his wife, not a fucking prisoner. And I know how she feels—know what she might be thinking." She cried into her hands.
"Come on…they'll figure it out. Sonny has some extra responsibilities—"
"Some? You act like you asked him to walk the dog, take out the trash. He did you a favor, and you're punishing him." She knew all about Caius now, as I wasn't able to keep that from her.
"No…I'm not punishing him. I need to know he can hack it . . . Fuck. If Maggie can't, it's best they learn that now before she pops out some kids—adding to it. And Sonny's a sweetheart, a lot more…doting than I ever was. So, he's not around a lot these days. Big deal. They'll have time once shit settles. We all paid our dues—"
"No, you got lucky," she said.
"What?" I cupped my ear.
"You worked hard…to get where you were, but once you…Look, you're right. It's not about us." She backed away from me.
I twirled a finger. "Where'd that comment come from then? What'd'ju mean?"
She huffed. "I mean, you worked under Marcus. And I'm sure he made you work hard, saddled you with a lot, but you were twenty-six when…you had all these people at your disposal. You know? People started working for you at a very young age."
"No, I don't know." I wanted her to elaborate. She's acting like . . . like I've done nothing all these years. Like, the time I spent away from her and the kids, the time I wasn't around I was out partying.
"You did what you had to do . . . The minute—the second—you figured out Marcus might move against you, you took care of it. You took it all. No matter how shady he was, you schemed, too. You stole it all, staged a coup, and I think you were just waiting for an excuse to kill him, although I understand and agree with why you did it. You didn't spend years and years under him. He was your boss for—"
"It was to be mine before that snake turned on me. I was groomed to be where I am, just like I'm teaching Sonny. You may not agree with my method, but I won't be around one day. If he can't handle it now, if he blows it now—"
"He's blowing it." She nodded. "'Cause you set him up to fail." Bella pointed at me.
"I did not!" I shouted. "No fucking way. It's a juggling act…Trust; I know. Things'll slow down—"
"You never, even during your most…active days had as much shit to take care of as Sonny does. You never worked that hard in your life!"
"Fuck you! You wanna talk about work? Working hard? What the fuck have you done? As soon as we got married and the money was coming in, you were set. You talked a good game, trying to be proud and shit," I laughed. "Oh, the tanning salon—where you'd work whenever you felt like it. Or college! Ha! As soon as it got hard, you dropped out. And then you'd go back just to drop out again—"
She jumped back, blinked at me. "Excuse me?"
I waved a hand, calming some, and realizing what I said. "I didn't mean all that."
"No, fuck you, Edward!" She poked my chest.
"Cool it!" I shouted. "And watch those fucking fingers."
"You think you're so much better. I'd like to see you do it all again—go back to school, but with three kids...hiding while people are out to kill your spouse, picking up and leaving at a moments notice. Oh, wait. It doesn't matter. Marcus bought your law degree."
"Shut your mouth." I scoffed. "That fuck didn't do that shit for me. I earned it all—"
"Being a mother is the hardest fucking job there is. Where's my nightclub? My desk? When do I get to so much as sit? Stop worrying? It is a job, one I am damn proud of! And I've done both. It's a lot easier to pull a fucking trigger!" She hit my chest again.
"Watch it." I used one finger to poke her shoulder and she nearly stumbled, but I caught her. "Look—"
"We need to chill out." She put her palms out, still crying.
We both got quiet. She refused to look at me, and I kept taking calming breaths. After being married for as long as we have, we've learned the hard way—time and time again—when we need to take a break.
Swallowing down my anger, I pulled Bella into my arms and kissed her hair. "I'm sorry I said what I did," I whispered, but I was still . . .
"I just…I just want you to see. You know?" she asked. "You almost always had help. You always had Carlisle and Aro backing you. Yeah, heavy is the head that wears the crown…you did the bulk, you did a lot more, but Sonny has no one he can trust as much—no one he can turn to. He can't come to you. Once he does, he's showing a weakness. In your eyes, his floundering is a weakness, when he's doing a lot more than you ever did. I'm just being honest." She wiped her eyes, leaving my embrace.
"He's come to me—"
"What? He asked you for help, and you haven't—"
"Aro and Carlisle always rode with me—helped behind the scenes. I did it all! My hands are filthy in comparison to theirs. Only difference, I fucking enjoyed myself." I ranted. "Can you understand that? Sonny's bitching and whining…you know what? I do doubt him, but very slightly. I still have faith in him."
"You're not listening!"
"I heard everything you said. So, he's busier…not by much." I shrugged. "He hasn't been around lately. I'm guessing he came to some solution, which I was pushing him to do without my help…" I kicked off my shoes. "How many hints does the kid need? If I'm not extending a hand, take care of shit without me. He's gotta learn now or he never will. And if he can't work and be married—juggle—then he can't."
"You slowed down and Sonny sped up . . ."
"That's how it happens. That's how it goes. I did my time. Now, it's my time to sit back, keep all my ducks in a row. Take my wife on fucking vacation—shit!" I balled my hands into fists. "You think I enjoy it, though? It's still lose-lose. I loved being out there, doing my thing, actively working. Now it's more . . . I'm not getting into this." I put my hands up in surrender.
"What? You think you're doing me some favor by being home before ten o'clock?" she laughed. "You're still—"
"Oh!" I exclaimed. "First I'm fucking lazy, I'm not doing shit, and now…still?" I raised a brow. "What the fuck, Bella? Make up your mind."
"Edward—" she placed her hand on my shoulder "—it was my mistake. What you do now or have done in the past, doesn't matter. The point is…Sonny's in trouble. My sweet, baby boy—"
"He's a man. A fucking mafia underboss—a capo! You wanna be technical? He's far from your baby boy, Bella. Snorting coke off some tramp's tit, doing him—he's fucking out there, making paper, taking names…no one fucks with Sonny," I laughed.
"You're proud of that?" The tears were back.
"Yes." I nodded. "I'm upset that Maggie had to come to you, which she should not have done. She should have licked her wounds, spoken to Sonny about their problems. But our son married—essentially, he married a child, so it's not unexpected she got you involved. Especially when your beak is all in their business. I'm upset that he's unhappy, that he can't handle—"
"Again, he can handle it. You're the boss! As soon as Caius was out of the picture, you should have promoted someone on his crew to take it over. You didn't do that. You've known for weeks you're going to sell Twilight, yet you're content to watch our son run back and forth . . . You're like this sadistic kid with an ant farm and a magnifying glass!" She groaned, pulling her hair again.
"Bullshit!" I hissed.
"It's cruel . . . Sonny was really happy. Now I have to ask…He was doing well. He was excelling at everything, and having Maggie by his side just made him better, stronger." She sat next to me. "Our marriage—when we were first married—you had a lot of trouble with the balancing act. We fought a lot. We weren't miserable, but…Did you do this just so he'd pay his dues? Have it hard, like you did? Are you jealous?"
I furrowed my brow. "You're sick for even thinking that. What's wrong with you? No, I'm not jealous of him in the slightest."
"I think you are. He does your job better than you do." She covered her mouth. "I didn't mean that."
"What?" I spat. "Are you fucking kidding me?" I scooped my shoes back on. "You said it, you meant it."
She threw herself into my arms. "Look at me." She palmed my cheeks. "I'm sorry. Edward…"
I'm sure she thought I was out of it, seeing red already, but I wasn't there yet. "What the fuck did you mean by that?" I pulled her grasp from my face.
She blew out a breath. "Just…we need to relax." She curled into a ball on my lap, the perfect bundle to throw out the window . . .
"Yeah." I bit out, squeezing her and stiffening.
"Don't think of Sonny as some pawn you're utilizing…He's your son, and his new marriage is crumbling. He's crumbling. I'm not asking you to be his boss . . . I'm not . . ." She nuzzled her nose to mine. "Be his father. I know he's grown. I know he's a lot of things and this too shall pass . . . Just, before we leave, go talk to him. I'll stay here. I'll pack. Just drop by. Don't mention that Maggie spoke to me."
"Why? What's the big deal? I'm used to you sticking your nose places it doesn't belong. Sonny must be—"
"He thinks she was at church…not with me. I spoke to…Tommy boy?"
"Tommy—good kid." I reached to rub my eyes.
"He was really nice—compliant. I told him to take a walk, look the other way. He said I had his word," she giggled. "That's awesome."
I raised a brow. "That's not awesome. If he's driving Maggie, and he's content to keep shit from Sonny, that's a recipe for disaster."
"Just…think outside your small box for a second. It doesn't matter. Just don't tell Sonny that Maggie came to me."
"I won't." I groaned.
"She mentioned something about him going away on business? You're sending him somewhere between all this stuff, too?"
"Maggie brought that up?" I asked in disbelief.
"She didn't say where or what he was doing—she doesn't know. She was scared, thought he was in trouble."
"No…do us all a favor and don't mention that shit again. Okay? Just put it out your mind. Carlisle and Aro are in on that, too. Everything will be squared away."
"I trust you." She kissed my cheek. "You just have to settle this—find out if you can help, let him know it's okay. He deserves a compliment or two."
"Right." I let go of Bella to pull my coat back on. "Make me something to eat."
"No problem." She pushed my hair back. "Just go around the corner, have a chat, and I'll have something ready . . . I'd just—"
"I know." I brought her over to my side, so I could stand. "You'll be worried the whole time we're away. Shit." I palmed my forehead. "He's home?"
"It's still early…I think so."
"If he's not, I gotta go to Eclipse, or demand he comes here." I shrugged. "He won't if I just ask…fucking hates me right now." That I knew without Bella opening her mouth.
"I said all that stuff because—"
I put my hand up. "You're trying to make me see shit I can't, make comparisons. But I know what Sonny's doing—how much he's doing."
"I'm sorry . . . just, please. Do whatever you gotta do. I have to pack…I'll make a small dinner." She gestured to our bed. "We'll eat it on the couch if I don't get to the bottom of this shit." Bella wasn't holding a grudge, which made me wonder why she pushed my buttons—no matter what she was saying. "If you think—which I know from what you said—that Sonny's doing a good job, tell him. He looks up to you more than anyone. You're a rock star, his idol. I bet he just needs…an encouraging word."
"I'll be back." I kissed her cheek. "Fucking Damion, Kylie, Sonny…They need to fucking chill. I mean, when does it end?"
"When we're dead. I don't think parents—good parents—retire." She folded some jeans back up. "We always said we'd be better than our own."
I scoffed at nothing. "Who said we had to be good parents? Better than our own, yeah. We did that. They're alive, doing well, always had food, we paid for school, hooked them up . . . They're adults now. Whatever resentment…they already have it . . . Look, I'm torn between caring too much and then wondering when I get a break?"
She beamed at me. "Welcome to motherhood, Edward."
"Don't be cute...and be ready to do some freaky, nasty shit after we eat. Our vacation starts when I get back, and I don't wanna hear a word about any of them. They're healthy, okay in hindsight. They'll stay that way until we get back. I mean it. Fuck. Serve me dinner naked." I nodded, pursing my lips.
She blew me a kiss.
I caught it and put it in my pocket before I left the room.
Sal was still here, in his car and on his cell phone. Having been so excited earlier, I hadn't dismissed him yet, so I had him drive me over to Sonny's. When we pulled up to the curb, I started to laugh.
Bella played me.
I wasn't sure how or why . . . but she did.
To get the end result she wanted, she blew it out of proportion.
Yet, as I walked up to Sonny's door, I didn't know what I was doing here.
Pep talk, right.
Coddle him, right.
Do all the shit I know he doesn't need me to.
All this bullshit, and I've come to my own conclusion that maybe Bella doesn't have enough faith in our son.
Hey, if being us—doing what we do—was easy, more fuckers would take the risk and do it.
Most men in my position are married, but I can't imagine there's love there. Love complicates every-fucking-thing, is more a burden than a blessing to many. They get married to save face, have children, and then lead double lives.
I know all about it.
For some people, that shit is just easier.
Maggie made him better. Katie brought him back down, and then he did what he did to Caius. Overall, women, the love he has or had felt, were controlling his life—whether he realized it or not. But no. I know for a fact that Sonny loves Maggie to the point of obsession . . . And I don't even know what love is like without a little obsessive and possessiveness.
Bella, whether she realizes it or not, controls my life.
Tommy boy was still in his car, which made me think maybe Sonny wasn't home.
"Skip!" He slapped his hand to mine. "How you doin'?"
"Good…you?" I asked.
"All right." He smiled. "This new gig…it's a step up."
"Don't blow it." I grinned at him. "Keep your eyes and hands to yourself. You keep my son informed, and you speak when you're spoken to. Simple, right?" Since I was already on a mission, I thought I'd help the kid.
He nodded. "Sound advice."
"Is Santino here?" I asked.
"Yeah." He pulled on his cigarette. "Santino usually sends me away when he's home, but...I think I'm taking Maggie to your brother's house? I'm not sure. Since I'm not sure, I stayed put."
"Good…you're a good kid." I patted his back.
"Oh…" He seemed surprised. "I'm happy you say that—that you noticed. I was working with Caius on—"
I put my palm up.
"Sorry." He went back over to his car, and I made a mental note to find out what he did for Caius. This kid was too fucking nice, pleasant. And when I got to the door, I had an odd thought . . . of Maggie and Tommy boy hitting it off and running.
"Whew." I whistled, knocking.
I mean, it was a weird thought to have, but I'm used to looking at fuckers and figuring out their next ten steps before they take them. Matters of the heart are no fucking different.
I thought I knew what Bella was referring to without even seeing Maggie.
"Who is it?" Maggie whispered through the door.
"Me…Skip."
"Oh." She scrambled to open the door, and then practically fell into my arms. "Um…Santino's sleeping."
"OK." I nodded, and she did look worrisome, like an old rag—aged ten years or some shit. "Go wake him up."
Her eyes widened. "I'm sorry."
"He can be grumpy, but…"
"He's not feeling well lately." She backed into the foyer. "He's tired and cranky…when he can sleep, I try to be quiet."
I sighed, scrubbing my face with my hand. "You want me to wake him?"
"If…" She gave me some weird look. "If it can't wait." It was a smart move. He'd take his cranky ass out on her.
"What's going on? I thought you two were . . . happy? Doing well?" I asked.
"We'll be fine. It's almost over."
"Excuse me?"
"Santino will be feeling better soon? He said he feels better, but then...it comes and goes," she said, waving a hand.
"He's got a cold? The flu?" I grimaced, wanting to turn back for the door. "I mean…I'd go in there…"
"No."
"Then what's wrong with him?" Talking to her was worse than Kylie and Bella, skirting around bullshit. I'd rather not be granted answers.
"He's irritable…?"
"Irritable bowels?" I quirked a brow.
"Okay." She nodded.
I looked up to the ceiling. "Talk to me, Mags. What's going on?"
She shook her head, her lip quivering. "I can't tell you." She breathed.
I reached to push my hair back, and then I almost lost my footing. Maggie hugged me tightly, weeping into my chest.
"Hey." I rubbed her back. "Things'll get better, but no problem was ever solved with running. If you're thinking of doing that…you can't." I lifted her chin. "You're married. Your place is here."
"I know that. I'm not—I'm not going to run away. I promise."
"Good." I patted her back, when my phone started ringing. It was Bella's ringtone—some Lady Gaga shit she put on there.
She and Kylie and their ringtones . . . I wasn't working, so I didn't put it on vibrate.
"Turn that shit off!" Sonny barked.
I let go of Maggie, staring up the stairs and dismissing the call. That's when I realized all the lights were off, no TV or music playing.
Since I knew Bella would just call again, I held my phone out, banking on the loud song sounding. Sure enough, it did, and I let it play . . . holding my fucking hand up the stairs.
"What are you doing?" Maggie asked, and she looked afraid.
"Christ!" Sonny shouted, and I heard stomping around. "What the fuck's wrong with you? With the music already…dumb cooz," he whispered that last part, approaching the landing.
"You talk to her like that?" I asked.
"I'll talk to her how I want," he spat. "What's good? Something you needed?" He stood at the top of the stairs in boxers, hair a mess.
"What'd'ju sleep all day?" I asked, hoping he'd stop pushing my buttons.
"I thought you were going to Bermuda?" He palmed his cheeks. "Get me a soda…and I'm hungry." His gaze fell on Maggie.
"Um, would you like something?" she asked me. "I'm just making him a sandwich."
"He's not staying," Sonny said.
"Oh, I don't mind—" Maggie started.
My son silently pointed toward the kitchen, and Maggie—like many before her—knew how to pick her battles. She tiptoed away.
"What the fuck was that?" I spat. "You're pushing it…you're close, kid." I held up my thumb and forefinger. "This-fucking-close, so you better watch yourself and use your next words wisely. You wanna disrespect me in the house I bought you? Well, I thought we taught you manners—"
"Oh!" He chuckled. "That's it. This house was a ploy—have us around the corner, a ways for you to control what happens in my crib? Get the fuck outta here." I wasn't sure if he meant that literally, not that I gave a fuck . . .
"Shit got difficult . . . the road of life is paved with many winding turns. Pick your battles, Sonny. You ready to cut me off?"
"That's a threat."
"That's a fucking guarantee. You turn on me, I can't trust you, and what happens to fuckers I don't trust?" I raised a brow. "Hmm?"
"What are you talking about?" He spoke with his hands. "You can't trust anybody. You don't trust anybody. Maybe I thought I'd catch a break…being your kid."
I laughed. "I've given you more breaks than a Kit Kat bar…you and your brother—"
"Leave him outta this!" he shouted. "The kid has nothing to do with our shit."
"You're right." I nodded. "I just…excuse me for not being aware there was a real problem. But since you're so content on acting like a bitch, being a cunt…Why don't you tell me what's up? I gave you responsibilities—free rein to handle it how you wanted to. I gave you a job . . . How is recent shit any different from the past? Tell me. You want me to cut you slack? That breaks my heart. I thought you were better than this. I haven't intervened, 'cause hey, you're doing so well. But tell me where I'm wrong!" I slapped my hands together.
"Just go . . . I have my phone on. Carlisle calls, I know what I gotta do. I gotta head to La Bella Italia now." He turned.
"Why are you there? Is that where you're hiding?"
"Hiding?" He snorted. "No, that's shit you and my brother do." He grumbled under his breath. "I have reasons why I'm there—doing shit at arm's length. It's working for me." Sonny likely spoke about the women. Maybe being around the strippers is a hardship. Especially since he used to be so involved...If that was the case, I'd be disappointed, since he'd prove me wrong—that maybe Sonny's feelings for his wife don't run as deeply as I believed.
"What are you doing?" I asked again. "What…" I stopped talking when Maggie came back over.
I'm a lot of things. I've done a lot of wrong shit in my life, but I'd never betray my wife. I taught my kids that marriage was sacred, no matter what they'd see other couples do. I also told my sons to play the field, not to get too involved unless they were serious.
Sex and love are two very different things.
I thought Sonny, who is so loyal at heart, would truly believe in the things I'd taught him. When you cheat on the woman you love, you only cheat yourself in the long run.
Maybe his beef wasn't with the strippers per se. But that's the only logical excuse I could come up with...why he was chillin' at the restaurant.
"Are you gonna come down and eat?" she asked.
"No, I'll eat up here."
Maggie went to bring his plate up.
"I got it." I took the glass and dish. "Put on some music, watch TV—"
"I have a headache—the walls are pretty thin."
I ignored Sonny. "Just—"
"Stay outta earshot," Sonny spat, turning from the stairs.
"He's not mad at me," she informed me.
"You sure?" I asked in disbelief. "He's upset with one of us." It was hard not to run up the steps and shove the sandwich down his throat.
"He's not. Yesterday, Damion said—"
"Dame's been here?" That was news to me.
"He told me to be patient…I'm trying," she cried. "It's hard…I know he's not feeling well—"
I snorted a laugh. "Maggie—" I bent low to be at eye level "—I don't give a shit if he's got cancer, you don't let him talk to you like that." Sure, I was the pot calling the kettle black. But Bella gives as good as she gets—can handle it. But then I could see Maggie not wanting to egg him on, make a bad situation worse. She was fucked. "Go call Kylie. You should head over to my brother's, chill out."
"When Santino leaves…" She trailed off, blowing out a breath.
I ascended the stairs, taking those shits quickly.
The door to their bedroom was open, the space a mess. Sonny had gotten back in bed.
"Here." I placed the sandwich and shit down next to him. "Will you talk to me? I'm not…I'm not here as the Skip." I swore I'd keep calm, be patient. I know Sonny, if I soften, he'll soften, and then it'll be gravy. "All right?"
He smirked at me, shoving a few pills into his mouth, washing them down with the soda.
"What are you taking?"
"Xanax."
"Oh…" I nodded. "Remind me to thank Pfizer . . . but why—"
He growled, sitting back. "I'm out of it—not myself. I'd elaborate, but I don't want to. Please respect my privacy. I'll be fine in a few days. Maggie knows I don't mean it. I've been apologizing out my asshole for snapping."
"If you're sorry, why do you keep doing it?" I asked.
"Why do you fly at Mom every chance you get? I can't explain the mysteries of the world to you—why I hurt the ones I love the most." He was holding back tears now, and he flipped so quickly…
"Slow down." I sat on the bed next to him. "Is this work-related?" No matter what it was, I can't see Sonny being this…torn, this out of character because of some bullshit. Then I saw the Xanax, the bottle of Jack, Sonny being sick without being sick… "Are you . . . withdrawing? Going through withdrawal?"
"Yeah." He rasped.
And I wasn't angry. There was no way I could be when I'd gone through that shit before. "Coke?"
He nodded.
With yak, it's not like heroin or alcohol. There are no outward physical symptoms. You carry on, live your life, but the effects on the brain are a mindfuck—emotions flipping back and forth, the anger . . . my God. It's similar to being on a blind rampage, and it doesn't matter who's in your path. It affects people differently—being exhausted all the time but not sleeping, malaise, you name it, you feel it at different points.
I'd battle my temper. I remember Carlisle being depressed to the point of being suicidal while he was in law school. We'd both gone through it but at different times. We'd learned our lesson—well, I did. I'd use every now and again, but I'd never let it control me the way it did while Bella was pregnant with Sonny.
Bella always thought it was work. I never told anyone, feeling ashamed but going through it.
Alas, that was a long time ago . . .
And this was Sonny—my beautiful, talented, intelligent son. Why couldn't I see it? See that it was all too much? It certainly was if he was resorting to yak—letting it be his crutch.
"How long?" I asked.
"A little over a month."
"How long since you used?"
"Four days." He cleared his throat.
"Do you need rehab?"
"What?" he laughed. "You'd send me to rehab?"
"In a heartbeat . . . No one would need to know shit. We'd work it out."
"I'm fine...I can do this on my own."
"The worst is over." I nodded, sighing. "What…" I didn't know how to go on.
"I know you're disappointed, but you can't possibly judge me. I'm still doing my best. I just moved shit around. I'm still—"
"Stop." I put my hand up.
He gritted his teeth together, stiffening. "Just say what you gotta say—whatever hypocritical bullshit suits you."
"I'm not going to say anything." I pursed my lips. "Not now. When you're better, we'll talk. If I find out you're using again—"
"I know. I'm good."
I nodded, but I didn't know if I could believe him. I wanted to and he'd lasted this far . . . "Look, you're going out west, most likely tomorrow, why don't . . ." I racked my brain for a solution, but nothing made sense. The only logical conclusion I could come to was finishing what started before Sonny was even born. I was sending him out there to finish my shit, do my bidding. "You're not going out there—"
"Oh, you can't trust me to go out there?" He stood up.
"That's not what I'm saying . . . You got a prepaid cell here?" I looked around.
"Downstairs in my office."
"OK…I gotta make phone calls, settle some shit. But bank on being at the airport tomorrow for 11:30 in the morning."
"I thought we weren't flying?"
"You and Maggie are going to Bermuda as me and your mother. I'll get the passports tonight." I nodded, hoping Carlisle's guy worked miracles. He should—Jenks knows better. Hook or crook, we'd have passports with Bella's and my names with their pictures on them.
"Whoa—"
"You earned it. Take it." I shrugged. "You go, have fun…try and piece together your marriage, swim with dolphins." Bella was going to kill me. "But I need an alibi…The Feds aren't around, but they'll notice me gone—will look for me. This works. It'll work, and you don't gotta explain shit to Maggie."
"I'm sorry."
"No." I shook my head, reaching for his shoulder. "You've done so well. I'm proud of you. You've got good instincts. Aro and me, we kept saying to leave Caius alone, but…you still felt what you did. I know you didn't intend on killing him." Sonny's temper rivals mine on his best days. "I get it."
"You gonna take me down in rank? I know Aro's acting underboss, but the way everyone kept talking—I knew I had shit to prove." He refused to meet my gaze.
"Yes, I mean, no." I chuckled. "You're not getting demoted, but you are my successor. It'll all be yours…one day, hey, I might choose to retire. Me and your Mom…we'll get a time share."
"Yeah, right."
"Stranger things have happened." I hummed, wanting to hug him close to me so badly. He was right there . . . yet so far away. I could tell by his eyes, his mind was spinning even if our conversation was calm. "You're not getting demoted. Get that out your head. I can't judge you for what you did. But you're right…I am disappointed. You gotta get your head right, get the world off your shoulders, and get to the airport tomorrow morning. This'll only work if we all do what we gotta do together."
"What are you going to tell Mom?"
I whistled. "I have no idea. She's gonna have to…stay in the house all week, pretend she's not even home. I don't know, but now I feel like shit."
"I apologize!" He snapped. "Dad, I'll go. I'll go right now. Just tell me—"
"Shhh…" I couldn't recognize my son at the moment, which made getting him outta Dodge that much more logical. He'll walk up the hill and come down the other side before he lands back in New York next Tuesday. "I feel guilty—'cause while I know Mom will be upset, I'll enjoy myself, going out there." I shrugged, smirking to myself. "Shit like this was never your thing, but it was mine. Shit's just too hot. They watch me. I'm in the spotlight." I shook my head, and now I couldn't wait to see the look on Heidi's face. She hasn't forgotten my mug, that much I knew. "Mom will get over it…I'll take her away next week or the week after…whatever. Just stay low-key. You know? You get there, don't leave the hotel."
"OK."
"I should go." It made my stomach roll even more, knowing Bella was packing. I had to stop her. "You'll hear from me—Carlisle, whoever. Just pack a bag for Maggie and yourself."
He nodded. "I can't believe—What are you going to tell people? Your idiot son—"
"It's no one's business—the whys. Fuck that. I switched shit around 'cause I felt like it. Who knows about…?"
"Maggie and Dame."
I wondered if Bella knew and just didn't wanna tell me. "You'll hear from me." I patted his back, a fleeting thought coming to mind. "You hide that AK I got you under the bed?"
He furrowed his brow. "Uh…"
I got onto my knees, and sure enough, it was underneath the bed, a blanket sheathing it. "You have to put this away—shit's hot right now."
Sonny pointed. "How'd you…" he chuckled without humor. "Of course. You already knew about the yak, too. Didn't you...? This was all a set up? Some half-assed intervention...? Huh...? Maggie!" He roared.
"Relax." I reached for him, but he walked—more like hopped—around me to get out the room. "I guessed that shit 'cause it was obvious—no one told me!"
"Maggie!"
I left the floor, leaving the large gun on the bed. "Sonny!" I shouted.
"You're telling people shit? Shit that goes on in this house?" He had her arms, shaking her.
"Oww—"
"Answer me!"
"They were having fun!" I tried to get between them, defuse the situation. "Being bad-asses and shit. No one got hurt, and no one told me about the blow!" I rushed out. "Calm down!"
"I didn't do anything," Maggie cried.
"Let go!" I reached to pull Sonny from her, but he moved to keep his back to me—block me.
"Playing show and tell with Kylie—" When his hand came up, my heart skipped a beat. It all happened within a split second. He could have been reaching for something, or whack her one . . . I didn't know, but I did know.
And before he could do anything, I fucking decked him right on the nose.
Sonny flew, hit the wall, and came back—charging me, my back slamming against the banister.
"Stop!" Maggie screamed. "Stop it!"
He had my middle, but I kicked his legs in, making him fall again.
"Santino!" Maggie yanked his shoulders, and he pushed her away.
She fell down onto her ass, clocked her head on the wall, and then she crawled to the steps.
I groaned, getting him in the eye with my right hook for that shit. But Sonny was not deterred, going for blood—mine.
We rolled around in a scuffle on the floor, fists flying.
While I tried to restrain him, he just wouldn't let up, and I couldn't figure out why my own anger was staying at bay. I was angry, livid, but...
Then he actually got me in the jaw, and all bets were off . . . I used my fist to make contact once more, hurt him…and then I heard feet trampling up the stairs, and Maggie following.
She'd run outside to grab Sal and Tommy boy.
"Get his arms," I said.
They pulled him off of me, and then I got to my feet, my chest heaving. "Bring—bring him out back." I pointed.
Sal and Tommy ushered Sonny down the stairs, and Maggie stopped me from leaving with them.
"What are you doing?" she asked. "Where are you taking him?"
"Go…get in your room." I placed her inside, closed the door. I couldn't deal with that shit right now.
My hands—my body was shaking as I ran down and out the back door. The guys still had Sonny while he fought against them. It was an open scuffle—Sonny holding his own with them.
"You put your hands on her?" My hand spanned his head, yanking on his hair. "Did we raise some coked-out wife-beater?"
"Fuck you!"
"But you were going for it—I saw it. You were going to hit her?" I asked him, leaning away and bopping him in the mouth. "How's that feel? You feel like a man now, Santino? Tell me."
He spit blood onto the ground, his eyes narrowing.
"Beat this motherfucker." I snapped my fingers.
The way I saw it, he wasn't Sonny right now—a fact that warranted the punishment being bestowed upon him, a stranger who pushed my buttons.
He'll thank me for it . . . someday.
It's a helluva way to learn a lesson, but fuckers need a beat down sometimes.
Sonny wasn't Sonny right now.
Deep down, though, I knew my son was somewhere inside that monster. This'll knock some sense into him, make the real Sonny come back.
I know him…better than I know anyone else on this planet—better than I know Bella.
No matter how cold I was—knew I was being—I couldn't look, but I heard . . . the punches, the grunts, the groans…
Maybe Sal and Tommy—two very abled-bodied males—were holding themselves back until I gave the okay.
They were just following orders now . . .
"What are you doing?" Maggie screamed. "Oh, my God!" She ran out, and I caught her before she could get between them. "Let me go! Stop!" She wailed. "Santino!"
"Stop!" I shouted—not to Maggie, to the guys. "That's enough."
They backed off. Sonny—bloodied and beaten—fell to his knees. That whole time, no matter how hard they hit him, he kept fighting, getting back up . . .
"He'll be fine," I told Maggie.
"Get off me!" She cried out, pushing against me, and I let her go. "I trusted you…You were supposed to help him. How could you?" she asked.
I had no reply.
Sonny would explain it to her someday, why this was necessary. I mean, I did intervene. I did the right thing. I stopped Sonny from truly throwing it all down the toilet. I saved him from himself, which is something I've always done and will continue to do.
It takes a lot more to come back from that, hurting the woman you love, which is so much more torturous than fighting an addiction . . .
To me, anyway.
"Get up," I told him. "You two…" I jerked a thumb, indicating they leave.
"Go inside," Sonny said, looking to Maggie as he staggered to his feet.
"No…are you okay? Tell me. Should—I—should I call 911? Tell me what to do." She hugged him, which made Sonny wince.
"Go inside." He kissed her hair, tears falling down his cheeks.
"She can stay." There was nothing I couldn't say in front her right now.
"This has nothing to do with her. She shouldn't have to see this shit—"
I laughed. "You think…"
He thought I was going to kill him, and maybe that wasn't surprising…to draw that conclusion.
"Relax." I rolled my eyes, and it killed me to be this blasé, but I hated that he thought that—my son. "You got back up…If you didn't, I would have thought about it." I hoped he knew what I meant.
He winced, holding his side.
I stepped closer, and Maggie widened her arms in front of him. "Leave—leave my house."
"Cute," I commented, and I truly dug her bravado. "Ice your face. Get some rest, and be at the airport by 11:30 tomorrow."
"Dad—"
I put my hand up, stopping him. "You don't show up, we'll have problems—real issues. Understand?"
He nodded, licking his cut lip.
"I'll get everything to you tonight. You'll hear from your uncle, or someone will stop by."
"OK."
"You all right?" I asked Maggie.
She was afraid to meet my gaze, but . . . Sonny will never raise his hand, or even his voice to her again. It was possible, knowing the real him. He had a lot of shit to make up for, and it was then that I refused to feel guilty about this.
He'd never touch that other shit again either.
"Hun?" I reached to palm her cheek.
She pulled back. "I'm fine. It wasn't—"
"It was a big deal," Sonny said, looking away. "Christ. I'm so sorry, baby." He was sobbing . . . and I'd leave him with that.
"Don't forget sunblock," I said, the winter making them pastier than usual.
"Thanks…" Sonny whispered.
I didn't say he was welcome as I turned to leave.
Thank you for reading.
Please leave me your thoughts.
Storm Freaks! We've been nominated for a few awards. Please go vote for the Storm Series and Weather the Storm. You can select up to three in each category. Vote for your favorites! It's split, wolves and vamps/humans.
thefandomchoiceawards dot blogspot dot com