OH GOODNESS!
I'm tired. I swear I had to go like 80 mph just to make two appointments that were scheduled back to back-in completely different cities-that were over 30 miles a part. I had 35 minutes. My awesome driving skills had me there with a minute to spare. ;)
Kids. Don't drive like me. I swear I was expecting to hear the "whoop whoop-its the sound of the police..whoop whoop-its the sound of the beast" right behind me-and I contemplated what I would say. Should I cry? Naw-crying never worked. Bat my eyes? Only would work if I got a male cop-which my chances of that is like 95%-I like my chances. Worked before. Okay, twice before. I swear though having my German Shepherd in the back also helped. He admired my choice in dogs. A little flirting or a ticket on my record?
I voted for flirting. It's not below me. Ugh, I'm a horrible woman sometimes. But I have no tickets on my record. My insurance is intact.
Anyways, so I kept thinking, what else would I ask for?
Be honest and ask him (or her) to give me a police escort? Possibly. That would have been awesome.
Or, just tell the truth and say, "I'm going a little crazy right now and need to be at point 'B' in t-minus 5 minutes, please have mercy on me and I promise I will never do it again." *insert smile and puppy dog eyes*
Has that worked for anyone else?
I think of weird things when I drive. This is why I prefer to sing(yes, I'm one of those. I'm tone deaf -_- ). It stops the weird thoughts.
Anyways, enough of my ramblings. On to the next chapter!
Late September
Rei sat in her classroom, papers spread all over her desk. She smiled at her 2nd graders attempt to create stories. Stick figures dotted each page, recreating their family life.
She flipped through a few, her hand paused over one in particular and she moved her hand down to grip her stomach. A young family was pictured; the dad stood proud in all his stick figure glory, with the young boy from her class looking up to his dad; the mother stood-colored in a pink dress holding a small smiling baby.
It had been over a month since she last seen Jed. He texted her at least a few times a week-even calling her multiple times. Though he respected her enough not to stop by her house. Rei looked at her phone and saw the six voicemails still left unheard. She knew they all belonged to him, begging her to please talk to him.
He even tried talking to Lita when she went to the martial arts studio. Lita had to be held back by Nathan, and since then, Jed stopped.
According to Serena, through the grapevine of Darien, Jed looked tired and ragged. She also heard that he would volunteer for extra shifts.
Sighing and tired, Rei rubbed her eyes,she hadn't been sleeping at all either.
She still hadn't taken a pregnancy test. Rei placed her head on her desk-they hadn't used protection-for the second time.
"Why am I so damn stupid when it comes to him?" she tapped her head a few times.
She glanced at the bright orange clock that her students had picked out for her. She grinned, she hated the color orange, it fit Mina more-cheerful and annoying-but necessary in the crayon box.
But it was past her time to be home, as her students had left over 45 minutes prior. For the past month she had been taking her own car, instead of riding with Serena and Mina. Stacking their papers, she placed them in her take home folder and grabbed her purse.
Rei was searching through her purse for her keys when a strained voice called her name out, "Rei"
She jumped, dropping her keys. "Leave me alone Jed."
He pushed himself away from his car, "Please Rei, I need to talk to you. About what happened." He paused, "Believe it or not, I didn't take you to my place thinking that we'd have sex. I actually wanted to talk to you, in private. About everything."
Rei bent down and grabbed her keys, standing she spoke, "I don't wish to-"
"Please, Rei." His blue eyes were brimmed red with bags weighing heavily underneath them.
Rei looked at her keys, "Jed" His name was drawn out and Rei had to stop looking at him, her resolve faltering.
"Please."
Rei didn't know why, but she blurted out her fear, accusing him, "You didn't use protection."
He stuffed his hands into his dark washed jeans, which made his legs appear even longer than his 6'2 height-his dark blue t-shirt seemed a little wrinkled as well.
"I know. We didn't ten years ago either." He seemed to look at her, "Are you…?" He paused as he took in the possibility.
"I don't know. I haven't bothered to check yet."
He only nodded, "Would you tell me if.." Rei looked at him; she rolled her eyes in annoyance.
"If I was pregnant, is that what you're trying to say? Would I tell you?"
"Yeah."
She knew she was being cruel, but as she started walking to her car, she answered, "I don't know."
"You wouldn't do anything if you were, would you?"
With that question, Rei turned to him in a fury. "How dare you! Do you not know me?!"
Jed seemed to take a step back and rubbed his face. She realized he hadn't shaved in a few days.
"I'm sorry Rei. That was a very stupid question. I haven't been sleeping. But please, I wish to talk. We can go have an early dinner," at her accusing face he held his hands up, "out, we can eat out. Please."
"Fine, Jed. But I'm driving." The look of pure relief on his face almost made Rei smile. Almost.
Serena and Mina were blasting "Barbie girl" and doing dance moves as they pulled up to their house. The two were truly becoming good friends and realized that they were rather similar. Though Serena had a little more maturity, Mina, well Mina, Serena realized, just held on to her innocent mind. But, that wasn't a bad thing. In fact, it drawled more people to her, as if they craved an ounce of innocence in their lives.
Both were laughing so hard, that neither noticed their front door slightly ajar. Mina finally noticed when she went to put her key in and the door just simply opened.
"Serena?" Mina stopped Serena from stepping in by placing a hand over her.
Serena looked up at Mina. Mina's 5'4 frame still taller than her smaller 5'1. "Do you think someone is still in there?"
Mina put a finger to her lips, shushing her.
They both listened for a few moments and then Mina turned and pulled Serena down their porch path.
Serena glanced again at the door, "We should call the police."
Both nodded as Mina pulled out her phone and dialed 9-1-1.
Darien pulled up to Serena's house 10 minutes after Mina had called him. She assured him that everyone was fine-but their house-she couldn't say the same thing.
He jumped out of his car, the police uniform he wore allowed him past the other officers standing outside, speaking to Ami and Lita.
Lita called out but Darien didn't bother turning, his mind focusing solely on Serena.
He found her sitting on the porch seat, her entire body shaking, her eyes red and tears streaming down her face.
Darien ran to her; kneeling in front of her, he placed his hands on her trembling hands that seemed to be fidgeting back and forth, "Sere? Did anyone hurt you?"
She couldn't even look at him as she shook her head.
Standing, Darien looked to the officer who had just walked out of their house, "Jed?"
Jed turned, "Hey Darien."
"What are you doing here?"
Jed motioned his head towards the street and Darien finally looked over to see Rei and Mina speaking to another cop off to the side.
"Darien, you should take a look inside, I'll stay with Serena." True to his word Jed walked over and sat on the open part of the bench.
Darien marched inside and froze just on the threshold.
Splattered all over the walls was red paint, with pictures of Serena cut up, left in the paint as it acted like a glue. Cut up flowers covered the floor.
"We think it's some crazy psycho."
Darien glanced to a cop writing things down on a notepad to his right.
"Did she say if she knows who it could possibly be?"
He shook his head, "No, she's too distraught right now. Their gathering statements from her roommates right now." Then the cop stopped and looked at Darien, "You're SWAT-uhh, why are you here?"
"She's my girlfriend." Darien answered.
The cop only nodded then stopped, "I'm sure you have a few enemies, do you think anyone is trying to hurt you by doing this to her?"
That seemed to make Darien stop and think, "Not that I can honestly think of. But I will keep it in mind. Here," he grabbed a notepad out of his pocket and wrote his number and Police ID number down, "She'll be with me until this is all cleaned up and until she feels comfortable coming back. Call me if you need anything else from her."
The other cop nodded while placing it with his other notes. He then moved to the kitchen where another officer stood.
Darien went back outside and saw Rei leaning in front of Serena and talking to her gently, Jed stood off to the side, though he wasn't far.
"Serena?" Darien called out gently, "Pack a bag or two, I want you to stay with me until this is all cleaned up. The girls can come too."
Rei's eyes widened, "Are you sure Darien?"
"Yes, her safety and all of yours safety is important."
Jed spoke up as well, "If you don't mind Darien, I'd like to stay at your place too."
At Darien's confused expression Jed looked back at Rei, then back to him, "He went through Rei's room as well. He left everyone else's alone. I think he has a vendetta either against you and I, or against Rei and Serena."
Darien glanced at the two women, especially the petite blonde. He realized it was stupid, but he was falling very quickly for her. He would do anything to protect her. His resolve hardened when she glanced up. He would find out who did this.
He nodded at Jed, "Have Rei and the girls pack a few bags." When Jed nodded and went to the other three girls leaning against a white corolla, Darien was interrupted by the cop from the family room, "I think you should see this Shields." He motioned for Darien to follow him and when they got to Serena's room, his deep blue eyes widened, then narrowed in anger.
The flowers that he had sent Serena over a week ago were spread all over her bed, each petal of the red roses chopped into tiny bits, the stems the only thing left. They spelled out something and Darien had to move to the foot of the bed to read it.
His fist clenched when he read it. Then he read it again.
The stems, broken to make out the shape of letters.
The petals crushed to form a blood red line under the word- 'MINE'
Darien carried three bags into his first guest room. Ami and Mina offered to share the first room which hosted a queen size bed.
"Right in here ladies." He pointed towards a door that was off on the back wall, "and through there is actually a small bathroom."
Ami glanced around, "Thanks Darien, I don't think you realize how much this means to us. To Serena."
"No problem. You girls get comfortable, I'll show everyone else where they'll be sleeping."
Both girls nodded as Darien walked out.
Jed stood off to the side, though not far from Rei.
Serena just sat on the couch, looking towards a wall with a picture of Darien's family situated on it. She seemed lost in thought again. Lita stood behind her, whispering something but not receiving any reaction.
"Rei, Lita?" Both women looked up, "Follow me."
He led them to a second room, as Jed followed, carrying two suitcases. He pushed open a second door, "Thank you Darien," Lita glanced up at him, "This means a lot. I'm curious though, why do you have so many beds?"
Darien smiled, "I used to have roommates, two other cops I worked with. Haven't bothered to change anything yet." Lita nodded and placed her shoulder bag on a desk against the left wall.
Jed dropped the bags on the bed for them and Lita noticed that he looked like he wanted to stay close to Rei, his body wavering from being close then moving away.
"Uhh, Darien?" Darien turned towards Rei,
"Yeah?"
"Where is Serena sleeping?"
His eyes took on the look of a protector as he responded, "In my room." With that, he walked out.
Darien's eyes softened as he took in the small woman who took up such a small place, but such a large portion of his heart and life. She came in like whirlwind.
Ever since meeting her, he found himself unable to look at another woman; no other woman compared.
He sat down beside her and took in her appearance.
Silvery blonde hair cascaded down to her elbows in soft, natural waves. Her sapphire eyes, though trimmed in red right now, were still bright and expressive. Her porcelain skin accentuated her soft pink lips. He found himself eyeing them for a few extra seconds.
She was petite, though she had a fiery spirit, which is what he adored the most. She cared so much for those around her, for her students. She was beautiful on the inside and it decided to shine on the outside as well.
Darien shocked himself when his thoughts lead to one day making her his wife.
He was removed from his thoughts when his name was called softly from the angel beside him.
"Darien..I'm tired."
He stood up and reached his hand out, "Come on, I have a place where you can sleep." As he lead her down the hallway, he noticed Jed just standing there, a look of frustration on his face. He looked up as Darien and Serena approached.
"I'll get the couch. Thanks man."
Darien patted him on the shoulder, "No problem. You know where everything is. Make yourself at home." Jed nodded then turned in the direction of the door opening; Rei stepped out in scarlet pajamas and Darien pulled Serena along, leaving them to figure things out together.
Serena didn't realize that Darien had led her to his room until she stepped inside.
Dark wood furniture was situated all around his king size bed. The room's walls were painted a deep gray/blue with striking white base boards and moldings. His room seemed relaxed and comfortable. She realized it fit him perfectly.
He walked to his dresser and pulled out some clothes, handing her some, he pushed her gently to his bathroom, "I'll change out here." Serena nodded, bringing her hands up, she brought his face closer to hers. Standing on her tippy toes she gave him a kiss on his cheek.
"Thank you, Darien."
She disappeared into the bathroom.
"What can I do to help Rei?" Jed asked as he watched her remove a cup and pour herself some water.
"I don't know. I'm just a little unnerved right now. Thankfully tomorrow is Saturday."
"Rei- " he paused as if unsure if he should continue, "I'm not saying we can discuss it now, but, when things settle down, I'd like to finish our conversation that we started."
Rei could only nod. "I know Jed. I have some things I know I need to tell you." She pulled out a chair from the kitchen table and sat down, Jed joined her.
"Rei, first, I think we should find out if you're pregnant."
She looked down, "I just can't bring myself to take a test."
Jed folded his hands in front of him, "Have you missed a period?"
The brief nod was barely noticeable but Jed caught it.
"But, I also haven't been sleeping or eating much which emotions play into the menstrual cycle." She tried to convince herself and him.
"Rei, if you are, please know that I won't leave you alone. I will be a part of the baby's life from the moment you find out until the day I die."
Rei glanced up, "Jed," she swallowed and ran her hand through her loose hair, "I need to tell you something."
"Go ahead."
She bit her bottom lip and tapped her nails on the table. "Do you remember the first time we.."she motioned her hands, which had Jed smiling and chuckling, "It's called sex Rei, but yes. I remember the first time we had sex. "
She waved her hand at him, "Anyways, why didn't you ever respond to any of my letters?"
Jed looked confused, "What letters, Rei?"
"The letters I sent you when you were in bootcamp. I gave them to your step-mom to send with hers."
He leaned forward, resting on his elbows. "Rei, I never received any of your letters. My step-mom told me that…." He paused as if a light had come on, "You gave all your letters to my step-mom?"
Rei nodded, "You told me too. Before you left."
"That selfish bi-" he stopped himself, "Rei, she never sent your letters. I swear to it. I thought that you wanted nothing to do with me. If you remember, after we had sex, you were rather scared. I thought that you regretted everything. I thought you hated me."
Rei shook her head, "No—I didn't regret it Jed." She took another sip of her water, "She never sent you my letters?"
"No. In fact she told me in one of the letters right before I graduated that you were dating someone."
Rei's eyes widened, frustrated and annoyed "I didn't date anyone! How could I? I loved you and I was preg—" she slapped her hands over her mouth, her brown eyes going exceptionally large.
Jed's eyes narrowed, "You were what?" His voice was clipped with anger.
"I..I.." Rei looked down and was shocked when his larger hand closed around her wrist, "You were what Rei?"
Rei felt her eyes fill with tears as she finally decided to make eye contact, "I was pregnant."
Serena stepped out of Darien's bathroom and Darien couldn't help but smile at the sight she made.
He had given her a pair of sweatpants that had the word "ARMY" etched along the side and a shirt that said SWAT. His clothes seemed to devour her.
He couldn't think he had seen anything as sexy as her in his clothes.
"Come here." He was sitting on the bed and held out his arms. He saw her question it, then within a moment she took the few steps needed to reach him.
He wrapped his arms around her and placed his chin just above the valley between her breasts, "Serena, you're safe here. I promise I will not let anything happen to you. I'll find out who this is."
Serena ran her hands through his dark locks. "Thank you Darien. I can't say it enough." She kissed his forehead, "cuddle with me?"
She pulled out of his arms and walked to the other side of the bed, away from the door. She pulled the covers back and sat down, pushing her feet beneath the blanket, she tapped the spot next to her.
Darien grinned and followed suit.
She laid on her back as she watched him; he was beyond beautiful to her. He had on a pair of sweatpants as well, a pair that sat low on his hips. A matching black shirt kept his body from her view. She didn't know when she started to feel comfortable around him, but all she knew that he had gained her trust in such a short time. He never pressured her, never pushed her. He accepted her.
He brought his arm around her and pulled her body closer to his as he moved it closer to her.
"You're comfy."
Darien raised one eyebrow and a slow smile formed on his lips-"I've been told I was many things, but never comfy."
Serena giggled, "I'm sure many women have called you many things."
She poked at his chest-teasing him.
He shrugged while grinning. "Sure. But, I'd trade them all to be called comfy by you."
Serena busted up laughing, "That's the worst pick up line I've heard from you!"
He tried to fake a hurt expression and then moved in to give her a quick kiss. "You're beautiful Serena. I've committed many sins in my life and I don't know what I did to deserve you, but I thank God for it."
The trail of her laughter ended as she took in his serious face.
She brought his head down and connected their lips.
Her sapphire eyes were soft when they parted, "Darien…" she seemed to choke up as she held back tears that glistened in her eyes.
He seemed to take in her response and smiled, "Let's get some sleep, hmm?"
She could only nod as he turned to turn off the lights and then wrapped his arms back around her. Holding her secure. And for the first time in months, she felt truly safe.
Jed stared at Rei, unsure how to respond. He decided she owed him answers
"What happened?"
"Are you asking if I hid your child from you or aborted it?" Rei was hurt and she knew that she wanted him to feel how she felt all those years ago. It wasn't fair, but she couldn't help it.
His grip tightened on her wrist, though not hurtful, "Damn it Rei. Stop it. What happened?"
"I was three months along, you hadn't responded to any of my letters and I figured that you just simply didn't want to talk to me." She took a deep breath, "I was in horrible pain one night. I started bleeding." Jed watched Rei move her other hand to grip her shirt covering her stomach, "I lost it."
Rei dared to look up and saw an array of emotions running across his face. None though were hate, or relief; rather, they were sadness, pain.
"I'm so sorry Rei."
Rei was taken back, "Jed, you didn't cause the miscarriage."
He shook his head and grabbed her hand in his, "No. But I should have done more to contact you. I never should have just tried to forget you. I should have told you back then how much I love you. How much I wanted you-and still do- in my life. I failed you." He stood up and walked to her. She found her body turning naturally towards him; he kneeled on his knees before her and dropped his head onto her lap.
She placed her hands on his head, running her finger through his short blonde hair. His words were only a whisper, but Rei heard them as clear as day.
"Forgive me. Please, forgive me."
.. .DUN.
Do you guys think its someone from Darien and Jed's past? I mean, they ARE SWAT officers, they arrest a lot of people-could have some enemies...I could be that cruel.
ATTENTION!
***Also, I'm looking for an editor. While I try my best to make sure everything is correct-I can only read over something so much before I start skimming-and then after I post it, I catch more mistakes.
I don't care if you're a native English speaker or English is your second language. If you're good at spelling-I'd like an editor!
Of course, this would be paid out of the kindness of your heart. =)
Please PM me if you're interested. I have two stories that would need to be taken care of. If you're unable to keep up with me(I've been writing like crazy!)-I understand and will simply continue as I am.
Reviewers:
CynDLou12- Thank you sweetie!
LaNaHwAnNa - I love gentlemen! Glad you appreciate it too!
Grumpy DelSan13- HAHAHA, I said I enjoy tormenting my characters-but I also enjoy leaving cliff hangers for my readers. =)
p.S THANK YOU for being my first reviewer for this story! You truly gave me courage to post the next chapter!
To everyone else- THANK YOU SOOO MUCH! I hope you all enjoy what I write! Your words encourage me!
До завтра. (I think that means till tomorrow-uhh, any Russian speakers? I'm trying to learn!)