again thanks for all the support. I appreciate it. This chapter is coming a little late. I struggled with it a lot. So it's more filler than it is plot. I hope to have chapter 7 up later tonight or tomorrow morning, that one will be better and longer and touch more on the relationship Juice and Bri had.
I was attempting to be normal for the day, I wasn't needed at the club, so I was parked at a corner table in Starbucks. I had to ride a little longer to find one, but it was worth it. I had my laptop open in front of me, an overpriced coffee set of to the side, and I was people watching. It felt good, not having to worry about being picked on or shot at.
Maybe this would've been my life if I had chosen the college path. I always regretted not going to college, felt I let my mom and myself down by choosing to be a petty criminal and not a productive member of society. I couldn't change that now or could I?
I pulled up the local community college website, browsing the course offerings. It was pleasing to see all the courses in computers I could take. Maybe I'd try an online class and not tell the guys. With a few more clicks I was requesting more information about the school. I smiled at the screen, picking up my coffee I took a nice long drink of it. I was feeling proud of myself.
When my second coffee was gone and the people were just trickling in, I closed my laptop and slipped it into my backpack. It was time for me to head out and find another 'normal' place to visit. Maybe I'd hit the community college, walk around the campus and attempt to blend in. I walked to my bike, grabbing up my helmet and putting it on before climbing on and riding towards the college.
My mind was busy, the thoughts dizzying. Was I really heading to a community college? I was surely going to be one of the oldest there, but my mom always told me better late than never. This was the perfect time to live by that motto.
Twenty minutes later, I was walking around the huge, spacious campus. It felt good, I wasn't the oldest either, I passed by a table of women Gemma's age and smiled. I could make this work. I couldn't be on campus on the account it was in Oakland, and Oakland is Mayans territory.
"Hey." I stopped at the feeling of a hand on my arm. I turned around and looked down at a petite blonde.
"Hi." I smiled.
"I'm Jenna." She smiled at me. "I just thought you were cute and wanted to say hey." She blushed.
"I'm Carlos." I smiled again.
"You go here?" She bit her plump bottom lip.
"No, thinking about it." I ran a hand over my head and looked around again. "I'm liking the vibe so far."
"It's a really good campus. What are you gonna study?"
"Computer technology." I blushed this time feeling like a complete geek.
"No way!" She smacked my stomach. "That's what I'm here for." She waved a book in my face. "I have to go to class. See you around hopefully?"
"Yeah, see you around." I stood there and watched her strut off. Her pony tail swinging viciously. I could definitely get used to this if I could see her every time I came to school.
I followed the signs to the computer science building. Looking in the little windows of the doors I got a glimpse of new up to date computers and busy students. I smiled, I definitely could be a student, it looked easy enough. I exited the building and headed to my bike. When I pulled out of the parking lot, a familiar sleek black sports car sped past so I followed it. Keeping my eye trained on the huge H on the back window.
The roads were scenic, the ocean was at my left, it was calm, no movement whatsoever. I had never been this deep into Oakland before.
"Beautiful." I murmured, even though I couldn't hear myself over my bike. The car came to a stop in the driveway of a decent sized home, I watched Brianna get out before pulling up and cutting my engine. She looked and shook her head.
"What're you doing here?" Her voice sounded accusing.
"I'm not sure. I saw your car and followed you." I set my helmet on the seat and walked across the grass to meet her.
"You're a stalker now?" She pushed her aviators on her head and walked towards the front door only stopping to pick up a box. "You can come in Juice."
"Juice?"
She laughed. "That's what you go by now isn't it?"
"Yeah, it is." I nodded.
"Juicy Boy." She mimicked Chibs' Scottish accent perfectly.
"Ha ha, very funny." I stepped in after her, the house looked bigger than the outside gave way to.
"Chibs is my favorite." She kicked off her heels and disappeared down a hall while I bent over and removed my boots.
I looked around, the decor was similar to her old bedroom in high-school, both harsh and soft at the same time. Pictures lined shelves and hung on walls, I looked at them, seeing some I remembered and new ones; college graduation, medical school graduation, some of her with little girls that I assumed to be nieces, I stopped at the pictures on the wall above the TV. They were of her and Happy, I couldn't help but smile at them. Happy was smiling in some, it was rare to see the proclaimed Killer smiling and happy.
"If you stare too long his smile will turn into a scowl."
I turned around and she was standing there in some type of workout outfit. It hugged her in all the right places.
"You going to workout?" I asked.
"No." She laughed. "I just find spandex really comfortable for some reason." She moved past me and sat on the couch, grabbing the remote and turning the TV on, she flipped through a few stations before stopping at Pokemon.
"Nice place."
"Thanks dude." Her voice was soft. "You can grab a drink, the kitchen is through there." She pointed her remote in the direction of the hallway.
"Thanks." I walked into the kitchen and looked around. Everything was clean, borderline OCD. It looked like my apartment, just with more expensive everything. I laughed to myself. I pulled open the fridge and smiled, everything was organized and plastic containers were neatly labeled, guess I wasn't the only one with OCD. I grabbed a beer and popped the top, taking a long sip, I walked back towards the living room and plopped down on the sofa.
"How long have you known Happy exactly?" I looked at her profile.
"Two and a half almost three years." She met my gaze and smiled.
"Seriously?" I shook my head. "You're just now coming around the club?"
"Yeaahhh." She lazily replied. "I had the whole working nonstop thing, then when I was off he was busy, so shit just now fell into place for us."
"Got ya." I finished off my beer and watched Pokemon for a little.
"What are you doing in the city anyways?"
"Trying to be normal. Seeing what life would be like without the cut and the club." I pulled on the legs of my pants.
"How was it?" She turned the channel and music filled the room.
"It was good actually, stopped at the college."
"College boy?" She smirked.
"Possibly, gotta sign up and all that."
"That's cool." Her voice was raspy. "That community college campus is beautiful."
"That it is." I stood. "I'm gonna head out."
"Alright, Juice."
"Bye." I walked to my discarded boots and tugged them on quickly. Opening the door I looked back one time and smiled. College boy. "Don't tell Happy about the college thing."
"I won't." She said.
I walked out the door making sure to lock it behind me. I made it to my bike and climbed on and placed my helmet on my head, slowly buckling it. I started it up, and made my way back home to Charming, back to a fake reality.
SOASOASOA
I would have to put that encounter in my top five for the most awkward. Seeing Juan wasn't something out of the ordinary these days, but seeing him in Oakland was weird. Him going to college? That was weird as well, but it wasn't my place to question him about it further.
I pulled off my sports bra and sighed, I loved being topless. It was comfortable, it was freedom, and honestly I just liked touching my tits. My phone rang, vibrating against my hipbone. I pulled it from my waistband and hit answer.
"Bri." His voice was raspy and breathy.
"Hey."
"I need you to pack a bag and get to the clubhouse, we're going on lockdown."
"Alright." I sighed, weighing out my options. If I said no, he'd yell and probably stop by and drag my ass to Charming. It was best to give into his demand, how bad could lockdown actually be?
"I'll be there as soon as I can get there."
"Happy, make it there in one piece and not too badly hurt." I gnawed on my acrylic nails.
"Bye." Was all he said before the line went dead.
I rolled my eyes and walked back to my room, pulling out a backpack, I loaded it with the essentials before moving to put clothes on.
"What would Happy say?" I whispered as I walked into my closet. I pulled a black sweatshirt and matching pants off the hangers and found a white tank top.
I pulled on the clothes and piled my hair on top of my head before grabbing the keys to my truck and heading to the garage. I wanted to drive my car but if Juan could recognize it then anyone could.
"Ironhide." I disarmed the truck's alarm and ran my fingers over the headlights before pulling open the door and tossing my backpack and purse in. I stepped on the step and pulled myself in with help of the steering wheel. I loved the look of lifted trucks but getting in was hard for me.
"Autobots roll out." I laughed at myself as the beastly GMC Sierra roared to life. I backed out of the garage, cringing at the closeness of the truck and my car, I had forgotten that I parked in the driveway. I let out my breath when I was out of the driveway and watched the door close.
"Let's listen to some music." I turned on the radio and E-40 filled the space, I couldn't help but dance in my seat as I drove toward the seemingly boring town of Charming.
I got lost in the music, it always brought back memories, both welcome and unwelcome. I shook my head to the beat, hoping it would empty my head of the unwelcome thoughts, it did and I smiled as the memory flooded my mind.
"Bri!" Juan called after me as I ran away from him. We were on the beach and it had just started to rain.
"You can't catch me!" I yelled over my shoulder as he closed in on me.
"Bri! Be careful." I stopped right before the water, I took a small step forward and felt his arms wrap around my waist and yank me backwards. We hit the sand hard and started to laugh.
"I wasn't going in." I sat on his chest.
"I couldn't chance that Bri. I can't lose the girl I love."
"You love me?" I looked at him and he smiled.
"Yeah, I love you Bri."
"Good because I love you too." I kissed him and smiled.
"I got you something." He slid me off him and sat up, reaching into his pocket. He pulled out a small box. "Here."
I opened the box, a gold nameplate necklace sparkled at me. 'Juan' it read. I fingered the delicate cursive and smiled. "I love it!" I lifted it out of the box and handed it to him, lifting my hair and turning around. I felt him place it on me and clasp it.
"Now everyone will really know you're mine." He pulled me into a hug and kissed me gently. "I love you."
I tugged lightly on the necklace I was wearing now. It was a happy face. A gorgeous platinum happy face. Happy had bought it for me when we were on a day trip in San Francisco. I hadn't taken it off since he had put it on me.
"I love you." I spoke as I played with the charm.
I passed the Welcome to Charming sign, my stomach flipped uneasily. I sighed and started to hiccup. I always got them when I was nervous.
"Great." I muttered as I turned off the radio that had went from music to white noise. "God forbid Charming play rap music." I drove to TM, the gates opened as I pulled in and parked in the first available spot. Happy was already here, perched against a beam, a cigarette in his mouth. I grabbed my bags and climbed out of the truck. Pulling my backpack on I walked towards the guys.
"Hey Bri." Chibs nodded in my direction.
"Hi Chibs." I smiled. "How does this whole lockdown thing work anyways?" I let the annoyance saturate my voice.
"Well, it's really one big sleep over with booze and bad music." He laughed.
"This should be fun."
I moved towards Happy and sat down. Looking him over to make sure there was no visible damage. I couldn't see anything, I would have to check him out further in private.
"I can't believe you drove that fuckin' truck." He pointed at Ironhide and scoffed.
"I love him." I defended my truck. "I would drive it everywhere if it didn't drink so much gas."
"It's a dude? Should I worry about that?" He looked me in the eyes. "I saw a dude on TV who fucks his car."
"Yeah, I won't be mounting my truck, too big." I bit my lip to keep from smiling.
"Oh yeah?" He lifted a brow and tossed his cigarette away.
"Yeah. You're perfect for me, if you're wondering." I squeezed his thigh and winked.
"Good to know."
"You gonna be a meanie face tonight?" I asked him.
"No." He laced his fingers with mine.
"Positive? I know you gotta look like a hard ass around the guys."
"Positive." He ran his thumbs over my knuckles and I was instantly relieved and my stomach settled.
"Good." I scanned the parking lot and noticed a familiar looking low rider. I pointed to it and Happy followed my gaze. "I want a ride like that."
"You're something special babe." He said. He wasn't big on pet names, so I felt warm and fuzzy whenever he called me babe. "Let's join the party." He stood and pulled me up with him. I felt too under dressed for a party. I looked down at the black Nike's on my feet.
Chibs was right, the music was really bad, I couldn't groove to this or bop my head. I followed Happy back to his room and dropped my stuff on his bed, only keeping my phone as we walked back into the main clubhouse.
I sat at the bar between him and Tig, my back against it so I could people watch. There weren't too many members but the place was packed. I saw a few Sons that I hadn't seen before, and noted that their cuts said Washington instead of California. So those were Happy's Tacoma brothers.
"…a drink?" I looked at Tig and shook my head, I hadn't even realized he was speaking to me until it was too late.
"I don't drink, really."
"Too bad." He tipped his glass to me and smiled.
I was watching the crowd when my phone vibrated, I fished it out of my pocket and frowned at the screen, it was my younger pain in the ass sister, no doubt calling to ask for more money.
"Ya?" I answered, her Russian was slurred and dicey, but from what I picked up she was in jail, again. Picked up for public intoxication and disturbing the peace. "I can't help, I'm busy."
I walked towards the hallway, Happy followed behind.
"I can't do anything, my hands are tied!" I felt bad but I was so over helping her ass out every single time she fucked up. "Call daddy!" I yelled, she was crying and it was hitting my raw nerve. I cringed as she began to cuss me out in Russian, but took it. She was just drunk and wouldn't even remember the call when she sobered up.
The line went dead and I stared at the screen until it went black. I shook my head and shoved the phone into my pants pocket.
"Your sister?" He already knew, he looked at me with softer eyes than usual.
"Yeah. Locked up AGAIN!" I sighed and slid to the floor. "I cannot help her this time."
"She needs tough love." He held out a hand and I grabbed it letting him yank me up. "Don't feel bad."
"I'll try not to feel bad. I'm hungry, is there anyway I can get some pizza?"
"Have the prospect get you one." He looked at me. "He's the one with the blonde hair."
"That helps out so much." I smacked his arm. "I'll go get my own."
"No."
"I'll take the prospect." I could tell he was thinking about it.
"He drives, you carrying?"
"Yeah it's in my purse."
"Take it with you." He gave me a quick kiss before leaving me.
Thirty minutes later and the prospect and I were sitting in the pizzeria. Waiting for my double pepperoni and sausage pizza.
"What's your real name?" I asked. I'd wondered about it ever since Happy had introduced him has Loony.
"Justin." He replied.
"You don't want to be here do you?" I could tell by his body language he was annoyed to be on protection detail. Hell, I didn't even want him with me.
"Nope."
"Really? One word answers?" I let out an annoyed sigh and moved the salt shaker around on the table.
"You're not an old lady, so I shouldn't protect you." He was flat out rude.
"I'm Happy's girlfriend." I was angry. "If it was my choice I would have come here alone."
"Wait, you're with Happy." He looked scared now. "Shit, I didn't know."
"Whatever." I crossed my arms and stared straight ahead and willed the cashier to call my name.
"I'm sorry." He sounded genuine but I was already to upset to even deal with him and his idiocy.
"Whatever." I didn't even bother looking at him. I was upset.
I had half the mind to strand his ass, but I didn't want to disrespect the club. I let him in the truck, but this time I was driving.
"I'm really sorry."
"Stop talking." I gripped the steering wheel and sped the short distance to TM. Once parked, I grabbed my pizza and left everything else behind. I didn't bother waiting for Loony.
"Wait up!" I could hear his heavy footsteps behind me.
"Leave me alone!" I spat at him. "Go protect an old lady!" I turned and walked away but he was still following me.
"You can't tell Happy. He'll kill me!"
"Good!"
He was wide eyed and shaking, I turned and walked towards the doors, only to collide with Juan.
"Sorry." I mumbled as he bent to pick up the dropped phone.
"What's wrong?" He scanned my face.
"Him!" I pointed towards Loony who was standing fifteen feet behind us.
"What did he do?" His voice was a low angry growl as he looked at Loony.
"He doesn't think I'm important enough to protect." I knew I didn't need protecting, I was able to protect myself perfectly fine. I was just angry that I got stuck with a prospect who didn't take his assignment seriously, whether I was an old lady or sweetbutt, when a patched member tells you what to do you should do it and not complain about it.
"What the fuck?" Juan closed the space between him and the prospect and I sort of panicked. Juan was outweighed by at least fifty pounds and four inches shorter. I dropped the pizza on the picnic table and went to find Happy.
"Happy!" It was like he was waiting to hear my voice because as soon as I yelled his name, he was up and running towards me. I walked back out and stopped at the scene. Loony and Juan were still squared up and ready to throw down, Happy moved to them. He looked menacing.
"What the fuck are you idiots doing?" His voice boomed.
"Loony disrespected Brianna." Juan said. His eyes never leaving his target.
I shifted uneasily, feeling partially bad that this was my doing. Jax, Chibs, and Tig appeared next to me, taking in the scene.
"Did you disrespect Bri?" Happy stood directly in front of Loony now.
"I apologized." He wasn't making eye contact. "I didn't know she was yours."
"What did you do?"
"I told her I didn't want to protect her because she's not an old lady."
"And?" Happy barked.
"I was annoyed to be going on a pizza run with her!"
Happy punched him, hard. Extremely hard. Blood poured from his nose and mouth as he tried to regain his balance. Happy went in for another hit but Juan held him back, with a struggle before Chibs stepped in.
"Don't you ever fuckin' complain about protecting her or anyone again. You can't follow a simple command maybe you don't need to be patched in."
When we were inside, he pulled me into him. Our bodies melting together perfectly.
"You good babe?" I asked.
"Yeah. Sorry about that."
"It's cool." That's when I saw the owner of the low rider and hoped he didn't see me.