by C. Davis
Love Always,
Jenna
P.S. I still love you, but I’m not ready to forgive you. Just give me some time, baby. I’ll see you on Tuesday. I’m enclosing a picture of my ultrasound I got at the last doctor’s appointment.
Chapter 6
__________
Colton
06:30 Wake-up
06:30-07:15 Morning exercises, personal hygiene, and making the beds
07:15-07:45 Breakfast
07:45-08:00 Telephone calls, Leisure time for those who are not engaged in work or during this period
08:00-08:30 Morning roll-call
08:30-11:45 Escorts for those engaged in work and school, Leisure time for those who are not engaged in work or during this period
11:45-12:00 Arrival from school
12:00-12:30 Head count
12:30-01:00 Lunch
01:00-04:00 Leisure time for those who are not engaged in work or school during this period
01:20-01:30 Escorts from those engaged in work and school
04:00-07:00 Telephone calls
07:00-07:30 Supper
07:30-09:30 Leisure time
09:30-10:30 Telephone calls
10:30-11:00 Evening roll-call
11:00-06:30 Time of retiring
Tuesdays and Thursdays- Visitation from loved ones
This has been my routine for the past four months. A constant cycle I have to live by. Wake up and do the daily tasks. Go to bed and repeat it all over again. I’ve been taking writing classes and seeing a therapist. It seems to be helping. Writing helps me vent my emotions through my troubled times. I haven’t had a problem with anyone here. Not yet, anyways. I keep to myself mostly. Javier has become a friend to me. For the first time in my life, I can actually say I’ve got a friend. Someone who I can talk to. Nobody knows that I was the one who put my father behind bars. I’m sure wherever my dad is, he’s plotting my demise as we speak.
Books and writing have been my past time while being locked up. Today I received mail. Jenna’s name was scrawled on the senders address. She. Wrote. Me. My love finally sent me what I’ve prayed for. I’ve been sitting here staring at the unopened envelope for twenty minutes now. With shaky fingers, I traced her name. Afraid this was a farewell letter.
Was this the end, or am I being stupid?
“Aren’t you going to open it?” Javier asked, leaning on the wall.
“I’m—I don’t know if I want to read it. What if this is her telling me goodbye?”
“Amigo, have hope. And, maybe it isn’t. You’ll never know if you don’t read it.”
I opened the letter and a black and white picture fell out. Tears start to well up in my eyes as I picked it up. My baby—our child growing inside Jenna. I let out a breath and whispered, “Daddy’s coming home.”
“Holy shit, she’s—”
“Pregnant. Jenna is carrying my child.”
“Wow, congrats.”
“Thanks, man.”
I set the picture down and unfolded the letter. She told me how Tommy kissed her. He put his hands on her. My fucking woman. I’ve never felt so much rage before in my life. God damn Tommy. That no good piece of shit. He’s trying his hardest to take over as daddy. Trying to take my place and replace me.
Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.
Like hell he will.
Over my dead body.
“Fucking bastard!” My scream echoed off the walls.
“Shit man, I’m sorry.”
“No.” I shook my head, “It’s not that. She said she still loves me, but I have a bigger problem. Someone I know is trying to take my place.”
“Really?”
“Yes. I’ll be damned if he takes her away from me.”
A guard unlocked the cell alerting me it was time for phone calls. I exited the cell and walked down the corridor. I picked up the phone and dialed Benjamin’s number. After three rings, he answered. “Colton?”
“Sorry to bother you, but I needed to talk to you—about Tommy.”
“She told you.”
“Yes. She told me how Tommy is putting the moves on my girl.”
Benjamin sighed, “I’m doing everything I can to keep her away from him. I just don’t know what to do about him. I wish he would’ve gone back to L.A. with his cousins. She still loves you, you know.”
“I know and when I get out of here—I’m staking my claim.”
“Have you called her?”
“I don’t want to when I’m this pissed off. I’ll call her later.”
“Want me to tell her you’re going to call her?”
“No.” I sighed, “I want it to be a surprise. Take care of my girl, yeah?”
“Don’t worry, I’ve got it all under control. Jenna is staying with us. Can’t have Tommy butting in her life, can we?”
“Thanks.”
I hung up the phone and blew out a breath. I was relieved to know that Benjamin was handling things while I’m locked up. I can finally breathe knowing Tommy wasn’t touching Jenna. I turned and walked to the cafeteria to grab some lunch. I grinned to myself. Why was I grinning? Because when I get out of here, I was going to beat the shit out of Tommy.
Tommy has been a pain in my ass for years. He was always getting on my last nerves. There was no way in hell I was going to let him take away my girl—take away my child.
Jenna’s words from her letter rang in my head.
I still love you, but I’m not ready to forgive you. Just give me some time, baby. I’ll see you on Tuesday.
“See you soon, sweetheart.”
Chapter 7
_________
Jenna
My mouth stretched into a yawn as I laid on the sofa. I dreamed of Colton during my nap. How I wished it was true. I dreamed he laid under the stars with me as he held our child. I sniffed, smelling the aroma wafting through the air. Someone was in the kitchen preparing dinner. I sat up slowly, groaning in discomfort. This was only my fourth month and my muscles already ached.
“Oh good, you're awake. Did you have a good rest?” Chloe asked extending her arm.
She helped me up and smiled. I returned the friendly gesture and pulled on her arm to stand.
“Yes. Is Benjamin making dinner?”
“Yeah, you hungry? How silly of me. Of course, you are. Benjamin is making steak, potato salad, and mac and cheese.”
“It smells so good.”
I followed Chloe to the kitchen and widened my eyes in shock. There was Benjamin in a bright pink apron. The sight of an overgrown man in a girly apron was something I'd never seen.
“Here,” Chloe pulled out a chair, “I'll make you a plate.”
“It's okay, I can get it.”
“Nonsense, you're our guest.”
Chloe fixed me a plate of food and set it down in front of me. Benjamin slipped the apron over his head and hung it on the hook on the wall. He reached into the fridge and grabbed three cans. Two sodas for Chloe and I. One beer for himself.
I ate in silence, not knowing what to say. I took a bite of the potato salad and glanced across the table. Benjamin kissed Chloe's temple, making me feel like a third wheel. Adverting my gaze, it felt like I was imposing on an intimate moment between two lovers. It also made me think of Colton. He used to do the same thing when he came over to my house.
Benjamin took a sip of his beer and asked, “You alright?”
“I'm fine.”
“You look like you're thinking hard. Something on your mind?”
“I shrugged, “It's just—I just miss Colton. After seeing him once, it brought back a lot of memories.”
“Look,” he sighed, “I know it's hard, but he'll be out before you know it.”
“I think I'm going to step outside for a minute.”
“Stay close.” Chloe said.
“I will. I got my phone on me.”
I stepped outside, breathing in the fresh air. I sat down on the porch swing and pulled out my phone. I still had a picture of me and Colton
as my screensaver. I couldn't bring myself to take it down. My phone lit up, an unknown number flashing across the screen. I pressed answer and whispered, “Colton?”
“It's me, baby. I got your letter.”
“You did?”
“Yes, Jenna. I most certainly did.”
“You're mad.”
“I am, but not at you. I could never be mad with you, my love. I miss you.”
I whispered, “I miss you too, Colton. I miss you so damn much.”
God, was I crying?
“It feels so good to hear your voice. Jenna baby, don't cry. I hate it when you cry.”
“I'm not sad. These hormones are all over the place. I'm just happy to hear your voice.”
“Sweetheart, I'll spend the rest of my life making this up to you.”
“Colton—”
“No, let me finish. I love you so damn much. I wish I could go back in time. I would do everything over and stand up to my father.”
“I dreamed of you earlier.”
“Sweetie, I dream of you every night. I hate to cut it short, but I just wanted to call and hear your voice. Remember, I love you. Sweet dreams, love.”
“Sweet dreams. I love you.”
I kept it together on the phone, but as soon as I saw call ended flash on the screen I caved. I clenched the phone in my hand, bring it to my chest. Tears started to fall down as I cried. I let out a choked sob and broke down for Colton. My chest tightened at the thought of all we've been through.
I heard the faint voice, but blocked it out. “Jenna?”
I shook my head violently, sobbing silently. The swing swayed and an arm wrapped around my shoulders. I couldn't hold it in anymore. So much aching in my chest. It hurt. It hurt so badly. I buried my head in their chest and fisted their shirt. In my head, I was imagining it was Colton holding me.
“Shh, it's okay. It will be okay, Jenna.”
Another choked sob.
Another cry of despair.
My throat tightened—so hard to breathe.
“Breathe, Jenna. Breathe with me.”
Oh. My. God.
Was I having a panic attack?
“In and out, Jenna. Inhale.” A masculine voice said, “Inhale. Exhale.”
“I-I can't—I'm—”
A pair of rough hands cupped my face, “Look at me, Jenna.”
I kept my eyes closed and shook my head, “No.”
“Fuck, Jenna. Let me help you.”
I shook my head again, “Nobody can help me. Nobody but Colton—I need him.”
“Dammit, just look at my face!”
Another choked sob.
Another cry of despair.
My throat tightened—so hard to breathe.
When I opened my eyes, Colton was gone, and I was looking into the eyes of Tommy. He softened his expression and sighed in relief. My breathing was slowly going back to normal. He inched his face closer, making me jerk back. “Please, Tommy. I told you I needed space.”
“I came to apologize.” Tommy frowned, still cupping my face.
“Let go of me.” I whispered and attempted to push him away.
I heard the door slam and I gasped as he was thrown from me. Benjamin slammed Tommy down on the ground and hissed. “What the fuck did you do to her?!”
“I swear. I didn't do anything.”
“Fucking liar.” His hand wrapped around his neck, “I've had about enough of your ass. Now, tell me what the hell you did to her, or else I'll choke you out.”
I blurted out, “Benjamin, please. I'm okay.”
Benjamin kept his hand wrapped firmly around his neck, his head turning to face me. “Did he hurt you?”
“He said he was coming to apologize. He didn't hurt me.”
“Then, what happened?”
“Colton called me and after I hung up with him—I'm sorry. I just couldn't deal with everything. Tommy didn't do anything to me.”
“Get out of here, Tommy. I don't want to see your ass back on my property. Do I need to tell Jeff everything that's been going on? How you're trying to steal someone's girl. Again. We all know what happened last time, don't we?”
Benjamin released him and stood up, dusting off his hands. Chloe gave me a sad smile and offered her hand to me. “Come on, let's get you inside. Benjamin?”
“Go inside, I'll be right behind you.”
Before I stepped through the door, I turned to look at Tommy and whispered. “I'm sorry I caused this.”
What did Benjamin mean by we all know what happened last time?
Chapter 8
__________
Colton
“Colton, you have two choices.” my father said as he watched Jenna from the distance. “You either do what I ask, or else.”
“Or else what?”
“Or else, I will make sure that pretty little blonde suffers because of you. We wouldn’t want her to have an accident, would we?”
I clenched my jaw, “No.”
“Good. I’m glad you see it my way.” he paused, “If you defy me in any way, I will make sure to pay Miss Jenna a visit. Do you understand me?”
I closed my eyes, turning off my emotions. I had one thing on my mind. Keep Jenna safe. Everything was for her. Only her. “I understand.”
“Good.” he patted the top of my head and grinned, “I want you to stop seeing Jenna. Cut off all ties with her. I need you to be completely focused on what I need you to do.”
“I’ll do it tonight.” I lied.
No fucking way was I going to leave Jenna alone.
I’ll just act like I broke it off, and play his damn game.
“Very good. I want to take down Benjamin Grayson and finish what I started with his parents. Benjamin was never supposed to make it out alive.”
“I don’t understand. Why do you want him dead?”
My father narrowed his eyes and took a step forwards. There was a darkness in the way he stalked towards me. His demeanor held malice—pure hatred for The Grayson family. He stopped just a few inches from me and hissed. “Because Benjamin’s father took something very dear from me.”
“I just don’t—”
My father raised his arm and backhanded me on the cheek. “Don’t fucking ask questions and do as I say, boy!”
I bit my tongue and nodded, “Of course, Father.”
“Good. Go on, I do believe you have a job to do.”
“Fuck.” I shot up in my bed and gasped, “It’s only a dream.”
Just another memory of the past.
Even though my father was behind bars, he still haunted my dreams. Every damn time I closed my eyes. At least, Jenna and Chloe was safe from him. Soon, he would be gone—forever. I glanced around the cell, still trying to catch my breath. It seemed so real that I was back in the past. Even though my father forbid me to see Jenna, I just couldn’t do that to her. She was too precious to let go. I reached under the pillow and pulled out Jenna’s picture. I smiled as I remembered the day this was taken. She wore a sunflower crown she had made and a white cotton sundress. Her toenails painted Canary Yellow to match the flowers around her head.
I held my phone up, snapping a picture as she laid under the tree with a book. She glanced up and narrowed her eyes. “Colton Davenport, did you just take my picture?”
I grinned, “No?”
She placed her book on the grass and stood up. Jenna dusted off the back of her dress and stalked towards me. She reached up to grab the phone out of my hand, but I held it over my head. Jenna jumped, trying to snatch my phone, but couldn’t reach it.
“Colton, give it to me.”
“Give it to you?”
“You know what I mean.”
“I can think of about a hundred different ways to give it to you.”
“Give me the phone.”
“No.”
