by Donn, KL
“Here we are,” Ty said a short ride later.
Parking and climbing out of the truck, they walked down the street to Bella’s Boutique. Walking in, Nate forgot just how pink it really was inside. He’d been here twice before, both times to pick up their sister Kennedy, and he tried to leave quickly. The walls were a light pink and the carpets were a shaggy cream color that he couldn’t begin to guess the real name of. All the clothes hangers were a light purple covered in satin fabric. The clothing were a mix of colors that he could only guess at, but probably wouldn’t be accurate on any of them. “What is that smell?” Ty asked him.
“Kenny told me once it was some floral thing with vanilla,” he replied dryly.
“It’s Lavender and Vanilla almond,” Keeley said inhaling beside them. “It reminds me of my Grammy,” she whispered almost too low for them to hear. Wrapping his arm around her waist, they walked to the front of the store where there was an employee that he thought he recognized from one of his trips in.
Looking up and smiling at him and Ty, she completely ignored Keeley and asked, “Gentlemen, how can I help you today?”
Not really pleased with this woman, Nate pulled her from where she was currently trying to burrow her way into his back, placed her in front of him and said, “Well, we’re here to get our girlfriend some new clothes –” Before he could finish she interrupted him saying, “Yes, of course. You’re what, a size twelve?” Not waiting for a reply from anyone, she walked over to another section of the store, talking and not realizing they hadn’t followed her. “We don’t have much for bigger girls, but we have a few things that might be –” Turning, she finally realized they hadn’t followed her, nor were they going to. Tapping her foot in impatience and almost stomping back towards them, she said, “Perhaps this store isn’t for you.”
Keeley looked at him with such a look of despair, all he could do was cup her cheek and whisper in her ear, “Ignore her, she’s just jealous, now go look at anything you like. My sister will be out soon.” Kissing her forehead, he gave her a light tap on the butt to get her going. Smiling at him, she went to a rack with some jeans on them.
“Damn, does she ever have the softest skin man,” Nate whispered to Ty. “I can’t wait to see what she picks out.”
“Me too bro, me too.” That was all either of them said for a while, as they watched her look through the rack of jeans and grab a pair.
*******
Keeley was still feeling overwhelmed and uncomfortable with this whole trip, but she knew they wouldn’t give her any other choice. Plus, she couldn’t really say no when she did, in fact, need new clothes. She could have done without the snobby employee though. She was very pretty with her long straight blonde hair, flawless tanned skin, bright green eyes, and perfect size two body. In comparison, Keeley felt frumpy. She was five feet two inches tall, and while she only weighed one hundred forty pounds she was short, so it showed.
Looking through the jeans, she found a couple of pairs for a reasonable price in her size, but were way too long on her short frame. Not seeing another employee, she was forced to ask the woman up front, who was trying to get Tyler and Nathaniel’s attention but to no avail. “Umm, excuse me miss, do you have these with a shorter leg?” She asked her.
Sighing dramatically like she had interrupted her, she said, “Let me see them.” Handing them over, she waited. Giving Keeley a dirty look she said, “These won’t fit you, you’re much too big, you need to try a bigger size and we can hem them for you.”
Instantly angry, she wanted to slap this woman. Before Tyler or Nathaniel could speak up she said to her, “I think I’ll wait for Kennedy before I look through anything else, and also if you could get me the manager or owner I’d appreciate it.” Turning her back on the woman and the guys, she walked out the door and sat on the bench in front of the store.
Keeley knew she wasn’t model thin or anything, but she didn’t think a size ten was fat. And that nasty woman was implying she was huge. She’d never been so mad or insulted in her whole life. Closing her eyes and inhaling the fresh air, she just sat there enjoying the dewy afternoon, after the rain they’d had most of that morning and afternoon. The sun was shining and felt wonderful on her face.
Face in the air and feeling content, she leaned her head back only to be startled by two women sitting down on either side of her. Looking to her left the woman was older, maybe fifties, with brown hair that had just a hint of gray for streaks that she wore wonderfully. She had blue eyes that seemed to shine with happiness. This was a woman that wore her age well and enjoyed life to the fullest. Looking at the woman on her right she was startled. She looked just like Tyler and Nathaniel’s mother, only with gorgeous red hair. But she had the same brown eyes and the kindest smile. Looking straight again, she waited. Not really sure what they wanted from her.
“You must be Keeley. I’m Kennedy but please call me Kenny; I’m Nate and Ty’s little sister. This is my boss and owner of Bella’s, Isabelle.”
“It’s nice to meet you both,” she said shyly, not looking up.
“Well now, dear, those boys tell me you are in need of some clothes. Let’s go on in there and take a look,” Isabelle told her.
Before both women could stand up she said, “Um, no, it’s ok. I think I’d like to stay here a little bit longer. You go on though.” Once they left her alone again, with bewildered looks on their faces, she went back to enjoying the sun. Eyes closed, head back, she just breathed in the fresh air once more.
*******
“Look lady, if you don’t get your skinny ass out there and apologize to her, I’ll have your job.” Ty was getting sick of holding in his temper with this stuck up bitch. He kept his eyes on Keeley the whole time he argued with her. When he finally saw Kenny and Bella sit down with her, he felt an immense sense of relief that she wasn’t alone, and had some nice female company.
Looking at the current problem in front of him, he let all of his anger show in his eyes and she finally realized she’d made a mistake. “I’m sorry if I insulted her, but she clearly was too big for those clothes.” Turning and walking away from them she didn’t think they saw the eye roll.
The ding from the bell above the door alerted them that the girls were coming in. Turning to greet them Ty didn’t see Keeley. “Where’s Keeley?” Nate asked before he could.
“She seems awfully upset guys, what happened?” Kenny asked them.
“Go ask the wicked bitch of the east over there. I don’t know how you keep her employed here Bella. If I didn’t know and love you I wouldn’t recommend this place to anybody, and to be honest, if she stays I’m still not sure I will, because Christ is she mean!” Ty told her vehemently.
“You mean Veronica? That can’t be right, she’s sweet as pie,” Bella told them.
Barking out a laugh, Nate informed her, “No way in hell is she sweet. She just told Keeley she was fat, not once but twice. And also told her that this was probably not the right store for her to shop in.”
“That’s why she’s upset. Keeley told her that she’d wait for Kenny, and would like to speak to the manager or owner, so please do me a favor and not say anything to her. We’re gonna go sit outside with her, and let’s see if Veronica tells you anything or not. Ok?” Ty asked.
“Yes, yes, of course. By chance, do you know her size? Perhaps, Kenny can get some things together for her to look at in a minute?” Bella asked them.
Handing over the jeans that she had just been looking at Nate said, “She was looking to see if these had a smaller length before she walked out.”
Walking out, they went and sat down beside Keeley. “How you doing, Butterfly? I’m so sorry she was such a bitch to you,” Nate told her.
“I think I’d like to go home now. I don’t feel very well,” she replied without looking at either of them yet.
“Ah darling, don’t let this bring you down. You’re beautiful and there’s nothing that two-faced bitch can say or do that will convince us otherw
ise,” Ty reassured her, hoping to get some sort of response from her. A look, a smile, anything really. But he got nothing. She didn’t even move.
They just sat there for about ten minutes before they heard her take a deep breath, and then she stood up. Turning towards them, she gave them a blindingly beautiful smile and said, “Let’s go!” Hesitantly she grabbed their hands and pulled them towards the door of Bella’s. Looking at Nate he saw the same look reflected on his brothers face that he was sure was on his own. Confused hope.
Walking into the store, she went back to the rack of jeans when they saw Kenny come from the back. “Oh goody, Keeley, come here and take a look at these clothes and see what you like,” Kenny said so enthusiastically that she practically danced over.
“Uhhh, what just happened?” Ty asked Nate when the girls started grabbing clothes and going to the changing room.
“No idea, but she’s smiling, so I don’t care. You think Bella figured out Veronica’s game?”
“Of course I did. I may be old, but I’m not a fool,” Bella said walking up to them. “The girls are in the changing rooms?”
“Yes,” they both replied smiling.
“Good, here, I found this, and I think it would be stunning on Keeley for a perfect night on the town.” She held up a bright red halter dress that would hug her curves and flared out at the hips, and would go to about the tops of her knees. Next, she pulled out a pair of matching red sparkle peep-toe pumps with about a three inch heel. “Well, what do you think?”
“I can’t wait to see her in it,” Ty said.
After two hours of shopping, in which they had only grabbed three pairs of jeans, two pairs of sweatpants, five pant suits, four blouses, one pair of runners, one pair of ballet flats, and two pairs of pumps, plus the dress and pumps Bella had given them for her for a surprise, and some bra and panty sets they found while she was trying on clothes, they were on their way home. “How about pizza for dinner?” Ty asked.
“Sounds good,” Nate replied.
They looked back to Keeley for her answer, only to find she’d fallen asleep with her head leaning against the window.
Half an hour later they pulled up in front of their house. It was an old Victorian-style home with a wrap-around porch and gazebo on the deck, on the left side, in the front. They had added a swing to it the year before that Ty just knew Keeley was going to love. The house was a light blue color, while the porch was white. It had shutters on all the windows except the big bay window upstairs in the master bedroom, and the one in the front room. They had a very open floor plan inside, because one day they hoped to have a large family. All the remodeling and decorating had been done with a family in mind.
Ty grabbed all of her bags and went to open the front door, while Nate grabbed her from the back seat. Running up the stairs, he pulled the blankets down for her when Nate entered the room. Ty put her stuff in the walk-in closet while Nate deposited her on the bed and took off her shoes, so she’d sleep more comfortably. Stopping just to look at her, Ty felt at peace knowing this was right. That she belonged here with them. Leaving the room with the door slightly opened so she wouldn’t be scared if she woke up, they headed downstairs. After calling for pizza, Ty headed into the living room with a couple of beers. Handing one to Nate, he sat down on the leather couch and just enjoyed the quiet for a while.
Chapter 7
Startling herself awake, Keeley opened her eyes and took in her surroundings. She was laying on the comfiest bed she’d ever had the pleasure of sleeping in, her body just seemed to mold to it. It was frigging huge; had to be a king. It was an older four poster bed that looked like oak, but she wasn’t sure. Sitting up she looked around the room, and against one wall there were three tall dressers made of the same wood as the bed. Who needs so many dressers? Standing up she realized just how large the room was. To the left of the dressers was a very large walk-in closet that was empty, except for her new clothes and the ones she brought with her from home. Looking to the right, she saw a closed door that she assumed led to the bathroom and a huge bay window with a bench in front of it, with throw pillows all along it for sitting. Looking outside she noticed how dark it was and wondered what the time was. Deciding to grab a shower to wash off the horrible day she had, Keeley walked to the closet and grabbed a pair of sweat pants, shirt, and underwear, then headed to the bathroom.
Walking in she stopped, staring in shock at how gorgeous it was. It was all done in a beautiful white marble. The counter had three sea shell sinks in it, and there was a beautiful white oak vanity next to it. On one wall was a huge Jacuzzi tub that sat under a window that looked like it was blacked out so you could see outside, but no one could see in. The shower was at the end of the tub in its own enclosure, and it was even bigger than the tub. It had three glass walls and four shower heads that were placed in different spots all around it. It could easily fit four or five people. Hopping in the shower felt wonderful. The heads all had massagers on them that helped work the kinks out of her body.
Getting out, she quickly realized she’d have to forgo the bra for now, because she just couldn’t bend her arm back without wanting to scream from the pain the movement would cause. Finished getting dressed, she walked out of the room and looking down the hall. She decided to follow the light to what she hoped would be where Nathaniel and Tyler were. Coming to what she assumed was the living room she looked around, noticing first, the huge black leather sectional couch placed in front of a brick fireplace, with a large flat screen TV mounted over top of it. Walking farther into the room, she saw the guys fast asleep on the couch with an open pizza box on the table in front of them, and a movie playing quietly on the TV in the background. Deciding to sit between them, she grabbed a pizza slice and the remote, to turn it up.
Enjoying the best pepperoni pizza she’d ever had, Keeley realized it was her all-time favorite movie they had on, Die Hard. Smiling to herself, she ate two more slices before she was full and started to feel tired again. Laying down with Nathaniel just above her head and Tyler down by her feet, she felt settled, content, and most importantly safe enough to fall asleep without fear.
*******
Waking up to a grunt wasn’t what Nate expected. Looking over, he noticed Keeley lying between them with her head on his leg and one arm wrapped under and around it, and she was stretched to the max so she could put her feet on Ty’s lap. Looking at his brother quizzically, he mouthed the question, “What happened?”
Chuckling, Ty whispered back, “The girl’s got a good kick.”
Not wanting to wake her up, they both just watched her for a while, until they started to drift off again.
Not sure what woke him up this time, Nate just sat there with his eyes closed and listened. When he heard it again, he knew immediately that Keeley was having a nightmare. She was squeezing his leg so hard he felt her nails through the denim of his jeans. Next, he heard her whimpers, and even though he only had his hand on her shoulder he felt how tense her entire body was. Looking to his left to see if she’d woken Ty or not, he started to gently shake her and whisper to her, so he didn’t scare her when she woke. “Butterfly, wake up. You’re safe here with Ty and me.”
When that didn’t work, Ty started to scoot in behind her on the couch and wrapped his arms around her, while Nate got on his knees on the floor in front of her. Ty started whispering to her next. “C’mon darlin’, open those amazing eyes. We’re here and we won’t let anything happen to you.”
Waiting with baited breath, they watched her draw in a lungful of air and let out the loudest, most ear-piercing scream either of them had ever heard. Then she bolted up-right on the couch, knocking Nate on his ass and hitting Ty in the chin with her shoulder. Hyperventilating, she offered a whispered “sorry” to them both, before closing her eyes and leaning her head between her legs to breathe.
“You alright, Butterfly?” Nate asked concerned, rubbing soothing circles on her back to help her breathe through what he guessed was a rather hel
lish nightmare.
“I just need fresh air,” was her reply before bolting to the front door and outside, setting off the house alarm they’d set after the pizza came the night before.
“I got the alarm!” Yelled Ty so that Nate could follow her outside, where he found her kneeling with her head down on the front grass, sobbing.
Sitting on the grass behind her, Nate pulled her into his arms and rocked her, not saying anything yet. Finally the alarm was off and Ty came running over, skidding down to kneel in front of her and holding her hands. It was probably a good ten minutes before she finally lifted her head and acknowledged they were there. “I’m so sorry,” she apologized on a soft sob.
“Nothing to be sorry for darlin’. Wanna tell us about it?” Ty asked her.
“Not yet. I just… Can I sit here for a bit?” She asked so softly they almost didn’t hear her.
“Of course. Mind if we sit with ya, Butterfly?” Nate asked.
Looking between the two of them she seemed to ponder that question for a minute, before finally answering, “I think I’d like that.”
Sitting there in the quiet, they watched the sun rise on the horizon and it was breathtaking. Seeing the different shades of red, orange, and yellow turn into pinks and gold was a sight to see. Nate couldn’t remember the last time he watched a sunrise just for the pure enjoyment of it. Squeezing Keeley just a little bit tighter to him, she relaxed her body and grabbed one of his hands and squeezed one of Ty’s hands, before getting up and saying, “That was beautiful,” with such a mind-blowing smile on her face. Nate froze and just stared at her again. He seemed to do that a lot, he thought. “Would you guys like some coffee?” She asked when she turned towards the house to go inside.
“Uh ya, sure thing, darlin,” Ty said following her, leaving Nate still sitting on his ass in the early morning hours.
