by Erin Osborne
“I want to see every single thing you took from the house. And I want to fuckin’ see it now,” Grave says, getting closer and closer to the two people sitting there.
The man nudges the female and I watch as she takes several more things from the enormous bag she had hanging over her shoulder. One of the things she pulls out is an envelope filled with cash, there’s another envelope filled with the pictures that I didn’t give the guys, and then several more knick knacks that my grandma loved to collect. They’re all fairies; the one thing that she collected and placed over her entire house. I love them and can’t believe the things that these assholes have tried to steal from me.
Before anyone can do anything about it, I rush forward and rip the bag from the girl’s hands. She gasps in shock and tries to get it back from me. I want to dump it out on the floor in front of us, but I don’t know how many breakable items are in there. So, I carefully pull each item out one by one and place them on the floor. Tears stream down my face as every new item appears. Bear wraps himself around me as he kneels down behind me and helps me remove the items. When the last of her things are sitting on the floor, I stand up and face the people still sitting in the chairs.
“You probably didn’t know my grandma, but to me she’s the one person that loved me for me from the time I was a baby until I lost her. Now, my parents are trying to take my home from me and you’re trying to take her things from me. Whatever these men do to you, know that you deserve it all. If it were up to me, I’d lock you in a jail cell and make sure that cell is where you spent your last days,” I say, turning to look at the men in my family before leaving the room.
The tears continue to fall as everything finally hits me and I feel myself breaking. I’ve been trying to be so strong since the guys got us out of hell, but I’m really not. Today is the day that my act falters and I know that I’m going to need to get help. Bear wakes up with me every night when the nightmares wake me and I can’t get back to sleep. They didn’t break me; I’ve been trying to get through every day until I know it’s time for bed. Then I get nervous and try to work hard at exhausting myself so that I can try to get through the night without the men invading my nightmares.
Walking into my grandma’s room, I take a look around at all of her things. Her room was her sanctuary and it shows. The bed takes up most of the space and the rest of the room is bare except for pictures of me and the items on her dresser. There’s a door for her closet on the far side of the room and I walk over to it. Opening the door, I see all of her clothes hanging there and the tears flow faster as I take a deep breath and begin to remove her things. It’s what she wants and that’s the only reason I’m doing it right now.
“Baby, what are you doin’?” Bear asks, stopping me in my tracks as I take an armload of clothes to the bed.
“You’re gonna think I’m crazy if I tell you this,” I answer, walking back to grab more of her things.
“I won’t. What’s goin’ on?” he asks, sitting on the bed as he watches me.
“When I was in the hospital, I dreamed about my grandma. She told me that it’s time to make this house ours. She wants me to take her things out so that you and I can have a home,” I tell him, continuing my back and forth pass from the closet to the bed.
“Why now?” he asks, his curiosity coming out as he stands up and takes a step toward me.
“Because maybe if we make the house our home then my parents will stop trying to sell it on me. Maybe that way we can begin to move forward with our lives,” I tell him, looking at him. “There’s so much I want to do and I really haven’t done anything about any of it. The only things I’ve done are getting a job and applied to go to school. I don’t even know what’s going on with school since being kidnapped though.”
“We’ll figure it out. Tell me what you need from me? What can I do to help you?” he asks, letting me know that he’ll have my back no matter what I decide to do.
“I want to clean out this room and make it ours. We can turn my room into a nursery and figure out everything else from there. Right now, I guess I just need some boxes so that I can donate these things. Well, the things that I don’t want to keep,” I answer, wrapping my arms around him and soaking in his safety, warmth, and love. “Thank you, Bear. For everything.”
“You don’t have to thank me babe. We’re in this together and I told you I’d do whatever I can to help you live your life to the fullest. Thank you. For takin’ a chance on me, for givin’ me the gift of bein’ a dad, and for bein’ you,” he responds, wrapping me up in our own little cocoon while the guys deal with the people that tried to take my grandma’s things from me.
Today I realized that no matter what I have here of hers, my grandma will only live through the memories that I keep of her. The things that we did together and the time that we got to share. They can’t take away any of that from me or anyone else that knew and loved her. So, I know it’s time to do what has to be done and truly begin to live my life.
Last night was long. I went through my grandma’s entire room with Bear by my side. The only thing I have yet to open is a box that we found up in the top of the closet. My name’s written on it and I haven’t been able to open it yet. Bear made me go to bed around one this morning and I was exhausted, but not enough that the nightmares didn’t stay away. So, I was back up by five. Once he was back asleep, I crawled out of bed and made my way to my grandma’s room. The box was still sitting in the middle of the bed where I left it as I climbed in and covered up with the blanket on the end of the bed. For the longest time, I just stared at the box debating if I was ready to open it up or not. In the end, I don’t want to do it right now. I want to file for the restraining order against my parents first and then I’ll open it up.
At seven, I jumped in the shower so I could begin to get ready for the day ahead. Knowing that Bear would be up soon, I made breakfast so he could eat before going to work. I’m not going in today because as soon as I’m done at the courthouse, I’m going to a walk-in clinic to begin counselling. It’s something that I need to do. Not just because of the kidnapping, but because of my parents. I’ve made the decision to seek outside help for what I’ve been feeling, and Bear supports me. He’s made it clear that he thinks it could help with the nightmares that I’m having and the things that I can’t seem to break free of from my parents ‘teachings’. My day will be full today for sure and I hope I make it in time to see a counselor today. They only have the walk-ins for certain hours and that’s the beginning steps to get in with them.
“Babe?” Bear calls out as he makes his way downstairs.
“In the kitchen,” I answer as I hear a few bikes rumble up the driveway.
Bear walks in and gives me a kiss that leaves me breathless before the guys walk in the house. I love that they’re comfortable enough to walk in. It’s like they know they can show up for any reason at any time and we’ll be there for them. Even if they just come over for food or to hang out. Yeah, it’s been a little inconvenient a time or two, but life goes on.
As Bear helps himself to the eggs, toast, and bacon that I made, Smokey and Psycho walk in to the kitchen. They both help themselves to the food after I’ve made a plate for myself. Smokey tells us that Grave is on his way over too. He wants to check on me after last night. They all do, but I’m okay. It was a rough day and I got emotional. Hell, if I’m honest, it’s been a rough start to my life. But, the guys make it better by letting me have my freedom and support.
“You good sweetheart?” Psycho asks, sitting down across from me.
“I’m good. I lost my shit, but I can’t let it hold me down. This won’t stop me from dominating my life and making sure that our baby knows that they can do whatever they want,” I answer, a smile on my face as I look at Bear. He’s smiling down at me as he sets a glass of juice down next to me.
“Good. I’m goin’ with you today,” he announces, taking a bite of his eggs. “They’re not goin’ to steamroll you and I’m a witness of b
oth times your parents tried to sell your house out from under you.”
“Sounds good. I’m ready as soon as I finish eating,” I answer, digging into my own food while the guys begin talking amongst themselves.
“Honey I’m home,” Grave calls out, walking into the kitchen and planting a kiss on the top of my head before helping himself to breakfast.
“Morning Grave,” I say, pushing my plate away and finishing my juice.
Bear grabs our plates and loads the dishwasher after rinsing them off. Psycho and Smokey follow suit as Grave takes Bear’s seat next to me. He winks at me before shoving a forkful of eggs into his mouth. The growl Bear lets fly has me laughing at Grave’s antics. There isn’t a single opportunity to annoy Bear that he misses. These two are more like kindergartners fighting over a crayon than grown men. I’ve made more than one comment about Bear pissing on me to mark his territory to the laughter of everyone around us.
“I’m headin’ out baby. Call me when you leave the courthouse and let me know what they say. I’ll see you when I get home,” he says, leaning in for a kiss.
“I’ll probably stop by after my appointment,” I tell him, knowing that I’m probably going to need his strength when I’m done talking to someone.
Smokey leaves with Bear as Psycho and I wait for Grave to get done eating. Once he’s done, we make our way outside and I go to my car as they straddle their bikes. I’m shocked when I realize that Grave is following us into town and toward the courthouse. I wasn’t expecting him to go with us. But, I guess since we don’t know if anyone is going to come after the club, or me, in retaliation for what happened at the warehouse, they’re playing it safe and making sure that I’m protected when I go out alone.
We arrive at the courthouse and Psycho is the only one that walks inside with me. Grave sits out on his bike to ensure that no one messes with the bikes or my car. I tell the officer standing just past the entryway what I’m there to do and he tells me to go to probation so that I can get the paperwork filled out. Psycho and I make our way upstairs and to the offices that are marked for probation as I once again explain what I’m looking to do. The secretary tells us to take a seat and someone will be with us shortly.
“So, how’s Hadliegh doing?” I ask Psycho once we’ve taken seats. My friend hasn’t wanted to see anyone other than the man that’s fast becoming one of my best friends and like a brother to me.
“She has her good days and her bad days. I’d like to think that she’s gettin’ better, but it’s hard to tell. I know that she wants to see you, Callie, she’s just worried about bringin’ up the memories for you,” he answers, putting his arm on the back of the chair I’m sitting in.
“Well, she doesn’t have a damn choice anymore. I’m going to see her when we get done here and I’m done with my appointment. Hadliegh needs to know that I’m here for her and have her back still. My memories are messing with me regardless of seeing her or not,” I tell Psycho, facing him so he knows that I’m serious as can be with going to see her.
Psycho nods his head at me and before he can say anything else, the door opens, and we’re called back to see if I can get this restraining order. We follow the man that’s in his late forties to the back and into an organized office that’s the size of a shoe box. He takes a seat behind the desk before saying a word to either one of us.
“Psycho, good to see you. Callie, I’m Officer Grant. What’s going on?” he asks, clicking his mouse so that his computer turns on and he can fill out whatever is needed for this.
“Well, I want to get a restraining order against my parents. My lawyer informed my man that I should do this to prevent them from coming anywhere near me or trying to sell my house. Again,” I tell him, not wanting to go into detail if I don’t have to.
“I heard about that going on,” Officer Grant says, looking at me and away from his computer. “What about a scene that was caused at the hospital the day you were discharged? Was that your parents as well?”
“Yes, they were there,” I sigh with embarrassment showing on my face. In my mind, I know that it’s not rational to be embarrassed about the events that my parents caused, but I am.
“And you’re worried that they’re going to continue to do things until they get what they want?” the officer asks me, looking up from the paperwork that he’s been filling out.
“Yes. They were apparently trying to sell my house from the time that I got it so that they could get their hands on the profit. I’m not sure what they’ll continue to do now that we’re putting a stop to it. Honestly, I don’t put anything past my mother. When I was growing up, it was nothing for her to slap me around when I didn’t meet her needs or do as she wanted me to. My father never did anything about it to stop her from abusing me. And I couldn’t tell anyone, because the only other person there was my sister. She was in on it from the time that she understood I was different from her and she’d be in my mother’s good graces for any little thing she did to make my life miserable,” I tell the officer taking my statements down.
“Once I have this written up, you’ll have to take it over to the courthouse and fill out paperwork there. Will your lawyer have a cease and desist order drawn up by then?” he asks, finishing up his paperwork that I’ll need to take with me.
“I believe he does have it drawn up already. Should I have him meet me at the courthouse with it?” I ask, watching as Psycho pulls his phone out and dial a number while Officer Grant nods his head at me from across the table.
We wait for a few minutes while he finishes up what he has to do and prints out what I need to take with me. Psycho has assured him that my lawyer, Edward, will meet us at the courthouse with the necessary paperwork that he’s filed against my parents. It will only help my case against my parents so that I can get the restraining order that I apparently need against my own family. Well, I should say my own flesh and blood because they are no family of mine.
Psycho and I grab the paperwork and head over to the courthouse. It’s across the street from the probation office. Grave walks over with us now that one of the prospects shows up. I grab the paperwork and begin to fill it out before Edward shows up. He helps me with the questions that I have and walks up to the counter with me while I turn it in. Thank God he did because the lady asking me more questions is a bitch and I’m ready to slap her.
“I don’t need anything else you have other than what paperwork sits in front of me,” she tells Edward when he tries to push the other papers he has over with her.
“I don’t care what you need. This paperwork will be going to the judge as well. It pertains to the case and will aid him in making a decision on behalf of Miss Patton,” Edward says, leaving the paperwork on the counter in front of us.
“You can bring it to court with you when you get assigned a court date,” she says again, completely ignoring my lawyer.
“No!” I shout, loud enough to bring the guards in the room to see what’s going on. “I don’t care what you have to say. The probation officer I just talked to told me to turn all of this in at the same time. Now, if you’re not going to do your damn job, get someone else that will. I’m done dealing with someone that’s incompetent,” I say, watching as the guards return to their positions.
The lady leaves the counter and another one takes her place. She looks over all of the paperwork that we have, including the papers that Edward wants to turn in. As she’s going over everything, she assures us that she’ll get the paperwork turned in immediately to the judge and we should hear something about a court date soon.
The four of us walk out of the courthouse and stop once we’re outside. Edward assures me that I’m doing the right thing. My parents won’t ever stop until they get what they want, and that’s me back under their roof where they can control me while selling my home and using the profit for themselves. I say my thanks and goodbyes before heading back across the street so that I can make it to my appointment with the new counselor.
Bear
; Leaving Callie in the care of my brothers to go deal with getting the restraining order is not an easy thing to do. I know she doesn’t really want to go alone, but she needs to see that she is strong enough to do this and she is never really alone. My brothers will be with her and if she needs me, I can be there in less than ten minutes. I made calls the night before to my lawyer and to my friend in probation to give him a heads up that she was coming in. If she tries to leave any of the incidents out of the order, he will gently remind her and let her add them without anyone making her feel guilty about getting a court order against her psycho parents.
I try to go get some work done on the cars in the bays, but my mind is constantly at the courthouse. Finally, Hawk calls me with the information I have been waiting on so I can go have a chat with Callie’s so-called family. I’m a bit surprise to see that they are staying in a no-tell motel, but I guess that they wanted to make things a bit harder to find them. They have no clue what my brothers can do with even a tiny bit of motivation, let alone knowing all the hell they put Callie through as well as her grandmother. As I am getting on my bike, I hear the rumble of others coming onto the lot. It’s no surprise that they showed up to go with me, the surprise would have been if I was going alone. Renegade, Hawk, and Smokey follow me to the motel. As we pull in, I notice a man loading up suitcases as fast as possible and a woman is standing in the doorway of the room watching us while wringing her hands. We pull up surrounding the car so that they will be unable to leave until we allow it. Getting off the bikes we all look like we are going to rip them apart, but I start the conversation with a smirk as I see the fear in his eyes.
“Do you know who I am?” I growl at the spineless man who is Callie’s father.
“You are the hood rat who is shacking up with my slut of a daughter,” he sputters with his righteous indignation. “You and your criminal gang may have kept us from her at the hospital, but we will take her home with us soon and fix the damage you have caused her. She is not able to care for herself without us. Callie needs to have us with her so we can keep her safe. Her fiancé is so worried about her and is trusting us to bring her home”
