Sacrifice For Love

by Vicki Green

  I place my hand on top of hers. “No, Mom.”

  Her head rises and she looks at me. “Yes, I should have. A mother’s love should be unconditional. A mother should support everyone in the family no matter what.”

  “You’ve been there most of the time, Mom. You have,” I plead.

  She pats my hand and smiles. “Well, I just want you to know that I’ve missed too much with you and Sebastian. It’s too late for me to make it up to him but not you. Now, tell me all about Brock. I know you two have been together since you were little but I think things have changed.” Oh, my God! She knows! Nah, she couldn’t. Could she?

  “I…. I don’t know what you mean. I don’t know what you want to hear, Mom. I mean, yes, we are very close but Daddy….”

  “Tut. I know what your father wants but I don’t want you to have to live with someone that doesn’t make you happy. Someone you don’t love. I want better for you than what I’ve been through.” My eyes widen in shock. “Oh, don’t get me wrong. At one time, when we were young and first starting out, I loved him.” She looks up at the ceiling like she’s remembering. “He was my world.” She looks back at me. “Still is. But he’s changed over the years. I’ve stood behind him but with you, I will do my best to support you as much as I am able.”

  I lean into her, her arm moves around me and over my shoulder. “He’s everything, Mom. I love him so much.”

  I feel her run her fingers through my long strands of hair, and I feel something inside that I haven’t felt since I was younger. A mother’s love. “Just be responsible, Taren.” My eyes go wide, and my heart begins to race. “What are you going to do about Jeffrey?”

  I sit up slowly and look down at my lap. “I’m not sure yet. I….” God, what do I tell her? I can’t lie to her, not now, not after our talk. I look up at her and take a deep breath. “Jeffrey doesn’t really want me either, Mom. Right now, we’re just going out for appearances but…. I know it’s not the right thing to do but I….”

  “It’s okay. I won’t meddle but just know there are feelings involved in any decision you make. Remember that.” She kisses my cheek and then stands, walks to the door and closes it behind her, leaving me with a lot to think about.

  By early evening I get ready for my so called date with Jeffrey. He told me to dress comfortable so I put on a pair of black jeans, a nice silk blouse and my nice black sandals. I’m dreading this so much and almost want to fake a headache but then when I want to meet Brock again I won’t have an alibi without Jeffrey covering for me. Ugh! I hate this! Why can’t life be simple? Why can’t Brock and I just be together and live happily ever after? Living a life of wealth is not what people make it out to be. If they only knew. My phone vibrates on the dresser and I all but run to get there to pick it up.

  Brock: When do I see u? Fuck I miss u!

  Me: Soon baby. I’ll let u know.

  Brock: Hurry. I want u in my arms.

  Me: Me 2!

  The doorbell rings and my heart drops. I look at my reflection in the dresser mirror and take a deep breath. Time to get my big girl panties on! I grab my purse, throw my phone in it, and walk out of my room and down the stairs. Jeffrey’s smile is huge as I approach him and so is Daddy’s. Jeffrey takes my hand and kisses me on the cheek and then looks at Daddy, Mom standing beside him. “Well, sir. We may be out a bit late tonight, with your permission.” Suck up.

  “That’s fine, son.” Son? “Just take care of my little girl.” His little girl? Sheesh!

  He takes my hand and pulls my arm through his, patting my hand. “Yes, let’s go, Jeffrey. I’m famished.” I lean forward and kiss my mom on her cheek, and then we turn and walk out the front door. I notice it doesn’t shut behind us, so I can only imagine Daddy watching his prodigal son leaving. He opens the car door for me and then closes it once I sit down, and he’s quickly in his seat and backing out of the driveway.

  “Great performance, Tare. Award winning.” God, he’s suck a jerk. “How was last night? Did you get some?” He asks smugly.

  I look straight, not giving in to the urge of wanting to smack him. “It was nice, thank you.”

  I see him staring at me from my peripheral but I don’t look at him. “Oh, come on now, baby. I know you got some. It’s written all over your face. I’m surprised good ole daddy didn’t say anything. He must be a stupid fuck.”

  I feel the heat rise in my face as I turn to him. “Look. Thank you for helping me but don’t call my daddy names. You have no right! And what I do when I’m not with you is none of your business. That was not part of the deal.” God, I want to punch something, mainly him.

  “Oh! Don’t get your dander up, girl. I was just playin’,” he responds dryly.

  The silence is thick as he drives us to our destination. He takes me to a nice little diner, not too crowed and clean. After ogling the waitress, he places our orders, not letting me decide what I want to order, again. “So, can you cover for me again tomorrow night, please,” I ask sweetly.

  He sets down his drink and wipes the corners of his mouth, and I cringe internally. “Well, what’s in it for me? I’d love to help you out but…. I scratch your back, you scratch mine, so to speak.” I want to scratch his eyes out. I need to think of something that won’t get me in trouble and won’t make me want to kill him. “I know! We can go away for a weekend. Somewhere cold, like skiing.” What? Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no!

  Then a brilliant idea hits. “Well, an entire weekend? Hmmm. I think that would take a few times covering for me first, don’t you? That’s only fair.” I take a bite of my roll and internally high five myself. If I can play this right, it would be a month before our so called weekend trip, I would turn twenty one and move out and right into Brock’s arms.

  “Hmm, I don’t know, Tare.” My heart is beating so fast and I suddenly feel ill. “Well, maybe we can work something out. I’ll cover tomorrow night, then we’ll talk. But for now? You’re mine tonight. Ah, here’s our dinner.” I breathe a sigh of relief and hope I can get through the night unscathed. God, I fucking hate when he calls me that.

  Brock

  “What’s got you so quiet tonight, Brock?” Kane disrupts my internal monologue and I take a drawl of my beer then look at him. He sighs. “Hey, I’m sure she’s fine. She’s a strong girl. Give her some credit.” He takes a drink and winks. We’re so opposite. I worry about everything and he’s cocky, sure, and confident. My hair is brown and cut short but his is black and keeps it closely shaven. Ma says I have a baby face, always kept clean shaven where he has a scruff of black hair on his. Sometimes I wonder if we are really blood related.

  Pops Bar is really crowded tonight. Sounds of laughter, talking, and pool balls being struck, rolling over the green felt of the pool tables, are all around. The dart machine rings as people score and the TV’s arranged all over the place are on different channels. The atmosphere is full of life. I imagine some are relaxing after a long day of work, others just hanging out with friends and maybe some are on a date.

  “I know you’re worried about her, it’s natural when you’re in love but I think she can take care of herself.” I glare at him, feeling uncomfortable. “What?” The confusion on his face would be comical yet it’s not.

  I lean closer, gritting my teeth. “Will you lower your voice, Kane? Fuck. Did you not hear anything I said this morning?” Rolling my eyes I move back and bring my beer up to my mouth, draining the bottle.

  “I heard you. So you both had sex for the first time, doesn’t mean you need to babysit her. And no one can hear us over all this racket,” he laughs. I smack his arm, irritated.

  A beer bottle slams down in front of me causing both Kane and I to jump. I look up into the eyes of Irish, whose face is filled with anger. “No one can hear, huh?” I sneer at him. He leans to the side, laughing, as I try to hit him again.

  “Why am I just now hearing about this? Her best friend. What the fuck, Brock?” Anger radiates from her, foam rises from the top of the bottle and
spews over, running down onto her hand.

  I slide my empty bottle across the counter towards her and grasp the full one, tugging a little but she’s got a firm hold on it. “Look, Irish. I’m sure she’ll tell you, she’s just….”

  “I’m her best friend. We’ve always shared everything that happens to us with each other,” she growls. And I mean growls.

  “Come on, Irish. Give the girl a break. After everything that’s happened lately, have some patience,” Kane speaks and her eyes snap to him. I take advantage and reach over and pry her fingers loose then snatch the beer. Girl has a firm grip.

  “YO, IRISH!” Her head whips the other way when Pop calls her. Thank God.

  She starts to walk off but snarls my way. “I’ll have a little patience but I better be hearing from her by tomorrow.” She continues to mumble as she walks down behind the counter to a customer.

  “Damn, that girl can be wicked. Good thing she likes us,” Kane says, smiling over the top of his bottle. A laugh escapes me and damn it feels good. He slaps me on my shoulder and chuckles. “Everything will work out, bro. I really believe that you are meant to be together. I know it’s not the best circumstances, her dad being a jerk and all, but I have faith it’ll work out. Now, be a good little brother and go around the bar and get me another beer. I’m dying of thirst here.” Rolling my eyes, I get up and walk around the counter, bend over the ice chest and set a beer down in front of him then walk back around and sit down.

  “Hey, Kane! Wanna play some pool? I got some money to back me up tonight!” I look over my right shoulder and see Greg, one of the guys on our crew, standing there with a pool cue.

  The guys in our crews are a tight knit bunch. Kane hangs around them when he’s not off with a woman. Kane’s always been there for me, had my back, gave me a job and listened when I needed an ear to tell my troubles to. I couldn’t ask for a better brother. Now, if only he could find a woman to tame his womanizing ways, that would be a miracle.

  “Hey, stranger,” a sexy voice rings from over my shoulder. I turn my head to see one of Kane’s many women bent down over his shoulder, her arms around his front and hands rubbing across his chest.

  His hand grasps her arm as he turns his head slightly. “Ah, Bambi. Where ya been, girl?” He looks over at Greg, shakes his head and smiles. “Sorry, man. Another time. I think I just became busy.” I roll my eyes as he stands, turning until his arms are wrapped around Bambi, his mouth takes hers and I swear I heard her moan. “Catch ya later, bro,” he says while staring at her then tosses a couple of bills on the counter. I watch them walk towards the front door, arm in arm.

  “Too bad for me but great for him. Wanna play, Brock?”

  I watch Kane leave the bar and slowly turn to Greg. “Sure, why not? Haven’t got anything else to do.” I grab my beer as I stand and turn. He claps me on my shoulder and laughs.

  “I hear ya, man. I hear ya.”

  I walk alongside him and watch as he racks up the pool balls. It’s gonna be another long night.

  About midway through our third game, I switched to water so I could help clean up once the bar closes. Now, I’m back in the kitchen mopping and trying to finish up so I can get home. I haven’t heard from Taren, except once, telling me she loved me and that she can meet me tomorrow night. I’m excited and yet frustrated, wishing we didn’t have to sneek around, that we could just be together. I’d love to be able to take her out, walk hand in hand, kissing her when I want and lay with her in my arms at night. Maybe someday.

  “Hey, Brock!” I look up just in time to release the mop handle and catch the keys Pop throws at me. “Lock up, will ya?” I just nod and stow them in my front pocket as he turns to leave. It takes me no time to finish mopping then clean off all the counters in the kitchen and turn off the lights as I walk back into the bar area. I see Irish cleaning the bar counter and nod at her when she looks up.

  “Hurry up, Irish. I’m ready to go home,” I yell as I walk down along the counter, pushing stools in as I go.

  “Keep your pants on. Almost done,” she yells back, not looking up.

  I chuckle as I sit down on the last stool, in Kane’s place, and watch her. “You know, she would have told you sooner but she’s had so much going on. You know that, right? Besides, she just got her phone back from being confiscated from her dad.” She looks up at me and then puts the rag down below the counter and walks over, resting her arms on the cleaned surface.

  “I know. It’s just…. Well, you know I only have you and your family as friends besides her.” She sighs. “I feel so bad for her. After her dad made her a prisoner in her own house, I was so mad I had to punch out the bag at the gym. I couldn’t text her or talk to her online and was ready to go over and tell her dad just what I thought about him. If it hadn’t been for Kane, the voice of reason, I would have.” Ah! I know that feeling too well.

  I smile. She’s such a good friend and I know she’d do anything for Taren. “I hear ya. I about did the same thing. Kane can be a dickhead sometimes but he is pretty smart. Don’t tell him I said that.” I chuckle.

  She laughs and then holds out her hand, giving me her famous smirk. “Gimmee the keys. I’ll lock up. I have a couple more things to do to get ready for tomorrow.” I dig the keys out of my pocket and place them in her hand.

  “Thanks, Irish. I owe you.” I get up, pushing in the stool and start walking to the front door.

  “Again!” she yells out. “You owe me, again!”

  I laugh as I unlock the door, then turn and wink at her, closing it behind me. I stand there in the night’s slight breeze and start to walk towards my bike, hearing the automatic lock of the door click behind me. I get to the edge of the building when someone grabs my upper arm, pulling me around the corner. I let out a groan when I’m pushed against the building, a strong hand around my throat. Searing pain rocks me as I feel a fist connect with my cheek, the feeling of metal cutting my skin and warm liquid sliding down my face. My vision is clouded for a moment as I struggle, my hand pushes against a firm chest, the other pulling on the arm pinning me.

  “’Bout fucking time you came out. I was getting rather impatient,” a low voice sneers. My vision starts to return, and I look into the dark eyes of Jeffrey Stratton. “Just wanted to give you a few reminders, asshole.” I cringe when his fist rams into my ribs, my breathing accelerating but his hand around my throat tightens making it hard to take a breath. “Leave Taren alone.” My eyes close as pain flows through me and then reopen to see the anger in his eyes. Something shiny catches my eye from the small overhead light at the end of the building and I see what cut me. A big ring on his finger, a wide band and large diamonds surrounding it. “She’s gonna marry me, joining our families and we’ll be rich. Something you can’t give her.” I bite my lip keeping my groan muffled when his fist connects with my cheek again, the metal of his ring slicing into my skin again. Another jab to my ribs and I start to feel dizzy. When he release his hold, I fall to the ground gasping.

  My arm immediately moves around my stomach, my other hand pressing on the ground in front of me, trying to stop me from collapsing completely. “HEY!” Irish’s loud voice bellows in the night.

  “Next time, I won’t be so nice, asshole,” he sneers, kicking me in the ribs as he starts to walk away then shortly after footsteps come running towards me.

  Irish is on her knees beside me, her hand on my back. “Geez, Brock. What happened?”

  I look up at her, one eye swelling quickly and blood running down my face. “Just some friendly reminders,” I choke.

  She puts her arm around my waist and struggles to stand me up. “Shit! I’d like to give some friendly reminders not to touch my friends. Come on, let’s get you home and clean you up. Should we call Dean?” She half drags me to her truck, and I look over at my bike next to it. “No way, slugger. You can get it tomorrow. Come on.” She opens her passenger door and helps me inside. My head lulls back onto the head rest, my eyes close, and I wince. “You look
like shit, man.” She speaks as I hear her door shut and the truck starting.

  “You should see the other guy,” I laugh and then grimace as pain shoots in my side. “No calling. I’ll deal with it.”

  “Oh, good. So you got him a couple of times?” Her voice sarcastic, as usual.

  The truck bounces on the dirt road, my hold tightening around my waist. “Fuck, no! I wish. He had me pinned against the building, caught me off guard then kept hitting me too fucking fast.”

  The truck stops abruptly, and I open one eye, the other already swollen shut, to see my apartment building. Thank fuck! I just want to crawl in bed. She gets out, runs around and opens my door, helping me out. She keeps her arm around my waist as we walk up the two steps, into the building and take a right to my door. I fumble with the keys in my pocket until she pulls them out and unlocks the door, half carrying me in. She kicks the door closed behind us and then straight down the small hall into my half bathroom, flipping on the light. I push away the pain as I manage to sit up on the counter and turn to look in the mirror. “Fuck.” Blood is thick over the right side of my face, my eye lid swollen and turning a deep purple. Hmmm. I look kinda tough.