by Y. M. Sheree
"The Jeep belonged to me when I was younger, but then I gave it to my little brother. That's why I hold on to it."
"Man, I am sorry. I didn't know."
There was a length of silence before Tristan spoke. "It's cool just one of the few things that I have to be close to him. He loved Stella besides that confounded contraption he lost his life on."
"I didn't mean to bring up bad memories for you."
"It's cool. You didn't know. What do you have planned tomorrow?"
"I am going to a huge picnic for the community, and I have an extra ticket since my sister can't go. You want to go? "
"Yea. That sounds good what time are you trying to get there?"
"Probably around noon that way we are there before it gets too hot."
"Yea, I heard from the weather it is going to be hot later on in the day."
Paging Dr. Ramsey…..Paging Dr. Ramsey…. Paging Dr. Ramsey.
"Looks like lunch is over for me." Tristan grabbed the remainder of his food and disposed of it. "See you in a bit if not just text me the address to the place."
The rest of Tristan's day was filled with a man having a stroke, a child with a broken leg, and a woman in premature labor. After his shift was over, he made his way home. His food and a shower were calling his name. As he made his way home, he made a U-turn and headed toward the cemetery where his brother was laid to rest. For some reason, Tommy stayed on his mind constantly lately. Driving around the circular driveway toward his family's burial plot, he noticed in the distance a huge bouquet of flowers. His mother usually visited his brother a few times a week. Tommy's death hit her the hardest because he was her baby boy.
Tristan only had Tommy for a sibling, so he lost his only brother and his best friend. Leaving his vehicle, Tristan slowly walked to the grave that was surrounded by numerous bouquets of flowers. He sat on the ground beside the grave as he always did when he visited.
"Hey, little brother I decided to stop by before I went home for the day. You've been on my mind lately. I hope you are at peace. You know Mom is struggling still about losing you. Dad tries his best to comfort her, but we all know how close the both of you were. I miss you a lot man and wish you were still here. I had to put Stella in the shop because of her front end acting up. The mechanic happened to be a woman, and you know I put my foot in my mouth when I found out. No thanks to Mike with his misinformed ass. You should have seen her bro. Even with all of the grease and oil on her face, she was pure beauty in faded coveralls. Even if I tried to ask her out, my first impression killed all possibilities. I wish you never joined that motorcycle club. I never understood your fascination about the whole thing. All you ever you talked about were how exciting it was. How fun the parties were. What was the real reason for being part of something such as that? You lost your life on that speed demon of a bike. You know I told you it would be the death of you, but I never thought it would happen. I regret ever saying those words to you, Tommy. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't miss you. Gotta go get some rest. I'll stop back by in another week or so. Love you, Tommy."
Tristan stood up, brushed off his scrubs, and kissed his brother's tombstone. Visiting Tommy always gave Tristan a piece of mind. Later this weekend, he would stop by and check on his parents to see if they needed anything especially his mother. After losing Tommy, she wanted Tristan around her even more, which he understood. Right now, he needed to get home to his townhouse and sleep for about ten hours.
On his way home, he stopped by Zeros and picked up a Philly Cheesesteak combo to eat after his shower. Finally making it to his Virginia Beach townhome, Tristan pulled into his detachable garage and entered into his kitchen after exiting his car. The first thing he needed to do was take out his trash, the stench of something rotten assaulted his nose as he stepped inside. Once the trash was disposed of, he replaced the bag after spraying the can with Lysol. He then washed the few dishes in the sink. Walking into his room, he slid off his shoes and replaced them with his Nike slides. Tristan gathered his laundry basket out of his bathroom and removed his sheets before walking into his laundry/pantry. He began a load of clothes before walking back into his bathroom to take a shower.
The heat from the hot water began to relax his body. The long shifts at the hospital took a toll on his body. Regardless of the fact he still made sure he went to the gym religiously to keep in shape. Not being in a relationship, gave him a lot of free time outside of work. His last relationship ended not too long before Tommy's accident. With both of their schedules being hectic, they never really had time for one another and Rachel had been wrapped up into her career. Instead of being selfish and demanding all of her free time he eased back, and they eventually ended their relationship. Periodically, she would reach out to him to check in on him. They remained friends and went out to eat every once in a while.
He missed the companionship of Rachel, but he hadn't jumped back out on the market. He felt there was no rush, but after meeting Billi, he definitely could say he was intrigued and interested. Now the question was how he would rebound from the mishap on their first meeting. Maybe he could use his charm and she would possibly warm up to him. He would think of something before he picked up his Jeep. Until then he would go to this picnic with Michael and enjoy his weekend after getting some much-needed rest.
3
The temperature was a moderate sixty degrees at seven am on Saturday morning. Lady Guardians arrived with their bikes, truck, and trailer in tow. Isis took over the truck and trailer her father utilized when he was in the bike world. Once they arrived, Delicious met up with the other PROs to see what was needed from the members of each club to get the day going. There were baskets of corn on the cob that needed to be shucked, tents to be erected, and tables to be placed for the community to eat in what little shade there was. Each club would have members rotate during the day to serve food to the community. Each ticket that sold by clubs gave access to enter and to receive a plate of food. Then each club had a choice to set up a stand to sell whatever items they wanted to make money for their club.
The Lady Guardians decided to do face painting for the kids. They also had a dunk tank, plus cookies and cupcakes to sell. They had two charities that they donated to which were Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence. Some money went to the charities then the rest went back into the club funds for future engagements or functions.
Isis decided that the four prospects would assist in serving the community along with two other vested members while the others would handle their area. Malcolm helped set up the dunk tank since his cousin owned a company that supplied it. He was able to get it for Isis for a low price. His cousin would supply the water before the gate opened to the community.
After everything had been set up for the committee, Isis and her ladies completed set up for their stand. Malcolm's cousin arrived around nine thirty to fill up the tank with water and decided to stay around with his kids to participate in the festivities. Baby Doll and Ghost painted his son and daughter faces with a tiger and a butterfly.
Around eleven thirty people began to arrive at the park. Isis decided to make her rounds with Lotus Flower, her Sergeant at Arms and VP Phoenix. Lotus Flower always stayed by Isis side anywhere that they went that was her job to be an enforcer if need be. Some of the clubs were selling food such as pulled pork sandwiches, fried fish, snow cones, the patch lady showed up selling patches for vests. Other clubs were doing raffles for baskets. The menu of the food that was being served consisted of hot dogs, hamburgers, corn on the cob, potato salad, macaroni salad, water, sodas, and huggies for the kids.
Isis checked on her club members that were serving before making her way back to their area. Some of the girls went to get food from other clubs while others were selling baked goods and drawing faces on the kids. The temperature warmed up a little since earlier that morning. She removed her shoes, and with the assistance of Malcolm, she climbed into the dunk tank. It was all for charity, and she never thought that because of
her position did she feel above any other member of her club.
"So boss I can get my revenge back for working all these hours lately?" Malcolm asked as he tossed a ball up in the air and caught it looking at Isis cutting her eyes at him.
"Do you think you can even hit the target?"
"He can't hit anything until he pays for his throws," Ghost intervened while she held her hand out waiting for payment.
Malcolm pulled out a ten-dollar bill and placed it in her hand. "Three balls for ten dollars. Not bad but I will only need one. "
All the ladies laughed at him. Ghost responded, "Malcolm, are you going to talk or are you going to throw the ball?" Malcolm pitched the first ball at the target, missed it by three inches, and hit the blue mat.
Isis chuckled. "It's a good thing you don't play professional baseball. Is that the best that you can do?" She stuck out her tongue. Malcolm stood into a baseball stance and shook his head as if he was shaking off a pitch from his catcher. He then nodded his head before throwing a fast pitch at the target that nicked the edge of the target but didn't drop Isis.
"I don't see you sticking out that tongue now Billi."
"Oh, hush that was just luck. You didn't drop me, so you still suck."
"Last ball Malcolm." One of the vested members shouted. A crowd of bystanders slowly gathered around to see the commotion. Malcolm knew he had to knock her in, so he didn't look like a loser.
"Don't worry I'm going to sink her this time. All that pretty hair will be wet when I am finished."
"Are you talking about all this pretty hair?" Isis asked as she flipped her head full of blondish brown curls.
"Yep," Malcolm said as he tossed the ball while she was distracted by teasing him. As soon as the ball hit the target dead center, the platform dropped, and there went Isis. All she heard was muffled voices and laughter as she went under the water. She jumped up out of the water and wiped her face. Phoenix met her with a towel as she hopped back up on to the platform that regained it's position after she dropped.
"You were saying?" Malcolm asked when he walked up to the tank.
"Ok, you got me, good job."
"Thanks, sis." He gave her a quick peck on the cheek. She and Malcolm had always been close growing up, and since neither of them had any siblings, they adopted one another. "Alright, who's up next?"
Isis noticed a line of males were slowly forming a line to take a turn. Of course, they wanted to show their strength. Well more money for their charities. She endured another hour of the dunk tank that only involved her being dipped two more times before switching with Phoenix.
As she dried off the best she could, she grabbed a change of clothes from Malcolm's truck before heading to the bathroom. Changing into another pair of jeans, a pink T-shirt with the Lady Guardians Logo, and her sneakers, she felt brand new. It was warm enough that her hair had already begun to dry.
When she arrived back toward her group, she noticed Phoenix being dropped. The look on Phoenix's face when she popped up out of the water. “Stop looking so mean,” Isis said as she chuckled at her friend.
“She keeps talking shit to the guys that’s why she keeps getting dunked.” Lotus Flower said. “Isis I brought a plate for you and Phoenix.”
“Thank you, Lo.” Isis opened the truck door to retrieve her colors (vest) and put it on. Not too long ago in a meeting, they had discussed with the prospects about respecting their colors. No one was to wear them, but you and you didn’t wear them while riding a vehicle. Those were two of the main points she addressed.
Sitting on the tailgate of the truck, she ate her plate of food while watching Delicious take her turn in the tank. About thirty minutes later the National Chapter of the Lady Guardians pulled up to park by their parked bikes. They arrived around thirty bikes deep. Isis hopped off the tailgate to greet her big sisters. National President Justice had with her the VP, Secretary, Treasurer, and along with other members she didn't meet as of yet.
“I see y'all have a nice set up here. How has your first Unity day gone so far? Are you receiving warm welcomes or are they standoffish? “ Justice asked.
“We've been welcomed pretty well. Some of the male MC’s are slow to warm up, but you know how that goes.”
“Well all you have to do is inform me and I'll relay it to Razor, and he and I can make a trip down here together.”
Isis already knew Razor would make a trip to make sure the Lady Guardians were good especially since they were an extension of him. “ You know that I will. Let's get you, ladies, some food.”
“Sounds good. We won't be staying long. We are going to Arlington to meet with the clubs there. I do want to make my rounds and meet some of the clubs.”
The Hampton Roads Chapter and National Chapter talked, socialized, and joked for about an hour before Justice rounded up her group and left. All the food was dispersed amongst the attendees, and the DJ started playing the music louder. The Biker Shuffle started to play through the large speakers and everyone began to join on a patch of grass to begin doing the line dance. Isis and a couple of the other Lady Guardians joined in on the festivities. A couple more line dance songs were played before Isis decided to take a break and began to walk back to the truck. She needed to get a bottle of water out of the cooler and the hand-towel that she always carried with her. Not looking where she was walking because she was speaking to another biker in another group she bumped into what felt like a hard wall. As she turned to apologize to the individual, the words were trapped. "Funny bumping into you Billi, literally."
4
"What are you doing here?" Billi asked shocked to see she had bumped into Tristan.
"My co-worker who told me about your shop also told me he had an extra ticket to this function. I didn't know it was a biker function though."
"You sound as if you have a problem with bikers." Billi crossed her arms as she waited for his response. She had to admit he was a good-looking man but he never knew what to say out his mouth.
"Let's just say I don't agree with the lifestyle and I have my reasons for it."
"Well, you won't be the first or the last that has a problem with it."
"I wouldn't say I have a problem with it; I just don't agree that's all. What brings you out here today?"
Billi turned around to show the back of her vest before facing him again. "You could say that you have two issues with me now because I happen to be part of the lifestyle that you detest. And I wasn't the man you were looking for to work on your Jeep, which by the way should be ready for you on Tuesday."
"I just seem to keep putting my foot in my mouth every time we encounter one another. Please believe me when I say that I don't intentionally try to do so."
"To be honest, I don't know you so I can't say how you are. I just know you don't know what to say when it comes to me."
"Well, how can I change your mind about me?"
Billi began to chuckle to herself. "Oh, I know one way you can pay me back. That is if you want."
"By the way you are laughing I don't know if I want to agree, but if it starts me back at ground zero with you, then I say alright."
"Follow me so we can put what you say to the test."
Tristan followed Billi back to the area her club was located. She noticed some of the prospects were sitting around chatting while some of the other members were playing cards. Tristan looked around and noticed all of the females were dressed almost identical to Billi. He then noticed all the different color types of bikes liked up in a row.
"Alright, I hope you are ready to get wet."
"Excuse me."
"You said you wanted to start at zero. Well to do so, you have to get into the dunk tank." Billi waved her arm in the direction of the tank.
"You want me to get in there?"
"Yes, it is for charity."
"Since it is for charity how can I say no." Tristan walked towards the tank and climbed in to sit on the ledge.
Billi pulled out ten dollars from the pocket on
her vest and handed to Delicious. Tristan looked at her and shook his head. "What exactly are you doing?"
"I am showing support to my charity by dunking you three times."
"Should I be worried right now? Can you even hit the target?"
"Is that another jab to my sex?"
"Not at all."
Ghost appeared from around the tree that she was leaning against. "You do know that she use to be a softball pitcher in high school."
"You tricked me, Billi."
"Actually no I didn't. You agreed to follow me without even asking what I wanted you to do. Now, are you ready to go down?"
"I have no choice now do I? But remember this is supposed to start us all over."
"We shall see." Billi took her stance the way a pitcher did on the pitcher's mound, wound her arm, and tossed the ball. The ball hit the target and down went Tristan into the water. Billi couldn't help but laugh as he came back up spitting water out his mouth. "Are you alright?"
"Yea. I just didn't think you would hit it on the first toss. Just beginner's luck that's all it was."
"Oh, you think so huh?"
"I sure do." He said as he regained his position onto the ledge. "Let's see if you're as good as your friend says you are."
"Be careful what you ask for Mr. Ramsey." Billi took her stance again, wound up her pitch, and missed.
"Just as I thought, you aren't as good as you think you are Billi." Before he could taunt her anymore, Billi had thrown her last ball and dunked him for the second time. While he recovered from his spill, Billi grabbed an extra towel from the truck and walked it over to him as he exited the tank.
Handing him the towel she responded, "Now what was the last statement you made?"
"Nothing. I am eating crow right now. You have a hellified arm."
"Thanks, I wasn't too bad in school."
"Now that you have me soaking wet are we in good standing, or do I have to have pies thrown in my face too?"
