“How are you going to fix this?” La Buff demanded.
“No worries,” his cohort assured him, “It may take some time to arrange, but there is always a way,” and the phone disconnected.
Back inside the small house, the celebration continued. After several minutes of laughter and generous hugging, the three returned to the shop. The joyous mood radiated around them as they discussed what should be done next.
Michael pointed out, “Well, you’re gonna need to change a few things, love, including getting a driver’s license.”
Staring at her husband in surprise, she giggled to herself, he’s right! I have proof of my birth; and not that silly emancipation card, either. Wiping her hands, she announced, “In that case, I’m going to get it today.”
Closing up the shop, all three piled into the old brown pickup. Michael drove and Tori rode between her husband and brother. They were the two people who mattered most in her life, and she could not remember ever being happier.
The test itself went smoothly, as she had been driving the truck for months and had become sufficiently skilled. The paper portion also exceedingly simple, she had her picture snapped wearing a small, elated grin.
Leaving the DPS office, they made their way over to the small social security building to order a replacement card, which took a bit more convincing since she had been dead. Fortunately, they had the nullification letter and the DNA results with which to convince the woman, and were allowed to fill out the proper forms after she made copies of everything.
At last, the group trotted over to a restaurant located within walking distance. They were well ready for a meal after all the excitement, and what the news of the day meant.
“I should go and visit their graves,” Tori said quietly as they were seated. “Where’re they buried, exactly?” she asked the question timidly, afraid of spoiling the festive atmosphere.
Brian wasn’t bothered, happy that she seemed interested in seeing their parents’ final resting place. “They’re in a little cemetery outside of Harrison, Nebraska. We have a small farm there, in Sioux County.” He smiled, and she noted he used the word we instead of I. His mind tracing over those memories, he wondered what had become of the little girl’s body that had been laid to rest beside them.
Shaking off the sad thought, he gave his sister a demonstrative hug, “We should take the private jet up for a visit sometime.” He glared at his brother-in-law as he spoke, justifying the difference between Nebraska and New York with his clear blue eyes.
Tori liked the sound of that and agreed without hesitation, “Yeah, I guess there will be lots of occasions for us to do things together.” Things felt different having actual proof of their relationship. Somehow, it just seems more real. Holding her husband’s hand as they walked back to the truck, she could see her new life coming together, and hoped the tiny pieces would soon fall into place as well.
What We Can
The two boys arrived at the shop Monday afternoon. Tori and her two men were again working on the latest project when the pair walked up, the oldest looking a bit unhappy to be made to talk to the girl who had become a stranger. Chris had heard some of the stories that were going around, and he no longer felt pleased to be in her company.
Steven seemed less distressed, and babbled away about how his summer had gone, and what his classes were like in the fifth grade. Tori smiled at him, having missed his openness and curiosity. Kneeling down in front of him, she gave him her undivided attention while he explained for several minutes; then she sent him into the house to find a snack.
Turning to the older boy, she put the question directly, “So, is there anything you want to say or ask me? Or do you just wanna assume what you’ve heard is the truth and be done with it?”
His face twisted in anger, Chris said nothing. Michael wiped his hands with a red shop rag, trying to decide if he needed to stay and help with the conversation, or if he should go in the house to supervise the younger lad.
Brian rose from where he had been squatting and made the call for him. “Let’s head inside, give these two a bit of privacy,” he suggested. Without argument, Michael followed, leaving them alone for a moment.
“How could you?” Chris demanded in a loud voice.
Startled, Tori tried to remain calm. “How could I what?” she countered in an even tone. “I’m not sure what the stories even are, so you’re gonna have to give me a little more to go on.”
His hands were clenched tightly into fists, “They say you’re a murderer. That you kill people. How could you?”
Tori looked away from him for a moment, collecting her thoughts while she cleaned the work area. “Who says?” she asked quietly, considering what Trish had told her about Michael trying to explain. Somehow, she doubted he would have gone that far.
Briefly, the boy told her what he had heard, and she quickly realized that this was one of the stories her friend had warned her about; something more fun to tell, exciting really, but far from the dark and ugly truth. Shaking her head, she laughed quietly. “Chris, honey, that’s a load of bullshit,” she tried to be blunt.
“Honestly, no one in this town knows about me, except Michael and Brian. Not where I came from or anything else. The Feds came to get us because of what had happened to my brother in New York, not because of anything I had done.” She paused for a moment, peering at him to see what his reaction would be.
Seeing that his face had relaxed, becoming not quite so contorted, she continued, “I had to take care of some things. That’s why I didn’t come back with them. But I’m home now, and I’m really looking forward to being here for you after school, or whenever.” She felt a small jolt of surprise that she actually meant it.
“You’re not gonna tell me the real story, are you,” he asked her in a quiet, submissive tone.
Shaking her head, Tori did her best to soothe him, “The real story is we do what we can. We do what we have to do. Sometimes those things are hard, and sometimes the choices hurt. But that’s how life is.”
Walking over to her, the young man raised his arms to hug her. Sliding her arms around his shoulders, Tori lay her cheek across the top of his head. She had no idea when it happened, but somewhere in the past, she had grown to love the sandy-haired boy who never quite trusted people. Rubbing his back a few times, she asked, “You wanna work on the bike today?”
Dabbing his eyes, he sniffled, “Yeah. I really missed coming down here, ya know?” He gave her an awkward grin and the pair went over her checklist of things that the bike required.
Watching him, Tori could tell he had retained a great deal as he seemed to remember many of the things she had taught him during the time they had spent together last spring. Getting their hands dirty, they worked until they were called for dinner. Washing up in the deep sink, she sprayed him with water, causing him to break into laughter and bringing a smile to her own lips.
Inside, the mood remained good-humored around the crowded tiny table. The steaks were delicious, and they even had a bit of ice cream for dessert.
Chris eagerly told Michael and Brian about his classes, being in eighth grade over at the little school that both boys attended. “It’s my last year there, since the high school kids all take the bus over to the next town,” he lamented.
“Oh yeah? It’s a cool way to grow up, though,” Brian reassured him, “You’ll make some good friends, and maybe even keep them for a lifetime. Me and Chuck became best friends when I moved to Nebraska, and still are.” He smiled, but he could feel the conflict taking shape inside of him, knowing time was running out and eventually he would have to go home.
Moving over to the living room after the meal, the guitars were brought out and both boys were allowed to play. Tori had begun instructing them earlier that year, and Brian felt quite impressed with how quickly Steven had been picking up on the process, even with his smaller hands. “Nothing like raw talent,” he grinned at the youngster, “And desire. That helps.”
W
hile the group carried on, Tori pulled out her notebook, putting more of her music into the proper form. Reading over a few of her older songs, her mind turned, some of these more recent ones aren’t nearly as sad. Hell, someday I may really be able to write happy songs after all.
Trish knocked on the door at 8:30, and the boys left reluctantly, both faces glowing brightly. Tori felt pleased that Chris still did not know the truth about her ugly history. Maybe someday he’ll be told, when he’s older and able to understand the how and why of the way things were, but for now, it’s better that he be left in his innocent state, unaware of how cruel the world can be.
“I think I’ll head over to the pub for a bit,” Brian announced as soon as they were gone, “See if I can get into a little trouble.”
Tori caught sight of his grin and surmised he had begun to miss his old life. Hanging out in a small town isn’t nearly as exciting as the life of a rock star. As much as she had not wanted him there, the thought of his leaving made her a little forlorn deep inside. “Sure, Danny; have a good time,” she forced a small smile to cover her sad thoughts.
As soon as they were alone, Michael stepped up behind his wife. Sliding his hands around her waist, he moved them across her flat stomach and brought them up to cup her swollen breasts. Using his chin, he pushed her hair out of the way and blew into her ear, biting firmly on her lobe.
Tori trembled at the deep wash of emotion the actions produced. I’m so addicted to this man. Love him so much… I’m so glad I chose him in the end. Laying her hands over the backs of his, she squeezed, enjoying the tightness the action produced in her chest, “You know this isn’t the place for making love.”
He had been watching her that day, peeking down her shirt like old times before she took his name. Seeing his mark on her chest had aroused him, and he had been waiting, semi-patiently for the cover of darkness, so that he could be alone with her. Pulling at her clothes, he teased, “Yeah, I was thinking I would fuck you tonight instead.”
Tori paused slightly, surprised by his choice of words, “You sure?”
Eagerly, desire driven by the need to please her, “Oh yeah, I’m more than sure,” he grinned as he moved to undress her where they were, only locking the door in case Brian were to return too soon.
Tori, being much less shy, did not need any persuading to remove her clothing on the spot. Even the thought of her brother catching them in the act excited her a little. She felt certain he knew about their encounters, as they were a noisy pair, and although they made love every night and most mornings, she couldn’t hide her enthusiasm at adding a bit of rougher excitement to their routine.
Languishing on the floor together some time later, their passion spent, they enjoyed the bare bliss of one another’s exhausted bodies. Clinging to her from behind, Michael kissed her sweaty skin and tasted her naked flesh, his left hand rubbing her head through her thick mane.
Overcome with deep emotion, he professed, “I love you so much. Please, don’t ever leave me again. I really don’t think I would survive it.” His voice choked slightly at how much he treasured her, surprising her with tenderness after the coarseness of their sex.
Grasping his wandering fingers, she gave him a squeeze and cooed, “You’re so good to me. Better than I deserve. And I love you, too.”
“You deserve only the best, love; and if you weren’t my wife, I would ask you to marry me… all… over… again.”
Doctor’s Orders
The following morning, Tori noted that Brian had not returned. She had passed on her workout, preparing to make the trip over to the next town for her appointment. Probably found a local cutie to take to the motel for a romp of his own. Again, she dolefully considered he would be leaving soon, as he obviously had begun losing interest with hanging around, and the limited entertainment her world had to offer.
With so much on her mind, her palms felt sweaty as she drove, gripping and releasing the wheel nervously. There’s so much pending on what he has to say. The butterflies joined her as she rolled into the parking lot, and she inhaled deeply to calm them before she went inside.
Entering through the glass door, she checked in with the receptionist, who once again wore the bright red lips and nails, her hair in a long braid this time. Taking a seat in a pink upholstered chair, she did not have long to wait, and the nurse called her back to seat her in the doctor’s cubical with the cluttered desk.
A few minutes later, he came in, wearing a toothy grin and announcing, “Well, I have good news. Two fold, really. First off, your tests were both good, as your bone density is within normal limits, and your blood work came back quite favorable. That means we can look for other causes for your sketchy menstruation, but I’m still strongly suspecting the exercise may be closely connected.” Having taken a seat, he folded his arms in front of him.
“What I would like to do is called a hysteroscopy, and if I find anything that can be taken care of immediately, it’ll be done right then. If we get lucky, we may be able to avoid the larger procedure and cut down on your recovery time as well.”
The doctor concluded with a broad smile, and Tori felt ecstatic at the news. “So, what about my exercise? If it’s so closely connected, what does that mean, exactly?” she asked him to clarify that point, a smile curling her own lips.
The doctor sat back in his chair, pausing a moment before he gave her the only bad news. “You need to cut back. You’re too healthy for your own good. I’m going to recommend you either do one-third less each time than you normally would or you can work out no more than four days a week instead of every day. I’ll let you decide how to take care of that.”
Her features crumbling, Tori felt sick. She had thought she would be prepared to do whatever it took to have a baby, but the thought of giving up her workouts made her doubt her own resolve.
Seeming to understand her conflicting thoughts, he nodded encouragingly, “I know that can be a difficult thing, and you’re not the first person to think so. Working out brings on a euphoric state, essentially a drug. It can be challenging to let go.”
Frowning, she knew she would have to take all of this into consideration. “So, exactly what were you looking for, with all of the testing?”
“There’s a rare condition that young female athletes can get,” the doctor explained, “With three possible effects on their bodies, a triad of sorts. They can get weak bones, which yours are fine. They also may develop eating disorders, which you are not underweight and your blood work came back normal.”
“And,” he hesitated slightly, “They can get amenorrhea, which is the absence of menstruation. It affects girls and young women, from early teens to late twenties, and they can have one, two, or all three of the conditions. Since your menarche came so late, I strongly suspect the exercise could be a contributing factor. We’ll know more when you stop working so hard. And that reminds me, you’ll need to start using some type of birth control.”
Tori raised her brow.
“In case that’s the reason, you could become pregnant once your cycle becomes more normal. If you do have scarring, we don’t want that to happen until it’s been taken care of.” He smiled at her, and her heart began to pound.
Oh my God, I need birth control… so I don’t become pregnant. She wasn’t sure if the butterflies were there out of excitement, or terror, but they suddenly danced out of control.
Discussing the options, Dr. Lazenby put her on a mild oral contraceptive and told her to back off from the exercise for six months. After that, they would meet to see about doing the procedure and go from there.
Tori felt numb as she paid her bill and made an appointment for six months out as she left. Taking deep breaths, she focused on relaxing as she climbed into her old truck. Only time will tell baby girl, no use getting tense too soon.
She found herself in high spirits as she picked up her prescription and drove home, her hopes of having a family brighter than ever before, even if she did have to give up on a bit of her wo
rkouts. Besides, with the Scorpions out of the picture, I don’t have to be so worried; so concerned about being at the top of my game any longer.
Hiding her pills carefully until she had time to discuss them with her husband, Tori carried on business as usual around the house. With only a few days before Brian was to leave, she wanted to spend every moment of that time with him, sharing and doing the things that they loved.
The evening before his departure turned out to be the most difficult for the pair of them to bear. As they finished their dinner and moved into the living room to play together for the last time, the mood was less festive than it had been in weeks.
Noticing his foul features while he held his instrument listlessly and half-heartedly strummed a few riffs, Tori spoke out in anger at his attitude. “I don’t see what you’re so upset about. You’re going home tomorrow, but it’s not the end of the world. We’ll see each other again, and besides, you miss your life. Admit it.”
Brian didn’t look up, “I admit it.” Tori laughed out loud, the sound surprising him and he lifted his gaze to stare at her. “You have a beautiful laugh,” he told her in earnest, “And you don’t use it enough.”
“I know,” her smile lessened a bit at his doleful expression, “But I’m learning.”
“It’s not too late, ya know.” Fuck me, I promised I would leave her alone, but he couldn’t help himself, “It’s spectacular up north when winter comes. You would love New Jersey, and I even have that place in Florida. Have you ever lived on the beach?”
Tori only nodded, having heard all of this before, “I know, Danny,” she gasped a small sigh as she put her black and white beauty away, “But I don’t belong there. I belong here, with Michael and the life we’re building.”
She thought of her hidden package, smiling to herself. “Please understand, and don’t make this any harder than it has to be.” Standing, she left him alone, heading to the shower and turning in early to avoid any further badgering.
A New Life Series - Finisher Set Page 23
