I walk to my room and slip on a pair of socks quickly.
“Where are you going?” Hunter says leaning on my door frame.
“Nowhere, my…err…feet are cold. I think I’m going to sleep, I’m too tired and don’t feel well.” I say sitting on the bed.
“Yeah how are you feeling? You were pretty sick back there, if you don’t feel better in the morning you should go to the doctor. I can take you if you like?” he asks genuinely.
“Thanks Hunter, I’ll let you know.” I say putting on my bedside light and opening my bed, trying to get him to leave.
“Night Princess… and… sorry about Jace.” He says sadly as he switches the overhead light off and leaves my room.
I almost flinch at the mention of Jace’s name but recover when I remember what he is most likely doing with Rachelle. I quickly put my shoes on and grab my hand bag and cell phone.
I hear loud noises outside the room and then suddenly the music stops and everything can be heard perfectly.
“So nice of you to join us Raven.” Hunter almost growls.
“Fuck off Hunt…” Jace yells back.
“Next time you busy with a whore, make sure you close the fucking door.” Hunter says louder.
“What’s it to you brother if people see who’s sucking me? Huh?” Jace says back with his smug attitude.
“Well when it comes to Harley, I guess now it becomes my problem. Girl was so sick she couldn’t even walk straight, saw you with that bitches face in your lap working you, got her even sicker, I spent the last twenty minutes with her face over the toilet. So now I say, shut the fucking door next time Raven.” Hunter roars.
“Fuck.” I hear bustling and movement. “Where is she? Is she okay? Let me get to her.”
I don’t wait to hear the rest because I’m already making my way out the window looking to see if the fire escape still reaches the ground safely and if the ladder works. Thank goodness it works perfectly, I make my way down quickly ignoring the loud smashing and banging noises coming from upstairs. The ladder stopped a few feet above the ground but I land on my feet just fine.
I’m in the alley behind the bar leading to dads mechanic shop. I quickly run past and place the hoody over my head so the bikers that are standing on the street don’t notice me. I know there’s a Diner on the next street and I need something to eat, I’m starving.
As soon as I’m in front of the Diner I pull back the hood of my jacket and walk in. I order food and sit in the corner away from any windows. The phone Anna bought me starts vibrating; Jace’s name pops up on the screen. It rings a couple more times. It rings again and I watch as my dad’s name comes up on my screen. I sigh knowing I have to answer him, I don’t want him worrying about me.
“Hello?”
“Harley! Thank God! Where are you? Are you okay?” he asks worriedly.
“Daddy I’m fine, just getting something to eat, the apartment is full and I…just needed to get out.” I stutter, I hate lying to my father but I suppose the story is partly true.
There’s silence on the other side of the line and I can hear his deep breathing. When he speaks it’s in a softer tone, “I’m sorry about last night baby girl, I didn’t mean to get angry with you and I never want you to feel that you can’t come home. I know the club is not…err….perfect for you but me and Ann need you with us. We’ve been without you for too long and we want you safe…with us.”
I feel a tear slip down my cheek and watch as it hits the table, I wipe it away with the sleeve of my jacket, “It’s okay daddy we’ll talk about it when you guys are home, I have to go, foods here. Please drive safely tomorrow. Love you guys.”
“Okay my girl, send me a message when you are home safe okay? Love you Harley.” He says as he ends the call.
An older lady brings over my food and I quickly wipe away any remaining tears, my face is probably all puffy and red but I’m too exhausted to worry about that .She lingers by the table looking sadly at me as she places my plate in front of me then she gives me a small smile and pats my back, I give her a reassuring smile and that seems to make her happy as she strolls away.
I relax and eat the cheeseburger I ordered, I’m starving and I know it won’t stay down for long but I need to eat something. I try to keep thoughts of Jace out of my head, trying to think of anything other than him is hard. I think about my mom back home and how she’s doing. Even though she was hardly around when I was there, now that I’m not with her I really do miss her.
CHAPTER 13
I hear the bell of the door go off and I hear a bunch of rowdy guys come in laughing and joking. I try to scoff down as much food as I can quickly so I can get out of here, I don’t look up to see who they are and it’s unlikely I know any of them but I’d rather be alone than in this noisy Diner.
I keep my eyes on my food and ignore the noise as it comes closer toward where I’m sitting in the back corner.
“Harley? Is that you?” I hear a familiar voice. I freeze hoping if I ignore them they will get the picture and leave.
I hear their footsteps as they walk toward me then I see their shoes in my line of vision. I slowly raise my eyes and look at them.
I don’t get a chance to respond as I’m being lifted into large warm arms, I squeal as he pulls me from my chair making it scrape against the floor.
“Oh my God, I was so worried about you.” He lets out a deep breathe, “I tried calling a couple of times but you didn’t answer?” Brent says as he finally puts me down and looks at me almost inspecting me.
“Brent…my phone broke in the crash. Dad transferred my number though to my new phone but I hardly answer anyone’s calls these days. What are you doing here already? Doesn’t your semester start in a couple weeks?” I sit back down and he sits opposite me taking a fry off my plate and eating it, I shake my head and smile. Typical Brent…
“I came up early to stay with my cousins, wanted to check things out and all. The best parties are before college starts.” He winks at me, then his expression falters, “Wait, what do you mean your semester?” he raises his eyebrow.
“I pulled out of full time, decided to study through correspondence. No big deal.” I say taking a sip of my Coke.
“Yeah Harley it is a big deal, you won’t get to enjoy everything the College has to offer , you’re going to miss out on so much.” He says sadly.
“Brent things have changed, now I have more responsibilities and I have to do things on my own, before, when I was with…him…things were easier but now that I’m not, this…this is the way it has to be. This is what’s best for me.” I try my best to give him a smile but it doesn’t quite reach my lips. I can’t eat anymore, apart from being full, I’ve lost my appetite. I push my plate away.
He looks at me genuinely, and then places his large rough hand on top of mine, I tense and look up at him.
“Have you been crying?” he says softly.
“No.” I say pulling my hand away trying to avoid his gaze.
“You are a terrible liar babe, how have you been? How are you doing?” he says in a caring tone.
“I’ve been better…but I’m getting there. It’s funny how when you feel things are finally looking up for you and you think you can lose those crutches that’s been keeping you up, something gets in the way, trips you and you fall a few more steps back but yeah…I’m getting there.” I say out loud thinking more to myself than him.
He’s quiet still looking at me with sad eyes. “You are so strong Harley, you don’t deserve what he did. He didn’t deserve you babe, you can do so much better. I can’t believe he did that to you. You were so good to him and he fucked it all up.” He runs his hand through his thick messy blond hair and whispers the last bit as if not wanting me to hear.
“If it makes you feel better he hasn’t been himself since you left that night. After your accident, he blamed himself, he wanted to see you and speak to you, try explain to you why-”
I interrupt him, “Brent…no…I don’t
want to hear this and I don’t want to speak about him or hear how he’s doing. I want to forget him and that night. Please.” I beg him.
“Sup Brent, who’s the hottie?” Some jock comes over to us and puts his hand on Brent’s shoulder and looks down at me winking. I just shake my head and look to Brent who’s now eating my half eaten burger and drinking the rest of my soda. I smile, many people have changed through the years but Brent has stayed the same no matter what. Of course he’s flirty and always joking around with me but he will always be like a big brother to me. I shouldn’t have shut him out like I did, guess he’s really one of the true good friends I did have.
“Trevor, meet Harley, Harley this is my cousin. Trevor, off limits got it?” Brent says with his mouth full of food glaring at his cousin.
Trevor greets me but I hear the door bells go off again and once again I tremble praying Jace hasn’t found me. Instead in walks a group of the girls that hang around the club, Rachelle included.
What the hell? Is this the local hang out or what?
“Why do you look so jumpy every time the bell rings?” Brent asked confused.
Trevor looks at the door and spots the group of barely clothed girls. His lip curls in disgust, “Argh…look what the cats dragged in.” He winks at me then walks back to his table with the other guys.
I look down at my hands, shake my head and let out a deep breath, “Tell me about it.”
“You know those chicks? Please don’t tell me you hang out with them.” Brent says looking at me worried pushing my now empty plate to the side.
I almost want to stand up to the girls and ask him what he means but I know exactly what he means , he thinks we are better than them and I shouldn’t be associated with girls like that but I don’t stand up for them. Look where it got me last time? Those girls did this to themselves…
“Nah…don’t know them but know of them.” I look back to where Rachelle was minutes before and I look up just in time to see her walking towards me.
“Harley, I’m so sorry about earlier. I heard you saw us.” She looks down at her long red fake fingernails ashamed.
“No Rachelle, don’t bother apologizing to me. I stood up for you last night. That dude was double my size and I fucking hit him with a bat for you. I risked mine and my child’s safety for you, only for you to act like the slut that they were accusing you of being. Then I find you sucking him off? No-” I shake my head, “-don’t bother, I’m done with apologies, they don’t mean shit.” I get up and throw money on the table, enough for the meal and a big enough tip.
“Y…your child?” Brent stutters, in my angry state I forgot he was even around.
“Oh. My. God, you’re pregnant. I…I’m so sorry Harley, I don’t know what I was thinking-” Rachel trembles but I ignore her and Brent and run out the Diner.
I’m leaning on the side of the wall trying to get my breathing to return to normal, I can’t have a panic attack out here.
Breathe…just breathe Harley…In…out…in…
“Harley! Wait! Shit, you need to stop running away like that!” Brent comes running up to me out of breath leaning his hand on his knees hunching over.
“I’m sorry…” I mumble finally catching my breath looking up at him as he stands up, waiting to see the judgment in his eyes.
“You’re pregnant?” he simply says.
“It’s not his Brent, don’t ask me questions…just know, it’s not his…” It’s mine, I don’t say that out loud though.
He looks at me with a shocked expression on his face and then surprises me by pulling me in for a hug. “You need anything babe, you call me.”
“Thanks.” I say squeezing him tight.
“Come with us to the park? I’ll take you home after. Please?” he begs me.
“Okay...” I smile and he pulls me along to his truck where all the guys are already sitting on the back making a ruckus.
We’re sitting at the park in the middle of the night, I’m sitting next to Brent as I watch the other few guys hanging around down by the pond all chatting and laughing with drinks in their hands.
The park is my favorite place around here, it’s so beautiful and peaceful especially at night.
“So who was that chick and why did you hit some guy with a bat?” Brent says interrupting my thoughts.
I sigh knowing he isn’t about to let me get away with it.
“Well last night, she was struggling to get this guy that was forcing himself onto her so when he didn’t listen to me telling him to stop, I got a baseball bat. I hit him a couple times and yelled at all these guys when they called her a slut. When they told me that she was doing her job I defended her but then…” I mumble not really wanting to bring up the memory of seeing them together.
“Then what babe?” Brent says looking intensely at me obviously engrossed in my story.
“Then I kinda found her…with Jace a few hours ago…she was um…giving him head.” I say sadly but he looks confused.
“Who’s Jace?” he asks.
“He’s the guy that I crashed into and well it’s complicated, I don’t know what we are or what we were. It’s weird but I thought we were together because he kind of acted like we were but I guess I was wrong. I suppose I can’t even be upset with him or what he did. It reminded me of the whole Caleb and Ashley thing.” I say sadly wiping away a stray tear and looking away from him, not wanting him to see my watery eyes.
Brent pulls me closer to him so I’m snuggled into his side and puts his arm over mine. “I’m sorry you have bad taste babe.” This makes me laugh underneath him and his chuckle joins mine.
“Do you want me to beat him up for you?” He winks.
“Who do we have to beat up?” Trevor says lying next to me leaning on his elbows.
“Sweetie, no offence…Jace will destroy you. Both of you. Same time.” I tease them and they chuckle, little do they know that all of what I’m saying is true.
We hear the roar of motorcycles come up and I know my time is up. I roll my eyes and snuggle closer to Brent, he smiles at me then looks up to the parking lot to see a couple bikes as they park.
“Wonder what these guys want.” Trevor says twisting his head to see a couple of guys jump off their bikes. I turn my head back to the pond, wishing that I had a little more time to enjoy the peace.
“They’re here for me.” I simply say and both boys’ heads whip around to look at me.
“What? Whoa! Check out that big dude. Please don’t tell me that’s Jace…” Brent says quickly taking his arm off my shoulder. Good idea…
I take a glance back and turn my head back to the pond.
“Nah that’s Hunter…Jace is scarier.” Brent chokes on his beer and I chuckle.
“Bad taste huh?” I say winking.
“Princess, up…let’s go.” Hunter simply says. I let out a deep breath and Brent helps me up. Hunter gets in between us but I manage to slide past him and grab Brent in for a hug. He feels so familiar and harmless. I whisper in his ear, “I’ll call you and we can catch up okay?” I try pull away but he pulls me back tighter against him.
He whispers in my ear, “Are you safe with him Harley?”
“Yeah…he’s good.” I’m safe with Hunter…not so sure about Jace though. I kiss his cheek and he smiles. I swear I hear Hunter grumble from behind me but I don’t care.
Brent reluctantly lets go and Hunter takes my small hand in his. He pulls me along with him up the hill back to where their bikes are parked.
“Raven isn’t going to like that.” he says as he puts a helmet on my head and makes sure everything is buckled tight.
“What?” I ask confused.
“You cuddling up to the Jock, he won’t like that….I don’t like that.” he shakes his head.
“He’s the only friend I have left here, I don’t care what anyone says. I’ve lost too much already, I’m not losing him.” I say looking away from Hunters concerned face.
“I’m your friend Harley. Aren’t I
?” hunter says and I look at him and I notice he looks hurt.
I smile at him and squeeze his large muscular tattoo covered arm. “Yeah…you are. Thank you Hunter.” He smiles at me and seems more relaxed.
“Okay good, where’s my kiss then? Huh?” He gives me a cheeky grin. I’m not fooled by his good looks, I know a player when I see one but I oblige and give him a kiss on his cheek as he bends down.
“Thank you for looking after me in the bathroom tonight and…everything else.” He smiles at me.
“You’re welcome Princess. Let’s get you home before Rave rips the entire club house to shit.” Hunter says climbing on the bike motioning for me to climb on behind him.
Arriving at the house, I don’t know what to expect. As I get off the motorbike, Hunter helps me take off the helmet. I looked up at the dark apartment above the bar and shiver. I’m scared. I text Anna telling her I’m home safe and delete all the missed calls from Jace and a few unknown numbers.
Hunter places his heavy arm over my shoulders and guides me in.
“Don’t stress cupcake, he won’t do anything you don’t want him to. I’ll be right there.” He takes my hand and guides me in.
The noise gets louder as we head up the stairs. I hear banging and a few guys shouting. I hear glass cracking and I shiver. Hunter squeezes my hand.
We open the door and Hunter stands in front of me. I sneak a peek from behind him as I watch three guys holding Jace down on the floor as he continues to scream and shout at them.
“Where the fuck is she? You need to find her!” He screams out loud, he pulls his hair roughly rocking back and forth as he sits there. “Why do I have to fuck up everything?” he mumbles and the guys continuously tell him to calm down.
I move around Hunter, I don’t like the way they’re holding Jace down and even though I should hate him, I want to make sure they don’t hurt him.
I step closer and I feel Hunter step up behind me. A few guys notice and then Jace looks over their shoulders and his raging eyes spot me.
This Broken Beautiful Thing Page 11
