Forgiven (Touched Series #2)

by Vicki Green

  “Off to class soon?” He smirks.

  My eyes roll of their own accord. Stormy is rubbing off on me again. “I don’t have any classes today, Dad. But I do need to study, later. And with Celia’s funeral….” Sheesh!

  He looks down at his breakfast, taking a bite and then looks back at me. “Yes, I can understand that. It will be a sad day today. Glad you don’t have any classes. I was just telling your mom, with your great common business sense and your degree in business it would be great if you came to work at the company after you graduate. You could even do some things now, in your spare time, if you’d like. There’s a corner office with your name on it.” Beats go by as he just looks at me. Here we go.

  “Um, Dad. I’m not sure what I want to do yet. I was kind of thinking about helping out at the restaurant, help get it up and running and see where that leads.” My eyes close as I wait for the unleashing that’s about to ensue. Silence. This could go two ways, and I’m thinking it will not be the ‘good’ way.

  I open my eyes when he clears his throat and look at him, my heart beating fast with what’s about to hit. “Actually, that’s a really great idea.” What? “I’m sure Stormy would appreciate that and with me designing and contracting the renovation, if you could help get the PR work going and figures working, it would help out a lot. Thanks, son.” Wow, didn’t see that coming. I’m in shock.

  “Stormy would appreciate what?” We all turn our heads when she walks into the room. Her smile huge as she fixes herself a plate of food and grabs orange juice from the fridge. She looks radiant today, her cleavage protruding from the half white tank top that ends barely under her breasts, and her legs looking extremely long in her short, blue jean shorts. I lick my lips as I scour her body. Mom kicks me under the table, and I shake my head coming out of my trance.

  “Uh, was just thinking about helping get your restaurant up and running. Do you mind?” My eyes widen in hope for her answer. She turns, her smile overwhelming me and winks. Bringing her plate and juice over to the table, she sits down next to me, the smile still glowing on her beautiful face.

  “I’d love that actually,” she says leaning over with her chin resting on her hand, elbow on the table.

  “You know Knox will be working over there, overseeing the contractor and crews and I’ll help out too. But first…. We need to get ready for today,” Mom speaks up as she butters a piece of toast. I watch as Stormy sits back in her chair, her face morphing from a glowing smile to one of grief.

  “Way to ruin the mood, Mom,” I grumble as I take a bite of my eggs. Moving my eyes to Stormy, I see her lightly push her plate away, her eyes down, and I’m sure her appetite is gone. “Hey,” she looks at me when I take her chin in my hand and lift her face, “eat. You’ll need your strength today. Celia would want you to be strong and wouldn’t want you to be sad and not eat. Do it for her.” Her smile is small, but I will take whatever I can get.

  Mom reaches across me, placing her hand on Stormy’s with concern and worry on her face. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. I didn’t mean to ruin your happiness but we only have about an hour before we need to leave.” Stormy looks over at Mom and sighs.

  “I know. I guess I just want to get it over with but at the same time, I’m not ready to say goodbye.” I see wetness in her eyes and my heart breaks for her.

  “Oh, honey. Just remember, you’re not really saying goodbye, you’re saying until later. You will see each other again. It just won’t be for a long time but know she’s in your mind, heart and soul, so she’s really not too far away.”

  I place my arm around Stormy’s shoulder, and she leans into me, a tear rolling down her face. “Thank you, Jade. I’ll be fine. I just need a little time to come to terms with losing her but in the end, I know she’ll always be with me,” she says brushing the tear away.

  Not long after, we all disperse to our rooms to get ready for the service. Once I’ve changed into my suit I step out into the hallway and look across into Stormy’s room. She’s just standing there, gorgeous in her black dress with black high heels, staring into the full length mirror. Quietly walking into her room, I bring my arms around her waist, her beautiful eyes look at mine in the mirror, and she sighs. “I never wore dresses very often. Mom always loved me in them, but I was such a tomboy.” She sighs again and smooths out the front of her dress, staring at it.

  I lay my chin on her shoulder. “You’re beautiful.” Her eyes snap up to mine, and she smiles.

  “You have to say that because you love me.” She stares into my eyes, our reflection in the mirror showing how well we look together, and her eyebrows suddenly crease, her eyes gleaming with a questioning look. “Why do you love me so much, Bo? I’m nothing but trouble.”

  My heart once again breaks for this girl I love. “Because. Deep down, you have a heart of gold. You are the sweetest person I know, beautiful inside and out and because I fell in love with you when you were an innocent girl, one who knew no wrong in the world, one that captured my heart, not ever letting go.” She turns in my arms, her mouth pressing against mine in an instant and right then, right now, the girl I love is in my arms, the one that stole my heart so long ago. Our mouths move together when she finally breaks free, and I lean my forehead against hers. “Come. Let’s go say goodbye to your wonderful mom and begin your life again. Your mom will be so proud of you. Start over fresh, start over with your new family for support. Let me love you and protect you. I’ve given my heart to you.”

  She looks up and smiles. “If only I could forget the past, but I’ll try. I wish I could tell you….” She shakes her head as her smile grows. “Never mind. No more sadness today. Let’s go celebrate Mom’s life.” She takes my hand and I follow eagerly.

  ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

  I’m not even nervous as I stand looking at my mom. She’s beautiful. She almost looks like she’s just sleeping, but my heart knows better. Leaning over I place a kiss on her cheek, a tear drops on her face and I leave it, hoping she’ll take a small piece of me with her. I know she’s already gone though. I turn around, walking to the front row and not looking up at the small crowd of people in the church. My mom made a lot of friends while working at the restaurant so the small church is rather full. I sit down beside Bo, his arm moving around my shoulder quickly, but again, I don’t look up. I only stare at my clasped hands in my lap, afraid that if I look around I will begin sobbing uncontrollably. The minister stands at the podium, speaking loving words of the only person who’s ever truly mattered to me, ever given me the love that I didn’t deserve and the one person I could always count on to be there for me, no matter all the wrongs that I did in my young life. She always told me my life would turn around, someday, that I would become something that I could be proud of. God, I hope she’s right. All the guilt I’ve felt for so many years overwhelms me until I hear the minister’s voice breaking me free from my thoughts. “So, I ask you to join me in celebrating the wonderful and caring life of Celia Reece, beloved mother and loving friend to all who met her.” Everyone stands and Bo takes one of my hands, helping me to rise and then the tears flow endlessly down my face as I watch the minister bless my mom over her casket. I numbly sit back down with the rest of my row, Jade squeezing my shoulder, Bo and Knox sitting down silently and my eyes shift past Knox to see Pearl had made it after all.

  Once the crowd is gone, Knox rises and stands before me and I look up at his serene face. “We’ll just give you a moment alone. We’ll be in the lobby when you’re ready.” I can only nod as he leans down and places a kiss on my cheek. Jade leans over and does the same and then I look up to see Pearl standing in Knox’s place. She leans down and hugs me, my arms not moving to hug her back as I can’t seem to move.

  “I’m so sorry, honey. Know that I love you and I am here for you. Celia was a great woman and I’ll miss her.” I nod slightly then her arms leave me.

  Bo’s voice w
hispers in my ear, “Do you want me to stay, Peaches? I will if you’d like me to.” My eyes move to his gorgeous and concerned face, and I simply shake my head. “Ok, I’ll be out there waiting for you.” He kisses my cheek as well and then leaves me.

  I wait for a few minutes to make sure everyone is gone, checking to make sure before I rise from my seat. When I reach the casket and look down at my mom for the last time I lose it. It seems so final to shut the lid and I have so many things I want to say. “Mom. I don’t want to let you go. I’ve done so many horrible things and I’m ashamed. I’ve let you down so many times. And now I think I put the Dunway’s lives in jeopardy. I’m scared, Mama.” I bow my head, sobbing until my head hurts and then lean down and kiss her forehead. “Protect me, Mama. I wanna be a good girl again but I need your help. I love you, Mama. Go with God and I’ll see you later.” I turn around, wiping my face with a ton of squished tissues I’ve been holding and hold my head up high as I walk into the lobby.

  Bo looks up as soon as I enter and is by my side immediately. I smile and nod as he leads me from the church and to the limo. I don’t look up as people walk by the limo, then it moves and we make our way to the cemetery. It only takes a few minutes to get there and I take his hand, putting on my sunglasses as he leads me to Mom’s plot. There’s a small gathering, the sun is shining bright and we all stand as the minister says his final words. People begin to leave, touching me, kissing my cheek and I just stand there numbly.

  “We’ll wait for you in the car, honey,” Jade whispers as she walks in front of me.

  I feel Bo’s arm around my waist, and as I turn to him, my arm quickly moves around his waist as I close my eyes and cry into his shoulder. He comforts me, rubbing my back and whispering sweet words in my ear but when I open my eyes, peering over his shoulder, I still. Ricco is standing far away next to a tree, his arms over his chest and sunglasses on his face, but I’d know him anywhere. My eyes scan around and see Jade, Knox and Pearl standing by the limo talking, not noticing him, and then I look back at him. Is it not enough that he attacked me at the apartment? No, it’s not and it won’t be until he has me again or kills me. Panic overwhelms me, and I squeeze Bo tighter.

  “Everything’s going to be okay, Peaches. I’m going to take care of you now. You know that my family has always been your family. We’ll always be here for you,” he whispers in my ear.

  His words should be comforting but all I can think of is how much risk I’ve put them in. I don’t know what to do. Finally, he releases me, bending down so he can look into my eyes and then stands, hugging me again. When I peer over him this time, Ricco is gone. I look around, frantically, but he’s nowhere to be seen.

  “Come. Let me take you home. I think a hot bath with some of your peach salts will work wonders.” I let him take my hand and lead me back to the car all the while my eyes looking around. Jade, Knox and Pearl notice us and get into the limo as we get closer. Once seated the car begins to take me back to a place where I’ve always felt comforted and loved. But now? I’m scared to death for everyone who lives there.

  “So Dad said he designed an apartment over the restaurant along with a couple of offices but it’s huge. I don’t think you should live there though. I’d rather you stay here with us,” Bo’s talking as he sits on the floor by the tub. I’m immersed in bubbles watching my finger move around on top of the water and feeling the wonderful hotness soak through my body. “The crews are starting on the restaurant tomorrow. Aren’t you excited?” I look over at him and smile.

  “I am. I want to help. I want to be a part of it but I don’t want to be in the way.” His smile is beautiful and his sparkling blue eyes light up. “I want to clean the alley. I think that will keep me away from the workers and make me feel like I’m contributing in some small way.”

  “That’s a great idea! I can help.”

  I reach my hand out of the bubbled water and place it on his face, his eyes closing with my touch. “No, thank you. This is something I want to do alone, but I love you for wanting to.” His eyes slowly open and he nods in my hand.

  Later that night I lie in bed awaiting what tomorrow will bring. Knox said I could clean the alley and would be out of the traffic of the crews. I’m prepared for a ton of memories to overtake me as I clean, but it’s something I feel very strong about. My eyes grow heavy, and I let darkness take me.

  “I don’t know why we can’t date. People do it from a distance all the time. I think you’re as stubborn as my mom, Stormy.” Bo stands with his arms crossed, his build is so much stronger now since the last time I’d seen him.

  “I just don’t think it would work, Bo. And I’m stubborn? Psh! You’re just like your mom. Now, hand me that pan over there and let’s finish this pie.” He smirks as he walks over to the counter and brings the pan to me, setting it on the table. He’s such a stubborn ass, thinking we can date when he leaves for college and with the bad choices I’ve made in my life there is no way I want him anywhere near that. I place the apple and cinnamon mixture into the pie crust I had lined in the pan and smooth it around until it’s perfect.

  “You should have your own restaurant, Peaches. You can make anything and it always turns out perfect and delicious.” I laugh as I watch him lick his lips and am memorized by his tongue.

  “Oh, my God! Why can’t you find someone else? I’m not good for you, Bo!” My eyes move around under their lids as another memory claims my mind. It seems like it’s happening right now and I can actually hear his voice. “I’ll only bring you down, hurt you and I don’t want that.”

  “You can’t tell me who to love. Fuck, Stormy! There’s only you. It’s only ever been you.”

  “Bo, go back to college. Find someone who deserves you! I don’t!” I start to walk passed him, but his hand grabs my arm. My long hair flies around me as my head turns quickly.

  “I can’t love anyone else, Peaches. My heart is full with you.” I squeeze my eyes tight, trying to contain the wetness from leaking out. If he only knew what I’ve done he wouldn’t want me.

  “Ungh,” I groan as another memory quickly replaces the other.

  “Do what I say, bitch and your mother will continue to live. Cross me and it’ll give me great pleasure ripping her apart.” He’s pinned me against the wall in the alley, his stale breath making me nauseous and I did what any normal stupid idiot would do, I spit in his face. His hand smacks my face quickly, his growl fierce and I see stars. “Damn, whore! What have I told you about defying me? One day. One day you’ll be dead because you don’t give a damn about yourself or anyone else!”

  My eyes open quickly, my hands aching from clenching my fists so tightly and my breathing erratic as I look around the room. “I’m safe,” I pant. “But for how long?” After sitting and looking out of the window I jump up and get dressed quickly. I do all my bathroom things and then jog down the stairs, into the kitchen, grab a bottled water and sit at the table.

  “You’re up early. Are you excited to get started at the restaurant today?” Jade smiles sweetly as she walks into the kitchen, grabs a cup of coffee and sits down across from me at the table.

  I take a drink of my bottled water and gulp. “I didn’t sleep very well last night but yes! It’s a new day and I’m ready to begin.” She continues to smile as I stand. “I’m going for a run on the beach. I’ll see you in a bit.” She nods as she takes another sip of her coffee, and I head outside. Stopping on the deck I pull on my long ponytail, tightening the band and do some stretches. I decided in the early morning hours as I looked out the window at the ocean that I’m not going to let that scumbag run my life. I’ll do whatever I have to, to keep this family safe and live my life. I begin jogging in place and take off down the stairs, across the lawn and then on the path to the beach. I feel invigorated with the salty breeze blowing against my face as I run on the beach. It’s so serene here, so beautiful that I could run for h
ours or sit here and just look at the ocean. After sweating my ass off, I check my watch and turn around to head back. Time for a shower and get this day started.

  Chapter Five

  Fuck! What a boring day of classes. Closing my book and stowing it and my pencil into my bag, I stand from the cramped small desk and head outside. I stand there for a minute, just breathing in the fresh air, the sun beating down on my face as I tilt it back and close my eyes. It’s been a long day, and I’m ready to head over to the restaurant to see how things are progressing. I had ridden my motorcycle today since it’s so beautiful out. Stormy had texted me earlier and said she had the alley over halfway cleaned and the crews were making great progress inside. I’m so happy for her and hope that this will be the turning point in her life. She deserves it.

  As I start to walk a soft arm stops me from moving. Turning my head, I see it’s one of the girls in my earlier computer science class. Lily? Laura? I can’t remember her name, but she’s very beautiful, long red hair, big blue eyes with long lashes and a killer body. But…. She isn’t Stormy.

  “Hey! I kinda zoned out when Mr. Taylor gave the assignment. Do you mind if I jot down your notes?” She winks and smiles with her question. Cute.

  “Uh, sure. Let me just….” I open my bag and dig around for my notebook from that class. Finally finding it, I throw the bag over my shoulder and flip through the pages until I find the one with today’s notes. When I look up, I see her biting her index fingernail, painted in bright red, and smiling. “Here.” She takes it from my hands and opens her binder, struggling to hold both. I take mine back and smile. “Let me help.”

  “Thank you! The name’s Lydia.” She gets out a pen, her eyes watching what she writes and looks up at me every once in a while. “There!” She puts her pen away, closes her binder as I bring my bag down from my shoulder, open it and put my notebook away. When I look up, she’s biting her fingernail again. “So, you’re new around here. Where are you from?”