by Megan Smith
I could never hate Jaylinn but I wasn’t exactly being nice to her either, she could have talked to me. “And what does this not exactly have to do with Hunter?”
Wait for it, wait for it… “We were thinking of going to their family house in Tennessee. Jay says no one is renting it until sometime in January.”
That sometime in January was my honeymoon. I got chills and felt sick. Would I get past this? Would we be able to move on from this and be a strong couple? Eventually maybe, but right now I just wasn’t sure.
“I don’t know if that’s such a good idea.” I don’t think I can handle being in the house that held so many memories, the house where I’d lost my virginity to the man I was supposed to marry.
“It’s a great idea. Pack your bags, we’re leaving this weekend.” Hailey said as she moved towards the door.
“What about Hunter? I’m taking Ryder with me which means Hunter isn’t going to see him for a few days.” I was backpedaling trying to get out of going.
She put her hands on her hips, “Stop trying to get out of it. You’re going. Hunter is already taken care of.”
Of course he is.
I had to think of a way to get out of this. I didn’t feel like having a girls’ getaway. I wanted to stay in my room, in this house where I have been for the last fourteen days.
Hailey
I shut the door before MacKenzie could even try and come up with another reason for not going.
Mason was leaning against the wall, hands in his pocket, ankles crossed. Damn he’s sexy. Dark hair all tousled from me running my hands through it, arms and chest flexing every time he moved.
I was biting my bottom lip when he caught me ogling over him, he smirked. “Asshole,”
He laughed.
I padded to his room and bounced on his bed. I heard Mason walk in behind me but he didn’t say anything, he didn’t make a move to come towards me. I leaned up on my elbows; there was an uncertainty in his expression, “What’s wrong?”
He stood there staring at me for a long moment, “Do you think this is the right thing to do?”
Mason and I talked earlier today. Both Hunter and MacKenzie were miserable without each other. They weren’t going to solve anything if they didn’t talk. Hunter’s little trick with the seashells hasn’t worked yet, I’m not even sure she noticed that they were spelling out I’m sorry over and over again. Mason still beat himself up over the fact that he’d stood in their way of being together, but he was only trying to protect her from this mess that she’d gotten into anyway. He wanted to see her smile and be the kid sister that she used to be.
“Maybe. Maybe not.” I didn’t really know one way or the other if this was going to work.
Jaylinn, Chloe, MacKenzie and I were going to head down to the house on Thursday after my last class; we were calling it a girls’ weekend even though MacKenzie would have Ryder. I was picking my battles, I wasn’t about to tell her to leave him with Hunter or her mom. Everyone was in on our weekend, except Hunter and MacKenzie that is.
I got Cooper and Jackson in on our plan to try and force Hunter and MacKenzie to talk. Cooper was all about it, Jackson not so much.
“Don’t you think you involve yourself in their lives enough?” Jackson asked, glaring at me.
I was pacing the family room, “Yes I know, but now I’m trying to make up for that. Look, they have to talk about this and with Kenz hiding in her room, in this house, every day, nothing’s gonna get solved. We all hid something from her and she handled that pretty damn well.”
Jackson raised his eyebrows. Cooper chuckled.
“Ok so maybe she didn’t talk to us for a couple of weeks but she forgave us. We’re family, we fight, we argue, but at the end of the damn day we love each other.” Damn, now I sound like a sap.
“He’s right Jackson, you know he is. We have to at least try. If she gets too pissed off or tries to leave then we pack our shit and get a motel room or some shit.” Cooper said.
Jackson shook his head, “Fine, but if this weekend goes to hell I’m blaming it on you.”
Of course he would, I was always taking the blame for everything, most of the shit was caused by me so yeah, whatever.
“Deal. I’m going to talk to Hunter and figure out when we can leave.” Thank God we stopped talking about it because a few minutes later MacKenzie came downstairs with Ryder.
I looked over at Jackson and Cooper; both had picked up the X-box remotes and acted like they were waiting for the game to start while I stood there like a jackass.
“Hey guys.” MacKenzie said when she walked in the room.
Cooper and Jackson grunted hello while I just stared at her, waiting for her wrath because she’d caught us talking about ambushing her.
“Mase, everything ok?” she asked.
“Yup, everything’s fine.” Maybe she didn’t hear.
“Can you hold him while I go make a bottle?” She was handing Ryder over before I even had a chance to respond.
I grabbed the little man from MacKenzie, and it was no sooner than she walked out of the room, that he threw up all down the front of my brand new Hurley T-shirt.
“What the fuck?” I yelled, scaring Ryder.
Cooper and Jackson burst out laughing; MacKenzie came running back in to us.
Then, of course, she started laughing too.
“Oh relax; it’s just a little throw up. I’m sure you’ve puked on yourself before.”
So what if I had? It didn’t smell anything like this did.
I handed Ryder over, “I’m never having kids!”
Hailey decided to walk in at that moment, “You sure about that big guy?”
Fuck me!
Being back at work this week sucked, but at least it was distracting me for a little while. I started running again every morning, needing to clear my head to get me through the day. CC’s mom’s house was a little more than two miles from where I lived, so every morning I would get up before dawn, throw on some clothes, grab one of the seashells from CC’s collection downstairs and start my run.
The mornings were freezing and it hurt my lungs to breathe in the cold air, but it was refreshing at the same time and it never lasted long once I started sweating. When I made it to CC’s house I’d grab the key from under a rock by the front door and let myself in. Elle was normally already up and in the kitchen when I’d get there. She’d peek her head around the corner, see that it was me and give me a nod. That was the all clear sign. I’d make my way upstairs, draw a letter on the shell; place it in front of the door and leave. If CC was awake, Elle would start coughing and I’d quickly shut the door and leave the shell on the porch for her to put it by the door later.
This morning, after my run, I stopped at my mom’s before I went into work.
“Morning Ma,” I said as I stripped off my sweat soaked sweat shirt.
“I’m making some eggs, do you want some?” she asked from the kitchen.
“No thanks, not really hungry.” I answered. I hadn’t really been eating all that much since all this shit went down.
“Hunter,” Mom said sternly, “You’re eating, now get in here.” When Mom says something you do it without question.
I grabbed a cup of coffee and took a seat at the breakfast bar. “I need to talk to Jason.”
She sighed loudly and dumped the eggs on two plates, then took a seat next to me.
“I know you do. I wish you wouldn’t though.” she said sadly.
“I need to know that he’s not going to come after us, I need to make sure I don’t have anything to worry about with Ryder and CC.” I didn’t want to talk to that dickbag at all, but I knew in order for me to move on I had to.
“I understand.” She put her fork down and pushed away from the table before she’d even finished eating.
“Ma, don’t worry, everything will be ok.”
She stopped and turned to look at me, “I hope so Hunter. I hate that man for what he did to you two; hate what he did to al
l of us.” When she said all of us I knew she meant CC as well.
She left the kitchen; I finished my breakfast alone and then ran back towards home.
As soon as I arrived my phone started ringing.
“Hello?”
“Hey dude. Got any plans this weekend?” Mason asked.
“Ha, are you trying to be funny?” He was always busting my balls and I knew it was his way of making sure I was really ok.
“No, not at all. Look, the guys want to get together and get out of Jersey. Do you think you can see if we can use the house in Tennessee?”
“Hang on. I’ll go boot up my laptop and take a look.” I walked into the family room where my laptop was sitting on the desk. I wiggled the mouse and typed in the address.
“It’s loading now.” The rental screen popped up. “It’s free until…” my voice trailed off. It was free until I blocked it off for my honeymoon with CC.
“Good, it’s free. What time do you get done with work on Friday?” Mason asked.
I was grateful that he hadn’t asked what I was about to say. “Friday I get done at three.”
“Make sure your bags are packed, we’ll swing by and pick you up.” I heard some whispering in the background and I figured it was just Mason telling Hailey what was going on.
“Dude, why don’t we just go in the morning? We aren’t going to get there until after midnight.” Who the hell would want to drive on possibly snowy ass roads? “And what about Ryder? I don’t see him enough now as it is.”
“You aren’t going to see him anyway. Hailey is taking CC to the shore house for the weekend.”
I was glad that she was getting out, but was a little pissed off that I wouldn’t have the chance to see Ryder. “Alright, then I’ll be ready.”
“Thanks man and don’t worry, I’ll have plenty of alcohol.”
I was sure as hell going to need it.
After I had my talk to Jason and found out the real reason why he was here, I was getting my girl and Ryder back. Not having her with me was slowly killing me and I just couldn’t take much more. I wasn’t pushing CC to talk to me because I knew she needed the time. I just hoped she could figure out a way to forgive me after this.
I had no idea how to contact Jason, but I went to the one person I knew would. After work on Thursday night, I stopped at the hospital. I wasn’t sure of Lynn’s schedule, but at least I’d be able to find out if she wasn’t here.
I went up to the fifth floor and stepped out of the elevator. I shivered from all the memories this floor held for me. I walked up to the nurses’ station. There were two nurses, but I didn’t recognize either one from the last time I was here.
“Can we help you?” The nurse with the black hair said.
I folded my hands and leaned my elbows on the desk, “Yeah, can you tell me if Lynn is working today?”
The girls exchanged a look, “She’s here but actually on break. Do you know where the cafeteria is?” The other, heavy set nurse asked.
“Yes.”
“She said she was running down there to grab some dinner, but I’m afraid she’s not alone.” She explained.
“Oh okay, thanks.” I went back to the elevators. Hopefully she’s with Jason and I can knock out two birds with one stone.
When I stepped into the cafeteria it was bustling with nurses, doctors and other hospital staff. I grabbed a bottle of water and was looking around for Lynn and possibly Jason. I paid for my water and took a look in the other dining room where I spotted Lynn and Jason in a corner booth.
My hands start to shake with anger, I hated this man. I couldn’t stand to look at him. I didn’t know how I was going to get through a conversation with him without wanting to punch the shit out of his face.
Lynn spotted me coming in her direction, she said something to Jason and he turned to look at me. He stood as I approached. “Hunter.”
“Jason.” Dickbag.
I looked over at Lynn who put her head down. Figures.
“Let’s go outside and talk, son.” Jason said, the smell of cigarettes lingering on him.
“I’m not your son.” I seethed.
Jason laughed, “Yes of course, I forgot, your mother got herself pregnant with a bastard child.”
I’m glad there’s hatred, the feeling’s mutual. What my mother ever saw in this asshole was beyond me. We strode outside and around the building, Lynn chose to come too. Jason sparked up a cigarette, blowing the smoke in my direction. What a dickhead.
He shifted slightly over to my right, “What do you want, Hunter?”
“Why do you keep calling our houses and not saying anything?”
Lynn was shooting daggers at Jason. Hope you know what you’re getting yourself into bitch.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, that wasn’t me.” Jason answered.
“I want to know why you’re back. What do you want?” I asked.
“I’m not here for you, Jaylinn, or that piece of shit mother of yours.”
The anger gripped me and took over; I got up in Jason’s face, “Don’t talk about Mom like that. She’s more of a parent than you’ll ever be. Just look at that whore you call a daughter. She damn near killed my fiancé and your grandson. Did you know about that, Dad?”
Lynn stepped up and put her hand on Jason’s chest and pushed him back a little.
Jason looked at Lynn in confusion, but then asked me, “Is that how her car got wrecked?”
I don’t know why he was asking me, “Shouldn’t you be asking her that?”
Lynn had her mouth covered with one hand and the other clutched Jason’s arm. “Oh my God, Hunter, we had no idea it was her.” Lynn said.
“Yeah well, you wouldn’t would you? You just pick and choose when you want to be a dad.” I spoke to Jason. “And you aren’t any better, Lynn. What was with all the flirting and longing looks you were giving me while you were caring for CC?”
Jason looked over at Lynn with disgust. “It wasn’t like that, Hunter.”
It was my turn to laugh this time, “Could’ve fooled me. Why do you think CC had your ass kicked out of our house in a week?”
They both just looked at me, putting the events together.
“I need to ask one favor. It’s the least you could do after everything you’ve ever put us through.” I glanced over at Lynn, “Make sure he tells you about Jaylinn being naked in the crib with tape over her mouth. It’s a funny story that Dad should tell you.”
Lynn gave Jason a questioning look, but he ignored her, “What do you want?”
“Don’t ever come near us. Don’t try and talk to us. Just disappear like we did on you. If you try to contact any of us, we’ll go to the police and confess to Brittany leaving the scene of the accident.”
They both shared a look, then Jason regarded me for a few minutes before he spoke, “Fine.”
“Make sure you warn Brittany too.” I gave them one last look, then turned on my heel and left them standing there.
Now that this situation was handled I needed my family back and I would stop at nothing to get them.
Hailey was on her way over and I hadn’t even packed yet, she was going to kill me. Maybe she’d leave me at home. Ha, I could dream right? I figured it’d be easier to pack everything for Ryder first, since he had so much shit that I needed to take.
I was downstairs cleaning out a few bottles when Hailey walked into the kitchen with Mason behind her. “Kenz, are you serious? You’re not even packed are you?”
“Almost,” I lied. I was only about half way done.
Mason came over and hip checked me, “Go get ready, Hailey’s looking forward to this.” He reached for the bottle brush.
I sighed, I knew she was. I just really didn’t want to go anywhere. “Fine, make sure you scrub them good and put them in the bag on the counter.”
I left Mason to clean the rest of the bottles and took off up the stairs with Hailey following close behind me.
“Holy shit! You need a
ll that for three nights?” she asked when she saw all the stuff packed on my bed.
“Yeah and that’s only Ryder’s stuff. My things are going in that bag.” I said as I pointed to my small duffle that sat on my vanity chair.
Hailey grabbed a few things and started lugging them downstairs while I started packing clothes and stuffing them in my bag.
Forty-five minutes later, we were on our way to pick up Jaylinn and Chloe then start our ten hour drive to Tennessee.
Since the house only had two bedrooms, Hailey and I were going to share while Jaylinn and Chloe took the other one. I read most of the way there, not really feeling like participating in the girls’ conversation. I daydreamed about spending time here with Hunter on our honeymoon. He had wanted to go to the islands, somewhere warm, while I was happy staying at the house. We’d planned on taking Ryder with us - neither of us wanted to be that far away from him and I was still feeling guilty about having missed his birth.
“Hey.” Hailey said, bringing me back to reality.
I looked around and noticed that we’d arrived. “Wow, look at this place.”
Everything was snow covered. The branches from the pine trees were hanging low due to the weight of it all. Everything was sparkling; it looked like someone had dumped glitter everywhere.
“I love the winters here.” Jaylinn said, coming up behind me with Ryder snuggled in his little snow suit.
I took him from her and walked over to the banister. I freed his little hand, held his little fist to the snow, and as soon as it touched, he clenched his fist a little tighter. “This is snow, Monkey.”
Jaylinn walked up behind me, followed by Chloe and Hailey, to unlock door. Ryder and I followed them inside.
“I’m going to get a fire started. Kenz, do you remember where the thermostat is?” Jaylinn asked me.
“Yeah,” I walked off to the kitchen to crank the heat and get the chill out of the house.
