Caribbean Dialect Included

"Aren't you gonna do something? He practically assaulted you!"

Natalie's whiny voice was getting to Bree. Still slouched against the locker, she was trying to get her shaky hands to stop. Never in her life has she seen Elijah Johnson so angry that he scared her. Reaching for her wrist that he held to restrain her, she still felt the force of the tightness he used. Everything she planned and executed didn't break him. It was the quick chance of the Shaun-Derek discovery that sent him to that level. Plus the mention of his third-world country girlfriend. Feeding Erica the scenario she gave most people at that time seemed like a sure-fire way for her to turn another girl on the billion-dollar heir. Somewhere along the line, it failed. The newcomer got THE Elijah Johnson more carefree and smiling more when with her; their relationship was filled with so much tension. 

Taking a deep breath, Bree pushed off of the locker and made her way down the hall. Natalie was still yammering beside her, but her shock was dissipating only to be replaced by anger. In her mind, in no way should she be handled that way by anyone, especially a pansy-ass, a fake white, rich boy like Elijah. Back there, her weakness was taking over, prodding her to give up, but now she simply wanted to get back at him for treating her that way. Patting her back pocket, she realized she left her phone in the car. 

"Shit, I need to make -"

"Miss Roberts. Miss Lincoln. Follow me, please." The firm, authoritative voice of the school's principal cut off the little rant she was about to make. She froze in her steps and looked towards the direction he spoke from. Natalie was already frozen, probably thinking of the trouble she was probably in.

"Yes, professor."

They both followed the slightly graying man who made sure they were within reach as he escorted them to his office. The bell ending the first block sounded,  out spilled students who spotted them from afar. One person who had homeroom and was the first to leave class saw her. The entire week he has been calling her, he even tried visiting her at home, but no one seems to be at the place. She was the reason why his folks threatened his future lifestyle. All he wanted was the original video to be destroyed, but it has been shared so often. His father suggested for her to come on board with the blackmailing rumor so he can clear his name. Any word from Bree comes like the gospel to the fickle-minded students at Spencer High. If she got them to believe that golden boy was a cheat, a mama's boy, and a fucking perv towards his sister, she can help them a great deal. Along the way, the rumors died, but there were still talks.
Watching her enter the office, he grumbled at the thought of missing another chance to get her help.

Walking through the door, Natalie and Bree caught the appraising look of the secretary. Without saying a word, she jotted down a few sentences on a notepad then made a call on her desk phone. 
"This way, ladies. Miss Garry, please ask the coach to bring two female sweatsuits to my office," the professor stated as they walked past him. When they made it to his office, he gave the secretary a nod. Costas was mentally tired of these two girls. For their entire school career, it has been one incident after the other. Detentions and suspensions were recorded on their school files, but it meant nothing to him when they randomly attend school then disappear. His wife honestly told him his bleeding heart for the students would send him to an early grave. Lately, his worries and concern were on these two. The counselor prematurely put their 'lack of focus on their home life, but he knew it was something other than that. Through the rumors filtering among the students and a few teachers, Bree had some sort of grudge against Elijah. There were many speculations about that grudge which keep getting wilder and wilder. He deduced it to be a childish issue that seems like a big thing because of her popularity.

Rolling his shoulders to relieve the tension building there, he made a step forward to his office. Both girls wore puppy dog expressions thinking they can get away with whatever they were in trouble for.
"Miss Roberts. Miss Lincoln. Thank you for attending school today. I guess I should congratulate you both for making it to the double-digit mark. Twelve days you've attended school since the opening. Impressive." No smile was on his face with his sarcastic words; he leisurely sat in his chair, fingers tangled with each other as they rest on his stomach, simply eyeing them. The secretary entered with four folders, two heavier than the others and two letters holding the top spot on the pile. They watched on with mild curiosity when he began to place them in order of his liking. 
On the other hand, the secretary left only to have the school's counselor enter along with the coach. 
"Ladies, take the sweatsuits Coach Benedict is offering you and follow Miss Garry, who is waiting for you outside. You have ten minutes to return to this office," Costas ordered. Both began to protest but silenced themselves upon seeing the stern looks from their teachers. 
In their absence, Costas tried to contact their parents once again, and as usual, his only success was with Bree's father.

"Mr. Linc -"

"What did she do this time?" The man said, cutting across his greeting quickly.

"Oh. Forgive my bluntness, but from the exasperated tone in your voice, I sense defeat."

"You're right, professor. I take it that her mother hasn't picked up any of your calls or answered your emails? I, myself, have tried to let her see how dire the situation is; I failed on that, though. This has been going on for years, professor. If my ex-wife, the mother of my child who has full custody, fails to acknowledge all this help, what am I to do? Bree has also refused to accept the fact I want to be there for her. I've done all I can. I kept the lawyers out of this, kept the school board away from her; I'm done, professor. She's over the age of seventeen; whatever you decide to do, I won't defend it. I'm tired. I really am. Thank you for calling," Mr. Lincoln said directly, then ended the call. 

Costas looked at the phone with great defeat before turning to the counselor. "Have Miss Garry mail the letters both via email and post." 
The woman left to do what was required; Coach Benedict took a seat in the office's corner, being dubbed an unbiased mediator by the faculty. He was there to listen to both sides and give his honest opinion. It helps decide the next step in disciplinary actions and gives the parents of the students something to think about. Most parents are always defensive when it comes to their kids; their little sweethearts were always innocent even when the proof is there. The teachers are on the offense. They are trying to do their job most professionally without overstepping their boundaries. There were rules they too had to abide by as educators and handling aggressive parents, kids who falsify scenarios was very mind-numbing. To help with both sides, a party with no affiliation or knowledge to the situation steps in. 

The girls reentered the office, looking quite put out with their revealing clothing in the disposable bags in their hands and the loose sweats hanging off their bodies.

"Let's get this over with," Costas began. It seems like he, too, was tired of this ongoing issue. Maybe some students really had no interest in school.

                                                                                   ********

Still, in the drama-filled school of Spencer High, another student was finding it hard to focus on her History teacher's lesson. Her eyes kept darting to the empty seat in the row behind her, void of the person she couldn't forget. Though she told her friends she was fine after the crap Bree pulled, truthfully, she wasn't. Countless times she wanted to make sure he was eating well, wanting to know how his studies were going, what new research he decided to get lost in, but overall she wanted to know if he was okay. Raine frowned to herself. Looking at herself from an outsider's perspective, one may think she's obsessed with the boy.
Her mood plummeted upon that dark realization.
She ignored his demands to leave him be, rudely provided things for him without asking, and used the connections she had to make his school life better. 

But.

Isn't that part of the quiet love she developed for him?

Raine was confused between what was considered right and wrong when it came to her actions towards Travis.

"Stop it," she admonished herself quietly. 

Her mind was in turmoil, but she decided to visit him after school still—her last action towards him.

At the end of her morning classes, Raine silently sat at the lunch table, lost in her own world, unaware of the nervous energy surrounding them all. Even the normally upbeat Erica was silent. It was Ayanna who brought them back to earth. 

"So thanksgiving? What are the plans? Is Mari visiting this year, Elijah?"

"Yeah. This year is Isaac and Luanne's year to host the dinner," he replied softly. Silence covered the lunch table once more as they continued their lunch. 

"What's wrong?" The question came from Trey, which resulted in a 'Not now' look from Harem and Alec. 

"Give me until the end of the day, Trey. I need to calm myself more," Elijah answered. His cryptic answer gained Raine's attention. She took a look at everyone and felt the tension that had them trapped. The last time this happened and the main person who brought it and ended it was Elijah. It was his break up with Bree and the things that came right after. 
A slight whimper came from Erica. Elijah began to apologize over and over, pulling her into his arms. Everyone can see how worried she really was about him. 
"I need to head out early today. Girls, I know..."

"It's okay. We'll make sure she's home safe. Tell Shaun we said hi, and we will visit soon," Ayanna said, giving Elijah a reassuring smile. They all watched on as the guy they silently vowed to protect kiss his girlfriend and made his way out of the lunch hall. 

"Something relll bothering him," Erica muttered. All eyes move to the hand she was lightly massaging. 

"We have to wait on him. Whatever made him so angry and agitated is probably huge. You know how honest he is and always abide by his standards. Something happened between this morning and now," Harem offered. 

"Is your hand alright?" Raine asked, reaching over for her hand.

"Yeh. He was holding onto it since we meet up, de pressure was up and down whenever he squeeze it. I ain't say nothing. I can tell he was off," she replied. The worry was set on her; it was totally understandable. All they had to do was wait. Small talk filled the awkward air until the bell rang to end the lunch hour. 
Walking to their next class, Ayanna and Erica snuck glances towards Raine walking between them.

"Is ah disease or somethin'? Elijah, now you? Yuh good?" Erica asked first with a slight nudge.

"Oh. It's nothing."

"What is up with this day? Everyone is off. What happened to the good vibes we always put out?" Ayanna muttered. That got a snort of laughter from the girls when she did the ultimate surfer hand sign with her words. 

"Sorry, you guys. It's something I have to do on my own. The school year is nearing a close, and I don't want to leave things in limbo. I need to get it all out no matter what."

"Travis," Ayanna softly commented. Her tone wasn't condescending nor critical; it simply sounded full of wariness.

"I know I created a lot of drama for him...."

"No. Bree do dat, nuh you," Erica interjected.

"No, I did. She was targeting us. He got mixed up in that shit because of my crush on him. He doesn't deserve the things he's going through. Everything was stacked against him, so he pushed back, even my forceful actions in caring for him. After school, I plan to have one last talk with him. Maybe then I can fully move on," Raine pressed. The three friends reached their classroom but didn't enter, wanting to finalize the once curious conversation that turned to an emotional one. 

"Are you sure about this? Some hostility might be there," Ayanna voiced. Erica nodded in agreement.

"I won't know if I don't try. I'm having two different thoughts on my actions towards him, and guilt is messing with me. I'll be fine."

"It's your choice, but just know that...." 

"That you guys are there for me. God, Elijah has us all under his thumb with, huh?" Raine joked as she pulled them both into a hug.

The end of school came by so fast for her when the courage to tackle Travis's situation built up. The girls wished her luck when they parted ways. Driving to his home, thanks to a classmate who lives near him, she got his address. 
"Just drop it off. Say what you have to say, then leave. You have years to find this again," she said to herself. 
By the time she reached his house, her knuckles were white from clutching the wheel too hard, and her stomach was queasy. Muttering to herself some encouraging words, she grabbed the letters from her backpack and left the car. 
Standing on the road, she did a quick check of her outfit, making sure it was fine. Stopping her actions, she realized she was doing something that came out of her insecurity. How can she forget those harsh words and not get insecure about herself after?
"You're fine. You're dressing for yourself and not the world," she said aloud. 

Walking up the stoned path to the two-level home, Raine took in the neat gardening out front, the fresh-cut lawn, and the homey feel as she got nearer. On shaky legs, she made a move to step onto the porch when an automated voice spoke up.
"Audio and video recording commencing. Visitor alert."

"Who is it?"

Travis's gruff voice came next, which sent a ripple of shock through her body. She couldn't move. Running came to mind, but she knew she couldn't do that; this was something she had to do. "Who- Raine? Um... What are you doing here?" His voice reached her ears once again; her mind was focused on the task by that time.

"Hi. Sorry for the uninvited visit, but I have something here for you. Also, can I speak with you for a moment?" she answered clearly to the doorbell camera she spotted. The silence was unnerving before he replied with a sharp 'sure.' For some reason, her eyes began to prick with tears, her hands shook uncontrollably. Taking a deep breath, she practiced her smiles and scolded herself for being weak, allowing his responses to have a hold on her. So many things were going through her head, so many emotions were coming at her when she wanted to pin down one to make her sane for this moment. 
The unlocking of the door before her was the end of her time limit. Raising her head, she forced that smile on her face and looked at Travis boldly. A colorful hairband held back his now lengthy brown hair, his glasses were slipping down his nose, and his relaxed attire of sweats and loose tee gave him the most adorable look.

"Raine..."

"I'm sorry for everything that I have done to anger you. I'm sorry that my connection to Bree pulled you into her line of fire. I had liked you since freshman year when you transferred in but was scared to approach you. I watched you from afar and took note of your aversion to kids in my social ring, you can say. It was probably rude or uphanded to put things in place for you to be happy, and I apologize. I... I... I... liked seeing your eyes brighten when you read one of those science books. Your scatterbrained way of forgetting to eat during intense research. Your determination to know more. Your smile when you get lost in a new subject. Your kindness and patience when someone asks you to tutor them even when they irk you.  I... I... was.. no... am your biggest fan but will be in the background from now on. I asked my father to write a recommendation letter for you. It can be used as a reference and also a 'go away' card for what happened. The other letter is from me. A more controlled apology letter." Each word came out with so much nervous energy and affection. She prayed the tears in her eyes won't fall and for her hand to stop shaking as she offered them to him.

Travis watched the letters then her; his eyes behind his glasses showed no sign of reaction to her confession nor his next move. He was wary of everyone and their motive. Raine on his doorstep made his defensive wall go higher, but there was a crack in that armor. That crack came about when she began to approach him, but he kept sealing it back up. After hearing everything she did for him, he felt like shit. Stepping forward, he took the envelopes from her hand but paused when he got a good look at her. Her eyes were like an overflowing dam ready to burst, and she was shaking like a leaf. 

Did he scare her that much? What did... Travis stopped that thought. The crack became bigger. He did this to her.
"It's...."

Before he can completely say what he wanted, Raine made a sharp turn to run away, but he caught her by her wrist to stop her escape.

"I'm sorry."

She didn't turn around.

"You never had to apologize. I'm the one who should be doing it. I hurt you, Raine. I took my anger and frustration out on you and allowed myself to be a pawn. I'm sorry. Please look at me."

Raine shook her head in denial, trying her best to hide behind her curtain of hair. Travis chuckled at how adorable she was, and in a millisecond, those walls came tumbling down. "Raine? Please," he begged.
She turned to face him with this nonchalant look on her face even when the evidence of her tears was on her cheeks. He chuckled once more and pulled her closer to him, walking backward into the house. The confusion and bewildered look on her face were adorable to him. Silently he cursed himself for lashing out at her. She wasn't like Taren at all. He allowed his one experience with a girl to blacken his heart and mind. 
He had to explain and apologize to her. Closing the door, he led the lost-looking Raine to the living area and offered her the box of tissues on the coffee table.

"Thank you." Her words were soft, and for some reason, they touched him. It may be for the simple gesture, but he knew it was for more than that. The two said nothing for a while. Travis took his unencumbered fill of Raine Lannister, Spencer High's sweetheart. Not only was she beautiful but smart, friendly and had a big heart. He knew that now after he found out what she has been doing for him without recognition. 'His biggest fan.' That's what she called herself. It's been so long since he heard that declaration from someone, and it meant a lot. 
"Your father was right. No girl should be talked to like that. I rewatched the video so many times and saw myself the way I saw most guys. A disgusting egotistical prick. You saw through that, though, when you asked who hurt me. You never stopped caring for me after all our encounters, huh?" he started.

"I couldn't. I should have done so," she answered with a tired smile.

"How? How can you be so strongly devoted to me when all I've done to you is hurt you. I practically ignored you. Raine, you held everything one-sided. How?"

"When you say it like that, it makes me sound pathetic and obsessive," she mumbled. 

"No. Don't say that. Any man in their right thinking mind will love to have that type of devotion."

"What about you? Don't you deserve it?"

Her question lanced through his heart. How can he answer her? After everything he said to her, Travis knew he didn't deserve it, not even an inkling like those letters.
"Did you know life experiences are lessons, and we should choose which one wisely to learn from and how we do that?" he answered. His hand was still on her wrist; he boldly moved it to her fingers and intertwined them with his. Raine's breath hitched, her cheeks became flushed by the action, and once again, Travis thought of how unworthy he is of her affection. 

"Yes."

"I chose a negative path from a certain experience. I've only had one girlfriend. I was surprised that I landed her as my first girlfriend, a high society rich girl, popular and pretty. Her family came from money, that's all I know, and a regular at my grandfather's country club the next town over. I was so naive. I wanted to be accepted and not be an outcast, major things any teenager wants at thirteen. I got that for a while. The next thing I know, I was a human-made swing in some park for hours before I was freed. My hatred for them settled in me; then you came along..." he continued, fiddling with the leather cuffs on his wrists. He didn't tell her the beatings he received while they swung him back and forth; he still remembered seeing the bruises form on his skin with each kick or punch. It was hard to believe thirteen and fourteen-year-olds can be so cruel. To them, it was a prank to teach him where his place was in society, and it was beneath their feet at all times.

"I can't replace bad memories but know that all of us aren't the same," Raine said, squeezing his hand. 

Travis saw the realization settle in her mind as she calculated everything. The smile she gave him was wide and bright, but her eyes said differently. Your eyes always give away your true feelings. Did he hurt her once more with the unspoken conclusion?  

"To answer your question, though, I am undeserving of everything you've done for me. I've known that for a while now. What I did and said to you is unforgivable. I'm sorry, Raine."

She got to her feet, their hands still linked. She stared at them for a while and waited for Travis to stand with her. "I wished for a movie-type ending to this, but it's reality. Some other lifetime?" she asked.

"Another lifetime."

"Can I hug you?"

"Please," Travis returned. Raine didn't hesitate; she got her hand free from his and pulled him into that hug. He didn't have time to register it all. All he knew was the feel of her body pressed against his, her hair tickling his nose, and the tightness of her hug. Slowly he wrapped his arms around her and allowed himself to go to a make-believe world of him forgiving himself for hurting Raine and accepting the love she wanted to give him. The best he can do is to keep her in his heart as his biggest fan.

Slightly pulling back, their faces were inches apart, slowly he got closer once more and placed a kiss on the corner of her lips. "Thank you for being my biggest fan," he whispered against her cheek.

"Your number one fan, no matter what."

Travis prayed to the universe for Raine to find a guy who will treat her like the angel she was. She deserved it.

                                                                                      ************

The end of the school day was welcomed. After they met with the principal, they were confined to school for the rest of the day. Costas sent out word that they were in school and had every teacher they had for the day to keep an eye on them. Natalie has been whining about it all, and it was gunpowder to her already lit fuse for the entirety of the day. She had to make it through the day without her phone because she was a flight risk, as the professor put it. He was right; if they allowed her to go to her car for the phone, there was a 100% possibility of not seeing her again. Derek approached her to make things more annoying, offering some deal that will give him a rise in popularity in his circle. It was a little satisfying to watch him fume and threaten her when she turned him down. She only had to make one statement to silence him. 

"I wonder how many times you made that room your favorite spot?"

For a jock, he was quick on the uptake; he realized the video she released wasn't the only one. "I can sue you for the invasion of privacy," he countered with false bravado.

"Me? The house belongs to a mutual friend of ours, and it's called home security. Good luck with keeping up that blackmail shit, sweetie."

She loved the way his face got red with anger when she left him in the school's parking lot. Now here she was at home, lying on her bed watching a show she had no idea what was going. In pure boredom, she decided to go through her phone for missed calls and unanswered texts. Her parents called a few times, a few from Natalie because she left her at school, and a lot from Rush. Bree chose to return the latter's call because he was the only one who mattered.

"Hey, baby. Took you long enough," Rush answered.

"Forgot my phone in the car and got locked down in school."

"That sucks; what are you up to now? Aren't you coming over?" 

"In an hour or so. My day has been so annoying; it was one thing after the other," she whined.

"What happened?" he asked distractedly. Bree knew he only asked out of courtesy, but he still listens to her whining and teenage complaints.

"Ex pissed me off, Natalie was a whiny bitch, and I'm about to be expelled."

"Umm, baby, don't you think the last point should have outweighed the others?" he asked with a laugh.

"Whatever -"

"On second thought, you don't need them. You're already making your own cash, and you're taken care of. Forget that shit. What I wanna know is, am I going to see my woman tonight after my little trip in a special gift I bought for her."

"A gift? What is it?"

Rush laughed and playfully made her guess what it is. Bree loved to be spoiled by him and thought her life perfect the way it is. He would do anything for her.

"Let me pack a bag...." she began to say after their teasing.

"Why don't you move in with me? You're nearly eighteen, already have a key, and this back and forth shit is getting to me. What do you think?"

"Are you sure?"

"Why would I joke about that? You said yourself, your mama is hardly home, and your brother basically works for us on the other side of Spencer. Just come live with me and be worry-free."

"YES! I... oh my god. I will handle everything. I'll see you in a few." Bree was excited. Jumping off her bed after ending their call, the motivation to leave was there right away. Her boyfriend asked her to move in; that was a huge step in their relationship. The day was ending better than ever. Throwing her phone on the bed, it lit up with a notification. Peering over it, she sighed when she saw the 'Unread Emails' for her personal email. Going into the inbox, the most recent email came from a Gmail address with the handle 'senpaiapproves.' Curious to see what was sent after taking note of the attachment link, she opened it.

The body of the email only had three statements. 'You've been playing this game for too long by yourself. Let me make a move. I WON!'

She was still clueless as to who was the sender. Clicking the attachment link, she sent her to view the items: three photos and two video files. The thumbnail of one of the videos had the still image of someone too familiar. Ignoring it, she went to the photos. 
Bree sat heavily on her bed. There was no mistaking it. The time stamp on the photos was all matching days before the biggest upheaval of her life. The woman in the photos was laughing and blissfully happy, sitting in the lap of a man who definitely wasn't her father.

"No. She said he was the one... No...." She began to say to herself. Her mother's accusations of her father being a cheater and a liar all came back to her. In the three photos, two different men were captured. Again she took note of the timestamp; one was a mere week ago at a restaurant. "She said she was working," she whispered in disbelief. Probably it was the shock or disbelief or the need to come to terms with the evidence that she went to videos. The quality was impeccable, the audio was clear, everything was right there in her face. The timestamp was months before her parents' divorce. Her heart dropped when her mother spoke. "Reservations under Lachlan."

"Oh. Mr. and Mrs. Lachlan. Welcome to The Waterfront. We have the presidential suite ready for your arrival. Do you need help with your bags?" the receptionist said politely. Her mother tittered like a new bride when the woman mistakenly called her Mrs. Lachlan. The man beside her held her in a way she never saw her father do, kissing her boldly as they went through check-in.
Bree was sick to her stomach as the video ended with them walking away. Cruel to herself, she played the other video. It was her mother and another man in a restaurant. Not just any restaurant. One of Isaac Bronson's five-star restaurants from the town over. They were caught in the dining area's camera a few feet away from it, but her mother's face was so memorable that it could be caught anywhere.

 What was she thinking? How can she do this? She lied to us. So many thoughts were going through her head. Her mother played her for a fool; she made her hate her father and placed all the blame on him. 
"Elijah. He sent them. He knew?!" Her anger once again went back to him for keeping it all from her. The Waterfront was one of the many Johnson hotels for small towns. She knew this because Elijah kept telling her of that stupid betterment project his father began.

 Fuming, she packed her bags, grabbed all her valuables, and loaded up her car. In the driveway, a question came her. Why didn't her mother ever ask her about the brand new car at their house? That realization opened up an endless well of questions. The house was immaculate, but her mother always complained about her father's alimony check and never questioned the money being placed in her room. New hairstyle every three weeks, new clothes, new jewelry, all of that came from being a temp in a doctor's office. 
The betrayal came heavier with each realization. How can a mother do that to her child? Lie, manipulate all for money and freedom she wanted from her family.

Slamming the trunk of her car, she rushed back into the house and smashed every valuable thing her mother cherished. It felt so damn good to see the broken pieces. They were probably gifts from her boyfriends. Going to the kitchen, she unplugged every appliance and broke the new plates shown to her a few days back. Apparently, it was a gift of 'thanks' from a 'patient' at work. "Like I will believe that now," she said aloud. Walking back out the door, she threw her house key onto the floor before closing it. 

"Don't need her anyway," she muttered before entering her car. Bree drove out of the driveway without a look back at her childhood home. She was starting her new life.

                                                                                        ********

Hours later, on the other side of town, the popular strip club owner, Player's Pack, stood on one side of the window surveying the ground floor. Clients were having dinner as his girls danced on small platforms at different spots. Waitresses filtered in and out of the employees' hallway, the DJ kept the music low enough for the customers to have conversations, and security kept their eyes on things in the darkened corners. On the second floor, private dances were held and also VIP rooms for clients who had a preferred girl. It was a good business. The girls made enough cash to have a good life, and the men get their pleasure. Everybody wins. 

The click of his office door sounded, followed by the muffled footsteps that alerted him of his visitor. "How is my daughter?" he asked aloud, taking a sip of his whiskey.

"She's in mother mode with the kid."

"Doesn't that tells you something?"

The man laughed and joined him by his side. "Ready to be a grandpa?"

Ace turned to the man he was still proud to call his son. Watching him grow from that scrawny eleven-year-old willing to sell drugs for food to eat to this successful CEO with a life of his own. "Since you two tied the knot," he answered honestly.

"We talked about it," was Bryan said before going silent.

"She's scared what the doctor will say." Ace and the immediate family knew of Katie's past and problems that may arise from that.

"Yeah. I want to take away that fear for her. She may not say it, but I see the longing in her eyes when she sees a mother and child interaction, even when I talk to my subordinates about their kids." Bryan threw back the double shot of vodka he got for himself and stared into the empty glass. "I'm scared too, pops."

"Why are you scared?"

"That vulnerable part of me began to push on my mind that she will leave if she can't give me the family I wish to create. Stupid, huh?" Bryan answered, going back to the wet bar.

"Kid.."

"No, pops. You should see how her eyes dim when she's lost in her thoughts when we talk about it. I try to gently push her to get the examination done to ease her mind, but she shuts down instantly. I know, my Katie. It's on her mind even if she doesn't want it to be."

"Talk it out, son. Maybe she's waiting for you to go deeper. I bet you're the one who ends the talks when she gets doubtful of herself. You don't want her sad," Ace offered.

"You know me so well," he chuckled.

"You're my son, and I know how much you love Katie."

"Thanks, pops. When we go back to New York, I'll have that talk. Now, what's the problem you're too lazy to handle," Bryan said, coming back with a fresh glass of whiskey for himself and Ace.

"I'm retired; there is a difference. Let's see," he began, checking his watch then looking at the entrance of the club. "Right on time. They've been casing the place for three weeks now. The boys have seen them around selling their shit, trying to get over on our turf. They started with weed, didn't make it an issue. Anyone can fucking grow that shit. They saw profit and bumped it up for some 'relief' pills. Again no problem there. That's where your mama's medicine cabinet comes in."

"They tested their luck again, huh?" Bryan asked with a laugh. 

"Placed a few girls of their own on my streets."

"How did that go?" Bryan peered closer to the dark skin guy walking like he owned the place and eyeing the girls like a veteran creep. He can never forget that face.

"They got sent to the hospital by our girls," Ace answered with a sick grin. The girls he had on the streets were what they called, 'Ladies of the streets.' They were high classed, clean, and took care of their customers. One of the 24hr motels in the neighborhood was owned by Ace for that purpose only. If you look closely, any jobs were created when Ace and Joker ruled that part of town. They handled their own issues and had their own laws. No one goes against the two, nor do they allow anyone to step on their toes and get away with it. 

"What have they been doing now?"

"Trying to headhunt our girls here. Two told me about it, so I gave them the order to play along and get some information. They've been bragging about opening a more worthy club around here. It's getting pretty annoying. Oh, and their weed is evolving. They're lacing it with some synthetic shit that's causing an uproar in the precincts and hospital.  Wait. What is that? My favorite son wants to go talk with them?" 

Bryan turned to look at the stupid grin on Ace's face along with the little shooing sign with his fingers.

"I am your only son, old man," Bryan grumbled, rolling his eyes at the man's timing to be playful. Grabbing his gun from the safe and taking a quick shot of vodka, Bryan left the office to be the perfect club owner. When he entered the ground floor, the girls greeted him with the simple title of boss, alerting the patrons of his presence.  He listened to a few comments, gained a few business offers, and talked to the girls about the ongoing issue. After making his rounds, he greeted two new faces before approaching the two men they had their eyes on.

"Gentlemen. Welcome to Player's Pack. Thanks for stopping by once again," he said, seating himself at their table. A waitress appeared in a moment with a fresh glass of whiskey for him. 

"Good service you got here." 

The dark-skinned guy with a clean-shaven head spoke with a cockiness that irked Bryan. 

"Thank you. I do my best."

"So you're the owner, huh?" the man said in a condescending tone.

"Don't play dumb. I bet your IQ helped you evaluate your situation and the players in it. Your friend here is new to your little group. Nice seeing you again Russell. You're also new to this game we call life. What is your goal here, Rush?  I want to know because I see none for you," Bryan said coolly.

"I see you did your homework also," Rush commented.

"This is my town. Of course, I will get information on the troublemakers."

"Whoa. Troublemakers? We've only visited your club because of the great ambiance. Nothing more." Rush mockingly raised his hands in defense.

"I love this club. The first club my father and I built. Lots of memories. Lots of customers and employees. When you're in the business long, you gain a lot of loyal people on your side. Imagine my reaction when one of my girls worried about the 'competition' looking for workers in my club. I don't mind new businesses coming in, but when you touch what isn't yours, a problem comes up."

"I'm just offering jobs, Mr. Winshall." The dude had the audacity to slide his card towards Bryan with a slow smile. 
Raising his hand, four guards approached from the darkness and surrounded the table. Rush and Russell became tense and got into a defensive position. 
"Soliciting isn't allowed at my club. Your laced shit needs to get off my streets, and your girls need to learn their place. I'm warning you once. Sniff around Spencer any further, and I will nail you to the fucking floorboards of that nice game room you just had renovated. I don't think bloodstains will go well with the decor." Bryan didn't have to do much; his tone alone made the threat resonate in their heads. At the mention of the game room, Rush showed his surprise but failed to hide it.

"Rush, man; he's just fucking with your mental. That's all they do," Russell commented.

"You're letting your runners make your decisions? Pathetic. I'm giving you an out, Rush, before you let your ego run things. We allowed you to bring in those drugs and women. Fucking allowed you to be in here and leave alive. I don't want to see your face in Spencer after tonight," Bryan continued steadily.

"Dude.." Russell began to say. Anyone can see how his temper led him. Bryan looked down his nose at the guy, then turned to Rush.

"Shut the fuck up," Rush said to Russell.

"Ah! You understand your situation. I know you've heard of not only me but my father. I'm giving you a shot at life. Take it," Bryan said with a grin.

The two were in a staredown until Rush slowly stood to his feet. Russell was the only stubborn one. Bryan glanced at the closest guard who got the message. Russell was brought to his feet by the heavyset guard who kept a hold on him without a word. 

"Thank you for visiting." 

Rush gave him a stiff nod then grabbed Russell, leaving the club hurriedly. Bryan looked towards the closest camera and shook his head in amusement. Leave it to Ace to spot a weak-willed gang leader in need of a good scare. 

Too bad no blood was to be spilled. It's been a while.