CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

-:- DESTINY -:-

As I wave Jessica into school Mrs. Philpott is giving me a glaring look. I’ve had enough of her and she needs to know it, along with her band of bitches! I look her directly in the eye and continue to do so, allowing myself to see right through her. It doesn’t take long before they all turn and scuttle away like the dung beetles that they are.

“Destiny, could I speak with you for a few minutes?”

Turning I see Miss. Broadhurst, who has been Jessica’s teacher for some time. “Of course,” I respond, and follow her into school, right to the principal’s office.

“Please, take a seat.”

Settled in the seat, I give my undivided attention to Miss. Broadhurst and whatever she wants to discuss.

“I don’t know if you have heard, but I am now the principal of the school. I intend to make quite a few changes and one of those is our bullying policy. I know Jessica was out for the week, and I know that she didn’t deserve that. If you can see past this week though and let us make a fresh start, I would appreciate it.”

“Yes, we can do that. Jessica seems to have treated it as a vacation rather than a punishment. The trouble being she knows she did nothing except stand up for herself, which I had told her was okay.”

“The teachers on a whole were pleased that the last principal retired. We've had two meetings and all the staff have discussed issues that were never dealt with. One being the favoritism that was being shown to certain pupils.” Rubbing her hands together before clasping them in front of her, Miss. Broadhurst continues. “We found a large donation from Mrs. Philpott to the school, and it seems a stipulation was put in place that Acton could do as he liked once that payment had been made. I have now spoken to Mr. Philpott and given him the donation back, thus removing the stipulation that Acton would get any special treatment. It seems Mr. Philpott knew nothing about said donation.”

“Oh… My… Goodness.”

“Yes, we all agree with that. Acton is now on the bullying program that we have introduced. He is under the eye of a teacher while on school premises and if he steps out of line, he will be automatically expelled. As the new principal, I will not put up with his, or any other pupil’s, unacceptable behavior.”

“I think it’s good that you are making changes. It is what’s needed. Innocent pupils that are being bullied shouldn’t be victims that then are punished for being a victim.”

“I mainly wanted to give you an apology for Jessica’s treatment, and we will do better in the future.”

“Thank you, Miss. Broadhurst, I appreciate you speaking with me.” Standing, I hold my hand out and when she steps around the desk, takes it in her own and shakes, I feel much better about the whole incident.

Back at home, I quickly make beds, grab laundry, wash breakfast dishes, and open my laptop. The delay at school has me rushing to catch up somewhat. I don’t want to be running to pick Jessica up later.

Picking up my phone from the kitchen table, I jump when it rings. I take the call as I see it's Garrett.

“Hi, Garrett, is everything okay?” I ask because I know these calls are time limited.

“I have a new lawyer and he’s trying to get my charges dismissed. It looks like I may get an early release. I’m not relying on it, Dest, but I wanted you to know it’s a possibility.”

“Oh, okay Garrett. I hope you get out early. You never should have been arrested in the first place.” I am happy he could be out early, but I know I’ll lose Jessica once that happens.

“If I get out early, I’m going to see Jerica. I need to work some things out, so can you keep Jessica for a while? I am thinking I’ll take Jessica and head out without Jerica if she isn’t going to commit to us as a family.”

Now that has shocked me because Garrett loves Jerica and it’s so obvious, but I also know he loves Jessica and he will protect her first and foremost.

“Do you think Jerica has hurt Jessica? Although Jessica has not said that to me. She actually never mentions Jerica, but she asks when you’ll be coming home all the time. You know I will keep Jessica as long as you want me to, Garrett. That is not something you have to worry about.”

“Thank you, Dest. You are the best aunt she could have had.” Sighing, I can see him rubbing the back of his neck as he always does when he’s worried or irritated. “I’ve some decisions to make if I get out of here early, and they are not going to be easy ones.”

“If I can do anything for you, you know I will.” I want to reassure him. “Rock and the club are great. They have become aunts and uncles to Jessica. She loves them, and they I’m sure love her in return. Whatever you decide, Garrett, I know you will do what is best for you and Jessica.”

“Thanks, Dest. Looking back, I should have taken you out and had the relationship with you instead of Jerica. But we do what we feel is right at the time. You should know Dest, you are a better person than your sister, and you’ll be a better mother to your children when you have them.”

“I never saw you like that Garrett. You were always my brother-in-law, the brother I never had yet always wanted. I love you as my brother and nothing will change that. If you want to ditch Jerica and take Jessica I’m wholeheartedly behind you. You deserve someone much nicer than Jerica.” I didn’t know what to say above and beyond that, but I couldn’t lead him on either because my heart is already halfway with Rock.

“I know, Dest. I know. I’ve gotta go, but I’ll contact when I can. Oh, I’ve spoken with Axel at the club and told him all that happened. I’ve nothing more to give them.”

Hearing someone saying his name, Garrett speaks again. “Gotta go, take care of you both. Talk soon.”

Not getting the chance to say bye, I look at the phone and listen to the dial tone. I wish I could be what he wants, but it’s never going to happen. I’m happy that he has spoken to Axel. Hopefully now everyone that needed to know anything will know. I’m just looking after Jessica the best that I can.

Placing the phone on the kitchen table once more, I hurry into the utility room, set the washing machine and grab hold of the laundry basket that I folded clothes into earlier. Taking them upstairs, I quickly put them away, and think to myself, ‘another job done.’

My phone vibrating has me pick it up and frown because I’m not sure why Cookie would send me a message. I’m not even sure why she wanted to swap numbers when I met her.

Cookie: Hi, do you want to come over for a meal and I’ll show Jessica how to make chocolate chip cookies? At Club Whisky, that is.

Destiny: When are you thinking?

Cookie: Friday evening.

Destiny: I don’t see why not. What time?

Cookie: How about 4:30 and then we’ll have lots of time.

Destiny: OK.

Cookie: Great, CU then.

That’s interesting, not sure why she’s interested in showing Jessica, but they hit it off well. Jessica has incredible taste buds. For her age, she’s brilliant when it comes to food. I think she’d make one heck of a talented chef, however, it’s up to her what she wants to be when she grows up.

Emptying the dishwasher, I turn when I hear my phone ringing again. Picking it up, this time it’s Jo.

“Hi, Jo, is everything okay?”

Jo’s excited voice nearly blasts my ear off the side of my head. “Destiny, what did you do? My sales have doubled. It’s staggering, and I’ve all these people saying how much they love my latest book. My Instagram account is out of control, never mind the other social media places.”

Laughing as I can imagine Jo hopping around from one foot to another in excitement. “Well, that’s the campaign I ran for you. Of course, the book bloggers have had everyone buying it and reading, so the reviews are sky high. You have over two thousand reviews already and all except five or so are five stars.”

“I nearly jumped Knuckles' bones with excitement.”

Now, I do laugh at that comment because I’ve heard everyone saying they are always at ‘ it’ like rabbits. At first I thought ‘ at what?’ Until it became very clear when I was around the clubhouse what ‘it’ was.

“I’ll be filling another campaign next week, but remember, you have the radio slot and the book signing coming soon.” I hope she doesn’t ask me to go with her because I really don’t have the time.

“Star is going with me. She said she thinks it will be a hoot,” Jo giggles.

“She better behave, or you’ll get a name for yourself that could be detrimental. Having some fun is good and shows the light side, I really don’t know Star, only that she’s Meat’s wife. Just be cool, answer as honestly as you can, and don’t allow the radio interviewer to guide you into your personal life. Only talk about you as an author and your novels,” I advise.

I hope she listens because one of my authors told ‘all’ and ended up losing a lot of her readers, when she inadvertently let slip she had cheated on her ex-husband, and that’s how he became an ex. People don’t like it, especially if they have been on the receiving side of cheating.

“I’ll be careful and so will Star. She acts silly, but she is actually very clever. She is perfect for me to take with me,” Jo insists, and I am happy with whoever she takes.

“Okay, Jo. Is there anything I can do for you today?”

“No, I’m good. I just wanted you to know that my sales boomed and wanted to say thank you. You earned your pay this month and more.” Jo giggles at her own comment, and although she can’t see, I am smiling, too.

“I’ll see you soon,” I quickly say, because I still have things to do.

Just as I set the phone on the table, it rings once more. I check the caller ID and realize I don't know the number. In case it’s an author trying to make contact I answer but then wished I hadn’t.

“Destiny, come and get me out of this fucking place. They are making me work behind the bar, clean bathrooms, help cook meals and all sorts of shit. I don’t get paid. Apparently, it’s how I earn my upkeep…” Jerica snarls.

“Not happening. I’ve enough to do here. I’m looking after your daughter, and by the way, Jerica, I’m doing a better job of it than you were. So, you learn how to earn your keep and I’ll keep earning mine, which I’ve been doing for years,” I snap back at her, and I’m going to block this number as soon as I’ve said my piece.

Jerica spouts again, but I hold the phone away from my ear and only hear odd words. I’m not interested. She can help herself. I really don’t care anymore. As soon as the phone goes silent, I start to speak.

“I don’t care anymore, Jerica. You have not had a relationship with me in years. Why you think I would do more than I am is mystifying, but let me make this clear. I will look after Jessica, and I’ll do that to the best of my ability. I will help Garrett if and when he needs it, and no, I’m not after his dick. He’s a brother to me, and I have my own man, so don’t even think the filth you were about to spout. We’re done. Don’t contact me unless it is for Jessica’s wellbeing.” I press the end call button and block the number. ‘Take that,’ I think to myself, then smile because I did it. I stood up to her and it’s been a long time coming.

Later that evening, Jessica is in bed, and Rock has strolled into the house. Anyone would think he lives here now, the way he just walks in and makes himself at home. But, it is a nice feeling that he is so easy about our relationship, and I’ve not felt this at ease in years.

“Come here, Red. I’ve got something for you.” Rock waves his hand to follow him into the kitchen, where there is a box on the kitchen table. Picking up the box and handing it to me, I can see he’s nervous.

I place it on the counter, open it and see a leather vest similar to his, and I know he called it a kutte. Rock seriously told me not to call it a vest, and he wears it with pride, as do they all.

“Oh,” I exclaim when I see on the front a patch that says ‘Red’. It brings tears to my eyes and a lump in my throat, but the first tear runs down my cheek when I turn it and it states clearly for all the world to see, ‘Property of Rock.’

Rock holds me close, and as I clutch the kutte against my chest, I begin to cry, my tears eventually turning into sobs. “Come on, try it on.”

Rock wipes the tears from my cheeks with his thumbs as he holds my face, kissing me gently, before taking the kutte and holding it for me to slip my arms through and rests it on my back. Turning me to face him fully, he kisses me again.

“This shows the world that you are mine. You are my MC Ol’ Lady, which is wife to all the brothers in the club. People will not disrespect you, knowing if they do, they’ll have to answer to me, and the club if it is serious. I would like us to get married legally when you’re ready. Move into the cabin when it’s finished and have babies of our own. You know everyone at the club is going to miss Jessica. She is a bundle of joy and we love her already. I think the writing is on the wall, though, that Garrett will take Jessica and leave Jerica behind.” Rock has wrapped his arms around me and is holding me snugly to his body.

“Yes, I think you’re right. She rang me and demanded I get her out of the MC she’s staying at. Complained about what they were making her do…” I couldn’t hold the giggle back, and it turned into laughter. “Honestly, she will whine like a toddler. I feel sorry for them dealing with her.”

“Oh, she is not getting her own way. She’s already been in a brawl with one of the women, and lost, I must add.” Rock chuckles.

The rest of the evening, we kiss and cuddle on the couch, listening to music. Whispering sweet nothings and planning our future together. I think I’m lucky that Rock is mine, and even though things have happened quickly, I’m happy that they have.