The Cat

Here he lies
Discreet and wise
with a look of innocence
but I know he is a menace

Soft to the touch
He doesn't bite much
Unless you are me
Then he will bite with glee

Bite and scratch
he is my match
Upon my arm,
Why does he mean me harm?

Marks on my shoulder
him on the vent so I am colder
scratch on my breast,
Him on the comforter so I get no rest

He has his water from a glass
Next he will try to bite my ass
His litter box must be clean
He's not as cute as he seems

Bite, scratch, and hurt
But I must be curt
My heart is sore
Because he loves mom more

Love is Simple

Love is such a simple word
with an underlying meaning
Love is such a wonderful thing
with tears of sorrow and of joy
Love is such an exciting feeling
from the first kiss to the last rose
Love is all I have for you
deep inside and on the outside too
Love is something I can't explain
You, my love, are worth the tears and pain
Our love is strong, it will take us far
From the past, to the present, into the future
My heart belongs to you
Hold it close and hold it near
For it needs your love and needs you here

Where I come from

Where I come from there is no cable to watch
I entertain myself watering the blooming flowers,
with my grandpa
Chasing fireflys as the freshly cut grass sticks
to my bare feet.
When I get tired on rest on the front porch
Sipping a cold glass of sweet tea
Listening to my drunk uncle yelling next door
Where I come from coffee will always be brewing
Chicken can be smelled roasting
Bean and squash will be cooking
Where I come from the warmth of the fire
will warm my bones
Until I have to go outside to haul in more wood
Way back in the country
back where the cattle graze
Where the welcome sign stays
Out back the city limit sign
That's where I come from.

Butterfly

The moon shines bright,
down on me. In it, I see your face.
Smiling to me.
The stars shimmer in the sky.
Just like your eyes used to.
A twinkle there.
A butterfly dances alone in a field
and I think of you, dancing.
A bird flies toward Heaven,
where I know you are,
looking out for me.

In Memory of Amanda Elise Tucker

The Songbird

The songbird sang as night turned into day
I watched as my life faded away
Into the night I watched it all go
After that night, the days were slow

As the songbird sang loud and proud
I watched him disappear into the crowd
I dropped my head and felt the first tear
But in my heart I knew I had nothing to fear

Every night, the songbird came
As the days drug by, I still felt the same
Fate brought us together, then ripped us apart
He left me sitting here with a torn heart

With his song he mended my tear
He kissed my eyes and ruffled my hair
On his flight, he had found himself
But behind something he had left

As the song bird sings, I look for tomorrow
i have no more reason to weep in sorrow
I love my songbird, and he loves me
Fate brought us back together, like it was meant to be.

Chapter 6: Mistakes: Choices

Chapter 6: Choices

She had walked off most of her anger and her buzz. She had power walked through most of campus then back to her car. The game crowd was starting to pack into the bars. She noticed Jacob’s car still in the parking lot and was tempted for only a moment to go talk to him. But figured he would be drunk and not wanting to start another fight, she drove home.

She ordered Chinese and thought an awful lot about Jacob and Nick.

She even dragged her old diary out and read her dog eared pages. She was startled out of her reverie by her ringing phone. Amy’s number read on the caller ID.

“Hello.” She answered.

“Please tell me it isn’t true?” Amy sounded hysterically. Angela sighed.

“Yes, it is.” She answered. “He is back.”

“Oh geez.” Amy gulped. “Angie, I am so sorry. I never thought he would come back.”

“Amy, it’s ok.” She assured her frined.

“No, it’s not.” She paused. “I should have told you a long time ago.”

“Told me what?”

“Why he left.” Neither said anything for a moment.

“Amy, you knew why Nick left this whole time and you didn’t tell me?”

“I promised him I wouldn’t tell you what he was involved in, if he left.”

“YOU DID WHAT?” she screamed. “You told him to leave!?”

“Angie, I am so sorry.” Amy sobbed.

“No, how could you.” She accused. “You knew how I felt about him.”

“Ang, I know. Just please hear me out.” She pleaded. Angie didn’t say anything.

“He was involved in drugs, Ang.” She informed her. “He was in some trouble and people were threatening him. He had to come up with a lot of money fast, or….” She trailed off. “Or they were going to come after you.” Another pause.

“And you know this how?” Angie finally asked.

“I overheard a conversation he was having.” She explained. “Well, actually, I had picked up the phone line while he was on it.” she paused. “It was one time when Devon and I were fighting and I was staying with you.” She continued. “I was frightened. I had to do something. Angie, please don’t hate me.” She pleaded. Someone knocked on the door. She looked out her peep hole and sighed.

“I will have to call you back.” She snapped.

“Angie, please.” Amy continued to plead.

“I will call you back. Someone is at my door.” She flipped her phone shut and opened the door. Nick extended the dozen roses to her. She sighed and accepted them. She left the door open and retreated to the kitchen and shoved the flowers into a cup and sat them on the counter. She turned to find Nick sitting at the kitchen table.

“I owe you an apology.” He said.

“Okay.” She sank into the seat across from him.

“Angie,” he started, “I am an idiot. I don’t know how I can ever make you understand what happened.”

“Amy just told me.” She informed him. He looked up at her then slowly shook his head.

“Everything?”

“Yes, I believe so.”

“And?”

“And why didn’t you come to me and tell me. I could have helped you?”

“That is exactly why I didn’t want to come to you.” He dropped his head into his hands. “I was in with some bad people. They didn’t know who you were, but they would have found out if I stuck around.”

“I could have loaned you the money.”

“No, this was my dumb mistake.” He shook his head again. “Plus, I was on some pretty hard shit for a while, Ang.” She gasped.

“I never knew.”

“I know. I hid it from you. I wanted to get straight and have a life with you, but I couldn’t do that.”

“I could have helped.” She repeated.

“I was afraid you would end up hating me if I told you.”

“Nick, I could never hate you.” She quietly said.

“I came back here, not only because of my mom.” He confessed. “I came back here hoping to find you single and ready to take me back.” He looked up at her saw tears rolling silently down her cheeks. “Instead, I came back and found you in love with someone else.”

“Nick, I don’t know what to say.” She choked out. He stood and walked around the table and pulled her to her feet. He wrapped his arms around her and held her silently for a while, while she sobbed.

“Angie,” he pulled her away and smiled at her, “I love you, I left to protect you. I know that this is a bad time for you, but I am actually in a good spot in my life, and I have to ask if you will give me another chance.” These are the words she had waited years to hear him come back and say to her, but as he said them, Jake’s smiling face popped in her head as he swung her around the dance floor, or as he took her hand across the table. Jake, who knew she liked cream in her coffee and carnations instead of roses.; Jake, who she had held back from for so long, waiting, on what? The blonde haired blue eyed boy to come back into her life. Now here he was before her, asking for a second chance and what does she hear her self saying?

“No.” she shook her head. “I love Jake.” She looked down, but he tilted her face up to him and wiped away her tears and gently kissed her lips.

“Nick, I am so sorry. I…” he placed his finger on her lips and shushed her.

“I don’t need you to apologize. I am the one who is sorry I put you through so much pain. I shouldn’t have waited so long.” He reached in his pocket and pulled out the letter from Jacob. “Here, you two have some things to work out.” She recognized Jake’s handwriting on the outside where her name was written.

“He is actually a decent guy, Ang. I spent some time with him.” She gasped. “Although I am pretty sure he got me drunk and took advantage of me.” She gave him a suspicious look. He laughed it off and pecked her one more time. “Don’t worry about it. Go to him.” He motioned to the letter. “If you don’t mind, I am going to take a nap on your couch; I have a hell of a headache.”

She sat in her car and slowly opened the letter written on a napkin. It was short.

Meet me in UT Gardens. Love, Jake

She drove there in a daze, not quite aware of her surrounding. She knew that what ever awaited her with Jacob she was going to embrace it. She knew they had a lot to over come, but she knew with Nick out on the table everything else would be much easier. She pulled into the parking lot and got out of her car. The UT gardens were located on campus behind the Agriculture Campus. Neyland Drive circled it on the outside and sometimes you could see a Life star helicopter landing at the nearby hospital. Tonight, however was peaceful and quite. She walked through the gates and wandered through the first path. Jacob was no where in site. She wandered around some more and finally spotted him near the picnic tables, which were surrounded by the carnation beds. He rose when he saw her and smiled, as she drew closer to him he bent down on one knee and she could see he was holding something in his hand.

“Angela,” he said her name as she gasped at the ring he held out to her. “Will you marry me?” Tears flowed down her cheeks as she gasped for breath. She managed to nod, then finally managed a weak, “Yes!” he slid the ring on her finger then stood up and kissed her, sweeping her off her feet and swinging her around.

Prologue

Jake and I are on our honeymoon! I can hardly believe it!

We married in March and we are currently in Hawaii on a beach.

Well, I am on the beach, Jake has decided that he can surf and

Is desperately trying to stay on his board.

A lot has happened in the past couple months. Amy and Devon

Got married too! On New Years Eve actually. It was beautiful.

Nick left the day after he talked to me. He emails me every

Once in a while. Jake asked me to invite him to our wedding, but he declined, saying he was in Mexico and didn’t want to

Have to deal with customs. I realized that talking to him

And seeing him again gave me the closure I needed.

Jake and I had a long talk and I finally told him my real

Number of men. He wasn’t happy about that, but accepted it

As the past.

He quit Knox Home Care, saying he was not sure he could

Keep his hands off of me at work now. In fact we pretty much have

A whole new staff. Molly was fired. Turns out she was sleeping with

Luke. He was also fired. Bridgette was also fired, which I got

Great pleasure out of. Several patients complained on her advancing

On their husbands. Amy quit and went to work at a day care where

She can be with the twins more. Jake took a job at the hospital as head

Therapist and he loves it. We have a new boss, male, but he is nice

Enough, I don’t think it’s going to be a problem. Jake jokes and tells me

To keep my charm on off when I am at work. I miss all my old friends

Working with me, but on to new things. Jake is heading back in. looks

Like he had given up on surfing. I am happier than I have ever been, I

Guess my bed time story does end happily after all.

Special Treat

So as my good friend Keri pointed out, I did not post anything this weekend, but I had a good reason. In which, I will not bore anyone with. So as a special treat for you, here is a start to a story that I have been working on. So you can read it and see what you think and see if it is something that I should continue to work on.

Vampire Story

He stood in the center of the dark warehouse. He knew who awaited him and he did not want to see her. He hated this place. The smell of death and decay surrounded him, tempting every bone in his body.
“Welcome home, Kiran.” A deep male voice came from the dark.
“Hello, Deacon.” He replied. “The mistress called.”
“Yes, Yes.” Deacon eagerly replied. “She is waiting for you.” A match was struck and Deacon’s grimy and ragged face came into view as he lit a candle. “Come, Master Kiran.” He motioned with his hand to follow. Kiran could not help but notice how long and dirty his finger nails were. He crossed the room as Deacon pulled open a steel door and walked into what looked like an antechamber.
“Deacon, have you ever considered cleaning this filth.” By saying this, he was not sure if he meant the warehouse or Deacon himself; perhaps both.
“The Mistress likes things the way they are.” Deacon smiled a crooked and evil smile over his shoulder, his red eyes glowing in the candlelight. Kiran wrinkled his nose in disgust. He dusted invisible particles off of his black jacket and sighed. He would have to burn it when he returned. He always had to burn his clothes after returning from Golieth. The smell of the dead stuck to him and made him craze the thing he had sworn off years ago. Humans.
They walked through another chamber to a well lit room. For it to be the 21st century, his mistress treated her home as if it was still the 19th. Antique chairs and fainting sofas sat this room. A stage sat in the center with a woman in a long flowing white dress laying on one of the for mentioned fainting sofas. He hated it when she wore white. She was not worthy of the color.
“Kiran, love, how nice of you to come.” She fanned herself lightly with a hand fan. He nodded rather grimly at her.
“Melinda.” He met her eyes for a brief moment. “What is it you needed with me?”
“Right to business aren’t you, Kiran dear.” She pouted. “I thought perhaps we could chat. We used to have such good times.”
“That was a long time ago.” He said. “I do not wish to chat.”
“That’s a shame.” She sighed and sat up from the sofa. “Perhaps you new love interest would not mind a chat.” He growled and lunged towards her, he felt is fangs extend.
“Do not speak of her.”
“OOOHHH, did you hear that Deke?” she laughed. “I think he likes this one.”
“Yes, my mistress.” Deacon nodded. “Shall I fetch her?” Kiran turned and was quickly upon him. He slammed him up against the wall.
“You keep your filthy hands off her.”
“No need, Deke.” Melinda said nonchalantly. “I have no need for his little pet as of yet.” She paused. “Now, Kiran please let Deke go and let’s talk.” She ordered.
Kiran growled again, showing Deacon his fangs then tossed him aside and walked casual back towards Melinda.
“Would you like some one to drink?” she asked. “we have two willing guest in the back.”
“No.” he fumed.
“Ah, how could I forget, I’m talking to my prodigal child.” She sighed. “Bless your soul.” She cackled. Kiran tightened his hands into fist.
“What do you want, Melinda?” he retorted.
“You know, I think a little O positive would do you good.” Melinda continued. “Isn’t that what your sweet Kara is?” Kiran forced himself to remain where he was, even as he could feel his need to attack her. He did know his place and knew she would win in a fight. “Or do you even know? Have you not nipped her during your nights of passionate love making?”
“That is enough.” He seethed through his fangs. Melinda cackled.
“OOH, does her mommy know she is dating a vampire? Bet she would not be happy at all about that.” She tusked.
“I will not tolerate this.” He turned and headed back towards the door. He was almost to Deacon, who was just starting to stir when she called out.
“You will not leave till I allow you to leave.” She was no longer using her cute and giggly voice. Kiran clenched his fist and but his own lip. He turned and stared at her from where he stood.
“I detest coming here. I detest this God awful hole you stay closed up in and I detest you.” He seethed, “I come here because you will not release me and choice to use me still.” He took a step forward. “Do you think perhaps you have tortured me enough?”
“Torture?” she questioned. “You think I am torturing you?” she laughed, back to her sing song voice.”Torturing you would be chaining you up and asking Yabets to take his turn with you.” She stood and stepped down from her platform. “Torturing you would be asking Deke to bring in the human and having you watch me drain her.” Her face lit up. “or better yet, asking him to bring me your precious Kara.” She was in front of his by now and she stroked his cheek. “That, my love would be torture.”
He pushed her hand away and she chuckled. “I let you roam free because I love you. I let you be with your little Kara because I want you to be happy and enjoy your life.”
“You took my life over 200 years ago.” He reminded her.
“Yes, but I gave you a soul.” She appeared to be baffled as if this washer gift to him.
“You gave me a soul so I would feel remorse and regret with every life I took.” He spat.
“Ah, yes, so I did.” She rubbed her hands up his chest, finally resting her head there and breathing deeply. “You smell like her. Enticing, she is.” He pushed her away.
“The job, Melinda.” He insisted. “What is it this time?” she stuck her bottom lip out in a pout and walked slowly back to her sofa. He glared at her back the whole way, wishing he could drive a stake into it and make her disappear.
“There are two SF officers nosing around your area.” She finally relented and told him his reason for the visit. “Take care of them.”
“Are the human?” he asked
“For the most part.” She waved her fan again. “They have some basic spells and charms, but nothing worth worrying about.”
“What would you have me do with them?” he did not like taking care of humans for her. She knew this.
“I don’t care what you do with them, my dear.” She smiled. “Have them for a snack, it would do you good.”
“Melinda!” he roared. “I will not kill humans. Especially not officers of the SF.”
“Then bring them to me and Deke and I can have a feast.”
“I will not!” he exclaimed.
“Fine, Kiran.” She relented. “Just make sure they stop asking questions about me.”


Kara stretched and smiled, thinking about the night before. She knew it was late afternoon as the sun was hidden behind her house. She has been up till sunrise with the most spectacular man she had ever met. She rolled over to snuggle back up to him, but instead hit the empty bed beside her. Sighing she sat up and stared at the empty spot beside her where Kiran should be. She hated it when he disappeared when she was asleep. She spotted the note tucked under his pillow, her name written in his fancy writing.
Kara, my darling: I shall return to you before the sunset. Please excuse my absentness. My everlasting love, till I see you again.
Kiran
She sighed and stuffed the letter back under the pillow. She threw the cover off her and reached for her robe thrown over the armchair in the corner. She tied it around her and padded into the kitchen to put on some coffee.
She had just poured her first cup and took that first glorious sip when someone knocked on her door. Sitting her coffee on the counter she walked into the living room and peeked out the window. Claire and Jack stood on the porch.
“Great,” she thought. “I’m sure this will not end well.” Not that she was not grateful for her friends stopping by, they just did not approve of Kiran. Claire and Jack have been her friends since grade school and they were overprotected over her, especially since she had made the mistake of sleeping with Jack last summer. She flipped the deadbolt and cracked the door open.
“Come in.” she said walking back towards her room to get into some clothes. “Coffee in the kitchen, be out in a minute.”
After she was dressed in a pair of sweats and a black T-shirt that Kiran had left she padded still barefoot back into the kitchen where Claire and Jack sat at her table grimly drinking their coffee.
“Is he here?” Jack demanded to know.
“Good mo.. afternoon, Jack.” She bantered quickly changing the direction of her time of day.
“I just don’t’ want to be surprised and attacked from behind.” He sipped his coffee causally.
“Jack, he isn’t going to attack you,” She sighed, “not unless I tell him too because you are being an ass.”
“Jack, cut it out.” Claire rolled her eyes at her brother. “I told him not to be like that if he insisted on coming with me.”
“It’s fine.” She picked up her cup of coffee and sat down at the table across from her friend. “And, no he is not here. He left again after I was asleep.”
“Probably had to go eat his bloody breakfast.” Jack mumbled over his cup of coffee. Claire and Kara shot him a look.
“Maybe he is doing something romantic for you.” Claire suggested.
Jack snorted. “Vampires don’t do romantic unless you call ripping someone’s throat out romantic.”
“That’s it.” Kara pushed her chair back and stood. “I am not taking this from you any more, Jack.” She slammed her coffee cup on the table sloshing hot coffee out. “If you don’t like my boyfriend or my lifestyle then stop coming around.”
“You’re honestly calling him your boyfriend?” he raised his eyebrow at her as he continued to sip his coffee.
“Yes, Jack, he is my boyfriend.” Kara stressed. “Not you. Now, get out and don’t come back till you have something nice to say.” She pointed to the door. Jack sat his coffee cup down and stood.
“Fine, but when he ends up hurting you, don’t run to me this time.” He headed towards the door. “I’m not your punching bag.” He slammed the door on his way out.
“ Geez, you have one drunken night and sleep with your best friend and he thinks we are soul mates.” Kara exclaimed and she slumped back down into the chair.
“You knew how he felt about you.” Claire replied.
“I was drunk, Claire, and so was he.” She reached for her now empty coffee cup and stared at the bottom. “I think we were too drunk to even complete the deed. I did still have my panties on when I woke up.”
“More coffee?” Claire offered as a way of truce and to change the subject.
“Sure.” She slid her cup to her friend. “Oh, and please don’t mention to Kiran anything about me and Jack.”
“Hello, Mr. Vampire. This is my brother, Jack. Oh by the way, he bumped uglies with your girlfriend.” She mocked as she poured more coffee. “Come on, Kara, I’m not an idiot.” She handed Kara the cup and then reached for a dishtowel draped over the sink and began cleaning up the spilled coffee.
“Thanks, Claire.” She sat the hot cup down on the table. “I know you don’t support the Vampire movement, but at least you aren’t brooding like you brother.”
Claire sighed as she turned back to the sink to ring out the dish towel. She ran some water over it then draped it back over the sink. She turned to face her friend.
“If he so much as leaves a mark on you I will call the SF on him.” She threatened. “You are old enough to take care of yourself, and I know you would not purposely put yourself in a bad situation.”
“Claire, he’s not like other Vampires. He has a soul and can actually feel emotions.” Claire raised her eyebrow in disbelief.
“Some evil, old Vampire turned him and as a punishment for betraying her gave him a soul so he would feel guilty every time he took a human life. He defied her again by swearing off humans and helping them.” She informed her friends of her lover’s past as she knew it. “His eyes do not glow red like the other vampires. They are green with a tinge of gold.” She smiled thinking about his eyes. “His human color. If he started feeding on humans, I would know because his eyes would start to turn red.”
“Still sounds dangerous.” Claire crossed her arms. “He does still have fangs.”
“He does, but he can control his anger and his lust.” She stood and walked to stand by her friend. “Claire, he is almost as human as you and me.” She smiled. “But unlike any human you will ever meet.”

Later, after the sun had set, Kara had popped a frozen pizza into the oven and set the timer when she felt his arms come around her. He lightly kissed her neck and she sighed. He smelled of lavender and laundry detergent.
“I was not sure you would make it back tonight.” She said turning so she could wrap her arms around him and look up into his eyes. His lips met hers.
“I told you I would be here.” He picked her up as she wrapped her legs around his waist. She ran her hands through his black hair. “and here I am.” He said in between kisses. He turned and lifted her so she was sitting on the counter looking down at him. He moved his hand under her shirt and she stifled a groan.
“Darling, Claire will be here any moment.” She reminded him. “We promised we would go out with them tonight.” He moved his hand so it rested on her breath and continued to kiss her neck, moving up her neck to suck her ear.
“You just smell so wonderful.” He breathed in her sent, happy to smell her instead of the awful smells of Golieath.
“As do you.” She placed her hands on his cheeks and brought his lips to her, as giggles rang from the porch followed by a knock. “But that would be Claire.” She kissed him one last time the hopped off the counter, leaving him standing there to tend to himself.
As Kara went to open the door for his friends he breathed a sigh as he adjusted himself. He did not want to go out with her friends. He wanted to take her to bed and stay there with her till the wee hours of the morning. But there was plenty of time for that. He put on his best smile, made sure he was in check and strolled into the living room where his beautiful Kara stood gossiping with two other girls. Neither held a candle to Kara. One had mousy brown hair and was short and chubby, the other had frizzy red hair, which she had managed to wrangle up on top of her head and she wore to much makeup.
Kara turned as he walked in, smiling at him with her blue eyes twinkling in the dim light. She walked towards him and grabbed his hand.
“Kiran, this is Claire,” she pointed to the mousy girl, “and Robbie.” He took each of their hands and kissed them as she introduced them. Kara could not help but notice that they both swooned at his touch.
“Um, Kara,” Claire said quietly. “I have to tell you something.” Kara motioned for Claire to follow her. She stood on her tip toes and kissed Kiran’s cheek.
“Let me just get my shoes on and we will be ready. Come on Claire.” Claire followed her into her bedroom where she sat on the edge of the bed and pulled her knee high boots to her.
“Kara, I’m really sorry.” Claire shuffled into the room and knotted the bottom of her sweater nervously in her hands.
“About what, Claire?” she zipped the first boot.
“Well, it’s not just me and Robbie.” She confessed.
“Okay, who else is coming?” the second boot zipped she pulled her blue jeans down over them.
“Um…Jack is in the car.” Claire informed her friend. Kara sighed and she ran a brush through her long black hair.
“He better behave.” Is all she said as she turned and headed out the bedroom door.

Kara stumbled through her front door giggling. Kiran grabbed her around the waist to keep her from falling.
“Whoa, babe.” He exclaimed.
“Kiran.” Kara cried. “My hero.” She went limp in his arm and he scooped her up to carry her to the bedroom.
“Man, she’s really wasted.” Jack stood in the doorway staring at Kiran holding Kara.
“Yeah, I better put her to bed.” He said over his shoulder and he carried her to her room and laid her gently on her bed.
“Kiran, I’m so in love with you.” Kara slurred as she struggled to keep her eyes open.
“I know, babe.” He kissed her forehead then rolled her pants leg up to unzip her boot.
“You think she is going to be okay?” Jack asked, now standing in the bedroom doorway. Kiran pulled her boot off and started on the other.
“She’ll be fine.” He sat the boots on the floor. “She’ll probably have a little headache in the morning.”
“That better be all she has.” Jack mumbled under his breath. Kiran stood and stared at him.
“What else do you think she will have?” he inquired. He moved quickly to stand in front of Jack. “Maybe a couple of fang marks?” his fangs extended as Jack gulped.
“No, Yes, I just know Kara doesn’t want to be like you.” He stuttered and took a step back.
“And how is it you know Kara’s feeling so well.” Kiran moved along with him, looking dark and creepy.
“I know her better than you ever will.” Jack professed bravely.
“Is that so?” Kiran growled. “Maybe you didn’t hear her earlier when she told me she loved me.” He stuck his finger into Jack’s chest. “Love me, not you.”
“She loves me.” Jack sneered. “She’ll get tired of your cold hearted soul.” Kiran grabbed his arms pinning them to his side.
“You know nothing of me or my kind.” He tossed him lightly to the side. “Now get out of here before we both do something we will regret.”
Jack smoothed his jacket and frowned. “What are you going to do, eat me?”
“Jack!” Claire exclaimed standing in the front doorway. “We should go.” She glanced at Kiran and could see he was breathing hard. “Jack, go now and wait in the car.” She pushed her brother out the door who sneered and gave Kiran his best go to hell look. Claire watched him leave then turned slowly back to Kiran. She took a slow step towards him.
“Umm, I’m really sorry about my brother.” She apologized.
“You should not apologize for him.” Kiran told her meeting her gaze.
“He’s not in his right mind.” She felt mesmerized by his eyes. Kara was right, they were beautiful. He was beautiful. “It’s just he has a thing for Kara.” She cursed herself as soon as she said this. Kiran moved to her and stroked her cheek.
“I know.” He smiled down at her. “I’m not worried about it.”
“You’re…. you’re not going to hurt him are you?” he turned away from her and leaned on the counter.
“No.” he stated. “I am not going to hurt anyone. Not your brother or Kara.”
“Right, of course not.” She smiled nervously. “Just tell Kara I will see her tomorrow.” He nodded.
“Goodnight, Claire.” She smiled and walked backwards till she reached the door. The waved and left, shutting the door behind her.

Mistakes: Chapter 5: Explaining to do

Chapter 5: Explaining to do

She woke up the next morning to someone knocking on her bedroom door.

“Angie.” She heard Jacob yelling from outside the door. But impossible, if Jacob was outside her door, then whose arm was around her?

“Oh shit.” She sat up in bed. Nick rose up too and smiled at her.

“Good morning, sunshine.” He beamed. “You got shit to tend to.” He said pointing at the door. It moved under the pounding.

“Alright.” She screamed at the closed door. “Give me a minute.” She started to get out of bed, but the pulled the comforter back over her. “Close your eyes.” She demanded of him. He laughed but closed them and tossed his hand over them too.

She quickly got out of bed and tossed her robe on. “Get your clothes on and stay here until I come back.” He saluted her. She rolled her eyes and headed to the door. She opened it a peek, but Jacob was not there. She quickly stepped out just in time to see him coming back down the hall with two cups of coffee.

“Here” He handed her a cup. He had washed the rest of the makeup off his face, except for the bits that were stuck in his beard. “Want to go chat in bed?”

“No!” she quickly answered. He raised his eye brows at her. “I mean, no, let’s go in the living room.”

“Okay.” He eyed her suspiciously but followed her to the living room.

“Angie, I am really sorry.” He said sitting down on the edge of the couch.

“Ok, you are forgiven.” She glanced nervously down the hall. She thought she had heard cursing coming from the room. “Can you just come back later and we can talk then?”

“I guess.” He sat his coffee on the table. “Angie is something wrong? You never forgive me this quickly.”

“Nope, everything is fine.” She smiled. “Just trying to open a new door, burn and old bridge.” Yup, defiantly heard cursing coming from the bedroom now, and so did Jake.

“What was that?” he questioned.

“Nothing, it was nothing.” She stuttered. “I heard nothing.”

“Who’s in your bedroom, Angie?”

“My bedroom?” she ran her fingers through her hair. “Don’t be silly, no one’s in my bedroom?” Damn, what was he doing in there? Jacob rose from the couch and started down the hall.

“Jake, wait.” But before she could stop him he had swung open her bedroom door. And there sat Nick, in his boxers, on the edge of the bed playing Donkey Kong on the Super Nintendo.

“Well, shit,” He said smiling at Jacob. “looks like the Joker is still alive after all.”

“Who the hell are you?” he demanded.

“Name’s Nick.” He said. “Hey can you help me get past this level?” he offered the controller to Jacob.

Jacob’s eyes bulged out of his head and he turned on Angela.

“It’s not what it looks like.” She explained. He opened his mouth to say something, but nothing would come out. Finally he banged his hand up against the door causing Angela to jump then stormed past her as quickly as he could.

“Seems kind of violent, Ang.” Nick said going back to his game. You don’t need that.”

“Get out!” she screeched at him. “Get out now!” she picked his jeans up off the floor and threw them at him. Then quickly ran after Jacob. But she was too late; he was already peeling off when she ran down the steps.

“Tough break.” Nick said from behind her. She turned and started pounding his chest and crying.

“Whoa, Whoa, Whoa.” He grabbed her hands so they stopped pounding him and wrapped his other arm around her. She stopped trying to punch him and started crying on his shoulder.

“Come on.” He soothed her. “Don’t cry.” He rubbed her hair. “Let’s go in and get you some clothes on.” He led her back into the house.

Jacob sped down Papermill heading towards the interstate. He knew he was a jerk last night, but he did not think she would have hopped in bed with someone else. He stopped at a red light and reached into his pocket and pulled out a little black box. He clutched it in his fist, finally he flipped it open. The ring inside was simple. It was a white gold band with a princess cut diamond resting on top. He felt like his heart was breaking as he stared at that ring. The car behind him started blowing its horn. He looked up and the light was green. He slammed the box shut and angrily threw it in the floor; he quickly changed lanes and headed to the bar instead of home.

She sat on her bed and dialed his number again. No answer, but she couldn’t blame him. She imagined how she felt last night when she saw him dancing with Bridgette and could only imagine what he thought this morning seeing a half naked man in her bed. Quickly, she sent him a text also.

To: Jacob

Please, Jake. This isn’t what you think. Please talk to me.

She hesitated, the added:

I do love you.

“Coffee?” Nick asked coming in the room and handing her a cup. She took it and looked down into the cup. Black, Jacob knew that she liked lots of cream and a little sugar.

“Thanks.” She mumbled and sat the cup on the dresser. He leaned against the door frame and watched her.

“Did you get him?” he finally asked.

“No.” she sadly shook her head. “He won’t answer.”

“Bummer.”

She looked up at him leaning casually in the door jamb. He still had his rugged good looks she had fallen in love with all those years ago, but looking at him know, after seeing Jacob’s face, she knew she was no longer in love with him.

“I think you should leave.” She told him. He sighed and walked over and sat beside her on the bed.

“I don’t think I want to do that.” He said. “You need me.”

“Excuse me!” she exclaimed jumping up off the bed and pacing in front of him. “What makes you think I need you? I have lived without you for 5 years. I have moved on. Or at least I had till you decided to show back up and run the man I love off.” She ranted. He smiled at her which made even more furious with him.

“Are you done?” he asked.

“No! I’m not!” she pulled a pair of flip flops out from under the bed and grabbed a hoodie off the floor. “I have to go find Jake. When I get back I expect you to be gone.” She stormed out of the room dialing Jacob’s number one more time. When she got no answer she dialed Amy instead. She slammed her car door and revved the engine just as Devon answered.

“Hello.” He said.

“I need to talk to Amy.” She told him. She heard mumbling in the background then Devon came back on the phone.

“She’s giving the babies a bath, can she call you back?” she sighed in frustration.

“No, I really need to talk to her!” she exclaimed starting to cry again.

“Hey, Ang, what’s wrong?” he asked.

“I have just ruined my life and I need to talk to my best friend and she won’t even talk to me.” She sobbed.

“No, it’s not like that.” He soothed. “She’s had a rough night with the babies. Look, why don’t you meet me for a beer and we can talk. I will be the best fill in BFF I can be.” She could not help but smile a little.

“No, it’s ok. I am sure Amy needs your help.”

“Are you kidding?” he chuckled, “She won’t let me help, she fusses and says I am doing what ever it is wrong, she takes the baby and redoes what ever I just did.” Knowing her best friend she could see her doing this.

“Come on,” he encouraged, “What do you say?”

“Alright.” She gave in, not sure how a bitch fest with Devon would work out but needing someone to talk to besides the two men in her life.

“Great.” He said, “Meet you at Cool Beans in fifteen.”

Jacob sat at a corner booth, nursing his picture of beer. She had not seen her when she had came in and he had not let him self be seen. She sat at a table by the bar laughing and taking shots with Devon. His frustration grew and he could not think of any reason why she would be with him, other than she was sleeping with him too, right behind her best friend’s back. They had been here over three hours and both were incredible drunk. He sat and watched them. No knowing what else to do. His heart had been broken in to a million pieces. The girl he thought he knew and loved, he didn’t know at all.

“One more,” Devon begged as he sat Vodka shot down in front of her.

“I am going to puke if I drink that.” She informed him. They had been sitting here for hours on end. Devon was a better BFF fill in than she thought he would be. She felt much better, but that was probably the alcohol talking. She knew she still had to face her problems. She had checked her phone every so often, hoping Jacob would call. She knew she needed to go find him.

“One more and I will call a taxi.” He promised.

“One more and we go back to the real world.” She picked her shot glass up and toasted him. She shook her head as the cool liquid burned like fire going down her throat. One too many, she thought to her self.

“Thanks, D.” she said as seriously as she could manage. “Thanks for listening and thanks for getting me drunk.”

“No prob, that’s what stand in BFF’s are for.” He joked. He picked up his phone and called a local cab company. “Said he would be here in 10, you coming too?” She sighed.

“No, I am going to wait a while then call Jacob again.”

“Ok.” He grabbed her hand, “Call me again if you need me.” He stood up and stumbled over to her and kissed the top of her head. She waved her hand in a half wave, and then let her head fall down on the table. She sat like that for several minutes. She felt someone slide into the seat across from her, but did not raise her head.

Jacob watched as Devon stumbled out of the bar. He had kissed her on top of the head before he left. A friendly gesture, right? He was jumping to conclusions earlier, just what had gotten them in this fight in the first place. He watched her as her head fell down on the table and he sighed. He walked to the bar and ordered a glass of water then slid into the seat across from her. She didn’t move and for a moment he thought she had passed out, but then he heard her groan.

“Too many shots before breakfast?” he finally said. Her head shot up, but she quickly groaned and dropped in into her hands. “Here, drink this.” He slid the glass of water across to her. She took the glass and gulped the water. When she was done she put the glass down and smiled at him,

“You didn’t answer my call.” She said.

“I know.” He looked down at the table. “I was upset with you.”

“I’m sorry, Jake.” She sobbed. “I know you think the worst, and I don’t blame you.”

“Why were you with Devon?” he asked with more accusation that he intended. She stared at him for a moment. Not sure how to take this question.

“I needed some one to talk to.” She finally said, “And he was available.”

“That’s all?” he asked. She groaned at his question.

“Seriously, Jake.” She shook her head. “You have to trust me a little.”

“Well, what the hell am I supposed to think after what I saw in you bedroom this morning.” He shot at her.

“Look, I know what it looked like, but I didn’t have sex with him.” She looked at him to see if he believed her. His expression was blank so she continued. “He is an old friend, who was passing through town. He helped me drag you in the house after you passed out on the door stoop.”

“Then he dragged you to the bedroom with him?” he said angrily. She slammed her hand on the table.

“No. There was no where else for him to sleep seeing as you were passed out on the couch.”

“Oh, I see.” He nodded. Neither of them said anything for a few moments. Finally Jacob spoke. “Angie, this isn’t the guy, is it?” She didn’t say anything but shook the water glass. Jacob snorted and leaned back. “He’s the guy who left you.” He shook his head “Unbelievable.” He stared at her. “So you expect me to believe nothing happened last night with the only guy you ever claimed to be in love with.”

“That’s not true.” She shot at him. “You know I loved you too.”

“Loved?” he questioned, “Past tense?” he sighed, “Does that mean this is over?” He saw the anger flash over her face.

“It means what ever you want it to mean.” She spat at him. “I have to go.” She quickly stood and caught her self before she fell.

“You can’t drive.” He said standing too.

“I can do whatever I want. I can sleep with who ever I want and there is nothing you can do about it.” she glared at him and her words stung him. She stormed out the bar door and ran into Nick. She screeched in frustration and pushed him out the way and stormed past him. Jacob bust out behind her but stopped when he ran into Nick also.

He crossed his arms and glared at him, blocking his entrance into the bar.

“We need to talk.” Jacob demanded.

“I have nothing to talk to you about.” Nick shrugged.

“Alright,” he tossed his arm over his shoulder. “Well at least let me buy you a beer.” Nick shrugged again and nodded.

“Alright, that’s cool.” Nick shrugged again and allowed Jacob to lead him into the bar. He led Nick to the booth he had just abandoned with Angela and deposited him there. He walked the short distance to the bar and ordered a pitcher of Yuengling and two glasses. He walked back to the table where Nick sat watching ESPN talk about the Vols who where playing South Carolina later that afternoon in Carolina.

“So, you still follow the Vols?” Jacob asked pouring a glass of beer and sliding it over to him.

“Nah, I don’t really follow any team.” Nick took the beer and took a drink.

“Any pro team?” Jacob tried engaging him in conversation.

“Nah.” He took another drink of his beer.

“Alright, look,” Jacob leaned forward and rested his elbows on the table. “Are you sleeping with my girlfriend?” Nick shrugged and tossed his arm over the back of the booth. Jacob tried his best to control his anger. His instinct was to burst this guy up side his head, but more than anything he wanted answers out of him.

“You want a shot?” he asked. “What do you like?”

“Sure, how about a shot of Petron.” Nick rubbed his hands together.

Jacob went to the bar and ordered two shots of Petron. He walked back to the table and slid one to Nick. After Nick had slammed his, Jacob slid the other one to him.

“Here, take my too. I am on call tonight.” He lied, thinking if he could get this guy drunk maybe he would talk.

Several hours and numerous shot later, Nick had loosened up a little and was talking to Jacob.

“Know what I don’t understand?” Nick asked swirling his jack in his tumbler.

“What’s that?” Jacob asked.

“What is the point of male cheerleaders? They look like fags.” He said motioning to the TV where they were showing the Tennessee cheerleaders.

“They do get to look up a cheerleaders skirt all afternoon.”

“Shit.” Nick took a sip of his drink. “So does a football player if you work it the right way. All the male leaders get to do it look. The football player can touch.”

“Where you a football player?” he asked

“Shit, nah.”

“How did you meet Angela?” he took his opportunity.

“At a bar.” He said. “I am a musician and I saw her while I was on stage.”

“Oh yeah, you’re a musician?” he faked interest. “What do you play?”

“Guitar and sing.” Nick answered. “You play?”

“Nah, never had the time to learn.” He took a sip of his beer he had been nursing for hours. “Did you go to school here?”

“Nah,” Nick shook his head. “My parents moved over here to retire. They wanted to be close to the mountains and shit. I stayed for a while, but had to get out of this shit hole.”

“Where did you go?”

“I left and headed to Nashville for a while, then headed up to New York.”

“I don’t think I could just pack up and leave everything behind like that.” He shook his head.

“It’s exhilarating.” He stated. “Nothing like just hopping on your bike and heading out of town, not ever looking back.”

“But you came back.” Jacob pointed out.

“My ma died.” He informed him.

“Oh.” Jacob was taken back a step. “Sorry to hear that.”

“Ah, she was old.”

“So are you going to pack up and leave again?”

Nick shrugged. “I’m not sure. I have some unfinished business.” He drank the rest of his Jack. Seeing him being empty, Jacob quickly got up and grabbed another one.

“Unfinished business?” He picked the conversation back up. “Do you mean Angela?”

Nick smiled and picked up his new drink. “Yeah, I mean Angela.” Jacob sighed.

“Do you really think you can come back into her life after 5 years and pick up where you left off with her?”

“She asked me the same question.” Nick pointed out.

“She’s moved on you know.”

“Yes, with you.” Nick said. “But you don’t trust her.”

“What do you know?” Jacob retorted.

“I heard enough of your argument last night at the bar to figure out it wasn’t the first time you had argued about her sex life.” He paused and smirked. “Angie is a freak when it comes to sex, trust me, I know.” He laughed as Jacob tightened his fist on the table. “See, there are your trust issues.” Nick raised his eyebrows and took a drink. “I bet you think we had sex last night, don’t you?” Jacob bit his jaw and crossed his arms. Nick sighed and leaned back again.

“I didn’t bang your girlfriend last night.” He stated. “Is that what you wanted to hear?” he drained his drink waiting on Jacob to respond. After several moments Jacob reached in his jacket pocket and pulled out the little black ring box he had retrieved from his floor board earlier and slid it across the table to Nick. Nick took the box and flipped it open.

“I’m flattered, really.” Nick smiled, “But I hardly know you.”

“I was going to ask her to marry me.”

“Was she going to say yes?”

“Until you showed up.”

Nick smiled and toyed the ring box.

“I obviously don’t know the whole story, but I know that you really tore her up when you left her.” Jacob started. “You said your self you aren’t going to stay, so why are you doing this too her again?” he paused and looked at Nick who was now leaning up on the table staring into his empty glass. “I really love her, and you are right. I do have trust issues that I need to work on, and I will. But I can’t do that with you here.”

“Do you just expect me to leave?” Nick asked.

“Your going to leave any ways.” He pointed out again. Nick sighed.

“I care about her too you know.” He snapped the ring case closed and slid it back across the table to Jacob.

“Really?” Jacob asked, “You have a funny way of showing it.”

“Man, I was a kid back then, I wasn’t thinking straight.” He tried explaining. “I had got into some bad shit. Things she didn’t know about.” He played with the ice in his empty glass. “I knew that if I stayed around and tried to work my shit out, she would get involved and would protect me no matter what, and I didn’t want that.” He chuckled. “It didn’t help that her nosy friend, what was her name,” he thought a moment. “Amy.” He snapped his fingers, “knew about my problems and she was threatening to tell.”

“Wait,” Jacob stopped him, “You are telling me, Amy knew something and didn’t tell Angie?”

“I take it that bitch is still in the picture.” Jacob raised his eyebrows at him.

“Yes, she is one of my employees and I do not like your terminology.”

Nick laughed. “So sorry, will you ever forgive me.” He shook his empty drink. “I could use another.” Jacob sighed.

“Fine, but this is the last one.” He retreated quickly to the bar and ordered yet another drink.

“Look, man.” Nick said accepting his drink. “Tell you what, let me just go talk to her.” Jacob quickly shook his head. “Just one last time, she deserves that before I disappear.” Jacob just glared at him. “Maybe I am just drunk, and I think you have possibly taken advantage of that, but you are right, I am never going to stick around and if she can be happy, well, then here’s to you.” With that he slammed the Jack in one drink.

Since he had purposely gotten Nick drunk, he decided to accept his final offer and drove him to see Angela one last time. He even stopped by Kroger first, where Nick bought her a dozen roses. “A bargaining tool.” Is what he called it? He did however enter his own stimulation. He had written something quickly on a napkin and told Nick that he had to give it to her and ask her to follow the directions on it. Before he dropped him off at her door he gave him the number to a local cab company so he could get back to his bike when the time came. He watched his stagger a bit as he made his way to her door.