My chest is heaving, breaths coming out rapidly, but I’m not done. “You will treat them all with respect. And if you can’t do that…I will get a restraining order if you come so much as five feet near them. Am I clear?”
My mother has never been speechless in her life, but I’ve done it. I’ve given her nothing to argue over. My dad on the other hand is used to getting his way. “Do not expect any help from either one of us. If you stay here, we are taking the truck and not paying your college tuition.”
“Take it,” I yell. “I don’t want the damn thing or your money. I will figure out a way to take care of myself and Layla.”
The officers are standing back, heads going left to right as we argue. As if they are watching a ping pong ball being hit back and forth. Sensing we’re done, they back away. “We’re going to leave, this is a civil dispute.” They hightail it to their squad car and pull out of the driveway.
“I’m not playing, Jake.” Dad stammers.
“Neither am I.” I pull the keys from my pocket and toss them at him. They have controlled my life for far too long. If hurting the people I love is what it takes to earn their affection, I don’t want it.
Without a backward glance, I grab Charleigh’s hand and lead her once again into the backyard. Tonya, Reaf and Mr. Burgess follow shortly after. The weight of their demands lifts from my shoulders. I feel lighter than I have in years. I wouldn’t have been able to put them in their place with Charleigh giving me the courage to do so.
I pull her closer to me, kissing her temple. “I’m sorry you had to see that.”
Tonya snorts behind me. “I’m not. That was freaking epic.” She looks over at her mom. “Cover Layla’s ears.” As soon as that is done, she continues. “No offense, Jake. But your parents are complete assholes.”
“None taken. It was a long time coming.”
We all walk to the hammock set up in the corner. The very one I would spend nights cuddling in with Tonya. It’s big enough for all four of us to sit on it. Charleigh and Tonya sit in the middle while Reaf and I sit beside them.
“Layla is getting sleepy,” Mrs. Burgess whispers. “I’m going to put her to bed so the four of you can talk.”
Leaning forward I place a kiss on her tiny hand. “Goodnight, Baby Girl.”
“I’ll be in later when she wakes up,” Tonya says.
“Soooo,” Charleigh drawls. “That was intense.”
“That’s putting it lightly,” Reaf mutters.
“What are you going to do about school?” Tonya asks. “There’s no way you can afford tuition when you don’t even have a job.”
I glance at Marshall who is on the phone speaking in whispers. Going back to college in a couple of weeks is going to destroy him. But thanks to his family, I’m not so worried about my future.
“Actually,” I reply. “I do have a job.” Both Charleigh and Tonya whip their heads in my direction. “I start working with Mr. Foster on Monday. I’ve also already started the paperwork to transfer my credits to Asheville Community College.”
“That’s amazing,” Tonya exclaims.
“So, you’re staying?” Charleigh whispers. “For good?”
I pull her closer to me, kissing right beneath her ear. “You won’t be able to get rid of me now.”
She smacks me in the chest but snuggles closer to into my body. “I get what you meant the other night when you said I was your Reaf.” She gestures between the two of them. “They are sickeningly sweet together. Almost enough to make me gag.”
“I heard that,” Tonya laughs.
Who would have thought almost a year after finding out Tonya was pregnant we would be comfortable hanging out with each other? Not to mention having the people we’re with beside us. I’ve come so far from the guy I was last year, but I still have a long ways to go.
Epilogue
Two Months Later
The State Fairis something I always looked forward to when I was a little girl. The food, sounds, and rides drawing me to them like a June bug to the light. It is definitely one of my favorite places. There are so many different people here. Couples with the beginnings of love surrounding them, families making memories, and those that are just here for the food.
We are here to make memories. Tonya and I thought it would be fun to do a big outing and bring Layla to the fair. We know she’s not going to remember any of it, but I want fair food.
It’s a rare Saturday off work for me. It’s one of the busiest days at the shop, but I pleaded with Corey to let me have the day. If we get done in time, I’ll go in when we’re done. Bianca is slowly working her way to becoming one of my closest friends. She’s been down lately because Marshall isn’t here. He wanted to try the long-distance thing, but she said it’d be too hard with their conflicting schedules. I feel awful for her, but I know she did what she thought was best.