Forever Mine

Chapter nine

Felix

It’s been a week since the blow up with my dad and I’ve been avoiding everyone except the one person I desperately wanted to see, but it seems like she’s avoiding me. I tried calling Ollie again last week, the day after everything happened. I just wanted one night to myself, one night to take in everything that was said and that happened before I talked to someone about it. I wanted to know what happened after I left but the messages went unsent…again and the calls went to voicemail…again, telling me she blocked me…again. But if she won’t take my calls or texts, then whatever. No use chasing her. Did they not want her around me because they feel the same as my own parents?

I don’t know what happened at my dad’s house but it was bad enough for her to block me. Did her parents give her an ultimatum after everything my dad said and that’s why she isn’t talking to me?

I decided to give her space and just concentrate on the plans I had with the guys. I honestly don’t know what I think about their idea, but it is what it is. It’s something they wanted to look into, but I think with all the kids running around they don’t have the time to start their own security business. I came up with the idea of just keeping the camp open all year round and having afterschool programs and coordinating with the school. Completely opposite of what they wanted, but I knew it would be easier on them, especially mentally. I even mentioned maybe opening up a mini ninja course and they seemed to beam.

Finn, Dylan and Jordan seemed to really like that idea, especially with the high school kids doing something afterschool to help them keep in shape all year round and it would help with their volunteer hours as well. Gage and Archer just shrugged at the idea and said they would do whatever is needed. Gage has been spending a lot of time with Archer and, honestly, I think he might be thinking about rejoining the police force again. He did finish his special ops training before coming down here, so who knows? I think it would be good for him in the long run, but what do I know?

“Whisky, neat, make it a double.” I mumbled while I slid onto the stool at Nash’s. It was a Saturday night. Archer was working his night route with Monroe and the rest of the guys were with their wives, so I had Gage. Nothing wrong with him at all, but I just wished I had the others here so I could get all their opinions.

Because everything is driving me crazy.

And like dad said, it’s all my fault.

I got a letter from Aiden the other day and all it said was ten words.

Did you pull your head out of your ass yet? I laughed when I saw it, but no brother, I did not and I’m not going to.

“You look like you have a lot on your mind,” Luna said as she handed me my whisky. I gripped the glass and down it in one go, only for her to refill my glass instantly, “I have break in about ten minutes. Want to talk about it?”

I furrowed my brows at her, “They didn’t tell you?”

“Tell me what?”

“What happened at my dad's place last week? Ollie and her brother Craig came down to Sawyer’s so I assumed she told the girls what happened.”

“I wasn’t there.” She shrugged, “I was…busy. So, like I said, I have break in ten and we can go out back and talk about what happened. Maybe a different perspective will help.”

I downed the second glass, “Nah, but I’ll talk about it if you want to talk to me about New Year’s.” I grinned and she just smiled and shook her head.

“Nothing happened New Year’s.” She rolled her eyes.

“Bullshit. Aiden was awfully happy.” I winked, making her blush, “AH! So something did happen!”

“A New Year’s kiss while drunk isn’t something to freak out over.” She rolled her eyes, “Now, back to you.”

“Damn it. Well, I don’t even know what happened really. When Craig came over, I left and went back to my place with Miles. He wasn’t feeling the whole kid thing anyway. I saw…” and I paused when I saw Archer and Monroe walk into the bar.

Whenever I see his smug face, I want to bash it in. Gage and Craig slid in next to me, one on each side, “If your glare would burn holes, he would be swiss cheese.” Craig laughed as he shook his head.

“Where the hell did you come from?” I laughed, “And were you two together? Another please.” I said to Luna as she rolled her eyes and poured me another double.

“I’m only doing this because I actually like you.” she smiled.

Craig shrugged, “Gage called me and let me know you were still sulking, so I came over here. You about ready for me to finally tell you what happened?”

“What happened? Are you okay?” Archer asked as he came over. I c****d my eyebrow at him as he stood by us in his uniform and then my eyes went over to Monroe.

“Is there something you need us to help take care of?” Monroe asked, trying to be all genuine, and I grunted.

“I can handle myself. Thanks. Last one.” I grinned at her and she shook her head at me.

“This is it…that’s four doubles and I should have stopped you at the last one but I see you need it.”

And I downed my last glass and stood up, “Luna, a pleasure, as always. When is the next batch of letters going out?”

“Monday. It’s their assignment this weekend. You got another one for me to send out?”

“Sure do. The fucker only wants to send ten words at a time, so I’ll send two.” I laughed as I turned to Archer and Monroe, “Pleasure seeing you guys. Archer, call me when you’re done with your shift. Gage, Craig, come on.”

I slid out of the barstool with Gage and Craig flanking me. I heard Craig say something to Monroe for him to just say ‘She’s been busy’. I knew he was asking about his sister so I made a mental note to talk to him about her. But I just needed to get out of there as soon as I could before I did something I would regret and the worst part? He’s in fuckin’ uniform and I cannot afford to get arrested.

“Oh, Scanlon,” Monroe called out. I turned around and faced him as I kept my hands in my pockets. He had the biggest grin on his face, “Ollie came to me the other day freaking out, saying that you won’t leave her alone. Do me a favor and step off. I don’t know what happened in the past, but it’s just that…the past and I’m her future, so do us both a favor and just stop stalking her.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“The phone calls? The messages? Yeah, I’ve seen them.” He shrugged with a smirk, “And she’s pissed and wants you to leave her alone.”

“I’ll do that when she says something to me herself. I’ve known her a hell of a lot longer than you and you can’t break that friendship.”

“What friendship?” he laughed, “She doesn’t talk about you. She doesn’t hang out with you. She doesn’t go out of her way to hang out and make sure you’re okay. Hell, I even know what happened.”

“Bullshit.” Craig said as he stood next to me, “I know my sister and what you’re saying is crap.”

“Really? You think so?” he laughed, “Should I say out loud what happened? I’m sure everyone here would love to know how much of a failure you are. How much you hurt people and how much of a disappointment you are. How you’re to blame for…”

“What do you want, Monroe?” I glared, stopping him midsentence.

“Dude…stop it.” Archer said and he gripped Monroe’s shoulder, “This is not the time or place to start crap. I don’t know why you’re doing this, but drop it. We need to go finish our route.”

“This isn’t your concern. Don’t get me started on you.” He turned and pointed at Archer as he glared about to say something.

“You know what? f**k this.” I shook my head, “You tell Ollie that she got what she wanted. When she’s ready she can come to me. I’m done chasing her and trying to look after her. You win. Is that what you want to hear? And lay off Archer. He’s done nothing but respect you because you two work together. Come on guys, let’s go. My place is calling our name and I need to relieve the sitter.”

“Sitter?” they both asked.

“You don’t have to worry about looking after her, Scanlon.” I heard after I turned my back to him, “And you don’t have to chase her anymore, because by this spring, she’s mine for good in all ways that you can imagine. I’ll be seeing ya.” He laughed and I did everything I could not to turn around and deck him in the face.

Keep walking. I told myself. Don’t give him the satisfaction. Keep walking.

“What the hell are you talking about?” Archer exclaimed behind me, but I just shook my head and left without saying a word.

Those words…fuckin’ suck.

I rip my keys out of my pockets and head to my jeep and start it up with Craig and Gage running up behind me, trying to stop me.

“Woah woah woah, slow down there my guy.” Gage said, reaching over and turning off the car, “You have three, maybe four double shots in the past hour, hell, less than that. You might not feel it now, but in about twenty or so you’re gonna be slurring your words a bit.”

“What do you think Aiden would do if he got a message from us saying his best friend, the person supposed to be watching his son, drove drunk and crashed? Hell, what would everyone here do? What about...” and I cut Craig off.

I shrugged, “Doesn’t matter. I guess the one person I would want to care doesn’t.” Gage just rolled his eyes at me and grabbed my arm and pulled me out, making me furrow my brows at him in annoyance.

I’m a muscular guy and he just pulled me out like it was nothing and he’s thinner than me, not by much, but still, holy hell is he strong. “You’re a dumbass. Why do you let him get to you? He has nothing on ya!”

I just grinned and batted my eyelashes at him, “I never knew you felt that way sweetheart.” I winked and he just rolled his eyes as he pushed me into the back seat of his car, leaving mine in the parking lot, “My jeep…”

“Shut up you dumbass.” He laughed, “He can’t drive stick so it’s his car and, frankly, I don’t want to drive. We will get yours tomorrow. Let’s get you home and we can listen to Craig here tell us what the hell happened last week after you left.”

“Why? It’s not like it’s going to change anything.” I mumbled, “My dad officially disowned me for good, which is whatever. My mom stood there and let it happen and the other two parents, who I thought I was good with, looked at me with disappointment in their eyes. And hell, my Angel, I mean, Ollie, didn’t even check up on me and make sure I was okay. God, why does she hate me?”

They didn’t say anything as they got in the car and started to go to Aiden’s house so we could relieve the sitter that was watching Miles. They literally sat there in complete silence, no music, anything while I groaned in the back seat with every bump he hit. I swear, he was doing that s**t on purpose.

I took my phone out and pulled up Ollie’s number and tried to call her again but it went right to voicemail.

“Angel, please call me. I need to talk to you. I want to talk about what happened ten years ago.” I mumbled.

“Have you even tried before?” Gage asked.

“He has, but every time it’s brought up, they end up fighting and then end up in bed together, only to wake up the next day to one of them disappearing, doing the walk of shame.” Craig laughed.

“Ah, that makes a lot more sense and I see it, knowing both of em’.” Gage laughed as they pulled into my driveway, “Woah, why didn’t you tell me she’s the sitter.”

“Who is she?” Craig asked.

“Taylor. Tristen’s daughter.” He grinned as he opened the door and rushed out. I sat up and looked out the window to see Taylor sitting on the front porch with a book and a cup of coffee or tea and a blanket on her lap. He rushed over and started to chat with her and she had the biggest smile on her face.

Taylor came home after visiting her mom for the holidays and asked to move back in with Tristian. He was so happy and everyone was beyond excited that she was home for good. I guess she's looking into online schooling this fall to get her degree. It would be good for her.

She stood up to talk to him more as he relaxed. Taylor nodded her head and took out her phone and the next thing I knew, she kissed him on the cheek and gave him a hug before she ran off to her car, but not before looking at me through the window and waving.

Craig came around and opened my door, “Come on big guy. Let’s get you on the couch.” He mumbled as he helped me. The whisky kicked in pretty quick and they were right. As he helped me up the stairs, Gage came over and helped him and then they both tossed me on the couch, letting me lay there in my own self-bitterness.

I was dreading this conversation. I didn't want to listen to how everyone turned against me and thought the worst. At this very moment, I just want to drown my life in whiskey and go to freaken bed.

Thoughts ran through my mind as the guys went to the kitchen to get what they wanted. I think it was time to have one final conversation with Ollie and let her fuckin' go. Who am I to compete with Monroe? Hell, I might hate him, but at least he's doing something with his life and can give her what I can't. He didn't kill his sister and became a family disappointment. He wasn't unemployed and living off his savings.

I knew I should have re-enlisted once I heard about Aiden doing it, then I wouldn't be in this fuckin' situation.

Fuck it. I'm talking to the recruiter and seeing what my options are, because at the end of the fuckin' day, I need to get out of this town and this state and for good.

"Ready for this story?" Craig mumbled to Gage and I just rolled my eyes.

It doesn't matter if I am or not, I guess I'm listening.