Chasing Second Chances: Finn & Sawyer

Chapter Three

Sawyer

2 Months Later

“Damn it, Sawyer! Can you stop or at least slow down?” my very lazy best friend called out to me. We were running along with wooded path in the forest in the early morning on the outskirts of town, sweat dripping down my entire body. “Why are we even running? And at seven in the morning! You’re already as fit as can be! Are you trying to make the entire female population jealous because they already are!” she huffed and puffed, but I think it was more out of anger for waking her up so early.

I stopped, trying to catch my breath as my chest heaved in and out and pausing the music that was coming from my phone. I took in the surroundings around me. The trees swayed in the wind, the birds chirped in the bright blue sky and the sun was beaming down but the pain was still there in the back of my mind and it seemed like nothing I did really make it go away, but being here in Crossdale, it helps. “You know, when I moved here I was hoping you would get off my back a bit.” I laughed at her, “I run because…”

“I know I know, it’s your escape from this shitty world you call life. But could we do something more exciting that doesn’t involve me having a heart attack? Wine tasting, that’s safe and exhilarating. We can even compromise and do something like indoor rock climbing, it’s fit, fun and I actually like doing it. Hell, we can even skip all the exercise and just chill at home and watch TV.”

“You know for a doctor you would think you would b***h a bit less and encourage people to work out.” I laughed as she just glared at me. She started to look around for something to throw, picking up a pinecone and chucking it at me, but she always had terrible aim. “Come on, right through those trees is your car. Let’s go back so I can get Miles and Ivy and get them ready for the day.” Ava walked up to me and wrapped her arm around my shoulder as I did the same to her and we proceeded to the car, laughing and talking about plans for the weekend and when we reached the car, I was in my own thoughts.

“You sure you’re okay?” she asked softly as we buckled ourselves in, “You know mom would be more than happy to let you three move back in with us. We have more than enough room. You don’t have to do this on your own.” She started her car and proceeded to make her way back to her house.

Ava is literally my rock, my best friend, and she has been there with me through everything that has happened in the past year. I’ve known her my entire life. Her mom and my mom were best friends so that automatically made us best friends and my dad was like a second father to her. She rushed right over to Buffalo from Crossdale as soon as I called her about what happened the first time since Aiden couldn’t be there as quick as he could, because well, he was deployed. She helped me pick myself back up and take care of things until I realized I couldn’t just go on like this. I needed to be strong. I needed to be strong for Miles, Ivy and for myself. So her mom, Sara, helped me get out of the situation temporarily and for her I would forever be thankful by getting us a new place away from him.

They literally saved my life. All our lives.

A few months later, I got a phone call from Ava telling me about all the people in town that she started to hang out with and I started to get a bit jealous. Not because she had other friends, but because I wanted that too. That is when I told her about what was going on, the other details that she didn’t know after she left the first time. The consistent fear I was living in and how I just want to live my life without looking over my shoulder. She offered all of us sanctuary down in Crossdale but I told her I couldn’t right now because I couldn’t just up and leave while taking Miles with me when Aiden was overseas but I knew, something deep down in me, that making this move would be the best. I could start something for myself, or at least try. I could help Miles get into a hockey program where he can play to his heart’s content, something Aiden wanted him to do, to follow his dream since I looked up the school district down there and how well rounded their sports department is. So when the opportunity came and with the help of my brother, we packed up the kids we moved from Buffalo to Texas without looking back.

Once I got off the plane, and meeting most of Ava’s friends we headed to Ava and Sara’s place, where they helped us get settled until we were able to get our own place. It took about two weeks but we finally found something and what sucks is a week into the search, Aiden and Felix, my brother’s Marine buddy, got deployed, so we were doing this on our own. I was hanging in there for the most part with the help of all the girls, but it wasn’t until I unpacked everything for us where I lost my composure and released all the emotions I had built up inside. The frustration, the hurt, the anger, the fear. I let it all out and Miles was there to hold me and let me cry and he will forever be the strongest eight year old I know. He called Ava, who called Ray, Summer and Jo who all came rushing over to comfort me and it was then, I knew I would be okay. These were my people.

“I love you all and I appreciate everything you’re doing for us but I need to do this on my own. I can’t give him that satisfaction.” I scoffed out, thinking of him and all the crap he put me through, as we came to a slow stop at a red light, right at the corner by one of the local cafes that I’ve been wanting to try out. The smell of the fresh baked goods filled the air and just made my stomach grumble even more.

The plan was for me to move here in May, right after Miles finished school, but with my brother’s schedule and the opportunity Sara told me about, I couldn’t pass this up. But we moved in April, I was an i***t and changed my mind, wanting to do this on my own. Now, I’ve been here for about 2 months and I know I needed to get my s**t together and quickly, especially before the school year starts. My application was resubmitted to Locke with the insistence from Sara. She had a point, quoting what Aiden told me about the hours and consistent pay. Plus, it would be nice to not work two jobs. I have called, but they gave me the same answer, ‘if you meet the qualifications then we will call.’

Ava didn’t respond to me so I just turned my body and looked out the open window, smelling the baked goods. Pardon me while I wipe the drool from my mouth.

“You have nothing to prove to him. It isn’t bad if you ask for help when you need it.” She finally responded as we pulled away and started the rest of the ten minute drive back to her place. “When is Aiden coming home?”

Aiden is my older brother by 5 years and for the longest time, besides Ava, my only support system. He he enlisted in the Marines, our entire family was proud of him, but with him being active duty, his consistent tours makes it hard, but we were always there for one another. Not like we had much of a choice, but we would die for each other.

“Do you think you will be able to watch Miles and Ivy for a couple of hours while I meet with Fitz?” Fitz is my attorney, the next thing I did as soon as I could was hire him. This would be my first meeting with him to get the ball rolling because I know I only had so much time before things take a turn for the worst and I needed to get things situated yesterday. I just can’t believe it took almost two months to get this meeting. Aggravating, but better late than never I suppose. Sucks that this town doesn’t have an abundance of lawyers.

“Of course. You know you never have to ask.” She smiled at me, “And if you’re not done by the time I have to go to work and drop mom off, I can have mom bring them with her. They have a daycare in the building. Oh, and the girls want to have another girl’s night this weekend.”

“I don’t think Miles would appreciate being surrounded by a bunch of little kids.” We both laughed, “But I’ll let you know and yes to the girl’s night. I need it. I’m off the weekend for once in my life.”

“Perfect and no prob, but I think I might make our lives easier. Maybe I’ll quit the whole doctor thing and be an international blogger. I can woo people with my amazing words and that way, since you’re stubborn as hell about working two jobs I can just stay home and watch the kids while I blog.” She laughs and I couldn’t help but smile. Her laughter is contagious and she can always put a smile on the the saddest person and brighten the mood in the dullest of moments. “I think I could be a hit!”

“You know, I envy you. You and your perfect blonde hair and dark brown eyes, your positivity and let’s not forget your killer ass.”

“Shut up. You know you’re the pretty one. Who doesn’t love a beautiful brunette with curves in all the right places with piercing blue eyes.” And that was when my face fell, thinking of some of the terrible things he used to tell me.

You’re dull, pathetic and no one else is going to want you.

“I’m sorry, I just, I know…I um…oh f**k it, f**k him. He’s an ass. You know, everyone’s an ass and if they aren’t then they’re a bitch.”

I just threw my head back and laughed until I had to calm myself down, “I don’t know but thinking about everything, I just hope this is my second chance.”

“I know this is your second chance Sawyer. You and Aiden have been through hell and back again and it’s time you both move on, more so you. I love you both and you know I will always be here for you, no matter how much of a screw up we all are in our own way. How about I set you up on a date?”

“With?”

“Well, out of our group of friends, for some strange reason and we all don’t know why, you and Finn have never met. One of you two are working when we get together. It’s strange.”

“The jerk of the group so you say. The egotistical hottie with an athlete’s body?”

“Yes and no. He is a hottie with a body and well, all the guys have been working out because of the camp that’s starting but he’s been less of an ass lately. I think the stress was getting to him at the time.” She shrugged, but I didn’t buy it.

“But the girls were telling me how he didn’t even want to get to know me because of what’s going on?” I lifted an eyebrow, gaging her response. Ray and Summer told me all about him and it’s conflicting. They told us about how he is absolutely amazing in every way but when he found out about me, he snapped, saying how they don’t need the extra drama. What hurts is that he never even knew me or the whole situation but I can’t help but agree with him.

These people don’t need the extra drama and I will be damned to drag them into it.

“He just doesn’t know what he’s talking about. They just got through with crap with Summer’s kind of ex person dude who kidnapped her and the kids, faked their marriage and well, he was stressed but he’s been to himself a lot more. I think you two would be good.”

“I’ll pass. There’s no point in getting involved with someone who says that kind of crap without knowing the person.”

“Sawyer…”

“I said no. End of discussion and if I never see him or meet him, I will die happy.”

“Well…he works at Locke so…”

“Locke is huge. The likelihood of us working together is slim. Plus, I’m done with assholes and I just want to focus on me and the kids.”

“Famous last words.” She chuckled and I just threw her a glare. This girl has been pushing this whole meeting Finn thing and let me tell you, I don’t need that drama and I’m in no rush to meet the fucker, no matter how much he’s ‘changed’.

We pulled into her home and I took it in. It is a beautiful and modest two story brick home with black shutters. The stone, curvy walkway led up to the glass front door and was surrounded by flowers, freshly planted by Sara. The noise from the inside can be heard from the driveway and always makes me smile. As soon as we got inside, the sound of little footsteps echoed through the hallway.

“Mommy!” Ivy, my four year old angel, came running to me and leaping in my arms, “You’re smelly.” She scrunched her nose and shook her head as I tried to kiss her neck.

“I just got done running with Aunt Ava.” I put her down and she looked right at Ava and tilted her head sideways.

“But auntie doesn’t look sticky or smell like you do.” Ava threw her head back and laughed to where she almost started to cry.

“That’s because she doesn’t run as much as your mom because she’s lazy.” Miles came up with a glass of orange juice in his hands, “Dad called.”

“I take offense to that lil man. I run just as much if not more than your aunt. I just don’t sweat as much.” She huffed out, “Now, if you excuse me, I need to cleanse and head to work to save lives.”

“You give little kids shots; it’s not exactly saving lives, it’s more like torture if you ask me. Inhumane.” Miles shot out and I couldn’t help but laugh. He surely has his father’s mouth.

She turned back around and marched right up to him. With her standing at 5’7’’, he was only a few inches shorter than her, okay, so he came to her chest but you get the idea, “What are you, eight going on eighteen? Watch the mouth.” She glared.

“What are you going to, wash my mouth out with soap?”

“Sounds like a plan.” She glared and crossed her arms and refused to move from in front of him.

“Ha, you would need to catch me first.” He laughed.

They both went silent, just glaring at each other. You would think that these two would be siblings or at least related in some way or another, but nope, no blood at all, but still all family. She let out a huge smile and held her hand up to which he high fived, “Good job Miles, your attitude and snarkiness is getting better. Proud of you.”

“Well, someone’s gotta take over since your age is getting to you.” He laughed.

“Damn, that was a burn if I didn’t see one.” She smiled and shook her head, “Well, Godspeed everyone.” She spoke and bowed.

“We’re not even religious.” Miles yelled back, “She is…I don’t know…why are you friends with her?”

“I ask myself the same question at times.” I smiled and bent down to pick up Ivy, “So, dad called?”

“Yeah, he wanted to see how things were since we’ve been he left. He said he will send a check next week when he gets paid and they are hoping to cut the tour short this time and have an extended leave. Something about another group getting deployed. I don’t know, it was choppy like always. He asked about hockey.” He shrugged.

“I got the forms for the camp and I’ll make sure to fill them out and turn them in today after work.” Ivy was playing with my hair and laughing.

“Mommy, I love your hair.” She smiled and I couldn’t help but kiss her chubby cheek.

“You have the same hair baby girl.”

“Yours is longer.”

“And yours will grow.”

“Will you have time after everything or will you be late like yesterday? I’m only asking because the deadline for the application is today.” He went and sat on the couch and I followed him. He looked defeated. He missed his dad terribly and was counting down the days until he’s home. “We could just give it to grandma and she can give it to them. She said she would.” Sara is an angel for letting the kids call her grandma.

“Bud, I will get there, I promise, as soon as I’m done with work, it will be the first place I go. You will get into that camp if it’s the last thing I do, okay? I just don’t like to burden Grandma Sara with stuff like this when it’s my responsibility.” He nodded his head and let out a deep sigh. He’s heard it time and time again, my pride gets in the way, “So, you and our little princess here are going to get dressed for the day, Aunt Ava is going to take Grandma Sara and you two and drop you off where Sara works and once I’m done with work and dropping off the application, we will go out and get some ice cream, okay?”

“Yay! Ice cream!” Ivy bounced on my knee.

“Wait…why are we going with grandma? What’s there for me?” Yeah, I’m avoiding that question.

“Um…get dressed okay Ivy, your clothes are set out. You know what to do.” I kissed her forehead and let her run up the stairs to get ready, “Go. Now.” And with an eye roll and groan, he went upstairs. He really is eight going on eighteen. I didn’t have the heart to tell him it was a daycare. He really needs this camp. There is only so much homeschooling we can do too and I know he was just waiting for school to start.

I went to go get ready with one mission in mind...do NOT disappoint my eight year old nephew, no matter what.