Fates' Destiny Page 13
“Alisha.” He helped her out. “We’re done.” He said without a hint of upset.
“Really?” Destiny gasped even though she wasn’t surprised. Ryan rarely ever hung on to a girl for longer than a month.
“Yep.” He nodded. “It wasn’t working for me.”
“Why not? I thought you liked her.”
“I did until she started talking about our future and how she wanted me to quit the force and go to work for her father selling furniture. After that she had to go.”
Destiny nodded in understanding. Ryan loved being a cop and no one would ever take that away from him.
“Well, good. You don’t need some woman who’s going to control you.”
“Exactly.” He agreed as he slid off the stool. “Now, I need to get back to work.”
She walked him to the porch, gave him a hug, and told him to be safe.
Once he was about half way down the drive she walked back inside. In that moment she heard the sound of her cell phone from the kitchen.
She flew back into the kitchen in hopes it was Adam. Her brow furrowed when she saw Ryan’s picture.
“Hey. Didn’t you just leave?” She asked curiously.
“Did you know there’s a black truck sitting on the side of the road a few feet from the driveway?”
Her curiosity faded to confusion. “No.” She made her way back to the living room and toward the front windows. “Maybe it’s someone broke down.” She suggested as she instinctively peaked through the blinds, searching the grounds for any sign of life.
“Maybe.” He said skeptically.
At that moment she spotted movement. A silhouette skittering across the grass from the house, staying clear of the street lamps that lined the driveway. She studied the form for a second wondering who that could be. As the form neared the end of the drive it got close to the light and instantly she knew.
Damn it! She turned away from the blinds and stormed back toward the kitchen.
“Ryan, circle around and follow that truck. I think Ali just snuck out.”
“Already done. I just saw her get in.” He informed her, his tone stern and serious.
“Follow them. I’ll be right behind you. I have to call Dela and see if she’ll listen out for Jason and Anna.”
“Ok. Call me back when you’re on the road.”
Quickly she lowered her phone, disconnected with her brother, and dialed Dela. When she answered Destiny told her that Kenna just called and was broke down on the side of the road and needed someone to come get her. She decided to keep the truth to herself for fear the truth would cause a panic. When Dela agreed to head to the main house Destiny hung up and darted out the front door, determined to make that girl regret her decision.
~ ~ ~
“I’m pulling up behind them Ryan.” She told her brother through the phone.
The black truck was stopped at a red light. Ryan’s patrol car was stopped next to them.
“Ok, what’s your move?” He asked her.
She wanted to jerk the girl out of the car but there was a better way to go at this.
“I’m calling her on three-way. Hold on.”
“K.”
She lowered the phone, tapped a couple of buttons, and put the phone back to her ear.
“You there Ryan?”
“Yep.”
Then ringing filled her ears. She watched the silhouette in the passenger seat make movement and then she heard a very groggy, “Hello?”
She almost laughed but she was too pissed off. Instead, she decided to play along.
“Hey Ali. Did I wake you?”
“Yeah.” Ali said with a stretch. She saw the silhouette’s arm stretch out in the truck. “Is everything ok?”
“Oh yeah. Everything’s fine.” Destiny masked her anger with a sweet tone. “I just wanted you to know that you’re busted.”
“Huh?” Was Ali’s reply and Destiny couldn’t fight the deviant grin.
“I know you’re in a black truck.” Just for shits and giggles she gave her the licenses plate number and told her what intersection she was at.
When Ali didn’t say anything Destiny continued.
“I want you to look out the window. See that cop sitting next you?” She didn’t give her a chance to answer. “That is my brother, Ryan. Say Hi Ryan.”
“Hi.” Ryan’s voice came over the phone.
“You have two seconds to get out of that truck and into my car or I will have Ryan follow you to wherever you’re going, put you into the back of his car, and escort you home.”
“I’ll turn the sirens on too.” Ryan’s threat held no humor.
“Damn it.” She heard Ali sigh. Then she saw her lean over and kiss the driver. A second later she was exiting the car and walking toward Destiny.
“Thanks Ryan.” She said as she watched Ali.
“You’re welcome. Good luck.” And then his car turned down the side road.
She hung up her phone just as Ali was opening the door. The moment she was in the passenger seat she turned on Destiny.
“Just who in the hell do you think you are?” She yelled.
“Don’t cuss, Young Lady.” Destiny kept her cool.
“Don’t talk to me like a child.” Ali spat back at her.
Fine. She wanted Destiny to talk to her like an adult she would.
“I’m the bitch in charge of you right now.”
“You’re not the boss of me.” Ali argued.
“Is that so?” Destiny asked her, gripping the steering wheel so tight her fingers hurt.
“Yeah,” Ali smirked. “That’s so.”
“Ok, then. Why didn’t you just use the front door instead of crawling out your window?”
When she didn’t respond Destiny glanced over at her to see her glaring at her. That got her. Score!
“Look Ali,” She took in a deep breath. “I know what it’s like to be young and have a boyfriend. I get it. But I can tell you right now that boy is only after one thing.”
“And what’s that?” Ali snapped.
Ok, the girl was a little naive. That was ok. She’s only 16. She doesn’t get it yet. Destiny had no problem opening her eyes to the evils of teenage boys.
“Sex Ali. He’s only after sex.”
“No he’s not!” Ali gasped and Destiny casted her an all knowing smile.
“Yeah, he is. Teenage boys love to take a girl’s virginity. It’s like there only goal in life.”
“I-I’m not a virgin.”
“Oh please.” Destiny snorted with a roll of her eyes. “You all but have a big red V stamped on your forehead. Let me ask you something? Has he told you he loves you?”
“Yes.” She answered, her anger simmered a bit.
“Yep.” Destiny nodded. “Is this the first time you’ve snuck out?”
“Yes.”
“And where were you two going?”
Ali hesitated for a moment but when Destiny glanced over at her she answered, “His house. His parents are out of town for a couple of days.”
“Of course they are.” Destiny shook her head at the ideas the boy had planned for Ali. “I can almost guarantee you that he would’ve got you there and convinced you to sleep with him. Then tomorrow he probably wouldn’t utter one word to you.”
Ali sat silent for a moment as if she was thinking about what Destiny was saying. Destiny couldn’t help but think she may be getting through to the girl and that thrilled her.
“How do you know all this?” She finally asked.
Destiny didn’t answer as an old wound reopened just enough for her to feel it. When she didn’t respond Ali guessed.
“It happened to you didn’t it?”
Destiny swallowed the anger and hurt that accompanied the memories of the heartbreak she endured when she was Ali’s age.
“Yes.”
Ali turned to her, giving Destiny her full attention. “What happened?”
At first Destiny didn’t want to talk about it but after a s
econd of thinking she came to the conclusion that it may help Ali understand.
“I was your age and he was my brother’s best friend. I had been in love with him forever and then one day he asked me to a movie. After that we started dating. We had been dating for about 4 months when one night he showed up at my house. My parents were out with a group of friends and Ryan was off doing some extracurricular activity so I was home alone. At some point we ended up in my room, fooling around, and then he told me he loved me and wanted to prove it. The next day he wouldn’t answer my phone calls or emails. I was… devastated.”
“What did you do?” Ali asked completely engrossed in Destiny’s tragic story.
“Only thing I could do. I cried. But,” She glanced over at Ali. “Don’t think he got away with it. It was about a week later when Ryan asked me what was going on and I broke down and told him everything. Next thing I knew Ryan had beat the hell out of him.”
“Served him right.” Ali huffed as she folded her arms over her chest. “The bastard.”
Destiny couldn’t help but laugh. “Thanks. Now, with that said. I just want you to know that I know exactly what teenage boys are capable of and I don’t want you to get hurt.”
A soft smile lifted her lips. “Thanks Destiny. I’ll be careful.”
“And never sneak out again?” Destiny asked.
“Never. I promise.”
“Ok.” She nodded. “Now I have to figure out how to tell your father about this.” He was going to be furious for sure.
“Oh god Destiny.” Her voice full of panic. “You can’t tell him. He’ll kill me. Please,” She took both her hands and grabbed Destiny’s arm that was closest to her. “Please, you can’t. I’m begging. I’ll do whatever you want. Please, please.”
The girl’s panicked pleas reached Destiny’s heart but her head told her that keeping this from him was bad… Very bad.
“I have to Ali. If he finds out some other way he’ll kill us both.”
“He won’t find out. Only you, me, and your brother know. Please,” Tears sprang free and flowed down her cheeks. “You can’t tell him.”
Oh god. What was she to do? She was determined to tell him but when she glanced over and seen the fear in Ali’s tearful eyes she just couldn’t do it.
Damn it! “You have to promise you won’t do it again Ali.” She couldn’t believe she was doing this.
“I won’t. I promise.” Hope lit up her tear stained face.
“Ok.” Destiny sighed, knowing this was wrong. “We’ll keep it between us.”
“Thank you!” Excitement burst out of the girl as she jumped out of her seat and wrapped her arms around Destiny’s neck. The car jerked from the sudden action but Destiny was able to keep control.
“Ok.” She laughed. “You’re going to make me crash my car.”
“Oh.” Ali snapped back into her seat. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine. When we get home I need you to stay on the porch until I send Dela home. Ok?”
Ali nodded. “Ok. Got it.”
Destiny turned back to the road, hoping like hell this wouldn’t come back to bite her in the ass.
Chapter 27
Tuesday went by equally as boring. The kids went to school. Destiny helped Dela. Luke had called early to check on everything. But she had to yet hear from Adam. When she asked Luke how he was doing he told her that he was trying to sort through a few issues.
Issues? Pertaining to her? Oh, that couldn’t be good. She might as well go ahead and start packing.
But she didn’t. She still didn’t know for sure if what was wrong with him had anything to do with her even though she was almost convinced it did. After all, actions speak louder than words.
After the kids got home they followed their usual routine of homework and dinner. Kenna joined them for dinner at Destiny’s request. She was so hoping Kenna would get her mind off Adam but honestly she didn’t. It seemed nothing she did got rid of him.
When everyone was gone and the children settled Destiny grabbed her book and stretched out on the couch. She wasn’t ready for bed. Sadly, she still held hope that he may call her tonight.
She was barely two pages in when she heard movement above her. She looked to see Jason coming down the stairs.
“You ok?” She asked.
He stopped about midway. “Can I talk to you for a second?”
“Of course.” She sat up and laid her book on the table as he descended the stairs.
Once he was settled on the cushion next to her she asked, “What’s up?”
“Well,” He ran his hand across the back of his neck. “I have a problem and I need a little help.”
Problem? What kind of problem? Is he having trouble at school or something?
“Ok.” She prompted him with a subtle nod.
“Well…” He paused. It was hard to miss his nervousness and she wondered what in the world would make him like that.
“You’re a girl right?” He finally spoke.
“Last time I checked.” She snorted a laugh at the obvious question.
“Yes… Of course you are.” He went silent again and looked everywhere but at her. That only increased Destiny’s curiosity.
“Come on Jason. You’re killing me.”
“Ok, ok.” He took a deep breath and asked, “What do girls like?”
“Huh?” Ok, Destiny was lost. “Why don’t you just tell me what’s going on? Is there a girl you like or something?”
Jason nodded, his eyes lowering to the table. “Her name is Jasmine and she’s so cool. She likes video games and scary movies and baseball. All the things I like. There’s a dance coming up next week and I want to ask her to it but I don’t know how.” His dark eyes were pleading as he looked at her. “Can you help me?”
Ok, now he was making sense. “Well, you just ask her Jason.”
“I can’t. I tried today and almost choked on my tongue.” He let out a frustrated sigh as he collapsed against the back of the couch. “She probably thinks I’m such a loser.” He propped his elbow up on the arm and dropped his head onto his hand.
Destiny wanted to laugh. He was just too cute. But she wouldn’t. He asked for her help and so she would help him.
“Ok Jason. Let’s do this.” She scooted to the edge of the couch and turned her body to face him. “Let’s pretend that I’m Jasmine and you’re going to ask me.”
“Awe Destiny.” He whined. “That’s not going to help.”
“Yes it will.” She grabbed his arm and tugged his limp body up. “Come on.”
“Ok.” He agreed on a sigh and moved to the edge of the couch.
“Ok,” She took a deep breath, reading herself. “let’s go.” Then she smiled childlike and said, “Hey Jason.” In a high pitch voice. “How you doing?” She batted her eyes.
Laughter erupted out of him as he doubled over.
“That’s not how she talks.”
“Oh. Ok.” Destiny would try again. “How’s this?” She cleared her throat and repeated her lines in a deep, baritone voice.
“Ohmygod.” He laughed. “You’re not funny.”
“Then why are you laughing?”
“I’m not.” He straightened and schooled his features. “Ok, this is serious.”
“Alright, alright.” Playtime was over. Now it was time to be serious. “Ok, I’m Jasmine. Now, ask me to the dance.”
He took a deep breath and locked her eyes.
“Jasmine, I was just wondering… if maybe… you would like to go to the spring formal with me?”
Destiny just couldn’t help herself.
“Oh Jason.” She gasped laying her hand over her heart. “Really? I’d love to go.” Then she threw her arms around his neck. “I’d love to go to the dance with you. And I’d love to marry you and move into a big house and raise llamas.”
“Llamas Destiny?” Jason asked ridiculously over her shoulder. “Really?”
She laughed as she unwrapped her arms and sat back.
He smiled even though it was obvious he was still nervous.
“Ok. I’ll try.”
“Good. Now, go to bed. You don’t want to be tired when you ask her.”
He rose off the couch and was about half way up the stairs when he turned back to her.
“Thanks Destiny.”
“Hey, that’s what I’m here for.”
~ ~ ~
“Hey Beautiful. I was thinking about calling you but I thought maybe you were asleep.”
After Kenna left Destiny she was troubled. She didn’t like that Destiny was beating herself up like she was. So even though it was none of her business she decided she needed to find out what Destiny had done to piss Adam off and she knew Luke would know.
“No, I’m awake. Are you busy?” She asked as she folded her legs under her. She was sitting on her couch, glass of wine on the table in front of her, TV off. She didn’t want any distraction while she talked to Luke.
“Nope. Just lying in bed, watching TV, wishing my beautiful lady was next to me so I could curl up with her.”
She giggled and wanted to tell him how much she wished she was with him too but stopped herself. She needed to stay focused and not let him distract her from her mission.
“I need to ask you something.”
“Ok.” He said curiously. “Is everything ok?”
“Not really. I want to know what your brother’s problem is.” She couldn’t believe how bold she was being but she needed to know. She needed to ease her friend’s misery.
“What do you mean Kenna?”
“Why’s he mad at Destiny?”
He was silent for a moment.
“She thinks he’s mad at her?”
“Well, yeah.” Now she wasn’t so certain Luke would know what was going on. “He barely spoke to her the other day and then yesterday when he left she said he was short with her and he’s been having you call her. It’s making her crazy because she can’t figure out what she did wrong and I don’t like it.”