Trailer Park Princess (25 page)

“It’s OK
, Ashley. No more. He will not do this again. Don’t take his calls; don’t open the door to him; and don’t be alone until he gets the hint, OK? I promise he is going to get the hint.” He hugs her tighter, and she responds. She wraps her arms around his waist, and he strokes her hair much like he used to for me. Years ago, I would have stomped a mud hole in her ass. But watching this, my heart goes out to her. She needs his comfort, his protection. I never knew it was this bad.

“Thank you both so much. I’ve never told anyone this.” She sits up and wipes her face clean with her shirt. As she pulls it up to do so, I see the bruises. I walk over and slide the shirt up, and my temper flares.

“How long since the last time?” I ask. She blinks a few times.

“Four days ago,” she answers and drops her head. I pull at her shirt, and she lets me. I see dark marks on her hips that look like finger marks. She has a bald spot in her hair where he has pulled it out in spots, and she has two lash marks that look like a belt was used on her back. And we count six
. . .SIX bite marks that all broke the skin. I convince her to let us take pictures of the marks, telling her to just hang on to them in case they are ever needed. This is so much worse than I ever thought it could be. If that jerk ever puts his hands on me again, he is going down.

Three days after Ashley tells us her story, I get my chance. Zac comes in alone and sits down in a booth. I take his order, but I don’t even try to fake niceness. When I deliver his food, he blurts out, “Talked to Toby. He doesn’t care about that little shit of yours.”

I go stiff. Did he just call Saige a little shit?
OH, HELL NO!
“Watch your mouth, Zac. This may be my job, but so help me, I will put your ass out of here in a heartbeat.” I slam the silverware down on the table.

“You know, I meant what I told you the other night. I want to do for you what I do for Ashley. She loves me, you know. I bet I could get her to agree to the three of us doing it together. She likes to make me happy, and I know you two are friends now.” I roll my eyes at him.

“Don’t talk about her either. You are walking on thin ice here, bud.” He smiles.

“Can I get some hot sauce for my fries?”

I go get the hot sauce, and when I make my way back, he has this evil smirk on the corner of his lips. He looks like a shark.

“Your next night shift, I am going to fuck you like your little punk ass man can’t,” he whispers at me. “Piss me off and refuse me what I want, and I will take it from someone you love the most.”

That’s it. I lose it. I snatch the fork off the table and slam it down hard between his legs. He jumps just in time for me to miss his manhood and catch nothing but jeans. “You crazy bitch!” I go after him over the booth with feral fury in my eyes.

“If you ever make another comment about fucking me or Ashley, I will beat your brains out of you, motherfucker; bet on it. But if you ever say another word about raping my child, I will end your sorry ass.” I scream with all the power in my body. I have every intention of killing him right now. But I don’t get the chance. Rome walks in and hears the last part of my rant. No one dares walk between them. Rome rushes over, grabs Zac by the neck, and drags him out the door. I hear the ding and smile
. I think that is when the Riaz’s call the cops because Rome only gets about two good minutes of beating in before they pull up. I see him slam Zac down and Zac’s head crack when it hits the ground. I see Rome drive his fist into Zac’s face over and over before the cops drag them apart. Both of them are placed in a car, but after they hear the story and how everyone heard him say the crap about Saige, they let Rome out. As far as the cops know, Saige is his, and he was protecting his daughter. They drive away with a pissed off Zac cuffed in the back.

“That was interesting,” Rome says as he walks up to me and drops a kiss to the top of my head, wrapping me in his arms. “I think you need to get home and let Ashley know what happened.” I head back inside to cash out and head home.

Ashley comes over, and I replay the whole story to her. Then, I call Mando to fill her in. “Hey, girl. I just wanted to tell you what happened today at work before your ‘rents call you,” I say when she finally answers. I hear her huff a breath like I’m wasting her time.

“Are you too busy to hear what I have to say?” I snap.

“No, sorry. I just thought you were gonna tell me Clay was talking about me or something.” I grit my teeth and roll my eyes.

“Mando, can you forget about sex for a minute? This is serious. Zac went to jail. I attacked him, and then Rome beat the ever-living shit out of him.” She gasps, and I hear her choke.

“Holy cow. Rory! I’m sorry I was like that at first. Let me grab a towel to clean up this soda. I gotta learn to not drink when you’re on the phone,” she states as I hear a wiping noise. “OK, spill.”

I fill her in and tell her everything I told Ashley, omitting the information from Ashley’s story. That’s not mine to tell. “SHITBALLZ, RORY! I FEEL LIKE SUCH A SCAB NOW!” I laugh and tell her not to worry about it.

“Seriously, Mando, the whole time I was watching them I was thinking about freaking mouse sperm.”

“WHAT?!” she squeals.

“You know how I am when I get nervous. Well, all I kept thinking is how bizarre it is that mouse sperm is longer than elephant sperm. Weird, I know, but I can’t help where my mind goes.” We all three burst out laughing. Then, Ashley throws in, “You left that part out when you told me the story.”

The door opens, and we expect Rome, but Clay walks in smiling.

“Oh, Mando…Captain Manmeat just walked in.”

Clay rolls his eyes and smiles. “She told you about that?” I move my head up and down and burst out laughing again.

“Yeah, she told me your…” I nod downward, “’bout poked her eye out.” We all start laughing again, and Rome walks in. We fill him in and say goodbye to Mando.

“Call me later, Captain Monstermeat,” she hollers over the phone.

“I thought it was Manmeat?”

She laughs. “Nah, it’s bigger than any man’s I ever seen. It’s more like a MONSTER…RAWR!” she growls and hangs up, leaving us all doubled over with laughter.

“I miss her,” I tell them, and Clay gives a sad smile.

“Me, too.”

Spring is in full bloom; the air is fresh; and the burst of color everywhere is wonderful. It lifts my spirits. It’s nature’s euphoric caress, and it devours me. My body craves it after a long, cold winter. It’s perfect…almost. No matter how hard I try to ignore gossip, sometimes it’s impossible.
  Today, a group of girls at a table were carrying on and on about the big shot quarterback coming home after all these years. I knew instantly who they were talking about, and it affected me in a way I could not understand. Why would Toby come back after all these years?  I haven’t talked to him, not once, since that night. He hasn’t called me to see or ask about Saige. I know his family is here, but come on…it’s been four years. Why now? And more importantly, why am I freaking out?

I set the girls’ plates down and retreat to the employee bathroom in the back. A cold sweat covers my entire body, a deep haze settling on my mind. I can’t shake the dread I feel. I knew he was planning to come back for the summer before heading off to his hotshot career; it was big news around here when he was picked up by Atlanta. It’s all anyone has talked about for months now.
  I doubt he comes in, but you never know. The Diner is the biggest hang out spot in town for people our age. I get myself in check and finish out my shift. Luckily, it was without any more Toby gossip.

“I don’t want to go to a check out, Momma.” Saige can whine like a professional. I blame it fully on Rome for giving in to her every wish.

“Tough toodles, little noodle,” I say, making sure her shirt is on straight. “I just need to grab my check and take you to your check
up
, not check
out
. Besides, there are no shots this time, baby girl. It’s just for results and records. It will be fine,” I assure her as we make our way out to the truck. School’s already out for the summer, so I leave the boys with Thax and head out.

“Can I have a milkshake, Momma?” I smile at my child with all the love in my soul because she is the sweetest thing ever.

“Sure, baby, but we have to hurry.” It only takes a second for us to be pulling into the parking lot of The Diner. I pull up beside the light pole I normally park beside, and we run in. I hear the ding above the door and smile, making my way to the back to grab my check. I don’t look around at the tables for my regulars because I don’t have time to be social today. Making my way into the back office, I chat with Mr. Riaz for a second while Saige takes off towards the kitchen to get her shake. It’s not a big deal; she’s grown up here, and everyone treats her as if it’s her diner. I finish my conversation and head towards the front, cramming my check in my purse. Without looking up as I pass the shake station, I tell Saige, “I’ll be at the counter. Soon as you’re done, come on. We need to hurry.” Pushing through the swinging door that leads into the lobby, I stop dead in my tracks. My breath catches, and my hand flies up over my mouth to muffle the gasp. My eyes bulge out of their sockets, and I stand cemented to the ground. Toby is right in my face. God, I forgot how handsome he is. The years apart have changed him, and for the better, no doubt. Time has taken the boy I used to know and made a man out of him. College workouts must be killer because he looks to be made of stone. He still doesn’t have anything on Rome, though. Where Toby is lean and athletic, Rome has always been built. I mean, the man lifts car motors for a living instead of throwing a ball around. I blink like I’m having a seizure.

“What…why…how…?” I feel like an idiot. Four years will do that to you, I guess. “What are you doing here?” I finally push out, still frozen and staring. He turns towards the table and points. I look over and see Clay and Ashley sitting there.

“I missed the milkshakes. They said it was safe because it was your day off.” He sounds almost accusing. Does he think this was planned?

“It is, but I had to get my check.” Blinking again and finally finding my common sense, I snap out of my funk. I wave over at my friends, and Clay stands up.

“Hey, Rory.” I smile at the ever-sweet Clay.

“Hi, Clay. Lunch?” I ask. He nods his head.

“Yep, thought I would catch up,” he says, pointing at Toby. He gives me a look, and I assume he is playing bodyguard for Ashley’s sake. That girl is a glutton for punishment. The swinging door behind me pushes open, and I hear, “Umph, Momma, I can’t get out.” OH MY GOD! I forgot Saige was here. I look at Clay, and he sees the fear in my eyes.

“It’s OK
, Rory. Y’all get going.” He tries to pull Toby back. “Just leave her alone, dude; she’s going. We are all grown now. No reason to rehash a break up over four years old.” Toby turns, and I step to the side so Saige can come out.

“Thank you, Momma; this thing is cold.” She grits her teeth, making a fake freezing face. I giggle at her, and Toby’s head snaps around. He jerks his arm out of Clay’s and walks back towards me.

“I miss that lau…” His head drops to where I am looking, and he sees her. She turns slowly, smiling at him, and wraps both hands around her cup.

“Hi,” she says. His eyes shoot back up to mine.

“Is she yours?” he asks. I nod my head once. He bends down to see her face and sticks out his hand.

“Hi, little one, I’m Toby.” He squints his eyes, checking her out in detail. “She has your eyes…” He isn’t talking to me really, just thinking out loud. I stand in place, waiting for my world to flip flop. Why is he talking to her? He has never once shown any interest. Then again, he has to put on a show, and the diner is full of people.

“My name is Saige,” she says, and his eyes snap up at me. He stands up and leans in close to me.

“You named her Saige? How could you? Why would you do that?” His eyes moisten, and I hold my position, afraid to snap the tension in the room. The place is humming with emotion. He looks back down at her.

“That’s a beautiful name. And you are a very pretty little girl.” He is still being nice to her. All the while, my mind is at Def Con 10. I am about to be in full-blown freakout mode.

“Thank you. My momma says I look just like my dad.” He rolls his eyes as he starts to look back down at her.

“I don’t really see it, kiddo. Your daddy looks a good bit different from what I remember.” He gives her a smile, but it’s smothered in sadness.

“No, my daddy is brown, kind of like Aunt Mando, but Momma says my dad is like me. She says we are two peas in a silly little pod. I do not live in a pod, so she could be telling a story.” I have to laugh because she has never understood the saying and always corrects me. Toby bends down again.

“I am sure your mommy can tell great stories. She was good at that when I knew her.” He runs his hand through her ponytail and looks right in my eyes.

“How old is she?” he asks. I blink.

“She will be four in January.” I see the wheels clicking together. He leans in close so she cannot hear him.

“So there were others between me and Rome? I would have never pegged you for that kind of girl.” I step back with a gasp. Clay’s grabbing his arm again.

“That’s enough, Toby. Don’t.” He shoots Clay a ‘fuck you’ look. I may take some crap, but I made myself a promise that it would never be from Toby again.

“Clay, can you watch Saige? I need to talk to him,” I jab Toby in the chest hard. It isn’t lost on me that he’s no longer a bird chest boy. “Saige, sit with Ashley and Clay and finish your milkshake. I’ll be right back.” She smiles, completely clueless to the drama going on around her. I reach out and push Toby towards the door. “Move your feet. Now.” I am not asking. Obviously, even though he has grown into his body, he hasn’t grown a spine because as soon as I get nasty, he obeys. We can thank his crappy parents for that. He will likely never shake the submissive role when being screamed at. I don’t care at this point. He has offended me and my child. The door shuts behind us, and we walk on the other side of my car so Saige can’t see.

“You can act however you want to, but don’t you ever call me names again. Especially not in front of my child.” I throw my arm towards the building. “I have loved that child enough for me and her dad since he never has. I have never done wrong by anyone, and I’m not about to start. I never asked you for anything, and I won’t. Don’t worry about this altercation; things will remain the same.” My temper gets the best of me, and I shove him hard.

“Why would you ask me for anything? I don’t owe you shit, Aurora.” My whole name catches me off guard. He was never big on using it because he hated when it was done to him.

“You’re right; you don’t owe me shit. But you owe her more than that. She’s a smart, beautiful child. She’s amazing, and you have missed it all.” I wipe the tears from my eyes. “How could you never even call me and ask how she was?” Wiping the snot from my face, I look up at him. He looks like he just sucked on a lemon.

“Why would I ask you how your kid is? If you think you meant that much, I’m sorry but you are wrong. Do you even remember what you done to me?”
 I take a step back.

“My…my child? You mean
our
child,” I point my fingers between our chests. “I couldn’t make her on my own, Toby, but I had her and loved her just fine by myself.” I turn to leave, throwing the last statement over my shoulder. “And for the record, even though it doesn’t matter now, I never cheated on you. Not once.” I open my truck door and wipe my face with a dirty work shirt lying in the floorboard. I turn to go get Saige so we can leave, but Toby has tears pouring down his face.

“She’s not mine. She can’t be.” I roll my eyes.

“Yeah, she can, and she is. Always has been. She was a good bit older before I moved on, Toby. I know for a fact she’s yours. Just look at her. She looks just like her dad,” I repeat back to him what she said earlier. I see his eyes dart to the window where she sits smiling at him through the glass. When she catches us looking, she waves. That is his breaking point. He starts sobbing uncontrollably.

“How could you not tell me? Why wouldn’t you want me to be here with her? I could’ve loved… No, I can love her, Rory. I can love her so much. I do love her.” He is shaking, and I, of course, look like a dang idiot again just staring at him.
  He turns away and then back, and he screams at me at the top of his lungs, “WHY DIDN’T YOU TELL ME?!” I am momentarily stunned, but as he moves towards me with his hands in fists, I start talking and fast.

“I tried, Toby! You changed your number. I went to your house when I found out and told your mom. She wouldn’t give me your number. She said she would inform you. I assumed you never cared. My number is still the same.” Now he is wiping his eyes on the bottom of his t-shirt.

“My parents know?”  I sigh at him.

“Yes, they know, Toby. They even try to send her checks each month, but I always return them. I don’t need their money; Rome makes sure we are taken care of.” I notice the twitch he gets when he hears Rome’s name, but I don’t care. Rome deserves his recognition.

“What’s her whole name? Her birthday…you said it’s in January?” I smile because he actually wants to know.

“Yes, she will be four in January. And her name is Tobi Saige West. Tobi with an ‘I.’” With rapid blinks, a few more fat tears slide down his face.

“She has my last name? How could I not know that?” I turn to my truck, turn the key, and motion for Clay to bring her out.

“I want to talk, but she has an appointment, so we need to go. We’re already late.
  Call me tonight. Same number. Do you still have it? We can talk some more, and I’ll fill you in. It’s obvious you never knew.” He shoves his hands in his pockets, and we both look over when we hear the door ding.