Choices
Axel drove over to the complex as he tried to clear his head . He was upset how distant Avery was . He didn't understand why Avery was like this about Bethany. Even though she didn't voice her opinion out loud Axel knew his sister .
They were all good friends in school and they were getting along for the better part ,but Avery had been acting indifferent since the engagement. He couldn't deal with Avery and her moods. Perhaps he was being harsh calling her his mother but he called it like he saw it .
Bethany opened the door before Axel can knock. She didn't say a word. She just hugged him in silence . Axel relaxed a bit .
"What's going on?" Asked Bethany.
" I don't know. I came home today to pack for the tournament. I thought Avery was being her usual procrastinating way and went to get her to pack for our trip tomorrow."he said running his hands through his hair.
" She was sitting there looking at job inquiry in a news paper . She fired the nanny and the Tudors. She isn't coming on the tour. " He said with a huff.
" Maybe she grew tired of it. People grow out of careers all the time." Bethany advised.
" Not Avery. After dad died she was the one pushing me to continue. When Mom left she made it clear we help each other. It's just too drastic. Avery likes routine. To drop it all and change it . I feel like she is hiding something." He explained.
" So you think she is distancing herself from you. " Bethany said concern.
" Avery only act like this when someone upset her. I asked her her if it was the engagement band she ignored me." He said scratching his head and pacing .
" Avery ignores me when she don't want to answer hard questions. It how my mom you to not answer my dad. Something is off. She has a problem with us being together. For what reason I don't know why ?" He said now sitting down.
Bethany felt helpless . Like she didn't know where to step in between avery and Axel. She began to scowl as she pondered what she just heard. She wasn't aware Avery had a problem with her. She understood what Axel said. It worried her how Avery would receive her when they were married.
" Look Axel. Maybe you should focus more on Avery instead of me. Our wedding well it doesn't have to happen right now. It seems Avery need you more . Perhaps we should focus on what's at home ." She said trying to be gentle.
" No. Don't do that. Don't step back and put yourself on the back burner. Avery is just going through one of her moods. She don't get to separate us." He said seriously.
" I just think I need to step back. You and Avery need to get past this. If I'm in the situation it makes it harder for you to repair what you think Avery is ." She said as Axel grabbed her face desperately. He kissed her deeply without regret .
" You don't get to step back. I can't . No I won't lose you ." Axel hissed against her lips.
" Okay. I'm sorry. " She said not knowing how to react to Axel's words.
" Plan the wedding be prepared to be Mrs. Jing when the tour is over. I will marry you . All I wanted to do was marry you. Don't let anything or anyone take away my hopes and dreams for us." He said softly.
" Can I stay the night. I'll take the sofa . I just can't go back there. I told her to call Paul to tell him she was quitting but I'll see in the morning if she did. " He said.
" I have a bed." Bethany offered .
" No . It's improper to sleep in an unmarried bed. I don't want to treat you like any other girl. I want to treat you like my future wife. I want our wedding night to be traditional. Our first time in bed together even if it's plutonic should be as man and wife. " He said kissing her hands.
Bethany smiled at how gentle Axel was her. It made her feel special. Sunny ran behind him and covered his eyes.
" Guess who? " She giggled.
" Ahhh who turned out the lights "he said as he moved his hands in front searching for something.
" Sunshine it's time for bed. Axel has to get some rest he has an early morning." She said to the hyper little girl.
" Awe mommy . " She saw letting go of Axel.
" Listen to your mother. You know in my culture children should always listen to their parents. It a way to honor and respect them. " He said all wise tone.
" Ok. Axel." She said running off .
" Sunshine. Where is my goodnight hugs and kisses?" Pouted Bethany.
" Sorry Mommy . " She ran and hugged Axel first and the hugged her mom and took off to the room.
" When did I get last hugs in this house ." Protested Bethany.
Axel laughed how Bethany responded. Bethany shot Axel a look and he held up his hands in defence. Bethany grabbed some blankets and sheets for Axel.
The next morning Bethany made breakfast as Axel looked around remembering where he was. The smell of meet and French toast woke him. He came up behind Bethany and hugged her.
" I love you. Not because your making food right now but it does help ." He said grabbing a strawberry off the plate.
" Oh so if I couldn't cook then what?" She mused .
" Well I'd have to make sure you are fed. I would buy takeout everyday as long as I got to eat it with you. " He readjusted his intentions as he now became awkward as he poked her in the back.
Bethany froze knowing what it was. She grinned knowing how embarrassed Axel would be if she called him out of his morning problem.
" The bathroom is stocked with towels and that body wash you like if you need a cold shower." She said trying not to crack a laugh.
" Uh hmmm. Yeah. A shower might help. The food will be ready right when I get out. " He saw embarrassed.
" Makes you wonder if you should have test driven the car last night." Bethany cracked a smile.
Axel red faced and flustered ran into the bathroom shooting Bethany a look saying don't start.
Axel came out and the table was set and Sunny sat at the table reading the cereal box. Bethany fix d him a plate as axels phone rang. Bethany nodded to let him know he could take the call.
" Hello." Answered full of food in his mouth.
" Why is Avery quitting the tour? You know that messes up the line up. We've had press releases and match weigh in set ups." He complained.
" Hey man .I have no control over my sister. Your guess is as good as mine. I came home and she was looking for another job. I tried talking to her she wouldn't listen hell she wouldn't even answer me ." Said Axel trying to keep the harshness out of his voice .
" She knows that's a broken contract,right?" Said Paul.
" Paul. I can't speak for Avery . If she broke contact it the consequences she has to face. I'm still honoring my contract . I'm sorry man your upset with her but what do you want me to do ? Throw her over my shoulder kicking and screaming and make her come." Said Axel now rubbing his forehead .
" Or couldn't hurt. I'm sorry man . I just wanted your insight on Avery's behavior." He apologized.
" It's Avery. She goes through phases time to time. She might come around next tour she might not. My hands are tied when she has her mind set." He explained.
" Ok. Man. Well thanks for the clarification. I have a lot to smooth over to keep this tour moving. Ok I'll be by in a few hours to pick you up. You at the house?" He asked.
" No I'm actually at Bethany's. I'll ping you my location. " He said .
" Gheesh . It must be bad if you left and slept somewhere else. Ok man I'll meet you there so we can port our cars at the airport." He said sympathetically.
" Thanks man. I appreciate it." Axel said ending the call.
Bethany scraped at her plate quietly. Sunny glared at the two eating quietly now.
" How long is your tour , Axel?" Asked Sunny now breaking the silence.
" Three months. Then two months rest and three more months ." He explained not looking up.
" When are you going to get married to mommy ? " Asked Sunny now looking at her mother.
" Well . It all depends on how fast I can plan the wedding. " Explained Bethany.
" Do we have family to invite to wedding mommy?" She said curiously .
Bethany's fork stopped moving. She gulped and her heart skipped a beat . Bethany felt something inside her overwhelming her . She forgot she was on the run . How would that look being a missing person on her wedding day.
" No. Most of our family is not with us anymore ." She answered shooting Axel a look.
" I have to clear up a few things before we get married so it won't be within three months. " Answered bethany.morw to herself and less to the room.
" Like what?" Said Axel curious.
" Well you can't marry a ghost . Unless necrophilia is something your into." She said subliminally.
Sunny face twisted in confusion. As she tried to make sense of what was said .
" Ahh. Yes we don't want that to be made an issue. " He agreed baring his eyes in hers.
Sunny was now more bewildered. She didn't understand the looks they gave each other. She wanted to know what necrophilia meant but she couldn't pronounce the word even as she tried to remember the word in her head.
" Will you be back in time for my birthday." Asked Sunny.
" I will make a point to be back by then ." He said bopping her on her nose.
Paul arrived shortly after breakfast. Axel was drying the dishes . Bethany walked Axel to his car as she said her goodbye. She held her breath knowing it be three months before she saw him again. Axel said to plan the wedding. Right now she wish she had Norma - Jean to talk to.
Avery was headed to the city to do her job interview. It had been so long since she went on an interview. She hadn't seen Bethany since Axel left for the tour. She was going to do her interview and check on the case while in town. She had to be in place to get Caden from school.
Caden looked upset going to a school he didn't know. His face was not content. Avery had to gather the money to pay off the lawyer before Axel caught on to what she was doing. She didn't need Axel to talk her out of getting the house secured.
She knew it was a low blow taking the house away from Axel. It was suppose to be them against the world but according to Avery Bethany made her a third wheel. She tolerated Caden and sunshines friendship. That was before Axel decided he actually was serious about Bethany. For the longest time it was her , Axel ,and Caden. Now it was her,Axel,Caden Bethany and Sunshine.
Three is a party and six is a crowd. Honestly it was getting too crowded for avery to be comfortable. Bethany and Sunny staying there since the landlady accident. It made Avery nauseous to watch Axel's Knight in shunning armor persona . She rolled her eyes setting Bethany up in separate accommodations. It was so old fashed considering both her and Bethany were mother's out of wedlock. It wasn't like Bethany was a virgin. She had a kid by another man.
Avery wrapped up the interviews and pop in the office. Part of it was to check on the case the other part was to get another run in with Roger. She knew he hurt her and heard him say he didn't want to be a dad or be married but she knew they had a child together. Avery still didn't understand what merited his feelings before the pregnancy.
Avery made sure she was in her best suit in case her plans did run into Roger. She remembered Rogers effort to woo her in college. He was always at the coffee shop around the corner on Mondays. It was like clockwork . After a while of establishing a pattern Avery made it a point to be in the coffee shop every Monday morning.
She wondered if Roger still visited that coffee shop. Avery saw Mr. Savior as she entered the building . Avery knew she had to make a choice. She had this months mortgage in her hand. She has some money saved up . She placed the remainder of the payment in Mr. Savior hand.
" Here is the money to do the claim. I also have a promising local job that wants me to start in a week. Now during this time what do I need to do with my brother he is out on tour ?" Explained Avery.
" Very good. You just maintain constant residency . Do not buy or sale any property until it passes probate. Also don't make any hasty moves . Keep all paid receipts and checks in your name and submit them when I ask for them. Are you claiming taxes this year ?" He asked.
" Yes. " She replied.
" Good. Ok I'll talk to you in two weeks to see where and when the order arrives. Do you want an officer to serve it or shall you?" He stated us being her to the elevator.
" I will feel better the officer do it. My brother has an engagement party planned in three more months . " She explained. Handing him her invitation. Avery should feel conflicted by this action but today she didn't . Today she was focus in running into Roger .
Avery bent down the hallway to where she saw Rogers office name plate. She thought what excuse to use to see him. If he was even in. She thought she was over him but now she knew how to get in touch with him old feelings brewed deep inside. It's been so long since she dated.
Just then she gave up the pursuit and took the elevator down. The elevator opened on the ground floor and Roger stood in the lobby. She had a choice to make. Go see him or avoid him.
A blonde woman came in pushing a baby stroller and stood beside him. She had another woman that looked like her beside her. She picked up the baby and Avery say grey eyes in the small baby. Avery's heart fell. She would know those eyes anywhere. Roger had a family.
Then that must be his wife. Eternal bachelor my butt thought Avery. I'm not ready to be a daddy . She heard the words echoed in her mind. He lied to her. He has a wife and another child. Avery choice was made for her than. She turned and headed to the door.
Regina, Ryder,and Victoria headed up to the office. Victoria held Alexander as they went to Rogers office.
Ryder went to the scotch on the counter as soon as he came in the room. As his hand hovered over the glass he heard Roger .
" Don't even think about it. Put that down right now. Christ Ryder is only just past nine in the morning." He scolded Ryder .
" Regina. " Snapped Roger .
" I have a case Christopher is having trouble with. I need you to accompany him during an interview with a client . Be as charming as you believe you are " he said curtly .
" I'm not a lawyer. What does this have to do with me? " She rolled her eyes.
" It has something to do with you because I say it does. I'm tired of him whining about this case. Besides the guy is wanted for murder. You two can bond over that twisted little psychopath minds you share. Do what ever you have to do to get him to cooperate." Ordered Roger .
" Ryder I have a family that wants in our little enterprise. Have dinner with them get the low down on their families position. If they are worth our time or not." He said closing the cupboard with the scotch in it as he pour himself a glass drinking it in front of Ryder watching the man lick his lips looking at the glass.
" Victoria I want you in my room tonight. When Regina comes home back with Christopher hand her the baby and come pay me a visit. I'll be in room two ten. My usual." He said looking directly at Regina. Rubbing in her face their last encounter there.
Roger motioned his hand to dismiss them . Regina has a sour look on her face . Victoria like she would vomit. And Ryder a thirsty look . They all exited the room.
" Let say we get a bite to eat before we go about our duties. " Suggested Regina.
They all got in Ryder's car and went to a small bistro they knew was seclusive. They sat down as they ordered food.
" Roger has to be stopped. There is three of us and one of him. I'm tired of him telling me what I can and can not do. Do you want him to tell you you can't have a drink the rest of your life? Or you share his bed on his whim knowing he fathered your daughter's baby. He is sucking us dry while we play Simon says and he acts all righteous hiding behind his practice." She said fuming.
" If you haven't noticed we all have a disadvantage against Roger. He goes missing people will look for him. " Pointed out Ryder.
" Not if it looks like an accident. Are we going to serve him and live on an allowance he gives us or strive to be our own bosses." Resorted Regina .
" How will we do it. If you think you can get rid of him?" Asked Victoria.
" Lawyers have many enemies. A case lost here and there. Enemies are everywhere. He has an motion to do this week . Get someone to try to run him over. Make sure the tags are not registered to that vehicle. " She said looking at Ryder.
They all nodded to each other in agreeance.
" Ryder can you drop me off at the precinct. We have to appear all is business as usual. We will meet next week here to go over further plans. " Said Regina getting up as Victoria held the baby. They all got in the car as the pulled out . A few minutes later Bethany pulled in the complex right next to the bistro .