Passage 68
Regina left the Bruno mansion shocked that the man that once swore he loved her just put her out and then had the audacity to tell her to send in his play things like she was a servant. Where was she going to go now now that this was looking really bad for her and Alexander. Sure she should have been faithful to Gregory and gave him an actual child but after the wedding night name slip up she always wondered if he was with her physically and Bethany mentally.
It hurt her bad when she was the one who secured their marriage and he still left it all to Bethany after everything was all said and done. When the last will and testament was read she felt like a regret. She felt like a second choice. Like a cow being sold for lands and riches. She messed it all up now knowing Alexander was her proof of her infidelity.
Why did Gregory love Bethany so much and her so little. She wanted to blame Bethany a woman she never met and only heard about in name but this one was really on her. At least Alexander stalled her from being removed from their house a little longer than a childless widow . Even the Zehetii's staff spoke fondly of Bethany it was annoying how she wasn't even present in their lives at yet she still remained in their memories.
Regina sighed as she looked at her phone as she called her father Brian. She felt like she was really digging deep for this one and she lost all respect for herself for what she had to do . But she couldn't not have a plan for the inevitable. She didn't need a fortune teller to tell her she was screwed and declining in a rapid pace.
The phone rang as an abrupt answer followed by silence ." Daddy?" She said in a broken voice.
" What do you want?" He said unapologetically. Regina had been getting that response alot lately when people came in contact with her. She was seeing a clear pattern and it was getting on her nerves.
" I need a place to stay for me and Alexander. Gregory's lawyer said I can't be here anymore." She said as she deliberately left out the part where she screwed up and needed a paternity test to inherit everything.
" I thought he left you something. When are you being put out?" Said brian as he felt for his daughter but remembered how she treated him when they last spoke.
" By the end of the month."she admitted as she moved around the cause of the need to move. The less she told her father the better. She didn't want to hear the lecture from him about her big bloated boo boo she made with sleeping around. He didn't need to be reminded of Victoria right now because she knew that would come up if she revealed her actions.
" Can't you sell some items to get some money to get a place. There is only two of you after all." Reasoned Brian Toosley.
" Why do I need to sell my nice items when I can come stay with you." Demanded Regina aggravated he wasn't willing to help her out of this.
" Regina, right now you don't have many options . I'm living in a shed with an outdoor bathroom at Camilla's moms house with her teenage sister with a baby on the way. We barley have room to move here little less for another person and a baby. I assume you are bringing the baby with you besides I can't go inviting anyone to live in someone else house now can I ?" He explained knowing the truth hurt being said out loud.
" So that's it . Sell all my valuables and get a job like a commoner . That all you can help me with?" Cried Regina as she felt this conversation was becoming pointless now. She didn't know why she tried with her father anymore.
" That is all I can do . I always knew this would bite you in the butt one day. Karma is no joke ." Remarked Brian Toosley as he smirked at the irony of Regina needing him as she put them out when they needed her help.
"What the hell does karma have to do with any of this ?" Yelled an aggervated Regina.
" Think about it. It will come to you. Call me back when you figure it out." Said Brian Toosleyas he hung up the phone. Leaving Regina stunned as the line went dead.
Regina cringed in her selling her name brand clothes and expensive shoes and jewelry she accumulated over the years. And all of Alexander's toys and baby items . She didn't want to down grade from a life she had come accustom too. She had been blacklisted by Rogers law firm and Christopher's law firm . She needed a lawyer. She need help out of this . Ryder turned her away ,Roger turned her away and Christopher turned her away. Now her father turned her away. All the men in her life were becoming a huge disappointment to her.
She knew she couldn't ignore the order forever an uncontested suit will leave her with only the clothes on her back she had to think of something fast before her time ran out and she was on the street .
Meanwhile Avery sat in her normal lunch area as the crew extended to five entire tables as the other side where Tara was sitting slowly became dense of supporters of her regime. Tara was technically still the top there and Avery wasn't in any hurry to challenge it. She was just chilled trying to make it through each day.
Avery went to walk by the assigned area of work she was placed as Tara seemed to get the same assignments recently. She hadn't had any trouble from her crew and that's how she liked it. Maggie and Beatrice .shadowed her as Ruth -Anne and Diana was assigned elsewhere. Avery had faith Diana wouldn't let ruth-anne get hassled out of her line of view.
Tara suddenly cut Avery off as she nodded for her to join her in a supply closet . Avery looked at the two women with her as they shook their head against the idea. Beatrice knew how dangerous Tara was she saw it first hand. That's how Deloris was killed by letting Tara too close as her lover . Tara twisted Deloris's mind and one day as the finished fooling around a screwdriver was in her kidneys one that went missing days before from the tool shop that they tossed the cells for.
How Deloris was supposedly stabbed in her sleep next to a sleeping Tara and Tara didn't get hurt in the process was a little fishy to say. Beatrice recognized the subtle hints of Tara's interest in Avery not just as a possible lover but a rival as well.
" Avery tread lightly her lovers tend to end up dead." Advised Beatrice.
" I'm not into women . Don't worry I'm strictly dickly." Retorted Avery.
" You will be amazed what you subcome to in her after a few years of pent up frustration and no man around to satisfy your needs. I don't look down on it but it can get crossed from time to time ." Said Beatrice as she looked at Tara as a reflection of knowing crossed the two women's faces .
" She might just want to talk . We won't know if we don't find out. Just stand outside we will keep the door open if it will ease your mind ." Said Avery as she saw Tara's impatient looks. She knew it could be a trap but she could avoid Tara forever. Avery looked down as she saw Maggie produce a razor blade on the end of a sharpened toothbrush. Avery shot Maggie a look as she raised her shoulders in its better safe than sorry look as she casted it to Avery's back side.
" Don't let Tara find this . This is a difference between your life and hers. That is if it comes down to it." Advised Maggie . Avery nodded in understanding as she went in the closet with Tara to talk alone.
Tara went to close the door as Avery stopped her." Leave it open. I told them I would so they can let us know when the guards round the corner." Said Avery suspicious of Tara's motives to close the door .
" Avery I thought we were friends." Said Tara a bit offended as she moved away from the door .
" Friend is a strong word to use. We know each other and that's about the extent of it " Avery correct Tara.
" Well honestly I'd like to know you more. Your very beautiful woman and I like beautiful things. We can work something out where it's you and me and " she said leaning towards Avery backing her up as she kissed her neck as she frisked her for any weapons on her . Avery stood still knowing the weapon Maggie gave her was in the back of her pants .
" Tara I do appreciate your compliments and your political tactic about my crew and yours." She said as Tara now to pull her shirt upas Avery shoved it down and she desperately grabbed Avery's pants trying to undo them as Avery slapped her hand away. As Tara was being hungry aggressive in her persuit towards Avery.
" But I think that's all it is. There is no reason to mix business with pleasure. Say what you have to say without all the foreplay ." Said Avery pushing Tara off as abruptly stopping her exploration of Tara's hands.
" Maybe all I want is pleasure. Perhaps a little alliance ." Tara said as she didn't like being stopped in her persuit to her plan of getting rid of her like she got rid of Deloris. Systematicly earning her trust from offering other service to let her guard down . Tara grabbed Avery's pants pulling her to her as she tried again to get her pants off of Avery.
" That's quite enough. Hey Boss the big lady is rounding to check on her work group." Said Maggie as she stepped in interrupting the negotiations.
" No one asked you to interrupt our little negotiations. I was just getting her warmed up." Said Tara dissatisfied with the interruption. As she tried to kiss Avery as Avery backed up and pushed her groaping hands away from her pants.
" Like how you warmed up Deloris. She still recovering from that one in her ever lasting resting place. I think we like our boss a little more alive than dead." Spoke up Beatrice as she bore her eyes into Tara's eyes as a challenge.
" Are you challenging me?" Tara spoke up now offended by her out of turn words .
" I wouldn't dare . I'm not the boss here . I'm just offering a history lesson to anyone who wishes to hear it " said Beatrice in a low warning tone.
" Stay away from Avery. If you want to talk to her from now on have your people call our people and it will be in an open area without any unnecessary touching. Catch you another woman in here to quinch your thirst ,Tara." Snipped Maggie as they looked at Avery to go .
Avery went to leave as Tara grabbed Avery's arm to pull her back in and closing the door as she locked the two woman out as she broke the knob off leaving Avery to be there alone with Tara . Tara was alone with Avery as she tried to look around the room for a weapon . Avery still haven't revealed her weapon she hid .
" Let me finish what I started. I'm not done with you yet." Said Tara eyes full of want and need now she liked how Avery resisted her and it made the challenge more wanting.
" Open that door right now. You are being ridiculous." Demanded Avery.
" Not until we talk . I'm tired of you not listening to me and causing me problems. I wanted to be your friend Avery and you deny me. We could be great together." Suggested Tara as she tried to touch Avery again.
" Get your hands off of me right now." Protested Avery as she shoved Tara away.
Maggie ran to get Ruth -Anne and Diana to help open the locked door . Beatrice ran to get a guard to help as they knew they only had precious minutes to get that door open.
" I'm done talking open that damn door now " screamed Avery as she saw how mad this woman was locking her in . She heard the jiggle of keys opening the door and realized she was out of time as she grabbed a broom and launched at Avery. It was a calculated risk she took as Avery moved as she slammed against the door . Now Tara was against the door as Avery held her punching her in the face . Tara pushed her off as the weapon fell out of Avery's pants and Tara ran to grab it. Avery grabbed her hair and threw her into the wall with the supply shelf as the items fell and Tara lost sight of the weapon she saw. The door finally opened and Tara took of running as Avery tripped her as she skirted across the floor.
Avery emerged her knuckles covered in blood from Tara's face and grabbed Tara by the hair raising her up as she held her in a choke hold as Tara gasped for air . Avery began to slam Tara's head into the ground as Lucienda rushed in the same time as Diana and Ruth -Anne came in the room as the two crew kept them back from interfering. Lucienda jumped trying to create a distraction at Ruth -Anne as Diana grabbed her mid air by her throat as she dangled off the ground holding her to the wall .
" Watch your boss get beat to smitherines . This is what happens when you cross Avery." She hissed in lucienda's ear as she watched Tara being beat mercilessly on the floor. The guards moved in as the watched a lifeless Tara on the floor barely breathing as Avery came out the victor. The guards searched the supply closet and came out with the weapon.
" Whose is this? Whoever this is has a month in the hole ." Yelled the guard lady as the fight had stopped and Avery stood not even exhausted by the fight as she felt the adrenaline of the fight coursing through her veins. She missed this feeling she thought .
" It s Tara's we saw her with it before the fight." Yelled Maggie as she knew what would happen if they were caught. Avery looked at Maggie as she made a smile of her words as she knew Maggie knew this would happen and this was her contentency plan.
" Take them both to the infirmary and after that Tara to the hole " yelled the guard.
" I'm not hurt. All this blood is hers ." Assured Avery.
" What happened?" Yelled the guard.
" Well Avery went in the supply closet to set up for the start of the shift to get some supplies and Tara followed her in there and closed the door behind her after that we heard noises when we tried to get it open as we heard screaming and when it was opened the fight came out here. That's all we know." Said Beatrice as she made up a provoked fight no one questioned .
" So Avery was defending herself from Tara ." Asked the guard as the room nodded as silent witnesses .
" Watch yourself inmate. You got lucky I have seen way worse." She said to Avery impressed she survived a fight unscathed. Tara was dragged out of the room as Diana let lucienda go as she followed Tara to the infirmary. The entire room looked towards Avery as the unanimously recognized her as the new top. A new regime has begun and the old one has ended.
Avery turned around as she saw everyone staring at her . She didn't mean to start a fight with Tara she had all intentions of just talking but Tara couldn't take no for an answer so she made her take no for an answer.
Lexi came a few days later to pick up the triplets for some rest and relaxation all going to a spa to get a backrubs and manicures and pedicures as they were having a girls day. Cassie offered to play with the kids as Christopher was spending a lot of time with Christopher junior as it was her grand plan to get him attached to his son he just met.
She told Chris about her appointment with his sisters and he approved of her time with his sisters. He was amazed how well she kept in touch with his sisters since their relationship ended many years before. That's what he admired about Lexi was her ability to keep her word regardless of circumstances.. He really did like Christopher junior and he encouraged his relationship with kennith and kensley. Since they were his half sibblings as well Christopher thought about how he had three kids almost four he knew of this year. He really didn't have time to process all that happened or if he was just on a break from Sarah or going to file for a divorce.
Sarah was still blocked and it had been almost three weeks him at Jacobs place as he tried to get a hotel room but Cassie wouldn't let him part with the kids running around. Jacob knew what Cassie was doing as he saw her attachment to the children she was playing house with in his home. Cassie had practically moved into the mansion now and he was feeling closterphobic with her hovering over him with the pending implications of kids and a normal settled life.
She would go to the recording studios and rehearsal for her upcoming tour and then back to Jacob's acting like she didn't have a home of her own . Jacob didn't mind Chris and the kids he had plenty of space but he wasn't used to a lot of house guest running around and now Lexi was more in Chris life it made him the odd man out.
Christopher was looking for a small place for him and the kids near a daycare so that he can make it to get them since Sarah and him were separated. Mr. Kirkwall and Martha's relationship was also on the fritz since their last encounter at Sarah's home. Martha went to see Sarah daily as she helped her around the house through her depression and whatever issue Sarah had from the humiliation of being thrown out of her favorite restaurant and her memes being plastered all over social media platforms in various edits and phrases that were made up to make her look unstable.
Sarah would flip out Everytime she saw a new meme with a new caption of the same rotated pictures of her outburst in the restaurant she lost it in. Martha wanted to see everyone in the restaurant for lible but there were too many post and too many shares and too many edits to track them all down once everything went viral. Sarah saw her life spinning out of control. Christopher left her and took the kids and she hadn't heard from him since her outburst at the restaurant and her video went viral that any restaurant would turn her and Martha away not wanting the bad publicity for their business.
Lexi knew now was the time to strike is she was ever going to make things right with her and Christopher. The child they had together was was glue to their former relationship. Lexi came back in town to pick up Christopher junior as she thanked Jacob and Cassie for allowing him to stay to visit his dad. Lexi had plans to help him move to his new place closer to his job. She handled all of the real estate paperwork as she had to co-sign on the place since it needed a credit score that was really high to get a lower rate.
Lexi picked up the moving truck as she drove it to Jacob's mansion as she offered to drive his car with the kids to help him move his stuff out of his and Sarah's house. They rented a small truck since Christopher really didn't own a lot in the house he was just there to pick up mainly the kids items. Lexi tried to convince him he could buy all new stuff to spare him the run in with Sarah .
Christopher had a few childhood items he gave the kids and he was set on getting all his items back. Christopher told her to wait at a restaurant with the kids as he wanted to handle to move without putting Lexi in danger from Sarah as he reme their last encounter. He was a little worried Sarah would try to kill him again but he had to face her to get his things.
Christopher sat at the house him and Sarah shared as he looked around . He didn't know if she got another vehicle since the accident but he had no way to know unless he went inside. He had to get out as he brought boxes and packing supplies. He opened the door as he went to his room where he was staying to pack up his items. That was easier since it was mainly clothes and shores and clothes. Christopher had packed up his items and law books her had and personal files . He was headed to load his last box on the truck as Martha and Sarah pulled up. He still had to get the kids things as he hoped Sarah wasn't going to give him problems.
Sarah glared at the moving truck as she knew what he was doing. Martha had been taking her everywhere since the accident. Christopher waited until she came out . She stood awkwardly as he noticed Martha had been taking her to get the scars on her face repaired. Her face was almost clear but the discoloration of the new skin was noticeable.
" What are you doing here? Where are the kids? Are you finally coming home?" She asked rushed to know the answers she desperately needed to know. Sarah knew she threatened him with a divorce lawyer but she did it to hold the cards in her favor . Right now she knew she caused a lot of damage and wanted him back . Seven years of a relationship was not long enough for her.
" I'm coming to get mine and the kids stuff. Then I'll be gone " he said avoiding her other two questions. He wasn't going to open up more to avoid a fight .
" Where are the kids are they okay?" She said as she followed him inside closely following him. Christopher went to the kids room and grabbed their clothes and personal toys as he knew breaking down the bed would be too much to ask Sarah to help him. Maybe he would take up Lexi in her offer to buy new items.
" They are fine. They are being taken care of." He said trying to avoid letting her know Lexi was watching them while he was here.
" Who is watching them? They are still are my kids after all?" She pressed now more urgent . As she harassed the space he was moving in not giving him room to move freely or even breath.
" Look Sarah they are fine. I'm not obligated to tell you who is watching the kids or where they are . Please just make this as painless as possible. We are not working out. We need time apart to find out what we both want." He said knowing a storm was building as he said too much already.
" Are you divorcing me? " She asked hurt. " Over Lexi or is it Regina again because these days I honestly don't know." She said as she cornered him by the truck . Christopher knew she was building her momentum as she wound her self up like a top ready to release.
" Sarah just stop. You are reading too much into things again. I am leaving for me. For the kids. For them to grow up in a healthy environment." He said trying to get past her and finish his task. As Sarah's face looked dejected and offended as she processed his words .
" Are you saying I'm not a healthy environment?" She said louder now as he now knew the fight had officially started and he rolled his eyes not wanting to do this with her. A text came in from Lexi and Sarah saw the message as he opened it. Her eyes flared red and she tried to grab his phone as Christopher pulled it back out of reach.
" Why is she texting you about how the move is going? Are you two living together is she with my kids?" Said Sarah as Martha finally got out of the car as she watched Sarah getting upset.
" Christopher you need to leave can't you see your upsetting Sarah." Interjected Martha .
I've been trying to leave it's her that won't let me get to the truck to go." Complained Christopher as she kept trying to get his phone from him.
" Stop it Sarah. I've had enough of this. " He said louder now as he put his phone in his pocket.
" He has that tramp watching my kids. She comes in town and assaults me and he has her watching my kids." Complained Sarah as she tried to make her mother listen.
" They are my kids too not just yours." Spatted Christopher as heknew this wasn't going as he planned.
" Christopher , can't you let her see the kids. Can't you tell she isn't herself without them." Fussed Martha Kirkwall.
" Not when she is like this? She needs some real help and therapy. While your out fixing her face to it's former glory take her to a shrink and fix the rest of her." He said as he now saw both ganging up on him wasn't fair.
" That's not fair Christopher and you know it " yelled Martha as she poked her finger in his chest as he was trying his best not to lose his temper on her pushing him with her nails .
" Martha stop that. " He demanded as he was getting really aggravated at her persistence in poking him.
" Are you going to stop me . What are you going to do about it?" Said Martha provoking him as she backed him up against the truck.
" Martha I'm warning you. Stop touching me. This is harassment." He said firmer as he finally lost it and grabbed her hands to stop her from further poking him. Martha jerked trying to get away as she didn't like her hands being held in her persuit.
Sarah took the opportunity to grab his phone as he was distracted by her mother. As he pushed Martha to the side reaching for his phone as Martha dramatically fell to the ground.
" He pushed me. Did you see that Sarah he pushed me. " She cried as she dialed the police as she was going to fix him for holding her hands. He threw his hands up as he knew she provoked him on purpose.
Sarah couldn't get his phone open as he changed his passcode. " What is the damn password , Christopher?" She screamed as he made a small laugh at her direction of her desperation.
" Like I'm going to tell you." He spatted as the police cruiser pulled up as Martha ran to tell her side of the story and Sarah aggervated by him not opening the phone on her command threw his phone at the rental truck windshield knowing he would have to pay for that as she smiled as his phone screen cracked.
" Sarah what the hell i have to pay for that. What the hell is wrong with you. Are you completely mental ." He said raing his voice as the officers rushed him .
"Whoa . Step away from the lady " said the officer as he approached with hand cuffs.
" Crazy woman threw my phone and busted my rental truck windshield. Now I have to pay for that." He said angry at Sarah's childish antics.
" I see where she gets her insanity." He said at Martha as she gasped in offence.
" Sir you need to come with us. " Said the officer with the cuffs.
" Man whatever. I need to return this truck after I unload it." He said as he was over these two women .
" He was stealing her items too. And keeping her kids from their mother unjustly." Screamed Martha making the situation worse than it had to be.
" Martha this is between me and Sarah it don't concern you. I swear you two are crazy as hell. I will go with you in the truck but she is paying for breaking my phone and the windshield on my rental. Just get me away from these two." Said Christopher as he threw his hand up in the air .
" Ok one of the officers will ride with you and you follow me to the pricinct. Come on Mr. Dayo let's go before it gets worse. " Said the officer hoping in the moving truck.
" I need to make on stop on the way .. My kids are down the street with my wife's cousin waiting on me to come back. Can we stop there to let her know what's going on. She broke my phone over me not unlocking it for her " he said once they were in the truck and the door was closed.
Martha looked proud of herself and her dramatic performance as she filed an assult charges on Christopher.
" Yeah , man I understand. I'll let my partner know . But I'll have to drive if we are doing that " said the officer trying to be understanding.
The officer radioed his partner as he nodded and they pulled out of the driveway . They pulled up to the restaurant as Lexi looked at the two cop cars trailing the truck and one step out as he approached her .
" Chris what's going on?" She looked at him concern.
" Martha called the cops on me saying I assaulted her . I'm going in to answer some questions and I'll be out in a few days. Don't worry I'll be fine. Do me a favor call Kenny for me. Let him know to come and get Martha . Take the kids to the new house and wait for me there. I'll call you from the pricinct when I'm being released. Sarah broke my phone and the damn rental windshield. Which I have to pay for now. I know you needed to get back on your side of town . I am sorry for putting this on you all of a sudden." He said. Lexi looked perplex and she really hated Martha and Sarah right now.
The officers showed him back to the moving truck as he pulled out and went into the pricinct as he was booked and photographed due to Martha's over dramatic fabrication of his holding her hands when she was poking him . He shook his head as he turned for his profile pictures and he gave his effects to the officers as he was searched for weapons .
He took off his coat as they showed him in the holding cell as he waited. He layed the coat on the bench as he layed down and closed his eyes as the day went incredibly wrong and not as he expected. Sarah was definitely Martha's daughter and after this all his reconsideration of filing for divorce was out the window. It was that moment he knew he couldn't remain married to Sarah after all she has done of late.
He called a lawyer friend as he thought it was strange a lawyer calling for a lawyer as he usually was on the other side of the law than where he was now . Sarah made him really think of the position of their relationship today and he saw the person she truly was and it was not the Sarah he loved. Now he had time to think about it was the Sarah he knew ever really her or just her playing a role to trap him in this messed up marriage.