Forever (Destroyed by Love #1)

by Abrianna Denae

  "Just leave it alone," Kala says.

  "What'd they do?"

  "Nothing."

  "Liar," I say. "Tell me, Kala."

  She sighs and tosses her fork on her tray. "Mikayla was just being a bitch all last period, making sly remarks and jabs about me and how I practically abandoned them. She said something about Chad hooking up with other girls."

  "Is that true?" Wyatt asks.

  "No, it's not. We might not be getting along, and he might be an ass, but he's not that bad of a guy. I confronted him about it and he told me if I thought so little of him, then we shouldn't even be together."

  "So then why are you here, instead of over there trying to make it work with him?"

  "I don't know. I'm just tired of the drama. If he really cared, then why isn't he over here?"

  She has a point. I'm sad for her because she really likes Chad. But he's not good for her.

  "Stay here," I say, pushing back from the table.

  "What are you doing, Pay?" Wyatt grabs my arm.

  "Something that should have been done a long time ago." I rip myself out of his grasp and march over to Mikayla.

  "Can we help you, Marley? Or should I say, Pagan? What type of loser lies about their name? It's pathetic."

  "You're pathetic. You think you're better than everyone else? You're not. You're a sad, lonely girl who only gets what she wants by intimidating people.

  Leave us alone. I'm sick and tired of your nasty looks and rude comments.

  And you." I turn to Chad. "If you still want to be in a relationship, you’ll stick up for your girlfriend and act like you care about her. If you're just fucking around, then go somewhere else."

  "Who the fuck do you think you are?" Mikayla asks.

  "I’m the bitch who will put you in your place if you don't leave us alone. Especially Kala, she has done nothing to you."

  "She's turned on her friends."

  "You're not her friend. If you were, you would be kind and understanding, not trying to hurt her by spreading lies."

  "What lies? It's not a lie that her boyfriend gets his dick wet whenever he wants. If she were around more often, and not with you, she wouldn't be facing this issue."

  "Shut up, Mikayla," Chad says. "I swear, Pagan, I haven't done anything with anyone else."

  "Don't tell me, Chad. I'm not the one who needs reassurance. Either drop her or secure her. Kala is a good person, and she doesn't need your bullshit."

  He turns around and looks at Kala, who's sitting at our table, her mouth open in shock. I notice that Wyatt's trying to hide a smile. He might not like what I'm doing, but he's glad they're finally getting what they deserve.

  Chad stands. "Where the fuck are you going?" Mikayla snaps.

  "Pagan's right. Stop being a bitch for two seconds, Mikayla. It's getting old," Teagan says. I almost feel bad for him. He has to live with the bitch.

  "So what? Your plan was to get everyone to turn on me? Real nice."

  "No. My plan was to have a calm, pleasant conversation with you. You're the one who can't stop acting like a jealous child."

  "Jealous of what?" She laughs.

  "Of me, my name, my status, my best friend, my boyfriend."

  "Please, like I want to be some washed up, redheaded liar. Your family might run this town, but you are nothing. Kala's only your friend because she's too weak to know better. And Wyatt will tire of you eventually. He's just a guy, after all. They come and go."

  "See, this is where you have it twisted." I lean in close. "Unlike you, I know how to be a decent person. And sweetie, decent people always win in the end."

  Backing up, I give her my best smile.

  "Pathetic bitch. Is that all you have?" She sneers.

  "It's all I need. Be a better person, Mikayla. One day you're going to wake up with nothing. When that day comes, I hope you remember this conversation."

  I move to walk past her, but she trips me. I smile even wider now, as she laughs.

  She wants to play? Fine.

  Calmly I stand and turn to her. I notice there's a hush in the room. Everyone, even the teachers, are waiting to see what will happen.

  I'm about to make a lot of people really mad, but I no longer care.

  I get in Mikayla's face and grab her by her long hair. She cries out when I yank. I glance to the side and see a teacher making his way across the room. I have to act fast.

  "Two choices: you can either stop being a bitch, and I'll let you go, or you can provoke me, in which case I'll make sure you never do it again."

  "Fuck you."

  I smile bigger. "I was hoping you'd pick option two."

  I tighten my grip on her hair and in a quick motion bring her head down onto the table. Sadly, her full plate of spaghetti is in my way. Oh well, a face full of pasta will have to do.

  I’d slam her face into the table, but beggars can't be choosers.

  I hit her in the kidney for added measure, just before the strong arm of a teacher yanks me away.

  A suspension is so worth it.

  "Remember this little chat, Mikayla," I tell her. "I would hate to have to have another."

  I follow the teacher out of the cafeteria. It's loud. Kids are yelling, clapping, and rejoicing in the fact that someone has finally done something.

  ***

  I didn't get suspended. That's the good news. I also didn't get grounded. That was a surprise.

  The principal did send me home early with a warning. Apparently, the office has gotten many complaints about Mikayla over the years, and he was willing to let me off easy since Kala, Wyatt, and Chad backed me up.

  Of course Gran whipping out her checkbook helped. After all, this is the most affluent school in the district. It's also the one with the least suspensions and expulsions. It doesn't take a genius to figure out why.

  "Please tell me I won't have to bail you out again, Pagan. We spent a fortune on the school when Albert went there, and I would hate to have to do the same for you. Especially since it's your last year."

  "I'm sorry, Gran. I tried really hard not to touch her. But she just didn't know how to shut up."

  "Pagan, I'm proud of you for standing up to her. From what's you've told me, she's nothing but a spoiled child who will not make it far in life. But you cannot go around slamming people's faces into tables."

  "It's not my fault she can't fight."

  "Pagan Elizabeth, be serious."

  "I am. I'm just saying."

  "You're something else. Go upstairs. You're not in trouble, but you're really making this difficult."

  "Difficult how?"

  "I want to be upset with you, but you have a way with twisting everything and making it funny. Go." Gran swats at me.

  "Fine." I laugh. "I'm going. Wyatt will probably show up soon."

  "I wouldn't expect anything less. Y'all don't work today?"

  "Tony had mercy on us. Said the first day of school was stressful enough."

  "All right. Go do something away from me then."

  I salute her and head upstairs.

  Changing out of my skirt and blouse, I grab my laptop and head to Gramps' study.

  Sitting on his sofa, I boot up my computer. Gran had the idea of me writing my thoughts and feelings down. I wasn't sold on it until Wyatt said he'd do it too. So every day we try to write something. We also get on each other when we don't.

  After the first few times, I really began to enjoy it. It actually does help to type out all of my thoughts and frustrations.

  Opening the file that has all of my entries, I go back and read yesterday’s. For some reason, reading the previous day's emotions helps me unlock my current ones.

  I still want to beat the crap out of Mikayla, but I do feel better now that I was able to set her straight. Hopefully, it's enough.

  Opening a new Word doc, I type, I got to experience what a face full of bad spaghetti looks like today.

  Chapter 34

  Wyatt

  Pagan's birthday is in two
days. Frank and I are at the mall picking up the present Jodie ordered for her. Jodie and Terrence are too busy gathering ingredients for the "epic cake" they're going to make-Terrence's words, not mine.

  I'm not surprised that Terrence has managed to wiggle his way into Frank and Jodie's lives.

  The saleswoman smiles at us when we walk into the jewelry store. "What can I help you gentlemen with today?"

  I wander off while Frank does his business. I'm looking at a display when something catches my eye.

  My heart pounds, but I know I need to see it up close. "Excuse me." I raise my head and look at the woman. "Can I get a closer look at this?"

  She walks to where I am and smiles when she sees my selection. "Certainly."

  She pulls out the tray and sets it on the glass counter.

  Gently I pick it up and hold it out to Frank. "What do you think?"

  "I think it's perfect, but Wyatt, are you sure?"

  "I've never been more sure of anything." I ask the price and smile when the woman rattles off a number. I have way more than that in my checking account.

  "Would you like me to wrap it? Any changes or engravings?" she asks.

  "Wrap it, please, and no, it's perfect the way it is."

  "She's a very lucky girl." The woman rings up my purchase, and I hand her my card.

  "I'm the lucky one," I reply.

  ***

  "Did you know that Jodie and I have been married for forty years?" Frank asks.

  We're sitting on a bench outside the jewelry store. We're on a break because even though I just made a huge purchase, it's not what I'm giving Pagan for her birthday.

  We've been walking around, trying to come up with ideas, but there is nothing I can give this girl that will mean anything special. I know she'll love anything I give her, but for my birthday I got my first kiss from her.

  I want something just as meaningful to give to her.

  "I did know that. Pagan mentioned that your anniversary is January."

  "It is, the first. Jodie wanted us to begin our lives together with a full year of promise ahead. I agreed with her. We were only nineteen, but we knew we would be together forever.

  My family contested the marriage at first. Still do, those who are still alive that is.

  I was the rich boy, the one who would go to college and do great things. She was the girl who never knew her parents. Was raised by her great aunt on the edge of town.

  My family couldn't believe I was marrying the 'town trash.' That's what everyone called her. Not that it mattered to Jodie. She was so pure, so good. But she could take down anyone in her path.

  I think I fell in love with her the first time I saw her. It was in third grade. She just moved to town with her aunt. Kids can be so mean, but it never fazed her.

  By the time we were in high school, most people had steered clear of her, including me. It wasn't until senior year, when she came up to me and said she knew I was watching her. And if I was going to stare, I better do something about it." He pauses, a faraway look in his eye and a wishful smile on his face.

  "I stood up and kissed her. She wasn't expecting that. We've been together ever since.

  We've had our problems, of course. No relationship is perfect, but we're perfect for each other. It was hard, going through school and trying to raise a family. But we've always been stronger than everyone and everything trying to keep us apart.

  I don't know what's in store for you and Pagan, but Wyatt, always be stronger than everything else.

  The love you and Pagan share is a once in a lifetime deal. I think you know that.

  You're young, you won't have it all figure out in the next year, or even in the next five. But know, if you can't fall back on the person you love when times get tough, then you might need to reconsider your options."

  "There's no reconsidering anything, Frank," I say. "Pagan means more to me than I can ever say. What we have, what we've been through is special.

  I wasn't looking for anyone. I didn't even know I could fall in love, not with my family. But this girl…she's beautiful, she's broken, and she's healing me."

  "You're right. Pagan is broken. But I think, because of you, she's a little less broken. You've brought joy to her life. She smiles, she laughs, and she's the girl I remember from her childhood. Thank you."

  "There's no need for thanks, Frank. I'm just me, and she's just her. Somehow we make it work."

  I feel good. I don't know what's going to happen in the future anymore than Frank does, but for once in my life, I'm okay with that.

  I'm not counting down the days until I can get out of my mother's house like before. Instead, I'm counting everyday that Pagan has been in my life. Every day that she's healed me a little more.

  Chapter 35

  Pagan

  The bracelet Gran and Gramps gave me is beautiful. Tiny diamonds sparkle on a sterling silver chain.

  Terrence hands me a piece of paper that says my next helmet from Scooter's shop is on him. Ava told me happy birthday and actually sang along with everyone. That's a gift enough.

  Adele gave me a picture she drew of her family. Seeing Gran, Gramps, and myself depicted made me tear up. This little girl owns my heart.

  Mary bought me a "Cookbook for Dummies," which made everyone laugh.

  Kala is paying for the spa day she and I are apparently having next weekend. Now it's Wyatt's turn.

  I grab the pink package off the table and turn it over in my hands. Poor guy looks nervous.

  I feel like torturing him a bit, so I begin to peel off the paper extra slowly. When I finally tear off all the paper and open the box, I find myself staring at a flash drive.

  "Here." Wyatt places my computer in front of me.

  I insert it and find the only file is a video.

  I'm nervous, but I press play.

  The first thing I see is a baby picture of me, followed by other pictures throughout my childhood. When it gets to Wyatt's favorite picture of Dakota and me, I'm crying.

  Next is a video. A smiling Adele is saying how much she loves me and is so happy that I'm her sister.

  Ava is next. "You're good for my brother. He's not as much of an ass with you around." You can hear Wyatt in the background scolding her for her language.

  Mary tells me how much she cares about Wyatt and I. And how she hopes we can grow closer as time goes on.

  Kala doesn't say much. She cries quite a bit, "You're the best friend ever. I'm so glad you came into my life when you did."

  I'm crying so hard my vision is starting to become obscured.

  "You make Wy a better man. He's happy with you, and that's something I never thought would be possible. Thank you, P," Terrence says, his expression serious.

  I don't even know what Gran and Gramps say about me. I'll have to watch it again later.

  This is too much.

  When I see Wyatt's handsome face onscreen, his clear eyes burning into mine, my heart stops.

  "I love you, Pay. Forever and always. Never forget that. You deserve it all, baby."

  Video Wyatt blows a kiss and then it fades to black. Everyone is waiting for me to say something, but I can't. My mind was just blown. These people mean the world to me. The gift they just presented me with is the best thing I’ve ever received.

  There's nothing I can say, so instead I turn to Wyatt and kiss him with everything I have.

  There's applause and cheering from our family, but I don't care.

  Wyatt's hand tangles in my hair, and I link my fingers behind his head. "Thank you," I whisper against his lips.

  "Only the best for you, Pay. You deserve everything. We love you, and we wanted to show you just how much."

  "I love you."

  We pull back, and I look each and every one of my family members in the eye. "You don't even know what this means to me. I love you all. It's you who make me the person I am."

  Gran cuts the cake, and we're all back to having a good time. I wasn't the only one who shed tears I
notice. Mary, Gran, and Kala all sport the telltale red-rimmed eyes.

  Wyatt also released a few tears when I kissed him.

  Of course, in my life, good things don't stay good for long.

  Albert chooses to walk in the dining room just as we're playing the video again.

  "What's all this?" he asks.

  "A birthday party," Gran says simply.

  "And whose would that be?"

  "Pagan's. She's the same age as Wyatt now," Adele shouts, not knowing and too young to understand.

  I knew my father had given up on our relationship, but I never thought he would forget the day his first daughter was born.

  It makes it easier for me to remember why I severed my ties to him.

  "That's low, even for you," Wyatt hisses. "You seriously forgot? What kind of asshole are you?"

  "Wyatt, it's fine." I place my hand on his arm.

  "No, it's not fine," Gran says. "You've done a lot of questionable things in your life, Albert, but this is by far the worst."

  "I'm sorry, Mother. I'm sorry that my own daughter cut me out of her life. Apparently, everything is my fault."

  "You know damn well why Pagan has written you off. You gave up being her father a long time ago. I don't care for your attitude, but never would I ever forget the day you were born. That's something that is ingrained in every parent’s memory. The fact that you're standing here now and telling us you forgot is despicable, even for you."

  "Glad to know how you really feel, Mother. I was just coming to tell you that I got an apartment. I'll be out of your hair within the next few days."

  With that, he walks out. He never even looked at me.

  December

  Chapter 36

  Pagan

  New Year's Eve at the club is insane. The party is in full swing, and there are servers everywhere. Davis and Tony are running around trying to make sure everything is perfect. Mr. Kingston is both enjoying his party and keeping a close watch on us.

  Wyatt and I have been here since ten this morning. Kala and Terrence are also serving drinks and food. When Tony said we needed more than our usual amount of servers, they jumped at the chance to work again.

  Margie ordered new uniforms for this event. The girls are wearing black skirts that fall to our knees with black button-ups and red ties. The guys are wearing the same outfit, only black slacks instead of skirts.