Remember Cinderella (True Loves Fairytale Book 2)

by Tracey Champion

  “No one is babying her. We just need to be respectful of her wishes.” Hanna steps in to defend me.

  “What the hell is your problem Niki?” Next was Amber.

  “I don’t have a problem. I just think she needs to get over this. She’s only doing this for the attention. I mean I can’t be the only one that sees her playing you all.” What the hell? Why would I fake this? I hate how I react sometimes or everything else that has gone on since Travis took me. If I could make it all go away I would.

  I drop my face to my hands in an attempt at some control over my nerves. I’m afraid this will ruin dinner and that’s not what I had in mind. If it wasn’t for the fact that Amber drove us here, I would leave.

  “Jordan deserves so much better than her. You can tell from looking at him that he’s not happy having to attend to her craziness to make her happy.” Just then the appetizers arrive.

  Hanna and Niki ended up fighting some more. My cousin defended my tattoo and Jordan. She basically stated that neither of them had any rights to what I did or what Jordan did. He no longer was with them. The words were kind to hear, but it didn’t lessen the pain in my heart over my tattoo.

  JORDAN

  I arrive at the bar with Ryan. We had to have a long talk over the damn case I have him on. He and Amber are trying their best to get something on the guy with absolutely zero luck. As I walk over to everyone Nate’s just standing at the table staring at me with his arms crossed.

  “All right dude, show it.”

  “Show what?”

  “I want to see the new ink the guys are all telling me about.” I turn my arm towards him and he instantly begins laughing. “You did do it with chick colors too.”

  “Yeah I did. What about it you ass?”

  “Nothing dude, you’re fucking whipped.” Oh hell no. I’m not wiped and he knows this.

  “I’d like to disagree with you on that. There’s no way a woman could make me whipped.” A rumble of laughter comes from everyone at the table now. “I’m serious here.”

  Ryan pats my back hard. “Your kind of whipped boss. I mean come on you inked your skin for her.”

  “You’re telling me that I’m whipped because I love her enough to ease her pain by inking my arm. You’re going to honestly tell me out of all the women you have been with that you wouldn’t do it too.” I know instantly that I hit home with him. I’m tempted to ask him why, but I think I’ll leave it alone.

  “Okay on to a more pressing matter,” Tyler states clearly. Why do I get this feeling I’m not going to like this?

  “I just want to know if I’m the only one who’s getting the creeps from Ms. Niki.” Fucker!

  “Why the hell are we talking about…”

  “Something is off with her. I’m not sure what it is, but I’ve been watching her closely when she’s over with Jessica.” Nate had interrupted me and know has my attention.

  “Off how?” Ryan blurts out.

  “Simple,” he turns and stares at me like I just ran over his dog. “She’s still in love with you Jordan. I hear the way she talks to Jessica about some guy she wants to rekindle things with, but I’m not that stupid.”

  “I already told her I don’t want her anymore and that we’re completely done.”

  “I don’t think that’s what she’s understands. You may need to nip that one in the butt and fast.” Nate tells me like I don’t get it.

  “I’ll talk to her about it again.” Great just want I need on my damn to do list.

  CARA

  I was only half way through my food when Niki started a soft dispute with Jessica. I stop eating and watch them for a moment. What she had said about me earlier was extremely uncalled for. It was about time I said something.

  “Hey Niki,” I said nervously. I was terrified how this would turn out when it was all over with. “What have I done wrong to you?” She laughs at me.

  “What have you done wrong? You don’t get it do you. You’re in the way of what I want.” I paused to think about what she was saying.

  “You’re referring to Jordan. I didn’t take him from you. I mean your relationship has been over for years.” He doesn’t want her in his life. I think he doesn’t want her in his life right. What if he does?

  “You don’t get it. Jordan will come back to me. He’s meant to be with me, not your pathetic little ass.” I’m not pathetic.

  “Excuse me. I hope you realize he doesn’t want you.” She just laughs again and I want to slap her hard.

  “Oh please, he needs a real woman in his life, not some wild child who needs to sew her oats. You, my dear, can’t handle a man like him in the way he needs.” I sit back in my chair and cross my arms because I’m done eating.

  “Just for a promising note Niki. I’m not going anywhere. I love Jordan and you can’t take him from me.” I stand to my feet because I need to use the bathroom which means I have to pass her.

  “I won’t have to take him from you. He will come to me willingly.” Lucky for me she turned her chair just right and I move into her personal space. I lean towards her and lock my eyes with hers.

  “I think I do a damn good job at pleasing Jordan that he won’t be looking elsewhere. Oh, and I would learn my place or one of these days I will make you regret it. That pretty smile you wear won’t be so pretty anymore.” She just smiles and again I want to hit her, but I push back and head to the bathroom.

  I walk into the bathroom and do my business when I hear footsteps enter the room. Whoever it is kept quiet and then I hear water running. I finish and when I exit the stall I was in and come face to face with Niki.

  “Listen here you crazy bitch. You will lose him. He will come to me and be back in my bed where he belongs.” I let out a sinful laugh because she has lost her mind.

  “What makes you think he would want you back?” There has to be something going on in her head.

  “He will want me back. Jordan can’t stay away from me and he needs a dirty woman like me in his life. You will loose him just watch. He’ll remember why he was with me and that he misses me.”

  “Not going to happen. Sorry…no, I’m not sorry. Jordan won’t miss what you two had. He loves me.” I walk over to the other sink to wash my hands and she grabs my hair. Now I’m pissed at her. I’ve been nice to her and I can’t do this anymore. I do what Justin told me and plant my weight. I slowly turn and she looses her grip on my hair as the door opens. Amber walks in as Niki calls me a bitch again and I slap her.

  “You will stop insulting me and leave Jordan and me alone. Do you hear me? I don’t know what games you’re playing, but this is done. You need to stop being so caddy and be an adult. I feel sorry for your daughter for the kind of mother that she has. Jordan loves me and I’m not leaving do you hear me.”

  “Bitch. You’ll regret that.” Niki states

  Amber’s laughing and grabs my arm to take me out of the bathroom. I’m shaking and she tries to rub my arm to calm me.

  “I freaking love you for what I just saw. My hero.” She tells me between laughing.

  “I want to go home.” We walk to the table and I grab my purse and Amber politely explains why we need to leave. Hanna gives me a smile and says that she’s covering the entire cost of dinner. I kiss her cheek and we leave. Once in the car, I break down into tears.

  I should have never hit her. I don’t know how Jordan will react to what I did. If he still has feeling for her then I’m in trouble.

  I can hear Amber, but it was like she’s talking through a pillow. It’s a muffled. My heart stutters every other beat and a chill shot up my spine. I made a big mistake and I will pay for this.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  JORDAN

  I get off the phone with Amber and a hundred thoughts run through my mind. The conversation I had with Tyler earlier and the one here with everyone. Fuck me! All the hard work that’s been done this week is messed up because of one action. This has to stop. I turn to Ryan sharply.

  “I need to go home r
ight now.” He raises an eyebrow at me and then my phone rings again.

  “I’m on my way home.” I bark into my phone. I didn’t even look to see who was calling me, but I hear crying on the other end and instantly I know who it is. “Niki?”

  “We need to talk Jordan? Cara assaulted me.” Are you fucking kidding me right now? She wants to play that game.

  “From what I’ve already been told, you asked for it,” I tell her, my voice sounding cold and heartless.

  “Jordan, I was just talking to her and she just turned on me. I did nothing to provoke her hitting me like she did. She needs help Jordan.” What the hell?

  “What are you insinuating Niki?” I walk with Ryan to his truck in the parking lot. I’m confused.

  “She’s mentally unstable and needs proper help Jordan. I’m afraid for her and of her.” I start laughing.

  “First, off she’s fine I will take care of things. As for you please stay away from me and her.” I hear a hitch in her breathing.

  “No, I did nothing wrong Jordan, she’s crazy. If you don’t do something about this, then I will be pressing charges against her.” Oh hell no.

  “You listen to me Niki and listen very good. If you press charges against my girl, because you have some messed up notion about what needs to be done. I will make you regret it.”

  “But Jordan.” She whines on the phone.

  “I’m done talking to you Niki. I don’t know what’s wrong with you, but I love Cara more that you understand. Do not call me again.” I hang up my phone, text Amber and then turn it off.

  “She’s lost her mind about you Jordan,” Ryan says nonchalantly. I pinch the bridge of my nose because I’m unsure what I’ll be going home to.

  CARA

  Amber followed me into the house and I want her to leave. I need a moment to myself. I walked into the bedroom and she was right behind me.

  “Cara stop and talk to me for a second.” I walk into the bathroom, slam the door shut, and lock it. Amber tries to turn the knob but then realizes it's locked. “Cara Mia, you open this door right now!”

  “No. I need a moment to think.” I made a big mistake and I need to figure out how to fix it.

  “I know you’re thinking the worst. Please open this door or I will find a way to break it down.” Jordan would be mad if she did that, but I don’t want talk to her.

  “I need a moment Amber. Please just go away!” I scream at her.

  “No! Open this door.” I sit on the floor and begin rubbing my fingers hard. I don’t even realize that I’ve gone from rubbing them to scratching them. I try hard to block out Amber yelling from the other side of the door.

  I don’t want to talk with anyone. Why did I hit her? “Because she deserved it.” It wasn’t right. “Yes it was, that woman needs to be put in her place.” I feel torn apart. On one side I’m justified, but on the other I’m wrong.

  Why is she a problem to me? “Because the damn woman wants something you have.” It was her fault in the first place that she lost him, she cheated on him. She can’t ruin what I have. I won’t let her.

  I’m not crazy. “She’s crazy thinking that he will take her back.” I jump when there’s a hard knock on the door.

  “Cara Mia, I will take the door off the hinges if you don’t open it.” Jordan’s here and he sounds mad. “I’ll give you to the count of five and I’m taking it down. Ryan went to get my tools.”

  I stand to my feet slowly. My entire body is shaking and then I feel it. I look down at my hands and see blood. I panic and hiccups begin, hard, and very painful in my chest. How do I open the door to him with my hand bleeding? I walk over to the door and can hear voices on the other side talking. I quickly unlock the door and try to do something, anything to hide my fingers as it opens.

  JORDAN

  I’m talking with Ryan about how to get the door off when I hear the click of the lock. I look to Amber and turn to immediately open the door. I can hear her hiccups and she has her hands behind her back. That’s not a good sign and I stalk towards her. When I’m right in front of her I place my hands out palms up.

  “Hands Cara,” I demand of her. I can hear Ryan and Amber behind me.

  “Jordan! Cara’s bleeding.” Amber yells at me and I’m furious.

  “Cara Mia, I want your damn hands now!” She backs away from me and I grab her arm. I’m done with this. I realize I overstepped and watch her eyes roll back. Fuck! I catch her just as she faints.

  I’m careful when I pick her up in my arms. I’m trying to find where she’s bleeding from because all I can see is the drops on the floor. Ryan comes over to me and adjusts her arms and that when we find it. She’s torn the scarred skin on her fingers.

  “Amber, find the first aid kit and anything that was left over from when she had her hands wrapped up.” I watch my sister begin to dig under the sink, pulling stuff out.

  “Bottom drawer is where she put the leftover things.” Amber pulls out the first aid box and then items from the drawer. Cara begins to wiggle in my arms as she wakes up. “You move and fight me, you will regret it.” She freezes in my arms. I carefully sit her on the counter now that she’s awake. I watch her closely.

  “Cara I need to see your hand. I have to take care of the bleeding.” She holds her hand out to Ryan. I can tell she’s trying not to cry. Her fingers are red and the scars are irritated.

  “How bad are they?” I ask because I can’t see closely.

  “She scratched them up bad,” Ryan turns to her after he stops the bleeding. “First off, I'm pleased that you slapped Niki, she deserved it. Second if he doesn’t turn that ass of yours a bright red because of what you did to your fingers I will. That is not a threat Cara, that’s a promise I will keep regardless of having Jordan beat the crap out of me for it. Do you understand me?”

  “Yes.” Her voice is soft and shaking. Ryan turns his attention to me.

  “She needs to learn not to touch those scars out of comfort when she panics. If you can’t get her to stop, I fucking will. I don’t care if that makes you pissed at me.” Okay, I can understand this. I’ve been working on it.

  “I can handle that and if it doesn’t work then we go with your method.” I nod my head in agreement with him, hoping that she gets how serious this is.

  Ryan finishes patching up her fingers and helps her down from the counter. Before she can move away from him I see Ryan grab her arm and whisper something in her ear.

  CARA

  “Jordan loves you to the point he almost lost his life. If you panic again and hurt those scars or any other part of your body, I will make sure you can’t sit for a week. Oh and Cara, I won’t care how many times I have to teach you that lesson either. I won’t feel sorry for you. You made Amber cry again and I’m sick of it.”

  I turn to look at Amber who has tear stains down her face. I did that. I made her cry. I pull my arm out of Ryan’s grasp and walk over to her.

  “I’m sorry Amber for my behavior when we got here. I don’t mean to upset you.” I want to touch my fingers out of habit, but I fight that pull nagging at me. I wait for her to say something to me.

  “He’s not the only one that cares and loves you, Cara.” I’m shocked by her admission to me and then stunned silent when she hugs me.

  “I promise I’ll try not to do that again. I made a mistake and I feel guilty about it, for enjoying it.” She lets go of me and cups my face in her hands.

  “You have nothing to feel guilty over. What you did was justified and I’m so fucking proud of you Cara.” She presses her forehead against mine for a second and then kisses it. “I should probably go. Someone looks like they need to talk to you.”

  I glance over my shoulder at Jordan who looks half worried, half mad. This could be bad. We walk Ryan and Amber to the door in silence. Once we say our goodbyes Jordan takes me by my arm back into the bedroom.

  “Sit,” he tells me and I obey. Jordan paces the room. He suddenly stops, unbuckles his belt and then hands it to me. “H
old on to that.” Then he strips off his shirt.

  “What are you doing?” I twist his belt in my hands, but he says nothing to me. He walks into the middle of the big bedroom and drops to his knees.

  “Hurt me, Cara.” What? No! I can’t.

  “I won’t do that.” I toss his belt to the side.

  “Hurt me, Cara!” He yells at me again.

  “I won’t do it! Why are you asking me to hurt you?” I’m close to bursting into tears and Jordan stands to his feet. He walks over to me and this time drops to his knees in front of me. I didn’t see him pick up the belt, but he did and forces it in my hands.

  “Hurt me.” He’s begging.

  “No,” I squeak, choking on my tears. Jordan takes hold of my left hand and runs his fingers over my new bandage.

  “Each time you irritate your fingers, this new incident, you freak out or one of the other panics you have hurt me. I understand that sometimes they can’t be avoided. When you don’t talk and do this, it hurts me. I’d rather you beat me bloody than torture yourself. I can’t stand it Cara; you’re ripping out my heart.”

  I’m crying something fierce and try to get control of it and can’t stop. Jordan stands and sits on the bed next to me. I throw the belt far away from me and climb onto his lap.

  “I did…(hiccup)…something wrong…(hiccup)…I should…(hiccup).” Jordan grabs my face and kisses me. Just the feel of his lips on mine calms me.

  “I don’t want you to ever tell yourself that lie. Do you understand? From what I was told, she deserved what she got.” I hiccup hard as I try to wipe away my tears. “Close your eyes pretty girl.” I hesitate but do as he asks.

  Jordan adjusts how I’m sitting on his lap and pulls me in closer. He takes my right hand and places in over his beating heat. I can feel how hard it's betting.

  “I’m going to try and relax Cara. Do you feel how my heart beat for you right now?” I just nod my head.