“Cara, talk to me?
CARA
Talk to him. I’m happy about the distraction that Jessica gave us, but I’m still hurt. I don’t have anything to say to him.
“Pretty girl, please talk to me.” What does he want me to say?
“I don’t have anything nice to say Jordan. I would just like to go to bed.” I begin to take off my clothes and grab my nightgown. Before I have a chance to put it on I can tell that he’s right behind me.
“Please talk with me.” I ignore him and go to put on my nightgown because I’m just standing here in my panties. Jordan takes my nightgown from me turns me around after smacking my ass hard.
“I don’t want to talk anymore and that hurt. I have nothing nice to say can’t you get that.”
“I do and I don’t care I want you to tell me something.” He’s just looking down at me.
“I want to set fire to that ugly book and it’s not mine. I hate her. I FUCKING hate her and that she put photo’s in there of you two together. Memories of why…” Jordan moves and takes my hand dragging me to the bed. He interrupted me.
“Stop talking for a second and listen. If I wanted her I would have finished looking at the book before realizing you were gone from the room. I never finished looking at it. If I knew it would have upset you so much, I would have never thanked her.”
“But it’s there Jordan. You did thank her and you brought the book home and…” I stopped talking because I didn’t know what else to say.
“Look I’ll get rid of the book if it bothers you that much. I don’t care about it. I’m just disappointed with this, us.” Huh. I’m confused.
“Why are you disappointed with us?” I was scared a little.
“You don’t fully trust me.” I had no answer for that. “I love you and you don’t trust me.”
“Jordan, I don’t trust her.” That was true. My heart sinks.
“Then let me handle this and stop taking all your frustration out on me. I can’t handle this Cara.”
“You’re mad at me.” I try not to let any tears come out in my words.
“No, I’m frustrated with you.” I take no time at all to say what I’m thinking next.
“Are you planning to make good on your promise to spank me.” I wanted to know. Not that he would do it to hurt me or in anger. It’s just our thing because it leads to us having sex. Which means all is good.
“No, I’m not Cara. It’s not worth it.” No way. Jordan turns and leaves the bedroom.
We spent the rest of the night hardly talking to each other. Jordan went to take care of something on his computer after a text came in and I cried myself to sleep.
Maybe I’m losing it.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
December 22,
It’s been a hard week. Jordan’s been at work a lot. He’s busy with something, but he doesn’t tell me. I have yet to tell him that the texts from the anonymous number haven’t stopped. I get ones that tell me he’s with her. That’s he is in her bed. That was my favorite one I got last night at 11pm. Jordan rolled in after 1am this morning.
Some texts come with pictures of Niki. Another was of them together. Only a few were of Jordan by himself. I tried once to send a reply message, but it came back to me. I don’t know if the messages are from the same person or not.
I haven’t said anything to anyone about them. I have two sets of messages for an anonymous number. I think they are the same, but I don’t know.
I did bump into Niki outside the office the other day. She was her normal rude self to me. I hate that. I asked her why she was so mean to me. All she had to say was that Jordan was her man. That I should get comfortable with moving out. If that’s true, then what I did for him as a Christmas present is a waste.
Could he be spending time with her when he’s working late? I don’t think he would do that to me, but I’m unsure.
Interesting how I prefer to write in my journal before going into the office. I went to the gym today. Justin has me weight train two days out of the week. I’m enjoying what he’s teaching me. He doesn’t stay with me of course. I just pick up a paper at the front desk that he looks over for me. He leaves me a note on any changes I need to make.
Changes are funny. He sends me videos or something so I know what I’m supposed to be doing. He had me jumping the other day. My legs still hurt from that. We used this aerobic step. Yeah, not fun.
I decided to finally get out of my car. I could tell that Niki was here. I could see her car in the parking lot. She drives a candy apple red Mustang. I start walking towards the building and see her leaving the office. She again is dressed very nice and has on her red lipstick.
I don’t hide and she spots me. I hate that we’re alone. She struts right to me.
“Cara what a lovely surprise. I’ve been meaning to talk to you.” Really, great.
“Okay, talk.” I place a hand on my hip.
“Well, Jordan and I were just having a nice conversation about you. He thinks it might be best with your nightmares that you seek special help. I mean, you can’t keep up this facade any longer. We all know you're faking it for attention.”
“I’m not faking anything Niki. There’s nothing to fake.”
“Exactly. I hope you understand that we know what you are trying to pull and it won’t work. You need to get control of this delusion that you will get to keep him. I mean Jordan has to come back to my place next week. I wish it was sooner. I miss spending alone time with him.” I’ve about had it and move closer to.
“You keep telling yourself that lie. He doesn’t want you back in his life.”
“Now who’s lying. We shall see who the better woman is in the end. Bye Cara.” I watch her walk to her car and take off. Once she is out of sight I text Jordan that I will see him when he gets home.
Christmas Eve
“You ready to go Cara?” I wasn’t really talking with Jordan and I didn’t tell him about seeing Niki. I was in the bathroom staring at my hair. Jordan walked in and came up behind me. He took hold of my hair for a moment and scrunched it in his hand.
“I love your hair.” I smiled in the mirror or I tried to smile. Jordan must have seen it because I was seated on the counter before I could say anything. “Talk to me. I don’t know what’s wrong but damn it something is bothering you.”
“I saw Niki yesterday outside your office.”
“What did she say to you?” What’s he so worried about?
“Just that you’re spending time with her at her house and that I need to be committed.” Jordan drops his head and shakes it side to side.
“Please tell me you don’t agree with her?” I ask softly.
“What that you need to be committed? Hell if anyone tried to do that again I might kill them.” My eyes went wide. “You’re struggling more so now because of the extra stress. But we got this. As for going to Niki’s house.” He laughed.
“What’s funny?” I know my facial expression was causing wrinkles to my forehead.
“I’ve no intention of going to her place ever. She was at the office wanting to tell me more on her harassing stalker. It’s nothing Cara. The twins are now looking into it all for fun. I paid them for their time in the beginning, but now they’re out to ruin the little story she’s playing.”
“What do you mean?” Jordan moved his face closer to me and kissed me.
“I don’t know. They won’t tell me, but I gave them my permission to talk with Tyler. It’s his problem to deal with. Tyler thinks Niki is up to something as well.”
“Are you telling me I’m not completely crazy?”
“Pretty girl, you’re not crazy. However, we might get into trouble if we don’t leave soon.” He helps me off the counter and then we drive over to my dad’s place. I’m a little nervous, this will be the first time I get to meet my Aunt Meg. I’m kind of worried she won’t be there since she’s Hanna’s mom and normally not around.
I was very surprised when we pulled up that Bri
dgette was outside. She looked frazzled. I got out of the truck as she came to my door.
“Warning do not go into the kitchen. There’s four women arguing over the cooking of the turkey and they’ve been at it since early this morning. Plus, you’re late to help me out with this.”
“Do I want to know who’s in the kitchen?” I tried not to laugh as I was thinking who would be cooking.
“Mom, Grandma Chloe, Aunt Meg and Beverly…it’s scary in there.” She leaned into me to tell me that and I couldn’t help but laugh.
“It can’t be that bad.” I watched as Bridgette’s eyes went wide.
“I warned you. If you go into the kitchen that’s at your own risk.” We walked into the house and I could hear talking in the kitchen. I was amused and figured it was worth the risk. I headed straight for the kitchen.
“I told you if you don’t want a dry turkey stop checking it and stop basting it.” I wasn’t sure who Bev was talking to.
“You have to baste the turkey.” That was Elizabeth in reply. Wow.
“No you don’t. I don’t and I’ve never had a dry turkey.”
“Liz would you just listen and stop arguing.” The woman who was talking looked like an older version of Hanna. She must be Aunt Meg.
“Meg, don’t interrupt them I find this all very entertaining.” Grandma Chloe chimed in and I burst into giggles. “Cara Mia, oh my dear come give me a hug.” I walked over to her and embraced her.
“Hi, grandma.”
“Dear, look at you, all fit. You look beautiful.” Grandma Chloe looked me over and that’s when I noticed who had walked up beside me. I turned to give her my attention.
“Hello.” I was a little worried about what would happen now. I had never met her before.
“Hi Cara Mia,” I honestly didn’t know what more to say to her. I didn’t know this woman. “Would it be okay if I asked for a hug.”
“Yes.” We hugged, but she moved my hair away from my ear.
“Thank you, for what you’ve done for Hanna and for me.” I get what I did for Hanna, but not what I did for her.
“Excuse me, I don’t understand.” She pulled from our embrace and looked me dead in the eyes.
“I haven’t been a very good mother and because of that, Hanna was kind enough to point it out. She told me her problems were because I’m a self-absorbed bitch.” Holy wow. I did not have anything to do with this.
“I think you’re mistaken on telling me thank you then. I think that belongs to Hanna.” She laughed actually laughed at me.
“Hanna’s happier now because you put her in her place. She returned that favor by putting me into mine. Hanna was right I wasn’t being a good mother or wife. My thank you is justified to you.” Just then Hanna walked into the kitchen. She had to of heard everything.
“My mom’s right you know. I would’ve never talked to my mother like I did if I wasn’t feeling as low as I had. You put me in my place at the lake and then forgave me by telling me you loved me. I didn’t deserve that and you gave it to me.”
“Stop basting the damn turkey.” I hear a light tap sound and we all turned to Bev who was now guarding the turkey.
“I have to baste it.”
“No, you don’t. I did what needed to be done and now leave it alone. You’ll ruin the crisp of the skin. Hands off woman.” The three of us burst into laughter.
“Hell, this is the best Christmas here yet. Beverly, I want you here next year. Elizabeth, please focus on the damn ham and the other fixings.” Grandma Chloe had some sass about her that I just loved.
“Fine, if the turkey is ruined I blame you.”
“Fine, but it won’t be.” They each went to focus on other things. I had heard some extra noise and decided I wanted to go investigate it.
I locked my arm with Hanna’s and dragged her off. “I’m pleased to finally meet you, Aunt Meg.”
“Likewise child.” She smiled at me as I left with Hanna.
We walked into the large living room and I noticed a huge Christmas tree. The one Jordan and I had was small. I had bought fun ornaments to decorate with. This one looked to have all kinds of ornaments.
I noticed a few handmade ones. There was one by Dominic and another by Bridgette. I was a little sad that on the tree was nothing that belonged to me. I remember making some with Mama. If I remembered correct there were times I made the same one twice.
I felt someone come up behind me. For a second, I thought it was Jordan. I felt a head on my shoulder and turned to see Bridgette.
“Grandma brought some ornaments over. The tree isn’t done yet. If you would like, you can put them up on the tree.” She wrapped her arms around me in a hug and I leaned into my sister.
“What do you mean?” I had to ask.
“Grandma always had two trees. One in her living room and one in her bedroom. None of us kids were allowed to go into her room and if we did when the tree was up we got our butts busted. Now I know why. She had your ornaments up on the tree.”
“Mine?”
“Yeah a box of them is right there. Let’s put them up.” I smiled and she let go of me. Bridgette pulled out a large box and opened it. Inside the box were things I remembered making.
Not all of the contents where ornaments, but things I made as a child. We spent the next hour or so putting up ornaments and talking about each one. Bridgette wanted to know my memory tied to the ornament or the artwork in the box.
It was another hour until we ate. Everyone had arrived at the house. There were enough tables and chairs for everyone. I sat next to Jordan and on my other side was Mikeala. She begged to sit with me. I was okay with it and helped her out so my brother and sister in law could eat.
When we were all done it was Cassandra, Bridgette, Hanna, Amber, Jessica and me in the kitchen cleaning up. We were all giggling and laughing while doing it. It wasn’t long before it was all back to clean and food put away while a few pies warmed up. Jessica pulled them out to cool a little before we could eat them.
Everyone went into the living room to open a few presents. I was hoping my dad had what I wanted to give Jordan, but he hasn’t told me anything yet. I sat on Jordan’s lap as a nice stack of cards was handed to Grandma Chloe.
“Okay, I will call each of you to me so you can get your card.” She called Mikeala first and had her open it. Then she called me, with the exception of Mikeala, she told us not to open the card until each person had theirs.
Next to be called was Amber, Bridgette, and then Hanna. I realized then that she was going from the youngest to the oldest. Grandma Chloe had included everyone or so I thought. She then called Jessica and Jordan, then Cassandra, and Ryan. Last to be called was my brother, Nate and then Tyler.
The way the card felt in my hand I thought when I opened it I would find money, but I did not. Each of us was given a pressed piece of mud as the main piece of a bracelet.
Mine said I love you.
Amber’s said loved.
Bridgette’s said trust.
Hanna’s said lucky.
Jessica’s said courage.
Jordan’s was patience.
Cassandra’s was laugh.
Ryan was given faith.
Dominic had justice.
Nate was given blessed.
Tyler received hope.
By the time we all had looked at what we were given I think there was some confusion. I was the one to ask. “Why these Grandma.”
“Simple, I knew what some of you needed. As for the rest I asked a few question and the answers I got helped me decided. I wanted you each to have something that would be meaningful to you. Money doesn’t last and doesn’t mean anything. Hanna took me to the mall and I saw these. I liked them. So I decided to share something I liked.”
She showed us the one she was wearing. It was identical to mine down to the pink band. Now I got why mine said I love you. I looked around the room at each person. Some were family, but the rest were friends that I could call family. I was pleased f
or a moment at the way my life had turned out.
This time last year I was depressed and alone. Now I was surrounded by lots of people. While I was busy thinking my father must have walked off because when he came back he had something in his hands. A manila folder that he handed me.
“Is this what I think it is?”
“Yes.” I stood to my feet and turned to Jordan. He had a puzzled look on his face.
“I wanted to do something nice for you for Christmas. What I did is in here.” I handed him the file and waited for his reaction. He opened it and pulled out the papers inside the folder.
“What did you do?” His words weren’t what I was hoping for.
“Read it, all you have to do is sign it and its all yours.” I did a good thing. I thought I did a good thing. Jordan looked up at me and began looking the papers over more.
“Why would you pay off my house?” Again not a response I was hoping for. I thought it would be nice that he owns the house free and clear.
“I did it for your Christmas present.” Something wasn’t right and I began to worry.
“Maybe you two should talk in my office.” My dad made the suggestion and I backed up as Jordan stood to his feet. I followed him to the office and shut the door.
JORDAN
“Why Cara?” I’m not sure what to think right now. I pinch the bridge of my nose. I’m frustrated and tonight was supposed to be a good night.
“I…I wanted to do something nice.” By paying off my mortgage. I have worked my ass off to be making double payments and she just pays it off.
“It’s not your house to pay off.” I took my palm and slapped my face realizing what I had said. Damn it.
“You’re right it’s not mine. I have all this fucking money that I don’t know what to do with and I wanted to take a burden from you. I like the house.” She looked cross between ready to break down and pissed off.
“Cara, it’s my responsibility to pay off m…the house.” I almost said mine.
“Great! Well just sign the damn paper and hand it back to my dad. I was stupid to try to do something nice. I asked him to help me pay it off after I took one of the older bills from your desk. I won’t undo what I did. It’s my money.” She then stormed out of the office before I could speak again.
Remember Cinderella (True Loves Fairytale Book 2) Page 25