by Shyla Colt
Playlist
Three Little Birds: Bob Marley
Knocking on Heaven’s Door: Bob Dylan
Crazy in Love: Beyonce
Love Song: 311
XoXo: Beyonce
Thinking Out Loud: Ed Sheeran
Drunk In Love: Beyonce
Glossary
Cut- vest worn by Motorcycle Club members
MC – Motorcycle Club
Old Lady’s – Like a wife/ long term girlfriend
Sweetheart/Sweetie- Girlfriend or someone a biker is dating
Sweetbutt- Name of a girl who hangs around the club and is always available for sex. Can be the “Property of one of the members”
House Mouse- Depending on their temperament they can be given as gifts to an old lady . They are used to clean up and do chores.
Positions
President- Leader of the Chapter
Vice President- Second in charge. Fills in when President isn’t around.
Sergeant at Arms - Basically the clubs policeman. He enforces club policy and procedures in meetings.
Enforcers – There to help the Sergeant at arms do his job. They often stand guard at meetings
Secretary – Responsible for the clubs paper work, including club records.
Treasurer- The chapter’s moneyman. He collects club fees, pays bills, etc.
The Wise One - He often looks after the clubs spiritual needs. He’s often refereed to as the “Chaplin”.
Road Captain- He’s usually in charge of the logistics of the club. IE: Planning routes, fuel stops, etc.
Asst. Road Captain: Assists the Road Caption.
Patch Members ( Riders)- members who’ve earned the right to wear the clubs color after paying their dues as a Prospect. They’re also known as Patches or members.
Nomad- A club member who doesn’t belong to any particular chapter.
Prospect- Man in training to become a member of a Motorcycle club after a probationary period.
This is for you Daddy. Thank you for your guidance, love, and continued advice giving. I’ll miss you forever.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by an information storage and retrieval system-except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a magazine, newspaper, or on the web -without permission in writing from the author.
Hold On, Pain Ends
H.O.P.E.
Dueling Devils, Book Six
Shyla Colt, Copyright © 2015
Senior Editor: Leanore Elliott
Cover Art: Dreams2media
Hold On, Pain Ends
H.O.P.E.
Dueling Devils, Book Six
Shyla Colt
Chapter One
BIRDIE
Being around death did funny things to people. Birdie saw it time and time again, during her first year working at Hospice. Staring mortality in the face forces a person to ask some tough questions. Like, what you wanted to leave behind to be remembered by, and what you’d regret if you left this world tomorrow. The eye-opening experience cracked the shell of shyness and self-doubt that held her hostage for more years than she cared to count. Little by little, she discovered who Birdie Larkin was and wanted to be.
Most people thought Hospice was a depressing gig, but it wasn’t. The journey to the end of life was about love, care, and support. It was a beautiful, poignant process she was proud to be a part of. The job saved her. She spent her teen years imprisoned inside a cage, not of her making. One of a handful of interracial children in a small, southern town that used the world traditional to cover up racism and small-mindedness, she faced her share of bullying. When you added the fact that she took after her stocky father with her round frame, and extra padding, and you had the perfect storm. People who said sticks and stones broke bones and words never harmed them had never been on the wrong end of constant putdowns. When everyone else treated you like there was something distasteful about you. Eventually, you began to believe it.
Here, she’d learned the outer shell truly didn’t matter because it faded away. In the end, the only thing truly eternal and evergreen was the soul. As she immersed herself in service to others, she gained confidence and an understanding of her desires and goals. Her older sister Ardy was a catalyst, lighting a fire beneath her. She’d left the fold and thrived, so why couldn’t Birdie? There were too many bad memories here and a lack of opportunity that limited her growth. Once she had enough experience under her belt, moving to greener pastures was the plan.
Of course, no plan was without flaw. She’d committed a cardinal sin, and become too involved with a patient. Not that she could avoid it. She took one look at the pale girl with big blue eyes, an easy smile, and fallen head over heels in love with her. At twelve, Madilyn had the wisdom people twice her age didn’t possess. Of course, five years fighting cancer would make you one tough mother.
Birdie walked inside the robin’s egg blue room they’d decorated with princess stickers and glow in the dark stars. The touches added a charm and comfort to the once blank canvas. Her eyes rested on the slight girl slumbering beneath her Princess covers. Madilyn had been sleeping more often than naught these days and eating less. The signs of the end coming…cut deep. Opening the curtain, she let the sunlight caress the girls’ heart shaped face.
The sunbeams caressed her elfin ears, and the crochet cap covered head. Madilyn loved to wake up to the view of the gardens, so the staff tried to open the curtains before she woke. She stirred slightly in the bed and snuggled into her pillow.
Birdie’s heart skipped a beat.
Her pale eyelids fluttered open, and she took a moment to orient herself. “Birdie?” she whispered.
“Well, good morning, sleepyhead,” Birdie said as she forced a smile.
“Hi.” Madilyn smacked her lips. “What time is it?”
“About ten.”
“Oh. I slept awhile.”
“Nothing wrong with getting in some rest,” Birdie said coming to her bedside and patting her hand.
“Are my parents here?” she asked glancing around the room.
“Not yet,” Birdie replied.
Madilyn struggled to sit up in bed.
Birdie hurried over and pressed the button on the side of her bed, lifting the mattress up slowly to support her weight. She busied herself fluffing pillows and allowing Madilyn a chance to catch her breath. The simplest tasks took great effort. Her small brow furrowed and her lips formed a straight line. Birdie knew her well enough to recognize her deep thinking mode.
“I want to thank you for all the things you’ve done. I never had a nurse I liked so much,” Madilyn said.
The finality of her words hit Birdie like a sledgehammer. “Hey, it’s my pleasure. You make my day better. You hear me?” Birdie asked.
Madilyn gave a shaky smile. “I’m tired, Birdie.”
The sorrow in her cerulean eyes and the exhaustion in her tiny voice made Birdie’s heart ache. Moments like these were the hardest part of the job and the very best, all rolled in one. She could see the impact she’d had in this young girls’ life. It gave her a purpose. Others spent their entire life wondering if they’d made a difference. She longed to offer words of encouragement, but there was nothing to say.
When you couldn’t tell your patient to hang in there, because things would get better, your tongue felt tied. Birdie sank into the seat beside Madi
lyn’s bed, and took her fragile hand in hers. She began to sing (Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ra), an Irish lullaby she’d grown up with.
Madilyn smiled and gently squeezed her hand. She liked the stories and songs of Birdie’s childhood.
It was one of the many gifts her father had brought over to the Unites States with him from Ireland. She’d grown up with tales of Fae, Goblins, Leprechauns, and mischief. It was a heritage she happily shared with the little girl who so desperately needed a bit of magic and fantasy to take her mind off reality. “How about we talk about Tir Na N-og, the land of the young. It’s said to be a beautiful place untouched and tarnished by the ravages of age. The trees are tall and as green as the lush grounds broken only by the brilliant flowers that reflect all the colors of the rainbow.”
“Tell me about the leaves,” Madilyn prompted.
“The leaves never fall from the strong branches of the tree. They only change their colors, like a chameleon. The scent of fresh flowers permeates the air, because they bloom all year long.”
“It must be so beautiful,” Madilyn said wistfully.
“Oh, I’m sure it is. A winding stream flows through the center of the land. The people wear the finest clothing made from materials we couldn’t dream of possessing.”
“And the plates?” Madilyn asked.
“Oh yes, we can’t forget about the gold plates and glasses they drink from.”
“Every day is like a ball, then.”
“Yes poppet, that’s exactly right,” Birdie added.
“Do you think I could go there if I wanted? That God could send me to Tir Na N-og where I can be healthy again?”
Birdie closed her eyes tight. “I bet he can do whatever her wants, so why not?”
“I want to visit there, spend time, and live the way they do. With fancy dresses, and a full head of hair. I’d wear my hair down and curly like it used to be before I got sick.”
“What would you eat on those shiny plates and sip from the crystal glasses?”
“Lasagna and a strawberry shake. Do you think they’d let me?”
Her earnest expression warmed Birdie’s heart. Once, she’d been a believer in all things mystical. “I think Tir Na Nog is a place where you do what makes your soul happy, and all things are possible.”
“Oh, then I’d like to ride a Pegasus too, like Rini from Sailor Moon. Promise me you’ll go to Ireland,” Madilyn said.
The child just changed the subject with an abruptness that amused her. Birdie smirked. “I promise. It’s always been on my bucket list. I’d like to see Da’s family.”
“You will,” Madilyn said with a tiny smile.
The knowing glint in her eyes, made Birdie curious. Does she know something, I don’t?
A knock sounded on the door, and they turned to see her parents.
She flashed a smile and slipped her hand from Madilyn’s. “Look who’s here.”
“Hi Mom, hi Dad,” Madilyn greeted them.
“Her vitals are excellent. I was just keeping her company. With you guys here, I’ll be off to run my rounds. I’ll check back in on you in a bit?”
“Actually, can I talk to you, Birdie?” Her father asked.
“Sure.”
“I’ll stay here with you Maddie,” Her mother offered.
She walked out with the father right behind her like a shadow.
“Give it to me straight. How much longer does she have? I’ve seen that little girl fight her way back from the brink of death over and over, and I can see the fire’s out in her eyes.”
Birdie sighed. “I won’t lie to you, Greg. I think it’s almost time.”
His gray eyes clouded over, and he looked away. “I thought so. What can we do?”
“Keep her comfortable, remind her how much you love her, and make her happy.” She placed a hand on his shoulders. “I think she’s ready. She said some things to me that stood out today. Don’t be alarmed if she does the same for you. Sometimes, they seem to know.”
Greg took a shaky breath and let it out. “I knew this was a possibility. I think I convinced myself we’d never get to this point because she’s such a trooper.” His voice shook. “Even when she’s exhausted, she’ll ask if I’m okay. Can you believe that?” He cleared his throat. “She deserves so much more than she’s getting right now. She should have her entire life ahead of her.”
She nodded her head in agreement. The best thing to do is listen and lend support.
“Thank you for being here. I think we were sent here to you for a reason,” Greg said. He wiped his eyes, stood taller and took a deep breath. With a smile identical to the beautiful girl in the bed, he walked back in with his held high.
That’s love. The ability to put on a happy face for the one you love most, no matter what happened. She made the mistake of thinking she had that once. She glanced down at the ring on finger that once held a Claddagh engagement ring. I was so wrong. The only thing Adrian Blanch cared about was himself. She learned that the hard way…everything that glittered wasn’t gold. Humbled once more by the capabilities to sacrifice, Birdie returned to the front desk to see if anyone’s status had changed. She paused to look in on Ms. Lynne Stern.
The curly white-haired woman was a joy to be around. Spry until the renal failure hit her a few years back. Now, she was at the end stage of the kidney disease. The Christian woman continued to maintain her dignity and grace.
Always quick with a kind word and rare to complain, she inspired Birdie to be a better person. God, I’ve learned so much from everyone I’ve come into contact with here. She knocked on the door and slowly opened it. “It’s me Ms. Lynne are you awake?”
“Oh, Birdie, please come on in,” Lynne greeted her.
She stepped inside, and the woman gave her a loopy smile. According to her charts, Lynne had her medicine about an hour ago, so she was feeling no pain.
“How are you doing today?” Birdie asked.
“I feel fine. Come and sit down. You know how much I enjoy our visits.”
“I do. I happen to have an hour to myself, and I thought we could play gin rummy if you felt up to it.”
“Oh yes,” Lynne said, sitting up straight in her bed. Her brown eyes sparkled with joy.
Birdie brought over her food tray and playing cards then sat beside her and began to deal.
“Tell me, dear, what’s new with you?” Lynne asked.
“I wish I had something exciting to tell you, Ms. Lynne—”
“Oh Pish, Posh, you are too pretty and intelligent to have nothing more than work going on. What about a young man?”
“I haven’t had one of those in a year, and trust me the one I lost then was no prize,” Birdie mumbled.
“Better to find out before a ring and children. You’re what we called a bombshell. You’ll have your choice of gentlemen callers,” Lynne said in a matter of fact manner that.
Birdie almost believed her. “I’ll tell you, there don’t seem to be many of those left these days, Ms. Lynne. I might have to go clear back to Ireland where my father is from to find one.”
“Oh, you should. I wish I had traveled more. You modern women have so many more opportunities than we did.” Ms. Lynne drew a card, and Birdie discarded one.
“I love road trips. I used to take them every chance I got. It never mattered where as long as I discovered something new along the way.”
“You should get back to that. Don’t lose sight of those things that make you happy. You work so hard here. You need more down time. If I had a grandson around your age, I’d be introducing you right now.”
Birdie laughed. “I’ll take that compliment, Ms. Lynne. Thank you.”
“I’m merely speaking the truth, my girl. I just hope you realize how incredible you are. I was like you once, you know?”
“How’s that?” Birdie asked.
“Shy and slow to take a compliment.”
“Then what happened to make you change?” Birdie asked.
“I went to college and learned a
ll about me. In the midst of that self-discovery and liberation, I met my Jacob. Oh, he changed so many things for me. Occasionally, it takes the right person to show you the way you appear in their eyes. It’s hard for us to see ourselves in a new light. Back then, I had my ladies group at the church, my girlfriends from college, and sweet Jacob. Life was never the same after those four years, and I wouldn’t change a thing. I went away for school. You have to get away from everything you’ve known, and everyone influencing you. Once you get a concept of who you should be in your head, it can be hard to dislodge.”
Birdie took her advice to heart. They continued to play when the blare of a machine alerted her to the end of someone’s life. Her stomach dropped, and her heart shattered. Deep down, she knew Madilyn had just crossed over to Tir Na N-og.
Clue
No one thinks about their parents dying. You know in the back of your mind, it’ll happen one day because it’s the way of the world. But the event always seems too far in the future to seriously consider. Now, Clue was looking the loss of his mother in the eyes, and failing to deal with it properly. He knew cancer ran in their family, but he never thought his mother would fall victim to the disease. She’d always seemed tough as nails. The fact that she’d been at stage four when they discovered had added insult to energy.
The club spared no expense. She had the best doctors and drugs money could buy, but the care she required was immense. He refused to put her in a home or have a stranger care of her. The grueling dedication required from her and the club were wrecking him. His mom and his father hadn’t been together in years. Not that it mattered when his dad was in the pen. So, he was doing everything on his own. Working for the Dueling Devils, coming home to care for his mother, and keeping track of her meds was starting to be too much to balance.
He finished tossing the vomit covered towels in the washing machine and tossed in a few laundry pellets. He closed the lid, started the rinse cycle, and rested his head against the cool wall beside him. I need more help. The thought of hiring someone made his gut turn, but he was stretched thin.