IN THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS

by Bechtel, Julie

  CHAPTER: 13

  She took him in her arms. "I don't know what I would do if I lost you." he cried. "You don't have to worry about it. You are not going to lose me." she whispered in his ear. After she said that he would be at the deli waiting for her when she arrived and when she left. He kept pushing the subject of her moving in. Every day her answer would be the same. It is just too soon. Until one day he finally wore her down enough that she agreed. That in her eyes was the biggest mistake of her life. As soon as she moved in something in him changed. He wasn't the same sweet man that she had fallen in love with. Now he was downright mean. She would have left, but he convinced her that she had no where to go. She can still remember the day that he came home and dinner wasn't ready. "YOU ARE A WORTHLESS BITCH! I GO OUT AND WORK ALL DAY AND I DON’T EVEN GET A MEAL WHEN I COME HOME!" he screamed at her.

  She was in shock that he had just spoken to her like that. The tears rolled down her face as he mocked her.

  "THAT’S RIGHT CRY YOU DAMN LITTLE BABY!" he said as he shook his head in disgust.

  "Why are you doing this to me?" she cried.

  "WHY AM I DOING THIS TO YOU? WHAT ABOUT ME! I HAVE DONE EVERYTHING FOR YOU! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR ME? I TELL YOU WHAT YOU HAVE DONE; THAT IS NOTHING.” He said putting his fist through the wall by her head.

  "IF THAT IS THE WAY THAT YOU FEEL THEN I WILL JUST LEAVE!" she screamed.

  “IF YOU WANT TO LEAVE THEN GO! THERE IS THE FUCKING DOOR! I’M NOT GOING TO FORCE YOU TO STAYIF YOU DON’T WANT TO! " he screamed throwing a pile of her clothes onto the floor. "I don't know where you think you are going to go though. No one is going to tolerate the shit that I put up with. Without shacking up with another man you don't have anywhere else. Your drunken father won't let you come back there." he pointed out to her. Ashley didn't leave that night although she wishes to God that she would have. That would have saved her from all of the abuse that she had endured. After a few months she was certain that he had cleaned up his act. Sugar couldn't have melted in his mouth. He was back to being the same man that she was so deeply in love with. He convinced her to quit her job at the deli. As soon as she did that he went right back to being nasty. Things really got bad when she caught him with another woman. That was the first time that he had ever put his hands on her.

  CHAPTER:14

  "What do you except me to do? All you say all the time is how you want to leave me?" he screamed as he punched her in the face.

  Ashley had gone through a lot of things, but she had never been hit before. She had especially never been hit by a man. She lay on the floor holding her face as the blood ran from her mouth. He grabbed her by her hair pulling her to the upright position. Then he punched her again. After he was done punching her he kicked her in the stomach knocking the wind out of her. He didn't have an ounce of compassion for her as she laid there bleeding on the floor. She laid there for hours. Her body was too riddled with pain to think about moving. After several attempts at getting up onto her feet she decided to just stay where she was. She finally fell asleep on the floor. When she woke up the next morning she forced herself to her feet. She walked into the bathroom and looked in the mirror. What she saw she wasn't able to comprehend.

  The person staring back at her wasn't her, or at least it didn't seem to be. She was badly bruised. Her lips and nose where swollen up almost twice the size they should have been. The vision of the woman in the mirror was absolutely grotesque. She couldn't stand to look at herself any longer. She shut the light off and walked out the door. Joe took care of her every need while her injuries healed. She was certain that it wasn't because he cared, but because he didn't want her leaving the house. As soon as she was healed he went right back to his same old ways. Joe finally did end things with her. That was a good thing because her self esteem was so low that she would have never left. He probably would have killed her before that happened. Ashley had been told that he hooked up with some trashy woman in another town. Ashley didn't care though. If he was in another town that meant she would never have to see him again.

  The night that he left she took her clothes and went back to her father's house. He took one look at her seeing the bruises and just shook his head and walked away. When the bruises healed she went back to the deli to beg Neil for her job back. It really didn't take much persuasion. All she had to do was promise never to see Joe again. That was a promise that she was all too happy to make. Ashley was finally starting to get her life back in order. After a few weeks of saving she was finally able to get a place of her own. Staying with her dad wasn't an option anymore. Considering that he hooked up with another drunk like himself. They only dated for a week when she moved in. That was the last time that Ashley would see her father in life. Neil hired another waitress about Ashley's age because he wasn't able to work anymore. The girl's name was Erica. She was outgoing and a bit of a rebel. Ashley and her however quickly became friends. Both of the woman where hard at work when Erica pointed out a man sitting in the back booth. He was sitting alone and he was certainly easy on the eyes.

  CHAPTER:15

  "That's the fifth time that he has been in here this week. He always sits were he has a perfect view of you." she said giving Ashley a playful shove. Ashley glanced over at his table and saw him staring blankly at his cell phone. There was no doubt about it. He certainly was gorgeous. Ashley stared in awe at his spiked brown hair and his muscular build. She almost lost herself in his piercing green eyes until she realized that he was looking back at her. She quickly broke the gaze and turned away trying to hide her embarrassment. Erica had to go over and take his order because Ashley flatly refused to go near him. She caught one last glance at him as he went to pay the bill. She couldn't help but notice how he towered over her. She had no idea how tall he was but he had to be over 6 ft. He looked back shot her an innocent smile then walked out the door. Since then he had made the place a ritual. Some days he wouldn't order anything but a glass of soda. Erica would always have to be the one to wait on him. He found himself getting comfortable enough with her to ask about Ashley a few times. He always tried to make sure that his interest in her wasn't too conspicuous. That was until he made the mistake of inviting his younger brother to eat with him. It only took a matter of minutes for him to figure out that the reason they where there was a woman. Then he went on the task of trying to figure out whom. He unlike his brother was very outgoing. As soon as he seen him looking over in Ashley's direction. He knew that was her. "Excuse me, can you come here a minute?" he said looking directly at Ashley. She walked over making sure not to make eye contact. "This is my older brother Justin. My name is Sean. You see he doesn't have a girlfriend and my wife and I are going out. The problem is I want him to come along, but it is for couples only. I'll give you one hundred dollars right now if you agree to help me out and be his date. It will only be for one night." He said pulling the money from his wallet. Ashley didn't have a chance to say a word before Erica accepted in her behalf. "That's awesome we will meet you tonight at the honey suckle lodge." he said giving Ashley a wink. Erica then walked over and snatched the money out of his hands and pulled Ashley away from the table before she could decline. She knew Ashley well enough to know she would. "Why in the hell did you just do that for?" Justin scolded his younger brother. "I did it because I knew you wouldn't. You have been alone your whole life. She is the first woman that has ever even sparked your interest." he explained. Then he got up and walked out the door before he could be scolded any further. Ashley could tell just by looking at Justin that he was furious at his brother's immaturity. He walked out the door without making eye contact with anyone. As it got closer to the time to meet him Ashley almost changed her mind on more than one occasion. After careful consideration she decided there would be no harm in at least showing up. When she walked in the door she saw people standing everywhere in little groups. If Justin wouldn't have seen her walk in she would have turned her back and ran. There was somethi
ng different about him though. He didn't seem so uptight. He almost seemed to be enjoying himself.

  CHAPTER: 16

  Thanks to the alcohol she was sure. He sat the glass down on the bar and walked over to greet her. "I'm so sorry that my brother got you into this." he apologized staring at his hands. "It's okay." Ashley said with a smile. "Can I buy you a drink?" he asked taking her hand in his. Ashley had never touched an alcoholic beverage in her life. However she figured it couldn't hurt. If it could help someone as painfully shy as he obviously was then maybe it would do the same for her. "Sure." she said with a smile. He led her in the direction of the bar. "What are you drinking?" she asked not wanting him to know she had never drank before. "It's Jack and coke. Do you want that?" he asked leaning down to hear her over the blaring music. "Yep that's what I drink all the time." she lied hoping he believed her. Justin stood there in shock staring at her. "What's wrong? Do I have something on my face?" she asked wiping at her cheeks uncomfortably. "No it's just that Jack is pretty potent. I've never met a woman who drank that before." he explained. Then he ordered her the drink. “Well you have now." she replied as she grabbed the drink and took a big chug. Big mistake she thought for sure she would vomit right there on the spot. She was surprised but after her second drink she could no longer taste it. When Justin noticed another man checking her out so he walked out and put his arms around her waste. The night seemed to fly by and Ashley was having the time of her life. She never even saw Sean and his wife until five minutes before closing time. They didn't have a chance to get out very often and decided to move the party back to Justin's house. "Sorry these guys can be rude. My name is Alex. Please tell me that you will come back and party with us? I don't want to be the only woman left alone with these two drunken fools." Sean's wife says playfully slapping him on the butt. "That sounds great Ashley agreed as she walked over and put her arm around Justin's waste. There really wasn't much of a party though. About ten minutes after getting there Sean and Alex excused themselves to the bedroom. Justin sat himself next to Ashley on the couch and passionately kissed her. Then he stopped. "Do you want to go upstairs?" he asked hoping that he hadn't been to forward. Truth was he really liked Ashley and he wasn't as drunk as he pretended to be. He didn't want to take advantage of her in her frame of mind. Ashley didn't respond. She pulled reached over and kissed him long and hard. Justin broke the embrace stood up and then pulled her to her feet. He picked her up so that her legs where wrapped around his waist and carried her to his room. He gently laid her on the bed and walked back over to lock the door. Then he positioned himself beside her propping himself up on one arm. He was searching her face for any kind of disapproval for what was about to happen. He didn't see any apprehension on her face so he kissed her again. He kissed her neck as he unbuttoned her blouse. Ashley could tell that he was having some trouble with the buttons so she took over; dropping her blouse to the floor. Then he tugged down her tight fitting jeans to expose her white lace panties. He thought he would go mad with anticipation. Next thing she knew she was completely naked and he was exploring every inch of her body with his tongue. Before long he was inside of her. Ashley tried to cover up the pain that she felt. She hadn't told him that she was a virgin. After they were finished he took her in his arms. That's how they fell asleep.

  CHAPTER: 18

  Ashley woke up the next day still in his arms. She started having flash backs of the night before. She knew just by looking at him that they had made love. Ashley could feel the tears welling up in her eyes. She gently removed his arm off of her and got out of the bed. She couldn't find her own clothes so she put on his t-shirt. It fit more like a nightgown than a shirt. She looked around the room and saw a door leading out onto a balcony. She walked out there and quickly closed the door behind her. She couldn't believe that she had made love to him after only going out with him ounce. She was sure he would think she was some kind of slut. That thought made her cry uncontrollably. Justin woke up and Ashley wasn't in bed beside him. He would have sworn that he dreamt her up. If he hadn't seen her clothes scattered on the floor. He heard a movement out on the balcony and he walked out to see what it was. What he saw nearly broke his heart. The woman that he had made love to was now inconsolably crying on the swing. He did the only thing he could think to do. He sat down beside her and took her in his arms. "I'm so sorry." she cried. "Sorry for what?" he asked more confused than he had ever been. "I was never with another man. You where my first. Please don't think I'm a whore." she sobbed. At that point Justin was absolutely disgusted with himself. How could he have been so stupid? He should have known she was a virgin. He should have never left things go so far. He knew she was drunk. He thought to himself. "I don't think you are a whore. If anything you should hate me right now." he said shaking his head. Ashley pulled herself away from his chest and looked into his eyes. "It's just that I wanted to make love to you from the first time I met you. I should have known that you were not ready. So if anyone is sorry it is me." he said placing his hand on his forehead. Ashley could hear the sincerity in his voice and she leaned over and kissed him.

  "You shouldn't kiss me. Remember that is what got us into this mess in the first place." he said attempting to lighten the mood.

  "What if that is what I want." she said with an innocent smile.

  "The answer is no. I already broke you once in twenty- four hours. I refuse to do that again." he said nervously slicking his hair back.

  "You didn't break me." she whispered in his ear. Feeling her breath in his ear sent a shiver down his spine and he could feel himself losing control all over again.

  After spending several hours in the bedroom they decided it was time to get out of bed. The reason why was hunger had gotten the best out of the two of them. When they walked into the living room Sean and Alex were lounging on the couch. As soon as the two of them walked into the room Alex and Sean looked at one another and immediately started laughing.

  "What's so funny?" Justin asked annoyed by their immaturity.

  "Oh nothing. I'd just say by the looks of things I wasn't the only one getting lucky last night." Sean said trying to control his laughter.

  "You can be so damn immature." Justin said tossing a pillow at his head.

  Justin turned to head into the kitchen he no sooner made it to the swinging door when the phone rang. Alex got up to answer it.

  “Justin, Samantha is on the phone for you." she said childishly playing with him. Justin took the phone and walked into the other room.

  CHAPTER: 19

  "You have got nothing to worry about. Samantha and Justin have been friends since they were little. There is no interest between the two of them." Alex explained to Ashley.

  Justin walked back into the room looking more than a little annoyed by now. "What did she want?" Sean asked curiously.

  "Her old man took another fit and moved out. She wants me to go over and move his stuff out. I told her now wasn't a good time." Justin said nervously scratching his head.

  He had no idea whether or not she would be offended by another woman calling him. He didn't want to find out either.

  "If your friend needs you, you should go." Ashley told him.

  "Are you sure?" he asked hoping she wasn't setting him up to fail.

  "I'm sure." She said giving him a reassuring smile.

  "Will you wait here until I get back?" he asked hoping that she wouldn't decline. "She'll be here when you get back. I'll keep her company until then. Alex has to leave for awhile, but I'll stay. That is if you trust me not to have sex with her while you are gone." Sean joked.

  Ashley wasn't sure about being alone with Sean. She soon discovered that he wasn't the same when no one else was around. They became very good friends in the matter of one afternoon. Justin quickly convinced Ashley to move in with him. He had fallen head of heals for her and was afraid that she would decide one day to not come back. He started to notice that the
re was tension between Ashley and Samantha. He figured that if he gave them an opportunity to get to know one another the tension would ease up. He was right. After one day Ashley and Samantha had become pretty good friends. That's what it seemed like at least. Sammy however was becoming increasingly jealous of her best friend's relationship. After hanging out one day Sammy confided in Justin that Ashley was going to leave him. She said it was because Justin wanted children And Ashley couldn't have kids. Justin in attempt to make Ashley stay told her that he didn't want kids. That wouldn't have caused much of a problem except Ashley confided in Sammy that she was pregnant. Sammy told Ashley that if she told Justin about her pregnancy he would stay whether he wanted to or not. When Justin told Ashley that he didn't want kids she was crushed. After hearing what Sammy had to say Ashley knew that Justin wouldn't leave her voluntarily. She came up with a plan to make sure that he would so she could raise her child. She was going to have Justin catch her in bed with another man. She confided in Sean about her pregnancy and what Justin had said. After hearing about the situation Ashley was in he agreed not to say anything to Justin. On one condition he wanted to be the man she was caught with. That way he would have a reason to be close to Ashley after Justin was gone. He wanted to make sure that he could be there for her and the baby. His brother might not care about his child, but Sean sure as hell did. That night when Justin came home. He walked in on his Little brother and Ashley in bed together naked from what it seemed to him. Ashley could see the hurt on his face, but she knew she had to see this threw. She couldn't possibly give up her child to make him happy.