Reclaiming Maysen

by Liberty Parker

  “So,” some jock comes and sits next to me, “who are you? You’re new right?”

  I want to roll my eyes, because they’re all the same regardless of what school you attend. “Yes, today’s my first day.”

  “Cool, well my name is Josh and I’m the quarterback for the football team. What lunch do you have?”

  “B lunch,” I respond, hoping he’ll go away soon.

  “No shit? Me too, come hang out with us.” He gets up, winks at me and moves back to his friends. They’re all staring at me, whispering and laughing. He didn’t even give me a chance to politely turn him down. He just assumes I’ll do as he’s requested. I turn back around in my seat, looking up at the class notes I’ve just now realized are up on the projector. I start to write them down to give me something to do. One of the plastic Barbie wannabes I noticed when I walked in stops in front of me and sneers.

  “You’re in my seat,” she says, placing her hands on her hips and popping a bubble.

  “Sorry, I didn’t realize we had assigned seats.”

  “We don’t, I do. Everyone knows the popular girls sit here. And. You. Are. Not. One,” she bitchily puts a pause between each word while staring directly in my face. Just about this time the teacher enters the room and stands directly behind her.

  “Stephanie, I think you need to go find an empty space and leave others alone. This is my classroom, young lady, and I say who sits where.” I immediately decide I like Mrs. Welch. She gives me a nod and moves to her desk. Stephanie gives me a dirty look as she passes me by.

  “You must be Maysen Hatchet,” Mrs. Welch says.

  I nod and say, “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Welcome to Endicott Academy.”

  “Thank you.” I can’t help the grin that spreads across my face. Stephanie may end up being an issue, but I’m the daughter of a badass biker and an equally badass mom so I think I can handle anything she tosses my way.

  * * *

  Six weeks later

  * * *

  “Maddox, I just can’t believe how petty and mean the girls are at this school. It makes me want to hurl every morning before I head into class.”

  “What’s she done now?” It’s amazing that he has paid attention and knows that Stephanie is the ringleader of the girls making my life a living hell.

  “Ugh,” I start, “if one of the guys even looks my way they cough ‘ho’ under their breath. If a teacher pays attention to me in class or asks me for my thoughts or opinions, they do the same thing only the word ‘pet’ comes out. I’ve been tripped in the hallway, talked about in the bathroom, and trust me, they know I’m in there.”

  “Sounds like they’re jealous of you,” he states.

  “Maybe,” I say, shrugging my shoulders, even though he can’t see me. “But why would they be jealous of me?”

  “You’re smart, beautiful, and have a sweetness about you that I’m pretty sure has all the guys wanting to get to know you. Bet you’ve had most of them ask you out, huh?”

  “So they hate me because I have a sweet disposition? No, that can’t be part of it, Maddox. These girls are out to ruin me and hurt me anyway they can. And no, they haven’t asked me out. They’re too worried about their reputations because of the mean girls club.”

  “Have you told your folks?” he asks.

  “What? No! I’m not a rat!”

  “What about Rae or Lily?”

  “Yeah, they know.” I didn’t want to tell them but Rae heard me crying one day and threatened to tickle me to death if I didn’t tell her what was going on.

  “What have they suggested?”

  I start laughing because their ideas have ranged from sneaking in and putting hair remover in their shampoo so when they shower after gym class, they get a surprise, to gathering up dead fish and planting them in their cars. “Well...let’s just say, I never wanna be on their bad side, that’s for sure!” He laughs when I tell him their ideas and then his tone turns serious.

  “I think you need to tell your folks.”

  “Maddox,” I say, drawing out his name.

  “I’m serious, Maisy-Daisy. These girls sound like they’re not going to stop until you get hurt. Telling your parents means that they’ll help you come up with a way to make it stop.” But it also means they will encourage me to handle it on my own before they step in. They’ve tried to teach us to handle business ourselves...it’s the MC way after all.

  “I’ll think about it, okay? So, tell me about the girl you’re dating.” Yeah, I’m not crazy about him dating anyone but I have to get real. We’re a state away from one another with him in Colorado and me in Texas. Plus, I don’t think he has the feelings for me that I have for him. He sees us as friends only, whereas I daydream about the day he realizes I’m his.

  “Which one?” he teases.

  “Are you turning into one of those guys?” I ask.

  “What do you mean?”

  “You know… you’re becoming a love-em-and-leave-em manwhore?”

  I hear his choked laughter before he says, “Maysen, you know you’re my girl. Always will be. These chicks are just...placeholders.”

  “What the hell are placeholders?”

  “Girls who hold your spot but have no claim on me.”

  “You’re an ass, you know that, Maddox?” I’m so furious at him right now. The sisterhood demands that I let him know what he’s doing isn’t right.

  “Did you just cuss?” he asks, and I can hear him hysterically laughing.

  “When the situation calls for it, Maddox! Why would you be using girls that way? You’re better than that!”

  “Well, I’ll be. I love it when you get that fire lit.”

  “Stop teasing me, Maddox, and answer my damn question.”

  “Oh my God, this is fabulous. Maybe I need to be an ass more often so I can hear those words coming from your mouth. They’re sexy as fuck, Maysen.”

  I’m so livid right now that if he were in front of me, I’d probably punch him in the junk. Which I voice to him causing him to drop the phone due to laughing so hard.

  “Stop laughing at me, dammit!” Now, I’m sounding like a biker’s daughter and not the proper girl I’ve always tried to be.

  “Oh, this is golden...what else can I say to get you going?”

  “Fuck off, Maddox. Like I’d wait for you knowing this is the way you are.”

  “Aww, don’t be mad at me, Maysen. I’m just yanking your chain.”

  “Whatever, I’ve gotta go.” It’s a lie, but there’s no way I can continue with this conversation. He’s making me so mad that I’m saying words that come out of Ralynn’s mouth.

  “Later, Maysen,” he says.

  “Bye, manwhore.” I quickly hang up the phone and cover my mouth with my hand. I can’t believe I said all of those bad words to him. I’m a lady for Christ’s sake!

  Maddox

  I can’t believe I got her so riled up that she cussed at me and called me names. I’m still wiping the tears from my face that came out from laughing so hard. My stomach still hurts from the tightness of my muscles as I found her cussing hysterical.

  “Maddox!” I hear my mom calling my name.

  “Coming!” I holler back leaving my room. I tuck my phone in my pocket but am still chuckling as I head into the kitchen.

  “What’s up, Mom?”

  “Kirsty’s dad called Pete today.” She gives me the mom glare.

  “And?” I ask.

  “Did you really ask her out then not show up?”

  “Maybe?” I respond, scratching my head.

  “She cried all night long to the point that her parents felt it was prudent to give us a call and let us know.”

  “Oh come on, I’m not the first kid to bail on a possible date.”

  “You’re my worry, not the other teenagers of the world, Maddox.”

  “Fuck,” I whisper under my breath, kicking the toe of my shoe on the barstool.

  “Watch your mouth, young man!” I hate it whe
n she uses that mom tone with me.

  “Sorry, Mom,” I respond, still looking down.

  “What is going on with you, Maddox? Something’s changed this last year, care to share what that is?”

  “I feel guilty every time I try to date.”

  “Why is that?” The smile on her face lets me know she knows exactly why.

  “Because, I wonder what Maysen would think and if she’d be hurt or upset.”

  “Maddox,” she sighs, “you two are in high school and living in different states. You can’t base your decisions on if Maysen would approve or not. I’ve told you before, you’re both too young to only talk to each other. You both need to be teenagers and time will tell if she’s meant to be yours.”

  “Oh, she’s gonna be mine,” I state with determination.

  “Sounds like she’s the one,” Pete says, “but you need to date others, boy, until you’re both out of college at least. And for the love of God, keep your shit wrapped!”

  “Dad!” I’m shocked he’s saying that in front of my mother. He had the talk with me last year and bought me a box of condoms, telling me he would get me more when those ran out.

  “What does he need to keep wrapped?” Danika, my younger sister walks into the room and asks. She’s the same age as Maysen, but I don’t want her knowing anything about this. I’ll cut a guy’s dick off if he comes anywhere near her.

  “Nothing for you to worry about,” Mom says, giving both me and Pete a glare. “Maddox, just be mindful that even if you don’t want to be serious with anyone, these girls still have feelings. I raised you better than this and quite honestly, I’m disappointed in you.”

  “Ooh, we’re talking about Maddox’s reputation for pumping and dumping,” she says and I see my mom’s face turn ghost white.

  “What?” she whispers, turning an accusing glare my way.

  “Mom, everyone knows that Maddox loves and leaves the girls. Hell, why do you think I’m so popular?” My mom’s head looks like it’s about to spin around like that chick in The Exorcist and I know she’s about to blow.

  “How...how in the everloving fuck did I raise a man who would do something so vile?” she shouts. “You know what your dad did to me, to us. You know, Maddox! I never...I never thought my son would be like his father.” The tears are streaming down her face and right now, I feel lower than a snake.

  “Now wait a minute, babe. He’s not married with a kid, he’s a teenager and doesn’t have those types of responsibilities,” Pete sticks up for me.

  “But look at the foundation he’s laying for his future, Pete. It’s not right that we let him learn at this age that respecting women is something he only needs to do when he’s older.”

  “I agree, but accusing him of being just like his father is a low blow.”

  “Y’all, don’t fight! Not because of me,” I interrupt them before this gets too heated and things are said that can’t be taken back.

  “Maddox, I...no, we, taught you better. You need to realize that you’re toying with someone else’s feelings and emotions and that’s not right.”

  “You’re right, Mom, but I don’t think that I want to be tied down to one person right now. Girls only go out with you if they think they’re tying you down with a commitment. I’m not ready for that.”

  “Then go on dates, live, but don’t make promises you don’t intend to keep.”

  “Yes, Mom.” I give in, because she’s right. I was only thinking of it from my perspective.

  “And, Maddox?” Pete interjects. “Remember that reputations are hard to change. Being known as the guy who ‘pumps and dumps’ is not something to be proud of, son. Better to do as your mom says, focus on your studies and running.”

  “But, Dad, you just told him differently,” Danika states.

  “No I didn’t, I just don’t want him compared to Grace’s ex. That was uncalled for and I called her out on it.”

  “I’m sorry for doing that, Maddox. It was wrong of me,” my mom says, coming up to me and wrapping her arms around me. I return the hug, pat her back and step away from her. I hate when I disappoint my parents, but Pete is right, he’s my dad not the other one who donated some sperm. He didn’t stick around, so he hasn’t earned the title of Dad, that’s a special name that only is given to the man who cares and loves me unconditionally.

  “I’ll try to do better.”

  * * *

  Two years later

  * * *

  I can’t believe I’m graduating high school today. Everyone is going to be there, especially my Maysen. I get in line with the rest of my graduating class and walk in a line to my seat. We’re seated by last name, which means I’m one of the last ones to walk out.

  I hear my name being called and look over in shock. Not only is my entire family here, but so are all of the RGMC members and their families. I expected Uncle Braxton, he was supposed to be the one bringing Maysen, but the fact that they all wanted to come and cheer me on is mind-boggling.

  The conversation I had with my parents two years ago changed everything for me. I started concentrating on studying and hanging out with my friends. I stopped dating altogether and didn’t hook up with any more chicks. I couldn’t stop thinking that if I kept going down that path, that Maysen wouldn’t want me later on in life when we’re both ready.

  I take my seat, but scan my surroundings looking for Maysen. I have the need and desire to know exactly where she’s sitting in the stadium stands. Our class is so large that we had to use the football field to hold everyone. I finally find her sitting with Lily, Ralynn, Luca, Jasper, Emma, Shelby and the triplets. They are sitting separately from the other kids and parents.

  The principal stands up and gives his speech. Then the Valedictorian and Salutatorian get introduced and they give their speeches. This is boring as fuck, but I try to stay focused because these are people I’ve known and gone to school with for years and they deserve my respect.

  When they begin calling names, I get excited. I can’t wait to get this over with so I can get the chance to see Maysen and the rest of the family. We have a big shindig planned at the farmhouse and I can’t wait to get Maysen alone. It’s been a long time since we’ve seen each other. One year, to be exact. She did some program that sent her abroad for a year. I’ve missed our family get togethers because I couldn’t imagine being there and her not.

  We FaceTimed each other and texted a lot, but it isn’t the same as being able to wrap my arms around her or hold her hand. Her laughter is better in person than over the screen. And text doesn’t do her words justice. Damn, I’ve missed her. As I step on the stage once my name is called, the stadium erupts in cheers and chants, it would be embarrassing to most teenagers, but to me, it means more than words can express.

  I raise my hand up in the air and fist pump in appreciation. I’ve got a surprise that even my folks don’t know. As I reach the principal, he speaks into the microphone, saying, “Maddox just found out that he received a full athletic scholarship to Texas State University. We’re proud of the accomplishments he made here and how he helped lead our cross country and track team to three consecutive region titles. Congratulations, young man, I’m sure your family is mighty proud.”

  I shake his hand and go to head back to my seat and stop in amazement. My class is standing and clapping and my family is going apeshit, for lack of a better word. I can see my mom clutching Pete and even from here, I know she’s crying. Because of the scholarship, the money that I’ve saved for college and what they’ve put in a college fund for me will go a long way towards ensuring I have food.

  I won’t have to work except on breaks so I can focus on my studies as well as doing what I can to help the college’s team. It doesn’t hurt that I’ll only be a little over an hour away from where Maysen lives. This means when I don’t have to be running on the weekends, I can go spend some time with her.

  As I exit the field, I see Maysen standing front and center. Once she notices me, she breaks from th
e crowd and comes running into my open arms. I spin her around in a circle, dropping my hat and fake diploma. “You’re really moving to Texas?” she asks me.

  “I am. I’m stoked because that means I can come see you more. We can go on dates,” I say. She looks at me in shock then a beautiful smile graces her face.

  “Really?” she whispers.

  “Maisy-Daisy, you’ve been my girl since we were kids, dontcha know that?”

  “Well, I always hoped, but you went a little wild for a bit so I wasn’t sure if it was all in my head or not.”

  “Congratulations, son,” Hatchet says interrupting our moment. “You can date my daughter, but that’s it. You come to our town, she doesn't go off to visit you at college...got it?” Like I’d cross a badass biker. I like my body parts where they are, thank you very much!

  “Yes, sir,” I reply.

  “Good, now stop pawing at my girl and let’s go eat. I’m fucking starving.” He walks away and Maysen buries her head in my shoulder, she’s laughing and it’s so contagious that I begin laughing right along with her.

  “Not gonna do it here in front of everyone, but I wanna give you a head’s up. The first chance we’re alone, I’m kissing you.” The blush that covers her face has me leaning forward until our foreheads touch. “You okay with that, baby?”

  “Yeah,” she whispers. “I know I’ve dated, but I wouldn’t let them kiss me.”

  I’m stunned. “Don’t wanna hear about other guys and what you have and haven’t done.” I think I just growled, I’ve never done that before. But the possessiveness I feel over her takes hold of all my intentions and tosses them out the proverbial window.

  This beautiful creature in my arms hasn’t let anyone kiss her? I don’t wanna know, but at the same time I need to know. “Why, Maisy-Daisy?” I whisper, my voice so soft no one can hear but her.