Chapter 7 - The Date(s)
Fifteen Days Later...
Part 1 - Predate syndrome?
Justin's Estate...
Saturday Morning...
There's one thing that's been on my mind and plaguing my thoughts for the past two weeks. It keeps replaying in my mind like a broken record. I just can't get over the tone and grief in his voice when he kept repeating - "I'm sorry Di. I'm so sorry..."
What do you make of that? I had no idea what he was really apologizing for. I've asked him. I've been asking him for two weeks now and he won't even bother to let me hear his voice to at least say it wasn't my business. No, instead he'd give me the silent treatment just watching me with those bright blues before he'd walk away or leave the room. Justin is really confusing me. Now, I'm going to say what ever is going on with him, it's brought up some memories he thought were long buried. But, I wasn't the cause of it. It wasn't my fault was it? I can't be sure. I hope not.
I do know that Justin has a serious problem. I mean, in the same breath that he was crying and holding on to me like he wanted me to melt into him or something, he was quickly wiping at his eyes and straightening his posture seeming almost unaffected with everything that went down. He floated through those doors so quickly that I was left there standing alone and feeling utterly confused.
What happened next startled me even further. He morphed right back into his old self, belting orders and insisting that we - his girls - got prepared in time for the show. I had one question I needed to ask him though. Sucking up my fears knowing that he could switch at any minute, I approached him when he was talking to Jacob after the paramedics took Ronnie away. I still can't believe he shot Ronnie like that. I guess he really doesn't want anyone to know anything about him in his younger years. I wish I knew whatever it was he didn't want us to know.
So, when I tapped him on his shoulder, he slowly turned around to face me with his signature intense gaze. Swallowing hard, I asked him what he wanted to talk to me about. Good ole Jacob just had to leave us alone. Well, it's safe to say that even if Justin obviously has a weakness, whatever that is, his badass side is still alive and well. He simply brushed me off saying it was nothing and that he hoped I enjoyed my dates with JC. Yeah, I'm thinking he heard our conversation. I'm also thinking he was jealous which, is a far stretch from the regular. Justin and jealous in the same sentence just sounds foreign to me.
Whatever's going on with him hasn't affected his business side though. The show went on without a glitch that night, but, that doesn't mean everything is ok in our warped world. I'm just waiting patiently for something drastic to happen. I hope if and when it does, I'm as far away as I could possibly be...
"Mommy!"
Snapping my head to the entrance of my room, I smile brightly for my little girl. She looks so adorable in her little blue dress. Her azure orbs are literally popping out. I'm really happy that Rachel brought her over to visit. Justin refuses for her to sleep over at any time, but, at least she's here now. Her wild curls are bouncing everywhere. I'm thinking Rachel gets hell to comb her hair. I know I usually do.
"Hey pumpkin, what's going on little girl?" I smile for her as she rushes up to where I'm sitting in front of my dresser applying some makeup.
"Mommy look!" She beams, stretching out her petite hand for me to see.
"What Courtney?" I frown, gazing down at her. When my eyes finally connect to her wrist, I gasp. Gripping her wrist tightly I stare at her intently. "Baby what..."
"Daddy!" She shouts happily and I groan.
"What..."
"He say he sorry." She shrugs and I'm still confused as hell. What is with Justin spitting out that word like it comes so easily when I know he must have hell saying it? I've never heard him say that until two weeks ago and now he's telling our baby he's sorry too?
Dropping her hand, I scoop her up in my arms to go in search of Justin. Standing, I give myself one last look in the mirror before I move to exit my room. The maroon dress I'm wearing will just have to do for my outing with JC. There's no time to change outfits again now.
"Mommy going sumwey?" Courtney coos and I nod for her.
"Yes, mommy is going out on a date." I smile for her and she just giggles, blowing out spit bubbles. Ugh, I hate when she does that. It's disgusting.
"Courtney stop that." I scold her, holding her chin to stare into her eyes before I kiss her little nose.
"Is it your job?" Stopping mid-step, I gaze at her expectantly.
"And what job might that be?" I inquire.
"Daddy say you shake up with his friend." She replies uncaringly before she starts playing with my brown locks.
Rolling my eyes, I quickly make my way down the winding staircase. "You mean shack-up and I don't understand how Justin can tell you this." I mutter.
"He say you no wove him nomo. He say his fault. He sorry mommy. He try be good."
Freezing in the middle of the threshold, I place Courtney to stand while looking down at her. She's tugging on her dress now. She has no idea what she just said does she? What the fuck has Justin been telling her? And what does me not loving him anymore have to do with anything? It's not like I've ever verbally confessed it for goodness sake. And when the hell was he left alone with Courtney? Rachel knows how I feel about that.
"Baby, where is Aunty Rachel?" I ask.
"She gone. Daddy say I stay." She replies.
"What? But..." I'm easily interrupted when I hear giggling coming from somewhere in the kitchen followed by Justin's laugh. "Sweetie, go watch some TV; I'll be right back." I tell Courtney watching as her eyes light up.
"Otay! Spongeboob!" She shrieks before she lets my hand go and sprints off into the living room. Laughing, I shake my head sadly before I round the corner to head for the kitchen.
****
Stopping dead in my tracks when the kitchen comes into view, I feel the sudden urge to hit something due to the scene going on in front of me. In fact, I'm pretty sure I want to hit him.
Justin's such a liar. I mean he says his shit but look at him now. He's in there, standing between Bethany's legs while she's sitting on the counter; He's kissing up on her. That asshole. I fucking hate him so much.
Clearing my throat loudly, they instantly break their lip-lock to glare at me. Folding my hands across my chest, I scowl when they make no attempt to move. "I need to talk to you." I spit while glaring at Justin.
Shooting me a death glare, he still doesn't budge.
"Now!" I enforce, noting how his eyes widen by my harshness.
Gripping Bethany's waist, he pulls her off the counter to stand and whispers something to her ear before she giggles and leaves. Well, you know she had to shoot me her nasty glare first, but, I do not care about any of that. What I care about is that Justin is still a cold, heartless bastard. He really hasn't changed.
When we're alone, I walk into the spacious kitchen and take a seat at the island while eying him. When he tugs on his grey slacks and red Sinatra t-shirt, I cast my vision downwards noting his growing arousal. Smirking, I watch as he grips his crotch before he pulls up a stool to sit next to me still silent. Yeah, I'm glad he's in pain. That jerk...ugh!
Passing his hands over his face in frustration, his blues finally meet my browns. And what do you know? They are as cold as I remember them.
"This better be good." He growls in a low voice, looking away from me.
"So much for I'm the only girl you fuck in here huh? I knew you were full of shit." I snap. I can't help it. I needed to let that out. I want to scream so much right now and I really don't see why. It's not like I have any claims over him. I mean who in their right mind would want a murderous, abusive psychopath like Justin? Despite the fact that he's gorgeous, that doesn't make up for all his faults. Still, I've realized I'm clearly not in my right mind because I still care.
Groaning inwardly, he snaps his head in my direction with a frown on his face. "You are the only girl I fuck in here. But I'm seeing how that's clearly a mistake because I..."
"Yeah, I know your fucking laws Justin. No need to remind me. We're still humans too." I retort, but he doesn't say anything. He just scoffs. You'd think he'd be cursing me out for snapping at the mouth like this. I can't even pinpoint any anger in his system. For the most part, he seems relaxed, which is rare. "I'm guessing if I hadn't come in here when I did, you would have taken Beth right on the counter huh?" I add for good measure.
No response.
His head is down, staring at the marbled island and I'm seriously thinking of diagnosing him with bi-polar disorder or schizophrenia.
"Why the fuck do you even care? You've been letting JC shove his dick in you for the last few days and enjoying every minute of it." He snaps out, his voice sharp and low. Wow, slow down. What? Is he for real right now?
Ok, so JC and I began our little dates a few days ago. I actually only have two days left with him. But, we haven't...I mean honestly I want to, but he...he won't....he doesn't want me in that way. I don't understand it. I mean yeah, the first time we met was ok; we talked you know? But with all the money he's paying now, I don't see why we can't sleep together too. I'd love to know what he's working with. I mean, it's clear I like him. I even told him that yesterday. Well, not really. I just stated that he was the first guy I've met in literally years that makes me feel like someone and not just a sex object. He's so sweet you know? We've been out and about the town these past few days. Every day it's been something new. He's taken me around Nevada. We've been on those tourist tours where you can see Las Vegas from a tourist point of view. We even went on those tours that bring you to see all the famous celebrity millionaire estates. We've gone on lunch dates, dinner dates and just hung out. We even went shopping and god, it was all so amazing. Still, Justin can't seriously be angry for that and feel that the only way to solve his little issue is fucking his other girls. I mean...
"Why the fuck are you even here? Shouldn't you be going out?" Justin interrupts my thoughts and I just smile shyly. That definitely pissed him off. He's clenching his fists tightly now. I'm guessing he's getting angry. So I like JC. What's wrong with that?
"JC's not here yet and..."
"What do you want Diane? Make it quick. Bethany is waiting on me." He says cattily, but, I just shrug him off. I really shouldn't care. I'm going to be with JC soon so...
"What the hell did you do to Courtney?" I ask sternly noting how his eyes roll in annoyance.
"It's just..."
"You think that just because you gave our daughter a fucking gold wristlet things are ok? Because they are not Justin. She may be too young to understand so it's easy for her to forgive you. But, you can't buy people's forgiveness after you've treated them like shit. You certainly can't buy mine." Standing on my feet, I grip the necklace he gave me a few weeks back.
I'm so angry with him right now and I don't know why. Maybe it's a mixture of him trying to buy our daughter over after he screamed at her on so many occasions and his sudden intensions of fucking his other girls in here. Yeah, I'm hurt and bitter. He hasn't even touched me since, unless it's under his anger. Didn't the night when he was so gentle with me mean anything to him? I mean jesus! He seemed like he almost wanted to fucking cry! I should have expected it. He was just having a weak moment. I knew it. I've had to endure so much under his hand and now he's just sitting there, glaring at me with those big blue glassy orbs not even showing any emotion whatsoever!
Wrapping my fingers around the object, I forcefully rip it off my neck in a fit of rage. I hear a snapping sound when the gold unlinks and I easily drop the piece of jewelry on the counter before I huff.
Inhaling deeply, I arch a brow at Justin when his eyes widen in shock. He's staring at the chain, cocking his head to the side as his breathing immediately deepens. Gripping the object he looks at it and then at me before he releases it from his hold.
Before I'm even aware of what's going on, he's up and storming towards me. Still, I don't feel threatened by him. He's an asshole. I should have left a long time ago when I had a chance. Now I feel trapped, but, it won't be like that for long if I can help it.
"What the fuck, is your problem Diane? That thing cost me a lot of money." He snarls, cornering me against the counter while he points at the necklace. Placing my hands on the solid surface, I push my body back preventing eye contact. He's practically breathing down my neck.
Placing his hands on either side of my body, Justin closes the tiny gap between us until he's pressing firmly against my body. Gulping down hard, I can feel his erection against my thighs and by the look in his eyes I know what's on his brain.
"Are you acting this way because you're jealous?" He whispers in a light tone.
"Are you?" I retort. Oh he wasn't prepared for that one. He grunts loudly and I watch as he lifts his hand to my neck, but, my next statement causes him to stop mid-air.
"You're going to hit me now? Huh? Because it's nothing new Justin. So go ahead and do it. You think that earns you my respect? You think it makes you a bigger man? Huh? You're just going to keep doing it aren't you?" Drifting off, my eyes widen when he starts to heave while he penetrates me with his fiery gaze. But you know what? I'm on a roll and I really don't give a shit anymore. I've had all I can take. He better make sure that this time he seals the deal, because so help me god, I'll kill him. He's not much of a father anyway.
"What are you waiting for Justin? I'm used to it now. I've endured it for years. What's one more time right? You afraid of something? What are you afraid of Justin? Huh? You're nothing but a coward. That's what I think. You're a heartless, murderous, psychotic coward!" I scream at him, blinking rapidly when his hand drops before he grips my waist tightly, digging his fingers into my sides. There's shock written all over his face. My heart is pounding out of my chest because I have no idea what's swimming through his mind right now.
"Shut up..." he chokes out while bowing his head as he takes in choppy breaths. "I...I said I was sor..."
"Why? You afraid of the truth? It's true isn't it? You're just a scared little boy..."
"Shut the fuck up Diane!" He snaps, grabbing me and flipping me around until I'm squished against the island as the fury pours out of his orbs. "You don't know shit Di! You don't know anything about me so just shut the fuck up!" Justin screams vigorously as his eyes grow as wide as saucers. He's gasping for air now as his nostrils flare. Studying him closely, I could have sworn I saw hurt flash through those blues. I'm also taking a shot in the dark here, but, I think his eyes are seriously watering up right now. What the hell?
"I know enough..." I retort, feeling my heart skip a beat from the evil look he's giving me.
"Shut up Diane. I'm warning you." Justin sneers as he pulls me forward before he slams me against the kitchen wall. Cringing from the impact, I still keep my challenging gaze on him. I'm a little confused as to why he's not going crazy right now. Something is really wrong here. "Don't make me hurt you..." He cracks and I just laugh bitterly.
"Please, you've permanently scarred me. What's one more time?" I chide. You know, I must really have a death wish right now. I'm also wondering how far I can push his buttons because he's never once stopped to consider raising his hands on me before. It usually happens automatically from the minute I talk back to him. I'm also thinking I touched a sore spot with him because he's practically turning beet red.
"Diane..."
"Just do it Justin. It makes you feel like a man. Like you're the shit when everyone is afraid of you, so do it!" I challenge him, stumbling forward when he backs away from me suddenly - his form literally shaking as his hands begin to tremble.
"What the fuck is wrong with you?" He bellows, pulling out his gun from the back of his slacks.
Gluing my body to the wall, I watch in horror as he brings the gun up to his head, tapping it against his temple, while his other hand is in his hair, tugging at the strands lightly. He's fighting to control his breathing right now since he's so riled up.
"You're going to shoot me now?" I whisper, feeling my breath hitch in my throat when he narrows his eyes at me.
"I'm not going to fucking shoot you Di, I..." But he swallows the rest of his words when a third figure clears their throat loudly, interrupting us.
Still too afraid to move, I watch as Justin's eyes darken by the sight of whoever is standing in the entrance of the kitchen. Turning around slowly to see who's decided to grace us with their presence I'm greeted with an intrigued JC. Oh thank god. He's holding Courtney and she seems to be more than smitten with him. Oh no...
"Am I interrupting something?" JC enquires smoothly, fixing Courtney in his hold. "And, I found this little one sitting in the hallway..." He adds. "She looked scared. Is everything ok?"
Oh god, please tell me my baby didn't hear us yelling at each other. Though, I'm sure she did since she was just in the living room. Ignoring Justin, I rush up to JC giving him a tight smile before I take Courtney from his hold. When she sees me, she latches unto my neck for dear life. "Mommy I scared. Daddy was..."
"Shhh..." I silence her while stroking her hair. I smile sheepishly when JC's eyes widen with realization. He looks good in his plain blue shirt and jeans. But, this should be the last thing on my mind.
"You didn't tell me you were a mommy Diane." JC coos, smiling brightly for me.
"Well you didn't ask." I retort with a nervous laugh.
"Oh wow, well this is new. I've never once heard of any of Justin's girls having a child since this business was started but, she's precious. You should be proud." He kisses Courtney's forehead and she gives him a toothy grin before she retreats to wrapping her tiny fingers around my hair.
"So who's the lucky guy?" JC questions while walking into the kitchen and taking a seat at the island seeming practically unfazed.
"Uh..." Turning around to face him, I tense when I see the look Justin's giving us. God, we'd all drop dead if looks could kill. "It's...she's..."
"She's mine." Justin interrupts me, shocking us all.
"What!?" JC is looking at him like he's crazy, but, Justin just shrugs with a smug smile on his face.
"You heard me JC. She's my daughter." Justin spits out coldly before putting his gun away. Walking up to me, he shoots me a vituperative look before he reaches out for Courtney. "Give her to me." He demands, but, I take a step back tightening my hold on her. I don't know what he's trying to prove but...
"Justin..."
"You're going out and I sent Rachel grocery shopping Diane. She'll be back soon but in the mean time, Courtney is staying here with me." He enforces, but, I'm not letting him have her. Is he crazy? That's the last thing I need. If he even lays one hand on her I will undoubtedly shoot him, no questions asked.
"Mommy, daddy be good." Courtney whispers to me and I really have to give her credit. She's only three but she's so fearless. Then again, she's never fully witnessed Justin in his deranged state. God, I'm going to regret this. Her pretty blues are searching mine, almost like she's telling me it's ok and she knows he won't hurt her. But she's so wrong. Justin is a monster through and through.
Sighing, Justin excuses himself before he pulls us out into the hallway so JC can't hear us. "Diane, I won't hurt her if that's what you're so worried about. But you need to leave now because JC paid for a specific time period and..."
"That's all it is with you? Money and Business? Don't you care about anything else?" I ask in frustration.
"I care that you need to shut the hell up and just fucking leave..." He snaps back, ripping Courtney away from me. I watch as her petite frame goes rigid under his touch. She's terrified out of her mind by him, but, she's not crying. She's just staring at him in awe like she always does.
This is a historical moment. I almost want to bust into tears like some damn baby. God...this is the first time Justin has ever held his own daughter since she was born. In fact, the day she was born at the hospital, he refused to even come and see us. Rachel was the one there with me through everything. I really owe her a lot. I'd be lost without her help. This is...this is the first time he's ever and I mean ever touched her physically. Usually he'd just scream at her to leave him alone but this...god I would be ecstatic if I didn't think he was making his claim on her for all the wrong reasons.
"What the hell is wrong with you Diane? Are you crying?" Justin eyes me strangely as he fixes Courtney in his hold.
I'm too choked up by the sight of the two of them to even form a coherent phrase right now. Instead, I just wipe at my eyes completely touched by this moment even though Justin doesn't realize it. "You...you're holding her..." Is all I manage to get out as he cuts his eyes at me in curiosity.
Then, Courtney opts to speak in her tiny voice as she grips Justin's shirt tightly. "Daddy be good now?"
Oh god, that definitely did it for me. The tears are flowing freely now. Yeah, I'm a softy. Can you blame me? This is like...I never thought I'd ever witness this.
Still seeming out of the loop, Justin groans with annoyance muttering something under his breath. "I told you not to call me..." But he drifts off when he looks down at Courtney and his gaze softens. It's like hell just froze over. The look in his eyes right now is just...god I don't know what look he has. I've never seen it before. He's just staring at her interestingly taking in her bright blues that mirror his own with the intense gaze they're sharing.
Your fingers curl up tight to make a fist
Your lips purse up as to make a kiss
Your eyes so bright, joy is all they bring
Your presence would cause angels to sing...
Frowning at her, Justin grips her tiny hands gently removing the hold she has on his shirt. "Diane..." He whispers, still keeping the eye-lock he has with Courtney.
"What?" I whisper back, not wanting to spoil this moment. I...I think they're bonding. In an odd, indirect way, they're bonding.
"She...she has my eyes..." He mumbles in bewilderment and I can't help but smile at that.
"Daddy be good now?" She asks again, looking at him expectantly.
"What? I...I..." Shaking his head at her, Justin forcefully looks away to lock eyes with me. With confusion plastered on his features he lets out a dejected sigh...
Your first day filled and broke my heart
For I knew then that we would be apart
There is nothing more important to me
Then giving you my love for all eternity...
Pulling her little body away from his chest, he hands her back to me before wiping at his forehead. "Take her and give her to one of the girls to watch over. Rachel will take her when she gets back. And please just leave and get this date over with. I'll see you when you get back tonight." And just like that, he turns and walks away, leaving me in a dumbfounded state. Ok, what the hell just happened?
Watching as his retreating figure disappears around the corner, I give Courtney a weak smile when she rests her head on my shoulder, hugging me around my neck. "No cry mommy. Daddy be good..."
Seriously, why is she so optimistic? I've lost hope in Justin ever changing years ago. I guess she's just too naive to know any better.
"Come on pumpkin." I coo as I wipe at my eyes before we reenter the kitchen.
When JC sees us, he stands to approach us. "Justin left?" He inquires, looking over my shoulder for him.
"Yeah, I guess he had other things to do." I shrug. I'm betting Bethany is one of the things he'll be doing alright.
"Are you ok Diane? I heard you two going at it when I got here." JC explains, touching my cheek softly.
Regaining my composure I nod for him. "I'm fine JC."
"Oh well then, are we ready to take this show on the road?" JC beams excitedly and I instantly perk up. I really don't see why I'm bugging over Justin when I have a guy who's clearly interested in me here.
"Sure, just let me give her to one of the girls and then we can leave." I smile warmly, ushering JC out of the kitchen and towards the lounging room.
When we enter the lounging room, I notice about five of the girls are sitting around talking, laughing, doing their hair and nails, reading entertainment and fashions magazines and watching nip/tuck on the large plasma screen television. Ugh, I do not like that show. It's just...wrong on so many levels.
Ambling towards Eve who's in a deep conversation with Marissa, one of the other girls, they look over at me with a smile.
"Hey girl!" Even beams, standing to approach me.
"Hey Eve. Listen can I ask you a favor? Could you look over Courtney for me until Rachel gets back? I need to leave with one of our clients now." I gesture to JC and she gives him a once over before she nods for me in agreement.
"Sure, hand her over." She smiles and I gently place Courtney in her arms.
"Thanks so much." I smile for Eve and she nods in response.
"Hey there little mama!" Even teases Courtney causing her to giggle before she says ‘hi' back in her small voice.
Kissing my baby bye, I tell her to behave before I wave to the other girls in the room.
Escorting JC out of the lounge room, we silently make our way to the front door.
"So, do you mind if I take you over to my place for our date today? I have a surprise set up for you." JC beams and I turn to look at him interestingly.
"Oh?" I gush, latching onto his arm as his lips curve into a light smile.
"Yeah, you'll see when we get there. But first, we're having lunch at one of my favorite restaurants here in Vegas. I think you'll like it." He croons and I giggle.
"Ok, that sounds nice." I blush.
"Good, and don't even worry about not telling me that you were a mommy. I still think you're hot." He nudges me playfully and I laugh just as we make it to the door. When I swing it open, getting ready to leave with JC, I hear what sounds like a harsh cough from somewhere in the living room area.
"Uh, JC you go ahead. I'll be right out." I smile sweetly for him and he just shrugs. Letting my hand go, he jogs down to his Escalade that's parked in the driveway.
Closing the door gently, I turn around and listen for a minute. When I hear the same cough again, I quickly amble into the living room, stopping dead in my tracks when I see Justin hunched over on one of the leather couches in the far corner of the room.
Figuring I should probably leave him alone, I whip around to leave but stop when he calls out to me.
"I saw you Di." He calls out groggily.
Sighing, I cautiously walk up to him then cast my vision to the top of his head. His hands are over his face and he's just sitting there looking like a lost little child.
Taking in my surroundings, I breathe out air before I take a sit next to him. Hesitantly placing my palm on his shoulder, I watch as he tenses briefly before he relaxes under my touch.
"What's wrong Justin?" Examining his form, I gasp slightly when he looks up at me. His eyes are blood shot red and his nose is practically pink. I think he was crying, or maybe...
"I don't fucking know." He groans, wiping at his nose before he stares off into space.
"Justin...you need help." I say softly. "And I think you know exactly why you are like this. I wish you'd tell me..."
"I can't..."
"You're too hot and cold. You're self-destructing Justin."
"Why are you even still here? Why do you even care after everything I've done to you?" He inquires, studying my eyes with a scowl on his face.
"Because..." Why am I here and why do I care really? That's a good question.
"Just forget it. Just leave. Where's Courtney?" He enquires.
"She...she's with Eve."
"Ok, then go. Time is money Diane." He explains, straightening his posture. Resting his back against the couch, he grabs the remote switching on the television.
Pouting, I move to stand. Gripping my hand, Justin suddenly pulls me back down and I fall on his lap.
Staring at him in shock, I try to get up but he shoots me a glare so I remain still. Digging into his pocket he pulls out my necklace, grabbing my palm before he drops the object in it. "Take it." He explains.
"I don't..."
"Just shut up and hold it. I gave it to you. Don't give it back to me." Justin snaps and I just shrug, gripping unto the necklace.
When I don't verbally respond, he decides to continue speaking. "It was my dad's. Well, the diamond piece was my dad's. I uh, had the chain made and the diamond turned into a pendant. Just...hold on to it ok?" he says in a light whisper and I furrow my brows not understanding. If this was his dad's then why is he giving it to me? As if on cue, Justin continues voicing his thoughts and I remain mute.
"He got it for my mom to apologize when he left her for his mistress but he uh, died before he had a chance to give it to her. I didn't think my mom deserved it anyway. She was a bitch to him even after they divorced and he remarried. I took it because it was the only thing I really had of his to remember him by...." His tone is pained, almost bitter and by the hurt on his face I can tell this is a touchy subject. Wow, I never knew that. Then again, I don't know anything about Justin outside of his empire. Still, his story isn't too far off from mine. I mean, my dad was cheating on my mom too. But, I'm thinking there is more to this little story.
"So why did you give it to me if..."
"Why do you insist on asking so many fucking questions? Look, I gave it to you because I don't want it anymore. It holds too many memories and..." But, Justin drifts off when we hear JC's horn from outside. I shut my eyes tightly when Justin shifts under me before he pushes me off of him to stand. "Just go Diane." He yields, turning away from me and giving the television his full attention. "I'll talk to you when you get back later..." He dismisses me with a wave of his hand and I give him one last look before I turn to leave in silence.
On my way out of the door, I stare down at the necklace, toying with the diamond pendant. I'm really curious now as to why he got so emotional from just mentioning his late father. I really want to know what's going on with that man. Maybe his dad has something to do with his current condition? I still think JC is part of it. Ugh, too much thinking.
Grabbing my small purse off a nearby table, I carefully place the necklace in it before I swing the doors to Justin's home open. I'll get the chain fixed since it seems to mean so much to Justin. I'd say this was my home too but this place feels more like a prison to me.
Taking one quick glance around, I inhale deeply before I walk out and shut the door behind me. Waving to JC, I jog down the stairs with one goal in mind: finding a way out of this life. And guess what? I think JC might just be my ticket out of this never-ending nightmare...
****
Poem: A Father's Love
Author: Unknown