Page 63 of Reclaim

“Could you imagine having babies with those guys?”

“Ehhh,” I cringe at the reminder there’s no future for Jagger and me. “I’d rather not.”

“Ugh, I’m sorry Em. I’m drunk and horny, and I keep forgetting the guy in my dreams is related to the guy in yours. But while we’re on the topic, did you think of having his babies?”

“Honestly, I think I’d be too scared in case it’s twins.” I look down at my stomach. “Where would I carry them?”

“Are you sure it’s over for you two?”

“Yeah, I mean, he broke up with me, even if he did try to sell it like it was in my best interest. I’m not one for the chase. Besides, I’m not running after a man who had no trouble walking away from me. but if one of us had to do it. It wouldn’t be me.”

22

Jagger

Knocks on my bedroom door rouse me from my sleep. “Jagger, it’s me, Hendrix.”

“And me, Taylah. Can’t you just kick the damn door down?” she asks.

Groaning in frustration, I’m not in the mood to be around anyone, especially someone as loud as Taylah. I can barely even deal with myself.

“Dad.” Dakota’s voice is only a little bit louder than their bickering. “Can I come in?”

Dragging myself out of bed, I open the door to see three very different people standing together.

“You.” I point at Dakota. “In. The rest of you, keep it down out there.”

“Hendrix tell him my plan; tell him to let me in.”

“Stop making demands, woman.” Hendrix snaps. “I don’t even know you.”

“It’s Taylah. I already told you this. But, more importantly.” She looks back at me. “I’m here on a mission with Dakota, so you have to let me inside your room before I scream everything loud enough for the neighbours to hear.”

“Please Jagger, just take her.”

Hendrix guides her in and looks at me with exasperation. “Sorry bro, I hit my quota for crazy today. She’s all yours.”

“Hey,” she calls out. “Sexy twin number two, where do you think you’re going?”

He glances at her and then glances at me, shaking his head in disapproval. If it were any other circumstances, this would be comical.

“Jagger, go chase your girl so this crazy one can go home.”

“What a way to treat a guest,” she scoffs.

“An uninvited guest, might I add.”

“Potatoes, potahtos.” She walks into my room and sits herself on the edge of the bed next to a laughing Dakota. “As Hendrix so kindly mentioned, the reason Dakota and I have graced you two with our wonderful presence is because it’s time to get operation let’s reunite Jagger and Emerson under way.”

Her name alone tears me up inside. I can’t think of her without wanting to kneel and beg for forgiveness at her feet.

“Don’t waste your time, Taylah, I’ve tried,” Hendrix explains.

“I’m not leaving here without him on board. I’ll set up camping equipment out on your fucking lawn if I have to.” She looks at Dakota. “Sorry about the swearing. It happens when I’m fired up. Don’t repeat the words, drugs are bad for kids blah blah blah.”

“Where the fuck did Emerson find her?” Hendrix can’t get past Taylah and her exuberant presence.

“Guys!” Dakota shouts. “You should be ashamed of yourselves. The actual teenagers in my class at school can sort their shit out faster than you three.”

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