Page 21 of Can't Walk Away

She’s still lost in the past when I unlock my phone and hit redial. The last person I spoke to was Jase a couple of hours ago. I want this woman out of our house as soon as possible.

“Now look at you, living with someone almost twice your age and you’ll be just like me. Trapped in a loveless marriage and you’ll find the love you’re looking for in every man possible. It’s sad that you’ll be following in my footsteps, but as the saying goes. Like mother, like daughter.”

I know for a fact I will never be like her; Jase and I love each other and even with her voicing her opinions I know we’re solid. There’s nothing that can come between us.

“I’m nothing like you! I could never be you. You’re a callous bitter old woman who’s after the next young buck and no one wants you,” I scream out. I’m done. I want her gone and I want her gone now.

“You need to leave or I’m calling the cops,” I finish as the front door slams open and not only is Jase here, but my father as well.

“That’s enough, Debra. You’ve said what you’ve had to say. We all know it’s a lie. A DNA test is right there in black and white with the divorce papers,” my father says. His face is red in color and he’s pissed. I have never in my life seen him so pissed off.

“We’ll see about that, Phil. I know who her real father is, and it’s not you!” She’s rambling now and I think she may really need help.

“I hope you all rot in hell,” she screeches as my father escorts her outside of our house.

“I’ll be right back, Chey-Chey,” my father says.

“Chey, come here, Baby. I need you in my arms,” Jase mutters as I’m already making my way to him.

“I think we need a vacation,” I mumble into his chest. He chuckles and I say, “I’m being honest. I think it’s a necessity at this point.”

“We can go on a vacation, but that may have to wait. Your dad is taking out a restraining order against her and it’s something you need to do as well,” he says holding the back of my neck and looking down into my eyes.

“Okay,” I lean up and kiss his lips softly, just a whisper of a kiss. Even though I want more, I know my father will be back in a few minutes.

18

Jase

I was already on my way home when Cheyenne called me and all I could hear was garbled voices. Our neighbor called and said she saw Debra’s car in our driveway. Everyone around town knew she was becoming unhinged. I called Phil on my way and told him what was going on. He met me at the house just as I was pulling in.

Cheyenne is still in my arms as Phil comes back in. He has two police officers in tow, and I know this is when shit is going to get real for her.

As much as it pains me to say, and how I don’t want Cheyenne out of my arms; I know Phil needs to make sure she’s okay too, “Go to your dad, Honey. He needs to see you’re okay for himself.”

“Okay. I love you, Jase,” she says as she kisses my chest, right where my heart is.

“You’re my heart, Chey.”

I watch as they talk. Phil holding his daughter in his arms and whispering that he’s sorry for everything.

The officers clear their throat and we turn our attention to them for what seems like the next four hours.

“I’m going to order pizza for everyone,” I hear Chey say as she stands up and makes her way into the kitchen.

I follow her. I know she can make the call or bring it up on her phone in front of everyone. What’s happening right now is slowly sinking in. Losing a member of your family that’s still around yet not physically here. To have your own mother spew such hatred. It’s starting to eat at Cheyenne. I can’t let that happen.

“Gentlemen, if that’s all that needs to be taken care of, can we call it a day?” I state more than question.

“Yes, Mr. Masters. We have everything and we can always call if we need anything else.” I get up and walk them towards the door, seeing them out. As soon as I’m done, I veer to the kitchen. Cheyenne is standing with her back to the counter. Her head is tilted back and she’s taking deep breaths.

I go up to her and put my hands on her hips. She sighs a breath of relief, “I’m so glad that’s over. I’m sorry I left you with them,”

“Nothing to be sorry about, Honey. I knew you needed a break. They’re gone now though. Why don’t you go take a hot bath? I need your dad’s help for a minute. Then I’ll be right there with you,” I rasp as I dip my head down towards hers and kiss her as if I can’t get enough of her. I don’t know what would have happened if Debra hurt her any more than she already did with her words.

---