Page 177 of Straight to Me

Nodding my head, I understand the turmoil she must face every day. She didn’t ask for any of this and yet, she’s forced to live in the thick of it all.

Like someone else I know.

My phone on the table rings, ending our conversation.

“Mum,” I answer.

“Madison, is everything okay?”

“No, not really.” My mind races so fast. Lauren heads back to the bedroom giving me some privacy to talk.

“If this is about Chris—”

“You had no right!” I say, cutting her off mid-sentence.

“I only called him because I was trying to protect you.”

“Protect me? By sending a man that I can’t stand to try and get me back? How does that make any sense, Mum?”

“I didn’t want you to make the same mistakes as me. I want you to be happy, to live a happy life.”

“I am happy!”

“With the biker?”

Her words slam into my face. Her voice sounds lost and confused at how I could be happy with someone like him. “With Dean, yes,” I correct her, but I soften my tone. “How can you be so sure I won’t be happy?”

“Because I know what it’s like to love someone who can’t love you back the same way.”

I pause, thinking. “You mean the kid from when you were at school?” I say, leaning back in my chair. “Mum, you were a child then. I’m a grown woman.”

“Madison, please trust me.”

I take a long breath, steadying myself for what I’m about to tell her. “Mum, I’m pregnant.”

Her breath catches down the line, I can hear her throat start to grow hoarse with tears. “That’s wonderful news. But I thought, I thought you couldn’t?” Her softening voice sounds genuine. “Does Dean know?”

A sob rises in my throat. My heart twists and hot, stinging tears swell in my eyes. I open my mouth, but I can’t say it. I can’t tell her that the one person who needs to hear our news the most, isn’t here. If the Saviours hadn’t been leaving the clubhouse when I came here earlier to tell Dean, then he would know, and it wouldn’t be as bad.

“Madison, what is it?”

“I need him to come home.” Bitter tears roll down my cheeks as a great wrench of sadness sweeps over me.

Mum’s tears let go and she joins my crying down the phone. My heart feels like it’s shattering for not being able to do anything to help the man I love. I need my mum. I need her to tell me everything’s going to be okay.

“Where are you?” she chokes.

“I’m at the Rippers' clubhouse.”

“I’ll be right there,” she says, and the call abruptly ends. I send her a quick message with directions to the clubhouse, aware she never asked before putting the phone down.

I drop the phone to the table, letting my head rest in my hands and cry softly. This is all such a mess.

I’m anxiously watching my phone for any news. They should be there by now, why hasn’t Travis called?

Mum walks through the rear entrance, spotting me at the table. “Madison!”

I jump out of the chair and we both run across the room to each other. At the same height, our arms wrap around each other tight. She holds me so close. I feel safe for the first time since VP’s abduction. “Oh Madison, come on, don’t cry.”

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