"You're what?" I shouted. "Shh!!" she hissed. "What happened?" I said, staring at her. I looked down and saw a pregnancy test on the floor. "It could be a false positive". "It's no use J, I've taken three" said Becca, eyes a burning red from crying. "I need specifics B, how did this happen?". "When we went to the bar in Italy with Brandi and Monica. Luka and I went into a storage closet…" she said, looking down. "Does Luka know?" I asked, not really wanting to know the answer. "Yes" she said, "he stormed out of here. He doesn't care". "Becca, he does too care" I whispered. "Have you told anyone else?". "No, I haven't but—" started Becca.
Just then, Luka and Jesse stormed in. "Jenny, Jesse, OUT" shouted Luka. "J don't say a word" pleaded Becca. "I'm not going to" I promised. I walked out of the bathroom and saw Luka walking towards me. I placed my hand on his chest, "Calm down Luka, anger isn't going to solve anything. She needs you right now". Luka stared at me like a lost puppy. He walked past me and walked into the bathroom. Awkwardly, I walked to Jesse. I mouthed to him, "What the hell is going on". Jesse shrugged his shoulders and put his hand on the small of my back, ushering me out of the room. We shut the door, and ensured no one would go in. "Not a word about this" said Jesse. "Believe me, this makes the guns mere child splay" I said.
We made it to the kitchen when we were met by Lacy and Andi. "What's up lovebirds" said Lacy, laughing. "Shut it" said Jesse. I made a slashing motion across my throat attempting to shut up Lacy. "Someone's a grumpy goose this morning" I whispered. I winked at Jesse, who stood across the room. Jesse rolled his eyes and shook his head, trying not to laugh. "What's for breakfast?" said Jesse, pouring two cups of coffee. "Everyone can fend for themselves, I have to go to the store" said Lacy. Jesse handed me a cup of coffee and kissed me on the cheek. "Get a room you too" said Andi, gagging. I stuck my tongue out at her and laughed. "What's on the agenda today?". "Jesse and I have some…business to take care of…" said Andi. "Do you need help?" I asked. "I think we can handle it J," said Jesse. I was annoyed, but I tried not to show it. I think Jesse knew it because he put his arm around me. "We'll be in the barn if you need us okay?". "Got it" I said, not looking at him. He bent down and kissed me on the cheek, "I'll see you later". "Bye". Lacy was rummaging through the cupboards with a piece of paper in her hands. "Want to go to the store with me J?". "Sure, let me get dressed" I said, walking to my room. I forgot Becca and Luka were still in the room. I looked and saw the bathroom door still shut. Not wanting to be nosy, I quickly grabbed a pair of shorts, a tank top, and my shoes.
"Ready to go?" said Elena. "I'm going to tell Jesse and Andi we're leaving". "They're so busy, aren't they? Let's not bother them" I said, annoyed. "J," sighed Lacy. "What? I'm right". "Try not to take it personal J" said Elena. "Whatever let's just go" I said, walking to the garage. "Did Becca want to come?" said Lacy. Frozen, I thought up a lie. "She was still sleeping when I went in,". "No problem, it is still only eight" laughed Lacy. We got into Lacy's red convertible, of course with the hood on. After a short drive later, we made it to the grocery store. "Divide and conquer?" said Elena. "You know it" winked Lacy. Lacy divided her enormous list into three parts, and each of us grabbed a cart. "Be back here in ten minutes" said Elena. "You're on" I laughed. "I think you forget with Elena everything is a race" laughed Lacy, "Careful what you wish for J,". "Bring it on Elena," I said, not sure what I was getting myself in for. "And Go!" shouted Elena.
I glanced at the top of the aisles looking for the items on my list. "Where in the world—" I started, not able to find a can of peas. "Can I help you find something?" I heard a masculine voice say. I turned and saw an African American man much taller than me, long thick dreadlocks, and bulging muscles inked with tattoos walking towards me. "I've got it, thank you" I said, not wanting to loose time to Elena. "Are you sure? You look confused" he said, smiling at me. "Do you know where the canned vegetables are?" I asked. "Come with me," he said, pointing. I wasn't sure what I was doing, but there was something about the man that was off. "What's your name?" I asked. "Yours first" he said, looking at me. "Jenny". "Jenny, where have I heard that name?" he said. Then he stopped in his tracks. "Are you Jenny Avery?". "Why?" I said, now getting even more nervous. "Jesse's a good friend of mine" he said, "The names Mitch".
"MITCH!" I heard Lacy scream. "Oh shit" Mitch whispered. "I have to go, nice meeting you Jenny. I'll see you very soon". "Bye" I said, then immediately turning to Lacy. "What the hell?". "That dumbass knows he's not allowed to go out in public!" she hissed. "Why not?" I said, confused. "I'll explain in the car. Let's just finish getting our groceries" said Lacy. After I gathered everything on the list, I saw Elena waiting at the checkout. "Damnit!" I exclaimed. "Was that—" said Elena, mouthing Mitch's name. "Yep" said Lacy, huffing.
We checked out rather quickly and got in the car with our groceries. "What the hell was he doing here? Lincoln would have killed him if he were here" said Elena. "I don't know, but Jesse is going to be pissed" said Lacy. "Is no one going to explain to me what just happened?" I said from the back seat. "Mitch is one of Jesse's biggest business partners. He sells Jesse guns and other types of weaponry in exchange for protection. Mitch is on the top of Lincolns hit list" explained Lacy. "For what?" I asked. "Only Jesse knows, he kept it only between him and Mitch. You know as much as us J, Jesse is a man of his word, and I can tell you right now Jesse isn't going to tell us" laughed Elena.
When we pulled in the driveway, there was a white sportscar parked. "Who is that?" I asked. "No idea" said Elena. "Stay behind me J,". Elena pulled her pistol out of the holster attached to her hip. She had it pointed to the ground and motioned for Lacy and I to walk with her. We stood at the side of the barn and could hear muffled talking. Elena kicked the door open and pointed her gun ahead. "Hey!" shouted Andi, who whipped her gun out too. "Damnit" Elena huffed. "What are you morons doing?" said Lacy. "Someone is here!". Jesse stood at a table across the room, oblivious to the situation. He didn't turn around when Elena kicked the door in, which confused me. "Sorry, that's my car". Mitch stood ahead of us, hands in the air.
"I see you beat us here" said Lacy. "I figured I'd better tell the boss before you had the chance" he laughed. "What are you for?" said Lacy. I could tell Lacy and Mitch did not get along, and it was blatantly obvious the hatred they shared. Lacy eyed Mitch with a cold stare. You could cut the tension in the room with a knife. I suddenly jumped at the feeling of a hand on my shoulder. "Miss. Avery," said Jesse. "Mr. Marinos" I responded, realizing Jesse was behind me. "Jenny Avery" said Mitch. "It's good to see you again". "Likewise," I said, smiling. "Again?" questioned Jesse. "I saw him at the grocery store this morning" I said, turning my head to him. "You did, did you?" said Jesse, looking at Mitch. "What he's not allowed to get a bag of groceries?" I laughed. "No Jenny, he's not" said Jesse sternly.
Mitch's face fell as Jesse let go of my shoulder and walked towards him. "I just wanted—" started Mitch. Jesse stormed to him, grabbing a handful of Mitch's shirt in his fist. "How many times Mitch? How many times have I told you not to go out? I've supplied you with everything you need Mitch, and what are you doing? Jeopardizing everything we've done" Jesse scolded. "Lincoln will kill you if he finds you, then he'll come after us". "I know man" Mitch groaned. "Jesse," I whispered. "Not now" he said. "I know where Lincolns going to be next Friday" Mitch smirked. "How is that possible?" said Andi, perking up. "I had a tip" said Mitch. "I met with Henry and he told me where Lincoln is going to be on Friday". "Henry?" I asked. "Shit" whispered Jesse. "Henry who?" I questioned. "Henry Avery" said Mitch, "Do you know him?". "He's my Dad!" I yelled.
"Jesse are you telling me my father is working for the Santoros?" I screamed. "Why didn't you tell me?". I pushed Jesse as hard as I could in the chest. Jesse grabbed my wrists. "Jenny calm down". "Calm down? Are you out of your mind?!" I screamed. By now, Becca and Luka came to the barn. "What's going on" said Luka to Andi. "Looks like Henry's gone rouge" said Andi. "Jenny, listen to me" started Jesse. "How do I know you're not going to lie to me again?" I hissed. I was hurt, again. I didn't know what to do. Usually when I was afraid or upset, I would go to Jesse. I could see the hurt in Jesse's eyes. Maybe I messed up, but why would he keep something like this from me? "How long have you known?" I asked, holding back tears. "Since Italy" he said, head down. "Why didn't you tell me". "Because I didn't have all the facts, and I didn't want to worry you" Jesse said, finally looking at me. "Worry me? My father's part of a criminal organization and you knew about it? How can I not worry?" I shouted. Without thinking, I stormed out of the barn and walked up to the house.
I walked to my bedroom and shut the door. I was fuming. A million thoughts were spinning through my brain. Why hadn't Jesse told me before? How long has my father been involved with the Santoros? What does this mean for my father and I…? Suddenly, my thoughts were interrupted by the sound of knocking at the door. "Jenny," said Andi. "Open the door". Pretending I couldn't hear, I ignored her. I wasn't ready to face anyone. "J, please" Andi said. I stood and stared out the window, continuing to ignore the door. Finally, I turned around to pace again. My heart jumped into my throat when I saw Andi sitting on the edge of my bed.
"Andi what the hell!" I shouted, placing my hand on my chest. "You tend to forget I can pick locks faster than you can say no" she laughed. "Can we talk?". "I guess I don't have a choice" I said. "Look Jenny, I know you're pissed. I would be too, but you have to understand why Jesse kept in from you" Andi started. "He's had trust issues with Monica for a long time, and he wanted to be sure he knew everything before he told you. He even waited to tell me, and I'm always the first person he tells". "I guess you have a point" I said, still trying to comprehend the situation. "Do you think I was too harsh on him?". "He'll get over it" said Andi, "don't worry J, it was a shocker for all of us. The most important thing for us to do right now is try to find your Dad". I reached over and extended my arms to her. Andi sat on the edge of the bed and hugged me for what felt like hours. I sat with her and cried as she consoled me, assuring me everything would be okay. Finally, I wiped my eyes and we walked out of the room.
As we walked to the kitchen, I could see from the corner of my eye Andi nod at Jesse, who was sitting on the couch. "Mitch just left" he said to her. Andi walked back to her room, leaving Jesse and I alone in the kitchen. Almost instantly, he shot up and walked over to me. "Jenny, I'm so sorry" he said, grabbing my hands. "I promise I didn't want to hurt you". "I know" I said, looking up at him. "Are you okay?" he said, eyes locking with mine. "I will be" I smiled. Jesse let out a soft chuckle and gently placed his lips on mine. "You never fail to amaze me".
After breaking away from our kiss, I looked up at Jesse. "What now?". "We have to make a game plan" said Jesse. "Come with me". Jesse and I walked into his room. "That's not what I mean" I laughed. Jesse rolled his eyes and laughed at me. "In here" he said, pointing to his closet. "What?" I said, confused. "I'm serious" he laughed. Jesse opened his closet door, revealing a giant walk in. "I never realized how big this room is" I said, looking around. Jesse smiled, and pressed a button on the wall. Suddenly, a fraction of the wall shifted. Startled I grabbed Jesses arm. He stood there and laughed as the wall revealed a hidden office like room.
"How long has this been here?" I asked, admiring the room. "Since the house was built" Jesse said. In the middle of the room stood a single desk. Jesse walked behind it and powered on the computer. On one of the walls in front of the desk was a giant television screen. I walked over to a table sitting in a corner and looked at the picture frames decorating the table. As I looked closer, I noticed it was Jesse and Andi, and who I assumed to be their parents. Jesse and Andi had to have been in their early teenage years, for Andi had the stereotypical nerd appearance, braces, and circular glasses while Jesse had a beanie with a pair of sunglasses on.
"If you say a word about that I'll have to kill you" said Andi, emerging from the opposite corner in the room. Startled, I let out a gasp. "You have to stop doing that!" I scolded. "Well, you are in my room" she laughed. "This room is attached to Jesses closet" I said. "Both of our closets attach to this room" Andi said, pointing at the wall. "I should have suspected that" I laughed. "What do you have Marinos?" said Andi, jumping over the couch in front of the desk. "Nothing yet," he said, clicking the mouse. "Five… four… three…". "What is he-?" I started. "Done" said Jesse, shooting up from his chair. "All camera footage, recent purchases, and whereabouts in the last week are documented". "How?" I said, glancing over his shoulder. "I have my sources" he said, winking at me. Rolling my eyes, I looked at the computer screen.
Santoro, L.
Age: 53
Location: New York City
Recent transactions: -$15,000 withdrawal
"How in the world did you find this?" I said, astonished. "There is a satellite in every state in the country. Each satellite hooks up to this computer only, allowing us to pick up a signal from his phone" Jesse said proudly. "I bet Conner could have done it faster" said Andi. "Shut up and let me have my moment" Jesse laughed. I laughed as Jesse's face got red. Andi clearly pissed him off, but I thought it was funny, nonetheless. "What do we do now?" I asked. "Wait for him" said Andi, sharpening her knife. "No—" Jesse said, closing the computer lid. "We're going to him". "Are you out of your ever living mind?" Andi said as she sat up. "We're not ready for that". "I think we can handle it" said Jesse. "Like hell we are" Andi scolded. "He'll kill us all, and you know it".
Andi and Jesse continued to bicker for what felt like hours. I decided to intervein before Jesse said something more stupid than he was already saying. The truth was, I agreed with Andi rather than Jesse. From what I've been told, there was no way we could take on the Santoros, and frankly there was no way I could mentally take on my father. Is this what he had been hiding from me? How long had my father been working for the Santoros? I felt a surge of anger coursing through me, wanting to know answers. "Jesse—" I started, my voice silencing them both. "I think Andi's right". "Thank you!" Andi shouted, smirking at Jesse. "Fine" Jesse said reluctantly. "But when he comes walking through that door don't come crying to me".
Jesse stormed out of the office, clearly annoyed. "Jesse—" I started. "Let him go" said Andi. "He'll get over it". "Andi you and I both know we can't attack them yet" I explained. "What makes him think we can?". "He's still not over the whole Shane affair, he thinks he's invincible" Andi said exasperated. "C'mon, let's go". We walked out of the office and went into the living room. Becca and Luka were sitting on the couch talking. "Do you guys want me to leave you be? Or I could stay… or?" I said, awkwardly. I don't know what happened, but I lost my words looking at Becca. Never in a million years would I have guessed Becca would be the first of us to get pregnant. "It's fine J," she said, stopping me. "Come sit down". Embarrassed, I could feel my cheeks getting red. "What's wrong with you?" said Andi, looking at my cheeks. "Just a hot flash" I lied. "I know you better than that J" said Andi, "You're clearly bothered by something". Becca nodded at me, so I had assumed it was okay to tell Andi. "Can we go lift?" I asked Andi. "Yeah sure" she said, taken back.
We walked to the basement, and I sat on the bench. I put my elbows on my knees and my face in my palms. "What's wrong J?" Andi asked, kneeling down. "You can't tell anyone" I said. Andi nodded at me. I knew I could trust Andi, so I went ahead and confided in her. "Becca's pregnant" I said, my eyes welling. "I know" she said, putting her hand on my shoulder. "How?" I said, shooting my head up. "Did you forget I went to med school for eight years?" she laughed. "I've suspected it for a week or so". "Luka ran in Jesse's room this morning and then I left and went to see Becca, and then she told me" I said. "Wait a minute… you were in Jesses room… all night? Then Luka ran in and you left… then Becca told you?" she said. "Yes" I responded. "Luka's the father??" Andi shouted. "She told me that when we went to the bar in Italy that her and Luka hooked up" I whispered.
"This is really bad" Andi said. "Do Elena, Lacy, and Conner know about this?". "I don't know, but Conner is Luka's best friend, so I would assume he knows. Conner is seeing Elena, so I assume she knows. Lacy is Elena's best friend, so I bet she knows too". I said. "Let's just act like you, Becca, Jesse, Luka, and I are the only ones who know". "Sounds like a plan" Andi said, wiping the sweat off her face. "Damn it Harris" she whispered. "I think I'm going to talk to Becca" I said, putting the bar back. "Good luck" she laughed. As I walked up the stairs, I could hear Becca and Luka talking.
~
"I didn't mean for this to happen" said Luka. "It's not completely your fault" I said, wiping the tear off my face. "Becca I'm serious. This is all my fault." He said, grabbing my hand. "But whatever happens, you know I'll be here for you". "I know," I cried. I was truly afraid. For some reason, I trusted Luka. For some crazy reason, I knew he was right. This morning when I told him, he ran out of the room like a fool. When Jenny came in the bathroom, I had assumed he told her. But undenounced to me, he told Jesse. Jesse of all people! I guess I don't fault Luka, I know Jesse and he are like brothers as Jenny and I are like sisters, but it still alludes to an awkward dinner conversation.
"What are we going to do?" I asked. "Live like normal people I guess" Luka laughed. "Nothing's changed between us B. I still think you're the most beautiful woman in the world, I still am willing to protect you with my life, and I still will always beat you in pancake contests". The one thing I loved about Luka; he had his own reassuring way of making any situation light. I laughed at his comment, then kissed him.
~
"Oh shit" I said, walking in on Luka and Becca. Quietly, I tried to walk behind the couch, so I didn't interrupt their kiss. I covered my eyes to avoid being scarred for life. Without realizing it, I had run into something. "Damnit" I whispered. I looked up and saw Jesse staring down at me. "Well... well... well" he said, laughing. "Why are you watching them you weirdo? Am I not giving you enough attention?" I teased. I took my pony tail and gently brushed him across the face with it as I walked by. Before I could walk away, he grabbed my wrist forcing me to face him. Jesse faced down and kissed me. "Hey!" I laughed. Not realizing how long time had gotten away from us, I noticed it had gotten dark.
"Oh my God get a room" said Andi walking in. "All of you!". "Just because you don't have a guy doesn't mean you can tell us what to do" Luka laughed. "Watch it" Andi said sternly, pointing the knife in her hand at Luka. "Loosen up Andi" said Lacy walking in. "You don't even know what we're talking about" Andi said. "You're too uptight anymore" Lacy said, handing Andi a bottle of wine. "Elena ran into the store without me… she went overboard". Elena came sprinting into the living room with Conner. "Look what I found!!" she screamed, holding bags in her fists. "When did you guys leave?" Jesse scolded. "Is Elena drunk?" I questioned, standing up. "Before you guys say anything, just know I was forced to go with them" Conner pleaded.
Lacy set grocery bags on the table and pulled bottles of alcohol out of each. "Elena thought it would be a good idea to relax a little bit". "She drank two entire bottles of wine on the ride home" Conner said, clearly nervous. "I wanted to have fun!" Elena shouted obnoxiously. "Jenny, a little help?" Andi said. "I'm on the left" I said, knowing exactly what she meant. Elena and alcohol were never a good mix, and Andi and I both knew that she was a dangerous drunk. Naturally, I planned for the worst. "Elena, I think you've had enough for today". "You can never have too much" she said, dancing in the kitchen. "I think you need to go to bed" Andi said. "Go to hell" Elena laughed. "Elena, I really think you should" I said, backing up Andi. Suddenly, Elena grabbed a bottle and slammed it against the table. Wine splattered all over the kitchen, leaving a red tint to every appliance. "Elena!!!" shouted Andi. Elena held the broken bottle at Andi and me. "I said, I'm not done" she said. "If I want another drink, I'll have one". "Need help?" said Conner. "No, Jenny and I can handle it" Andi shouted. "Jesse's testing you" she whispered to me, "what's our next move J?".
"Elena, let me pour you another drink" I said, grabbing a glass. "What the hell are you doing?" Andi said. "See? Finally, someone's on my side!" Elena laughed. Elena grabbed the glass of alcohol that I handed her and began to drink it. Quickly, I grabbed Elena's arms and pinned them behind her back. "What the—" said Elena. Before she could finish, I kicked her in the shins, making her fall to the ground. Elena hit her head on the ground just hard enough to make her unconscious. "And time for bed" I laughed. "I'm impressed" Andi said, picking up Elena. "She'll hate me in the morning" I said nervously. "She'll get over it" Andi winked.
Conner and Lacy helped Andi get Elena to her room while Becca and Luka walked to our room. Leaving Jesse and I alone in the kitchen. "This is going to be fun" I said, looking at the mess in the kitchen. "It's everywhere". Jesse grabbed a towel and bent down to soak up the wine pooled on the floor. After a while, we finally got the kitchen back in order. "I could go for a glass of wine" I laughed. "Don't even say that" Jesse said, "After what happened tonight, no one's drinking for a while" he laughed.
I decided to finally call it a night. When I reached for the door handle, I quietly cracked the door assuming Becca was sleeping. Luka and Becca were sharing her bed. I decided to leave them be, so I grabbed a bra and shorts and I walked to Jesse's room. Gently, I knocked on his door before I opened it. I walked in, realizing he was in the bathroom. I decided to change into more comfortable clothes quickly before he walked out. I put on my shorts first, then took my shirt off. My back was to the bathroom door, just in case. Quickly, I put on my sports bra and turned around. "You could've taken your time ya know" said Jesse, smirking at me. Startled, I gasped. "Don't do that!" I said, laughing. "You're in my room, I can do whatever I want" he smiled.
Jesse walked over and kissed me. "I'm assuming you're staying with me tonight?". "Becca and Luka are having a moment" I said, "If you don't mind". Jesse jumped on the bed and motioned for me to join him. I smiled and pulled back the covers. "You know you can always stay with me" he said, wrapping his arms around me. "I know" I said, kissing him on the cheek. Jesse slowly began to fall asleep, but my mind was racing. "I'm scared" I said, not expecting him to respond. "Why?" he said, putting his head up. "Everything's happening at once" I responded. "I promise we'll be okay" Jesse said, kissing me. "Don't worry". "Okay" I said, closing my eyes. Not long after, I fell asleep.