Once back at the camp, I see everyone gathered around the fire beside Kiara. My eyes search for her, and she is rocking Atsila on the wooden picnic table next to the trailer. I make my way towards her, pain hurts my heart, realizing that she is upset.
"Are you okay?" I ask when our eyes finally meet.
She shrugs her shoulders. "I don't know."
"Well, there has to be something wrong." I sit next to her.
"It's just Cricket, you think he would come over and say, "Do you need a break or want to socialize with people?" She says, bringing her face to her hands.
"I think you need to talk with him."
"I don't want to fight with him," she cries.
Looking at Atsila, I smile, seeing her fast asleep. With her rosy cheeks and Mike-stained lips, she looks just like a little angel.
"I am going to put her to sleep in her crib," Kiara tells me while leaving with the baby.
I watch the boys laugh and play cards. I always thought Cricket and Kiara were perfect together, but I guess every relationship has its issues. Kiara is back in moments, and we walk over to the boys.
Chetan is playing war with Dev and Cricket, some type of card game.
"Cricket, can we talk?" Kiara asks.
"Yeah, after this game." He doesn't even look up to see how upset she is. But Chetan does. He paused for a moment and then looked around. "Hey, Smoke takes my place in this game."
Chetan gets up and Smoke sits down, taking his place. Chetan walks toward us. "What's wrong Kiara?" He asks. I just now notice her eyes are watery. He grabs her face in his hands and brings his lips to her forehead. I see her instantly melt in his arm.
"Why are you crying hmm?" He asks her, rubbing her back.
"I have been taking care of Atsila all day, and it is just so frustrating because Cricket never helps," she cries.
"That's what you wanted to speak with him about?" Chetan asks.
Kiara nods.
Seeing Chetan comfort Kiara was a little shocking for me. But not different, they did use to date and were very serious.
Taking a peek at Cricket, I notice he didn't appreciate the scene. His face looked flushed and his arms crossed. He walks towards us in a huff.
"Do me a favor Chetan, don't comfort my girlfriend, she's fine," Cricket snaps.
"No, she's upset." Chetan drops his hold on Kiara.
"And I said we will speak after the game", Cricket steps into Chetan's face.
"I subject you back up," Chetan says through his teeth.
"I am not Ajay, I will whoop your ass." Cricket fits clenched at his side.
I see the other pack members are watching now. But most importantly Kirsten.
"You going to my whoop my ass, do it," Chetan steps closer to Cricket's face.
"Chetan Kirsten is watching, let's just walk away." I grab his arm.
"Zare, I am pretty sure you started this, the host of packed drama, Cricket, looks at me.
I see Dev and Smoke walking toward us. Dev ruffly grabs Chetan by the arm. "Bro, you don't want any of this", he says. While Smoke tries to calm down Cricket.
"Oh I do want to kick his teeth in," says Chetan, his fits shaking.
"I am right here pussy," Cricket yells.
Kiara walks away, and I notice she is sobbing. I turn to follow her.
"She's been taking care of that baby all day, maybe she needs a break," Chetan says, breaking free of Dev's gasp.
I see a change in Cricket, he takes a deep breath and wipes the sweat off his forehead. He looks toward Kiara. "I am fine," he calmly tells Smoke.
He doesn't say anything more to Chetan, he just walks over to Kiara. Moments later, I feel at peace when they break into a hug.
Night falls as darkness lights up the sky. I lay in the den with Chetan. He rubs my back as I lay on his chest.
"I was this close to punching Cricket in the face", he tells me.
"I'm glad you didn't."
"The dude is arrogant, he would benefit from getting his ass kicked."
"Are you sure you are not speaking about Smoke?"
Chetan laughs. "I normally don't have a problem with Cricket, he's probably one of the most honorable men here, but he is cocky at times."
"They just have to learn how to be parents."
"Yeah," Chetan says, kissing me on the forehead.
"I was shocked to see you comfort Kiara."
"Why I loved her very much when we were together, and I still care about her."
"Yeah." I look up and smile.
"Do I detect a hint of jealousy?" He narrows his eyes.
"I said I was surprised, not jealous."
"Ahhhh, I see," he says, bringing his lips to mine.