Page 59 of Rebellious

Returning to the bed, Mort scooped Bailey into his arms and kissed her forehead.

As much as he wanted to find Johnnie, Bailey took precedence and always would.

Mommie was leaving.

As soon as a rehab facility was found for Mommie, she was leaving. For the time being, Mommie was still at Hortensia General Hospital getting checked out.

Lolly called Harley and updated her. Though Harley begged to see Mommie, she declined. Mommie’s ugly words to Harley upset both her and Lolly, leaving Harley uncertain how to feel. She sat in Uncle Val and Aunt Zoann’s den, numb. She’d probably brought her mother to this point long before Uncle Johnnie’s stupidity. Harley didn’t blame Rebel for wanting to kill their uncle. He deserved to die. He’d targeted both their mothers and almost ruined their marriages to good, decent men because he was a little man with a little brain.

What did all of this mean for Daddy and their family? His role in the club? Daddy loved Mommie enough to either resign or take a break.

What about Kaleb and Lou? They preferred doing dude things with Daddy and the cousins, but they loved Mommie, too, especially Kaleb.

School was still in session. Undoubtedly, the moment summer recess began, Daddy would pack up her and the boys and head to wherever Mommie was, if it wasn’t nearby.

Harley explored how she felt about that. Not good. She didn’t want to leave Hortensia for an extended period. Mommie didn’t love her anymore. Yes, it was Harley’s fault, but it made it difficult to be around her. She wanted to stay at Aunt Zoann’s. She was having a new baby, although she swore Harley to secrecy, still not wanting Ryan and Devon to know just yet. They’d probably be grossed out, knowing how babies were made.

Boys were silly. A giggle escaped Harley. Until she remembered her behavior when Mommie confided in Harley about her lost babies.

Guilt and shame replaced Harley’s numbness.

Karma, she supposed.

She’d rejected Mommie, Daddy, CJ, Lolly, Mattie, Rebel…everyone. Mattie warned Harley that Rebel’s forgiveness might be temporary. While Harley needed Rebel’s support, she’d stand at her side. But, Mattie said, Rebel worried Harley would hurt CJ again. Whatever else might be said about Rebel, it couldn’t be that she’d turn her back on her brother.

That conversation happened the night of the DNA tests, though. Before Rebel ended up in the hospital again.

Harley shivered, unable to believe Rebel almost drowned for a second time. She wanted to see her. When Uncle Val and Aunt Zoann left earlier, they’d invited Harley to come, but she hadn’t wanted Rebel or Aunt Meggie to send her away. She hadn’t wanted CJ to tell her she wasn’t welcomed.

Aunt Zoann left before Harley spoke to Mommie. She felt completely alone and abandoned. CJ said she could text him anytime. He’d even told her they’d go on a real date. That was days ago, though. She hadn’t heard from him since Rebel’s accident. Every time she thought of a message to text, she changed her mind.

Curling up on the sofa because she didn’t have the energy to make it to Ryan’s borrowed room, Harley wrapped her arms around her waist and drew her knees up, wishing she could evaporate into nothingness.

The ringing doorbell didn’t rouse her. No one wanted to see her, so she wouldn’t answer. She squeezed her eyes shut, hoping to hold in her tears, but only making them come faster.

“Harley?” CJ’s voice washed over her but she refused to open her eyes, afraid she was dreaming. “I’m on the way to see Rebel and I wanted to know if you’d like to ride with us.”

His hand brushed her cheek and the scent of his aftershave washed over her. She popped one eye open. His green eyes searched her face. He smiled.

“Hey, bae,” he greeted.

“You’re here,” she blurted, ready to launch herself into his arms before realizing Ryan probably let CJ in and stood nearby.

Dragging herself into a sitting position, she bit her lip, so tired of hurting everyone. Awkwardness settled into her. She shrugged.

“Ryan and me are going with Grant,” CJ explained.

Harley peeped around CJ. Ryan sat on the chair across from the sofa, smoking a cigarette.

“Grant’s in the kitchen, hoping there’s a slice of Mom’s thimbleberry cream pie left,” Ryan explained. “I think Dad and Devon devoured it for breakfast.”

“It was delicious,” Harley agreed. “I wanted another piece.”

“Aunt Zoann’s pie is the best,” CJ added. “Fuck, I wish I had known she’d made it.”

Releasing smoke, Ryan looked at CJ. “It was for you, cuck. She expected you to place at the Fair, so to celebrate your win she baked the pie for you, but after Rebel…” His voice trailed off and he glanced away.

“We came in fourth place,” CJ said as if it didn’t matter.