Chapter 1
The Docks
The wind blew gently against her skin, sweeping the tears away into dry air. She wiped more away as they feel. So many mistakes, so many lies, so much hurt, so much pain that was the story of her life. Would her life always remain like this? She looked down at her left finger it was once again bare. She had finally lost everything her friends, her club, her dignity and most of al her pride. She rubbed her shoulders trying to get warm, failing miserably.
He held the bottle of vodka tightly in his hands, the bottle was tempting him, teasing him to open it and take a drink. He sighed and tossed the bottle over the railing. His eyes wandered and thoughts raced through his mind. So much disappointment, so many failures, so many years wasted on the bottle and revenge. That was the story of his life. Would his life always be like this? He had finally lost it all ELQ, his power, his wealth, his pride and his dignity. He stopped when he saw a blonde on the docks sobbing, was it her?
“Courtney?” AJ asked.
“Please go.” Carly replied.
AJ froze when she spoke the strongest woman he had ever known stood before him like a broken doll.
“Go ahead AJ lash out, I’m all ready for it.” Carly said running her hands through her hair. She turned around and faced him, her eyes puffy and drained.
AJ slowly studied her he wouldn’t yell at her or break her, the damage was evident she was already broken. He looked at her eyes the fire in them was gone; all that remained was hurt and despair. AJ took off his coat and gently put it around her trembling body.
Carly stood there in awe of his kindness. She had hurt him so badly, tears of shame and hurt rolled down her face as he put the coat around her. AJ took in the sight before him. He could never hate her no matter what they ever did to each other. He instinctively pulled her into a hug. Carly didn’t flinch when he hugged her. She rested her head against his chest and sobbed. AJ stroked her hair as she cried. When her crying ceased and a few drops of rain began to fall Carly pulled away and AJ let her.
“Thanks for the coat.” Carly replied.
“No problem. Where’s Michael?” AJ replied coolly.
“At the house. Well, I guess I’ll be going.” Carly replied, she handed back his coat. AJ took it. Carly started to walk away.
“Hey Carly?” AJ asked. Carly turned around.
“Yeah?” She asked turning to him.
“Thanks for not letting him have Michael. Goodnight.” AJ said.
“Goodnight, AJ.” Carly replied.
AJ rolled his jacket and put it under is head, he laid down on the bench ready to sleep there. The rain began to fall and Carly looked at him, she walked over to him and grabbed his hand.
“Come on you can stay at my place tonight.” Carly said. AJ stared at her and finally followed her.
Carly’s House
She came down the stairs in her pajamas. She saw AJ looking at some of Michael’s toys on the floor. AJ picked up Michael’s favorite truck. He turned around when he felt Carly enter the room.
“I’ve missed a lot.” AJ said. Carly nodded. She moved towards him and looked at him. AJ turned to her.
“Was it really that bad? You, me and Michael?” AJ asked her. Carly took a deep breath. She didn’t expect this.
“I’m not sure.” Carly said. AJ nodded.
“There is a guest bedroom upstairs. I’ll show you where it is.” Carly said. AJ followed her up the stairs. When they reached the bedroom AJ went inside. He turned to Carly, their hands brushed against each other.
“Thanks.” AJ said. Carly nodded and walked down the hall to her room.