Chapter Two

Jordan wakes up with a massive headache. They groan. Alexia comes over with a glass of water and some painkillers. Jordan takes them. "Thanks. Sorry for last night." Alexia shrugs. "It's okay." Jordan rubs their face. "You pass me my pants please?" Alexia does so. Jordan puts them on and zips them up. Jordan chuckles. "You're staring." Alexia looks away. "Sorry." Jordan shrugs. "It's fine. Bathroom?" Alexia points to a door across the hall. Jordan smiles. "Thanks." Jordan goes to the bathroom and does their business. They flush and wash their hands. "You smoke?" Alexia shakes her head. Jordan nods. "Alright." Jordan goes downstairs and goes outside. They take out a blunt and light it. They smoke away. Alexia comes out. "So how do you feel?" Jordan blows out smoke. "Like shit. Thanks for pulling me away." Alexia nods. "It's not a problem. So who's the girl?" Jordan finishes their blunt. "My best friend's sister." "Was he killed?" Jordan nods. "In combat. My team Sergeant and a group of soldiers were on our way to regroup and resupply on ammo and then boom. A bomb hits the truck. Killed everyone except me and my Sergeant instantly." Alexia nods. "Coming home from war is hard. I know. My ex husband was a soldier." Jordan nods. "I know. I was stationed with him once. That's why I didn't react as weird when I saw you at PetSmart. He used to talk about you all the time." "I see." Jordan takes Alexia's hand. "I'm sorry about you two. Do you still get to see your son?" Alexia smiles and nods. "Every other weekend. He's coming today actually. For a whole week." Jordan smiles when Alexia tightens her grip on their hand. "Well I better get going. Have to get Jenifer home. You happened to go back to the bar and get my bike?" Alexia nods. "About an hour ago. It's in the garage." Jordan nods. "Thanks." Jordan goes and gets dressed fully and then gets Jenifer dressed. "Come on you." Jenifer groans. "No. Leave me alone." Jordan chuckles. "Come on love. I have to drive you home." Jenifer gets up and follows Jordan to the garage. Jordan helps Jenifer onto their bike and gives them the other helmet. Jenifer puts it on and then wraps her arms around Jordan's waist. "Thanks again Alexia. I put my number on a piece of paper in the bedroom Jenifer and I slept in so feel free to call or text me." Alexia nods and waves as Jordan rides off. Jenifer tightens her grip. Jordan smiles. "You scared of speed?" Jenifer nods. "Yeah." "Well we're almost there so don't worry." Jenifer hums. A little bit later Jordan pulls into Jenifer's parents driveway. They stop and Jenifer gets off and hands back the helmet. "Thanks for the ride." Jordan nods. "No problem. Next time I'll take you driving in my car haha." Jenifer giggles. "Okay. I'll see you." The two hug. Before Jordan rides off Jenifer's mother comes over. "You have some nerve coming here. I don't want you near my daughter." Jenifer comes over and pulls her mother away. "Mom relax! It's just a friend of mine." Lily pulls out of Jenifer's grip. "I know who this is and they are no friend of yours." Jordan sighs. "You know it wasn't my fault." "Not your fault. Not your fault! He never would have joined the army if it wasn't for you! He followed you because you were his best friend. Some friend." "I didn't make him do anything. He did it all on his own. I protected his ass right up until the day he got blown up! I was there. Every fucking day. I dragged him out of stupid shit. Where the fuck were you!?" Lily gets in Jordan's face. "How dare you. I worked my ass off to make ends meet. You know that!" "Yeah I know. When Ryley needed you I had to get him. Me. You were always busy." Jenifer comes between Jordan and her mother. "Okay enough! I can choose my friends. I can do what I want in moderation. Stop trying to defend me!" "I'm not defending you. I'm protecting you." Jenifer laughs. "Oh eat shit. You've never protected me or my brother. We had to basically protect ourselves. Jordan just did what they could because you were too busy working or fucking. I'm done. I'm done with your shit. I'll be back tonight." Jenifer puts the other helmet back on and gets on the bike. Jordan rides off. Back at Jordan's. Jenifer gets off the bike and puts the helmet beside Jordan's. Jenifer takes Jordan's hand. They smile. "I promised your brother I'd care for you if you were to ever leave your parents so feel free to take one of the upstairs bedrooms. Just not the one by the stairs." Jenifer nods. "Yours?" Jordan nods. "So any of the other three bedrooms up there." Jenifer nods and goes upstairs. A little later on. Jordan's phone vibrates.

Alexia: Hey I need a favor

Jordan: Sup

Alexia: My son forgot his pills at his dads and I haven't got anyone to watch him. Could you?

Jordan: Yeah sure. You want me to come there?

Alexia: If you can. If not I can drop him

Jordan: Nah it's cool. I'll be there

Alexia: Sweet thanks

Jordan: See you soon

Alexia: See you soon

Jordan goes downstairs and grabs their keys. "I'll be back in a bit." Jenifer nods. "Okay." "Help yourself to whatever you want." Jordan goes in their garage and gets on their bike. They ride off after putting their helmet on. At Alexia's. Jordan knocks on the window. Alexia looks up and smiles. She waves Jordan in. Jordan opens the door and walks in. They take off their shoes after closing the door. "So I'll be back in about an hour." Jordan nods. They go and sit down next to Alec. "What we watching?" Alec shrugs. "Some stupid cartoon. My mom put it on." Jordan scrunches up their face. "Lets turn this crap off." Jordan flips through the channels. Jordan stops when Alec places his hand on their hand. Jordan puts down the converter and watches the TV. Alec sighs after the show is over. "I'm bored." Jordan nods. "I see. Wanna play a game?" Alec shrugs. "My mum doesn't have any systems. Lame." Jordan laughs. "Okay then hmm. Let me think." Alec walks over to the window and looks out. He gasps. "Wow! Is that your bike?" Jordan smiles. "Yep. My dad got it for me on my 19th." "Can we go for a ride? Please please please?" Jordan laughs. "Alright calm down. You're not big enough yet bud. Maybe next year." Alec sulks. "Ohhh." Jordan looks at Alec. "Wait come here." Alec does so. "Stand up straight." Alec stands up straight. Jordan hums. Just as they finish telling Alec he is big enough Alexia walks in the door. Alec sighs sadly. "Damn." Jordan smiles. "Maybe tomorrow." Jordan winks. Alec smiles. Jordan and Alexia hug. "Thanks for this." Jordan pats Alexia's shoulder. "Not a problem. Well I have to go." Alexia and Alec nod. Alec looks sad. Jordan smiles. "Come." Alec follows Jordan outside. Jordan helps Alec up on their bike after getting on. Jordan turns on the engine. Alec looks happy. "Mom! Look I'm on a motorcycle!" Alexia comes out of the house and hums. "I see that. Do you have a helmet?" Alec looks sad and shakes his head. "Can we get one?" Alexia shakes her head. "I can't afford one bud." Alec sulks and gets off the bike with his mother's help. Jordan hums. "What size helmet do ya need?" Alexia looks at Jordan. "Hm?" "What size?" "Oh um 5 or 6 I think. Why?" Jordan winks at Alec. He smiles. "I'll see you two tomorrow." Jordan rides off. Alexia looks confused. Back at home. Jordan walks in the door and Leo comes running over. "Hey buddy." Jordan pets Leo. Leo then barks. Jordan smiles. "Come on bud." Leo follows Jordan outside. The two play for a little while outside. A little after 9 Jordan and Leo go inside. Jenifer comes over. "I'll be back. My friend and I are going to go get my stuff." Jordan nods. "Alright. I'll be in bed." "We'll try our best to be quiet then." Jenifer leaves. Jordan goes upstairs and has a shower. After they finish they brush their teeth and dry off. Jordan puts on a pair of boxers and then climbs into bed. Leo jumps up and lays down beside them. Jordan plugs in their phone and turns on their TV. Jenifer comes back and her friend helps her bring her things upstairs to her room. Jenifer and her friend try and carry her bookshelf up the stairs but it falls with a small bang. Jordan gets up and opens their door. "What's with the racket?" Jenifer looks up. "Sorry. My friend and I were trying to carry up my bookshelf and my hand slipped." Jordan sighs and comes down. "Look out." Jenifer moves and Jordan lifts up the bookshelf. Jenifer's friend tries to help. "I've got it." Jordan carries the bookshelf up the stairs with no issues. Jenifer and her friend David follow. "You okay?" Jordan nods. "Fine. Open the door more please." David pushes the door open further and Jordan walks in and puts the bookshelf down. "You guys figure out where to put it. I'm going back to bed." Jenifer hugs Jordan. "Thank you." Jordan hugs back. "You're welcome. Night." "Night." " Good night Jordan." Jordan goes back to bed. David leaves after helping Jenifer move the bookshelf where she wanted it. Jenifer goes to bed. The next morning. Jenifer wakes up and gets out of bed after stretching. She opens her door and goes downstairs. "Mmm. What smells so good?" Jordan finishes cooking. "My favorite. It's something my mum used to make me. Can't remember the name though. Its something Ukrainian." Jenifer and Jordan sit and eat. "Was your mother from Ukraine?" Jordan nods. "My mum was from there and my dad is from Italy." Jenifer nods and continues eating. "This is delicious by the way." "Thank you." The two finish eating in silence. After they're both done eating Jenifer washes the dishes. "So what's on the agenda for today?" Jordan shrugs. "Not much. I'm going for a ride around noon and then I might go visit my dad after that. I'm not sure. You?" "I was thinking about going to the mall after my shower with my friends from the bar and then go out for dinner with them later on tonight. Did you want to come? I mean if you don't go see your dad." "Maybe. I'll see. I'm off to shower." Jenifer nods. Jordan goes to shower. As they're showering their phone starts ringing. "Jenifer you get that for me!?" "Okay!" Jenifer goes in Jordan's room and grabs their phone.

"Hello Jordan's phone." "Hello. Who's this?" "It's Jenifer. Who is calling?" "It's Julie. I need to talk to them." "One moment."

"Jordan it's for you." "Who is it?" "Julie." Jordan groans. "I'll call her back." "Sounds important." "I'll call her back."

"Sorry they can't come to the phone right now. You want to leave a message?" "No thank you." "Okay then. Bye bye." "Bye."

The call ends. Jenifer puts the phone down on Jordan's nightstand. "So what's with this Julie? Why don't you want to talk to her?" "It's personal." Jenifer nods. "Okay. Sorry." Jordan finishes drying off. "It's fine." Jenifer goes to leave. Jordan grabs her wrist. "You don't have to leave the room you know." Jenifer sits on the bed. "So who you going riding with?" Jordan takes off their towel and hangs it up. They then put on a pair of boxers. "A friend of mines' son. That reminds me. Can you do me a favor?" Jenifer nods. "What's up?" "Can you go in my basement and find a helmet with flames on it?" Jenifer nods and goes to do that. Jordan finishes getting dressed and grabs their leather jacket. They throw it on and put on their leather gloves. Jordan finishes putting on their biker boots as Jenifer comes up from the basement. "This it?" Jordan smiles and nods. Jenifer passes it. "Thank you." Jenifer nods. "No problem. Where you off to right now?" Jordan grabs their keys. "I have to drop off someone at an appointment so I'll be back. Be showered by the time I get back and I'll drive you and your friends to the mall." Jenifer nods. "Okay." Jordan leaves. Nick gets on the bike after putting on the helmet Jordan hands to him. Nick wraps his arms around Jordan and they ride off. At the doctors. Nick and Jordan walk in the building. "You want me to stay or come back?" Nick holds Jordan's hand. "Stay. Please." Jordan sits down with Nick and waits. "Nick Roswell?" Nick and Jordan stand up. They follow the secretary to another room and the two sit down. "He'll be right with you." Nick nods. Jordan is playing a game on their phone when the doctor walks in. They pause and turn off their phone. "So Nick. How are you feeling?" "A lot better thank you." "That's good to hear. Well I've got your results back and guess what." "What?" "You're all better. The cancer is gone." Nick smiles. "Really?" The doctor nods. "Really really." Nick stands up and hugs the doctor. "Oh okay." The doctor hugs back. Nick then hugs Jordan. "You're okay." Nick nods. "I'm okay. Oh thank god." "I expect to see you once every five months now." Nick nods. "Of course." The doctor leaves. Nick and Jordan leave. Back at home. Nick hugs Jordan and then goes into his house. Jordan walks in the door and is immediately greeted by Leo. Jordan sits on the floor and pets Leo for awhile. "Jenifer!" "Coming!" Jenifer comes down the stairs and puts on her shoes. The two leave the house and get in Jordan's car. Jordan starts the engine and drives off. Jordan follows Jenifer's directions to Taylor's then Kylie's then Sara's. As they're waiting for Sara to come out. "Hey you go in my glove compartment and grab me the container in there please?" Jenifer nods and does so. She passes it to Jordan. "Thanks." Jordan opens the container and takes out a long blunt. Jordan looks in the review mirror. "You girls smoke?" "Uh yeah. From time to time." Jordan hands the blunt to Jenifer and grabs a smaller one for themselves. Jordan lights theirs and then hands the lighter to Jenifer. Jenifer lights the blunt and then puts the lighter back in the container and closes it up. The group smoke away. Finally Sara comes out and gets in the car. Jenifer hands the blunt to Sara. She takes a few puffs and then passes it to Kylie. Jordan finishes their blunt and then puts it out in the ashtray. "There's an ashtray in the cup holder in front of you Kylie." She nods. By the time the four finish the blunt Jordan is close to the mall. Jordan coughs a few times. They pull into the parking lot of the mall and stop at the mall's entrance. "You guys will have to take the bus home so I've given Jenifer some cash for it." They all nod and say thank you as they get out. "Yo Jen." Jenifer comes over to the window on Jordan's side. "You be careful okay?" Jenifer nods. "Okay. Thanks." Jordan kisses Jenifer's cheek and then watches her and her friends enter the mall. They then drive off. A few hours later. Jordan's phone rings. They stop at a gas station and grab it.

"Hello?" "Jordan thank god I've caught you. I need your help." "What's going on Jen?" "I can't really explain it. Just. Just come. Please." "I'm on my way."

The call ends. Jordan dials Alexia's number. It rings.

"Hello." "Hey can you do me a favor?" "What's up?" "Can you drive your son to the mall and then stay and wait for me in your car?" "Yeah why?" "I promised him I'd take him riding today. Just please." "Alright I'll see you there." "See you there."

The call ends and Jordan speeds off. Jordan quickly gets off their bike and runs into the mall. Their phone rings.

"Where are you?" "Near the food court." "Okay I'm on my way."

Jordan runs to the food court. Jenifer comes over and hugs Jordan. Jordan hugs back. Once Jenifer pulls away Jordan puts their hands on Jenifer's face. "You okay?" Jenifer shakes her head. "I'm scared. A guy behind us at the subway line started following us wherever we went and now I'm scared." Jordan holds onto Jenifer's hand and walks with her to the table where the other girls were sitting. Jordan sits down and Jenifer sits on their lap. "You girls okay?" They all nod. "Just a little spooked." Jordan nods. Jordan's phone vibrates. They grab it.

Alexia: We're here

Jordan: Come to the food court. I'll buy you and Alec some lunch

Alexia: On our way

Jordan puts their phone back in their jacket pocket. Jenifer starts shaking when she sees a man start walking over. "That's him. That's the guy who's been following us." Jordan looks and nods. "Okay I see him." The man stops. "Hello." Jordan smiles. "Hello sir. May I help you?" The man shakes his head and walks away a little bit. He turns around and started coming back. Jordan opens their jacket up a bit and then the man walks away. Jenifer giggles. The girls look confused. "What?" "The guy walked off because he saw the bottom of Jordan's desert eagle." Taylor looks over. "You have a gun?" Jordan smiles. "I'm a veteran. Of course I do." Kylie looks amazed. "I didn't know you were a soldier." Jordan smiles. "Well now you do." Alexia and Alec come over. Alec taps on Jordan's shoulder. They turn. Jordan smiles. "Hey. What do you want to eat?" Alec thinks as he looks around. "Ou taco bell." Jordan nods. Jenifer gets up so Jordan can. Jordan takes Alec's hand and they go to order. Once the food is ordered the two wait off to the side. Jenifer comes over and holds Jordan's hand. Jordan kisses Jenifer's forehead. Once Alec gets his food he walks over and sits down next to Kylie. Alexia comes back from the bathroom and sits next to Jordan. Jenifer sits on Jordan's lap again. "So what's college like?" Jenifer shrugs. "Boring." Taylor,Sara and Kylie all nod at that. Alexia smiles. "I see." Once Alec is finished eating he throws away his garbage. The group walk around the mall for a bit. Alec pulls on Jordan's sleeve. They nod. "Okay bud. Just hang on." Jordan pulls Jenifer aside. "I have to go." Jenifer shakes her head. "No please." Jordan puts their hand on Jenifer's face. "You'll be fine." "I'm scared." Jordan sighs. They take out their gun and put it in Jenifer's hand. "Put it in your waistband." Jenifer does so and then puts her shirt down. "If you ever feel the need to use it, just show it off. None of the security will care. They are carrying too." Jenifer nods. Jordan kisses Jenifer's forehead and then walks away with Alexia and Alec. The three leave the mall. "So you have a helmet for him?" Jordan nods. They take it out of the bike seat and put it on Alec's head. "Is it okay?" Alec nods. "All good." Jordan gets on the bike and starts it up. Alexia helps her son up on the bike. Alec wraps his tiny arms around Jordan tightly. "I'll see you later." Alexia nods and kisses Alec on the forehead. Jordan rides off. Alexia drives home. Jordan turns left. "You okay back there!?" "Yeah!" Jordan nods. Jordan stops in a driveway and stops the bike. Jordan helps Alec get off. "Wait by the garage." Alec looks confused but nods. Jordan knocks on the door. A few seconds later the door opens. Jordan smiles. "Hey dad." George smiles and hugs Jordan. Jordan hugs back. They pull away. "Come in come in." "I can't stay. I just needed to see you." "Just for a little bit then. We'll have a glass." Jordan sighs and then nods. "Come on Alec." Alec follows Jordan into the house. "Don't touch anything." Alec nods and sits on the couch. Jordan and George sit at the table and drink a glass of Scotch. "So how's it feel to be back?" Jordan takes a small sip. "It feels weird. Dad I'm sorry." George puts his hand on Jordan's. "For what?" Jordan starts tearing up. "I can't do it anymore. I tried to honor it like you did but I can't. One more and I'm done." George smiles and pats Jordan's arm. "It's okay buddy. I wasn't expecting you to do it for me or anything." "I just. I wanted to make you and mom proud." George finishes his glass. "I am. I'm sure your mother is too. When are you due back?" Jordan finishes their drink. "Six months today. I don't know if I can do it though. It hurts too much to be doing this without Ryley." George hugs Jordan after they've both stood up. Jordan hugs back tightly. "Then do what I did." Jordan shakes their head. "I'm gonna do it." George nods. "Okay. Just come home alive okay?" Jordan nods. "Yes sir." The two hug again. Jordan walks to the door. "Come on bud." Alec gets up and follows Jordan out. Alec puts the helmet Jordan hands him on. Jordan starts up the bike. George comes over and helps Alec up on the bike. "You visit me before you leave you hear me?" Jordan nods. "Of course dad. We'll have a glass of Scotch again. Or a few." They both chuckle. "Bye bud." "Bye dad." George backs away and Jordan rides off. They stop at a red light. "Where you wanna go now?" Alec shrugs. "We can go back home. It is nearing dinner time now." Jordan checks their watch and hums. "So it is. Alright I'm gonna drop you off at home." Alec nods. "Okay." Jordan rides off once the light turns green. Back at Alexia's. Jordan helps Alec off the bike after taking the helmet off his head. Alexia comes out and hugs Alec. "Did you have fun?" Alec nods. "Lots. Can we get one?" Alexia shakes her head. "Mommy can't afford a bike right now bud." Alec sulks. Jordan comes over. "Hey cheer up bud. You have me.". Alec smiles and hugs Jordan. Jordan chuckles and hugs back. "Alright bud I gotta go." Alec pulls away. "See you again soon." Jordan nods. "See you buddy." Jordan gets back on their bike. Alexia comes over. "Jordan. Before you go." Jordan hums. "What's up?" "I need a favor." "Okay." Alexia scratches the back of her neck. "I have a date on Saturday so I was wondering." Jordan puts up their hand. "Say no more. He can stay with me. Just in case." Jordan winks. Alexia smiles. "Thanks. I'll see you." Jordan nods and rides off once Alexia backs away from the bike. A few minutes later Jordan turns off their bike and get off. Jordan hangs the helmets on the wall and then walk into the house. Leo comes over and jumps up on the couch by Jordan. They pet him and give him kisses. Jenifer and her friends come in from the backyard. The girls say hi and Jenifer comes over and hugs Jordan. Jordan hugs back. "You ready?" Jenifer nods. So do the girls. Jordan goes upstairs to the bathroom and does their business. Jordan then washes their hands and freshens up. A couple squirts of cologne and Jordan goes downstairs. "Lets go." The group leave and get in the car. Jordan starts up the engine and drives off. "Because of Jenifer being the only one who is 21 the three of you have to stick close to me." Taylor,Sara and Kylie nod. "Okay." Jordan pulls into the parking lot of the restaurant and parks. The group walk into the restaurant after Jordan locks their car. They grab a booth and sit. The group order. "Sorry. I have to ask. Are you girls 21 and/or over?" Jordan looks at the man. "They're with me Lionel." "My bad." Lionel walks away. "So how is it you know everyone here?" Jordan puts their arms up on the booth back. "My family owns this restaurant. Well my grandparents do. You'll see them later." A little later they're all eating. Jordan finishes first and sits back. A few minutes later an elderly couple come over. Jordan smiles. "Hey." "Hey love. How was Vietnam?" "Shit. War everywhere." The couple nod. "Well we're glad you're safe. Hey Jenifer. It's been a long time." Jenifer waves. "Hello." Janet smiles. "You haven't changed. Still polite as ever." Jenifer taps her mouth clean. "Yes ma'am. These are my friends Taylor,Sara and Kylie. They go to school with me." Janet and Paul shake the girls' hands. "Well it was nice meeting you girls. Take care." Paul and Janet walk off. Jordan looks over just in time for a woman to look away. Jordan smiles and takes a big sip of their drink. Taylor is the last to finish eating. "You want dessert?" The girls shake their heads. Jordan looks over at Jenifer. "You?" "I'll split a piece of fudge cake with you." Jordan nods. "Okay." Jordan orders a slice of fudge cake with two forks on the plate. "That lady keeps staring at you Jordan." They smile. "I know. That's Julie." Lionel comes over with dessert. "There you are." Jordan smiles. "Thank you." "You're very welcome. Enjoy." Lionel walks away. Jordan and Jenifer eat away at the cake piece. Once there was one tiny piece left Jenifer groans and puts her fork down. "I can't." Jordan smiles and eats it. They put down their fork and take a sip of their drink. The group chat for a little bit. After a little while the group get up to leave. Jenifer and the girls wait by the entrance as Jordan pays. They then walk over to Julie after Sean goes to the bathroom. "Stop stalking me. You're the one that ended it." Jordan walks away and goes downstairs. "I'm leaving now." "Well bye bye darling. Come see us whenever." Jordan hugs Paul and Janet and then goes back upstairs after going to the bathroom and washing their hands. Back in the car. "So am I driving you girls home or you staying over?" They shrug. "I don't care if you girls stay." Taylor shakes her head. "Maybe some other time." "Yeah. Some other time." Kylie smiles. "I'll stay." Jordan nods. Jordan drops off Taylor and Sara at their homes. Jordan pulls into Kylie's driveway. "I'll just be a minute." Jordan and Jenifer nod. As they're waiting Jordan lights a blunt. They blow out the smoke and pass it to Jenifer. She takes a few puffs and blows out the smoke. Jordan takes the blunt from Jenifer's fingers and takes a few puffs. They blow out the smoke and flick the ash into the ashtray. Kylie comes back out and gets in the car. Jenifer takes a puff and blows out the smoke. She offers it to Kylie. "Mm?" Kylie takes it and takes a few puffs. She hands the blunt to Jordan and blows the smoke out. Jordan and Jenifer take one more puff each and then hand the blunt to Kylie to finish off. Jordan drives off. "Hey I have a question." Jordan hums. "Sup?" Kylie finishes the blunt and puts it out. "Say if I was dating you what would I call you?" Jordan turns. "Your partner. Your significant other." Kylie nods. "I see." "Why you ask?" Jenifer giggles. Kylie slaps her arm. "Kylie has a crush on someone in our biology class." Jordan pulls into their driveway and turns off the car. The three get out and Jordan locks it. Jordan immediately goes to the stairs after they walk into the house. "Night girls." Jenifer and Kylie say good night and turn on the TV. Jordan plugs in their phone and goes into their bathroom. They brush their teeth and then strip to just their boxers and climb into bed. Leo lays down on his bed. Jordan falls asleep.