Desire

 

 

                                                                                        Chapter

3.

 

 

 

Brian turned the radio on as soon as he left the campsite in hopes to delay the inevitable confrontation between Lisa and Vickie. He knew Lisa had been on the warpath ever since she heard what had happened last night. When she didn’t say anything to Vickie while they were packing up the stuff he thought, more like hoped that maybe nothing would be said. However looking at his lovers beautiful face, he read loathing in its expiration. His fear was soon confirmed.

   Lisa reached over and clicked the radio off and glanced over at Brian annoyed that he had turned the damn thing on in the first place. She knew he was trying to force her silence but she just had to say something to Vickie. She could not believe her friend would carry on the way she had been. Lisa couldn’t understand what was going through her friends mind. ‘Jake seemed like a nice enough guy.’

 Lisa couldn’t help but notice the angry look on Brian’s face as she turned in her seat to confront her friend. She was sorry to have to drag Brian into this but the opportunity to question her friend with out her friend being able to escape was to good to pass up. Lisa couldn’t let this opportunity go. Vickie sat in the center of the back seat, arms crossed in front of her. She was glaring back at Lisa ready for the on slaught.

 “What the hell were you thinking?” Lisa began her attack.

 “You have no right!”

 “I have every right, I don’t need a friend that’s going to go around and sleep with anything that has a penis.” Lisa turned so she was almost sitting in between the two front seats.

 “How come Destiny’s not getting the same lecture? She’s been trying to steal Jake from me ever since the rest stop.” She said in cool, calm voice.

 “That’s just your paranoia.”

 “That’s were your wrong.” Vickie’s smile held victory. “I saw a note that she had written Jake last night about sorry for loving him or something like that, I can’t remember word for word I was to upset when I read it.”

 “Where is the note now?” Lisa was anxious to read this for her self. As far as Lisa knew Destiny was still a virgin and had sworn to stay that way until the right guy had come along. Could Destiny have fallen in love with Jake? How desperately Lisa hoped her gut wrenching speculation was untrue, if it wasn’t than she was going to have to pick up the pieces when Jake discarded Destiny when her usefulness as a tool to piss off Vickie wore off.

 “Jake took it from me. I don’t know what he did with it.”

 “We’ll maybe if you would stop running around Jake wouldn’t have to be making moves on Destiny. Than you wouldn’t be in this little predicament.”

 “Stay out of it Lisa you don’t know everything.”

 Lisa turned towards the front of the car. She was so angry with that woman she could tear her head off. ‘How dare she bring Destiny into this? Besides if Destiny really did kiss Jake than it was Jakes fault for seducing her. Destiny had no idea about such things for god sake her parents practically kept her in a plastic bubble.’ Lisa didn’t want to think any more she just wanted to melt into oblivion; she reached over and flipped the radio on. She was just going to have to talk to Destiny later.

   In private.

 

 

                                                               

 

 

 Destiny sat in the seat and watched the scenery rush by her as they drove down the Highway. She was wondering what Jake had done about Vickie. If weather they were still together or if he just needed time to get his life back together after breaking up with her. This whole situation was confusing the hell out of her. She was confused and in love with a man she wasn’t even sure she should be in love with. In love with him? No infatuation that what it was, pure lust. “Did you break up with her?” She asked as her curiosity got the better of her.

 “No!” Jake said softly, his voice carried a touch of remorse. “I’m not sure what I’m going to do yet.”

 Destiny had spun around to look at him, “What do you mean, not sure what to do yet? My god Jake, she cheated on you, doesn’t that count as a viable reason to break up with her?” Destiny couldn’t believe what she was hearing; there was no way he could still want to be with that woman.

 “There’s more at stake than you know Dess, I need to be absolutely sure of what I’m going to do and when I need to do it.”

 “Well if you would tell me, maybe I could help?”

 “Thanks Dess, but this is my own burden to hold.” He reached over and patted her leg.

 Destiny sat against the seat, crossing her legs and arms. ‘What could possibly be keeping Jake from getting rid of Vickie? That evil woman probably has something on him. Something so terrible that he is actually afraid to let her go.’ She thought to her self. ‘What possibly could she have hanging over his head?’

 “Look honey, I’m sorry that I can’t go into it with you; but this is something only I can work out for my self.” He smiled at her briefly before turning back to the road.

 There was no way Jake could tell Destiny about the baby. That the only reason he even agreed to marry Vickie was because he didn’t want his unborn child to die. How Vickie had threatened to abort the baby if he didn’t marry her in a couple of months. He had only been with her because of his damn male ego in the first place. All he had cared about at the time was the most single beautiful woman in the school by his side.

 Than it all went bad just when he was getting ready to break it off, she dropped the bombshell. ‘I’m pregnant’ she had said. ‘ And innless you plan on making me an honest woman Jake, I’m going to have to get an abortion. I will not raise this child by my self.” Jake could remember ever word of the conversation that would destroy his future.

 Jake had accepted his fate until the day he saw the golden beauty that sat next to him. Now his life was all screwed up and he was confused and didn’t know what to do. God help him that it wouldn’t drive him crazy.

 “Fine, what ever.” She said angrily, before turning to the window to look out side.

 “Damn it Destiny; I don’t need this.” He pleaded.

 “I’m sorry Jake I just can’t understand why you’re allowing her to treat you this way. What does she have on you? What’s got you so damn afraid to let her go.” Destiny turned in her seat and looked at him her arms crossed over her chest.

 Jake should have known that she would be smart enough to figure out that there was something tying him to Vickie. He guessed that she couldn’t possibly bring her self to believe he was in love with the woman. The sad part was that he would have to make her think he was. It was selfish of him, but he knew she would hate him more if she found out about the baby than if she just thought he was in love with his fiancée.

 “I fell in love with her. I just can’t let that go because she made one stupid mistake. I have to give her the chance to make it right again.”

 “It was a pretty big mistake.” Destiny rolled her eyes.

 “Yeah, I agree but she started to do that stuff because of what I was doing with you.” He used Vickie’s excuse. And regretted it as soon as he saw her reaction.

 “So what your saying is that I was a mistake?” Her arms fell to her side and her eyes misted over with unfallen tears.

 “No!” he raised his voice. “That’s not what I meant Dess, you could never be a mistake. It was me, I’m the one that should have been stronger. I’m the one that should have stopped it from going as far as it did. Don’t ever think this was your fault or that you were a mistake.”

 Jake glanced over at her than back to the road than back to her. He did this a few times trying to gage the look on Destiny’s face. The hurt in her eyes reached out and slapped him hard. At that moment he realized this young woman had allowed her self to be come more involved with him than he himself could ever imagine possible. God, he hated himself right now.

 Destiny couldn’t believe what she had heard coming out of his mouth. She just sat there stunned, staring at him; she had no idea what to say. She had been a mistake, he didn’t mean all that stuff that he said or did with her, he just wanted to make Vickie jealous and now it had back fired on him, not only had Vickie slept with some one else but some where along the way he had felt something for Destiny. At least she had thought he did. Maybe he just wanted to be friends to spare her feelings.

 Destiny turned towards the window once more and rested her shoulder against the door as her head laid against the cool glass. She was going to have to be friends with him if she was going to survive two months around. Fine she could do that. She needed no one to be happy. She closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths trying to keep from crying. Get a grip, girl. She told her self. The purr of the engine and the rocking of the car soothed her insides as a nothingness wrapped it self around her, no more sadness, no more regret, just glorious emptiness.

 Jake looked towards Destiny as her breathing came even and regular, she had finely found peace with her emotions through sleep. He knew she was on the verge of tears when he saw her lean towards the window, and he had to look away before her sadness engulfed him. Jake could only hope that in time her sadness would disappear and she could forget about him. He new there was no way he would ever be able to get over her and would carry the dream of what could have been with him for eternity.

 Jake leaned forward and turned on the radio hoping to drown out his thoughts. “How do I live with out you…” rang through the speakers.

 “Perfect!” Jake cursed to himself. Than flipped the radio off again.

Jake drove down the highway in silence. Destiny had turned towards him a while ago and Jake found him self-wishing she would turn again, he couldn’t concentrate, He kept glancing from her to the road. She looked so perfect lying there next to him. So at piece. How was he going to survive the next two months seeing her every day? He had no idea.

 

                                                                      

 Jake and Brian pulled into a little parking lot in front of Hiedi’s restraunt an hour after they had left the campsite. Jake couldn’t wait; him and Brian had planned a surprise for Destiny’s birthday the day before yesterday and had snuck away to call the restraunt to make plans. Jake had also decided to give the golden ring topped with sodalite, a bluish gray quartz crystal that he had originally bought for Vickie to Destiny. He thought she would appreciate it more. Hell, who was he kidding, he wanted her to have it so she would remember him.

 Jake and Brian went to the back of the parking lot and backed their vehicles into two parking spots. Lisa and Jake rolled down there windows so they could talk to one another. Jake couldn’t help but notice Lisa was still angry, except now he felt the anger towards him. At this point he didn’t care they were here to help Destiny celebrate her 18 th birthday and he wasn’t going to let anyone rune it for her.

 “Are we still going to … you know?” Lisa asked him, trying to keep all sounds of anger from her voice.

 “Of course, I just have to wake her up. She fell asleep on the way down.”

 “Wait until we get inside before you wake her.” Lisa climbed out of the car and walked over to his window. “We’ll make sure they have every thing set up and ready to go.”

 Jake nodded as he saw Brian exit the car than lifting up the driver’s seat, to let Vickie out. A flash of anger swept through his body when he saw her. Jake pushed his emotion aside and waited for Lisa and Brian to get the gifts out of the back of the car before heading to the restraunt and disappearing inside.

 Jake turned his body sideways so he could face Destiny. He leaned against his right side and gently touched her face with his left hand. She moaned. A lock of golden red hair fell across her face; Jake gently brushed it aside, than leaned forward to whisper in her ear

 “Dessie,” He kissed her cheek softly. “It’s time to wake up.”

 She moved under his hand causing Jake to sit back against the car door. He did not want her to wake up with him so close. She had suffered enough because of him and he was going to help her adjust to the new boundaries of their friendship by not touching her. Hell who was he kidding he was the one that couldn’t touch her with out loosing all restraint on his hormones.

 “ Come on sweetheart. Everybody’s waiting for us.”

 Destiny’s eyes blinked open as she looked at him. Her gray blue eyes taking in the masculine out line of his body as she tried to focus. She sat up in the seat, pulling down the visor to glance at her self in the mirror. She recoiled at the sight that greeted her.

 Jake saw the look of displeasure cross her face as she looked at her self; she started fixing her hair running her fingers through it like a comb. Than using her index finger to wipe the bottom of her eyes. Jake thought ‘If only she knew how much she didn’t need to do that.’ Weather her hair was messed up or neatly combed she looked like a some goddess stepping out of the heavens.

 “Okay! I’m ready.” She turned and smiled at him. Than reached for the door.

 “No, that’s my job.” Jake turned and opened his door.

 Jake stepped out of his truck, closed the door and went over to her side than opened the door to let her out. Destiny smiled and hopped out, stepping back to let him close it. Than followed him to the front of the truck. “The rest must have did you good?”

 “Why do you say that?” She looked at him curiously.

 “You’re smiling.”

 “Well, I had a good dream.”

 “I know.” Jake guessed as much from the occasional purring he had heard from her while she was sleeping.

 “How do you know?”

 “You talk in your sleep.” He smiled, teasingly.

 “What did I say?” she stopped him, grabbing his elbow.

 “Well, It’s more like what you did rather than what you said.” A devilish smile crossed his face.

 “Well…?”

 “I’m not going to tell you.” He resumed his walk.

 “Jake!” She caught up with him stepping in his way.

 Jake stood there looking at her innocently.

 “I’ll tickle you.” She threatened. Holding up her hands towards him and wiggling her fingers.

 “Promise?”

 “Brat!” She turned and started towards the restraunt, a smile crossing her face.

 “You’re the brat threatening me like that.” He walked after her.

 “You love me and you know it.” She glanced over her shoulder flashing him a smile. Than turned and ran towards the doors disappearing inside.

 “You have no idea.” Jake said to him self quietly. Than followed her inside.

                                                                                                                               

 

 They walked around the corner and saw everybody including some restraunt people standing around the table with a cake and three presents garnishing the top of it. Everybody broke out singing happy birthday with the exception of Vickie who was standing behind them arms crossed in front of her. Everyone was ignoring her.

 Destiny Smiled at the group as Jake walked up behind her and joined in the song. She could not believe they had set this up for her. When they were done with the song Brian held out his arm pointing to the cake and told her to make a wish. Destiny walked up to the white frosted dessert with Happy Birthday Destiny written on top and one candle glowing brightly. ‘ I wish Jake was mine.’ She said silently to her self, than blew.

 Everyone clapped and then sat down. The manager took the cake away placing it on a table next to them than handed them all menus and said he would be back in a few moments to take there order.

 “You have to open your presents first.” Brian insisted taking the menu from Destiny and placing it on the table.

 Destiny looked up at him a smile crossing her face.

 “This is from me and Lisa.” He handed her a medium size bag with tissue paper sticking out the top.

 “When did you have time to get me this?”

 “We brought it with us, along with these from your parents.” Lisa pointed to the two presents left on the table.

 “This is why you weren’t allowed in the back of the car.” Brian smiled.

 Destiny removed the tissue paper and looked inside. “You guys shouldn’t have.” She said as she pulled out a sleeveless gray blue summer dress from the bag.

 “We thought you could wear it if we go into town or something while we’re at the ranch.” Lisa said.

 Brian passed her the two presents on the table. “Mom and Dad said for me to tell you that they hoped you were having fun and enjoy your eighteenth birthday they wished they could be here.”

 Destiny opened up the larger of the two packages first and pulled out a black felt cowboy hat with a note from her dad. She read it out load after scanning it to make sure there was nothing to personal. “Hope your having fun. Thought you could use this, every cowgirl should have one.”

 Destiny put the hat on her head and modeled it for everyone who showed approving smiles except for Vickie. Destiny picked up the second box, which was slightly smaller and unwrapped it. There was a pair of black leather cowboy boots and another note. “Hope you could use these too. Love mom.”

 “Thank you everybody this was nice, unexpected, but nice.” She smiled at her companions. Than turned to face Jake when he had touched her shoulder.

 “There’s one more.” He held up a small black velvet box.

 Destiny turned in her chair to face him, than reached out and took the little box in her hand. She lifted the lid and gasped in surprise as a beautiful gold ring with a smoky blue diamond cut jewel stared back at her. It was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. Destiny took the little piece of jewelry and stuck it on her right ring finger than reached up and hugged Jake around the neck.

 “Thank you. It’s beautiful.”

 Destiny let go of Jakes neck when she heard a chair slid across the floor, she looked up to see Vickie get up and leave the table heading towards the bathrooms. Destiny tried to say something when Jake touched her on the shoulder than stood up and followed his fiancée out of the small dinning area towards the bathrooms.

 “Don’t worry sis.” Brian smiled at her. “Order something.”

 He picked up his menu, than grabbing Lisa’s and handing it to her. They sat there in silence going over the items on the glossy surface of there menus. Brian was not going to let Vickie rune Destiny’s birthday. She may not be his real sister but ever since he met her two years ago he had taken her under his wing. To him she was his little sister and he would take care of her any way he could.

 

 

 

 

 

 Jake saw Vickie standing by the bathroom doors arms folded across her chest. He walked up to her than leaned against the opposite wall and waited for her to acknowledge him. He didn’t have to wait long.

 “When did you find time to buy her that ring?” She asked angrily.

 “I didn’t. I had it with me, I was going to give it to nana when we got to the ranch.” He lied.

 “So what changed your mind?”

 “It was her birthday Vickie.” Jake crossed his arms.

 “So. The little brat got enough for her birthday.”

 “Look when you decide to grow up and stop acting like a child than we can talk.” Jake stood up from the wall. “Until than I will be at the table having lunch.”

 Jake turned to walk away when he felt Vickie’s touch on his arm. He turned bracing himself for a temper tantrum that was sure to come. She looked at him a tear falling from her eye, her chin quivering.

 “I’m sorry Jake. Sorry about now, sorry about the last three days, I’m just sorry about everything.”

 Jake nodded that he was listening.

 “I just got so jealous when I saw you around her.”

 “I like to be around her because she is honest and fun to be around and doesn’t expect people to cattier to her every whim.” Jake thought he had seen a flash of anger in her eyes, than it had gone away just as fast.

 “I know. Please forgive me Jake?”

 Jake was weary, never before had Vickie ever apologized for her actions. Perhaps she really has learned something. Jake said to him self. He was willing to give her the benefit of doubt. He put an arm around her and hugged her tight to him kissing her on the head she returned his affection with her own hug.

 “I know Destiny will understand when you ask for the ring back after all…..”

 Jake held her away from him. “I’m not asking for the ring back.” He knew she had an angle, he couldn’t believe just how cruel she really could be.

 “Jake you can’t give a ring to a girl other than your girlfriend, fiancée, wife, mother, you know…” She looked at him with confusion.

 “Who says?”

 “It’s an unspoken rule, ask Brian he’ll tell ya.” She smiled.

 “Well it’s not my rule. Destiny will keep her ring.” He turned and began to walk away from her.

 “No she won’t.” She yelled after him.

 Jake spun on his heels and walked back to her. “Now listen to me, if you do or say anything to Destiny to make her give you that ring, I swear to you baby or no baby it will be the last time you ever see me.”

 Jake turned and walked away from her again. He knew it was an open-ended threat he just prayed she didn’t know that. What a fool he was to think she had actually changed, to think that maybe she really did have a heart beating in that chest. Jake swore he was either on a mission from god or it was some kind of punishment for something he had done in a past life.

 Vickie stood there looking at the man that she hated, it had become personal know. She was going to make him marry her than she was going to destroy him bit by bit. How dare he treat her like some common person, she was Vickie Santinee. This guy who started out to just be a trophy has turned into a nightmare. First trying to break up with her at the end of the year, trying to discard her like some kind of garbage, like all the others. Than ordering her around like some damn servant. Who in the hell did he think he was? And that little tramp she’ll pay big time; she would guarantee it.

 Vickie walked back to others and sat next to Lisa. She flashed her best smile at Destiny and told her how pretty she looked in her cowboy hat and how she couldn’t wait to see her in that beautiful dress. She didn’t miss the look Jake flashed her. But winning Destiny’s confidence was all part of her plan.

 

 

 

 

   The group had finished there lunch and had a piece of cake. Destiny told the people at the restraunt to keep the rest of the cake and share it between them selves. Jake paid the bill than they all left the restraunt walking to the vehicles together, Brian and Lisa hand in hand. Destiny started to walk towards Brian’s car when Jake called to her. “Aren’t you riding with me?”

 “I thought you would want to ride with Vickie.” She pointed to the tall fiery red head standing by Jakes truck.

 “No, it’s okay sweaty.” Vickie walked over to Brian’s car where Lisa stood with the door open. “I wanted to talk with Lees anyway.”

 “Are you sure?” Destiny turned to Jake than Vickie.

 Vickie nodded at her, than crawled in the back of Brian’s car. Lisa climbed in after her, followed by Brian. Jake walked over to the truck and held the door open for Destiny than went around to his side and got in they headed down the highway towards his dads airport.

 

                                                                                                                                     

 

 Jake turned towards Destiny and saw her looking at the ring he had given her. She had excused her self right before they left the restraunt and had returned wearing the dress that Brian and Lisa had bought her, and the boots and hat her parents had gotten her. She looked like one of those models he had seen in his horse magazines. All that was missing was the horse standing by her side.

 “It’s really beautiful Jake.” She turned to him smiling.

 “I’m glad you like it.” He reached over and patted her on the leg.

 “What did you say to Vickie to make her be nice to me?”

 “Nothing.” He did not know what Vickie was up to but he was determined to find out. Vickie was not in a good mood when he had left her, and he knew she felt nothing but animosity towards Destiny. He was going to have to watch his fiancée and make sure she wasn’t going to hurt Destiny with a jealous rage boiling inside her.

 “Gosh, for a while there I thought I was going to have to give you back the ring.” She brought her hand up and watched it glitter in the sunlight.

 “Now you listen to me,” He glanced at her, and when she had turned to him he looked back towards the road. “That ring is yours and no one else’s don’t let anyone take it from you.”

 “I wont.” She didn’t understand why he was so angry. She would never give the ring to anyone.

 “Look honey, I don’t know what Vickie is up to, but I gave that ring to you and I just don’t want her telling you some cock-a-bull story so she can take from you. Okay.” Jake reached out and took her hand with his.

 “Okay! Jake.”

 “Good.” He brought her hand to his mouth and kissed it gently. “So, how did you like your birthday party?”

 “It was great. I still can’t figure out how you three managed to keep it from me.” She said, her spirits rising as Jake placed her hand on his thigh.

 “Good I’m glad.” He squeezed her hand gently. “So how are you feeling about flying? Brian said you’ve never been on a plane before.”

 “I’m a little nervous. I just hope I don’t get sick or anything.”

 “You’ll be fine, after all I’ll be there with you the whole time.” He glanced over at her flashing his best ‘trust me’ smile.

 “It’s not the flying part that bothers me so much, it’s the crashing part I can’t seem to get over.” She smiled.

 “Do you know that you are less likely to crash in an airplane than you are in a car?”

 “Do you know you have a 80% better survival rate in a car than you do in an airplane if it crashes?” She countered.

 “All right Dess, you got me there.” He turned and winked at her. “How about some music?”

 Destiny nodded her approval.

 Jake let go of her hand briefly to turn on the radio than took it back into his. He didn’t miss the fact that she had left her hand on his thigh. They drove the rest of the way holding hands and singing the songs that they knew on the radio. Both pretending there was no Brian, no Lisa, and especially no Vickie. Just the two of them, savoring this one moment in time.

 

 

                                                                    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 They pulled into a small airport outside of Cheeko, California. It had about ten huge airplane hangers; all but one had had small private jets parked inside. Jake pulled into the one that was empty followed by Brian’s car. They parked in the back, grabbing their luggage and locking the doors of their vehicles.

  Jake led them to a tiny metal building with a bay window in front and a tower off to the side. A tall, gray haired man in an orange jumpsuit walked over to them. He went over to Jake and threw his arms around him, engulfing him in a big bear hug.

 “Son, so glad to see you, how was your trip?”

 “Fine dad, I have some people I would like you to meet.” Jake turned to his companions.

 His dad turned, a smile beaming across his face.

 Jake pointed to each one of his friends as he called their names. “Dad this is Brian…Lisa…Vickie…and Destiny.”

 “Everybody this is my dad Jake Ryan Sr.” Jake put an arm around his dads shoulders.

 Destiny could not help but notice how much Jake’s dad looked like Jake just an older version of him. He still had well defined muscles, and a handsome face like some Greek god. He carried a since of wisdom and strength when he walked and his voice was husky and smooth just like his sons. Destiny couldn’t help but like this man, he was nice but carried a since of power that demanded respect.

 “Hi I’m Jakes fiancée.” Vickie offered her hand to him.

 Jakes dad accepted it than flashed his son an inquisitive look. Jake did not miss the expression.

 “Well,” Jakes dad paused. “Why don’t you guys get your stuff on the plane and get ready for take off. It’s the one over to your right. I hope you have a great time and my son doesn’t work you to hard.”

 “Thank you sir.” Destiny smiled.

 Jake Sr. smiled at her than put his arm around his son’s shoulders and started to guide him to his office. Jake turned towards his dad; he knew what his dad was doing. Jake hadn’t told anyone about his engagement with Vickie yet and he was sure his dad wanted to know what the hell was going on.

 “I just want to talk with my son.” He smiled.

 “That’s fine dad but I got to put my stuff on the plane.”

 “I’m sure your fiancée can handle it.” Jake Sr. turned and looked at the pretty woman who was standing looking at the luggage like it was some kind of monster that would jump up and bite her any second.

 “Ya right,” Jake muttered to him self. “ She’s not into manual labor dad.”

 Vickie reached down and picked up her suitcase than immediately dropped, sticking her index finger in her mouth. Than with drawing it looked at the nail. She looked towards Jake than turned towards Brian and flashed him a big smile. “Brian, sweetie can I get you to help me, I broke a nail.” She held up her hand to show him her finger.

 Brian rolled his eyes and walked over to her, stopping briefly to admire her broken nail than picked up the luggage. He looked at Jake and mouthed. “ My poor little nail.” Exaggerating the poor part than smiled at him before turning towards the plane.

 Jake’s dad watched all this with amusement on his face. Than shook his head and chuckled before turning towards his son one more time. “ I see.” Was all he had to say?

 Jake felt so embarrassed; he could not believe Vickie had done that right in front of his dad. He new he was never going to hear the end of this one for as long as he lived. He returned his dad’s smile.

 Destiny watched the whole scene from were she was standing next to Lisa. Vickie never seemed to amaze her. She politely excused her self, than walked over towards Jake and his dad passing Brian on the way. She couldn’t help but smile when he made a silent boo woo face and walked past her pretending to cry.

 “Excuse me Jake?”

 Both men turned and looked at her.

 “ Jake Jr.” She pointed at Jake while smiling at his dad. “I’ll get your bags for you, if you want to go talk to your dad.”

 “That’s okay Dess, I can get it.”

 Destiny bent down and grabbed his stuff; she slightly stumbled before she caught her balance. She looked up at the men and flashed them a smile, she saw Jake head towards her.

 “I got it,” she smiled. “Go talk with your dad.”

 Destiny turned and headed towards the plane with Lisa who had grabbed her stuff and Joined Destiny when she had reached her. They both headed off together.

 “Come on son.” His dad directed him towards the office again.

 The two men walked into the office, Jake’s dad holding the door open for his son. Jake went over and sat in a chair next to his dad’s desk. Jake Sr. went behind his great oak desk and sat in a huge cloth desk chair, he leaned back and rested his feet on top of the colossal oak mammoth.                

 Jake sat quietly, resting his ankle on his knee. He was waiting for the inevitable lecture on how stupid he was being for getting married this young and what was he thinking throwing his life away like that, so on, and so on, and so on. Know matter what his dad said to him he was not going to tell him about the baby that would make his dad furious. Ever since his could remember his dad told him and his older brother, if you have sex use protection. He had drummed it in their heads since they were fifteen, and the one night Jake didn’t follow his dad’s advice his girlfriend ended up pregnant.

 “Didn’t know you were getting married?” Jake Sr. raised an eyebrow.

 “Ya, well we decided a couple of weeks ago.” Jake shifted uncomfortably in his chair.

 “Oh! How long have you guys been seeing each other?”

 “For a while know.”

 “That long?” Jake Sr. smiled at his son. He withdrew his feet from upon his desk and placed them on the floor. He leaned forward, his hands together and placed them on the top.

 “She’s a little…” He paused. “Spoiled for your tastes. Don’t get me wrong she’s very beautiful just seems she would rather be waited on rather than be the one waiting.”

 “I think she’ll snap out of it.”

 “Never try and change a woman Jake. That’s what I tried to do with your mother and it killed her.”

 “Dad that wasn’t your fault.”

 Jake remembered that day like it had only happened yesterday. His mother always liked money which she had plenty from his dad but she also wanted the attention to go with it. She had wanted servants and limos that catered to her every need. His dad had said no one in his family would be serviced by other people as long as they had two arms and two legs to serve them selves. Shortly after Jake had turned six she ran off with a big rodeo star.

   One night during a violent storm, while they were on tour, her lover had fallen asleep at the wheel and drove off a cliff killing everyone and the horses instantly. Jake’s dad could never forgive him self for her death. That’s when they had packed up and moved out to Cheeko, California. His dad had thought that if he had only caved in and hired a servant or bought a limo she wouldn’t have left. She would still be alive to this day. Jake knew better, his mother would have left eventually anyway; the ranch life was just not for her.

 His dad waved off Jakes comment and moved on to another subject. “That little one seems real nice, and she’s not afraid of work.” He glanced out the window and saw Destiny carrying three duffle bags up to the plane.

 Jake followed his dad’s glance. Destiny was trying to make it up the stairs when Brian ran up to her and relieved her of two of the bags than ran up the stairs only returning shortly to grab the other one.

 “Ya, she’s great, dad.” Jake turned towards his dad who in turn looked at him. “She’s so funny and can come back at you with the cutest smart alic remarks. She can swim and kick box can you believe it. She practically took Vickie’s head off the first day we got to the campsite, I had to really use all my strength just to hold her back.”

 “Sounds like you two get along.”

 “Ya, I just wish I could have met her sooner.” Jake’s smile disappeared.

 “You know son, it’s not to late.” His dad stood up and walked over to him, touching his son on the shoulder. “That’s why people get engaged first.”

 Jake stood up next to his dad and nodded. If only he could tell him what was really going on. Jake longed for his advice, although he already new what his dad would say, you played, you pay. God if only Jake could have done that night over. Than again he wouldn’t have met Destiny either. It was a catch 22, with Vickie no Destiny, without Vickie no Destiny.

 His dad walked him out of the office and up to the plane were he waved goodbye to everyone and told the pilots to take care of his son than walked off of the plane and over to the tower entrance.

 

 

                                                                        

 

   Jake followed his dad into the plane and saw Vickie sitting by her self next to the window on his right and Brian and Lisa sitting together on his left. Destiny was seating in the back row her head tilted back against the headrest of the seat and her eyes closed. Jake could tell she was taking deep breaths in and out. She didn’t even look up when his dad had said goodbye.

 Jake walked over and sat next to her. Vickie looked back in his direction an expression of disgust on her face. Jake ignored her and turned his head towards Destiny than took her hand in his, he reached up and touched her cheek. He didn’t care who saw him Destiny was having a hard time with this flying thing and he was going to be by her side.

 “Didn’t think I’d leave you here by your self did you?” He smiled at her as she turned her head to look at him.

 “I think I’m going to be sick?” She was clammy and pale.

 The engines roared to life and the plane began to move forward down the runway. It vibrated slightly as it picked up speed for the take off. Than all at once it was off into the air, gliding towards the heavens. The seat belt light went off as a voice echoed through the speaker of the cabin.

 “The seat belt light has been turned off at this time. Please feel free to move about the cabin. We will be landing in Missoula, Montana in about three hours. Enjoy your flight and thank you for flying Ryan air.”

 “See we made it.” Jake tried to pry his fingers from Destiny’s hand afraid she might break one.

 “Jake, I’m serious, I think I’m going to be sick.” Destiny unfastened her seatbelt and stood up running to the back of the plane and into the bathroom shutting the door behind her.

 Jake stood up and went after her with Lisa and Brian following him. He tried to open the door but she had locked it. He gently knocked and spoke softly.

 “Dessie, honey…” He heard her heaving on the other side of the door. “Baby let me in. Please.”

 Lisa gently pushed Jake out of the way. “Honey, it’s Lisa. Let me in.”

 “Just you.” Destiny managed to say before getting sick again.

 “Just me.” Lisa looked at the two men beside her. She heard the door unlock and she stepped inside shutting the door behind her.

 The men stood there staring at each other. Brian trying to make Jake feel better by putting a hand on his shoulder. He knew that Jake wanted to be the one comforting Destiny but the true fact was that very few women would ever allow there boyfriends to see them vomiting in a toilet and defiantly not a guy that they liked. After all it wasn’t a pretty site. Brian would bet on it.

 “Jake can you go get us a towel, please?” Lisa spoke through the door.

 “Sure.”

 Jake ran to the front of the plane where some small serving towels were laid out on top of a small refrigerator. Jake grabbed a couple than opened the door of the little box and took out a 7- up. Jake took all three items back to the bathroom. He could hear Lisa telling Destiny not to worry about brushing her teeth, that she didn’t need to be minty fresh. No one was going to think less of her because she had gotten sick. Jake heard her tell Lisa that Vickie would than Lisa tell her Vickie wasn’t worth the effort. He smiled to him self. “Lisa I’m back. I brought some 7- up too.” Jake said through the door.

 Lisa opened the door a little and stuck her hand out. Jake sat the items in her palm and watched as Lisa drew them inside, closing the door behind her once more. Jake and Brian stood out side the door for a few minutes when Jake noticed one of the pilots walking towards him. He guessed that he had probably heard all the commotion going on from the cabin speakers. They were put there to monitor the cabin for trouble passengers.

 “What’s going on Mr. Ryan?” He asked Jake when he reached them.

 “One of my friends is air sick.” Jake replied.

 “There’s always one.” He smiled. “ Look if you can get your friend to come out of the bathroom I got some Dramamine, it will make your friend sleepy but it will help with the air sickness.” He turned and walked away with out waiting for an answer.

 The bathroom door unlocked and Lisa strolled out supporting Destiny with an arm around her waist she sat her in a chair in the back row and handed her the pop after telling her to only sip it. She turned towards the boys.

 “We heard what the pilot said.” She told them when they both opened their mouths to speak. “I need to sit down, Jake I leave her in your capable hands.”

 Lisa took Brian’s hand and led him back to their seats while she was holding her stomach. Lisa normally had a week stomach and couldn’t handle being with in earshot of people throwing up, but her friend had needed her so she was there. Now all she had to do was get her own stomach under control. She sat down as Brian went and got her a can of 7- up.

 Jake sat next to Destiny and put an arm around her shoulders. Destiny laid her head against his chest. She closed her eyes resting her hand with the pop in it on her lap. The pilot returned with an oblong pill and told her to take it, she would start feeling better in a few minutes. She did as he said with unsteady hands than laid her head back down on Jake chest.

 “I’m sorry!” She said softly.

 “For what? You warned me you were afraid to fly.” He smiled and kissed the top of her head. “Don’t worry about it, on the trip back we’ll take a bus.”

 She let out a little giggle than fell fast asleep as the drug took over her body.