The Serpentine Syndicate MC: Manix

Chapter 30

'Rinaaaaaa'. The peace I felt sat in the car, air conditioning blasting was shattered by the small boy. Who's body scampered across the parking lot, paying little regard for the other vehicles and bodies present. His backpack that seemed to make up half his form, was smashing side to side and occasionally against the ground as he ran towards me. His smile only faltering when he had to stop and lug the bag, back onto his shoulders.

'Hey buddy, how was Camp?' Aldo had spent the entire day at a summer camp, a few towns over with a collection of his friends. A number of older kids had mentioned previously their experiences at the camp. With Aldo and his friends having overheard, begged to go. Upon further research, we found that those aged four to thirteen could stay during explicit days and individuals over the age of thirteen could remain for a number of days and/or nights.

Being this was their first time in attendance. The parents had collectively decided to send them for 'Scavenger Saturday' as the camp called it, to see how they got on.

'It was good, we did a scavenger hunt. We had to go in groups with an adult and tick off all the animals we could see, we also got to dig up the fruit and vegetables in the garden and help cook them for lunch'.

'Wow Alds that sounds amazing. I take it your happy to go again next year?'

'Yes, I'll be six so I can take part in the colour war'.

'That sounds good, we'll have to see if your friends are available for the winter camp later this year'.

I'm glad he found it such a fun experience, the last week I'd tried hard to put Aldo first. So much had happened that I didn't want him to feel like I'd ploughed into his life and left him forgotten.

Alice and the crew had been welcoming once I'd reappeared fresh and bright eyed. The mac and cheese night had been a big hit. The dinner table reminding me of one of those large Thanks Giving meals in the movies, coming from a family of only child's the change was pleasant. After having my first full nights sleep in Keaton's arms, only waking up once or twice, I'd been more prepared to tackle the days and more specifically the mess I'd made whilst in my slump.

The atmosphere within the club seemed to have improved. No longer were tensions thick, the men were able to focus on their typical task and the bar went back to full swing. I appreciated the club for paying their dancers, regardless of there being no dancing when the place was in lockdown. I understood by their smiles that didn't appear so artificial, the apples of their cheeks flexed, the laugh lines deeper. They were happy to be back.

Now Saturday evening had returned once again and I was situated at my typical spot behind the bar. There had been some commotion between Keaton, Ranger and I, to if I should return back to the bar so soon. Thought the fact the boys were on an evening run late into the night, meant I had ultimately won. The bar was oddly dull for a Saturday, even the dancers were sat in a booth chatting away to one another, no physical dancing in sight. But I guess that's what happens when your main customers are away.

I wouldn't tell anyone this, but I was fortunate for the lack of traffic. It meant I could ease myself back into the position without worry of copious eyes on me all night. I'd put Aldo to sleep in his room on the compound, the slow night meaning I could check on him more frequently than usual. Beneficial with Keaton being away.

Letting Ranger take over from me behind the bar, the bi-hourly check of Aldo could commence. The bed had been the very same on I'd tucked him into all those months ago, when his innocent form just needed someone to provide a motherly influence. Ever since Crystal had been removed from Aldo's birthday party, not once had she tried to re-establish contact with Keaton or her son. In many ways I was thankful, the emotional and somewhat physical damage she had inflicted on the small boy was irreversible. But a small part of me did wish he had his mother in his life, to share the momentous milestones.