The Unwritten Rule | Randolph Bell

Chapter 9

2 months later

Time went by fast, it felt like Jacqueline had just started work at Chastain and next thing she knew, it had already been 2 months. Jacqueline had built a good relationship with the nurses and the nurses looked out for her on somethings. She had built good relationships with the other doctors, she never received too much criticism from many patients, everything was golden. Her brother had offered her to move closer so he could give her rides home, but Jacqueline and Randolph enjoyed their time together.

She had even offered to find her own way home after things had calmed down, but Randolph had insisted. Other nurses said he wasn't that kind with too many people, but he was with her. Jacqueline tried not to think about that fact too often. Work usually had her preoccupied, that or her children.

That Monday was like every other day, it just marked the second month she had been at Chastain. Her shift had ended late and Randolph was waiting for her, adjusting his tie near the door. Being chief, he knew when her shifts ended and when they begun. Every day was always the same.

"You didn't have to wait, I could've found my own way home." Jacqueline smiled, meeting him at the front door as the two started to walk to his car together.

"I don't doubt that, Jackie, but I know you feel better when I take you home." Randolph walked to his car, opening the door for her. Every ride home was always the same, he always opened her door.

Jacqueline chuckled, "you're not wrong, but still." She got into his car as her phone started to ring. The caller ID said unknown and she just had a sinking feeling in her stomach.

Randolph got into the drivers side, looking at her as she answered the phone. He could see the slight shake in her hand as she answered.

"Hello?"

He couldn't quite make out the conversation on the other side, but there was a woman on the other side. He looked at Jacqueline's face and her face twisted as if she had eaten something sour. He could see the disgust plainly written on her face.

"You shouldn't be at my home," Jacqueline hissed. As soon as she said that, he put the car in gear and started driving towards her house.

Two months since the original incident. Two months since Jacqueline believed her sister was following her. Things had been calm up until now.

"You go in my house, that dog will not hesitate to protect his family." Jacqueline gritted her teeth, "I'm on my way. If you go into my house, I'll call the police."

Before the woman on the other side could say anything, she hung up the phone.

"Jackie?" Randolph glanced at her before turning his eyes back to the road.

"My sister," Jacqueline murmured. "It was my sister.."

Randolph was silent, he could hear the tension in her voice and the nervousness. The stories she had told him, he could only imagine what they were walking into.

The car ride was silent up until they arrived at Jacqueline's home. There was a woman standing outside her home, beside a beat up car parked out in front of the house. Randolph pulled into the driveway and Jacqueline was immediately out of the car. Randolph wasn't far behind. It wasn't that he needed to get involved, but he felt like he had to. Jacqueline was his friend and she seemed like she needed someone behind her.

He watched Jacqueline walk to the woman who looked exactly like her, just skinnier and paler. The woman tried to go in for a hug, but Jacqueline pushed her away. It was easy to make out what they were saying, Jacqueline wasn't hiding her hatred for her sister.

"Get the fuck away from my house. You think I want to come home from work and see you?" Jacqueline hissed.

"Jackie, listen, I just need some money and I'll get outta your hair."

Jacqueline snickered. "Money? You should've thought about that before putting me through hell with your piece of shit husband-"

"But that's it, Jackie, we broke up and I just wanted to apologize."

Jacqueline laughed, "apologize, right. Get the fuck out of my face, stay away from my house and my family or so help me God. You know exactly who I'll call if you try this again."

She turned to walk away only for her sister to reach out and grab her. Randolph stepped in the middle causing the sister to drop her hand and take a few steps back.

"I'll call you later, Jackie, so we can talk in private."

Jacqueline grumbled, walking to the house while Randolph watched the sister jump in the car and high tail it out of the neighborhood, screeching her tires as she did. Randolph sighed, looking at Jaqueline who slowly walked to the door of the house. Randolph caught up to her, taking her keys from her hand so he could unlock the door and pushed it open.

"Jackie." Randolph studied her face. He couldn't read her face, but noticed the tears.

Jacqueline shook her head, "I'm fine... Thanks, Randy. I know how she is, I know how this could've gone." She sighed, entering the house with Randolph behind her. This time, though, he locked the door once he had shut the door.

"That's what I'm here for," Randolph said, softly. Instead of going to the kitchen, Jacqueline plopped on the couch and buried her head in her hands. Randolph sat beside her, still looking at her. He wouldn't take his eyes off of her. Even for a second, he could see what Jacqueline spoke about with her sister and why she was worried.

Not to mention she did have two kids in the house.

Buster whimpered, plopping his body on the opposite side of Jacqueline and he stared at her as well.

Jacqueline removed her face from her hands, looking at Randolph now. "I'm serious, thank you."

Randolph gave a gentle smile, "of course. I'll stay for a little while to make sure she doesn't come back."

She nodded in response, leaning back and stared up at the ceiling. "I appreciate it. Not exactly how I thought my two month anniversary at Chastain would go."

Randolph sighed, "tomorrow is a new day."