White Lies

Chapter 26

Over the four weeks between Rory dropping off the divorce papers to Happy and her arriving at the clubhouse, the couple hardly said more than a few words to each other. They passed Emma back and forth, being as cordial as they could, but Rory was angry and hurt and Happy had never felt more betrayed. He wasn't fond of the feeling, if a brother caused it, there were ways to get right but he knew that there was no righting this and that he was the one who had committed the grievous wrong. Him feeling betrayed almost made no sense, to everyone but Happy, at least.

When Rory pulled in the lot to pick up Emma she took a minute to herself. It was getting harder to function as a normal human now that she was just shy of 30 weeks but Emma made the task even more difficult. That was without her tantrums and attitude that erupted when she realized her parents were not going to fix everything.

"You alright?" Tig poked his head in her car with a smile. "Jesus, you're a house."

As she looked up at him, eyes glistening with tears in the sun, she flipped him her middle finger. "You're such an asshole."

"I know but really, you okay?"

"No," she chuckled sadly. "This is hard. Before I didn't have to see him all the time and Emma was too little to understand."

Looking around, Tig could see hardly anyone had taken notice of her arrival. He slipped in the passenger seat and pointed out to the street. "Let's take a ride." Rory backed up and drove out still sniffling. "You don't wanna ditch em'?"

"I do," she said adamantly. "But I fucking love him so much it practically hurts, but this shit, I can't forget and I can't forgive him. I want to Tig," she pulled over as her hormones raged and caused her to burst into tears. "And Emma, she's suffering too, he'll only do it again, he'll hurt us all again."

Closing his eyes, Tig listened to her talk and cry while nodding along with her words. "I'm sorry, kid, I am. I know what he did but I know he fucking loves you."

"Takes more than love." She pressed a hand to her stomach. "A boy and a girl, I found out last week. What kind of example are we setting for them? I would die if my daughters grew up to be with a man like him and the last thing I want is my son to be some cheating womanizer. It's about so much more than love."

"Hap is a good guy," Tig said with a frown. "He's got shit going on; we all do, but don't put all this on them. You're no saint, ya little murderess."

Rory smiled and nodded. "I know that but I don't bring dead bodies home, and neither does he, he lies and cheats. You're right, he is a good man, but what he did, his view of relationships, is far from good. They'll learn that shit, Tig. They're like little sponges."

"So if you didn't have Emma you wouldn't divorce him?"

"I would," she said matter-of-factly. "It would be easier too. I could leave town and never have to see him again but this shit, seeing him kills me. Shit, even seeing you hurts. It's more than just Emma though, I can't let him do it, I gotta put my foot down, this isn't the first time either. I don't want to share, I won't and this won't stop."

-

Happy waited for Rory on the swings with Emma. She was never late but recently he noticed she had become many things she never was before, depressed, quiet, and cold among others. He didn't recognize her and it only added to his guilt.

"Alright, baby, I gotta run. Why don't you wait inside for Mommy to come get you?"

Emma pouted. "Can't you stay?"

Looking up at Clay as he and Jax headed for their bikes, he shook his head. "I can't, I'm sorry, but I'll see you Thursday."

"Okay." She dragged her feet back into the clubhouse and Happy nodded at Rat to stick by her until Rory showed. Five minutes would have made all the difference. As he turned onto Main he passed Rory and Tig on their way toward TM. Without letting Clay or Jax know, he made a quick U-Turn and followed them back.

"Brother," Tig stopped Happy from chasing after Rory as she marched up toward the clubhouse. "Don't jump down her throat."

"What were you two doing?"

"Talking," he pulled a face. "She doesn't have anyone and I was trying to smooth that shit over for you."

Just about ten yards up Rory stepped into the air-conditioned clubhouse with a smile that quickly fell as she saw Jenna talking to her daughter. Charging forward, Rory pushed Jenna back. "Stay away from my child."

"Watch it," Jenna sneered. "I was invited. You're just using this as a drop zone."

"Who invited you?" Rory asked worried she may not want to know the answer.

"I don't have to answer that," she smiled. "You're just an ex old lady."

"And what are you?" Having to sensor herself in front of Emma was difficult but Rory refused to give in. It was what Jenna wanted. "It doesn't matter, you're nothing and you'll never be anything to anyone here."

"I'm the girl Happy fucked when you weren't around you fat ass."

Rory stopped, paralyzed not only by anger and embarrassment but also by the look on Emma's face. "Mommy, what does that mean? What did she say about Daddy?"

"You need to leave." Gemma stepped away from Opie's kids that she'd been saddled with again and gave Jenna a bone-chilling look. "Because pregnant or not, she will fuck you up."

"Nothing, baby, she's being silly." Rory whispered desperate not to cry. "Don't listen to her, okay? Let's just go home."

"I'm not scared of her." Jenna announced. "The bad ass bounty hunter can come after me all she wants."

When Rory turned, Emma's little hand in hers; she was face to face with Jenna who glared at her hatefully. With her free hand, she reached into her purse and wrapped her fingers around her gun. She hadn't been so wounded and, surprisingly, afraid, in years, it was almost suffocating.

"I'd watch my back if I were you because if I don't come after you for that comment, you can bet Happy will and it won't be as fun as your other rendezvous."

"Wanna bet?" Shaking her breasts in Rory's direction she smirked. "I'll change his mind."

Rory laughed and tilted her head to the side. Leaning in close to Jenna, Rory whispered. "I'd bet my life, I know my husband and he won't let that shit slide. Just like I know he'll never touch you again."

"Stupid bitch." Jenna practically howled as she lunged, snatching Chucky's favorite kitchen knife off the bar, and stabbed Rory a few inches left of her navel.

Everyone in attendance jumped into action as Happy, followed by Tig, walked into the bloody scene with horrified faces. "Ror," Happy dropped to his knees beside her. "Oh shit, baby, it's gonna be okay."

Panicking, Jenna dropped the knife and began to race out of the clubhouse. In a fit, Happy moved to chase her but Rory called out to him, terrified and in tremendous pain. "Please, stay with me. Our babies," she cried, "If she hurt our babies, Hap," he shook his head and silenced her.

"Babies are gonna be fine." He promised, "And I'll take care of Jenna, I swear."

"Call an ambulance," Piney roared quickly but Gemma was already on the phone.

Emma screamed as she hid under the pool table. "Mommy," she cried as she watched blood stain Rory's clothing and seep onto the floor. Tig crouched down and pulled her out, holding her close as he blocked her view of the scene.

"It's all gonna be okay, little girl. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry." Happy spoke softly as he held Rory's head in his lap, his hands applying pressure to the wound.