Southern steel- Mack

4. Mack

6 years later

It's so strange to be pulling up to the clubhouse after 6 years away. I spent my entire life here. Now i feel like a stranger. I video called dad regularly, and he flew out a few times to see me when I wasn't deployed. I called and kept up with the guys as much as I could. Cora sent me care packages on a regular basis not just for me but my team. I wrote her back when I had down time.

For the most part they all kept me up to date on what was happening, but I still feel strange like I know nothing about this place. A couple years back dad called and asked if I was planning on coming home. I told him not anytime soon.

I had lived my whole life behind those gates and wanted to see the world, and what was out there. Dad said he wanted to start preparing the new club president, and it was my rightful place, but Titan had shown a lot of promise. He didn't want to start preparing Titan without speaking to me but said he was getting old and tired. He wasn't really that old, but it was a hard life. I told him I thought Titan was the perfect person to be the next President.

We didn't know at the time that Titan would be stepping in sooner than later. Dad didn't tell anyone except Pops that he had an inoperable brain tumor. He swore Pops to secrecy. There was nothing they could do because of where it was at. He never wanted anyone to potty him or worry. I found out 2 days ago when I got a call from Pops and Cora telling me I needed to come home. Dad had a stroke in his sleep and didn't wake up.

The club voted Titan in as President. Rubble an old club member who had about 20 years on my dad was his VP, and Pops was his Enforcer.

Maybe that's why I felt like a stranger. My dad was gone. Tomorrow we would be laying him to rest. Things would never feel the same. I have been questioning if I made the right decision 6 years ago. I was a shithead kid who felt trapped in a life that had always been laid out for him.

The last 2 years before I left I distanced myself from the club and the people I cared the most about. I started hanging out with kids and school and sleeping around with girls who meant nothing.

I knew if I didn't break some ties I would be able to leave. I didn't have the strength to leave the people I loved so much. I knew the kids at school, the parties, the random girls meant nothing to me. It would make it easier to leave if I wouldn't miss any of them. I however didn't realize how much I would still miss everyone else.

I regret those years I gave up with my dad, and the friendships I damaged before I left. I was due to sign my next contract as a staff sergeant, and I declined. It's time to come home. After traveling, training, and 2 deployments, I've had enough experiences to appreciate the family and brothers that make up the club.

Pulling up to the clubhouse the taxi drops me at the front. I didn't know what time I'd be making it in from base. I didn't want to bother anyone, so I just took a taxi. I pay the driver, and he thanks me for my service.

I grab my 2 giant bags and head towards the front door. I get inside and hear a loud booming voice and look to the end of the bar where Pops and Rubble sit.

"Look what Uncle Sam drug in! Get that boy a drink." Pops hollers.

I walk over, and he grabs my hand and pulls me in for a hug. "We missed you boy. I'm sorry you had to come home under these circumstances, but your pa sure was proud of you. You home for good?"

"Yea I'm home for good old man."

He slaps me on the shoulder a little harder than necessary. "You're only as old as you feel son."