One Rule

Chapter 41

The next day, I drove out to the desert to get some alone time with my thoughts again. I went to the same rest stop and went to sit on the sand and look at the mountains. I finally felt like I could breathe after the last twenty- four hours. I took off the sweatshirt, and just soaked up the sun.

I think I was out there for thirty minutes when I heard motorcycle engines coming my way, yet again. I looked, and this time, it was a lone rider, coming at me. Yet again, it looked like a Mayan, based on the motorcycle. I reached for my gun when he pulled into the rest stop.

The rider pulled to a stop next to my car and took off his helmet. I put the gun away, because I recognized the mustache. I stood up and met him part way.

"We've got to stop meeting like this," I laughed.

"I'm not complaining," Bishop smiled as he came to stand in front of me. "Everything okay?"

I shrugged, "I'm fine, personally. But there's so much going on around me that's just a mess, and all I can do is watch, if I'm being totally honest."

"I'm sorry to hear that. Is there anything I can do to help?" he offered.

I shook my head, "I don't think there's anything that anyone can do at this point. It's just nice to have someone to talk to."

"Can I ask what's got you out here thinking this time?" Bishop asked.

"Oh, I'm debating on getting out of Charming," I admitted. "It's what my Old Man and I were contemplating when he passed. The longer I stay, the more I really see that I don't want to raise this baby in Charming."

I watched his eyes get wider as he processed that I was pregnant. "You need a less stressful environment," he agreed.

"I think I'm gonna go to Tacoma. I haven't really told anyone that I'm pregnant or leaving," I explained.

"Why tell me?" Bishop asked.

"Because you seem like someone I can trust. I like to think I'm a good judge of character, and I just have a good feeling about you," I admitted.

"I hope I can live up to that," he told me. "Here, let me give you my number. That way, if you need a friend, or if you need help, you can call me."

"Okay," I nodded. I handed him my phone, and watched him put his number in my phone. When he handed it back, I called the number so he had my number too. "Can I say something, just to get it out there?"

"Of course," he nodded.

"I've been a widow for about two months. I'm not looking to move on to someone new anytime soon. If you really just want to be my friend, that's great. I need as many real friends as I can get right now, but if you're looking for more than that, I can't give you that." I felt like I was ranting, and trying not to cry.

Bishop took my hand, and looked me in the eye. "All I want is to be a friend. I'm not looking for anything like that," he explained. "You don't have to worry about anything."

I was so relieved to hear him say that, and to actually believe that he meant it. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," he smiled and dropped my hand.

"I'm sorry I keep pulling you away from what I'm sure is important work," I told him. "I promise I'm not trying to be a distraction."

Bishop smiled, "Believe me, you're a welcome distraction. I'm supposed to meet Alvarez in about an hour."

That made me laugh a bit. "You're going to be really late, if you're meeting him in Stockton. It's easily an hour and a half from here."

"Then I should probably go," he admitted.

"Stay safe, Bishop."

"Take care, Diana. Don't stay out here too much longer, or you'll fry."

We hugged for a brief moment, and then he turned and walked back to his bike. I watched until he rode off and then I resumed my place on the sand for a bit longer, before I got up and went home.

....

I had a plan... I was going to Tacoma. I'd at least wait until the guys got out, so I could say goodbye to Opie, but other than that, I wasn't going to tell anyone else. I wasn't going to tell anyone else I was pregnant either...

Over the next couple of days, I started packing up what I wanted to take to Tacoma. I took the time to go through Kozik's stuff to decide what I was going to keep, what needed to be thrown out, and what could be donated.

In the process of cleaning out our bedroom, I found an envelope with my name on it in his top drawer. I picked it up and sat down on the bed. I stared at the paper in my hands, almost afraid of what the envelope contained.

I finally gathered up the courage to open it, and this is what I found...

Diana,

If you're reading this, I'm truly sorry. I'm sorry that Always and Forever didn't last nearly that long, but know that wherever I am, you'll always have my heart. I love you, Diana. I wasn't exaggerating when I said you made me a better man. You made me want to live life to the fullest. I'm sorry that I won't be there to grow old with you. You have no idea how much it breaks my heart...

In case you haven't already found them, the keys to my safety deposit boxes (one in Charming, the other in Tacoma) are in my box on top of the dresser. Everything in them is yours.

I was serious when I said I wanted out of Charming. It's toxic, and the shit SAMCRO is into is probably what got me killed. I was talking to Lee about making the transfer. Even though I'm gone, I think you should still move back to the Tacoma area. Get out while you can!

Diana, this is the part I know you probably aren't ready to hear, but I need to say it. Please keep an open mind. You're allowed to move on and find love again. Don't close yourself off to the possibilities that life will put in front of you. I will never fault you for finding love again. You were the love of my life, but I'm only a chapter of your life.

You always said that Clay had one rule, and clearly we broke that rule. Well, I have a rule that I'd like for you to follow going forward. That rule is, be happy and be well. I know you won't be happy for a long time, but promise me you'll try. All I ever wanted in this life was to make you happy, and I'm sorry I've caused you so much pain.

Know that wherever I am, I am loving you. All my love, Always & Forever,

HK

I put the pages down so that I wouldn't cry on them. He was right, I wasn't ready to hear about or think about moving on yet, but everything else made sense. His letter was all the confirmation I needed to know that I was doing the right thing. It also motivated me to work faster.

In the next couple of days, I managed to pack up and clean out my house for the most part. I left the things I would use on a daily basis unpacked because I didn't know how long Opie would be inside. I'd decided to make my trip to the bank the last thing that I did before leaving town.

I thought things were finally looking up...