Chapter 22

“She what?” Kat asked, shocked to the core.

“She got an abortion.  You should have seen AJ, he was devastated.  I have never seen so much anger in his eyes.  It was like someone had ripped his heart out, threw it out and stomped all over it.” Liz said, trying to blink back the salty tears.  “Nick went after him, with Howie’s help.  They are talking to him now.  But, the best I can tell, AJ wants Brianna outta here and on a bus back home.  He said he wants Bubba to go with her, help pack her stuff at the house, and then escort her to where ever she wants.  Once she gets there, that’s it.  If she tried to contact him, he will put a restraining order on her if he has to.”

“Isn’t that a bit extreme?” Leighanne asked.

“Well, you know AJ…when he puts his heart into things…he ignores what his head is telling him.” Liz answered.

“Look, there have been fights before…hell, me and Heather used to fight a lot, Nick and Kevin were always at each others throats.  I can see this one blowing over soon.  He will realize what he did, and bring her back to him.  AJ can be a real dick sometimes, but he has a compassionate heart.  I know he won’t throw her out on the streets.” Dee said softly, trying to sound optimistic.

“This is crazy,” Kat burst out, “we have been friends for a long time now, the little group can’t break up like this.”

They all sat there, at the small dining table on Nick’s bus.  They knew that AJ was serious, but how could he really and honestly just throw Brianna out on the street?

“Where is she now?  She shouldn’t be alone.” Dee asked.

“Yeah, well, she is with security right now.  AJ insisted that she be held until they straightened things out.” Liz answered, getting up to leave.

“Hey, where do you think you are going?” Dee asked.

“To go and get her.” Liz said gently.

*** *** ***

“Look man, you can’t just throw her out.  We only have a week left til we get home.  Once we get back, she can clear her things out and be gone from your life.” Howie comforted his friend.

AJ looked at him, knowing that he was right.  “Well, and Nick, what do you think I should do.  You know about this stuff.”

Nick was puzzled at first, but then suddenly his face dropped.  He hated anyone mentioning his past with Heather.  It was always at the back of his head that because she had committed the same act over two years earlier...Nick had met her.  It was hard for him to think back to the day that she told him why she tried to commit suicide.

“Nick, I killed our baby…he threw me out, and I was devastated.  He couldn’t see that I wasn’t ready.  But, I knew that I had done wrong in going behind his back…I was a murderer!”  he heard in his head.

He shook the thoughts and politely said, “AJ, I don’t want to talk about it.  I can’t, okay.  But, you need to try and listen to her reasons.  Don’t hurt yourself and her by just throwing everything out the window.  She had reasons for doing it, so, maybe just hear her out.”

Howie nodded, agreeing with Nick.  “Damn Nick, I guess fatherhood does teach ya a few things.” he said with a smile.

*** *** ***

“Dammit Bubba!  Just let her out.  I will deal with AJ.  She is no condition to be locked up on this bus like this.  She is not a criminal, despite the things AJ must have told you.  Come on, I will take responsibility for her.” Liz said, as she took Brianna by the hand and led her off the bus.

“Thanks Liz, but this is not necessary.  I will be leaving in a little while.  I called my uncle, and he is arriving this evening to take me home with him.” she said.

“But Brianna, just talk to AJ…it will all work out.” Liz stammered.

“No, it will not. We have been fighting for a long time now.  I love AJ, but we just have too many differences that we cannot work out.  These are things that I don’t want to have to give up in my life, and I would never want AJ to give up his dreams either.  It will never work, hon, just trust me.  This is for the better.”  she said as they were interrupted.

AJ approached them.  “Brianna, we need to talk.”

“No, AJ, we don’t.  It’s over, I am leaving tonight.  Honest, it’s okay.  This kind of life was never for me…and I have just come to realize it.  Although I love you very much AJ, it was never meant to be.” she said as she walked past him quietly.

“Brianna, look.” AJ tried to blurt out.  “why don’t we wait til the end of the week.  We will be home and we can work this out.”

“No AJ…it’s over…please…now let me go.” Brianna walked away.

AJ’s eyes welled up with tears.  Never in his entire life had he loved someone so much.  He felt like life was coming to an end with him.  Not only was the love of his life leaving him, but she had taken one thing that was most precious to him.  His heart.

*** *** ***

“You take care of yourself now, and call us.” Kat said as she hugged Brianna.

“And, when you get to where you are staying, let us know.  We will all come to visit.” Leighanne offered.

“Okay, guys, I promise, but, I have to go before it makes me feel any worse.” Brianna cried softly.

Dee and Liz stood there hugging Brianna.  The fifth member of the tight knit group was leaving, and their little world of happiness was crumbling.  They had always thought that they would have each other, no matter what happened.   There was an unspoken connection between them.  It was more than just best friends, it was the kind of love that kept people going, and helped them through the rough spots in life.  But, despite all they thought they had, there was nothing that could keep her with them.

Brianna closed the trunk of the car and climbed into the front seat.  Everyone stood around, as the car drove away.  AJ stood in the distance, silent tears streaking his face.  He was too afraid to tell everyone how he really felt.  It was better this way.  It was a clean break, and from now on, AJ would be on his own.  Although he knew that no one blamed him for what happened, he knew that he lost something between himself and the others.

Howie knew what AJ was feeling, and wandered over to his friend.  “Look AJ, there is nothing lost between you and the rest of us…trust me.  It’s all going to be okay.  Come on, we all need to get a good night’s rest, the rest of this week is going to be hell.”

AJ shook his head quietly and everyone dispersed to their busses.  It was the only safe haven from the rest of the world.
 

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