Chapter 20
CHAPTER TWENTY
Meghan
The pool area is a symphony of laughter and splashing.
Kids dart around, their shrieks of joy echoing off the water's surface.
Even the usually stoic club members are letting loose, their tough exteriors softening in the warm afternoon sun.
I lean against the edge of the pool, my eyes scanning the crowd.
That's when I spot them—Skadi perched on Logi's lap at one of the picnic tables.
They're wrapped up in each other, oblivious to the chaos around them.
A pang of... something... twists in my gut.
Are they reveling in their child-free bliss?
Or is there a hint of longing in Skadi's eyes as she watches the kids splash around?
I can't help but wonder if they're missing out on something, or if they've found the perfect balance.
My thoughts are interrupted by an arm snaking around my shoulders.
I tense for a split second before recognizing Starla's familiar perfume.
"It looks like everyone's having a blast," she says, her voice warm with happiness.
I nod, forcing myself to relax. "Yeah, it does. I'm glad. We all need a little bit of this, you know? A break from how intense life can be sometimes."
Starla squeezes my shoulder. "Ain't that the truth. It's nice to see everyone let their guard down for once."
I turn to look at her, noting the rare softness in her usually sharp eyes. "Even you?"
She chuckles. "Even me. Don't tell anyone, though. I've got a reputation to maintain."
I laugh, the sound surprising me with its genuineness. "Your secret's safe with me."
We stand in silence for a moment, watching the scene before us.
Rev and Dalla are organizing an impromptu volleyball game, their competitive spirits on full display.
Tindra is in the middle of it all, her face flushed with excitement.
"You did good, you know," Starla says suddenly. "Planning all this. It means a lot to the kid. It’s hard to believe she’s fifteen."
I feel a flush of pride, mingled with a twinge of something else. "Thanks. I just... I wanted her to have something normal, you know? Something that wasn't wrapped up in all the club drama."
Starla nods, her expression thoughtful. "It's a fine line we walk, isn't it? Between the life we've chosen and the normalcy we sometimes crave."
Her words hit close to home, echoing the doubts that have been swirling in my mind lately.
I take a deep breath, the chlorine-scented air filling my lungs. "Yeah, it is. Sometimes I wonder..."
I trail off, not sure how to voice the conflicting emotions churning inside me.
Starla waits patiently, her presence a steady comfort at my side.
Suddenly, a sharp whistle pierces through the air, startling me out of my thoughts.
I turn to see Tor, his muscular frame silhouetted against the late afternoon sun, a mischievous grin playing on his lips.
"It's time to sing to the birthday girl!" he bellows, his voice carrying across the pool area.
I can't help but smile at his enthusiasm, even as I hear Tindra's exasperated groan from the pool. "Come on, Dad! I'm not a kid anymore," she protests, her light gray eyes rolling dramatically.
Tor cackles. "You're still my kid, so get your ass up here and let your ol' man sing to you."
I watch as Tindra makes a show of reluctantly climbing out of the pool, water cascading off her lithe form.
She's growing up so fast, I think, a bittersweet pang in my chest.
Where did the time go?
"She's just like you, you know," I murmur to Tor as Tindra approaches, her steps deliberately slow. "Stubborn as hell."
He winks at me, his voice lowering. "Takes one to know one, babe."
As everyone gathers around, I feel a surge of love for this makeshift family we've created.
The club members, their kids, all coming together to celebrate our daughter.
It's a far cry from the life I once led, and for a moment, I'm overwhelmed by how much has changed.
The singing begins, voices ranging from tone-deaf to surprisingly melodic.
Tindra stands in the center, trying to maintain her cool teenager facade, but I can see the pleasure in her eyes.
When the last notes fade away, I step forward, my heart pounding with anticipation.
"Here, sweetie," I say, handing her a simple white envelope. "This is from your dad and me."
Tindra takes it, curiosity overcoming her attempt at nonchalance.
As she tears it open, I hold my breath, watching her face closely.
Her eyes widen, and then she lets out a shriek that could rival a banshee. "You guys got me driving lessons?!"
I can't help but laugh at her reaction, relief and joy flooding through me. "We know how much you want to be on the road driving," I explain, glancing at Tor. "So we thought it would be the perfect gift."
Before I can say anything else, Tindra launches herself at us, wrapping her arms around both Tor and me in a tight, damp hug. "It is the perfect gift," she exclaims, her voice muffled against Tor's chest. "Thank you so much!!!"
As I return her embrace, I catch Tor's eye over her head.
The tenderness in his gaze makes my throat tighten.
This moment, right here, makes all the dangers and complications of our life worth it.
"You're welcome, kiddo," Tor rumbles, his usual gruff tone softened with affection. "Just don't expect me to let you anywhere near my bike anytime soon."
Tindra pulls back, a sly grin on her face. "We'll see about that, Dad. I bet I could talk Mom into it."
I raise an eyebrow at her. "Don't push your luck, missy. One step at a time."
As Tindra turns to show off her gift to her friends, I lean into Tor's side, his arm automatically wrapping around my waist. "We did good," I whisper, echoing Starla's earlier words.
He presses a kiss to my temple. "Yeah, we did. Who would've thought, huh?"
I close my eyes for a moment, savoring the warmth of his body against mine, the sounds of laughter and splashing around us.
The sharp, sweet scent of frosting mingles with the chlorine in the air as I slice into Tindra's birthday cake.
It's a massive creation, three tiers of chocolate and vanilla swirled together, adorned with edible motorcycle decorations.
As I hand out pieces, I can't help but smile at the eager faces surrounding me, a mix of club kids and their parents.
"This is amazing, Meghan," Starla says, taking a bite and closing her eyes in bliss. "Where'd you get it?"
I wink at her. "Come on, it doesn’t take a genius to figure that out."
Starla cackles, “Aziza, no doubt.”
I snicker at her.
As the last piece is handed out, I watch the crowd disperse.
Some head back to the tables, others migrate toward the pool's edge, dangling their feet in the water as they eat.
The sound of splashing erupts as several kids, including Tindra, cannon-ball back into the pool, cake still in hand.
"Hey!" I call out, trying to sound stern but failing miserably. "No food in the pool!"
Tindra grins at me, unrepentant. "Sorry, Mom!" she yells back, not sounding sorry at all.
I shake my head, unable to keep the smile off my face.
It's her birthday, after all.
Let her have her fun.
My eyes are drawn to the far end of the pool, where Rev and Dalla are setting up for a game of volleyball.
Tindra swims over, joined by a couple other kids.
The net goes up, and soon the air is filled with shouts and laughter as the game begins.
"They look happy," a soft voice says beside me.
I turn to see Rio’s girl, Flora, her pregnant belly swollen beneath a flowy maternity dress.
Her daughter, Florencia, clings to her leg, eyeing the pool cautiously.
"Flora," I say warmly. "I'm so glad you could make it. Are you enjoying yourself?"
She nods, her eyes bright. "Thank you for inviting us, Meghan. I... I didn't expect such a warm welcome, to be honest. But everyone's been so kind."
I feel a pang in my chest at her words.
I know all too well how it feels to be an outsider, to wonder if you'll ever truly belong. "Of course," I say, reaching out to squeeze her hand. "You're part of the family now."
Flora's eyes mist over, and she blinks rapidly. "That means more than you know," she whispers.
I follow her gaze to where Rio, her boyfriend, stands with the other prospects.
He's nursing a beer, laughing at something one of the guys said.
As if sensing her eyes on him, he looks up, his face softening into a smile that's equal parts adoration and wonder.
"He's a good man," I say, nodding toward Rio.
Flora's answering smile is radiant. "He is," she agrees. "I never thought I'd find someone like him, especially not..." she trails off, her hand moving unconsciously to her belly.
"Sometimes," I say softly, "we find family in the most unexpected places."
As I watch Tindra spike the volleyball over the net, her face radiating with joy, I silently thank whatever forces brought us here.
I turn back to Flora, my eyes drawn to her swollen belly. "So, you only have another three weeks, right?"
Pregnancy always stirs up conflicting emotions—joy for the new life, worry for what's to come.
Flora rubs her belly, a tender smile playing on her lips. "Yes, and then Cali will be here," she says, her voice filled with anticipation.
"Cali?" I tilt my head, curiosity piqued. "Is she named after California?"
Flora's laughter rings out, loud and infectious.
"No, no," she says, shaking her head. "It's a city famous for salsa dancing, my favorite dance."
Her eyes sparkle with memories. "Rio wanted to name Florencia after his sister who passed away when he was young, and so Cali will get her name because I am all about equality."
My heart swells at the thought they've put into their children's names. "That's a beautiful name," I tell her, genuinely touched. "And such a lovely story behind it."
The words have barely left my lips when the world explodes into chaos.
One second, I'm smiling at Flora.
The next, there's a sickening thud, and her eyes go wide with shock.
Time seems to slow as I watch a crimson stain bloom across her chest, spreading rapidly.
"Flora!" I scream, lunging forward as she stumbles backward.
All around us, panic erupts.
People are shouting, scrambling.
I catch glimpses of club members grabbing kids, shielding them with their bodies as they rush for cover.
But my focus narrows to Flora, to the blood seeping between my fingers as I press desperately against her wound.
"Florencia," she gasps, her eyes wild with fear. "Where is she?"
My heart clenches.
I can't tell her the truth—that I have no idea where her daughter is in this chaos.
"She's safe," I lie, forcing my voice to stay steady. "Worry about you right now."
God, there's so much blood.
My hands are slick with it, and I'm terrified.
This can't be happening.
Not here.
Not at Tindra’s birthday party.
Not to Flora and her unborn baby.
"Stay with me," I plead, even as her eyes start to flutter. "Help is coming. You're going to be okay. You have to be okay."
Gwen appears beside me, her face pale but determined. "Ambulance is on its way," she says, her phone still clutched in her hand. "ETA two minutes."
I nod, unable to speak.
My throat feels tight, choked with fear and adrenaline.
Flora's breathing is ragged, each inhale a struggle.
The sound of gunshots continue to echo in the background.
"Flora!" Rio's anguished cry cuts through the chaos as he rushes to us, dropping to his knees beside his girlfriend.
His eyes are wide with horror as he takes in the scene. "No, no, no," he mutters, reaching out to cradle Flora's face.
"Rio," Flora whispers, her voice barely audible. "It hurts."
"I know, baby, I know," he says, his voice cracking. "But you're gonna be okay. You hear me? You're gonna be fine."
I watch as Flora's eyes lock onto Rio's.
There's a clarity in her gaze that chills me to the bone. "If I don't make it," she says, each word a painful effort, "you save our little girl. You let me go."
Rio shakes his head violently, tears streaming down his face. "Don't talk like that. I won't have to make that choice. You're both gonna be fine."
But Flora persists, her grip on Rio's hand tightening. "Promise me," she insists. "Promise."
I can see the agony in Rio's eyes, the war between hope and despair.
Finally, he nods. "I promise," he chokes out. "But it won't come to that. You hear me, Flora? It won't."
As I watch this exchange, my own emotions threaten to overwhelm me.
This isn't fair.
Flora and Rio should be planning for their baby's arrival, not facing this nightmare.
The wail of sirens grows louder, and I feel a surge of hope. "Help is almost here," I say, trying to infuse my voice with a confidence I don't feel. "Just hold on a little longer, Flora."
But as the ambulance pulls up, Flora's eyes begin to close.
Rio's desperate pleas fade into the background as my vision narrows, the world seeming to dim around the edges.
The last thing I see is the EMTs rushing toward us before Tindra’s screams are calling for me.
I have to get to my little girl, to make sure she’s okay, and maybe I can find Florencia at the same time.