Chapter 22

It finally stopped raining around 6 a.m. on a Sunday morning. I sat up looking around at my environment. I was in a park just blocks away from Disneyland. I stood up to stretch until my chest decide it had other reasons as to not to. I looked across the way to see a convenience store open. I made my way over crossing the street. Once inside the store I found a clothing rack. I thought I would see what they had. I was in luck to find a shirt in my size. Even though it said ' I love Disney' I still grabbed it along with a pair of sweat pants. I also grabbed a coffee before checking out. I pulled out my wallet to find the cash I had was a bit damp. So I used my bank card to purchase what I had decide were necessary provisions. Once approved I walked out making my way down the sidewalk to find a motel for the day since I had a lot of thinking to do. Once I found a somewhat cozy looking motel I got a room for the day and night. I made my way to the room to only place the bag of clothes on the bed. I sat on the edge taking a sip of my coffee. I sat there thinking of last night and the fight with my brother Travis and then the kick to Adam's ribs as he lay the hurt because of my actions. I shook my head trying to fathom why my brother would take that kick? Why did Adam get in the way as I wanted to transfer my feeling to Travis with a kick. I took a few more sips of my coffee to warm me up from a long night out in the cold rain that showered me last night. I looked over at the window to see the sun coming out from the clouds. I let out a sigh hoping my kids would enjoy the day with their family while I needed to think today alone.

After taking a warm shower I made my way to the balcony of the room that looked out to the place my family will be at today. I felt a small smile come across my lips imagining the faces of my kids seeing the Disney characters come to life. Yesterday was fun I admit as I spent it with my four loves. I feel sadness though knowing last night was probably hard for them. As it was their first night without me. I would understand if they were mad at me as I was feeling guilty for kicking a brother that never hurt me since the day we met. As I looked over at the big castle that was in the distance I lowered my head closing my eyes hoping they were all safe and sound. I raised my head I looked up at the mostly cleared sky to only ask that those that went before me in death would watch over those I loved here on earth. I looked at my watch to see it was around 8 a.m. as I turned to make my way to the bed to get some more rest my heart was still giving me that nagging pain in my chest.

I woke up several hours later from a much needed sleep. I sat up looking at my watch to see it was 7 p.m. I looked out to see it was cloudy again. Getting out of bed I stepped over to where I placed my coffee to find it under half full. I shrugged picking it up to turn going back to the balcony to think. I sat in the chair to only look at the castle in the distance wondering if my family had a nice day. I loved them all, but felt hurt from those I thought of mothers along with my own mother. I shook my head trying to think of all the happy times I had with each of them even Jacqueline the past month. As my thoughts wondered around I felt a few raindrops start to fall. I chuckled thinking my kids were probably going crazy if they were walking around Disney. Then a tiny voice came to me as a thought ' Daddy make it stop raining'. I responded to the tiny voice saying ' Wish I could honey, wish I could'. I sat in the chair letting the rain hit me. I looked up again to the sky closing my eyes to let the rain hit my face not fearing getting wet any longer. I guess the rain was so soothing that I didn't move from where I sat. I felt my stomach growl, but I didn't want to go anywhere, since I didn't want to be around anyone at that moment. Taking the last sip of my coffee I leaned my head back again to just take in the rain. The way the rain drops hit me was relaxing that I dozed off the sleep a second time that day.

Monday morning after finding my jeans, shirt, and the contents of my wallet dried. I made my way to Disneyland to see if I could find my family around 10 a.m. The place was full of families from all over. I suppose staying in the rain was a bad idea as my body started to ache, but I kept looking for those that I loved. After about 30 minutes I noticed them all together enjoying the morning. I waved finally catching Travis's eyes as he spoke to the others as they all turned with smiles. At that moment without any alert from my body I went to my knees hearing screams as I went down feeling my head slam into the concrete beneath my feet.

Michelle's POV:

I just turned to see Heath as Travis told everyone our brother was here. As I did I saw my baby brother go down to his knees then the rest of his body proceeds to the ground. My mind goes back to his birthday.

"HEATH NO!" I scream while I let go of Adam's hand making my way to Heath

Everyone is following me as I get to my baby brother who I love so much. I get down on my knees as my love reaches us just a few seconds later.

"Baby help me get him over on his back." I state as Adam helps me

Once on Heath's back I place his head in my lap only to see blood oozing from the head wound he has. I place my hand on the wound, but I feel his forehead as my eyes grow wide as our family finally make their way over.

"He is burning up with a fever. We have to get him to a hospital." I say as I hear a vehicle approach

"Move back what is going on?" I hear a man say as I look up with tears

"My brother collapsed and busted his head open. He has a high fever please help us." I say pleading as the man nods getting on his radio

Jasmine, Diamond, Tiffany, and Hannah all come to their man's side. Each one gets to their knees placing a hand over the left side of his chest.

"Baby why? Why do you always have to be so stubborn?" Diamond asks as she cries with the others

We hear sirens as the security guards have us all move out of the way. I lean over and place a kiss on Heath's lips to only tell him I love him so very much. I stand up only to step over to Adam who takes me into his arms. He let's out a sigh before he speaks calmly.

"Bro you better not leave me before we talk." He says as I look up and see his eyes glued to Heath

I look back to see the paramedic's get Heath ready to be moved with a neck brace on him. Once he is placed on the gurney we all follow them to the ambulance. Mike asks the paramedic where they taking his god son. The woman responds telling us the hospital as he, Nate, and Ricky go to get the cars telling all of us to stay. Jack and Chris go get their cars since we had to get 5 for everyone in the family to be transported in. Once the paramedic's leave the cars are driven over as the family gets mix matched into the five vehicles.

After finally finding the hospital we are in the waiting room patiently waiting for and news on Heath's condition. As we sit Mom looks over at Diamond and Hannah with a curious look.

"Diamond, Hannah I want to ask you something? What are your last names as I don't think I have heard them?" Mom asks as they look at her with small smiles

"Thompson, Heath asked if we would change our names since he wanted us to be a part of the family for real. He made it happen before the boys were born." Hannah says making my mother smile big

"So I have three daughters officially?" Mom asks getting nods from my sisters

"And just think you will have two more once we marry Heath." Tiffany says chiming in

"That is true honey since I can't wait to see you all in wedding dresses." My mother says as we all smile

"And you mother as your going to glow." Hannah says as we all smile to her comment

"Thank you dear, but I think we all will while we walk down that aisle." Mom says as we all nod

It's about two hours later that a doctor comes out to talk to us. The kids are sobbing as the doctor explained that Heath had pneumonia, plus a head injury from the fall. He went quiet before saying Heath signed papers saying he could leave anytime because he wanted to since his kids were going to have a nice vacation. I smile knowing he is thinking of the kids, but feel sad that he needs to stay here as he is sick. I guess those years of me feeling like a mother to him are coming back as I ask the doctor if we can see him. He nods telling us how to get to his room. We thank him before standing up making our way to his room.

Once we find the room my four sisters go in first followed by Jack, Sierra, Mandy, Chris, and Selena along with the kids. Before mom steps in we are stopped as my baby brother doesn't want to see the mothers, Kaye, Travis, or I. Adam makes a decision of staying with me as I cry. I don't understand why my brother doesn't want to see me. I have tried to be the big sister he once knew. I have done everything to show I loved him. Since Heath refuses to let us see him we head down in the waiting room and wait for him to come out so we can head back to the hotel. Mom comes to me with the same tears I had. Adam held us both as to comfort us. Faye and Jacqueline also comforted mom.

"I guess he is still hurt." Momma Ellie says as we all nod

We stayed where we sat for the duration of the day. I hoped the brother I loved would come back as I needed him in my life so much. I never wanted to be away from him again.

After staying in a hospital bed most of the day I said hell with it. I had my family take me back to the hotel to get some cleaner clothes on. Once in the lobby of the hotel I hear my mother speak up.

"Heath honey why do you not want anything to do with us mothers. We love you honey so much." She says sobbing with tears as I turn making my loves and kids stop in their tracks

I look at her and the others that have puffy red eyes as they look at me the same with hurt.

"Because I feel you bitches want him." I say pointing at Travis as they all shake their heads

"No Heath we love you all the same. Their are no favorites baby." Faye tells me as I just shake my head not believing a word any of the mothers say

"Yeah well I have had the past day to think things through." I tell them all getting worried expressions as I continue " Once this vacation is over my fiancee's, the kids and those that haven't hurt me are moving."

All the moms, Kaye, and Michelle look at me with fear. Adam looks at me with worry as he squeezes Michelle's hand.

"What do you mean move? Where ... where are you moving to Heath?" Verna asks me as I look at her sad face and then those of my other mothers

"Away from all of you. I will sign the beach house into Travis's name so you all have a nice place to stay." I tell them getting shocked expressions

"Heath stop it please I love you bro." Travis tells me as I turn reclaiming Jasmine and Hannah's hands

"I made my decision ... brother." I say continuing towards the elevator leading my four loves and kids

We leave the mothers and others behind as they are shocked at my words. Once in the elevator and up to the penthouse I make my way to the bedroom only to be followed by Diamond. Before I can do anything she turns me around at the foot of the bed and shoves me back to take a seat on the bed.

"Baby why are you making this family hurt more? I thought you brought us all here to become closer and stronger?" Diamond says asking me as I look to see hurt in her beautiful eyes

"I did Diamond, but the past few weeks I have felt Travis is taking this family away from me." I say as she shakes her head

"Damn baby do you really think that? Does it really look like YOUR women are spreading their legs for him? Does it look like YOUR kids are calling him daddy? No it doesn't my love. Heath he is not taking anything from you. As for the mothers, Kaye, and Michelle all they have been doing is assuring Travis that one day you will forgive him. All that man wants is his baby brother back. All he has been doing is praying that you would accept him again, and that shit the other night was just that shit. Did fighting your own brother help you? Fuck baby I cried as did the other women in your life. We were so scared you were hurt somewhere or someone hurt you." Diamond explains to me as I feel like crap

"Diamond I." I try to say as she cuts me off by straddling me with a finger to my lips

"No baby listen, and listen good. I know you still feel hurt, but your family loves YOU. And we always will, but you need to stop being paranoid. Those three beautiful kids that us ladies gave birth to need their grandparents as much as us. Don't take them away from those that would give their last breath for those three that have YOUR blood running through their veins." Diamond tells me again as I look up in her teary eyes as she continues " I love you baby so very much, but if you want to go through with this you know we will go with you, but at least go down and hear their side of everything."

I see truth in her eyes as she is right. The door opens catching us both off guard as Diamond gets off my lap. We both look to see it's Karen with red puffy eyes. She slowly comes up to me before looking at me with her bright blue eyes that I always hope stay.

"What is it sweetie?" Diamond asks as our daughter looks up at her then at me

"Daddy have I been bad?" Karen asks shocking me and concerning me

"No ... no baby girl why do you think you have been bad?" I ask as she keeps looking into my eyes

"You told everyone we were leaving. I don't want to leave daddy. You and I haven't had a father and daughter day." She tells me as I feel a sharp pain in my heart

I look up to see Diamond sobbing as I pick Karen up after looking at her. I hold her close to me. Karen snuggles into me placing her small hand on my chest. I have Diamond take a seat next to me as I place a arm around her as she cuddles up next to me. I think of all I have done the past few days and feel disgusted with myself. I hurt these two along with the ones on the other side of the bedroom door. Diamond is right I needed to listen to those that are my family. I kiss Diamond on the lips in which she returns with passion. I break the kiss to give my little girl one on her forehead. I have them leave so I can get dressed in some clean clothes. Once changed I walk out to see the kids all playing with the toys they have gotten as my four loves come up to me. Tiffany embraces me with tears.

"Baby please don't make us leave our parents. They love you so much." She tells me as I have her look up at me

"Tiffany you should know me better then that as you have known me the longest of all my loves." I say as she nods

"Heath darling you made it known that we were moving." Hannah says as the other nod

"I know and I guess I spoke before I thought better. Look lets go down and see our family." I say as they nod letting me go except Jasmine stays with me

"Baby I have missed you the past few nights. I was so scared that you did something stupid. Please never scare me like that again." My sexy latina says as I shake my head

"Never again I promise. Now lets go I have to say something I haven't to someone in a long time." I say as Jasmine nods letting me go to grab her purse

We leave the room making our way down to the lobby. Once we step off the elevator I see our family all sitting still in the lobby. The mothers, Kaye, and Michelle have red puffy eyes as we walk up, but it's Travis that I hear speaking.

"I am going to leave as this is all my fault." He says as Kaye speaks up

"No baby please don't leave me. I will go with you my love." Kaye says pleading to my brother who is her fiance

"Honey no the kids need you as your their auntie. It will be best if I go as it will fix all this." He says as I shake my head

"And who says it will fix everything?" I say catching everyone's attention

"Heath what ... what are you doing here?" My mother asks as I go to her

I reach for her hand as she cautiously takes it. I pull her to me into a loving son and mother embrace. She returns the hug with tears as I place my hand on the back of her head. She cries as I look at the other mothers that show worry.

"Shhh mom I am not going to leave you or anyone else. I am sorry for what I said as I was angry ... and I was completely out of line." I say as Faye comes over to look into my eyes

"Heath what you said hurt so much, but know we still love you and never stopped. Yes we gave Travis attention, but it was to help him still have hope that his brother would accept him again." My other mother says as I nod

"I know momma Faye as it took my shiny Diamond to show me. Look I am deeply sorry for all that I have done. I hope you all can forgive me for my stupidity." I say to them all as they look at me

My mother eases off me a little to look up at me.

"Baby, son I love you so very much. I didn't come out east to only lose you again. I will always forgive you as I am your mother, but if you ever threaten to leave me again I will literally pull your pants down and spank you. And you know I will." She tells me as the godfather's chuckle with Chris, Jack, and Travis

"Ok mom I promise to never threaten anyone with that again." I tell her as she reaches up to pull me down to kiss my lips

Once she breaks the kiss I let her go making my way over to Travis who has a worried look. I place my right hand on his left shoulder before I speak.

"Travis I know I have not been fair to you. I know also that you have changed as I have been blinded from seeing and accepting that change." I say as he nods before he places his right hand on my left shoulder

"Heath I don't want anything of yours as I have all I need. I have Kaye who I love. I have a family that loves me and I hope brothers that will accept me." He says looking at those behind me before he continues " The only thing that will mean more is you back as my Champ. I love you bro and am sorry for being so stupid."

"Tell you what when we get home you and I will have a long talk over some beers. Maybe have a day with just us and our loves." I say getting a nod before he pulls me into a hug that I return

"My baby boys are coming back together." I hear my mother say as I smile hugging my Bubby

After the hug I look around just noticing someone missing.

"Hey where is Adam?" I ask as Michelle stands up to hold me

"He left Heath all because of you. Please find my man as I need him." She tells me as my eyes go wide

"Dammit I am sorry sis. I will go find him while you all take the kids to Disney." I say as I see my mother shake her head

"No honey since today has turned out emotionally tiring. How about we just spend time as a family here in your room." She asks as I nod

"Ok and I am sorry for ruining the day." I say as they all shake their heads

"No Heath you didn't. Things happened and it's just been a few days. We have the rest of the week." My dad Mike says as I smile with a nod

"Ok so go up and order room service. I will go find my baby bro." I say as they all smile at me

I let my sister Michelle go as Chris tosses me a set of keys. He tells me it's the Jaguar as I look at him wide eyed as he points to dad Mike. Mike shrugs saying ' Only the best for this family'. I chuckle as I make my way to give my loves a kiss each and the kids a hug. The godmothers and mothers all stop me showing some love with a hug and kiss on the lips. I raise a eye brow as they all giggle as Faye kisses my lips a few seconds longer then usual. I make my way out of the building to the car Chris told me about. Once I find it I just shake my head thinking my godfather Mike was going over board, but I can't say it wasn't for good intentions. I get in after unlocking the door. I have a pretty good idea where Adam could be. I started up the car then put it in gear. I made my way out of the hotel parking lot making my way to find the one man that never gave up on me.

After cruising around for 30 minutes I finally found the goofball passing him on a bridge. I pulled into a parking lot around 4:30 p.m. After turning the car off and getting out I locked it so no idiot could take it. I could just see my godfather Mike explaining that. I made my way to the bridge that my brother sat on. As I got closer I noticed a bunch of cans around him. I shook my head at the sight. He could hold his beer a little better then I could. As I took a few more steps I let out a sigh before I spoke.

"Hey amigo what made you come here, and what's with the beer?" I ask as Adam turns to look up at me

"Drinking the hurt that my asshole of a brother planted on my left ribs and heart." He tells me as I took it

"Sorry Abs I never wanted to hurt you. Why did you get in the way anyway?" I state asking him as he took a drink out of the can

"Because he is your brother and I am starting to care for him is that a crime?" He tells me asking as I shake my head

"No as I know I have been a jerk." I say as he looks up at me

"Yeah true, but you been a pain in the ass as of late. Look I know your hurt, but not everyone is out to get you. Not this family anyway." He tells me as I nod agreeing

After I watch him finish the beer he slowly gets up, but turns and staggers to me.

"I owe you a ass kicking so put them up." Adam says bringing up his fist with a stagger

"Yes you do, but your too drunk and it wouldn't be a far fight Abs." I say to him as he shakes his head

"Bullshit I can see all four of you just fine." He says as I chuckle softly

"Oh yeah will there is only one of me. So lets go back to the hotel so you can sleep it off." I say as he stops to look at me

"Bro why should I?" He asks as I shake my head

"Because your woman, my sister wants you back, and I told her I would find you. So come on and let's go." I say as he goes to pick up the rest of his beer before stumbling backwards landing on his ass

I make my way to him only to squat down as he looks at me with squinty eyes.

"I don't feel so good." He tells me as I help him up

"Yeah well you don't smell so good either. How many did you drink anyway?" I ask as he shrugs

"Lost count after 15 why." He tells me asking

"Oh just wondered that's all." I say as we start for the car with his left arm over my shoulder

I leave the remainder of the beer for some homeless or idiots that want it as I get my brother and best friend to the car. He is mumbling or slurry his words saying he is sorry for leaving or telling me he loved me. I smile knowing even though things are down he is always there as I will be for him in his dark times.

Once back at the hotel Jack, Chris, and Mike help me with Adam. I guess they wanted to stay in the lobby just in case. We get up to Adam and Michelle's room in which Mike swipes the hotel room key card unlocking the door. He steps in to hold the door as Chris and I help our brother in. We make our way to the bedroom to let Abs sleep it off. After getting Adam comfy the guys tell me they are going to meet the rest of the family in the pent house. Chris offers to send Michelle down so I can go up and be with the family. I look from him to Adam before shaking my head telling them I will stay with my bro until he wakes up. They all nod as Mike gives me a hug.

"You are just like your father. He was my best friend for so many years. Everyday I see him in you." He tells me as I grin with a nod

"I know papa Mike now go up and spend time with your grandkids." I tell him as he pats my back

I watch as they leave before I go to the chair sliding it over close to the bed. I place my feet up on the bed after taking my shoes off. I lean back looking at my brother that is out like a light. I give him a smile before I close my eyes just to relax them. I guess the day was tiring or the medication from the hospital was still coursing through me as I feel asleep. I let my mind flow until I started to dream. This dream though seemed not like the ones of the past. I was in a dark place with no light as I looked around to see small images showing. I walked towards one to see Hannah working in some hell hole of a tattoo shop. She looked so tired as the image the changed to her working at a factory. Then it changed to her in a apartment with Jasmine and Diamond as they had Lil Greg, Karen and Dakota on a couch sleeping. I see all three are sad for some reason as I hear them speak.

"Why did we end up like this? Why did he leave us?' Jasmine asks as I see Diamond hold her

"He got paranoid and couldn't trust us or anyone." Diamond says as Hannah speaks up

"Girls we have each other. And I am not going to let you both or the kids down." Hannah says as Jasmine and Diamond go to her with tears

The image disappears as my eyes go wide.

"What the hell was that? Why are they in a apartment and not at the beach house with me." I say as I walk to the next image that scares me

The image is blurry at start before it becomes clear. I see Tiffany as she sits in a room all by herself with a needle in one arm as she starts to fade.

"Heath my love I'll always love you and wait for you on the other side my love." My first love says as she fades away into nothing

I feel tears come to me as I run to the next image. Then I see Michelle and Adam as they are in a room overlooking a city

"Are you ready my love?" Adam asks as Michelle nods to her love

I see them run and jump over the balcony ledge as I watch Shellie and my bro fall to their deaths. I can't believe this is happening. I cry as I make my way to the next image. The image shows Travis in a wheel chair with a beer in his hand. He looks drunk as Kaye walks in pregnant with a kid in her arms. She is yelling at him as the baby cries.

"Your worthless now asshole. If you didn't drink and drive that woman and her kid would be alive and we would have a better life for our kids." Kaye says as Travis shows tears

That image fades as I start walking fast to the other. As I reach it I see Jack standing in front of a bunch of bikers. Sierra and Mandy are standing on the other side in biker outfits. I notice a man that looks familiar as he speaks.

"You want to marry my daughters then walk the gauntlet." The man says as Jack looks at him then to Sierra and Mandy who nod with smirks

"Fine." Jack says as he starts walking getting hit and pummeled

"Come on baby you can do it." Sierra says as I see someone with a knife

I watch as the guy stabs Jack in the upper right side of Jacks back making him go down. I scream as the image fades. I turn to see one more as I feel scared to approach it. I get to the last image to see my mother. She was on a couch emptying bottle after bottle chasing them with vodka. I went to my knees screaming for her to stop.

"MOM NO PLEASE STOP!" I scream at the top of my lungs

"She can't hear you." I hear from a familiar voice

I turn to see my father standing on a log on a beach as the dream shifts to the beach.

"Dad what was all that? What did I witness please tell me?" I ask as he stands up before coming at me tackling me to the ground

"YOU WITNESSED WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU LEAVE!" He yells out with dark eyes that scare me

"What ... what do you mean leave? I am not leaving anyone dad." I say asking him as his eyes stay dark

"Heath what you saw was what will be if you did, or if you died." He tells me as my eyes go wide

"Wait ... you are telling me that the family doesn't stay together if I leave or die?" I ask as he shakes his head

"Nope they all go their own way. Chris and Selena struggle to keep your god parents together as Ellie, Verna, and Kiko sleep around. Faye and Jackie stay together leaving your mother out. You were the beacon that kept the family together." He tells me getting up to help me up

"Well that is the thing dad I am not going anywhere I love my family." I tell him as his eyes turn back to blue

"I know son, but after all the crap you have done the past few days I had to show you what could be. Look Heath your family loves you. They are not going to hurt you." He tells me as I keep seeing those images

"I know and I promise to never think anything is going on." I say as he nods

"There is one more thing you have to see, and it won't be pretty." He tells me as I start feeling my heart race

"Dad I already." I try to say as a image of a young woman comes up

Her eyes are closed as I see men of each size shape and color lining up around her. She has long black hair and the same skin color as Karen. My eyes go wide as I see her birthmark. It's my baby girl. She is getting gang banged.

"Love me daddy. Why did you leave me daddy? Wasn't I good enough for you?" She says as she takes two guys from behind as one takes her from the front

"No dad please no not Karen. Not my baby girl." I say as he looks at me sadden

"Yes it's Karen, this is what happens to her when Tyrone gets ahold of her and raises her to be a slave after she ran away on her sixteenth birthday." He tells me as I watch in horror as my daughter cries