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Choices: Family by Choice
Choices: Family by Choice
Choices: Family by Choice
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Choices: Family by Choice

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Choices. We all have them. We all make them. Sometimes, the choices we make lead us down a path of hope and love and sometimes, one choice can destroy it all. For Mike and Jade, it all comes down to choices. Even when done for the right reasons, a choice can destroy the love of a lifetime. What happens when you choose the wrong path? 

LanguageEnglish
PublisherRobin Nadler
Release dateSep 22, 2017
ISBN9781386947035
Choices: Family by Choice
Author

Robin Nadler

Robin Nadler is a high school teacher, romance author, animal enthusiast and sarcasm aficionado. When not standing in front of a classroom of teenagers, she is immersed in the lives of the characters she creates. As a fighter of Multiple Sclerosis, Robin continuously pushes the boundaries of what is expected of her and what she knows is always possible. Her goal is to inspire and share a love of humor, romance and passion. For information on her Family by Choice series, as well as her current works in progress, please connect with her on any of the following platforms. Facebook: facebook.com/nadlersnovels Twitter: @buka163090 Instagram: rnadler103 Blog: www.nadlersnovels.com

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    Choices - Robin Nadler

    Chapter One:

    Julie made her way to see Bill and David after she took Josie over to a friend’s for a sleep over. 

    She was anxious to see Katie and to be there to help her son if possible. 

    Bill told her a little about what they found out about Katie, but they still had a lot of holes in the story. 

    She smiled when she saw Jade talking with Bill and Cassie. 

    Hi, she said as she walked up. What’s going on?

    David and Katie are taking a walk and talking. Desi is having a scan done and then they can see her, Bill smiled at her. 

    Mike is bringing Scottie by and we are going to tell Desi she is the donor, Jade said. 

    That’s awesome. Desi will be so happy to see everyone. It’s been a rough couple days, Cassie said. 

    How has she been feeling? Julie asked. 

    Not good, Cassie said. Ian is having such a hard time with this. He went to the farm to check on the animals. I needed him to get some air. I don’t know how to help him.

    I’m sorry. Maybe Mike and I can take him out to dinner or something, Bill said. 

    That would be nice. He just feels so responsible for everything and none of this is his fault. I hate that I left him alone for so long.

    You were deployed, Cassie. It’s not like you were on vacation, Julie said. 

    I know, she said and sighed. 

    They were all quiet while they waited. 

    WHAT DO YOU MEAN? DID Derek hurt someone? Katie asked. 

    David shook his head. 

    I can’t talk to you about this. You need to see Desi and help her if you can. She needs to see you and to know that you’re okay.

    David, what’s going on with you? You’re keeping something from me and I need to know what it is.

    You know what? I don’t need to do anything. I am not here for everyone to take from. I’m tired and I’m sorry you didn’t feel like I could help you, but you aren’t the only one going through things. I’m sorry, but I need to go.

    Katie watched as David walked to his parents. 

    Can one of you take me home? Please?

    Julie looked at her son and saw he was on the verge of tears. 

    I’ll take you, she said and Bill nodded. 

    They walked away and Katie walked over to the adults. 

    Excuse me, but can someone tell me if something happened to David. Did Derek do something to him? Did he hurt him in some way? He’s acting like I’m missing something huge and I don’t know what it is.

    Cassie and Bill looked at each other and Jade smiled. 

    Why don’t you sit down with us and we can tell you a little about what happened?

    Katie nodded and sat down.

    DIDN’T YOU WANT TO see Desi? She’s going to be so happy to see Katie, Julie said as she walked with David. 

    No she won’t. Everything is a mess, mom. How did this happen? he asked sadly. 

    She walked to the cafeteria with him and smiled. 

    Let’s sit and talk.

    He nodded and she walked to a booth where he sat across from her. 

    Tell me what got you so upset.

    YOUR PARENTS ARE REALLY nice, Naomi said to Bryan as they sat out back on the deck after having a nice talk with Jason and Amber.

    You think? he asked with a sigh. 

    I do, she said. Why? You don’t agree?

    He shrugged. 

    They’re parents.

    Naomi smiled. 

    You get along with your dad like I get along with my mom. Sometimes not at all.

    It’s just that he acts like he was never a teenager. He is always so sure something bad is going to happen to me, that he treats me like I’m an idiot, Bryan said and looked at her. 

    Yeah. My mom went through something horrible when she was a teen and she thinks people will be after me, too. I get that she’s scared, but I’m a ‘nobody’. I don’t think anyone cares what I do.

    I hardly think that’s true, Bryan said. I mean, not that something will happen to you, but the ‘nobody’ part. You seem to have a really bad opinion of yourself. I know that it’s wrong. You’re definitely a somebody.

    She blushed and looked at her hands. 

    It’s hard to get certain voices out of your head. I’ve kind of struggled with that my whole life.

    What did she go through?

    Huh?

    Bryan turned and looked at her. 

    You said your mom went through something horrible. I wondered what that was.

    Your Uncle guards her. You never asked why?

    Why are you always suspicious of people? he asked. That sounded really accusatory.

    Sorry, she stood up. Talking about my mom’s personal life isn’t something I throw around.

    He stood up and faced her. 

    I’m sorry, but you said she went through something horrible. I was just trying to get you to open up to me. Something obviously happened to you and I am trying to put the pieces together. I like you a lot and what happened at school the other day really freaked me out.

    I know. I’m sorry. I should probably call my mom to come and get me.

    She turned to leave and he held her hand. 

    Naomi, please stop. I’m sorry if I said the wrong thing. I don’t want you to leave.

    She felt her tears fall and was so angry with herself. 

    What is it? You’re scaring me, he said, hating her tears. 

    Why do you care? I don’t understand why you’re being so nice to me. I feel like I’m being really gullible and I don’t want what happened before to happen again.

    He dropped her hand and ran his hand through his hair. 

    What happened before?

    I was hurt by someone I thought loved me. He almost destroyed my family and, she wiped her eyes as she looked at him. You may as well know that it was because of me that Aunt Liz and Uncle E were hurt.

    How is that possible?

    Jimmy gave very bad people personal information he got from me. He also knew where Uncle E lived and people got to them because of that. I should have told you sooner. I’m sorry.

    Jimmy? I haven’t met him. He hurt you? Did you love him?

    I thought maybe I did, but I was wrong.

    Bryan turned and looked out across the darkening sky. 

    How do you know?

    Because when I’m with you, I feel different. Jimmy wasn’t like that.

    I don’t understand, he turned to face her. 

    I’m not sure I do either, she said honestly. 

    If he did something like you say, then that’s on him and not you. Besides, my Aunt and Uncle would never want you to blame yourself. They aren’t like that.

    They are pretty amazing, she said. 

    He was quiet and she wasn’t sure what to do.

    I dated Paige for three years, he said as he looked across the yard. I thought she loved me. I was an idiot.

    Did you love her? she asked. 

    He looked at her and she thought she saw tears in his brown eyes. 

    No.

    Then why do you seem so upset?

    Because she made me look like an idiot, he said. Do you know what that feels like? Everyone knew she was playing me and nobody said anything. The people I believed were my friends didn’t say anything. All people wanted was a way to get close to my dad. They wanted a chance to go to parties and meet celebrities. It was never about me.

    Naomi didn’t think about it. She just walked to him and hugged him tightly. 

    Bryan was taken aback. He stood, frozen, and then slowly wrapped his arms around her. 

    She seemed to fit perfectly. 

    They stood there for what seemed like forever when Naomi stepped back. 

    I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.

    He raised his eyebrows and smiled. 

    What part of that do you think made me uncomfortable?

    I don’t know. I don’t know what I’m doing. I feel weird.

    Yeah, I feel something, too, but I wouldn’t call it weird.

    She almost stopped breathing when he reached and touched her hair. 

    Do you want to kiss me? she asked. 

    Would that be okay?

    That would be okay, she said and his mouth was on hers, soft and firm at the same time. His hands moved to her hair and she pressed her hands against his chest. 

    Her mind was whirling and she felt things she had never felt before. 

    She didn’t want it to end, ever. 

    Bryan broke away and Naomi touched her lips. 

    What’s wrong? Did I do something wrong? she asked. 

    No, he said. But I don’t want to do something I shouldn’t. I don’t want to get hurt again.

    You think I’ll hurt you?

    I think there’s a lot about you I don’t know. The things I’ve heard make me wonder.

    Heard? From who? Sabrina?

    He sighed. 

    You are very secretive about things and don’t want that to come back and bite me.

    She chewed on her lip. 

    Well, I think maybe it will take time. We both have things that we’re dealing with and if this is worth something, then I think it will work out as it should.

    He smiled. 

    You’re pretty amazing, you know?

    She didn’t always think so, but maybe that was changing?

    I think maybe I’m starting to like myself more each day.

    Naomi? It’s time for me to take you home, Evan called from the house. 

    Okay, she said. 

    Can I take you out tomorrow for dinner? he asked. 

    I’d like that.

    He smiled and walked her into the house.

    TOMMY TRIED TO GO INTO the room, but he couldn't. 

    He couldn’t cross the threshold. 

    Look! Don't you see her? She's dying inside and it's because of me. I would never do that to her. I would never let them win.

    You keep saying that. You told your dad that he gave up. You think I left my daughter willingly. Why are you so sure you are different? Do you think any of us wanted to leave?

    What? No, but, Tommy began and then Nate walked into the room and up to Brittany. 

    I was 18 years old when she was handed to me. I had nothing to offer her. I had no money and less education. I fell for a woman who chose a pig over me and as angry and hurt as I was, none of it mattered when I held her. She was a spitfire from the moment I brought her home and the fire in her hair matched the fire in her personality. She made my life worth living. She made me have a purpose and a meaning and I would have done anything for her. I would give anything for her.

    Tommy nodded. 

    I know that.

    Do you? You seem to think you're special. You walk around here acting like you have to go back because the world can't move forward without you. Like your marriage is the most important and your family is better than anyone else's. Every one of us would give anything to go back in time and hug our loved ones once more. Tell them how much we need them and make sure they never doubt our love.

    Fine. So I'm nothing. Then why put me through this? What is the point of this journey? If I'm dead, why not end everything. What am I supposed to do with this? Why am I going through this? Tommy cried. 

    BRITTANY HEARD HIM yelling and ran back into the room. She had stayed with him for a while, but it was still early and she wasn’t ready to sleep. 

    He was moaning and she sat down and shook him gently. 

    No! I’m not ready! he yelled and sat up. 

    Hey, you’re okay, she said and put her hands on his shoulders. It was a dream.

    He looked at her and took a few breaths. 

    Why are you dressed? Weren’t we sleeping?

    She smiled. 

    It’s only 7:00. You needed rest and I needed to be with you. Once you were asleep, I was just watching you.

    It’s only 7? I should get up, too.

    You can rest, she said. I was wondering if Naomi needed a ride home later. I texted her, but she hasn’t responded yet.

    She’s at Evan’s, right?

    Yep. She went there after they made us that amazing welcome home meal.

    I should get up, he said. Besides, it’s no fun being naked if you are wearing clothes.

    She smiled and watched him get up and grab his cane. 

    I’ll be in the kitchen when you’re ready.

    Okay, he said. 

    She wanted to know what his dream was about. 

    She knew his recovery was going to be challenging. He had a lot to work through.

    She thought a night in with Naomi would be a great idea. 

    There was something she needed to talk to them about.

    Chapter Two:

    Julie was floored after David told her what Katie said. She felt awful for how torn up her son was. 

    I'm sorry, but you need to be able to look at this from a different perspective, she said. 

    He wiped his eyes and sighed. 

    How? What else can I do?

    She sat back in the booth and looked at him. 

    Katie is dealing with a whole bunch of things, as is Desi. What I need for you to understand is that so are you. You have had to handle so much more than anyone your age should and the fact you are at your limit is completely understandable. You are not the world's protector. You are just like your father and although admirable, it's exhausting. Something has to give.

    But how do I just let it go? Katie's parents dumped her and she wanted to die. Derek almost raped her and when he failed, he raped Desi, Katie's best friend. When she finds out, what will that do to both of them?

    I'm more worried about what it's doing to you.

    He looked at his hands and shrugged. 

    I don't know what to do. I love Desi, and I can't help her at all. I thought Katie trusted me, and she tried to kill herself. Maybe I'm not as good a friend as I thought.

    Or maybe none of this is something you could fix. Sometimes, in life, we have to be able to find the strength within ourselves to face the most insurmountable issues. Desi is a strong young woman and she doesn't need you to save her. She needs your love and support, David. She will get through this because she can. It will be hard, but she's a fighter. Be there with her, but don't put her recovery on your shoulders.

    David nodded and wiped his face. 

    As for Katie, it's hard to imagine what she's had to deal with. I don't understand her parents and I'm not sure how they could do what they did. What I do know is that she survived. She is here and she is happy and she will be okay. Maybe it's time for her and Desi to work this out themselves. It's not your job to be their savior.

    I know, he sighed. It's just so unfair.

    You're right. I've been there, David. Life can be incredibly cruel. It can take people from you and it can push you to the limits of what you thought you could endure. It can make you question your sanity. It can make you hate.

    She looked at him and smiled. 

    But it is also amazing. I have seen the beauty, too. I watched two teenage boys take me in and make my life worth living. I watched my husband come back from war in pieces, and learn to live again. I watched my brother come back from the brink of death, and fight to live. I see my parents in the faces of my children and it makes me know I did something amazing in this world.

    David smiled and took a deep breath. 

    I just want Desi to be okay. I'm scared.

    I know. I think it's important that you see her and let her know that you are with her. Mike is bringing Scottie by and that will help her to see the potential.

    Why?

    Julie smiled. 

    Scottie is the donor for Desi.

    What? Seriously?

    Yeah, Julie smiled. And the best part is that through her life, if there is ever a need for more help, Scottie will always be there.

    David was stunned. 

    Will it hurt her? She's just a baby.

    It's coming from her umbilical cord blood. Mike and Jade had it saved in case Jade got sick again.

    But what if she does? What will happen if Jade gets sick again?

    We all live with what ifs. Jade is alive because someone gave her the ultimate gift. It's her wish that Scottie does the same.

    Wow, David said. I had no idea.

    You see; the world can give you amazing gifts. Maybe you should try to see the positives and not the sadness. It won’t be easy, but it’s important.

    He nodded. 

    I'd like to go back and see Desi.

    Julie smiled. 

    I think that's a great idea.

    KATIE SAT IN THE CONFERENCE room after Jade told her about Desi. She was waiting to go in and see Desi for herself, but this news killed her. 

    If I had come forward, this wouldn't have happened to her.

    Jade shook her head. 

    We know that Derek did this to at least five girls. He was a serial rapist.

    But if I said something, then maybe he would have been stopped? How can I face Desi? How can David ever look at me again? That's why he ran off. He hates me and I don't blame him.

    No I don't, David said as he walked into the room with Julie. 

    Katie looked at him and her face was wet with tears. 

    How can you not? This is my fault.

    Jade stood up and walked out with Julie. 

    It's not. I thought it was my fault because Derek and Drew hated me so much. I spent a long time blaming myself and that didn't help Desi at all. She is so amazing, Katie. She is strong and beautiful and she is a fighter. She needs our support, not our sadness.

    I feel like I messed everything up. Every choice I made was wrong. Everything I did hurt people, she said as her tears fell. I'm so sorry.

    David smiled. 

    You did what was best for you. I'm sorry I was judgmental. I can't imagine what you must have been going through. How about we go see Desi and maybe put this behind us.

    Katie nodded. 

    Okay.

    Come on. She's going to be so happy to see you.

    They got up and went to see Desi.

    IAN WALKED AROUND THE farm, making notes in the files of the animals he looked at. He stopped at Ophelia and saw the piglets were growing beautifully. 

    Nice job mama, he smiled at her.

    Snort, Ophelia said and Ian laughed. 

    Food is on the way.

    He went to fill the trough and then walked to the cows. 

    Hi beautiful, he said to Gertie. Is it time to eat?

    He fed the cow and sat down, looking at the stalls around him. 

    He saw Desi running around as a toddler, playing with the chickens and goats. 

    He watched as she learned and grew with the sheep and cows. 

    He remembered the moment it all changed. 

    (THE PAST)

    I feel yucky, Desi said after she came home from Kindergarten.

    I know, Cassie smiled. But we are going to the doctor to talk about what's going on. We are going to find the answers, sweetie.

    Are they going to have to poke my arm again? she asked, her worry about the doctor growing. 

    Cassie hugged her. 

    I'm sorry you've had to go through so many tests. We did it all so we could find out why your throat has been so sore and why you've been so sleepy.

    Do you think it's that long disease name?

    Mono? It's possible. That's why we are going to the doctor.

    But daddy is a doctor. Why can't he tell me?

    Ian walked in and smiled. 

    I work with animals, pumpkin, you know that. I don't work on cute little spitfires like you.

    Am I a dragon? she asked with a smile. 

    What do you mean? Ian asked. 

    "You said I

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