Chapter 14
Chapter 14
When Joanne walked into the living room, she saw that everyone was laughing and joking around with one another.
“Pookie.” Maureen said when she looked up and saw her girlfriend. “Is everything ok, Pookie?”
“No, it’s not. That was Steve from my work. He called with good news and bad news.” Joanne said trying to figure out how to tell them what Steve had so easily told her.
“Ok well good news first then the bad.” Maureen said trying to see what has Joanne so serious.
“Ok. Well the good news is that your restraining order against Benny and Allison is in effect as of today.”
“That is great news.” Mimi said as she relaxed next to Roger.
“So, what’s the bad news?” Angel asked knowing that this good new came with a price.
“Well Benny made bail. He’s out walking around. As we speak. And if my guess is right well he probably already knows where we are from Allison. I think that we should contact the police and stay inside the house for protection.” Joanne suggested thinking of a way to deal with the situation.
“He’s out? You do realize that he’ll ignore the restraining order and come right after me.” Mimi said with fear in her eyes and voice.
“Hey. Shh. Remember you have all of us here with you. We’ll protect you. I promise you that no harm will come to you.” Roger said in a soothing voice.
“Si chica. You have us. Listen to Roger. We’ll all protect you.” Angel said with protectiveness.
“Thank you all of you. But this is my fight. I don’t want you all to get hurt because of me.” Mimi said as she stood up from her spot next to Roger. Her voice that of fear.
“Mimi you’re our family and we want to help protect you. You don’t need to handle this on your own.” Mark said trying to help Mimi see that she was not alone.
“I know but I’m no one’s burden.” Mimi said as she started to walk out of the room.
“Now wait just one minute.” Collins said as he gently grabbed Mimi’s arm. “You are not a burden. We all came here with you because we all love you and we all want to be there for you. None of us see you as a burden. Your family and you’re always there for family. I remember something that my father once said to me. He said, ‘Family cares about you, not what you can do for them. Family’s there through the good, bad, all of it. They got your back, even when it hurts. That’s family.’” Collins said. By the look of Mimi’s eyes, he knew that she believed him and his words.
“Thank you, Collins. I’m sorry but when it comes to my blood family, well let’s just say that I’m use to no one being there for me. All they want to do is control me and every move I make. But you know what you all have shown me that family doesn’t end with blood. And I’m proud to be a part of this family.” Mimi said as she gave Collins a sisterly hug.
“And we’re proud and honored to call you family.” Amy said, putting a comforting hand on Mimi’s shoulders. “I know that I’m new to the gang but I could tell right away that you all were a family. That you all cared for one another and would do anything for each other. I just want to say that I’m proud to be a part of this family and to have friends like all of you.”
“And we’re honored to have you a part of this family.” Mark said as he pulled Amy into a hug.
“So, what are we going to do now?” Mimi asked as she wiped the tears from her eyes.
“Well I think that we should contact the police in this county and let them know what’s going on. I think that, that would add on to the protection.” Joanne said as she thought about what they needed to do. “That’s something that I can do. I think that some of us need to go out to get some food the others can stay here and think of ways to add onto the protection.”
“Well I think that I should be one of the ones to go shopping for I have money in my pocket.” Mimi said in a joking manner, though she was trying to hide her fear that she was feeling.
“if that’s the case than me, Collins, and Angel should go with you.” Roger said making it known that Mimi wasn’t going anywhere with out him.
“I concur.” Collins agreed.
“I’m in.” Angel said as she stood up and walked over to Mimi, Roger, and Collins.
“Wait why am I not included in the group?” Mark asked feeling left out.
“You’re not really a fighter, Mark.” Roger said as a matter of factly.
“But that’s not fair.” Mark said with a pout, for he wanted to help out.
“Mark your more brains then bronze.” Mimi said as she went over and gave Mark a comforting hug. “And besides I didn’t think that you wanted to leave Amy.”
“Well when you put it that way.” Mark said with a hint of embarrassment.
“Well let’s call a cab and get some food.” Roger said as he handed Mimi the phone.
It took the cab driver ten minutes to get there. Once they were at the store they got loads of food. Enough to last them all a month in the vacation house. When they were done, they called another cab and headed home. There they noticed a police car right in front of the house.
“Well we’re here and so are the cops.” Mimi said trying to laugh at the situation but failing miserably.
“Don’t worry mi chica. We’re all here for you.” Angel said as they exited the cab. Once they were done unloading the cab, they went into the living room where Joanne was talking to the cops.
“Mimi this is officer Smith and his partner officer Martin. Their going to help protect you.” Joanne said introducing Mimi to the cops.
“Hello. Thank you for coming and helping me out I really appreciate it.” Mimi said with all honesty as she shook the officer’s hands.
“We’ll do our best. We got all the information from Mrs. Jefferson here. So all I can say for you to do is stay in the house and let us do our job in protecting you.” Officer Martin said in an authoritive voice.
“Will do. Luckily I’m in good company.” Mimi said making all her friends laugh.
“That’s good.” Officer Smith said as both he and his partner stood up and left the room to go back to their car.
“Thank you, Joanne, for doing this.” Mimi said as she gave Joanne a hug.
“It is my pleasure Mimi.” Joanne said as she returned the hug.