After my argument with Mom and Jimmy, I left for my sister Destiny’s house.
“Can’t I just live here?” I asked her. I hadn’t told her the whole truth, just that Jimmy and I didn’t get along.
“I would love to have you here, but it’s just not possible,” she explained. “If I were to take you in, I’d need another bedroom.”
“I don’t mind sleeping on the couch.”
“That’s fine for a night or two, but if I’m your legal guardian then there are obligations. You’d have to have your own bedroom, and we’d have to have the income to take care of you.”
“Oh, I didn’t know that.”
“I’m sorry, Johnny, but it just can’t happen. With me being in school, Tyler and I are barely making it on his paycheck.”
Destiny let me sleep on her couch for the night, but I understood that was all she could manage at the moment.
I also tried reaching out to my grandma Ginny a few times, but Mom and my aunt convinced her to move into a retirement home after she had a fall at home while she was alone. She was okay, but it could have been worse. I was devastated knowing that she would no longer have a place for me to stay, but her move to the retirement home ended up being what saved my life.
Not long after I returned home from Destiny’s, someone knocked on my door. It was a social worker, and she explained that there was a court order in place for a DNA test for Chantal and I.
“For what?” Mom questioned.
“Well, someone is claiming that he’s the biological father of the children,” the social worker explained.
“That’s impossible!” Mom insisted. “Their father doesn’t even–he’s not involved. Who is asking for the DNA test?”
“Solomon Owens-Haim,” the social worker replied.
As soon as the name “Solomon” left her mouth, I saw the color drain from my mother’s face. I knew then that the man requesting the test was in fact my father.
It was a beautiful summer day, nice and sunny with a gentle breeze that was just right for a day at the beach. Destiny had been trying to get Johnny to meet with her (and their sisters) for a couple of weeks, but he kept coming up with excuses to stay home.
When she reached out with an invite to Playa Del Sol, though, he couldn’t bring himself to turn down the offer. The beach was one of his favorite places; he couldn’t be unhappy for long with the ocean in view.
Johnny was sitting in the sand, attempting to mold the wet clumps into something vaguely recognizable. On the other side of the lumpy mess, his nephew Darien gleefully tossed two handfuls of sand into the air.
“That’s the way to do it, buddy!” Johnny laughed. “You’re an architect in the making!” Darien babbled in agreement.
“You’re really good with him,” Destiny said.
Johnny shrugged. “It’s pretty easy. I just have to play like a little kid and say silly things to make him laugh.”
“He doesn’t take to people very easily. I think you're better with kids than you give yourself credit for. You’ll be a great dad one day!”
Johnny scrunched up his nose. “I don’t know about that. At this rate I doubt I’ll even get married.”
“Come on, Johnny! I know it hurts that things didn’t work out with Lexie, but this is your first heartbreak. Give it some time and you’ll be ready to try again.”
“My first heartbreak, huh? So that means there are more coming.”
“Maybe, maybe not. But everyone goes through it.”
“Not you. You married your first love,” Johnny pointed out.
Destiny sighed. “Yeah, I guess I’m not the best person to go to for breakup advice. But I do know that you’re too much of a romantic to give up on love for good.”
“Do you think you and Tyler are soulmates? Or do you even believe in that sort of thing?”
“Hmm, I don’t know. It’s a nice thought, that some magical force brought us together. But even if we are meant to be, our relationship still takes work. We both had to put ourselves out there and we both have to continue making an effort. Not just for us, but for Darien, too.”
“Uh, wait.” Johnny began looking around in a panic, realizing Darien was no longer next to them. “Where is Darien?”
Destiny whipped around to find Darien toddling off towards the concessions stand. “Shit! Darien, get back here!” She darted off behind him.
“Go, Darien! Make a break for it!” Johnny couldn’t help but laugh now that he knew his nephew was safe and sound.
While Destiny wrangled her runaway toddler, Johnny walked over to talk to Chantal and Trinity who were sunbathing on some lounge chairs.
“You two aren’t done roasting yet?”
“We’re not roasting, we’re getting a summer glow,” Trinity corrected.
“Hmm, well I hear the rotisserie chicken look is totally in right now.”
“Ha ha, you’re so funny,” Chantal deadpanned. “Where’s Destiny?”
“Chasing after Darien. Here they come now.”
“No more escaping, mister,” Destiny lectured as she plopped onto the ground, pulling Darien firmly into her lap.
“You’ve gotta get faster, dude! Freedom is just around the corner,” Johnny countered.
Destiny pointed to Johnny. “Don’t listen to a word this one says. He’ll get you in trouble. Say ‘no, no, Uncle Johnny!’”
“No no!” Darien repeated with a giggle, clapping his hands with delight.
“Oh, you’re gonna tell me what to do? I’ll show you!” Johnny knelt down and scooped Darien into his arms.
Darien’s giggles turned into high-pitched squeals as his uncle lifted him into the air. Johnny considered what Destiny said earlier about him being a good father someday.
The thought of parenthood scared him a bit–there are so many ways you can mess a kid up, after all. But seeing the joy on Darien's face was like getting a glimpse into the future. One without late nights at the club, fights with his family, or meaningless sex.
Maybe Destiny was right and he was giving up too easily. It wasn't too late for him to have a life like his sister's--a happy marriage, beautiful kids, a job he loved.
For now, though, he was just focused on being a good uncle. All the fun without the responsibility.
“Come on, let’s go get some ice cream,” he said, carrying Darien towards the concessions stand.
Previous | Beginning of story | Beginning of chapter | Next
TRIGGER WARNING: This post contains C-PTSD flashbacks relating to child abuse. While not graphic, please use your own discretion in continuing with this post if those topics are triggering or upsetting to you.
Bonnie: I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for coming out to celebrate my birthday with me. We’ve been through a lot as a family, but I’m so glad that we’re all here together now.
Johnny: Happy birthday, Mom!
Chantal and Destiny: Happy birthday!
Trinity: Just cut the cake already!
[laughter]
Johnny: So you’re the kid who’s dating my little sister. What’s your deal? Got a job yet?
Demarcus: No, sir, I’m only 12.
Johnny: Hmm. Well, I hope you’re treating my sister right. I know how 12-year-old boys are. I was one, after all.
[Johnny starts to put his hand on Demarcus’ shoulder]
Demarcus: Ah! Don't hurt me!
[Johnny has a flashback of Jimmy: Don't be such a brat and I won't have to!]
Johnny: I won't, why would you think that?
Demarcus: I dunno. Isn’t that what big brothers do?
Johnny: No! I was just messing with you. I would never…I’ll be back.
[Johnny goes to the bathroom to compose himself]
Bonnie: [holding Darien] And there’s your Auntie Chantal!
Chantal: Hey sweet boy!
Destiny: Sorry Mom, I’m gonna have to take him back so I can put him down for a nap.
Bonnie: Aw, sweet dreams little guy! [to Chantal] Doesn’t he make you want one of your own?
Chantal: Nope! I’m done with men anyhow.
Bonnie: I can’t blame you for that one. They cause nothin’ but trouble.
[The front door opens]
Trinity: Dad!
Jimmy: Hey princess! I thought I’d stop by to say hello since I didn’t get to see you this weekend.
Chantal: Mom, what the fuck? Why is he here?
Bonnie: Jimmy, I told you not to come!
Jimmy: Relax, I’ll just be a second. Hey, Johnny! Listen, I've been wanting--
Chantal: Don’t you fucking get near him!
Destiny: Stay back, Jimmy!
Jimmy: I just want to apologize!
[Chantal and Destiny block Jimmy from getting near Johnny. Johnny runs out of the apartment]
Bonnie: Johnny! Wait!
[Everyone follows Johnny outside]
Chantal: Jimmy, get the fuck out of here before I fucking end you!
Destiny: Leave, Jimmy!
Jimmy: Fine, I’m leaving! This wouldn’t be a problem if he wasn’t such a pussy.
Destiny: [to Bonnie] We’ve got him.
Johnny: [to Chantal] Please take me home.
Bonnie: Johnny, I’m so sorry, I told him not to come. I–
[Johnny is visiting Destiny. He’s leaning over Darien’s crib]
Johnny: He's so cute!
Destiny: Yeah, he's an adorable little guy. He's grown so much, he'll be sitting up soon!
Johnny: Aw, hey buddy. I'm your Uncle Johnny. I'm a cool uncle, I promise.
Destiny: Do you want to hold him?
Johnny: Uhh, I don't know. I'm afraid I'd drop him or something. Plus my clothes smell like cigarettes, that's not good for him, right?
Destiny: Probably not. It's nice that you thought of that, though. So, how are you liking college?
Johnny: It's ok. It's kinda hard keeping up with everything. But I've made some friends, so that's cool.
Destiny: Yeah, Chantal said there's a girl you're interested in?
Johnny: Oh my God, why do my sisters have to tell all my business?
Destiny: That's what sisters are for! You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to.
Johnny: There isn't much to say. I think she's cute, but I don't know if I'm ready to date. Plus, she just sees me as a friend.
Destiny: Well, if you need advice feel free to come to me. I have the best track record for a healthy relationship in this family after all.
Johnny: Lucky!
Destiny: Your time will come. You're still young. Listen...
Johnny: Here we go.
Destiny: I want to apologize to you for leaving you behind when I moved out here. I know I've said that already, but I'm ready to take full responsibility for it now.
Johnny: It's ok, you were only 18. I know I couldn't take care of 2 kids at my age.
Destiny: Maybe, but I should have done something. I knew things were gonna get worse, that's why I left. I was only thinking about how it affected me, though.
Johnny: It's not like you knew how bad it really was. Jimmy was good at hiding it.
Destiny: But did you feel like you could trust me to help at that point?
[Johnny stays silent.]
Destiny: Johnny, I love you so much. I may have a son now, but you were my first little boy in a way. I'm sorry I let you down. If you can trust me, I promise it'll never happen again. But I understand if you can't.
Johnny: I love you too, Des, and I do trust you. I would've left if I could so I get it. Have you talked to mom any?
Destiny: I have. I'm slowly trying to trust her again. For what it's worth, she says she didn't know about Jimmy and she sounded sincere. But only you can decide if you can trust her or not.
Johnny: I don't know if I can. I do miss her. Or I miss who she was.
Destiny: Well, if you decide to talk to her and you need me to be there, I will.
Johnny: Ok. Thanks for being there for me.
Destiny: I always will be.
Previous | Beginning of story | Beginning of chapter | Next
Previous | Beginning of story | Beginning of chapter | Next
Transcript below:
Bonnie: Who's grandma's baby? Yes, it's you!
[Darien giggles]
Destiny: Looks like he likes you!
Bonnie: He knows his grandma's gonna spoil him rotten. Yes, he does!
Trinity: Ugh, babies drool too much. It's so gross.
Destiny: Hey, you drooled a lot when you were his age. I think you're a bit jealous that you're not the baby in the family anymore.
Trinity: Like I would be jealous of a stupid baby.
Bonnie: She's totally jealous. It's been just me and her for a few years now so she doesn't like someone else getting attention. At least one of my kids likes me, I guess.
Destiny: Don't be like that, Mom. I'm extending my olive branch, and you know Chantal doesn't hold grudges.
Bonnie: Yeah, I guess you're right. It's just that brother of yours. [sighs] I don't know what else I gotta do. I kicked Jimmy out, I got clean, I've apologized over and over again. I don't know what else he wants.
Destiny: Well, that one's going to take a little more time. He doesn't think he can trust you after everything. I've been afraid to ask all these years, but you didn't know Jimmy was hitting him, right?
Bonnie: Of course I didn't know! Christ, Destiny, I wouldn't have let my husband beat my child for fuck's sake.
Destiny: I know, but how did you not notice? You seemed a little quick to believe that Johnny was the aggressor. Surely you realized Jimmy didn't need to defend himself against a 13-year-old.
Bonnie: I know it doesn't make sense, Destiny. I don't know what I was thinking. I was strung out, Johnny was out of control, and Jimmy seemed so sincere when he denied it. I can admit to being in denial, but I didn't know, Destiny. And I feel guilty as hell that I didn't look at things closer.
Destiny: Well, I didn't either. I just ran off with Tyler after graduation and left them there. I always wondered why he didn't tell me, but I guess I broke his trust by dipping out like that. That's why I've kept my distance from everyone. I didn't want to face that I played a part in all this.
Bonnie: Well, I guess I can't blame you for leaving. You wouldn't have all this if you stayed in Grimm's Quarry. You're a nurse, a wife, and now a mother. I'm proud of you.
Destiny: I just wish things had turned out different. Our family is so broken. Now that Darien is here, I want him to have a relationship with the whole family.
Bonnie: I want that, too. And I'm not gonna give up on trying to fix this.
Johnny: Destinnnnnnnnnnny! Can we have McDonald's tonight?
Destiny: That depends. You got McDonald's money?
Johnny: [Sighs] Grilled cheese it is.
Chantal: Again? I'm so sick of sandwiches!
Trinity: No more samwich, Dessy!
Destiny: Sorry guys, that's all we can afford. Mom told me things aren't going too great at the bar. Her boss really has it out for her, and she hasn't been getting as many shifts.
Chantal: Oh. So we're going to have even less money?
Destiny: Unless Jimmy decides he wants to help out. So probably not.
Johnny: Guess we'll be poor forever.
[The kids are sitting at the dinner table. There is a knock at the door.]
[Destiny opens door]. Destiny: Oh, hi. You just moved into the apartments, right?
Tyler: Yeah, I'm Tyler. Thought I would come say hi since I don't really know anyone here.
Destiny: I'm Destiny. Haven't you made any friends in the neighborhood yet?
Tyler: [blushing] Well yeah. But no one as pretty as you.
Destiny: [blushing] You really think I'm pretty?
Tyler: Of course. Your eyes are beautiful. And I really like your vibe. I think you'd be cool to hang around with.
Destiny: Oh. I would but I don't really have much free time. I have to take care of my siblings a lot, and my mom doesn't get home 'til late.
Tyler: So sneak out. I'm always up late. Just knock on my window if you see my light on. It's the one with all the stickers on it.
Safe Harbor Character Intros: Darien, Destiny, and Tyler Wakefield
Destiny and Tyler met as high school students 8 years ago and have been inseparable ever since. After graduation Destiny hastily left for Copperdale after an argument with her mom Bonnie, leaving her younger siblings (Chantal, Johnny, and Trinity) behind. Tyler got a job as an apprentice mechanic and Destiny started nursing school. Though Tyler was ready to start a family, it was important to Destiny to wait for more financial security before bringing kids into the mix. Tyler happily supported his wife's goals while working on his career as well.
Now that baby Darien is here, Destiny is focused on fixing the broken ties between her and her family members and dealing with the guilt she feels after learning just how bad things got for her siblings once she moved away.
Catch up with Destiny and Tyler here and see what they're up to now on July 24!
