Dangerous Circumstances Don't End Happily Ever After (closed)

[elvenjodi]

Maddie drove through out the night until she reached the small town of Havenwood, NC, population 1200+. She was going to meet up with a realtor who told her about a great 2 bedroom home for rent. And right now, Maddie was desperate enough to take it without first inspecting it. She had just taken enough of Vince's money to pay for rent for a year. That should take care of her until it was time.

Even though she was dead tired, she was determined not to stop. She had to get far away as possible and after doing some research, Havenwood seemed like the perfect place to hide out until the time came. She needed to kept to herself and figure out what she was going to do.

At 6 weeks pregnant, Madeline Allen wasn't just any simple pregnant, unwed woman. She was the former girlfriend of Vincent Archuleta, up and coming leader of the Mexican mob in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Maddie had made sure to keep her pregnancy a secret until she could get out safely. She had gone to the cops but there was nothing they could do to guarantee her safety. And once Vince would find out about his child, Maddie knew he would stop at nothing to get at his child.

A gangster's life was something Maddie didn't want her child to grow up in. Besides, these past few weeks with Vincent proved to be a little too dangerous. He had become more short tempered with everything and usually would take it out on Maddie. God knew what would happen if Vince just happened to go off the deep end one day, because in her opinion, he was close, very close and now, news like this was sure to send him over the edge because of Maddie up and running away from him.

 

[elvenjodi]

FLASHBACK

Officer John Black of APD, stared at Maddie and shook his head, "I'm sorry Ms. Allen, there's nothing we can do about it. Unless you're willing to go the whole way with Vincent and testify against him should he be arrested. And even then, there's no way we can guarantee your safety. He's--"

"You know what?! Forget it. I knew this was a waste of time!" And with that, Madeline had walked out of the station, never before feeling so helpless about something in her life. It was then she decided to run. It was her only option. She couldn't stay. No, she wouldn't stay. Maddie had dumped her phone as she left the police station and then drove home after making a quick stop at her bank and getting all her money out of her account and then some out of Vincent's too. After packing a bag with clothes and personal items, she was on her way. She needed to get out of the state before he found out she was gone, it was still early afternoon so she had a good chance to get far before he found out later that night.

PRESENT
The small house wasn't much to look at. Then again, it was at least something and not an apartment. Maddie needed the space and also, the solitude from prying neighbors. The home she was renting stood on an acre lot at least 2 miles from town and about 1 mile from her closest neighbor. What was nice is that it included a small barn with a loft, but absence of any animals, which was fine, because she'd be too busy in a few months to care for any animals. She had to think about the future now.

The home had one bed, so she knew she'd have to get some furniture but of course, not all right now. She wasn't expecting any visitors anyway and nor would she have any over. No, she needed to also look for a job later in order to continue to support herself.

But all that would wait until later. Right now, she needed to rest. It had a been a long few days driving and she just wanted to sleep. Later, she would venture out to find some dinner and after that, plan a little more on how to deal with everything else.

 

[elvenjodi]

Maddie was having a hell of a time getting some sleep and it didn’t help that it was only the late afternoon. The bed wasn’t too comfortable but it was a bed at least. She knew she’d need to go out and get some things, like bedding and then some food. God, she needed to eat. She had to remind herself that she needed to stay healthy the baby’s sake. At least she wasn’t showing--yet. Maybe in a few more weeks, seeing as how she had lost weight recently because of the stress she was under while living with Vincent.

So, she was getting ready to go out and get something to eat as well as see what was around town, even though it was already getting late. Hopefully there were still a few places open or maybe they had a Target around. She wasn’t too sure. She’d need to get another phone, at least a prepaid throw away phone. Just something temporary seeing as how she would only be using it for possible work leads.

Grabbing her purse, Maddie looked around to see where she put her keys and just as she saw them on the counter top in the kitchen, the doorbell rang.

Maddie froze at the sound. She wasn’t expecting anyone.

“OK..” she said under her breath and didn’t know what to do. Her only thought was that Vincent had found her. But then, she took a deep breath and calmed down. No, he wouldn’t have. He wouldn’t know where to look..right? Walking to the door, which didn’t have a peep hole, Maddie opened the door cautiously and saw a guy in uniform, he had his back turned to her and so she opened the door all the way, “Can I help you?” She said, trying to keep her voice steady.

Before the guy could turn around or speak, Maddie remembered that she was to receive a delivery for a missing appliance, “Ohh, damn..” she said quietly and then stood back, “Hi, I’m—“ then that’s when she saw the man’s face and her words got caught in her throat. He was handsome..for a delivery guy. She was sure the usual stereotype for a local would be someone with a beer belly—but yet, she was mistaken. Noticing he was just staring at her, Maddie tried to finish her sentence, “I’m sorry, I was just heading out and I forgot someone was supposed to come by.”

 

[elvenjodi]

Maddie couldn't help but smile as Danny fumbled with his clipboard and she just gave him a small smile the whole time he tried to talk. It was kind of cute the way he did that and how he couldn't remember his own name.

"NO!" Maddie said, rushing and then quickly recovering, "I mean, no, it's OK, you're already here and I can wait, seriously," she tossed her purse on the couch and stepped back as she opened the door all the way, "I totally forgot about the dishwasher..it's just been a crazy day today.." she held out her hand, "I'm Madeline, but you can call me Maddie." Before, as she was driving, Maddie had decided to keep her first name but change her last name. It just seemed to make things easier.

"The kitchen is just to the left," she said, pointing behind her, "And I mean it, I can wait. I was only going to go get something for dinner and then see if there was a store still open in the area...."

Why was she telling him all this? Maddie realized she was babbling and so she stopped, followed by an awkward pause between both of them.

 

[elvenjodi]

Maddie hadn't really thought of a complete back story. She wasn't prepared for the questions Danny was asking and she figured she needed to get one and quick. Although she didn't have to answer his questions, he seemed sincere enough and his questions were innocent questions after all. "Well, OK, a Wal-Mart, that sounds good. I mean, what place doesn't have a Wal-Mart so I guess I should have expected that."

He had mentioned the places to eat and Maddie shook her head, "Hmm, not really my taste, I guess I'm stuck with some TV dinners for the next couple of nights."

She watched him leave to get his tools and she had no idea why she had to be in the same room as him because she felt she was probably in the way, but he just kept talking to her and she couldn't help but answer. During the husband question, Maddie tried not to laugh because it was a valid question. What other reason would a woman be up here all by herself? "My husband?" She repeated and just shrugged, "Oh, I'm not married, trust me. I'm here alone."

Eek! Why did she tell him that?!

"I mean, I moved here by myself and as you can see, I'm still trying to get settled in." She finished off quietly. "Hey, listen, I'm probably in your way so I'll just wait in the other room, perhaps make a list of things I need to get." She turned before stopping and looking back at him, "It was nice to meet you Danny," she said before leaving him alone to do what he needed to do.

 

[elvenjodi]

He had a little too much again.

The drinks and the drugs were all in Vincent's system and probably playing havoc on his system. He was loud, moreso than usual. He was obnoxious, again, moreso than usual.

He was going to get violent.

Maddie could only sit back and watch. She was in her own stupor of drink but refused the drugs that was offered to her. Sure, she enjoyed the partying once in a while, but seriously? It did get old after a few years, especially since leaving college. Not that anyone cared, but Maddie had been working on her degree in Applied Science, just short one year of her associates degree when she got involved with Vincent.

One of many mistakes in her life. So far, at least.

As the party died down, Maddie headed on to her place, still not accepting Vince's offer to move in with him. He had told her not to go. But she disagreed. And that pissed him off. Pissed him off to a point where he backhanded Madeline across the face, sending her down to her knees. He then proceeded to kick her in the stomach, telling her that no one, not even her, had better ever refuse him again.

That's when he dragged her up to his room, keeping her there until the next morning, tormenting her until the drugs wore off. He had swore never to do that again. He promised. Just as long as she promised not to leave him again.

Both promises were broken sooner than later.

Maddie kicked herself out of her nightmare and looked up at the ceiling in her new room. She had gone to the store and had gotten a few things, mostly bedding and a few more clothes, along with some personal items for herself. The rest she would get in the morning. She had even stopped at McDonalds to get something to eat. Although it wasn't her first choice, it just meant that she didn't have to cook seeing as she was already starving by the time the dishwashing guy had left.

Danny.

He was sweet. Nice. Handsome.

But weren't they all in the beginning? She let that little dream just keep floating on out of her head. There wasn't going to be anything. No love for her anymore. Well, maybe but until she figured out to do and where to go after the baby was born, she'd dwell more on the subject of men and love again.

Putting a hand over her stomach, she knew men out there didn't like a ready made family. So, there was no point in getting her hopes up for finding love again one day. Right now, she just needed to live. Perhaps go out tomorrow and explore this little town and figure out why the hell she chose to live somewhere where there was nothing. But she had to have hope. Right?

 

[elvenjodi]

Maddie woke up early. Not by choice.

After the long drive over the last two days and trying to get settled in to the new place, she woke up early (despite the nightmares) because of two things.

Being cold.

Morning sickness.

The mornings here were definitely colder than what she was used to. At least in New Mexico, the mornings and nights were warm but the days sweltering and hovering around the high 90s and sometimes in the 100s during the summer.

And morning sickness was another thing. She was on her knees, heaving over the toilet and although nothing came out, it still sucked.

As she stood up from the floor and washed up, the door bell rang. With a gasp, she stood there in the bathroom for a good while as the doorbell sounded again. The first thought was that she had been found.

Then again, if she knew Vince, he would just barge in.

BUT then again, he wouldn't have found her so quickly.

Would he?

"Stop it Maddie!" She cursed herself and headed to the front door. When she had woken up earlier, Maddie had dressed in a pair of jeans and a camisole blue top and covered it up with a sweatshirt jacket in order to keep warm.

Later, she would need to find out where the heater was and turn it on full blast. There was a fire place but that required wood and she didn't know if she had any or even if she did, would it need to be chopped, which she couldn't do either.

As she got closer to the door, Maddie didn't see the toolbox and ended up kicking it and crying out, and doing something she rarely did--curse out loud.

It was then the door opened (stupid her for forgetting to lock it anyway last night) and she saw Danny, the dishwasher installer guy standing there as she leaned against the wall in pain.

"I guess you're back for that?" She said in between a grimace.

 

[elvenjodi]

"You don't need this, Maddie. You don't need this!" Maddie was telling herself under her breath as she closed the door when Danny left. She really didn't need this. There was something there, she knew it. It was a spark, despite their awkwardness toward each other, there was something there.

But....even if there was something there, there couldn't be anything there. She was pregnant. It looked like he was taken. Get your head on straight! She thought as she went to the kitchen and grabbed a package of twinkies from the shopping bag from last night. She opened it and shoved one in her mouth as she thought of her morning and how busy it would.

Maddie figured she'd keep busy to keep her mind off of everything and just focus on getting things set up, getting some groceries and then perhaps find a book store to lose herself in.

Seeing the pre-paid phone she had purchased last night, she activated it and then knew she'd need to call her father about her her arriving safely. She had chucked her original phone in the car she had switched out with a total stranger who was glad to take her new camero that Vince had gotten for her last year and trade it for their run down 2009 Escort. Maddie was surprised that that little car got her as far as it did. Surprised and thankful.

Dialing up her parents house, there was no answer so the machine picked up and she was forced to leave a message on a machine, thanks to her father's fear of technology.

"Hi Daddy and Beth. I forgot all about the time difference but, I just wanted to let you know I arrived safely and I'm sorry, I still don't want to say where I'm at but just know that I love you both and will call you again later on next week. I love you. Bye."

After hanging up, Maddie slipped on some shoes and decided she needed to get something to eat from some where, then go grocery shopping and grab a paper to see what sort of jobs were available. The money she took, over $25K, from Vince wouldn't last her forever, especially with medical fees and living expenses wouldn't last for long. She'd need a job.

 

[elvenjodi]

After hanging up the phone, Maddie slowly at the other twinkie before moving to her room to get her shoes. As she was tieing them, the doorbell sounded again. She sighed only because when she was at home in Albuquerque, she never got this many visitors in a day and she knew a lot of people over there!

Yanking the door open, Maddie was surprised to see Danny standing there. He started to say something but it all came out in jumbles and she could only wait until he was finished before she laughed with him, "Wait, don't go." She said and grabbed his arm, dragging him inside seeing as how the cool outside was coming in and she was still freezing.

"OK, first off," she reached up and wiped off the side of his cheek and showed him the lipstick from a woman's kiss. Probably his girlfriend that was waiting in the truck for him when he came to get his toolbox, "I don't think your girlfriend would appreciate you taking a total stranger out for food. Second, please, relax, OK? You are extremely nervous or I'm completely hideous to the point that it scares you to talk to me. And I'm really hoping it's not the latter."

 

[elvenjodi]

Maddie waited as they stood there in an ackward silence. She had wanted to make sure he was done as she tried best not to laugh. She didn't want to laugh at him, persay, but laugh at his nervousness.

He was extremely cute as he rambled on but he wouldn't let Maddie get a word in edgewise. Finally, after a few more brief moments in silence, Maddie spoke up, "OK, Daniel," she said, reading the name tag on his work shirt. Although he had introduced him last as Danny, she usually was the type to call someone by their whole first name. It was a crazy habit she had. "I'm not too sure about going some place to eat if you're already eaten. I mean, I kinda don't want to eat while being stared at." she said a little quietly.

"Besides, it looks like you have to get to work and I don't want to keep you. I wouldn't want you to get in trouble or anything." She looked down for a moment and then back up at him, "How about this. Let's have dinner? By then, I'll gotten somethings done and you'll be done with work! How does that sound?"

She liked him and really wanted to forget about her past at the moment and besides, it was just going to be an innocent dinner, right?

 

[elvenjodi]

This isn't really a date...is it? Maddie thought as she got dressed after a hot shower. She had had a busy day getting some groceries and driving around town to get a notion for what was what and where things were. What they had available. It was a good day. She had only gotten lost twice but people were nice enough to point her in the right direction.

During the afternoon, she had found a bookstore and gotten a few books, including one called "What to expect when you're expecting." Which gave her a pretty good idea of what was to come with being pregnant. Although she had been around friends and family who were pregnant and had kids, she never really asked what it was like or what to expect. The morning sickness was one thing she knew about, so that was a start.

She also knew about cravings. Oh great. That wasn't going to go well since she loved to eat anyway. Her friends would tell her how much they hated her for getting to eat what she wanted and as much as she wanted yet never seemed to gain any weight from it all. The truth was, although she did work out from time to time, she had her father to thank for that.

Her father. She missed him. She might have missed Beth just as much but the truth was, Beth wasn't her real mother. Sure, she liked to act like she was, but well, that was a story in itself and Maddie didn't want to dwell on it tonight. No, tonight she was going on a date.

She was going on a date?!

The realization just hit Maddie. What the hell was she doing going out with a guy after just arriving in town no less than 72 hours ago?!

That's when she heard the knock on the door and then looked at the clock. She decided it would be extremely rude to back out and besides, she really did need this. So, dressed in a black, casual (yet form fitting) dress which she topped wtih a jean jacket and a pair of black flats, she was ready. She had put her hair up in a messy, yet elegant bun and had her favorite little diamond studs on, which her father had given to her for her birthday last year.

With a deep breath, Maddie opened the door and saw Danny standing there. She was taken back a little as she took him in. He looked so different not dressed in his work uniform. Giving him a geniune smile, she held waved him in, "Hi...you look great....." She told him as she backed up to let him in. "I have to grab my purse and then I'll be ready." Maddie told him and then turned to head to her room and grab her bag.

 

[elvenjodi]

Angelica

Angie looked at the clock for probably the 20th time during the past hour as she waited for her shift to end. Only an hour more to go and she'd be off. Working as phlebotimist was probably a boring job but hell, it paid the rent. Even though her boyfriend Samson was a good provider, Angie preferred to have her own spending money so she wouldn't have to rely on Samson.

Her email alert sounded and so she opened it up. It was a list of test results from the past week and it was her job to sort through it and then distribute it to the correct doctors. Well, it gave her something to do until she was to leave for the night. Normally Angie didn't look at the names but tonight, one seemed to pop out at her.

Madeline R. Allen
Age: 22

“Hmm...” she said. Maddie. Vince's girl.

Test Results: Positive
EDC: 12/1/2015

“Oh shit!” Angie said under her breath as she looked around and made sure no one saw her read more into detail about the results. What more was there to read?! She quickly finished up the report and sent it the correct providers and then clocked out for the night. It kind of pissed Angie off that Maddie didn't tell her about this. Hell, she tried to call her as she got to her car but only ended up getting her voicemail. “Girl! Call me when you get this!” Was all she said as she drove home

It had a been a few days since she had seen Samson but tonight, it was rare to see him home. Giving him a quick kiss, she went to her room and took her scrubs off and then went back out into the living room to see Samson sitting there, nursing a drink.

“Hey babe, something wrong?” She asked as she got a beer from the fridge and sat down next to him and leaned against him.

“Well, just helping Vince on something of a mystery. Seems that Maddie ran off a day or so ago.” He sat up and looked at Angie, “She didn't tell you anything, did she?!” He asked, accusingly.

Sitting up in surprise, Angie looked at him, “Maddie's gone?! What? Where did she go?!” She took a long swig of her beer and shook her head, “Hell, no, she didn't tell me anything! Fuck, that must explain the--” Angie shut up and grabbed her beer, taking another hard drink from it.

Samson sat up and looked at Angie, “Explain?!” He stood and looked down on Angie, “What does it explain Angie?! If you know something, you better tell me! Vince is worried sick over her!!”

“Oh now he shows concern?!” Angie retorted back to him, “He never cared about her before.”

He grabbed her by the hair and made her stand next to him, “What the fuck Angie, tell me what you know?!”

“Maddie's pregnant!!” Was all she could get out as Samson let her go and fall to the floor. “I saw the results earlier at work today. She's pregnant and Vince could be the father.”
=======================

Maddie couldn't believe that small town life existed still. Everyone knowing everyone else and their business. Where she grew up, it was hard to know everyone being it a big city, unless you grew up in a certain part of the city and stayed there, then that had a small town feel to it. It all depended on who you knew.

Just like when she would go out with her girlfriends, no guys dared hit on her because they knew she was Vincent's girl. And when they did hit on her, usually one of Vince's goons would be right there to let the guy know, nicely, that she wasn't interested. Yes, he had her followed some of the times. Other times, things would be reported back to Vince that Maddie didn't know how he got his information. The only thing she could think of is that one of her friends told someone who told someone who told Vincent. But then again, they all knew each other so things were bound to get back to him.

She waved off what Danny said about leaving, "Don't worry about it, OK? I understand." she looked around and saw some of the people looking over at them and she just smiled before turning her attention back to Danny, "It's really a nice little place. Granted, I've only been to a few places today but it seems like a nice town."

Just then, Tim returned with the bread and wine, to which Maddie's eyes widen at the site of the wine, "Umm...can I just have a glass of water please?" She said quietly and realized both Danny and Tim just looked at Maddie like she asked for them to strip naked. "I-..I'm just not a wine person.." she said, hoping neither would question her further as she opened her menu and practically hid behind it, "So.....what's good here?" she asked, trying to ignore the looks of not only them but some of the other people in the diner still looking down their way.

 

[elvenjodi]

Talk about awkward. Maddie couldn't help but try to hide a giggle when Gina had mentioned condoms. It made Maddie grin as she thought of Gina because the woman reminded her of one of her own friends, Dawn, back home.

The entire crowd of the diner quieted down for a second at Danny's outburst before picking back up again a second later.

"Right....." Maddie said, hiding her smile behind her menu. It was sort of funny for some reason and she guessed it was because it seemed she wasn't the only one with overbearing friends.

They were rescued when Tim finally returned with the water and glasses. He had asked to take their order and Maddie handed the menu to Tim, "I'll have the meatloaf." She said, giving him a smile.

After Danny placed his order, Maddie decided to break the ice, "So....OK, you work for you uncle at his shop. What else do you like to do? Besides be embarrassed by childhood friends and practically the whole town."

 

[elvenjodi]

Maddie listened intently to Danny's story about his life thus far as she nibbled on her meatloaf when it arrived. She still hadn't really thought of what sort of story she was going to tell when the time came. And it looked like that it was going to be time tonight.

She took a sip of her water and shrugged, "I guess I just needed a change of scenary. I was born and raised out west and well, things got...boring and I needed to get away. I guess you could say I needed to find myself and well, I've never lived in a small town so, here I am."

"So, a chef?" She asked before he could have the chance to ask her anymore, "That's a great thing. People need to eat and someone to make them good things to eat..." Nice break Maddie...

"Well, if you ever have something new you want to cook, I'll be your willing victim for tasting." She quickly took another bite of her meatloaf.