Six months later…
Simone Jenkins sat across from the man who’d not only helped her regain her life, but also given her the guidance and support to actually live it. Dr. Richards smiled at the happy woman with satisfaction.
“Are you safe?” he asked.
Simone thought about the last six months. “Safer than I’ve been in a long time.”
“You’re not the same woman, who came here two years ago,” Dr. Richards commented.
Simone smiled broadly. “No, I’m not…”
“You look happy,”
She blinked to contain her emotion. “I am, and I never thought I’d feel this way after what happened. Thank you so much.”
Dr. Richards laughed. “I think that Nick deserves more of the credit than I do…”
“It’s been over six months, and he’s still there every day,” Simone said softly. “He’s been through all of my moods and triggers, but he still loves me.”
“A love that you deserve,” the doctor stressed.
“Nick is so unshakable and I love that about him. I’m flaky enough, I certainly can’t have someone with my same tendencies. He makes being me, so easy…” Simone said quietly. “I don’t have to hide or fit some type of standard.”
“When he came to talk to me, I could certainly see why he’d been able to capture your attention,” Dr. Richards told her. “I was surprised when the dangerous looking man came into my office. He sat down and told me who he was, and that he was going to be a part of your life.”
Simone shook her head. “That sounds like Nick.”
“He also wanted me to know that he supported you in your therapy, and if there was anything that you needed, to contact him immediately,” he finished.
She sighed. “He’s been that way from the start and he hasn’t changed. I was waiting for the day, when he’d show me his true colors, like Darryl. When he’d turn into someone that I didn’t recognize...” Simone looked away. “But he didn’t, and Nick could’ve walked out of my life at any time.”
“But like you said, he’s still in love with you…”
Simone clasped her hands. “And I’m so head over heels, flipped upside down, in love with him. He’s helped remove my fears to the point where, I don’t think twice about staying at his place overnight, and I feel comforted and safe from the weight of his body on mine, instead of the panic and horror that I used to feel.”
She smiled. “Even when I’m not making love with him, I just love simply being with him. I love lying in his arms and resting my head on his chest. Just simple things that I never thought I’d share with a man…”
“I’m happy to see that you’ve opened yourself up to those experiences.”
Simone looked at him. “We’re leaving in a few days. First, I’m going to meet Nick’s parents in Florida, where they retired some years ago. Then we’re flying to LA so he can meet my family.”
“How do you feel about that?”
“Anxious, nervous, happy…”
He nodded. “Those are all expected emotions,”
“I feel like a teenager, bringing my boyfriend home for the first time,” Simone confessed. “But I’m looking forward to it.”
“Good,” the doctor said quietly. “Is there anything else on your mind today that you’d like to discuss?”
Simone paused and studied her manicured nails. “You know that I’ve been having baby fever ever since all my team members started families.”
Dr. Richards listened closely.
“I’m both wanting a child so badly, and terrified that I won’t be able to protect them,” Simone confessed.
“Simone, being a parent doesn’t mean that you’re invincible. Yes, you should do everything in your power, to protect your child, but we live in a world with people who do bad things. I have no doubt that both you and Nick will teach your children how to protect themselves, as well.” Dr. Richards explained.
“They’ll be shooting at six,” Simone joked. “And kicking ass at ten.”
“Probably,” he agreed.
She laughed softly. “Nick’s danger is what drew me to him in the first place.”
“I remember that your preference wasn’t an accountant or therapist.” He gave her a look and she laughed some more.
“I actually did need a therapist though,” Simone relayed. “Since Nick also has a degree in Psychology.”
The doctor smiled. “It helps that he understands the emotions, you’ve had to deal with.”
“I can’t imagine how emotional I’ll be during a pregnancy. I’ll probably age that man ten years,” Simone sighed.
“And he’ll enjoy every day of it, I’m sure.”
Simone closed her eyes. “You should see him with Laurel, Kent and Lotus’ daughter. He’s going to be such a good father, one day.”
“Along with a woman, who’s going to be a great mother…”
Lifting her lids, she smiled at him. “What about you? Any little Richards on the horizon?”
He chuckled. “Not yet, but we’re working on it.”
“Nick and I have been very cautious,” Simone relayed. “We both want to be sure a child is what we’re ready for…”
“I applaud you both,” Dr. Richard complimented. “I wish more couples would try to plan ahead for their family. Those types of surprises can be very stressful, when the parents are not prepared.”
Simone agreed. “I had to work on my trust issues, before I even considered bringing another person into this situation.”
“Do you trust Nick now?”
“With my entire life,”
Dr. Richards sat his pad aside. “Then I can’t wait to meet the little person you create.”
Simone stood and held out her arms. “I know that I’m not supposed to touch you, but…”
He got to his feet and gently embraced her.
“Congratulations, Simone. I think our time is done.”
She sniffed and stepped back. “We can still keep in touch, though?”
“I’d be hurt if you didn’t.”
Simone smiled through her tears and wiped her face. “Goodbye Dr. Richards.”
“Take care, Simone.”
******
Nick checked his watch, waiting for Simone to arrive at the shooting range. Today, they were hosting another graduation of a class of women, from her Center. Nick looked around at the festivities set up for the event, including a large tent, a podium, tables and chairs.
Usually, clients just received their credentials, but Nick and Simone had decided to do something special for the women who had been victims of trauma, and to also help create a support system for them, in their protection of themselves.
Frowning, Nick checked his watch again then pulled out his phone. As he was about to dial, he spotted her driving way too fast into the parking lot. He watched as she hurried out of the car and made her way toward him.
“You drive too damn fast,” Nick told her, as he lowered his head to kiss her lips.
“I was running late,” Simone said, out of breath from rushing. “I didn’t want to miss the ceremony.”
He took her hand. “Breathe…you’re not late. People are still arriving.”
She placed a hand over her heart. “Good, I went longer with Dr. Richards. This was our last session.”
Nick arched a dark brow. “How do you feel about that?”
Simone smiled. “Sad at first, but so happy that I’ve reached this point.”
“I’m so happy for you, too, baby.” Nick kissed her softly.
The two were soon caught up in the festivities, and Simone watched Nick at the podium, from her seat in the crowd. As the owner of the Range, he was in charge of presenting the certificates.
“Today, we are graduating sixteen from the Firearm Training Program through the Women’s Center. I’m happy to know that there are sixteen more women, armed and ready to protect themselves and their families.”
Simone smiled proudly at her man.
“We have to thank Miss Simone Jenkins, for initiating this project and for all the work that she does at the Center. Simone can you stand?” he asked, watching her.
Reluctantly, Simone rose from her seat and looked around, as the applause began. “Thank you!”
Retaking her seat, she smiled up at Nick as he continued with the ceremony, giving each woman a parting gift. They all thanked him with happiness and tears until the last award was given.
“There’s food and refreshments available. Please enjoy yourselves, you’ve earned it.” Nick announced. “Keep yourselves and your weapons safe.”
They all agreed, then the crowd dispersed to partake of the goodies, and Simone joined Nick at the podium.
“Great job as usual,” she complimented, wrapping her arms around his waist.
Nick stared down at her. “This is one of the biggest classes we’ve had. You’re doing a great job promoting the program.”
“I think word has gotten around that there’s this handsome and sexy instructor,” Simone teased.
He touched his lips to hers. “He’s not available, and his woman will kill you.”
“Damn, straight…” Simone agreed.
Nick held her in his arms and studied her face. “Are you ready for us to meet the parents?”
“Yes and no,”
“We’ve both already met them over the phone,” he pointed out.
She shrugged “I know, and I love your parents already.”
“They can’t wait to see you in person.”
“My parents are the same way,” Simone said, stroking his chest. “They probably thought I’d never bring a man home.”
She looked up into his eyes. “But I’d never met a man like Nick Webster.”
“It’s been six months and you still owe me,” Nick whispered.
“I’m working on that,” Simone vowed.
“Ms. Jenkins?”
They both turned at the voice.
“Mrs. Polk?” Simone asked, confused at seeing the woman who she hadn’t heard from in months. “What are you doing here?”
Nick released Simone as Jameka came closer. They both studied her as she rubbed her hands in front of them.
“I went by the Women’s Center and they told me you were here,” Jameka began.
Simone frowned. “Did you need shelter?”
Jameka shook her head. “No, I wanted to sign up for the Firearms Class…to learn…how to protect myself and my kids.”
Simone went to her and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Did something happen?” she asked, concerned.
“I left Ja’Traveon,” Jameka told her softly, and Nick listened from his spot. “I don’t think I would’ve been alive after the seventh time.”
Simone rubbed her shoulder gently.
“I was in the hospital for several weeks, after the last assault. My grandmother ran and took the kids away from Atlanta for a while, after she left your Center. I was glad that she got them away from Ja’Traveon, JP, and all that drama.” Jameka explained. “I saw what it was doing to them.”
Jameka sighed. “Then, I finally saw what it was doing to me…”
Simone embraced her. “How can I help you?”
“You already have,” Jameka returned her hug. “All I remembered was your words to me…”
They parted and looked at one another.
“When I got out of the hospital, Ja’Traveon was in jail. I wasn’t able to bail him out and eventually, I didn’t want to…My grandmother told me what you did, getting her and my kids out.” She shook her head. “I had to make some kind of change. I couldn’t let my children watch me die. It’s not fair to them…or me.”
“Both JP and Ja’Traveon will get out again,” Jameka said angrily. “Somehow they always do, but I want to be prepared. I don’t want to live in fear.”
Simone took her hand. “We’re here for you. You won’t regret this decision.”
“I’d like to take the gun class and come back to the Women’s Center for some counseling,” Jameka told her. “If you’ll let me…”
“Of course,” Simone said immediately. “I only want what’s best for you.”
Jameka looked away. “You were tough.”
“Because your life was on the line, and I didn’t know how many opportunities I would get, to try to make you understand. I’m glad that last time wasn’t the end.” Simone looked into her face. “Now, you have a new beginning.”
Jameka glanced over at Nick. “I wanted to thank you too,”
Nick nodded with his arms folded. “Just seeing you healed and healthy is enough for me.”
“JP and Ja’Traveon think you’re the devil,” Jameka told him with a soft smile.
“To them, I am…”
Simone felt her usual heated rush at his words until Jameka turned back to her. “I’m not going back, no matter how many times he apologizes. I’m twenty-three and I have my whole life ahead of me. I’m not going to spend it with someone who only wants to control and hurt me.”
Simone smiled at her. “I’m so proud of you. It took a lot of courage to act on your decisions and I’m here to help you, in any way that I can,” she promised.
Nick watched the women and admired this beautiful woman that he’d come to love more than life. Simone had bravely faced her issues and even with the bumps and bruises along the way, she’d emerged victorious.
He’d witnessed her growth in trusting both him and herself. He was looking forward to spending the rest of his life with her. Nick wanted to sleep in bed with her every night and wake up to breakfast with their children.
One thing that he wasn’t going to do was rush or push her. Nick knew that Simone’s progress depended upon her being able to make her own choices, voluntarily. In the past, her choice had been taken away, and it had left her scarred for a very long time. He was content to be in her life and grow along with her.
Nick took care of clearing away the remnants of the ceremony while Simone sat quietly talking with Jameka, after the attendees had departed. When Simone looked up again, everything was gone and Nick was nowhere in sight.
“I’m going to be away for two weeks, but when I get back I’ll check in with you,” Simone told Jameka, while getting to her feet.
“Thank you Ms. Jenkins,” Jameka said, standing.
“If you need anything while I’m gone, call the Center. The staff can help you,”
Jameka nodded. “I will, thank you again.”
Simone walked the woman to her car, then went in search of her man. She looked inside and found him taking target practice, alone. His concentration and skill always amazed her as he focused on his target.
Standing back, she waited until he was done. After he removed his headset and goggles, Simone approached.
“I see you’re still showing off.”
He smiled. “I always want to impress you,”
Sliding her arms around his neck, she stared up at him. “You’ve never had a problem in that area.”
“How’s Mrs. Polk?” Nick asked.
“I hope she stays strong. I know that she can do it…but I also know the statistics show that it’s highly possible for her to go back, as soon as he’s released again,” Simone said plainly.
“She’s lucky to have you and the Women’s Center,” Nick said softly. “Hopefully, she won’t take that for granted.”
Simone agreed, then lifted her face to kiss his firm lips. “I know one thing that I’ll never take for granted…”
“What’s that?”
“Someone who came into my life and showed me what a real love is,” she whispered, moving closer. “A man who’s strength doesn’t suffocate me, but makes me feel even stronger.”
Simone touched his face. “The man that I love, and trust with my heart.”
“I love you Simone, this woman right here. Everything about her, makes me love her.”
She laughed. “You must be a glutton for punishment.”
Nick shook his head. “No, I simply found the woman that understands me, and isn’t afraid of who I am.”
“I love who you are,” Simone whispered sexily. “Your danger is my trigger.”
“And your love makes me whole,” Nick said quietly.
Simone pressed against him. “Let’s go get some dinner, and then I want to climb in bed and lick your neck.”
Nick stared down at her. “That’s where we’ll start…”
******
On the day of her departure to meet Nick’s parents, Simone sat at her desk, shutting down her computer. She checked over her list to make sure she’d put everything in place for her absence. This was the first vacation, she’d taken as the Manager, and it felt like leaving her child for the first time.
She sat back and sighed. Seeing Mrs. Polk had restored Simone’s faith in her mission. Some days it was a grind, with domestic violence hotlines across the country receiving more than 20,000 phone calls on a typical day.
Mrs. Polk had fit the criteria for a domestic violence victim. A woman between the ages of 18-24, a victim of some type of previous abuse, a spouse that abused substances and a low income household.
Simone was relieved that the woman was going to learn to protect herself, because on average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. She’d been even more concerned for the grandmother, since twenty percent of intimate partner homicides were deaths of a family member, friend or neighbor, who tried to intervene in the volatile situation.
Simone looked around her office and thought about her own life, and how almost half of rapes in the U.S. were perpetrated by an acquaintance. Knowing that 1 in 5 women, in the US have been raped in their lifetime, made Simone even more determined in her work.
She was a survivor and she would help others, not only survive but come out a champion. In addition, she would do everything in her power to prevent the next woman from having to become a survivor, if she could. Simone would continue to put her knowledge and experience into action, even though she was no longer a Diamond.
This was her life now, here in Atlanta, in her Center and with her love…
Shaking her head, she smiled. Simone had never imagined herself in love, but what a wonderful thing it was. She no longer existed in this world, she was alive and present in the moment, enjoying every second.
Her phone buzzed and she checked the screen, before grabbing her purse and walking through the building.
“You ladies take care of my Center,” she told the staff.
“Have fun!”
“We’ll miss you,”
She smiled. “I’ll miss you too.”
Walking out of the building, she spotted the tall, handsome man in the dark suit and glasses, standing beside the black SUV. He smiled at her and she ran to him.
Nick caught her in his arms and kissed her softly. “Are you ready?” he asked.
“One thing,”
He looked at her in question as she lifted on her toes, and whispered in his ear. “Nick Webster, will you marry me?”
Nick lifted her in the air and stared up into her face. With a beautiful smile, he announced, “Now, we’re even.”
Simone lowered her head and kissed him, with all of the love she had for him. This man was her mantle, with his solid foundation and blistering heat. He’d help form her into a woman free to love, and free to trust herself. Nick had made her his life, his woman…His Diamond.
-The End-