Page 82 of Axton
“These are tax forms for your W2’s.” He slid papers in front of me.
I blinked down at the paper, feeling embarrassed. I knew taxes existed, but papa and my brother paid those.
“Belle, do you have any idea what any of this means?” Creed asked.
“This is a bill?”
He shook his head. “It’s about your income tax.”
I blinked at him.
“Belle, do you know how much groceries cost?” Creed asked.
“The cashier tells you, so I don’t know. We went to the commissary the other day, Michael spent a lot. When I went with Heidi they scanned my badge.”
Creed sat back in his chair. “We have a life skills class that Heidi teaches. I think you may benefit from it. They will teach you about budgeting and a few other things that may help.”
I gave him a nod. “Do you know when Michael will be back?”
Creed sighed. “Belle, I know you feel safe with him, but he wants you to have your own freedom and make choices you want, not what he tells you to do. I know that was one of his concerns. He doesn’t want you to stay with him because you’re scared to face the world without him. Let’s not put any doubts in his head. You and I both know how you feel about him, so I’ll help you with this paperwork then send Heidi a referral so. I think Michael will be proud of you for taking the initiative to learn how to live without him. How does that sound?”
I nodded, pushing me embarrassment down and keeping my emotions in check. “Thank you.”
“Please don’t feel embarrassed. I know what kind of life you’ve been given. I saw your college transcripts and you have a brilliant mind. You’ll learn fast and probably won’t need many classes. If you have any questions or if you need anything, please let me know.” He patted my shoulder. “We’re a family here, and you happen to be my best friend’s wife and that makes you my family. Everything is going to work out for you and Koty. I promise. In fact, Koty will soon start some job shadowing to explore different career options. I can promise you one thing, if you get part of that inheritance or not, Axton will take care of you. That’s what he does, he takes care of all of us. He solves problems because that’s what he’s best at doing.”
I tilted my head. “But, who takes care of him and helps solve his problems?”
He stared at me as his eyes began to water. “That’s a question I’ve been asking myself a lot since yesterday. That man has saved more lives than any of us here. It wasn’t long ago he…” He paused and took a deep breath. “Let’s just say I made it home to my girls in one piece because of Axton. It took me twelve years to ask myself that, and it only took you a few days. I think maybe that’s why you’re here, he needs you as much as you need him.” He looked away and sniffled. “I now realize the man so many people thought was grouchy and too focused, is really just a result of a child that always just needed someone to love and care for him, instead of him taking care of everyone else.” He wiped a tear from his eye and took a deep breath. “I think Morgan’s pregnancy hormones are contagious. Let’s get this done so I can get you back to your husband sooner than later.”
He explained the form as he helped me fill it out. Then he explained that once I’m teaching full time, he would put me on asalary. Since I didn’t have a bank account, and many DV victims didn’t either, they had a system created that allows their pay to be direct deposited in their Creed’s Lake account, but since mine was joint with Michael, he created a separate one that would save my pay until after lockdown so I could start a bank account on my own. He also explained that I didn’t need to worry about health insurance because Michael was going to fill out the forms to add me to his. After that, he took me to another room and had me lay my hand on a scanner. He was setting up my new security clearance and adding my palm print to the system to add it to Michael’s account. I appreciated Creed’s help and understanding. It was obvious that he was a very good man that cared deeply for others.
We met Michael at the mess hall and as soon as he saw me he smiled. “There’s my girl.” He wrapped me into a hug then kissed my temple. “Did Creed get you squared away?”
I nodded against his chest then looked up at him. “I get to job shadow Morgan starting tomorrow, but then it’s Christmas break, but Creed is getting my permit pushed through so I can take over her school aged classes when classes start up again. I have to take an assessment just like Morgan did, and also a CPR class, but then I can apply for my license. I already met the rest of the requirements, and it should only take a few months at most. I should have my substitute teaching permit before the end of break.”
“That’s great news, Belle.” I could see he was genuinely happy for me.
“I can’t wait to teach their hungry little minds.”
He pecked my lips. “They’re some lucky kids to have you and Morgan as their teachers.”
“Guess what else?” I was excited to tell him.
“What else?”
I pecked his lips again. “Creed said as soon as the lockdown is lifted, I can go to the social security office with our marriage certificate and change my name. He also said I can drive inside Creed’s Lake to learn and eventually get my learners permit.”
“How about we start by learning how to drive the side by side, then we’ll graduate to my car?”
I tilted my head. “You have a car?”
He chuckled. “It’s an old junker but I couldn’t make myself get rid of it. It was my first car, and I appreciated finally having it. Then, when you get your license we can go car shopping. Maybe it’s time I let go of it and trade it in for something new.” He pecked my lips again. “The guys are holding two spots for us at their table for lunch.”
Axton
After we got home, I grabbed what I needed and met Belle downstairs in the movie room. She curled up in my lap and I held on to her.
“I have a lot to tell you, Belle. I just hope what I have to say doesn’t give you second thoughts about our relationship. It’s a lot to absorb, but I think you need to know a few things.”
