I fight to open my eyes. I want to see her. No, I need to see her and the depths of those emerald green eyes that once danced in my presence. I crave that connection. I fight with everything in me to see her, but my body remains unresponsive to my command.

She is touching me. I can feel her squeeze my hand and rub my arm. It’s a relaxed brush, a tickle almost.

Come on, Tank; move your hand, I think to myself.

Dammit, I can’t do anything. Fuck, I need her to know I am right here with her.

“I have to go to work. Roundman and my dad will be by later to see you. I’ll come back tomorrow,” I hear her say with somber undertones.

She is carrying a heavy burden. A weight I want to lift away. I can feel her sorrow. Why? What is bothering her? Is it my situation?

Why can’t I wake up and tell her it’s going to be okay?

Her hands move off my arm and hand. I feel her push off the bed and lean over me. She brushes her hand through my hair and then touches her lips ever so softly to my forehead.

“Bye, Tank. Until tomorrow. Come back to us,” she whispers so low it’s barely audible.

The darkness threatens to consume me again as I hold tight to her words. Roundman and her dad, they’ll be coming. The Hellions’ motorcycle club, my brothers—my Prez and VP will be here.

Moments from the past come flooding back to me.

Since the day I became in debt to Roundman, he owns my afternoons and weekends with the Hellions. I’ve spent all my spare time working for him, for the club. Over time, my responsibilities gradually progress as I earn my place and the respect of the brothers around me.

At first, I was doing shop clean-up for the garage. Yet, as business picks up for the guys, my tasks become more important. In a year’s time, they have me running parts and errands after they see I am reliable. Eventually, I find myself turning wrenches alongside Roundman and Danza.

My mom doesn’t like me spending so much time with the club. She tries to intervene, but Uncle Kenny steps in and reminds her that the Hellions are more than providing for her and my sisters now. Since the day Roundman said he would take care of them, he has. Our rent is paid in full for the year and our electric, gas and water bills continue to show regular payments, leaving credits left over into the coming months. Not to mention, groceries consistently show up in our pantry and refrigerator while we are out. Uncle Kenny tells her not to question it, just learn to accept the hand being extended.

Uncle Kenny, being a patched member, promised to look out for me and not let me get in over my head. If my mom only knew what got me in this situation to begin with, though. Bull, as my uncle has been named by the Hellions, doesn’t tell my mom my secret. However, he makes sure I bust my ass to repay my marker, my debt owed to Roundman. He also won’t let me get off track with my own life, even for the club or the shop.