Every Other Weekend
Modern Day AU. Matthew is back for good in Mary's life, finally, but he's not in a good place. She asks him for some time. Will they find their way to each other or will it really mean the end for their relationship? Based on Reba McEntire's song "Every Other Weekend"
Thank you so much for all the feedback guys! I'm so excited to take this journey with all of you! Special thanks to Kelly who's the most amazing beta. I've made correction to chapter one and uploaded it again.
On to the story!
Every other weekend
Very few exceptions
I pick up the love we made in both my arms
It's movies on the sofa, grilled cheese and cut the crust off
"That's not the way mom makes it, daddy," breaks my heart
I miss everything I use to have with her again
Every other weekend
For some miraculous reason, Mary had agreed to bring the children over to his apartment. She hadn't really seen it since he'd settled . It was rather small, modest.
Sybil and Tom had arranged for some of her grandmother's old furniture to be brought over. He had been against it.
Tom had called it a loan.
"You won't be living here for long anyway," Sybil had told him. "I'm sure you and Mary will work things out soon."
He hoped that too.
Perseus became impatient for a moment before there was a slight knock on the door.
Matthew sighed.
He could hear Mary scolding the children from the other side of the door.
"Hello," she said as soon as he opened the door. "We are here."
Matthew smiled. "I see that," He counted, one, two, three. "Where's George?"
The girls said their hellos to Matthew rather quickly as Perseus claimed their attention. Mary held little Jack close.
"Oh, he had some sort of a sleepover, it was last minute…" She assured him. "You'll see him tomorrow at the game."
Oh, right, the hockey match.
Game. Mary was more of an American, after all.
"Alright," Matthew smiled. "We'll do fine on our own, won't we?" He asked the girls whose giggles he took as an answer.
"Jack needs a nap, in case you are thinking of taking them out somewhere," Mary told him. He moved aside so she could step inside. Perseus welcomed her familiar smell happily.
"He's missed you," Matthew said sweetly. He'd told her to take the dog, but she'd refused.
She had already taken the children away; the dog would be too much to bear, Mary knew.
"I've missed him too, to be honest," she patted him softly behind the ears as Maggie and Gracie giggled around him.
They remained quiet for a moment. "I better put Jack down before I go," Mary told him. "Best behavior girls, Daddy and I will be back in a moment."
"Okay mommy!" Maggie said. Matthew left the girls on their own, Perseus being the forever guardian.
"Can you show me to the room?" Mary asked.
"Of course," He could see Mary was examining the place attentively as she walked. He led her to Jack's room.
Back when they started this arrangement Robert had offered to help him with expenses so he could settle well but he'd refused.
He was an Englishman and his pride was something he couldn't afford to lose. Not after all he was about to.
"It's rather small I know," Matthew admitted shyly as she put Jack down on the crib. Mary smiled.
"No, it's.. very you." Mary regretted instantly.
Crippled and broken? Matthew smiled grimly. "What does that mean?"
"Nothing, never mind." She said quickly.
"Mary." Her name burned in the back of his throat.
Was she ashamed of the way he had his children living? Truth be told, he couldn't afford much these days, not with physical therapy and child support; Not that Mary had asked for any, Lord knows she didn't really need it;
"I should go," She told him. "I'm meeting Lavinia for drinks."
Lavinia Swire, a friend of Mary's who had also made a move from England to America, had the biggest crush on Matthew growing up, he, of course, only had eyes for Mary.
Now, their children went to school together. She'd married some Wall Street banker.
Far from where Matthew stood right now; Sybil, bless her heart; had managed hire him part time in the clinic where she worked to earn some money. Oher than that, his pension was the only thing keeping him afloat.
"How is she?" Matthew asked."Lavinia?"
"She's quite alright, pregnant again, happy, she and James are taking a long deserved vacation to York over the summer."
"That's nice," If there'd be any other circumstances, they'd be doing something similar, spending time at Downton.
"I'll tell her you said hello," Mary said. "She's always asking about you."
"Another one pitting the wounded soldier?" Matthew asked bitterly.
Mary glanced at him. "Don't start…"
"Why shouldn't I?" He shot at her. "It's the truth."
"It's your truth Matthew, not everyone else's," She said sternly. "I'm going now, I'll see you tomorrow. "
After that, she showed herself out, leaving Matthew alone in the room. He took a seat on the lower bunk. His mind swirling, his heart aching, if it was only his truth, then why couldn't they make it work?
"Daddy?" Maggie seemed to notice he had not come back out. Matthew had to put on a brave face. She sat beside him. "Wanna watch a movie with us?"
Matthew smiled. "Of course,"
She offered him her hand. "Don't be sad Daddy, aunt Sybil says things are always bright in the end."
She was six and she knew more about life than him, he pitied himself, and so, he couldn't see beauty of what his children were offering.
Hope.
He was dazzled by her since he was a young boy, she was 13, he was a year older, so people always told him to look after Mary, she was after all, a lady.
Matthew knew early on just how much Cousin Robert was worth. Not as much as the King but he came close, especially after he'd traveled to the Abbey for the first time. There were so many rooms, you cold get lost and if people didn't look hard enough, Matthew figured, you'd get lost forever.
"This will be your room, Master Matthew," Thomas said. He was meant to be a butler of some sort, although for a middle class boy, all of that was very confusing. One thing he understood was the fact that Mrs. Hughes and Mr. Carson cared for the house when Robert was away.
Mr. Carson was a strict but kind man, Mrs. Hughes was just as nice, but kept in check as much as her husband.
"You can just call me Matthew," He insisted. Yet, Thomas did no such thing.
"How you do you like your room Matthew?" Cora asked kindly as he made it downstairs for dinner his first night at the Abbey. "I do hope it's alright?"
Matthew simply couldn't find the words to describe the place, it was bigger than the flat he and his parents called home.
A single room!
Not that he'd ever acknowledge it in front of his parents, he did not want to be ungrateful and hurt their feelings.
"Oh my, I think he's rather speechless," Isobel laughed. "Manners, Matthew. "
"It is very nice Cousin Cora, thank you," Matthew said with a wide grin. "Thank you." She laughed.
"Well, it is very nice to have you here, I'm sure it will be interesting having a boy around with all of us girls," Cora said. "Robert loves his girls Lord knows, but he's always wanted a son."
"Indeed I have," Robert admitted. "Someone to be on my side for a change."
"I'll be if you want Cousin Robert," Matthew said. "Be on your side, I mean."
"Oh boy, now we're in trouble," Cora put in.
"Where on earth are those girls anyway?" Robert asked, none of them had come out to welcome the Crawley's home, much to Robert's dismay.
"Last I heard Mary was riding. I'll tell Nanny to bring Edith and Sybil," Cora said.
"Mary is about your age Matthew," Robert said, "I'm sure you'll find something to talk about."
Matthew suddenly became anxious, his parents had told him about Mary. She was not like the girls in his school, she took her lessons at home and dressed always for diner. Matthew found it rather annoying, really. The fact you couldn't come down to enjoy your meal wearing pajamas.
His mother made wear an itchy sweater. Robert led him and his parents to the dining room when Carson announced dinner was ready.
It was then that Mary and her sisters first made an appearance. Mary was a year younger than Matthew yet she was quite beautiful.
"Nice of you to join us," Robert said in condescending tone. Mary rolled her eyes but apparently only her mother and in this case, Matthew, had noticed. Thomas led Sybil and Edith to the dinner table.
The Earl's eldest child quickly made notice of the guests. Reginald and Isobel introduced themselves to the young trio. Sybil was adorable as Edith was polite.
Mary took an interest in Matthew, although in that moment she had already stolen his heart. He hadn't realized it yet though.
"Mary sweetheart, why don't you sit next to Matthew?" Cora said. "I'm sure the two of you will have a lot to talk about."
"Hello Mary, let me help you, " He moved the chair so she could sit. Manners first, his mother always said.
Mary was a bit taken aback but she allowed it. "Thank you," She said. Matthew grinned and took a seat next to her.
The table was a midst of merged conversations. "I'm sorry you missed Mama," Robert told Isobel and Reginald. "I'm afraid she's a bit under the weather."
"Oh?" Isobel said. "It's a pity we missed her, I certainly hope it isn't serious." Isobel was a certified nurse, it was in her nature to be curious.
"No, nothing to worry about, but we thought best for you to see each other some other time," Robert concluded. "We'd hate for the children to catch it."
Matthew had heard of Cousin Violet. She was an exemplary woman, an aristocrat by blood and trade. Her husband was long gone now, so she doted on her children and grandchildren, in her very particular way.
"Mary," Cora said. "I do hope you show Matthew around, maybe take him for a ride around the state."
Matthew turned to look at Mary, curiously.
"I'm sure we can find you a horse," Robert added in. "Don't you worry."
"You do know how to?" Mary asked Matthew. It was then he noticed her accent. It wasn't quite as prominent as his. Well, she did live in New York for most of the year.
"I ride," Matthew said quickly. Mary wasn't entirely convinced. But she kept quiet, she would make her discoveries later.
Much to Matthew's embarrassment, it would be sooner, rather than later.
As soon as dinner was over, the children were sent to bed, after all, it was passed their bedtime.
Matthew walked alongside Mary as they made it to their respective rooms. Hers was first." Goodnight Cousin Matthew."
"Goodnight, Mary." Matthew said kindly.
"I hope you are well rested for tomorrow," She said holding on to her door. Matthew arched an eyebrow.
"To go for a ride," She said in a Matter-of-factly
"Oh," he hesitated. "Yes, of course." Mary nodded.
Matthew sighed. He'd make a fool of himself, he was sure of it.
Matthew sat between his daughters as the movie started playing on screen. Beauty and The Beast.
Research, Maggie had said, Matthew wasn't even sure she knew the meaning of the word. Jack was on his lap, a bottle in hand.
"See Jack, we have to pay attention," Maggie scrunched her nose in concentration.
Matthew found it adorable. It reminded him of Mary at a young age.
Even more adorable was just how much little Jack seemed to be paying attention to his sister's instructions.
He was a mere two year old chap.
Two years ago. His life had been so different.
Before his last deployment. Before he could start going down that road once more,his phone buzzed. He kissed Jack's forehead and placed him safely in between his sisters "Hello?"
"Dad?" It was George. "I wanted to say goodnight. Sorry I missed today ."
"Your mother mentioned you had a sleepover?" He was glad he'd called.
"Yeah, you remember Toby from my team?" George began. "He invited all of us over."
"That was nice of him, " Matthew smiled. "I hope you told him how you left your dear old dad alone."
"You're not old," George huffed. "And you're not alone. "
"Alright," Matthew said. "I might be exaggerating a bit."
"You think?" His son sounded almost like a teenager. "Anyway, I have to go. We're going to the movies."
"You better not be out too late, you do have a big match tomorrow morning. " Matthew could picture George rolling his eyes.
"Game, Dad. "
"Right." Matthew said with a laugh.
"Daddy! You're missing the best part!" Maggie called from the couch.
"I have to go, duty calls," he told George. "Be good, have a good time. I love you."
"I will Dad, love you too. "
As soon as the movie was over, Matthew got ready to make dinner.
"Grilled cheese sandwich?" That was so American. "Are you sure that's all you want?"
The girls nodded. "Grilled cheese sandwich it is." He sighed.
Maggie watched him closely. "Wait!"
Matthew dropped the knife he was holding. "What is it, darling?"
He was halfway through cutting the crust off.
"That's not the way Mommy makes it," Maggie said shyly. "She doesn't cut it, says that part is good for you."
"But you love it this way." Matthew said, a glint of sadness in his voice.
"Not anymore, " Maggie said.
Matthew eyed his youngest daughter. "And you? Same huh?"
Gracie nodded and Matthew felt his heart shatter.
"Fine, then we'll have crust on our grilled cheese sandwich."
He ate slowly, trying to pay attention to his rambling girls and feeding Jack.
"Daddy?"
"Yes?"
"We need to practice," Gracie put in. "You promised."
"I did, didn't I?" Matthew said, a bit embarrassed. "Tell you what? I'm going to go give Jack a bath and as soon as I get back we'll all do it together, how is that?"
Jack smelled so good. Baby smell was the purest smell out there.
He remembered it was his and Mary's most intimate moment with their children. It was something they'd ask the nanny not to do because they enjoyed it immensely. As he washed his son's back gently, he began to feel sick. A little cramped as his leg hurt. He sat with his back to the tub.
"When am I going to fix this mess we're all in, huh?" He asked the baby. His bright blue eyes sparkled in the dim light. "Do you think Mommy will forgive me for my stupidity?"
Jack reached for his hair making him smile. "Mommy."
"I don't know what else to do," Matthew said bitterly. "I don't know what else she wants from me."
Jack fell asleep rather quickly after his bath. Matthew wanted to sleep too.
But he'd made a promise.
He found the two girls sitting on the couch, a few pages in each hand.
"Here Daddy, you're the Beast, okay?" Maggie said. "I'm Belle."
Matthew smiled sweetly. "Certainty a very beautiful one,"
"Focus Daddy," Maggie scolded him, making her little sister laugh. "Now you start."
You'd think it was her play and not Gracie's.
Matthew coughed a couple times:
BEAST: Belle? Are you happy here with me?
BELLE: Yes.
BEAST: What is it?
BELLE: If only I could see my father again,
just for a moment. I miss him so much.
BEAST: There is a way.
"Wait, Daddy. You're talking like you. Beast don't talk like that. " Her stare was so familiar to Matthew, he almost wanted to laugh, but couldn't.
"Do a Beast voice Daddy, please?" Gracie encouraged him.
How on earth was he going to manage doing that?
Oh lord, but he couldn't afford to disappoint his sweet children. He sighed and tried again. His voice was deep and powerful and he could see the girl's eyes shine with amazement.
BEAST: Then...then you must go to him.
BELLE: What did you say?
BEAST: I release you. You are no longer my prisoner.
BELLE: You mean...I'm free?
BEAST: Yes.
"Daddy?" Gracie asked as Matthew tucked them both in, later that night.
"Yes, love?"
"You were a really good Beast, scary," She said sweetly.
"Was I really?" Matthew asked. "Well I'm glad I could help. "
Yes, he did not know what would happen or rather how he would win Mary back, but he wasn't ready to give up.
He knew she still loved him. He hadn't asked for a divorce just yet and he wasn't keen on letting it come to that.
He dialed her number. He knew she'd still be awake at this hour, probably reading.
"Matthew?" She asked. "Everything okay?"
"Everything is fine, did I wake you?"
"No, I wasn't sleeping just yet. The house is too quiet so I'm watching some romantic movie,"
"Oh," Matthew said "Listen I wanted to apologize for my behavior earlier, for having you leave the way you did."
Matthew held his breath.
"We need to talk, don't we? Why don't you come over on Sunday to drop the children off? We can talk, then."
He almost wanted to weep. "Alright," Matthew smiled on the phone. "Good night Mary,"
"Good night Matthew."
Mary turned to the side, her phone clutched in her hand. The sound of the television helped with the silence whenever the children were gone.
She hated silence. She had grown to dread it after Matthew's so many years in the military.
Mary turned to the small bedside table. Opening a drawer, she found herself reminiscing.
There were pictures of each of the children as they made their way into the world. Matthew was there always, by her side, beaming proudly.
She came upon a particular one, it was one of George's first.
God, she had been a child. They both were, really, when they became parents, so willing to live and experience.
She so wanted to feel like that again.
TBC.