Fiona doesn't really have much to pack, considering she just flew in that morning. Mostly, she just hides out in her room until she's sure everyone has gone from the dining room. Taking that time to figure out what she's going to do. She needs a place to stay but, she doesn't have many options here in New York.
The person her mind gravitates towards has some complications that comes with asking her for help. For one, she's about an hour-and-a-half away. For another, she's sort of dating Fiona's brother. But, she doesn't have many options. And Holly J Sinclair is just about the only person Fiona can trust right now.
"Thanks for letting me stay," Fiona speaks, her voice coming out raspy and broken. She clears her throat once she hears the sound.
"It's no problem, Fi" the redhead responds with a gentle smile. "So, care to tell me what's going on?" She asks her friend carefully, not wanting to upset her even further. Holly J takes note of Fiona's red and puffy eyes; a clear sign that she's been crying.
Fiona slowly shakes her head, "I'd just like to rest right now, if that's okay? I'll explain in the morning" her voice is soft as she speaks carefully, afraid she might start crying all over again. She is able to hold them back long enough for Holly J to nod in understanding, before showing her to a spare room.
"You can stay here, for as long as you like, okay?" The redhead speaks, placing a gentle hand on her friend's back. "Do you need anything? Water? Tea?" She inquires, her eyebrow raised slightly.
Fiona shakes her head, "No, I'm good. Thanks, though." She manages a slight smile, trying to reassure Holly J that she was, in fact, just fine even though she was far from it.
Holly J gives another warm smile. Fiona can see the concern in her eyes, but she's glad she's letting it be for now. "Okay. Let me know if you need anything. You just rest. We'll talk in the morning," she speaks calmly, lightly rubbing her hand on Fiona's back for a moment before turning to leave the small room. "Good night," she speaks softly as she closes the door.
Fiona lays in bed for the longest time, unable to close her eyes without horrible visions haunting her. The brunette eventually cries herself to sleep, careful to keep quiet so Holly J doesn't hear her sniffling. She tosses and turns as nightmares plague her mind.
She awakes suddenly from a particularly bad dream, her heart racing and covered with sweat. Luckily, she didn't cry out. Fiona lays there for a long time, catching her breath and waiting for her heart to stop beating so wildly. Once she has calmed down, she turns to check the time; eight am.
The brunette decides to get up, and face the day. The scent of coffee hits her nose as she opens the door; longing for a sip, she internally groans. The mother-to-be can't drink coffee right now, unless it's decaf; which she doubts it is. As she walks out into the hall, she hears Holly J speaking to someone. Her brow furrows in confusion, wondering who she could possibly be talking to this early in the morning.
Stopping just around the corner, where she can eavesdrop without being seen; she listens to Holly J speak. "I'm just worried about her. She just shows up in the middle of the night, clearly having been crying and is unwilling to tell me anything," the girl's voice is soft, filled with concern. "Do you know what's going on?"
There's a slight pause in the conversation, as Fiona anxiously waits for the other to speak; already having a feeling she knows who's about to answer. "Yeah, I do. But, I think there's more to it than what she told us," the not-so-mysterious person answers, his voice filled with as much concern as Holly J's was. Maybe more.
She hears the clinking of silverware against ceramic; likely a spoon against a coffee mug. She's not entirely surprised Holly J called Declan to get some answers. After all, they are sort-of dating.
Declan speaks up again, "I-I feel like a horrible brother. I just let her walk out without saying anything. Without sticking up for her." His voice cracks slightly, and Fiona wonders if he's crying or about to.
With a sigh, she slowly turns the corner the two coming into sight at the table set up in the open living room - kitchen area. Their heads turn as they hear her footsteps approach. They look caught off-guard, as if they weren't expecting her.
"Hey, how'd you sleep?" Holly J asks, still looking concerned. Fiona nods, casting her eyes between the redhead and her brother. She musters up her best cold, uncaring look as she addresses her twin. "What're you doing here? I didn't think you cared about me after the way you let Dad speak to me like that," she does her absolute best to keep her voice cool and steady.
He looks away, ashamed; and Fiona's glad he feels that way. He should feel ashamed of himself for just sitting back while she got kicked out of the house. "I'm sorry, Fi. I should've done something. I should've said something. But, you know I've never been good at standing up to him," Declan looks at her as he speaks, his eyes brimmed with tears. "Neither one of us really have," he continues, a smile tugging at his lips. "Until now. I must say I was surprised to see you so..defiant."
Fiona smiles proudly at his words. "Well," she begins, taking in a deep breath. "I wasn't going to let him push me around anymore. This is my decision" she says with as much defiance as she had the night before. She looks over to Holly J; who is, more than likely, more lost than ever.
The brunette sighs, taking a seat at the table; facing Holly J as she begins to speak. "I should probably explain," she pauses, deliberating just how to tell her. "I'm pregnant." And at that, Holly J's eyes widen.
"What? With…How?" The redhead stutters out. Fiona looks away, unable to meet her eyes. Declan chooses this opportunity to speak up, "Fi…I know there's more you haven't told the rest of us."
Fiona nervously chews on her bottom lip, her hands shaking in her lap — a sign of withdrawal. "You're right," she sighs, he knows her way too well. The socialite clears her throat, trying to figure out where to even begin. "I…relapsed a couple months ago. I drank for the first time in years, and I…" she trails off as her eyes fill with tears. Willing herself to continue, she chokes out; "I said 'no'"
Fiona keeps her gaze down on her still shaking hands, hearing a gasp from Holly J. "Oh, Fi," she speaks softly, reaching a hand out to gently grasp Fiona's hand; helping to quell the trembling for the time being. Declan tenses up, wishing he knew who did this to her so he could do something, anything. He feels like he failed her, again.
"Why didn't you tell someone?" He finally asks. Fiona shrugs, "I-I didn't really want to talk about it, and I didn't think anyone would believe me" she answers honestly. "I mean…people have a hard enough time getting their voices heard when something like this happens. Add in the fact that I relapsed and it looks really bad."
"But, why didn't you say something last night? I'm sure if he knew.." Declan speaks before Fiona cuts him off, "He already made his decision about me. I'm just a disappointment. Do you really think he'd react any differently if he found out I had relapsed once more?" She is dubious that it would make any difference, and Declan nods as if he sees her point.
"I suppose that's true." Fiona is relieved he doesn't press the issue further; but, she has to ask "Did you talk to them after I left last night?"
He shakes his head, "No, Dad went off to his study with Mom following after within a few minutes." He bites his lip, as if he's deliberating whether to divulge more information. "I heard them fighting." The implication being they were fighting about her.
"Oh," she utters in surprise. "Did you hear any of what they were saying?" He shakes his head, "Nothing specific. Mom was yelling at him, though. I think she was sticking up for you, she was just too afraid or shocked to say anything at dinner."
Fiona looks away, unsure what to make of this situation. Noticing Holly J's hand still firmly grasped around her own, she gives it a squeeze. Holly J clears her throat, "What do we do now?"
a/n: I just wanted to give a little shoutout to my one reviewer! Totally appreciate the praise and I hope you enjoy this chapter!