Been a while, sorry about that.
I got caught up in my other stories, which is why I only try to do one at a time. But... eh, it just happened.
Sorry about the wait, again.
Read this (while ignoring errors).
Enjoy!
She... was a whale.
A big, fat, over-bloated whale.
A whale who couldn't fit any jeans. Any shirts. And definitely wasn't wearing any skirts.
Why?
Because she was fat.
"Your not fat." Rachel said, over the phone, "Your pregnant. Its been 5 months and you still don't know that?"
"Rachel," Kory complained, "Nothing will zip up. And none of my shirts come down all the way. I'm a buffalo. Why am I so fat?"
"Simple answer to that. You. Are. Pregnant. You will gain weight. You have gained weight. It's not the end of the world."
"But my stuff-"
"-Will just have to be moved to the back of your closet. You just need some new clothes, is all."
Kory really wished Rachel was back in Jump so that the two could go shopping together. But Rachel's mom had passed the week before and Rachel had taken it rather hard. Gar insisted that the two of them take a vacation of sorts. To allow her to get her emotions back on track. They were currently taking a road trip around the outskirts of California. Kory agreed to the trip wholeheartedly, but that left her feeling kind of fat and alone.
Her brother was back to working. He still came on weekends, but the weekdays were much longer. Victor had needed to stay in Texas, where his meeting had taken place, and wouldn't be back for another two weeks. Even Xavier had a business trip to go on.
"I guess I knew this day was coming." she sighed.
"That's the first intelligent thing you've said in ten minutes. And- oh wait, Gar's coming back from the bathroom. If he sees me doing anything besides relaxing, he'll have a cow."
"You mean turn into a cow."
"Exactly."
"Well, have fun on your trip."
"And buy something nice."
"Okay," she giggled, "Bye."
It was still early yet. She mine as well just go out and buy herself some things.
She put on her biggest pair of sweat pants and went through her drawers. Yeeeah, she expected it, but it was shocking not to have any shirts she could wear. She bit her lip. There was another option. She had another choice. There was one other place she could go to find a big enough shirt. There was another certain armoire that held bigger shirts. Shirts that she hadn't even looked at, for 3 months. Shirts she hadn't seen on a person, in 3 months.
She swallowed hard and walked to the other side of the room. Richards armoire was big and probably had more clothes in it than hers did. But she wasn't planning on lingering. No, she just wanted to throw the doors open, grab one of his t-shirts, and slam it back. It felt wrong to disturb his things, even though she had been in it many times before.
But of course, that's not how things turned out. About 5 minutes later, she found herself bawling in tears, on the floor, surrounded by some of his numerous clothes. She had pulled out socks and underwear, his pants and belts. She was only looking for a shirt, but she couldn't help it. All his stuff smelled like him. Reminded her of him.
But she pulled herself together, and began folding his clothes back, neatly putting them back in the drawers. She sniffed as Arrow approached her timidly, and sat by her side. He was beginning to look more like a dog now, and less like a puppy. But she didn't mind, the bigger he was, the more people left her alone.
She wiped at her eyes angrily, the tears still falling. It wasn't fair that he was still gone. Wasn't fair that he had left virtually no clues. Three months! That was so long. She had thought 3 days was bad. With the clothes folded, she pulled out a white shirt.
But, as she was putting away a pair of his track pants the familiar sound of crunching paper hit her ears. She didn't need to know what it meant. She searched the pants, finding a small, folded up piece of paper inside. Standing up as fast as she could, she rushed to her bedside table and pulled a small box from it. She didn't remember where she had gotten the box, but opened it on her bed.
The box already had four other folded up pieces. Opening them up, she laid them down on her bed and put them in order. The first one was the one she had found in his duffel bag. I love you. The second one had been in his closet tucked in one of his running shoes. I will always love you. The third one had been in the hallway closet, in his jacket pocket. I haven't forgotten. She didn't know what that one meant, but the fourth one (the one that had been in the kitchen cabinet, where the cups went) made more sense of it. What its like. But even still, that was a bit fuzzy. She unfolded her new find and laid it at the end of the makeshift sentence. To be with you.
She put her face down in the bed and cried, for the second time that day. But she wasn't surprised, she cried whenever she found one of his notes. It was like a routine.
She hated and loved those notes at the same time. They were vague and simple, but something about them made them seem important. As if he knew something like this would happen. Like he expected it. She wasn't sure whether or not that was a good or bad thing.
Tucking the notes back in the box, she placed it back in her drawer. No one knew about them. It was her little secret. Were they evidence? Probably, but she knew they were meant for her. It would feel wrong to hand over his love letters. She had already studied them in detail. Crossing and uncrossing the possible messages that may have been hidden. But nothing.
She found herself, again, thinking about how many of those notes had actually been around the house. She had already searched the car with zero results.
She got up, putting on the white t-shirt and left the room. What good was wallowing in there for no reason? Well, maybe not for no reason. Like they always did, those notes lifted up her spirit. Reminded her of how sweet her husband was. Reminded her of the love they shared.
Going into the kitchen for a drink of water, she heard a loud scratching noise and blew out an annoyed breath.
"Arrow." she said, turning around. "Get down."
He was up on the counter again. She cursed herself for starting that stupid habit when he was a puppy. But he had been so small then. Now, well, he was certainly bigger. Arrow tilted his head at her, like he didn't understand, but she knew very well he understood. But crying had taken a lot of her energy, and she just didn't feel like fighting with him.
She let him outside to go to the bathroom quickly, before leaving the house. The mall didn't allow pets and he had to stay home while she brought some clothes. She hurried to her car and pulled out of her driveway. Her brother would not be happy to know she had left the house without someone. The crimes and random law-breaking was putting him on edge. He liked her to be escorted all places and all times of the day. She didn't even get to walk Arrow anymore, now, that was Xavier and her brothers job.
As she probably should have expected, her brother and Xavier didn't quite get along. Well that was a lie. Her brother hated Xavier. With a burning passion. And he'd no sooner kick down her front door if he had even the slightest notion that Xavier was in her house.
She didn't know why everyone hated Xavier so bad. He was a good person. A good friend to her. He was there when the others couldn't be, and while she knew Rachel, though she never said so, feared that Xavier would try to steal Kory from Richard, Kory knew that would never happen. She was friends with Xavier. Nothing more. And even if he wanted something more with her, she would never give it to him.
She loved her husband. Her Richard.
She pulled into a parking spot as close to the doors as she could. She didn't much feel like walking and if her brother were to find out that she was outside and walking across empty parking lots, he'd have an ulcer.
She smiled, he was so over-protective.
Destination Maternity had a lot of good clothes, she observed from the window outside. She might be able to find a good amount of things she needed right in the same store. Many birds with one stone. Perfect.
She grabbed a cart and threw in mostly big t-shirts and sweat pants carelessly. She scarcely left her house and when she did it was to do things like this. She needed to dress up for no one. She was tossing in some socks and a fruity drink when she happened to see a redhead round the corner into the aisle she was in.
She blinked a moment as that 'I know you from somewhere' feeling crept into her.
"Barbara?" she asked, and the woman looked up, a bright smile on her face.
"Shut up. No way, Kory?"
"Barbara." Kory laughed again, the woman approaching her.
"Whoa," she said, looking Kory over and seeing her stomach, "Been busy?"
"No." Kory said, giving the girl an awkward side hug, "The opposite actually. I've been home for the past few months."
"I heard about..." Barbara trailed off, and both girls were quiet for a moment, "How you been?"
"Fine." Kory lied, "Its been hard, but I know how to adapt."
"I know how that feels."
Another awkward silence filled. Kory welcomed the new face, she hadn't seen anyone she knew, besides her usual friends and brother and Xavier, in quite a while. And while Barbara and her never really got along, because Barbara so obviously was in love with Richard, it was kind of nice seeing her. Seeing another woman who cared and was able to go out and do normal, typical, girl things. It made Kory really hate being locked in that house.
"So," Kory said, "You're in the maternity aisle. You been busy?"
Barbara laughed, "Quite the opposite actually. But no, no buns in my oven. I came here for some coconut milk. This is the only place in the whole mall that sells it. You like coconut?"
"Not really," Kory said, scrunching her face, "Never really liked the island foods."
"Me either," she agreed, "But, coconut makes a great healing salve. Cuts. Scrapes. A coconut could probably heal cancer."
"A healing salve?" Kory asked, but Barbara got quiet.
Kory figured it was a Batgirl thing. She may have been on some mission or something. Batgirl didn't really hang around Jump, only when she wanted to see Richard. And since she clearly already knew about Richard... she must be on some mission. Maybe she was looking for Richard herself. And honestly, Kory didn't mind. She didn't much like the girl, but she'd except her help finding her husband any day.
"How are you?" Barbara asked suddenly, and it took Kory by surprise.
"Barbara, I'm fi-"
"Dont say your fine," she cut off, "You and I didn't always see eye to eye, but I do feel like I know you. Not as well as Raven or one of the guys, but well enough to know you're doing worse than you say."
Kory suddenly felt the tears rising. Maybe it was the hormones, maybe not, but Kory had been holding back a lot of her feelings. And for Barbara, Barbara, to be the one to point it out only made Kory want to cry that much more.
"I'm coming over," Barbara said, a statement. "I heard Rachel was out of town and you could probably use some girl time. We'll do a chick flick or something. Order some Chinese. Sound alright?"
"That... sounds perfect." Kory admitted, "It would be nice to take my mind off of some things."
Barbara nodded and traded phone numbers, just in case she forgot the address. Then they parted ways; Barbara probably to find her husband or do some other typical thing.
Kory threw in a new pair of slippers in her cart before paying for her things and leaving the store and headed home. It would be nice to have Barbara over, right? She seemed to mean well, and it had been a long while since she had last been over. Maybe Barbara had gotten over Richard and she was trying to be friendly again.
Pulling into her driveway, she saw muddy footprints led up the walkway and to her house. There was no car in her driveway, so she knew it wasn't her brother, and Rachel and the guys were out of town. Knowing it was Xavier, she made her way inside house.
Immediately after opening the door the sound of her TV blaring and it made her jump. It smelt like something was burning and her smoke alarm was going off. She left the door open, knowing every cop and fireman with 50 miles of Jump would be alerted in a few short minutes. Victor made that a necessity.
"Kory!" she heard, and looked up to see Xavier coming from her kitchen, flour coating him completely, "Your home."
"Yes," she said slowly, swinging the door open and closed to try and blow the smoke from the fire alarm, "And your burning down my house?"
"No," he said, as if that were the most ridiculous thing to say, "I noticed you had some cake ingredients, thought I'd give it a try."
"But you don't cook."
"And you don't leave notes. I thought you'd been kidnapped or something when no one answered the door."
"Since when does stepping out of the house means I've been kidnapped?"
"Since someone who never leaves the house suddenly leaves the house."
"Touche."
Maybe she'd grown accustomed to staying locked up in the house, but what reason did she have to leave anyway? The detective either stopped by or phoned, and he never had any good news anyway. Rachel and Victor made sure her fridge was always stocked, Arrow used the backyard for his exercise, and any quick runs she needed Xavier did for her. What did she need to leave the house for?
"I just needed some new stuff, so I went to the maternity store." she told him, relieved when the fire alarm finally stopped blaring, "But guess who I ran into."
"Who?"
"Barbara Gordon."
"No," he said, beginning to clean the messy kitchen, "Not deadly-in-love-with-your-husband Barbara. What was she doing at a maternity store?"
"Apparently looking for coconuts. Anyway, she invited herself over tonight and we were going to do a little girls night kind of thing."
"Eh," he groaned, "I guess that means we're not watching the new Iron Man."
"Another time," she suggested, and he just shrugged.
"I could probably use the time to do work that should already be done."
He stayed a while longer, just talking and cleaning, but she didn't mind. Her brother was working on a project and he'd be busy for a while. Time with Xavier was just time talking, and that she needed. She was never the kind of person to be alone for very long. She always had friends around, and if she didn't, then she made new ones.
Arrow greeted her happily as she did her little waddle dance back towards the kitchen after locking up behind Xavier. With nothing else to do, she grabbed a Chinese and ordered almost half the menu. She wasn't really sure what Barbara liked, so she got a variety.
It was weird expecting company. When her brother came over, it felt more like he was coming home than visiting. When Vic or Gar or Rachel stopped by it felt like that too. Even with Xavier and the detective. She didn't have many new guests and it made her want to start cleaning, even though it was spotless.
It might have been her nerves or just her baby, but she used the bathroom about 6 times within a half an hour. Her record was 8, but she had been drinking a lot of juice that day and it didn't count.
It wasn't long before the door bell rang and Barbara and the delivery man arrived at the same time. She had to pee again but refused to leave either people on her porch. She paid the man and let Barbara in.
"Still looks the same," Barbara said, looking around and making herself comfortable.
She heading to the kitchen, a little skip in her step. She had a large pocketbook over her shoulder and slung it onto the table.
"I brought apple cider." she said, holding up the bottle. "Us grown folks like to drink, but you pregnant, so we have to make due."
"Cider is fine," Kory said, already moving to get some glasses out, "I haven't had any in forever."
"Me either," she confessed, "When I was younger, my mother used to give me this when her and my father had wine. Made me feel like I was part of the bunch. I think that was the last time I had some."
"Childhood is always the best time of life."
"No hood like childhood," Barbara said, pouring the cider in the glasses. "So, what mood are you in? Do you want to cry or laugh or swoon. Because I have a whole mental list."
It took Kory a minute to realize she meant a movie.
"Right." she said, "How about a comedy. I really would love to laugh tonight."
"Comedy it is. I think the last one I saw was This Means War. Good movie, and Chris Pine is hot."
Kory laughed a little, her eyes widening when she realized that the 'pocket book' Barbara had brought was actually a case full of movies. She skipped a few movies and pulled out the right DVD.
"I came prepared," she admitted, noticing Kory's staring, "I figured you might want to see two or something. Batman, he trained me to always be prepared and now I'm a freak. Just ignore me, its his fault."
Smiling, Kory set up the DVD player. Maybe having Barbara over wasn't such a bad idea.
Kory blinked her eyes open.
She had to pee so bad.
The first thing she noticed, though, was that she was still on her living room couch. Chinese containers litter the room, some on the floor, which was probably Arrow's fault. The TV was still on, playing the news now, and Barbara was gone.
There was a message scribbled on one of the Chinese containers, though, and Kory picked it up.
Some party, huh? That cider must have had some alcohol in it because I never fall asleep in the middle of the Notebook. Anyway, its late and I figured I'd just sneak out. I have a plane to catch and you looked so peaceful sleeping. We should do this again sometime!
-Barbara
So Barbara was gone, but that was expected. They had watched every movie Barbara had, and then another two on demand. They drunk the whole bottle of cider (mostly Barbara) and finished the Chinese food (mostly Kory). Kory realized that it was 10:30 and got up from the chair. She hardly ever slept in that late.
After using the bathroom and taking a quick shower, she cleaned the living room up. She really did hope Barbara and her could do that again. It was fun. She wondered for a brief moment of where Barbara had flown to. Gotham wasn't a flying distance away so she had to be going somewhere far.
Calling Arrow, she was about to let him out side to use the bathroom when her doorbell rang. Arrow ran to her happily, but yipped sadly when she didn't open the back door. When she opened the front door, though, he ran past her and knocked the detective away.
"Detective Ray," Kory greeted, moving aside to let him in, but he didn't come.
Her heart was racing. Ray hardly ever stopped by. He usually called because their was nothing to report. But now, he was here. And he looked agitated. Excited. Energy-bond. He knew something.
"You can drive," she said, grabbed Arrow's leash off of its hook.
She was actually at the car before Ray was, and Arrow hoped in the backseat like a good dog. Kory already had her phone out before Ray even started the car. A three-way line opened up and Gar answered first.
"Your in labor, aren't you?" he asked, and suddenly Vic answered too.
"She's only 5 months, you doof," he said.
"Kory?" came Rachel's voice, "You alright? This is a three-way. Whats going on?"
Kory didn't respond, she just put her phone on speaker.
"Detective Ray is here," she said loudly, "I don't know whats going on yet."
"Its imperative that you all come down to the station," Ray spoke up, "We have... news."
"Don't start crying on me," Rachel said, and that comment pushed back the tears that had spring up in Kory's eyes, "Any news is better news than just being in the dark, okay?"
"We'll push through this, little lady," Vic spoke up. "We always do."
"Yeah," Gar added, "Since when does anything keep us Tita- uh, family, I mean, down? We're just good like that."
"We're actually just a few minutes away," Rachel said, "We'll probably beat you there."
Then the line went dead. Kory knew they were actually miles and miles away, but Ray didn't know Rachel could open a portal and beat them to office, so she made up a little white lie.
Kory tapped her feet on the bottom of Ray's white Honda. She was freaking out now. What news did they know? And why wasn't he speaking now? Worst case scenario, her husband was dead. The thought broke her heart.
"Wow," Ray said, "She was right, they were closer."
Kory simply nodded and got out when he parked. There was a lady nearby who took Arrow and put him on a leash. With a nod, she and Arrow went jogging towards another entrance to the building.
"Arrow's fine with Jessica," Ray said, and Kory nodded, making her way towards Rachel and the others.
"You alright?" Rachel asked, meeting her halfway, "Somethings wrong."
Kory's hands began to tremble. If Rachel knew something was wrong...
"It's alright," Vic insisted, splitting them up and putting his arm around the two, "We stick together."
"No matter what," Gar agreed, taking Rachel's hand.
Their position, with Vic in the middle, Kory and Rachel on either sides, and Gar holding Rachel's hand was comforting. It was familiar. Of course, Richard normally had her hand, but the setup was enough to calm her a bit. Instead, of allowing herself to freakout, she breathed in Victor's smell and kept her eyes focused on the back of Ray's head as he lead them to his office.
But they passed his office and continued down the hall. Rachel looked around Victor at Kory, and Kory looked back. They weren't going to Ray's office?
Rachel shook her head in a way that probably meant calm down, but Kory picked up a bit of panic. Rachel was clearly trying to get inside of Ray's head. She couldn't wait any longer. Rachel leaned back and Kory couldn't see whatever reaction she got to figuring what happened out.
"Bathroom." Rachel said out loud to Ray, making him stop, "Kory and I should go first."
"Right." Ray said, nodding, "Its right there. Meet us in this room here."
"Got it," Rachel said detangling herself from Gar and Vic and looping her arm through Kory's.
Rachel pushed her down the hall Ray pointed to and Kory found herself being shoved in the bathroom.
"Go." Rachel instructed.
"But Rae, I don't have to-"
"Go."
Kory went into the stall and found that she actually did have to go. She just hadn't felt the need yet. Rachel didn't go, though and Kory wondered just why she was forced to go so soon. Maybe she should just ask...
"I'm not saying a word," Rachel said quietly, and it was then that Kory caught a sight of a tear.
Rachel. Was. Crying.
"He's dead." Kory whispered, more to herself. "He's dead and you don't want anyone to see you cry."
"He's not dead." Rachel said, and fifty million explanations and questions went whizzing through Kory's mind.
"Then why are you cry-"
"Just come on," Rachel said, wiping her tears away, "You need to see this for yourself."
Rachel looped their arms again and opened the bathroom door, but Kory's mind was a stir. If Richard wasn't dead... then what was the problem. This was great news! Fabulous news! She was ecstatic. More happy than she had been in months. But then, shouldn't Rachel feel that way too? Why had she cried? It had been four months. And now, Ray knew her husband w as alive. Didn't that mean they knew where he was? She knew her husband. If he could, he'd be on his way back. He would fight for her, she knew he would.
He loved her.
"Haven't seen or heard anything, yet." Gar said as they entered the room, reading her mind. "We're waiting on you two."
The room was full and very loud. Gar and Victor occupied two of several seats in a dark room. The whole room was circular and steps were arranged so that they led down towards the center of the room. There was a off big screen TV at the end of the room on the wall, which all of the chairs were facing. Vic, Gar, and Ray were at the top of the room in a little secluded set of seats. The other chairs were further down, all having tables in front of them with wires and computers and ringing phones to peoples ears. Every one was talking and yelling and writing things down. There was a man near the TV with a chalk board and he was writing numbers at what seemed like an inhuman speed.
Rachel helped Kory up the stairs and into the seat between Vic and her, while Gar was at the end, next to Ray.
"You've found my husband, right?" Kory asked him, no longer able to hold in any questions. "He's alive and okay, right?"
Rachel took Kory's hand, and Kory squeezed it tight.
"We have found your husband," Ray said, his voice lacking the much expected joy. "And he is fine and healthy."
He grabbed a nearby remote and pointed it at the screen down at the end of the room. With the press of a button, it came on and a picture of Richards face popped up on it. Kory immediately remembered the picture. The original had all of them in it, but Richards face was clearly cut out and used as some kind of reference point.
Despite the negative air around her, Kory took this all as good signs. She knew her Richard. He loved her. He'd do everything in his power to get back to her. But if he was fine and alright... then shouldn't he be home by now?
"We've found his location," Ray said, clicking another button on the remote, "Near the coast of Langkawi."
The TV image shifted and showed a Google Earth appearing image and zoomed into a island near Thailand. A red and blue dot were blinking on the coast of it, and Kory wondered which one Richard was and who the other was.
Someone sat beside her, and her heart stopped. She could see it now. This was all a hoax. Richard had been flown in the night before and they had all made arrangements to surprise her. Rachel was in on it, playing the lead part. She had used bathroom tap water to make it seem like she was crying. Even Jessica, the dog lady, was in on it.
But turning her head, she was met with two redheads. Wally West and her brother. Apparently they had been notified, which was good, because she hadn't thought to call them. Her brother nor Wally looked towards her, both their eyes glued on the screen, but her brother took her hand, careful not to squeeze it too tight.
The image had changed to scenery on the island. A white beach stretching out over crystal blue water. Coconut tree's that little children were picking coconuts from. Bananas and pears and exotic side running crabs. A waterfall was shown and the picture had been taking as a girl and guy had jump from it, cannon ball style.
"That's all nice and stuff," Gar said, his leg bouncing uncontrollably, "You know the island and whatnot. But why the sad faces? He's alive and fine. And, from the looks of it, he's on some kind of paradise. Why haven't you flown him back yet?"
Gar said the very thing on her mind. Why was her husband still out there? He shouldn't be a red/blue blinking dot on Google Earth. He should be a red/blue blinking dot next to another rainbow-ish color that indicated her position. He needed to be here. And not there. Beside her. And not far away. What was the wait for?
"We haven't made contact with Mr. Grayson, yet," Ray said, "We wanted your approval first."
"Well, you have it." Wally spoke up, "Call him up and get his butt back here."
"If it's too much trouble," Ryan said, "I can arrange for him to be picked up myself. I can have him here within the next 12 hours."
"Just get him here," Victor said, "We don't care how you do it."
"You should be aware, though," Ray said, and Rachel squeezed her hand tightly, "That we have proof that this was no kidnapping. It was a voluntary move."
There was silence and Kory was sure Ryan was going to snap her hand in half, but she didn't care. Didn't move. Ray was lying. He had to be lying. He was paid off, just like the last detective. Richard loved her. He loved her. And he'd do everything in his power to be back with her. He would never stay away from her because he wanted to. He just wouldn't.
Ray continued.
"We came across his flight ticket information by accident, it was booked 3 weeks in advanced, along with another."
"Who's the other?" Wally asked, sounding almost breathless."
Ray clicked a button on the remote pulling up another picture and Kory was sure her heart stopped.
"The second ticket," Ray said, "Was booked for a Ms. Barbara Gordon. Langkawi airport showed a record of her and Grayson's passport being checked in late the night he disappeared. She's 24 and lives in Gotham. Her record suggest that she and Mr. Grayson-"
"We know her," Vic snapped, "Know her too well."
A video was playing on the screen, surveillance footage, and she saw easily Richard walk towards a desk with Barbara on his heals. He had on casual clothes, khaki pants and a polo shirt, while Barbara had on a floofy sun dress. She was laughing at something he had said, but the video was mute. They both flashed their passports to a lady at the desk and continued on their way.
"Ms. Gordon went back to said location," Ray went on, "Early this morning. Her flight landing just a few hours ago."
Images taken of the car in the alley came up.
"We conclude," Ray said, "That Grayson planted the movie tickets, and the change of clothes in the car to fool police, and while it worked for a while, his continuous use of a native credit card caught our attention."
A list of receipts popped up on the screen, now, looking like they were photocopies and probably sent from the Langkawi police.
"We've contacted the police there," Ray said, "And have copies of all of their purchases. They rented a bungalow, there are plenty of food receipts, water ski's, climbing rope, a Crazy Chaz's receipt for a helicopter ride, a big payment for rented horses. Big things, but nothing that suggests any force or abuse."
This was all fake. All planted. Richard wasn't out there having fun. He was suffering. He had to be. She wanted him to be. Because that meant he was still trying to get back. It meant he hadn't gone with Barbara, the very girl she had begun to like, on a vacation. It was all wrong.
"Surveillance has caught them only a few times," Ray admitted, "But enough to show that he is in no danger."
Ray, clearly hesitant, pushed a button and a black and white picture of Richard came up. It wasn't clear, clearly from a shopping camera since there were clothes racks in the back, but Kory knew his face better than her own. In the picture he was holding about seven different shirts, but even then, his eyes were focused on Barbara who wasn't paying attention to him as she went through a rack of clothes. His happy, smiling face. He was smiling so broadly that his eyes crinkled at the end, like Kory loved.
The picture switched again, this time in color and outside. The scenery was beautiful; the sky a setting orange and purple, sea shells and crabs littering the beach the picture showed. There were palm trees all around, but between the two in the focus of the picture was Richard legs hanging out of a hammock. The picture didn't actually show his face, but she noticed his black chucks immediately. She almost, but didn't, fail to notice the thinner, flip-flop wearing, legs beside his, also tucked into the hammock.
The picture changed again and it showed the inside of the bungalow. It was bamboo themed, with light colored wood. Beautifully decorated with colorful furniture and a big kitchen. The picture, was focused towards a room, though. The picture quality was good and colorful, but the placement was bad and half the picture was cut off by a bedroom door. But you could see inside clearly, and Kory's eyes immediately were drawn to the bed, in which Richard was casually strewn across. Leaning back against the headboard, his legs were crossed and he was looking intently at something in his hands. The camera didn't show what had he had in his hands, but it did catch a glimpse of red hair laying next to him. It meant Barbara was there. In the same room. In the bed. Beside him.
"That's enough," her brother spoke up, for the first time easing his grip off her hand.
Ray shut off the TV and the lights in the room got brighter and the people got a little louder; some people going back to work, having taken a break to watch the slide show.
"It's you call whether you want to call him," Ray said, and he stood to allow Kory to think, but she didn't need to think. "We can have the Langkawi police give him a sheriff phone so you can talk to him."
"Call him." she said, but Rachel stood up.
"Dont call."
All eyes were drawn to Kory and Rachel. The boys shared a look before leaving, but Ray stayed behind.
"We're calling him," Kory told him, "I don't know whats going on here, but I'm getting my husband back."
"Kory," Rachel told her, "You know exactly whats going on here, and playing dumb isn't going to change that. He's cheating, and I say we leave his pathetic ass alone and move on with our lives. We know where he is, great, but we don't need him back."
"How can you say that?" Kory asked, disbelieving, "This is Richard here. Your friend. The other best-man at your wedding. My husband. For all we know Barbara could have blackmailed him!"
"Did he look miserable?" Rachel asked, and the way she said it made the information sting harder, "Did he look blackmailed? He's out there having the time of his life, and he isn't looking back. Hasn't looked back. We've said it before, he doesn't do things without thinking. This is something he's thought long and hard about. If this is his decision, I say we let him live with it."
Kory was shaking her head. How could she not call him? Talk to him. All those months that had gone by she had been nothing but worried for him. For her husband. The love of her life. And suddenly, that worry... it was turning to anger.
"I'm not calling him." she said, oddly light. "I'm booking a plane ticket, and I'm going out there myself. I'm going to u-haul his butt back here and I'm going to scream in his face."
"And for what?" Rachel snapped, "So he can run off again? Kory, you can do what you like, but it isn't going to change the fact that he cheated on you. Your pregnant, Kory. When the baby is born do you really want them to know that at any moment his or her father could just run off?"
"But there's still a chance-"
"That he loves you?" Rachel spat, probably accidentally. "Kory, he's out there with Barbara. Renting bungalows and buying water skis. This is what he wants, and for your sake, I want you to forget his sorry carcass and forget his sorry excuse of a life form have your baby and move on. I don't want to believe this any more than you do, but I know going out there would be a mistake. Calling him would be a mistake. He'd come back, sure, if not for the baby. But do you really want him back just because your pregnant? Do you want to always think that his mind is on someone else? Kory please, let him live his life and start over."
Tears ran down Rachel's face, but not enough to even compete with Kory's. Could she really just leave Richard alone? Could she really forget him, just like that?
Probably. Yes. It was hard to forget someone you loved, but right then and their, Kory decided that she didn't love Richard. Not anymore. Instead, she hated him. Hated him for all he was worth. Hated his guts. And his hair. And his perfect smile. And his teeth. And his clothes. And the slutty thing he was hanging out with, now. The only thing good that came from him was her baby. Her baby. Not his. Not theirs. Hers. All hers. None his. That was the way it was going to be.
She wiped at her cheeks, but tears were still falling and it was futile. Ray tried to help her stand up, but she didn't want his help. But then she felt bad about rejecting it. None of this was his fault. She actually owed him. For showing her what a horrible, lousy, unfaithful husband she actually had. She nodded faintly at him, not trusting her voice, and made her way up the stairs.
Rachel ran ahead, opening the heavy door for her. Just to show she wasn't angry with Rachel, she looped their arms as they walked down the hall.
Rachel had done her a favor. A huge favor. Why should she call Richard? Why should she go out there and try to beg him to come back? He was- as Garfield was say- a bastard. He didn't deserve that kind of loyalty. That kind of care.
Here he had an army of friends that had searched high and low for him. He had a wife who had loved him. A brother-in-law who did who knows what to ditch work just to see if he was okay. A kinda sister who would cross dimensions for him. Two kinda brothers who would give their lives for him. And he gave that up? And for Barbara?
After getting Arrow back from Jessica, who Kory was strangely hating at the moment, she insisted that she drive herself home. She didn't feel like talking to anyone, but she accepted a kiss on her cheek from Wally and a kiss on the forehead from her brother and numerous hugs from Vic and Gar. Rachel promised to be over in the morning, but Kory just shrugged. She through a wave to them as she pulled out of the parking lot and into the street.
She pulled into her driveway in a daze, not even remembering the ride home. She knew Xavier was home, but she didn't even want to speak to him. She let Arrow out the car and trudged herself into the house. Into her house.
Arrow, blissfully unaware that disaster had happened, ran to his bowl and lapped up some water. Kory went to her room, went to the bathroom, and then sat on her bed.
"He's a cheater." she said aloud, testing the words on her mouth, "Richard is a cheater, and I hate him for it. I hate Richard."
She felt the tears rising and she wiped at them angrily, but they kept coming. Getting up, she went to her nightstand and pulled out the small box that had all or Richards notes. She ripped them up as she headed to the bathroom. Then, she flushed them all, a strange satisfaction she got when she watched them swirl and then drown.
I love you.
A lie.
I will always love you.
Another lie.
I haven't forgotten.
She was sure he had.
What its like.
But she hoped he hadn't.
To be with you.
Because he was the one with the short straw.
He deserved to know the life he had missed out on. Deserved to wallow in what he could have had. The family he almost knew. The girl he could have loved. And the child he always wanted. He deserved to know what he couldn't have. What he passed up for.
She pulled out her phone without even knowing why and pulled up his messages. Over 120. One more wouldn't hurt. She typed, until her fingers cramped. Until she had to pee again. But she didn't dare stop, for fear her anger would subside and her message wouldn't convey her rage. She called him every name she knew. Called Barbara every name too. She cursed him and his soul. Cursed the tie she had brought him. Cursed the sneakers he wore and the hair gel he used to use. Cursed everything that ever had to do with him. And then sent it. Then she cursed to herself, for forgetting to tell him she was pregnant, because he deserved to know that, too, right?
But she didn't send him anything more. She would never send him anything again. And she was glad she didn't mention her pregnancy. He might just 'happen' to jump on a plane and come back. And she didn't want that. She hoped he stayed on that island forever. Hoped he drowned on it. Hoped a hurricane hit, and the only thing that got destroyed was his stupidly perfect bungalow. It looked cheap anyway!
She peed and then went down to the kitchen to eat and feed Arrow. After refilling his bowl, she went to her cabinets to get something to drink. She grabbed a plastic one, but pulling it down, she saw Richards blue water bottle that he used when he went for his runs. She glared at the cup. Glared so hard she knew Richard on the stupid island of whatever-it-was-called, felt it. She snatched the cup down and opened her trashcan lid.
But then she stopped, inside the bottle, was another note.
She grit her teeth. Then held the bottle over the trashcan. Then pulled it back. Then held it there again. Then, against her better judgment, pulled out the note.
I'll be back soon. Don't you forget either.
Ugh! She should have never looked. Stupid, idiot, mental Richard. He wasn't coming back and she didn't want him too. Whatever fling he had expected to have lasted longer than he thought. It made the note invalid anyway.
She dropped both the bottle and note in the trashcan, then marched up the stairs. She wanted to take a little break, but she didn't. Instead, she threw open his armoire and snatched all of his clothes out. Then, she opened her window and tossed them out. All of them. His underwear. His shirts. His jeans. Especially his expensive suits. She went into the bathroom and grabbed his razor and shaving cream. Any and everything he may have touched, and tossed them out the window, too.
Staring at his empty armoire, she decided she'd get Rachel to throw that out too when she came in the morning. And then in the empty space... she'd make a sitting room. No, she decided, that was where she would put the baby's bassinet. Right where his things used to be.
The though satisfied her, and she went down to the kitchen. She decided she'd make herself the biggest bacon, ham and cheese sandwich she ever made. Then she'd eat the whole thing and talk on the phone... to Xavier. Talking to Xavier now would be the last thing Richard would have wanted; so she felt a certain need to do it.
It was done. Things were final. She wasn't waiting for him anymore. She wasn't expecting him. She never wanted to see him again. And even if she did, she didn't want him.
A/N: Oh, snap, right?! I know half of you are applauding, and the other half of you are crying.
Now, you may be wondering where I'm going with this, but don't worry. I have a plan. A genius plan. I plan that involves... muahahaha...I ain't telling no one.
Anyway, stay tuned.
_ScarletDrake
