"Bury The Castle" – part 3

Summary and additional notes in prologue chapter.

Author's Note: Loving the reviews! It's awesome to hear from you guys! In this chapter, references are made to "Lion's Den", chapter 2.

FYI, this story not related to my other Fadam series. (It's not part of the timeline stories. View my Author's Profile for details.)

Disclaimer: I do NOT own Degrassi!

-oOo-

Holly J waited anxiously as she sat on the couch. She was at Fiona's condo but her friend wasn't there. She had a hunch she had already gone to the airport. She was concerned. Sending Fiona to rehab was hard on Fiona's mother. The woman was extremely worried about her daughter and seriously considered bringing her back home to New York, even though it meant that Fiona would have to repeat her final year of high school. Holly J had been the one to talk her out of it, insisting that such a major change would send the girl backwards. She argued that she could keep an eye on Fiona and it was best for her to stay where she had a life and a support system in place. Given the letter she found, she assumed it would be devastating to take Fiona away from the guy she had feelings for.

From the little she knew about Adam, she knew the boy truly cared for Fiona. They had only been dating a short while when he helped with the intervention. When Fiona returned from rehab, Holly J thought it would be smooth sailing for them. However, she couldn't have been more wrong. The love letter she found was actually about her. It wasn't dated, but it had been written months ago. Holly J didn't have any romantic feelings toward Fiona, but it was awkward as hell and Adam naturally was devastated to learn the truth. Fiona admitted she wasn't sure about her sexuality and the young couple split. Holly J didn't expect Adam to continue to be there for Fiona, but he was. Despite all the hurt feelings, he readily offered friendship and turned out to be a great support to Fiona after all.

Just when she got used to Adam being just a friend and Fiona dating girls, everything changed again! Holly J was extremely skeptical when Fiona told her that she had romantic feelings for Adam. She thought it was Fiona's dependency issues cropping up again. Holly J had been close to and a big support for Fiona during one of the most difficult times in her life, and Fiona developed a crush on her. Now Adam was there for her as she was recovering from her drinking problem and questioning her sexuality, and she found herself developing feelings for him. Holly J told Fiona it was best to leave it alone and not toy with Adam's heart. However, Fiona didn't listen. Holly J was proud of Adam when he insisted on staying friends and avoided her for a spell. That quickly changed after the two of them kissed.

Holly J rolled her eyes at the "new" couple at first, even though she could admit to herself that they were sweet together. The biggest surprise was the realization that after many up and downs her friend actually looked happy for the first time in recent memory.

Adam's friends and brother were less than thrilled about the renewed relationship and weren't shy about letting their feelings known. Drew was openly hostile. Eli and Clare were icy towards Fiona. All of them saw her as the she-devil who couldn't be trusted around Adam. Holly J commended Adam for sticking up for his girlfriend, but it was taking a toll on the couple. She could sense that.

Still, she found it hard to believe that Drew would actually involved Mrs. Torres in their feud! That woman was a piece of work! Opinionated, abrasive, forceful. It was ridiculous that she was threatening to smear Fiona with a false charge as leverage for her son to end the relationship!

Holly J took a deep breath when she heard the front door open. She turned toward the entrance and readied herself for battle.

Fiona walked in first. Her eyes were downcast and a little puffy. She looked visibly upset. Trailing behind her was her mom. Mrs. Coyne looked exasperated. She wore a smart business suit and looked formidable, but she seemed stressed and tired.

"Hi," Holly J said softly and stood up. Fiona looked at her surprised. Mrs. Coyne narrowed her eyes.

"You," she said in a low tone.

Holly J blinked, unprepared for the hostility.

"You said you would keep an eye on her. That, transferring would only make things worse for her. How is this any better Holly J? Drinking problem, rehab, statutory rape charges?" the older woman glared at her. "I'm taking her back to New York."

"Mrs. Coyne, please. This is all out left field. Those charges will never stand! He's 15. I looked it up and even though Canada's age of consent is 16, at that age anyone within 5 years is exempt," Holly J informed her.

Mrs. Coyne let out a short laugh. "My daughter is battling a drinking problem and is having sex with underage girls. I think it's time to go home."

Fiona finally spoke up. "He's not a girl," she said firmly. Mother and daughter locked eyes. After a moment she added, "And what if I was with a girl? Is that really synonymous with a drinking problem?"

Holly J smiled. She was proud of her friend for standing her ground.

Fiona's mother looked at her for a long moment. "Bobby really screwed you up?" she questioned with pity evident in her voice.

Fiona scoffed. "This isn't about Bobby, mom."

"You're young and confused, Fiona. That's all this is," Mrs. Coyne said unconvinced.

"You should listen to her," Holly J interjected.

Mrs. Coyne shook her head. "Don't tell me how to be a parent to my daughter," she bristled.

"I think someone should. Because it's clear that it's not working out so well for you right now," Holly J retorted.

"Get out of my house!" Mrs. Coyne snapped at her.

Holly J narrowed her eyes. "Gladly." She picked up her coat from the couch and then walked over to Fiona. "You did good, you know? Don't let her or anyone else bully you." She then gave her friend a hug.

"Thanks Holly J," Fiona said quietly.

"Call me later, alright?" she said before walking out of the apartment.

-oOo-

Sav was in the music room putting the finishing touches on a new song when his cell phone beeped. He smiled when he saw who was calling.

"HJ! I missed you in history class," he smiled.

"Sav, I need a favor," Holly J said urgently.

Hearing the tone of her voice the smile died on his lips. "Holly J, what's wrong?"

.

tbc

A/N: Ouch… Like I mentioned previously, this is a dark fic… Also, I guess I should mention, the previous story "Lion's Den" was 5 chapters. This one is much longer. Couldn't stop writing, lol. As such, I'll likely double post tomorrow.

Review! Come on, you know you want to :D