100 Years Chapter 6: 15 Once Again, an ugly betty fanfic

15 there's still time for you

Time to buy, Time to lose yourself

Within a morning star

15 I'm all right with you

15, there's never a wish better than this

When you only got 100 years to live

Wilhelmina stood in front of her bathroom mirror, taking a brush to her hair as it stroked gently against the mixture of brown and sprouting silver. With a purse of the lips she smoothed over her cream pencil skirt and adjusted her mocha silk blouse behind the pope jacket that hid underneath a cheetah scarf which draped her neck adoringly. Quietly she made her way to the kitchen in her nude pumps that she loved.

"Mom." Her back was turned to the voice that called her as she spun around, a smile coming to her face as the boy approached her. "Can you help me?"

He held up his tie goofily, ceasing his steps when he finally reached her. She took the Armani tie from his hands gently, the silk that slipped through her fingers sending a stagnant chill up her spine.

"This was-"

"Dad's tie...I know." He finished her sentence, smiling shortly as to not ruin the moment. "Are you going to be okay-"

She fixed her eyes on his instantly and his words died in his throat, knowing better than to ask that of his mother. "Don't you dare worry about me...I was fine before you and I'll be fine after..."

"I'm still going to be here-"

"You're going to Yale...Yale wants you in their Art Program and that is what you will concentrate on...not your lonely old mother." She joked, Tying the knot around his neck.

"You won't be lonely...Uncle D will be here..."

"What is with kids and abbreviations? Isaiah...I don't need to be taken care of...even by Daniel..."

"Wait..." He pulled away just as she finished his tie and reached below the couch, pulling out a black and white box with a fuchsia bow. "Happy Birthday..."

She looked at the box adoringly, a sense of sadness coming over her as she realized that her once empty house would be that once again. Loneliness is like a cancer...You never know when it's coming back.

"What did I tell you about my birthday...It's like gaining weight...You ignore it until you die."

"Just open it."

She sighed mockingly and opened the box as if it were an overwhelming task. A small gasp escaped her lips when she lifted the item from the box, it's fabric slipping through her fingers.

"What is this?"

"Look at the tag."

Doing as she was told, She picked up the material from the box, letting it rest on the table as she examined the object of her attention. A butterfly winged coat, as black as it comes. The collars jutted out like knives, making a bold statement as the thick material expressed it's wintry intent. Finally she looked at the tag and read it aloud softly. "Slater by Ido Fashions." She looked up at him in confusion, folding the coat over her left arm. "What is this?"

"It is the first item in my collection that will be showcased in Fashion Week...Approved by Uncle D of course..."

"I..." The words choked back in her throat as she looked over the young man who had matured over the years into such an honorable human being... And the thing is...she had raised him. Something she had never thought possible. 18 years ago she wouldn't have even fathomed bringing something into the world that would actually do good. But she did...And although she was floored...She was proud. "I love you so much..." Her arm wound around his neck, pulling him to her as they embraced.

Soon the doorbell had rung and she had to pull a way, sniffling a bit as she attempted to pull herself together. Isaiah ran to the door, opening it quickly. Immediately he lunged himself at the two people at the door, all of them laughing and smiling.

"2028! 2028! We are class of 2028!" Ana and Isaiah chanted as Daniel stood by watching, his attention flickering between the kids and the woman behind them.

"Alright, alright...Save it for the Party." Wilhelmina spoke up and the two settled down, finishing their dance of excitement. She looked over Ana's current dress and squinted a bit, giving her the eye. "Why are you dressed like Betty Ford?"

"Daddy?" Ana Rose turned to Daniel, lifting a brow with her arms crossed angrily.

"You should have seen what she had on!" Daniel exclaimed. "I used to date girls who dressed like that and -"

"Sweetie go in my closet and get something." Wilhelmina instructed, cutting Daniel off mid-sentence. "Isaiah go help her." She patted him on the back and he followed behind her, leaving a dismayed Daniel behind.

"Wilhelmina she-"

"Let. It. Go."

He huffed and walked up to her, kissing her cheek softly. "Happy Birthday."

"I wish people would stop saying that."

"Oh calm down, you know you love the attention.."

"I like the attention on ME not my age."

"Okay, okay...changing the subject." They sat back on the couch and stared at each other for a second, a period of silence sitting between them. Wilhelmina's hand slowly reached over and brushed a gray strand from his face, the only lock like it. He still had his brown mane but with a few silver guests not to mention the new addition of glasses, black frame, thin make.

"How are you holding up?"

"Better than expected." she replied monotonously, weakly smiling.

"What about Isaiah?"

"I honestly don't know...Call me crazy but I think that he's...relieved."

"Relieved that his father is dead..."

"Relieved that he doesn't have to act like someone else...He's finally free to be himself...He doesn't have to pretend anymore..."

"And you're numb about it."

"What do you mean?"

"Well you spent 8 years taking care of someone that..."

"I didn't love?" She finished his sentence, lifting a brow to his reluctance.

"Yeah...I mean I understand why but now..."

"Daniel...I have wanted to divorce Connor for a long while now but...When he got sick I couldn't just leave him...He could barely feed himself-"

"That's not your fault-"

"I was driving!"

"But-"

"Daniel...I drove the car...I crashed into the semi...I came out untouched while he was paralyzed on his entire left side and then had a stroke, taking out the rest of him...8 years I took care of him after being seconds away from divorcing him...I did that out of guilt...I did that for Isaiah...I did that for Connor...I sacrificed 8 years of my life...to pay for something that I felt was my fault...And now..."

"Now what?"

"Now there's nothing to keep me from telling you this."

His heart nearly skipped a beat when she finally uttered those words. Expectantly he neared her, leaning towards her side of the couch as if to listen intently yet all he was waiting for was a few simple words.

"It's been 20 years...since you said you loved me... and 8 years ago...you said that you'd wait until I was ready...Well now...I'm ready and...I...I love you too."

Within seconds, his lips met hers, not feverishly or in a sexually fueled way either. Tenderly, he kissed her, passionately his hand met her back as if she were glass. They had done this many times before but the only difference was...now...The feelings were mutual.

Upon hearing the footsteps of their children, they pulled apart quickly, as not to get caught.

"We're ready to go."

Daniel and Wilhelmina stood up quickly and Ana approached the pair, twirling in the dress.

"Does this appease you master?"

"You look beautiful." Daniel kissed her cheek as she chuckled from her own sarcasm.

"Where to?" Wilhelmina questioned, looking to Daniel as the kids grabbed their caps and gowns.

"Mode." Daniel responded, his hand pressing on the small of her back as they left.

"And then the Graduation."

"Surprise!" The staff yelled excitedly as they all walked over the threshold. Daniel, Ana and Isaiah ran forward with the rest of the crowd and began clapping as if they were there all along. Wilhelmina stood alone, still at the beginning of the tunnel as they all clapped and shouted, the look in Wilhelmina's eyes, as wide as a dear caught in headlights. Marc immediately moved to her side, ushering her forwards seeing how she was stiff as a rock, she hated surprised and birthdays and here she was at a surprised birthday party and she hated it.

"I thought this was a graduation party."

"It is...And a birthday party." Marc added, pushing up a stylish thickly framed specs.

"Marc-Was this your idea?"

"Come on Willie...Enjoy it!" He pushed her towards the crowd and Daniel grabbed her hand, leading her into the diva filled conference room, matched with all those who loved to hate her.

"Wilhelmina darling, lovely to see you!" The high pitched voice came from that of Fabia who numbly gave air kisses to her despised enemy. "You don't look a day over eighty!"

"Likewise dear...Likewise."

"Willie!" Suzuki ran over, his usual black spikes now a pristine white, still sharp and still fashionable. "It's been about 3 months since Mode lost their Beloved Financial Officer...How are you holding up?" he pushed the mike to her face and Daniel pulled her way, his arm subconsciously snaking around her waist.

"No comment." He pulled her into a secluded area, closing the door behind him. "I have a proposition to make..."

"Excuse Me..." Wilhelmina stood in the middle of the circular table after being helped up by Isaiah and Marc. With the utter a few words, silence had engulfed the room and all eyes were on her as she spoke. "I have an announcement to make..." Small murmurings began and she continued. "40 years ago..on today...I began working for Fey Somers as her assistant...My name...was Wanda Smith...After taking my father's last name, changing my first name and my face with at least 4 plastic surgeries I became Wilhelmina Slater...The woman that you think you know today...After that I began modeling and then Moved up to Creative Director...and...Today I stand before you as the sole Editor-In-Chief of Mode Magazine...for the last time." After an epitome of gasps, they all couldn't help but stay silent, curious as to what she would say next. "My dream has always been to have something that I could call my own and let's face it..Mode isn't mine...I didn't get it fair and square, it rightfully belongs to Claire Meade and after her untimely passing last year I just don't feel right taking something that I didn't earn. Which is why...I have officially decided to step down...As Editor-In-Chief and institute a new Era...A time of change and new beginnings...Ladies and gentleman...please welcome the new Editor-In-Chief of Mode Magazine...Marc ." The crowd opened up around him, his eyes wide seeing how he now idea. He stammered within himself, looking around at Daniel, Isaiah and Ana who had no idea what she would say. As the applause began to slow down, another voice was heard and Wilhelmina turned her attention to the corner of the room where Daniel stood, shoulder against the wall.

"I also have an announcement to make..." He stepped into the center on the table. "Meade Publications is officially welcoming a new Fashion Magazine into their repetaure...Slater Magazine..."

Wilhelmina's neck snapped around in his direction and he sighed, turning to whisper in her ear. "You belong in Fashion...I won't let you quit..."

"Daniel I can't."

"Wilhelmina."

"Daniel, I told you NO in the closet-"

"But Wilhelmina.."

"I have Alzheimer's..."

He turned to look at her shortly and then back at the crowd that waited expectantly. "News about the new magazine will be made available later on in the month."

He jumped down from the table and stormed off. Wilhelmina kneeled down and followed him, with assistance from Isaiah. As he ran faster, she ran faster, their speeds nearly compatible.

"Daniel stop running!" She yelled as he neared the elevator.

He spun around and advanced towards her. "When were you going to tell me Wilhelmina? Huh? When?"

"Daniel...I just found out 2 weeks ago...I didn't even know! I had no symptoms! I'm still in Stage 1!"

"Is this why you told me that you loved me? Is this why you finally admitted it? Because you might forget!" He screamed angrily. She was silent, not even answering. Suddenly he started laughing, a giggle that turned into a chuckle that erupted into a cackle. "You must be kidding! This has to be like a joke..Your last evil deed or something...It's a good one...I can't even imagine you not remembering the Chanel you had in your closet 20 years ago let alone the day before...I mean...As soon as we get together you mean to tell me that you're just going to forget everything?"

"It doesn't happen that way!"

"Than tell me how it happens because obviously I'm confused!"

"Daniel, if this new information makes you want to end this 2 hour thing we just started than fine, just don't be cruel about it."

"2 hours! Wilhelmina it's been 20 years! It might as well have been me that you married because that's what it felt like!"

"You guys ready to go?" Wilhelmina turned around and smiled weakly, nodding.

"Everything Okay?" Ana asked, seeing her father's red face and Wilhelmina's eyes.

They nodded and replied simultaneously. "We're fine...Let's go!"

"Today is the day that our lives begin. When we become accountable for more then our test scores and bad report cards. Today, our dreams become finite and our wishes become our own command. Today apron strings are cut and maturity levels rise. Today begins a new chapter in this little novel called our lives. We begin a new era, a new generation filled with better possibilities and better chances. Within ourselves, we each hold the great task of making a change in this world. We are left with the responsibility of making our footprint in the layers of the Earth. Today, Benjamin Banneker High School graduates doctors, lawyers, teachers, scientists, psychologists, senators, mayors, governors and even presidents. The future no longer lies in tomorrow...In lies in us. So congratulations on Today, Class...of 2028."

Ana smiled, stepping down from the podium as Wilhelmina and Daniel instantly rose from their seats to applaud. From then on, the names of the graduates were called, name by name to receive their diploma. The silence that had started from the Town Car, continued as they were afraid to speak, afraid of what they might say if they opened their mouths. Names, names, names of all shapes and nationalities, and before they knew it, their kids were up next. Ana Rose Meade!...Isaiah Daniel Owens!.

As Daniel clapped he glanced over to Wilhelmina, a pained expression wearing on her face as she watched her boy walk across the stage, his smile beaming high enough so that she could see. Slowly, his hand moved to cover hers and she looked down, the tears falling like spikes from her eyes.

He sighed, feeling his own sadness begin to rise. "Willie, you're going to see him get married, have children, his children have children and so on...All the while, their grandmother will be working on her own magazine..And you..."His voice faltered softly, trying to concede the tears in his eyes. "...will remember every little thing..."

She looked up at him, shaking her head in defeat. "No...It's a punishment...I'm being punished..."

He hushed her, pressing a hand to her lips before kissing them softly. "You are not being punished...You're being...tested...And I am going to help you pass this test because I love you...And you won't forget that...You've gone through to much for it all to be forgotten...I won't let it happen Willie..Not to you."

She nodded slowly, biting her lip to suppress the sobs that attempted to succumb her. "Daniel..."

"Look..." he pointed to the stage as Isaiah walked up and the crowd applauded the Valedictorian.

"Students...Parents...Teachers...Friends...Family...As My good friend Ana Rose stated beforehand as the Saulutorian, she focused on Today...Well...Once Today is over..There's always Tomorrow. Over my lifetime...I've seen death...war...peace...hurt...pain..misery...life...joy ...love...sometimes all in one day...And in order to get over those days I had to focus on what tomorrow held for me...The rest of our lives will be filled with those things but we just have to learn how to pull up our bootstraps and focus on tomorrow...Because there are certain things we can't count on...but a new day is one that will always occur...My Grandfather once said; The only person that you can depend on in this world is yourself. And though I grew tired of hearing it from my mother...I realized that even though you can only depend on yourself that doesn't mean that you don't need anyone else to help you along...So...class of 2028...As we celebrate today, let us prepare for tomorrow and the possibility that if we fall, despite our independence we may need someone to help us back up...Put in the end...We WILL get back up... 2028. 2028. We are the class...of 2028!" His low tone soon erupted as he roughly shifted his tassel and threw his hat in the air, as did the rest of the class, shouting and cheering.

Daniel looked to Wilhelmina as they clapped and smiled weakly, thinking over their past together. "Are you ready for tomorrow?"

She turned to him, her clapping slowly ceasing as he moved to hold her hand. Instead, she grabbed him and hugged him, pulling him tightly to her as she spoke. "As long as you're with me...I'm ready for anything."