A/N; Yup a new chapter. Sorry for the gap between chapter updates, I hate for waiting for updates myself which is why I only read stories once they are completed. Work, school, life take your pick as to why I haven't updated sooner. But I'm here very much alive and still writing. I forgot to mention it before but this story is AU(Duh!) and uhm some characters might seem a little if not entirely OOC at times. This chapter is kind of a good example of that.. well I hope you like this chapter!
BTW; thanks so much those of you who are still hanging on and reviewing/alerting/favoriting, you guys are awesome!
Disclaimer; It's a good thing I don't own LWD..
To say she was scared, would've been putting it mildly. Yes she longed to meet her dad, it had been a long and not entirely unwanted desire to fill a barely acknowledged missing piece in her life. But now that she knew his name, she'd come as far as she dared. How could she possibly push for more when she felt this confused? So she waited. Unsure of precisely what she was waiting for. Maybe a sign, or a pull, or something to continue drive her desire to meet her father. Though she felt anxious to jump at the first chance she had to find out more, she felt a calm inside her that came with the knowledge of his name. It had been the most important piece of information she'd uncovered, the rest would come, but she no longer was in a hurry to find out.
oOoOoOoOo
Casey sighed loudly once more, impatience dripping from every inch of her being. She was nervous, the battle going on in the pit of her stomach to proved it, yet anxious for what this afternoon held for Haylee and her. Elliot had gone all out planning what promised to be an exciting trip to Coney Island, and dinner night out with them. It was sweet and thoughtful off him and she was excited to spending the day with the most important person in her life, and the man that promised to hold that same title one day. They'd been officially boyfriend and girlfriend for three and a half months now, and with Haylee's birthday coming up soon, and Haylee's inability to warm up to Elliot, it was time for more drastic measures, which inevitably called for… some bonding. Casey knew right of the bat that Haylee wasn't going to be fond of the idea. And she'd been proven right the entire week as the child walked around the house moping, muttering under her breath and locking herself inside her bedroom every chance she had. Casey fought the urge to blame it on Haylee's gene pool but couldn't resist faulting at least Edwin for some of the traits, her daughter unmistakably mastered to perfection, the all too familiar 'You've got to be Kidding Me' glare, climbing all the way to the top of the list.
Today would be there first time they'd go out all three of them alone, without Marty's murderous glances, and flat out refusal to speak, Lizzie's constant prying, and Edwin's overprotective tendency's.
Casey was still in the midst of getting used to having a man in her life, but Elliot made it so effortless by being the best boyfriend, she was sure, ever existed. He sated her every concern about Haylee's sometimes recklessness, encouraged her every well thought decisions, and listened to her every word, and could always recall details even she forgot she'd mentioned. He was there for her without overwhelming her, or being too clingy, and proved, most importantly, too be a great friend for Casey. As for the physical aspect of their relationship, one which they had yet to breach, Elliot was patient. More so then she ever expected a man to be. Casey felt almost guilty for not putting out, but her truthfulness made Elliot understanding of the reasons of why she wanted to wait. Sure Elliot was a man of flesh and blood and he had his needs but with Casey he was convinced he could wait an eternity. Or at the least for a while longer.
The fact that their dates where usually far apart with Elliot's long shifts, and Casey's project and Haylee in the mix was also a factor in the little time they spent together.
"Haylee Elizabeth, hurry up! We haven't got all day." Casey yelled once more. She smiled apologetic to Elliot before glaring back at her daughter's bedroom door.
"Coming!" Haylee yelled back and Casey checked her watch for almost the fiftieth time before sighing loudly. Again. Finally after what seemed an eternity Haylee emerged out of her bedroom. She wore a hockey shirt of one of the only Hockey teams Casey was well familiar with. Her long hair was brought up in a ponytail as a few unruly strands escaped the constriction. With her hair out of her face, the features that resembled her father stood out, even with the feminine aspects and the softness of a child. Casey knew that Haylee would one day become a strikingly beautiful young lady but for some reason it always seemed liked the skip button was pushed every time she stopped to notice how quickly her daughter was growing up.
"What are you wearing?" she asked in bewilderment her eyes focused on the shirt Haylee was wearing.
"Uhm… a shirt, and a pair of jeans. Mom, you said nothing about a dress code or—" Haylee began confused before her mother cut her off.
"I meant the shirt, where'd you get it?" Casey pressed.
"Aunt Marty gave it to me as a early birthday present, I'm not that into Hockey, but I wouldn't—"
"Elliot would you excuse us for a moment." Casey asked as politely as she could manage before turning around and dragging her daughter back into her room.
Once they were safely in the confines of Haylee's bedroom Casey began rummaging threw her daughters closet trying her mightiest not to freak out. When she finally found a more suitable blouse that was appropriate for both Coney Island and dinner, she handed it silently to her daughter.
"I don't understand." Haylee simply said eyeing her mom confusingly. "It's not that bad of a shirt, and its new." She stated unfazed by her mother's glare.
When Casey, narrowed her eyes wordlessly, Haylee let out a disgruntled sigh and muttered 'Fine' as she maneuvered out of the offensive hockey shirt and into the blouse her mother picked out. It was a much girlier blouse then she was used to, one of the baby doll kind where the only thing remotely positive about it was the fact that it was a shade of blue that brought out her eyes. It fitted her nicely and after her mother's silent approval they made their way back into the living room where Elliot waited. Haylee watched her mother apologize as she tried her hardest not to be too impolite after her mom threw her one last warning glance, that was more pleading than the stern ones she'd been getting used to as of late when it concerned Elliot.
Haylee had nothing against Elliot, far from it, the guy was actually kind of cool. But she felt a little uneasy, probably because the only man she'd been used to was her uncle. She supposed her mother was right, that it was all a matter of getting used to. So she was willing to try, even if she stuffed the hockey shirt in her small purse, when was momentarily distracted gathering her own belongings. Technically it was the blouse she was having problems with, she justified.
oOoOoOoOoOo
Derek wasn't sure how he had gotten dragged into this. Actually that was a lie, because he had a fairly good idea how he had gotten himself into this. It all started with a little white lie he'd told Amanda to get out a formal dinner with her parents, and that escalated. Really, he wasn't remotely stupid enough to submit himself to that kind of mindless torture. The few times he'd had dinner with Amanda and her uptight family, had all resulted in monumental disasters if he could vouch for it. In the years he's dated Amanda he's still unsure whose the least worst of her family to spend time with. It continues to be a ongoing race in which all three members continue to outdo themselves constantly. They made him look normal and well adjusted, which had to say a lot, if his standards of normal were anything to go by.
Mrs. Waylon was someone who'd been pampered her entire life, someone who held herself so high and thought she was above everyone, and if publicly insulting waiters, secretaries, or his agent, wasn't enough, than the way she carelessly flirted with him, her practically-almost-thank god not yet-son-Law, would be, as it scared him shitless when she inappropriately grabbed a hold of his arms as if to check if his muscles were still there. Derek couldn't even comprehend the gesture enough to be flattered, and instead broke in a cold sweat whenever the woman was near him. It wasn't as if she were unattractive, because God dammit, if Derek really was the immoral asshole the media made him out to be sometimes, he'd consider… ya know… of course if he wasn't with Amanda… fact was the woman maintained herself well and she looked good for someone in their fifties. Mr. Waylon was a lucky bastard, even if it was almost a universal known fact that the wealthy man couldn't possibly appreciate anything about his wife since he banged anything he could get his hands on, making good use of the little blue pills he undoubtly swallowed like tic tac's. And though at first glance he'd appeared intimidating, and downright sadistic, the thing about the man was, he was far too enwrapped in his women and business to really care about anything else. He had a work ethic that surpassed any admiration Derek could have for the man, and made him sympathetic if anything.
If Derek gave it any thought and was ever forced to pick one of the three, he would content himself with Amanda. Either way the least possible amount of time he spend with them, the better. Hence the white lie. Truth was h4e had managed to wiggle himself out of that certain epic tragedy, right into another train wreck. He'd made the mistake involving the word charity in front of his and so he found himself at Coney Island with three other teammates signing autographs and practically babysitting a bunch of kids.
"I want to ride the Ferris Wheel again!" One of the older boys exclaimed as he jumped up and down. Derek's eyes fell once more upon a small little creature watched wide eyed at his surrounding, seeming uncomfortable with the unfamiliarity. He'd been studying the little boy for a while now as he played with the other kids and took pictures with a few photographers. The little guy seemed to shy away from the crowd of people and isolate himself, and Derek couldn't help noticing it.
"What about the little one over there, he hasn't been on any of the rides, do you think he'd join us if we asked?" Derek asked. The pre-teen, who frankly reminded him of a type of Oliver Twist who'd consumed too much sugar, shook his head.
"Don't bother, he's too scared. Of eeeverryythingg ." he said exasperated. The young boy in question had tuned into the conversation and suddenly stared down at his embarrassed. Derek needed no more conformation then that.
"Why don't you guys go ahead with Alex, I think he's headed that way." Derek said as he pointed towards his fellow teammate who'd become a monkey bar with all the kids hanging off of him already. A few more won't hurt, Derek thought.
"Mistew. V, are you scawed of the Fewis Weel?" The young boy of around three asked curiously looking up at him once the other kids were gone. Derek immediately crouched down on one knee, which still didn't make him short enough to be at eye level with the kid. With a mop of dark brown hair, forest green eyes, and the adorable little nose, Derek knew it didn't matter because he was a goner already. Derek always loved kids, and even if he grumbled and complained along with a few of his teammates about how much he'd rather be on the ice, he was much happier to be here then he let on.
"No, not really that scared of Ferris Wheel." He said smiling. The boy smiled back shyly and took a step closer to him. They were warned that some of the foster kids wouldn't be as forth coming as the others so the fact that the child approached him and was showing maybe even a liking to him, made his chest swell up slightly. "Are you afraid of Ferris wheels?" he asked softly. The kid first looked around to make sure the others hadn't come back before nodding. "Well… uhm… what's your name little fella'?"he asked curiously.
"Michael. " the boy answered softly.
"Well Michael, you wanna know why I'm not scared of Ferris Wheels?" he asked.
Michael nodded eagerly.
"You see," he began as he pointed towards the humongous attraction. "when you're all the way at the top, it's almost like you're on top of the world. Kind of like superman." He said grinning. They boy smiled hugely as he stared at the wheel with new bewilderment, and back towards the friendly man that opened his eyes to a what seemed a whole new world. He grinned back hugely baring all his teeth and the satisfaction Derek felt at the small accomplishment was unmistakable. Maybe the day wasn't a total waste, he thought to himself.
oOoOoOoOo
Haylee walked ahead of her mother and Elliot trying to put as much distance between them as possible. She didn't care much for Coney Island but suddenly she'd been fascinated with her surroundings. Anything was better than being witness to the way Elliot practically drooled all over her mother, or the way Casey seemed too almost try too hard to seem at ease when Elliot did something particularly sweet. Haylee knew her mother though and she wasn't fooling anyone. Sure not ever smile was forced, some were rather genuine, and there was no denying her mother might've even had a crush on the doctor. But it wasn't love. Haylee wasn't sure how she could tell the difference but she had that gut feeling that something was missing in her mother's eyes when she gazed in Elliot's eyes. Yet she also knew Casey would never admit it to a living soul, if she could help it.
"Hales, what about we take a ride in the Ferris Wheel?" Her mother who had snuck up on her, asked attentively. Haylee looked backwards towards Elliot and she could see it had been his idea as he looked at her nervously shifting is stance from one leg to the other. Poor guy, Haylee thought sympathetically.
"Sure." She shrugged. Casey smiled gratefully and Elliot mimicked it. Haylee continued to walk a few steps ahead but this time both Elliot and Casey were much closer to her as they made their way towards the Wonder Wheel. They immediately joined in line to await their turn. They would surely have to wait a few minutes in line before it was their turn which was good because Haylee suddenly felt the need to use the restroom. She skimmed once more ahead of her to estimate how long she had to quickly run towards the bathroom and come back then she quickly looked around for the nearest bathroom. Satisfied that she could make it she turned towards her mother. "Mom I'm going to use the restroom real quick." She said before turning back around in the direction of the closest available bathroom.
"Wait I'll go with you." Her mother said before she even took a step.
"God mom, the bathroom's right there you can still see me and I'm not a baby." She said rolling her eyes and pointing at the sign for the restroom which was indeed right across the Ferris Wheel. Her mother looked reluctant but Elliot took her hand in his and squeezed it reassuringly. Haylee crossed her legs impatiently trying hard not to let go.
"Okay but it's the bathroom then straight back I…" before Casey could even finish her sentence Haylee had bolted towards the bathroom.
After she was done washing her hands she started back towards her mother and Elliot. Elliot was grinning hugely and even Casey was smiling genuinely. They really did look like a couple, and it scared her a little. Could she really let go of not knowing her father for a chance at the family she'd always wanted. Haylee sighed and began walking. She wasn't paying attention and suddenly it seemed like she walked into a wall. She fell backwards on the floor with a thud.
"Oh jeez, I'm sorry kid. You okay?" the man asked frantically as he bend down over Haylee.
"Ow!"Haylee exclaimed as she tried to move her wrist and a stabbing pain hit her. She then realized that she must've tried to soften her fall with her hands. Much good that it did her. She cursed under her breath as tears sprung to her eyes.
The man crouched down quickly at the sight of the girl wincing in pain. "Don't move it I... think it might be broken." He said as he observed her arm and tried to not touch the injured limb. He'd broken enough bones in his life to know a little about the sight of it.
"No shit Sherlock!" Haylee said annoyed as she tried hard not to burst into tears.
"Easy there kid, there's no need for cursing." The man said trying hard not to smirk at the glare the little girl threw him despite being in what must be agonizing pain. The pair of blue eyes that stared back at him with unshed tears almost make him gasp audibly. They seemed so familiar it almost made something in his chest clench. "A-are your parents around here kid, cause I think you need a hospital."
The girl nodded but before she could speak she was cut off.
"Haylee!" a man exclaimed.
"Is that you're dad?" the man holding her arm asked. When she went to answer she was once more caught off when the concerned looking man crouched down beside her.
Haylee's eyes widened when Elliot practically threw himself at her. "Let go off her!" he spat at the man holding her injured arm carefully. He softly let her go making sure her wrist wasn't moving or hurting her even more.
"Sorry man, I think she might've broken it." The man said pointing at her wrist.
"It was an accident, he was just helping!" Haylee snapped when she saw the vicious glare Elliot was directing at the stranger. Both men looked back at her a bit surprised. "Don't look at me like that, I'm kind of in pain here, ya know!" She was just about to left her injured hand in emphasis forgetting completely that she couldn't do that, and winced painfully at the slight movement.
"Okay Haylee, I want you to stay calm I'm going to just take a quick look at it before we head to the hospital ." Elliot began in his calm soothing, 'I have everything under control' voice. She shifted slightly and the stranger moved away slightly to let Elliot closer. The stranger gave her a reassuring smile as Elliot took a closer look at her hand and arm, and she couldn't help smiling back.
"So what's your name?" She asked shyly. Before the man could answer a woman, her mother, practically ran towards her repeating 'Oh my God' continuously making it seemed like one word.
The man stood up and backed away quickly making room for what seemed Haylee's mother as she crouched down beside the little girl her back towards him.
"One moment, one moment, I turn around to make a phone call, and you—"
"Hey, relax babe, she's fine."Elliot reassured her. The woman seemed to follow the man's advice as she took a deep breath .
"It's just, I was gone for a—"
"Mom, will you please chill, you're making a scene." The girl said horrified seeming to forget her broken wrist all together as she looked around her a few bystanders gawking at the scene.
"Well excuse me my daughters injured what'd you—"
"MOM!" the girl exclaimed what louder.
The man stared at the scene, the noise around him seeming to mute, everything except the voice of the mother and child in front of him. One of them distinctly familiar. He wanted to reach out and touch the woman's shoulder so that she'd look around and then could he could have a better look at her face.
It couldn't be, could it? He thought to himself.
"Mr. Venturi?"
The sound of his name brought him back the noise around him once again infiltrating his senses.
"Hospital, I though you said—" the mother continued still gazing at her daughter and no one else.
"Mr. Venturi!" the voice that sounded his name was much louder and persistent this time. He turned around to answer, unwillingly taking his eyes away from the scene before him.
"Yes?" he answered to one of the social workers that had accompanied the kids today.
Casey went rigid at the name. The blood that was running through her veins seem to have gone cold, if it hadn't frozen entirely that is. The voice that answered with a simple 'yes' at the mention of his name, was one that she remembered all too well, even if it had gotten slightly deeper over the years. She couldn't possibly turn around. Not even she wanted to. It was Elliot pulling at her arm that brought her attention back.
"You okay? You look kind of pale. You shouldn't worry so much I'm pretty sure it's just a small fracture." Elliot assured her.
"B-but the blood?" she asked more frightened then she'd ever felt, only this time it wasn't just concerning her daughter's injuries.
"She just scraped her palms, Case. But we should really head towards the hospital for an X-ray and probably a cast.
The words hospital and X-ray brought her further back to her surroundings. Her daughter needed her right now, and that trumped everything.
Even the man that fathered said child.
With that thought Casey carefully wrapped a protective arm around her daughter who now stood beside her and focused all her attention on Haylee.
When he turned back around, they were gone. A sudden void made it's comeback violently in his chest. He felt empty and something in his stomach coiled. Once again in his life, Derek felt lost.
Okay so I totally caught myself off guard with this all, I'm sure that if I had written chapter 7 a month ago it might not have gone down like this, but I guess we'll never know. Sorry for the mistakes I do the best I can and don't forget to review!
