Chapter 8: Thanksgiving
The alarm on Elsa's side of the bed went off, rolling over she went to turn it off; that was until she felt two strong arms pull her away and pepper her neck with kisses.
"Mmmm baby I need to turn that damn thing off" Elsa purrs out.
The lips on her neck stop, "I'll get it baby, I set it for me to get up anyway"
Tara smiles and slowly moves to hover over the blond and reaches over tapping the button on the alarm to turn it off.
The woman under her getting a very good view of the basketball star's bare chest.
"Please tell me why you are getting up at seven am when we went to bed four hours ago?"
"I want to make a quick sunrise sketch for thanksgiving, plus at 9am is the Macey's Thanksgiving Day parade!"
Elsa chuckles and leans up pressing pale lips to pinker ones.
Smiling against lips, the older woman lays down on her girlfriend, both moaning at the skin to skin contact.
After kissing for a few moments Tara pulls her head back, "As much as I am enjoying this I need to get up, but you sleep love. Your mom said not to help till ten"
Slowly the woman gets out of bed, hearing the blond whimper at the loss of contact between them, turning Tara smiles leaning down and kissing the woman again.
"I'll see you in about an hour maybe?"
Elsa nods yawning, "See you soon love"
Grinning Tara moves quietly about the room, pulling on her bra and a spaghetti strap black tank top and tan cargo shorts.
She stops at the desk and grabs her sketch pad and a few pencils before slipping on flip flops and heading out of their bedroom.
Turning down the hall to the kitchen, Tara smiles seeing Joan already starting some of the preparations.
"Good morning Mrs. Winters" she says happily as she moves to the fridge.
"Morning dear, and please call me Joan" the brunette states as she seasons the turkey.
Tara pours herself a glass of milk, "Already smells good with those spices."
"Thank you Tara, my own recipe this year, we'll see how it goes" Joan states as she rubs the bird down, "What are you doing up so early?"
"I'm going to sketch the final parts of the sun rising, then watch the parade"
"Oh very nice, the main living room has a large TV, I think about fifty two inches, it's your room for the day dear" Joan chuckles seeing the young woman's eyes go wide. "Oh and the kitchen isn't far from it"
Laughing Tara nods setting a now empty glass in the sink after rinsing it, "Thank you, Joan. I better get out there so I can draw"
"See you later dear" Joan calls after her.
Tara quickly makes her way out into the gardens, and sets up looking into the sunrise; happily she still had time to get the last bit of it.
Beginning to draw, she loses time for about an hour and a half when a hand is set on her shoulder.
Slowly she stops her sketch and looks up into blue eyes.
"Hey beautiful"
Elsa smiles and looks at the sketch, "That is gorgeous, and that is just black and white."
"Thank you, what time is it?"
"Eight thirty" Elsa responds hugging Tara from behind.
"Ooo parade in half an hour, gonna join me for a bit of it? Your mom says I can have the main room with the fifty-two inch TV"
"Wow nice, hope dad won't mind" Elsa states watching Tara pack her stuff up.
"Your dad?"
"Yeah, that's where he watches everything when he does watch stuff that is."
"Well Joan gave it to me and I intend to enjoy it" Tara states with a grin as they walk through the kitchen once more.
"You call my mother Joan now?" Elsa asks as they walk into the living room, and Tara places her things on a table.
"She told me too, otherwise I would be calling her Mrs. Winters still" Tara replies plopping down on the couch beside the blond.
Grabbing the remote and turning the TV and quickly to the correct channel.
"So this a tradition of yours love?" Elsa asks as they start to see the beginning of the parade.
"Something like that, I always watched it and don't want to stop. More excited for the football games" Tara grins and sees the snoopy balloon.
"Maybe it can be our tradition?" The blond asks quietly a bit nervous.
Tara takes her girlfriend's hand in her own and squeezes it, "I would love that"
Both women grin at each other and then go back to watching the parade.
~An Hour Later~
"Elsa would you come help me, while Tara gets ready for her game?" Joan asks from the doorway.
Elsa pecks her girlfriend on the lips as she stands, "Sure thing mom."
Tara watches as the two walk out and then turns the channel for the pre-game show, then turns her head seeing Anna come into the room.
"Hey red" Tara states looking over the couch.
Anna jumps with a squeal then laughs, "Hey Tar, getting ready for the game?"
"Yeah, pre-game show right now will be about ten minutes before the game starts, sleep in?" Tara asks as she looks back at the TV and feels the couch move when Anna sits.
"Yeah got up twenty minutes ago, where is Elsa?"
"Helping your mom with the meal I assume"
"Oh, mind if I watch with you?" Anna asks not looking at the TV.
"Yeah sure…" Tara looks at Anna and cocks her head to the side, "Anna something wrong?"
Anna was chewing her bottom lip and shrugs, "I wanted to talk to you about Kelly"
Tara turns to face the young girl and turns the volume down on the TV, "What's the matter?"
"Well I uhh assume you know she and I are physical?" Anna asks.
"Yeah, I keep having to tell her to shut up about it."
The redhead chuckles, "Well I know I am only 18, just starting college and stuff but would it be insane if I said I am in love with her?"
The older woman smiles softly, "Anna, it doesn't matter that you are just 18, love finds you at any age. Mine so happened to wait till I was older"
"Do you think she is in love with me too, it's only been what two and a half months…"
"I'm sure she is in love with you, she talks to me about some things that I think I can tell you now."
Tara stops to see if the redhead is paying attention.
"What things?"
"Kelly has been in love with you since the first time you went to one of our games, and you were dating Kristoff."
"Really?"
"She told me that night when she came to my room, she was worried and came to me to talk. Anna she loves you more than anything, and she's scared that you will get tired of her and move on because she wants a relationship with you."
"She say that she is afraid that I am so young and that I have so many opportunities ahead of me?" the girl asks wringing her hands together.
"Yes, she just wants you to be happy. But I know she makes you happy" Tara says with a grin, "You just need to tell her exactly how you feel"
Little did the pair know that Anna's father was at the doorway and had stopped not meaning to listen but couldn't help it.
He set his jaw, finding out his other daughter is with a woman but he wasn't going to make the same mistake twice no, he would accept both his daughters and their choices.
He clears his throat as he enters the room, and both women look up with a smile at him.
"Hey Dad, have a good morning?" Anna asks as she turns back to the TV.
"Yes I did thank you, watching the uhhh football game?" He looks to Tara.
The woman nods and turns back to it, "Yes, though seems we missed the kickoff."
"Well I hate to bust this little bubble, but this is my room and I have a program to watch." He moved to get the remote from Tara but she was too quick.
"Sir I mean no disrespect, but your wife told me I could use this room and…" points to the TV "and that TV, and that if anyone had a problem to go speak to her."
Tara set her jaw, and when he went for the remote again she stood up to her full height, grinning when the man's eyes widened at how tall she actually was.
"Mr. Winters, Joan gave me permission to take over this room and I have, please go speak to her."
He stood there a moment, his teeth grinding not used to someone standing up to him but this was the second time Tara was doing so.
Without a word he left to go find his wife.
"Wow"
Tara looks at Anna, "Wow?"
"I have never seen anyone stand up to him that was wicked!" Anna yells jumping and giving Tara a big hug.
"Okay…okay" Tara laughs as they fall onto the couch.
Elsa chooses that walk in and raises a brow, "Making a move on my girlfriend sis?"
Tara smirks and looks up seeing the blonde's game face on and just stays quiet laughing inside to herself.
Anna immediately leaps up blushing, "NO NO NOT AT ALL!"
Elsa simply stands there and crosses her arms, right hip jutting out a bit.
"Really sis, Tara is all yours, I was…" The redhead trails off as she looks at the raven-haired woman on the couch bust out laughing.
Then her sister begins to giggle, as her shoulders shake.
Anna realizes she has been had, "OH YOU TWO!"
Her sister slides down into Tara's lap, "You make it too easy sis"
Anna glares at her sister and shakes her head "Gees you two are gonna kill me before I tell Kelly I'm in love with her"
"About time you tell her, the way you keep talking about her" Elsa states and tucks her head under her girlfriend's chin.
The redhead watches them for a moment, that is until Tara shouts and Elsa almost falls off as the older woman's team makes a touchdown.
"TARA!" Elsa growls out at the same time that said woman catches her.
"Sorry baby, I really get into sports you know that" the tall woman cringes and makes sure the blond is okay.
"If Kelly and I have anything close to what you two have…we will be very lucky." The redhead states sitting back down beside the couple.
All the while Tara whispers apologies and hugs Elsa tightly.
Back in the kitchen…
"Why did you tell her she could have that room?" Mitchel asks quite upset.
Joan looks up from cutting onions, "Honey, she watches sports, is our guest and that is the biggest TV in the house. Yes I told her she should have it for the day."
"You know I watch my programs there" He states loudly.
"Keep your voice down, and why did you get that other large TV in your study…to let it collect dust, go watch it in there" Joan replies tersely.
Mitchel huffed, "No, that is my room and I want her out of there!"
Joan groans and turns to her husband not realizing she still held the knife, "Listen Mitchel, you old prudish boy! Grow up! That is Elsa's Girlfriend, and probably a whole lot more after a while goes by."
"What no that…"
"Yes, and you be well to get your head out of your ass! For god's sake Mitch, what has you so uptight?" Joan asks setting the knife down.
"Anna…is seeing a woman" He states and sits on a stool, "How will he have grand kids?"
The brunette walks over and wraps her arms around him, "Sweetheart, they can have kids, or adopt and they will be our grandchildren, really hun you are being ridiculous."
Before either could speak, Gerda walks in, "Excuse me but there is a young lady here to see Anna."
"Name?" Joan asks.
"Kelly Ma'am."
"Show her to where Anna is please." Joan states and looks at her husband. "Anna's girlfriend is here, let's go welcome her."
"Wait you knew?" Mitchel asks.
"Of course I did, I know better than to tell you, finding out for yourself is way easier than the fights we would have."
"Am I really like that?"
"You must be kidding…sweetheart I love you but your traditions need be relaxed, our daughters are happy, be happy for them"
Joan gives a weak smile and leaves her husband to welcome her daughter's girlfriend.
Kelly was welcomed by a plump woman and a brunette identified as the woman of the house.
Soon she was being led to where Anna was, stopping in the doorway she watches as the two sisters and her best friend laugh at a joke while watching the game.
Then taking a breath she quietly walks in and quickly places hands over the redhead's eyes and whispers, "Guess who"
The room gets quiet as Anna takes a deep breath, Elsa and Tara are grinning from ear to ear as they watch.
Reaching up the redhead feels the hands over her eyes then feels the ring that Kelly rarely took off and a grin broke out on her face.
She quickly turns and looks straight at Kelly and launches into the woman's arms, "KELLY!"
The brunette catches the redhead in a big hug, peppering the young woman's face with kisses, "Her baby"
Setting the redhead down, she receives hugs from her best friend and surprisingly Elsa, which was noticed from everyone.
Elsa looks at everyone, "What, she's a friend I can hug her"
Tara chuckles and pulls Elsa back to the couch, while the other two walk out into the hallway.
Before Anna could say anything her dad walks up, she nudges Kelly to turn around.
She does and smiles seeing the man and offers her hand, "You must be Mr. Winters, I'm Kelly Saxton"
Mitchel hesitantly shakes the woman's hand, "Nice to meet you Miss Saxton."
"Dad I'm sorry this is going to be really short but I need to talk to Kelly" Anna states nervously and drags the older woman away.
He watches as his daughter disappears around the corner with the taller woman, he shakes his head and heads for his study.
He would learn eventually.
~Getting ready to eat & for the second game~
Elsa and her mother were setting things up buffet style in the dining room when they see Tara and Anna walk in.
"What smells so damn good?" Tara asks with a grin, completely ignoring the food and hugging Elsa from behind.
The blond laughs, "Well it's not me baby, I smell of grease"
The silver-eyed woman laughs, "Nah baby you smell great to me, the food smells good too Joan"
She winks at her girlfriend's mother.
"Thank you dear" She turns to tell Gerda something then turns back around, "As soon as you're…"
Quite loudly Kelly and Anna walk in laughing but quickly quiet, "Food ready mom?"
"Yes dear, just waiting for Gerda to get your father then we will say thanks and we can grab food" Joan states as she moves around to hug her daughters and their girlfriend's.
Everyone was chatting about the day as Mitchel walks into the room, then everyone got quiet quickly.
He looks at everyone and then smiles, "Shall we begin?"
Seeing nods he continues, "Everyone form a circle please"
Everyone moves to make a circle, Joan on her husband's left with Elsa on the right, then Tara, then Kelly then Anna to complete it.
"Our tradition is we going around the circle, giving thanks and then we eat, Joan would you begin please" He takes her hand.
In turn everyone else takes a hand beside them.
"I am thankful for my family, and now the extended family we have" Joan states looking at Kelly and Tara smiling.
Grinning Anna states, "I am thankful to have such a wonderful family and an amazing girlfriend."
Kelly looks around, "I'm thankful I have such an amazing girlfriend, best friends and a family that allowed me to surprise them"
Everyone chuckles a bit, then it was Tara's turn.
She looks at everyone, "I am thankful that I have a wonderful girlfriend, and whose parents welcomed me into their home, as well as a best friend that is always there for me"
She looks at Elsa with a grin.
"I am thankful for my family, and how they have accepted my girlfriend, and me for who we are"
Everyone looks to Mitchel who was left, taking a breath he begins.
"I am thankful for a wonderful wife who bears with me, two wonderful daughters and thankful that they have people who make them happy."
He smiles to himself but notices a few frowns as the circle is broken and everyone begins to make their plates.
His wife nudges his side and shakes her head as she watches the four young women silently gather what they want and leave the room.
She spins on her heels and glares at her husband, "People…you didn't just say people in regards to our daughter's girlfriends?"
"What they are people" He defends as he grabs a plate.
"Great way to insult your daughters without actually trying to look like you are, they are with two beautiful and great WOMEN" Joan emphasizes the last word.
Mitchel ignores the jab as he spears some turkey to put on his plate, "I'm sure they are fine with what I said."
His wife shakes her head and huffs as she begins to make her plate, "I wouldn't bet on it"
She swiftly walks by him to join her daughters and their girlfriend's in the living room, sliding into the recliner off to the side she smiles.
All four were sitting on the couch, Anna and Elsa in the middle while Tara and Kelly where flanked on the ends of the couch.
They were all eating and watching the game, Tara however was grunting and then mumbling comments as she watches the game.
"Enjoying the food ladies?" Joan asks as she takes her first bite.
All four nodded, then Anna sets her fork down, "Mom?"
"Yes dear?"
"Why did dad say what he did, the way he did?"
"Because he is still getting used to the idea of his daughters with two lovely women, and he's stubborn as an ass" Joan states and sips her water.
Tara couldn't help but chuckle at the last part of that comment, then growls at the TV as the team she didn't want to succeed makes a touchdown.
Elsa looks at her and shakes her head going back to her plate, just happy that Tara is there with her.
Then everyone but Tara turns when they hear a throat being cleared behind them, Tara had seen his reflection in the TV the whole time that Anna and her mother were talking.
Her growl was more for him then the touchdown that happened a few minutes before.
"May I join you all?" He asks not stepping into the room yet.
Everyone nods their head except Tara, she rose from her seat with her plate and walks to where he is standing in the door.
He moves in and looks at Tara.
"Have my seat, I'm not coming back heading outside" Tara states with a bit of malice in her voice and walks out.
He moves in and sits next to Elsa, who had stopped eating and was just staring at the plate in her lap and doesn't even look up at her dad.
Her mother watched as Tara disappeared from the doorway, clearly the woman was uncomfortable around her husband and a bit miffed at disrespecting Elsa and Anna.
"So who's winning?" He asks as he glances at the TV like nothing was wrong.
Kelly swallows her bite, "Well the Lions are up by…"
Without excusing herself, Elsa stands and leaves quickly ignoring everyone.
"by seven and the New England Patriots are on the offensive so may be able to tie before halftime" Kelly finishes, choosing to just let Elsa go knowing the blond is probably upset like the rest of them.
"Thank you Kelly" Mitchel says with a smile as he leans back, and misses the uttered sarcastic 'you're welcome' from the young woman.
Outside Tara had made it to a small gazebo, staring out over the field as she picks the meat off the turkey leg, throwing discarded pieces of bone and fat into the grass for the few dogs around.
Her mind was reeling, she couldn't believe the blatancy of that man; how he could be so oblivious.
Sighing she leans on the banister and keeps eating, as footsteps begin to sound behind her, she chose to ignore them.
A plate was set next to hers, and blond hair hung forward before being tucked back behind an ear, Elsa didn't say anything just stood beside her and ate what was on her plate.
The silence was comforting for both women, knowing that the other was upset and just being close helped calm both of their minds from the same thoughts.
Soon both plates were empty and Tara turns to lean back against the banister and rest her elbows on it, "When can we leave?"
Elsa was expecting something along that question and sighs, "Whenever you want baby, we came in your truck and that is our ride back"
"I can't be around him much longer, or I am going to lose my shit"
"I know, he's pushing everyone's buttons, but you are used to standing up and let me guess trying to respect that this is his house and that you are a guest here?
Receiving a nod, the blond steps into her girlfriend's personal space and cups the side of her face gently.
"We can leave first thing in the morning if you want, I can let Anna and Kelly know. I'm sure they would love to leave as well."
"But you wanted to come home so bad, I don't want to leave two days early" Tara frowns.
"It's not worth you being upset and uncomfortable, you matter Tara."
This earns Elsa a confused look from the taller woman, "I love my family I do, but you are the most important person in my life over all of them."
Tara wraps her arms around the blonde's slender waist, "Elsa, I love you but I know how important your family is to you, I don't want to be the reason you don't get to enjoy time"
She is quickly silenced by a pale finger.
"Sweetheart, dad I pissing me right off with how he is acting, how he treated you the first day and his little jabs, I want to go home"
"Home?" Comes a voice from behind them.
Elsa turns as Tara looks up to see Anna and Kelly standing there waiting, Anna walks closer.
"What do you mean home? We are home Elsa"
"I'm not, it so happens my home is here with me, but this isn't my home anymore" the blond replies carefully.
"I don't understand…"
Before Elsa could reply, Kelly walks up and smiles "Anna baby, remember what you said earlier about wherever I am is home?"
The redhead nods and looks at her sister "So the same way I feel about Kelly, you feel about Tara…okay when do we leave?"
Elsa is shocked at the quick turn, "You want to leave, Anna?"
The redhead looks at her sister, Tara and then Kelly.
"Whenever I suppose, I know we are put off with how dad is acting and talking and Kelly just got here"
"Then let's head out in the morning, I'll go talk to mom" Elsa states giving Tara a quick kiss then heading to the house smiling at her sister and Kelly.
Anna quickly trails after her sister as Kelly moves to stand by her team mate. "Interesting day huh?"
"A bit, think their dad will ever actually accept that they chose women to be with?" Tara asks as she checks her watch.
"I have no idea, by the way Anna told me she's in love with me"
"I figured she would, she is you know"
"Oh I see it believe me, I just hope that whatever comes our way, we can make it through"
Tara turns to her friend smiling, "Kel, you two will make it I am sure of it."
Smiling Kelly nods then pushes herself off the railing, "We should go and pack."
They both quickly make their way to the house.
~Few minutes earlier in the Kitchen~
"Are you sure you want to leave girls?" Joan asks, she knew exactly why but she still had to try, she had missed her girls since they both went off to college this year.
Elsa sets down the glass in her hand, "Yeah, I don't like that Tara is uncomfortable, and she will call him on it eventually in a not so good way."
Joan looks at Anna, "You feel the same, Anna?"
The redhead fiddles with her fingers and nods, "Kelly just got here today but she has noticed the small jabs, and I don't want her hurt"
"Alright, I'll let your father know you are leaving in the morning, are you sure you want to leave home early?"
Both sisters frown, then Elsa steps forward and hugs her mother.
"Mom we both love you and dad so much, but and this is for me, but this isn't my home anymore…" She feels her mother stiffen a bit, "What I mean is that where Tara is that is my home, she is my home."
The older woman steps back hearing the love and sincerity, "She's your one isn't she?"
Elsa nods biting her bottom lip, "She's my everything"
"Then go home with her, but please consider coming back for Christmas, hopefully your father will be better by then"
Joan smiles, then receives a hug from Anna, "and you my dear Anna, be good to each other and I do hope you are happy with Kelly."
"Thanks mom, I am" Anna smiles and pulls back.
"We better go and at least pack so we are ready, sorry we are springing this on Thanksgiving" Elsa says as she heads to the door.
"It's alright dear, go pack I am going to go talk to your father." Joan smiles, and all there go into different directions down the halls.
~Elsa & Tara's room~
Tara was already closing her suitcase when Elsa came in and wrapped her arms around the taller woman.
Straightening up Tara smiles and rests her hands on the blonde's.
"How did it go with your mom?"
Elsa nuzzles into the woman's back, "Fine she understands but hopes we may come back for Christmas, but I leave that choice up to you baby."
The taller woman turns and tilts Elsa's head with smiling, "We will decide love, not just me"
Leaning down pink lips captured pale ones in a simple loving kiss that quickly turned more passionate as arms linked around the taller woman's neck.
The raven-haired woman's arms move around the blonde's waist pulling the woman closer as tongues danced together.
Elsa moan's into the kiss then pulls back licking her lips, "Your kisses are dangerous baby."
Silver eyes filled with merriment as Tara laughs, "I could say the same for you love."
They were just gazing into each other's eyes when a knock came on the door frame, but instead of jumping apart Tara pulls Elsa closer.
They look up to see Mitchel in the doorway looking confused, "Why are you packing?"
He looks at Elsa only when he asks this and both women notice.
"We are leaving in the morning, mom said she was going to talk to you" Elsa states leaning into her girlfriend.
"But you still have two days here I thought?" He steps into the room.
Tara's arms tighten around the blond, the smaller woman squeezes back and then takes a step closer to her dad and leaving the warm embrace of her lover.
"Dad, we decided we need to leave in the morning, all four of us we…"
"Why?"
"We feel that we need to go, Tara and Kelly both do not feel comfortable and that makes us uncomfortable as well."
The man's face fell on Tara then back to Elsa, "Are you sure you and Anna can't stay the two days planned, your friends…"
Elsa closes her eyes as she literally hears her girlfriend bristle at the statement, she takes a breath and moves out of Tara's way knowing what is coming.
"Friends?"
Mitchel looks at Tara once more, "Well yes…"
"FRIENDS!?" Tara stalks over to Elsa's side and stops, "Mr. Mitchel, I am your daughter's GIRLFRIEND and Kelly is Anna's GIRLFRIEND!"
Elsa's eyes widen s Mitchel steps into her girlfriend's personal space, "I can state however the damn well I please young lady!"
Tara scoffs and snarls, "You don't accept either of your daughter's with women, you just say that to our faces to save face, you are a hypocritical bastard"
The blond didn't see the movement but Tara did as she blocks a hand from making contact with her face, and a growl emits from her chest that even shocks her.
"You dare raise a hand to me?" the basketball player growls out, and smirks at the shocked look on the man's face. "What was this to accomplish, that your male ego was intact?"
Mitchel yanks his hand out of the younger woman's hands and reaches for Elsa, but Tara stands in his way.
"I want to speak to my daughter" He grits out trying to reach for her again.
Elsa steps away and more behind the taller woman, she was for the first time scared of her father and didn't want to be near him.
"I suggest you explain to your wife what she just witnessed or shall I?" Tara states calmly nodding to the brunette standing in the doorway completely shocked and horrified.
Mitchel turns around, "Honey I can explain…"
"Get out"
"w-what?" He asks now shocked himself.
"I said get out of this house" Joan's voice didn't give in the least.
"This is my house, I will not be ordered to leave!" He exclaims crossing his arms.
Joan steps into the room, and Kai appears beside her, as well as Tara stepping forward at Joan's motion.
"No one gets hit in this house, no guests and especially not family!" the woman's voice grew louder.
Kai moves to the man's side, "Sir, you have to leave at least for now."
He pushes against Kai's hand that was beginning to grip his arm, but found a strong pair of hands around his free arm.
"Kai, Tara please escort my husband to his car, he can stay in town a few days." Joan says voice heavy with sadness, giving Tara a small smile in thanks.
Elsa goes to stand by her mother and watches as Kai and her girlfriend pretty much man handle her father out of the room and down the hall.
They stood there in silence for a few minutes, until the blond heard her mother crying and pulls her into a hug.
Elsa knew in her mind if Tara hadn't stepped in front of her father, she would have been hurt on her arm, if maybe not worse.
"Mom…I never knew dad to hit anyone…"
"He used to a long time ago, but he had gotten help and it stopped…all these years and now..." Joan straightens up, "He tried to hit Tara and then tried to get to you…"
They move to sit on the edge of the bed both quieting for the moment.
~The Garage~
"GET YOUR HANDS OFF ME!" Mitchel yells, but fails to yank his arms free.
He thought getting out of the woman's hands would be easy but he found that was far from the truth, as she made sure he didn't get out of her grip; even when Kai went to get eth car keys.
"You sir need a time out and your wife is giving it to you, you are lucky I am not pressing charges for attempted assault!"
Kai opens the driver door and Tara shoves he man into the seat.
Kai tosses the keys to the man and opens the garage door, both of them stepping out of the way as the engine roared to life.
Watching as Mitchel reversed and then high tailed it down the drive way yelling through a window.
Shoving her hands into her back pockets with her thumbs sticking out, Tara sighs and starts heading back into the house when Kai stops her with a gentle hand to the arm.
"Miss Tara, thank you for the help. I know I wouldn't have been able on my own."
"Its fine Kai, no man should hit any lady no matter what reasons behind it and I didn't want anyone else hurt."
"I most agree, sadly this may effect Elsa and Anna very negatively if he doesn't get over the fact that you stood up to him, and helped remove him from the house"
"Would you tell me how?"
Kai nods as they slowly begin to walk back into the house, Kai explaining what may happen.
~Anna * Kelly's Room~
"OH MY GOD!" Anna states as she ducks back into her room.
Kelly looks up from her still packed suitcase, only pulling out what she needed for the night "What is it babe?"
Anna's eyes were still wide, "Kai and Tara just escorted a very angry dad down the hall, and I mean man handling him"
"Perhaps something happened, let's go see your sister hun" Kelly states locking her suitcase and standing.
Taking the redhead's hand, they walk down to the door to Elsa and Tara's room and are shocked to see Joan crying.
Anna rushes in and kneels in front of her mom, "Mom…what's wrong?"
Joan shook her head as Elsa gives her a tissue, "Something that should have never happened."
Kelly moves closer and sees Elsa's eyes were red from crying, "What happened….if I may ask?"
Elsa sighs, "Dad tried to slap Tara, but she caught his wrist, then he tried to grab me rather roughly but she stood in front of me to stop him."
"Wait…what…dad would never!" Anna states getting angry, "He wouldn't dare hurt you or Tara!"
"Anna please calm down, he did but failed and I told him he had to leave." Joan states then blows her nose. "He won't be here for a days."
"Then we are staying to make sure you will be alright" Elsa states with a small smile to her mother.
Joan looks up with a weak smile, "But I don't want Tara or…"
"We'll be fine, he's gone, and he was the one making us uncomfortable" Kelly states with a smile of her own.
"She's right"
All four heads whip around to see Kai and Tara enter the room.
"We'll stay to make sure you are alright, but we do have to leave in two days so we can attend classes before Christmas break"
Elsa smiles, thankful her girlfriend is so understanding.
"Alright enough of this crying, thank you, all of you" Joan states standing and moving to Kai, "I'm going for a walk, I'll be back soon"
The four women all sit on the bed, a collective sigh is released.
"Did you really man handle him with Kai?" Kelly asks with a smirk.
Tara nods, "Yeah, that man needs help"
They all fell silent hoping the next few days will be slightly less stressful and that they can help Joan with whatever she needs.
In Tara's mind she was already making plans after speaking with Kai, 'No matter what happens, these three will never not have what they need' she thought as she just gets lost in what the others are talking about.
Soon after the group make their way into the dining room or a bit more to eat, then piling back into the living room.
Everyone settled on the couch, till' Anna jumps up and puts something in the DVD player and switches the channel.
Elsa giggled, then Tara guffawed and Kelly laughs as the title came on screen.
"What, its tradition!" Anna exclaims excitedly and ignores the other three as 'The Wizard of Oz begins'.
After the laughter and giggles died down, Elsa leans into Tara; smiling when a strong arm finds its way around her shoulders and holds her closer.
With Kelly almost mirroring Tara's actions as she and Anna cuddle up on the couch as the movies moves forward.
Both couples forgetting, at least for an hour, what happened not too long ago and just enjoying each other.
Soon the movie ends and Elsa gets up excusing herself to the restroom, while Anna head's to the dining room to start clean up.
"I'm going to go help Anna" Kelly states getting up and leaving.
Tara gets up putting the DVD away and shutting the TV off and starting to grab a few plates and glasses when a hand on her arm yanks her around.
She looked straight into Mitchel's green eyes, she quickly steps back to get some distance between them.
"What the hell are you doing?" He seethes stepping closer to her.
Tara flips a knife in her hand just in case and puts the rest of the plates down, "I'm cleaning, your wife told you to leave…"
"I don't care what she says, this is my house MINE!" He growls as she steps c loser again, "What have you done to my daughter, you and your friend…?"
"What have we done? Well let's see sir, your daughter has been out since she was nineteen, and I asked her out and she said yes. As for Anna well she likes Kelly more than a guy so there ya go!"
She quickly moves so the couch is between him and her so that if he did try he would get tripped up by the furniture.
He wasn't going to underestimate this young woman again, she was fit and knew how to handle herself; however she is the reason his family image was being destroyed.
"You are the reason my daughters are how they are!" He cracks his knuckles, "You are the reason!"
She holds up her hands in defense, but keeps the knife "I didn't do anything, your daughter agreed to the date and we fell in love, if that's wrong then you need your head taken out of your ass!"
He moves around the couch, and Tara does the same to keep it between them; twirling the knife in her hand and praying she wouldn't have to use it.
"Mr. Winters, why can't you accept your daughter's? Is it because you have a certain image to uphold? Is that you are so set in your traditions that is angers you so much?"
Tara suddenly turns and sets the knife down and walks to the door frame.
"I'm not going to fight you, I'm not going to let you bait me but if you try anything against Elsa, Anna or your wife I will protect them physically if needed."
She quickly goes into the hallway and sees him follow, so she begins to sprint down th hall only to skid to a halt almost running into Elsa.
"Elsa go back into the room!" Tara whisper yells as she runs past, relieved when she looks back and Elsa does as she asks.
A few seconds later Mitchel runs by where Elsa was and he keeps on Tara's heels; not knowing his daughter saw him.
Elsa ducks out and runs for the foyer and sees Kai, "Kai, dad is back and chasing Tara, I think she is trying to distract him…we need to help her"
Kai quickly tosses Elsa a cell phone, "Call the police, I will see if I can catch up which way were they headed?"
"Toward the back stone garden" Elsa states as she dials the phone then begins to talk to a dispatcher, she watches Kai take off down the hall.
~Stone Garden~
"Stop running you family destroyer!" Mitchel yells as Tara skids to a halt on the pebble path, taking him off guard as she turns to face him and he almost runs into her.
"You need to stop throwing accusations!" She jabs a finger into his chest making him step back.
"Your daughters are wonderful women that are happy, yet instead of being happy for them you are worried about your rep!"
"My reputation is everything!" Mitchel declares like his family meant nothing.
"So a loving wife who loves you for you, and two daughters who are finding their happiness is not enough?" Tara asks as she glances over his shoulder and see Kai, Joan, Anna and Elsa (with a phone to her ear) come running.
She waves a hand to make them stop, thankfully Mitchel was too angry to notice she did that, she side steps into a more rocky area but didn't expect him to tackle her.
They both fall, Tara screaming in pain as her spine connects with a rock, with his weight on top of her.
Quickly Kai runs and pulls Mitchel off and slams him into the pebbled ground and pins him, while the others stop at Tara's side.
Elsa hands the phone off to her mother and kneels "Baby are you ok?"
Sitting up very slowly, Tara nods then winces as pain shoots up her back "Sore but I'm alright"
She reaches behind her and cringes as she feels a wet spot on her back, pulling her hand forward there was blood on her hands.
Anna moves behind her and lifts the tank top she wore, "You have a nice gash"
Without thinking Anna tears a part of her shirt off and presses it into the wound, "Tara you need a doctor to stitch this up"
"An ambulance is on the way" Joan states as she walks away and explains what is happening to the person on the phone.
"You will destroy this family Tara!" Mitchel screams before Kai puts a hand on his mouth.
"He needs help" Tara grits out trying not to move too much as Anna held the cloth against her back, "Serious fucking help"
Elsa looks at her father and nods "What does he mean you will destroy the family?"
"He thinks that you being with me and Anna being with Kelly will destroy his family" She glares at the man, "Only one destroying your family is you!"
Anna grunts, "Stop moving Tar, damn it you'll bleed everywhere!"
Suddenly Tara begins to laugh, even through the pain, "You worried the rocks will tint?"
The redhead rolls her eyes and looks up hearing sirens.
A few minutes later Joan was escorting a few cops and two EMT's to the backyard, immediately Kai stands.
However Mitchel instead gets up and lunges for Tara but is tackled by two police officers before he got to her.
"Sit you are under arrest" One states as they muscle him back, he begins to scream in their faces as they force him against the house wall and cuff him.
The two EMT's rush to Tara, Anna moves so they can look at her back as the cloth drops to the ground.
"Well Miss we will have to take you in, make sure nothing is too damaged and stitch ya up." A tall ginger man states.
While the brunette man gives her a temporary patch and a shot for the pain.
"Do you think you can stand, we can get the stretcher?"
"No I'll stand, with a bit of help" Tara states, and both men help her up and each put one of her arms on their shoulders.
"Elsa…"
"Yeah?"
"Come with please…" Tara asks looking at her than the two men holding her up.
"Only one can ride, the others would have to meet us at the hospital." The brunette states.
"I'll be riding" Elsa states, "Let me grab our stuff and meet you out front."
She runs into the house to grab Tara's wallet and cell as well as her bag and phone.
As Tara was loaded into the ambulance, the women watched as a now cursing Mitchel was put into the back of the police cruiser and driven away.
Joan had spoken with the police and there would be charges pressed.
Soon Tara and Elsa were in the ambulance and the rest were in a car following; heading to the hospital.
~Hours Later~
"Can I get a damn glass of water, and maybe this damn thing stitched up!" Tara yells into her hospital room in the ER.
"Baby, there was an emergency and they said they will come back when they can please calm down."
Elsa pleads with her head strong girlfriend, who apparently hated being a patient in a hospital more so than a normal person.
"I want out of here, in my own clothes and ugh damn it that hurts!" Tara groans as he stretches her back a little too much for comfort.
The doctors had stated that she should be fine, no nerves were damaged but she may have a sore back for a while, and required eight stitches; which have yet to be done.
"Well I see our patient is as chipper as ever" Joan teases as she, Anna and Kelly come back from the vending machines.
The raven-haired woman glares at the older woman but brightens up when a cup of coffee and some skittles were put in her hands.
As Tara enjoys her newfound snack, the doctor finally walks in.
"Hello everyone, I am Dr. Torez and I will be stitching up the patient." The woman smiles.
"Hi…bout time" Tara grumbles and then pops some skittles in her mouth.
Walking over Dr. Torez lifts the gown to look at the woman's back, "Seems alright, the nurse will be in, about five minutes to setup. I will be back in twenty minutes."
"She's kinda cute…OW!" Anna rubs the back of her head where Kelly smacked it, "She was!"
She ducks the next hit and laughs, "Babe, you are mine I'm not going after the doctor."
"Better not, you are mine woman" Kelly states and smiles.
Tara laughs at the couple, then sees Elsa over by the wall.
"Elsa…why over there?"
Looking up the blond shrugs, "Just don't' want to make it worse"
"You won't please come closer baby" Tara asks, smiling when the blond comes and sits on the edge of the bed.
Smiling Tara slowly leans over and kisses the blonde's cheek, "I'm fine babe, just a few stitches and I'm good to go"
The nurse came in and began make the preparations, including a shot right into the wound to numb it; which had Tara gritting her teeth till the woman was done.
Soon the doctor came back and put glove son, "Alright Tara, I need you to lay on your stomach and relax."
Tara slowly turns and lays down on her stomach, resting her head on her arms till she felt a hand in her hair.
She looks up smiling seeing Elsa right there with her.
"Alright I'll let you know when I am done" Dr. Torez states as she starts.
Roughly ten minutes later the doctor gets up, "All set, keep the area dry till' at least tomorrow morning, then you can shower or whatever."
She writes on a piece of paper, "This will help with swelling and the pain, and get you back on your feet in time for the championships"
Everyone looks at her a bit shocked.
"Hey doctors follow sports too ya know, Tara you will be completely fine in about four to five weeks."
Dr. Tores Smiles and leaves the room.
Everyone was got excited as Tara gets dressed, they check her out and finally head back to the house.
TBC
So update yay! This one was a bit intense but in the coming chapters you will see why, if you notice I skip certain 'scenes' there is a reason so just keep reading to see all the pieces come together slowly! Hope you enjoyed, till' next time ~don't let the frostbite bite ;) (PS I know we don't know what has happened to Mitchel, we will soon though!)
