Chapter 9
"Hello ma'am, my name is Officer Mitchell and I'M accompanying Mr Tomlinson today while he gathers his belongings. Is Mrs Priestly home?" The officer asked, standing behind Stephen who wore an offensive smirk on his face.
"Hello officer, I'm Andrea Sachs, Miranda's assistant. She is home, but she will not be present while Mr Tomlinson is gathering his stuff." Andy said, clearly disgusted by the sight of the man who had hurt the woman she loved. Standing to the side, she let Stephen pass and the officer stepped right in after him. They both stood and watched Stephen going through the things the women had packed, ensuring it was all there.
Miranda moved silently back out of sight but could still hear it all. She slid down the wall and tears welled up knowing Andrea had to deal with Stephen. She was glad an officer was nearby so she wasn't in any real danger right now.
Stephen looked Andy up and down, licking his lips as his eyes focused on her breasts. "So, has she let you get in her panties, And-ree-aah?" Stephen teased.
Andy was disgusted and could see the officer wanted to interfere when she snapped back at him angrily. "I've been there for her the last few days because you scared the crap out of her, you complete fucktard. You hurt her. And you have the nerve to accuse her of cheating. after what you have done? You disgusting piece of shit. I'm glad she doesn't have to see your pathetic excuse of a face anymore." Andy was angrier than she'd ever been. "I don't want to know how many secretaries you fucked, but do you want me to find out? I'll gladly make sure you get fuck all from this marriage."
Stephen's eyes went wide and the officer pulled him away, leading him outside. She watched as he packed his things in his car and got in.
"I'm sorry, Officer, but..." Andy started to speak but the officer held up his hand.
"No need for apologies, miss. I'm surprised you didn't punch him, to be honest." The Officer whispered, leaning towards her. "Now, I will see that he drives to his current place and if he ever shows up please call 911. There are court orders in place, he is not to be anywhere near Mrs Priestly and if he breaks his bail restrictions he will be going back to jail, immediately. Make sure Mrs Priestly knows that. Also, their divorce should be rather quick given the circumstances. Don't worry miss, she doesn't have to face him anymore."
"Thank you, Officer." Andy felt somewhat reassured.
They said their goodbyes and Andy watched as Stephen's car drove away. As soon as she couldn't see them anymore, she closed and locked the door. She leaned against it and let out a big breath of relief that he'd gone and nothing bad had happened. Stephen showing up was bad enough.
The thoughts swirling through her mind had her eyes growing wide. If she'd found it hard, Miranda must be devastated. Andy hurried into the kitchen to find the editor sat on the floor sobbing. She knelt right next to her and held her tight. "Shh, Miranda. He's gone. He has court orders and he's not allowed to get near you or your girls. If he breaks his bail, he will be in jail for a lot longer than he was. It's okay, love. I'm here." Andy rocked her gently. When Miranda's sobs turned to little hiccups, Andy helped her up and they embraced.
"Mom, we are done packing...what's wrong?" Cassidy asked when she saw them hugging. Caroline looked at her sister, confused, and shrugged.
"Stephen just picked up his things. But he's gone now and so is all his stuff." Andy spoke quietly.
"Well, I guess we'll be having another family hug," Caroline stated. Casting a glance at her twin, she saw her small smile and they charged, wrapping both women up in their arms.
"I'm glad you'll be with mom in Paris," Cassidy said.
"Alright, no more crying." Miranda was slowly pulling herself together. But we can definitely do more of these family hugs, hopefully, without any drama, I find them quite acceptable." Miranda said as she pulled back to see three women she loved very much.
"Only you could call a family hug 'acceptable'," Caroline rolled her eyes, still smiling at her mother.
"Did you pack everything, Bobbsey's?" Miranda asked as they all parted.
"We sure did," Cassidy reassured.
Andy poured some orange juice for the twins and handed Miranda a freshly brewed mug of coffee. She looked like she needed it very much if not something stronger but that would be a bit too early.
"Thank you, Andrea," Miranda muttered gratefully.
"Okay, I need to go to my apartment to pack and get everything ready for tomorrow and the upcoming week. Would you like me to come back and stay the night again?" Andy asked hesitantly.
"Andy, you have to stay with mom so she's not alone when we leave tonight," Cassidy stated.
"Can you be here when we get picked up at 7 pm?" Caroline asked.
"Well, you've heard my daughters, if you ask me, I would prefer it if you didn't leave at all." Miranda sighed. "But I know there are things to organize. Just make sure you don't forget your passport." Miranda teased.
"Okay, I just thought maybe you guys might want some time alone, family time and all that." Andy shrugged.
Miranda got up and embraced Andy putting her hands loosely around her neck. "Darling, obviously we haven't made things clear enough for you to process. You belong to my family now, so it goes without saying that any family time would involve you, right girls?" She said looking at her daughters.
"Well duh!" Caroline said.
Cassidy chuckled since she knew how much her mother hated it when they did the "duh" thing. Miranda rolled her eyes at them and kissed Andy chastely as they were in front of her daughters.
"That means a lot, kiddos. Okay, so I will go to my apartment shortly to pack and get everything ready and come right back."
"That's more to my liking, yes. But Roy will drive you. " Miranda said smiling brightly at her.
"No Miranda, it's the weekend. I promise to take a cab okay. I'll go get dressed and head home."
"But the quicker you get there, the quicker you will return to me," Miranda pouted, "If you insist, I'll order the cab, darling," she said already typing hastily on her phone. Andy rushed upstairs to get ready.
"Mom, you are so in love it's too cute." Caroline said hugging her mom once she knew Andy couldn't hear her.
"Yes, she's all cutesy and there's all thesedarling'sthrown here, there and everywhere." Cassidy teased.
"We've never seen you this happy mom," Caroline added.
"Stop teasing your mother, Bobbsey's," Miranda said glaring. They knew from the twinkle in her eyes they weren't in real trouble. "Anyway, I'm very happy you are so accepting with the new situation. Especially as it's happened all so fast."
"Of course, Andy's great..." Cassidy smiled.
"Yeah, and after everything you deserve to be happy." Caroline finished her sister's sentence.
"Thank you, Bobbsey's." Miranda wanted to cry again from the sheer happiness and love for her beautiful daughters. She pulled herself together and sipped on her coffee.
"Can we go play Xbox?" Cassidy asked
"Yes, in the meantime I'll pack my own necessities for Paris." Miranda sighed.
The twins ran up the stairs, passing Andy coming down. "Bye girls., see you later." They yelled their goodbyes and continued on their way up. As she hit the foyer, Miranda met her with a small smile and walked her to the door, helping her with her coat.
"I can't wait until you're back, darling." Miranda whispered, kissing her softly before opening the door
"I'll hurry. I promise." Andy said as she left the Priestly household, throwing a wide smile at the older woman as she jumped into the waiting cab.
TBC
