Ch.10
Cheyenne almost slowed to a halt as Brennan and Booth approached Lacey who now was standing. She didn't look like the Lacey she remembered. She looked older a lot older, still a teenager but a very tired and broken one. Her eyes showed it the most. She was still slim with brunette hair and now grey eyes. They reminded her of Tempe's eyes. Lacey took her eyes from her half sister and let them settle on the agent and anthropologist in front of her.
Booth spoke first, "Lacey Martin?"
"Yes that's me." Said the nineteen year old.
"I'm Special Agent Seeley Booth and this is my partner Temperance Brennan with the Jeffersonian."
Lacey's eyes drifted to Brennan momentarily then settled back onto Booth's.
Temperance spoke next. "You can stay at my house if you would like Lacey. I'm fostering your half sister Cheyenne." Lacey's eyes glanced to Cheyenne. Chey still looked a bit like the twelve nearing thirteen year old she remembered. Lacey's mind flashed to memories with her sister at old foster homes, the agency but then the memories ended abruptly as her new life started.
She looked from Brennan to Booth again and back to Brennan. She had nowhere else to go and besides she was the F.B.I agent's partner. Maybe, just maybe Temperance Brennan was a nice woman. "Okay, thanks." Lacey said accepting her offer.
"Alright then, let's get a move on. It's late and we all should get home. Can I carry your bag Lacey?" Lacey glanced at her bag and then to Booth.
"No, it's fine I can carry it." Lacey wouldn't give her items up to anyone. It was late and Booth started to walk back to the expedition the three distant cousins in tow. Booth thought that the Brennan's must have some strong genes. They looked so much alike it was mainly their eyes, especially Lacey and Brennan's eyes.
He knew of Lacey's past and thought of how young and old she looked at the same time. She looked like she was sixteen, but her eyes told a different story. A story of a worn soul that was bruised and broken. So much pain was buried inside what Booth imagined to once be bright blue charismatic eyes were a turbulent grey.
"She came calling one early morning, she showed her crown of thorns, she whispered softly to tell a story about how she had been wronged, as she lay lifeless he stole her innocence and this is how she carried on…." The radio played inside the station unheard by the four in the parking lot.
Temperance got into the passenger's seat as Booth hopped into the driver's seat turning the radio down in the expedition. Cheyenne was silent as she crawled into the seat behind Booth's. She watched as Lacey held the black worn bag on her lap. The girls glanced at each other every now and then but were both silent. The expedition came to life and they were off, next stop Bren's apartment to drop the trio off.
As they drove Booth spoke, "Lacey we have found your mother and I'm sorry to inform you she is no longer with us." Lacey nodded not knowing what else to say. She had survived so long without her mother. She wasn't a key person in her life anymore only a happy memory she kept locked away, hidden from the cruel world.
"…Well I guess she closed her eyes and just imagined everything's alright, but she could not hide her tears, 'cause they were sent to wash away those years…"
"We did find that your mother Lindy Martin was originally Lindy Williams. Lindy's mother was Amy Williams. Amy had another child when she was in her early thirties named Margaret Williams. Bones knows your Aunt because she is her second cousin."
"Sorry, I don't understand. Whose Bones did you find?" Booth smiled inside as did Cheyenne, Brennan felt a bit of pain because she knew that Bones was a nickname. Nicknames were used to show affection toward a person. Maybe he should just call her Brennan, she sighed.
"Bones is Brennan. I just call her Bones." Lacey thought a moment knowing this meant she was the Jeffersonian Agent's third cousin. Life is so freaking strange. She also wondered why Brennan's partner called her Bones.
"Oh." Lacey didn't say anymore. Cheyenne glanced at her and Lacey felt her eyes on her but she didn't look at Chey. She wondered if this Aunt was living in D.C. She wondered a lot of things actually.
Cheyenne's soft whisper of a voice broke through her thoughts and she turned to look at her sister. "Brennan is nice." Lacey nodded and silence lingered. "It's just her." Although, Lacey tried not to show it as she nodded yes to Chey again. She was glad it was only Brennan and that she didn't have a significant other at home.
She readjusted her grip on the black bag in her lap. Then turned to Chey, "You alright?" Cheyenne nod yes understanding her sister didn't want to talk much now. She had always watched out for her, she had played the overprotective big sister from the moment Chey was born. Though, in the end she couldn't save either of them. Their mom died, they went to the agency and Chey met Adam and Lacey worked the strip in Vegas for someone.
"I'm glad Chey." Lacey didn't say anything else as she starred out the window watching the street lights pass, she was too consumed in her own thoughts to speak. Booth turned the radio up to drown out the silence as they drove.
"…my angers violent, but I'm still silent when tragedy strikes at home…I know this decadence is shared by millions, remember you're not alone…"
Cheyenne stared at her half sister who was half alive, barely existing. She functioned because her mind told her she had to, to live. She was on auto-pilot. Cheyenne knew auto-pilot all too well. She also knew they were going to be okay. The expedition slowed as it came to a halt in front of Tempe's apartment. Lacey looked around noticing the nice apartment they were in front of knowing the doctor had money to live here. She glanced at her sister then to Brennan her supposed distant cousin.
"For we have crossed many oceans and we labor in between, in this life there are many quotients…I hope I find the mean."
Brennan opened the door and got out as did Cheyenne. Lacey took the hint and opened the door stepping out and joining Bren and Chey. Booth stayed in the vehicle as it ran. He looked at Bones with the two teenagers. She looked like she could have been their mother. They were the three blue eyed foster cousins that had seen all seen too much too early in life.
He knew every one of them had learned to build walls very early in life. He wondered why bad things happened to good people. Knowing he never would get an answer he accepted that God had a reason for everything in life and said goodbye to the trio. He only wished Bones could have a type of hope or faith to lean on in times like that.
"Bye Bones see you tomorrow, bye Cheyenne. It was nice meeting you Lacey I'm sure I will see you later." Booth said before he pulled out and the three watched him drive away.
"Let's go upstairs I'm sure you are tired Lacey." Lacey nodded yes and Bren looked to Chey and smiled a small smile and to her surprise Cheyenne returned it.
Once inside Brennan walked toward the kitchen and set her purse down on a chair. Cheyenne followed Brennan toward the kitchen but slowed to a stop. Lacey had made it inside the now closed apartment door but was stuck to the spot clutching her bag. Cheyenne looked at Lacey and didn't know what to say or do. She looked at Brennan who was walking back out of the kitchen. Chey could hear the coffee machine going. Tempe was making that tea she loved so much.
Brennan looked to Lacey walking toward her she spoke softly. "Lacey I sleep in that bedroom and Cheyenne has the guest bedroom. I'm sorry all I have to offer you is a futon that is in my office. You will have your own room but no restroom." Said Brennan
"It's fine thank you." Lacey said
Cheyenne wondered when her outspoken sister would come out of her shell. This quiet almost shy girl was not the sister she remembered. Lacey was always the strong knowledgeable one.
"I will go and get sheets and a comforter for you. I have hot tea that should be ready any moment, if you would like some." Temperance said to Lacey.
"Thank you." Brennan nodded and headed to the linen closet to get bedding for Lacey.
Cheyenne walked slowly over to the bar stool and sat. Lacey noticed and walked up to her sister taking the seat beside her. "Booth is going to speak to Gabby tomorrow. She lives in South Florida. I think Naples is what the city is called. Anyway, she appears to be doing well. Guess we'll find out tomorrow." Said Cheyenne
Lacey thought a moment her mind was still racing. "That's good. Brennan seems nice." Lacey said.
"She is she was in the system when she was fifteen and got out with a scholarship at eighteen." Cheyenne said. Lacey looked at her sister the first 'old Lacey' expression on her face that Cheyenne had remembered. Lacey looked at her like she was silly or dense.
"Everyone gets out at eighteen Chey. She is nice for taking me in although I guess her partner may need to question me for your case." Lacey said to Cheyenne.
Cheyenne was quiet her sister had hardened. Life had dealt her some shitty cards, but hey everyone was in the game it was what it was. Chey knew they played big in Vegas it was called Sin City after all. "Yeah…" Cheyenne let the conversation drop and let her sister take this one.
"What's up with your case anyway?" Lacey looked at Cheyenne her eyes meeting her half sister's as they both sat on the bar stools at Tempe's kitchen counter.
"Ex-foster parents had false identities. Upon further investigation they found out mom wasn't missing but murdered. Tempe is an anthropologist and Booth is her partner with the F.B.I. She works with the dead and helps him to solve murders." Said Cheyenne
"So…she is the brains and he's the brawn." Lacey half asked.
"Yeah, pretty much." Cheyenne said.
"What is she like a special type of coroner or something?" asked Lacey
"A little, she works with a team of people at an institute called the Jeffersonian. It's a large building filled with eccentric scientists and expensive equipment. Tempe is pretty much the boss, she's real smart. Anyway, she identifies remains that are too old for regular coroners to do. There is a pathologist named Cam she is the boss, an entomologist called Hodgins and his wife Angela who does digital facial reconstruction" Cheyenne smiled
"Her dad is…get this…ZZ Top's lead singer. There are also some interns mainly Vincent who is a Brit and Daisy or babbling brooke. " Said Cheyenne thinking a moment if she missed anyone as she was silent.
"Oh and there is a psychologist there named Sweets, just giving you a heads up. He seems a nice guy…but he is a psychologist." Cheyenne said
Lacey looked at her little sister. Her mind spun, it was a lot to take in. "Got it, steer clear of the Sweet psychologist at Tempe's work." Lacey said sarcastically.
Brennan walked back in the room. Lacey and Chey were sitting and both girls turned their attention to her. They look almost like twins thought Brennan. "Your bed is ready Lacey." smiling a small smile Brennan walked toward the kitchen to retrieve the tea.
"Would you like some tea? It's honey pomegranate." Lacey thought about it a second she really just wanted a shower and most of all to lay down and go to bed.
"Thank you but I think I'm just going to go to bed." Lacey smiled a small hint of a smile at temperance and Cheyenne.
"Okay, if you need anything the guest bathroom is on the right down that hall." Brennan pointed showing Lacey. "You are welcome to whatever you would like in the kitchen, but please don't drink you aren't of age anyway." Lacey smiled at Tempe's last statement.
"Thank you Tempe, night Cheyenne goodnight Temperance." Lacey said.
"Night." Both Cheyenne and Temperance said at the same time.
Brennan looked to Cheyenne. "Would you like some tea?"
"Sure." Cheyenne waited for Brennan to get the other mug for her. Then she followed her over to the couch and they both sat.
"Did Lacey speak to you at all? I hope she feels comfortable." Brennan said knowing the first night in a new place is always the scariest.
"She spoke some. I think she just really wanted to go to bed, she had a long drive here." Cheyenne said still not believing that her sister was right in the other room.
"Did she say anything specific, anything of importance?" Brennan asked fishing for information.
"No. I just told her what you did for a living, a bit about your team at the Jeffersonian and that you were in the system once." Cheyenne said taking a sip of her tea. It tasted so good.
Brennan nodded. "You still need a phone as does your sister."
Cheyenne said nothing Brennan was merely stating a fact not asking her a question. Brennan looked out of the window in the living room the night was pitch black, no stars. She wondered if that meant she had made her wish too late and now it would never come true. Had it vanished along with the star she had wished upon? It sure felt like it; hope lost. She sighed and sipped at her tea. Cheyenne heard the sigh and felt a little bad for the anthropologist.
"We should go to the mall tomorrow after work." Brennan said still looking out toward the window.
"The mall will be closed by the time you are done working Tempe. Lacey and I can go while you are at work and meet you and Booth for lunch." Cheyenne knew chances were slim.
"You could but I would like to go with you to put me on my plan and you will need me there. The account holder needs to sign." Said Tempe and Cheyenne thought a moment.
"Okay, but if you and Booth are always working so late how are we ever going to make it to the mall?" Cheyenne asked
"I'm unsure Cheyenne. Angela might know what to do I'll ask what she is doing tomorrow." Brennan said and Cheyenne sighed knowing Bren wasn't thinking about the mall or phone. She was thinking of him, damn him. Cheyenne thought, knowing when to drop the unimportant phone conversation.
"After I finish my tea I'm heading to bed." Said Cheyenne and Brennan nodded as the two sat in silence.
Booth walked into his pitch black room Hannah was dead asleep her messy blonde locks fanned the pillow her head rested upon. After stripping down to his boxers Booth smiled a bittersweet smile at her. Then pulled the comforter back and crawled into bed next to her. He heard a high pitched "hhmm" come from the person next to him. She rolled over sleepily, "What time is it?"
"It's two thirty. I just got back from picking up Cheyenne's half sister." Booth watched as she yawn her eyes still were shut.
"Mmhhmm." Hannah murmured and draped her arm over him laying her head on his chest quickly falling back asleep. Booth sighed as he lay awake in bed feeling alone even though Hannah was right next to him or on him. He couldn't help it, help wondering about the girl on the swing set that swung all alone. He sighed as he heard Hannah's ipod still playing in the other room. He thought to yesterdays, to the night at the Hoover when he had gambled.
"…didn't want to leave you with the wrong impression, didn't want to leave you with my last confession of love…"
Though, he had left her with the impression that they might have been more than partners upon their return to the states. Then returned with Hannah but they had agreed to move on. Only neither expected it to be so hard. He wanted to know how she was tonight. How was Cheyenne and the tired, pained, and worn looking Lacey? He exhaled… and he was going to tell Bones about his wish, yeah right, when? No matter he tried to sleep distracting himself with tomorrow's agenda and flight to South Florida. As he drifted off he heard a mixture of voices in his dream like state.
"…and don't lie, you know you wish it was Tempe in your arms instead of her."Cheyenne said and Bones' voice echoed not far behind Cheyenne's.
"Is that true? Would you rather I comfort you than Hannah?" another voice accompanied by an image flashed in his dream like state..."Can we still be partners?" echoed Bones' voice in his dreams her sad face looking up to him. He couldn't escape them even in his subconscious. Booth took to tossing and turning waking Hannah and making her wonder what was wrong with Seeley. She watched him momentarily and then woke him from what she assumed was a bad dream.
Brennan now sat alone on the couch. Cheyenne had retired to her bedroom after she finished her tea just as she said she was going to do. Brennan sighed and forced herself to stop looking out of the window. She thought of the events of the day so much had happened. There was her dad's short conversation, Booth and Cheyenne's spat and Lacey.
Then there was of course she and Booth's metaphorical discussion of moving on. How he had moved on just like he had said he would and she moved on as well. Desperate, confused and left to a solitude she decided she hated the freaking swings. She didn't need to observe anymore, she had observed enough. Wasn't it obvious? Though, she knew she couldn't ask Booth to break up with Hannah for her. That was immature but she could wish it would happen.
She didn't need a lot of things, but she had learned through the years family was extremely important. She had lost her biological family early. Booth had helped create her surrogate family and reassured her that the squints were in fact her family. Where was he now? She knew she was correct when she told Angela that all relationships were ephemeral. Maybe it was time to let go of him, time to move on. She sighed holding back her tears as she stood turning off the stereo full of static, she caught every other word. Then she too headed to bed.
"… Just let me ask of you one small thing, as we have shared so many with fervor our dreams, we planned a whole lifelong… now scattered in the wind…in the terms of the years that pass you by…through the years I've grown to love you, though your commitment to most would offend, but I stuck by you holding on with my foolish pride, waiting for you to give in…I… have… myself to blame…the path is overgrown and strewn with thorns…"
Cheyenne lay awake in bed her thoughts jumbled. Lacey was different but she was glad she was here. Tempe had a father that held more information on her mother. She needed to meet this man again. What was his name? Max. Hannah had run embarrassed from Tempe's office when Chey stood up to Booth defending Tempe and most of all the defending the truth. ,
She remembered the painful expressions on Booth and Brennan's face when they ran up to her as she called Booth descending the stairs quickly and running into them. Tempe and Booth spoke of something she wondered what. But most of all she wondered what Gabby was going to remember when Booth went to see her tomorrow.
Lacey lay on her side and stared at the computer in the office now her makeshift bedroom. She had done it she left Larry and everything and one that went along with that life. Almost she thought as her hand wandered to her abdomen settling on it. Chey wasn't the little sister she used to know. Life had molded her little sister like it had her. They were rough around the edges, protective of whatever was dear to them. Locking everything inside where no one could ever get to it.
"It doesn't mean much, it doesn't mean anything at all, the life I've left behind me is a cold room, I've crossed the last line from where I can't return where every step I took in faith betrayed me and led me from my home and sweet, sweet surrender is all I have to give, you take me in no questions asked…"
Lacey's mind wandered to the F.B.I agent and an Anthropologist. She wondered if they were an item. She noticed he wore no ring. She also wondered what tomorrow would bring and why the agent called Tempe, Bones. That was just odd. She sighed as she lay on her side of yesterdays, the future and just life in general.
Turning onto her back she sighed as she stared at the ceiling, she turned back onto her side quickly. Pulling up the dark pink comforter up to her chin she could smell the fresh store bought scent of it. She smiled a barely there smile as she let her dreams take her away from this world.
"…you strip away the ugliness that surrounds me, are you an angel am I already that gone? I only hope that I won't disappoint you when I'm down here on my knees, and I don't understand…I miss all the little things, oh I miss everything, it doesn't mean much, it doesn't mean anything at all. The life I've left behind me is a cold room."
songs-Wash Away Those Years by Creed, Wrong Impression by Natalie Imbruglia, Path of Thorns (Terms) by Sarah McLachlan, Sweet Surrender by Sarah McLachlan. Next chap will be longer (Gabby and more of B&B and how will we get them together? How will Hannah leave? They still have to have their "elevator talk." Also, I'm still going to do the Hole In The Heart (eventually)...glad I got this up ha. Hope it wasn't too horrid and I will take any and all suggestions :) Meg