Our Little Secret
Chapter Ten
Okay everyone, it's finally here, the end chapter. I know, I'm sad about it too! ;) But it's all good, because I'll bring you more stories in the, hopefully, near future! Thanks to everyone who checked out my website and stuff, let me know what you think? And also enjoy!
Review Replies:
HopelessRomantic1994 (Jade) – Sorry, but cliff-hangers are epic. Thanks, glad you liked it! :)
BreezyFan (Lisa) – Muhahaha, I'm an evil genius ;) No I'm kidding, sorry about stopping it there but if I would have kept going it would have been, like 6000 words long or something! Awww I'm sorry, but what can I say! I love to write! :D Thanks!
Things in Ink (Rose) – Don't worry about it, you don't have to review all the time :) Yeah, I know I was thinking about doing something around that you know? I took on your suggestion and slipped it in here for you. Thanks so much for checking it out! :D
But I Have Promises To Keep (A) – Hee! Yeah he is! I love Jacob, and writing for him, it's awesome to do! Hee! Thanks!
"Dad?"
"The one and only," Jacob smirked "Nice to see you Mal."
True enough, Jacob Fallon was standing before Mal in the vast golden field. It sparkled with life, but the sudden tension in the air made the beauty of it all shake. Mal stood in utter shock for a long time, while Jacob waited patiently for his reaction.
"Get out." Mal snapped
"What?"
"Get now. Now." Mal growled, taking a step forward "I mean it Jacob, leave before I drag your sorry ass down to the precinct."
"Son, calm down," Jacob said softly reaching over to take his arm, but Mal jerked away. "Mal..."
"Leave!" He yelled.
Jacob was taken aback by Mal's sudden hostility, but in the same way understood it. This wasn't his little boy anymore, he was a fully grown man with a separate life from the one Jacob remembered. Jacob lowered his head and took a couple of steps back.
"Son... please listen to me, I-"
"No." Mal interrupted "You listen to me 'Dad', if I can even call you that anymore, I never want to see you again. You're selfish and a criminal, I have a right mind to drag you out of here in handcuffs."
"Mal, of course you can call me Dad... I'm your father and-"
"Are you? Maybe biologically, yes, you are my father, but no way in hell are you my Dad. Uncle Lenny was more of a father to me than you ever were!"
Although it pained him to hear Mal say those words, reject him as his own Dad, he did his best not to show it and keep his cool. There were things Mal didn't understand and Jacob needed him to, maybe change his mind and show him the truth. Show him how much he cared for his son.
"He wasn't even your real uncle..." Jacob commented, gaining a glare from Mal "Look, I know I wasn't there for you growing up and I regret that, but let me explain why-"
"Mal?" A female voice called from the tree house.
"Oh what now!" Jacob growled, spinning around.
Mal looked up to see Natara looking down at them both with wide eyes. She then glanced down at herself and blushed, jumping back, only being in her night clothes. Mal groaned and rubbed the bridge of his nose. Jacob slowly turned around and looked to Mal in disbelief.
"Mal... what on earth is she doing here?" He scolded "What, is this just someplace you bring your little hussy's for playtime now!"
"Hey! Natara is here because I brought her here, and she is not a hussy! She's my-" Mal was unsure whether or not to say it, but was too angry to debate with himself for long. "-girlfriend, and FYI we didn't do anything, not that it's any of your business!"
"Well whoever the hell she is, you knew what we said. Never bring anyone else here... how could you break that promise to me? Didn't this place mean anything to you...?"
Jacob looked at Mal with a solemn look, feeling the pain that his own son would betray the one thing they still had together. Mal sighed heavily and shifted his weight on his legs.
"Jacob... Dad," Mal started "This place meant... means the world to me, you know that. But Natara means the world to me too, and I wanted to share this place with her and only her, no one else knows about it or ever will. It's our little secret."
"You say that now... she'll blab about it one way or another."
"No she wouldn't! You don't even know anything about her!"
"Does it matter if I know who she is or not? She's not us Mal, she can't be trusted."
"Shut the hell up!" Mal growled "Just shut up!"
Jacob fell silent and moved away cautiously from Mal, sensing his aggression. He sighed heavily and glanced back up into the tree, where Natara was watching the scene unfold carefully. She looked like she would jump in at any time, like a wild cat on its prey, if anything was to happen to Mal, not that it would but how could she know that?
"Malachi," Jacob said softly, looking away "I came here because... well, I needed to talk to you and it was honestly by chance that you happened to be here. This is the only place I have left that feels like home to me..."
There was a long moment of silence as Mal racked his thoughts, trying to decide whether or not to hear his father out or not.
"Dad," Mal sighed "Just... come on."
Jacob looked up and raised an eyebrow. But Mal didn't say anything else and walked back toward the tree house; Natara watched him climb up the ladder and hugged him tightly when he got to the top. Jacob smiled slightly before following him up, hearing part of their conversation.
"... No matter what happens, I'm here."
"Thanks Nat."
Pulling himself up onto the wooden patio, Jacob followed Mal inside, only after receiving a wary look from Natara. He tried not to make eye contact with her, since her hazel eyes bore into him and he could feel her practically gazing into his soul. It creeped him out. Mal placed one hand against the fireplace frame and stared down into the fire. Jacob wandered into the middle of the room, looking around and feeling the burst of memories fill him. Natara was stood in the doorway, almost defensively, with her arms folded against her chest.
"Anyway, Mal I wanted to talk to you about our most... recent events." Jacob said calmly.
"You mean when we were in Las Vegas and I risked my own life trying to save yours, only to find out that you were working with Esmeralda and the Flores Cartel all along?" Mal commented coldly "What about it."
"I don't think you quite understand this yet, Mal, and think I've betrayed you instead."
"Well of course I think that, since it's the truth isn't it?"
Mal spun around and looked Jacob dead in the eye. They tried to stare each other down for a long moment, before Natara cleared her throat and walked forward, placing her hand between the two men and using herself to push them apart.
"Mal, calm down." Natara said sternly. "Personally I would like to know what kind of excuse your fathers conjured up this time."
Natara glared at Jacob, making him feel increasingly uncomfortable, but he wouldn't show it. Then her gaze softened as it landed on Mal and she reached over, taking his hand and giving it a gentle squeeze. She leaned over and whispered comforting words in his ear to calm him down, and asked that he only hear him out. Mal reluctantly agreed and focused his attention back to Jacob, who had been waiting patiently.
"Go ahead, Jacob." Natara said softly.
"Thank you... Natara?"
Natara nodded.
"Well, as I was saying... Mal you don't understand. Earlier, you finally figured out that everything I did back then was to protect you so you could have a better life. That was the truth... it still is. Getting in with the Flores Cartel, I can monitor their actions and keep you safe. Esme runs everything now; Carlito is just her little lap dog. She doesn't hold too much of a grudge against me and you like Carlito does, but I can make sure they don't come after you. I can keep you safe..."
"I don't need you to keep me safe, I'm not a kid anymore."
"That's true, you're a grown man now Mal, and a fantastic one at that, but that doesn't mean you don't need someone to look out for you too."
"He's got me for that." Natara commented
"True, he does have you around all the time, but can you honestly protect him from criminals before they try and kill him?" Jacob smirked
Natara's eyes went wide before they turned into a hard glare; she huffed and looked away, tightening her grip on Mal's hand. He looked over to Natara and gently stroked her hand to calm her down.
"Well... I understand your reasons Dad, but this is... stupid. Utterly stupid."
"Stupid?"
"Yes, stupid. You can't honestly expect me to believe that you're only doing this for me, or have only ever done these things for me, because you and I both know that isn't true."
"Well, maybe it was for a little personal gain but that just came with it, my initial plan was to keep you safe."
"Bull."
"Mal," Jacob sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose "What else can I tell you? I've tried to explain myself, tried to make you listen, but you're just so damn stubborn that you don't want to hear it!"
"I wonder where I got that from!"
Jacob shook his head and looked down, before breaking into a chuckle. Mal and Natara exchanged confused glances and took a step back.
"Dad?"
"Oh son," Jacob smiled "You haven't changed at all, have you."
"What?"
"You're still stubborn as hell; still push me away even though we both know you're secretly happy to see me."
"Not true." Mal mumbled
"Isn't it?"
Mal met Jacob's gaze to see the slight happiness in his eyes. Instantly, Mal felt slightly better and more relaxed, as he ran everything Jacob had said through his mind again. He was right, Mal was secretly happy to see his Dad again, but that feeling always seemed to be overthrown by the anger and betrayal he had always felt when he left. In response Mal just shrugged.
"You haven't changed either."
"You're right, I haven't. I still love you, still try to keep you safe and still would be there for you if you ever needed me that badly."
"You were never there for me."
"No? Can you seriously not recall all the times I kept your ass out of jail?"
"Well yeah, but I meant that you were never there when I actually needed you. Like when Mom died..."
Jacob's smile faded and was instantly replaced by a frown. He took a deep breath and walked over to Mal, placing his hand upon his shoulder.
"I know, I know."
Mal looked up at his Dad, but couldn't bring himself to smile. Jacob did the only thing he could think of at the time and pulled Mal close, hugging him tightly. Mal was shocked for a brief moment and released Natara's hand. She gladly took a step back, a small smile appearing on her lips, and watched the heart warming scene. Wrapping his arms around Jacob, Mal closed his eyes and took in the lost feeling, the lost comfort that only someone's father could bring.
"I know I've been probably the worst Dad in the world to you, Mal. But I do love you. I'm sorry I've caused you so much pain throughout your life..."
"You... you weren't always that bad, I can still remember the BB gun you got me for Christmas when I was six."
Jacob and Mal pulled away, laughing.
"Yeah I remember that too, you ending up aiming for me instead."
Mal wore a guilty look, but it was hidden by a huge smile.
"Well, you did say you were the bad guy!"
"I did, I did, but still... that hurt you know!"
"Not as much as a real bullet though..."
Everyone exchanged glances and shuddered at the thought. Mal reached over and wrapped his arm around Natara's waist pulling her close and making her giggle.
"Anyway, I don't think you two have been properly introduced. Natara, Jacob. Jacob, Natara."
Natara extended her hand to Jacob, who gladly shook it, and smiled.
"Nice to finally meet you, Jacob." Natara commented
"You too, so... you're dating my son."
Natara blushed heavily and leaned closer to Mal, who was fighting back a laugh.
"W-Well I uh... yes."
"Great! About time you got someone new Mal, I didn't like that Sandra, something about her rubbed me the wrong way."
"You only met her once!"
"Ah, but once is all it takes." Jacob smiled "Mal, there's something I've always wondered."
"Yeah?"
"When I wasn't around anymore... how was she? How was Angela? Did you two get along alright?"
"Mom was... fine. I mean there were always times when we'd argue, but that's normal. If you want, I could tell you about her when you weren't there..."
"Please, I've always regretted never asking how she was coping."
Mal walked in from school late on a Wednesday evening, he threw his bag down and sighed, before walking into the living room.
"Mom?"
"Hey sweetheart," Angela smiled "How was school?"
"Ugh, same old boring cr-"
Mal stopped mid sentence when he saw the glare Angela was sending him. She hated swearing. Cynthia was upstairs in her room, completing her homework, so it was only Mal and Angela present. Mal sauntered over and sat down on the sofa beside his mother. She quickly reached over and placed her soft, delicate hand over his, stroking it gently.
"Malachi, what's bothering you?"
"N-Nothing." Mal lied
"Mal, you're my son, you can't lie to me I can read you like a book. Now what's the matter?"
"Well," Mal sighed "It's just that... I dunno, it feels like I'm not going anywhere lately. It's the same old thing: get up, go to school, and come home, dinner, homework, sleep. I mean, I'm bored of that, and it's not like I have anyone to play with anymore since Dad... left."
"Malachi..." Angela whispered, pulling him close "It'll be alright you know. You know I go to see your father sometimes, why don't you come with me one time? I'm sure he'd love to see you... and as for the routine, why don't you occupy yourself some other way? Like writing or drawing or, oh I dunno, singing?"
"Singing?"
"Yeah, I've heard you sing to yourself when you do your homework mister, and you have an amazing voice."
"You have to say that, you're my mom."
"No I don't, but it's true. Tell you what, I'll sign you up for that choir in church and-"
"No!" Mal protested "I'm not joining some choir; I'll get bullied for sure!"
"No you won't, besides it's something to do right?"
"Yeah... but... I don't sing in front of people."
"You'll be amazing Malachi, I promise... do it for me?"
Mal groaned and snuggled closer to Angela, who gently ran her fingers through his blonde hair.
"I hate it when you say that, because then I have to agree..."
"Not necessarily, but it would make me happy."
Mal looked up to his mother, who was smiling at him, the deep blue of her eyes swallowing him whole. He thought it over for a long time, and didn't want to make her upset; since it was rare for her to smile now that Jacob wasn't around.
"Fine," He mumbled "I'll do it... but only for you, and no recording it!"
"Malachi, thank you!"
Angela squeezed her little boy tightly in her arms. Mal struggled to breath, but weakly hugged her back.
"M-Mom... Can't breathe."
"Oh, sorry."
She gently released him and Mal took in a breath of cold air. Angela giggled at his reaction and stood up, extending her hand to Mal. He jumped off the sofa and took her hand, feeling the softness of her skin brush against his.
"Where are we going?" He asked, curiosity rising in him.
Angela just smiled and began to walk towards the door, taking Mal with her. She turned around and called up the stairs to Cynthia, to let her know she was going out. Her response was a loud 'OK!' and nothing more. Angela smiled and opened the door, gesturing for Mal to follow. When they got to the car, Mal asked where they were going again, and this time Angela turned to face him. She smiled wildly and said,
"To sign you up of course!"
"Mooomm!" Mal moaned, shaking his head.
Angela laughed and started driving towards the church, with Mal sat in the passenger seat, with his arms folded across his chest.
"Ah hell, she made you join the choir?" Jacob moaned
"Yep, I only did it so she'd be happy."
"Awww..." Natara giggled "You're so sweet, choir boy."
"Whatever, Princess, do I have to remind you of that picture I have of you in that dress on Halloween?"
"... No..." Natara mumbled. "Ass hole."
Mal laughed and leaned over, planting a sweet kiss on her cheek. Natara smiled and rested her head on Mal's shoulder, falling silent. Jacob just winked at Mal, who shot him a glare.
"Anyway," Mal said "Mom was alright, I mean she missed you but we all did. She went to see you every now and again, so that made it bearable."
"Yeah, I looked forward to those days..." Jacob smiled, lost in his own thoughts. "Mal... I have to go soon, and I dunno when I'll see you again, but..."
Mal stopped him by reaching over and placing a hand on his shoulder. He smiled at him and nodded.
"I know, I love you too."
Jacob's eyes went wide for a second, and he broke into a huge grin. He gave Mal one last smile before turning and walking towards the door.
"Dad?" Mal called out before he could leave.
"Yes, son."
"I... I forgive you."
Jacob turned around slowly and Mal swore he could see tears filling his Dad's eyes.
"Y-You mean that?"
"Every word." Mal nodded
Jacob smiled sadly and ran over, gathering his son up in a hug; even Natara got caught up in this one and giggled. Mal smiled and held onto Jacob for a while, neither one of them wanting to let go. Natara was the first one to pull away, making the other men pull back too. Jacob leaned forward and gently kissed Mal on his forehead before looking him in the eye.
"Thank you, Mal. Oh, and no one can know about this, it's our little secret."
Without another word, he turned on his heels and walked out the door, disappearing from sight in moments. Mal and Natara were left standing there, as they watched him go. When he was no longer in sight, Natara turned to Mal and took his hand.
"You did a good thing." She smiled
"Thanks, but I meant it. For some unknown reason... I forgive him. For all the bad things he's done, he's still my Dad, and honestly did want the best for me... he just went about it the wrong way."
"Yeah... He's a good man deep down."
Mal nodded, and turned to Natara, giving her a quick kiss.
"I knew this place was a good thing, I've gained so much from coming here again!"
"Mm... me too."
"Come on, whatcha say we get dressed and head on out, I'm starving."
"Is all you think about food?"
"Well, that and you."
"Cheesy Mal, real cheesy."
"Yeah, that was pretty cheesy, my bad."
Natara laughed and went over to get her things, while Mal did the same. After getting changed, they drove back to and went to a coffee shop where they had breakfast and planned the rest of their day together.
Meanwhile...
Amy and Kai walk into the precinct early morning, Kai rushes over to the coffee machine and grabs two cups, handing one to Amy.
"You sure you of all people should be having coffee, Kai?" Amy giggled "Remember last time when you-"
"Yes Ames, I remember..." Kai looked down at his feet "I still don't get why we have to go to work today!"
"Because we're needed today!"
"I could be at home, chillin' with my crew and playing the new Call of Duty game that just game out! It's bad ass!"
"So... technically you mean you'd be sat at home, alone, in your underwear, playing on a game with other nerds around the globe."
"Yeah! Wait... no!"
Amy giggled and walked down to the crime lab, with Kai hot on her heels, trying to protest and change her mind. He used a bunch of excuses, but Amy was having none of it. She just took a seat at her work station and booted up her computer, while sipping her steaming hot coffee. While Kai droned on in the background, Amy just tuned him out and sighed, sinking into her chair. She sipped her coffee and smiled thinking 'Ah, it's good to be back...'
And she meant every word.
The End. Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed this story, review? :)
Also (I say this at the end of every chapter) check out my new Manga/Anime website at 'mollysmanga . weebly . com' (Remove the spaces) since I'll be doing new tutorials on how to draw characters that you or anyone else puts forward, so spread the word! Thanks!