A/N: I'll have to admit this has been my favorite chapter to write so far. I hope everyone who reads it, enjoys. As always, I own nothing, and reviews and comments are so very welcomed!
Revelation Hangover
Holly had tasted the sadness on Gail's lips the night that she had met with her, so Holly decided not to even broach the subject of Kiana Reyes. But now, two days later, Holly could still feel the chill of Gail's cold shoulder when she came home that night. Holly and Jade had been home for hours; Jade intently reading her textbook, followed by her first module manuals as she was trying to "stay ahead of the game," as she put it to Holly. Holly could understand why Jade was so gifted now; not only was she observant, she was diligent in her coursework and focused in her pursuits. The kid was the type of person that could read or hear something once and remember it forever, but she used not only that gift, but her diligence to preserve her academic records.
Holly had been all too happy to let the girl study as she whipped up a quick meal. Holly had a strange appreciation for this time of day; when Gail still wasn't home, but on her way and when she and Jade both tried not to burst from anticipation of her arrival. Holly and Jade were good together; they were oddly alike in focus and demeanor, and Gail gave them a similar spark with her presence. This was why Holly instinctively knew how Jade felt about the slight shunning of Gail that they had been receiving the past couple of days. The girl had become quiet also, somewhat worried about what was the matter with Gail, but really wondering what she had done to piss off one of the only friends she had in the world. Holly had gone through the motions of trying to settle Jade's worries, but had come up quite feebly in the whole matter. It was almost impossible to assure Jade of something she wasn't sure of herself. She had no idea what was going through Gail's mind…if she had just gotten tired of the entire arrangement and was just looking for an out…or if something Kiana Reyes had said was so catastrophic that this situation was no longer worth the effort.
This was why Holly didn't know if it was fear or just an unwillingness to know that kept her quiet about Gail's personality change. Instead, she went along the day as if nothing was wrong or had changed. She got up in the morning, made sure Jade and Gail had breakfast, dropped Jade off at the University and went into long messy days of piled up bodies and cases that she'd rather not even approach, yet were wonderful distractions from the irking feeling in the pit of her stomach. On the now rare occasions that she did hear from her girlfriend throughout the day, she was excited, bubbly, and playful as usual; but when the time came for them to finally see one another, Holly couldn't ignore the veil of doubt and misery in her girlfriend's clear blue eyes.
"Is everything alright?" she finally broke down and asked. The surprised look on Gail's face told Holly that this wouldn't be easy. If Gail didn't know she was acting this way, it was going to be nearly impossible to figure out WHY she was acting this way.
"What do you mean?" Gail frowned deeply and let the fork slip out of her hand. "I'm just tired I guess," she tried to justify her mood.
"Okay," Holly said weakly, not wanting to push the subject. Her eyes travelled to Jade, who too was picking at her meal. "Are you done?" Holly asked the girl. Jade seemed to be relieved by the question and nodded her head furiously as she stood up from the table.
"Do you want me to get the dishes?" she asked just before she turned to leave. This garnered a tiny smile from Holly, who shook her head no and watched the girl disappear around the corner and up the stairs.
"I'll clean up down here, maybe you should just get some rest," Holly said trying not to be pushy or let her hurt feelings show. This reminded her of the days when she and Gail were estranged and Gail refused to reach out to her. Like those days, Holly was trying her best to stay busy, even if that was only doing dirty dishes or reading downstairs until Gail was asleep. At least in bed, Gail would find her warmth and cling to her at night; some sign that she wanted to be there was better than none.
"I can help too," Gail offered awkwardly, although Holly could tell she would much rather flee to the sanctity of their bedroom.
"I've got it," Holly insisted. For a moment, Gail stood there and watched her girlfriend clear the table and start the hot water for the dishes, but by the time Holly turned back around, she had disappeared up the stairs also.
"You look like hell," Dov said as compassionately as a comment like that could be said. He placed a cup of coffee on Gail's desk and then slide into his seat at the desk in front of hers. He expected a snappy retort and when he received none, he looked at Gail confusedly. "Nothing to say?"
"Oliver just told me I'm on the new undercover case…seven whole days of stakeouts…no going home…" Gail tried to stifle a yawn. She was furious. This assignment started tomorrow morning and took her through to next Thursday, which meant she would miss Jade's sixteenth birthday. She had sent the girl a quick text message saying that they had to talk, but there was no response as of yet. It wasn't enough that her new found information about Jade's mother had caused her to pull back a little, now Gail's job was actively getting in the way of her being a good guardian. "She is going to hate me," Gail murmured to herself more than to Dov.
"What's that?" Dov questioned, looking up from his computer.
"Nothing," Gail said closing her eyes to the light and harsh reality that she was ultimately screwed. She had been searching for anything that could identify Jade's mother. At least then she would appear to have the upper hand. A name, a picture, a face to attribute to the monster that Jade needed to steer clear of would at least provide some sanity for Gail. But so far, all she could come up with was that Kiana may or may not be telling the truth.
"Gail…" she could hear Dov say…she snapped back to reality for a brief second and opened her eyes to Dov squinting at her.
"Yes Dov," she answer sitting up straighter in her chair now. Her head throbbed and her will waivered from wanting to go straight home and curl up in bed and avoiding home like the black plague, because she was only bringing home disappointment tonight.
"How did you get on the undercover case? None of our division is on it…" Dov restated.
"Let's just say I poked the bear that is Elaine Peck and somehow my name ended up on a stakeout list," Gail said bitterly. Her mother was passive aggressive with the precision of a sniper. Since she had explicit told Gail to be thankful for what she had and leave Kiana Reyes alone, when this didn't happen, Elaine was determined to take her away from what she was grateful for, Holly and Jade. A week was really only a smack on the wrist as far as Elaine Peck was concerned. She could have made her daughter go under DEEP cover and then she could kiss her girlfriend and her new "kid" goodbye for six months. "One day I'm almost positive they are going to start calling passive aggressiveness the Elaine Peck Policy," Gail joked. Dov couldn't help but laugh.
Gail took a sip from the coffee mug in front of her and groaned. "It's cold," she told Dov.
"You let it sit there forever," he remind her. "And being on stakeout in the future doesn't exactly explain why you look like hell now…well as much like hell as you could look," he clarified.
"I'm not getting much sleep…"
"Holly keeping you awake at night," Dov's eyes shimmered a bit. He couldn't help but speak with enthusiasm when he talked about Holly…and Gail. Gail cut her eyes at him, which washed his grin away. "I mean…"
"I know what you mean, Dov and no…actually, I think Holly would be happy not to see me for a while. I've been a total pain in the ass."
"She doesn't not want to see you, Gail," Dov assured his friend. "She loves you too much. Why are you being a pain in the ass?"
Gail's phone buzzed on her desk and she quickly picked it up. I'm almost positive I didn't do anything… Gail shook her head at Jade's message but smiled.
I didn't say you had…meet me for lunch? Campus café? Gail texted back.
"I don't know why I'm being a pain in the ass," Gail admitted. "I just need to figure out who Jade's mom is …and quickly."
"I can pull her birth certificate…" Dov offered.
"Did that…the name on Kiana, Jade and Nina's birth certificates are all the same… Shoshana Mercer…"
"Okay, what's the problem?"
"Shoshana Mercer died three years before Jade was born," Gail explained.
"Wow, something is lying…" Dov frowned. "You want me to do some fishing…see what I can pull up?"
Gail's phone vibrated again. Okay…but I really didn't do anything L
1:18…J
"Thanks, Dov," Gail said sincerely. "I'm going to lunch with Jade. I figure its best to break the stakeout news to her in person."
"And what about Holly?"
Gail scratched above her eyebrow. "It's never going to be best to bring it to her," she sighed putting on her coat and heading to the exit.
At 1:16 Gail found Jade sitting by herself in a booth at the café across the street from the university's main entrance. Jade never seemed bothered by other people being around, especially when she was reading, which she was doing at the moment. Jade had had her face buried in one book or the other the last three days and although Gail would have liked to contribute this to her summer session, it was likely she was just trying to avoid Gail's attitude.
"Did you order anything?" Gail asked sliding into the other side of the booth.
"Nah," Jade said without looking up.
Gail picked up the menu from the table and scanned it. "What do you think you want?" Gail questioned trying to break the ice a bit. She knew the cold shoulder well because she was used to giving it.
"They have really good tuna melts," Jade offered still not looking up.
"Is eye contact too much to ask for?" Gail questioned tossing the menu aside. Jade looked up from the book and twisted her mouth to the side. "How is your class going?" For some reason it hadn't occurred until that moment that she hadn't really asked Jade how her summer session was going.
"We have partners in class and since Haley is super smart, I'm trying to keep up with her," Jade admitted. "She is awesome at programming computers…so I have to bring the science or I'm useless. Why did you need to see me?"
Gail could hear the uncertainty crack in Jade's voice. "I got put on an undercover detail and I'm gonna miss your birthday…" Gail said.
Jade eyed Gail for a while before nodding. "Okay," she said returning her attention to her book.
"Okay…" Gail had to admit that her feelings were a bit hurt by this lack of reaction from the girl. "That's it?"
Jade's eyebrows furrowed together. "What did you expect?" she asked curiously.
"Anger…disappointment…"
"Oh…" Jade nodded. "I'm not going to be angry because you have to work," Jade said honestly. "I thought you wanted to get rid of me or something…" Gail didn't have to ask why the girl felt this way, but she did. "Because, you've been angry with me all week," Jade said honestly. "And I went to class and went to therapy and talked…"
"Jade, I haven't been angry with you," Gail said stopping the girl. "I've been busy at work…"
"Okay…" Jade dismissed the entire week. "When do you go…undercover," the girl whispered like it was a huge secret.
"Tonight is my last night home until next week," Gail explained. "I was thinking we could all go out to dinner to celebrate your birthday early."
"I can't…I'm watching Leo tonight, remember?"
Gail faintly remembered both Holly and Jade telling her about Traci asking Jade to keep Leo that night. She and Steve were both deep in a case and instead of having Dex complain about taking an extra day, she asked if Jade wouldn't mind watching him for the evening. Although Traci would likely be home by eleven, she offered Jade their empty bedroom so the kid didn't have to uproot herself in the middle of the night. Leo loved Jade and Jade loved the extra cash so it worked out perfectly. Plus it didn't hurt that Leo was an easy kid to watch and Jade could do most of her schoolwork while she was there.
"Oh yeah…" Gail said embarrassed that she had forgotten so quickly. "Well…another day, as soon as I'm back?"
"Sure," Jade agreed. She looked at her cell phone and groaned. "I kinda need to get back. Haley is always back early…"
"But you didn't eat…"
"I'll pick up a sandwich later." Jade noticed the guilty look on Gail's face. "Gail, there is a difference between having to work and not wanting to be home all together. I know you want to be there for my birthday, but you gotta work," Jade said understanding. She grabbed her books up and headed towards the door. Now if only Holly understood this easily, Gail sighed.
Holly stared at the selection of wines she had lining the countertop and grimaced at all the selections she had pulled out from the wine fridge. None seemed right for the occasion and Holly let out a harsh and frustrated breath. She heard the front door open and shut and Gail's keys hit the bowl on the table near the front door. "Holly," Gail called out, and when there was no answer from her, Gail made her way into the kitchen.
"I was hoping to be done before you got home," Holly frowned.
Gail leaned against the center island and eyed Holly strangely. "What's all this for?" she asked suspiciously. She already knew that her behavior over the past couple of days didn't warrant this type of focused devotion. She could smell the food on the stovetop and was ready to admit that it smelled delicious and there was nothing that could be said about the atmosphere other than it was amazing also. Holly had the lights dimmed and full place settings at the table, just for the two of them, while candles gave the room the perfect amount of light.
Holly sighed as the unimpressed tone of Gail's questioned drowned her. She had gotten off, picked both Jade and Leo up, dropped them off, stopped by the grocery store and hurried home to make this meal all before Gail got off from work. She wasn't expecting fireworks or anything, but she didn't expect Gail to be so blasé either. "It's for you," she said humbly after a few heavy moments passed. "I thought it would be nice for us…I don't know…it just feels like we've been far apart," she tried to explain. She turned back to the stove to turn down the pots and to shield Gail from the sight of her about to cry.
Seeing that her callous behavior was causing her girlfriend's misery, Gail attempted to redirect the question. "I didn't mean it like that, Hol," she fumbled. "I meant…" she didn't know what she meant so had no other choice than to let the words hang in the air. And that's where it all hung, four days of unsaid words and doubts on both of their parts. Gail wished it was easier to just unburden herself…to just tell Holly what was bothering her, but deep down inside, she knew that Holly deserved better than the uncomfortable fumbling of someone who didn't have it all figured out. On the other hand, Holly knew her patience was waning, and if nothing else, the person who was going to date Gail Peck need a mountain of pure patience to keep from failing in their relationship.
"I guess it was a stupid idea to try something like this on a Thursday," Holly tried a smile. "It's a bit much…"
"Holly no…" Gail stopped her. "Everything is beautiful. I just don't understand why …for me …"
"Gail, I know when something is bothering you," Holly said. "And you obviously don't want to talk about it right now…and that's okay. But I just want us to be together…be a team. I don't want you to feel like a cat in a tree…"
"I don't," Gail assured her. "What did you cook?" a slow smile crept across her face. She remembered to breathe again when Holly smiled too.
"Short ribs and polenta…and bread pudding for dessert."
"Wow…so we are alone tonight?"
"Yes…I picked Jade and Leo up and dropped them off…so we are all alone tonight."
Gail really wished she had the desire to capitalize on the atmosphere, but something pinned her to the other side of island in the middle of the kitchen. Luckily, Holly didn't seem to mind as she checked the food once again. "So, how was work?" she questioned easily removing one pot from the direct heat and then checking on something in the oven.
"Pretty standard," Gail tried to be easy with her response. "I do have bad news though…" Holly turned to look at her. "I have to go undercover for about a week."
"Oh god…babe," Holly said. "When does this start?"
"Tomorrow …"
"Day and night?" Holly swallowed miserably. Gail confirmed with a nod and Holly scowled. "That kinda kills my appetite."
"I'm sorry," Gail said quickly. "I feel like a shit girlfriend."
Holly came over and cupped Gail's face. "Gail, it's not your fault that you were chosen for this assignment. We'll hate it, but Jade and I will survive. Now pick a wine out so we can have dinner."
Dinner was just what Holly and Gail needed. The meal was delicious and the conversation was easy and playful like it had always been for them. "I'll clean up," Gail stated once they both were finished.
"You don't have to," Holly said, still nursing her glass of wine.
"No," Gail insisted. It was the least she could do. "You finish your glass of wine in the living room and I'll be there in no time." Holly was reluctant, but did as she was told. Gail cleaned the kitchen in record speed and settled beside Holly with her own glass of wine less than twenty minutes later. "Thank you," she murmured as she sat knees first beside Holly. She softly kissed Holly's cheek and was awarded with a tender smile. She leaned forward and grabbed the remote from the coffee table in front of them. She clicked on the television and asked Holly what she wanted to watch.
"Anything," Holly said draining the contents of her glass and placing it in front of them. She stretched her arms and made herself a bit more comfortable on the couch. She watched as Gail settled on a movie, some type of thriller. "You're so beautiful," she commented humbly. She could see Gail's cheek flush a bit red, as if she didn't know she was stunning. Holly leaned over and kissed the side of her girlfriend's mouth tender, and then turned Gail's head slowly so that they were eye to eye. "You are so beautiful," she repeated again; this time she kissed Gail fully, tracing Gail's lips with her tongue.
Gail closed her eyes to the tender assault and tried to push the feelings of doubt from her mind. She was successful and returned Holly's kiss fully. She had forgotten how good Holly's mouth felt, the taste of wine soaking into her sense. She felt Holly's hand on her back, her fingertips slowly stroking her spine through the fabric of her black shirt. Gail opened her eyes again and her hands quickly went to the buttons at the front of Holly's shirt. She let out a simple giggle of delight at the exposed flesh beneath Holly's shirt. Her fingertips felt refreshed as she traced the outline of the taunt flesh covering Holly's exposed bellybutton. She could feel Holly tremble a bit, which made her hands all the more giddy for exploration. Still, she felt Holly pull back and when Gail's eyes screamed for justification, Holly covered her mouth again.
Holly pulled back, determined to be in charge right now, and pulled Gail's black shirt over the blonde's head. She mimicked what Gail had just done to her, and ran her hand over Gail's once bruised ribs. She leaned down, kissing the place that still bore the tiny scar from the impact of the thwarted bullet and then moved back up to Gail's neck and finally to her mouth. After a thorough assault on Gail's mouth, Holly sat back and just looked at Gail. She wanted to plead with Gail, tell her how much she missed her and wanted her to open up, but she could look into Gail's eyes and tell that more than anything, she just needed to make love to her girlfriend.
It was nearly two hours later, when they were upstairs in their bed, when Holly kissed Gail tenderly on the spine. Gail posture automatically tightened and Holly couldn't help but laugh. "Don't do that," Gail warned, turning her head in the opposite direction and closing her eyes. Their love-making had taken all of her energy and now all she wanted to do was sleep.
"Fine…just use me for dinner and sex," Holly teased lying flat on her back. "My feelings aren't hurt at all…"
Gail's head popped up and she turned over. "Holly, I would never use you for anything," Gail said solemnly.
Holly pulled at her top lip with her teeth, "Baby, I was just playing," she murmured sitting up. Gail calmed herself and batted her eyes blankly. "What's that about?" Holly whispered. Gail lay back down, but Holly rested her head on arm as she still faced Gail.
"Everyone knows you are too good to be with me…"
"That's not true," Holly shook her head.
"Even my mother thinks so…" Gail revealed slowly.
"When did you see Elaine?" Holly questioned. Perhaps only Steve understood better how Elaine affected Gail.
"Monday…she came here," Gail diverted her eyes from Holly's gaze. "She warned me not see Kiana Reyes."
"And you did anyway?" Holly stated trying to understand. "What did she say?"
"My mother or Kiana?"
"Both…" Holly sighed, knowing that neither had been pleasant to speak with as far as Gail was concerned.
"My mother said she couldn't understand how I had gotten you…and Kiana …" Gail looked around the room, trying to find the right words to explain, "Kiana said that Jade's mother is alive and is going to come back for her."
"What? Jade said her mother is dead…"
"Kiana told Jade that her mother is dead, but now she is saying that Jade's mom is very much alive. And not a nice person…"
"If she didn't want Jade when she was a child…why would she want her now?"
The sound of Holly's voice cracking nearly broke Gail's heart. They were having the exact same feelings about this situation and now Gail wished she had shared this information with her girlfriend earlier. "I don't know," Gail sighed wrapping her arms around Holly.
"Jade doesn't even know this woman…how are we supposed to protect her from someone she doesn't even know?"
"I don't know," Gail sighed again. They both became quiet.
"What are we going to tell Jade?" Holly wondered out loud.
"Nothing," Gail said quickly. "She doesn't need to know anything until I can be for sure."
"Why do you always take these things on yourself?" Holly's frustration showed and she moved away from Gail's reach a bit.
"Don't be like that…" Gail said trying to pull her back. "Holly, I'm a cop, it's my job to protect you two!"
"Jade and I just want your love … we will all protect each other." Gail let the words sink in.
"What do we do about Jade?"
Holly shook her head as if she didn't know and then shrugged. "We have to tell her the truth…" It was the exact answer that Gail didn't want to consider or even hear, yet she knew it was the only option. "Whatever we do, we'll do it together…promise?" Holly murmured against Gail's neck as she snuggled closer.
Without hesitation, Gail promised.
