I am a terrible, terrible person. I apologise greatly for that. So, here it is folks, chapter 12. There may be more errors than usual... I'm reading this over right now at 3:40ish AM... geez. If there's anything fatally wrong, just point it out.
EDIT: The formatting got messed up, so, let's see if this works.
To Meet Again
Chapter Twelve: Fathers
XxXxX
Strong winds had been blowing, making the trees creak and groan as their limbs were bending. Lightning lit up the sky as thunder boomed. The darkened grey skies had a foreboding air about them.
Meredith shivered in the midst of her whimpering. She could not comprehend the events that took place in front of her eyes. She let out a sneeze.
"Meredith," Malon softly began, trying to keep her voice calm. "Sweetie, you should go inside before you catch a cold." She gently smiled at the young girl.
"M-m-mommy… Why were they hitting? Why was Daddy so mad? He had b-blood all over…"
"Just… forget about that for now, Mer, go inside and focus on getting warm, okay?" Malon silently pleaded to the girl, hoping she would listen.
Meredith looked at Sheik, who wore an unreadable expression on his face. He caught her looking at him and softened. "Hey kiddo, you should listen to your mother." With that, she quickly ran off, her red hair moving wildly in the wind.
Sheik let out short, humourless chuckle. "I guess I scared her." He walked closer to where Malon stood.
Her emerald green eyes were unable to meet his ruby red ones. She tried to choke out some sort of an explanation, apology… anything, but the words would not form. "Malon." His voice cut into panicked thoughts.
'What do I do, what do I do? I could never have imagined something like this would happen… What can I even say to him?' "Sh-Sheik, I'm… I'm so incredibly sorry. I don't even know how to start. This became such a mess; I don't know what to do." A fresh batch of tears formed in her eyes and slowly began their trail down her cheeks.
"Start by telling me why the Hell you thought it was okay to lie to me like this." His tone steadily became louder and angered. "Why didn't you tell me He—that guy was Link? I just don't get it." He let out a long sigh.
"I was scared… I didn't know how you'd react if I told you, so I … ignored the situation." Malon lowered her head in shame. Sheik's brow crinkled. He placed his fingers under her chin and forced her to look at him. She cringed under his touch.
"And when did you plan to stop ignoring it? Were you ever going to tell me?" He shook his head. "Honestly, Malon, did you just plan on keeping this a secret from me forever?"
"No, of course I could never do that! I just wanted to… wait for the right time."
He raised an eyebrow. "When was this 'right time' going to come then?"
Malon bit her lip. This interrogation was getting to be a bit much; she really was not sure she had the answers to all that he was asking. "See, this is exactly what I wanted to avoid." His fingers still rested under her chin. She brought her own hand up and placed it over his. "I never wanted it to be like this. I didn't want to hurt you…"
"Humph." He quickly jolted his hand back. She was trying to calm him, but he wouldn't have it. Sheik folded his arms across his chest and gazed at her with a hard look. "Did you just not trust me enough to tell me? What, do you think I'm that much of an ass that I wouldn't even try to listen?"
"No, no, that's not it at all. Sheik just let me explain—" She stopped when she felt his fierce eyes bore into hers.
"Explain, then."
Malon let out a sigh and ran her fingers through her matted hair. "Do… do you think we should go inside? It won't help any if we stay in this weather."
"Yeah, wouldn't want the bride to be sick on her wedding, huh?" He retorted.
She ignored this comment and led him into the building.
XxXxX
"He's losing a lot of blood," A paramedic stated, while frantically gathering together the tools she needed to save this man.
"His breathing is uneven and shallow. Quick, hook him up to the oxygen. Put on the mask."
"Who drives head first into a truck anyway? Geez…"
"That's not our problem right now. Do your job properly."
XxXxX
"And there is a stall on Hylia Main going both ways because of collision that took place about an hour ago."
"Ah, yes, apparently a man drove his car right into the path of a semi. Both drivers are alive, but the guy in the car is in critical condition. Boy, I'd hate to be him right now."
"Hey, come on Fred, that's not funny—"
Marin shut off the radio and shook her head. 'People should really be more careful driving. I don't understand what the rush is, anyway.'
Moments later Meredith came bursting through the door drenched, and in total disarray. "Gramma!" She whimpered.
"Good Heavens! What on Earth happened to you?" Marin asked in a concerned tone.
"D-Daddy, then Mommy… and then Uncle Sh-Sheik… blood…" Meredith sniffled.
"What? Dear, I don't understand… what's gotten into you? And… what do you mean by 'Daddy'?" A bad feeling grew in the pit of her stomach. Something wasn't right.
"Mr. H… he's Link Hero. He's my Daddy, did'ja know?" Meredith exclaimed, suddenly happier.
Marin's jaw dropped. How did this happen? "Wow… ah, err… how do you know that?"
"Daddy told me, and Mommy said so too! Ya know, I kinda always felt real close to him too…" Her eyes sparkled. "I was coming to tell you before but…"
Marin had to smile at this innocent young girl, yet there was something off. "But what? Where are they now?"
Meredith's eyes widened. "Daddy and Uncle Sheik started fighting! Daddy was really hurt… but he drove away." She fidgeted with the bottom of her shirt. "Mommy told me to come inside."
"Oh dear…" She put a hand over her mouth. 'What a mess Malon's gotten into.'
At that moment, Malon slowly walked into the apartment, Sheik trailing behind her. Marin caught onto the thick atmosphere surrounding them.
The room became brighter as the sky cleared up, and the sun shone through.
'I hope this is a good omen…' Malon thought to herself. She looked awkwardly at her mother. "Umm… I'm real sorry about yesterday."
"Malon, what is going on here?" Marin shook her head, confused. She saw something shining on Malon's hand.
"Oh, um, you see, Mom… Sheik and I are getting married…" 'Is that still happening…?'
"You're what?" At this point, Marin was just beyond confused. "Meredith told me that something happened between…Link and Sheik." She glanced at Sheik, but he wore a blank expression.
"Um…" Malon's face flushed. She wasn't sure how to answer. Sheik turned to look at her.
"We need to talk, remember?"
Malon gazed at Marin pleadingly. Marin sighed. "Meredith, I need to run some errands, and could use some help. Do you want to come?"
"Yeah!"
Malon silently thanked her mother. She gingerly turned to Sheik. "Sheik…"
"Do you love me?" He inquired. His tone was so nonchalant and calm, it nearly knocked Malon down.
Her eyes widened. "W-what?"
"I said: do you love me?"
"What kind of a question is that? Wh—"
"Answer me." His gaze hardened.
She looked directly into his glaring eyes. "Of course! You know I do," She grasped one of his hands in her own. Unlike last time, he made no movement to get away.
"Then what were you doing with him?" Sheik asked. Malon caught a glimpse of hurt on his face before it disappeared. A wave of guilt nearly drowned her; he felt betrayed.
She did betray him, though didn't she? Sheik had only seen them together this time, but not the other day when she had been more… compliant. He had the right to be angry.
'But I do love Sheik! I don't want him to hate me. I don't want him to… leave me.' Malon shook her head solemnly. "He just came and tried to convince me not to be with you… but I didn't want him to kiss me like that." Her heart raced. It was true wasn't it? The other day Malon had simply gotten caught in the moment. At least, that was what she told herself…
Sheik dropped his icy gaze. This made him feel slightly better. "How long have you been in contact?" He muttered.
"Only as long as you have!" She insisted. "That time at the restaurant. Before then, I hadn't seen him since he'd left. "
He smirked slightly. "I guess I chose a poor location for our date that time."
Malon grimaced. "Well… the other thing is, he's also Meredith's teacher."
Sheik raised his eyebrows. He wouldn't laugh at this time, but it seemed comical to him that a man like Link was a teacher of such young children.
"I properly spoke to him when I went to the parent-teacher meeting. He apologised and all and practically begged me to let him have a proper relationship with Meredith." She paused and shrugged her shoulders. "She really liked him as well, and connected with him right away. Who am I to keep her from having a father? She didn't say it much aloud, but I knew she wanted her father in her life."
Sheik frowned. "What do you mean 'who am I to keep her from her father'? He deserted you both. What kind of rights does that give him?" He could not understand it at all.
She gave him a small smile. "I know you're upset right now, and don't like Link very much. I completely get it, but… he's not a bad guy, Sheik. He lied to you as well, but was he ever bad to you? I've known him for almost my whole life. He's human, and not immune to make mistakes. Link… he was… in a really bad place at the time." Malon sighed. "That doesn't justify his actions or mean I totally forgave him right away. There're some things you can't take back, I guess."
She let go of his hand and crossed her arms over her chest. "That's basically it. Link takes Meredith a couple of times a week, and she spends a few nights a month at his house."
Sheik let out a breath and shook his head. "The way you're saying it now, casually and all… if this was it, why couldn't you have told me before?"
Malon sheepishly laughed and rubbed her arm. "Now that I think about it… I don't know why I was afraid before. I know you would've taken it well. You're an understanding guy, Sheik, I can trust you with anything. Over the past few years that we've known each other, I've always come to you to talk to. I love that I can do that with you." She playfully smiled. "Among other things…"
Sheik grinned and drew Malon in close. She leaned her head on his shoulder. "You've always been there, Sheik. Even when I was pregnant… it would be midnight and I would want a doughnut specifically from the Coffee House." She chuckled. "Do you remember that?"
He groaned. "How could I forget? Every night, I'd get call from you." He laughed. "'Sheik, Sheik I need a doughnut with chocolate and jelly in the middle. Don't forget the coconut sprinkles, or I'll kill you!'" He said in his best 'Malon' voice.
Malon pulled away and hit him in the arm. "I do not sound like that! And I never said I'd kill you, gosh!"
Sheik let out a laugh. "Yes, yes you did, I remember it well. I'd be half asleep, and you'd be practically shouting threats at me—even nights when I wasn't working!"
She just shook her head. "Did I really ask for jelly and chocolate in the middle?"
Sheik gained a look of disgust. "Yeah, and that wasn't even the worst one…"
"Hey, you try being pregnant for nine months!"
"No thanks, but I'm sure I'd come up with better than chocolate coated pastries with cheese filling."
"Okay, now you're just being raunchy."
The pair burst out laughing. Malon wrapped her arms around Sheik's waist and buried her face in his torso. She let out a sigh of relief when she felt the warmth of his arms encompass her.
"I'm sorry," She muttered into his chest. "From the cheese doughnuts… to all this."
Sheik gently rested his chin atop her head. "Yeah, I know." He shut his eyes. In the back of his mind, he knew he wouldn't be able to stay angry at her. 'I guess I just love her that much. What more is there to be angry about? I don't care what she says, but that Link is a prick. But Malon… I just…' "If… if you say Link was the one trying to kiss you, I trust. Everything you just told me, I believe you. I love you, Malon. I don't want to be angry with you. I just want to be with you." He said softly into her hair. 'I guess… when you love someone this much, mistakes can be overlooked.'
Tears burned at the corners of Malon's eyes. Even through her dishonesty, this man would stay by her side. Her grip on him tightened. "You're too good to me," she murmured. "I love you too, Sheik…"
Sheik delicately cupped her face and kissed her. As happy as Malon felt, the tears still flowed; they were not all tears of joy.
XxXxX
After about an hour, Marin and young Meredith entered their apartment only to find Malon and Sheik relaxing on the couch. It was as if nothing had happened. It was… eerily normal.
"Malon… Sheik," Marin slowly began. "How is everything?"
The pair glanced at each other and grinned. "Great, better than that, actually," Malon turned her attention toward Marin. "Sheik and I, we're getting married!"
"So I've heard," the older woman retorted briskly.
Malon shot a glance at her. "Aren't you happy for us?"
Marin shook her head in both frustration and confusion. "I don't know, Malon!" She exclaimed, exasperated. "One minute you're at each other's throats, the next you're together again? Then suddenly, you're getting married? My Gods, I don't know what in Hyrule is wrong with you two. I really don't think you should be making such a brash decision."
Sheik glanced momentarily at Malon before turning back to Marin. "There was… a misunderstanding. We've worked it out, though, so you don't need to worry." He stated calmly. "I've been there when Malon needed me, surely you know that? I don't think I've ever done anything to harm her, yourself, or Meredith. Why are you against our marriage?"
"Mom, I know you care about me loads, but this isn't your decision to make." Malon added softly.
Marin still shook her head. "Have you even thought this through—?"
"Yes, believe me, we have."
"And the—"
"Mother, please, we've thought long enough about this."
"Yes, well, maybe, but—what about Meredith? How is she going to feel?"
"I discussed it with her. Mom, she loves Sheik too…"
"Yeah, Uncle Sheik is great!" Meredith's voice piped in. At that moment, the trio realised that the child was innocently watching them.
Malon let out a sigh. "Meredith, Hun, why don't you go into the bedroom and read a book?"
"Okay…" Meredith noted the strange atmosphere and skulked away.
"I don't know Malon… something happened today. With Link." Marin's brows creased. "She knows. I don't know how much, but she knows who her father is. I don't know how you told her, but I hope it won't scar her badly. Really, Malon, what happened? And Sheik, you're really okay with what's been going on with Link?"
"Well, there's a difference between tolerance and accept—" He cut himself off when he caught Malon shooting a look at him. "We talked it out—Malon and I, that is." He suddenly felt bad for leaving Link in such an awful state. "Hero, ah, Link, despite everything, wasn't such a bad guy. Sure, everyone was deceiving me…" He furrowed his brows, still discontented by this news. "But I don't think all this damage is irreparable." He pressed his lips into a thin line.
Malon reached for Marin's hand. "Mom, we're working this out. Please, don't worry so much… it's not good for you—for any of us. Soon, everything will be alright." She said assuredly, with the gentlest of tones.
Marin cast an uncertain look to the couple. "I don't know what to think, or what you both are doing… But I do know that all I want is for you both to be happy. Meredith too. Don't do anything to upset her in a deep way."
Malon smiled softly and pulled her mother into an embrace. "I know, Mom. I love you." Sheik joined the hug. "Yeah, don't worry about a thing."
XxXxX
Malon let out a tired sigh as she got ready for work. So much had happened over the course of the last couple of days. A giddy feeling coursed throughout her body; she'd be married within the next few weeks. It was such an exciting time, and yet, something still lingered. Was she truly honest with herself and her feelings? Malon rid her head of these thoughts. 'I don't need to wonder about these stupid things. I have my future to think about—with Sheik. But, I really do want to clear the air with Link. How long is he going to avoid speaking with me? Men are so immature.'
She'd tried calling the man several times, but he'd never answered her calls. Malon eyed the cell phone nearby. 'Once more couldn't hurt.' She dialled his number and waited. A millisecond later,
"The number you are trying to reach is currently out of service. Please try again later."
Malon shook her head. "Real mature, Link." She muttered to herself. 'I will probably be able to see him when I pick Meredith up from school, though.'
XxXxX
"So, were they able to find out anything on this guy?" A nurse idly asked while tending to the unconscious young man.
"Yeah, apparently he's a teacher at that elementary school in Castletown." Another nurse replied.
"Any family, or anything to contact? Wouldn't want to just let his loved ones worry about him."
"Well, his phone seems to be in pieces. Such a pretty face, though, don't you think?"
"Oh, hush!"
XxXxX
Meredith slowly climbed the steps leading to the school. A mixture of feelings created knots in her stomach. She hadn't seen her Daddy since he'd left in an angry, bloodied huff. That was another thing. 'He's my Daddy!' This recent knowledge that she had gained confused her to no end. One thing was clear: she was anxious to see him.
She made her way to her classroom at a snail's pace. The warning bell sounded, prompting her to pick up speed. She reached the door.
"Good morning!" Greeted a chipper voice.
"Good morni—" Meredith began, but cut herself off short when she looked up and saw an unfamiliar face. "Who…"
"I'm Miss Ross and I'll be filling in for your teacher today."
Malon stood in shock as other students pushed past her and greeted the teacher, like nothing was different. A sudden feeling of dread began to grow in the pit of her stomach. "W-where's Mr. H?"
"Well, dearie, he appears to have gotten himself hurt. He probably won't be in for a couple of days." Miss Ross grinned. "But we can still have fun, right? Maybe we can make him a get-well card! How's that sound?"
The young girl's eyes widened. He was that badly hurt? Her hands balled into fists. Her lower lip began to quiver.
"Oh dear…"
Meredith broke into fit of sobs.
"Come here, sweetheart! Don't be so upset," the teacher said quickly.
"Daddy!" She whimpered. She sobbed and continuously called out for her father.
XxXxX
Malon absently hummed to herself as she checked over some documents. Hard as she tried, she was unable to get into her work. 'Mondays…'
"Malon, a call for you." One of her coworkers informed her, handing her the receiver.
"Thanks." She nodded. "Hello? Yes, speaking… uh huh… she what? Yes, I will be there as soon as I can. Thank you." 'Oh my Gods. Meredith… what's wrong with her?'
Malon had just received a call from Meredith's school. They detailed her poor emotional state, and requested she be picked up as soon as possible. Malon explained the situation to her manager, hurriedly, and raced off to Castletown Elementary.
When she arrived, Malon herself was nearly driven tears upon seeing her young daughter's tearstained face. She knelt down to her level. "Dithy, honey, what's wrong? Why are you so sad? Did someone at school say something to you?"
Meredith, quivering, shook her head no.
"Come here, baby." Malon smiled softly, welcoming Meredith into her arms. Meredith hugged her mother tightly.
"Daddy," She whispered faintly.
Malon stiffened.
"She's been like that all morning. Calling out for 'daddy, daddy'" A certain secretary stated, in a mocking tone. "Funny, because Mr. Hero is out because of an accident. But this and that are totally unrelated, right?" Zelda Sage asked, smirking.
Malon frowned at her. 'An accident…?' "Did you say he was involved in an accident?"
"What you didn't hear? It was all over the news, but they only just identified him. He has, like, no family or something." Zelda snorted. "Serves him right for totally not appreciating what I had to offer."
"How can you say something like that?" Malon stood up, enraged.
"Why does it bug you?" Zelda raised a freshly plucked eyebrow.
Malon ignored this. "That big crash with the semi… must have been… oh no…" She murmured to herself.
"W-which hospital is he staying at?" She managed in the calmest voice she could muster.
"Why should I tell you?" Zelda narrowed her eyes at Malon. Malon held her hard gaze at the secretary. After a few moments, Zelda huffed and rolled her eyes. "Whatever. He's at the Royal Kakariko hospital."
"Thanks." The redhead muttered. She grabbed Meredith's hand and rushed to her car en route to Kakariko.
'Please be okay…'
XxXxX
Malon arrived at the hospital in a mad frenzy. "I-I am looking for Link. Link Hero, please." She breathlessly told the attendant at the front desk.
"Is Daddy okay?" Meredith asked worriedly.
"I'm sure he's fine." Malon said reassuringly, hoping it would have a calming effect on herself along with Meredith.
"Room B122." The attendant eyed them warily. "He's yet to regain consciousness."
Malon held back tears threatening to fall. "Malon?" Marin said. Malon turned around. "I… came as soon as I could, dear. How is he?"
Malon shook her head. "I haven't seen him yet. They say he hasn't woken up yet…"
Marin touched her arm. "Let's go see him."
Malon simply nodded her head, unable to trust her voice not to waver. She grasped Meredith's hand, and together, they made the short journey to Link's room.
They were horrified by what they found. "Oh Din…" Malon whispered under her breath.
He was hooked up with many wires. He had an IV needle sticking in his arm, and a stand set up for a blood transfusion.
Meredith whimpered. Marin held her close.
They heard a short chuckle. An aged doctor smiled at them. "Don't worry, it not nearly as bad as it looks." He shrugged. "It probably feels worse for this fellow, though. He'll be fine as soon as he wakes up, which should be any time now." He kneeled to Meredith's level. "Your Daddy will be just fine." He rummaged through his pocket and pulled out a lollipop. "Here, take this for being such a big and strong girl."
Meredith shyly gave her thanks and took the candy.
The doctor smiled and nodded toward Malon and Marin. "If you'll excuse me." With that, he left.
Malon just stood frozen in her position. 'This is all my fault. Why am I such an idiot? This could have been avoided.'
"Malon," Marin said softly. "I'll take Meredith out." She took the young girl's hand and began to lead her away.
Malon nodded curtly. As soon as the two were gone, she slowly made her way to the chair by Link's side.
She sat down and heaved a great sigh. "Link…" She began. "I'm so sorry. This is entirely my fault. I never wanted anything like this to happen. Why were you so reckless?"
Malon shook her head. "Because I upset you, right?" His unconscious body lay peacefully, without a stir.
An uneasy feeling crept about her. "When did everything get so messed up?" Tears slowly ran down her face in thick streams. "When did it all get so complicated? You're sitting here, injured, because of my stupidity. Why did you do this?" She choked out a sob. "Am I worth this? Am I worth all of this pain?" She rubbed her arms. "I am in… a huge mess. I keep saying that everything will work out… but… but… I don't know what's going to happen. I'm scared, Link. I don't know what to do."
Malon carefully lifted and held his hand, hoping for the comforting warmth. It did not come.
"This whole wedding… and Sheik. I love Sheik, I know I do, but… why does this all seem to strange? I don't know how to explain everything to Meredith… and I don't know how to stop Mom from worrying. I've caused her a lot of problems, too." She looked away shamefully. "I don't know if you can hear me, Link… but… I'm really scared. I'm scared because I don't know what action to take… I don't know what'll come out of them. I'm scared that I don't know how I feel… about Sheik." So lost in her sorrow and thoughts and fears, Malon did not notice the slight stirring beneath her fingers.
"But mostly… I'm afraid because… because, well… I love you, Link. A lot. Tremendously. And I don't know what to do about it."
That was it. All those feelings creeping up on her. Malon shook her head. She stiffened when a familiar warmth engulfed her delicate hand. Her eyes darted to Link's face. He stared back at her.
"I love you, too."
XxXxX
Well, wasn't that just pleasant? Again, I apologise very deeply for the delay. This definitely wasn't my better chapters, either. The story is, however, almost done. (As unlikely as that may seem) There are only about 2 chapters left. I hope to be all done with this by the end of this summer! Hope you all enjoyed, and don't hesitate to leave feedback! It's greatly appreciated. :)
-Smash