8 am came too soon for Fiona's liking. Her body ached all over, but Carey was over bright and early. He woke her up in the ungentle way he was notorious for.
She found the bed empty. Being so, she pulled Carey into bed with her.
"So what went on last night?" Carey asked.
""Eh,"Fi said, "Can we talk about it some other time?"
"So its like that huh?"Carey asked, "More secrets, more lies?"
"No lies," Fi said, "And some things are better that you don't know."
"Is the why Daria left here at six o'clock with a garbage bag of clothes?"
Fi pulled in a deep breath and let out a heavy sigh. She looked at Carey. His eyes had a way of just shooting through her very being. He had no idea the kind of power he held over her.
"I couldn't even begin to try and understand what it is she's doing. I don't even think I know her anymore," Fi said.
"Well aren't you guys cute?"
"Daria!" Fi said.
"You guys don't know who I am?" Daria said, "How about I'm your best friend? Or I'm the person who help your ass when NO ONE else could?"
"And that's exactly what I'm talking about,"Fi said, "You're so quick to fly off the handle. When you're sober that is. Of course, that's about twenty percent of the time. You're always drunk or high."
"You guy, stop it!" Carey said, "This is ridiculous."
"How about this, Fi?" Daria said, "Take your own personal trauma, okay? Now multiply it by about ten. Are you following me thus far? Then add the emotions and chaotic thoughts of those around you and let them scream in your head constantly. Then you tell me if you wouldn't get fucked up to silence all that for just a little bit."
"There has to be some other way to help it,"Fi said.
"Like all the shit I did before anything real happened? Its all useless," Daria said.
Daria started to cry. Fi instantly felt guilt stab her in the gut. She went to hug and comfort her cousin. Daria pushed her away.
"No, Fi," Daria sobbed, "you know, I hope and pray that you never know who I am because then you would have to live through everything I have. I would never wish that on anyone."
Daria wiped her face and shook her head. Fi started to cry too and sat back down by Carey. He fought hard to hold back his own tears.
"You guys, don't do this," Carey said, "You're too close and all this is over. Okay? We're a family of our own making. All we really have is each other."
"I know," Fi said, "I'm sorry."
Daria nodded.
"I'm going home," she said, "I was taking care of those things for Annie. I'll see you guys later."
Daria turned and went down the stairs. She walked up behind Annie in the kitchen and wrapped her arms around her.
"Hey," Annie said as she turned around.
"I took care of it all," Daria said, taking Annie at arm's length, "You don't have to worry about anything anymore. He's bound back to you. You're safe."
"Thank you," Annie said.
"Anything for you," Daria said.
She leaned over and kissed Annie on the forehead. They smiled sweetly at each other, hovering closely. The front door opened and shut. Clu came in, a shocked look on his face.
"Where have you been?" he asked, looking at Daria, "I've been calling you all night."
"I had more important things to worry about,"she replied, "you know what I mean and don't ask questions please. I you still love me, you'll let it go. All of it."
Daria didn't say anymore. She got in her car and left. Clu was stunned and looked at Annie.
"I don't know what to do,"he said, "The last two days have..."
He didn't even know how to finish that statement.
"I know,"Annie said, "For me too. But now, I think we can all start healing."
The rest of the day was spent in quiet ritual of getting the club ready and catering to the headliners. Several of the friends that Molly had made along the years were either playing or in attendance. It had been just short of a decade since she had seen many of them. Not since a night of music honoring The Phillips-Kane Band. It was put on by her record company to spark her come back.
This was different. This was hers. Molly sat the guide lines and picked what songs she could play. She only wished that John could be playing with her. But, there was Carey.
He stood in one of the back dressing rooms. On the counter was an unfolded piece of paper. Beside it was a tiny jewelry box.
He sat on the counter and picked up the paper. He read over the words again:
"There are a lot of times in my life that I felt so alone. Like I was a freak. Its only gotten worse over time. But there are a few moments that make me feel whole.
"Those are the times that I'm with you. You have given me more then you can even imagine. And I know I've pushed you away. Truth is, I'm terrified.
"I'm not sure what lies ahead. That's what scares me the most. Go figure. I've dedicated a huge part of my life to looking for the unknown and here I am, running from it.
"I do know one thing, I get out of this situation, I'm done with the running. I look at people like Daria and Clu and I do want what they have. I want that with you.
"If everything goes as planned, lets start that new beginning. Remember that no matter what, my heart is yours for always. I love you more then anyone I've ever loved. You're it for me Carey. I only hope that these words and feelings behind them are met with equality."
Was this the time? He'd had that box for longer then he'd had that paper. He pulled in a heavy sigh and ran his fingers through his hair.
"Hey bro," Clu said as he open the door and knocked at the same time, "Was it your Les Paul that needed re-stringing?"
"Huh?" Carey asked, "Oh, uh, nah. The red Fender."
"Are you okay?" Clu asked as he sat beside his brother.
Carey handed him the box. Clu opened it and was stunned.
"Whoa."
"Yeah," Carey said, "Whoa."
They both looked at the floor for a moment. Both of them kicking their feet.
"How did you do it?" Carey asked.
"I just did it. She had just got done with graduation practice and we went to the river. She was sitting there, looking all beautiful.
"I just knew, right then, that's what I wanted to do. If you think you're ready, don't think about it. Daria and Fi are similar people. They don't buy the cheesy traditional stuff."
Carey nodded and sighed. He picked up the box and slid off the counter.
"Time to go to work."
Clu nodded. He bit his lip and sat in contemplation for a little while. He took to his feet, a look of determination on his face.
"What?" Carey asked.
"I gotta go take care of something,"Clu said.
He walked out to the patio where he found Daria sitting and talking to a few of the members of the other bands. She was beaming, especially at one guitarist.
"Hey Clu," Daria said, "This is Brent and Josh. Guys, this is Carey's brother."
"Hi. Sorry to interrupt, but can I talk to you over here for a minute?" he asked.
"Sure,"she said with hesitation.
He brushed the hair from his eyes. He looked at her and the look he gave her was like when he was that scared teenage boy. She knew that look.
"Clu..."Daria started.
"No, hey, I know what we talked about yesterday. I'm going to respect that and let you call all the shots. But, I want to ask you something."
"What?"
"Be my date tonight. Just for tonight."
Daria bit her lip. She locked eyes with Clu for a moment. She darted her eyes to the table she was sitting at and then back. A smile spread across her face.
"Okay," she said, "Just for tonight."