Welcome Back to the Asylum

Epilogue

The Things That Are…

One year later…

Gabe fussed about with his colorful shirt, accidentally buttoning it incorrectly. His hands were shaking slightly and he tried his hardest to remain calm. He managed to get the shirt right on the third try. It was a bright teal color with hawaiian flowers littering it. Underneath he wore simple khaki shorts and sported a pair of sandals.

There was a gentle tap on his door which pulled his attention away from his clothing. "Come in," he said.

The door opened slowly and Amelia appeared on the other side. She smiled before stepping in and approaching Gabe. She started signing, which Gabe watched carefully.

Over the last year, Gabe had practiced with her, Elijah, and Jason to make it easier to communicate. When he was in Georgia, he would video chat with her to keep up with the lessons. He was able to learn the basics and could talk to his daughter a little bit in sign language. Most of the time, she would get a kick out of when he attempted to sign in long sentences and stuck to mostly speaking with her. She had to sign slowly for him to follow, but he was making progress every day.

Amelia had asked if he was ready to go now.

"No, I'm just having a time with my clothes." Gabe chuckled and fiddled with his tie.

She figured as much and placed her fingers around his tie, stopping his attempts at tying it. Then she slipped the tie off his shoulders and tossed it aside.

"Does it look better without it?" Gabe asked.

Amelia nodded and she quickly unbuttoned his collar and left it open. Then she gave a thumbs up of approval.

"I'll take your word for it," Gabe said and he took his daughter's hand and spun her around to admire her vibrant orange sundress and freshly done hair and makeup. "You look lovely." She blushed at him and beckoned him to come downstairs. He followed after grabbing his wallet and a sheet of paper and stuffed them into his pocket.

Jason, Elijah, and Sera were waiting downstairs, each dressed very similar to Gabe.

"You ready to get going?" Jason asked.

"As ready as I'll ever be," Gabe replied and he and his family headed for the front door. Jason locked up the townhouse and the group piled into an SUV. They were heading for the beach.

"It's really pretty here!" Elijah said, looking out the window at the palm trees and foreign plants that do not grow on the mainland.

"Hawaii's a beautiful island. Anyone lucky enough to live here can agree," Jason said.
Gabe peered out his window at the sunset. It was a perfect evening…

The car arrived at its destination and Elijah yanked open the van door, too excited to see the waves crashing on the beach. He ran right for the surf and started gathering seashells and stuffing them into a canvas bag.

"Don't get all wet kiddo!" Gabe called, but Elijah pretty much ignored him.

Jason and Amelia were still getting the baby out of the carseat and Gabe just walked carelessly through the sand, occasionally kicking up a little bit from nervousness. He strolled along until he approached what looked like a small rock buried in the wet sand. Curiously, he bent over and pulled the little item out. "Oh wow, a shark's tooth. Hey Elijah!" he called.

"Yeah?!" Elijah shouted back.

"Come here, I got somethin' nice!" Gabe held up the tooth, but it was barely visible to Elijah so the kid came running. He dropped the tooth into Elijah's waiting hands.

"Oh cool! What kind is it?"

"I have no idea. We'll have to ask a local."

"Thanks!" Elijah squealed and scampered off to his bag lying nearby and promptly placed the tooth inside.

Then Gabe continued pacing until he heard the engine of a car pulling up to the beach and parking close to their van. He looked at the new arrival and saw Jason jogging up the beach to greet whoever it was. When they came into view, Gabe finally recognized his old friends, Jackie and Dominic Angleton and their other son Michael. It was good to see them again after so long and he slowly moved towards them.

As Gabe approached, Michael noticed him first and the young man took to giving his old friend's father a hug.

"Hey Mr. Johnston! Been a while!" Michael said.

"It sure has. You got big, kiddo," Gabe teased and ruffled Michael's hair before greeting Dominic and Jackie.

Dominic roughly put his arm around Gabe's shoulder and playfully squashed him. "How you doin' old man?! God, you don't look a day over thirty-five! Still slim and buff I see! Me? Naw, I been packing on a few pounds, ha!"

Gabe laughed as his friend joked around and patted his pudgy belly. It was good to have another guy around who he could relate with. Then Gabe turned his attention to Jackie and she embraced him and planted a small kiss on his cheek.

"I'm so happy for you Gabe! I admit I was worried after…well what happened after…"she said, a hint of regret in her voice.

"It's all right. I can understand your reaction. I was too unpredictable after Willow passed and I had a lot of eye-opening experiences since then," Gabe said.

Jackie grinned, "I can tell! You and Dom working together again will be good for the company. Expanding the business to Hawaii was an excellent idea! We're going to have to get a second home to travel back and forth, but I'm not complaining. Living in the tropics for half a year is a great way to start my retirement."

Another car had pulled up and the group on the beach fell silent for a moment. Then Jackie asked, "Is that them?"

"Yup," Gabe said and he waited…

A large burly man got out of the driver's side. He was extremely tall and muscular; a man who could be frightening as hell if someone were to fuck around with him. He was wearing dark khakis and a simple black shirt which clung to the bulky frame of his upper body, almost to the point where his muscles would rip the fabric. Then the passenger door opened and a small, petite, and delicate looking women climbed out. She was dressed in traditional hawaiian garb and had flowers in her hair. The large man was busy opening the back door of the vehicle to help someone out.

Gabe held his breath when he saw Ulani step out. She looked extraordinary wearing her simple light blue dress and her long hair in an updo with hibiscus flowers pinned in place. That large man and tiny woman must have been her parents. He never had the chance to meet them but he did speak with them over the phone once. They were very nice people, but seeing them in person was different. Ulani's mother looked like she'd be easy to talk with, but her father scared the daylights out of him. Scary or not, her dad was actually quite nice from what Ulani said.

Dominic teased Gabe a bit and gently elbowed him in the belly and winked at him. "She's a pretty one, Gabe! Don't let her run away now!"

After a little bit of encouragement from his family and friends, Gabe headed up the beach. Ulani spotted him and she cheerfully greeted him before jogging down the sand in her flowing dress. She jumped into Gabe's arms and they embraced for a moment, before she glanced around at the people on the beach. Then she whispered into Gabe's ear, "Is your father here too?"

Gabe replied in hushed tones, "I don't think he'll be here. It's not his cup of tea. But he is on the island and I'm taking that as a compliment."

Within minutes, the final car pulled up.

"Ah, there she is!" Ulani said and she took Gabe by the hand and pulled him towards the beach. Then Ulani picked a spot on the wet sand and began dragging her foot through it until she created a large heart shape. Then she pulled Gabe into the center while their families gathered in the drier sand just a few feet away.

The last car that arrived belonged to a marriage officiant. A plump woman in her late fifties and dressed in black with a floral scarf had joined the couple on the beach.

"Thanks for coming, Teresa!" Ulani said.

"It's a pleasure!" Teresa replied and she looked over the people briefly before saying, "You two ready?"

The couple nodded and Teresa opened her book and smiled at the couple before stating, "We're all here today to celebrate the relationship of Ulani and Gabriel and to be witnesses and supporters of the commitment they share with one another. Together we're a group of the most important people in their lives and they've brought us here to publicly recognize that we've all played some special part in the love they share today. Ulani and Gabriel wanted me to thank you all for being here and to recognize how important each and every one of you are to their relationship. They would also like to recognize all of those who couldn't make it here today as they are certainly missed but not forgotten on this day of celebration…"

_

The night began and the newlyweds were busy out on the dance floor, cutting into a chocolate two-tiered cake while their families watched and hula dancers performed on the stage. Elijah was pleading for a big piece when it was served, which Jason gave the okay to, since it was a special occasion. After the bride and groom shared their first bite of cake, Ulani insisted on dragging Gabe to the dance floor for a slow number.

While the couple danced, the live band left the stage and circled around the couple while keeping up with the song. Ulani's father, Angus, was over in the corner bawling his eyes out while his wife and Ulani's mother, Keona was busy trying to comfort him and waving to her daughter.

Ulani chuckled. Her dad was so big and scary, but so sweet and emotional especially when the situation involved his darling daughter. For a huge Scotsman, he was gentle and had a heart to match his size.

Amelia and Jason were also out on the floor, dancing, with little Sera between them.

Cake was served shortly after the bride and groom's dance and Elijah was thrilled to have a delectable slice of fudge cake. He had his gone before everyone else was served a slice.

The wedding reception was going well and the new couple had a series of pictures taken to record the festivities. Afterwards, the entertainers encouraged the guests to get up and dance. During this time, Gabe decided to take a break and let his bride spend some time with her parents. Angus was feeling much better, especially when Ulani dragged him out on the dance floor for the daddy-daughter number.

It was a beautiful night.

Gabe wandered outside of the luau and peered out at the ocean, alone to his thoughts. He hasn't been this happy in years. To be married again…it seemed like a dream. His family was complete after years of separation. He sat down in a folding chair and closed his eyes. He imagined his future and where he'll be, where Ulani and his children will be. Shortly after, he drifted off into a shallow sleep cycle…

He was standing in the middle of a theater, looking around at the empty seats and the balcony above. This place looked familiar. A little more studying of the space revealed that he was standing in the old theater in Gotham, before the city was taken over by Ghul. Gabe admired the tapestries and the marble columns. Every seat was adorned with red velvet fabric and gold jewels. It was such a beautiful place in its heyday.

"Gabriel…"

Gabe heard his name called and his attention fell on the stage. His jaw dropped…

"Hello Gabe," said the light feminine voice.

He was at a loss for words. It's been so long. At first his voice was incapable of producing any sound, but he managed to pass one word through his lips…

"Mother…"

Sera was standing center stage in a long flowing white dress and her hair was not red. It was dark brown, long, and curly. He recognized her costume. It was the very same outfit she died in, the night of her first performance in a leading role. Christine from Phantom of the Opera. Gabe was dumbstruck, but it did not stop him from approaching the stage and climbing up the ledge. Sera glided across the stage, as though she was flying. She was truly an angel.

They met at the front of the stage and she opened her arms to accept her son in a tight embrace.

"I miss you so much…" Gabe whispered sadly.

"So do I. But believe me when I say I'm very well taken care of now."

Gabe loosened his grip on his mother. "I'm so sorry you suffered under my father's violent tendencies and died so horribly. I have so much guilt."

"Don't feel guilty. I just wish you didn't have to witness my death. As for your father, I know he was a bit of a bastard and he hurt me in more ways than one. Still, he took care of you and I can thank him for that. The church taught me to practice forgiveness and I've already forgiven Joker. But Gabe, you've done so well for yourself. I know about your children and your careers. I know everything and I've never been prouder."

"But I screwed up so much, I…how do you know about my children, my jobs, everything?" Gabe asked, curiously.

Sera only smiled and she turned to her right. Gabe's eyes followed and from stage left, a woman materialized and he dropped to his knees.

"Willow."

"Yes," Willow replied.

Gabe couldn't pick himself back up. His legs felt like jello and his arms were shaky. "I thought…you weren't going to v-visit me again…"

"That's true, I wasn't. But there was a change and so I appear before you now, but this will truly be the last time," she said. Her beautiful form floated across the stage until she stood before him. She leaned forward and brought her lips down on his for the briefest moment. After separating, she said, "I approve."

He knew she was referring to Ulani and he felt a lot better about moving on. "So why did you return? To tell me this?"

"No. But I'll reveal it to you now." She then encouraged Gabe to turn around again and the greatest shock was upon him. It was now that his tears fell when a little boy came charging out of the curtains.

"Ryder…Ryder!" Gabe cried and he nearly tripped trying to get to the child. Ryder came crashing into his arms and neither would let go of the other. This was how Gabe preferred to remember his son; a rambunctious little ten year old with a love of soccer and games. "I'm so sorry…so sorry…" Gabe sobbed into his son's shoulder.

"Sorry for what, daddy?" Ryder asked. His innocence was too much. He had no memory of his past life nor the chemical incident or the lives he'd ruined. It was best that he never know. "Daddy, why're you crying?"

Willow knelt down next to her loving husband and son. She placed her hand on Gabe's shoulder to guide him back up. She continued, "He's safe with me now. There's no reason for you to dwell on Ryder's death. You have your life and Ulani's, plus your children and grand babies."

"I only have one grandchild," Gabe said.

Willow smiled. "For now. Amelia doesn't know it yet, but she's about three weeks along and should be seeing a sign soon."

Gabe chuckled, a few more tears falling. "Oh boy…"

"Exactly!" Willow laughed.

"That's wonderful news. But I'll keep that to myself." Gabe then embraced his wife again and he gave her another kiss.

"Do we have to go now momma?" Ryder asked.

"Yes. I'm afraid so," Willow replied sadly.

"Oh…" Ryder whined, but he didn't cry. He reached for his father to give him one last hug. "I love you, daddy…"

"I love you too."

Then Willow broke their embrace and took Ryder's hand. She then led the little boy away and stood with Sera. The three of them waved together at Gabe and their forms slowly disappeared, leaving Gabe alone in the theatre once again.

Gabe snapped out of his sleep when someone tapped him on the head. He rubbed his eyes and looked up, only to be greeted by a pale white face and glaring red eyes. "You came…"

"Having a party without me?"

Gabe watched as Joker took a seat next to him and propped his feet up on the table. "I didn't think you were into this sort of thing."

Joker chuckled, "I'm not. Weddings bore me. I only came for the free food and seeing if there's a hula girl who wants to make a few extra hundreds tonight."

Gabe groaned. What else would he expect form his father? Still, the old coot did show up, even if it was to mooch some eats. He didn't know exactly what to say to Joker.

"So kid, marrying another one. I still think you're crazy, but who am I to talk? Heh…"

"You're not as crazy as you think," Gabe said.

"You a doctor now?" Joker asked.

Gabe shrugged and just sat there, wondering what his father was going to say next.

Joker twiddled his thumbs briefly and figured now was a good time. He sat up and pulled a small box out of his shorts pocket. "So kid…"

Gabe looked at his father, "Hm?" But he didn't get much of a chance to say anything before Joker stuffed the little box in his hand. He was caught off guard. "You've never given me a gift before."

"And don't you get used to it." Joker then sat back again and crossed his legs.
It was very unusual, but gabe figured he at least owed it to Joker to open it. He peeled the wrapping paper off the box and dropped it aside before lifting the cardboard lid. Inside was a leather case, which he promptly took out and then he pushed open the lid. What Gabe saw threw him for a loop and he nearly fell apart.

"How did…where did you…?" Gabe asked, shocked.

Joker smirked, "Well, I suppose its only natural you'd want to know. All right, I'll humor you. Remember that night you were drunk off your ass and in the streets? Well, I went out looking for you hours earlier and when I found you, you were getting your ass beat by some scumbags. After they finished with you, I followed one of them and might have accidentally put him in the hospital." Joker chuckled.

Gabe rolled his eyes in slight amusement. Hs father continued.

"Well, that bastard was carrying some of your belongings and I took them back. I intended to keep them as a prize originally, but I have enough money. I hung on to them while you were having your "issues." Figured now you'd want them back. You're an oddball with sentimentality, I'm not."

The story sounded like something Joker would do, but Gabe appreciated that his father didn't pawn them off. He stared back into the leather box and admired the two gold rings that he and Willow had exchanged with their wedding vows so long ago.

With that, Joker stood up and went inside the luau to enjoy some of the food and help himself to some cake…and maybe a few drinks.

Gabe was ecstatic to have his old wedding band back and he would keep both rings in a lock box where they would never get lost again. He had to hand it to the old crime clown, whether he was aware of it or not, he had a softer demeanor. It was probably the closest to a father figure he'd ever become. Gabe would take that. After closing up the leather box, he pocketed it and went back inside to enjoy more of the festivities. His bride waited inside for him and the moment he went back, her father insisted that they share a few mugs of beer. Angus then proceeded to challenging poor Gabe to a drinking contest, which Gabe guaranteed himself a loss, but he tried to humor his new father-in-law and chugged back two ales before giving up.

After attempting the chugging contest, Gabe was put in a chair to relax and settle his stomach while the guys teased him, especially Joker, who proceeded to referring to his son as a lightweight. By the time the party ended, Gabe was feeling a whole lot better and he and Ulani were saying goodbye to their families. Ulani's father was completely smashed by the end of the night and spouting off all sorts of hilarious comments. He practically crushed Gabe in a hug and then kissed his daughter goodbye. Thankfully, Keona gave Gabe a kiss on the cheek and a gentler hug before carting her husband out the door.

Amelia and Jason said their goodbyes as well. Each of them was carrying a youngster in their arms who were both asleep. Elijah hung over Jason's shoulder and Gabe planted a kiss on the boy's forehead and shook Jason's hand. Then Amelia gave her father a kiss and partial hug so not to crush Sera. Gabe touched his granddaughter's little hand and pushed a few strands of hair from the girl's face.

"Goodbye my sweet girl," Gabe said and he looked at Amelia one more time. "Take care tonight. I hope my son and grand babies don't keep you up all night."

Amelia nodded and she took her leave alongside Jason. As they walked away, Jason couldn't help but comment, "Did Gabe say son and grand babies? As in plural?"

Amelia nodded.

"What did that mean? He must have drank too much…"

Amelia shrugged her shoulders.

Everyone had cleared out of the hall save for Gabe, his wife, the party hall's cleanup crew, and Joker. It was after midnight when Gabe escorted Ulani outside where their cab waited to take them to their hotel. He saw Joker waiting behind on the stairwell of the hall and told Ulani to wait for him in the cab while he returned to the party hall staircase. He went up the steps and met his father at the top.

"Come to say goodbye? How sweet…" Joker said, amused.

"It's the least I can do for my dear daddy," Gabe replied smugly.

Joker smirked, "Yeah, yeah…let's get this over with." He then awaited for Gabe's sentimental speech including thank you's for coming to the party, but he was surprised when nothing more than a hand extended to him and a pensive looking Gabe waiting for him to take it. Joker's expression turned to one of mutual respect and he took his son's hand.

It was a firm handshake and neither said a word. When it was over, Gabe left his father standing at the top of the stairs and joined his wife in the cab. The car departed and drove off. Joker watched as the taillights disappeared into the darkness before silently walking towards his rental car. He started up the engine and sped away for the hotel.

It was very late by the time he arrived and Joker crashed hard on his bed, tired and ready to sleep. Tomorrow he would be catching the next flight out to Georgia. He liked the tropics, but didn't want to overdose on it. Sleep came easily and now that all of the problems in his life were taken care of, he could officially retire.

_

Seven months later…

Gabe was waiting by the window sill of his Marietta home, staring at a photograph of his mother. The old album he kept was filled with dozens of photos from his childhood and his family. The past year he added more pictures of Ulani, her parents, and recent pictures of his kids and grandchild. He also saved a page for the up and coming grand baby due in a month or so. It was a surprise to Amelia, but not Gabe and he had to laugh about it. He put the album aside on the shelf and opened up the curtains and then the window itself to let in a cool breeze. It was dusk…

The home he now resided was a two story victorian style house. Ulani decorated it to match her hawaiian tastes and Gabe had a room dedicated to music and theatre in honor of his artistic family. His life was increasingly becoming more productive and positive. He had everything again; a wife, his kids, a career, and a beautiful home. He planned to dedicate himself to them full time and never miss anything ever again.

Gabe was brought out of his thoughts when Ulani joined him at the sill, an apple in her hand and a smile across her lips.

"What a sunset," she said.

"You said it," he agreed.

Ulani held the apple up to his lips allowing him to take a bite. Then he wrapped one arm around her shoulder and kissed her forehead while his other hand wandered down her chest and underneath her blouse. The buttons were already undone and he easily pushed apart the material. Then his palm snuck down past her breasts and settled on her warm belly, which was protruding outwards, heavy with child.

"Not too much longer," Gabe said.

"Nope. I think he'll be on time."

"Kids in my family are known to come early."

"Well…I think little Jack will be the exception," Ulani said happily and took another bite of her apple. "Have you told your father yet?"

"Nah, not yet. I'm still trying to figure that out. I think he'll approve of the name regardless of what I tell him."

She smiled. "Yeah. You sure you want to keep that name? I mean, technically your dad-

Gabe quickly eased Ulani's concerns, "Yeah. My mother told me in a dream to practice forgiveness, though I'm not very religious. She was very kind and wouldn't want me to hold a grudge for Joker's transgressions. But I think my father earned this. He made some strides in the last two years."

"Okay. Then Jack it will remain. I do like that name."

The couple shared a few more minutes of silence and then decided to go downstairs to listen to Elijah play his violin. Ulani went first while Gabe drew the curtains together.

The violin began to play…

And life went forward…

The End.