cont'd
Natalia watched the game unseeingly as her mind churned. Harley was back…she really didn't want to revisit their past, but she seemed dead set on ruining her daughter's present. Every day more and more dominoes were being lined up in a rather intricate pattern, weaving all around their lives. It would only take a little nudge for them all to come crashing down.
The park was crawling with people basking in the mid-day sun. The bleachers were packed with on lookers as people cheered for the game currently being played. Her kid's first game of the tournament was next. Their team had plenty of supporters on hand. Josh, Matt, Rick, Lillian, Buzz who'd just gotten back from Oakdale with good news, Reva, Marina, Ashley, Doris, Blake, Mel, Lea, Dinah, Shayne, Billy, Vanessa, Jonathan, Beth, James…hell even Alan was there. Mallet was one of the referees. She didn't like knowing that he would be calling the kid's game…he had an axe to grind. They were all sitting in different groupings around each other with a smattering of other Springfield residents in attendance. Something about just about everyone she knew being present made Natalia's skin crawl. Something wasn't right. Natalia was brought out of her thoughts as the boys from the band walked past her and offered her a jovial greeting.
"Hey guys. How have you been?" She said all the right words at all the right times until they past her by to find seats of their own. Something wasn't right.
Emma ran up to her with a huge smile on her face and launched herself into her lap. "Umph, careful Jellybean."
"Daddy's back!" Sometimes Natalia wished she could bottle her little girl's happiness and spray it like perfume whenever she was filling less than bright. There was just something about Emma that made everything seem perfect.
"I heard. Did you have fun at the mansion last night?" Natalia questioned as Olivia and Phillip came walking up.
"Uh huh. We built a fort in the study and stayed up telling scary stories."
Natalia shot a frown at Phillip who shrugged sheepishly. Olivia rolled her eyes and sat next to Natalia. Phillip thanked them for his night with Emma and went to sit by Beth, Alan, James and Lizzie. The family was currently enjoying a rare shared happiness amongst all its members after learning that Phillip was cured.
"Can I go sit with cousin John and Sarah?" Emma begged after spotting her little cousin in the midst of a tickle war with her daddy.
"Sure sweetie, but don't leave the bleachers okay," Olivia intoned. Emma nodded in understanding and scampered off. "And she's gone."
"He looks good," Natalia conceded as she looked over at Phillip who currently had a near luminescent Beth wedged against his side. He had gained a little weight, his eyes weren't so dull, and his skin was no longer that sickly sallow parlor.
"Apparently he's now enlightened after his trip to The Temple," Olivia teased. "I would be too after being surrounded by all that gold," Olivia whispered in Natalia's ear.
Natalia grinned and nudged Olivia. "Have you seen her yet?" Natalia didn't elaborate she knew Olivia would know to whom she was referring.
"Not yet but I'm sure she'll show up. Frank is batting a thousand."
"I'm just not looking forward to the argument that will start once she realizes exactly who Francesca's parents are."
"It's not our fault she's out of the loop," Olivia pointed out. "If she answered a phone call from her daughter every now in then she'd know."
"I just hope she doesn't shut down Daisy's contract negotiations."
"Not gonna happen. When she left she had to leave someone legally in charge of Daisy, and Buzz isn't going to let Harley ruin this for her."
"Thank God for small favors."
Daisy marched up to them and plopped down next to Olivia. "I just want to apologize in advance before all hell breaks loose," she started. "I don't know what Uncle Frank was thinking when he called her, but I just want to go on record saying that there is nothing she could do or say to make me abandon Chess."
Olivia pulled her into a side hug. "We know that sweetie. Don't worry we'll handle it. Its going to be a little messy at first, but everything will work out."
"I hope so…I can't loose her."
Natalia leaned forward and placed a calming hand on Daisy's knee. "You won't." Something wasn't right.
"Evil mother-in-law and lumbering-oaf on your six," Ava whispered to their little group as she joined them on the bleachers.
Olivia, Natalia, and Daisy turned to their right and saw Frank and Harley approaching with Zack and Jude at their sides. Harley was being stopped every now and then by random people welcoming her back in town. Daisy's eyes landed on her little brothers.
"They've gotten so big," she whispered. An irrational part of her brain worried that they wouldn't remember her. Suddenly it struck her how much she had truly missed them. Of course the two rambunctious boys had gotten on her nerves from time to time, but that's what little brothers were supposed to do.
The three older women chose to remain quite and simply watched as Harley came closer and closer to their location after Frank walked passed them without so much as offering a parting glance. Finally when Harley was close enough Daisy couldn't stop herself from scaling down the bleachers and walking up to her brothers.
"Zack, Jude…get over here you little freaks."
The boys took one look at her and broke out in huge smiles before almost tackling her with hugs. "Daisy!"
She pulled them impossibly closer. "I missed you guys so much."
"Do you know how long we'll be home for? I don't want to go back," Jude whispered the last part.
Daisy stood back as they broke their embrace and looked up at Harley who was standing silently behind her sons watching her children's reunion with a smile. "I don't know…you'll have to ask mom."
Harley sighed before patting each one of her boy's bottoms. "Hey you two I think I see some people who've missed you very much." She pointed towards Rick and Phillip who hadn't noticed their arrival.
Both boys smiled a mile wide before scurrying up the bleachers. "DAD!"
Mother and daughter watched silently for a moment as Zack flung himself into a shocked and elated Phillips arms as Jude did the same with Rick. The two boys were engulfed by their respective families as Lizzie, James, Lea, and Emma swarmed their siblings. The reunion was nothing but smiles…a stark contrast to the thick air that had begun to blanket Daisy and Harley.
Daisy turned to her mom and squinted as the sun hit her eye. "So what brings you here? It's not like its Coop's memorial or anything," Daisy sarcastically stated. She was still more than a little pissed her mom hadn't even shown up for her own little brother's funeral.
Harley bit her bottom lip and shook her head as she looked off to her side. "I didn't come to fight with you if that's what you're thinking."
"What would I think after my girlfriend calls me to tell me the first stop my mother made after finally coming back home was to harass her?"
Harley scoffed. "That girl is trouble Daisy."
Daisy already knew that on some level Harley was right, but Francesca couldn't be faulted for that. "You didn't even give her a chance."
"I was completely blindsided by this Daisy. All of a sudden you're a lesbian now?"
Daisy rolled her eyes. "You don't think it threw me for a loop when I realized I had feelings for her? That I was falling in love with this amazing person that for some reason decided to give me the time of day? And FYI it wasn't all of a sudden. You would know that if you…"
"Were are around," Harley finished for her. "I got it. It's just…she's so abrasive and off-putting," Harley mused with a quick shake of her head.
Daisy smiled at the thought of how difficult her girl could be. "She got defensive mom. Can you honestly blame her for that? She's not like that all the time. She had a really rough child-hood." Understatement of the fucking century! "It's hard for her to trust people and let them in, but when she does…" Daisy closed her eyes and breathed deep through her nose at just the thought of the tingling sensation being wrapped in Francesca's strong reassuring arms afforded her. "It's the best feeling in the world," she finished dreamily.
Harley watched Daisy closely while she gushed about the girl who just this morning had her ready to tare her hair out. Could she be wrong? Could she have approached Phoenix at the wrong moment in the wrong way? She realized that she had. She didn't give the girl a chance at all. She'd stormed back into town with all her past notions of the place and its people firmly implanted in her mind. Phoenix was right…people do change. This completely transformed and at ease version of her daughter was proof of that, and Phoenix had something to do with it. Besides she still didn't know the big secret Frank was keeping from her. He had high-tailed it out of Company the first chance he got. It probably had something to do with why Mel and Dinah had been staring at her as if they were waiting for a bomb to go off.
She looked at her daughter once again and thought hard on the two roads laid out in front of her. She could continue lobbying for Phoenix's to be cast out of Daisy's life like yesterdays trash, possibly causing irreparable damage to the relationship between her and her daughter that had already taken one too many hits. Or…or she could take a step back and observe. She could watch the two of them together and see just what it was that had both girls so readily offering up to her how much they loved each other.
She chose the slow and steady approach. Supposedly it wins you the race. "So…what was so bad about her child-hood? Seems to me like she came from a good family." A girl as well spoken, outwardly put together, and intelligent as Phoenix couldn't have had too much of a rough time of it.
Daisy smirked at the inadvertent compliment her mother had just given her arch nemeses. "She does now. She's adopted."
Harley frowned. "Where's her birth family?"
Daisy looked a little uneasy. "Gone."
Before Harley could question her further nearly half of the bleachers exploded in cheers as Remy, Cyrus, Bill, Rafe, and Francesca walked passed towards the court. Bill took a bow to a soundtrack of laughter before continuing on his way. The first game was over and there's would be starting a few minutes. All of them were wearing black t-shirts with the sleeves rolled up to their shoulders, they wanted to get jerseys made but the tournament committee wouldn't allow it. They had on black basketball shorts and black high-tops. Of course what caught Daisy's eyes was Francesca.
Her girl was wearing a black padded sports sleeve on her left arm which was to be expected. Her hair was in a high pony-tail. On her feet were her coveted pair of limited edition Nike La-Mallard's; the first pair of tennis shoes her dad had released after getting a shoe deal. Francesca had just about cried when she found them on E-Bay and in her size no less. They had never been worn and were in mint condition. She had gotten into a fierce bidding war with some asshole whose screen name was itsmine. Francesca hadn't cared if she had to drop a million dollars to get those shoes. No one needed them more than the legendary deceased player's own daughter. She ended up winning with a hefty jump in bidding; skyrocketing the price from five thousand to twenty. As far as Daisy knew this was the first time she'd ever worn them. Afterwards she was sure Francesca would clean the hell out of them and put them back on her newly built shoe display on her bedroom wall. It would be a long time coming before she wore them again. What caused Daisy to start laughing was the second glance she took at their team shirts.
Francesca ever conscience of Daisy's whereabouts trotted over to the girl and grinned while pointedly ignoring Harley. The woman was happy to be ignored at the moment so that she could stand back and watch. Already the girl coming their way seemed different then the one she met this morning at Company.
"You like?" Francesca turned around to show Daisy the back of her shirt.
"You're all super nerds and you baby are the biggest dork of them all."
On the front of their shirts was the newly revamped grey symbol of The Justice League. The back of Francesca's shirt read Wonder Woman where most players' last name would be with a large number 10 on the back…her dad's number. The back of Rafe's shirt said Batman with a number 11, Remy's read Superman number 23, Cyrus' read Flash number 8, and Bill's read Aquaman number 1…of course. It had been a running joke amongst the team of why Bill had to be Aquaman. As far as they were concerned the super hero was the one with powers least likely to help in any given situation that didn't occur in water. He was the comedic relief of the JLA.
"Yeah but that's why you love me," Francesca grinned before she wrapped her arms around Daisy. The two embraced in a warm hug before breaking apart. Francesca's eyes darted to a silent Harley. She placed her thumb and forefinger under Daisy's chin and brought her head up to meet her gaze. "You alright Daze?"
Daisy smiled at the younger girl's concern. "I'm okay baby."
Francesca nodded and shot another glance Harley's way and noticed the woman's appraising gaze of her athletic sleeve. It was as if she was trying to see through it to the scar she knew was hidden underneath. Francesca turned her attention back to Daisy and gave her a soft peck on the lips.
"Hey Sis quit pitching woo on the job and get over here," Rafe yelled before he realized the woman standing behind them was Harley. Oh shit! Oh shit! Oh shit!
A few whistles and cat calls where heard from the stands before Natalia, Olivia, and Ava turned and glared at everyone in attendance. The sounds of appreciation cut off instantly. The two mothers turned their rapt attention back to their daughter's interaction. Harley was taken aback at Rafe calling Phoenix his sister. Parent number one had been revealed.
Daisy could feel the tension rolling off of her mother without even looking at her. "Go see what you're brother wants before he causes a scene."
Francesca gave Harley another cursory glance before running over to Rafe and cuffing him in the back of the head.
"Nice going dumb ass."
"Watch it Chess. I didn't even know she was here. Thanks for the heads up by the way." His sarcasm really wasn't appreciated. Rafe gave Harley a nervous wave and smiled at her when it was returned.
Harley turned her attention back to Daisy. "Natalia is her mother?" Harley's face was completely unreadable to Daisy.
"Not now mom. Please not now."
Ava snorted and leaned into Natalia's side. "The word 'rain' should be where 'bat' is on the back of that boy's shirt." Ava gestured to her bickering siblings at the other end of the court.
"Ava," Natalia chided as Olivia let out a high pitched chuckle.
"He's not that bad…just a little slow on the uptake sometimes," Ashley defended her boyfriend from her spot seated in front of them with Doris and Blake. They had moved down near their friends after witnessing Harley's arrival.
"He did just kind of throw you under the bus sweetheart," Olivia pointed out.
Natalia gave Olivia a patient look. "And what is she going to do? Kick my ass?"
Olivia, Ava, Blake, and Doris guffawed at Natalia's candor. Dinah leaned in over Olivia's shoulder. "I got your back Ollie."
Mel interjected over Natalia's shoulder. "It is not that serious Dinah. Honestly what are you going to do? Take off your earrings, pin up your hair, and go jump her. It's just Harley calm down." Dinah glared at her friend as everyone else laughed at the visual.
"Shh. Shh. Here she comes. Here she comes," Dinah whispered hotly and leaned back in her spot.
Olivia shook her head.
Daisy made her way back to them with a scowl on her face and Harley on her heels. She sat back down next to Olivia which brought an eyebrow raise from her mother before she sat down next to Ashley.
"Hey Ashley," Harley greeted her. Ashley being her normally bubbly self hugged Harley in greeting.
Everyone else remained silent. It was…awkward. A group of the other teams laughing and pointing at the court broke the silence. They all turned and watched as the JLA threw up bricks and floundered around their warm ups on one end and the other team showed off on the other.
"What are they doing," Blake questioned confused.
"That's my girl," Olivia beamed proudly.
Everyone but Natalia, Ava, and Daisy turned and gave Olivia a questioning look. Harley more so than the rest. Why the hell was Olivia calling Phoenix her girl? And why did she and Natalia look so at ease with one another? Where they friends now? Truly the world had begun spinning backwards in her absence.
"Play your cards close to your chest," Olivia, Natalia, Ava, and Daisy stated at the same time in answer.
"They're psyching them out," Ava clarified. "It will only work once but it will still be funny to watch."
The stands erupted in cheers as Francesca passed Remy the ball for an ally oop.
The other team became flustered when Rafe and Cyrus made it impossible for them to pass the ball on offense without it being stolen.
The members of Mystery Machine bowed and chanted "we're not worthy," at the court when Francesca dunked on the other teams almost seven foot center.
The score continued to ratchet up in the JLA's favor as Bill became possessed by some force not even his teammates understood and hit three after three.
By the end of their first game the score was 65 to 20, and the other teams weren't laughing anymore.
Rafe and Francesca walked off the court with the rest of their team to applause and waltzed over to their family. Ashley went to hug Rafe until she realized how sweaty he was and opted for tossing him a towel from his duffel bag instead. He laughed and pecked her on the lips before he began wiping down his face, neck, arms, and legs.
Harley furrowed her brow as she watched her daughter's best friend act all coupley with her ex and Daisy not batting an eye. She noticed instead that her daughter only had eyes for Francesca who she had pulled into a kiss by way of wrapping a towel around her neck and pulling her close.
As Rafe and Francesca wiped the sweat from their bodies Natalia gave them a worried glance. "You two need to put on some more sun screen."
"We're good Ma." Rafe tried to get out of being mothered in front of such a large group of people.
"Hey…do what you're mother said," Olivia instructed before tossing Francesca the sun screen from her duffel bag.
Rafe sighed before joining his sister in rubbing his self down with the protective lotion. Harley took pause as Rafe so easily took instruction from Olivia.
"Mom could you toss me a water bottle please," Francesca asked. Harley expected Natalia to be the one to fulfill the request but Olivia did instead.
"Rafe," Olivia got his attention before tossing him a water as well.
"Thanks Mom."
What the hell is going on? Harley's mind exploded.
Emma perfect timing as ever cleared that question right up for her. "Mommy, Ma?" She was standing on the seat between Olivia and Natalia with her arms resting on their shoulders. They looked up at her.
"What's up Jellybean," Natalia questioned.
"You guys did invite Granddad and Daddy to the wedding right? You're not pulling a…" she paused trying to remember what James had said while making a smart comment. "A 'it got lost in the mail' are you? Cause I want them to see me in my dress."
"If only I had thought of that," Olivia grumbled. Natalia elbowed her. "Yes Em we invited them. Unfortunately." Fortunately for her Natalia didn't hear that last part as she was busy helping Emma step down from the bleacher to a safer footing.
"Good because I want my whole family there when ours becomes for forever," Emma announced before she went back to playing with Zack and Sarah who was more than excited to have a new playmate.
Doris leaned back and nudged Olivia's leg. "Seems as though little Emma has some of her mommy's romanticism in her."
Olivia narrowed her eyes. "Bite me," she said before kicking Doris's elbow. Doris swatted Olivia's foot. Olivia kicked at her again. It didn't take long before it became a little skirmish.
"Hey you two knock it off," Natalia ordered as Blake swatted Doris on the shoulder.
"Behave D," Blake warned.
All their friends laughed and went back to their previous conversation. Once again Harley felt lost as everyone else saw it as more of the same. Since when did Olivia so readily follow directions; let alone directions given to her by Natalia? Apparently since they were getting… married? No that couldn't be right could it? And were Doris and Blake together? What the actual fuck!
Before Harley allowed the crazy thoughts running through her mind to take over she spared a glance back at Olivia and Natalia. They were sitting comfortably together and carrying on conversations with their friends – hands clasped – as Olivia seemed to be unconsciously rubbing her thumb across Natalia's knuckles. The matching rings on their left hands were undeniable proof.
"I suppose congratulations are in order," she stated lowly.
Everyone turned their attention to her before darting their eyes to Olivia and Natalia then back again. Rafe and Francesca paused in mid drink from their water bottles and waited for the fall out. Daisy held her breath and prayed her mom wouldn't cause a scene.
Olivia stayed silent, daring Harley to start something. Natalia ever the diplomat took the high road. "Thank you Harley," Natalia accepted her hollow congratulation with a strong assured voice.
"I guess we have a lot to talk about seeing as our daughter's are dating," she added before standing. "Later of course." She shot Daisy a glance that clearly said 'We'll be discussing this later young lady,' before she moved to sit with Buzz, Lillian and Frank who she promptly punched in the arm.
"Burr," Doris and Blake mock shivered after Harley's hasty retreat.
"No comments from the peanut gallery," Olivia warned.
There were three minutes left in the last game and Francesca had the ball. She faked to her right, took a dribble to her left, then spun back to her left so quickly that her defender fell flat on his ass trying to follow her and drove it in for an easy lay up. That's what he got for mocking her for being a girl 'playing with the big boys.'
"Next time stay on the porch pup," she teased as she ran passed him and back down the other side of the court to get on defense.
The other team in-bounded the ball, brought it down the court, and passed it just to have the pass stolen by a quick moving Remy. He took off on a fast break.
"It's a bird," Bill playfully called out behind him.
"It's a plane," Cyrus added.
"It's Superman!" Rafe and Chesca finished as Remy jumped into the air with an amazing amount of height before slamming the ball down into the hoop with a vengeance.
The crowd exploded as the team celebrated with a few high-fives and pats on the back. Francesca's eyes went to the stands and watched as a man sat next to Reva and hugged her. Reva hugged him back tightly and seemed ready to burst into tears. He kissed her before taking Collin from her grasp an holding him close. Ava soon joined them and hugged the man happily. Ava shot a glance her way. Francesca ran back on defense.
She hadn't missed how her moms had been tracking her every move on the man's arrival.
"He didn't say he was coming back today!" Olivia whispered hotly as she paced a little way away from the court where the JLA were celebrating and taking pictures with their friends and the tournament trophy. The rest of the crowd had quickly dissipated leaving only the winners and most of their supporters at the basketball court.
Natalia cupped Olivia's cheeks and looked her right in the eyes. "She didn't have a reaction Liv. There was nothing. You saw her yourself. She looked right at him and nothing happened."
Olivia calmed down as the truth of Natalia's words sunk in. Francesca hadn't bat an eye at Jeffery's arrival.
"You're right. You're right. From what she and Jonathan have said she would have went ballistic if anything felt off to her. So I guess I was wrong."
Natalia nodded and kissed Olivia before guiding her back to the courts to join in on the pictures.
If she was so wrong then why did Olivia still feel like she was right?
After pictures were taken and Olivia and Natalia made sure that Ava was keeping Rafe and Francesca occupied they walked up to Reva and Jeffery who was bouncing Collin on his hip.
"Hey girls," Reva greeted them with a smile more than happy with the fact that her husband was finally back home.
Olivia grimaced and rubbed the back of her neck. "Hey Reva."
Natalia remained silent as her cold hard gaze focused on Jeffery who was completely unaware that today…would be a very bad day for him.
"Hey Olivia, Natalia. I heard the good news. Congratulations," he beamed.
Olivia silently looked over at Natalia whose blood was boiling at the nerve of him to be happy about their wedding…or anything else to do with Olivia.
"Is everything okay Natalia? Is Harley giving you a hard time?" Reva had finally noticed Natalia's agitation.
She completely ignored Reva's questions. "Jeffery could you and I talk…alone?"
"Uh…sure. Of course. Here honey," he gave Collin to Reva and followed Natalia who was walking with a slightly sideways gate further away from the basketball court. She had learned enough than to be fool enough to put an enemy at her back. Even if he didn't yet know that he was her enemy.
"What's going on Olivia?" Reva questioned as she pat Collin's back. He had gotten fussy after being separated from his daddy after their reunion.
Right on cue Ava called for Reva from across the way. Reva cut her eyes to Olivia and tried to decipher her blank face. Ava called for her again. She took one final look at Olivia then behind her to Natalia and Jeffery who had stopped walking and were standing under the shade of a tree. She slowly began walking towards Ava.
"This is impossible," Ava put her head in her hands and sighed.
Olivia rubbed her back. "Its a lose-lose honey. I know he's your father and that you love him but we have to prepare for the possibility that the moment he comes back in town he'll become a target for an anger Francesca has no control over."
"He's sorry though Mom," Ava cried.
"We don't know that for sure," Natalia stated softly.
"He has to be," Ava's small voice prayed.
"And what if he isn't?" Natalia locked eyes with Ava. "What if your mother is right?"
Ava really didn't want to think that her father could be so cold hearted. Deep down though she knew…she knew he was capable of just that somewhere in the depths of him. Otherwise she wouldn't even be here. "What do we do then?" The strength in her voice hid the fear in her heart.
Olivia sighed. "I know you don't want to…but we have to tell your sister. Give her time to wrap her head around it. Meditate or whatever she does to keep her cool."
"What, no! Mom what if she snaps and goes after him? We can't tell her when there is still a chance that you could be wrong."
"We can't keep this from her Ava," Olivia argued. "It's too big. How would you feel if you were her and were blindsided by this?"
"I understand that mom, I do. But, what if you're wrong and you tell her? She loves you so much. It wouldn't matter if she could see his face or not. She'd still attack because at the end of the day a long time ago he hurt her mom very badly."
"Ava," Natalia once again got the younger woman's attention. "You're playing with fire here. Your sister's trust…"
"I know!" Ava exploded and stood from her seat. "It's like Mom said it's a lose-lose situation. But, just give him a chance, please?" She begged. "When he comes home we stick close to her. We watch her. If she reacts we stop her if not we tell her nothing."
"There is absolutely no guarantee that by the time she catches wind of him any of us separately or together will be able to stop her."
"You're asking us to lie to a girl who thrives on the truth," Natalia questioned.
"Yes…I am. No matter what…he's still my father."
After a too long silence under Natalia's stare Jeffery cleared his throat. "Should I be worried," he joked half-heartedly.
"Not if you stick to the rules," Natalia's hard voice assured him.
"The rules?"
"She told me," was all Natalia said.
Jeffery's entire demeanor changed. "Natalia I…"
"Save it!" Natalia put up a hand to forestall any words that could escape him. "This is what's going to happen. You will stay away from Olivia. You will not call her, text her, email her, or send her so much as a smoke signal unless it is of the utmost importance regarding Ava. You will not drop by our home for a chat. You will stay away from our family. Ava is a big girl so she's free to do whatever she wants, but you stay away from our youngest children. Maybe one day this could change and it will be a distant memory. Maybe one day I will be able to look you in the eye without seeing what it is you're capable of. Today is not that day. So until the time comes when I tell you otherwise you stick to the rules. You don't want to know what will happen if you decide to test them. Do you understand?"
Jeffery silently nodded his head.
Natalia walked away…sideways gate in full effect.
Francesca watched from the corner of her eye as her ma walked off with Jeffery. She watched Ava call Reva over for seemingly no reason at all, and she watched as her mom kept a close eye on her ma.
"Stay right here," Francesca instructed Daisy with a whisper. She left her girlfriend's side before any questions could be asked and walked behind Jonathan who was joking around with Bill. She tapped him twice on the shoulder. "You, Shayne, and Phillip…right now," she whispered as she continued walking. The casual observer wouldn't have even noticed the interaction.
Jonathan didn't have to be told twice as he quickly strode away to round up those that were requested. Jonathan, his brother, and the grand-father of his only child strode quickly over to Francesca who was standing the picture of relaxation at the far side of the court. She bent down and pretended to tie her shoe as they circled her. From her position she kept an eye on all the players placed around the park.
"The three of you need to round up the kids and get out of here right now. Emma, Sarah, Collin, Henry, Zack and Jude need to be far away from here in less than five minutes. No questions. No arguments. Whatever excuses you have to make, make them. Go. Jonathan get Ava talking as you walk to the cars. Make her follow you, but don't make it obvious."
Jonathan nodded and pulled his brother who looked slightly alarmed along with him to go round up their kids. Phillip followed quickly after them. She had saved his life and given him more time with his family. He would follow her instructions to the 'T'. Francesca stood from her kneeling position and walked slowly over to Daisy and Rafe. She pulled them aside.
"Daisy you and Ashley stick close to Rafe…don't leave his side. Go sit on the bleachers."
Neither of them knew what was going on, but she was in General Mode and neither of them would question her in this state.
Francesca watched as all of her pawns, knights, and rooks were moved around the board. Once she saw Ava waving goodbye to Jonathan who had Emma and Sarah with him and had somehow pried Collin away from Reva she began her approach.
(Suggested listening God put a smile upon your face by Coldplay.)
"Bye guys…have fun," Ava waved as Jonathan pulled off.
Francesca silently stood behind her sister. Ava jumped when she turned around and noticed her sister standing so close to her. "Geez Chess. What did I tell you about making a little bit of noise when you walk up on people?"
"Sorry." Francesca cast a glance to Natalia who had Jeffery practically backed up against a tree. "What's up with them?"
"Who knows," Ava lied.
Francesca grinned with a shrug and stuffed her hands in her pockets. "It's gotta be weird having one step-mom old enough to be your grandmother and another who is practically the same age as you," Francesca led with a teasing lilt to her voice.
Ava scoffed. "Natalia and I are not the same age. She's what 35? I'm only 26."
Checkmate.
"16 + 26 = 42," Francesca stated out of nowhere.
"What," Ava frowned at her.
"16 is the age mom was when she was raped. 26 is the number of years you've been on this earth, and 42 is how old mom is now. 16 + 26 = 42. And you big sister are a terrible liar."
Ava's eyes went wide as she edged closer to her sister. "Chess…"
"It's not as though it matters. You're inability to sufficiently lie that is." Francesca took in a deep breath through her nose. "That smell is unmistakable. I just needed to be sure." Francesca blinked and when she opened her eyes again the iridescent green Ava had become accustomed to seeing there was gone. Francesca's eyes were glazed over – darkened to near blackness. Ava gasped as Francesca's face went completely blank. There was no emotion there. It was the most frightening thing Ava had ever seen. It was like watching someone turn into the living dead right before her eyes. "Now if you'll excuse me."
Everything seemed to move so slowly after that. Time ground to a near screeching halt…and watched.
Francesca took a step back and Ava lunged at her trying to wrap her arms around her. Francesca side stepped her and swatted her arms away. Ava lunged again only for Francesca to suddenly drop to a crouch allowing Ava to go flying over her. Ava rolled to soften her fall and hopped back up to her feet. Francesca swept her legs from under her and took off at a full sprint.
"MOOOM!" Ava screamed as she took off after Francesca.
Her voice sounded so far away…Francesca could barely hear it. And what she could hear sounded so strange. It was like listening to a movie play in slow motion. It made Ava's voice sound far deeper than Francesca knew it was. Her scream was drawn out and seemed to go on forever.
Francesca's feet ate up ground at a lightening quick pace and brought her quickly to Olivia who was standing between her and Natalia…and that thing.
Olivia shifted to the balls of her feet and made a grab for her daughter who spun effortlessly out of her reach leaving her back to Olivia she continued forward. She felt a sharp tug followed by a growl as Olivia grabbed her shirt and yanked her backward. Without looking back Francesca reached up and behind her head grabbing Olivia's hand and easily breaking the grip she had on her. She continued running.
"RAAAAFE!" Olivia screamed behind her and took chase.
Her voice sounded so far away…Francesca could barely hear it.
"STOOOP RIIIIGHT NOOOOW!" Natalia yelled as Francesca barreled down on her. When Francesca made no sign of stopping Natalia dropped to a crouch and made a sweep for her feet having seen Olivia and Ava's failed attempts of getting a handle on her.
Francesca stopped on a dime and jumped straight up into the air narrowly avoiding Natalia's attempt at taking her down. While Francesca was in the air Natalia spun in her crouched position her outstretched right leg causing her foot to draw a half circle in the grass. When Francesca landed Natalia jumped up and wrapped her arms around her from behind. Francesca reached back and grabbed a hold of Natalia's shoulders. She pulled Natalia over her head forcing her to flip over and face her. She used their momentum and Natalia's strong shoulders to continue the rotation and jumped just as Natalia's feet hit the ground and flipped over Natalia's frame. She turned and continued on towards Jeffery.
"Demon," she growled after finally reaching him. There was a split second of time before her fist connected with his chin that she clearly saw confusion and fear etched across his monstrous features.
His skin was a smattering of scales the color of a slowly healing bruise. His eyes were yellow and cat like. There was a row of short spikes running across his forehead and down his cheeks. His open mouth gave way to sharp pointed teeth dripping with saliva, and his smell drove her mad. Not as ugly as most she'd come across…but still ugly enough.
As his body was forced backward and his feet left the ground after Francesca had delivered the first blow she watched once again amazed at how slowly his body was traveling through the air until he landed with a thud on the unforgiving ground. She pounced on him delivering blow, after blow, after blow, after blow, to his face. He screamed out for her to stop and she paid it no mind.
He hadn't stopped when her mom had asked him to all those years ago. Now he knew what that felt like.
She was just getting to the good part. The part where she could feel his warm blood smearing across her knuckles before a solid weight plowed into her side, knocking her off and away from Jeffery. She turned over as she skidded across the grass and began grappling with Rafe.
"DOOON'T MOOOOVE CHESSSS. JESUSSSS. JUUUST DOOON'T MOOOVE." Rafe was yelling in her face as they struggled on the ground.
His voice sounded so far away…she could barely hear it.
Rafe pinned her to the ground. She could easily get out of the hold, but she would have to hurt him to do it.
"Keep her down Rafe," Natalia ordered quickly as they turned back to Jeffery who had blood pouring from his nose, mouth, and cuts created by Francesca's knuckles all over his face. He was being helped off the ground slowly by a frantic Reva who had no idea what had set the young girl she called friend off.
"Dad are you okay?" Ava's panicked voice Rose in pitch as she reached Jeffery.
He nodded his head and faltered in his footing almost crashing back to the ground before Reva and Ava could catch him and support his weight.
Olivia and Natalia were talking…yelling, but Francesca couldn't figure out what it was they were saying.
Why was Rafe holding her down? There was still one thing she had left to do.
"Let me go Rafe," she whispered to her brother.
"No," he growled.
"Demon," she explained.
Rafe's eyes went wide and his grip faltered before he set his resolve. "No."
"Why do you think no one talks about Mom and his relationship that led to Ava? What were the circumstances that led to her giving Ava up for adoption," she whispered angrily. "Demon," she pronounced the world slowly, and watched triumphantly as it clicked in Rafe's head. "Let. Me. Go."
And he did.
Francesca dove from under her brother's grasp the moment his weight shifted above her and went straight for Jeffery. She speared him at full speed and knocked him backwards out of Reva and Ava's grip.
Her fists went back to work.
There were hands on her. Hands pulling her. Hands grabbing at her. Hands trying to force her to stop, but she couldn't. Why couldn't they see that?
She shoved her left hand into her pocket as her right fist once again connected with Jeffery's nose, this time with a satisfying crunch. Her left hand exited her pocket and came away holding one of her balisong. She flipped it open ; there was no time for fancy tricks.
There was still something she had to do.
She leaned down and whispered in Jeffery's ear as those hands continued to pull at her more desperately. "Let me know if it was as good for you as it was for me."
What little that was left of Jeffery's conscious mind so riddled with bright lights and stars shivered in fear as he felt the knife pressed to his crotch through the seem of his pants.
"FRANCESCA STOP IT!"
And she did. She froze halfway through procuring her trophy. Sounds both crisp and clear flooded her ears and the earth once again began to turn.
She looked up at Daisy, and fell sideways onto her ass in the grass. Her right leg dragging slowly over Jeffery's torso, and her balisong still tightly clutched in her hand.
Why is she crying? Don't cry baby.
Daisy dropped to her knees in front of Francesca and carefully pulled the knife from her hand. She handed it off to a silently fuming Rafe who against his own judgment flipped it closed with a flourish and handed it off to Olivia before he changed his mind. Daisy cupped shaking hands against Francesca's cheeks. Her girlfriend was looking at her as if she had no idea where she was. Daisy began wiping the flood of tears pouring down Francesca's cheeks that the either girl hadn't even realized she'd been crying. Rafe flopped down on the ground next to his sister and raised a shaky hand before beginning to rub her back.
"Jesus," Olivia whispered.
The park was filled with silence as their friends and family finally processed the mayhem they'd just witnessed.
Doris' fingers itched. Was this one of those times she was meant to use the number Francesca had given her? Blake latched to her arm as a thoroughly stunned Ashley stood leaning into her other side.
Alan, Lizzie, Bill, Beth, Rick, and James too stood riveted to their spots as they watched the Spencer-Rivera family finally manage to coral Francesca who was sitting in the grass clinging to Daisy for dear life. They watched as Daisy began rocking their bodies back and forth.
Alan couldn't believe that's what he would have faced had he not headed the Dragon's warnings. His heart kicked dangerously in his chest before it began beating in double time.
"Remind me again why I was ever dumb enough to try her," James' voice was filled with the type of awe one would feel after narrowly escaping death. Tangling with Francesca and coming out on the other side no worse for the wear seemed like just that to him now. He would never engage her again.
Remy, Christina, Lea, Mel, and Cyrus hadn't even blinked since they saw Francesca and Ava grappling near the parking lot. Remy somehow managed to dial a number on his cell without looking away from the scene as Reva and Ava once again helped a barely conscious Jeffery to his feet. The man was covered in blood. It was smeared all across his face and through his hair. It was soaked into his shirt and the grass he'd been laying in as he took the beating of a lifetime.
Remy stepped back away from his family and whispered into the phone. "Heads up mom…I think you're going to have an emergency appointment in the near future."
Buzz, Mallet, Harley, Marina, and Frank's state of minds where no better. Fear gripped Frank in a vice. He had pissed that girl off royally. What if he was next?
Harley's face went ice cold. Yes…she had seen quite enough.
The members of Mystery Machine gapped openly.
"I knew it," Eric whispered. "She is a mutant."
Ava and Reva shot Francesca who still seemed to be in a daze in Daisy's arms a worried glance as they slowly helped Jeffery stumble his way to the parking lot. They were unsure if moving the man through her line of vision would set her off again. Once they were sure she wouldn't budge they continued forward. A trip to Cedars was a must.
Olivia placed a careful hand on Reva's arm as they walked by. "I am so sorry," she whispered as tears threatened to escape her eyes.
Reva had no words for Olivia in that moment, but she would be getting answers soon.
Natalia bit her tongue watching Olivia apologize to Reva. A part of her…a very small part, had wanted to let Francesca finish the job.
"Rafe take Chessie to Daisy's car," Natalia ordered quietly as she approached the three teens kneeling and sitting in the grass. Reva and Ava were slow going with Jeffrey. By the time Rafe reached the Nissan in the parking lot they would have reached them and Natalia wouldn't risk Francesca being so close to them. Thankfully Daisy's car was in the opposite direction. "Daisy, go to the bleachers and grab their bags then drive them directly to The Farmhouse. Do not stop for anything. Do you understand?"
"Yes," they echoed before standing slowly. Daisy reluctantly passed off Francesca to her brother-big brother's waiting arms and ran over to the bleachers as fast as her feet could carry her.
"Liv," Natalia turned and addressed Olivia who hadn't moved since speaking to Reva. "Olivia," Natalia called again.
Olivia turned her head slowly.
"How do we fix this?"
"I don't know."
"Where do you think you're going," Harley grabbed Daisy's arm before she could walk away with Rafe and Francesca's duffel bags.
"Where do you think I'm going," Daisy shot back as she snatched her arm away.
"You're not going anywhere near that girl now or ever again. Do you understand me? She is too dangerous."
"You don't even know what's going on Harley."
"Did you not see what she just did," Harley yelled.
"Yes I did. And now I'm going to make sure that she's okay."
"Make sure she's okay? Jeffery is the one that needs immediate medical attention not her."
Daisy snapped. Maybe it was because she was desperate to get back to Francesca. Maybe it was because she'd just witnessed something Francesca had told her repeatedly she hoped she would never witness. Maybe it was because Harley had no right to show up out of the blue and bark orders at her. Or maybe it was a culmination of all three.
"Jeffery got what he deserved!" Daisy shot back. "And before you go judging her think long and hard about what it is that could possibly make someone snap like that on another person. Either way I don't give a flying fuck. I'm going to be with my girlfriend who needs my right now. My girlfriend who loves me and would never abandon me the way you have over and over again!"
Harley stepped back from Daisy with a cold gaze and marched away as her family called after her. They finally got her to stop walking near the end of the court. Daisy wiped a few tears from her face and turned…right into the barrel of a gun.
Rafe and Francesca sat stoically in Daisy's car not saying a word. Rafe's mind was reeling. All of a sudden he didn't regret that gun shot mistakenly fired over a year ago. Francesca just sat in the backseat staring off into space.
A scream echoed through the park.
"Daisy." Francesca shot out of the car like a bat out of hell with Rafe on her heels.
Olivia and Natalia turned, eyes wide in horror as they watched Edmund Winslow point a gun at Daisy as he stood in the middle of the basketball court.
"Not her…please God not her," Natalia prayed. Even if today hadn't turned out so terribly the addition of anything happening to Daisy would send Francesca over an edge that she would never come back from.
Olivia's finger's twitched as she contemplated going for her blades that were ingenious hidden in the band of her bra. No…he had a gun…and he was too far away.
"Edmund!" Harley yelled. The man in question turned at her with a grin.
"Hello Harley my dear."
"What do you want? You can have anything…name it?"
"Oh really," his cool and dignified tone sounded intrigued. "I was hoping you would say that. I want my grandson, and great-niece…right now." Jeffery had been stupid enough to test his warning. He told him to keep his simple ass away from Reva…away from Springfield period. Apparently he hadn't taken him too seriously.
Edmund had well and truly snapped. All of his plans had been falling apart for months and he couldn't figure out why. It all started when somehow Jonathan managed to kill his best men and flee the scene virtually unharmed. Then Jonathan managed to disappear with Sarah off the face of the Earth. After that, the camera's he had set up around town suddenly went black. Then all of the servers that he had stored the recordings on crashed. Jeffery testing his resolve had sent him over the edge. If they wouldn't play his game the right way then he'd have to change the rules. Along with two viable heirs and the crown jewels nestled in his pocket he would finally rise to the power entitled to him. He would return to San Cristobal a King. Jonathan be damned!
Very few people knew that the island nation's debt was owned by the royal family. All of it had been invested into the jewels in his pocket. It was not possible for the people of San Cristobal to scrounge up the money to pay off that debt and buy the diamonds from him. So instead he'd just leverage them for power.
"I'm waiting," his voice sing-songed sadistically.
Everyone tracked the distance between Daisy who was standing completely still half-way up the bleachers to Edmund, then their own distance from either of the two. All of them were too far away.
Rafe edged up behind Doris and whispered in her ear. "You have a phone call to make. Get behind me," they slowly switched places trying hard not to bring attention to themselves. Once Doris was safely hidden behind Rafe's body she pulled her cell phone out of her pocket and began scrolling through her contacts.
"Don't just stand that like a bunch of simpering morons!" Edmund thundered when no one moved towards getting him what he wanted.
A low voice ghosted past Olivia and Natalia. "He followed that thing here."
"I'm you're huckleberry."
Olivia and Natalia's blood ran cold as Francesca appeared in front of them. She was walking forwards with her hands in her pockets.
"Chess no," Natalia reached for her but Edmund twitched. Olivia pulled her back as Francesca continued to walk forward.
Edmund cut his eyes towards Francesca before pointing the gun in her direction. She stopped walking with her body angled in such a way that she could signal to Daisy with her finger that was pocking out of her pocket while keeping her eyes on the man with the gun. Her stance blocked the sign from view. Daisy slowly and methodically began to backing her way up to the top of the bleachers.
"Well who do we have here? I don't believe we've met."
"Oh believe me our paths have crossed before you just weren't aware."
The bleachers squeaked under Daisy's movement. Edmund swung the gun back to her. She stopped moving and put her hands in the air.
"Point of interest," Francesca continued as she began walking forward again. Edmund brought the gun back to her. She stopped and leaned against the bleachers. "Why would you go for her when you could easily have me?"
Daisy once again started moving up to the top of the bleachers. Just one more step.
"And what concern are you to me? Ridding the earth of this one will surely hit Reva Lewis Lewis Lewis Lewis Shayne where it hurts."
Francesca chuckled sardonically. "True. But there are many more people you could hurt if you take me instead."
Edmund looked intrigued as Daisy finally reached the top of the bleachers. "And who would those people be exactly Miss..."
"Phoenix."
"Hmm interesting name. As I was saying Phoenix who would be hurt by your…early departure?"
"Well Reva does call me friend. Her youngest child Collin loves me. Olivia Spencer…you know her right?"
Olivia stiffened as Edmund shot a quick glance her way.
"Why of course we have our sordid history."
"I call her mother."
Edmund began to smile as his eyes lit up noticeably.
"I can see that…it's in the eyes."
"So I've heard. Also there is one final sticking point that might peek your interest. You know all those men that never came home when the street lights came on? All that time you spent looking for Jonathan and Sarah and coming up empty handed? Your camera's going black and your servers crashing…" Francesca lifted her right hand in the air. "Guilty. As a matter of fact Jonathan just so happens to be my best-friend, and Sarah is my god-child. So you see it's kind of like we're old friends."
Edmund's trigger finger itched. "You meddling little bitch."
"Why Ed Winslow…we cross?"
"I suggest you shut your mouth before I close it for you. Perhaps a bullet would do the trick?"
"Ed what an ugly thing to say. Oh poor ugliness. Does this mean we're not friends anymore? You know Ed if I thought you weren't my friend I just don't think I could bear it."
"What the hell is she doing?" Olivia whispered nervously.
"Improvising," Rafe whispered back.
Edmund chuckled darkly. "Very amusing. I wonder if you'll find it amusing when I put a bullet threw this girl who you so obviously care a great deal for. Why else would you put yourself in the line of fire for her?" Edmund snarled as her swung the gun around and fired at Daisy.
The moment the words 'this girl' came flying out of Edmund's mouth Francesca was vaulting onto the bleachers. As the shot rang out she tackled Daisy mid jump and forced them both over the back. No one was in the position to be able to see on the opposite side. So no one knew what had happened to them. There was a large sign hanging off the back of it that had the tournament bracket on it blocking their view.
"NO!" Voices rang out in tandem. Cries of disbelief hung in the air.
"Now…about my heirs," Edmund swung his gun towards the assembled group.
A low growl brought everyone's attention back to the bleachers. Francesca pulled herself back on top of them and flipped open her twin nata, holding them tightly at her sides.
The level of intrigue this outing was providing Edmund was near euphoric. "Hasn't anyone ever told you never to bring a knife to a gun fight?"
"You know I've heard that, but no one's been stupid enough to say that to me for a long time. I suppose you never heard the one about how stupid it is to try to kill my girlfriend?"
Edmund chuckled. "Ahhh and now your heroism makes sense." He fired a shot at Francesca who easily deflected it with her left nata.
She began to march down the bleachers.
Edmund opened a fire again with the same result. Still Francesca marched. Another shot, and another, and another, and another was fired until Francesca was sprinting towards Edmund who began to slowly step backward after each bullet was flung away carelessly by the determined girl.
She reached him and wrenched the gun from his hand before heading butting him. Edmund's vision went blurry. Francesca flicked her nata shut and shoved the handles in the pockets to her shorts. She offered the gun to Edmund with the barrel facing herself.
"There…now we can be friends again."
Edmund eyed her wearily. What kind of trick was this? Was she honestly offering his still loaded weapon back to him?
"Take it," she nudged her hand in his direction.
He looked down at the gun then back to her face.
"I said…take it!"
Slowly he raised his hand and edged it towards the gun. He laid his hand on it and was surprised that the girl hadn't moved a muscle. Finally he grinned and took it back. He aimed it right at her head.
"It would have been lovely to have met you sooner. We could have had fun together," he gloated.
Before he could pull the trigger Francesca reached up and took hold of his hand firmly in her grasp. She spun behind him and wrenched the barrel under Edmund's chin.
"You're no Daisy," she whispered before forcing him to pull the trigger on himself.
His body slumped limply to the ground with a thud as the gun slipped from his lifeless hand.
"You're no Daisy at all."
Daisy came running from behind the bleachers at the same time everyone else took off towards Francesca who had stepped over Edmund's body and intercepted Daisy in a bone crushing hug.
"Oh my God Chess don't you ever do that shit again!" Daisy cried as Francesca held her tighter and rubbed her back.
"Shh baby its okay."
Olivia, Natalia, and Rafe got to them first and pulled the still embracing girl's into a group hug.
"You're grounded…forever," Natalia threatened.
Francesca grinned despite her situation and released Daisy.
"Daisy!" Harley snatched her daughter to her and crushed her in a hug. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine mom."
Harley stepped back and examined her daughter. Her eyes grew to the size of saucers as she began to frantically call for Rick. "Rick! There's so much blood," she began to frantically pull at Daisy's blood smeared shirt to find where her daughter had been shot.
"Harley," Francesca called to no avail. "HARLEY SHE'S FINE!"
Everyone stopped in their panic and took in Francesca standing in the midst of them with her hand pressed tightly to her side. "She's fine," Francesca huffed.
"Chess," Natalia's shaky voiced questioned.
"When it comes down to her or me…I choose her. Every time," Francesca stated with a grimace as she brought her hand away from her side.
Her hand that was dripping with blood.
TBC
A/N: There is now a contest in effect. PM me your gueses on the movie Francesca was quoting at the END of the chapter. I'll take basically an eenie meanie miny moe approach with all correct answers. There is a prize! Good luck!
