A Guardian Angel
Chapter 127
Break Away
(One Week Later)
Sometimes in life you have to make a choice. The effects of those choices can have long far reaching consequences, some that can't even be fathomed. One choice can be enough to make or break everything you worked to build...It's enough to shatter an empire...And sometimes one choice can be enough to free you from everything.
I hope today, I make the right choices to keep the people I love safe. My Fiancee, my daughters, my friends, and family. I want to make proud the people I've lost. My child, my dad, my uncles, Simon. I write this in hopes that this, is the end of an era of pain, and fear, and fighting.
I hope we all can move on, and heal from the scars these battles have given us. I hope that we can heal from the physical and emotional wounds that linger. Wounds bestowed upon us by these demons, who have forced us through years of torment and suffering.
We fell into this fire as foolish kids, and through the pressure, and the heat of those flames we became the very beings we are.
This is a Declaration.
A Declaration of who we have become after being forged in the heat of this hell fire.
A Declaration of who we were always meant to be.
A Declaration of who we are.
And we're taking it all back.
MLVK
o0o0o
"Daddy, Daddy, Daddy, Daaaadddyyyy." Hearing Ari, Fionna walked over spotting her standing at the bathroom door holding on to the handle.
"Ari, come over here baby girl, Daddy's taking a bath."
"I help?" She asked now looking towards her mother, but still not releasing the door.
"No silly goose. Daddy's all grown up, he doesn't need help taking a bath, but you can help me." Walking over Fionna lifted her heading back towards the kitchen.
"Are you all ready to go visit Auntie Kate?"
"Mhmm." She hummed nodding her head with a smile.
"Okay Ari, can you go grab your shoes for me? You can't forget your shoes. Go grab them and I'll help you put them on." She said setting her down watching as Ari ran down the hall. Cake hurried along behind her, her tail fluffy and on alert as she did.
Turning she returned to the diaper bag on the counter. There was milk, diapers, toys and snacks for Melody. Ari's snack cup and her sippy cup were also tucked inside along with a change of clothes for the pair of them. Looking at the teething gel she tossed it into the bag too, turning when she heard the pitter pattering of little feet.
"Mommy! Look, look!" Ari was running down the hall, and Fionna watched just in time for her to spike her sneakers to the floor, the shoes flashing colorful lights. "KABOOM! Fireworks!" she said clapping her hands.
Unable to help herself Fionna laughed.
"You've been spending far too much time with Finn." She said with a grin as Ari turned on a dime running from the room.
Reaching over for what felt like the millionth time, Fionna checked the screen on the baby monitor. Melody had been fussy lately, especially last night. It had taken ages to get her down, and when she had fallen asleep, it had been restless. It hadn't been any easier to get her down for her first nap of the day with all the noise. Now though, she lay asleep upstairs in Fionna's old room.
"DADDY! Did you wash you bum?" The sound of Marshall's laughter echoed up the stairs, and moments later he appeared into view, carrying Ari who held a pair of socks in her hand.
"Mommy I find socks!"
"You did? I'm glad you found them. Can you wear your sneakers without socks?"
"No socks, no 'neakers." She said shaking her head.
"That's right." She said with a grin tickling their daughter's feet as she screeched in laughter.
Fionna, with Marshall's help quickly got her shoes and socks on. The moment she got the velcro on the first shoe snug, the sound of crying came from the monitor.
"Can you finish up for me?" She asked handing Marshall the other shoe and heading upstairs to her room. Lifting Melody from the playpen, Fionna rocked her as she did.
"What's the matter honey?" She asked bouncing her and rubbing her back. She could feel Melody nuzzling into her neck as she fussed and frowned, she felt warm.
"Marsh?" She called making her way down the stairs. By the time she got to the bottom, Marshall was in the hall.
"What's up?"
"Does Melly feel warm to you?" Fionna asked passing the baby over.
Marshall took her, and feeling her flushed cheeks and forehead he frowned.
"Yeah, she does feel warm." He said as Melody let out a pitiful cry. "Oh Mamas are you not feeling good?" Marshall asked gently listening as she began fussing. "Looks like she wants you." Marshall said handing her back. Almost immediately her fussing stopped.
"I'm gonna give her some meds, feed her, and change her. I think we'll be able to hit the road in a half hour or so." She said watching as Marshall nodded.
"I'll pack the car and bring Ari to the park. When you're all set and ready you can just come pick us up." He said pulling his hoodie on and reaching for Ari's jacket.
"That's a good plan, I'll be there to grab you when I'm done. Have Ari try and pee before you tell her, we don't need her wetting herself on the ride because she's more interested in the playground than her bladder." Fionna said carrying Melody back down to the family room. There she could hear the sounds of Marshall and Ari as she ran around upstairs.
Walking around the room she gathered everything she could think of to handle a fussy baby. The liquid medicine, her favorite blanket, and a fresh change of pajamas and a new diaper.
After a quick dropper dose of meds and an unexpected splash of fruity flavor, Melody let her feelings of betrayal known as she let out wailing sobs.
"I know honey. I know it's gross but it'll make you feel so much better." Fionna said softly trying to soothe her miserable daughter. The one thing that was sticking out to her the most, was how she kept hiding her face.
Flicking the light off, Fionna sat down. Pulling the blanket over her head, she covered Melody as well. In the darkness under the blanket, she watched as tired brown eyes finally met hers.
"Oh Melly, do you have a headache?" Fionna asked, gently wiping her cheek, feeling the warmth radiating from them. She didn't like this. She hated when Ari was sick. But this had her without question more on edge. It was Melody's first fever.
"I wish we could keep you home baby girl." She said softly running her fingers through her daughter's hair as she nursed.
Once she'd finished feeding the baby, and had her bundled up and in the car seat, Fionna walked from the house spotting Marshall and Ari at the end of the street heading back. Starting the car she met them there pulling up beside Marshall just as he stuck out his thumb.
"Going my way?" She asked, watching as Marshall grinned.
"We are beautiful stranger I've never met." At this Ari made a serious face looking back and forth between the two of them.
"Daddy, that Mommy." At this Fionna couldn't help but laugh. She waited as Marshall got Ari set up and buckled into her car seat.
"Wow, Melly's already knocked out."
"Is she?" Fionna asked, her voice now tinged with worry.
"Yeah. Do you want me to drive?"
"Yes please. I really want to keep an eye on her, and this will give me the chance to let Kate know were on the way." She said as they swapped seats. "You're sure you don't mind?"
"Of course not. How's the baby?"
"I fed her, gave her a dose of fever meds, and changed her before we left. She's definitely got a fever, I just hope it breaks sooner rather than later. I hate seeing her so miserable." She said sadly looking towards the back seat.
"I know. Me too love."
o0o0o
Love is not a weakness, but a strength. I used to think that love was only something that could be used against you. Something that would be taken from you when you least expected it. I learned that love is something that spans across lifetimes. Just because someone you love has been lost, doesn't mean that you'll never have that kind of love again. It doesn't mean that their love has vanished from the universe either. Just because they're gone doesn't mean they still don't love you.
It's silly, but I was scared to death of her. I was scared what Kate's love would do to me. I was afraid of what would happen to me if I lost it. Words will never do justice to how she makes me feel. To lose her would be the same as if the world had collapsed in on me.
After losing my parents, I never thought I'd be able to love like this again. Instead I find myself loving her even more fiercely. This love and fear are two sides of the same coin, and is all encompassing.
Love I learned is not something to fear, but to embrace.
The beauty in life, is more profound and glorious when you have people you love to share it with. But it's not easy. The road is a hard one, but if you put in the work, you can make something beautiful. When it comes down to the make it or break it, I know that regardless we'll stand strong. You've got to fight through the pain, and push through it all if it's something you truly want. All you have to do is dig deeper inside yourself.
Dig deep and know that you're worthy of the great and beautiful things in this world.
M.R.C Mochro
o0o0o
"Shug, don't do that you're going to make it worse." Kate said pulling Mo's hand away from his arm as she passed by him on the couch.
"It itches."
"I know, but it's still healing. You should go put some aloe on it. You know I bought that plant just for you."
"You say that now. But who was absolutely gushing over the "cute perfect" new succulent she brought home? You were. How do you expect me to literally snap pieces of it off when it's adorable?" He asked watching as Kate stared him down.
Walking over she snapped a chunk of aloe leaf off and brought it over to him.
"Just like that. I know you know how much I love gardening and tending to my plants Shug. But I bought that to help your arms. It's going to do it's job better if you use it." Kate said peeling the leaf apart. She began rubbing the pulp from the inside on the row of stitches up his arm.
"I'll use the plant as long as I know it won't upset you. Have you heard from Fionna or Marshall about dropping the girls off?"
"Yeah, Fionna reached out to me about an hour ago. They're on the way now and should be here soon. I'm glad you guys are finally having this meeting."
"You and me both, we did everything he asked of us. If Lich doesn't let us out of this contract, I'm going to commit straight murder today."
"Modestus! Don't say things like that!"
"Baby he's put us through hell. His actions put you, through hell. All I want is for you to be safe and this to be over." He said kissing her forehead.
"I'm alive, and you are too." She said placing her hand on his cheek and bringing her lips to his. "I'm thankful for that."
"I'm thankful for you." Mo said kissing her hand and watching as Kate blushed. With a smile though, she walked away. She had cookies already in the oven, and pulling them out she watched as Marshall and Fionna pulled into the driveway. While she set the cookies aside to cool, Mo opened the door. To Kate's surprise she could hear Fionna and Marshall going back and forth with each other.
"Marshall Lee Abadeer, for the absolute last time, I'm GOING." Fionna said firmly. She thanked Mo as he lifted Melody and her carrier off of her arm. Immediately her free hand flew to her hip.
"I'm a member of this band just as much as you are. I'm on the contract, and I'm going."
"We're not talking about this Fionna- Thanks." Marshall said passing Ari off to Mochro who'd returned carrying her right into the house.
"No, we are absolutely talking about this-
"No, we are not. End of discussion, end of story, game over, the freeking END!" Marshall snapped now walking into the shade away from her. If they were going to have it out, it might as well be outside the house and away from the girls.
"Oh, so you think just because you say so-
"You know it has nothing to do with me and everything to do with him." Marshall said raking his hands through his hair letting his hood fall.
Everything had been fine when they left her parents, but now Fionna was a rampaging banshee. All because he told her he didn't want her going to BloodRain with them today.
"Stop blaming him. YOU were the one who said I shouldn't be coming!" Fionna said hurt radiating in her voice. How could he not understand that after everything Lich had put them through, that she needed this?
"I just want you to stay safe! Why the hell are you taking everything like a personal attack? Babe I'm not trying to fight with you, I'm not trying to put you in harms way, I just want you safe-
"I can take care of myself- At this Marshall felt his frustrations grow, she wasn't hearing him.
"I know you can take care of yourself. Baby that's not even a question. But with Lich as sketchy as he is, do you really think it's smart for you and I both to put ourselves at risk with him? I'm thinking of the girls. What if we get set up? What if he sends someone to drive us off the road, or some of his usual crap? I don't see him not trying something horrible. It's the only reason I want you to stay. If he was just some normal jerk then fine, but he's not and you know that." Marshall said taking a step forward and resting his hands on her arms.
"Babe please, I know you want to go and see this through to the end. I do, I really do. But he's had people hurt you before. He's had you kidnapped when you were pregnant, at knife point, and had them beat the hell out of you more than once. He'll have no second thoughts about hurting you again as long as he know it'll hurt us." Marshall said softly, closing his eyes at the sensation of her hands on his arms.
"Marshall, I know. I know all of that, but do you think I don't worry about you for the same reasons?" She asked quietly. "I know he's dangerous, because you're right. It was me all those things were happening to. It was happening to me, and I want to be with you to face him. I want to bring this to an end together."
"I'll ride with FP, or I'll ride with Ash and Mo if you're afraid of us going together. But I can't stay and wait. I can't do what you want me to do Marshall. I need to hammer the nails into this coffin, and end this chapter myself.
"Anderson Lich has cost me my mental health. He's tormented and tortured me. He threatened our babies. He endangered Ari's life. He tried to have our child killed, and in the end, he succeeded because we lost our baby Marshall." She said staring at him with watery eyes.
"I blame him entirely. I need to see with my own eyes that this is over. We know all the disgusting things they do at BloodRain, and we know about the trafficking. We have an idea about your dad, and what really happened. We know that we know the same things he did. We may not be able to prove anything legally but we're getting out a year early and with our lives. I need to see this hell finally end Marsh. I need to see it with my own two eyes or I'll never believe it's over.
"I need to see for myself that this is the end. That all of this hell wasn't for nothing. That we weren't apart for over a year for nothing. That you didn't miss our pregnancy and Melly's birth for nothing. I need to be there to end this Marsh. I need that closure." Fionna sniffed slipping her hands into his and squeezing them.
"You're right, and I promise I'm not just saying that. You are one hundred percent in the right. If I were you, I would need that closure too. I'm sorry for trying to deny you that, I only wanted to keep you safe." He said earnestly caressing her cheek.
"I know, and I feel the same way about you Marshall. Everything you do is always done with the best of intentions. I know you only want to protect us, but for me, I need to do this. I'm just glad you're on board." She said softly as Marshall pulled her into his arms.
"Let's go in." Feeling Fionna nod and release him, Marshall stepped back. Everyone had been more on edge than usual. This he hoped, would be the final meeting with BloodRain this afternoon.
Normally they would have had Fionna's parents watch the girls, but Steve had work out of town this week, and had taken Finn with him. Ellen had been busy as well with back to back cases. Kate though had been their saving grace and offered to babysit.
Opening the door Marshall grinned hearing Ari's shrieking laughter. Walking into the living room he found Mo laying on the ground, tossing Ari into the air and catching her as she giggled.
Passing them, Fionna made her way into the kitchen finding Kate with a fussy Melody on her hip.
"Hey Fionna, you guys okay?" Kate asked moving the cooled cookies from the rack to the cookie jar.
"Yeah, we're okay. Marsh didn't want me going to this meeting. I understand things from his perspective, but I needed him to see things from mine as well. I need the closure of this meeting today. I need to see with my own eyes that this is over and done. I need to see the age of BloodRain come to an end, and I know I won't be okay until I do. If I don't I'll always keep worrying and stressing over it, you know?" Fionna asked leaning against the counter.
"Honestly I do. That night..." Kate said quietly taking a breath. "It's not that I wanted to ever watch someone die, but Declan's death wouldn't have been real to me if I didn't see it. If I didn't see that man die with my own two eyes, I wouldn't have believed it. Even now...I still find it hard. Regardless of what I saw, part of me still thinks that he's just out there biding his time before he comes back. I have to keep reminding myself of what I saw." She said softly looking away from Fionna's gaze.
At this Fionna swore she felt her heart break.
"Kate, I'm so sorry."
"Don't be." She said quickly wiping her eye. "We're all alive and safe, it's all we can hope for right?" She asked passing off Melody who had begun crying and reached for her mother.
"That's right. I'm really, really, glad you're okay Kate."
"Honestly Fionna...I don't know if I really am okay. We've been through a lot, all of us. I don't want to down play what anyone's been through-
"No, you absolutely got the worst of this. I know it'll take time, but all that's left for all of us is to heal." Fionna said accepting the cookie Kate passed her heading to the living room.
In the living room Mochro and Marshall were talking. Passing Mo, Kate handed him a cookie, giving him a kiss on the cheek. She handed Marshall one as well. Only moments later was Aria bouncing between them all begging for a bite of cookie even though she had one of her own. In the end it was Marshall who gave in.
As Ari ran around opening her mouth like a little bird getting bites from everyone, they all talked waiting for the rest of the band to arrive.
o0o0o
If I've learned anything in this life, it's to always find a way to roll with the punches. Life will always be standing there waiting for the perfect opportunity to knock you down.
Always get back up when you're knocked down.
Five times down, six times up and repeat.
It's time to put everything on the line now. We'll stop at nothing to achieve our dreams, because our potential is limitless. We've already made one dream into a reality, so what's another?
Nothing can stop us but the limitations we place on ourselves.
The scars of our battles aren't something meant to weigh us down. No, they remain as proof. Proof that we survived when the odds were stacked against us. Proof we survived when things were dark. Proof we made it out alive.
These scars I wear like armor, so the world can see that I will not be broken. I refuse to be. I wear these scars so you can see me for who I am.
Someone who will utterly obliterate you with no second thought. I will fight, I will battle, I will brave the flames, and risk my life. I've done it before and I'll do it again. You can break me down in to nothing, and still I will rise from the ashes. If out of nothing more than pure spite, I refuse to lay down broken and bleeding.
I'll die first.
We will not be broken, no instead we will rise. We will rise like a pillar of smoke from the flames. And as we walk through the fire that blazes around us...
Still, From The Ashes We Will Rise
I.F.F
0o0
"Noooo. No, no, NO!" Ember stormed out of the room, Ignitus watching as she walked into the kitchen. Leaning into the bathroom he looked at the stick on the counter.
"Em, you keep saying No, but that doesn't change the fact that the stick says 'Yes'."
"Ig I really, REALLY need a damn minute right now." She said sounding on the verge of tears. He watches as she pulled out a bottle of water, opening it with shaking hands.
"Emma, you went and bought the pregnancy test, and took it. I figured you knew there was at least the chance you were pregnant."
"I'M NOT SUPPOSED TO BE PREGNANT! I'm on the pill! How the hell did birth control fail me!? It's whole purpose is it's name!"
"Super sperm?" Ember turned to look at him and Ignitus knew immediately he needed to shut up.
"I never want to hear you say that, ever again." Ember said flatly watching as her brother nodded.
"Wish granted. So what're you gonna do?"
"Honestly Iggy I have no idea. I never thought I was really pregnant, I just bought the test to rule out why I felt so bad." Ember said now leaning against the wall.
"Well, do you want a baby?" He asked feeling a sense of Dejavous.
"I never really really imagined in depth about having one. I've always known that I wanted to be a mom, but I never thought about it thought about it. I've always been an in the moment kind of person you know?" Ember said holding her arms.
"In the moment?" Ig asked with a laugh. "Em, you hold grudges worse than me."
"I'm still an in the moment person Iggy." She snapped.
"Okay Queen Preganinan calm down." He said raising his hands watching as Ember absolutely bristled with rage.
"Ignitus Feuer Flint, I'll kill you today."
"I believe you. Maybe it's a false positive, do you want to get another test?" He asked watching as she nodded.
"I do, I want to be certain before Finn comes home."
"Okay, let's go." He said grabbing his keys, waiting for Ember to grab her things. A few minutes later she walked from the house locking the door behind her. The drive to the pharmacy was quiet, but on the ride back Ember spoke up.
"Ig, if I am pregnant, do you think I'd be a good mom?"
"That's a stupid question Em. You're gonna be a great mom."
"You think?"
"I know. You're an absolute bad ass. You take no shit from anyone, let alone some small baby. So it won't boss you around too badly." He said earning Ember's laugh.
"You're so dumb."
"But you still laughed. So I guess the things you find funny are dumb." He said watching as she smirked.
"I find you funny. By that logic you just insulted yourself." Ember grinned watching as her brother scowled.
"Bite me you brat."
Hearing this Ember smirked.
"That's what I did to Finn that got me into this mess." She said watching as he cringed. Her brother's reaction was everything she wanted and more. At this she couldn't help but laugh.
"EM GROSS!"
He listened as she stemmed her giggling, but to his surprise though, Ember began sniffling.
"Hey, what's up?" He asked reaching over and rubbing her shoulder.
"Ig, what if I end up like how our parents were?"
"You would never be like that. I mean it." He said as they pulled into the driveway. Parking the car he turned to face her.
"Emma, you genuinely are the most protective and loving person. Look at how you treat me. That's already a million times better than our parents ever did. Do you really think you'd ever have it in your heart to treat your own child that way? I'm not kidding when I say you'll be an incredible mother Em. You really genuinely will, because as vicious as you are, you don't have a mean bone in your body." He said watching as his little sister smiled.
"Thanks Iggy. You really are the best."
"Tell me something I don't know." He said with a grin reaching for the door's handle. He paused though as Ember spoke up.
"Finn told me something the other day."
"Oh lord I don't need to know." He said once again reaching for the door.
"But Ig if I'm going to have this baby I have to know." The tremor in her voice made him freeze.
"Know what?" He asked softly turning to her. Ember opened her mouth to speak but paused looking nervous and unsure. Taking a breath she finally spoke.
"He, really is dead right? That guy? The one who broke in?"
Reaching over he pulled Ember close hugging her tightly.
"Emma, that bastard is deader than dead. He's never, ever coming back. My only regret is that I didn't take him out myself." He said kissing her forehead and releasing her. "You'll never see him again."
He watched as Ember's hands came to rest on her belly and smiled. She worried about being like their parents, but already she was so protective of a baby she wasn't even sure was there.
"I know you'd never lie to me, but do you promise?"
Immediately he offered her his pinky, smiling as she hooked hers around his.
"Ember, I promise. He is dead, and you'll never see him ever again." He said seriously.
Ember stared at him for a moment, and with a nod she opened the door.
Taking that as his cue, Ignitus followed her into the house.
0o0
"So how's she taking the news?" Marceline asked following him to the door.
"Honestly really well. Em panicked and cried for like ten minutes, but she was really happy when I left." Ig said as he opened the door letting Marcy pass through before locking it behind them.
"And both the tests were positive?" She asked as he smiled.
"Technically all three. The first, and the two new ones. Emma of all people was worrying about being a good mom." He said shaking his head. "That's the most ridiculous thing I think I ever heard her say. But on that note I can't wait to be an uncle." He said with a grin.
"Heading to the meeting?" Marceline asked.
"Yeah, Kate's staying at their place with Ari. Do you still want to come?"
"Absolutely, I was going even if you didn't ask." She said climbing in giving him a smile.
They'd been on the highway for the better part of an hour when Ignitus spoke up again.
"So, how are you feeling today? With Simon's funeral yesterday and all." He asked glancing at her as he drove.
"Devastated doesn't touch how I feel right now. But I know he's not hurting, or confused anymore. Grandpa's okay now, he's dancing in the stars with Betty. What could be more beautiful than that?" She asked, her voice sounding strained.
Reaching over Ignitus placed his hand on hers, feeling as Marceline squeezed it tightly. Yesterday had been hard enough, watching her break the way she had. It had been just as hard watching Marshall break down when giving his final respects. Yesterday had been difficult for all of them.
"Marcy, when this is all over with Lich, I want to take you somewhere. I don't know where yet, but I think we should go on a real honeymoon."
"Yeah?" She asked wiping her eyes and turning to face him.
"Yeah. I don't care where we go as long as we go together. Hell we can buy the first flight out and see where it takes us. I just want to spend my time with you."
"I love you, like so damn much." Marceline said wiping her eyes again.
"Baby, I love you so much more."
o0o0o
The harder I tried the further I seemed to fall. But through all of this chaos, I found a way out. In doing so, I learned that I will fight for every breath I get to take on this planet.
I've learned lesson, after lesson. Yet the one that seems to stand out most to me, is that you don't have to become your circumstances. You don't have to fall from the person you are, or the person you wanted to be. Your worth is not defined by your life experiences, but your actions to get through them.
Though the night and your circumstances may be dark, a new day brings new light and new chances. If you make a mistake, it's not the end of the world because you're only human.
Everyone makes mistakes.
When your mind gets tired, and you feel yourself turning cold because of the things going on, you have to accept that a change is both necessary, and important.
I hid from the demons that haunted me, thinking it would make them go away. Because I never directly addressed my problems, I allowed the darkness of my past to stain my friendships, and my relationship. I never truly liked myself, I never saw myself as a worthwhile person.
I needed help.
It's not a weakness to admit you need help, but strength. I needed the help of people I hurt. I needed the help of people I lashed out at. I needed help and once I realized that I was about to lose everything, I did everything I could to get it. I had to stop making excuses for my toxic behavior, and accept the reality that everything I had done, was a poor decision I personally chose to make.
I needed to see and admit that I was wrong.
I've spent so much time feeling regret for what I've done. I've changed my entire life, and yet I didn't know what I wanted out of it. I've started over again, and again. This time is different though. This time I chose to forgive myself for my mistakes. For the first time in a long time I finally feel alive. I feel like the world is bright and full of possibilities. Forgiveness from others though is something earned
New beginnings are always possible, and forgiveness is as well.
A. L. Graham
o0o0o
"No, I completely understand." Ash said, writing on the notepad as he spoke. "Yeah but her insurance will be changing in the next few days, and with her treatments my mother needs her medication. That's why I'm asking for the three month refill instead of the month. We aren't sure when she'll get coverage back and we're trying to get as prepared as we can before we lose coverage."
He listened nodding and adding to his notes, and finally sighed hanging up. The only downside to leaving BloodRain was that they'd had incredible medical insurance. These last two years for him had been some of the easiest when dealing with his mother's health. Now though he felt the anxious paranoia eating at him. Were her medications going to clear? How were they going to proceed moving forward? Could she keep her doctors? Would they take the new insurance?
Sitting down at the kitchen table Ash rubbed his temples. Even his mother's stay at home nurse was covered by their insurance. Losing her he knew, was going to be one hell of an adjustment for all of them.
Marshall he knew, was planning on having them sign a five year deal with Nitosphere later on tonight. He knew Hunson would offer them health coverage, but would he be willing to cover his mom too was the bigger question. Especially since now her conditions would be considered as preexisting. That was going to make getting any kind of insurance for her nearly impossible without it being astronomically expensive.
He sat there wondering how on earth he could ever ask such a favor, especially from Hunson himself after the drama he'd caused with Marceline.
"Ash sweetie, Nurse Candi just called. She said she's running a little late." His mom said, watching as Ash again rubbed his temples. "You can head out if you need to, I'll be fine."
"It's not that Ma, I'm just stressing."
"What're you worrying about?" She asked carefully making her way to the table.
"Bills." Ash said turning with a smile. "It's just the usual. Nothing huge Ma, I promise."
"If you say so, your ears are red so I know you're lying." She said with a smirk watching his face drop.
"That's how you always knew?!" He asked aghast as his mother laughed.
"You gotta learn your kids tells. How'd you think I always knew when Ashley was bullshitting me?"
"I just always thought she was terrible at hiding it."
"She was. It was horrible. She was a terrible liar." She said shaking her head in amusement.
"Ma, did Ashley visit you at all while I was gone?"
This had been something he'd been hesitant to ask. His sister could be a good person when her wants and morals lined up. That though happened so very rarely.
"No. I haven't seen her in person but I know she's been by. Some times she leaves groceries, or buys my favorite drink from the corner store and leaves it in the fridge for me. I know it's not a lot, but its those little things that let me know my baby girl cares. Even if she doesn't talk to me, I know she loves me. It's the little things Ashton." Julie said with a smile.
"I'm glad she's been by. About your nurse Candi, is she new? I haven't met her yet." Ash asked watching as his mother beamed.
"Oh you'll love her, Candice is the sweetest thing. She's my favorite day nurse, but she's been out on vacation this last week."
"Oh okay, well I'm glad she's coming back then." He said glancing at the clock. "I do have to go now though. You're sure she'll be here soon?"
"Any minute now sweetie. Its okay I'll stay on the couch until she gets here, she's got a key." She said carefully making her way to the living room, Ash escorting her.
"Do you need anything before I go? Water or a snack? Tea and toast?" He asked grabbing his keys from the coffee table.
"Thank you Ash, but I'm okay." She said waving him off.
"Alright, I love you Ma."
"I love you too sweetheart. Drive safely."
"I always do Ma, but I promise I will." He said closing the door and locking it behind him.
o0o0o
Ash pulled up to Mo's house watching as Ignitus pulled up behind him. He battled with his thoughts as he climbed out of the car. He decided to wait for them, and stood by his trunk. He was wondering if maybe Marcy could answer his question.
As they stepped out of the car, Marceline was wiping her eyes. Immediately Ash knew, now was not the time.
"Ash." Ignitus said sternly standing now at the front of his truck between he and Marceline.
"Ig, Marceline. I was going to ask if you guys had the time for a policy question about Nitosphere, but now's not the time." Ash said holding his hands up.
"No, its fine. What's your question Ash?" Marceline asked from her side of the truck.
"Do you think your dad would be willing to add my mom on as a dependent onto my health insurance?" He asked watching as she frowned.
"I don't think he's ever done that before, so I'm not sure. I'm sorry I can't be more helpful. If I were you I'd ask him directly. Daddy's usually pretty reasonable." She said as he nodded.
That would never work, he was sure Hunson wanted his head. There was little chance he would do him any favors.
"Thank you, for your help I appreciate it. I'll ask him tonight at the meeting." He said watching as Marceline nodded.
"Is Ma doing okay?" FP asked still not moving.
"Right now she's in a pretty stable spot. The meds they have her on are working just how they're supposed to. I've been on the phone with her doctors, and the pharmacy, and the insurance company all morning. I've been trying to get a three month prescription of everything filled and all I've been getting was the runaround. I know Lich is cancelling our insurance probably today, and I genuinely don't know how I'm gonna be able to help her after that if I can't get those medications."
"That's a really tough spot man, I'm sorry to hear that."
"Don't be, you didn't do it." Ash said with a sigh.
"Let's go in, Marshall's gonna want a band meeting before we do this." Ig said reaching for Marceline's hand feeling as she gave it a squeeze.
"I'll be in in a minute." Ash said softly. They walked towards the house, but Ash waited for a moment. He wanted to give them space to get in the house and settled before he walked in. Or at least that's what he told himself. Instead he sat there wondering how on earth he was going to make things okay.
o0o0o
I never imagined I would be the kind of person who would become beaten down and broken. I had always been a free spirit, a fighter...That's what my case worker had always said anyways. For so many years I wished things would change.
A fighting spirit shines brightest in adversity
As the years passed and trauma began dancing through my life, I could feel myself closing up to the world. It was like a thick fog just engulfing me in darkness, even with Marshall by my side. It was closing up everything, and slowly I started to shut down.
I could feel every part of me screaming at me to wake up. Begging me to come back into the light, to lift the haziness...But can you truly lift mist? This mist feels like it's the weight of every terrible thing that's ever happened to me. Yet with such weight it comes without warning. Though I try to escape, most often all I feel is lost.
You choose whether or not to give up
I tell myself to breathe through my anxious worries, and wonder when I allowed myself to become so numb. I find myself asking when I began to feel so little, and why I allowed it in the first place.
It took me a long time to realize that depression wasn't a bolt of lightning that came with the warning of thunder. No, it's more like a warm blanket wrapping you in it's clutches while you drown, desperately fighting for a breath of air.
Every beautiful moment feels like a breath of fresh air. In those moments of happiness, I have this sense of clarity that THIS is how I'm supposed to feel. I never thought I would be able to escape this mist after I lost our baby.
All I could think of was how I didn't belong here. How all I wanted was to be where ever they were. How I wanted to hold them so close, and kiss their cheeks, and run my fingers through their hair. All I could think of was how I'd give anything to have my baby back.
It was all I wanted
For the longest time I sat with those feelings and it was a never ending ache in my chest. It still is, even now. This is a pain I know will never go away. It's a constant acknowledgement of what I'm missing from my life. A constant reminder of what should be here but isn't.
I don't know how Marshall stays so strong. I don't know how he holds everything together the way he does. But when he holds me, I feel as if every crack in my shattered heart and spirit begins healing.
I wish he never had to let go
Through everything, I've come to the realization that I create my own destiny. I will no longer sit here with the weight of the world baring down on me, because to do so is to let myself slip into nothingness.
I have to help myself
I am a person who is loved, cherished, and adored, and I have to remind myself of that every day.
I am here. I am alive. And I will make it through this, and everything else they can throw at me.
I refuse to be afraid anymore
Fionna Mertins (Future Abadeer)
0o0
Fionna slipped her hand into Marshall's as they walked through the double doors of BloodRain. There was a sense of tension in the air, and the employees even seemed on edge.
"We have a four thirty meeting with Lich." Marshall said as the secretary nodded.
"That'll be in the conference room on the third floor Mr. Abadeer." The secretary said handing them visitors passes. After a walk through an entirely new security gate, the officer allowed them access to the rest of the building.
"Well that was weird as hell." Ignitus said sharing a glance with Marshall who nodded.
"For real, does this place seem a bit on edge?" Mo asked quietly as they began climbing the stairs to the third floor.
"See that's what I was gonna say. Everyone here seems really wound up." Ash said. "Lich must be on a war path."
They walked down the hall entering the conference rooms, each taking a seat at the table. Silently they waited, the minutes ticking away until their meeting time had come and gone.
"Has Lich ever been late before?" Fionna asked glancing around the room.
"Not that I can recall, he's probably coming up with some more bullshit to get us caught up in." Ig said shaking his head.
Finally the sound of footsteps coming down the hall met their ears. They all shared a glance, preparing themselves for this meeting and what was to come. They watched as Mei entered the room, and to their surprise, following her was Lucas who shut the door.
"I can see from the looks on your faces that you're all confused." She said still standing at the head of the table. "Lucas, if you will."
"Gladly. Fionna and Gentlemen, let me introduce to you our acting CEO, Mei." Lucas said with a grin.
"WHAT!?" Fionna gasped with a grin. "Are you kidding?"
"Do I ever play?" Lucas asked. Marshall though was quick to speak up.
"What happened?"
"Finally, I thought you guys would never ask." She said pulling out the chair and sitting down. "Anderson Lich has been under investigation for suspicion of over fifty American human trafficking cases. Every individual that received a VIP pass and has gone and remained missing, have been included and added to the growing charges. They haven't even started internationally yet. They went to serve him with a warrant last night and he was gone. Bank accounts that hadn't been frozen were wiped clean, Lich is on the run."
"But how did you get to be the acting CEO?" Ash asked watching as Mei smirked.
"Because I am the only living, and to my disturbed surprise, legally adopted heir of the psycho. I petitioned to the board when I found this out. That officer Tiffany was the one who got me a copy of those documents. They handed the reigns over with a quickness.
"They want nothing to do with this mess. As such, I get to decide what happens to Blood Rain. I've decided I'll be liquidating the company, and assets. I'll be distributing everything to all employees and artists." She said handing Lucas a packet of folders as he handed them to the group around the table.
"Your legal obligations to Blood Rain have been met. Every contractual obligation that remains owed to us is forgiven, and will become null and void. You are officially released from your contracts, and no longer are you contracted to Blood Rain in any way shape or form. Your band will retain all rights to music, lyrics, albums, merchandise, profits and all else." Mei said signing a document and passing it to Marshall.
"All you have to do is sign on the X by your names."
Marshall read through the contract. Not that he expected anything underhanded from Mei, but he was surprised that the contract was identical to what Mei had told them. Feeling satisfied, Marshall signed his name passing the document to Fionna who too read the paper before signing it.
The document was passed around the table until it finally returned to Mei, Ash passing it over to her.
"Excellent, it looks like everything's in order. Lucas would you mind making a copy for everyone, and one for my personal records?"
"Not at all." He said taking the paper and walking from the room.
"So what happened? How did they connect Lich?" Mo asked.
"You actually have Fionna's brother to thank. The police officer I spoke with the night of the concert is a friend of his, and she was willing to listen to what I had to say. She was also willing to allow me to turn myself in to her after I dissolved the company and get the staff situated."
"Wait what?"
"What do you mean turn yourself in?" Marshall asked quickly.
"I know you all know what I did." She said softly.
"But you were saving Kate's life, doesn't that count for anything?" Mo asked watching as Mei smiled.
"I really appreciate you guys, but I'm okay with this. We talked about it a lot, Tiffany and I. She said that given the situation, and it being self defense, I'll probably be given a much more lenient sentence, considering how in all technicality I'm a trafficking victim too, and I'm coming clean about everything. Just please... Don't tell Lucas, he doesn't know yet what I'm going to do. I want to tell him myself." She said softly watching as they all nodded.
"Guys, I think this concludes our final meeting at BloodRain." Mei said standing from her seat, just as Lucas walked in with the copies. Once she'd handed a copy to each of them she smiled again.
"Enjoy your freedom guys. You absolutely deserve it." Mei said watching as they all shared looks of excitement. After a round of good bye's it was only she and Lucas left in the room.
"You okay Mei?"
"Lucas, there's something I want to tell you about." Mei said softly watching as he turned to face her.
"What's up?" He asked, sitting down at the table as Mei motioned towards the seat.
"When everything with Bloodrain is over, I'm turning myself in."
"What on earth do you mean!?" Lucas asked with a gasp. Hearing this Mei looked away. She knew he'd take it like this, but she still didn't expect it to hurt as bad as it did.
"I have to take responsibility for what I did-
"You mean what he made you do." He said quickly.
"Lich didn't make me kill Declan Lucas. You know that. That's on me, entirely."
"Is there anything I can do? Act as a character witness? Write a letter? What can I do to help?" He asked watching as she smiled sadly.
"Just what you're doing. I don't need you to save me Lucas, though a character letter would be nice."
"Done." He said simply. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"Honestly? I was afraid you'd talk me out of it." She said softly now leaning against the edge of the table.
"I'll never talk you out of making a good decision Mei. I just wish you'd told me earlier so I could have been there with you for support."
"I appreciate that Lucas, I really do. I just knew that this was something I had to do by myself." She said as he reached forward taking her hand.
"So how are you doing?"
"I'm nervous as all hell, I won't lie. But I'm hoping that with everything I'll be able to get a much more lenient sentence."
"I'm hoping they keep in mind that all of this started for you at twelve. This isn't fair to you if they don't take that into account. You were abused and manipulated for years-
"I still did bad things-
"And you did good things too Mei. What do you think Declan would have done to their baby? Your motives may not have been entirely good at the start, but you did a bad thing for a good reason. You saw how Declan was treating Kate and you may not have stopped him before, but you did help her how you could when she needed it. Not to mention telling Fionna about her smoothie-
"But she lost it anyways, so what even was the point!?" Mei asked on the verge of tears.
"Because Sweetie, life happens. No matter what you do, or where you go, life will continue to happen. You can't stop nature, and you can't stop life. Yes they lost their baby, and it was utterly tragic. Yes it was probably from the stress of all of this. But the one thing you can say is that you refused to allow the murder of someone's very much wanted unborn child. You may not have saved it's life but you did allow nature to take it's course. You did everything in your power, and that's enough Mei. It's more than enough."
"I was planning on turning myself in after work." Mei said after a beat of silence.
"Do you want me to come with you?"
"Please?"
"Can I at least feed you first?" He asked watching as Mei looked up in surprise, her stomach growling.
"Yeah, we can get food." She said now looking towards the window. From here she could see the the colors of the afternoon slowly shifting to soft yellows and oranges as the sun began to set.
0o0
"We are THE HELL OUTTA HERE!" FP bellowed the moment they hit the lobby. Raising his hands in the air he flipped the entire lobby off as the group walked towards the exit.
"I'll remember all of you in therapy." Marshall said with a wave, his arm around Fionna's waist as they continued on.
"Screw this place!" Mo said joining FP's flip-off brigade.
"We're out!" Ash shouted excitedly joining the pair of them as they walked from the building.
"This is a whole new beginning for us Fi." Marshall said softly to her pulling his hood up. As they passed through the threshold and out into the afternoon sunlight, he held her closer.
"We have our whole lives right here in front of us. All that's left is to reach out and grab it." Marshall said feeling as Fionna leaned into him.
"I know it's over, but it doesn't feel like it is to me. What if Lich comes back?"
"Right now he's a wanted criminal by federal agencies. I don't think he'll be out on the streets enjoying his freedom much longer. As for us? I say we do what we've been doing and take everything day by day."
"I like that Marsh." Fionna said slipping her hand into his and squeezing it tightly. "I think it's a solid idea."
o0o0o
Hunson sat in his office finishing drafting up the paperwork. He was more than excited that Marshall and his band would be returning to Nitosphere. The band would be signing at the private dinner meeting tonight. As he readied the paperwork, Hunson's mind began to wander. More specifically his thoughts lingered on Marceline.
With Simon's funeral only last week, he knew she would be more sensitive than usual. He contemplated whether or not he should even have the dinner here. With the things that had gone on between she and Ash, Hunson wasn't too eager on them being in the same vicinity.
Taking a breath he sighed. Maybe he was being overprotective now, to make up for what he allowed to happen in the past. Especially since they'd all gone on tour together since then, Hunson knew he was being ridiculous.
At the sound of knocking he looked towards the door watching as their butler walked in.
"Sir, your daughter and son in law have arrived. The remaining members of the scream kings will arrive within the hour. Marshall and Fionna send their apologies, and would like me to inform you that they will be leaving the dinner early as their youngest is unwell."
"Thank you."
"Sir." He said walking from the room.
At this news Hunson began cleaning off his desk, organizing the documents and readying them. The Scream Kings would be signing with him indefinitely. This contract he'd created was ironclad, he'd absolutely out done himself, and he knew Marshall would approve along with the rest of the band.
Standing he walked from his office startling Marceline who stood just outside the door.
"Hey Daddy."
"Sweetheart, I was just coming to find you. How did their meeting with Blood Rain go?"
"Daddy you're not gonna believe it but Lich ran. Like he's on the run right now says Ig. They have his assistant shutting everything down as the active CEO. Like holy crap, I thought they were messed up before but this was just ridiculous." She said shaking her head, smiling as her dad hugged her tightly.
"I take it they were able to close out their contract?"
"Completely." She said handing him a document. "And with all rights to everything. From the way it's sounding Mei is burning that place to the ground from the bottom up."
"Good. He's been nothing but a disgusting leech since his conception." Hunson said skimming through the document.
"Daddy-
"Marceline, the man's a parasite. It's as plain and simple I can say it while still being kind."
"He doesn't deserve kindness, he deserves to get caught."
"And that we can all agree one hundred percent on." Ignitus said walking down the hall towards them eating an apple. "I want to know where he went. It's not easy to up and disappear, but with millions I'm sure it wouldn't be that hard. But at this point who could he risk running to?" He asked watching as both Hunson and Marceline shrugged.
Ignitus took another bite, and paused mid chew at the thought that had come barreling through his head. Surely that would be impossible...but then again would it?
"Ig you okay?"
"What if he went to my Papa?" He asked quickly earning her confusion.
"Huh?"
"Lich! We know my grandfather's up to no damn good, and that they're connected because of what happened with Emma. What if Lich went to him to help get on the run?" He asked watching the identical looks of shocked surprise on both Hunson's and Marceline's faces.
"I need to go." He said, quickly turning and heading towards the door. He needed to find out and see for himself if his thoughts were true.
If they were he didn't know what he was going to do.
Hey guys, I'm so sorry this chapter took so long. I had to sit and come to terms that this story IS actually coming to an end, and that put me into my feelings quite a bit.
I won't lie, bringing this story to it's inevitable conclusion to me, feels like saying good bye to a very good friend. It's very much a bittersweet experience for me, and I'd imagine for us all. While this is not the final chapter, I believe this IS the beginning of the end. The next chapter will most likely be the final chapter and will possibly follow with an epilogue if it's not included.
Thank you all for reading and following along on this wonderful life changing journey through the last 8 years.
Until next time xoxo H09