Finally Home
By 18lzytwner
They were home. Well Owen had to admit that yes, physically, they were, mentally… They had been through a lot, but to add to it, they had been in the middle of some emotional turmoil before they left. So now the three of them stood in the doorway of their home, looking at the mess that had been left behind.
Owen and Claire had literally dropped what they were doing, stuffed some clothes and their passports into a couple of bags, and locked the front door. All within five minutes. The mode they shifted into was a familiar one, but there was a bit more panic than they'd experienced before. Maisie had been taken and they were heading into the unknown. Dinosaurs they knew and they knew the kind of men that had taken the girl they called their daughter, but they had no idea who those men worked for.
It was more than calling of course. They had no biological relation, but they loved Maisie like she was their own. They wanted the best for her and while they had hoped to stay together, safe in their home in the Sierra Nevada Mountains forever, in the back of their heads, they knew better. It had been mostly good while it lasted though.
"We better shut the door," Claire's words were barely above a whisper, but Owen heard them. He quickly made sure that the front door was closed and locked. An awkward silence fell between them again. The long flights home had been filled with answering questions from the authorities, talking with Kayla and Doctors Grant, Sattler, and Malcolm, and keeping an eye on Beta. Dr. Wu had been flown on a separate flight to a facility to begin his work on eradicating the locusts. Now there was nothing between them and the silence, but each other.
Wordlessly, Owen went for the light switch and flicked it. Nothing happened. He cursed under his breath. It was getting dark out and the generator wasn't working. Honestly, they hadn't prepped it like they normally would have before leaving for a long trip. There wasn't time for that. Cursing under his breath, he grabbed a flashlight off the shelf near the door and headed back outside.
Claire suddenly felt the need to try and clean up before the darkness fell. She frowned at the corn she'd left behind. It smelled rancid and had become slimy and moldy – a product of being left on the table for so long. Claire had touched a lot of nasty things since the fall of Jurassic World, but this was just not on her list. She went into the cupboard grabbed two garbage bags. Opening the one bag, she wrapped the other around her forearm and used it to push the disgusting corn into the open bag. She then threw the bag from her forearm into the nasty bag and closed it. Going to the front door, she opened it, walked over to their lidded garbage canister, which was just off the porch, and threw the bag into it.
When she made it back inside, she found Maisie wiping down the table with some disinfectant wipes. It seemed like she needed to focus on something and it happened to be the goo on the table. Claire wanted to say something, but she wasn't sure what. Her thoughts were interrupted by the light that Owen had flicked on actually coming on. Both women were relieved that they would not have to spend the night in the complete darkness.
"Well, that was fun," Owen said disrupting the women in his life as he came through the door.
"Are we all good?" Claire asked, glad for the disruption.
"Yes. It was being stubborn, but I got it going. The solar panels should have stored energy in the batteries so when I flicked the switch, the lights should have come on. The only thing we left running would have been the fridge, right?" He was sure they hadn't left anything else running.
"As far as I know. You think the fridge used up all of the energy? Shouldn't the generator have kicked on when the batteries went out?" Claire was concerned. They'd slid into a mode that was familiar – deal with the problem in front of them and ignore the ones behind it. It let them hyperfocus and survive.
"Something that I can deal with in the morning. We have enough fuel to last us through the night and into tomorrow. We might want to check the fridge though," he pointed out.
"We just threw out what used to be corn that was on the table," she told him. Owen made a face.
"The fridge was closed so it would have acted like a cooler right?" Maisie finally joined the conversation. The banality of it made her feel more comfortable though she couldn't really explain why.
"Well, yes, for a few hours. A few days… let's just say I'm thinking it's going to stink in there," Owen frowned.
"I'll get a black trash bag," Maisie offered. Claire and Owen moved toward the appliance. Owen grabbed the handle and opened the door. Both he and Claire gagged. The milk and eggs were definitely spoiled.
"Unplug it. We have to clean it out and dry it. It'll take about twelve hours to get back down to the right temp," Owen told Claire. She grabbed the plug and pulled it, grateful that the outlet was reachable, and that they didn't need to move the large appliance. No one had the strength for that at the moment. They were all running on fumes, but the work was helping despite the exhaustion.
Everything went into the large bag that Maisie had pulled out of the cupboard. It didn't matter if it was a condiment, melted chocolate bar, or defrosted fish. There was no point in taking any chances - everything they pulled out of the fridge and freezer was warm to the touch. The last thing they needed, on top of what they'd been through, was a bout of food poisoning.
Owen took the heavy bag outside to the lidded canister and threw it in there on top of the already stinking corn. He figured it would be necessary to take the can into town in the morning and dump it into the dumpsters at the grocery store. Normally they tried to be more self-sufficient and compost what they could while recycling the plastics and metals. They couldn't do that with this lot.
"Ok so grocery store, gas station, and possibly the hardware store tomorrow," Owen told them as he walked back in the front door. He hoped that it was the last time he went outside for the evening.
"So much for just relaxing," Claire heaved a sigh as she continued wiping out the freezer while Maisie worked on the fridge.
"When it rains it pours," he chuckled before helping Maisie finish up wiping the shelves. Once they were done, they took some dry paper towels and wiped out the inside before plugging the unit back in. The compressor kicked on and they all breathed a sigh of relief.
"Do we have any food left?" Maisie suddenly found herself getting hungry.
"Check the cupboard. I'll see if the bread is still good. I know we have some peanut butter around here," Claire shifted her focus to making sure Maisie was taken care of.
"Verdict?" Owen asked after a few moments. He hopped up on a stool that was next to the table.
"We have some soup cans, crackers, sauce, pasta, and stuff that needs some of the stuff we threw out," the teenager shrugged.
"Yes, but the bread is not moldy and the peanut butter is still good," Claire smiled.
"No jelly. That went into the trash," Maisie frowned.
"Well look at it this way – you've got protein and carbs. Should be filling and tomorrow we can get jelly," Owen smiled at her.
"And a pizza?" The teenager asked.
"Definitely a pizza," Claire promised as she started "making dinner" by throwing a couple of pieces of bread into the toaster. Maisie grabbed glasses of water for everyone while the next round of toast was put into the toaster. It wasn't much of a dinner, but it filled a hole that needed filling. Honestly, none of them were in the mood to cook anyway.
"All right we have to add a stop to our trip tomorrow. Breakfast at the diner, then the hardware store, grocery store, and gas station," Owen said after he finished his toast.
"We should make a list of what we want besides jelly and pizza," Claire pointed out.
"A good idea. That toast has given me more energy. I think I'll venture into the attic and check those solar batteries," he said, lifting himself from the stool. He was stiff as a board and he was really starting to feel it.
"You sure?" Maisie cocked an eyebrow.
"When did I get old?" Owen asked as he straightened up.
"When did we last get a good night's sleep in our own beds?" Claire pointed out.
"Point. The attic can wait. I'll make sure things are secure and then it's off to bed," he said. He walked around stretching his arms and shoulders trying to relax his stiffening muscles.
"I think a dose of ibuprofen might not be a bad idea either," Claire heaved sigh. She was afraid to see the color of her skin once she pulled her t-shirt off. The bruises she sustained during their adventure at Biosyn's facility and dinosaur preserve were numerous. She was still unsure how she had no broken bones though admittedly things were almost as sore as being broken.
Owen went around the house and made sure the doors and windows were locked. Claire walked with Maisie to her room, still unsure of what to say to the teenager. Admittedly, though, she felt Maisie was in the same boat. Things had been said prior to her kidnapping and despite her rescue from the clutches of Biosyn and dinosaurs, neither of them had brought up what had happened.
Claire's focus shifted however when she felt Maisie grab her arm. Without a second thought, the redhead pulled the teenager into her, holding her close. She tried to not let her know how bruised she was, trying to suck in her breath as quietly as she could, and just focused on her daughter.
"I… I don't think I can sleep in the dark," it was a quiet statement from Maisie. It hit Claire at that moment. No longer completely distracted or running on adrenaline, the last time there was darkness and quiet, it was broken by the Giganotosaurus. The large theropod was bigger than the T. Rex and definitely made sure that everyone knew it. While Claire could never prove it, the T. Rex had never tried to attack her or Owen, instead choosing to attack others, seemingly assisting them. That had given the redhead a soft spot for what would have been the main attraction at the original park.
"Ok, so don't," Claire said, slowly pulled away from Maisie.
"The generator…" the teenager started, knowing that Owen had not factored in leaving her bedroom light on all night into his generator math calculation.
"Not worried about it. In fact, I think that Owen is a big boy, and he can spend the night alone. I think I'll sleep right here," Claire told her. Maisie looked up at her, tears were welling up in her eyes.
"Oh sweetie," the redhead pulled her back into her arms as the teenager was racked with sobs. She knew that they all were going to have issues, much like they had before, after the events at the Lockwood Mansion.
"I'm… sorry…" Maisie managed. Claire pulled back and then bent down so she could be at eye level with her.
"You have nothing to be sorry for. We were all scared, no matter what Owen tells you," the redhead injected a joke, trying to make her daughter smile. It worked for a moment or two but then the words tumbled out,
"You are my Mom. I shouldn't…" Claire didn't let her finish and pulled her close again.
"None of what we said before matters. All that matters is that we're home, we're together, and we're safe. That's it. Well, there is one more thing," the redhead paused, she pulled back a little and put her hands on the sides of Maisie's face, wiping some of the tears away,
"I love you. Nothing is ever going to change that."
"I love you too," there it was. The words that hadn't been uttered before. Previously, it had always been an implication, unspoken words. Claire and Owen never wanted to make her say it, no matter how much they wanted to hear it. It had to be her decision and for a while they wondered if they'd ever hear it.
Those words though did it. Claire couldn't hold it in anymore and she started crying herself. It was at that point that Owen entered the room. He'd seen and heard almost the entire conversation, not wanting to interrupt them. He pulled his girls into his arms. He kissed the top of Maisie's head and then kissed Claire's temple. They stood like that for a little bit before Owen felt Claire's head hit his shoulder.
"I need to sit down," she whispered. They carefully separated and Owen was concerned. He could see her wince as she carefully took a seat on Maisie's bed.
"We don't have any ice packs, but Maisie, can you grab the ibuprofen from the bathroom?" Owen asked. Maisie wiped her face with her sleeve and quickly headed off.
"Are we sure you didn't break any ribs?" He wondered.
"I yelled at the Dilophosaurus. I don't think I would have been able to if my ribs were broken. Doesn't mean they don't feel like shit," Claire was definitely in pain.
"I need to see your skin," Owen told her.
"You always say that. Then we usually end up in a compromising position," she smirked at him as Maisie returned with some water and some ibuprofen. The redhead took the drink and medicine gratefully.
"Well, I think we've past the point of exhaustion. Time to get ready for bed and actually get in it," Owen suggested.
"I'll be right back, Maisie, ok?" Claire promised.
"I… you should sleep in your bed. My bed isn't big enough for the both of us," Maisie pointed out. There was no way she wanted Claire to hurt herself more than she already was.
"Tell you what. You and Claire take our bed…" he didn't get to finish.
"No. Mom is right. We all need a good night's sleep in our own beds. I…" Maisie still had concerns about sleeping in the dark.
"You can leave the room light on, or I bet I still have a nightlight… if you think that'll help," Claire offered.
"Where is it? I'll get it," Owen said.
"Check the bottom drawer in the bathroom," she smiled, and Owen headed to go get it.
"I feel…" Maisie started.
"No, don't feel anything but safe. If this is going to help, there is no reason to feel ashamed or anything. Trust me. There have been times that I wished my parents didn't have my teddy bear," Claire told her. Maisie looked at her, surprised. She was a strong woman, who had rushed headlong into travelling across the world, fighting dinosaurs, while trying to hide her bruises. The teenager couldn't picture her needing a teddy bear.
"Hey, me and Teddy go way back. As I got older, I realized how powerful I could be, and I made sure that I came across to everyone as someone who could handle anything. I needed to do that in a male-dominated field. Doesn't mean that there wasn't self-doubt mixed in. Doesn't mean I didn't need something to comfort me before I met you and Owen. It certainly doesn't make me weak. Look at everything we've been through. We're still here and it's because of the little things just as much as the big things," Claire smiled at her. Maisie nodded, feeling better already.
"I found it. It wasn't in the bottom drawer. Someone moved it to under the sink," Owen said. He found the nearest outlet and plugged it in. Maisie went for her pajamas and ducked out of the room and down to the bathroom.
"All right, up you go. Time for your medical checkup," Owen said, carefully helping her up.
"I feel worse than I did before," Claire admitted.
"Well, you could have some very deep bruises. Those can last for quite a while. How you didn't do anything worse, I have no idea," he had been surprised on the plane when she explained her adventure before finding the observation tower in the Biosyn Valley.
"Thank my lucky stars and the guy who invented ibuprofen," she chuckled. Maisie was back in a few minutes and they tucked her in. She wanted the bedroom door left open a little and they obliged before shutting off the light and making their way down to their room.
The house was dark except for the light left on in their room. Once inside their private space, Owen helped Claire sit down and then he slowly removed her shirt. A low whistle left his lips…
"Sweet mother…" he said. Claire's torso was covered in bruises of varying colors. There were some deep purple ones and he figured that meant that her ribs might actually be hairline fractured – best case scenario would be bone bruises.
"Am I not sexy?" Claire was trying to keep it light.
"As much as I might want sexy, you shouldn't be doing anything strenuous for a few days. Maybe you should go to the clinic while we're in town tomorrow," Owen was concerned but still making a little joke of his own. Their banter helped them deflect.
"And say what? We were in the valley of the dinosaurs? That I fell out of a tree which I had parachuted into? They'll call the cops and toss you into the back of cop car," she gave him a look. It was a possibility; he couldn't deny it. The story was fantastical, and the cops would be much more inclined to believe that he was the cause of Claire's bruises.
"Ok bed rest and pain meds. You can come to town tomorrow, but we'll use one of those special carts at the grocery store," he said. It was all he was going to allow. She'd probably try and fight him, say that she could walk just fine, but she didn't get a chance. There was an ear-splitting scream from the other room and Owen bolted toward the sound. It was Maisie. Claire grabbed her shirt, cursed as she put it on, and then followed as quickly as she could.
When she reached the doorway, the lights were on, and Owen was holding Maisie. She was crying her eyes out. There would not be much sleep in the cabin tonight. That's when they all heard it. A chirp and a trill. They looked toward the window in Maisie's room. Owen expected to see Blue, but they could see nothing. Then the tapping of a claw could be heard on the porch. Owen said nothing, putting a finger up to his mouth and nose, indicating for them to be quiet.
Slowly, cautiously, he moved out into the living room. Blue was on the porch, yet she made no move to intrude on the building. She absolutely could, of course. That window glass wouldn't keep her out. The same chirp and the trill came again, but it was coming from Beta who suddenly appeared in the window, climbing on the bench which was underneath the glass. He smiled and moved toward the front door.
Slowly, he opened the door, Blue backed up, and Beta followed her mother. Owen put his hand out toward the velociraptor. Then she did something she hadn't done in years; she bumped his hand with her head.
"Oh Blue," he said. She trilled at him and then trilled at Beta. The trills sounded different from each other and then the two took off, back into the woods, and their new lives. Maisie and Claire had moved into the living room, at a snail's pace, so as not to scare the dinosaurs. In fact, they had only managed to exit Maisie's bedroom, so being in the living room, was accurate but not by much.
Owen came back into the house, closed, and locked the door. He had a smile on his face. Beta was just like her mother. Maisie looked at him a little confused.
"Why were they here?" She wasn't sure he could actually answer that, but she had to ask.
"You made a new friend. Beta was worried about you," he smiled.
"How could you tell?" Claire asked, confused.
"Blue is how. She touched me, just like she used to, when she was a baby. She hasn't done that in years. I went out there worried and she made a move to comfort me. I thought that part of our bond was gone. Beta followed her mother, but the trill is how you tell. The first one we heard was Beta, not Blue," Owen was still smiling, he couldn't help himself. Maisie was smiling by now.
"I have two velociraptor wranglers in this house. How am I not surprised?" Claire smirked. The three of them moved back towards Maisie's room but stopped at the doorway. There was no way that the teenager was sleeping alone in her own bed tonight.
"We're a little too big to share the bed like we used to," Claire figured. After the events of Lockwood Mansion, the three often shared the bed, mostly to comfort Maisie, whose nightmares did not want to go away. Neither Claire nor Owen wanted to admit to her that they had dreams that were just as scary. As a nine-year-old, she didn't need that in her head.
"I think we can manage something a little different. Claire and Maisie into the bed. We need to try and sleep," Owen told them.
"What about you?" Claire gave him a look.
"The couch. Still better than sleeping on a plane. I won't be far away if you need me. Now, I'm going to get that nightlight and then help Mom get some jammies on," he said.
"I'll get the nightlight Dad," Maisie smiled at him and went to her bedroom. Owen had the goofiest grin on his face as he helped Claire get undressed and put some pajamas on.
"Mom… she called me Mom…" the redhead was over the moon. Up until this point, they'd called each other by their first names. Only Owen and Claire had pet names for each other.
"I've got it," Maisie smiled as she came back into the room. She'd given them a few extra minutes to make sure that Claire was actually in her sleep wear.
"Good. Now let's get you into bed and make sure everyone is comfy," Owen smiled as he tucked both his girls in. He grabbed a blanket for himself off of the shelf in the closet and a pair of flannel pajama pants and a t-shirt out of the dresser.
"Good night," he smiled from the doorway.
"Night," both of the ladies said. They all fell asleep, but it was a long night. Nightmares and general discomfort. The first rays of the dawn came early and soon they were wishing that they'd gotten more sleep. There was cause for hope though. A brand-new day with promise of a different future ahead. There were a few obstacles that would always remain: dinosaurs, and how they would coexist; whether or not, Maisie could really go out into the real world, and if they could all handle it; how a family of squirrels had gotten into the attic and chewed on the solar battery wires (though Maisie wondered if it hadn't been a Compy). There was certainly a list, but they'd handle them together. They were finally home both mentally and physically.
The End