Gail sat with Merlyn on a large table towards the back of the set up, surveying the area closely. When she enlisted Caleb's help to make this celebration as pain free for her Husband as possible, she had not envisioned this setting and she did not know how she felt about it.
'Awful, just downright disrespectful!' Merlyn snapped in answer to her unspoken thoughts, unimpressed by her current location and what had been done to it.
'Calm down, Mary's done an amazing job and I bet you've never seen this place in such a light before' Gail advised, attempting to ease her anxiety even though she understood exactly why she would behave in such a way.
'This spectacle ain't right Gail, I don't know why Caleb would wanna do this? It's just wrong' Merlyn responded, as she glanced around the area sadly and was unable to shake her unease.
Gail did not want to be here either, not after what happened the last time; however, Caleb had been so excited about doing this and she promised that she would trust his judgement, no matter how much her instincts were screaming at her for allowing this to happen. 'For God's sake get a hold of yourself...This is just another nightmare that we need to get through for the greater good and I will not allow you to discredit your Brother's efforts, so man up and take one for the team like I always have to do!' she snapped, getting up and heading towards the tree's at the side of the property in order to give herself some room to breath before the party fully got started.
Lucas could not believe his eyes when the taxi pulled up at the Temple farm and he felt the rage he had managed to drown out due to the amount of alcohol he had consumed shoot straight back up. 'You knew' he accused, not even bothering to look at Billy.
'What does it matter? It's just an old place where another man raised your Son as his own for 10 years' Billy shrugged sarcastically, then could not hold in his laughter at the look of disbelief in his friends eyes and he dragged him out of the taxi. 'In all seriousness, this ain't a punishment and it ain't anythin' to do with Gail before you start spoutin' unfounded accusations again'
'Of course you know about that' Lucas laughed irritably, wondering how his life became so public.
'Hell yeah I do, when my Mrs gets a concerned call after strict instructions to leave us be, of course I'm put in the loop and I can't believe she didn't have your balls for those comments' Billy responded, annoyed himself of being dragged back into the nuthouse when he deserved a vacation.
'This is blatant disloyalty' Lucas said, ignoring Billy's comments.
'This is a Son throwin' a party for his real Father in a place that used to cause him distress. This is closure and if anythin', it's a screw you to Gage Temple by paradin' his burned down home so blatantly in a celebration for you' Billy advised, giving his friend a shake to get him out of his stubborn preconception and willing him to open his eyes.
Lucas thought for a moment, considering Billy's take on the situation, then let out a small laugh. 'A screw you huh?' he asked finally.
'With bells on and lanterns' Billy laughed, pointing towards the gothic scarecrows hung up around the area with bells on their shoes. 'Now come on, we forced ourselves into these uncomfortable costumes, so lets at least parade around for the common folk if only for an hour or two'
Lucas nodded his approval of the setting, pushing aside his previous rageful thoughts and felt a sudden need to see his Wife. 'Alright, but I didn't cave and you will do well to ensure that line is towed' he warned, then placed his arm around Billy's shoulders as they headed towards the party.
Caleb led Bobby and Boone through the large trees towards the swamp at the back of his old home, away from the now heavily populated party. He was proud of what he had accomplished to celebrate his Father and he had not wanted to leave the party; however, as the eldest Son there was something else that needed to be done and he had put it off for far too long, due to his own fondness and stubbourness.
'That's right boy, you know how to have some real fun and this area is perfect for that snivellin' fool Boone who insists on underminin' you' Malcolm whispered in his ear, remaining invisible so not to scare the other children. Caleb inhaled deeply at the comment and Malcolm thought that he sensed some hesitation in his Grandson, then the boy relaxed and Malcolm smiled at him proudly.
'Where are we goin'? There ain't no light here and all the people are back there' Boone asked, feeling uneasy as it was seeing Caleb in his Pennywise costume under the well lit area and his unease growing as the darkness of the night engulfed them.
'Stop bein' a pussy, this place is ace!' Bobby exclaimed excitedly, pulling his hockey mask over his face to bring his Jason costume to life.
Caleb smiled at Bobby's willingness to follow him, it was not long ago when he had tortured the boy in return for bullying his friends and now he appeared to be one of his loyalist people. 'It ain't far, I just wanna see if it's still there' he reassured, allowing his instincts to guide him and sensing his Grandfather with him the whole way.
Boone reluctantly followed the other two, deciding it was smarter to stay with them rather than trying to make his way back in the dark on his own. Who knows what animals and such were lurking around here, his Daddy said this place was cursed.
'He ain't wrong, Gage used to get in a fit of rage outta nowhere...Sometimes, he came down here all relaxed and such after work then returned and brought all hell down on Merly, as though he was possessed or somethin'' Caleb said, forcing an innocent tone.
'He weren't possessed or nothin', my Daddy said he was just a stinkin' drunk and he couldn't hold his beer' Boone responded bluntly, not allowing himself to be fooled by Calebs scare tactics.
'It ain't nothin' to do with bein' able to hold your beer, sometimes men are just downright vicious' Bobby interjected, not appreciating Boone's comment when he had clearly never had to deal with an alcoholic parent.
'Anyway-' Caleb continued, pulling the conversation back to him. '-Sometimes when Gage came down here, we'd here grumblin'. Some nights we thought we were imaginin' things, but then the sound would come louder'
'What sound?' Bobby asked excitedly.
'Grrrr' came all around them travelling on the air and Boone stopped in his tracks.
'No way, I ain't fooled. Stop doin' that Caleb!' Boone ordered, taking a step back when Caleb turned towards him and stared at him with dark eyes through his Pennywise mask.
'I didn't do nothin'' Caleb advised coolly, turning back around when the sound was heard again.
Boone's eyes grew wide when he looked towards the swamp area up ahead and a lump started to submerge from the mud. He shook his head frantically, willing his brain to stop playing tricks on him, then let out a loud scream when the lump became the form of a man and he screamed uncontrollably, bolting back towards the party with Bobby following suit.
Malcolm wiped the mud from his eyes and began laughing hysterically, amused by the utter fear in Boone's scream as he ran away. 'See, you're so much more fun than your Daddy, especially when you don't let that Heathen's rules stop you from bein' who you are...I knew I was right about you, you're gonna eat those other two babies alive' he smiled maliciously, seeing the dark glint in Caleb's eyes and believing the boy was well and truly on the right path to reaching his full potential.
'Now, why'd you have to go say a thing like that? I was actual doubtin' my decision with us bein' family and all, but you ain't ever gonna stop are you?' Caleb asked as he let out a disappointed sigh, then closed his eyes and nodded his approval.
Suddenly Rosemary appeared behind Malcolm and her razor sharp teeth shone brightly in the moonlight, as she crept up on her prey smiling devilishly. Malcolm stared at Caleb confused and was about to question what was wrong with the boy, when wet hands locked around his chest and prevented him from moving. By the time Malcolm realised what was happening, he was being dragged back away from Caleb and he had lost all control of his powers. 'No...No!' he yelled, calling out to his Grandson and urging him to help him.
Caleb forced himself to watch as Rosemary dragged Malcolm away, owning his choice and knowing that this was for the good of his family. When the screams subsided, Caleb allowed himself an uneasy shiver and rushed back to the party, desperate to be out of the darkness.
Gail rocked her Daughter gently in her arms, as Gail Jr sucked her thumb and watched the tipsy adults dancing around the large area. Gail leaned her head on hers and inhaled deeply, glad that the other people at the party were too drunk to notice her and she could finally stop performing.
She had sensed Lucas' arrival and his anger when he realised where he was, she also sensed Caleb leave the area and decided that the best course of action was to leave her Husband be, to allow him space to work off any frustration he may have about the venue of this party. Gail did not need another uncontrolled attack, she did not believe Lucas meant to hurt her; however, she would steer clear all the same so not to provoke any inappropriate public display.
Gail's mobile telephone began ringing and it took her out of her reverie, she stared at it suspiciously when she saw the unknown telephone number; however, her curiosity got the better of her and she clicked to answer, holding the mobile telephone carefully to her ear. There was silence for a moment, some static, then a loud gut wrenching scream and she instinctively threw the telephone to the ground in shock, closing her eyes in irritation when the screen shattered.
'Problems?' Lucas asked, coming up behind her and massaging her shoulders when he saw her body tense a moment earlier.
Gail stared up at him suspiciously for a moment, not expecting his first contact of the night to be an affectionate one. 'I don't know yet' she responded honestly, choosing to relax into his touch and gage his mood.
Lucas moved his hand to her neck and rubbed it gently, then leaned down and removed his Daughter from her grasp. 'Come on Princess, no child of mine is hidin' away. Go show 'em who's boss' he ordered, then smacked her behind playfully when he saw the mischievous look in her eyes and she bound towards the centre of the area obediently.
Gail smiled as her Daughter feigned innocence for the unsuspecting party guests, then she got up from her seated position and began walking towards the dark woods at the side of the property just as Caleb was emerging. 'Where have you been? Not hiding I hope' she asked curiously, taking his hand in hers and suddenly concerned when she felt how uncharacteristically cold he was.
'Lendin' a helpin' hand to give you full deniability, so you both can start sortin' yourselves out...call it an early Christmas present' Caleb whispered in her ear, careful to keep his guard up when he spotted his Father close by and gave Gail a quick hug before rushing to find his friends in the safety of the well lit area.
Gail watched confused as he left, then heard the familiar scream from the call on her mobile telephone plague her mind and her mouth dropped open.
'Is he scared to face me?' Lucas asked, coming back up behind her and closing his eyes as he inhaled her sweet scent.
'Could you blame him if he was? Although, you know your Son better than to actually believe he would show fear in front of you' Gail responded, moving further into the shadows of the trees to give herself a moment to think.
Lucas followed her closely, not wanting to give her any space to gather her thoughts. After a afternoon of drinking with Billy and hearing the man confess his undying love for Merlyn on a several occasions, he realised that his behaviour recently may have been a slight overreaction and he could not deny how ravishing she looked in her scarlet dress.
Gail could not help but smile as his eyes kept trailing over her body, and she knew that had come to his senses.
'I guess I should say I'm s-' Lucas started, then stopped when her index finger pressed softly against his lips.
'Oh we're way past that Soulmate, on both sides' she said, staring deep into his eyes and never needing an apology from him. How could she expect him to apologise for being himself? She had known who she was marrying and she was the one who had been pushing the boundaries these past few months.
Lucas ran his hand down her corset and smiled appreciatively. 'I like this, I especially appreciate the split in the middle...very considerate' he whispered, parting her skirt with his hands and running his fingers over the black fishnet stockings she was wearing.
'Well, I couldn't expect you to have to unfasten the whole thing. Let's be honest, this corset is virtually welded to my skin and there'd be no hope of satisfying your inevitable needs if you had to take all night peeling it off' Gail laughed, closing her eyes as he knelt down and ripped her lace panties off with his teeth.
'Do I need to be concerned about what Caleb was doin' this far out on his own?' Lucas asked, before he had fully committed to putting his previous suspicion of this location out of his mind.
'Hell if I know, I've been the dutiful housewife all evening and monitoring our little Cherubs' Gail responded truthfully, not totally aware herself of what Caleb had done but having her own suspicions.
Lucas stared up at her to see if he could catch a lie; however, he sensed that she was telling to truth. 'Well alright then, I guess it's about time I got to enjoy your present' he smiled appreciatively, running his nose over her sweet spot and devouring her, happy she understood that this was all he required from her on his birthday.
'Wait-' Gail panted, biting her bottom lip to stifle her aroused moan. '-This isn't your present'
Lucas let out an exasperated breath and stood up, cupping her chin in his hands and staring at her with frustration. 'Please don't tell me that there's some other public spectacle I'm to endure. It's bad enough that I have to pretend this one is acceptable due to the effort Caleb has put in'
Gail let out a small laugh and stroked her hand up his black suit, appreciating how well he pulled off the Dracula costume he had taken to wearing each year. 'Oh God no. Just between us, I'd have sooner let these people into our home rather than having to celebrate in this wretched place' she responded, not on board with Caleb's decision to do this here; however, willing to support him as he was adamant he wanted to put his true Father's mark on this place and stop people associating it with Gage Temple.
Lucas had not expected that response and was happy that she was on his side with this. 'Then what?' he asked curiously, moving his hands to her behind and pulling her closer to him.
'Nothing big, you wanted a small affair remember?-' she said sweetly, then ran her lips over his teasingly. '-Just my word Soulmate'
'Your word about what?' Lucas asked, sensing her agitation at what she had done.
'All of Trinity's architecture will remain intact no matter who's greasy hands have been all over them, including the irritating fools Church that I'd love nothing more than to burn to the ground' she advised, begrudgingly committing to leaving Malcolm's prized haunts alone.
Lucas smiled triumphantly and sensed her resentment. 'And?' he beckoned for her to continue, suspecting that she had not finished.
'And I've accepted my old job back as Editor of the Trinity Guardian, knowing how much you like the trains to run smoothly' Gail sighed, not knowing which commitment pissed her off more.
Lucas lifted her chin slightly and placed a long kiss on her lips, then rubbed his nose against hers affectionately. 'See, this is all I've ever ask, you to know your place by my side' he advised, lifting her up and smashing her back against a tree as her legs wrapped instinctively around his waste.
Gail shook her head in irritation at the obedience she had agreed to show, then cast her mind back to the telephone call she had received and Caleb's comments. If a little obedience helped her family thrive then she could accept that, especially as it appeared that Caleb had gifted her a toy to vent her frustrations out on.
-The End-
