Life After High School - Ten Years Later

By Risty and Silver

Disclaimer: Uh...err...heh...Oh damn, we don't own them.

Summary: ::yawn:: read and find out.

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(Billee's POV)

Elrond was at the school when Elladan and Elrohir walked in, with another guy in tow. They introduced him as Mark, Jaime's dead brother, and told us that all three of them were staying for a while so that they could show him around Rivendell. I had no choice but to agree, after all it was the twins' home too, but I was not happy. Legolas could see that I was not happy and therefore he was not happy either. But there was nothing that we could do. We told them to make themselves at home and went outside, away from them all.

I was not happy for two reasons. I was worried about being around the twins for the next two or three days until father got home, we get on alright when he's around but neither of them actually like me or Colan and even after all these years, they still see us as intruders. It's just as well that they only visit on occasions really, for everyone's sakes. Elrond repeated tells them that we are all his sons, even Legolas in a way, and that he loves us all the same, but the twins just will not listen. So I wasn't exactly jumping for joy about having them in the house without father to smooth things over, should there be a row.

The second thing of course, was Marcus. Even after so many years, his death still hurt. I couldn't bring him back, and in many ways I didn't really want him back, but it was difficult all the same. I don't begrudge Jaime her happiness, but it as very difficult knowing that she had her brother back, while I never would.

"Don't worry, Billee" Legolas put his arm around me and kissed my cheek. "We'll keep out of their way, I promise. It won't be that hard. And I know that it's hard knowing that Jaime's brother…" he broke off and hugged me so hard that for a moment I thought that he would break my ribs. I hugged him back and gently stroked his hair.

"I'm all right," I told him. "It's just a bit…a bit of a shock, that's all. Takes a bit of getting used to."

"I know" Legolas whispered, trailing his fingers gently down my back. "Say, I have an idea. Let's get out of this place for a day or two. Let's go to Bree, have a nice meal, stay the night. And spend some time together without any remarks from the twins."

"You're on" I gave him a long kiss, tracing my fingers across his face. "I love you, Legolas Greenleaf." 

(Damon's POV)

Although I tried to be strong for Emma and the children, everything was becoming too much for me. I said nothing to no one, but I convinced myself that I was a terrible husband, a bad father and an awful friend. As my anger grew, I began to take it out on those around me. I reduced Emma to tears when I yelled at her because she couldn't stop Lance from crying and he was giving me a headache. It wasn't fair on her, she was still suffering from memory loss and couldn't remember much of what had happened in her childhood and while she was at school, and I felt guilty. Two days later I upset Galia too when I yelled at her for having her music on too loud. Again I hated myself, but I didn't know how to ask for help.

(Benny's POV)

As the days went by, I could only watch as Damon and Emma sunk deeper into depression. Emma couldn't look after Crystal or Lance properly and had to be watched constantly. The older ones were worried and confused by what they were seeing. Kane had become quiet and withdrawn, while Vince had begun to play up, seeking constant attention. I had Randy, Gimli and Lucas, but things were not good even so. Something needed to be done and fast. Kivan and Ranger had gone away for a few weeks and although they had given us a number to contact us on, I didn't feel that things were quite bad enough for that yet. Elrond was busy at the school and Billee, Legolas, Wendy and Colan had also gone away, to Mirkwood to stay with Legolas' family. Again, I did not want to contact them unless I had too. So there was only one person left, a person who I was sure would be willing to help out. Admittedly, I was not happy about the idea and Lucas wasn't either, but Damon and Emma both needed a break and their health was the most important thing. So after discussing it with my two close friends, neither of who put up much resistance, I picked up the phone and dialled a number that was quickly becoming very familiar. Jaime picked up on the second ring.

"Hello Jaime" I said carefully. "I need to ask you a favour."

With her encouragement, I explained about the difficulties that Emma and Damon were having. "They need a break from the kids," I told her finally. "Galia is going back to school the day after tomorrow and I was wondering if you would mind having the boys for a week or two. Just until they are both on their feet again."

"No problem" she said at once. "We would love to have them back here. Only…Adele may visit now and again. Would that be a problem?"

"I don't see why not," I said after a moment. "Although I don't want the kids involved in any talk about Boromir of course. And by the way, Kane is a bit depressed so you might want to tell your kids to go easy on him for a while. He's taken all this very hard. Thanks Jaime, you are a lifesaver. Blaze and Forrest will bring Kane and Vince down tomorrow afternoon if that's all right."

She said it was. I hung up the phone and went to get the boys things ready. I hoped that getting away from this place for a while would do the boys some good also…