Nobody wants to do the Crazy Things We Used to do before
By SaL
Chapter 3: Hold On
A/N: Ok this chapter isn't as long as I hoped but I decided at the last minuet that I had to add this into the story. Hope you enjoy!
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I glanced at the bed where my wife was sitting with an impassive look on her face; though I knew she was worried. I could see the tears pooling in her eyes as she blinked them back. Setting some shirts in my suitcase, I took a seat beside her. She turned her bright green eyes my way and I reached out to brush away the tears. As I wrapped my arms about her slim frame, she no longer had the strength to fight the grief. "Shhhh" I murmured while stroking her soft hair.
We remained in that position for what seemed like an eternity. She rested her head upon my chest and I could feel the wet tears soaking my shirt. One hand continued to stoke her hair while the other was rubbing circular motions against her back. "Shhh, shhh… it's gonna be ok, everything's gonna be alright." I whispered in a desperate tone as I struggled to believe there was truth to the words. "The doctors in New York, they'll be able to help her for sure."
"I-I know, it's just that New York…" She sniffled.
"Don't worry about the kids, I'll be right there with them. Hell I was Brooklyn! They couldn't be in safer hands."
"I-It's not that. I mean I know you'll protect them but…" She lifted her head and held my gaze, "I'm more worried about you, Spot." Taken aback I responded, "Wha-what do you mean? I'll be fine."
"Oh Spot" she sobbed.
Suddenly Les appeared silently, leaning in the doorframe his gaze never connecting with ours. He'd packed during the night and had gotten Marina and Mathew's bags ready as well. Poor kid's been having trouble sleeping ever since his brother's death. Slowly I stood from my position and continued to stuff my bag with necessities. Holly too stood, wiping the tearstains from her face; she left in search of the children.
Sighing I closed the case zipping it shut. The bed with the quaint quilted comforter Holly simply had to have was perfectly made. On either side stood a night table each adorned with our respective items. A grand picture hung above the headboard depicting the New York skyline. It had been a wedding gift bought with funds collected by the newsies, the only part of our past we allowed in our home. Never in my entire life had I imagined the possibility of living in my own house on a ranch that I owned. It was definitely a dream come true for my friend whom I followed out here.
Often I wonder what happened to him. I expected to run into him somewhere around these parts. Maybe that's why I came out here, I wanted to see how he did it. How he dealt with his past, New York. It definitely would have been easier having a friend around who understood. There is Les, though I consider him more of a brother, he knows what it was like, however he doesn't fully comprehend it.
With another heavy sigh, I duck my head and turn away from the room. Les waits patiently in the doorway while I collect my baggage. As I exit the room dragging the suitcase behind me, he places a hand on my shoulder looking at me with those knowing blue eyes. And for the first time in my life I get the feeling that someone may really understand.
Quickly averting my eyes I began my descent through the eerily silent house. Les followed closely and we made our way out the front door toward the lightly loaded wagon. I motioned for Les to hitch the horses while I collected my children. However before I approached the threshold Allison came speeding into me with Mathew close behind. She hugged me fiercely before turning her pleading eyes my way while I struggled to resist their allure.
"I want to come too, Daddy. Can I? Pretty please." She pouted.
"I'm sorry Allison but you need to stay here."
"Why? Mathew can go. Why can't I?"
"Because somebody has to stay home and keep your mother company."
"Mother can come too." She said innocently.
"Then who will look after the ranch? No you have to stay, that's that."
"It isn't fair!" Allison whined.
"Tell you what, if your extra good while we're away I'll bring you something special and we'll see about you maybe taking a trip to New York some other time."
Smiling Allison agreed, happy with the response. Mathew, who had been 'helping' Les, then ran toward his older sister slapping her back. "You're it!" He cried while running as fast as possible in the opposite direction. Shaking his head Erik entered the home emerging moments later cradling his youngest daughter in his arms. Les broke up the game of tag to give Holly and Allison time for their goodbyes.
Kneeling down, Holly embraced her son fighting her tears. "Now you be a good boy for your daddy and uncle you hear?"
"Uh-huh" he boy nodded tears streaming his face. Matt threw his small arms around his mother's neck. "I love you mommy." He sobbed.
"I love you too sweetie. Be careful and have fun." She managed while drying her son's face. Next came Marina who had had hot tears in eyes for days. Marina merely stared up at her mother with an anguished stare. "I don wanna go!" She cried out.
"I know Rina, I know." She whispered while stroking the little girl's hair. "You're gonna be alright, honey, I promise."
Marina sighed and cuddled closer to her father. Meanwhile Erik glanced at his wife with a glint in his eyes that reminded her of Spot. She embraced him in a loving hug, as they separated Erik merely nodded turning to board the wagon. Les, who had finished his preparations, approached Holly with Allison atop his shoulders. Setting her down he gave her a hug, then turned to Holly. As they embraced she whispered, "take care of Spot".
"You can count on me." Came the response as he took the drivers seat and began the long drive toward the train station. As the wagon began to move further away from the house little Marina started to scream. "Mommy! Come with us mommy!"
"Shhh" Spot soothed. "No! I want mommy!" The girl cried and Spot turned to see his home was already out of sight. He began to wonder how long they'd be away and if he would be able to survive.
At the house Holly had sent Allison around to her chores. She had heard her daughter's cries and prayed for them. Holly knew Les would keep both eyes on Erik but she also knew that he was becoming Spot again and wouldn't appreciate that. Desperately she hoped Spot would accept Les's help because he needed it. As she turned to enter her home, Holly collapsed to the ground and sobbed ceaselessly.
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