Daddy's Girls Chapter 25
Author's Note: Ahhh, the aftermath begins...now that the battle is over, what punishments await our three girls? Read to find out!
Her eyes flickered open with nothing, but a blinding white light clouding her vision. She felt comfortable in the soft bed, but confused and overcome with fear regarding her whereabouts. Was it all a dream? Roxanne couldn't remember the last time she had opened her eyes. The pain was so strong she couldn't tell the difference between reality and living a fantasy. Even with the pain gone her nerves twitched with an unease feeling in her stomach. She could hear footsteps approaching, but whose? Her heart pounded harder the closer the steps drew. Roxanne rolled off the bed and crouched in a low position. She grabbed a nearby bedpan and was ready to viciously attack her enemy. The moment she saw the man's feet at the foot of her bed she jumped up ready to strike the man across the face, but the man caught her wrist before she could carry through. The metal bedpan fell to the floor and tears welded up in her eyes, "Bu...Buddy."
"Your safe now," he remarked with a sly smile, "so no more trying to hit people with bedpans, even if you don't like the service."
Roxanne instantly wrapped her arms around him, in a huge bear hug, trying to shake away any disbelief that this was a dream. She closed her eyes resting her head upon his chest taking in his warmth and listening to his strong heartbeat. The last time she saw him he was on the verge of death just feeling the life brought back into him put a smile of no regrets upon her face. She wish this moment would last forever that they could always be like this.
Buddy put a gentle hand on her head, "It's alright now we're at Boulderhill, you've been out the last 24 hours."
She looked up in shock and covered her mouth, "Oh my god, I've been out that long...what...what have I done...there are people who are..."
"Don't worry MASK got it covered," Buddy interrupted before she could explain. "If you hadn't of worn your father when you did, I'd say the viral infection would already be out of control. Matt got the Mexican government and the PNA to quarantine the area, for any additional signs of viral outbreaks."
She sighed in relief and smiled knowing that everything had turned out ok, "Where's my father at?"
"On the outside somewhere. Julio has us both stuck in our own little quarantine box, until he gives us a clean bill of heath that is."
Her eyes focus a bit more, as she noticed the tightly concealed room with a viewing window. She also realized her and Buddy were both in their pajamas. Her cheeks instantly became flush with embarrassment, but that soon change the moment Buddy changed his tone.
"What the hell were you thinking?
"Huh?"
"Making a deal with Jon like that. I told you specifically to escape with out me. I'm so mad that the three of you girls even attempted that stunt and ignored an order from all people, me! But most of all what really enrages me is the face you threw your life away like that!"
"I couldn't watch you suffer," she confused in a small voice, "I didn't want you to die."
"I know you had to trade in something awfully big to win Jon over like that. He isn't some sort of small fry who'd do this for a one-night stand." His angry eyes looked directly into her eyes trying to read her, as if she were an open book.
"It was nothing really, I did a job for him. That's all."
She clearly denied anything had happen, which signaled to Buddy she was lying through her teeth. "Bullshit Roxanne. Jon is not the type of guy who lets any of his associations get off on one time deals."
She stood there in a trance as she took in his words. Her voice echoed through her mind 'My life for his' over and over like a broken record. It doesn't matter how he feels or what he thinks. If I tell him or anyone else the deal will be off.
Buddy shook her to make her instantly snap back into reality, "Tell me you didn't sleep with him."
Her face turned completely flush at his words and put her on the defensive, "Even if I did, that would be none of your business."
"Oh don't give me this crap, you were under my care. I take full responsibly for what happen to you girls, even if it was your own doing that got you messed up in my work to begin with. I want to know every little detail that happened while you got separated from the group, I could careless if it's that embarrassing to you or not."
"Stop it! Will you nothing happened!"
"I saw how he was coming onto you. And don't you dare tell me he didn't, cause being a guy I think I can tell when a man tries to make a move on a girl, especially without her consent. I know very well what his intentions were, so you better start talking. Cause frankly I'm puzzled and disgusted by the whole thing." Her lips were sealed and her eyes were full of guilt. It was as if steam was erupting from his nose, but he knew she'd talk when she was ready. "You're in so much trouble missie, and when I find out the real reason your ass is mine for a spank'n little girl."
"I'm too old for a spank'n in case you didn't notice."
"Not in my eyes. Your still a child, and when you grow up and face the fact that everybody here wants to help you just maybe I'll start treating your like an adult. I think I'll put you on garage detail with three times the work load just so I can keep an eye on you." Her face burned red with anger, but she couldn't let it out. "You have no idea what if feels like, when a person you truly care about stabs you in the heart by throwing her life away. I'd do anything to protect this person, but she doesn't appreciate the life she was given. It'd kind of hard to protect a person who doesn't care about themselves. Listen I know you thought you were doing the right thing, but you weren't. I'm well aware of the risk I signed up for when I joined MASK; you on the other hand are just a kid. You should not be involved in any of this."
Not involved? I was involve the day I was born. I was chosen to follow this destiny. She placed her hand to her head to hide a few dripping tears, "My head hurts I need to lie down."
Buddy backs off after realizing she got his point, "Alright go lie down. Your dad will be happy to hear you're awake."
She slid back into bed and pulled the cover over her. Tears flowed down her face as she reflected upon Buddy's words. Don't I get a thank you? Why must he be so mad? He's mad I put my life in danger for him, but he'll forget soon.........but Jon won't. She stared into the empty wall was as if her soul had left her body, then closed her eyes wishing it all was nothing but a bad dream.
Scott glanced wistfully through the viewing window of Buddy and Roxanne's temporary home, wishing that he could step in and talk to his sister, just to make sure she was okay. He always felt as though he had to look after her and all three of the girls really, and it galled him to no end to have been unable to be there for any of them. He sighed deeply, but continued to watch in the hopes that Roxanne might see him from where she lay on her bed. Unfortunately, all he managed to see was a naturally restless Buddy pacing the room like a caged tiger, looking like an inmate planning a prison break. When Buddy stopped long enough to see Scott looking through the window, Scott waved cheerfully and childishly stuck his tongue out in an obvious "nyah nyah" tease. When Buddy's hand moved into position for what Scott recognized as a rather vicious gesture, he grinned wildly and moved on down the hallway, still waving.
Scott stopped at the window of the next room and continued to smile warmly at the scene going on inside. Julio confined Dusty to bed for at least a day after his accident in Gator, and Jess sat dutifully by her father's side, holding his hand as they had a long overdue father/daughter talk. Scott decided not to interrupt and paced down to the window of the last room in the corridor. A look of concern replaced his fading smile as he rested his elbows on the windowsill and peered inside. A haggard looking Brad sat protectively at his daughter's bedside, holding her hand as she slept. Annie had gained some of her color back since her father had brought her back to Boulderhill, but she still looked paler than normal, especially with her red hair splayed across her pillow. Scott's heart ached at the sight of her injured right arm bound up in a sling, and he cursed mentally. I should have been there for you...damnit!
His father padded up behind him and laid a gentle hand on his shoulder. "I think Brad could use a break. He hasn't slept in days."
Scott arched an eyebrow cautiously. "Come on, Dad, you don't really think he's going to let me take over, do you?"
"I think you're the only one who can. Dusty and Buddy are both down for the count, and right now, I don't think there's anyone else he'd trust to look after Annie but you." Matt paused a moment before smiling knowingly. "I'm pretty sure she'd appreciate your company too. She loves you, Scott."
Scott gave his father a very long and suspicious sideways glance before he turned back to the window. He didn't dare to hope that his father could be right, so he disguised it with flippancy, "Uh huh, and I suppose she just all of a sudden confessed her undying love for me to you..."
"Actually, she did. Right before she collapsed in my arms."
Scott let out a noise somewhere between a snicker and a snort, still not able to believe what he was hearing as he looked over at his father. "People say crazy things at times like that, Dad. Knowing Annie, she probably thought she was dying and just said that without really meaning it."
"I don't know Annie well," Matt countered pointedly, "but I've never known her to say something she didn't mean. Have you?"
Scott couldn't break his father's piercing gaze because deep down, he knew that he was right. If there was one thing Annie Turner prided herself on, it was telling the unadulterated truth as she saw it, even in the heat of the moment. If she said she loved him, then that meant it was true. Didn't it?
"No, Dad," Scott admitted quietly after a long pause, "I never have either." He paused again. "Maybe I will see if Brad wants a break..."
Matt patted his son's shoulder warmly and smirked as he walked away. "If all else fails, tell him I need to discuss some important business."
Scott laughed gently, then turned more somber as he turned the doorknob and walked into Annie's room. Brad's head jerked up and he looked ready to leap out of his chair at the intrusion.
"It's just me, Brad," Scott soothed him calmly.
"Hey, Scott. I was wondering how long it would take you to show up," Brad remarked casually as he rubbed his tired and shade-less eyes and settled back in his chair.
Scott hated it when Brad gave him that certain appraising look that made him feel like a nervous ten year old again. So he studied his shoes until he could reply without stammering. "I've just been making my rounds." He paused and glanced over at Annie, happy not to have to meet Brad's gaze. "How is she doing?"
"The bullet passed cleanly through her shoulder, so Julio doesn't think there should be any lasting damage. Other than that, she's got a slight fever that should fade in a day or so. She should be fine after that."
"Has she been awake at all?"
Brad shook his head. "Drifting in and out...nothing coherent, though."
Scott nodded and couldn't resist a jab as he took a good look at Brad's tired features. "Maybe you ought to be laying in one of these beds too...you look like hell."
"Watch your language with me, mister," Brad growled warningly, "or you'll be laying right there beside me. In fact, I should tan your hide just on the principle of influencing my daughter to make stupid decisions with results like this."
"Me?!" Scott stammered incredulously as he defended himself, "I don't even see her that often! Just when exactly was I supposed to have enough time to make a lasting bad impression!?"
"That's a good point," Brad agreed as he stood up and stretched. "I'll have to make it a point to have a little chat with a certain group of Rangers after I've gotten some sleep." He looked over at his daughter's sleeping form before glancing back at Scott with a serious expression. "I take it you'll sit in while I'm gone?"
"Absolutely Brad," Scott replied, temporarily forgetting his short and insulting rebuke. "I'll take good care of her."
"I hope so," Brad sighed as he left, "because it's apparent somebody needs to."
Annie's eyes slowly fluttered open. Instinct told her that the soft bed and warm blankets meant that she was finally somewhere safe. She drifted contentedly between sleep and wakefulness until she felt a gentle caress along her cheek and a soft kiss on her lips. Memories flashed through her mind of Lester's unwelcome advance and Mayhem's insidious touch, and she might have panicked if she hadn't heard a familiar voice utter four little words.
"I love you, Annie."
She awoke fully, letting her eyes scroll over the unfamiliar walls before focusing in on Scott's concerned features. The last thing she remembered clearly was Matt's masked face hovering over her. Everything else was a blank. Annie ignored Scott's bedside confession for the moment as she asked hoarsely and dazedly, "Sc—Scott? Where am I?"
"You're back at Boulderhill, sweetheart, safe and sound, along with everyone else. You've been out for almost a day. Your dad was here most of that time, but he wanted to get some sleep and left you in my expert care."
Scott smoothed an unruly bunch of hair away from her face and flashed her a charming yet nervous grin. Annie took another confused look around the room before glancing back up at him with a look of unmistakable longing. Before he knew it, he had carefully lifted her up so that he sat on the bed with her head resting against his chest. A jolt of pain lanced through her bad arm as she shifted position, but the pain was worth the pleasure of eventually finding a comfortable resting spot in Scott's arms. Before she could stop herself, a return confession of love finally spilled out of her mouth in a complete rush.
"I love you too, Scott..." A few tears rolled down her cheeks. "I always have and just never admitted it to you, but I was so scared I wouldn't make it out of there that I told your dad in case you didn't know..."
"I knew...I think I've always known," Scott admitted as he stroked her hair gently, "but I knew you'd be too shy to admit it, and I never could work up the courage to tell you that I felt the same...at least until now."
Silence descended for a moment until Scott found the right words to speak up again, proudly, "I also know that Roxy never would have made it out of there if it weren't for you."
If Annie hadn't been so comfortable and sleepily dazed, she might have pulled away from him then. Instead, she turned her head away and said flatly, "Don't put me on a pedestal, Scott. I didn't do it for Buddy, you, or your father."
Her response and tone of voice startled him. "Why then?"
"Because I couldn't NOT do it. I couldn't go against my own nature or ignore the code of morals that everyone's worked so hard to instill in me. As much as I dislike your sister, I simply couldn't in good conscience leave her in the hands of Contra World. So make sure you tell her I took a bullet for her the next time you see her."
"She did the same thing for you back in Venice, Annie," Scott painfully reminded her.
"Thanks for the reminder, Scott," Annie snapped back angrily. "As if I didn't have enough to think about..."
He sighed deeply and tried his best to half retract his statement and smooth the conversation over, "Maybe this isn't the best time to be discussing this..."
"You're right," Annie agreed, sighing as well, "I'm tired and my arm hurts like hell..."
She yawned widely and let her eyes close, trying to bury the painful reminder of Venice and the recent experience of Mexico in the comfort of his loving embrace, and before too much time passed, she fell asleep again in Scott's arms.
For a while, Jess and Dusty didn't say a word. Since they were about the same size, Gloria had given her niece a set of spare clothes she'd kept in her locker in Boulderhill. Finally, Dusty sighed.
"Why, Jess?" he asked. "Why did you do this? This... this outfit, the club. That was all Roxy's idea, was it?"
"No, it was mine."
"Honey," he reached out to lay his hand on her cheek, "you don't have to protect her."
"I DON'T!" Jess yelled and jumped from her chair. "You're right, I don' have to protect her, because it's not her fault! I was the one who suggested to go to this club, and I was the one who tricked Annie into coming along."
Dusty opened his mouth, but when he looked into Jess' eyes, he realized that she was saying the truth. "But... but... I don't understand, why? Why the hell did you do this?"
"Because I'm sick and tired of being an Annie clone. I want to be me!" With that, she sank down on the chair, tears streaming down her face. "I want you to love me the way you love Annie."
All color was drained from Dusty's face. "Baby, why do you think I love Annie more than I love you! I give you every freedom a teenager can have, everything you want."
"Everything but you," Jess sniffled. "It's always Annie this, Annie that. Sometimes I'm more happy that's she's back on her mountain again than I'm happy she's here. But even when's she gone, it's like she's haunting me. You compare everything I do to what she does. And... and you act like she's more important to you than I am. No matter what, Annie's always first."
"That's not true."
"Yes, it is," Jess voise rose in volume again. "On my fourteenth birthday, you gave me a kiss on the cheek and then you were off talking with Annie all day... just like you did on her birthday. When I got the award for special achievement in school last year, for the second time, you suddenly left the room because your cell rang. I thought it was the call to another mission... but when I left the auditorium, you were outside... and talking to Annie. The year before, you brought her along and didn't even notice me on stage. You asked me when my turn was after it had already been over for ten minutes. The big turning point was last year. Remember the ride we wanted to take? Just you and me? I was so excited. It was the first time in months that you had time just for me. Before, you were either on a mission, doing something with the boys, at the parlor... I barely slept the night, so happy was I. But then we came to Calhoun's ranch, and there was Annie. As usual you invited her to come along. Remember? When you came home, you and Annie were surprised that I had already brushed down Lancelot and let him out on the corral. You were wondering how I made it to be that much earlier home than you were."
Dusty swallowed. "Yes, I remember."
"For two hours, I rode behind you and Annie, then I was fed up. I told you I'd be going back because I wasn't feeling well. All you said was that you two would slow down so I could catch up again. You didn't even listen to what I had said. So I just rode home, and you didn't even notice it. If you don't believe me, ask Cal. He'll confirm my story." She took a breath. "That day, I truly wanted to kill Annie, to get rid off her in some way. But then I realized, if I wanted your attention, I'd probably have to act like Annie. So I became this perfect little angel you always think I am. A carbon copy of the girl who's more a daughter to you than I am. And it worked, for a while. Finally you paid attention. But I couldn't stand being Annie, so I need to compensate. Everybody knows that... everybody but you knows the real Jess. So, to you, I'm just Annie2. Nothing more. And I doubt I'll ever be."
With that, Jess got up and ran out of the room, almost knocking Gloria over in the process. Her aunt just looked at her, and then turned to Dusty.
"I couldn't help but overhear what she just said, Dusty."
"That... that was just the stress talking. She's tired, and scared."
"And worst of all," Gloria interrupted him, "she's right with every word she said."
Stunned, Dusty looked at his former partner, before Gloria turned and left the roon in search of Jess, leaving a distraught and bewildered Dusty.
