Soundtrack for this chapter:

Goodbye from Arcane

I can hear the sound of a heartbeat before it goes out

Won't ever leave my memory of bloodshed all around

And I can see a tear on my father's face before it falls out

Oh, my enemy, how could I have ever let you down?

Chapter 5: Goodbye

The door opened before Becky could even get her hands on the handle. As her mother swings the door open, Becky jumps backwards and gasps out of surprise.

"Becky Botsford, where have you been? You've had me worried sick!" Mrs. Botsford yelled frantically, not giving Becky any time to speak, "It is storming outside! It is almost midnight!"

"Mom…" Becky began before getting cut off once more.

"You better have a good explanation for this, young lady! Just because you are an adult doesn't mean you can simply do whatever you want! You still live under my roof…"

"Mom!"

Mrs. Botsford stopped talking and met eyes with her daughter, "What?"

"There's something I need to tell you," Becky dropped her gaze to the ground, knowing how difficult this news would be for her family.

"What is it?"

Becky walked past her mother and into the house. She heard the door close behind her and her mother follow her into the living room. Footsteps could be heard bounding down the stairs before TJ emerged from the staircase.

"What's all the commotion? I'm trying to sleep," TJ complained, his tone glazed with sleep. His eyes drooped and Becky couldn't help but feel bad they woke him up.

Becky took in a few deep breaths as her mother and brother looked on waiting for her to talk. She had tried thinking of the best way to break the news to her family the entire walk home from the mansion, but she simply couldn't find the words. And now here she was, with no idea of how to tell them the reality of what she was going to have to do the next day.

"Becky, honey, you're scaring me. Is everything alright?" Mrs. Botsford questioned, tilting her head down in worry.

"Guys... I visited the Big Inc Factory tonight," Becky began slowly, avoiding the hard part as long as possible. Mrs. Botsford and TJ gave her the most confused looks possible.

"Why on earth would you go there, Becky?!" Her mother demanded, while TJ simply asked, "Have you lost your mind?"

"I had to talk to the owner. I...I wanted to save dad's life!"

Mrs. Botsford and TJ shared shocked looks, almost hopeful.

"Save his life? Did you get them to revoke his sentence?" Mrs. Botsford asked, taking a few steps towards her daughter; her tone slightly optimistic. Becky swallowed, knowing they were about to be disappointed.

"No...but I made a bargain with him instead. I offered to take dad's place at the factory."

The two stood silent and shocked for a second as they stared at Becky. Then chaos erupted.

"Becky Botsford, what are you talking about? You can't just volunteer in your dad's place!" Mrs. Botsford shrieked.

TJ was screaming gibberish while their mother was berating her for her bad decision making. Becky closed her eyes, attempting to tune all of the noise out. Focusing on her breathing so she wouldn't spiral into a panic attack. Along with her breathing exercise and blocking out external stimuli, Becky calmed herself down enough to be able to continue with the conversation.

"Guys!" She yelled, stunning the other two into silence once again, "This is MY decision. I want to do whatever it takes to save Dad's life, and if this is what I have to do, so be it."

Her mother took a few steps up to her and took her daughter's shoulders into her hands, "Becky. You don't know what you're doing. You have your whole life to live…"

"Mom, I would never EVER forgive myself if Dad died and I had a way to prevent it."

"Your dad won't die…"

"Yes, he will, mom. He won't last a week in there and you know it!"

"Honey, you have your whole life ahead of you!"

"Do you want Dad to die then mom?"

"No, but…"

"But nothing. Whether I'm living under your roof or not, I AM an adult and I can make my own decisions. So I'm making it."

With that, Becky quickly raced up the stairs to her room, allowing the tears to flow once more. She closed the door behind her, unintentionally slamming it, probably giving off the wrong intentions. She was not angry. She was upset. Becky collapsed onto her bed, her hand going instantly to her eyes as they burned with tears.

She knew this was going to be hard and somehow it was even harder than she had imagined. And she hadn't even told her dad, Violet, or Scoops yet. It was only going to get worse from there. Telling Violet was going to be the easiest, maybe she should start there.

Becky took her phone out of her pocket and started dialing Violet's number. There was no point to stand around, however, so Becky decided the way to keep from breaking down again on the call with Violet was to keep herself occupied. Grabbing her largest suitcase and a duffle bag from her closet, she set out to packing as the phone in her hand rang over and over, waiting for Violet to pick up the phone.

Finally, a small, quiet, tired voice answered, "Hello? Becky?"

"Violet, hey…" Becky noticed the hushed and sleepy tone Violet had used, "I'm sorry if I woke you up, Violet. It's important."

Rustling was heard on the other end of the phone, indicating Violet sitting up on her bed, "What's the matter, Becky? Is everything alright? Did something happen with your dad?"

"No, Vi. I mean...my dad is fine, but...everything is not alright. I need you to not freak out over what I'm about to tell you." Becky tucked her phone in between her neck and her shoulder to keep it still while she pulled out a majority of her wardrobe.

Violet stayed silent, waiting for Becky to keep going. Violet was like that, very attentive and quiet, yet it still surprised Becky for a half second that she was actually listening to Becky's instructions.

"I volunteered to take my dad's place at the factory, Vi. I have 24 hours to say goodbye to everyone."

"Oh, Becky! Why would you do that?" Violet asked, very concerned but her quiet and calm tone made her sound more sad than worried.

"You know why, Violet."

"I know but...Becky, are you sure you have thought this whole thing through? Everything you would be giving up?"

"Trust me. I have. Tobey made sure I fully understood what I was getting myself into."

"Tobey? Tobey McCallister? What do you mean?" Becky could just imagine the confused face Violet must have had.

"Tobey is the owner of the factory. Oh I know, I was as surprised as you are when I saw him. He looks quite different from childhood, but it fully explains why we haven't seen him in years."

"Oh god, I almost forgot he existed…"

Becky stared at the majority of her wardrobe lying out in front of her on her bed, waiting to be packed. She wished she had forgotten about Tobey, but it was hard to forget about the kid that had made such an impact on her childhood. But it wasn't that that was bothering her. It was how he had acted around her that was unnerving her.

The Tobey she knew as a child was full of emotion. Whether that was good or bad, Tobey was one of the most emotive people she knew. He wore his anger on his sleeve; people knew when he was sad and upset; it was obvious when he was happy and content. Tobey hadn't been a hard person to read. The only difficult thing about Tobey had been his ego.

Tobey's openness, especially around her, had been a reason she didn't mind him. Sure, he had been a criminal, and tried to destroy the city on multiple occasions. But he was brutally honest and was never fake, unless it was about lying about his crush on Wordgirl. Not to mention as time went on and they got older, they didn't fight as much and their banter started changing to something more friendly. Or at least she had thought it was progressing that way.

But this Tobey? The Tobey she had just gotten acquainted with a couple hours ago? Almost seemed like a stranger to her. There was a huge barrier between them; an emotionless facade he put up that seemed impossible to climb over. It was so unnerving. Someone to go to the complete opposite of the spectrum; holding back any and all emotions. Becky didn't like it.

"Yeah, well me too. Anyways, he gave me instructions to be back in 24 hours after I pack and say my goodbyes. So if you want to come over tomorrow, I'd love to see you before I go, Vi. I'm sorry things have to be this way," Becky apologized as she began shoving her pants into the bottom of the suitcase.

"Of course I'll be there Becky. If this is what you truly want, I support you. I just wish it didn't have to be this way," Violet sighed.

Becky had to pause to keep from breaking down again. She had to keep it together and get through packing. "Okay. I have to pack and talk to my dad. I'll see you in the morning, Violet."

"I love you, Becky. You're the bravest person I know. Goodnight," Violet told her sincerely, before hanging up the phone. Becky dropped her phone onto her bed and put her hands over her mouth, drawing out a long breath.

A knock on the door snapped Becky back into reality.

"Becky? Your father would like to speak to you," She could hear her mom say cautiously from behind the door.

"Okay. I'll be there in a few," Becky called back to her mother outside of the door. It was so late at night, but she knew she wasn't going to sleep that night, so there was no point in putting the talk off until the morning. Becky threw the rest of her jeans and sweats into the suitcase, before finally exiting her room to head over to her parents'.

The door squeaked as she pushed it open slowly. She was clearly nervous to face her father. Not because she was regretting her decision, but because she knew this decision would hurt him anyways. He would lose his daughter. And she didn't want to have to make him accept that reality. How could she? How could she force her father to just accept his daughter would be gone when he needed her home most of all?

Because she was saving his life. That was the bottom line. With that thought, she took those steps into the room and faced her father lying just where she had last seen him.

"Becky, come here," He asked of her. Not in a demanding manner, but more of a request. She did as told. She took a seat on the edge of her dad's bed, close to the side table.

They sat there in silence for a few minutes; both of them waiting for the other to speak. Becky met her dad's gaze and realized that he wanted her to start.

"Well...did mom tell you the news?" She began, dropping eye contact once again.

"Becky…I appreciate what you're trying to do for me. But as your father, I cannot allow you to throw away your life for me. I'm old...I've lived my life. You deserve to live yours," Mr. Botsford said as he took Becky's hand gently in his.

"Dad, the way you feel about not wanting to let me go is the same way I feel about not letting you go. Except the difference is I won't die. You would. Which is exactly why I'm going to do this," Becky spoke to him sincerely and softly. Mr. Botsford held eye contact with her, before tears started creeping down his cheeks.

There was a part of Becky that was wondering why her family wasn't fighting harder against her decision to go. But…they had been fighting for their lives so long, it was hard not to see how broken they all felt. Maybe her mom and brother knew it was either their dad's life or her giving her time. And…she wouldn't blame her dad if there was a part of him afraid of dying.

"You really are the bravest girl alive. I know I can't stop you, obviously," Her dad used his hands to reference his body. This made Becky crack a small smile. He smiled right back at her, "I am lucky to have you as my daughter."

Becky couldn't hold it in any longer and she let the tears fall from her eyes, all of the emotion flooding over her. She hugged her dad tightly as he cried with her.

"I love you dad."

"He's going to be angry with you, you know that right?" Violet asked as their procession slowly walked up the crowded sidewalk, as they neared closer and closer to the mansion.

"Yeah, I know. I just can't bear to say goodbye to him in person. This whole thing has been too hard already," Becky responded, refusing to meet Violet's gaze.

Becky's family and Violet were escorting her down to the factory, as a way to spend every last second with her as possible. Her father was in a wheelchair with TJ wheeling the chair from behind. Becky and Violet walked behind the other Botsfords as they made their way to the outskirts of town.

The sky was a golden red as the sun was beginning to set overhead. It was about 6pm, which accounted for some of the people out and about around them, but not for all of the people. And certainly not all of the cameras. Becky couldn't help but have a sinking feeling Tobey was behind this mass of paparazzi.

"Don't you think it's a bit unfair to him though? That you didn't give him the choice to say goodbye in person?" Violet questioned softly, as if not to argue but with actual concern.

"Violet, to be totally honest, I wanted to spend this time with my family."

"I'm not family."

Becky gave Violet a deadpan expression, "Come on, Vi. You're basically a member of this family, don't even argue."

"Well, if you're going to call him, you better do it soon. We only have a few more blocks until we get there."

Becky hesitated reaching for her phone. Part of her didn't even want to call. She desperately wanted to avoid any goodbye of any kind to Scoops, but she knew she owed him a call at the very least. After all, they had been dating.

Becky winced at the thought that her chances of living a happy life with someone she loved was basically a dead dream. Not that she thought her person was Scoops, but she had the option. She was about to have that option taken away. As much as she was trying to remain as strong as she could through this ordeal, that stung a bit.

Finally, the Botsfords rounded a corner and there was the mansion. With the red sky and smoke from the factory behind it, it almost seemed like it was on fire. The sight caught the entire family off guard.

"There it is…" TJ gasped up at the tall mansion towering in front of them.

The crowd erupted around them, suddenly noticing the Botsford family. Journalists with cameras and pads of paper began to swarm them, especially Becky to get the first chance at the inside scoop. It was honestly a surprise this whole thing had been kept from Scoops.

"Becky Botsford, what made you decide to volunteer for the factory?" One reporter in front of her demanded as he shoved a microphone in her face while another asked, "How many years do you have in there?"

"What does your family think about your decision to abandon them?" A shrill voice from the back of the crowd shouted out, making Becky cover her ears. The entire crowd was giving her anxiety and she wanted to get out of there, having nothing she wanted to say to these people.

"Okay, that's enough!" Violet shouted uncharacteristically, trying to shove people out of their way. TJ and Mrs. Botsford tried to help shoo the crowd away but it wasn't working.

"Everyone, move!" A loud voice called out over the crowd and everyone went silent. Through the crowd stepped Tobey's butler, whom Becky was surprised to see outside of the mansion. Becky just stared at him in shock, but grateful, "May I help you with your bags, Miss Botsford?"

Becky nodded before she handed them to him. He nodded his head as if to tell her to follow him. The Botsford procession began following him, with the crowd of reporters following behind them, still snapping pictures and jotting down notes. The giant crowd all crossed the street, everyone making their way directly in front of the mansion.

"Whenever you're ready, come on inside, ma'am," The butler gestured to the fence. The fence began opening for him and he made his way inside. As the fence opened, Becky could see Tobey standing in the middle of the walkway just waiting patiently for her. He made no expression when he met eyes with her. He just stood there looking patient. Becky snapped her head away from him.

"You're right. Tobey does look really different now. Really tall," Violet observed as she peered down the walkway. Becky refused to look back at him. Hell, she would be seeing enough of him soon enough.

"Guys, I'm going to call Scoops quickly before I say my last goodbyes to you all if that's alright?" Becky told her family.

She pulled her phone out of her pocket, searching for his number in her contacts. Hesitantly, she clicked his number and listened as the phone rang over and over again. Finally, she heard him pick up.

"Well, good evening, Becky! Sorry, I can't talk long, there's some big scoop down at the factory, which is where I'm headed now. What's up, babe?" Scoops greeted cheerfully, with the sounds of the city in the background of the call.

Becky swallowed, nervous. He was on his way there? She would have to make the call quick, "Scoops, I'm volunteering in my dad's stead at the factory. I'm the one going in in a few minutes."

"Wait, wait, what are you talking about? What do you mean you're going in?"

"It means I'm going to be the one living out the sentence our family owes, Scoops. You won't be able to see me until I've worked off all we owe."

"Becky, you CANNOT be serious? What about me? What about us? You can't just abandon your life here?!" Scoops began yelling at her through the phone, sudden anger in his voice.

"This isn't your decision to make, Scoops. It's mine. I just wanted to give you this call as a courtesy. One last goodbye."

"Why did you wait until now to tell me?! I'm on my way. I'm going to be there in a few minutes, hold on!" Becky could hear Scoops running as his breathing started picking up.

"There's no need. I'm going to be in before you get here. Just know...just know I've appreciated our time together. Thank you for being my boyfriend," Becky choked out; her hand shaking as she held the phone.

"Becky don't you dare hang up! I love…" Becky cut off the call before he could finish his sentence. She was about to break down again at any second and she did not want to do it in front of this crowd, nor Tobey waiting for her inside. She turned towards her family.

"Mom, Dad, TJ, Violet. I love you all so very much. Thank you for all you've done for me all these years of my life. So let me do this for dad," Becky said to the group, as they all were crying, unafraid of showing their feelings in front of the crowd. "This isn't goodbye. I won't let it. I will see you all when I get out."

Violet was the first one to take a step forward and bury Becky into her arms. Becky closed her eyes and tightly hugged Violet back. As soon as Violet let go, her mom and TJ replaced Violet. Becky continued to hold herself together through each hug. Once they let go, she turned towards her dad. She walked over to him and gave him the biggest hug she had ever given. He was the source of her inspiration and she would never forget.

"Take care, Beck-a-roo. We will see you again kiddo," He whispered in her ear before she let go. She gave him a small smile.

"Time to go, Botsford," Tobey yelled from inside the fence.

Becky turned towards him and sighed. It was time.

Slowly, she began walking towards the mansion. Step by step, she could feel her life slipping away from her. The camera lights flashing behind her were hardly a distraction from the crushing sadness that was weighing on her heart. For the most part she kept her eyes down on the walkway in front of her as she passed the fence and into the yard, but she looked up at Tobey once who kept his stoic face. It almost made her angry.

Becky finally reached Tobey and the butler and it was then that she turned around to look at her family again. They all waved to her; their faces bittersweet. She waved back to them, trying to put on a sad smile for them as well.

Out of her left ear, she could hear running and someone shouting. Becky snapped her head to the side and listened closely. The crowd began parting as the front gate began closing. Out of the crowd, Scoops ran yelling for them to wait. Becky lowered her hand and just watched as the gates closed on him, leaving him outside with the rest of the family. The second metal door behind the gate quickly closed as well, sealing them inside the facility.

Becky continued to stare for an extra minute at the last place she had just seen her friends and family, stunned they were really gone.

"Welcome home, Botsford," Tobey remarked with a slightly smug tone of voice. Becky turned towards him and glared. For the smallest second Tobey smirked at her before proceeding to walk towards the mansion, "The rest of your life awaits."