The next day. Rosie and Hayley went tobogganing with their friends
Dave set up the younger kids up with a movie and asked Callie to keep them in the living room and come get them if there were any problems.
Dave and Hunter went into the office and closed the door.
"What do you want to do?" Dave asked Hunter
"I guess the first step is to talk to her about this. We cant just leave it." Hunter said
Dave nodded. "Okay. Lets do it."
Hunter took out his phone and called her putting it on speaker.
"Hey Hunter. How are Hayley and Rosie today?" Helen asked
"Rose and Hals are out tobogganing with their friends." Hunter said
"What's wrong?" Helen asked, "Is it one of the other girls?" She knew when something was wrong by Hunter's voice
"No. The girls are fine. They are all watching a movie" Hunter said, "Just so you know you're on speaker and Dave is here."
"Okay. What is it?" Helen asked
"Do you not realize how much anxiety you have given our daughter to keep a lie this big from me?" Hunter said
Helen sighed. "Hunter. I didn't know what the full situation was. And I know you love our daughters and I know Rosie is your daughter now too, but I feel like…"
"If the next words out of your mouth is that I am putting Rosie above the other girls don't." Hunter said
"Please. You two rushed this relationship so fucking fast and just shoved our daughters into a new house. New school with a new sister. And poor Rosie had to deal with going from being an only child to having six younger siblings. I don't know how she hasn't completely lost her shit." Helen said
"You don't know what Dave and I did to make sure all our daughters were okay. And are okay. This has -nothing to do with how Dave and I handled our relationship. And everything to do with undermining my authority with our daughter. I have kept up with this rule about her not dating because its what -we agreed to. You think I didn't want to cave? You think I didn't see how unfair it seemed to Hayley? But because of what you went through I agreed to this rule in the first place. Not to mention the entire relationship was blackmail and you didn't pick up on that" Hunter said
Dave put a hand on his shoulder.
"I'm just so unbelievably shocked that you would do this without even telling me." Hunter said
"Rules can be different in different houses." Helen said
"That's not what we said in the beginning. We said that we would have a united front. That the major rules would be the same in both homes." Hunter said "And you said yourself that you didn't know what the issue was. Do you really think I would have stopped her from dating someone specific if it had just been a little argument between Matt and Rose?" Hunter asked
"I did. Because you are a fucking pushover. You were with me and I'm sure you are with Dave." Helen said
Hunter took a breath. "You better fucking hope. That our girls never tell me they don't want to see you. Because this situation would be grounds for me to go to the courts and petition for you to at least have less time. The -only reason I'm not doing that is because our daughters need their mom. Even if she has completely lost her mind." Hunter said
"Excuse me?" Helen said
"Who are you? You are not the same person. You have changed and not in a good way." Hunter said
"I'm not the one who broke up our marriage to go be with a man." Helen said
"My parents got to you." Hunter said
"Ha. You think if that was the case that Hayley would have been dating anyone?" Helen asked
"You have -never had an issue with my sexuality. We have both always known that I wasn't straight. I did love you. But we fell out of love. And it wasn't just because of my sexuality. We both know the reason even if neither of us want to admit it." Hunter said
That confused Dave but he knew now was not the right time.
"Oh. And what reason do you think that is exactly?" Helen asked
"You -know. The same reason that I didn't use the same best man for my wedding to Dave that I used for our wedding." Hunter said
Helen took a breath.
"You were screwing at least since after Kara was born. If Kara didn't look so much like me I would be questioning that." Hunter said
Dave was stunned. He had no idea about this.
Helen said nothing.
"Yeah. You thought I didn't know. But I knew." Hunter said "But. That is not what this is about." Hunter said
"Except it is. He has helped me realize that I can parent how I want to, and it doesn't have to involve you." Helen said "And you better not try and interfere with my time with my girls. Or you might just find out Kara isn't the only one who might not be yours." Helen said
Hunter's heart broke.
Dave saw Hunter's face.
"This call is done." Dave said hanging it up. "Hunter I know you're really hurt. I need you to look at me." Dave said
Hunter did so. "Those girls are yours. Whether or not the DNA would say that. You are their papa. Do you hear me?" Dave said
Hunter nodded.
"Come on. Say it." Dave said
"They are mine. I'm not doubting that. I just. That is -not Helen." Hunter said
Dave nodded. "I'm having a hard time believing there isn't something else going on there…"
Hunter nodded.
"You are not a push over by the way." Dave said
Hunter smiled abit. "Thank you. But we both know you are the hard ass in this relationship. And I was very much a pushover with Helen."
"No. Hunter. I would have let Hals date. You were the one in this saying no and I backed you up because that's how it works in a marriage." Dave said
Hunter nodded abit
"And Helen caved and let her and didn't tell you. Because she knew you would -never let it happen with Matt." Dave said
Hunter nodded again.
"So you are -not a pushover." Dave said
"Okay. You're right." Hunter said.
Dave kissed him. "We will figure out what is going on."
Hunter nodded abit. "Would you be hurt if I said that I needed to figure this out on my own?"
"No." Dave said, "But you don't have to do this on your own."
"I think I do…" Hunter said
"Okay. I'll be here if you need me but can let you do it on your own." Dave said
Hunter nodded and kissed him. "I'm going to go over there right now."
"Okay." Dave said. "I'll be here."
Hunter left the office and went and gave the girls all hugs saying he would be back later and to be good for dad before he left and went to his ex-wife's house.
Dave went and joined the kids in watching a movie.
Rosie and Hayley had a great time toboggining with their friends. They came home a few hours later.
Dave came to the door when he heard them come in. They were taking off all their snow gear. "You had a good time?" he asked with a smile.
"Yes. It was great. A lot of people from school where there." Rosie said
"Good." Dave said. "Can tell it was cold though."
"Our cheeks red?" Hayley asked with a chuckle
"Yes." Dave said
They finished taking of all their snow gear and put it all away.
"I'm going to make hot chocolate should I make some for everyone?" Rosie asked
"Ask your sisters if they want any." Dave said "I'm okay."
"Papa?" Rosie asked
"He's not here." Dave said
Rosie went and asked her sisters and than went and started to make hot chocolate for herself and all of them.
A couple hours later the eight of them sat down to eat.
"Where is Papa?" Callie asked
"He had something he needed to do." Dave told her
"Where?" Maddy asked
"Not important." Dave said
Hayley let out a breath.
Dave looked at her.
"Is this about last nights conversation?" Hayley asked
"Don't worry about it Hals." Dave said
Rosie looked between her dad and Hals.
"Not your concern Rose." Dave said
Rosie went back to eating.
Hayley let out a breath and put her fork down. "Not really hungry anymore… Can I go?"
"Sure." Dave said
Hayley went off.
Rosie gasped. If that had been her there is no way she would have been allowed to leave the table till her food was done.
Dave gave Rosie a death glare.
Rosie finishing eating.
Once everyone was done the twins started to clean up.
Dave took Rosie into the office
"I'm sorry." She said
"You're not in trouble. I just want to be very clear. Hayley does not struggle with her eating. Her missing one meal will be just that. Missing one meal. You missing a meal could be a major set back. What is fair for you. Might not be fair for her." Dave said
Rosie nodded. "Okay. Sorry."
Dave hugged her.
Rosie hugged him "Can I ask her what's going on?"
"Normally I would say yes. But this situation involves more than just her. So for now I need you to leave it alone. Okay?" Dave said
Rosie nodded "Okay."
Dave kissed her head. "But doesn't mean you cant be there for her. Give her a distraction."
Rosie smiled. "Done."
She went and grabbed Hayley and pulled her into her room and took out nail polish to do Hayley's nails.
"You're not going to ask?" Hayley asked
"Nope." Rosie said
"Damn, I would." Hayley said
"I was told not to." Rosie said. "That is doesn't just involve you so to leave it alone."
"Ah. Yeah there is a part that I'm not entirely what is going on so…" Hayley said
"Well. I was told not to ask. You were not told you couldn't share." Rosie said, "I am -not asking."
Hayley nodded. "Oh. You sure know how to work around the system don't you?"
Rosie laughed. "Sometimes."
"I probably shouldn't." Hayley said
"Okay." Rosie said
"But you can tell me who the guy who likes me is." Hayley said
"I have no idea." Rosie said
"Mhm" Hayley said shaking her head "I'm thinking the only people you wouldn't tell me about is if its someone in the group."
"I'm not telling you. Because I don't know." Rosie said
Hayley laughed. "No one believes that."
"Believe it or not, doesn't change the facts." Rosie said
"Okay. Fine. If you say so." Hayley said
"Do you like anyone?" Rosie asked
"I think I need time. To figure out what I want. But do I think any of the guys in the group are attractive? Do I have eyes?" Hayley asked
Rosie chuckled "Who?"
"Well. I guess all the guys are hot in their own ways." Hayley said
"Yeah. We have some really good-looking guys in our group." Rosie said
"But there are only three in the group that aren't taken." Hayley said
"Tyson, Pierce and Eric." Rosie said
"Right." Hayley said
"So do you find any of those three more attractive than the others?" Rosie asked
"Yes." Hayley said
Rosie smiled. "You going to tell me?"
"No." Hayley said
"Okay. Cant make you." Rosie said "But know that. When you are able to date. That if you don't take the shot you will lose it. And that you will have to watch someone else with the person you like without having given it a shot."
"You've been with Nolan for awhile. Was there someone else before you?" Hayley asked
"Yup. He was dating this guy. Wasn't for long but it killed me a little inside." Rosie said
Hayley nodded
"And if we both had been honest about our feelings in the first place it might not have happened. We both liked each other but we were both stupid and scared of losing the friendship. He was my best friend first. I told him everything. He told me everything. So I had to listen to him talk about this guy and I was the only one who knew about them dating because he wasn't telling anyone else. It was not easy." Rosie said
Hayley nodded. "Yikes. Why were you the only one who knew?"
"He was afraid his parents wouldn't accept him being with a guy. That they were homophobic. He was wrong. But that's why they didn't know. And he was worried if he told to many people it would get back to his parents." Rosie said
Hayley nodded. "But they obviously broke up?
"Yeah. He was a douche. Noel decided to break up with him because he had lost feelings for the guy and the guy decided to be a douche and say he was going to break up with him anyways for reasons I wont get into." Rosie said
Hayley nodded
"That happened on the day that I found out Noel liked me too and that I admitted my feelings to him. And no that is not why Noel broke up with him." Rosie said
Hayley chuckled.
"When the rest of the group found out about Nolan and the guy and that they had broken up and they knew Nolan liked me. There was a list of people they knew liked me. They also figured out that there was someone on the list that I liked back, and someone figured out that it was Noel that I liked and accused Noel of that being the reason he broke up with the guy which wasn't the case. Its why I said that." Rosie said
Hayley nodded. "Okay."
Rosie finished up Hayley's nails.
Hunter came home. Dave heard him coming in and went to him. "Hey." he said
"Hi." Hunter said
"How did it go?" Dave asked
Hunter led him to the office and closed the door.
Dave went and sat down on the couch. Hunter sat next to him. They sat in silence for awhile.
Dave noticed Hunter's knuckles looked bruised. He took his hand. "What happened?"
"Oh. I did what I have wanted to do since I found out she was cheating on me." Hunter said
"So she is with him now that was truth?" Dave asked
"Yeah." Hunter said
"Do you need me to tell you violence is never the answer?" Dave asked
Hunter sighed "No."
"Okay. I wont." Dave said running his fingers across the knuckles gently.
"He was there. And he was trying to keep me from talking to her. So I punched him in the face and while he was dealing with that I walked right by him and went to her and I… yelled." Hunter said "Um. In the end I realized she looked sick. So I asked her what was wrong. She said nothing. I looked at her new boyfriend and said, 'can you honestly tell me you don't think something has changed with her.' and he said that he saw what I saw yes. So we convinced her to get a full examination done because she swore she didn't think anything was wrong. She has a tumor. On her brain." Hunter said
"Damn." Dave said
"They think it started out really small. That it had to have been there for years. In the area that affects abilities to make good decisions. So as it has grown its just put more and more pressure. So her decision to cheat on me. Which he promises did not start till after Kara was born. He said he is willing to do paternity tests if I doubt that. She cant make logical decisions right now. But um. Because it was not caught for so long…. Um. Saving her. The doctors say aren't good odds." Hunter said
Dave put an arm around his shoulder and pulled him close and held him. "Hunter I'm so sorry."
"And how do I tell the girls? Because I have to." Hunter said
"We will do it together." Dave said
"No. Dave I have to…" Hunter said
"Hunt. You are not doing this alone. I let you deal with going to talk to her alone and you punched someone." Dave said
Hunter let out a small chuckle.
"Have you iced it at all?" Dave asked
"Yes. At the hospital a nurse brought me an ice pack when she saw it." Hunter said
"You can move your fingers?" Dave asked
Hunter moved them so Dave could see.
Dave nodded. "Good."
They were quiet for a bit.
"You say the doctors say the odds are not good. But doctors can be wrong. What is the treatment options. And who makes the decisions about if it happens? I'm guessing she doesn't have the mental capacity to decide?" Dave asked
"They can do chemotherapy and radiation to try and shrink it and than remove it once its smaller, but they don't know if it will work. And the treatment is expensive. And I wasn't aware, but she has had a gambling addiction. Likely all tied to the tumor, but she has almost no money." Hunter said
Dave shook his head.
"I have savings that will cover half of it." Hunter said "Her boyfriend has offered to help but he doesn't have a lot of savings either." Hunter said "And I don't know if its my place to help her financially anymore…"
"Of course it is Hunter. She is your daughters mother. And if you didn't think that I would help than you don't know me as well as I thought you did." Dave said with a small smile
"Dave. No." Hunter said
"Why not? Those girls are mine too. And they need their mom. I couldn't do anything to help Rosie's mom. I can do something to help the other girls mom. Why wouldn't I?" Dave asked
"God. How did I get so lucky." Hunter said
"Good karma" Dave said "because you helped Rosie and got her home safe when you didn't even know her. And the first time I looked at you I feel madly in love with you." Dave said
Hunter smiled
"As Rosie said in the wedding speech. I don't know how the two of us survived before you." Dave said with a smile
Hunter let out a breath.
"So who is it that makes these decisions?" Dave asked
"Its me." Hunter said. "If she comes out of this alive she is going to kill me for letting you help."
Dave shrugged. "At least she will be alive for the girls."
Hunter nodded. "I think I need to tell Hayley tonight."
"We can do that." Dave said
"Okay." Hunter said
"But first you need to get ice on your knuckles." Dave said
Hunter grabbed an ice pack and went upstairs with Dave. Finding Hayley in Rosie's room.
"Hey Hayley. We need to talk to you." Dave said
Rosie got up to leave the room.
"You can stay Rosie." Hunter said before looking at Dave
"I'm fine with it if you are." Dave said
Rosie sat back down.
"What happened to your hand?" Hayley asked Hunter
"I didn't handle my anger very well." Hunter said
"What did you punch?" Hayley asked
"It was your uncle Weston." Hunter said
"Oh. You found out…" Hayley said
"What exactly do you think I found out?" Hunter asked
"That they have been dating." Hayley said
"Yes. I did." Hunter said "But that's not what this is about."
"Okay. I take it that is has to do with the whole situation?" Hayley said
"Kind of. Um. I went to talk to her about that. And I realized that she didn't look very well. Like she was sick. And I am putting together things that have happened in the last few years and things that have been strange the last few months with her. And I asked your Uncle Weston if he had noticed she seemed off too. Which he said he had. And in the end we convinced her to go to the hospital. They did some testing." Hunter said taking a breath before he continued "She is really sick peanut."
"How sick?" Hayley asked
"She has a tumor." Hunter said
Hayley just shook her head "No. She cant… what do the doctor's say? When does treatment start?" Hayley asked
"They can start treatment right away. Um. Because of where the tumor is she cant make the decision herself and because she never changed it I am the one who is making the decision. But even with the best of treatments which yes I will have them do. We need to be prepared that she might not come out of this." Hunter said
Hayley teared up. "How long has it been there?"
"Based on the type of tumor and when I can remember things starting to seem off. Its been a couple years." Hunter said
"If you knew something was off why didn't you do something sooner?" Hayley asked
"Hayley its not that simple. The things that were going on. Weren't cut and dry seemingly off. Until I found out about her knowing about you and Matt. I knew than that something was very wrong. Your mom wouldn't have agreed to that without talking to me that's when I knew someone was really wrong." Hunter said
Hayley nodded. "So I should have seen this…."
"No." Hunter said "This is no ones fault. These things happen."
"Did the doctors give a percentage of chance of survival?" Hayley asked
"Yes." Hunter said
"But doctors aren't always right. All that's important is she start treatment right away." Dave said
"Why are you even here for this conversation." Hayley said. She wasn't thinking clearly,
"Hayley." Hunter said "He is here because he loves you and wants to make sure you are okay."
"That I'm okay? Do you really think I'm going to be okay if my mother dies?" Hayley asked getting loud
"Hals. You do not want your sisters to find out right now." Dave said
"Shut up. I don't fucking care. They have the right to know too." Hayley said
"Hayley. Stop it." Hunter said. "I know you are upset and that is okay. But this is not how you handle it."
"So I should just go punch someone?" Hayley asked
Hunter took a breath. "Hayley. You are walking on very thin ice. Check the attitude."
"Rose. Why don't we let the two of them talk?" Dave said. Rosie went to get up.
"No. We are not kicking Rosie out of her room." Hunter said.
"Mom was right. You will always take Rosie's side now…" Hayley said
Rosie's jaw dropped and she got up and left the room. Dave went to go with her.
"Nope. I'm going for a walk." Rosie said
Dave sighed.
"Hayley Jessica Maddox. Go to your room." Hunter said
Hayley got up and went slamming her door.
Callie looked up from her bed.
"What's wrong?" Callie asked
"Mom is sick." Hayley said
"With a cold? So?" Callie asked
"God you are so stupid sometimes. She is sick, sick." Hayley said
"You mean like grandpa was?" Callie asked
"Different kind of sickness but yes." Hayley said
Callie got up and went out to Papa. "Is Hayley telling the truth?"
"What did she tell you?" Hunter asked
"Is mom going to die like grandpa?" Callie asked in tears.
Hunter wrapped his arms around her. "I'm sorry princess I don't know. She is pretty sick. But she is going to get treatment at the hospital and the doctors are going to do everything they can to save her."
Callie sobbed.
Dave went into Hayley's room closing the door behind him. "Really? You think that is how you tell your sister?"
"Get the fuck out of my room." Hayley said
"I'm sorry you are upset right now. I know that you are scared to lose your mom. I wasn't much older than you when my mom passed away. But that's not an excuse to speak to me the way you are." Dave said
"And you are not my dad. So I don't give a fuck what you have to say." Hayley said
Dave took a breath. "When you are ready to have a conversation like the mature young lady I know you can be. Come find me. But know that I love you as much as I would if you were my biological daughter. And know that your papa has never once picked Rosie over you."
He left the room closing the door behind him.
Hunter had taken Callie and was in the library talking to her.
Dave looked out the window. He texted Rosie.
'You okay?' he asked
Rosie saw the text and sighed 'I'm fine.' She sent back
'You sure?' Dave sent
'I'm fine.' Rosie said
'Okay. If you want to talk I'm here.' Dave said
It was getting late. Dave went and checked on the younger kids and got them ready for bed and tried to avoid the questions that were being asked about why Hayley had been yelling.
"She is just upset. Don't worry about it. Just get some sleep." Dave told them. When he was done tucking them in he checked to see if Rosie was home which she was not.
'Can you tell me where you are?' Dave sent
'Just at the park across the street.' Rosie said
'Okay. Please be back soon. Its late and I don't like you being alone in the park' Dave sent
'I'm not alone. I called Taylor she was unable to come but ten minutes later Pierce showed up' Rosie sent
'Okay. Glad you've got someone to talk to.' Dave sent
"Your dad?" Pierce asked
"Yeah." Rosie said
"You want to tell me what's going on?" Pierce asked
"I cant go into details because its not my story to tell. But Hayley got some really bad news. And is hurting. Which is warranted. But she didn't take the news very well. And lost it and said things to my dad about him not belonging as part of the conversation. And I really wish that I hadn't been in the room when it happened." Rosie said
"Haven't heard you called him -your dad in awhile when Hayley is there, or the conversation involves her in someway." Pierce said
"She made the divide tonight. So she doesn't want him as her dad than fuck her." Rosie said
"Look. I don't know what happened, but I have a feeling she didn't really mean that." Pierce said "She told me once that she was so glad to have another parent to depend on. That she was happy she had her mom. Her papa and her dad."
Rosie let out a breath.
"And I know you love your papa as much as you do your dad." Pierce said
"Yes I do. I was even considering asking him to formally adopt me." Rosie said
Pierce smiled. "That's great."
"To be honest I'm a little jealous. Hayley has had her mom her whole life. And her mom has been good. I had a 'mother figure' for along time who I thought was my mom, but she didn't treat me well. And I love my dad. But I kind of felt like I was missing out on something. And than Hunter came into the picture and no he's not a 'mom' but he is a second parent who has been there for me. And I would be lost if I lost him as much as I would be if I lost my dad." Rosie said
"I get that jealous thing. It was just a few years ago I lost my dad. And its hard not having the same gender parent to talk to." Pierce said "But I'm lucky. My dad has a brother who has really stepped up to be there for me."
Rosie nodded. "And I have people I consider my aunts who would drop everything to come be there for me. And I can always talk to about the girl stuff. But…"
"Its not the same. No its not." Pierce said.
Rosie nodded.
"You know how many times Taylor had told me she hates me?" Pierce asked
"Probably a lot when you were trying to control her." Rosie said with a smirk
"Yeah. There was a lot around than." He said with a small chuckle "But if you text her and ask her she will tell you she loves me. Families fight. Its more normal than if they don't fight." Pierce said
Rosie nodded. "I know."
"So. Go. Be angry with her. Tell her off. Being the oldest sister has its perks." Pierce said smirking "And you will argue. I feel like I can see things being thrown at each other and you will work through whatever it is."
Rosie laughed at the throwing things. "I'd be in trouble if things got thrown."
Pierce chuckled "That was kind of a joke."
Rosie nodded. "So. We haven't had a chance to talk just the two of us since I realized you like her." she said with a smirk.
Pierce shook his head. "I hate that you and Taylor figured that out."
"I laughed for hours at the irony" Rosie said
"Yeah. I knew you would when you found out." Pierce said
"And I don't know if you needed to hear it from me. But as long as she is allowed to, I think you are a great guy for her. I will not stand in the way." Rosie said
Pierce nodded. "Thank you. I was wondering how you would feel."
"I fought for you to get over your over protective big brother mode so Taylor could date one of your best friends. I'd be a hypocrite if I tried to stop this." Rosie said
"At that time you weren't a big sister. Your view could have changed." Pierce pointed out
"I guess but that isn't the case. And I know you would take care of her. And my dad and papa love you. So I think if she can convince them to let her date before she is sixteen you being the person would help her case." Rosie said
Pierce smiled and nodded. "Think her mom would like me?"
Rosie took a breath and shrugged. "Don't know."
"Don't know her very well?" Pierce asked
"Somewhat but not enough to know that." Rosie said
Pierce nodded "Okay."
"I think right now Hayley needs her friends. Especially you and Taylor." Rosie said
"Why especially us?" Pierce asked
Rosie shook her head. "Cant answer that."
Pierce let out a breath. He had figured it out. "Shit. How bad?"
"I honestly don't know. But not good." Rosie said
Pierce nodded. "Her mom I'm guessing? Because I think you would be a mess otherwise too."
"Yes." Rosie said
"Okay. Well I wont tell her you told me. But make sure she knows that I went through this, and I will be there for her. And Taylor too. I don't even have to ask Taylor." Pierce said
"Okay. I will." Rosie said
"And if things work out with her and I. I will be your brother and you know how protective I am of my sister. So I'm here for you too." Pierce said with chuckle
Rosie chuckled. "Oh I do. And thank you. And likewise. I think I'm going to end of up with a lot of brother in laws with six sisters."
Pierce chuckled. "You never know you could end up with some more sisters."
"That would be okay too." Rosie said with a smile.
"Don't think your getting any more siblings from your parents?" Pierce asked
"Never thought about it. I don't know." Rosie said
Pierce nodded
Rosie looked at her phone. "I'm pretty sure if I don't go back soon my dad will come and drag me home. Only reason I'm guessing he hasn't is I told him you're here too."
Pierce nodded.
"See. He trusts you. He likes you." Rosie said with a smile
Pierce smiled. "Good to know."
"Thank you for being a sounding block." Rosie said
"Of course. I know Nolan was probably your first pick though. Why wasn't he called?" Pierce asked
"He is out of town with his family for the rest of the week." Rosie said
Pierce nodded. "Right. Forgot about that."
"And I did text Taylor originally. But she is out of the area on her date." Rosie said
"Yeah." Pierce said
"But glad she sent you." Rosie said. "You helped."
"Good." Pierce said
Rosie got up from the bench where they were sitting. Pierce got up too. And they hugged before Rosie went back home. She went inside.
Hunter was coming out of the library with Callie.
"Hey little sis. You're up late." Rosie said with a smile.
"Yeah…" Callie said.
"Rosie. I'm in the office." Dave called out.
Rosie went into the office and closed the door. "Sorry. I didn't mean to worry you."
"Its okay. I knew you were safe. That friend group you have. They would protect you with their lives. Just like you would theirs. Like you did actually." Dave said
Rosie shrugged.
"I'm sorry. You shouldn't have been part of that conversation." Dave said
"I wish I hadn't been. Because now I don't know what to do. How to help her." Rosie said
"Is that why you called Taylor because she would understand it better to help Hayley?" Dave asked
"No. I just needed a friend to talk to. I don't think its my place to tell our friends about that." Rosie said
Dave tilted his head. "No. Probably not. But did you?"
Rosie sighed. "It came out. I knew Pierce and Taylor for that fact would be the ones who understand most what she is going though. I told Pierce that she was really going to need her friends right now and I might have said especially him and Taylor and well. He's not a stupid guy."
Dave nodded
"He's not going to tell anyone. And I didn't go into detail." Rosie said
Dave nodded.
"Callie seems to know?" Rosie asked
"Yes. Hayley went into their room and told her." Dave said
"Ah." Rosie said, "Are you okay?"
"Yes." He said
"I mean with what Hayley said to you?" Rosie said
"Not the first time. I know she is just hurting." Dave said
"Doesn't mean she should have said it. I would never say that to papa." Rosie said
"You are different girls. I do not compare." Dave said
Rosie nodded. "I appreciate that."
There was a knock on his office door.
"Yes?" Dave said
Hayley went in.
"I will go." Rosie said. Before he left she put a hand on Hayley's shoulder. "You should let Taylor and Pierce know. They went through something similar they will be able to understand what you are going though better than a lot of people. But I'm always available to talk too." Rosie said
Hayley nodded.
Rosie left the room.
"I'm sorry dad." Hayley said
Dave nodded. "Sit." He said softly
Hayley sat down.
"I know that this is really scary. I know the thought of losing your mom is really scary. And your allowed to feel however you feel. Even angry. And if you want to be angry at me. That's fine. But you do not get to speak to me the way you did." Dave said calmly
Hayley nodded. "I know. I'm really sorry. I just. I cant lose my mom." She said in tears.
Dave opened his arms.
Hayley went over and Dave held her as she cried into his shoulder.
"We don't know that you are going to lose her. She is a strong women. I'm sure her body will do everything to fight this. To be here for you girls." Dave said
Hayley sobbed her self to sleep. Dave picked her up and carried her off to bed.
He went and found Hunter who was sitting on their bed.
"Hey. How are you feeling?" Dave asked
"Seeing my girls hurting this much. And have to do this four more times." Hunter said
"I think the benefit of them being so young is we don't need to tell them details and they wont fully understand." Dave said
Hunter nodded. "It makes it that much sadder if she goes."
"Hey. Lets not think about that right now. We get the treatment started and we go from there." Dave said
Hunter nodded. "Okay."
"And I get you want to be strong in front of the girls, but you do not need to be in front of me." Dave said
Hunter nodded abit. "I think I'm just still in shock."
"Yeah. That seems pretty normal." Dave said "Come on. Kids all in bed. You need sleep too."
Hunter and Dave got ready for bed.
Dave went and checked on Rosie who was cuddled up hugging the monkey that Nolan gave her.
"Missing Nolan?" He asked
"Yeah. I would have called him to come join me at the park. But actually I think becoming an oldest sibling Pierce and I have gotten closer. He has been a real big help with all that comes with that. He is actually the one who found out that Hayley was going on that initial date was with Matt. He's the one who told me." Rosie said
"Oh. Yeah. He's a good guy. Not having any problems with just being friends with him right?" Dave asked
Rosie chuckled. "You know guys and girls can be just friends right?"
Dave chuckled. "I know. Just making sure."
"Yes. I'm not interested in Pierce. He is more like a brother." Rosie said
"Okay." Dave said
"And I know he doesn't like me either. He likes another girl." Rosie said
"Someone in the group?" Dave asked
"Yes." Rosie said
"Well I'm going to assume its someone not taken. So who is that in your group. Cass? Abby is with that new guy who was here the other night right?" Dave asked
"Yes. Simon. I should have introduced you." Rosie said
"Abby did when they got here." Dave said
"Oh." Rosie said "Good."
"So Pierce likes Cass?" Dave asked
"Nope." Rosie said
"So its someone who is taken?" Dave asked
"Wow. For being a profiler you can be really clueless." Rosie said with a smirk
"Hayley?" Dave asked quietly
Rosie nodded. "He knows that she isn't allowed to date. He is not planning on trying anything. Other than being her friend. Hayley doesn't even know."
Dave nodded. "Okay."
"And I think when she is allowed to date. If she is interested in him she could do far worse." Rosie said
"He's a good guy. If they end up together when she is at that point I'm not going to be as worried as I would be with someone I don't know." Dave said
Rosie nodded.
"Well. Its late. Get some sleep." He said. He kissed her head. "Good night bambina."
Rosie smiled. "Night dad."
Dave left the room and went back to his and Hunter's room. Hunter was rubbing at his knuckles.
"Does it hurt?" Dave asked
"Yeah." Hunter said
Dave went into their bathroom and got a bottle of the heat rub stuff that Rosie had gotten for them. And brought it out. "Here. Let me." Dave said
Hunter gave him his hand and Dave put some on and started to gently rub it in.
"You sure its not broken?" Dave asked him
"Yeah. I have broken my knuckles before." Hunter said
"Oh. How?" Dave asked
"Fighting." Hunter said
"Oh. So this isn't the first time you punch someone." Dave said
"I was eighteen. How much do you know about the FLDS cult?" Hunter asked
"Multiply wives being a thing. Girls as young as Rosie being married off to guys who could be their fathers or grandfathers." Dave said
"One of the high ups were showing interest in my twelve-year-old sister. Wanna guess how I actually got kicked out?" Hunter asked
"I thought you told me you left on your own accord." Dave said
"Well. I was planning on leaving. I kind of did that on my way out." Hunter said
Dave nodded. "Okay. I get it."
"But the first time I actually ever went to the hospital. Because in the FLDS you really didn't go to the hospital. My first time was to get my knuckles looked at. The people who were my support when I first was out took me." Hunter said
"Move your fingers for me again please." Dave said
Hunter did so and they moved smoothly.
"Okay. Probably not broken." Dave said
"And that stuff warms up really fast." Hunter said
"Yeah. It does." Dave said. Dave put the stuff away and climbed into bed with Hunter.
"Any other time you punched someone?" Dave asked
"No. Have come close a couple times though." Hunter said
Dave nodded "Well we all have those moments."
"And I get the feeling you have been in your share of fights?" Hunter said
"Oh yes. I have." Dave said, "Have had to punch a few people out in the job too."
"And you don't end up with bruised or broken knuckles?" Hunter asked
"Is it bad for me to be able to say I have learnt how to punch to avoid that?" Dave asked
Hunter chuckled "On the job training?"
"I guess so." Dave said. "How about we agree with don't use our fists anymore unless its necessary?"
"You don't think it was necessary for me today?" Hunter asked
"I wasn't there I cant say." Dave said. "Do you think it was necessary?"
"I did at the time." Hunter said
"Do you still?" Dave asked
"Probably could have talked it out before I went to punching." Hunter admitted looking at his fist.
"Feeling guilty about it?" Dave asked
"Yeah… I'll apologize to him when I see him." Hunter said
Dave nodded. "I think that's probably the right choice."
"You upset with me?" Hunter asked
"No. You are dealing with a lot, and I think the guilt you are feeling is punishment enough." Dave said
Hunter nodded.
Dave kissed him "Now we both need sleep."
Hunter kissed him and they both tried to sleep.