It had been two weeks since the shocking news was brought in. Hayley was a complete mess. She was not trying in school. She was basically ignoring everything Dave and Hunter were saying to her. She hadn't been to boxing at all.
Rosie had tried to talk to her, a few friends at school had tried to figure out what was going on, but Rosie wouldn't tell, and Hayley was trying to avoid them all. Hayley was actually being pretty nasty to almost everyone. And Rosie was trying really hard to get everyone to understand that it wasn't really Hayley that something was going on and to give her time. But even she was at wits end. She was tired of trying to do everything that she normally did and picking up the slack when it came to Hayley's chores, as well as helping get the little ones to lessons and such with Helen being in the hospital and Hunter's added necessity of going to the hospital as much as possible. Rosie wanted to help, she had offered to help, but she had taken on to much and now was to scared to let anyone down to admit it.
Rosie had noticed the only person Hayley had been interacting with in a semi-kind way was Pierce and she started to realize that the person she had a crush on, had to be Pierce. So she did what she thought was best. Dave and Hunter had taken the younger ones out. Hayley at this point was on permanent house arrest outside of school with the attitude and behaviour. Rosie had chosen to stay home. She had homework to do and figured if anyone could get through to Hayley it was likely the guy who she had a crush on. She didn't tell Pierce this fact just said since he was the only one who knew what was going on from their friend group maybe he could get through to her.
There was a knock on the door and Rosie went and opened it.
"You sure you're ready for her to know you told me?" Pierce asked
"No one else can get through to her. You are the only one of our friends who she isn't completely being an ass to. And who knows the basics of what is going on. I don't know what else to do. I just want to help her." Rosie said
Pierce nodded. "Okay."
"She's in her room. No one else is here." Rosie said
Pierce went and knocked on the door. "Hals its Pierce" He said
"Um. Okay. Come in." Hayley said
Pierce went in and left the door opened. He crossed his arms.
"What's with that look?" Hayley asked
"The way you have been treating everyone." Pierce said
"Oh are you trying to 'dad' me?" Hayley asked
"No. I am here as your friend. I know what's going on." Pierce said
"How?" Hayley asked
"I did the exact same thing when my dad died. So who is it? I'm guessing not your Papa or dad, or Rosie would be a mess too. So your mom?" Pierce asked. Okay he was lying a little but if it worked why not.
Hayley sighed. "Don't know what you are talking about."
"Okay. So you are pushing everyone who cares about you away why than?" Pierce asked
"Because I feel like it." Hayley said
"Bullshit." Pierce said
"Oh you think you know me that well so you just -know what is going on?" Hayley asked
"Pierce just tell her." Rosie said as she passed by the room to her own. Closing the door.
"She fucking told you." Hayley said
"Okay. Yes. She did." Pierce said
Hayley got up and went to leave the room.
Pierce stood in the door way. "Nope. Want to be angry? Be angry at me. I am not letting you past me."
"Why the hell is it you who came to talk to me?" Hayley asked
"Because you have been a complete ass to everyone else." Pierce said. "Why have you been nicer to me?" Pierce asked
Hayley rolled her eyes. "God boys are so stupid."
Pierce raised an eyebrow and it suddenly clicked "Rosie. Can you come here?" Pierce called out
Rosie came out of her room quickly. "What?"
"Did you know the reason she has been nicer to me than anyone else?" He asked with a raised eyebrow
"Wait you knew?" Hayley asked Rosie
"If you don't want me to know things don't make it so damn obvious." Rosie said to Hayley before she looked at Pierce. "You're not allowed to be pissed. I have been keeping something under wraps for you." She said with a smirk, she turned and walked back into her room. She closed the door most of the way and tried to listen.
"What has she been keeping secret for you?" Hayley asked
Pierce smirked. "I can repeat right back at you. God girls are so stupid. But I wont."
Hayley's jaw dropped. "You are the one who has a crush on me?! But why?"
"Hayley you are beautiful for one. And even when you put on this tough shell so no one can hurt you I can see the kindness in your heart. I have seen you with your little sisters. You have a sense of humor like no one else. You're smart, and I have seen you take down people twice your size at boxing meets which is kinda hot." Pierce said
Hayley chuckled. "Why haven't you said anything?"
"Because I have the upmost respect for your parents, and I know you aren't allowed to date. I will not go against what they say and date you. Even if Rosie was willing to cover for us." Pierce said
Hayley nodded. "I don't think she would cover again. After the last time."
"Don't blame her." Pierce said
"You're pissed at me?" Hayley asked
"For not telling anyone what was going on? A bit." Pierce "But you were trying to protect your sister. That's not a bad thing. Just wish you could have trusted her or your friends to have your back and her back." Pierce said
Hayley nodded abit.
Pierce moved from the door and sat on her bed across from her. "So. Why don't you tell me exactly what is going on with your mom. She didn't give me details."
"She has a tumor on her brain. In the area the affects rational thinking. Its pretty big. I guess its probably been growing for a couple years. They have started chemo and radiation to try and make it smaller and than they will try to remove it. But the prognosis isn't great. Twenty-five precent chance of survival." Hayley said
"Damn. I'm so sorry Hals." Pierce said
"Thanks." Hayley said "I know I have been awful but I'm just so angry. Angry that I didn't see this coming. There are things I see now that I should have seen before meant something was really wrong."
"This is not your fault. This is no ones fault. If its been a couple years. No one saw this. Not your Papa. None of her friends. How can you expect that you would see what no one else did?" Pierce asked
"Because she did something so uncharacteristically like her and when my papa found out he -knew something was wrong. And I knew about it a few months ago. And I didn't say anything because it meant I got to do what I wanted to do. I was being so fucking shellfish." Hayley said
"Okay. Well I'm guessing a few months probably didn't make much of a difference. And your papa has known her much longer than you. And knows her differently than you do." Pierce said
Hayley nodded.
"This is not your fault. And all you can do now is, be there for her. However you can. If that means being extra helpful with your sisters. And you need to stop acting like you have to push everyone away." Pierce said
Hayley looked down.
"Because its not you. And we all care and just want to be there for you. And when you tell them all because no one else knows anything." Pierce said
"Why did she tell you?" Hayley asked
"The night you all found out she was at the park. Nolan wasn't around. She had texted Taylor, but Taylor was on a date about an hour away, so Taylor told me where she was, and she needed a friend, so I went and since Rosie has become a big sister she and I have gotten tighter." Pierce said
"She goes to you when one of us drives her nuts?" Hayley asked
Pierce chuckled. "Yes. Or when she needs to decide what is the right thing to do in situations. Like when you asked her to cover for you to go on a date before we knew who it was with. She was struggling with the right thing to do."
"And you didn't tell her not to cover?" Hayley asked
"I helped her figure out how to do it without putting her ass on the line. Till I found out who the date was with." Pierce said
"Yeah and than I made everything worse by not breaking the date…" Hayley said
Pierce shrugged. "Cant change what is done. All you can do is learn from your mistakes and not make them again."
Hayley nodded.
"So what are you going to do?" Pierce asked
"Apologize to everyone and tell our friends what is going on." Hayley said
Pierce smiled and nodded. "Good."
Hayley smiled abit.
Meanwhile Dave and Hunter returned. Rosie heard them and went downstairs.
"Whose car is in the driveway?" Dave asked
"Pierce. He is here talking to Hayley. I've been keeping an eye on things." Rosie said
Dave nodded. "Talking about?"
"Here isn't the only place she has been pushing people away… Pierce is the only one she hasn't been a complete ass to. So I figured if anyone had a shot at getting through to her." Rosie said
"Is it working?" Hunter asked
"Seems to be. She's not yelling. Anymore." Rosie said
Hunter went upstairs and went to knock but stopped.
"I still cant get over that you like -me." Hayley said
Pierce smiled. "Hayley you're an amazing person. What's not to like?"
"I just always thought you just saw me as Rosie's kid sister." Hayley said
"Nah. You are your own person Hals." Pierce said he pointed to the door and mouthed "Someone is out there."
"Okay. Who is spying?" Hayley called out
"Wasn't spying.." Hunter said
"Hello Mr. Maddox." Pierce said
"Yes you were." Hayley said "Didn't even know you were home."
"Just got back. There is your favorite ice cream in the freezer." Hunter said
"Thank you. I don't exactly deserve it." Hayley said
"You don't think so?" Hunter asked
"I have been a real bitch lately…" Hayley said "I'm really sorry."
Hunter nodded. "Glad to hear it. And you haven't been being that word I will not repeat. You have been struggling."
"Yeah. But we all have, and I have made it harder on everyone." Hayley said
"Well its forgiven from me." Hunter said he kissed her head. He left the room "This door stays open." He said
"Yes papa." Hayley said
Hunter went downstairs.
"I don't know what that boy said to her, but she seems to be completely back to her self." Hunter said
"Glad to hear it." Dave said
"Do you know anything about the two of them liking each other?" Hunter asked
"Well. Rosie told me she thought Pierce likes Hals, but I didn't know the feelings were mutual." Dave said
"Can I just give in?" Hunter said
Dave smiled at him and led him to the table to sit and stood behind him and rubbed at his shoulders. "Do you really want to let her date? When your ex is in the situation she is in?"
"That's why I want to do it. Life is to fucking short. They are young. And if he can get through to her better than we can? And you know this boy. We trust this boy." Hunter said
"Yes. We can trust him. He is a good guy. His mom raised him and his sister very well. Their dad passed a few years ago so he might have some insight into her feelings more than we do." Dave said "But yes. As far as guys I would trust with my daughters he is on the list."
"I'm just so tried of fighting with her about everything lately." Hunter said
"We are all tired. We are all dealing with a lot. If he has really made a change in her. I expect that she will be making a lot of apologizes and doing what she needs to, to catch up at school and help us out when we need it. If the next few weeks go smoother we can revisit this discussion than." Dave suggested.
"Okay. Reasonable." Hunter said
Dave found a particular sensitive spot. "You have a knot. You and Rosie carry your stress in the same place."
"We do?" Hunter asked
"Yes. You are making a massage appointment for both of you, and you will take her." Dave said
"Dave…" Hunter said
"Be a good example for our daughter. Her knot is worse than yours." Dave said "And I can not convince her to go. If you go and take her." Dave said
Hunter sighed. "I know what you are doing."
"Trying to make sure my husband and daughter are both taken care of? How awful am I?" Dave said sarcastically with a smile
Hunter let out a frustrated sigh.
"Is that a yes?" Dave asked
"I'll think about it. I really don't need to Dave. Yes I will take Rosie. She shouldn't be that stressed she is sixteen. But I really don't need it." Hunter said
Dave shook his head "You do need it. And no. She shouldn't be that stressed out, but no one really should."
Hayley came into the kitchen. "Dad. Can I talk to you?"
Dave stopped rubbing Hunter's shoulder. "Of course. Alone?"
"No. Papa can be here too." Hayley said
Dave nodded to the chair across the table. "Sit."
Hayley did so. "I have already apologized to Papa, but I haven't to you. I'm really sorry."
"For?" Dave asked
"The way I have been acting." Hayley said
Dave nodded "Moving forward what can Papa and I expect to see from you?"
"Dropping the attitude. Getting back into doing my school work. Doing what you ask. Helping you even when you don't ask." Hayley said
Dave nodded. "None of us expect that you aren't hurting or scared of losing your mom. And your allowed to feel however you feel."
"But you're not a little girl anymore. You need to work on how you express those emotions. You cant throw temper tantrums the way you could when you were Scarlet's age." Hunter said
Hayley nodded. "I know. I'm sorry. I wont do it again."
"Okay. Its forgiven." Dave said
"We love you." Hunter said
"Love you both too." Hayley said
"Something going on with you and Pierce?" Dave asked
"No. Um. Just friends. We both like each other but we both know your rules. So friends. What the future holds no one knows." Hayley said
Hunter and Dave nodded
"Good." Dave said. "Friends are good."
Hayley nodded.
"Anything you want to talk about?" Hunter nodded
"No." Hayley said
"You have a lot of school work to catch up on correct?" Hunter asked
Hayley nodded.
"The sooner you start the sooner you finish." Dave said
Hayley got up and went and hugged them both.
They both hugged her tight. Both reminding her how much she is loved.
She went to work on her homework.
Pierce was currently in Rosie's room. They were talking
"How long have you known she likes me?" Pierce asked
"Well. She told me she liked a guy in the group. Someone not matched up. Which left three options. And than when she wasn't being well an asshole to you the way she was everyone else. I kind of figured it out." Rosie said
"Ah. So not long." Pierce said
"Nope." Rosie said
"Would you have told me sooner had you known?" Pierce asked
"Nope." Rosie said
Pierce chuckled. "Okay."
"I didn't tell her you liked her so why would I tell you she liked you?" Rosie asked
"You're right." Pierce said "But how are you actually doing. I feel like you have probably been picking up a lot of slack that she has been leaving."
"That's an understatement." Rosie said, "I failed a test because I didn't have time to study." She said quietly
"Shit." Pierce said
"If I cant convince Mr. Huffman to let me do a retake than that grade is going to look really bad to collage admissions officers." Rosie said
"Yeah. He does retakes but they are so few. You have to really have a good reason." Pierce said
"And I've explained what's been going on. And he says he understands but that life throws shit at us and how we work under pressure is a big indicator of who we are as people." Rosie said
"Okay…. But you're a good student. You don't get marks like this. And your life has been one big stress the last few years. So obviously this is a one-time situation." Pierce said
"He's never taught me. He doesn't really know my record. And this is an AP class, so I think he thinks its 'to hard' for me" Rosie said
"But you have been with him for an entire semester already right?" Pierce asked
"Yes. And I got my normal grades last semester. This is the first test of this semester, so I think he thinks because this semester is harder that its getting 'to hard for me' which is bullshit." Rosie said
"Have you talked to your parents?" Pierce asked
"Not yet. I have to show them this test. And I will. But I need to handle this myself. I'm not going to run to my parents and have them go to Mr. Huffman and get involved. I'm sixteen if I cant handle this myself than it's a problem." Rosie said
Pierce nodded. "I get it. I think you're right."
Rosie sighed and rubbed at her neck pushing her hair out of the way.
"Ouch. That knot. I thought Noel took care of it." Pierce said
"He helped abit. But the last couple weeks have been so fucking stressful." Rosie said
"Does he know how bad it is? Or your parents?" Pierce asked
"No." Rosie let out a breath
"Rose. Its bad." Pierce said
"I'm aware. Thank you. I haven't had time to get it taken care of." Rosie said
Pierce took out his phone and texted Nolan.
'Came to talk to Hayley and am hanging with Rose. That knot on her back. I never saw it before but based on what you said it has grown. And she is aware, and I have a feeling you are going to get through to her far easier than me.' Pierce said
'How bad?' Nolan asked
'Bigger than a golf ball for sure.' Pierce said
'Can you get a picture? Does she know you are texting me?' Nolan asked
'I can try and no.' Pierce said
'You care if I out the fact that you told me?' Nolan asked
'Not at all.' Pierce said
Rosie's phone rang. She smiled and answered
"Hey Noel. You're on speaker. Pierce is here." Rosie said
"I know he's there." Noel said
"Oh?" Rosie asked
"He told me about the knot." Noel said
Rosie picked up a pillow and threw it at Pierce. "Why?"
Pierce chuckled and caught the pillow "Why did you tell me to come help Hayley?"
"Because she needed help." Rosie said
"You need someone who can help you get that fixed." Pierce said
Rosie rolled her eyes.
"Rosie. Why didn't -you tell me?" Noel asked
"Because I haven't had time for you to worry." Rosie said
"You haven't had time for -me to worry?" Noel asked
"Yes." Rosie said
"That makes no sense." Noel said
"Yes it does. If you knew you would worry and try and make me get it taken care of and I haven't had time to do the thing I -have to do let alone extra stuff." Rosie said
"Taking care of your well being is something you -have to do." Noel said
"And I will. When I have an hour to do so." Rosie said
"What can I do to help so you have that time?" Noel asked
"Nothing." Rosie said
"Not going to accept that." Noel said
Rosie narrowed her eyes at Pierce "This what you wanted to happen?"
"Well. Yes." Pierce said
"He shouldn't have had to tell me." Noel said "You should have."
Rosie sighed and shook her head "Noel. There is nothing that I can do. I have picked up the slack with everything Hayley has been neglecting because of her fucking attitude. Papa and the girls mother have had a lot going on too, so I have had to help with taking to sports and such. I haven't had the time to fucking study and I failed a fucking test."
"Ouch. What test?" Noel asked
"Pre-Calculus." Rosie said
"Shit. Why didn't you ask for help?" Noel asked
"With what Nolan?" Rosie said
"I can drive people to classes. I could have taken anyone anywhere." Noel said
"Ditto." Pierce said
"You shut up Pierce." Rosie said to Pierce. "I'm pissed at you."
"Okay. Be pissed at me. Still going to be here to help." Pierce said
"Rose. You are one person. You should have told your parents what is going on. They wouldn't have put it all on you if they knew how stressed you have been." Noel said
Rosie sighed
"What did they say about the test?" Noel asked
"Haven't shown them yet." Rosie said
"What has been going on with Hayley?" Noel asked
"I really cant be the one to tell you." Rosie said
"I think you can tell your boyfriend." Pierce said
"You know?" Noel asked Pierce
"I do. Rosie asked me to come talk to Hayley since she has been easier on me and thought Hayley might respond better to me." Pierce said
"Did it work?" Rosie asked Pierce
"Yeah. She apologized to your papa. And she says she is going to fix things with everyone." Pierce said, "And told me exactly what is going on."
"Fucking thank the gods." Rosie said
"I cant imagine carrying around that secret has helped your stress." Pierce said
"But it's not mine to share." Rosie said
"Telling everyone no. But you can tell Noel." Pierce said
"Um…" Hayley said standing in the door
Rosie looked up. "Hey Hals, what's up?"
"I figured you had told Noel…" Hayley said
"Nope." Rosie said
"But you told Pierce?" Hayley asked
"I told Pierce basically because I was overwhelmed, and he was there. If Noel had been there he would have been the one I told." Rosie said
"Where was I?" Noel asked
"Away with your parents." Rosie said
"Oh." Noel said
"You're not upset I have been talking to Pierce right?" Rosie asked Noel
"No. Of course not. Roe come on. If I cant trust my girl and best friend there is a problem. I know you two are like siblings." Noel said
"Okay. Just checking." Rosie said
"And it helps when he tells me when shit is going on that you don't." Noel said
Rosie chuckled abit. She looked at Hayley "You came in here for a reason?"
"I'm sorry…" Hayley said
Rosie let out a breath.
"I've been a complete asshole. And you have taken the brunt of a lot of it. I'm really sorry." Hayley said
"Its fine." Rosie said
"No its not." Hayley said, "I will make it up to you."
"Okay." Rosie said
"You can tell Noel what's going on." Hayley said
"Or you can right now." Rosie said
"I'm tired." Hayley said
"Fine." Rosie said
Hayley left the room
Rosie sighed. "She thinks she's the only one who is tired?"
"Come on Rose. She is going through hell." Pierce said
"I get that. And it sucks and I'm sorry she is going though this. But she hasn't made this an easy two weeks for anyone. I'm tired too." Rosie said
"What can I do?" Pierce asked
"I don't know." Rosie said
"Do you need me to come over?" Noel asked
"Yes. I could use one of your hugs." Rosie said softly
"I'll be there soon." Noel said before he hung up.
Rosie looked at Pierce. "Thank you."
Pierce nodded. "Just want to help and not sure how I could other than to text the one person who I know you will listen to. Outside of your parents and I didn't want to have to tell them."
Rosie chuckled. "Appreciate that. You can go hang with Hayley. She could probably use a friend and Noel will be here soon."
"You sure?" Pierce asked
"Yes." Rosie said with a smile
Pierce went.
Noel came just a few minutes later and Dave let him in the house.
"Hello Mr. Rossi." Noel said
"Hey Nolan." Dave said "She is in her room." Dave told him
"Thank you." Noel said before going up to her room.
Rosie took one look at him and started to cry. Noel went over to her where she was sitting on her window seat and wrapped her in a hug. He sat down and pulled her into his lap and held her.
Rosie sobbed into him. Noel held her till she calmed down.
"Sorry." Rosie said
"For what?" Noel asked confused
"I shouldn't be the one crying. I'm not the one who's at risk of losing one of the most important people to me." Rosie said
Noel looked at her. "Okay. We will get to that, but you are allowed to cry. Sounds like you have been taking on to much and you haven't been sleeping well. I can tell. You are so unbelievably overwhelmed. You cant do it all and when you try. This happens." He said
Rosie sighed. "Please don't lecture me."
"I'm not. Just concerned and want you to ask for help when you need it." Noel said
Rosie nodded. "Okay."
Noel kissed her cheek "I love you. And need you to be healthy for the future I want with you."
Rosie tilted her head "You're thinking about the future huh?"
"Of course." Noel said
Rosie smiled and kissed him "Me too."
"Good. Now you want to tell me what is going on?" Noel asked
Rosie nodded and told him about Helen.
"Damn." Noel said
"And yes. I feel horrible for all of them. Hayley and Callie are the only ones who really understand what is going on. And Callie is sad of course but she hasn't been making everyone else's lives harder because of it. And Hayley has been. You ever want to hug and strangle someone at the same time?" Rosie asked
Nolan chuckled. "You mean other than you and your stubbornness?"
Rosie chuckled. "I'm not stubborn to make other peoples lives harder."
"Okay maybe not. But you think it doesn't frustrate me to get a text from Pierce about something -you should have told me?" Noel asked
Rosie sighed "I'm sorry."
"And since I'm guessing Pierce saw the knot from a distance it must be really bad." Noel said
Rosie sighed again and pushed her hair out of the way so he could see.
"Roe. How are you not in so much pain?" Noel asked
"Um. I am." Rosie said
Noel sighed "How are you functioning?"
"I've been in worse pain and had no choice." Rosie said
Noel started to massage at her back and Rosie flinched. He stopped.
"Roe. You -need to get this taken care of by someone who knows what they are doing." Noel said
"I will." Rosie said
"When?" Noel asked
"I will see about calling someone on Monday." Rosie said
"Okay." Noel said. "And what about getting help? I get your parents are dealing with a lot of extra stuff right now. So you let them know that I can help too. That I want to."
Rosie nodded abit and let out a breath.
"Why are you hesitant to do that?" Noel asked
"Because I know its going to add stress to their plate…" Rosie said
"You need to tell them because they are your parents, but it doesn't have to add stress. When you have a plan in place to help you do what you cant." Noel said
"But this isn't your responsibility…" Rosie said
"Roe. We just talked about how we see each other in our futures. Right?" Noel said
"Yes." Rosie said
"So. If we end up with the future we see that means we will be together for a long time. Meaning. Your family becomes mine. And I take care of my family." Noel said
Rosie let out a breath.
"I know. It's a long way away for that. But I will always take care of you. And you come with a family. And I want to help. Please let me." Noel said, "And I know you would jump in front of a bus to protect my family."
Rosie nodded. "You're right. Okay."
"Good." Noel said kissing her
Rosie kissed him a little deeper.
They started to make out a little. Till there was a little knock on her open door.
They pulled apart and Rosie looked up "Hey Scar what's up?"
"Papa wants to know if Nolan is staying for supper." Scarlet said quietly
Rosie looked at Noel.
"Tell him yes and thank you for the invite." Noel said
Scarlet nodded and left.
Rosie chuckled abit "She is so adorable when she thinks she saw something she shouldn't."
Noel chuckled.
Scarlet went down to Papa. "Both Noel and Pierce are staying, and they both say thank you for inviting them." Scarlet said.
"Okay. Thank you pumpkin." Hunter said
Scarlet nodded.
"You okay?" Hunter asked
"I saw Rosie and Nolan kissing." She whispered.
Hunter cleared his throat to keep from laughing at how innocent she was. "They are allowed to kiss pumpkin."
"But I thought that's what they have to keep the door open, so they don't kiss." Scarlet said
Callie started laughing from the other room.
Scarlet looked confused.
Hunter shook his head. "No that's not why they have to keep their door open. They are allowed to kiss." He smiled at his second youngest.
"Okay." Scarlet said before she skipped off to play.
"Callie Maddox you were not part of the conversation you don't need to be in there laughing it up." Hunter said. Trying not to laugh himself as he told her off.
"You're trying not to laugh yourself!" Callie said
Hunter took a breath "You were her age her once too. You would have had the same reaction."
"Okay. Sorry papa." Callie said
Dave came into the kitchen "What is she sorry for?"
Hunter shook his head "I had asked Scarlet to go ask Noel and Pierce if they were staying for dinner. I guess Noel and Rose are kissing and Scarlet was under the impression the reason we ask the teens to keep their doors opened with boys is because we don't want them kissing. Callie decided that it was funny that her six-year-old sister is innocent and doesn't understand the actual reason behind it."
Dave smirked and shook his head. "Its to bad we cant keep them innocent forever."
"Tell me about it." Hunter said
"Have you heard from the hospital?" Dave asked quietly
"Um. No. From her boyfriend. She just had her second round of chemo." Hunter said quietly
Dave nodded.
"Have to wait for the entire course before we can really know if its working." Hunter said
"Yeah." Dave said.
Hunter took a breath.
"You okay?" Dave asked
"Just hate not being able to just fix this." Hunter said
"Yeah. I know. I wish I could fix everything for you and the girls too. But we cant." Dave said
"I know." Hunter said
Dave helped him finish making dinner and told Callie to go get everyone else.
Callie yelled upstairs to everyone that dinner was ready.
"Callie. I could have done that. I wanted to go upstairs and get them" Dave said
"Sorry." Callie said
Everyone came down and they all sat down to eat.
"Are you two dating now?" Callie asked Hayley and Pierce.
"Callie!" Hayley said
Rosie had to bite her tongue to keep from laughing.
"Hayley is not allowed to date yet." Hunter said
Hayley was turning bright red.
"Pierce is one of mine and Hayley's friends." Rosie said helping her sister out.
Hayley took a breath.
"Hayley is my friend that's all." Pierce reiterated with a smile
Callie nodded.
As they were finishing eating and Callie and the twins were clearing up the table. The youngest two had gone off to play.
Noel looked at Rosie expectantly.
"Right um. I'm going to be making that appointment for massage therapy this week." Rosie said
"Good." Dave said "Papa needs one too so you two can find a place together."
Rosie looked at Hunter. "You do?"
"I do." Hunter said. His husband was going to pay for this later. "Apparently we carry our stress in the same way."
"Oh. So you have a knot on the top of your back too?" Rosie asked
"I do." Hunter said
"Yours as bad as hers?" Nolan asked
"Not sure." Hunter said
"How bad has it gotten?" Dave asked Noel
"Bigger than the last time I saw it." Noel said
"I saw it from across the room." Pierce said
"Thank you Pierce." Rosie said sarcastically
Hayley snickered.
"Oh. Should I tell them about the giant bruise on your lower back?" Rosie asked Hayley
"What?" Dave and Hunter said looking at Hayley
"How did you see that?!" Hayley asked Rosie
"How long ago is the better question." Hunter asked Rosie
"Just today." Rosie said
"How did you get it?" Dave asked Hayley
"I don't know…" Hayley said
"Probably from wherever she has been sneaking out too every night." Callie said
"What?!" Hunter said
"Thank you both for dinner." Noel said getting up.
"Yes thank you." Pierce said "We are going to."
"Run." Rosie said
Dave took a breath. "You two are always welcome."
Rosie got up to show them out and get away from this conversation.
"What has she been doing?" Pierce asked
"No idea." Rosie said "I had no idea she was sneaking out."
She looked at Noel "And -this is why I haven't been saying anything. The focus has been on me for the last year with everything I had going on. My drama seems to have finally calmed down."
"Okay. But that doesn't mean your needs become not important." Noel said "You are telling them or I will be here tomorrow doing it myself." Noel said
Rosie sighed. "How can I tonight with this?"
"Because they wont be lecturing her forever." Noel said
Rosie sighed. She looked at Pierce. "Sorry you had to be dragged into this."
Pierce chuckled "You think I have never had a dinner like that with my mom and sister?"
"Well. Maybe smaller scale?" Rosie said
"Taylor has almost stabbed me at dinner before when I told on her for something. It's the sounds of family." Pierce said
"Good your used to it." Nolan said with a chuckle
Rosie smacked his arm and shook her head.
The two young men left, and Rosie shook her head and headed for the stairs.
"Rosie. Come in here now." Dave called out
Rosie went in. The twins and Callie had since left the kitchen.
"Did you know she was sneaking out?" Dave asked
"No. I had no idea." Rosie said
"Were you planning on telling us about the bruise or was that just thrown in because you wanted the attention off of you?" Hunter asked
"I was going to tell you. Tonight." Rosie said
"Okay. We will come talk to you in a bit." Dave said "Go."
Rosie went up to her room.
"Where have you been going?" Hunter asked Hayley
Hayley said nothing.
"That wasn't a question you can choose to answer." Dave said
Hayley continued to say nothing.
"If you ever expect to be alone again you will answer the question. Now." Hunter said
"Why does it matter where I was going? You are going to ground me for life anyways." Hayley said
"We just want you to talk to us." Hunter said clearly frustrated.
Dave put a hand on his knee.
Hunter took a breath. How did this man know how to calm him down so easily?
"Hals. You got hurt doing whatever it is you have been doing. We are concerned." Dave said
"You're going to be so angry…" Hayley said
"We already are." Hunter said
"I cant…" Hayley said
"Have you killed someone?" Hunter asked
"What? No!" Hayley said
"Than nothing you can tell us will surprise us." Hunter said
"For the record you ever kill someone you tell us because we can help." Dave said
Hayley chuckled. "Okay. Good to know."
"Dave." Hunter said, "So not helping."
Dave held back a smirk.
"Underground fight club." Hayley said
Hunter was surprised after all.
"I stand corrected. I'm surprised." Hunter said
"I'm not." Dave said
"It doesn't surprise you that she did that?" Hunter asked
"No." Dave said "Teenagers do stupid things all the time."
Hayley looked down.
"What surprises me is that she thought she wouldn't get caught." Dave said
"Well I haven't for months." Hayley said before realizing it came out.
"Months?!" Hunter asked
"Okay. Now I'm really surprised." Dave said
"Does your boxing coach know this?" Hunter asked
"Why do you think I haven't been to boxing the last couple weeks? He found out and kicked me out." Hayley said
"And didn't call us?" Dave asked
"Pft. Like I didn't have that figured out?" Hayley said
Dave squeezed Hunter's leg feeling his anger raising. Hunter took a deep breath.
"Go. To your room. And expect to be in there for along time." Dave said
Hayley went.
"How much do you want to bet Helen knew about this and did nothing?" Hunter asked
"If she did it was the tumor doing it." Dave said
"I know. I'm just wondering how much Hayley has been getting away with. And the other girls." Hunter said
"There is something more going on with Hayley. I assumed when she said that it was a fight club that it had just been the last couple weeks and everything with her mom. There would be something she is trying to get forget or pretend isn't happening. If its not that then its something else." Dave said "I'm starting to see a pattern of behaviours…"
"She is not one of your unsubs David." Hunter said getting up and going and leaning up against a counter.
"No. That's not what I'm saying Hunt." Dave said "But the work I do. I see. When anyone has a drastic change in how they act or what they do. There is something else going on."
"You're profiling our daughter." Hunter said
"I cant help it. Its what I do day in day out." Dave said
Hunter sighed. "Fine. But what could it be?"
"Biggest change in her life in the last year. Has been the blending of this family. We saw what happened with Rosie. And we have talked with all of them. But if Hals didn't want to talk and pretended to be okay? Also being blackmailed by Matthew." Dave said
"No. I would have known if she was lying." Hunter said
"Would we have? She was Matt for month, and we didn't know." Dave said
"Oh god. I'm a horrible father." Hunter said
"No." Dave said getting up and going over to him. "I don't ever want you saying that again. Would you let me say that about myself?"
"No. But you can read our girls far better than I can." Hunter said
"Rosie got kidnapped from her crib when she was two years old. I didn't know where she was for twelve years. Twelve years my daughter was being abused because I -let someone break into my home and kidnap her." Dave said
"Um…." Callie said
"Callie. What do you need?" Hunter asked
"N-nothing. Never mind." Callie said turning quickly and leaving the room.
"Damn it." Dave said quietly
"Callie. Come back here." Hunter said
Callie came back in slowly.
"What did you come in here for?" Hunter asked calmly.
"Hayley has locked herself in the bathroom and is crying." Callie said
"Okay. We will be right there." Hunter said with a small sigh.
Dave put a hand on his cheek. "We will get through this."