After lunch we arrived home in good time. And, to our surprise Rory was home. Entering the house she welcomed us smiling.
"Ok, children we have to talk," She told us still grinning. I looked at Andy confused. Andy then looked to Julie, who looked at Chris. He then returned the wary glance to me. Rory laughed, "You guys are so funny. Don't worry I'm not going to pull a Tristan on you. Nothing is wrong," Grinning she led us all into the living room.
"Where were you last night?" Julie asked her Mother curiously.
"Straight to the point," Rory grinned, "I was making plans…"
"Plans?" Chris repeated confused.
"How wonderful is Tristan?" She asked us. We all remained perplexed. "Come on answer. If someone asked you how great your Father was, well what would you say?"
"I'd ask why the hell do you want to know!" Andy laughed.
"Ok, well ignoring that. I think your Dad is pretty amazing. I mean where is he now? He's taking care of Summer." Andy and I exchanged looks. "Point being he's fantastic and his birthday is in two weeks…"
"A birthday party?" Julie guessed.
"A surprise birthday party," Rory replied. Looking at us she questioned, "What do you think?"
"I like the idea," I told her. This would be the first time I was with my Dad when he was celebrating his birthday. We had a lot of firsts coming.
"What about the rest of you?" She questioned her two children and Andy.
"Dad's not one for surprises," Andy responded, looking apprehensive. "And, Maddie's only agreeing because she doesn't know what a Hartford party is like."
"Mom, we all hate Hartford parties. How often do you find us complaining about having to go to Grandma Emily's bashes? We thought you didn't like them either…" Julie mumbled.
"I was planning a low key party. Well, not exactly, but I figured it wouldn't be that bad, if I'm planning it. And, Tristan… Tristan likes this high class society." She explained. I froze, my Dad liked this. Duh? No wonder, why else would he live in Hartford.
"But, Dad-" Andy stopped mid sentence as we heard the front door opening.
"Remember keep it quiet," Rory whispered, before running to the hall and greeting Dad. Before I knew it I was up and following in her footsteps.
"Hey Dad," I called from as I entered the front hall.
"Maddie," He greeted. He looked a little cautious and I strained to remember our phone conversation. I couldn't remember exactly what was said, but I don't think it was too good. Nonetheless Dad enveloped me into a hug.
"How's Mom?" I asked as the others came into the room.
"Your Mother is great," He told me, sounding distracted as he hugged Julie. "I trust you didn't go out this weekend, Jules," Jules laughed, and he ruffled her hair smiling. Next came Andy and they exchange pleasantries. Next he and Chris started to talk about the traffic coming here. Listening I wondered about how Mom really was. When I saw Dad and Rory wander off into the kitchen, I went back upstairs.
Sitting in my room, I felt dejected again. I was acting so moody and I couldn't stand it. Reaching for my cigarettes I went to go resume my spot in the bathroom. Before I reached it, someone knocked on my door again.
"Damn you," I cursed under my breath. Pocketing my cigarettes I walked back out. "Yeah?" I questioned opening my door. Dad was on the other side looking quite neutral.
"Rory and I have a dinner party to go to." He told me.
"Alright, well that's cool," I responded confused, as why he was telling me.
"Well, we're going at about six… I don't know for sure what time we'll-"
Interrupting him, I asked, "You really into all that socialite stuff? I mean these dos and all the crap in between." Dad looked at me for a few seconds shocked.
"Are you about to tell me we're from two different worlds?" He asked stoically.
"Well, I was thinking about it, but since you said it New York is completely different. You and Mom are completely different. I can't see how you two-" Stopping I looked down, "I didn't mean that. Sorry, lately I've just been speaking out of turn…"
"I know," He replied.
"I didn't mean that either!" I exclaimed. "I've just been speaking rubbish," Dad looked at me. It was one of those meaningful stares.
"I don't-"
Before he could continue, I cut him off. I had been doing that all too much lately, "Are you sorry you brought me here?" I questioned him.
"Not yet," He responded. I stood astonished. "Rory and I will be back later this evening." Without another glance he left.
"Fuck," I cursed. Glancing down at my pocket I walked back to the bathroom. I didn't even want to think about that conversation. Getting to the bathroom I was interrupted three more time when Andy, Jules and Chris came to informing me they were leaving.Where is this family going? As soon as I was sure Dad and Rory were gone. I turned on my music and went back to my bathroom.
Later that night, I wandered around bored. Andy was out. Jules was out. Chris had gone back to Dean's. He seemed to go there most of the time. Rory and Dad had gone out to that gathering. Whatever it was, it sounded right up to par of the Hartford high class. I was bored out of my skull and after finishing my pack of cigarettes I was quite angry with myself. I repeatedly told myself how disgusting I was. I was slowly killing myself.
Shaking my head I left my bedroom and headed downstairs. The entertainment room held an extensive line of movies. I hoped to find something that would be entertaining. Instead I found a group of family videos, laughing I pulled a random one out. Curiosity was killing me as I thought what would be on it. Putting it into the VCR, I sat back excited.
The first image on the screen was of a young girl smiling. It was obviously a smaller Julianna. Her hair was done in pigtails and she was wearing a white sundress. I laughed when Andy came on screen. He was exactly the same, but smaller. Dad then came on screen and began to address the camera laughing.
"Today's my little daughter's 7th birthday!" He smiled, pulling Jules up in front of the camera. She giggled. I watched sadness taking me over. Damn, what was my problem?
"I'm seven!" Jules said to the camera, holding up her fingers.
"My favourite daughter is all grown up!" Dad joked, tickling her. I froze.
No, I berated myself don't get all upset and drown in self pity. It was just one of those things fathers say. Putting the movie back, I shut off the TV. Definitely wasn't a good idea. Fuck, I need a ciggy. I was debating walking to the nearest store, when the phone rang. Running to it, I was overjoyed to see it was the Marianos.
"Hey,"
"Madds?"
"Yeah, it's me," .
"Are you ok?" He questioned. "Madds, you sound really upset,"
"I'm fine, much better now you called." I replied.
"No you're not, but I'm not going to push it. What are you up to?"
"Nothing, I was just… here,"
"I would've called sooner, but Holly was on the phone. Who she was talking to I had no idea. I figured it was you, but I guess it wasn't… Maddie you still there?"
"Yeah, look Danny, why don't you come over?"
"Ok, but, I-"
Interrupting him, I laughed, "If that's not enough incentive itself, well then... I'm home alone." Grinning I hung up the phone.
Smiling I took one last look at my reflection before going downstairs. Conner and I had just been talking on the phone earlier and then he had invited me out to dinner. I couldn't contain my happiness. Heading downstairs, I watched as Nick appraised Rick's outfit.
"Good…" He declared, sitting back down.
"Good that's all?" Ricky asked looked nearly heartbroken at Nick.
"Look bud, I know this is all new to you, but you don't want to look better than good. Girls like it when guys don't try hard, and for that you look great. I'm proud you have perfected our signature Mariano bedhead look," Nick smiled.
"You mean I don't look like I tried?" Ricky questioned offended.
Coming in I sighed, "You look fine Rick… where are you going anyway?" I asked him.
Nick looked at me curiously, "Where are you going?"
"Out with Conner," I replied smiling at Nick's shocked face.
"Are you guys dating now?" Rick inquired, sitting back down. I nodded beaming. Nick just continued to look astounded.
The silence was broken by Dad entering the room. "Hey bud you ready?"
"Where are you guys going anyway?" I questioned.
Laughter sounded behind me and I looked back to see Danny enter, "Dad's taking Rick on his date," He stated.
"He's not taking me!" Rick shouted clearly annoyed. Knowing Danny and Nick they must've been teasing him about this for all day. "Dad is dropping me off at Julianna. Then we're taking the bus into town. The bus!"
"That's cute," I remarked. "Have fun!" Sending us one last scowl Ricky led Dad off to the car.
"Where are the other car keys?" Danny finally asked, looking preoccupied.
"Where are you going?" I question him curious.
"Out," He replied grinning at Nick and either. I glared at him. "Does it really matter I'm just going to Maddie's."
"How long have you guys been dating?" Nick asked flipping on the television. Danny and I both gave him alarmed looks, "I'm not stupid."
"Well, I don't know how long. About since she got back here. The second time that is," Danny replied. "Sorry, for not telling you right away, but we weren't sure how to go about it. I mean everyone thought we hated each other."
"No worries," Nick shrugged. "I'm happy for you. Maddie's great."
"So, that's what Danny gets? He gets a, 'I'm happy for you. She's great'. I just get a stupid look and nothing. You too shocked to say anything to me!?" I exclaimed angrily.
"Holly he's friggin' two years older than you!" Nick replied matching my tone.
"Who? What?!" Danny asked confused.
"Conner!" Both I and Nick shouted at the same time.
"You're dating Conner? Since when did that happen?" Danny questioned still perplexed. "I mean, I thought he was Nick's friend."
"What's the big deal? Nick has dated my friends sometimes, and it's not like he hasn't put the moves on Maddie!"
"When was that?" Danny exclaimed.
"I never went for Maddie!" Nick declared. "I mean if I had, I would have her. But no I see her as a sister. That's just… just shut up Holly!"
"What is that supposed to mean? You could have had her?" Danny asked.
Nick looked at Danny, "It means that-"
Interrupting him I glared at them, "Can we bring this back to me! What is the big deal? We like each other, we're dating?" Both of my brothers looked at me, before turning back to each other.
"Nick, you better explain yourself, or…" Danny started.
"Or what?" Nick questioned. "What would you do Danny? So, what does it matter? It obviously won't happen now. I was just saying though if I had tried to get with Maddie I could have!"
"A little cocky aren't you?" I asked. "And, Nick I thought you liked Allie? Why else would you take care of her when she was drunk?"
"How did you know that? Nevermind… I do like Allie we're getting together tonight," He grinned.
"So, we all have dates tonight. This is a first," I laughed. "Ricky out with Julie, Danny going to see Maddie, Conner and I, and now Nick and Allie… interesting,"
"Don't even suggest we have a double date with all of us," Danny laughed.
"Do you know how messed up that would be? Maddie and Julie are half sisters and Conner and Allie are siblings…" Nick cringed.
"Our family has a thing for siblings," I reasoned.
"I better go though, Maddie's waiting…" Danny started walking out.
Before Nick called him back, "Wait, Dan… we're cool right? I didn't mean anything before …"
"We're the same as we were an hour ago. You guys have fun… I know I definitely will!" He smirked at us.
"Eww Danny, she's my bestfriend!" I exclaimed throwing a pillow at him.
"Yeah, Dan you're even making me nauseous… Get out of here!" Nick joked.
"Bye guys!" Danny called from the front door.
"Bye loser!" I shouted back. Nick and I sat there in silence for a bit watching the television. "Nick, are we cool?" I asked him.
"Yeah, I mean I'm not one to talk… Allie and I are just doing something as friends tonight, but I'm hoping that will change. Not tonight, but in the future… and Allie's your age. I'm doing exactly the same thing as Conner. So, yeah I approve, for now." He told me.
"Thanks," I grinned. We sat there together for a bit longer before the doorbell rang. I froze. He was here.
"Go do your thing!" Nick told me grinning.
"Don't you ever say that again!" I joked. "You have a good time to tonight!" I told him going to the door.
Getting out of my car I headed up to the large DuGrey mansion. I know Maddie had been upset on the phone, as much as she tried to hide it. I'd known her all my life. I could read her as easily as I could read Holly, lately even better than that. Ringing the doorbell I waited for somebody to answer it.
"Hey!" She grinned, opening the door wide.
"Where's your hired help?" I asked her curiously. She playfully slapped my shoulder.
"We give them the weekends off… and sometimes we even let them go to sleep." She joked. Laughing she nodded for me to come it. "That was kinda lame; remind me to make better jokes…"
"That's what makes them so funny. That and the fact you always think you're so funny," She swatted my arm. "Whoa, you're abusive tonight…"
"Come up, I want you to see my room!" She shut the front door. I moved my eyebrows suggestively. "I meant it purely innocently… you've never seen my bedroom before."
"Not this one, but I saw the other one pretty closely…" I chuckled, following her up the stairs.
"Perv!' She laughing, leading me down a hallway.
"Only when it come to you," I told her.
"Aww… how sweet," She grinned, opening a door. He room was big and spacious. I should have expected that much.
"Nice," I told her nodding around her room.
"It's alright. I mean it's kind of big. I'm only one person and this could fit almost my whole kitchen, living room, and foyer from New York."
"Madds, are you homesick?" I asked her, sitting down on her bed.
She sat down beside me and sighed, "Things just have been going on… That and everything is so crazy." She mumbled. "I haven't told you a lot of things,"
"Like what?" I asked her concerned.
"You know, why I was hurt... Danny why can't life go back to normal?" She questioned. "I mean nothing is going right now, except us,"
"Well, that's cause I'm so great," I joked. "Look, Madds you can tell me anything,"
"I don't know where to begin," She muttered looking at her hands.
"Start at the beginning," I told her, putting my arm around her back.
"Well, it begins with Charlie I guess, him being himself and me being my naïve self. You and your family move, I get depress and start hanging out with him. One day, he just… just acts like himself. I get messed up come here. Next thing I know I'm meeting my Dad and moving in with him. Get a call the other day about how Charlie left a message… Mom finds out. Dad finds out. More like Dad freaks."
"Another call and Dad is in New York with Mom. Charlie had broken into our house. Oh, and well between this all I found time to say something to Dad. And, now he's acting like I basically don't exist. Well, that the basis of it,"
"What did Charlie do to you?" Danny asked me.
"He just… he just hit me," She told me. "It wasn't that big, but Holly insisted I come here and now Charlie turns into a raving maniac,"
"Maddie you promise that's all he did to you?" I questioned her worried.
"Danny don't do this. I don't think it matters okay. It doesn't." She told me firmly. Reaching out for Maddie I turned her face to me.
"Did he rape you?" I asked softly.
"No," She shook her head.
"Little bastard," I mumbled, before I capture her lips in a kiss. Breaking it I looked at her, "I'd have beaten him shitless if he did." Maddie knew I wasn't joking.
"Just kiss me," She smiled.
Sorry you guys about the long wait… I do know I write about the same characters quite a bit. But, I find them easier to write. If you want me to write more about another just put it in a review. And, be specific. Thanks to all of you! Especially controversyqueen your 2nd review made me hurry to update so much faster. Just remember that probably means I have more mistakes than usual... One day when I have time, I'll edit the whole story! :)