Chapter 420: You Don't Know How it Feels

Sunday, February 12th, Morning

The morning air tore at their exposed skin, cold and raw in its blind persistence. At the door to Raven Hill, he stood holding a thermos and had a hand around his wife's waist. They looked into each other's eyes tenderly as he leaned forward and kissed her. Over the years, they had kissed countless times, more probably than the stars in the night sky, and each one better than the last.

They broke off their kiss but kept their eyes locked on the others. "I'd get going, or you'll be late," Haley said.

"Late for what?" Nathan asked coyly.

"Picking up the grandkids," Haley said.

"They would be overjoyed to spend more time with Rachel," Nathan said, "Especially Lacy."

"They're about the only ones," Haley said.

"That's not nice to say, Hales," Nathan said.

"You know, I've never gotten along with Rachel," Haley said.

"We share grandkids with her," Nathan said.

"Yeah, but still doesn't mean I have to like her," Haley said.

"Hales, she's broken," Nathan said.

"So? We all had pieces we needed to pick up," Haley said.

"It takes longer for some people," Nathan said.

"Or ever," Haley said, voice getting distant.

"You shouldn't be too critical," Nathan said.

"I'm not; just some people had more pieces to pick up than others," Haley said.

"Well, she's hurting badly," Nathan said, "You should come; the grandkids would love to see you earlier."

Haley shook her head, "No, I have to stay with LK," she said.

"LK can handle herself; she's fifteen after all," Nathan said.

"No, I'm staying," Haley said.

Nathan nodded, knowing he was going to lose this battle. He gave her a small smile, leaned forward, and kissed her again. Nathan slowly leaned away from her, keeping eye contact. "I have to hit the road," Nathan said.

"Be safe," Haley said.

"Always am," Nathan said and walked over to his SUV. He started the vehicle and drove down the drive of Raven Hill. Haley stood at the door and watched the SUV fade away. Once the SUV was gone, Haley sighed and turned away. Sullenly, Haley walked into the house, closing the door behind her.


Sunday, February 12th, Morning

AS hotel suites go, this one was average. The company put her up in the suite for the week, and it wasn't the first time she even stayed in the room. Most of the weekend, when she wasn't overseeing various details for her show of seeing other shows, she planted herself at the desk in the suite working.

Bobbi-Lee looked over the details of her fashion show for what seemed like one hundred or so times. The remains of her light room service breakfast sat next to her on the desk. The room's small coffee pot, maybe one or two cups at the most in size, brewed its third pot.

Her smartphone rang; Bobbi-Lee sighed, made a note to go to the hotel gym, and grabbed the smartphone.

"Hello," Bobbi-Lee said.

"How's New York?" Jackie Gregory, Bobbi-Lee's ride or die best friend, asked.

"It's here," Bobbi-Lee said, looking out the window to the Manhattan Cityscape.

"You've been working the whole time, haven't you?" Jackie asked.

"It is a business trip, after all," Bobbi-Lee said.

"Let me guess; you're in your hotel room, huddled over your sketch pad or laptop," Jackie said.

"Not entirely true, Jackie," Bobbi-Lee said.

"Oh yeah?" Jackie said.

"It's a suite," Bobbi-Lee said.

Jackie chuckled, "Come on, all work, no play, makes Bobbi a nun," she said.

"I did ride with Brett to the airport earlier," Bobbi-Lee said.

"That's call obligation; I believe the Japanese have a word for it," Jackie said.

"Giri," Bobbi-Lee said.

"Yeah, well, not everyone had a dad with a philosophy library," Jackie said.

"What's your point?" Bobbi-Lee asked.

"It's Fashion Week, isn't their wild parties?" Jackie asked.

"I was at the CoB After-party last night," Bobbi-Lee said.

"That was a work function," Jackie said.

"Why do you want me to get wild, Jackie? You supported my choice eleven years ago," Bobbi-Lee said.

"I still stand by it; I just want you to have more to live than work and the cats," Jackie said.

"My dad only had work and his kids," Bobbi-Lee said.

"Your dad at least had your mom," Jackie said.

Bobbi-Lee nodded, "I guess you're right," she said.

"Your dad at least had your mom," Jackie said.

Bobbi-Lee nodded, "I guess you're right," she said.

"You have that app on your phone?" Jackie asked.

"Yes," Bobbi-Lee said.

"Use it," Jackie said with a chuckle that got Bobbi-Lee.


Sunday, February 12th, Morning

After waking up in her hotel suite, she fired off a series of text messages. While she waited for a reply, she called for room service. After her breakfast was ordered, she retreated to the luxurious bathroom and took a long shower.

The warm water from the multiple showerheads felt good over her tired body. The muscles loosened up as the hot water melted the knots from the long day and the stress of the show. Once, she showered and wrapped a towel around herself. After drying her hair, she dried her body off and slipped on one of the complimentary plush robes.

Brooke walked into the main room of the suite just as there was a knock on the door. She opened the door and allowed room service in. The attendant unpacked the food, and after Brooke tipped him, he left.

Sitting at the table, Brooke started to eat her breakfast. Sliding over her tablet, she began to look over her emails. Nothing too exciting, but sales will let her know as the deals are closed. The breakfast itself was good but not like the ones prepared by the kitchen at Beaulieu.

That was when her phone dinged; Brooke reached for it and read Trin's text message. Brooke smiled, responded, and put her phone down. After finishing breakfast, she dressed in simple clothes, as they called it off-duty fashion, looking like a relaxed but upper-class lady; let's not mention she was a grandmother.

After finishing getting dressed, Brooke ordered an UBER and grabbed her coat and bag before heading downstairs. After the elevator ride, Brooke waited in the lobby. One of her other texts was answered at this time.

Brooke took a seat in a lobby. People walked by her and did not pay her any mind; she was another woman sitting in the lobby: no one special, yet probably one of the more famous people they will see today.

Finally, her smartphone rang to indicate that her UBER had arrived. Brooke went out and got her into ride to Trin's apartment on the Upper East Side.

After arriving at Trin's apartment, she settled with the UBER Driver. AS Brooke entered the building, the doorman looked at her and smiled.

"Welcome back, Ms. Davis," the doorman said.

Brooke nodded, walked across the lobby, and got into the elevator. She rode the elevator up to Trin's floor. Trin showed Brooke into her apartment. Trin smiled at her mom as Wyatt greeted Brooke. Grandma and grandson spent time together with Trin watching over.


Sunday, February 12th, Morning

The bed was comfortable as she opened her eyes and looked around the room. It was a nice room, and a simple smile broke on her face. She reached over her head and stretched out.

Fallon shifted in the bed and sat up. Slowly, she adjusted her Islander's game sweater and leaned against the headboard. Looking over to her side, she could see Grant sleeping next to her.

After the CoB show and making an appearance at the after-party, Fallon summoned an UBER; she rode to the address Grant gave her, and for the first time, she saw his apartment. After arriving, she excused herself and changed into her Islander's sweater and a small pair of shorts. After a bit of wine and conversation, they went to bed.

Grant stirred next to her. He rolled over and looked up at her.

"Good morning," Fallon said.

"Morning," Grant said and moved up to rest against the headboard, "Did you sleep well?"

Fallon nodded, "Yes, I did," she said.

Grant took in a deep breath and stretched out. "I'm surprised you came here instead of that after-party," he said.

"You know my priority," Fallon said, teasing.

"Good wine and a comfortable bed," Grant said.

"Yeah, that too," Fallon said.

Grant smiled, "Right, and I thought it was my company," he said.

Fallon smiled, "You know it is that," she said, paused, and added, "Too."

Grant laughed, "You almost had me there," he said.

"What?" Fallon asked.

Grant kept laughing and shaking his head, "I love you," he said.

Fallon stopped and looked at Grant. "What did you say?" she asked.

"Umm, ah, I said, well," Grant said.

"You said the three big words," Fallon said.

"Well, yes, I guess I did," Grant said, "Did I do something wrong?"

"No, no," Fallon said, "If it weren't for morning breath, I'd kiss you."

"Well, there…" Grant was interrupted by his phone; he picked it up; after a quick conversation, he looked at Fallon and muted his phone.

"Is it something bad?" Fallon asked.

"No, it's my cook asking what I want for breakfast," Grant said.

Fallon checked her phone. "Well, if it's quick, I'll eat with you, 'cause I have church," she said.

"You go to church?" Grant asked.

"Yes," Fallon said.

"That's something I didn't know about you," Grant said.

"Surprise," Fallon said and smiled.


Sunday, February 12th, Afternoon

The plane taxied to the gate, and after a few moments, the aircraft door was opened, and people started to get up. She had gone to New York City in a private jet, all the bells, and whistles. On her way home, she flew commercial; she was in the front of the plane, but still a letdown.

Brett stood up and stretched her over six-foot-tall frame out. Reaching into the overhead bin, she pulled down her carry-on bag. Stuffed in her bag was a goody bag. She was given to the models at the show as a personal thanks from Brooke.

As she walked across the terminal, Brett adjusted her Beats headphones and sighed. Last night as she worked on her homework, she spent the night with Auntie Tall. Brett's godmother helped her finish her homework, and they spent most of the rest of the night talking and telling stories.

Brett went to bed alone in her room as Auntie Tall left to catch the last train out of Grand Central. In the morning, Aunt Bobbi rode with her out to the airport. Now in Wilmington, she had to figure out who would be picking her up.

After crossing out of security, she headed to baggage claims. Looking up, she knew who was picking her up.

He's tall, taller than Brett, and probably one of the biggest people she knows. He wore a Carhart work jacket, opened to show a faded dark blue t-shirt, jeans, battered and broken in work boots. His face, cleanly shaven, his ginger red hair closely clipped, his eyes covered with a pair of Oakley Sunglasses, and on his head, a blue mesh-backed stretch fit baseball cap with the word HUK on it.

Brett smiled and walked over to him. They looked at each other, and he removed his sunglasses.

"Daddy Huck," Brett said; she always called her dad that. It didn't make it easier as both her dad and stepdad had the same first name and middle initial.

"Brett," Huck said and smiled at his daughter. They embraced, and once separated, Huck nodded. "How was the show?"

"It was interesting," Brett said.

Huck nodded, "Let's get your bags; Momma Chase is making lunch for us," Huck said.

"Okay," Brett said, and dad and daughter went to the carousel to get Brett's bag.

Once they collected the bag, they headed out to Huck's truck. Huck carried Brett's bag.

"What's wrong, Brett?" Huck asked.

"I don't know, something I need to figure out," Brett said.

"Okay, take your time," Huck said as he put her bag into the bed of his truck.

"Thanks, Daddy Huck," Brett said as she got into the passenger seat of the pickup. Huck got behind the wheel, and they drove off.

Huck looked at the road, "The Northern Herd needs to be culled," he said.

"Deer therapy?" Brett asked.

"Yes," Huck said.

Brett nodded, "Okay, I'm in," Brett said.

"Saturday Morning," Huck said.


Sunday, February 12th, Afternoon

After a late-night and several enlightening conversations, she returned to her hotel to sleep. After a bit of a lay-in, she got up and took a steaming hot shower to wash everything off. Once finished, she ordered room service before even covering up.

After ordering room service, Ellie finished toweling off; she slipped on a fluffy robe and wrapped her hair with a towel. Sitting on the bed, Ellie checked her phone about last night's show.

Once she was bored of the Fashion Week coverage, Ellie checked her notes on the article she was working on. After a minute or two, she checked over her first, first, first draft. With a sigh, she threw the phone down.

"Maybe some porn," Ellie mused and stared at the walls. Her crossing paths with Ainsley shook her a bit. Ainsley is too smart to confront her in private.

"Fuck it," Ellie said and reached for her phone; pressing a few on-screen buttons, she found the contact she was looking for. She pressed the call button and then the speakerphone button. All she could do was wait.

The phone finally connected. "Hello, Bietio Hawk speaking," the voice said.

"Hey, Bietio," Ellie said.

"Libby, I didn't expect to hear from you," Bietio said.

"Why not? I'm in the city, and why didn't you know it was me?" Ellie asked.

"I'm on my headset," Bietio said.

"Oh," Ellie said.

"It's your dime, my time; why did you call?" Bietio asked.

"I want to know if you want to get together tonight since I'm in-between shows," Ellie said.

"Sorry, I'm busy tonight," Bietio said, "Wait a minute, you said shows; what does that mean?"

"I never mentioned I dabble in runway modeling," Ellie said, stretching the truth a little.

"No, I don't think you did," Bietio said.

"Well, I was in a show last night, and I have another one this week," Ellie said.

"Oh, cool," Bietio said.

Ellie shrugged, "Too bad, your busy tonight," she said.

"I'm available tomorrow night," Bietio said.

Ellie smiled, "Good, do you want to get together tomorrow night?" she asked.

"Yeah, sure," Bietio said.

"I'll text you the deets; room service is here," Ellie said.

"Umm, okay," Bietio said.

"Goodbye, Bietio," Ellie said.

"Goodbye," Bietio said.

"See you tomorrow," Ellie said, hung up, and shook her head with her smile getting bigger.


Sunday, February 12th, Afternoon

In a complex as large as Beaulieu Manor, there were always some quirks that would be built in. One of these was an odd alcove that wasn't really used. Usually, there were couches or chairs put there just to fill the space. Since it was off the beaten path, no one usually used it.

When Keni and Sawyer needed to get away, they would usually park themselves in the alcove. Since hardly anyone would take notice, so they would sprawl out and have no cares in the world.

"How bad are you grounded?" Sawyer asked.

"I don't know the full extent since my mom will pose the final verdict when she returns from New York," Keni said.

"Well, I can say one thing, don't use the Chase did worse defense," Sawyer said.

"I learned that the hard way," Keni said.

Sawyer chuckled, "Keni, really though, sneak out and ride your bike to Gar's house?" she asked.

"Yeah, it's not like we've not done it before, and I texted your dad and my mom where I was going," Keni said.

"You thought it was better to beg for forgiveness instead of asking permission?" Sawyer asked.

"Yeah, basically," Keni said.

"We've also always done that ride with someone," Sawyer said.

"I know," Keni said.

"What posseted you to do that, Keni?" Sawyer asked.

"I needed to talk to Gar," Sawyer said.

"What was so important that you needed to ride your bike across town on a Saturday to see Gar?" Sawyer asked.

Keni bit her lip.

"Keni!" Sawyer said.

"It's personal, Sawyer," Keni said.

"Personal?" Sawyer asked.

"Yes, personal," Keni said.

Sawyer sighed, "Okay," she said.

Keni leaned back and closed her eyes. Sawyer sat up and watched Keni rest; Sawyer shrugged and laid back down on her couch, and closed her eyes.


Sunday, February 12th, Afternoon

The weak afternoon sun slipped through the window pane. The light painted bright squares on the furniture and floor in its path. The woman stood just out of the sunshine taking in the natural artwork of the window, curtains, and sunlight.

Izzy sipped her coffee and watched how the wind shook the branches of the tree outside. The shadows of those branches would add a moving component to this bit of natural artwork.

Slowly, Izzy walked to the window and looked out the window at the Georgetown, Washington, DC. She sighed, wishing she was back in Tree Hill. To just hold her son Ellis or brush her daughter Nomi's hair. But duty called, and she's here because of the possibility of a crucial vote coming up, so John suggested she stay in The District.

Izzy sipped her coffee, which was easy for John. His children were grown, married, disowned, or in jail. John McMichael hated his wife, and Izzy was sure the feeling was mutual. In fact, John liked staying in The District because he could be close to one of his many mistresses. Izzy was young and had young kids, and if her husband was home, she enjoyed being around him and waking up next to him.

"Penny, for your thoughts?" Kari asked as she walked into the room, holding her own mug.

"Is that all they're worth?" Izzy asked.

"You're right; you might as well give them because a penny is overpaying," Kari said.

Izzy laughed, "You might have a point there," she said.

"Seriously, what's on your mind?" Kari asked.

"Nothing, other than I miss my kids," Izzy said.

"Yeah, they're great little ankle-biters," Kari said.

"They're not dogs, Kari," Izzy said.

"They're not?" Kari asked in mock shock.

"No, and they don't need collars and to be created," Izzy said.

"Damn, there goes my parenting strategy," Kari said and laughed.

"Not funny, Kari," Izzy said, trying to hold back her laughter, and turned back to the window.

"What's really on your mind?" Kari asked.

Izzy sighed, "You don't want to know," she said.

"Izzy, if you can't vent to me, who can you?" Kari asked.

"Keith," Izzy said.

"He's not here," Kari said.

"That's the point," Izzy said.

"Is that all?" Kari asked.

"Fine," Izzy said with a sigh.

"So, what's on your mind?" Kari asked.

"I have a feeling, but I don't know when, but I feel there's a storm coming," Izzy said.


A/N: I'll be taking two weeks off, have a lot of family stuff coming up.

Author's Notes

Nothing much to say here. One question though who is the best match for Ellie, Ainsley, Beitio, or Dawson?

The Annus Horribilis Secrets

1. Carson Murphy has passed away. (Episode 2)

2. Spencer Churchill "Church" Grady was killed in action as a US Navy Seal and buried in Arlington National Cemetery (aka The Garden). He is also Jessica Ashlyn Scott's Dad. (Episode 4)

3. Constance "Connie" Garland is in a permanent vegetative state. (Episode 6)

4. X

5. X

6. X

Playlist

Chapter 391: Joseph Kilna MacKenzie – Sgt. MacKenzie

Chapter 403: Nessa Barret - Li Di Die

Chapter 403: Nessa Barrett - Counting Crimes

Chapter 403: Dropkick Murphys - I Wish You Were Here

Chapter 406: The Pogues - A Rainy Night in SoHo

Poems

Translation Guide

Chapter 384: Ó, igen, jó reggelt, Mister Scott is Hungarian for Oh, yes good morning, Mister Scott

Chapter 385: Banríon is Irish for Queen

Chapter 386: Banríon is Irish for Queen

Chapter 390: Comment vas-tu, mon ancien colocataire? Is French for How are you, my old roommate?

Chapter 390: Oui, oui, c'est la vie is French for Yes, yes, that's life

Chapter 399: Banríon is Irish for Queen

Chapter 405: Banríon is Irish for Queen

Chapter 406: Onkel is German for Uncle