Hi, all thank you for being so patient. March wasn't that great, my dad was in the hospital and then I became ill when he got out. However, I am back to writing and posting. I just participated in the Everlark Fic Exchange was able to write two stories. :) Special thanks to Norbertsmom for making me see the errors of my ways...lol you always inspire me. Ps...I do not own the Hunger Games.
The last time we met up, love was in the air. Katniss and Peeta's relationship was strong (ahem...they were kissing in his bedroom...& Gale and Delly finally became friends once more due to some Peacekeepers kicking her while she was on the floor. Oh yes, the Citizen is causing trouble, and Corky found it's the evil layer...
Delly stood outside reveling in the clean air. She wasn't well and if Gale caught her she'd have to listen to him lecture her over not following Mrs. Everdeen's medical advice. Delly just wanted to get out of the house.
She was supposed to be resting, but she was worrying. Her weakness toward Gale was putting him in danger. Jackson was very clear about wanting her to stay away. He could put Gal his mother and anyone associated with the Hawthorne's in danger. For weeks she'd done good she'd broken her intense friendship with Gale. Delly bravely put on her happy face giving the world a grand performance. At night when there was no need for a fake facade, the tears came as internally she hurt badly.
Delly missed Gale but there was nothing to do as her father had sold her into marriage, a contract between the Sharpies and her family. No doubt her father thought this was a good match. Delly dug her fingernails into her palm to keep herself from crying. At first, when Jackson taunted her with them getting married she didn't believe him. They were standing near the bakery. He told her she would be his. She told him it would never be; called him a liar.
Then that fateful day in school after the Hob burning down, he showed her the proof; the marriage contract. She could not deny the signature belonged to her father. She was devastated and Jackson forced her to end things with Gale for his family's safety. When Delly got home, she wouldn't speak to her father. Until she found her father bitterly crying over a scrap of lace, that belonged to her mother. Delly thought perhaps her father had done it in a moment of weakness after her mother died.
She forgave him but found it odd her father was relieved when she and Gale struck up their friendship again. Delly didn't refute it, no matter how barbaric, the custom of marriage contracts between Merchants was a time-honored tradition, and in her heart, she knew one day she would have to let Gale know of her future,
Delly closed her eyes and for a moment she pictured a life where she and Gale could be free. After all, she mused Jabberjays and Mockingbirds found a way to defeat their circumstances, and their offspring thrived to this day. She knew it was dangerous to be with Gale but she couldn't help herself, every moment with him was precious and her heartfelt complete when she was with him. Until the day they permanently parted company, she would glory and bask in Gale's presence. Daringly Delly jutted her chin out into the sky.
The weak sunlight felt good on her face. She had minutes because school had already let out. She could make it inside if she hustled before the boys even got here. She quietly walked to the fence that now divided their properties. There was a small hill and she, with great effort, climbed it. She was out of breath, but it felt good. She sat on the mound of snow looking down into the yard behind the bakery.
The back door opened and she saw Rye look around before he snuck out. Delly grinned and wondered which one of his many girls he was going to visit. Rye ducked out of the back of the bakery toward the alley that led to the Apothecary on the other side.
Scooting down from the hill, Delly followed him. She saw Madge and Rye speak. At first sight, it looked like they were flirting, but then Madge did not touch Rye, and Rye didn't do his usual Rye moves like when he liked a girl.
He didn't lean in toward her, he didn't touch her hair as a way to get closer, nor did he wink or smile. This looked business like. It looked like Rye was getting orders from Madge. Delly puzzled over this, but as she wanted to get closer she heard her brother's peal of laughter.
"Crap," Delly muttered as she moved through the alleyway toward the house. She was in so much pain as she ran inside the house. She headed toward her room, closing the door she groaned as she kicked off her shoes. Tears of pain filled her eyes as she hung up her coat on the back of her door.
She was just laying down when Gale knocked on the door.
"Dells." Gale knocked again.
"Come in," Delly knew her voice sounded funny.
Gale opened the door and poked his head in. "You okay?"
Delly couldn't breathe like she was in pain and she was winded.
"Dells, baby, what's wrong?"
"Nothing." She shook her head trying to get him to go away.
"Dells." Gale gently picked her up from the bed and sat her on his lap, comforting her the only way he knew how.
His touch was soothing, and after a bit, the pain ebbed away.
"Dells, you were outside, weren't you?"
Delly didn't want to admit it. "Why would you say that?"
"There is snow melting on your shoes, your coat has a wet spot where you fell, and your hands are freezing."
"Sorry," Delly meekly offered.
"Delly this is why I worry because you're doing crazy stunts when I'm gone. I want to trust that you are going to behave while I'm gone but then I come home to find that you've been gallivanting outside hurting yourself."
"It's just I'm bored Gale. You know I don't know how to stop."
"Well, I have an idea. I'll ask my mom to come here and stay with you during the day time. That way you have someone to talk to and not be cooped up here all day long with nothing to do."
"Do you think your mom will be okay with that?"
"Of course she will."
True to his word, Gale's mother began coming with him during the lunch hour. Time slipped by and Hazelle Hawthorne and her children became regulars at the house.
"Momma." Posy stood by her mother's knees.
"Yes, Posy?" Hazelle put her darning down.
"Is Gale gonna marry Delly?"
Hazelle smiled to herself as she listened to them bicker. Their voices carried from the hallway. Today was a weekend and Gale insisted on coming here last night. He wanted to be here for when Lavender did her check up on Delly. Hazelle shook her head for the past month. Gale had been hell bent on taking care of Delly and her family.
It was sweet really. He would show up early with the boys to pick up Andy and help Delly get up. Hazelle's laundry business was slowing down. Many feared the retribution of the Peacekeepers. She had very little to do with her business essentially shut down, and she found herself coming over with the boys to spend time with Delly.
The girl was a saint. Hazelle didn't know how she put up with Gale's shenanigans, but she did. Delly also had a way of talking the truth that didn't make Gale fly off the handle. Delly was the calming agent for Gale. Posy's question was rather valid because Gale and Delly complimented the other.
Posy eyes were wide as she listened. There were things Hazelle were sure her littlest one didn't comprehend. "Well is he?"
Hazelle patted her daughter's head, "Posy why are you asking?"
Posy shook her head. "Delly, she's so nice. She plays with me and I want her to be with us, momma."
"You could ask Delly to be your sister if you would like?"
"Really?" Posy exclaimed with stars in her eyes.
"Why don't you go play?"
"Okay, mamma." Posy skipped into the kitchen to play.
Hazelle calmly folded her family's laundry. Her ears once more picked up the conversation Gale and Delly were having. The door to Delly's room was to remain open. Hazelle's said it was so she could hear if Delly needed help, but in reality, it was to keep an eye on her son. Gale had been walking the straight and narrow since the moment he started talking about Delly. He didn't even notice the women he used to be with, even when they paraded by the house.
It was funny to see her son smitten for a girl from the opposite side of town. So smitten he didn't see the differences between them. Because of Delly, her son was finally growing up.
Hazelle sat back and listened to them go back and forth.
"Gale, I'm not an invalid."
"Never said you were." Gale's voice was tender. Hazelle could hear the yielding in it, almost as if he would hand his heart to Delly on a silver platter if that's what she wanted.
"You know you're taking this whole bruised rib thing to darn serious," Delly grumbled.
"I know you don't like having nothing to do."
"Gale it's been a month, I feel better. Why do you have to insist on doing everything for me? You don't have to you know, I'm not a baby."
"I like that, Baby," he said it so low Hazelle leaned over the side of the sofa.
"Don't call me that," Delly choked out.
"Babe?"
"You're impossible." Delly's voice sounded exasperated but receptive to her son's advances. Hazelle chuckled. Gale's father was the same way. He knew how to annoy her and make her want to kiss him at the same time.
"Whatever you say, baby," Gale chuckled.
Hazelle heard some mumbling then Gale said, "Delilah Cartwright, you and I both know I need to keep an eye on you. That same night Mrs. Everdeen advised that you needed bedrest you'd gotten up from bed to make dinner and take care of Andy, ignoring Mrs. E's instructions."
"Women have been doing that for eons, Gale. How messed up do you think a woman feels after giving birth, yet the next day she's up and about." What Delly said was the truth. Hazelle didn't have time to lay about and recover. She went right to work after giving birth to Posy.
"Dells, if you ever had my baby I'd take care of you."
"Gale," Delly's voice wobbled.
"It's true, I would…" Hazelle's ears perked up listening for the unmistakable sound of kissing. There wasn't any but she knew it was coming. They were both equally attracted to the other. It was a wonder Gale hadn't tried to kiss Delly or try other things yet. She was sure her son was thinking about it. Her son was a man with a man's appetites. She was witness to the way her son hungrily stared at Delly. He wanted her and not just in a physical way either. He was lonesome for her presence, he thrived when he was around her.
"If I were to have a baby…I'd have to care for it on my own."
"Never, not with me. I'd take care of you, of us." Gale's voice deepened and Hazelle was sure Delly's heart must be racing. Hazelle recalled those days when she was young and on the threshold of love.
The unmistakable sound of the bed springs groaning made Hazelle decide to have some fun. She got up and walked by the room. Gale was on the bed his head near Delly's. They looked like they were about to kiss.
She deliberately made a noise as she walked into the bathroom and both of them jumped apart. Hazelle grinned. Although young love was exciting, crashing into her son's fun was even better. She chuckled. She simply washed her hands and stepped out into the hallway. Next time Hazelle planned on sending the ultimate cockblocker, Posy.
Gale was now standing and Delly was shaking her head exclaiming, "Ha!"
"You'd think I would annoy you?"
Delly giggled. "You're annoying me now, Mr. Bossy."
Hazelle sat down and thought to herself, mom 10, kids zero. She recalled how her parents had done that when Gale's father had first come to court her. At the time she'd been frustrated, but now she was having fun. She settled into the sofa.
"Let me carry you to the living room so that you can sneakily help my mom with the laundry."
"I do not do sneak." Hazelle could hear the resignation in Delly's voice, "I do it right in your face."
"I know babe, I know."
There was silence then a slight giggle. "Gale!"
"Sorry, couldn't help myself. You're so ticklish."
"You rascal," Delly laughed.
Gale carried Delly into the living room and gently placed her on the sofa next to Hazelle. Gale scooted out of the room and came back with her blanket, tucking her in. He planted a kiss on her forehead. Delly shook her head. "Gale."
He winked.
"Okay, so what do you ladies want for lunch?" Gale grabbed a bucket and mop and began to mop the floor. Delly shook her head at him as he cleaned.
"A hearty soup would be nice," Hazelle said.
"Dells?"
"You know I can cook," Delly said.
"Nope," Gale shook his head as he opened the door and went outside to throw out the dirty water. He came inside and slipped on one of her aprons. He was adorable as he stood in her house. He was constantly hovering around her. It was sweet but she was ready to move about.
Gale, however, was worried that she was going to re-injure herself. For the past month, she wasn't allowed to do anything. He was there all of the time. Whenever there was school, Gale and his brothers came all the way out to pick up Andy. The boys took care of her brother in school.
Right now, all three boys were next door, no doubt driving her father crazy. Most of the time Gale's mom came over. Delly enjoyed Mrs. Hawthorne's company. She was not as soft as her own mother was, but she was calm like her mom.
Gale was humming in the kitchen. Delly laid her head back on the sofa, hoping today Mrs. Everdeen would give her a clean bill of health, because while she didn't mind him here, and she loved seeing him, Delly was simply restless.
Hazelle handed her a stack and winked. Delly smiled, thankful for something to do.
"Mom," Gale bemoaned.
"Idle hands are the hands of the devil, dear." Hazelle smiled. "Besides folding a few of your shirts isn't going to break her."
Gale turned red when Delly picked up a pair of his shorts. "Mom!"
"Gale, if Delly is going to be our sister she's got help fold stuff," Posy said.
Delly laughed and became winded. Gale was there in an instant sitting with her, slowly rubbing her back. She loved this even though she shouldn't. She didn't have that luxury anymore. She didn't have the ability to choose who she wanted to be with.
She glanced at Gale and closed her eyes. She allowed herself to have a fantasy that not only was he in love with her but that they would have a Toasting with their friends and family present, followed by a simple meal and her favorite apple and goat cheese tarts.
A few days later she was still thinking about Gale. Delly stared up at the ceiling as Mrs. Everdeen gently poked at her side. "Have you had trouble breathing?"
"Not since that first week."
"Do you have pain when you cough?"
"No," Delly shook her head.
"Have you been staying out of trouble?"
"Trouble?" Delly flinched when Mrs. Everdeen pressed harder into her side.
"Delly you will not get better if you are not listening to my orders."
"Mrs. Everdeen, with all due respect, with Gale around I can't do anything. He won't let me lift my toothbrush," Delly grumbled. For the past month, Gale was always underfoot. He made it his mission to make sure she was not doing heavy lifting or doing anything that he considered strenuous.
"Gale?" Mrs. Everdeen raised an eyebrow.
"He won't let me clean, cook, anything. He shows up here early in the morning with breakfast. He helps me get Andy ready, complains that I made breakfast, then takes Andy to school." Delly kept right on talking without taking a breath. "Gale shows up around lunchtime with Mrs. Hawthorne to make sure I am behaving. Mrs. Hawthorne and I sit folding laundry, or when she has nothing to do we chat. When school is over Gale brings me my assignments. I spend time with Andy and Gale's brothers doing homework while he makes dinner for all of us and cleans. Before he and his family leave he makes sure Andy and are both tucked in bed."
Mrs. Everdeen put her hands on her hips. "What about when the weather gets bad?"
"He and his family stay here in the upstairs apartment. You know there is plenty of space for all of them."
"Your father doesn't mind?"
Delly found her line of question strange. "Mrs. Everdeen, my Father isn't himself right now, but I think he needs the noise."
"Delly are you sexually active?"
Delly turned red. "No."
"You and Gale haven't-"
"No," Delly squeaked out.
"What about touching, perhaps some petting?"
"NO," Delly was aghast.
"I only ask this because Gale is a sexually active male. He's experienced and when he initiates anything I want you to be prepared. Just know that if you say no and he still tries, you can defend yourself. The law will always be on your side."
"Mrs. Everdeen, Gale is my friend and he has been a perfect gentleman toward my person." Delly blinked. "What type of person do you think he is? He's not a monster; he's never been mean to me. He has done nothing but care for my family while still trying to feed his own." Delly swallowed as tears filled her eyes, "I've been a burden to him these past weeks."
"I didn't realize how close you two were."
"We're friends…close friends." Delly looked down at her hands, finding she was at a loss for words to describe the predicament they were in. "Regretfully that's all we'll ever be."
"Don't you want more?"
Delly wiped her face. "I want more, I would welcome it. But I can't, the odds are not in our favor. I have to think of Andy and my father."
Mrs. Everdeen sat down on the bed. "Delly, if you had the opportunity to be with Gale, would you?"
"It's like asking a fish to live with a bird. I love him, but he'll never be mine and I have to tell myself that every time I see him, with every laugh we share, with every word uttered, I have to hammer it into my head that I can never ever have what I really want." Delly took a deep breath. "I cannot show the man I love that I love him." She smiled sadly. "It's just the system."
"Delly," Mrs. Everdeen said. "You never know, don't lose faith."
Delly composed herself and smiled brightly as she had always done. "So, do I pass muster."
"You're still flinching; which means you are still sore, I think you need another week or two."
Delly nodded.
"Delly," Mrs. Everdeen took out a small herb package and something else. "If you love him and want him in your life, then you're going to have to have that conversation with him about whatever impedes you from being with him. But if you do decide to take that step with him as your physician I want you to be safe."
Delly frowned at the small foil packages.
"These will help you protect yourself against diseases. The herbs are a safeguard just in case there is an accident."
Delly took what Mrs. Everdeen offered but it was bittersweet. "Thank you."
Mrs. Everdeen left and Delly fixed her clothing. She put the herbs and foil packages in her draw with her memories of Gale. Tears gathered in her eyes as she touched the small tokens he'd given her, a small sock doll he and Posy made together, a card with flowers he'd drawn with Andy. No matter what the future brought, her heart would always belong to Gale.
Delly closed her eyes. She needed a walk. Getting her coat on she slipped out into the cold and the frigid weather. It helped temper her swirling emotions. She hadn't been to school since the incidents with the Peacekeepers.
The first two weeks she was in deep pain and she had a nasty bruise on her side that was now only starting to clear up. The third week she tried to walk around without crying. Last week she was finally allowed to lie flat on her back even though it was uncomfortable as her body was used to sitting up to sleep.
As she walked by the bakery, she stopped by the display and smiled to herself as she took in all of the cakes. They were beautiful, Peeta did an amazing job.
"Which one do you like?"
Delly stiffened when she heard Jackson's voice. She looked up to see him standing right behind her. "Aren't you supposed to be in school?"
"Just came by to check on my girl."
"I'm not your girl," Delly ground out. She stepped away, walking toward her house but only made to the corner of the bakery before he grabbed her arm. They stood in front of the window where they couldn't be seen from the inside of the bakery.
"You're so stubborn but I swear that can easily be remedied." He blocked her from sprinting into her yard.
"Now what kind of cake do you like? Vanilla? No, that's to plain. I bet you like chocolate, isn't that right?"
Delly bristled at the underhanded racist comment about Gale. "I love chocolate. It's better than plain old vanilla."
Jackson's eyes flashed. He was about to grab her but someone walked by and paused by the window. The stranger said, "Those cakes Mellark's make are delicious."
"Which of the cakes do you like, sugar?"
"None of them, they aren't my favorite flavor."
The man chuckled and turned to enter the store.
"You need a cake for the guests."
"Who says I want a cake?"
"Every bride wants a cake on her wedding day."
Delly swallowed. "I don't want anything from you."
"Awe, Delilah you know very well that you can't stop the inevitable." He stepped close to her and whispered in her ear.
Delly shrunk from him.
"Now which flavor do you prefer? I know you have a thing for Gale, but that's a flavor you'll never be able to taste, isn't that right, Delilah?" Jackson put his hand on her shoulder and slid it up her neck his hands were cold and lacked the warmth, unlike Gale's touch.
Delly jerked away from him.
He grabbed her by the arm and roughly brought her against his chest. She cried in pain.
"Are you still hurting?"
She nodded.
"I'm sorry, sugar," Jackson spoke, but his voice contained no tenderness. "I shouldn't have grasped you so hard. It's just that I get so crazy whenever you're around me. It's always been that way. You've always driven me wild, the way you smile, the tilt of your head. Everything you do is just right like you were made for me. I want you, sugar."
Delly trembled. She wanted to make him stop. "No," she said shaking her head.
Jackson chuckled. "Oh Delilah, you're as innocent as a lamb." He let her go and Delly shook as she stepped away. She was getting close enough to her house that she could make a break for it and reach her door before Jackson could reach her.
Delly spat. "You have no right to touch me and you know it. If you force yourself on me I can break the contract, Jackson."
"Just as long as you keep your legs closed around Hawthorne you'll have nothing to worry about." Jackson's finger touched her face. "I know that he's with you all of the time, but I know you would never let him lay a finger on you, less something bad befall his mother or your father, or even your poor brother Andy."
Delly swallowed. "I know what's at stake Jackson, you don't have to remind me about the deal my father made."
Jackson smirked, "So what flavor, Delly?"
"None, I told you I don't want cake and I don't want a Toasting with you." Delly smiled at him though she wished she had one of Gale's arrows or traps. She wanted to beat Jackson badly. They were, as he proved to her, contracted to be husband and wife from an early age. But for Delly no matter what the Capitol said, she wasn't married if she didn't have a Toasting. And she would never have a Toasting with Jackson.
She would never love him.
"Okay, no cake for you." He tipped her head up. "Just remember though, you belong to me and only me. Don't try anything foolish either, 'cause I'm always watching."
He left and she trembled and rubbed her shoulders. On unsteady legs, she walked home.
"Hey," Gale called out from her yard.
Seeing him she smiled and ran towards him.
"Dells, what did I tell you about running? You could hurt yourself."
She laughed at his words, but threw her arms around him.
"Hey, you okay? You're trembling"
"I hurt myself earlier."
"Dells," Gale said, picking her up easily. "Are you trying to give me a heart attack? Do you know how much I hate to see you in pain or hurting?"
Delly didn't say anything, she simply snuggled into Gale's shoulder. She nodded.
"Come on, I'll get a hot bath started for you."
"Okay," Delly sighed happily, hanging on to Gale.
"You sure you're okay?"
"I am now," Delly whispered.
"Dells." Gale brought her inside of the house and settled them on the sofa. "Whatever is going on, I want to help you. I want to be someone you can come to when you've got a problem. I do the same with you; you're the person I come to when I've got a problem I can't solve. Talking is important."
Delly felt awful for not telling him. Mrs. Everdeen was right, she needed to tell Gale, but even now as she tried to formulate the words she thought of Gale getting in trouble because of Jackson and she kept her mouth shut. "I promise, I will I'll tell you, just not right now."
"Okay," Gale said holding her. He rubbed her back and she melted into him. She sighed and after the trauma she faced, she closed her eyes feeling secure and fell asleep.