After their shower the women sat on the bed and took a deep breath—this wouldn't be an easy conversation to have, but it needed to be done. That being said, both were feeling much better after their time together, wink wink. "Owen Novak"
"Hey, do you have some time to talk? It's about Cassidy."
The other line was silent for a minute and Casey looked at Alex, then took her hand in her own giving it a squeeze. They heard a deep sign, "What the fuck did that bitch do, and who do I need to hire?"
Since the last time Casey had spoken to her mother, Owen had only spoken to Cassidy once: to essentially tell her to fuck off. He said she was no longer welcome in his life, Amelia's life, or his children's lives, and if she tried to corner Amelia in any way—he would take further action. Luckily their schedules didn't leave much time to cross paths because of their kids and Amelia never ran into her, but Owen did see her in the hall a few times as did Derek who kindly asked her to 'move along'. Jake also cut Cassidy out of his life—they refuse to let Cassidy treat Casey and Alex like they are nothing, they are their family. Even though Cassidy treats them well, if she can't treat Casey like a daughter, she can't treat them like her sons.
"Owen—this is going to be a lot, so please let me get through all of it before you speak. Can you promise me that much?"
"I promise Case."
"I was taking a nap while Harper slept and my phone rang—Lex answered it, and yes it's different with attorneys than doctors, we answer each others phones all the time." She laughed, as did he. "I had blocked her number, Chase's number, and their home phone—not the hospital god forbid you or Amelia, but it wasn't from that phone number anyways. I already sent out to have it traced—but I'm getting sidetracked, we can get to that later. So Lex answered, and Cassidy's opening line was about not calling her when I gave birth—Lex proceeded to tell her in a calm manner that it was her wife speaking, and I was resting, that the last time we spoke I asked her not to call again then Cassidy let her have it. Called her a bunch of names, said she was another notch on my bedpost, that I spread my legs for everyone, that I'm going to leave Lex, that I'm damaged, entitled, a whore, bedded countless women, that I'm going to stop living in sin because you and Jake are going to teach me how to live the perfect life that you two apparently have—I'm just the fuck up, but you two have it so great because you two are straight, and I'm just the fucked up lesbian. Little does she know…" Casey had tears in her eyes, that she quickly wiped away thinking about Jake who was bisexual. "And then she told Lex to say goodbye to her perfect little life because she was going to take away our children, adopt them herself, and kill me because they'd be better off with her, and I'd be better off dead." Casey took one last breath. "Okay I'm done."
Owen was sitting at his desk in his office at work and nearly snapped his pen in half—how dare her! I'm going to kill that fucking bitch! She gave me life and I'm going to take hers. She does not deserve to breathe the same air I do. I can't even fathom the fact we share the same DNA. How can two people so evil create three such amazing humans? Granted, Jake and I are alright, but Casey is pure gold in every sense of the word. She is the bravest, smartest, most amazing person I have ever known—I am so proud of my baby sister—she makes me a better person and I am her big brother. I'm supposed to protect her. I need to protect her. Jake and I NEED to protect her. We've already failed her so much in life. We can't let her down this time.
"Case…I need to call you back."
"DON'T do anything stupid Owen, think about your wife and children, think about Jake, think about Charlotte, think about Harper, think about Lex….think about me," she said the last part in a whisper. "I love you."
"I love you too, Casey-bear." Owen hung up the phone and then said, "I always think about you."
Casey hung up the phone and looked at Alex and the blonde spoke first, "Who are you calling?"
Her question was answered when Casey spoke, "Hey Amelia, I don't have a lot of time to explain, but I need you to go check on Owen RIGHT NOW."
"…"
"No, he's fine. It's about Cassidy—she called my phone and threated my life along with the girls to Lex and I'm afraid—"
"…"
"Exactly. And I already told him to think about everyone he loves so very much, but sometimes that isn't enough when he's wound up and doesn't have Derek around to hold him back or his army buddies or even here surrounded by my squad."
"…"
"I'll explain everything later unless Owen fills you in. Yes I'll give them kisses. Again I'm so sorry, I love you too."
Casey hung up the phone, "Amelia."
"Yeah, I got that," Alex laughed. "I'm guessing she's sprinting through the hospital right about now calling Derek as well?"
Casey nodded, already dialing Sophie's phone number. She was in no mood to wait around for Owen to do whatever he was going to do. Casey makes a plan, puts it into motion—no nonsense. She protects her family, and gets it done. Casey planted a kiss to Alex's lips just before Sophie picked up. Once she explained the situation, Sophie explained a few things that Casey didn't like to hear but she knew were bound to happen. She also assumed that's what Owen was going to do, and that could help. Once she had that evidence, it would make a difference—she was keeping that bit to herself though, for now. It wasn't anything Alex didn't know about, it's just proof she was aware they may or may not have. Truth be told, Casey wasn't sure Owen knew if they had it anymore either—hence, keeping it quiet. Sophie said there wasn't anything Cassidy or Chase could legally do, which both mothers knew, as they were lawyers. But Casey wanted to know if she had been contacted personally by Cassidy or her attorney to know if this threat was serious—she knew Cassidy didn't waste time. She told Sophie to give her a call immediately if there was any contact made, not that Cassidy or Chase would ever be able to get custody of Charlotte, but Casey wanted to know about it right away.
Alex was listening to them speak and was getting more anxious as the conversation went on. Casey must have seen this because an arm wrapped around her waist and she immediately sunk into her embrace. 'it's okay Lex' she saw Casey mouth, then kiss the side of her head. She knew nobody could actually take their little girl, but there was another part of her screaming at her that something was going to happen.
They were completely protected—not only did they live in the most secure penthouse with the top of the line security but Casey also grew up protected by Owen. He taught her how to shoot when she a little girl, and when she went off to college he finally felt comfortable enough to leave for the army knowing she'd know how to take care of herself because she could shoot if need be. Chase kept guns in the house, he taught both his boys how to shoot, and in return, Owen taught Casey. Chase never did anything with Casey but smack her around.
Casey kept a gun in their penthouse—locked in a safe, completely out of reach of any tiny humans. Alex knew all about it from day one; and after talking about it, Casey even taught Alex how to shoot as well. Emily wears a gun on her hip at all times, which is just another added security measure. She was a nanny for 4 years for the presidents three children with a gun on her hips and one on her ankle, they weren't about to protest the extra security. When she started working for them, she stopped wearing the one on her ankle though, it was no longer needed. They weren't worried about their little girl being around the gun though, because Charlotte never plays with any of the squads guns, she knows it's a 'no-no'. In fact, it's as if she thinks it's an accessory like a belt. To get into their penthouse, you need to be on an approved list, and if you aren't, you need to be called up unless you're a member of law enforcement—to get into their office at the DA's office, you need to go through the metal detector. Of course, people could always get to them, but they are typically always around some type of security; at home is secure, work is secure, squad is secure, friends are secure, family is secure, nanny is secure.
"…"
"I know Sophie, listen, Owen is on the other line let me give you a call back. Thank you." Casey hung up with Sophie and switched over. "Hey, please tell me Amelia caught you before you did something incredibly stupid?"
"Case I got it."
Casey breathed a sigh of relief, "God, I love you!"
"I can overnight everything to Sophie right now and we will make this right, we will put an order of protection in place for you. I know it sucks that it can't be in place for Lex and the girls, but you're always together, so technically it can be kind-of be for all of you…at least for now until we figure something else out. Which believe me, I'm still trying to figure something else out. I'm not going to fail you again baby sis."
At this point Casey was now crying and Alex was rubbing her back, she couldn't speak but the phone was on speaker as both women were listening. "Owen, it's Alex—thank you so much for everything you're doing."
"Is Case okay? What's going on Lexie?" Alex loved that he called her that, it was adorable that he picked up on her family nickname. "Maybe I should come there for a visit and see what we can do to sort this out."
"No," Casey croaked out. "Owen, I'm okay," she said, wiping her tears.
"Case, I can hear it in your voice. You're not okay, and that's completely okay. Cassidy is a fucking bitch who doesn't deserve to breathe the same air we do. It kills me that she said those things to Lexie about you, about her, about my nieces…" he trailed off and he was clearly thinking. "But maybe you're right. You've always been able to take care of yourself, you're much stronger than Jake and I, Case. You promise to keep me posted and call day or night?"
"I promise, Owen. And thank you so much for not doing anything stupid—and for finding…" Casey didn't want to say it out loud. Alex knew what she was talking about and it broke her heart. Medical records, pictures, voice memos, videos, written documents: proof of the abuse she suffered at the hands of both her parents growing up that were going straight to Sophie. It was the only way they could obtain a restraining order against Cassidy. Well, along with the recent emails/texts/voicemails from about 5 months ago before Casey had blocked Cassidy from contacting her; that would be plenty for a judge to sign off. Before they could end the conversation there was a knock on the bedroom door, Alex took the phone and took it off speaker to continue talking.
Liz appeared in the doorway with Charlotte holding her hand and Harper in her arms, "I'm so sorry to interrupt, but this little one is hungry," she said over a fussy baby.
Casey smiled, "No worries," taking Harper from Liz. "Come here peanut."
"Momma! Hungee peaseeee, wanna eat dinwer wif me pease momma and g'amma g'ampa and momma."
Casey looked at the little girl who was still holding Liz's hand while twirling around and batting her eyelashes. Harper wasn't letting up, and Casey had no problem with Liz being right in front of her so she unclipped her nursing bra and latched Harper onto her breast and spoke to her daughter, "Yes baby, mommy and I will have dinner with you, we're just finishing up on the phone okay? Why don't you and grandma go downstairs and tell grandpa, I bet he's getting lonely down there all by himself?"
"No he no wolwee momma, he pwayin wif my dolwee she wake up momma," Charlotte said matter-of-factly, duh-momma.
"Oh," Casey teased. "Well grandpa might need help with your dolly honey, he might not know how to take care of her as well as you do," she winked at Liz.
"Pwobly no," she laughed. "Comon g'amma, wet's go," Charlotte said, grabbing Liz's hand to take her back downstairs.
"Lex and I'll will be down in a few minutes to start dinner," Casey called out.
"Take your time, honey. Alexander already called for takeout, we didn't know how long you'd be and didn't think either of you would be up for cooking."
"Gosh I love you both!"
Casey walked back into the bedroom with Harper latched to her breast and Alex no longer had the phone to her ear. The redhead sat down next to her and smiled looking down at Harper, "She's so beautiful, Lex."
"I know, babe—both our girls look exactly like you. I could not be more lucky to see you in both of them. It makes me so happy."
"I see a lot of you in Charlotte—not her eyes, but her little nose, her lips, the curl of her hair, her beautiful long eyelashes. Harper has the same long eyelashes too, and she seems to have a slight curl to her hair as well. Our girls have both of us in them, Lex." Casey said, reaching out to take Alex's hand. "Because they are OUR girls."
Alex just nodded as a single tear slipped down her cheek; Casey reached up and wiped it away. "Don't cry baby." Harper started to gurgle a bit and they both looked down to laugh, "See, Harper doesn't want you to cry either. She also wants you to burp her," Casey winked.
"Come here little one, mommy will burp you then we'll go feed your sister. I heard grandpa ordered us some food."
"Yup, apparently he knows we wouldn't want to cook," Casey said, fixing the strap on her bra effectively blocking the view of her breast and upsetting Alex that she no longer had the view of her wife's breast. "What?"
"I was admiring the view."
Casey laughed. "You can admire the view all you want tonight when we sleep naked," she said, planting a kiss on Alex's lips.
After dinner they gave Charlotte a bath, watched a movie as a family and were able to put her to bed while Alexander and Liz stayed with Harper. The women knew they were staying because they wanted to know what was going on and it was going to be a long night of explaining everything, but deserved to know. Walking down the stairs both women were tired, but knew it was the right thing to do: together.
They sat down on the sectional, Alex taking Harper to put her in the rockaroo to keep bouncing and slightly away from the adults but still in sight. "So, what's going on?" Liz asked.
Casey took Alex's hand to settle her nerves. Alexander looked at Liz, "Honey, settle down, I told you—they are still clearly in love. Look at them, they're holding hands right now and they're both glowing."
"DADDY!" Alex said, a little louder than intended then looked over at Harper to make sure she was still sleeping. Once she realized the baby still was she said it again, "Daddy…that was, no. That—that."
"Lex, it's fine, I think your parents are aware we have a very healthy sex life." Casey winked at her wife who immediately blushed sinking further into the couch. "There's nothing going on with our marriage. We're very happy, extremely happy together. But there is something going on. As you both know, while I was pregnant with Harper, there was this nagging feeling about telling my mother I was pregnant, how I 'made it in life', and have a beautiful successful life that she always told me I could never have," Casey started to choke up as did Alex hearing her wife speak, and knowing everything Casey had been through.
Alex scooted impossibly close to Casey, one hand on her shoulder the other on her thigh. Alex could see this was taking too much out of her wife so she spoke up, "We told you the phone call went terribly wrong—so wrong that she blocked her mother. But we didn't tell you what she said that caused us to block her—" Alex took a deep breath then looked at her parents. "Cassidy told Casey when she was 5 months pregnant with Harper that she wished she aborted Casey."
Both Alexander and Liz gasped, while Casey continued to cry. Alex soothed Casey and kissed her cheek bringing her closer so their faces touched. Liz started to cry as well, being a mother herself she couldn't ever imagine saying that. Both of them loved Casey as if she was their own—but they knew there was more. Alexander was about to speak when Casey wiped her tears and said, "Today, I was taking a nap while the girls were asleep—Lex answered my phone when it rang…"
She looked up to meet her in-laws eyes, "I'm already having the number traced." Once she saw Liz nod she continued, "It was Cassidy. She continued to call Lex names, which I'll never forgive myself for—"
Alex interrupted her, "Honey, that isn't your fault. I'm a big girl—her words don't hurt me."
Casey turned to look at her wife, "They hurt me for you babe! She has NO right to talk to you that way. You are the most perfect woman, strong, beautiful, courageous, smart, compassionate, brave, the best mother, I could keep going but we'd be here all night—my point is, she isn't allowed to talk to you that way." By this point, Casey was now crying again. Alex was trying to wipe her tears but every time she wiped them new ones were forming. Alexander and Liz were watching the scene unfold and it was so heartbreaking but at the same time, their love was so strong. Casey and Alex were so in love: without a doubt.
A few minutes later, Casey calms down and looks into Alex's eyes and nods, "Okay—" then turns to face Alexander and Liz again to continue. "After calling me a bunch of names as well, she proceeds to tell Lex that my brothers are going to 'fix' my sinful lifestyle."
"Fix?" Liz questions.
"Apparently by finding me a nice man to marry me off to. To live some type of 'normal' lifestyle because god forbid I'm a lesbian. But during that time, she's going to have our girls live with my brothers. Then she told Lex to say goodbye to her perfect little life because she decided while talking to her that I'd be better off dead, and she was going to adopt her girls for herself." Liz gasped and Alexander clenched his knuckles, while Alex tensed beside her. Casey wrapper her arm tighter around her wife's waist pulling her closer.
"We already spoke to Sophie who reassured us what we already know, there's no grounds for them to take our girls—no matter what. Obviously, we're still madly in love—nothing that she said in her rant to Lex is true, I've never even slept with a man, so it's not as if I'm going to run off with one." That got a laugh from the group. "We also spoke with Owen and we umm—we," Casey choked up.
Alex knew this was going to be hard for Casey to talk about. Liz and Alexander knew about some of the abuse Casey had endured at the hands of her parents, but not all of it. Actually, they only knew about a fourth of it—so this was going to be hard for all of them. Harper started to cry and Alex knew that Casey had to get her because she couldn't feed her so she watched as the redhead got up from the couch watching over to the rockaroo.
"Hi little one, are you hungry?" she asked, lifting the baby up. "Lex, if you want to umm—you can…"
Alex stood up and walked over to Casey so they could talk away from her parents, "Babe, what can I do? What do you need?"
"You can tell them, sweetie, just umm, I need to feed the baby. I'll be upstairs. I'm fine."
"Are you sure?" Alex questioned, not wanting to pressure her wife.
"Yeah. I love you."
"I love you too," Alex said, kissing Casey's lips, then kissing Harper's head as well.
Alex watched as Casey disappeared up the stairs then sat down on the couch, but instead of where she was sitting before, she now squeezed herself between both her mom and dad.
"What is going on baby girl?"
Alex sank into her fathers embrace then took her mothers arm and pulled it over her body so she was cuddling her as well, "Casey was abused," she whispered. "Like, really abused."
Alexander and Liz exchanged a look, they had heard a few stories from Casey's childhood—stories that made them feel sick to their stomach, but always felt like their was more because they could tell she was holding back; especially with the way her brothers acted around her, Owen in particular.
"Owen, he umm—you know how Casey went to live with Owen when she started high school?" she felt both her parents nod. "Well even before that, he would keep proof of all the injuries her mom and dad caused just in case—they k-killed h-her," Alex whispered as she started to cry. Alexander and Liz's eyes both went wide at the admission. Had they heard their daughter correctly—did she say killed her? "He started to keep proof after her mom pushed Casey down the stairs one night—Owen found he the next m-morning before school and s-she couldn't get up. But then her dad picked up her limp body and, and instead of bringing her to the hospital he locked her in the basement and took her brothers to school threatening them not to say anything. That's when Owen started to keep proof—and that's why he feels, that's why he feels so guilty about not p-protecting Casey." Alex cried. If she was honest with herself, she isn't sure what she'd do in the situation. Listen to the threat of her parents, or tell a teacher, policeman, get some type of help. I mean, it would be three siblings and a bunch of help against two parents—but at the same time, she wasn't in the situation.
"So a few weekends before Casey was supposed to be started high school, she was going to be moving in with Owen, but her dad h-he attacked her on a T-Tuesday…a-and Owen had to, to come g-get her a-and him and Jake moved her out e-early. Owen knew their father would kill her if she kept liv-living at home. H-he always knew how to hit her where n-no one would s-see." By this time, Alex was starting to hyperventilate, tears where falling down her face, this was so hard for her to talk about. Thinking about her wife's small body as a little girl getting beat to a pulp all the time by the hand of her father, and her own mother either contributing to the abuse, watching, or letting it happen. Casey had explained that to her—Cassidy Novak fueling her husband on. Alex continued to explain to her parents how Cassidy would say things to her husband like 'you're the one who got me pregnant with this demon child, this 'lesbian whore', 'no good sinner', 'kill the bitch', 'I don't want her', 'get rid of her', 'kick her again', 'I don't care what happens to her', 'make her cry' while he was abusing Casey. The redhead had told Alex that sometimes she thought Cassidy was worse than Chase was.
Alexander was trying not to fly off the handle and Liz was trying not to cry but she couldn't—she quickly wiped her own tears then wiped her daughters, "Lexie you need to take some deep breaths baby," she looked at her husband telling him with her eyes 'calm the fuck down Alexander'.
"Lexie, come on princess—breathe," Alexander coaxed, even though he his own breathing was erratic. He was so worked up hearing the things his daughter was telling her—how dare those two terrible people treat their daughter that way. That's the way they saw Casey, as their daughter. She was so incredible; not only as a person, but to their daughter as well. She treated them with respect, cared for Alex, gave them two beautiful grandchildren, provided a safe, amazing life for their princess and treated her that way—hell Alexander could kill them both. He's honestly surprised Owen hadn't already—then again, Casey was against violence at all cost because she was such an incredible person.
They weren't getting anywhere with calming their daughter—it seemed like since Casey came into her life, they couldn't calm Alex from her panic attacks. Neither wanted to disturb the redhead, but Liz knew she had to, so she carefully got up considering Alex was laying more on top of Alexander. She quickly ran upstairs to the master bedroom and knocked on the door.
"Come in."
"Casey honey," Liz said timidly.
Casey could tell by the look on Liz's face Alex was in distress—she walked over to the older blonde, handed Harper to her and ran down the stairs without saying a word. How did she even know? Liz thought to herself as Casey disappeared down the stairs. "Well sweetie, let's give your mommies a few minutes," she whispered to Harper who was sound asleep in her arms.
Casey had ran down the stairs and into the living room, quickly sitting where Liz had been and shifting Alex into her arms, then into her lap, "Lex breathe for me baby—in and out honey." She rubbed her back while slowly rocking them in a circular motion.
Liz and Harper appeared from upstairs and watched as Alex started to calm down in Casey's arms; it was truly something amazing. The bond that those two had was something amazing—they were made for each other. Even when Alex's panic attacks started when she was a little girl, neither Alexander or herself could get her to calm down as quickly as Casey could.
"I'm here baby, I've got you," Casey said, running her fingers through the beautiful blonde hair, kissing the side of her head. "No matter what, babe."
Finally Alex collapsed into Casey's arms and they stopped rocking, "I-I'm so-sorry."
Casey continued to rub the blondes back, twisting her slightly so their chests were against each other but she was still over her lap, "Lex, there's nothing to apologize for. I shouldn't have run away from my own problems and left it on you. I'M sorry. This is my fault, baby." Casey lifted her chin so green bore into blue, "Can you forgive me?"
Alex kissed her, passionately, like there was nobody else in the room—conveying everything she wanted to express. She didn't care that she told her parents what happened to Casey when she was little, hearing Casey say it actually made it worse for her. She didn't know how to ask her wife if she could do it, and was thankful that Harper started to fuss. Did that make her bad? Hearing Casey get emotional broke her heart—so it worked out better this way.
"T-there's nothing to forgive. I love you so much, so much!" Alex said, kissing her again.
"I love you too beautiful." Casey looked up to see that Alexander had now stood up and was standing by Liz who had Harper—they were standing watching the scene unfold. She wasn't sure how they felt about everything. She didn't want them to look at her differently now which is why she didn't like sharing her past with many people, which is ironic considering what she does for a living. "I uhh—I'm still me."
Alex shifted in Casey's lap so she could face her parents but also wrap an arm around her wife's shoulders while watching their reactions. "You're right honey, you are still you. You're just so much stronger than we even knew you were—and we already knew you were pretty damn strong," Alexander winked.
Alex kissed her cheek and wrapped both arms around her neck, "Strongest wife and mother out there. Total badass."
"Alexandra, language!" Liz said, protecting Harper's ears.
"Oh she's just a baby," Alex laughed.
"Casey honey, I just have to say I am so unbelievably proud to be able to call you a daughter of mine. I know you have a lot of pull, but we will do everything and anything we can or you two need us to do. Just say the word—I already see Lexie giving me her glare, so I'll leave it at that."
"Thank you, Liz." Casey said, wrapping her arms around Alex's waist, "We definitely will—and we both appreciate all your help."
"That's what family is for, honey."
They all said goodnight to each other, and the Cabot's went on their way. Casey and Alex put Harper down and cuddled in bed. Even though they were both exhausted, they knew Harper would be up in a few hours to feed anyways, so they stayed up and used the time to continue exploring each others bodies. It had been 6 weeks and they had a lot of time to make up for.
"…fuck baby," Alex whispered, knowing the baby was in the bassinette by the bed on Casey's side of the bed. She had a handful of Casey's breast, as the redhead hovered above her as her wife's fingers thrust in and out of her hard and fast. "Oh god, just like that. I'm going to—" she didn't get to finish the thought before cumming all over Casey's fingers.
"She is living with a one Alexandra Elizabeth Novak and their two girls Charlotte Rayne Novak 3, and Harper Elizabeth Novak 6 months. Tailing for the last two months now, they have a lot of friends but there is another woman who is constantly there; seems like Cassandra is stepping out on Alexandra with a brunette."
"Good work; further blackmail," and with that, the line went dead."
Alex and Casey had been both back at work now for a few months now—Alex longer than Casey though; the blonde returned after 2 incredible months of maternity leave and is now working two full days in the office and two full days at home; it was much harder than she ever thought it would be. She thought leaving for work with Charlotte screaming for her was hard, but it was even harder when Charlotte didn't scream and told her how she'd take care of momma and Harper while she worked all day.
Flashback
"I can't do it," Alex said, zipping up her skirt.
Casey was slowly bouncing Harper as she watched Alex get ready and Charlotte put on one of Alex's blazers. She loved putting on her mommies work clothes more than anything—she didn't get to do it often because they weren't dress up clothes and they would wrinkle very easily, but today was a special day because mommy was nervous, and Casey knew that. So they were all standing in the walk-in closet trying to help settle her nerves.
"Yes you can, baby. You're going to do great. Charlotte and I are going to paint you a pretty picture while you're at work, aren't we baby?" Casey said, looking at the little girl who was now trying to stand in a pair of high heels with a blazer that covered her entire underwear clad body. She had yet to get dressed yet as she had a messy breakfast then Casey ran a bath for her while Alex jumped in the shower.
Alex stopped stressing for a minute to laugh as she looked down at Charlotte who was looking up at her, smiling—her green eyes sparkling, her wet strawberry blonde curls splayed over the gray blazer that hung open displaying her little mermaid underwear and the red high heels that were Alex's. The blonde couldn't help but pull out her phone to take a picture—it would definitely be her new favorite picture.
"You're the cutest little girl," Alex said, lifting Charlotte up in the air causing the heels to fly off and she spun her around. "I love you so much baby. Are you going to paint me a picture while I go to work?"
"Ya mommy and me take cahe of momma and Hapa! An den me gonna pway an pait so fun! Den you come home!"
Alex wanted to cry but she knew she had to be strong, "Yeah baby, you're right. You're so brave," she sniffed willing her tears away. "You're going to do such a good job taking care of momma and Harper for me." Alex looked at her wife and smiled.
End of Flashback
Casey had an extremely hard time returning to work—with Charlotte it was hard, but she was the first to say she would go before her wife knowing she was having a harder time with it. With Harper, it's different because she's breastfeeding. Not that Harper is more than Charlotte, because she isn't—she just didn't breastfeed Charlotte. This is the first time she's ever pumped, which is such a strange thing for her to do, in the entire 4 months of Harper's life, she's only ever had Casey's breast. So going back to work was scary for the redhead because she didn't know if Harper would adjust well; it's a strange feeling to not have a baby attached to your boob every so often.
Needless to say, her first day didn't go well at all—she had a big meltdown, and ended up in Liz's office; luckily, Liz understood completely as both Johnathan and Alex were breastfed as well. She wasn't lying to Alex, or holding anything back—she had expressed everything to her in fact, but the blonde didn't exactly understand it because she hadn't made that connection: Liz had—so when she spoke to the older blonde, she made her feel much better. After work, Casey went home and told Alex about her day and the conversation she had with Liz and Alex felt much better. The blonde felt terrible about the fact she didn't know what to say when Casey expressed her emotions the week leading up to work—and was really happy her mom could help. All in all, after their first few weeks of getting back to work and getting the girls situated with Emily, things were going really well.
Emily loved the girls, and Charlotte loved Emily! Harper loved everyone. She had been an easy baby since day one. Casey was worried about pumping at first and the fact Harper would reject anything that wasn't her breast, but she took the bottle which allowed Alex to feed her as well which was great. Casey still breastfed her at night, on Friday's and the weekends, and was going to continue until she was at least a year old if not older. Dr. Molly said it would depend on how she continues to grow—just like Charlotte, both of their girls were small. It's like they were destined to have small babies—it did make things easy to carry both of them around though considering Charlotte loved to be held: constantly. Alex and Casey wouldn't have it any other way though, they loved their little snuggle monkey.
"Tell me what I want to hear."
"Flight get's in at 10:00am, you'll be able to get in by 10:40am at the latest if you do it right."
"You better not have fucked this up," the line went dead.
Emily had been absolutely nothing but amazing—she had gone above and beyond, offering to babysit so the women could go on date nights, travel with them to the Hamptons although that's also a nice time for her as well because Alex and Casey told her to bring her girlfriend Jennifer, cooking dinners even though Casey said it wasn't part of the job requirement, she was incredible; so when Emily had broke down into tears one day and said how she wasn't able to get a doctors appointment on a Friday that she knew she had off but instead for Wednesday at 9:45am she didn't know what to do. Casey immediately wrapped the crying woman in a hug and told her to go to the appointment. Emily said she'd come over right after the appointment, getting there around 10:45 because the appointment would only be a half hour—then she thanked Casey over and over again. Casey said it was no problem at all and to not worry—her health was important too and she shouldn't be afraid to ask either her or Alex about taking time off.
"Where Emmy?" Charlotte asked. Alex had already left for work that morning, breakfast was cleaned up, and Harper was down for her first nap of the day. Charlotte knew their morning routine well, and expected the brunette to be showing up around this time.
"She has a doctors appointment baby, so it's you and me this morning—but she will be here to play with you later. How about we paint her a special picture to make her feel better?" Casey knew the woman wasn't sick, if she was, she wouldn't be coming over—but explaining that to Charlotte would take too long.
"Otay momma, she wike wed wike your hair and wike da wittle mermaids hair! Can we watch it momma?"
Casey laughed, the amount of times they had watched that damn movie, "Okay baby we can watch it, why don't you go get your iPad and I'll set up the paints." They had purchased Charlotte and iPad when they bought the house in the Hamptons—it made for easy car rides, putting on a movie for her in the car ride when she didn't nap, or giving her learning activities. She completes three learning activities every day with Emily and when the nanny isn't there, she does three with her mothers—the iPad is only used for a movie on the weekends, or a special treat. Both Alex and Casey didn't like to allow much screen time for the little girl, but neither minded when it was for learning purposes which she truly did love.
"No momma, watch den pait! Pease!"
"Okay baby girl." About halfway through the movie, Charlotte got way too antsy to sit still any longer and wanted Casey to go set up the paints. She made her way up to the kitchen island and got into one of the bar stools which was one of her favorite things to do now that she was a 'big girl'. Even though she was still teeny tiny and could barely reach, they had designed a custom chair just for Charlotte so she could safely sit at the kitchen island with her mothers. She was very careful, and waited very patiently while Casey got all her paints set out for her: a big smile on her face.
Casey watched as the little girl painted, she had come so far—seeing how the artwork progressed since the first time they 'painted' together. It was with their fingers, Casey remembers it like it was yesterday, Charlotte looked at her like she was crazy when she dipped her finger into the paint and put it onto the paper. Then she did it again, and told Charlotte it was okay for her to do it too. When the little girl did it, she laughed, then put it to the paper making a big line. It ended up being a huge mess of all her fingers smudged together but she had a great time and that's all that really mattered. They still have that hanging up in their home office. Now, Charlotte holds a paintbrush, although it still doesn't look the greatest, it actually looks like something. She makes something that looks like art.
"Momma daw a hart pease for me!"
"Okay baby, hold on," Casey said, slowly tracing a heart in the red paint, making sure to hold both her breasts while leaning over the tray of paints she set out so she doesn't get paint on them. Apparently she didn't do a very good job though because Charlotte smiled at her, staring at her breasts, "Momma getted pait on boobies."
Casey looked down at her chest, damn, since Harper these things really get in the way she thought to herself. "Yup—momma did get paint on her boobies." She looked at the clock and Emily would be here any minute and she really didn't want the brunette to see her like this—it was bad enough having Emily see her leaking back when that was happening. "Charlotte baby, can you be a really big girl and be super careful on the stool for me while momma goes upstairs to change her shirt? Emily's going to be here any minute okay?" She knew the little girl would be fine because the chair was safe, but sometimes Charlotte did like to crawl on top of the kitchen island and she didn't want her to fall off.
"Otay momma, Emmy gonna wuv her prise! Write?"
"Right," Casey said tilting Charlotte's head to place a kiss to Charlotte's lips, "I just love you so much, baby girl." That was one of her favorite things to do; after seeing her mothers kiss so many times, Charlotte realized she could kiss her mommies too—it was absolutely adorable. Sometimes she would walk up to them, hold the sides of their face with her itty bitty hands and give them a kiss then laugh.
"Wuv you momma," the little girl said, then focused back on her painting as Casey disappeared up the stairs.
"Can I help you?" Charles asked not recognizing the woman standing in front of him.
"I'm here for Cassandra Novak. This is a sensitive matter."
Cassandra—nobody calls her that. Who the hell is this woman? Sensitive matter? Mrs. Lexie isn't here right now, and I know those beautiful girls are in the building. Miss Emily isn't up there, and I know there isn't anyone else up there either… "And who are you?"
"FBI" the woman said, quickly flashing a badge and pulling back her light jacket to reveal a gun holstered to her hip.
Well that changes things, can't say no to law enforcement she must know Miss Emily. "I'll let you up. Lovely day we're having don't you think? You must be friends with Miss Emily."
Before the woman could respond the elevator doors closed and she breathed a sigh of relief—who the hell is Emily?
Emily was pulling up to the Novak residence—she had been so nervous to ask Casey about the doctors appointment she had, but once she told her about it, the redhead was more than understanding. She should have known, she had never worked for a better employer. Friday's and weekends off, great pay, access to the most amazing restaurant, and beach house anytime she wanted—and to top it all off: Jennifer. Gosh, that was a dream come true for her; Jennifer is so amazing and they hit it off right away, Casey was right, not only pushing her to talk to her, but also supporting their relationship fully. Alex does too—they help her with date ideas, what to wear when she's completely clueless, even helped plan Jennifer's 27th birthday party. It was a huge success.
Casey changed her shirt, then quickly checked on Harper—she heard something downstairs and was trying to make out the sounds not quite recognizing them.
"…no momma wuv me!"
Who is Charlotte trying to convince that I love her?
"No she doesn't, she is a sinner. She doesn't love you, Charlotte. I will teach you how to love the right way—how God loves all his children, except your mother. Your mother is going to die, and I will raise you right after I kill your mother."
Casey's blood ran cold hearing that voice—Cassidy somehow got into HER house and was telling HER child that she didn't love her. Telling HER child that she was going to kill her. Oh fuck no. She knew her cell phone was downstairs and they didn't have a home phone so she did the next best thing—went into the closet to get her gun. I need to get Charlotte out of the kitchen somehow so she doesn't see this—she CANNOT see any of this—how do I get her away from this? How do I protect my child from seeing this? From hearing this? Headphones? Where are her noise cancelling headphones? Casey grabbed them and ran down the stairs quietly seeing Charlotte sitting and Cassidy nowhere in sight—she heard ruffling in the home office and thought now was her chance. She quickly ran to grab the little girl and grabbed her and the iPad then carried her up the stairs.
She hated doing it but she put her hand over Charlotte's mouth to keep her from screaming out, "Shh, shh, shh, I know you're so scared baby, I know," she rocked Charlotte back and forth while kissing her, "I know baby, momma is going to protect you from the scary lady but I need you to be really brave for me right now okay?" Casey asked and hoped that she would understand and not scream. The little girl nodded and Casey removed her hand.
"I love you so, so much baby. Momma is going to put these special headphones on so you can watch your movie in the closet with Harper so you can stay super safe—do NOT come out until I come get you okay?"
Charlotte was still crying, "W-who da w-wady m-mom-mma?"
"She's a really mean lady who momma's going to make go away, she's never going to come here again baby, I promise. I need you to be really brave for me," Casey hated doing this to her three year old but she needed to go before Cassidy realized she had taken Charlotte upstairs, "I love you so much baby girl. So, so much."
"W-wuv you momma."
Casey had already moved Harper's bassinette into the closet, then situated Charlotte in there as well with the noise cancelling headphones and her movie as well—the gun was tucked in the back of her pants and she had closed her closet, bathroom, and bedroom then the both baby gates making her way around the main floor of the penthouse in search of Cassidy. Her eyes finally landed on the woman when she came out of the guest bedroom. Cassidy was now right near the entryway again.
"What the hell are you doing in my house Cassidy?" Casey asked, venom laced in her voice.
"That's no way to talk to your mother Cassandra!" she shot back. "But if you must know, I'm here to kill you, then take those bastard children of yours back to Seattle with me. I'll give them a life you could never provide for them! Raise them right, teach them about God—find them rich husbands, who will love them, and make sure they don't become sinners and fucking a worthless slut like you! If I had aborted you when I had the chance, I wouldn't have to do this in the first place!"
Casey was letting all of her mothers words deflect off of her—it's not like she hasn't heard them all before anyways. "So, pre-meditated murder and federal kidnapping of two children." she was really trying to stall—Emily would definitely be here soon, and she had FBI connections, along with tactical training and the act of surprise.
Little did Casey know, Emily had already heard everything Cassidy had said and was already trying to open the door without making a noise.
"You're just a filthy whore Cassandra! Spreading your legs for everyone you see, I know about that brunette you're fucking—stepping out on you're no good wife, that's classy," she snarked. "The court would give me custody anyways, they wouldn't dare give you filthy dykes who sleep around the ability to raise children." Cassidy pulled out the gun she had and Casey did the same.
"You wouldn't dare shoot your mother," Cassidy laughed, viciously.
"You're NOT my mother, Cassidy—you mean absolutely nothing to me and you never will." Casey was shaking, she could see her mother was about to pull the trigger and she was seeing all her amazing memories flashing through her eyes—then she heard what Cassidy had told Charlotte and rage fueled her she was ready to fight.
"Prepare to die Cassandra."
…BANG
Emily kicked into action and before Casey or Cassidy pulled the trigger the brunette had swung open the door and tackled Cassidy to the floor. "WHAT THE FUCK!" Cassidy screamed, trying to get out of Emily's embrace. Her gun flew out of her hand and across the floor.
"I've got her, go up to your children. I'll take care of this, I heard everything—police are already on their way—I didn't text Alex though, thought I'd leave that up to you," Emily said, pinning the screaming woman to the floor. Casey nodded, beyond thankful for Emily. She grabbed her phone and ran upstairs to go see her babies.
She ran through the bedroom door and bathroom then slowly opened the closet door and found a that Charlotte had fallen sound asleep on the floor curled up in one of her sweatshirts. She loved putting on her mothers clothes, not wanting to disturb the little girl, she walked back into the bedroom to make a needed phone call. "Elizabeth Donnelly."
"Liz, are you busy?"
"No, dear is everything alright?"
"I need you to go to Lex's office so that when I call her, she isn't alone. Please act like everything is okay but when she does get upset, I'll know you're there and can make sure she takes one of her pills, then give her a ride home. It isn't fair for me to tell you first. But yes, we are all okay."
"I'm going to her office now."
Casey waited five minutes then called—"Hey babe!"
"Lex."
"What's wrong?"
"I need you to take some deep breaths, honey okay? We are all okay—I umm, I haven't exactly figured out how it all happened yet, but somehow Cassidy got into the penthouse—"
Before Casey could continue she heard Alex scream, "SHE WHAT! THAT FUCKING BITCH! I'M GOING TO…" then Alex was cut off by her mother who said not to finish that sentence in the middle of the DA's office.
Casey was about to start talking again when she heard a sleepy, "Momma," Casey looked up and saw Charlotte standing in the doorway of the master bathroom rubbing her eyes, "Hi baby girl, come here sweetie." She said, opening her arms for the little girl who pitter pattered over to her mother who lifted her into her arms right away and sat her in her lap. Charlotte collapsed against her chest, "Lex, honey, come home—Charlotte just woke and I need to go—Emily is downstairs but we are going to stay in the bedroom. Cragen and the squad will most likely be down there as well. I love you."
"I love you too baby."
Casey hung up the phone and focused on the little girl in her lap, "Is da mean wady all done?"
Casey felt like she failed Charlotte, "Yes baby, the mean lady is all gone. And I need you to listen to me really closely okay?" she felt the little girl nod but that wasn't enough, she needed Charlotte to look her in the eyes and see the sincerity in her eyes so she pulled back so green bore into green. "Charlotte Rayne, I love you more than anything in the whole world. Nothing will ever change that. Mommy loves you, Harper loves you, and I love you—forever, and ever: no matter what. Okay?"
"But da wady…"
"The lady was telling a lie, and what do we say about lies?"
"Wies are no-no's!" Charlotte said, shaking her little finger back and forth.
"Exactly, she told a no-no. I love you SO much, right?"
"Wight! An me wuv oo too momma!" Charlotte smiled, placing one of her signature slobber kisses to her mothers lips.
"Why da wady tell a wie? Dat no nice. She not upposed to do dat," Charlotte said, furrowing her brow.
How the hell do you tell a three year old about a conniving bitch? There's really no easy way to explain this to a little girl that would make sense to her without more questions. "I don't know, baby. I really don't know. Why don't we put a movie on momma's tv while we wait for mommy to come home and I feed Harper? I hear her waking up. What should we watch?" That's it, change the subject—easiest cop out there is for a little girl.
"Umm, Findin' Meemo!" Charlotte squealed, "Hapa wikes da fishy's." Casey put the movie on for Charlotte and got her settled on the bed, then brought the bassinette back into the bedroom as well. Climbing into the bed with the little girl, she situated Harper on her breast and let the baby feed while looking at her phone at the texts that were there.
I'm on my way baby, I love you so much. Tell the girls I love them.
Almost there, my dad is meeting us there too. I love you.
I'm so sorry I had to go to the doctors today. If I hadn't…oh god, if I don't have a job here anymore…I understand. I'm so, so sorry -Emily
The Captain, I think his name is Cragen said your mother, Cassidy will be taken to his station I have to go give my statement there. I will be back at my place after that. I'm not expecting to hear from you today, I know it's been very traumatic. Tell the girls I love them. Especially Charlotte but Harper is still so young. I truly love them both, though. I do want to say thank you for everything that you've done for me. You and Alex have been the most amazing employers I've ever had, and honestly, the best friends I've ever had as well. Thank you. -Emily
Is there a reason why I'm getting texts from Em as if she's been let go?
Cassidy is at the station, we are keeping her here. We don't expect your statement today. I'll come by sometime in the next few days. Get some rest, let me know if you need anything. Give my love to my grandbabies -Cragen
Casey, honey can I bring anything? Lexie text me 911 to let me know what happened. Love you all so much. -Alexander
Yo baby girl, how the hell ya turn out so good? This chick whack! -Fin
Sorry, thought I could make ya laugh. But seriously tho, love ya all. Let me know ya good. -Fin.
Casey burped Harper, laid her down on her folded knees, looked to her right to check on Charlotte who was still focused on her movie then started replying to a few messages before her wife got home.
I'm not sure what you'll find downstairs babe, haven't been down there. We're in the bedroom. Love you too.
Emily, you saved my life, and the girls lives. You aren't going anywhere! I won't be going to work tomorrow, but we will definitely be seeing you Monday. However, I'd like to get together this weekend; just need to talk to Alex to see time/date if you're available. Thank you, Em. I mean it. Thank you.
No, but thank you. See you soon. Love you too Alexander.
Thank you, Cragen. I'll let you know, tomorrow.
She was just about to respond to another text when Alex flew into the bedroom, "Oh my god! You're okay!"
"Mommy!" Charlotte stood up and jumped into Alex's arms.
"I told you we we're fine, Lex." Casey was trying to read Alex's face but she couldn't—then again, she hadn't seen downstairs and something told her they either made a mess, or it looked like somewhat of a crime scene down there. Not that they needed CSU or anything, but there may still be a bit of a police presence due to the nature of who it was.
Alex carried Charlotte closer to the bed so she could lean over and kiss Casey with the little girl in her arms, "God I was so scared, then I got here and—oh god, there are—" Alex didn't want to say anything in front of Charlotte and Casey picked up on that.
"I know babe—we have a lot to talk about. Where are your parents?"
"Downstairs, but we can't—" she shook her head and her eyes went wide. "They need to—I don't want," Alex looked down at Charlotte.
"Lex, we are staying right here. We're watching Finding Nemo as a family." Charlotte was already watching the movie again in Alex's arms as the mothers spoke to each other. Alex didn't want to let go of Charlotte, but also wanted to know what happened, so she let the little girl crawl back to the other side of Casey and snuggle back up to where she was before.
Alex stayed next to Casey on the edge of the bed and they started whispering to each other about what they did know, "I have no idea how she got up here but as you know, Em had her doctors appointment today so we were painting," she didn't want to say Charlotte's name just in case it caught the little girls attention. "And of course, when I reached over the paint to help her sketch out something I got it all over my boobs. I wanted to change my shirt considering Emily was about to be there any minute and the poor woman has seen me with so many boob crisis." Alex laughed at that. "So I ran upstairs to quickly change my shirt—and obviously she can get in so I didn't think about it when I heard this one," she signaled to Charlotte, "saying something, until it was words I thought I would never hear." She paused trying to keep her tears at bay. Alex had no idea what she was about to hear, but just knew it wasn't good—they were cut off by a phone ringing "Novak" Casey answered.
"…"
"SHE WHAT?"
