The three of them all slept very differently that night; Happy as soundly as ever - but still on high alert. Annabelle constantly tossed and turned, trying to find a comfortable enough position that she wouldn't put pressure on her ribs and her dreams turning to nightmares as she relived the crash over and over again. Tony, on the other hand, didn't sleep at all. This was not entirely unusual for him, as he could regularly go seventy-two hours or more, but it was different tonight. Normally he couldn't sleep because his brain was working too fast and going in to over-drive, but tonight... it was as if he was scared to sleep. Annabelle had left the door to her room open and he had stood in the doorway watching her sleep for hours. Somehow, she had looked even more vulnerable in the hotels double bed than she had in the hospital – and he didn't like it. No matter how many times he made to turn away, a new whimper or groan of pain would keep him rooted to the stop.
She'd started to stir close to seven. Whether it was the faint knock at the door from room service or the smell of the coffee Happy had passed him that had roused her, Tony didn't know, but he didn't think she'd appreciate him standing there when she woke fully and moved to the living area. When she still hadn't emerged ten minutes later, he assumed she'd just returned to sleep.
"Did you sleep at all?" Tony looked at Happy, both knowing he need not answer. "It's not healthy to keep doing this. One of these days you're gonna find out you've done serious damage to yourself."
Tony drained his coffee and poured himself another, all the while staring at Happy's raised eyebrows. "We both know I've been running on less than a month of sleep a years since I hit twenty. Hasn't hurt me yet."
"That you know of."
"I'm not having this argument with you again, Mom."
Happy smirked at that; when Tony called him that, he knew he'd hit a sore spot. "All I'm saying is, you have someone else to think about now. It won't do her any good if you make yourself ill."
"While I appreciate the concern," Tony said, draining his second cup and pouring a third. "I'm not gonna change that particular habit of a lifetime. It's the only way I actually get any work done."
Happy didn't comment further, knowing it was pointless to even try. They remained in silence for the next ten minutes, Happy checking the news and weather while Tony started to design a new prototype of Stark technology, until movement could be heard from Annabelles room. She walked out cautiously a few minutes later, still in her pyjamas, and her hair completely dishevelled.
"Morning," she said, her voice protesting at being used so soon after waking.
"Good morning," they both responded. Tony jumped up and guided her to the couch, where he helped her stretch out over two of the cushions.
"Breakfast?" Happy offered, but when she started to shake her head, he quickly added, "They make it all fresh, so it'll take a while."
She thought about it for a minute before nodding. "Just some toast and scrambled eggs please. And a chocolate milkshake."
Tony raised an eyebrow. "Milkshake, this early?"
Annabelle shrugged and grinned sleepily. "Why not? It's my daily dose of calcium. There's nothing wrong with milkshakes in the morning. Just because it's not socially acceptable for someone of your age to drink them doesn't mean you can take it out on us youngsters."
Happy snorted as he dialled the number for room service and Annabelle was forced to press one of the cushions from the couch against her robs as she fought back laughter at the look on Tony's face.
"I'll have you know," Tony said as he moved away from her and threw himself in the lone chair and crossed his arms like a sulking five year old. "I'm not old."
"I know," she said, still grinning. "But the look on your face was priceless."
"I'm hurt."
"No you're not." Annabelle straightened up, noticing the faintest hint of a smirk on his face and turned to Happy. "Will you order him one to? I have a feeling he'll drink mine out of spite."
"You know me so well," Tony said with false bitterness before breaking in to a grin.
"It'll be here in about thirty," Happy said as he replaced the receiver. "Gonna head down and check out the gym in this place, be back in an hour or so."
"Okay."
Tony nodded to Happy as he left, knowing the man never usually went longer than a day without working out. He looked back at Annabelle, only to find her with her eyes closed and head tilted to the side. He was pretty sure she wasn't actually asleep again but, at the same time, he didn't want to disturb her. He pulled his tablet off the table and returned to working on the new technology he was developing. He'd only been working a few minutes when he felt a pair of eyes gazing intently at him. He looked up quickly, just in time to catch Annabelle turning pink and looking away. He smirked and looked back down, only to feel her staring again. It didn't take a genius to figure out that she wanted to ask something, but just didn't know how to. After the third time catching her doing it, Tony finally put his tablet down.
"Something on your mind?" he asked, crossing his legs at the knees and linking his fingers.
"I..." Annabelle started, but stopped herself before she got anything out. Tony saw her swallow as she pushed herself back in to a more seated position. She opened her mouth again but no sound same. She seemed to decide with a little shake of her head that she wasn't ready to start whatever conversation it was, and Tony suspected that it had something to do with her mother. He looked away as she regained composure, not wanting her to feel ashamed or embarrassed about not being able to speak to him.
"What are you working on?" He voice was barely non-existent as she held back tears.
He smiled and handed the tablet to her to look at. He could see her trying, and failing, to figure out what she was looking at. He couldn't help but smirk at the attempt, enjoying the fact that she was actually taking an interest. Annabelle kept hold of the tablet, staring intently at the screen for a full two minutes before handing it back, and smile playing on her lips.
"Looks... great."
Tony took it in his own hands and exited the program, looking up at her and raising an eyebrow. "You have no idea what that was, do you?"
Annabelle ducked her head slightly, a shy grin appearing on her face. "Not a damn clue."
They shared an easy laughter before Tony nodded to her. "I'll show you the full thing when we get home; the full schematics are in my lab." He looked up in time to see her eyes start to fill with tears and it was only then he realised what he'd said. He should have known she wouldn't be ready to call his home hers. He jumped up and crouched down beside her. "Annabelle, I -"
"No," she shook her head and shifted away from him, wiping her eyes with the neck of her t-shirt. "My home's with you now; I have to get used to it." She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "We should talk about it, shouldn't we?"
Tony nodded his head and perched himself on the edge of the coffee table. "What do you wanna know?"
"My... moms... attorney will be contacting yours about her will." She shifted uncomfortably in her seat as she spoke.
"He already has;" he paused long enough for her to widen her eyes. "All you have to do now is let me know when you're ready and I'll make the arrangements for us all to meet."
"Oh..." Annabelle said, breathing a sigh of relief at the alleviated pressure of yet something else to think about. "Thank you."
"No problem," Tony said, smiling. "Anything else?"
"School," she answered quickly. "I can't exactly travel to and from Boston everyday."
"I guess you have three options there."
"Oh?" Annabelle tilted her head in thought, trying, and failing, to work out what they were. "Which are?"
"Private school, public school – both of which I will ensure put relationship remain undisclosed if that's what you want." He gave her a moment to think before continuing. "Or there's home schooling." He gave a laugh when she turned her nose up to his last suggestion.
"Will going to an actual school even work?" she said, though Tony figured it was more to herself than to him. "I don't want to say I'll never want to be recognised as Tony Starks daughter, but I wanna have time to properly digest it myself before you release it... if that – if that's okay?"
Tony fought with himself not to roll his eyes; she'd asked for assurance on this so many times, he'd lost count. "Of course." She nodded but he knew she'd undoubtedly bring it up again. "And I have ways to make sure things stay private until you're ready."
"Then I'll continue being as normal as I can for my Senior year."
He nodded. "We'll look in to schools over the next few weeks; I'm sure I can arrange for you to finish the year off-site."
"Thanks." Silence settled between them but Tony could see her debating whether or not to ask another question. "Tony?"
"Yeah?"
Annabelle picked at her fingernails as she spoke. "Do you – I mean – will you..." She threw her head back and spoke in a barely audible whisper. "Uh, will you be there for her funeral?"
"I'd like that," she looked at him, questioning him with her eyes and he nodded. "But you don't have to think about that now, okay?"
"Okay."
They shared a smile as Annabelle wiped beneath her eyes again and as Tony made to move back to his vacated chair, there was a sharp knock at the door.
"I'll get it," Tony said, heading over to check through the peep-hole and, upon seeing who it was, opened the door to a smartly dressed man in red, pushing a breakfast cart.
"Room service?"
Tony nodded and stepped aside, pointing at the table between his and Annabelles seats. "Right through there, please. Thank you."
The man, whose name tag read 'Jeremiah', removed the plates and set them on the table, placing their chosen drinks next to them then retreated back to the door, where Tony was still standing. They nodded to each other. "Have a nice day, Sir, Madam."
Tony moved back in front of Annabelle after closing the door and leaned down to grasp each of the plate covers, lifting them to reveal their mouthwatering breakfast. Tony grinned at her expression. "Breakfast is served."
Annabelle, far more hungry than she realised, delved right in, inhaling the smell of each bite before taking it. "This is good," she said between mouthfuls.
"That it is," Tony said, having, already, somewhere devoured half of his pancakes. They continued eating in silence, just enjoying each others company. Annabelle moaned softly in appreciation of her milkshake, Tony stifling a laugh, but taking a sip of his own, finding it wasn't hard to agree. Breakfast was almost finished when Tony's call started ringing and, upon seeing the name on the screen, his mouth set in to a hard line. "Uh," he said, loud enough for Annabelle to hear. "I need to take this."
"Sure," she said, not seeing the expression on his face, being too busy still enjoying her milkshake.
Tony walked from the living area into his bedroom, closing the door softly behind him to ensure Annabelle wouldn't be able to hear his side of the conversation. "Stark," he said, a little more harshly than he should of, anticipating what was to follow.
"Hello, this is Michael Hastings from Hastings & Sons," the man on this line said politely, seemingly not taking offence to Tony's tone at all. "Am I speaking to Anthony Stark."
Tony cringed at the use of 'Anthony'. "You are."
"Ah, good. I wish to inform you that a Mrs Gabriella Cooper is ready for release."
He spoke with so little emotion that it took Tony a minute to understand what he was being told. He'd always funeral home owners and employees were supposed to speak with compassion, not with a bluntness that suggests they've been in the business too long. "Already?" Tony said, keeping his voice even. "I was told it would take up to two days."
"We were asked to make Mrs Cooper a priority. Is this a problem?" the man asked accusingly.
So that was his problem. Tony had offered a substantial amount for them to take care of Gabriella as a priority... obviously this man didn't take kindly to that kind of thing... didn't stop him taking the money though did it? It was purely the fact that they were taking care of Gabbie that he wasn't going to ask Jarvis to recover his donation. "No, it's not," he said, curtly, rattling off the airport they would be leaving from and making it clear Happy would be calling back with further information, saying goodbye and promptly hanging up.
He stood there for a couple of minutes, pondering how to bring the news up to the girl sitting a few feet beyond his closed door. She was barely coping as it was, what with every new thing she realised that would have to change. He didn't blame her; this wasn't something a nearly seventeen year old should ever have to deal with. Scrap that, no child of any age should have to deal with something like this. Tony sighed, dreading her reaction, not because he didn't want to deal with it, but because he was well and truly worried about her.
Tony braced himself, opened the door and stepped out the room, back in to the view of Annabelle. She'd finished her breakfast while he'd been on the phone and was now leaning back against the couch, feet up beside her, flicking through the countless channels the suites TV head to offer. She seemed completely at ease for the first time that morning, and he hated having to be the one to spoil it, but it was just something he couldn't avoid or put off any longer.
He cleared his throat, trying to catch her attention. "Annabelle?"
"Yeah?" she said, not looking at him. "Sorry, I didn't like sitting in silence, I hope you don't mi-" She stopped when she finally looked at him and caught sight of his face, his expression openly telling her he had something serious to discuss. "What's wrong?"
"That was the funeral home," he said, holding up the phone as if to show her. "Your moms ready to go home."
For what seemed like a long time, Annabelle was silent. The TV control fell from her hand to the floor but she made no move to get it. In fact, she didn't move at all, nor did she make a sound.
"Oh," was all she said after a full five minutes of nothing.
Tony could ever so slightly see her start to crumble when she realised how soon her life would really be changing. He made to move next to her, but she shook her head, her whole body starting to shake. He backed off, but not completely. "Annabelle..."
"No!" she all but screamed, scrambling as fast as her broken body would allow off the couch and towards her room. "I... I can't... no..."
She backed herself in to the en-suite as Tony tried to follow, locking the door behind her once she was clear. Tony pounced the last few steps, grabbing holding of the doorknob and rattling it in an attempt to get it open. He knew he wouldn't pick the lock, it wasn't right, but he'd have no choice if she didn't come out willingly. He knocked lightly on the door, not wanting to startle her. "Annabelle, open the door please." Tony pressed his ear to the door, hearing her muffled cries through the thick wood. "Annabelle?"
Nothing. Tony tried the door again, knowing full well it wouldn't budge as he pushing against it. He knocked once more before pulling his phone out and hitting Happys speed dial. He barely had to wait a few seconds before the line clicked open.
"Yeah, Boss?" He was slightly breathless, and Tony figured he was fitting three days worth of work-out in to a single hour.
"I need you up here, now."
Tony didn't give him any room for discussion, just said what he needed to and hung up. He kept calling Annabelles name until Happy came bursting through the door. He looked between Tony and the locked door, panting.
"What's going on?"
"Gabbie's being released," Tony had in a whisper. "And Annabelles freaking out."
"Ah." Happy nodded and tried calling Annabelle himself, but to no avail.
"Will you start packing and making arrangements with Max? I'll need you to phone the funeral home and pass the information along, to."
"Sure thing."
Happy moved away, pulling out his phone. Tony could hear him talking from the other room, packing as he went. It wouldn't be long until everything was arranged, and he needed to get Annabelle out of the bathroom sooner rather than later.
"Annabelle?" he said, knocking softly on the door again. He could hear her sobs subside slightly and he felt relieved - emotional women was never something he never was good at dealing with. "I know everything is happening fast but I need you to calm down and come out or I'm going to have to break down the door."
"No!" she started crying behind the door again and Tony thought that maybe he shouldn't have said that. "Tony, just please, leave me alone."
"I can't..." he sighed, sinking down to sit on the floor, resting his back against the door. "I understand most than most what's going through your head right now and locking yourself in the bathroom isn't going to help."
"I just..." she croaked out, sniffing heavily. "I'm not ready. I'm not ready to leave everything I know and love behind and move to another state. I'm not ready to move on and live my life while she can't live hers."
Tony bowed his head. He understood, he really did. This was the reason why he turned to drinking the contents of his dads many liquor cabinets instead of standing up and facing life, and look where he ended up for it? Having a daughter he didn't know about because his girlfriend hadn't felt him capable of raising a child when he couldn't take care of himself. He'd felt guilty about being alive whilst his parents lay dead, stupid really seeing as he hadn't been in the car, nor had it been his fault.
"No one is," he said truthfully. "It doesn't matter if you're given time to prepare or not; no one is able to lose a parent and just handle it."
There was silence for a full minute before Annabelle started speaking, her voice thick with emotion and breathing laboured. "My moms supposed to be there for me. She's supposed to be there at graduation, to see me off to college, to help me in to my wedding dress and tell me I'm the most beautiful bride she's ever seen. She's supposed to hold her first grandchild and tell them she's there to spoil them against my wishes." She stopped briefly, coughing. Her voice became low, so low that Tony had to strain to hear. "She's not supposed to be dead and cold in a wooden box the day before my birthday."
"I know," Tony said quietly, but still loud enough to hear. He hadn't yet thought about all the things that Annabelle would need her mother for, and how not having her there would affect her. "And there's nothing anyone can do that can change that. All that can be done now is to live your life remembering all that she's done for you already."
Silence filled the air again as only a door separated father and daughter. Tony could hear Annabelle continue to sob until the noise subsided completely. He jumped up as he heard the click of the lock, turning round in time to see the door opening the tiniest bit. He smiled kindly to her, coaxing her out by holding out his hand, which she took.
"I just want her back, Tony," she said, stepping forward and falling in to his arms. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her against his chest, stroking her hair. "I just want my mom."
"I'm so sorry."
They stayed like that for a few minutes, Tony holding her while she cried for her mom against him. Tony heard movement behind him and turned when Happy called his name.
"Tony?"
"Yeah?"
"They've given Max the go ahead to fly at three this afternoon."
Tony nodded. "Okay, thanks, Hap." Happy nodded to and left the two of them alone again. Annabelle pushed away from him, wiping her nose on the corner of her sleeved. Tony turned his nose of, took her by the hand and pulled her gently back in to the bathroom. He grabbed the face cloth, wet it with warm water and passed it to her. She rid her eyes and cheeks of tears and dropped it back in the sink. Tony placed his hands on either of her shoulders. "There anything you wanna do till we leave?"
She shook her head, then, deciding otherwise, nodded, her voice strained when she spoke. "Sleep."
Tony tilted his head, looking at her; her eyes were red raw, as was her nose. Her lips were cracked and she was exhausted, hunched over slightly to alleviate pressure from her ribs.
"You sure?" She nodded. "Alright, well I'll wake you so you have enough time to change."
"Thanks."
Together, they left the en-suite and Annabelle headed straight to the bed, curling up in to as much of a ball as she could. Tony pulled the blankets over her, up to her neck and sat on the corner of the bed for the next twenty minutes until she finally drifted off to sleep.
Tony left Annabelle to sleep as long as he possible could, but with just over thirty minutes before they had to leave in time to make it to the airport, he couldn't leave her sleeping any longer. Happy had packed everything belonging to the three of them, leaving only the bare essentials out for them to use. Tony knocked on Annabelles door, calling her name, but he got no answer he let himself in, going quietly over to her so not to startle her if she suddenly woke. He shook her shoulder lightly. "Annabelle? Hey, kid, wake up."
He tried a few more times before she finally started to stir, batting his hand away and pulling a spare pillow over her head. "Go away."
Tony chuckled, pulling the pillow away from her face and checking his watch. "We have to leave in less than half an hour and you need to change." He moved away from her now, heading back towards the door to give her privacy. "Happy's laid out a change of clothes for you so don't go back to sleep." He left then, closing the door softly behind him.
Annabelle groaned in pain as she shifted from her side to her back. She laid there for a few minutes, stretching out the stiffness of her muscles as she prepared to push herself up from the comfort of the mattress. Her eyes stung from the breakdown she'd had before sleeping, and the resulting headache from it was making her feel ill. She pushed herself, with some difficulty, in to a seated position and spied the clothes Happy and picked for her – the sweatpants and hoody Sam Carrol had given her and a large tee she usually used for sleeping in. It made her smile that Happy understood the need to feel comfortable rather than presentable at this moment in time. Finally pulling herself fully from the bed, Annabelle picked up the clothes and carried them to the en-suite, changing and doing what she needed to before gathering her things and taking them with her as she slowly made her way to the main room. Happy and Tony were both sitting on the sofa and chair respectively, evidently waiting for her to emerge. All their bags were piled on to a trolley by the door and went over to stuff her things in to the front of hers. "So," she said, turning to the pair of them, trying to make it seem like she was feeling stronger than she had been earlier, though she didn't feel like it at all. "What's the plan?"
Tony stood, draining the contents of the mug he'd been holding and placed it on the table. "We leave in five minutes and we'll get to the house just before midnight." Annabelle furrowed her brow in confusion, unable to work out how that would work if they weren't leaving till three. Tony rolled his eyes but chuckled. "PST, not GMT."
"Oh." That made sense, once they entered American airspace, they'd be back to their own time zone.
"Pepper was going to meet us at the airport but she'll meet us at the house instead."
Annabelle felt her heart sink a little, didn't Pepper want to meet her yet? "Oh..." she said quietly. "Right."
"Hey," Tony said, moving next to her and wrapping an arm round her shoulder. "It has nothing to do with you, okay? So don't even think about thinking it." Annabelle nodded, though not entirely convinced. "She's pretty pissed at me actually."
"That's an understatement," Happy muttered under his breath, but they both still managed to hear him. Annabelle raised an eyebrow and Tony glared.
"What did you do," Annabelle asked slowly, not sure if she wanted to hear the answer.
Tony rubbed the back of his neck, before walking over to the large window, waving his arms in the air as if to distract her from taking an interest. "Skipped out on a pretty big board meeting for the company," he said as if it wasn't important and went about examining the curtains like he'd only just realised they were hanging there. "Then I made her CEO of the company without telling her I'd missed out on said meeting." Annabelle snorted in to her hand, trying not to laugh. Tony glared at her, his eyes narrowed.
Happy laughed now. "That was last month, and she's still trying to sort out the mess he made."
"Yes, thank you for your input, Hogan."
"Wow," said Annabelle, letting out a low whistle. "That's bad, Tony; I'd be pissed to."
He rolled his eyes again, not amused. "Yeah, thanks, I get that now." He rubbed the back of his neck again, thinking. "Reckon jewellery will do it?"
Annabelle tilted her head at him. "She that kind of woman?"
"No," Happy said, before Tony could reply.
Annabelle turned to him now, thinking. "Flowers, chocolates and a heartfelt apology?"
Happy nodded. "Exactly."
Annabelle smiled slightly and turned to face Tony again, pointing a finger at him, to which he raised his hands in surrender. "Do that," she said, trying not to laugh at his expression. "But don't have them delivered to her – deliver them yourself."
"Yes, Ma'am," Tony said and nodded, lowering his hands now. "We'll have to make a couple of stops then, if that's okay?"
"Fine by me."
Tony turned to Happy now, who nodded. "You're dropping me home anyway. Listen," he said, checking his watch and standing and Annabelle knew her time in London was now coming to an end, and she willed herself not to break down again at the thought of going home to a life she didn't know. "Max has only been given a half an hour departure period so we need to go. Leave the trolley, Annabelle, I'll bring it down."
Annabelle dropped her hand from where she'd made to grab the trolley, letting it fall back to her side as Tony opened the door for her and she shuffled out in to the hallway. They both followed her as she went to the elevator, pressing the call button. Tony stood beside her, taking a good look out her, not even looking guilty when she caught him staring.
"You still look exhausted." The doors slid open and the three of them stepped in side, Happy punching in the button for the lobby. "You'll be able to sleep on the plane if you want."
"Probably." Annabelle chose that precise moment to yawn, covering her mouth with her hand. "But I've never been able to sleep while in the air before."
"Ever experienced the luxury of private flying before?"
Annabelle shook her head. Her mom had never been able to afford more than standard seats for them bother, not that either of them had ever been bothered by it. "Never."
"Then you're in for a treat, kid," Tony said, ushering her out in to the lobby then through the revolving doors to the waiting car. They had about forty-five minutes until they needed to be at the airport, then they less than half an hour before they had to be in the air. Annabelle hoped she wouldn't have to see her mom's coffin being escorted on to the plane; it was bad enough to know her mom would be flying with her but couldn't be with her, she didn't need to see it to.
The drive was made in near silence, with Tony and Happy only exchanging small talk and neither deciding it was necessary to try and engage her to. Annabelle leaned with her head against the window, watching London pass by her, her eyes refusing to focus and allow the images to imprint themselves in her mind. She didn't want to remember London; there were too many bad memories here now, her mom's death by far overshadowed the fun they'd had the few days before.
Annabelle was so deep in her thoughts that, when they arrived at the airport, Tony had to nudge her a few times to gain her attention, asking if she was okay. She nodded and pulled herself from the car with his help. Happy was already passing their bags over to an attendant to be loaded. She couldn't see any sight of a car belonging to a funeral home – and for that she was grateful. Tony waited patiently for her to follow him up the steps, holding out a hand to help her. They stepped on the plane together, but Annabelle had to stop at the threshold to the cabin, the sheer extravagance startling.
"Welcome aboard."
He opened is arms wide and spun round, a grin plastered on his face. Annabelle slowly stepped through the door, her eyes wide and strained as she tried to take in everything. The walls were white with streaks of red and gold. There was a small selection of single seats with belts facing each other in pairs, tables in between, but only enough for half a dozen people. The main seating seemed to be three long, wide, red velvet couches at the back of the cabin, by a door that led she didn't know where. There was nothing out of place and everything seemed to fit perfectly and the amount of space to move around unrestricted was unbelievable! She walked down to the couches, running her hand along the cushions and feeling the soft texture beneath her fingers before taking a tentative seat and suppressed a moan – it was the softest thing she'd ever sat on. Tony was still grinning, though not as wide now, at her waiting, she suspected, for her approval. She too another look round and smiled.
"It's definitely..." she paused and laughed when Tony's face fell. "Impressive."
Tony grinned and beckoned her over to one of the chairs. "There's first class," he said as he pointed for her sit down and buckle up. "Then there's Stark class."
Annabelle couldn't help but snort as Tony stalked back down to the other end of the cabin, playing with his phone again. She almost jumped when Happy, who she hadn't noticed had joined them, whispered in her ear.
"He has a big head, ignore him."
Annabelle laughed, catching Tonys attention and he narrowed his eyes at the both of them, coming back over. She turned to Happy quickly. "You got that right."
"What are you two whispering about?" He demanded, playfully, raising an eyebrow.
Annabelle and Happy both responded, at the same time, grinning. "Nothing."
Tony was just about to open his mouth when a hostess in a blood red skirt, matching heels and lips, a pristine white shirt (with too many buttons open to be respectable) and not a hair out of place, came up beside him, standing close enough for everyone to see what she had to offer.
"Good afternoon, Mr Stark."
Her voice was sickly sweet, and in Annabelles opinion, she was trying far too hard. Happy rolled his eyes and sat down in the seat neighbouring hers, shaking his head. Tony, shockingly, seemed unfazed by her presence, choosing to keep his eyes averted from her, nodding and waving his hand dismissively. The hostess, who now looked utterly defeated, glared at the back of his head, turned on her heel and marched off towards the front of the plane, stopping short of slamming the door. Happy stared after her, shaking his head while Tony tapped away at his phone again, taking the seat directly opposite Annabelles, who was trying not to laugh at the womans reaction.
"They all signed, Hap?" Tony asked, not looking up from the screen.
Happy nodded. "Every single one without complaint. The all know the risks."
Annabelle, confused now, leaned forward. "Am I missing something?"
"Non-disclosures," Tony said and, noting the widening of Annabelles eyes, elaborated. "Everyone who works for me in any aspect has to sign a new one monthly. I had them amended last night to include you, to protect your identity."
Annabelle shrunk back in her seat. All this trouble because of her, because she didn't want everyone to know she was his daughter? "Oh."
Tony placed his phone back in his pocket, reached over and placing a hand on her arm. "It would have been done whether you wanted to be publicly recognised as my daughter of not, okay?"
She nodded, but wasn't convinced. "Okay."
"He's right, you know? There's been leaks in the past that have caused major backlash because there wasn't an amendment in time to prevent it." She nodded again, understanding a bit better now. Happy rolled his eyes at Tony now, earning himself a glare in response. "Took well over a year to die down and Pepper could have killed Tony for the trouble it caused – and this was before they were a couple."
Annabelle grimaced, guessing what the leak could have possibly been, and jabbed her thumb in Tonys direction. "He's likes causing trouble, doesn't he?"
"Not so much likes it's, more like he just can't for the life of him avoid it."
"He's a magnet."
"And not the good kind."
Happy and Annabelle shared a nod and finished their conversation as though Tony wasn't sitting there with them. He stared at them in disbelief, shaking his head and suppressing the slightest of smiles. He pointed his finger between the two of them playfully. "I do not like this."
Laughing, Happy and Annabelle again responded in sync. "What?"
Tony groaned now. "This," he said, again pointing his finger between the two of them. I feel like the two of you are conspiring against me."
"Maybe we are," Annabelle said quietly, barely loud enough for him to hear, a glint in her eye at Tony gaped at.
"I do not like this," Tony said, sulking.
"You'll get used to it," she said, patting Tonys arm now and reached over to high-five Happy.
Tony groaned again, shaking his head and closing his eyes. "That's what I'm afraid of."
Hours later, Tony found himself sitting on the edge of one of the red couches, once again watching Annabelle sleep. They'd barely been in the air forty-five minutes before she'd tilted her head against the seat and slipped in to a heavy sleep. He'd carried her to the couches rather than to the bedroom because he'd wanted to keep an eye on her. Happy had said she would be fine but he just couldn't help himself. He'd spent nearly seventeen years not being able to do it, so why couldn't he now? Annabelle had slept almost the entire flight while he and Happy made a few plans for over the next few weeks, some that needed discussing with Pepper, and some that needed discussing with the teenage across from him. He checked his watch, noting they had less than an hour before they landed and it was almost time for the seat belt light to come on. He needed to wake her, but she looked oh so peaceful.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please return to your seats and fasten your seatbelts; we'll be making our decent in to Califield in ten minutes time."
As it turns out, he didn't need to wake her, as the overhead speakers were loud enough to do it for him. She stirred briefly before her eyes snapped open. Tony sat back as she looked round, clearly disorientated. She caught sight of him and seemed to calm, but still seemed a little unsure as to how she got on the couch. Tony motioned that she needed to get up and she did, somewhat unsteadily, and followed him back to their seats. She looked out the windows and saw the sky was pitch black and, having no clear idea of the time but knowing they were about to land, came to the only obvious conclusion.
"I slept the entire flight?"
Tony nodded, buckling his belt. "Pretty much, I don't think we'd even left UK airspace."
Annabelle yawned, tightening her own belt and tried to get comfortable. Happy was dozing in his own seat, his head drooped to the side. "Guess I was still really tired, though I still feel like I could sleep."
"You took meds for your ribs, right?" She nodded but he already knew she had, having been seated opposite her when she'd popped the pills right after taking off. Tony shrugged. "Could of been them."
"Maybe..." Annabelle said, yawning once again.
They lapsed in to silence for the short remainder of the flight, Annabelle still half asleep and Tony inwardly worrying about what was going to happen when they got off the plane. Just under fifty minutes after Annabelle had woken, the planes wheels touched down, the jolt of doing so waking Happy, and they cruised along the smooth tarmac of Califields before coming to a complete stop, the pilot announcing their safe arrival and giving the go ahead to leave. The three of them made their way off together, Happy leading the way. As soon as they hit open air and the nights cool breeze, Annabelle starting shivering and stuffed her hands deep in to her pockets. Seeing this, Tony shrugged off his own jacket and slipped it over her shoulders, wrapped an arm round her and pulled her to his side as they walked to the car. Happy was waiting by the sleek, deep red sports car (which was being loaded with only Tony, Annabelle and her mums things) waiting for them smiling. He held up his phone.
"I found a flower store before we left that's willing to stay open for you, and I've had the chocolatier drop off to them and you'll be able to pick up everything from there."
Tony flung his hands in the air and did a mock bow to Happy, making the man roll his eyes and Annabelle giggle. "You are an Angel, sent from above to save me."
Annabelle stopped giggling, holding her side – she honestly needed to know the answer to this, having now seen the amount Happy actually does for the billionaire. "Would you even be able to function if he wasn't here?" she said, nodding to Happy.
"Yes."
"No."
Both men spoke their difference of opinion at the same time, earning themselves playful glares from each other. Annabelle laughed, but winced. Tony eyed her but she just shook her head. "Mind if I wait in the car? It's kinda cold out here."
"Go ahead."
Happy went over and held the car door for her, which she thanked him for, before moving back over to Tony. They shared a look and watched her through the window. "You sure you wanna head home?" Tony said suddenly, making Happy raise an eyebrow. "You know there's plenty of room at the house."
Happy smiled at him, trying not to laugh. "Scared of it just being you two and Pepper?"
Tony rolled his eyes. "Of course I'm not scared," he paused, suddenly looking serious. "Terrified maybe, but definitely not scared."
Happy laughed but patted Tony sympathetically on the shoulder. "You'll be fine." They both could see the faint outline of Annabelle shift through the tinted window. "Look, my car's here so I;ll drive myself home. The sooner she gets there, the sooner she can settle."
Tony gave him a glare. "That was your plan from the beginning, wasn't it?" Happy grinned now. "No wonder you arranged for this particular car to be here."
"Guilty."
Happy laughed while Tony lapsed back in to thought. They stood together for a short while before Tony noticed the man beside him fidgeting. He rolled his eyes and nudged him, waving to the car. "Go say bye to her then, I know you're dying to get away from me."
Happy laughed again and walked towards the car, speaking over his shoulder. "Jealousy doesn't suit you."
"I'm not jealous!"
"Of course not," Happy said before knocking on the window and opening the door. "Hey, this is where I leave you."
Annabelle looked up at him, worry evident in her eyes. "Oh," she said quietly, playing with her fingernails. "I'll see you again soon though, right?"
Happy crouched down beside her and placed his hand over hers, smiling. "Someone has to babysit the child."
"Hey!"
They both looked at Tony, Annabelle leaning slightly out of the car. He stood a little away from them, arms crossed, having heard what Happy said. Smiling, Happy turned back to Annabelle, patting her hands gently. "I'll be by the house at some point in the next few days."
Annabelle breathed a sigh of relief. "Okay," she said, smiling now. "It's been, uh, great meeting you."
"Likewise." Happy knew she wasn't sure what to say, and the circumstance of them meeting wasn't exactly the best. He pulled out a pen and piece of paper from his pocket, writing down his number and handing it to her. "You need anything, call okay?"
She nodded, taking the paper and keeping it folded in her hand. "I will. Bye."
"Bye."
Happy stood and closed the door. He made to start walking to his own car parked further down when Tony shouted behind him. "Don't I get a goodbye?"
He didn't even turn, just waved his hand in the air. "Nope!"
Tony waited long enough to watch Happy drive off before taking a deep breath and walking to the drivers side of the car. He sat himself behind the wheel, started the ignition and buckled up, looking over at Annabelle. "Ready?"
She nodded, "As I can be. Just..." she looked both embarrassed and a little guilty now. "Can you drive slow, please? I know you like to push these things to the max."
Tony wanted to laugh, but refrained and instead just smiled and nodded. "Sure." Tony pulled out of the airport, managing to keep to the speed limit with ease as he detoured to the address Happy had given him. It wasn't all that far from the house, but it still took them an hour to reach it. The two of them made small talk; asking each other not so personal questions like favourite colour or favourite song. Being in each others company was becoming easier every time they were left alone, but there was still an awkward tension between them that would likely remain there for some time.
The airport was just over an hour away from the house itself, but the detour to the flower store was going to add at least twenty minutes to their journey. They pulled up along a parade of shops, most of which were clouded in silence and darkness due to the late hour. There stood only one store bathed in light, though it looked as though it would close as soon as they left. Tony parked the car and jumped out, turning back at the last second.
"I'll be five minutes."
Annabelle nodded and Tony left her sitting alone in the car. Happy had already paid for everything and all Tony had to do was grab his purchases and leave. He offered a sizeable tip to show his gratitude, which was gratefully accepted. True to his word he was back at the car five minutes later carrying a large bouquet of flowers in many different shades of yellows and orange and a small, see-through plastic box containing a skillfully sculpted white chocolate diamond. Annabelle eyed the bouquet in awe. Her eyes sparkling.
"They're beautiful."
"Just like Pepper," he said, slipping them both in the small space behind his seat and buckled himself back in. He restarted the ignition, turning to her. "We'll be at the house in about twenty minutes."
Annabelle nodded but Tony could see the apprehension on her face and feel it in the air. He pulled the car from where he'd parked and set off on the final bit of the nights journey, both occupants of the car knowing it would likely be one of the hardest parts to their day. The twenty minute drive was made in near silence, all Tony attempts at conversation were rebutted but he couldn't blame her – he understood. The gates to the long driveway were already unlocked and open as they got near, and as the house became bigger as they approached, Annabelle felt herself start to shake. Tony pulled the car up and threw it in to park right at the front door. He was just reaching behind him to get the gifts for Pepper when he heard Annabelle speak, her voice so soft he almost missed it.
"Are you sure she's fine with this?"
Tony sighed inwardly. He couldn't believe that she was still so concerned with what Pepper thought about the whole thing, even with all that she had to contend with at the moment. She looked at him, uncertainty in her eyes. He took her hand, squeezed gently and nodded.
"I promise she's a hundred percent with you being here," he said and she smiled a small smile. He frowned though, when he remembered why she wasn't at the airport to meet them. "Me however... not so much."
He could see Annabelle trying not to laugh. He scowled playfully at her, glad his predicament was cheering her up. "You really did piss her off, didn't you?" she said lightly.
"Oh yeah," Tony said, unbuckling himself and jumping from the car, going round to the passenger side to help her out. "Welcome to the house."
He observed Annabelle as she took a good look at the house before them, gauging her reaction. She stared at it, her eyes darting here there and everywhere as she tried to take it all in at once. She was silent for a good minute or two, and Tony couldn't tell at all what the hell she thought.
"This is..." she said finally, trailing off.
"You like?" he asked, apprehensively.
She nodded, taking a step forward. "It's definitely unlike anything I've seen before. She turned to face him when she heard the car door slam shut, finding him empty handed. "Don't forget Pepper's flowers."
"Shit." he dived back in the car, emerging a few seconds later with Peppers gifts in hand. He came up beside her, wrapping an arm round her shoulders and pulling her close. "Ready?"
"No?" Annabelle said, looking up at him. Tony gave her a sympathetic smile, giving her arm a gentle squeeze. She nodded, taking a deep breath. "Okay."
Tony led her up the few steps to the front door, letting it open of it's own accord. Annabelle gasped in spite of herself at the open-planned living space, liking how she could see everything without it being obstructed. She moved instantly to the glass wall, looking over the cliffs edge and out at the nights horizon and the stars twinkling high in the sky. Tony followed slowly, watching her carefully but all the while noticing the silence, and darkness of the house.
"Honey, I'm home," he said loudly, startling Annabelle and making her flinch. There was no response, and Tony beckoned Annabelle over, not sure why he wasn't being answered. "Pepper?" he called, but there was still nothing. "J?"
Annabelle was just about to ask who 'J' was when the sound of a British voice resonated off the walls.
"Welcome home, Sir, Miss Cooper."
With a sharp intake of breath, Annabelle stepped closer to Tony, looking round her for the voice. Tony laughed at her. "Holy f-"
She was cut off by the rapid clicking of heels on tiled floor making her jump as much as hearing JARVIS for the first time. Annabelle made to hide behind Tony as the same time as he tried to do the same to her.
"Save me?" he asked, with what seemed to be genuine fear.
Annabelle shook her head and pushed him in front of her, also feeling a little fearful. "No way. Hide behind the flowers."
"Anthony Stark!"
It was at that moment Pepper rounded the corner and stopped short in front of them, glaring at Tony.
"Evening, Honey," Tony said, holding the flowers and chocolate box at arms length towards her. She tilted her head, eyeing the gifts, and her apparent anger slowly subsided.
"Honey?" she questioned – he never calls her honey.
"I'm sorry," he said, walking slowly towards her and handing the flowers to her first. "I shouldn't have skipped the meeting then lied about and made your life harder. Forgive me?"
"Oh, Tony," Pepper closed her eyes and inhaled the scent before her, humming in appreciation. "They're beautiful."
"Forgiven?"
Pepper gave him a sour look. "No." She set the flowers down on a small table, taking the chocolate and placed it next to them before giving Tony a peck on the cheek. "But I like you a little more now."
It was now that Pepper finally noticed Annabelle, who had remained in the same position after Tony had moved. The teenager cast her eyes down when she noticed the attention was on her. Ton returned to her side, wrapped an arm round her and whispered that everything would be alright in her ear. She nodded and looked up, finding Pepper smiling kindly at her.
"Pepper," Tony said proudly. "Allow me to introduce to you Annabelle Maria Cooper – my daughter."
"Hi," Annabelle mumbled, not trusting herself to speak any louder. She could see Peppers eyes darting all over her, stopping when they met her own... and she was surprised to find them sparkling with unfallen tears.
"Do you like hugs?" Annabelle was taken aback by the question and nodded in uncertainty. "Can I hug you?"
Annabelle breathed in relief and nodded, taking a small step forward after shrugging out of Tonys hold. Pepper moved towards her and wrapped her in a light hug, careful not to place too much pressure on her ribs. Pepper was considerably taller than Annabelle, but yet still managed to whisper in her ear. "You've probably heard this from a lot of people you don't know and therefore it doesn't mean anything but I'm so sorry for you loss."
It was true, but at the same time it felt different coming from the woman currently hugging her. Annabelle believed the sincerity behind her words. "Thank you."
Pepper pulled away and held her at arms length. "I've heard you've been worried about me of all people. Don't." It was an order, Annabelle could tell, and she wanted to laugh but settled instead for a nod and smile. "I'm here to support both of you through this change in any way I possibly can and to be honest," she turned them both to face Tony, a glint in her eye. "You're gonna need it with him."
Tony who had been watching the exchange between the two women in his life with glee now groaned and rolled his eyes. "Hey! Why is everybody hating on me today?"
"Because you're an idiot and anyone who puts up with you deserves a medal," Pepper exclaimed. Tony looked to his daughter for help but all she did was give him a look that said she agreed with Pepper. Pepper offered her a high five (which she accepted) and turned to her. "You hungry?"
Annabelle thought about it briefly, but once she yawned she knew the answer and shook her head. "Not really, more tired even though I've slept pretty much the entire day."
Pepper nodded in understanding. "It's your bodys way of helping you recover; listen to it. I'll show you to your room." She linked there arms and Annabelle made to follow her willingly but Pepper stopped briefly, turning back to Tony. "Tony, go get her bags."
He rolled his eyes but did as he was told, saluting her. "Yes, Ma'am."
The two women headed for the staircase, taking each step slowly and with care as Pepper led Annabelle up to the room she would now call her own. Pepper waited until she heard the front door open before speaking. "Has he made a fool of himself yet?"
"No he's -" Annabelle paused for breath as the reached the top of the stairs, leaning momentarily against the wall for support before pushing away and allowed herself to be led along the hallway. "He's actually been amazing. Tony's nothing like the media paint him out to be."
"Behind closed doors, he isn't." Pepper stopped them outside the only door on that side of the staircase, but she didn't open it, instead she turned to Annabelle. "Most of the time now it's just an act. I can't deny he was like that before but now... no."
"He's been trying so hard to just be there for me and not force me to answer anything or make decisions I'm not ready to make, but..." Annabelle paused, looking over her shoulder. "I can see my mom's... death has affected him to."
Tears trickled down her cheeks as she spoke. It was the first time she'd admitted, not just to someone else but to herself, that her mom was dead. Somehow it felt even more real, like something was stopping her from truly believing it until now. Pepper, seeing this, looked round quickly to unsure Tony was nowhere to be seen before whispering. "He cried."
Annabelle looked up, sniffing. "What?"
"When he found out, he cried. I've never seen him act like that to anything before." Annabelle took a moment to process this. Sure, he'd been truly sorry and was saddened by it, but she never thought he'd been that upset. Pepper looked down at her, her eyes showing something Annabelle couldn't place. "I think he still loved her, even if he hadn't seen her for seventeen years."
It was obvious to Annabelle now; Tony had still been in love with her mom, even if it was just a little. There had been moments over the last couple of days where she's found him preoccupied with his own thoughts but he always drew attention away from him, asking if she was alright. Annabelle nodded now, speaking equally as quietly. "I think so to."
"He will get things wrong, and he will make mistakes and mess up along the way but I know he won't give up." Pepper grabbed hold of her hand and squeezed, making sure she listened. "He's in this for the long run, Annabelle, and I know he'll try his damned hardest to be the father you need."
Annabelle nodded, believing Pepper's words to be true. She'd seen it for herself just how much he was trying for her. She sniffed again, her breath hitching as she spoke. "I wish my mom could see us. She wanted to... she wanted this, but..."
She trailed off, fresh sobs starting as she spoke to the woman stuck between Tonys past and present. Pepper wrapped her in a hug, letting her cry on her shoulder for a few minutes. The older woman was well aware Tony should have met them upstairs by now, but no doubt JARVIS had forewarned him that they needed a few minutes, and for that she was grateful.
"Sorry," Annabelle mumbled, pushing away and wiping her eyes.
"Don't be." Pepper shook her head. She finally thought it was time to motion to the door they'd stopped outside of. "This rooms yours, I hope you like it."
Pepper twisted the handle and pushed open the door, revealing a room that was over three times the size of the one she had in Boston. Annabelle gasped softly as she stepped in and took a good look. All but one of the walls were painted a soft lilac (the colour she'd chosen), with the wall behind the head of her new bed painted a deeper shade of purple. The dresser, nightstand, dressing table and desk were all made from a white stained wood with a high end finish. A deep purple, soft fluffy lined the floor. Two doors lead off the room and after quick inspection Annabelle discovered one belonged to a walk-in closet almost a third of the size of her room and the other to her very own en-suite. The window was accompanied by a window seat large enough for her to lay back and relax and on the last remaining wall, a large TV was fixed above countless empty shelves ready to be filled with whatever took her fancy. Annabelle twirled on the spot, taking it all in before grinning at Pepper, who now looked relieved.
"It's beautiful, but you shouldn't have gone to all this trouble."
Pepper ignored her, waving her hand in dismissal. "No trouble! I like decorating."
Annabelle laughed, remembering the conversation from when she was still in hospital. "Yeah, they mentioned something about that."
Pepper rolled her eyes, smiling. "Of course they did. When you feel up to it, we can go shopping." Annabelle nodded, not having the heart to say no. In truth, she'd never been much of a shopper before.
Just then, they both turned to the unmistakable sound of Tony hauling Annabelles bags up the stairs and to her room, appearing a few seconds later and placing everything by the bed. He'd brought both hers and her moms up, and Annabelle found she couldn't look at them, not wanting to tear up again in front of him and Pepper.
"How are you ladies getting along then?"
He sounded a little apprehensive, and Annabelle knew just how to respond. Giving a discreet wink to Pepper, Annabelle gave Tony a sly smile. "Think of how a get along with Happy."
Tony groaned, making Pepper chuckle. "Ah, hell."
"Well," Pepper said suddenly, checking her watch. "I'm sorry to cut this short, but I have to fly to New York." Both Annabelles and Tony faces dropped and the latters eyes widened. Pepper rolled her eyes at him but gave Annabelle a bright smile. "Don't worry, I'll back tomorrow evening."
"But why?" Tony whined, dragging out the 'y' like a child, though he soon shut up at the glare Pepper was giving him.
"Someone has a board meeting first thing."
"Oh." A guilty look appeared on his face but Pepper took no notice. Moving over to Annabelle and engulfing her in another hug before moving to the door, pointing at Tony.
"Agnes is coming about two to make a start on dinner, Tony, so be nice."
Tony groaned again. "But, Pep-"
"No."
"Fine," Tony said, defeated. "I'll see you out. Annabelle, I'll be back in a bit."
Annabelle nodded at him. "Okay. It's really nice to finally meet you, Pepper."
"Oh, Hon, same here. I'll see you tomorrow." With a final smile, Pepper and Tony left the room, closing the door behind them. They reached the bottom of the stairs, well away from Annabelle, before Pepper spoke. "Do not screw this up, Tony."
"Like I'd honestly do it intentionally." Tony gave her a serious look, which she returned with a glare. Tony stopped them walking, circling his arms round her waist and pulling her close to him, placing his forehead against hers. "I promise I'll try. I love you."
"I love you, to." She gave him a quick kiss and slipped from his hold, opening the front door and stepping out. He noticed her car now, parked off to the side of his. How he hadn't noticed it before, he didn't know.
"No luggage?" he asked, leaning against the door frame.
"Already in the car." Tony laughed, trust her to be completely organised. She turned back to him before getting in. "Get back to her."
Tony nodded and stayed long enough to see her drive off before heading back in the house, locking the door behind him. He didn't, however, go straight back to Annabelle. Checking his watch and noting the time, Tony jogged down to his lab, bypassing everything and going straight to the far end. Pressing his hand to a scanning pad, Tony waited for his hand print to be recognised before moving out of the way of the opening hidden door, behind which was a safe, one which Pepper didn't know about. It held things that were completely personal; items of his parents, official documents he'd once claimed to be lost and photos he didn't want anyone to ever see. What he was looking for, was hidden on the very top shelf, in an old combination safe that had once belonged to his grandfather. Opening it, he pulled out the only item from within – a slim, black velvet jewellery box. He held it in the palm of his hand, running his fingers along the top but not daring to open it ye. It had been locked away for nearly eighteen years, he hadn't even looked at it since the day he'd put it away... the day he'd realised Gabriella had left and she definitely wasn't coming back. It only seemed right to give it to Annabelle, didn't it?
Leaving the safe, Tony locked it back up and jogged his way up to Annabelle's room. It only took two minutes, but he found himself standing outside for a further five, just too nervous to actually knock. He finally took a deep breath and knocked twice, calling out to her. "Annabelle, can I come in?"
He only waited a few seconds before her soft voice filtered through the door. "Yeah."
Tony turned the handle and let himself in, stopping at the sight of her open suitcase on the floor, clothes spilling from it in piles. The draws to her dresser were open, a few items placed inside and the door to her closet was wide open. She stepped from the closet, red eyed and her face puffy.
"You don't have to unpack now, you know," Tony said, refusing to draw attention to the fact that she'd obviously been crying. He looked round, noticing now that her moms things were nowhere to be seen.
"I know," she nodded in agreement, taking a few more items of clothing and placing them in the draws. "But I just didn't want to wake p and see it al in the morning."
"Right." Tony watched her pottering round for a few more minutes before taking a seat on the edge of her bed and patting the space next to him. "Well, come and sit down for a second."
Annabelle dropped the socks she was holding back down and moved next to him. "What's wrong?" she asked cautiously.
"It's almost half past twelve."
Tony watched the realisation of what that meant settle on her face. Her eyes cast downwards and she played with her fingers. "Oh," was all that she said.
"Happy birthday," Tony whispered as he passed her the small box.
Annabelle held the box in her hands, making no move to open it. Birthdays were something to be celebrated, and she did not feel like celebrating, but she want to hurt Tonys feelings by refusing the gift. She wasn't even sure where he'd got it from. Did Pepper get it for him? Did Happy? Was it just a last minute purchase before they they London? Nevertheless, she smiled and thanked Tony before gently opening the box, gasping softy as her eyes landed on it's contents. Laid on the thick velvet cushion was a small, oval locket on a thin chain. In the very centre sat a a cluster of tiny emeralds. Annabelle took the locket delicately between her fingers, turning it over and finding an inscribing that read 'GW, forever in my heart, TS' in minuscule writing. She understood now – it was supposed to be her mothers.
"Its... it's..."
Tony squeezed her arm gently. "It was supposed to be her moms. I had it made for her eighteenth but... well... you know how that turned out."
Annabelle nodded. She placed the box on the bed next to her, turning the locket over and over again in her hand. "You kept it," she asked, looking up at him. "After all this time?"
He shrugged. "I always hoped she'd come back. Open it."
She did as she was told, finding two photos safely encased behind the glass. One was instantly recognisable as Tony and her mom, standing together with their arms round each other looking at the camera. The other was of the two of them with another woman, who bore a striking resemblance to, not only Tony, but to herself.
"Is this -"
"My mom? Yeah." Tony smiled as he looked down at the images. Clearing his throat he stood from the bed, going to stand by the window. "She loved Gabbie, that's why your mom gave you her name."
Annabelle looked back at the image, noticing the absence of someone. "Your dad?"
"Hated family bonding, never around much," Tony said with a dismissive wave of his hand. And Annabelle dropped the subject, not wanting to cause upset. "I didn't get a chance really to get yo anything of your own, but I thought you'd appreciate this more than something last minute."
"Thank you," Annabelle said, nodding and clutching the locket to her chest. She yawned and Tony chuckled.
"Go to bed." Tony moved back to her, took the locket from her grasp and clipped it round her neck. "We'll spend tomorrow doing what you want, touring the house – I want to show you my lab."
"Sounds like a plan. Night, Tony."
Annabelle tentatively touched the locket against her chest and smiled at Tony. She stepped forward and wrapped him in a hug, that he instantly returned and placed a kiss to the top of her head. She moved away to grab something to change in to and Tony moved to the door. He stopped just before closing the door, poking his head back through.
"Goodnight, Annabelle."
11,000 words... not bad right?