Just shy of two weeks after her seventeenth birthday, Annabelle found herself standing in her old bedroom, dressed in black and staring at her reflection in the floor length mirror fixed to the back of the door. The locket she'd been given for her birthday, the one originally intended for her mother, rested heavily against her chest, sparkling brightly every time it caught the light. The stitches that had lined her face above her eyes had finally been removed a few days prior, leaving only a collection of thin, pink scars... not that they were all that visible now. Before she'd left to travel back to Boston, Pepper had spent a good couple of hours showing her how to perfectly cover them with concealer. At least now, when everyone was staring at her, they wouldn't instantly be drawn to the fact that she'd been injured in the accident to.
She'd arrived back at the house just before seven that morning, having spent the night at a nearby hotel with Tony. The house didn't have a guest room, and she herself didn't feel able to sleep in her moms room to let Tony take hers. When she'd stepped through the front door, Annabelle had fully expected to break down but she hadn't... all she'd felt was an overwhelming numbness. Annabelle had pointed to the living room, kitchen and bathroom to Happy and Tony before taking her garment bag upstairs with her and locking herself in her bedroom. Neither men had bothered her much, only knocking on her door every now and then to ask if she needed something. The closer it got to eleven, however, the more Annabelle heard the floorboards outside her room creak, though no one actually knocked on the door.
Annabelle had heard people start to arrive outside ten minutes ago, though she didn't dare venture to the window for fear of someone seeing the curtain move. It had been arranged for her moms closest friends to meet and travel to the Church behind the hearse, but Annabelle hadn't wanted any of them to come inside. Having people in there just didn't seem right.
Staring at herself again, Annabelle swiped a few stray hairs from her face as she heard someone outside her room. Her heart pounded against her chest – she knew what was coming now. The gentlest of knocks sounded against the door, and it opened slowly, Tony appearing through the crack.
"Hey," he said, smiling sadly at her. He was dressed in a crisp black suit with matching tie, his dark sunglasses hooked in his jacket pocket. "Can I come in?"
Annabelle nodded. "Yeah." She moved away from the mirror, away from the door and sat on her bed. She resisted the urge to pull her knees to her chest and curl in on herself, knowing that it would do no good to do that now. She looked at Tony through her lashes, waiting.
"You doing okay?"
It was a stupid question, they both knew it. Annabelle shook her head, willing the tears not to fall. "No."
Tony moved to sit next to her now, wrapping an arm round her shoulders and tugging lightly to pull her to him. She went willingly, resting her head against his shoulder. They stayed silent for a minute, listening to the sounds of people outside drift through the barely open window. Tony ran his thumb comfortingly over her arm.
"Me and Happy are gonna be at the back of the Church the entire time, okay? We'll be right there if you need us."
Annabelle smiled lightly, despite the situation they found themselves in. "I know."
Silence descended on them again for a further few minutes. They could hear more people gathering in the front yard and they both knew they needed to move.
"We should, uh..." Tony paused. "We should get going."
Annabelle sniffed and sighed, pushing away from Tony and standing, straightening her dress. "Separate cars, right?"
"If that's what you still want?" She nodded, uncertainty in her eyes but yet sticking to the original plan. Tony stood and made to leave but Annabelle called him back.
"Tony?"
"Yeah?" He turned back to face her.
"Thank you."
He nodded and left, leaving the door open for her. He looked back as he reached the staircase. "No problem, kid."
Annabelle gave herself a further few minutes before grabbing her purse from the bed and leaving her bedroom. Happy and Tony were nowhere to be seen; the agreement was that the two men would leave through the back and it seemed they'd done just that, leaving Annabelle alone in the house. She descended the stairs slowly, building the courage to actually make it out the door. She was still suffering with the injuries she'd sustained but the pain was by far more manageable now, enough to be able to mask it. She almost wishes it wasn't... at least then she'd have another focus. Everyone who was invited to the house beforehand was outside; she could hear and see them through the large windows. All the attention would be on her as soon as she stepped out the door, as there was nothing she could do about that now.
Annabelle pulled the door open and all conversation in the front yard ceased as she stepped on to the porch and locked up behind her. No one actually made an attempt to come over to her as she made her way to the one person she really needed the comfort from right now – her Godmother.
Gianna (who would only respond to being called Gina) opened her arms wide to accept Annabelle, who all but ran into them. The older woman wrapped her in a tight hold, refusing to let go. "Oh, Anna," she said, slowly rocking the girl side to side and soothingly rubbing her back as she sobbed in to her shoulder. "I'm so sorry."
"Thanks, Gina," mumbled Annabelle, meaning it. Despite the sun in the sky, she shivered in the light breeze, causing Gina to wrap her arms around her that little bit tighter.
"Where have you been?" Gina asked softly, not wanting to push too hard. "I've tried to get in touch but no one anywhere would tell me anything."
"Sorry," said Annabelle, sniffing and pulling away slightly. "Things have just been so..." she trailed off, not sure how to explain the last few weeks without going in to too much detail – that she wasn't ready for yet.
"I understand, Honey," Gina said in earnest, wiping the tears and smudged make-up from under Annabelles eyes. She sighed, her voice thick now. "I just wish I could have been there to help you with this, all of this."
Annabelle tried, but failed, to smile at the intended gesture. "I didn't organise anything; mom had everything planned out." It was the truth, and Annabelle hadn't realised the lengths her mother had gone to to ensure her daughter had next to nothing to do with the funeral arrangements should the time come. She hadn't even needed to contact anyone to inform them as her mother kept her attorney updated with a list of people that she wanted made aware of her death. In fact, all she had had to do was chose the date for the proceedings. It was an extra weight lifted before it even had a chance to settle.
"I'm not just talking about the funeral, Annabelle." Gina had tears in her own eyes as she spoke, the pooled droplets glistening in the sunlight and her voice laced with guilt. "I'm you Godmother, baby girl; I should have been there to take care of you."
"It's not your fault, Gina," Annabelle said in earnest, gripping her Godmothers hand. "I know you would have dropped everything for me."
"Who are you staying with?" Gina asked quickly, drawing the attention away from herself and wiping her eyes while Annabelles were averted. "There's always room for you with me and Kirsten, there always will be."
Annabelle wasn't sure how to answer. She couldn't say anything for fear of revealing too much. She swallowed slowly, buying herself sometime. "I..." she trailed off, having spotted something that made her stomach turn. Slowly making it's way down the street was the sleek black hearse carrying her mothers casket. Though she couldn't see them, she knew there were three identical black cars following behind to take those piled in the front yard to the church. The hearse came to a stop at the beginning of the path, and everyone in the yard went silent. Annabelle could feel the stares as she slowly walked towards the gate. She looked through the glass windows, at where her mother currently lay, but aside form the flowers spelling 'MOM', the simple, plain brown box gave her no comfort on her mothers final journey. Gina appeared beside her, a hand slipping in hers and the other moving hair from her face.
"Do you need a moment?"
Annabelle shook her head. "No." The undertaker had appeared in her line of sight, looking for any indicator that she was ready to leave. She gave a single nod, took a deep breath and turned to face her mothers friends. "Everyone," she said, as loud as she could, keeping her voice level without breaking. "It's time to make your way to the cars."
It was as though everything from that point happened in slow motion.
As everyone piled in to the waiting cars (five of her moms closest friends joining herself and Gina), Annabelle watched the yard empty. Never again would all these people gather there... never again would her mother tread upon the lovingly cared for lawn, or step through the front door. She barely registered them moving, her clouded eyes unseeing as the street disappeared behind them. Gina was gripping her hand again but she couldn't feel it. In no time at all they'd arrived at the church and she found herself being the only one still seated, with her door thrown open and someone she didn't recognise offering her a hand. Nodding in thanks, she accepted and once out, found that she, Gina and the man were the only ones left outside. Annabelle allowed herself to be ushered inside and to her seat right at the front – in the pew reserved for the closest relatives, the nearest and dearest. Although she knew the music would be loud, Annabelle barely heard it. Tears steadily streaked down her cheeks as they all stood and watched her mothers casket be brought in and placed on the alter. She noticed now how a well chosen photo of her mother had be blown up on a board and placed slightly off to the side. Annabelle breathed deeply, an ache now in her chest. Gina squeezed her hand lightly as Father Williams (whom her mother had known for years) stood before them. He smiled warmly at her before addressing every one and starting.
"Family, friends," his deep voice travelled and reached the very corners without the need for assistance. "We have gathered here today to celebrate the life of our dear Gabriella; a devoted mother, a loyal friend, a colleague; a lover of art and a firm believer that every person deserved a hand to hold and a shoulder to lean on. She was a woman who never, in all of her life, turned away someone in need." Through her tears. a hint of a smile played on Annabelles lips. Before Alan had gotten sick, and sporadically for a few years after his death, her mother had been an emergency foster carer; taking in babies, toddlers, sometimes even the occasional teenager or pre-teen. Usually it would only be for the weekend but the longest she'd had someone stay was a three year old boy for nearly two months. Annabelle smiled brighter at the memory. She looked to each one of the students she taught to be her own – offering them a shoulder if they needed it or a home cooked meal if she thought they wasn't taking care of themselves properly. There had been many days she'd been called down for dinner to find one waiting to be served her famous chicken casserole. Annabelle focused her attention back to Father Williams, still remembering her mothers want to help people.
"Gabriella's life and soul was taken too soon from this world, leaving her spirit to watch over us all and let us be thankful for the mark she has left, I know I always will be." He paused briefly. Looking to Annabelle and giving her a slight nod. Her breathing hitched and her face fell, knowing what was about to be asked of her. "Now, Gabriella's daughter, Annabelle, would like to say a few words."
Annabelle couldn't move; found herself frozen with all eyes on her. Gina nudged her shoulder gently, whispering soft encouragement in her ear. She stood slowly, stepping with careful purpose to the small podium off to the side of the alter. She pulled a folded piece of paper from her purse, the final draft of many. Never in her life had she had to plan out what to say about her mother, but today was different. She wanted it to be perfect – needed it to be perfect... needed to get it right. Annabelle looked up at everyone now. She hadn't realised how many people had actually gathered in the Church, far more than those who had been on her front lawn. She searched desperately for Tony, willing to catch sight of him before she started but she wasn't able to. He said he'd be there, promised he would, and she really hoped he would be. Trying not to let his apparent absence affect her, she allowed her eyes to settle on Gina, whose slight nod gave her the push to start.
"I love my mom, more than words can describe." She paused, giving herself a moment to ensure her voice didn't falter. "She is the reason blood runs through my veins and breath pumps from my lungs. She taught me to walk, to run; she taught me to read and write and she taught me right from wrong. She never laughed or made me feel bad when I got something wrong or made a mistake but told me to pick myself up, try my best and to try again. My mom is the reason I am who I am today." She paused again, looking up at the crowd in front of her. A few were nodding at her words, while others were shedding tears. As she was about to look back at the paper before her, a slight movement caught her eye. Right at the back of the Church, right by the doors and unseen by everyone facing forward stood Tony, trademark sunglasses covering his eyes once more. Warmth spread through her at the sight. He was there. He gave her a nod, and she continued. "Every person seated here is a testament to how much she was loved and how much she will - she will be missed." She faltered slightly, taking a moment to gather herself as fresh tears cascaded down her cheeks. Annabelle closed her eyes. "I don't think my mom ever understood how many people she touched with her generosity, how many lives she saved with her kindness. We were about to start a new chapter in our lives, in her life. She was finally about to make her dreams a reality... but now she wont be getting that chance." Her voice was becoming thick as she tried to stop the sobs as she spoke. "Everyday I expect to wake up and find her in the kitchen trying out a new recipe for her students or sitting on the back porch painting yet another sunrise, but I know that can never happen. I love my mom, and I – I -" Annabelle found herself unable to continue. She shook as tears clouded her vision and sobs racked her body. She vaguely heard mutterings from the crowd and within seconds Gina was at her side, prying the paper from her hands and allowing the girl to turn in to her for comfort.
"And I will miss her today, I will miss her tomorrow, and I will miss her everyday until we meet again."
Gina guided her back to her seat before anything else could be asked of her. She was silent as she pressed herself in to Gina's side, shielding her face from those around her. She heard Father Williams clear his throat and address everyone, his voice soft and laced with sadness.
"Is there anyone else that would like to say a few words?"
There were a few murmurs and mutterings, but no one stood and wanted to speak. Annabelle forced herself to look forward, expecting the Father to continue when no one wanted to speak. What she didn't expect, however, was a rush of movement far behind her – one that caused an onslaught of whispered voices.
"I would."
Annabelles eyes widened and her head shot up. She turned slowly, to see Tony walking briskly up the aisle, stowing his glasses in the front pocket of his jacket and glancing here and there at people as he passed. As he approached, they caught each others eye, and he gave her a slight nod without the slightest hint of a smile. Father Williams himself was taken aback, completely unsure how to deal with Tony Stark stepping up beside him.
"Very – very well," he stuttered, stepping back and allowing Tony space to speak.
Tony looked out in front of him, taking in the looks of shock and disbelief, but the only persons reaction he cared about was Annabelle – who was currently staring blankly at him. He cleared his throat, his voice dripping in confidence.
"I met Gabbie more than twenty years ago, back when we were just a couple of teenagers hiding from our parents. She was..." he paused, a ghost of a smile on his lips. "She was, for a time, my best friend. We lost touch a few years after we met and there are very few things I regret more than I do that. She was kind, she was generous. She was beautiful and I am certain that there isn't a person whose path had crossed with hers that won't miss her." Tony glanced away from Annabelles still blank expression, noting most in attendance were now muttering and nodding towards him. He wondered briefly if maybe stepping up was a mistake, but however he now felt, it made no difference – it was too late now. He turned his attention back to Annabelle, who was now gripping tightly on to the woman next to her. There was an odd feeling in the pit of his stomach, one telling him that he should be the one sitting next to her... the one comforting her. He sighed to himself before continuing. "I know I have missed her every single day since we went our separate ways and I know I will continue to do so until my dying day. She leaves behind a daughter who is the mirror image of her own, and I am certain Gabriella will live on in her."
Tony finished his speech, and while short, contained a lot of heartfelt meaning. He nodded to both Father Williams and Annabelle, wanting nothing more than to go over to her but knowing it would not be the best thing to do. Instead, he stalked back down the aisle, completely ignoring the mutterings and that stares, and walked straight out the doors, Happy by his side. The Church immediately descended in to chaos – people seemed to have forgotten the reason why they were there, including Gina.
"Wow," she breathed. "I did not know your mom knew the Tony Stark! I wonder how he heard... Have you ever met him?"
"No..." Annabelle lied, shaking her head. "I didn't... she never mentioned him to me."
"Maybe he'll still be outside," Gina said, turning to Annabelle with widened eyes. "You'd be able to ask him."
"I have other thing to worry about right now." Annabelle stared ahead, straight at her mothers coffin and out of the corner of her eye, she could see Gina pale considerably. As Father Williams tried in vain to calm the rowdy lot, Annabelle felt Gina stand beside her, motioning to everyone to stop, reminding them of exactly why they were there. The congregation immediately fell silent, seemingly ashamed of their behaviour. Satisfied with the outcome, Gina sat back down and took Annabelles hand, rubbing her thumb over the girls knuckles.
"I'm sorry, Honey."
Annabelle nodded as Father Williams took his place centre stage once more. She knew what was coming now, and her breath hitched in her throat in response.
"If you would all please stand."
For the second time that day, Annabelle lost sense of time. One minute she was standing as they waited for the bearers to step up, and the next she was standing next to an open grave as her mother was lowered down in to it. She was pulled from the void as Father Williams voice broke through to her.
"Let us commend Gabriella to the mercy of God..." Annabelle closed her eyes as the coffin hit her mothers final resting spot. Tears flowed freely from, not only her eyes, but those around her as well. "We therefore commit her body to the ground; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust; in the sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life."
With the final few words spoken, the crowd started to disperse, everyone leaving for the wake. Soon it was only Annabelle and Gina left at the graveside, the former still staring down at the spot where her mother now lay. There was a faint rustling of leaves from there nearby trees, but otherwise silence surrounded the two of them. Gina touched Annabelles elbow lightly, wanting to draw the girl away.
"Let's go, Anna."
Annabelle barely glanced at her Godmother before shaking her head. "No... I – I would just like a few minutes alone."
Gina seemed as though she was going to refuse to leave her, but ultimately decided against doing so in the end, choosing instead to nod and take a step back. "Oh course, Honey." She made to turn away before doubling back. "How about I take Kirsten and make sure everythings ready in the hall?"
"Thank you," Annabelle said, still not turning to face her Godmother. She listened until she could no longer hear her heeled feet across the concrete road. Closing her eyes now, Annabelle slowly dropped to her knees, the hard ground digging in to her skin. A few minutes after Ginas departure, Annabelle felt rather than heard someone approaching from behind her. She didn't need to look up to know who it was... the wind had carried Tony's aftershave to her before the man himself. She opened her eyes and looked to him as he sat down beside her. "I thought you'd gone."
Tony shrugged, resting his forearms on his knees. "Figured I'd stick around, make sure you're okay."
Annabelle sniffed before letting out a harsh laugh. "I don't think I'll ever be okay."
"You will, in time." He seemed so sure of it, so sure that Annabelle found herself nodding. An uneasy silence fell between them, and Annabelle knew Tony was waiting to say something. She raised an eyebrow and he cleared his throat, looking slightly guilty. "I'm sorry, you know, if speaking made things harder for you -"
"It didn't," Annabelle cut him off quickly, offering him the smallest of smiles.
"Are you sure?"
Tony needed the clarification, needed to know he hadn't unintentionally made things worse for her. Annabelle nodded in earnest and Tony breathed a heavy sigh of relief. They slipped in to silence again, only this time a far more comfortable one. It was barely two minutes before Annabelle spoke again, her voice just above a whisper and being carried by the breeze.
"What time did Pepper book the movers for?"
Tonys response was soft, knowing how hard everything was for her at the moment, and knowing how much harder that night was going to be. "Ten tonight, and they'll stay as long as you need."
Annabelle nodded but said no more. She figured Gina would want to help once she knew the plan, but then she'd find out about Tony. She had two choices; tell Gina the truth or completely blow her off – neither seeming particularly appealing at that moment, but she guessed she'd cross that bridge when she came to it. She looked down in to the grave again, and Tony instinctively took that as his cue to leave.
"We're driving you to the wake. I'll be with Happy in the car."
"I won't be long." Tony nodded, throwing his own glance in to the grave, bowing his head in a silent goodbye before heaving himself up. He place a hand on Annabelles shoulder before walking away, leaving her on her own once again.
Ensuring he was well out of earshot, Annabelle laughed softly. "I really wish you could be here in person to see me and Tony, mom. He's trying so hard and he really loved you – still does in a way." She paused as her voice became thick and tears started again. "You'd like Pepper... at least I think you would – she has a real eye for art. I'm finishing Junior year at home because, well..." She stopped herself from going any further. She took a steadying breath before continuing. "I'm transferring to a school in California, didn't think I'd like being home-schooled much. I'm gonna look at colleges in the States, maybe Australia... I'm not willing to go to London, or England in general. That's no longer an option for me. I'm gonna do all the things we talked about and I'll make you so proud." Annabelle felt something hit her face, looked up and closed her eyes as big, thick raindrops started to fall and mix with her tears. She laughed humourlessly. "Why does it always rain at funerals? It rained when we buried Gran and Gramps, when we buried Alan – I hope he's taking care of you up there." Annabelle was steadily getting soaked through as the rain fell heavier. She stood, feeling the droplets trickling down her back. She stared down in to the grave again looking at the little golden plaque with her mothers name and dates of birth and death. "I need to go," she said softly. "Before Tony comes back to get me. I'll visit you as much as I can, even though I'll be living in California, but I promise I'll try. I love you, mommy."
With those last, whispered words, Annabelle turned on her heel and made her way back across the grass to the road, her feet being tickled by the overgrown blades, the now dampness seeping through her shoes. Though she was paying no attention to where she was walking, Annabelle soon found herself in the car park. A few cars were littered here and there, none of which she recognised. Her eyes searched until she found the car that wasn't all that hard to find. It was flashy yet classy at the same time, and definitely stood out from the crowd – no one in the immediate area could afford a car like that. The unexpected rain had stopped sometime during her walk, leaving her hair plastered to the sides of her face and droplets of water tracking all the way down to her fingertips. She shivered slightly as the knocked on the window.
Tony threw the door open for her, but when she made no move he stretched in to her line of sight, seeing her standing there drenched. "Shit, Annabelle, you're soaked." He jumped out and put his hands on her shoulders. "Get in."
Annabelle shook her head, rain water flying everywhere. "I'll ruin the seat."
"I don't care." Tonys eyes darkened a fraction as he all but forced her in the car, wrapping his own jacket over her shoulders. "I'd rather that than you get ill."
Tony shut the door gently behind her and got back in his side. Happy immediately started the car and within a few minutes, Annabelle felt herself becoming quite warm, realising that at some point the heat had been turned on. She caught Happy watching her in the mirror and smiled in thanks. As they drove, it became obvious they were going in the opposite direction of where they were supposed to. She turned to Tony.
"Where are we going?" she asked, both out of curiosity and slight annoyance.
"Pepper made sure to pack you a spare outfit in case that one got ruined," Tony said, flashing her a smile before looking out of the window.
"Oh," said Annabelle, the feeling of guilt for jumping to conclusions seeping in. "I'll have to remember to thank her."
The rest of the short journey passed in silence and within thirty minutes of arriving at Tonys hotel, Annabelle was changed in to dry clothes with her hair tied at the base of her neck and make-up touched up and back in the car. Nothing was said as they pulled up in front of the building loaned to her for her moms wake. Happy respectfully exited the car and moved round to her door, yet made no move to open it, giving her and Tony freedom to talk if they needed to. Tony was staring blankly at the building before him, his face void of emotion but Annabelle saw him breath a deep sigh before turning away.
"Do you want to join me in there?" Annabelle asked softly.
Tony looked at her and smiled slightly, but nevertheless shook his head. "I think it's best if I don't." They both remembered the brief commotion his presence at the church had caused, and both of them found themselves not unwilling for a repeat. He took her hand and squeezed lightly before reaching past her and opening her door. "Call me when you want picking up.. we won't be more than ten minutes away."
Annabelle nodded and unclipped her seatbelt. "I will."
Annabelle stepped from the car, Happy giving her a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder as he closed her door behind her. She stepped away from the car once Happy had returned to the drivers seat and pulled away, watching them disappear round the corner before taking a deep breath and turning towards the building. She hadn't been there when the hall beyond the doors had been set up, and she hesitantly reached for the handle, not knowing what to expect inside. She barely crossed the threshold, not even getting the chance to take in her surroundings, when Gina was suddenly at her side, engulfing her in a bone crushing hug.
"There you are!" Gina held her at arms length now, inspecting her form head to toe, a frown appearing as she took in Annabelles appearance. "You're wearing different clothes..." she said slowly, running her hand through Annabelles ponytail, concern etched in the features of her face. "And your hairs wet. What happened?"
Annabelle sighed before shrugging out of her jacket, hanging it on one of the last available hooks by the door. "It rained when I was with mom... the change in weather wasn't exactly forecast."
"You need a hot drink in you." Bringing her in to another hug, Gina kissed the top of Annabelles head lightly and turning her to face the crowd. Everyone was moving around each other, making conversation and paying no attention to her at all – and for that she was grateful. Gina noticed the relief and gave a smile, pulling her god-daughter towards one of the tables lining the walls. "I told everyone to go ahead and eat, drink and all that without you; didn't think you'd want them to wait for you."
She shook her head as she accepted the steaming polystyrene cup. "Thanks."
Annabelle took that moment to scan the room in detail. There were photos blown up on boards littered here, there and everywhere; images of her mom on her own, with her or Gina, with her students and some taken from the various fundraisers she'd organised. Food and drink tables were those that lined the edges of the large room, while the one in the centre held a large open, leather bound book for those wishing to write a comment or two; a memory they'd like to share for Annabelle to cherish. A lot of the people in attendance Annabelle didn't know by name. She'd seen them here and there when with her mother but other than that, there were only a few people she knew she'd be able to talk to if they came to her – and she was hoping that wouldn't happen. What she wanted right now was to be alone, to not be in the room and listen to the comments on her mothers death, and how she was a great loss to the world. Glances kept getting thrown at her, sympathetic smiles and low bows of the head in place of conversation. It was stifling.
Gina seemed to sense the unease Annabelle was feeling, for she pulled her back towards the refreshments, backs to everyone. "Listen," she started, and Annabelle was sure Gina was going to suggest slipping out but was instead frozen when she spoke. "If you don't want to go to the house tonight, you don't have to. Kirsten and Dr 'What's-his-face' over there are staying to clean the hall so you don't have to worry about that."
And there it was. She knew it would come eventually, but she at least hoped for a little more warning. Now she truly had to decided whether to let Gina in to the secret of her true parentage. She thought about it and knew now there was no way she would be able to get out of staying at Ginas without lying through her teeth, and that was something she really didn't want to do. She took a deep breath and shook off the offer.
"Actually... I am going to the house tonight."
"Oh?" Ginas eyes were wide and full of suspicion, evidently wondering why Annabelle had neglected to mention it before – and why she was opting to apparently stay alone.
"I'm packing our things," Annabelle said, explaining, before muttering the next words. "Ready to fly back to California tomorrow."
"California?"
"Shh!" Annabelle whispered harshly, for Gina had all but screeched and attracted the attention of those closest. She grabbed Ginas hand and dragged her to a corner, a good distance away and well out of earshot. Keeping an eye open for anyone coming towards them, Annabelle spoke hurriedly. "Gina, I'm going to tell you something but I don't want anyone else to know yet – not even Kirsten."
Gina nodded. "What's going on, Anna?"
"Tonys my father," Annabelle blurted, covering her mouth with her hand and eyes wide in shock with how quickly she had said it.
Ginas face was a picture of perfect confusion, clearly not grasping on to who Annabelle was talking about. "Tony who?"
"Stark," Annabelle whispered.
Gina, still confused, tilted her head to the side. "Come again?"
Annabelle groaned. "Tony Stark is my biological father and I'm living in California with him."
She closed her eyes and breathed deeply. It was the first time she'd admitted out loud, to someone other than herself, who exactly Tony was to her, and it felt... good. For the first time she felt like she could admit it – even though she didn't want to to the whole world. She opened her eyes and frowned when she found Gina looking at her sceptically.
"That can't -" she shook her head. "Anna, that can't be right."
"Look at this." Annabelle pulled at the chain round her neck and tugged the locket from beneath the fabric of her dress. She prised it open to reveal the two images, beckoning Gina forward to have a closer look.
"It's beautiful," Gina said, running a finger over the image of just Tony and Gabriella, her words just above a murmur. "That's your mom., but, honey, he said he met her more than twenty years ago... the timing doesn't fit."
And with that, Annabelle explained in hushed tones everything that had transpired since that fateful accident. She explained about both hers and Tonys letters, about Tony turning up in London, about meeting Pepper and Tony giving her the locket with an explanation about how it was meant for her mother. She tells her about the DNA test they'd taken – not because either of them doubted her mother – but because they wanted the proof in black and white. Annabelle was Tony Starks flesh and blood.
It was a lot for Gina to take in, and she mulled over everything she was told. Everything sounded plausible, now that she thought about it, it explained how Stark knew about Gabriellas passing, and the time frame did indeed match up when you had all the facts. Gina rubbed at her temple.
"It explains why Gabbie would always dodge the question when I asked; very secretive your mother. Did Alan know?"
Annabelle shook her head – it was a question she'd asked herself time and time again. "I don't know. He brought me up; to both of us he was my dad, and he always will be. I don't think it would have mattered to him if he knew or not. Please don't tell anyone." Her voice cracked slightly as she pleaded.
"Oh, honey," Gina said, pulling the girl in to another bone crushing hug. "Of course I won't." She released Annabelle and straightened up, wiping her eyes, a determined look now on her face. "I'm coming with you tonight."
Annabelle rolled her eyes but smiled as she leaned back against Gina, sagging slightly with exhaustion over the day. "I thought you might; that's why I had to tell you now. He's picking me up when I'm ready to leave here."
"Really?" Gina said, eyebrow raised.
Annabelle nodded. "Yep."
"Right, well, enough of this." She eased Annabelle up straight, taking her hand. "You ready to join everyone again?"
Annabelle groaned. "Can I not just mourn my mom in peace?"
Gina shook her head sympathetically. "We'll stay long enough for speeches, or for everyone to get drunk, whichever comes first; the with amount of alcohol flowing it wont take long."
"I don't want to speak."
Gina squeezed her hand gently, turning to walk back to the centre of the room. "No ones gonna force you."
That was a relief, and Annabelle let it be known. "Good," she said, gearing herself up. "Because I don't think I could handle it."
They ended up staying for another few hours, Annabelle being pulled in to various conversations about her mom and how she was coping, what would she being doing now, what plans did she have now she was on her own. It grated on her how people she barely knew thought they had the right to question choices she hadn't even made yet. Gina stayed by her side almost the entire time, only leaving her to fend for herself when she was called away by her wife. The final straw for Annabelle was when the speeches started. There was no particular order of who was speaking, and the opportunity was open to everyone but it was just too much for her to bare. Hearing people stumbling over their words as they spoke about her mother – she found it more disrespectful than welcoming.
Gina slipped away long enough to inform Kirsten they were leaving before returning with both of their coats, and by the time they exited the building, Annabelle had already texted Tony letting him know they were ready to leave. The anticipation for Gina to officially meet Tony was biting at Annabelle. Would Gina be possessive of her? She was her Godmother after all... and she had been in her life a lot longer than Tony. She didn't have time to worry too much, as it became reality as Happy pulled to a stop in front of them. Surprisingly, Tony stepped from the rear of the car, offering Gina his seat before coming round to Annabelle and opening the door for her. Once they were both settled Tony jumped in the front passenger seat, turning to grin at the two women as Happy pulled away. Annabelle rolled her eyes but smiled.
"Tony, my Godmother – Gina. Gina, this is Tony; my father."
Gina tilted her head, assessing the man before her. "Nice to meet you."
Tony nodded, seemingly unsure how to take the welcome, before turning to sit properly in his seat, belt on now. "Likewise." Neither had offered their hand to the other, leaving a slight tension in the car.
"Hey, Happy."
"Annabelle."
Happy caught Annabelles eye in the mirror and gave her a knowing look, indicating with a glance at a sulking Tony, who was appearing to be offended by the lack of enthusiasm in Gina's reception. Annabelle shook her head while Happy chuckled lightly. They drove in silence for around ten minutes before Gina had had enough. She adjusted herself in her seat and threw a glance at Tony before turning her attention to Annabelle.
"So, what's the plan?"
Annabelle sighed. "I pack my things to take to T- home with me." She paused. It was still difficult to think of Tonys as home, but thankfully no one commented on it. Gina reached over enough to squeeze her hand. "Moms valuables and the most sentimental things are coming to." Gina nodded. "Everything else is going in to storage until I can decide what to do with it."
Tony through a hand in the air, jabbing a thumb behind him at Annabelle. "What she said – she's the boss."
Gina nodded again, taking her time is responding, not wanting to upset Annabelle further, but all the while curious. "What about the house?"
She felt the familiar sting of tears behind her eyes yet she banished them away, refusing to let them fall. She nodded at the seat in front of her before answering softly. "It's Tony until next year."
"No," Tony corrected instantly, making the two women jump slightly. He turned in his seat to look earnestly at Annabelle. "I only have control of it until next year. It's yours to do as you please – just say the word and we can sort it."
Happy knowing how hard the last conversation between them about the house had been, reverted the attention back to the original topic. "I put a stack of boxes, packing tape and filler in each room. It's all waiting for you." Annabelles caught his eye again and mouthed her thanks, not trusting herself to speak. He nodded before turning on to the road a block away from their destination.
"And," Tony said, drawing the attention to him. "Under no circumstances are you to do any heavy lifting – that's his job." He jabbed a thumb at Happy, who nodded in agreement.
Annabelle rolled her eyes. "I'm fine to lift."
"Your bruised ribs say otherwise – they're still causing you problems."
"And how exactly do you know that?" Annabelle narrowed her eyes at him. She'd thought she'd done a pretty good job at hiding the gasps and wincing in pain when she'd overdone it, saving them for when she was in the privacy of her own bedroom.
Tony just looked smugly at her. "I'm a genius."
Gina snorted next to her while Annabelle turned the next question to Happy, eyebrow raised. "JARVIS?"
"'No!" Tony shouted while Happy nodded to Annabelles reflection. "Yes."
While Tony grumbled about the two of them being against him, Gina touched Annabelles arm lightly. "Ribs?"
Annabelle grimaced. "Happened... in the accident, but I'm mostly fine now," she reassured Gina quickly, whose mouth was open in shock realisation that the girl had been injured to. Annabelle pushed Tonys seat with her foot. "I'd like JARVIS disabled in my room."
Tony clearly disliked the idea of her room being disconnected from the system. He shook his head. "But-"
Annabelle cut him off, with a tone that made it clear she wasn't asking – she was telling. "Please."
He sighed in defeat at the determined look in his daughters eyes, a look so like her mothers he swallowed thickly and turned away. "Fine." He pulled out his phone, scanned his thumb to unlock it before tapping at the screen and speaking lowly. Soon Annabelle heard the now familiar voice of JARVIS making a confirmation before Tony slipped the phone back in his jacket. "Done."
"Thank you," Annabelle said softly, looking out the window to find them pulling up outside her house.
No one said anything as they exited the car, Gina moving to Annabelles side instantly. Annabelle looked at the house she'd called home until two and a half weeks ago, and although she knew it was full of memories and physical things from her life with her mom, Annabelle now only saw it as an empty shell. When she'd left that morning, she thought she'd come back feeling something but there was nothing. It was like something in her mind had been switched off. That maybe disassociating herself with it now would make it easier. Part of her was glad that she wasn't a blubbering mess, but there was was also a part of her that wanted to feel; that wanted to cry and scream but she just couldn't. Gina whispered encouragement in her ear while the two men stayed two steps back, not wanting to intrude. Slowly, Annabelle made her way to the front porch, pulling her keys from her purse as she neared the door.
There were no sounds other than the shuffling of four sets of footsteps as they all entered the house. Annabelle stared at the framed photos lining the walls as the others stood around her, Tony hand on her shoulder. She sighed, heading towards the stairs. "I'm going to change. I'll start with moms room." She looked to Gina as the older woman nodded. "Can you show them round the kitchen? You know what mom would want keeping safe." She was talking about the two sets of wedding china hidden in one of the cupboards. One set belonging to her grandparents, and the second from her moms wedding to Alan.
"Sure thing."
Gina smiled sadly as Annabelle disappeared upstairs. She beckoned the two men with her finger. "This way gentlemen."
She showed them to the kitchen and, once knowing they were well out of earshot, turned to face them with a hand in the air, pointing straight at Tony. "You're really her father?"
Tonys eyes darkened a fraction, glaring at the woman, not appreciating the obvious accusation of lying. "Yes."
Gina refused to be intimidated, though she lowered her voice a little, laced with warning. "Then take care of her; she's already lost far too many people for her age."
"I know," Tony said, folding his arms and leaning against the door frame. He didn't like Gina telling him what to do, but he tried to understand where she was coming from. Happy nudged him, silently warning him to him be nice. Tony sighed. "I don't plan on abandoning her.
"Good," Gina said, a glint in her eye as she moved in to Tonys personal space. He froze as she got too close, and she took glee in his reaction. "Or you'll have me to answer to and trust me – your suit will do nothing to protect you."
Tony narrowed his eyes at her, but quickly realised that she was serious. He rolled his eyes and grumbled, more to himself than to the other two. "Why does everyone assume that I don't have what it takes."
Happy and Gina shared a look before they both started laughing at the expression on Tonys face. Gina patted Tony n the arm and started ordering them about the kitchen, telling them what they could and couldn't touch and explaining the importance of the items she would be packing herself.
Meanwhile, upstairs, Annabelle stood stock still outside her mothers bedroom, having changed back in to the clothes she'd travelled from the hotel in. Happy had kindly left the boxes and other things outside the door, not wanting to pass through without permission, and for that she was immensely grateful. She'd last been in this room on the morning they'd departed for London, having had to help her mom choose a dress for the trip to the museum... Annabelle had to banish the memory, knowing it would lead to reliving the events of the day of the accident again. Gripping the doorknob, she twisted and pushed the door open, letting it swing against the stopper. The faint smell of her mothers perfume was her undoing.
Thick tears slowly tracked Annabelles cheeks as she stood unmoving in the doorway. Every was as her mom left it yet it was all so different at the same time. She took her time studying the room, making a mental note of the things that were going straight in to storage. Her mom wouldn't want her to keep everything; she'd want her to donate her clothes and shoes, bags and various accessories but Annabelle couldn't bring herself to box them up for the Church or goodwill. It would all go in to storage and maybe in a couple of months, when she'd had time to comes to terms with everything, to settle in to a new routine, she's be strong enough to go through it all again. Happy had left a pen and wads of different colour post-it notes and Annabelle took a slow walk around the room, running her fingers over the furniture before tagging them with a coloured note, indicating storage or taking with her.
Packing her moms room would be emotionally the most challenging, but the easiest physically – it was the most organised in the room. The corner of the room that she used for her study was all coded; papers in clearly marked folders, stationary already in boxes – her laptop was already back in California, having been brought back from London. It took Annabelle no time at all to box the area up, putting almost everything in a single box labelled for the University. She moved to the bed next, striping it down to the bare mattress, labelling both that and the frame to go in to storage, the bedding to. For the next two hours, Annabelle slowly boxed up the contents of the room, lining the taped boxes against the wall until she was left with the closet. Her mom hadn't been a massive hoarder of clothes, having chosen to spend her money on Annabelle or new art supplies, meaning it only took two boxes for the clothes for storage. The wedding dress Annabelle someday hoped to make her own stayed in its garment bag ready for the trip to its new home. Pairs of shoes had always been returned to their original boxes, so it was just a case of putting them in one large one. What was going to cause the most trouble for her, were the three shelves above the rail. This was the once place her mom never let her peak at; it was completely private to her mom and Annabelle had always respected that. Would her mom really want her looking at that stuff? There was no choice in the matter, but it still made her extremely uneasy. To her relief, she found the items to be mostly family treasures, a folder or two with documents that she didn't understand but would take with her anyway. Right at the back corner of the very top shelf was a large, fairly battered blue box that had seen better days. As Annabelle pulled it down, she found it to be heavier than she expected. She sat with her back against the wall and peaked inside, finding, to her amazement, what seemed to be hundreds of letters – all addressed to Anthony Stark. "What the..." Annabelles eyes widened as she flicked through the hoard of envelopes, the paper all in various shades of yellow, indicating that they;d been there for years. At the bottom of the box, in a separate folder, was news-clipping after news-clipping of Tonys life – the earliest she found to be the article announcing the deaths of Howard and Maria Strak. Her mom had followed everything.
Annabelle stood quickly, taking the box and its contents and placing it carefully on the bare bed, before stepping out the room to the top of the stairs, calling out over the banister. "Hey, Tony?"
"Yeah?" He responded, coming in to view below her. At some point in the last few hours, he'd shed his jacket, the faint blue glow of the reactor seeping through the shirt he was wearing.
"Can you come up here for a minute?"
He nodded and took the stairs two at a time, following her to the bedroom, but stopping at the threshold. "What's wrong?"
Annabelle pointed to the box on the bed and stepped back, wanting him to see for himself. "Look at this," she said and he did. He picked up the top envelope, than another and another until he had about fifty in his hand. He looked at her questioningly. "They're all addressed to you," she confirmed. She held up the folder, which he took after dropping the letters back in the box. He skimmed through the cuttings, grimacing at some of the headings.
"She followed everything I've done since she left. Even the women I've – don't look at those." He whipped a small bundle out of Annabelles hand and she couldn't help but laugh at the flustered look on his face. He stuffed them back in the folder, putting it back in the bottom of the box.
"She never mentioned anything," Annabelle said slowly, gesturing to the box again. "And I've never seen this box before."
"She collected all this for a reason," Tony muttered, fingering through the envelopes again, whispering so lowly she couldn't make out what he was saying.
"To tell me about you?" she suggested, it being the only logical reason behind keeping it all. "I guess she just never had the courage to send you the letters."
"And I think I know why." He pointed to the dates in the corner of the envelopes. Annabelle hadn't paid attention to them before as it was so small. "Look at the dates – each one was written and sealed just before I went and screwed up in some way; the last before I revealed myself as Iron Man." Tony shook his head, the realisation that his constant stupidity was the main reason Gabbie felt she couldn't tell him about Annabelle. He sighed and shook his head. "I don't blame her for not sending them."
"Take them home," Annabelle said, placing everything back in the box, replacing the lid and handed it to him. "Read them all properly." He nodded but didn't say anything further. "Look, I'm gonna finish in here then start on my room."
Tony nodded at the dismissal and left her alone. She found no more secrets hidden in the room before moving on to her own. Everything but the furniture was going back with her. It took just over an hour to complete the upstairs. There was no attic or basement to contend with and, leaving all boxes clearly marked, Annabelle finally made her way back downstairs. She was surprised to find the movers had already arrived and were removing the bigger items in to one of the two trucks, Happy taking charge. Gina engulfed her in a tearful hug, having dug up her own memories while helping pack the downstairs.
"I can't believe this place is packed up."
"I can't believe my entire life is packed in to boxes."
"Honey..."
"I'm fine," Annabelle said tiredly. They'd been working for hours and, like Tony had pointed out earlier, her body was still healing. She looked around at the house slowly being emptied and shook her head; she didn't want to see it. "Can we go, Tony?"
Tony turned to her, nodding before going over to Happy. Happy glanced at her then went outside to find the man in charge. Tony came to stand by the two women, waiting for them to say goodbye.
Gina held Annabelle at arms length, rubbing circles in to her shoulders. "I'll stay and lock the house when they're done."
Annabelle nodded and gave a grateful smile. "Okay. I love you."
"I love you to, Honey," Gina hugged her again, both women crying against each other. "Please remember to keep in touch, or I'll hunt you done in Cali."
Annabelle found herself laughing, knowing Gina was serious. "I will, I promise." With a kiss on the cheek she made to leave, pausing briefly to whisper to Tony, noticing he was staying behind. "Be nice."
Gina looked pointedly at him, waiting for Annabelle to leave through the door. "Remember what I said."
"I know, I know." Tony held his hands up in surrender, before offering one to her, which she took.
"Bye."
"Bye."
Tony left Gina standing there and walked out the house, passing by the movers. Both were steadily being filled, one to follow them on once the house was emptied. Darkness had fallen while they'd been busy, street lights illuminating the pathway. Happy and Annabelle were already in the car, and Tony slipped in the seat next to his daughter. She had her head against the headrest, her eyes closed.
"You ready to go home?"
Annabelle opened her eyes, turned to look at him and sighed. "Yeah... home."
As Happy pulled away, starting their journey back to the hotel, Annabelle twisted in her seat to watch the house she'd grew up in disappear, Gina standing on the porch waving them off.
So... it's been a while. Any readers still there?