Sorry this is late. Family showed up at my house last night and all track of time was lost. :)
AN: Thanks for the incredible response to this new Snowing story! I'm really excited about this one and blending the worlds of Once and Manifest. And it seems my readers are too. I did not classify this as a crossover, because that's not really what it is. This is a Manifest type story with mostly Once characters. I have kept a couple Manifest characters and a few minor ones may pop up. The notable Manifest characters I have kept so far are Vance and Olive as Snowing's daughter. You also do not have to worry about any love triangles for Snowing. That's not my thing and this will always be a Snowing story.
Another thing to note is that I've taken some liberties with the relationships as well. Most notably, Emma and David are siblings and they grew up with Mary Margaret, so Emma and Mary Margaret are very close as well. Due to Robert being a drunk after Ruth dies, David and Mary Margaret pretty much raised Emma while raising themselves. Another thing to note, Henry is in the place of Cal here as Snowing's son and Emma's nephew. Most everything else will become clear as you read. I hope you enjoy this new story and join me on another journey. This one will update bi-weekly on Monday nights. It is much appreciated and here are individual responses to reviews:
Ghostwriter: Thanks, glad you're enjoying it and glad to know you think the Snowing parts are beautiful. :)
Grace5231973: You're welcome and glad you love the flashbacks, as well as Henry and Olive's disgust over their parents making out. Yeah, her own sister...that's really sad. Yes, I think Emma is finally healing. Glad you're enjoying the story. :)
Jennifer Baratta: Thanks! Glad you liked it! :)
Guest: Thanks, glad you liked it. The dinner is a completely original plot. There are some similar things in this compared to Manifest, but a lot of things are different as well. Glad you're enjoying. :)
Sexystarwarslover: Yeah, this dinner party is going to be something for sure. Glad you're liking this little hybrid story. It's a lot of fun to write. Yeah, Tisbe's hate for her sister drove her to do the worst. Pretty sad. Yep, Walsh is one of the crazies and Killian has decided not to spy for Vance. Yep, family picnic time, complete with an interruption from nosy neighbors. Yeah, I think Emma is finally healing. Glad you like the flashbacks. This dinner certainly will be interesting. Yeah, they probably shouldn't go to the dinner, but they're curious and it will definitely be an adventure. Glad you enjoyed it. :)
AnonSnowing: Yeah, that might be true for Emma. I'll have to work in some flashbacks for her on that eventually. There are some similarities, but many differences, particularly with the relationships. The relationships are definitely more Once-esque. Yeah, Clorinda seems like she was driven a bit crazy. No, Killian is not going to spy for Vance, so that's good. Ha, yeah, you can see Emma rolling her eyes at Walsh. Yeah, going to the dinner might not be the best idea, but it will be interesting for sure. Yep, family picnic and glad you liked the flashbacks. Yes, Marcus and Cecelia were Ella's parents. They play nosy neighbors here so Margaret told them off. No one is going to rain on her happiness. Yeah, they never get tired of kissing each other. Ha, yep, those are some smart kids. Yeah, mini make out session against the car was super hot. Yeah, the ischemic stroke is concerning to say the least. Yeah, Emma is finally healing I think. Yep, Regina is coming too and they're all in for a shock. I like the sibling banter too. Yep, some nice flashbacks that tie into the bridge. He always wanted to be her prince. Yeah, they got engaged a bit young, but it's fitting for them. Yeah, Ruth probably knew he was going to marry Margaret someday. Yep, the dinner is next. Glad you're enjoying! :)
Lightning in a Bottle
Chapter 14: Dinner Party
David straightened his crooked bowtie, but no matter how many times he tried to get it to stay straight, it seemed to defy him. He sighed and turned, as he heard Margaret come out of the bathroom. And as usual, he was stunned by her incredible beauty.
"Wow…" he uttered, as she floated to him in a white evening dress that glittered. It had a collar that dipped into a subtle v and was sleeveless with modest straps. The bodice
hugged her supple curves and stopped at her knees, allowing a generous view of her beautiful legs and she wore matching low heels.
"I take it you like?" she asked.
"Like is an understatement...you take my breath away, but then you always have," he replied, as he slipped his arms around her waist. She smiled and managed to straighten his bowtie and it stayed.
Ready for this?" he asked.
"Oh...definitely not, but I still want to go," she replied. He nodded.
"Me too and hopefully, he's genuinely happy for our reunion and not out to make a buck on the story or something," he said.
"He has one last chance and if he blows it...then that's it. I'll never speak to him again," she replied.
"Well, I hope for your sake that you don't have to do that," he said.
"Me too...but I don't even know him anymore and my life is with you and our children. Tonight is mainly about making sure that he doesn't attempt to hurt the people I love by exploiting the fact that he's the father-in-law and grandfather to two of the returning passengers," she replied.
"Well…I didn't want to say it, but I'm a little worried about that. But maybe more worried that it's our son he might exploit. Henry is already attracting a lot of attention with the media, being that he was dying before the plane and when he came back...there's a cure now," he lamented.
"And if one camera takes a picture of my baby...I'll roast him and them," she promised and he chuckled.
"Is it bad that I'd love to see that?" he asked and she gave him a sultry kiss.
"What? That you like seeing your wife be a badass?" she teased and he pulled her close.
"Yeah...that…" he purred, as they kissed again.
"Not at all. I mean, I know I get turned on when you get all protective," she said, as she nuzzled her nose against his. Their lips met again and the kiss grew passionate, until they heard the door open.
"Yep...you were right, Ollie. They're making out again!" Henry called and their lips parted.
"Very funny, mister. Where is your bowtie?" Margaret asked.
"Do I have to wear it?" Henry whined.
"Yes...and you'll look so handsome, just like daddy," Margaret said, as she helped him with it and then kissed his cheek.
"Wow...look at you," David said, as he saw his daughter in a maroon dress and she looked down shyly.
"You look beautiful," he said wistfully.
"Thanks Dad ," she said, as they made their way out to the car.
"Isn't Aunt Emma coming?" Henry asked.
"She's meeting us there," David replied, as he backed out of the driveway and they drove away.
Mr. Gold stared at the photo once more, as he sat in the briefing room. They were going over the same simulation of the described conditions on that night, according to the pilot and co-pilot. Severe turbulence, wild, dark lightning, and a massive storm that had seemingly come out of nowhere.
"Mr. Gold...you've certainly been quiet. Do you have anything to add?" Vance questioned. He looked up and pocketed the photo again.
"No…I have no wild theories about wormholes or alternate dimensions to throw out. You all seem to have that covered," he expressed.
"I take it you don't subscribe to either of those possibilities," one of the Generals asked.
"Well, perhaps they are more likely than the tabloid stories about the passengers being demons or aliens. And personally, part of me would cheer if this ended up being some sort of...magic. But I think discussing all this is moot," he replied.
"So sorry we're boring you, Mr. Gold," Vance said, as they shared a look.
"It's moot until we get the autopsy results on Tisbe Taylor. I mean, that's what we've all been waiting for, am I correct? A passenger body to slice and dice," he added.
"That is enough, Mr. Gold. If you want to continue to consult on this case, then you'll start offering constructive input," the General said.
"Oh don't fret, dearies...I assure you that I plan to gather plenty of intel. But I think mine will come from the living passengers," Gold replied.
"Remind me again why this man is consulting with us at all, Director Vance?" the General asked impatiently.
"You know the answer to that, General. He's good at what he does and dealing with the unexplained," Vance offered, as the meeting continued. Truthfully, he would normally have no interest in working with the government on anything, but he had his own personal mystery to get solved and somehow, he knew the plane was connected. And more so, he had an intense feeling that the Nolan family would be the ones to solve it for him.
"Wow Em...that's a great dress," Margaret complimented, as she arrived right behind them in a wine colored dress.
"You two...damn MM," she commented.
"I know...she looks incredible, but then you always do," David said, as he wrapped his arms around her. They noticed the multitude of cars, but thankfully no reporter vans, so they approached the door. A man answered, the butler, they assumed, and allowed them in.
"Mary Margaret," Leopold said and she gave him a sharp look.
"Ah...forgive me, old habits die hard. Margaret," he corrected himself.
"It's so good to see you," he said, as he turned to David.
"And David...you've pulled off quite the miracle it seems. I am happy that my Margaret has you back," he added, as he offered his hand. David shook it with skepticism in his eyes.
"Me too…" he replied.
"And these must be my grandchildren…" he said. Margaret nodded.
"Father...this is Henry and Olive," she said.
"It's very nice to finally meet you, Henry and Olive. Come...dinner is nearly ready," he replied, as they followed him into the dining room and saw a woman approach.
"Hello dear," Cora cooed, as she brought him a glass of wine.
"Thank you, my dear," he said, as he accepted the drink.
"Leopold...aren't you going to introduce me?" she asked.
"Of course, forgive me. Margaret...this is my wife, Cora," he replied.
"Oh, it's lovely to meet you, dear," she said, though to Margaret it seemed fake.
"You are lovely...just like your mother," the woman mentioned.
"You...you knew my mother?" Margaret questioned.
"Oh yes...I knew your parents, long before I married Leopold," she said.
"Yes…Cora has been a member of our circle for a long time. She was married to the son of a former business associate of mine from years ago. After your mother died...we reconnected after her divorce," he explained.
"Convenient," Margaret muttered, as they heard another voice.
"David? Margaret?" Regina asked, as she saw them and used it as an excuse to escape the stuffy Wall Street mogul that her mother had pushed her to converse with.
"Regina?" she asked.
"Oh...you know each other?" Cora questioned, feigning ignorance.
"Henry is one of my patients," Regina replied.
"And you were on the plane together. Such a small world," Cora said.
"Yes...so it would seem," Regina replied, as Cora and Leopold took their seats at the table.
"Cora is your mother?" Margaret asked.
"Unfortunately. I take it that Leopold is your father," Regina replied.
"Estranged father...we only came here to see what he was up to. We expected reporters or something," Margaret replied.
"And instead, you got a step-sister and an evil step-mother," Regina quipped.
"That bad, huh?" Emma asked.
"Don't let my mother's fake sweetness fool you. She's up to something...she's always up to something," Regina replied.
"Usually my father is too," Margaret warned.
"Well...this dinner should be a blast," Olive quipped.
"But it's like a spy mission still, right?" Henry asked. David chuckled.
"Oh definitely, kid...because something is going on here," he replied, as they took their seats at the dinner table. There was already staring among Leopold's friends and colleagues, which was uncomfortable at best.
"So...Emma is it? You are David's sister?" Leopold asked.
"Yep," she replied.
"And what is it that you do for a living?" Leopold questioned.
"I'm a cop," he replied,
"Oh...how terribly grisly," Cora commented, but Emma took it in stride.
"It has those moments, but it's really rewarding when you put bad people behind bars," the blonde said.
"Yes...and David, what is it that you do again?" Leopold asked.
"Um, well...before the plane, I was an associate professor," David replied.
"David has a master's degree in mathematics," Margaret boasted.
"Ah, a number's man. I have many of those on my team," Leopold said.
"Yes, quite an advanced degree, like my Regina," Cora commented, earning her an eyebrow raise from the doctor. Her mother had never before expressed that she approved or understood Regina's profession. In fact, when Regina had insisted on going to med school, Cora had attempted to talk her out of it and wanted her to pursue in high finance, stating that she could become like a Queen if she got in with the right people.
"But teaching...I'm not sure I would have the patience for that," Cora added.
"Uh well...Margaret and I love teaching. We feel like we're at least making a difference, for some kids anyway," he replied awkwardly, as he noticed the pensive look on his wife's face. He could almost see the gears turning in her head and was hardly surprised by her next question.
"You know...I'm still surprised that you knew my mother. She never mentioned you," Margaret said, looking Cora in the eyes. The older woman stared back, engaged in a battle of wills with the raven haired beauty.
"Well...you were so young, dear. And Eva and I were not close...just acquaintances," Cora answered.
"I was young...but I remember everything about my mother," Margaret said, almost as if she was challenging the woman to argue with her.
"Of course you do," Cora said with a fake sweetness.
"Hey Mom...can we go out into the garden?" Henry asked, as he pointed at other guests mingling in the lit garden. As always, like her husband, he was swooping in to save her. Her big Charming and her little Charming.
"Sure sweetie...I think a little fresh air sounds nice," she said, as she got up and took his hand.
"I'm all for that," Emma agreed, as David and Olive got up with her.
"Yes...a nightcap in the garden sounds lovely," Leopold agreed, as they followed, with their wine in hand, and mingled with some of their other guests, while the tight knit Nolan family gathered by the lit fountain in the garden.
"I am so sorry about my mother. I love her, but she's a really terrible person sometimes," Regina admitted. Margaret nodded.
"It's not your fault...and my father fits in very well with her," she said. Regina snorted.
"No argument there. I bolted from my mother's house the moment I got accepted into medical school," she said. Margaret nodded.
"I left this house...after my mother died mostly. I spent most of my time at David and Emma's house. Robert is more of a father to me than Leopold ever was, even at his worst," she said sadly and felt David's arms around her waist. She leaned back against him and took solace in his embrace.
"Maybe this was a bad idea...let me take us home," he suggested. She was about to agree when Regina gasped and dropped her glass.
"Save him," the gray, stone angel said that was suddenly in her line of vision.
"Regina...are you okay?" Margaret asked in concern, trying to stay quiet to keep the other guests attention off them.
"You saw something...didn't you?" David whispered.
"You say that like it's a common thing," Regina said, as she got her bearings back.
"Darling, are you okay?" Cora asked, with concern.
"I'm fine, mother...the glass slipped from my hand," Regina replied. Thankfully, one of the guests called for Cora's attention and she left them.
"You came to the hanger too, when the plane exploded. You're getting them too," David said.
"Getting what?" Regina asked.
"Feelings...sometimes voices…" he whispered and she gave him a look.
"I know what it sounds like, but it's okay. David and Emma have been having them too, but it's not crazy," Margaret said.
"I wish I could believe that, but you didn't see it," Regina argued.
"Then what did you see?" Emma asked.
"I'm...I'm not even sure, but it was like a statue of an angel or something. Except it was talking to me and telling me to "save him"," she said in a hushed whisper.
"A calling…" Emma said.
"What?" Regina asked.
"It's something Tisbe Taylor kept saying before she was killed. I think that's as good of a name as any for...whatever this is," Emma replied. Regina sighed.
"Well…I was going to wait to talk to you about some of my findings until morning, but then I didn't expect to see all of you here," she said.
"What findings?" David asked curiously.
"Not here...I know my mother. She cannot know that any of us are having visions," Regina warned. Margaret nodded.
"My father too...he'll make a spectacle of the people I love most and I won't have that," she said. As she turned, she was proven right, as a camera flashed in her face.
"What the hell?" David asked the man.
"Ah, forgive me...this is a good friend of mine from the New York Times. I promised him an interview about being reunited with my lovely daughter," Leopold replied.
"Yes...it's quite a story. A mother, who lost her 828 daughter and a father, whose estranged daughter lost three members of her family to the plane as well. And now, you've all come together. People love a puff piece like this," the reporter said.
"I knew it…" Margaret said angrily.
"Margaret please…" Leopold said sternly.
"I wish I could say that I can't believe that you would do this and use my family for some media stunt, but I expected this actually. I just hoped I was wrong," she said sadly.
"Margaret...I live my life in the public eye and there is no denying that you are the center of quite possibly the biggest mystery of the century. It is something I have to address. I am unable to go into a meeting without being asked about my son-in-law and my grandson, the passengers. I thought one interview would give my investors assurance they need," Leopold stated.
"No...you want fame, but we do not. My family will not be the gossip for you and your rich friends," she spat.
"Oh you've long ago been the spectacle in my circle, ever since you ran away to live with your boyfriend at twelve and were sleeping in his bed by sixteen. You made yourself the spectacle a long time ago," he said sternly.
"Okay...you're done. You're not going to talk to my wife like that," David said, as he got in the old man's face. Leopold smirked.
"She is my daughter...I'll speak to her as I please," he replied.
"No...she hasn't been your daughter in a very long time. But she is my heart and soul and this was never about reuniting with her. This was about getting some kind of sick revenge and blowing up our lives in the media," he said. Leopold smirked and didn't deny it.
"But it isn't going to work. My wife and daughter went through hell for five years, but now we have a second chance and no one, least of you, is going to ruin that. So do your worst, old man...because you'll never destroy our love," he hissed, as they stared each other down.
"I see there is no hope for amends then," Leopold said.
"You never wanted amends. You want headlines," David retorted, as Margaret slipped her hand in his and they walked out. Regina followed them, until Cora stopped her for a moment.
"Regina…" she said, but she shrugged her mother off.
"Did you really think I'd want to talk to the press?" she hissed.
"Sweetheart...this is an amazing story. Think of all the good that could come from telling them about your cure for cancer," Cora reasoned.
"You don't care about my cure...and I'm not letting you and your husband exploit one of my patients to the cameras. He's just a little boy...and your husband is disgusting for the way he just treated his own daughter and her family," Regina hissed.
"Well, I was hoping you'd be different than that little tramp, but I see that's not going to happen," Cora said. Regina narrowed her gaze.
"What do you have against Margaret? You just met her," Regina said.
"Yes...and everything Leopold told me about her seems to be true," Cora replied. Regina scoffed and walked away, before catching up to the Nolans at their car.
"I'm so sorry about her…" she apologized.
"It's not your fault. But you didn't get to finish telling us what you found," Margaret mentioned. She nodded.
"We could get ice cream and then she can tell us," Henry chimed in and they chuckled, as he effectively dissolved the tension.
"You know, that sounds good. Why don't we pick some up and you can come to our house," Margaret suggested. Regina nodded.
"I'll follow you," she said, as they got into their cars and drove off, leaving Leopold's mansion behind without another thought.