Hey guys; sorry it took so long for me to update but here ya go! Thanks again for the reviews and I hope you like this chapter; I kept gettin writers block. Same disclaimer applies; I own nothing dealing with CSI:NY or Walker. Texas Ranger. Though I wish I could meet Carmine because he's hot!!!. Enjoy!
Chapter Three
Why did I agree to this? I shouldn't have. I have no right intruding on his family; especially when I could potentially put them in danger. Arianna badgered herself as they pulled onto what Danny told her was the street his parents lived on.
This entire line of thinking had started when they had crossed the bridge and the vechicles tires touched on Staten Island soil. Up until that point she had been fine; thinking that this could even turn out to be just what she needed. Then they had gotten closer and closer to their desitation and the thoughts that she had been able to keep at bay about Mandala; why he was after her; the kind of person he was had come rushing to the surface. Right away Danny had known what was wrong and tried to reassure her. It had helped but in the end she was still starting to get squmish; ready to ask Danny to turn around and take her back to the hotel.
And then she'd remember how he had ripped her life apart all those years ago; how he had made her something she wasn't; how she had been able to beat him once before. That Gage's death wasn't her fault; but a hazard of the job. Being as stubbron as she was she refused to let him get the best of her again. So in turn she'd enjoy the hospitality that Mr. and Mrs. Messer were offering; and deal with him when the time came.
"Here we are." Danny stated.
Looking up Arianna had to do a double take. When she'd been lost in her own thoughts she hadn't realized that they'd been going through one of the nicer parts of Staten Island. The house who's circular driveway he was now pulling to a stop into behind a black Dodge minivan. The huge three story ranch style mansion was the same kind of house she lived in back in Dallas. Same dark mohogany wood siding, wrap around porch, and black shutters. Right now there was snow covering the front yard with a path leading up to the steps and porch were a huge wood door with plate glass windows had a wreath cheerfully displayed. Christmas lights were strung across the porch and the very top of the roof. There were bushes that lined the sidewalk and those were covered in lights as well. There were Christmas stickers in each window; and a snow man sat crooked outside; his coal smile turned cheefully upwards. From her vantange point standing outside the car as Danny was getting their bags she could see a closed in porch that went the full length of the back of the house; at least four acres extending out past that. All in all it reminded her of home; even with the snow. Instantly she felt a sense of warmth that had been lost to her during her time in the city so far.
"Ready?" Danny wondered.
"As I'll ever be. Though I wish you would've let me change." Arianna looked down at the gray Texas Ranger hooded sweatshirt, matching t-shirt, jeans, and sneakers she had on.
Danny couldn't help but chuckle as Arianna grabbed her bag from him as they walked up the stairs. They had both been so tired that neither one of them had heard his alarm go off. Finally he'd woken up about nine o'clock; four hours before they were suppose to be there and it took about three to make it. Both of them had jumped out of bed; rushed around to take turns with showers; make sure they had everything; and grab some breakfast before heading out. Luckly they hadn't hit too much traffic and made good time. On the way over they had laughed about how comical it had been this morning.
"Don't worry about it. Everyone else is gonna be dressed the same way. Trust me; your fine." Danny promised as he knocked on the door.
Before she was able to answer the door swung open to reveal a woman who had to be Danny's mother; dressed much the same as she was. Laughter and shouting could be heard from inside as the older woman wrapped her arms around Danny in a hug.
"Danny it's good to see you!" She exclaimed.
"Good to see you too ma." Danny hugged the woman tight.
Letting go of her son Maria turned to the young woman standing next to him; posture relaxed as she waited for the mother and son reuinion to come to an end. If this was who she thought the young woman was even more gorgeous then her son had stated. Right off she noticed the haunted look in her blue eyes that Danny had mentioned; the smile she was giving them couldn't hide it. Looking to her son with a raised eyebrow she waited for the manners that she knew she had taught him some where along the way to kick in.
"Sorry." Danny stated at the look on his mothers face. "Ma this is Texas Ranger Arianna Walker; Arianna this is my ma Maria Messer." He introduced.
"Nice to meet you Mrs. Messer; please call me Arianna." The young woman offered her hand.
Stepping forward she wrapped the young ranger in a hug."Please call me Maria; and we hug in this family little lady."
"Yes ma'am." Arianan chuckled as the older woman released her.
"I'm sorry you must be freezing; come in." Maria gestured as she stepped back into the foyer.
Picking her duffle back up she followed Danny's mom into the house; stopping as she closed the door behind him. The house looked like something out of a Better Homes and Gardens magazine. There was a round gilded mirror hanging on the wall to the left; an old world style stand made of oak underneath it; red roses displayed in an hour glass vase. Underneath their feet was an oriental rug made of dark colors to off set the light colored wood floors and beige walls. Handing her jacket to Maria she watched as she placed it along with Danny's in a closet to the right. The foyer was about half a size bigger then the one in her own home.
"Have Danny show you where to put your bags then come and join us in the living room. I'd help but I have cookies in the oven and if I let Danny's father watch him they'll be burnt." Maria smiled before walking away.
" I like your mom. She's nice; and full of energy." Arianna told him.
They were making their way up the winding stair case that had been directly off the foyer. On the way she had spotted the kitchen; living room, a family room, and the path to the closed in porch. All of the wood in the house was polished oak and gave an extra sense of warmth to the already homey atmosphere. The wall was covered with family photos both past and present.
"The one person in the world besides my dad that will never let me down. You'll get use to the energy part after a while; I swear that woman could go without any sleep and still be chipper as ever." Danny chuckled as he opened the door to the room they'd be staying in.
Arianna's eyes widened as she took in the massive room. It was the size of her master bedroom at the ranch; this one decorated in rich blues and golds. In the center of it all was a huge king size bed filled with fluffy down pillows, covered with a comforter set that matched the rest of the room. From the look on Danny's face she knew this hadn't been intentional; that this was the room they had decided to stick him in because he was suppose to be coming alone. Unfourtanetly he hadn't and she had a feeling there was no place else to put him. It may be a big house but they also had a huge family. So she'd have to deal with their sleeping arrangments when the time came. Right now she just wanted to unpack so she could go talk to his family and get it over with. Maybe she shouldn't unpack though. After they heard what could befall them they might want to kick her out on her tail. Honestly she wouldn't blame them.
"Sorry 'bout this. My parents weren't expecting me to bring anyone and all the other rooms are full." Danny anticipated her earlier thoughts.
"No biggy. We shared the same bed last night; I'm sure we'll be able to make it work again." Arianna shrugged as she lugged her duffle to the end of the bed and set it down.
Following suit Danny placed his next to hers before reaching out and pulling her into his arms. Not waisting a minute he crushed his lips to hers. Like everytime he touched her he couldn't get enough as he probbed her lips to part. Darting his tounge inside he reached a hand up under her sweatshirt and shirt underneath to carress the smooth skin and scar of her abdomen. The minute he pulled her close he knew it was a mistake; that he wasn't sure if he could control hisself now or while he was sharing a bed with her for the next week and a half. What he did know was that he wanted this woman more then he wanted his next breath.
Hand fisted in his hair as their tounges fought with each other for dominance; Arianna felt herself start to go over the edge; wondering if she'd be able to pull herself back this time. Everytime he touched her it was like their was this intense flood of desire; of heat that felt like it would melt her from the inside out. Sharing a bed with him was going to test her will power like no criminal ever had before. In the end there was still the matter of his entire family being downstairs; that she still needed to talk to them. The guilt wouldn't lessen until she did. Reluctantly she broke the kiss; even though it seemed impossible to resist the man who just had her reeling moments before.
"Danny; your family is right below us. I don't think this is such a good idea. Plus I still need to talk to them." Arianna's voice was huskier then she had intended.
Resting his forehead against hers he sighed in agreement. "I know. How I'm going to behave myself for the next week and a half when I react this way everytime you touch me I don't know."
Gently rubbing his back where her hands had made their way up under his fleece and t-shirt Arianna gave a small smile. "Who says I want you to behave?"
Deep down he knew that Arianna could feel the connection between them; that it was something that couldn't be ignored. The internal battle she was still waging with herself and everything that was going on with Mandala right now was making her unable to act anymore on those feelings then what she already had. In reality he couldn't blame her because he was dealing with his own internal battle at the moment. His feelings for Lynsday had faded greatly over the last six months but there were still some lingering in the background; determined not to go away. But what happened between them everytime they were together was something that couldn't and shouldn't be ignored. Maybe acting on it would remove any straggling thoughts and doubts from both of their minds.
"As much as I wish you meant that whole heartdely I know you don't." At her glare he held up a hand for her to let him continue. "I care about you Arianna; a lot; and I want to see where whatever this is between us can go. But both of us are still unwillingy to take the chance because of things that happened with those who left us behind. At least indiviually. If we do it together we may find something we've been waiting our entire lives for." He confessed.
Her look softened as he spoke the last of his words. Everything he had said was the truth; something she had known all along but had been slow to admit. In her heart she knew that she was willing to take the chance just like he was. Unfourtanetly she tended to overanalyze when it came to her love life; which had stopped her from uttering the words Danny just had. Uncle Ray had always told her to remember what her people had gone through when they had first settled the land; what they had over come when their people had been persacuted by American settlers. That the Cherokee never gave up; no matter what aspect of their life the crisis was dealing with. So giving up on love was not something she planned on doing. Even though her earlier thoughts of not getting involved with a cop and trying to keep Danny at arms length was still in the back of her mind.
"If your willing to take the plunge then so am I." Arianna brushed her lips across his. "But I think taking it slow would be a good idea; for now anyway."
Danny couldn't help the grin that spread across his face. These were the words he'd been waiting for her to say since yesterday. And now that she had he couldn't be happier. If slow was what she wanted then it was what she'd get. "Deal Texas; now let's go gather up my folks."
Stopping with her hand on the door knob Arianna turned to him with eyebrows quirked. "Since when did I earn that nickname?"
"Since I decided to give it to you. I wasn't sure how you'd react to me callin' you baby or sweetheart all the time." Danny explained as they made their way down the hall and started to descend the stairs.
"Well if were gonna give this a shot I'd say one of those would be better then Texas. Besides; I like how they sound with your accent." Arianna admitted.
"Baby it is then." Danny agreed as they made their way into the living room where everyone was gathered.
This was about the size of her living room and great room at home; two couches, a smaller sofa, and three chairs decorated in over stuffed black leather were situated around the room. Off to one side was a chrome and glass entertainment center with home theater equipment in it; the radio playing a country station on low. She wouldn't have pegged the Messer clan for country music kind of people. Various tables that matched the entertainment center were placed around the room; mostly near the furniture. Every seat in the house was taken; there were even people sitting on the floor.
"About time you got here bro; we were gettin' worried." A man who looked to be a little bit older then Danny stood up.
"I just got here and you're already bustin' my chops. Nice ta see you too Kyle." Danny went to the man and gave him a hug.
"We have a lot of catchin' up to do. I have ta start gettin' my licks in early." Kyle gently cuffed him across the chin. "Who's the babe?"
Arianna felt herself blush from ear to ear. People constantly told her she was beautiful but she always thought she was blessed with good genes.
"This is Texas Ranger Arianna Walker. Arianna this is my brother Kyle Messer." Danny gestured to a petite brunette with green eyes and a warm smile. "And this is his wife Katlin."
Shaking hands with both in turn; she instantly liked them. Kyle was a couple inches taller then Danny and broader in the shoulders; brown eyes instead of blue smiled at her. His hair was darker then Danny's; and he didn't wear glasses.
"It's nice to meet you. Please call me Arianna." She smiled at them.
"So you're the ranger Danny's been jabbering about for the past couple of weeks. It's nice to finally put a face to the legend." A tall blonde woman walked towards them. She looked like a younger version of Maria
"And this would be my sister Melissa who doesn't seem to know how to keep quiet.' Danny tried to give her the death glare as she hugged him but he couldn't.
"Oh come on little brother. You should know by now that word gets around in this family. Mom tells everyone everything." Melissa smiled. "It's nice to meet you Arianna. This is my husband Dave and our kids are running around here somewhere."
"Nice to meet you both. I'm not sure I'd call myself a legend though." Arianna tried to down play whatever it was they were getting at.
"According to what we've been able to find out The Texas Rangers are lucky to have you." Another man walked towards them.
"Please don't tell me you did a background check on her." Danny groaned. " Randy tends to be a little bit too nosey for his own good sometimes."
This second brother was built like Danny but had black hair and blue eyes; no facial hair. Honestly she wasn't offended in the least by his comment. They all seemed like a family that took care of their own; which meant looking into the new woman that had come into their brothers life. Especially if there was a chance that he was involved with her.
"I'm a lawyer; what'd you expect." Randy held out his hand. "It's nice to meet you."
"You too. I'm the lucky one though. I can't believe the rangers still wanna keep me around after everything that's come their way because of me. Though I hope there was nothing bad on that background check." Arianna joked. At the look on Danny's face she continued." I'd expect nothing less from a family who obviously cares about each other."
Sighing Danny just shook his head as he introduced her to the two remaining siblings; both of them adopted. There was Denise; a Mexican American woman with shoulder length black hair; brown eyes and a super models body. She was a fifth grade school teacher in Conneticut. Her husband Paul was a county sheriff back home. He was built like a linebacker; short spiky brown hair; green eyes; and a nice smile. They had a total of two kids; nine and twelve.
Sandra and her husband Kevin were last. Both were cops right here in New York. When you first met Sandra she reminded you of a china doll without all the makeup. Vietnamese in origin she was a couple of inches shorter then Arianna; delicate bone structure with almond shaped brown eyes and a smile that was inviting. Kevin looked like the quintisential California boy with bleach blonde hair and blue eyes. Two kids of their own were running around the house somewhere; ages of sixteen and fifteen.
Then there was Frank Messer. His father and the patriarch of the family. At six foot five he towered over everyone in the room; and had a commanding prescense about him. From the features that were still handsome despite his age to the intensity and sharpness of his green eyes. She could tell that Danny's aversity to helping those who were helpless; for standing up for what was right and fair came from not only his mother but the man who wrapped her in a warm bear hug.
By the time she was done being introduced and speaking breifly to everyone of them her head felt like it was going to explode. Remebering faces and names was part of her job but for some reason it wouldn't cooperate with her. Her hopes that she'd get a chance to recover before anyone else came along was short lived when a voice boomed through the room.
"Well look what the city dragged to our doorstep."
Seeing Danny's face light up as he turned to the man that had spoken Arianna came to the conclusion that this was Louie; the closest one in age to him and his best freind. Danny constantly talked about him; about how he had gone through a rough time by getting involved with the Tanglewood boys but had been able to get away in time. Joining the Army to get away from his old life. According to what she had been told Louie had just come back from Iraq; having been gone for a year. From the looks on the faces of the people scattered around no one had known he was going to be able to make it.
"Louie?" Danny couldn't believe what he was seeing.
What his brother did in the military was classified as top secret due to the fact that he was an Army Ranger. It wasn't unusual to not hear from him for weeks or months at a time; his time in Iraq case in point. The last any of them had known he was going to be stuck in debreifings all week and wasn't going to be able to make it.
"Who else would it be? The Easter Bunny?" Louie smiled.
"We didn't think you'd be able to come." Danny told him.
"The Cornorel let us go early so here I'am. Now get over here and give me a hug." Louie demanded.
Watching as the entire family swarmed him Arianna wanted to burst into tears. As much as she appreciated the Messer's hospitality this wasn't her family. Wasn't who she really wanted to be with right now. The Walkers were as tight knit as the family who had taken her in for the holidays so to not be with them right now was killing her more then she wanted to admit. Slipping out of the room she quietly made her way to the back porch. Stopping she leaned against the window; watching the big flakes that had started to fall since they'd arrived. Tears she'd tried to hold at bay finally started falling as memories of Christmas' past with her family came flooding back. She didn't want this; didn't want to be stuck here in a city that was forgein to her; with a family that as nice as they had been wasn't her own. When she had taken the oath that every Texas Ranger takes; when she had put on her badge she had known there would be some risk. Some danger involved with the job she had; but nothing like what she had been through; like what she was going through right now. Having a crazed drug dealer kill her fiancee and come back to finish the job he had started before she put him behind bars wasn't what she had asked for. Reaching up she touched her neck; wishing that she still had the necklace her mother had given her for her sixteenth birthday. It had always been a constant source of strength for her; a way to connect with her mother even though she was no longer alive. She had lost it when a perp had gotten too rough about a year back. Replacing it had been something she'd meant to do for a while now but had never gotten around to.
"I'm sorry I chased you away. I tend to have that affect on people." Someone stated behind her.
Hastly wiping away the tears she turned to see Louie standing in the door way. Built just like a tackle for a pro football team he had Mr. Messer's black hair but his mother's blue eyes. His face was tan from spending so much time in the sun and like her there was a look in his eyes like he'd seen too much in his life. Despite his size he was light and quick on his feet; she hadn't even heard him come up behind her. Something that didn't happen to her very often; if at all.
"It's not your fault. I just needed to get a little air was all." Arianna gave a small smile.
"I understand; our family can be a lot to handle sometimes." Louie grinned at her.
"Your families been great. Allowing me to spend the holidays with them; despite everything." Arianna said the last part under her breath.
Instantly he liked her; not just because she made his little brother happy; or she knew what it was like to see what people were capable of doing to each other. But because she was the kind of person to put everyone else before herself; to always have a kind word to say about someone.
"Danny explained everything to us and we understand. Danger is part of a cops life; something that we've all come to accept even if it's not brought on by one of our own. None of us have a problem with you being here." Louie tried to make her feel better.
"Even though me just stepping foot in this house endangers not only their lives but the lives of their children. That if the man who's after me is able to track me down he'll take everyone of you with me. No matter whether you're in his way or not?" Arianna whispered.
Placing an arm around her shoulder he pulled her into a hug. "Yes; even after all that. You being a part of Danny's life makes you one of us. And we take care of our own."
Returning the smile and hug he had given her Arianna had to admit that she felt a little bit better. Doing what he did for a living he knew what it was like to go through what she was right now and that formed a connection of sorts between them. A kinship from having to deal with the same kind of circumstances from day to day. Nothing like what she had with Danny though; that was something that went beyond anything she'd ever felt before since Gage had been alive. That was a kind of connection that lead to love, marriage, and kids.
"Thank you Louie. Or should I say Captain Messer?" Arianna joked.
"I don't know. Should I call you Ranger Walker or Arianna?" Louie shot back.
"Touche." She chuckled. "Call me Arianna."
"Then call me Louie. Now I better get you back before Danny comes looking for you. He was pretty worried." He confessed as they headed down the hall.
"I know; he's a good guy. Too good to be mixed up with someone like me." Arianna murmured.
Stopping just before the entrance to the living room Louie placed a hand on her shoulder. " He thinks the same thing about you. But I could tell the minute I saw you together that there was something between you. Something that most people wait their whole lives to find and never do. Something that they are rarely willing to acknowledge because they think it doesn't exist. So just give it a chance."
All she could do was nod her head at his insight before Danny turned the corner; smiling when he saw her. Her resolve to keep him as far away as possible had crumbled earlier up in the room when he had told her he wanted to give them a shot. As time went on it was starting to come back; especially when she thought back to Mandala and what he was capable of. The war that was waging inside her despite what she said was getting bigger and bigger. Was starting to get out of control and she had a feeling that it was going to be an outcome that she didn't want.
"There you are. Were'd you run off to?" Danny wondered.
"To the porch to get some air." Arianna tod him.
Excusing hisself Louie went back into the living room with the rest of the family; leaving the two to talk. He had a feeling that as good a person as the young ranger was she was stubbron as all hell. If anyone could get past that it'd be Danny. If not because he loved her but because he was the same way.
"Everything okay?" Danny asked once his brother was gone.
"Yeah; I just wanted to give your family a chance to welcome Louie home. From the looks of it no one expected him to show up." Arianna leaned against the wall.
"Last time we knew that was the case. But like he said; his CO was in the holiday spirit and let him off early." Danny explained.
"Thank god for small miracles. Maybe I should talk to the big man and see that he gets some sort of bonus." Arianna smiled.
Chuckling he gave her a quick peck on the lips. " Believe me the guy probably makes enough money as it is. I don't think he needs anymore. Even if he did get my brother home in time for the holidays." Danny gestured towards the living room."Come on; I know you still wanna talk to them even though I already did."
"Now is as good a time as any. Especially if we wanna get some shopping in before the day's out." Arianna agreed.
Walking in they were hit with a wave of laughter and converstation; surounding them in warmth. Maria had joined them and was now sitting next to Kyle on one of the couches. Hating herself for having to do this Arianna cleared her throat;ready to face what ever repurcussions there were for the danger that was facing all of them. Despite the fact that they all stated they were okay with the situation. Luckly the kids were still busy playing video games in the family room so they wouldn't have to hear what she was about to say.
"Um, sorry to interupt everyone but I wanted to take a minute to talk to ya'll." Arianna's accent tended to come out more when she was nervous. Once the room was quite she took a breath before beginning, She was glad she'd taken her sweatshirt off earlier because it was starting to get awfully hot. " I know that Danny's already told you the reason why I can't go home for the holidays. Why it is that I seem to look a litte haunted lately; a little sore when someone bumps into me. And that you've all agreed that it's okay for me to be here; that you don't have a problem with it. But I needed you to hear it from me personally. To hear the potential hell I could put you all through because you've offered up your hospitality."
Sensing that this was going to be hard for her Danny stepped forward and placed a hand on her shoulder in silent support. What she was telling them had already been told to death; but this was something she needed to do. To ease her guilt and know for certain that they were all sure they wanted her there.
Squeezing said hand she continued. "It's a long story but the short of it is that Javier Mandala is not a man to be messed with. He's after me because I tore his drug operation to pieces and sent him to prision for life. Before that he killed about thirty people; my fiancee included. Gage was a Ranger just like me; trained in the martial arts and was able to handle hisself. But Mandala got to him somehow. Tortured and left for dead I was the one to find him; propped up in one of the stalls in the stables like he was taking a nap. I won't give you gory details but I will tell you that he suffered because Mandala wanted him to. All in an effort to get to me because I was the lead Ranger on the case; the one responsible for everything that had happened to him. To put it in a not nice way he's a sick, twisted son of a bitch who will use anyone he can to get to me; whether I've know you my whole life or less then a day. This wasn't something I wanted to involve any of you in; especially around the holidays. But Danny's very stubbron and wouldn't take no for an answer. If you've thought it over and decided you no longer want me here I understand. I can take a cab back to the hotel so Danny can stay here with you."
Everyone was silent for a moment as they processed everything she had just told them. It was the same thing Danny had explained to them earlier but a shorter version and in a not so nice way. If she was going to let them know what they were in for she was going to give it to them straight; no sugar coated option avaliable. Several seconds went by as she waited for someone to say something. When they didn't she tried not to hang her head in defeat as she pulled away from Danny's hand on her shoulder and walked towards the entrance. This was what she'd been afraid of; that once they heard it from her it would sink in about how bad of a position she'd put them in. Ignoring the sound of his voice she turned the corner and headed towards the stairs. Her right foot hit the third step before his hand clasped her arm. Fresh tears had come to her eyes and she tried to hold them back as she turned towards him.
"Danny please; just let me leave. They don't want me here." She told him.
His heart broke at the tears she was trying to hide. From the minute she had come here she had been expecting his family to tell her to get the hell out; that maybe they had come to their senses and realized she was a threat to them all. Part of that was true; they knew what could happen to them if they allowed her to stay and Mandala found her; but they would never ask her to leave. Being a family full of cops they knew what it could be like when you were dealing with the hazards of the job and had no one to turn to.
"Yes they do. What makes you think otherwise?" Danny demanded.
"You saw the looks on their faces; heard the silence. Now that they've heard it from me they realize what a huge mistake they made but don't have the heart to tell me. But I got the picture; I didn't get where I'm today by being stupid. I don't blame them though; if I was in there shoes I'd do the same thing." Arianna sniffed.
Before he was able to say anything a voice boomed through the short hallway.
"Don't even think about letting her pack Danny." Frank ordered. "Young lady can you come down from the stairs please?" He asked Arianna.
Knowing that Frank was a lot like her father she slowly made her away towards the Messer clan who had followed their patriarch into the hallway. She didn't want to leave; in the short time she'd been with the family she had come to think of them as her own. But in the back of her mind was the fact that they knew the price that came with her being there; and even if they were able to hide it well she would always know.
"I know that I've put your family in grave danger by coming here so I think..." Arianna started to say.
Putting up a hand to silence her he was surprised when she obliged. Arianna Walker didn't seem the type of person to take crap from other people very well. But she did have respect for others and it was out of that she was being quite so he could speak his piece.
"Your right; hearing it from you is different; but that doesn't change our decision any. We still want you here with us; to spend time with our family because you aren't able to go and see your own. Like Danny said before; we're a family full of cops and know the dangers that come with that title." Frank explained.
Melissa stepped forward; ready to chime in as well. "So Mandala's worse then most; big deal. Let him come; he hasn't seen anything until he's messed with one of us."
Watching as the people around her nodded their heads in agreement she felt the tears start to flow again. Normally she was so good at reading people; it was one of the things that made her such a good ranger. But the whole situation with Mandala was messing with her big time. The silence; the looks on their faces had been because they had been trying to absorb everything; not because they thought they had made a mistake. Even though they had just met her a few short hours ago to them she was a part of the family; an honorary Messer. Glancing at Danny she could've sworn their were tears in his own eyes as he smiled at her. Still there was that part about knowing what could happen to them; that she'd seen first hand what the monster was capable of. Ready to argue with them even if she knew it wouldnt' do any good Arianna felt a tug on her hand. Blinking past the tears she looked down to see a little boy of about nine gazing up at her. She noticed the brown hair and blue eyes and knew he had to be Sandra and Kevin's son. Dylan she had thought was his name.
"Are you the Texas Ranger Uncle Danny talks about all the time?" He wondered.
Kneeling down she tried to give him the best smile she could. "Yup. My name's Arianna; what's yours?"
"Dylan. Are you leaving already?" He asked.
His innocense made her want to cry even harder. To scream in frustration and curse Mandala to the high heavens for putting her in this kind of a position. "I'm not sure yet buddy."
Holding up the small brown bear he had in his arms he gave her a sad smile. "Teddy and I really want you to stay. We want you to teach us how to catch the bad guys."
The minute those words escaped his lips she was gone; a complete and total wreck. For the sake of the young boy she kept herself together; barely. Here was someone so full of life; with so much ahead of him that could be taken in an instant and he didn't even know it. This was the first time he'd met her since she'd stepped foot in the house and he wanted her to stay. One look in his blue eyes and she made her decision. If for no other reason then to protect this precious little boy she'd stay; and make the most of it. Make sure that she did whatever it took to keep him safe.
"When you put it that way how can I refuse?" Arianna finally said.
"So you'll stay?" Dylan exclaimed.
"Of course. But I have to talk to the other grown ups for a minute so how about you go back and play?" Arianna suggested.
"Okay." Dylan agreed. About halfway down the hall he turned and ran back to her.
To say she was surprised when he wrapped his arms around her neck would be an understatement. Hugging him back she held her sobs in as he let go and headed back the way he'd been going. Standing up she shut her eyes and tried not to collapse right there in a fit of tears. After a couple of deep breaths she opened them to see the eyes of the Messer clan staring at her. Danny came up to her and gently wiped them away.
"Did you mean what you said? That you'll stay." He had to know.
"Of course. I gave him my word and I never go back on it." Arianna admitted.
"Good. And now that that's settled I believe you and my youngest have plans." Frank reminded.
"Yeah; seems he's a big procrastinator when it comes to going Christmas shopping." Arianna started to feel a little better; ribbing on Danny always seemed to help.
"What is this; pick on Danny day?" He grimaced.
"Like we said; we haven't seen you in a while." Kyle smirked.
While they continued to pick on the youngest Messer the ranger took the chance to extract herself from the group and head upstairs. She needed to freshen up a little and change into something a bit more suitable to go shopping in then the raggety t-shirt she currently had on. Closing the door behind her she walked to the bed and rummaged through the duffle until she found what she was looking for. Grabbing her make-up and tolietry bags along the way she didn't bother to close the door to the bathroom that was attached to the room as she stripped off her shirt. It's not like anyone had never seen her in a sports bra before; it was the same kind she wore when she worked out. Standing with her hands on either side of the sink she took a minute to study herself in the mirror. Expecting to look like she'd been run over with a mack truck she was surprised to find that the only indication that she'd been getting no sleep and waging the internal war from hell with herself were some slight dark circles under her eyes. In this case she defeinetly felt worse then she looked.
Splashing some cold water on her face she wiped it off and threw on the razor back gray tank top and black zip up fleece she'd grabbed. Running a brush through her hair Arianna tried to tell herself that she was doing the right thing. That staying here was the best thing to do because she would be able to protect them better they they could protect themselves because she knew how Mandala worked. Putting on the light make up she always wore; thanks in part to being blessed with great skin; she tried not to flash back to a time when she had thought that same thing about Gage. A time when that line of thinking had gotten her no where and Gage six feet under. Shaking her head she quickly brushed her teeth then gathered her things to put them back in her bag; telling herself not to go down that road again.
During the three and a half years that Gage had been dead she'd dealt with the greif of losing him and moved on. Lived her life the way she wanted to; the way Gage would've wanted her to. Which was another reason why she was going to stay. As much as he would've applauded her for her selfless actions he would've wanted her to stay. To take the hospitality the Messer family had graciously offered and try to have a good holiday. But when the time came for Mandala to make his move he'd want her to make sure he went straight to hell.
Rummaging around her book bag for her wallet her fingers landed on her badge. Extracting it she sat on the edge of the bed; remebering the day all those years ago when it had first been pinned to her chest. It was one of the best days of her life; and the opening to another world of hurt for her and her family.
The gentle breeze that blew through the trees ruffled her hair as she stood with the rest of the people who had passed Ranger training camp; waiting to be pinned with the badge that'd declare them as part of Texas' oldest and finest law enforcement agency. This was something she'd been working up to since she was a little kid. Hearing all the stories her dad told about the criminals he'd help put away; all the good he'd done for the state of Texas made her even more determined to follow in her fathers footsteps. Standing in her white dress shirt and black jeans she couldn't believe she'd made it. The youngest memeber of the class at eighteen she'd had to go through a lot of red tape to be aloud to even go to training camp. There were a lot of politicans who wanted to see her fail; saying she was too young to join. In the end she'd proved them wrong and was now next in line to receive her badge.
"And last but not least Texas Ranger Arianna Walker; who's following in the footsteps of a great man." Captain Redfox clapped.
The crowad got to it's feet; whistling and cheering for her as the Captain pinned her. Turning she smiled at her mother and father; both with their own proud smiles displayed. Joining the rest of the class she stood proud as a picture of them was taken before they were dismissed. Making her way through the milling people; stopping to accept congradulations from numerous freinds she was finally able to make her way over to them.
"I'm so proud of you sweetheart." Angela Walker hugged her daughter tight.
"Thanks mom." Arianna smiled.
Turning to her father she waited for him to say something. Cordell Walker had always stood behind his daughter no matter what she decided to do. But he was rarely one to show his emotions openly. Right now he was just looking at her; what she could've sworn were tears; in his eyes. When she'd told him she wanted to be a Ranger; that she wanted to fight to be instated at eighteen he had supported her but had his doubts as well.
"Looks good on you kid." Cordell's voice came out a little bit raspy.
Hugging her father Arianna couldn't help but think that she was one of the luckiet woman around. Her life was going just the way she wanted it to. Being a Texas Ranger was the only thing she'd ever wanted to do with her life and she had it; plus a family that cared a great deal about her. Little did she know that as she was telling her parents her plans to celebrate with her freinds later that there was someone waiting in the shadows; someone who would hunt her from that point on. Who'd be patient enough to wait eight years to make his prescene known on a case that would tear her world apart.
That was one thing she hadn't told Danny. It was something that only her father, mother when she'd been alive, Alex, and her sisters knew. Mandala hadn't just popped up because of the case that involved his drug dealings; but had been around a while and didn't make his presence known until that case had brought them face to face. She knew that it wasn't a big deal; that he would understand why she hadn't felt the need to tell him. Because it was something she wished she could forget.