Hello people! Susz, I really like your idea, and I'll se it for sure toward the end of the story. Now today, I borrowed one of daphrose's ideas, and for the element of surprise, I will let you know later what is her idea. So on with the story!
**Chase's POV**
I looked at the newspaper in disbelief. The news channel droned on, but I didn't process a word of it.
Sammie sits silently next to me, while Cassie stands next to me jumping up and down.
"What happened Daddy? Why are you sad? Why won't you tell me?" Cassie cried is frustration.
"Shush Cassie!" Sammie said, and simply sat quietly.
I then held them tight. They were my only hold to sanity. I can't let them go.
I then herd the news. "… said to be that Chase Vickers' wife, Sabrina Vickers, was on the bridge when it collapsed. This can be terrible news for Chase Innovations. If their CEO is in distress, what would the company do? Fall to pieces? Only time can tell." (N/A This is daphrose's idea)
I let the words wash over me. Cassie piped up again. "Dad? Can you please tell us what's wrong? Please?"
I knew I had to tell them the truth. I can't hide it from them. I can't let their life be a lie.
I looked at both of them in their eyes. Those eyes, filled with question, so naïve. I didn't want to know what will happen to those eyes if I told them. But I had to.
"Sammie, Cassie? I won't try to fake it or coat the fact with sugar. I will tell it bluntly just like it is. Mom is dead."
Sammie hand went to her mouth and she ran into my arms, where she uncontrollably sobbed. I rubbed her back, trying to sooth her, knowing very well it was a useless attempt.
Cassie stood paralyzed, tears threatening to fall out of her ears. She said with a shaky voice, "Daddy, please tell me you are lying. Please tell me you a playing a mean prank."
I held out my arms, and she sat on my lap, her head resting on my shoulder, while tears silently dripped down her cheeks.
Sammie looked at me, her warm blue eyes looking dead. "Dad? Who will wake us up every morning? Who will make us breakfast? Who will tell me 'Good Job' when I do something right?" She took a shaky breath. "Who will tuck us in bed every night and tell us good night?"
I kissed her forehead, and whispered, "I will. From today, our lives will be without Mom. But I will make sure that it will be a happy life." And something in me broke when I said that. Because when you say something out loud, it means you accept it. And now, she is gone, forever.
**Bree's POV**
I looked at the news, devastated. No way that could have happened. No way.
I took a deep breath. Think fast Bree. That's your specialty right? Prioritize.
I am at a fashion show in Milan. Priority right now? Getting to Chase. I looked down at Aspen. And making sure nothing happens to my daughter.
"Alice? Flight a ticket back to America immediately. Tell someone to pack out bags at the hotel, and send a chauffeur with the luggage. Oh, and text Preston that I'll be coming in a few hours."
"But Miss Bree!"
"Get what I told you done now."
I saw Aspen looking from me to Alice in confusion. I picked her up.
"Ok Aspen. I need you to be a big responsible girl today. Something happened to Uncle Chase, and we need to be there to help him. Can you do that for me just for today?"
She scowled, then opened her mouth to say something, and changed her mind. "Fine."
I grabbed her arm and walked as quickly as possible to the parking lot.
By then, the car was ready. Lois, the chauffeur, stepped out to open the door.
"No time for formalities Lois. Get us to the airport."
As Aspen sat inside, Alice ran up to me with the tickets. "Happy travels Miss Bree."
I gave a small smile, but inside was completely stressed.
Throughout the ride, Aspen stayed silent. I was impressed.
When we got out, she grabbed her ticket from, got her suitcases, and walked out to the airport entrances. I grabbed the rest of the luggage and ran after her. It twenty minutes, we were sitting in a plane, ready for takeoff. As we ascended to the sky, I saw an unread text message, and I opened it.
TO: Bree Summers
FROM: Chase Vickers
You probably know what happened Sabrina is dead. Don't worry about us, the kids are fine. Enjoy Milan.
PS: I am pretty sure I can deal with this, so DON'T COME HOME
I sighed in relief. If Chase was able to be stubborn, then he may not be in such a bad state of mind.
Aspen then glared at me. "Can I step out of the 'responsible girl' role for a second?"
I nod.
"Do you think I am stupid? I know what happened. Aunt Sabrina is dead. But here is what really hurts me. Why didn't you tell me?"
"Aspen," I soothed, "I was going…"
"No, I want to know as soon as you know. I care about her too you know."
She glared at the seat in front of here as tears fell down. Tears of anger.
Suddenly, the exhaustion of the past few weeks catched up to me.
"Aspen, I am really sorry but…" and I never finished my sentence as I wafted to a restless sleep.
**Aspen's POV**
Hair stuck on my wet face, when I turned over to Mom.
I rubbed my face and saw her asleep. She needs me to help her today as much as possible. I played with a strand of hair that fell out of the braid my mom had so carefully created.
I looked out of the window. 3 hours and 35 minutes. And that is how I wait. Staring at the chair in front of me.
I shook Mom awake, "We are here."
She woke up with a start. "Ok, let's go sweetheart,"
We eventually got out of the airplane, and soon, the airport. Before we knew it, we were standing in front of Uncle Chase's house.
My mom rapped on the door twice. A weary Cassie opened it. As soon as she saw me she brightened up.
"Aspen! Why are you here? Aren't supposed to be in Milan? Do you know that Mom died?!" She burst into tears at the last comment.
Uncle Chase came up to the door. He rubbed his eyes and exclaimed, "Bree? What are you going here? Come in!" He kneeled down so that her was facing me and gave a tired smile.
"Hey there. How is my favorite niece?"
I clenched my hands into fists under the sleeves of my jacket.
"Firstly, I am your only niece. Secondly, how are you? You lost your right of asking me after losing your…"
I saw Mom giving me the death glare.
"uh, after your loss."
He smiled and sat down, Sammie sitting on the ground.
I looked around. The house looked like somebody sucked the life out of it. Mom went to the fireplace to start a fire, and I turned on the TV.
Within 30 minutes, everybody was smiling and laughing. But I knew nothing was permanent. There is an end to everything.
Tell me what you think! And I am still open to ideas so tell me what your ideas are! Please review and favorite!
