DISCLAIMER: I do not own these characters.
Three
"What are you doing up?" Ned asked walking into the den to find Brenda sitting in a chair, lit only by a small light in the corner.
"I'm still on Europe time," she said brushing away the tears on her cheek.
"Are you okay?" he asked leaning against the desk next to her.
"Yeah. Just winding down," she said holding up a glass filled with golden fluid. "Edward let me into his private stash."
"Aren't you special?" He actually got a little smile out of her. "I know you're trying to be really strong for Monica but no expects you to keep it all in."
"I know."
"You have your own share of grieving you need to take care of."
"Trust me, I got a lot out in Europe before I got here. Monica needs someone to be strong. Edward can try but Emily meant everything to this family. Just like Lila passing, it will take a long time for things to return to normal."
"I know. In the meantime, let me worry about you."
"I'm fine. Tired for traveling. Worried about Jason. I think I might try and see Robin tomorrow. I don't know if I want to go to the hospital though." Brenda sighed and took a sip out of her glass.
"I called Lois," Ned told her in the silence.
"She called me. That's how I knew. Word travels fast."
"She said she would try to make it in time for the funeral. Sends her love," Ned told her.
"That's what Lois is good at. I haven't seen her in so long. She gave me the silent treatment for a few days when she found out I was 'alive'," she said using quotations. "But eventually got over it."
"Lois never could stay mad at you long." They sat there in silence for a few minutes, Brenda staring into her glass, Ned watching her. "I'm going to go back upstairs. If you need anything, come find me," he said kissing the top of her head as she nodded before walking out.
She was starting to feel numb. Emily would be the last person she would ever wish such tragedy to fall upon. She was never supposed to get involved in the mob war. She was supposed to become a mother and brilliant doctor.
Brenda finished her drink and set the empty glass back on the bar with some other dirty dishes. She wasn't even close to being tired. She hadn't been tired in days, but no one needed to know that. She slipped on a light jacket, despite the cold temperatures, and quietly slid out of the house. She was such Ned probably heard her leave and was smart enough to guess where she may be going.