Carry On

by StutterRutter

"It takes a Village to raise a child." It's been over 10 years since anyone has heard from Nina Martin. But, after she left Fabian alone with their daughter, no body really cares. They joined forces to raise her, usually, putting their our lives on the back burner. But now, Arabella Rutter is 13 and everything starts to change. And they only have one choice, to Carry On.

9. Over the Course of a Decade

~Fabian~

"What in the Bloody Hell are you doing here?" I ask her, bitterly

"I-I" She stutters

"Nina Martin. Answer Me!" I yell

I wanted to know. To know why she left me, left her daughter. Left us.

"I thought-" Nina didn't say any more

"You thought what? Ten years, ITS BEEN TEN YEARS! You can't just except to waltz back in here!" I feel tears start to form in my eyes

I feel two hands and my back, probably restraining me...

"Calm down..." Jack, Maras husband tries to tell me

"Take a deep breath." Jerome adds

"Calm down? Take a deep breath? How would feel if Mara or Joy left you with you child and you didn't hear from one of them for a decade?" I question but, they don't answer

I turn back to Nina

"And the funny thing is, I thought you'd never leave me. But, I should've know. You had no problem leaving me the first time, so why would the second time be any different?"

"I had goals. I had a dream." Nina answers

"Well, Nina, sometimes you kinda have to put your dreams on the back burner for your family." Joy steps towards we did "I mean, we all put ours on the line to raise your daughter."

"I didn't ask you to, did I, Joy?" Nina replies

"But, I did. I was young, I was just starting a career, I had no idea what I was doing. Obviously, you didn't either but, I stuck around." I inform her "I wish you've too."

That's when we hear laughter in the hallway and Mia comes in but, the laughter stops the minute Mia sees who in the room "You." Her eyes narrow

"Yes, me. Do you hate me as well?" Nina asks

"Depends on what you do in the next 30 seconds..." Mia tilts her head

"Quite the mouth. Be careful, little girl that mouth might get you in trouble on day. Isn't that right Patricia?" Nina turns around

"Okay, your 30 seconds are up." Mia starts advances and Mara rushes over to put a hand on her shoulder as if it was a restraining warning

Mia shakes Mara off and looks at me

I nod to say 'Go Find Arabella'

Mia's eyes get bigger

I nod again as if to say, 'Tell her'

She slowly backs out of the room

Mia. She was so grown up for her age. She knew what she was doing. She knew she was going to change everything.

A/N NINAS BACKKKKK for all of you that guessed correct, Bravo! Virtual pat on the back! How do you think Mia's gonna tell Arabella? How is Arabella gonna take it?