I don't own 24 etc...some bad language Thanks for reading
Michelle felt revolting. She still had dried blood on her face, neck, chest and hands. Her face was so read and tear stained. She wanted a shower but she didn't have the energy to have one after the valium Tony had given her. "I need to clean up Tony but I can't manage a shower I don't think."
Considering her words were still slurred and he was supporting her as they walked he didn't think she would get through a shower either. "How about I wash you up the best I can?"
She nodded her head and he led her into the bathroom. As he had her sit on one of the steps leading up to the bath tub she started asking him questions. The valium made her feel calm enough she would say anything at this point and she certainly didn't have a guard up for what she would open up about at this point either. "You know Tony, Chapelle, Brad – just about any of those guys from division that you have issues with..."
He smiled wondering where this was leading, "Yeah."
"You piss them off all the time!"
He laughed. He was running some warm water and getting some towels ready.
"And they piss you off all the time. I mean, I've seen you have some pretty serious stand-off's with those guys. I mean, I know they are dicks but you have a bad temper as well..."
He was kneeling in front of her now, still chuckling. "Maybe I shouldn't have given you so much of that stuff..."
She waved her hand out, "Nah, I'm fine, really. But I need to ask you?"
"Go ahead..."
"In all those times I've seen you fight with someone, I've never seen you lose it like you have with me tonight."
That stung to hear her say it, although he knew it was true. He proceeded to use a warm wet wash cloth and run it all over her neck, face and hands. "That's because I don't care about them they way I care about you sweetheart. I've never felt the way I did tonight before and it scared the hell out of me."
"Why?"
"Because I love you and I've been scared all night I was going to lose you. I've never seen you the way you were tonight either Chelle."
"I've never seen myself like that. I mean, I've said things to you...and your family...that I have never told anyone. I'm sorry for the way I have handled things. I just really don't know how to get my head around everything."
"I am sorry as well Chelle. I am had no control of my temper tonight. I just want to be able to fix everything and make it better but I can't. I want to take your pain away but I can't...it makes me feel so useless."
She had picked up a wet cloth and wash washing her legs, anywhere she could reach. "I'm not use to anyone looking after me honey and the way you have today has been amazing. You are so protective and sensitive, I love it." She felt like everything was in slow motion and that her vision was a little blurry. "Jeez Tony how much of that shit did you give me? I feel stoned!"
He laughed. "I panicked. I wanted to try and stop the panic attack before it got really bad. Have you had one before?"
She shook her head but then nodded. "Umm...I had one after my Dad died. I had been in to see the lawyer and they were going over Dad's estate with me and Danny and what we had been left. It just made it all feel so real. I kept it together until I got home but then I just started crying and crying until I got so worked up that I ended up having one. Never since then though."
Tony was ready to try and clean around her eye and side of her face. He held her head still and was as gentle as possible. "It's pretty scary. I never want you to have to go through that again." He wiped over the huge swollen bruise. "Is this ok?"
"Yeah, thank you."
"Tony?"
"Yeah?"
"We really need to talk a lot of things out hey?"
He leaned in and kissed her on the forehead. "We do. Some pretty major things came up tonight that we really need to talk out. Maybe tomorrow we can have some lunch and make a start?"
"Ok."
"One thing though Chelle. Why do you keep trying to leave? "
"I could see how angry I was making you and I didn't know what to say and I kept just thinking I couldn't handle it anymore. I guess I just got scared and didn't know how to face it all."
"You understand though that I'd never let you leave when things were like that? I'd have literally picked you up and locked you in my bedroom tonight if I had to. I couldn't stand the thought of you outside on your own feeling like that. Besides how upset you were, you really need to be watched with this wound. It's going to feel pretty miserable for a few days. So promise me again, cause you broke the last one...that you won't leave me like that?"
She nodded. "I promise."
As he started to wash his own face he looked over at her. "What ya thinking? You look deep in thought...or are you just still off with the fairies?"
She went to stand up but lost her balance a little and he caught her. He picked her up and sat her on the counter next to the sink. "Just sit there while I wash up, then I'll help you up ok?"
"Ok." She watched him take his top off and use the cloth to wash his chest and underarms. She appreciated that he wasn't having a shower clearly because she wasn't able to. "Tony, there is something I'd really like to do tomorrow."
"What's that?"
"Remember a little while ago we were working that Lawson case and we were at the office all night waiting on the reports to come in?"
"Yeah..."
"And we were flipping through magazines and you showed me a picture of that watch you really liked?"
"You mean the Tag Heuer grand Carrera?
"Yeah, that thing."
He laughed, "Thing? Thing? That sweetheart, is a master piece...not a thing! And what on earth made you think of that?"
"Because I'd like to go and buy it for you tomorrow."
"WHAT? Honey they are thousands of dollars." He gave her a funny look as if to check she was still with it.
"Doesn't matter what it cost. You really want one."
He realised she was actually being serious. He wiped his face dry and stood in front of her and held her hands."
"You are the sweetest thing but there are many reasons why that's not going to happen. 1) You don't need to buy me anything. 2) They are ridiculously expensive...you have no idea...where has this even coming from Chelle?"
She dropped eye contact and her voice quietened and went a little weak. "My Dad was an extremely wealthy man. Not from being an agent...we both know how much they screw us over with that, but he had owned his own computer business when he was younger and he sold it for millions. Then he invested it well and made enough money that his grandchildren would never have to lift a finger. Danny and I both got half of his money each. I have never touched a cent of it."
Tony looked at her like he was trying to understand. Her eyes started to well up and he wiped them. "It was like if I spent any of the money then it was another way of having to accept that he is gone. I just haven't been able to touch it. I never thought I'd meet someone that would be half the man Dad was. I never thought I'd allow myself to love someone again in case I lost them. He was the best person I knew. He was such an honourable man."
He kissed away her tears and she looked up at him. "You are an honourable man Tony. Over the last year I've gotten to see in you all of the qualities in my Dad that were so special. I don't even mean just as my 'boyfriend' or whatever we are...I mean you, just you as a person and who you have been to me over the last year. I'm ready to accept the money. I'd like the first cent I spend of it to be on you. And I think tomorrow is the perfect day to do that."
Tony had tears running down his own cheeks now. "I don't even know what to say Chelle...that is like the most incredible, beautiful thought in the world and I am so honoured you would think that but I'm sure your Dad would want you to spend the money on you...something that makes you happy."
"But that would make me happy. It feels right. I know my Dad would be so happy you are in my life, he would be so grateful for the person you have been to me over the past year. Tomorrow is a day that I need to find a little more closure of losing Dad and you know that I can't do that with a pile of people like I was meant to but I still want a way of marking the day somehow. I want to go to the cemetery, just not when everyone else is going to be there. I really want to do this Tony..."
"But its thousands of dollars baby..."
"No one else knows this but I have more money than I'll ever know how to spend. The price doesn't mean anything. Do you still like the watch?"
He smiled. "Of course, it's like a dream watch to me but..."
"But just say yes. Help me move forward Tony. Let's go get the watch before lunch, please?"
Tony was just gobsmacked. "You really want to do this? After all the jerk things I've said and done today? I want to be a part of helping you heal with your Dad baby but I'd never expect anything from you, I want to help you, do something for you..."
"This is doing something for me. I could have lost you the other day Tony, just like I lost my Dad. I've been given a second chance and I don't want to waste anymore time letting life just pass me by. I want you to have the watch; I want to see the smile on your face when you put it on."
He was shaking his head in disbelief but biting his top lip and smiling at the same time. "Before I answer, I need to ask you a question. I've told you I love you, you mean more to me than anything else in this world. I want you to be mine Chelle. Will you let me be that special person in your life?"
"Yes, I need you Tony."
He pulled her in and hugged her tightly before smothering her good side with kisses, and then he whispered in her ear. "I'd love that...I even know where the store is that have them!"
She laughed. "Thank you."
"No baby, thank you. Wow I can't even believe this. I am so excited! You are amazing."
"Good it's settled then!"
He picked her up off the counter. "You need sleep...come on."
He still had to keep a hold of her as they walked. She giggled to herself and Tony thought it was the best sound he had heard for days. She looked up at him, "Oh and while we are at it, Jess needs a new TV, Sam broke hers..."
"I think you need to let the drugs wear off a bit baby before you get carried away..."
"You don't understand Tony, she can't afford to be missing shows like Friends and Sex in the City, Grey's...should I continue?"
He laughed, "I get the point...but we will chat about that in the morning."
As they neared the bed, Michelle slowed down and hesitated.
"What's wrong?"
"Where do you want me to sleep? I mean I can go to the..."
He put a finger to her lips. "Are you saying you are going to make me sleep on my own tonight? After all this?"
"I'm just...it's us...it's you Tony. My boss..."
He laughed really hard. "Your boss? I thought I just got upgraded to boyfriend? No funny business I promise, but you've gotta let me hold you tonight baby." He jumped in and pulled the covers back for her. "I've seen your sweet, most beautiful butt today and I've held your breast, which fits perfectly in my hand by the way...just like you were made just for me, surely I get to hold you whilst you sleep?"
She climbed into the bed. "Speaking of that, I think I've been a little robbed today. The least you could do is strip to your boxers."
Without a seconds thought he pulled his track suit bottoms off and then his t-shirt. "More than fair enough." He pulled her in closer. "Wanna remove your trackie bottoms as well?"
She blushed, which he loved and then she pulled them off under the covers. He turned her on her side and spooned her. "You have no idea how many times I've tried to imagine having you in my arms in my bed Chelle. I feel like the luckiest guy in the world."
"Me too. Will that injection help me sleep?"
"You betcha, you will be out in minutes."
"I love you Tony, sweet dreams."
"I love you honey, sweet dreams. You let me know if you need anything ok?"
Michelle was sound asleep in moments. Tony spent a few minutes watching her sleep and making sure she was ok before he let himself doze off as well.
Natalie spent most of the night wide awake. Jess was tossing and turning and many times woke crying and Natalie comforted her back to sleep. The rest of the time she felt like she was listening out to make sure Tony and Michelle were ok. As a mother she felt the pain of watching her children in distress just as much as they did.
Tony woke up early the next morning and slid out of the bed, careful not to wake Michelle up. He called Nick straight away and explained everything and why Michelle wouldn't be able to go today. Nick completely understood. He simply asked Tony to take good care of her and for him to bring Michelle around for a visit in the next few days when she felt up for it. Tony told him that he was going to order a pile of food to be sent over seeing as Michelle was meant to be taking care of that. Nick told Tony that wasn't necessary but Tony insisted. He got the address and thanked Nick and told him they would be in touch soon.
Natalie joined him in the kitchen and helped him select what to order. He then called a local deli and ordered a pile of sandwiches, cakes, salads, drinks – enough to feed a village. He wasn't sure how many people were going for sure and he wanted to make sure he had it completely covered.
As he was finishing up on the phone, Natalie made them both a cup of coffee and asked Tony to sit on the couch with her.
"So how was Michelle last night?"
"Pretty good actually, we washed up, talked a little and then she crashed within minutes of getting into bed."
"She is very special Tony; you can't ever let this one go."
"Trust me mom, if I've learnt anything in the last few days it is how precious she is to me. I adore her like you wouldn't believe. I'll spend every day for the rest of my life trying to make her as happy as she makes me."
"I've never seen you like this before Tony. I like it. It is nice to have you open up, I feel like with your job and everything that has happened over the last couple years you never really open up anymore. "
"It's her mum. Michelle makes me feel like smiling, like everything will always be ok as long as I have her. You know, in a way I am glad it took us all this time to get together. She truly is my best friend. I'm in love with my best friend!"
Natalie loved watching Tony's eyes glow as he talked about Michelle but she had something serious she had to talk to him about before the girls were up and she missed her chance. She took his hand. "I know you went through an awful lot yesterday honey, more than I'll ever know but I need to talk to you about something that really concerns me."
"What?"
"Your temper."
"Mum..."
"I'm serious Tony, I get worried seeing you get so worked up. I am afraid you bottle things up and then finally just explode."
Tony looked uncomfortable. "I have to bottle things up, I'd never get through the days if I didn't."
"What have you been bottling up?"
"I don't know...just stuff."
"Jess said you really lost your temper with Michelle over that phone call with Nick. And I don't want you to be upset with her for mentioning it to me, she was just really worried about you. And she felt guilty that she had caused it all because of what happened with Sam."
"I was jealous mum. I admit, I really was out of control last night but it was over stuff that had been building up for a very long time."
"Like?"
"Mum, you know how I've felt about Michelle for a long time. Do you know what it's like being in love with someone when just about every other guy in the office wants her to? Not just that but I for a few months now, this one guy David had been lying to me that he was seeing her. I can't help it, I am just a jealous person. And then Chelle kissed me and I thought something was finally going to happen between us. I asked her to coffee and then all that stuff with Jess and Sam happened. Do you know how guilty I felt that Michelle got hurt because she had come to help me and Jess? Then I got scared to death that her feelings would change. When that phone call came in and I only heard Michelle's end of the conversation, I thought for sure she was talking to another guy and it was someone that was more than just a friend to her. I just lost it."
"Does Michelle understand everything? How does she feel about it?"
"Well she knows I'm hot headed, don't forget she has to work with me every day! She has seen me lose my temper a million times. A lot of the time she is the one that manages to calm me down. I told her last night I was jealous and I know I need to talk to her more about it today."
Natalie was nodding her head. Tony tried to lighten the mood. He nudged her, "come on mum, things couldn't have ended better when we went to sleep last night. I'll talk to Chelle and I promise I'll work on keeping my temper under control."
"Or maybe now that you have Michelle you could try opening up more and not bottling everything up so much!"
"I will, I promise."
He gave his mum a hug and thanked her for coming over last night and helping. Just as he was pulling away from the hug Michelle and Jess both stumbled into the room. Tony was shocked to see Michelle's face. One side of it was completely black and blue and her eye was barely open. It looked even worse than it had last night. He jumped up and gave her a hug and then Jess one as well.
Jess looked at Michelle. "Does your head hurt Chelle? You can't even open your eye?"
Michelle still seemed a little sleepy and they could all tell she was putting on a brave face. "I'm ok Jess. I look ugly as hell but I think I'll live."
Jess hugged her. "I swear, I'll never even talk to that asshole again."
Michelle smiled. "That would make me very happy. You deserve better."
Tony stood behind Michelle and kissed her on the neck. She loved having his arms around her. She said good morning to Natalie and then turned to Tony. "Do you mind maybe taking me to the shops? I have to get food for...for Dad's thing."
He kissed her again. "No need sweetheart. All taken care of."
"What do you mean?"
He spun her around and kept his hands on her waist. "I promised you that you wouldn't have to deal with any of that today. I called Nick earlier and explained that you wouldn't be there and then mum helped me pick a pile of food that we ordered. It is going to get delivered to Nick's just before he has to leave."
"You did all that for me?"
"Of course. Now that's the last you need to worry about that situation. Today is your day baby, I want you to tell me what you want."
Michelle grinned at Tony. "I want us to go shopping. All of us."
Natalie jumped in. "I will come if you would like me to Michelle but I do have a friend's birthday lunch..."
"Oh no, you can't miss that."
"Michelle, I know today is important for you and I want you to be here for you..."
"Natalie, you have been amazing, really. I'd hate you to miss your friend's birthday besides, I've got Tony and Jess."
Jess looked confused. "Don't you guys want time alone? Besides I've still got to sort out my apartment..."
Michelle turned and faced Jess. "No you have to come! We have a surprise for you..."
Tony finished off for Michelle, "besides, I still don't want you there on your own. You are staying here for a couple days."
"Jeez you're still as bossy as ever", she joked.
"Damn straight, I'm your big brother, I give orders."
Michelle was smiling. She loved this. She loved feeling like part of a family. "So can we go then?"
"Calm down, think I can shower first?"
Michelle leant forward and smelt him. "Yeah, better make it a long one." They all laughed.
Over the next hour or so they all got ready and said goodbye to Natalie. As much as Tony wanted to shower with Michelle he sensed she wasn't quite ready for that. He did worry about her though. He figured she was still very tired and he didn't think trying to shower with her face was going to be too easy. So the entire time she showered he sat waiting patiently for her on his bed. He told her repeatedly to call for him if she needed him.
Michelle thought it was adorable how protective he was being over her. She was tempted to just ask him to join her but she felt too nervous. It was difficult trying to shower, the pressure of the water hitting her face hurt like hell and she spent most of the time trying to keep her head out of the water. By the time she was done she was in an extreme amount of pain. She pulled her clothes on and walked out to Tony. "I did it, can I have some tablets though? That didn't feel so good."
"Already got them ready, I figured as much." He handed her the tablets and a glass of water. "Are you sure you are up to going out honey?"
"I need to." Tony was staring at her and because of the bruise it made her feel awkward. "Don't look at me like that Tony."
"Why not? I can't help it."
"Are you kidding me? I look hideous. I'm really embarrassed to have to go out like this Tony."
He gently traced one hand down the good side of her face. "Sweetheart, you shouldn't even worry about it. Trust me, it will be ok. But the second I see you looking tired we are heading home. You are supposed to be taking it easy."
She saluted him. "Yes sir!"
Michelle made Tony go straight to the shop where the watch he wanted was. Jess thought it totally strange of all the things they were doing today, they were going to buy Tony a watch but she was just so grateful to be hanging out with them she went along with a smile. She watched as Tony barely took his hands off Michelle. Whilst they drove, he held her hand and as they walked into the shop he had his arm around her. It made her hate Sam even more – he was never like that with her. Seeing how her brother treated the woman he loved started to set a new standard for what she would be looking for in the next boyfriend.
Tony walked straight to the watch making Michelle laugh, "Clearly you have been in here before looking at it."
"Only about 10 times!"
Jess looked at the price tag, it was over $5000. "Holy shit, are you kidding me Tony! You are going to spend that much on a watch? Jeez maybe I should become a super cop like you guys."
Tony was giddy. "I'm not buying it." He put his arm around Michelle. "Chelle is getting it for me?"
"WHAT?" She stood stunned looking at them both.
Michelle traced her hand over Tony's. "Let's just say I got a pretty good inheritance from Dad. I'd have never gotten through the last year without your brother, for so many reasons and I know how much he loves this watch."
Jess playfully poked Tony in the stomach, "I'm thinking you'd better be on your best behaviour for like the next...year!"
The salesman came over and Tony asked to try the watch on. They had to get a couple links taken out to fit him. When the salesman went to put it in the box Tony stopped him and told him he wanted to wear it now.
As Tony slipped it on and did it up, Michelle watched his face light up. That was what she had been looking for...that smile. She silently thanked her Dad and then paid for the watch.
Tony hugged her tightly and kissed her passionately. "Thank you, I'll never be able to thank you enough for this. I love it so much."
"That smile Tony...that's what I wanted to see. It looks hot on you, good choice."
He kissed her again as they left the store. Tony almost walked into the door he was too busy staring down at his arm. Michelle pulled his hand and steered him away from the door. "Eye's up honey...don't want you to end up looking like me!"
"I can't help it" he moaned, "it's...this...it's incredible, I still can't believe it!"
"No where?" Jess asked.
Tony gave Michelle a look as if to ask 'are you sure?', she smiled and nodded.
He turned to Jess. "Michelle has a surprise for you as well. Follow us."
"What is it? Where are we going?"
They laughed at her impatience. "You will see in about 5 minutes."
They led Jess to a JB (TV shop). As they entered Jess looked at them both totally confused. "What are we doing here?"
Michelle grabbed her hand. "Your TV got broken yesterday so I want to get you a new one."
Jess laughed. "No way am I letting you do that. You have done more than enough for me Michelle, seriously."
"I want to Jess, besides you were really good to me last night through all the drama..."
"Umm yeah drama cause you knocked out by my asshole boyfriend!"
"You need a new TV correct?"
"Well yeah, I hadn't even thought of that..."
"Girl, you can't be missing Friends, Greys..."
Tony butted in, "You know, all the CRAPPY TV I have a feeling I am going to get subjected to from now on."
Jess looked at Tony. "You are going to let Michelle do this?"
Tony stepped in closer, "Yes. Michelle really wants to do this."
"But Michelle you should be using that money from your Dad on you...like take a holiday – God knows you need one. Not on a TV for me."
"Trust me, there will be plenty left over for all that."
Michelle looked at Tony pleadingly. Tony put his arm around Jess. "Ok so this is how it goes...I'm the big brother and I'm laying down the law. You are going to accept the TV no more buts..."
"But..."
He put his hand to her mouth. "Zip it!"
Jess shook her head and laughed. "Ok then, Michelle you are amazing, thank you. Which one?"
Michelle grinned, "That's the easiest part."
She walked up to a salesman and asked him to show her the biggest and best quality TV they had. He led them over to a 75inch LCD flat screen. All 3 of them said 'shit' at the same time.
Jess was laughing, "I thought you meant like a normal TV. I only had a 30inch tube piece of crap before you know."
Tony was studying every bit of it. "This is one fuck off big TV. It's awesome."
Michelle turned to Jess. "Do you like it?"
"Are you kidding me, if I had that thing, I'll quit work just so I can stay at home all day and watch it."
Michelle watched as Tony continued to inspect it and smiled. She turned to the salesman. "We will take 2 of them with Blue Ray players please." The guy looked at her in complete shock and then grinned as he thought about his commission. "Sure thing, come to the counter."
Tony took Michelle's hand. "2 of them?"
"Well, sorry to say baby but your TV kinda sucks as well."
"For me? Why are you not getting one?"
"It won't fit in my apartment."
Tony took her to the side for privacy. "You mean to say you don't even live in a place with a big enough wall for that and you are buying all this stuff for us?"
"I told you. I've never touched the money before. I don't like living alone really so I just live in an apartment complex, it's pretty small."
He put his arm around her. "You don't like living on your own?"
She looked a little shy. "Nah not really. I mean I'm fine. I use to live with a friend but she got married so I just found something small and comfy"
"I have a solution to that..."
"What do you mean?"
"That's for later but for now, don't you want to even just pick out a smaller one?"
Michelle agreed so they called the salesman back. By the time they had left the store Michelle had bought Jess the big TV and a new smaller sized one for her bedroom, one for herself and Tony 3. The big one for his living room, one for his bedroom and one for the kitchen area. Tony's were going to be delivered in a couple hours and the Jess and Michelle's would be delivered in a couple days when Jess was ready to go home. Jess and Tony were in complete and utter shock but so excited they could barely contain themselves and Michelle was happy. Just so happy that she had finally spent some money and had been able to do it for 2 people she really cared about. Seeing them so happy was the best feeling in the world. Tony suggested they rent a DVD to test out the TV that night. After a million hugs from Jess, Tony managed to smoothly peel her away from Michelle so he could go back to walking with his arm around her.
"I'm taking us to lunch girls, let's go pig out somewhere!"
Tony took them to one of his favourite restaurants. They had a great time over lunch, laughing and getting to know each other better. Tony couldn't remember the last time he had gone out to lunch with his sister like this, usually they just caught up at family dinners but this was really nice. He absolutely loved finally having time with Michelle outside of the office where he got to see her more relaxed and joking around. She had a very cheeky side which he had always noticed but it was even more obvious outside of work. He loved watching her laugh. He hoped that this was helping to keep her mind off her Dad. She hadn't mentioned anything about it and he wondered if he should ask how she was doing or just let it be for now.
By the time they were finishing their main meal Tony could see Michelle becoming pale and very tired looking. He has seen her take a couple tablets when they sat down but now she was reaching for more. "Honey, you just had some just over an hour ago."
"But they didn't do anything."
"It's dangerous to have more so soon after the last ones. I think we need to head home now. I can see you are getting tired, you need to rest."
He was surprised when she didn't protest at all and actually agreed with him. She must really be feeling crappy. He paid the bill and then had her and Jess wait out the front whilst he went and pulled the car around.
As the 2 girls waited for Tony, Jess held Michelle by the elbow for a little support. She thanked her again for the TV's. "Chelle, I've never ever seen my brother this happy and it is all because of you. I have just had so much fun hanging out with you guys, Tony and I never do that, even though we are so close, and it was so nice. No one else he has ever dated has ever given a shit about his little sister."
"Thanks Jess. I really love hanging out with you. Feels like we have already been through more than most people do in a year! As for Tony's ex's...what a bunch of bitches..." She said it jokingly and Jess added, "Yeah they were, fat and ugly too. If my brother doesn't marry you, he is the dumbest guy on the planet!"
Michelle blushed but was saved from having to come up with a response because Tony pulled up.
Tony got Michelle settled on the couch with a blanket. When he leaned down to kiss her she spoke quietly. "At 3pm I really want to be at Dad's grave, like at actually 3 I need to be there. Would you mind taking me?"
"Of course baby. Do you mind if I ask why 3 exactly?"
"Because it was at 3:05pm that he turned to me on that day and said he just had to go and grab with wallet. The last thing he said to me was "I'll be right back 'sweetheart." So I want to be there at that time so right on 3:05 I can you know...like...talk to him I guess."
"I promise to have you there by 2:50 – just to be on the safe side. That means we need to leave in 40 minutes. Why don't you try and shut your eyes till then and get some rest."
"Ok." He went to tuck her in a bit. "Tony, why haven't you asked me how much money Dad gave me?"
He sat next to her on the couch and leaned over her. "Because it's none of my business. I don't ever want you to think I care about that kind of thing with you. I like the idea of being able to look after you; it makes no difference to me to me if you have $5 or a million dollars. I'll still want to take you dinners and all that...I'd never expect a cent from you baby – you really have to hear that and believe that. What you did today was incredible and so generous but it was your reason behind wanting to do it that made it feel so special. When you called me honourable, like your Dad, well I think that was so most special thing someone has ever said to me."
"Thanks Tony. But it would be fun if we did some really amazing things together with it. I have over 15 million. It's just sitting there. If you do know anything about money, maybe you could help me figure out what I should be doing with it – like investments or something?"
"Wow! Yep, I know all about that stuff. I have money in bonds and investments. We can sit down one of these days and I'll show you what I do and why and we can figure out a good plan for you."
"Thanks...and Tony, you really are the most honourable person I know."
He kissed her and stroked her hair for a few minutes until she looked like she was asleep.
He went and found Jess in the spare room. "Hey I am going to take Chelle to the cemetery in about 40 minutes. Do you think you will be ok here?"
"Sure. I need to let the delivery guys in anyways, they will be here between 3 and 4."
"Shit, I forgot about that. You going to be ok dealing with that?"
"Yes totally. Maybe it will all be set up for when you guys get back!"
Tony then told Jess he was going to make a mad dash to the flower shop while Chelle slept to get some flowers for Michelle to put on her Dad's grave.
Michelle woke to Tony gently kissing her on the neck and telling her it was time to go. He helped her up and they said goodbye to Jess and went to the car. When Chelle got in she saw a huge bunch of flowers on the back seat. Tony smiled at her. "I thought maybe you might want to take some for your Dad."
She ran around to his side of the car and hugged him. "You are the best."
Michelle directed Tony where to go and as they were pulling in he asked her if she wanted him to wait in the car. "Maybe just give me 10 minutes and then join me?"
Michelle sat next to her Dad's grave and laid the flowers down. At 3:05 she started talking to him. She told him all about Tony and told him how sorry she was that she hadn't come earlier with his friends. She told him that she had finally spent some of the money and then went back to telling him about what she and Tony had been through over the past few days. As she did, all the images from the day at CTU rushed through her mind along with the memories of the bomb that took her Dad. She started to cry and before she knew it she was sobbing uncontrollably. Her body was shaking and her eye hurt like hell. Within moments she felt Tony's arms wrap around her and pull her into an embrace. He didn't say anything; he just let her cry into his arms whilst he held her.
"Tighter."
He pulled her in closer.
"Tighter."
He sat on the ground and pulled her into his lap and encased her body with his. He silently promised her Dad he would take care of her and do everything he could to make sure she was happy. They sat like that for close to an hour before she told him she was ready to go. He helped her up, listened to her tell her Dad how much she loved him and missed him and then he took her home.
Please if you are reading this story take a minute to review and let me know what you think. I am not sure if I should keep posting this story or not. Thanks for taking the time to read!