The first thing Jessie noticed was the bright sunlight from the window shining right in her eyes. She squinted, raising her hand to protect her eyes. In an instant the blinds were shut but not before that sick feeling in her stomach that woke her up had her gagging. Within seconds, an empty ice bucket appeared under her head. Minutes later, it was filled quarter way with bile. When she was done, she laid her head back, it felt like it was swimming.
"Thanks, baby." Jessie said, closing her eyes. She still felt nauseous, but was grateful to find Elphaba beside her to care for her.
Elphaba set a warm, damp towel on Jessie's forehead. "What happened last night?"
"I had to get out. Get my head straight." Jessie said, the warm towel felt wonderful.
"You could've told me where you were going. I was worried sick." Elphaba said, shaking her head.
"Elphie, I needed to be alone. You don't understand….every time I see these people, I end up like this." Jessie said, holding her aching head.
"I can understand that, but you can't just take off like that. People worry about you." Elphaba said, settling on the couch and nestling Jessie's head in her lap once again.
"Elphie, I'm worthless like that. I don't ever want you to be exposed to me like that." Jessie said, honestly fearful of it. She had been in the same state of mind that she was at the arena during the charity event. Ready to hurt someone. When she got like that, her best bet was to be alone.
Elphaba sighed softly, "Jessie, I'll take you anyway you are. You can't do that to me again."
Jessie opened her bloodshot eyes, but she looked truly sad. "I'm sorry, baby. I never meant to scare you like that." Jessie said, feeling tears building.
Elphaba hugged her tightly,"Jessie? Would you let me do some magic? It's a spell I learned in Oz. I used it to keep track of Fiyero. Once I cast it, all we'll have to do is think about each other, and we'll be able to find each other."
"Baby, have at it." Jessie said, holding onto her hands. Elphaba closed her eyes and chanted softly. Jessie and her hands both began glowing green. Jessie felt a warmth unlike any other she had felt before fill her, as Elphaba mumbled the words. A few moments later, Elphaba opened her eyes, looking even more tired than she had looked before.
"That….should do it." Elphaba said, panting a little.
Jessie pulled Elphie into a hug, "Rest, my angel." Jessie said, kissing her head.
Elphaba moved so that she was laying on her side next to Jessie. A few minutes later, they were both fast asleep on the couch.
()
Paul walked downstairs for breakfast, still hearing the buzzing about Jessie from last night. He never particularly cared for that, but like the rest of his big family he thought they would work it out on their own. After so many years, it was a wonder they hadn't.
The part that was bothering him the most was the green woman's words That Jessie had paid for all of this. Everyone knew Jessie made a lot of money from fighting, but all of his kids had good jobs. Lucas averaged two hundred thousand a year, and Jan just got promoted to principal, making around eighty thousand. With a two way split, it would have been an doable pull between the both of them. He wasn't surprised to see Lucas sitting with one of his old college friends.
"Hey, dad! Dad, this is Joe. Joe, this is my dad, Paul." He said, motioning to the stoic old man behind Joe.
"Pleasure, sir." Joe said, extending his hand. Paul shook it.
"Pleasure's all mine." Paul said, sitting down with them.
"I was just telling Joe that Jessie came to the reunion." Lucas said, as Paul sipped his coffee.
"Damn shame. Well, at least you have two kids you can be proud of." Joe said, sympathetically.
"She lost a shit ton of weight, and is the IWMMA women's champion." Paul said, continuing to sip the coffee.
"That's like pro wrestling, dad. It's all fake." Lucas said, dismissively.
"Actually, it's closer to boxing." Joe corrected him, getting a look.
"It doesn't matter. But I guess she couldn't do any better. Jess always was a little slow. At least she's off the streets." Lucas said, feigned sympathy in his voice.
"That was very kind of you to get her an apartment, Lucas. When you told me that you decided to fly her in here too? You're a saint." Joe said, impressed.
"I try." Lucas said, deflecting the praise.
"Jessie did that on her own. At least give the girl credit for something." Paul said, eating his eggs.
"No she didn't. I had to bail her out, yet again. She's lucky I even let her come to this." Lucas said, sipping his orange juice.
Lucas looked at Joe, "Speaking of Jessie, have you seen the woman she's with? I'd love to…" Before he could finish, Paul shot him a look.
"Take her out to dinner?" Joe finished the sentence.
"I'd leave her alone, son. She seems pretty serious about Jessie." Paul warned.
"Ahhh, that's just because she hasn't met Joe yet, right Joe?" Lucas said, chuckling.
"Excuse me, boys. I'm suddenly not very hungry." Paul said, getting up.
"What's his problem?" Joe asked, getting a shrug.
"He's got a soft spot for Jess. Don't worry, he'll come around." Lucas said, matter of factly.
"It's not even like she's his daughter, anyway. She doesn't look like either of them." Joe said, getting a nod.
"Yeah, mom was definatly fucking around with her. Bitch is damaged, but the green one might be worth something. Just remember, do whatever you have to do to get her attention." Lucas said, smirking. He'd teach Jessie- to show up with a woman.
()
It was about noon when Jessie woke up to a knock at the door. Sliding out from a still sleeping Elphaba, she got to her feet. Walking the two steps to the door with the pounding in her head felt like she had walked three miles. She opened it, though, to find Paul on the other side.
"Hey, how are you, sweety?" Her dad asked, wrapping her in a hug.
"I'm …fine. Just really hung over." Jessie said, honestly. She shook her head to get the cobwebs out, and it didn't seem to be helping.
"Mind if I come in a few minutes?" He asked.
"Sure, you're always welcomed, dad. Come on in." Jessie said, stepping aside so he could. Elphaba sat up, looking at Paul questioningly.
"Good Morning, Elphaba." Paul said, smiling at her.
"Good morning sir." She said, a little suspiciously, "Jessie, I'll make some coffee."
"Please and thank you." Jessie said, getting a nod as she walked towards the kitchen area.
"She's quite the firecracker. Told Jan and Lucas off last night." Paul said, chuckling.
"Really? She did that?" Jessie asked, floored. She remembered Elphie giving Lucas a piece of her mind. She didn't know that Elphie had gone after Jan too.
"Oh, yeah. Told them she had seen prisoners treated with more respect and dignity than you were. Jessie, I don't understand. You're all adults. Why do you revert to being fifteen year olds when you come together?" He asked, he wasn't trying to put her down. He was genuinely curious.
"I'm sorry, dad. I'll try to hold my tongue more." Jessie said sullenly.
"No, you won't. You shouldn't, anyway. I've just never understood why. You're a pretty, strong, independent woman, and so is Jan. Lucas is still in his playboy flavor of the month faze, but he's doing well, so who am I to judge? The only part that worries me is your friend, Rick, came looking for you last night." Paul said.
"Yeah, I tied one on a little too well." Jessie said, embarrassed.
Paul nodded in understanding, "Look, I might have been hard on all you kids. It's because I didn't want you screwing up like I did. However, when my disciplined daughter can't be found on a island from a bender, I start to worry."
Jessie nodded sheepishly, "Yeah, Elphaba was, too."
Elphaba brought out the coffee for all of them, along with sugar and cream. "I'll go make something to eat." She offered, turning back around.
"No, don't do that, ma'am. It seems that you're my daughter's girlfriend, and soon to be part of my family. You don't need to go anywhere." Paul said with a gentle smile.
"Are you sure?" Elphaba asked.
He nodded, "Very. Please, join us."
"I would be honored, sir." Elphaba said, sitting next to Jessie, who's jaw was on the floor.
"What?" Paul asked, confused by the shocked expression on Jessie's face. He sipped the coffee, "Now that is coffee. That weak shit they served at the buffet, not so much." He said, getting a smile out of Jessie.
"Yeah, that's why I bring my own pot." Jessie said, smiling for the first time that day, "You're OK with us? Lucas mentioned that mom was upset."
"Your mom is upset, but she gets her panties in a wad at anything your brother and sister convince her is an embarassment to the family. First thing they did when they saw it on ESPN was call and tell her all about it." Paul explained, "Now, most of this could have been eliminated had you called home more than once a year."
"Sorry, dad. Between training and fighting…." Jessie began.
Paul raised his hand to pause Jessie, "I understand. Just letting you know this could be avoided."
"Not really. I mean, Lucas and Jan are the ones she listens to, not me." Jessie said sullenly.
"I would've listened." Paul said, bringing tears to Jessie's eyes.
"Why do they treat her like that?" Elphaba asked, trying to change the subject.
"Jessie is kinda a loner, and she's not really close with either of them. Didn't help that I was deployed for months at a time when she was growing up. Sandy's sisters and brothers used to help fill in for me, and I know they like Jessie less than Jan and Lucas do. Never understood why." He said, truthfully.
"I hope you don't mind, Mr. Reynolds, but I'm going to try to keep her exposure to them a minimum." She said.
Paul sighed softly, "I'd rather you didn't. Her mother and I are getting older. We are lucky to see her on TV normally. By the way, watch Machine's ground and pound. Jesus, she almost boxed your ears off in that match."
"I'm working on it, dad." Jessie said, a little defensively.
"Work harder. It was a hell of a match, though." Paul said.
Jessie nodded. "A tough one, but it was pretty good."
"Lucas and Jan booked a dinner and dancing cruise tonight. I'm assuming you're coming?" Paul asked, hopefully.
"I'll try to make it, dad. I'm also doing some photo shoots for IWMMA." She honestly hoped the photo shoot ran long.
"No, you aren't. The IWMMA doesn't even know you're here." Elphaba said.
Jessie raised an eyebrow at that, "You and Marcus invented the entire thing?" Jessie asked, getting a sheepish nod from Elphie.
"Marcus? Marcus Raimes is here?" Paul asked excitedly.
"Yeah, he's across the hall." Jessie said.
"Jessie, is there any way you could introduce me? I saw him fight a few years before you were born on leave in Japan." Paul's excitement was clearly visible at the thought.
Jessie chuckled softly, "Sure, dad. I'd love to, but he's probably asleep."
"I can wait." Paul took a second to calm himself down before looking lovingly at Jessie, "Look, Jess, I know it doesn't' seem like it, but we don't hate you. We love you very much." Jessie cleared her throat to stop her tears, "OK, baby?"
"Yes, sir." Jessie said, her voice cracking.
To Jessie's shock, he got up and hugged her tightly. "You don't sir me. I work for a living." He said, messing up her hair.
"Thanks, dad." Jessie said through a few tears.
"Anytime, baby. Anytime." He said, looking to Elphaba, "Would you join me in the hall, please?"
"It would be my pleasure." Elphaba said, walking him to the door. When they were in the hallway, Paul led her a little down from the door.
"Is what you said last night true? Jessie paid for all of this?" He asked, his voice harder than before.
Elphaba crossed her arms in front of her before nodding. "Yes, she did. Mr. Reynolds, Jessie was told not to come, but to pay for this anyway. It's my understanding it happens every year."
Paul shook his head. "It would explain why Lucas and Jan, who wouldn't part with a penny if their lives depended on it, were suddenly treating the entire family once a year. Do you have any proof of this? Anything I can show her mother to convince her that it's Jessie and not them?"
"The reciepts are all at the main desk. Everything is on Jessie's business expenses credit card. Honestly though, I don't think Jessie wants anyone to know. She seems to back away from acknowledgement as much as confrontation." Elphie said softly.
"She's been like that her whole life. I'm inclined to believe it's her grandmother's influence, god rest her soul. Stressed to all the kids that the act is what's important, and the acknowledgement is detrimental. According to her, the only acknowledgement you ever need is from God and yourself." He said, smiling, "She's a lot like my mom was."
"I just don't think she wanted anyone to know the truth, or she would have corrected it at the family dinner." Elphaba said, wondering why this man was being so honest with her.
"But she deserves the credit. Lucas and Jan have been holding this shit over her head for too damn long. Jessie deserves a lot better than she gets." Paul can't believe Lucas and Jan would stoop so low.
"I agree. This has been going on a while. Why haven't you stepped up before now?" She asked, hoping not to offend the man in front of her.
Paul sighed heavily, "I wasn't there when they were growing up. What business do I have sticking my nose in their business now?" He asked.
"You're their father. That is your business." Elphaba said softly before walking back to the room.
Paul stood shocked for a moment, before turning, and walking back to the elevator. Perhaps it was time for him to step up and be a father for his children.
()
Jessie was buttoning the last button on her shirt, when Elphaba came into the bathroom. She hadn't told Jessie anything about the conversation between her and Paul. Instead she walked to Jessie, with a smirk she turned her around to unbutton the top button.
"Do we have to do this tonight?" Jessie asked.
"Of course, Jessie. You heard your dad, he wants you there." Elphaba said.
Jessie sighed deeply. "Unfortunatly, he's the only one."
"Jess, you can't let these people dictate your life." Elphaba said softly.
"You're right, of course. Doesn't mean avoiding everyone like the plague hasn't worked so far." Jessie said, kissing her softly.
"Take it from someone who knows, love. You can't run forever. We'll stand together." Elphaba said, slipping her hand into Jessie's.
"Well, if you insist on me doing this, I might as well do it right." Jessie said, letting go of her hand and putting her arm around Elphaba.
"Come on, let's go." Elphaba said, leading her out. When they got to the hallway, they were shocked to see Rick, Mike, and Marcus waiting.
"Guys?" Jessie asked.
"Oh, your dad invited us. Nice guy." Marcus said.
"Let's go, then." Jessie said, thrilled to hear it.
()
When the limo pulled up to the boat, everyone was shocked. Even more so when Jessie stepped out, before helping Elphie out.
"Can you believe the nerve of that bitch?" Lucas said, motioning to Jessie.
"I bet she used her rent money for that." Jan said, rolling her eyes as her boyfriend pulled her closer.
"Better than going up her nose or in her arm, I suppose." Lucas said, faking a smile as he waved at Jessie. Jessie didn't even acknowledge him, walking past with Elphaba.
"Nicely done." Elphaba whispered, getting a grin, before Jessie found herself being spun around by Lucas.
"What, the shuttle wasn't good enough for you?" Lucas said, angrily, through a smile.
"The shuttle works fine, it just wasn't available at this hour." She said, shrugging off his hand.
"Then get your lazy ass up here earlier. You have no business embarrassing us like this." He said through clenched teeth.
Elphaba stepped slightly in front of Jessie, "Embarrassing you? Are you sure you aren't just jealous that she thought to come out here in a limo?"
Before Lucas has an opportunity to retort Mike speaks up from behind him. "Only embarrassment here is you."
He spun around, seeing Mike. "And who are you?" Lucas asked, annoyed..
"A guest of your dad's." Mike said, a smirk on his face, "I'm assuming that's not a problem?" Mike said, his voice deepening threateningly.
Lucas put on his best 'lawyer smile'. "No, not at all. What's your name?"
"Brick House." Mike said, taking Jessie's other arm, and walking into the main area.
"Mike, I owe you one." Jessie said, as they found a seat.
"Why don't you just knock the little prick out?" Mike said, mildly annoyed, as Rick and Marcus sat down.
"It's not worth it." Jessie said, matter of factly.
"Hey, two ton! You bring every muscle head on the island?" Lucas said, suddenly finding his voice with Joe and two cousins with him.
"Ignore him, Jess." Marcus whispered, sipping the champagne.
"Come on, Lucas. She is your sister, after all." Joe said, getting a chuckle.
"No, she's the milkman's baby, aren't you? No way dad could make something like you." Lucas said, laughing.
"Funny, he made you, didn't he?" Elphaba said, bristling.
"Stay out of this, green bitch." Lucas said, as Jessie put down the champagne glass. She stood up, Marcus, Rick, and Mike doing the same.
"You can say whatever you want about me. One more word about Elphaba, and someone's going swimming." Jessie said, as fact.
"I'm with her. That's no way to treat a lady." Joe said, switching sides.
"You shouldn't even be here. You're not dad's daughter. You're a fucking embarassment. A screw up mom did before they got married." Lucas said, smirking, as Jessie's fists tightened at her side.
"Is there a problem here?" Paul asked, walking over.
"No, not at all, dad. Just welcoming Jessie to the dance." Lucas said, matter of factly.
"And I was asking this young lady for a dance." Joe said, looking at Elphaba.
"No, you were going to go back to the resort," Paul said, pointing at Joe, "And you are going to go back to your wife and keep your fucking mouth shut for the rest of the night, or else."
Lucas is shocked at his father's words he doesn't seem to have anything to say. "Dad, let us handle this. You know she doesn't belong here." Jan said, walking over.
"Yeah, Jessie, can't you see you're upsetting dad?" Lucas said, finding his voice once again.
"Jessie, sit down with your friends. She has as much business here as you do, Jan. Maybe more." Because of the low tones, no one had noticed the fight until the music stopped.
"More than me? Who walked out on you when she was 18?" Jan snipped.
"If I recall, Jan, you ran away from home at seventeen to shack up with that quarterback kid." Paul said.
"That was different…." Jan said, her voice fading as her face reddened.
"This is a fun family outing." Paul says, trying to save the moment before it deteriorated further.
"It was before the fuck up showed up with her girlfriend." Lucas said.
Sandy walked over angrily, "You are all embarrassing me! This is no way for a family to behave." She looked hard at Jessie. "Jessie, apologize to your brother and sister right now."
"Nope." Jessie said, matter of factly, as Elphaba took her hand. Elphaba's jaw dropped, as her mother slapped her across the face.
"I SAID APOLOGIZE!" Sandy screeched.
"I said no." Jessie said, not raising her voice.
Sandy pointed off of the boat. "Then get out of here. You've got to make a scene everywhere you go. You're no longer welcome here." Sandy said, angrily, "Taking advantage of your brother like this. After he went through all the trouble to bring you here. You get here and act like a child."
"He didn't buy a damn thing, Sandy. Jessie paid for all of this." Paul said, getting a laugh from the entire family.
"Oh, thank you, Paul. I needed a good laugh. Jessie couldn't afford to drive herself to the Arizona get together. How would she afford this?" Sandy said.
"Despite what you have been told, Mrs. Reynolds, she's not the failure you've heard she is." Elphaba said.
"Oh, I know she makes money from her little fights. But she puts that up her nose." Sandy said snobbily.
"I've never done drugs, mom." Jessie said, bracing for another slap.
When she swung, Elphaba caught her wrist. "You will NEVER touch your daughter like that again." Elphaba's face was blank, but her eyes were filled with anger.
Sandy was actually a little bit intimidated by that look, "Who do you think you are?"
"Someone who loves her." Elphaba said, letting go of Sandy's wrist, and linking Jessie's arm, "Let's go home, love."
"Good idea, it's not like anyone invited you people. Jessie could've left the trash back in the states and come alone." Lucas said, getting another laugh out of the family members in earshot.
"I invited her." Paul said, practically growling, "And if she's leaving, so am I." Paul said, putting his hand on Jessie's shoulder.
"OK, OK. This is getting out of control. Jessie, apologize and sit down." Sandy said, cutting her off.
"I'm not apologizing. I've done nothing wrong." Jessie said.
Sandy sighed, "Fine! Lucas, be the better man and apologize to your sister."
Lucas walked over with a smirk on his face. "Look, I'm sorry, two ton. I mean, I had no idea you were so sensitive."
"My name is Jessie or Blade or Miss Reynolds. Don't ever call me two ton again." Jessie said, glaring at her brother.
"Damn, loosen up, two ton! You know we're just teasing you." Lucas said, as though it were obvious.
"Fuck off." Jessie said, looking at her dad, "I'll stay."
"Thank you, sweety." Paul said, walking with her back to the table. Jessie stayed off the dance floor, watching Marcus, Mike, and Rick have a good time.
After an hour, Jessie looked at Elphaba. "Why don't you go dance, baby."
"I'm not interested in dancing with anyone but you." Elphaba said, taking her hand over the table. Jessie smiled at Elphie lovingly.
Joe walked over slowly, "Hey, Jessie, are you OK?" He asked, sitting between her and Elphaba.
"Yeah, I'm OK." Jessie said, matter of factly.
"And you, Elphaba?" He asked, his eyes focused on her chest.
"I'm fine, thank you. Something we can help you with?" Elphaba asked, nicely.
"No, I just wanted to check on you guys. I feel bad for you, Jess. That was completely uncalled for." Joe said. He sounded sincere, but his focus on Elphaba's chest irritated her.
"I'm sure. I appreciate you standing up for Elphaba though." Jessie said, sipping the champagne and looking at Elphaba, who had her club smile on.
"Appreciate it enough to let me have a dance?" He asked Jessie, but never stopped looking at Elphie's chest.
"Shouldn't you ask her." Jessie said, rolling her eyes.
"So, how about it?" Joe asked.
"No, thank you. I AM interested in dancing with my girlfriend though." Elphaba said, looking into Jessie's eyes.
"Oh, come on. It's an innocent dance. What do you have to loose?" Joe pleaded.
"Innocent? Is that why you've been staring at my chest since you sat down? Jessie, come on, I'd like to dance, please." Elphaba said getting up before Joe had a chance to protest.
"Of course." Jessie said, standing up to take her hand, as Angel Eyes began playing.
"Thank you." Elphaba said, laying her head on Jessie's shoulder. Jessie began to softly sing the lyrics, as they moved in perfect time to the music.
"Don't anybody wake me, if it's just a dream. Oh, she's the best thing ever happened to me. All you fellows, you can look all you'd like. But this girl you see, she's leaving here with me tonight. Yeeeeah ahhh." Jessie sang into her ear, meaning every word of it. She was surprised to feel tears on her shirt. Lifting her head slightly, Jessie looked into her eyes, "Are you OK, baby?"
"You mean that, don't you?" Elphaba asked, her voice tear filled.
"I do." Jessie said, kissing her forehead tenderly.
"Take me to the deck. I need some air." Elphaba said, suddenly wanting to be completely alone with Jess.
"Sure, my love." Jessie said, interlacing her arm with Elphie's, as they walked out, "Are you OK?" Jessie asked, as they walked to the rail. The moon was full, and the sky filled with stars.
"I'm fine. I just….wanted to get out of there." Elphaba explained, getting a nod.
"I know the feeling." Jessie pulled her close, as they looked over the water, "It's so peaceful out here tonight." Jessie commented, getting a nod.
"It is beautiful." Elphaba agreed, looking up into the sky.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry for all of this." Jessie said, sadly.
Elphaba hugged her close. "Don't apologize for them. They need an apology for themselves." Elphaba said, kissing her softly.
"Oh, I really didn't want to see that." Jessie turned around, seeing Lucas.
"Then go back inside, with your wife." Elphaba said, flatly.
"You think you are so smart, don't you? I'm tempted to have you removed from the resort." Lucas said.
"Go ahead and try. Like it or not, I'm not going anywhere." Jessie said hugging Elphie closer.
"Now you're picking a pussy loving dyke over your family?" That was the last straw. Jessie let Elphaba go, grabbing him by the jacket. She lifted him up, dangling him over the side.
"You're crazy! I'm gonna sue your ass! You hear me, Jess?" Jessie backed up, letting him down next to the rail, "That's what I thought, you fucking coward." Instead of responding, Jessie landed an uppercut. Seconds later, Lucas landed in th water with a loud splash.
"I'll see you charged with assault over this, Jess." Jessie turned around, seeing Joe with his arm around Elphie.
"Let me go, before you regret it." Elphaba warned, shoving his arm back.
"Your girlfriend's going to jail when we get back on shore, so you might want to be nice to me." Joe said, grinning.
"You're right. I'm sorry, Joe. Come here." Elphaba said, shocking him. He walked closer, before she kneed him in the groin. Doubled over, Elphaba grabbed his jacket, tossing him over with a splash.
"Nice technique. I see Jessie showed you a few things." Jessie and Elphaba both turned, to see Paul.
"Sorry dad." Jessie said sheepishly.
Paul walked over to the edge and looked down at the two men treading water near the boat. He reached down and tossed a life preserver ring over for them to use."Don't be sorry. It's about fucking time you stood up for yourself." He said with a shrug before going back inside.
"What happened? Where's Lucas and Joe?" Sandy asked, worried.
"Don't worry. They both got a little tipsy. Fell off the deck." Paul said casually.
Sandy's jaw dropped. "Oh, no!"
Paul shook his head, "Don't worry, Sandy. We're right next to shore, they can swim. Besides, Jessie was kind enough to toss them a life preserver if they need it. Now dance with me." He said, leading her onto the floor.
Elphaba smirked as she looked at Jessie, "You are definitely like your father."