The Greatest Secret
Disclaimer: Nope, don't own iCarly
A/N: This chapter's going to be a little different as well, the 12th of January, this song will go out to all the couples. It's called Love Don't Run, by Steve Holy. Of course I don't own it.
Chapter 194 (Love Don't Run)
Freddie grabbed the microphone as the lights pouring onto him caused the sweat to run down his neck. He wasn't nervous, he had every intention of winning this night. It was the final night. They were going up against Andre's band in the finals and they had a line-up of five songs to perform. The opposing band just sang Make it Shine, which was evidently Tori's golden song. In response to that, Freddie's band sang Leave it to me. Those were only the first songs, both teams blew the audience away with rock anthems, classic songs, and popular hits, but now they were on the last song of the night. Whichever team won, the next day would be spent celebrating that team's victory, then on the 14th, it was time to go back to Seattle.
"This song, maybe you'll recognize it, goes out to all the couples out there today. Those who are going through hell, those who are struggling, those who need that assurance, and even those who are continuing to grow closer…maybe there's something holding you back, maybe you need confirmation of something, or maybe you just want to profess how you feel." He turned his eyes to Carly and Griffin, then to Jonah, not even Jonah's relationship was perfect. Jonah was just telling him how Valerie had started to fear Jonah's leaving him over her grandfather having been a part of the mafia. Even today, she wondered if he would fear her grandfather, but he never would.
Freddie turned his eyes to Andre's band and smiled at them. Andre actually told Tori how he felt about her and she agreed to think about it, but first she wanted time to be single. Beck and Jade had been going through a rough patch, so maybe this song would lift their spirits a bit more. He returned his gaze to the audience and met Sam's eyes. "If a relationship can withstand the test of time, if a relationship can go through all the obstacles, all the turmoil, all the pain, and embrace all the joy and love, then you know it's meant to be. So to every single couple out there, enjoy Love Don't Run, by Steve Holy, performed today by The Imperial Fireballs. If it moves you, feel free to sing with us."
He closed his eyes as the band started the song. Jeremy put the lyrics on a screen behind the band. From the bottom of his heart, Freddie began the lyrics. The boys followed his lead, singing gently with him.
this is gonna hurt, this is gonna hurt like hell,
this is gonna damn near kill me,
sometimes the truth ain't easy
Carly opened her eyes and looked to Griffin, playing the guitar along with the music. He looked handsome beneath the lights, his mere presence took her breath away. He promised her so much in the last night, in the entirety of their relationship, she finally did know where he stood. Then again, why should she ever question where he stood?
She turned her gaze to Tasha and Sam, both girls were watching their men with love gleaming in their eyes. Sam always told her how scared she'd been, but her relationship with Freddie weathered through so much over the years that they had a bond that could never possibly be broken. She wanted that so much with Griffin, maybe it would happen for her.
Her eyes moved to the opposing band, Andre and Beck were already singing along. Beck's arm was around Jade's shoulders and her head was resting on his left shoulder. Tori was smiling and resting her head on Andre's shoulder, a tear rolled down her cheek and her chest rose as she drew in a breath. She was happy for Jade and Tori, she was completely certain they would be happier now.
i know that you're scared of telling me something
i don't wanna hear, baby, believe that i'm not leaving,
you couldn't give me one good reason
Valerie watched the television with tears rolling down her cheeks, her breathing slowed as Rachael moved over to her. "Is everything okay, Valerie?" She looked up to her mentor and smiled, wiping her eyes.
"It's just this song…Jonah sang it to me the other night when he sang that Italian song."
"You're lucky to have that man, he really loves you."
"I know…" She sniffed and watched her husband on the stage, she couldn't be prouder of him than she was in that moment. She was never doubtful of his love for her, but she did remain curious as to what he could withstand. "He told me the other night that he was full Italian as well, of the Castagno family." Her breath escaped her once more as she folded her arms across her chest. "What he doesn't know is…his grandfather opened a business and my grandfather 'bought' it from him. They didn't get along very well…"
"Oh dear. So what does that mean?"
"It means our grandfathers hate each other…So, Jonah…" Rachael laughed briskly and Valerie quickly turned her wide eyes to her mentor. How could she just laugh it off as nothing to worry about? Rachael pat her on the back and gave her a soft, reassuring smile.
"Valerie, listen to the song. Jonah's been with you for so long, you two have a son together. That man loves you more than this world, even I can see that. The chances of his leaving you because of your grandfather or his grandfather are rather slim, don't you think?"
"You think so?"
"Consider it for a while…" Valerie nodded and looked to Jonah and smiled as her heart started to rise inside her. She knew her mentor was right, what was she thinking? Jonah would never leave her, no matter what. They were practically like Romeo and Juliet, the Mafia version, even if they didn't know it.
love don't run, love don't hide,
it won't turn away or back down from a fight
baby, i'm right here, and i ain't going anywhere
love's too tough, won't give up, no not on us
baby, love don't run
Marissa and Robert worked their way through the kitchen, trying to get it cleaned up. The house was in need of being cleaned and they wanted to get it done before their kids came back home. When Robert looked in the living room at the live showing of the band, he smiled and turned his head back to Marissa, who was busy wiping down the counter. "Marissa, let's take a break."
"What?" She turned her head up to him, glaring at him as if he had two heads. He chuckled and motioned his hand into the living room.
"Let's take a break. There's plenty of time to clean. Besides, what's a few minutes in each other's arms? Take a break and listen to this song. My song to you, if you will…" She paused and listened to the music, smiling to herself as she let it overtake her and move her towards her husband. He took her hand and led her into the living room. "You know, I love this song."
"I thought you were a fan of Nickelback?"
"Oh I am, but this is a perfect song." He put his arms around her waist as she moved hers around his neck. Their eyes locked together as they swayed slowly from side to side. "I'm so happy to hold you."
"Yeah, I always thought after all this time, with all my baggage, you wouldn't want to deal with me."
"But I love you, and like the song does say, Marissa. Love doesn't run away from a problem."
"True. I admire that, it takes a strong man to go through all that baggage and still stick around."
"There are a lot of strong men around these days, it seems."
Spencer and Sasha walked into the living room and smiled at them. Spencer put his arm around Sasha's shoulders and she lifted her eyes to his, smiling brightly. "Shall we dance too, Sasha?"
"If that's what you want."
"Then let's dance." Mimicking his father, he pulled his wife into an embrace and gazed lovingly into her eyes. They shared a brief kiss as their swaying movements synced with Robert and Marissa.
let's lay it on the line, i don't care if it takes all night,
this is gonna make us stronger,
it's gonna make forever longer,
i know it'd be easier walking away but,
what we got is real, and i wanna save us,
baby, we can do it, baby, we'll get through it
"Morris, why do you love me? Why put up with everything?" Morris and Maggie were sitting on the porch swing that was on their back porch. Morris had left arm around her shoulders and looked over to see her looking down at her lap. The window was open, so they could hear the band playing from the television. Maggie stood up and walked over to a plant on the porch, frantically adjusting its leaves. "I think this plant's dying, Morris. I've tried to save it…"
"If it dies, it dies. A plant's life isn't eternal, it isn't long lasting, it is simply ready to go whenever." Maggie frowned and looked over to Morris with sad eyes, he knew she hated to see her plants die off. She had gone to gardening in order to help her quit smoking. "Not like love, you know. That's forever, when it's real. You ask why I love you, why did I put up with your chain smoking when I loathed it, why I dealt with you being a depressed wreck a few years ago, and all that…The answer's simple. I love you. You have a great heart, you're a kind, caring woman, and to top it off, you care more about other people than anyone I've ever met. You made a great mother when raising Greg and Annie, you're a great aunt and you're helping Sam and Melanie more than they could have ever hoped for. You're the greatest woman I've ever known. Of course I would love you."
"Morris, I love you too…it's just…" She moved her eyes to the side and started to whine. "I don't know, lately I've been feeling like…Morris, the cravings are starting to come back." He could see the pain in her eyes when she said that. In the past, they had many fights over her smoking and sometimes he would get too angry about it. She was afraid of that coming back. "I'm sorry, Morris."
"Maggie…" He smiled at her and pat the swing, it was long enough that she could lay on him if she wanted. "Come here, tell me what's on your mind. I promise you, it's okay." She sniffed and smiled at him. She moved to him and sat next to him, then turned and leaned back against his chest. As she brought her legs to the bench, he moved his arm around her shoulders and took her hand in his. "We'll work through it, Maggie. You've been fighting the cravings for a cigarette all this time, what's bringing those cravings back?"
"I don't know…you know the usual gas station we go to?"
"Yeah, I know of it."
"It seems like every time I go inside, someone's smoking there now. It wasn't like that before, but now it's like…customers and employees, they're always smoking. I hate it. It makes me want to smoke, and the rack of cigarettes behind the cashier's stand doesn't help anything."
"I see." He leaned his head back and sighed as she closed her eyes. Maybe it was time to change gas stations. "If it's causing you so much trouble, then we need to change gas stations. Simple as that, either that, or let me get the gas. We'll get through everything, Maggie, you don't need to be afraid to tell me these things."
"I know, it's just…I didn't want to start fighting about cigarettes." He smiled at her and gave her hand a gentle squeeze, then kissed her forehead.
"Baby, those days are gone, they have been since at least October. Nothing's going to change that, we're stronger than the issues that we could ever face. Does that make sense?" He watched her lips curl upwards and smiled as she turned around and cuddled his chest.
"Yes. Thank you, Morris."
"I love you, baby."
"I love you too."
'cause love don't run, love don't hide,
it won't turn away or back down from a fight,
baby, i'm right here, and i ain't going anywhere,
love's too tough, it won't give up, no not on us
baby, love don't run
baby, love don't run
"Your aunt and uncle have a lot of love for one another, don't they?" Kyle asked as he and Melanie cuddled on the couch in front of the television. Melanie followed his gaze out the window and smiled at Morris and Maggie.
"Yeah, yeah they do. Everyone I know seems to have a lot of love for one another. I think it's amazing." She held his hand on the cushion and rested her head on his shoulder. "Like you…You stayed with me through thick and thin. I mean, most men would have backed off once they realized their girlfriend's aunt took her away and that she had family elsewhere." Kyle chuckled and smirked briskly at her, kissing her lips in one swift motion.
"I guess I'm not most men, then. Am I right?"
With a giggle, she agreed. "It takes a strong man to put up with it, I guess I have a strong man…"
"I guess you do."
"You can tell me anything, Mel. Anything and Everything, and I can guarantee you, I will stand by you through everything. Loving you, holding you, no matter what…You're stuck with me." She smiled at him and brought her hand to his face, gazing into his love filled, strong eyes.
"I love you." She closed her eyes and kissed his lips, a hero's kiss, if one wanted to look at it that way. She wanted him to know just how much she trusted him, just how much she loved him, and there was no changing her mind about that fact.
so come over here and lay down in my arms,
baby, tell me everything that's on your heart,
Tyrone and Angeline stood in front of the graves of her parents, behind them was Tyrone's silver car. The radio was on a low volume, playing off LA's battle of the bands. He looked to Angeline as tears rolled down her cheeks. He could see she was struggling to say something, she had been for a while now. He was guessing it had to do with her father, as that man was the one who was always abusive.
The truth of the matter was, he had an idea of what it was. Her father often threatened her for ever marrying him in the first place, but it wasn't like she could help who she fell in love with. He would constantly threaten to beat her, to cut her, and that's why she stayed away from him when she married Tyrone. Their last time spent together the other day, she had bent over and her shirt lifted up her back briefly. It was then that he saw what looked like a faded scar on her. There was evidence of others. When he started to say something, she pulled her shirt down and gave him a look, as if hoping he didn't see anything.
He'd been going to the therapist for the past couple of days. Dr. Parper wanted a few days of sessions before moving to twice a week, and then once a week, and then he hoped to have Tyrone and Angeline come in together at some point of time. Angeline kicked some dirt onto the weeds around her father's grave and slowly nudged her head upwards.
"Why would you leave me to face that monster, Tyrone?" His eyes fell as her words stung his heart. "I really was better off dead once I lost you…I don't know why I lived." She turned to him, her eyes narrow with pain and filled with guilt. He swallowed hard as she slowly shook her head. "I don't know what it is you still see in me, if anything at all. You claim to love me, would you love me still if you knew the things that happened to me because of your anger?"
His eyes misted over as she turned around and gazed off into the distance. Far away, there was the Virgin Mary, it still had a darker coating on its arm, from the blood that Nora stained on it. "I don't blame what my father did on you, Tyrone. I hope you know that. It's hard to blame the person you love for the shit your father does. Then again…"
The meaning of her words hurt, but it was clear she was referring to Devlin's lies and their effect. She closed her eyes and started to roll the back of her shirt up. Tyrone's eyes widened as he saw the numerous scars revealed on her back. What did that asshole do to her? "When our relationship ended, my father decided to punish me based off of my disobeying him and being with you. He struck me with a whip and a switchblade while mom did nothing but stand there and cry." She lowered her shirt and looked away from him, expecting him to leave. "So now you know what I dealt with, and that I still suffer from the depression and the withdrawal. I have a lot of anger, a lot of grief…do you still want to try and deal with that, Tyrone? Do you?"
"Angel…I'm sorry that I broke my promise to you." He slowly reached forward and tangled his hand with hers. She gasped and looked over at him, her eyes filled with confusion as they searched his eyes. "I made a mistake letting you go. I promised to keep you from your father, to love you forever and to take care of you. Now we're in our early seventies, which means I missed thirty years of holding you, of loving you, of telling you that you're my one and only…I know my mistake, and it was a grave one, but I…I still want to be with you and I deserve your anger. You have every right to be angry at me."
"I'm not all that angry at you, Tyrone. There are a few things, but…to think you know the risks and you still want to try and be with me. You see those scars and you still want to be with me…"
"Scars, physical wounds and appearances, they don't have any influence on the way I feel. I won't run from you and I'm not going to give up on you and me."
"You so stole that from that song playing in the car…"
"I know, but it's the truth." She smiled lightly as he pulled her into a soft hug. She moved her fingers to his shoulder and sobbed once as he stared down at the grave of her father. "He can't hurt you anymore, Angel. He can never hurt you again."
"Neither can your father, Tyrone…"
"I know. I know."
cause i won't run, i won't hide,
i won't turn away, i just wanna make things right
baby, i'm right here, and i ain't going anywhere,
love's too tough, it won't give up, no not on us
baby, love don't run
baby, love don't run
baby, love don't run
As the band finished the song, Freddie opened his eyes and watched the crowd stand up and applaud. Several girls in the crowd started cheering and calling out for the men, to which Carly, Sam, and Tasha all glared at them or started swatting them aside. Jonah rolled his eyes and smiled as he spoke into the microphone "Questa canzone è per te, Valerie, il mio unico e solo amore! Niente ci potrà mai separe." Freddie looked to Jonah, who was smirking with pride.
"What the hell did you just say?"
"I said that song was to Valerie, my one and only love. Oh, and that nothing would ever tear us apart." He looked to the crowd at the disappointed girls, each of them huffed and one shook her fist in the air.
"Not fair! Even the hot Italian stud-muffin is taken!" Jonah laughed and pointed out to the crowd.
"Be careful there, my wife's family comes from the Italian Mafia." The girl gasped and her hands flew to her throat.
"Nevermind! I think this Valerie chick is a nice, lovely girl! She's very lucky to have you!"
Freddie shook his head and looked over as Andre, Beck, Tori, Cat, and Jade walked up to them, all smiles. Andre gave Freddie a high five and laughed. "I don't care who wins this right now, we are still buying you guys dinner tomorrow. That last song was awesome."
"Thanks Andre." The announcer stepped onto the stage and cleared his throat, he had an envelope in his hand and a microphone in the other.
"I agree, it was a very sentimental and moving song. You entire performance tonight and throughout the week was moving, that's just my opinion. Let's see how the judges feel!" After some cheering from the bands and the audience, the host opened up the envelope and smiled. "And the winner of the Battle of the Bands is…" His hand flew up over Freddie and the others and their hearts quickly jumped with joy. "The Imperial Fireballs! Congratulations! This has been a very entertaining week indeed!" Freddie and Andre smiled as the others on the stage cheered out their enthusiasm, nobody could be dissatisfied with that decision. Andre pat Freddie's back and smirked.
"So, what steakhouse do you want?" Freddie laughed and folded his arms over, grinning happily at his friend.
"I don't care where, just as long as we can all hang. You guys were great this week."
"So were you, you won."
"Eh, I'm going to guess it was a close call, because I was thinking you guys would win. How about we treat you guys to your dinner and you guys treat us to ours, make it a fair deal?"
"Sounds good to me."
Prepare for the next chapter