Disclaimer: I own nothing.
This chapter got bigger than Ben Hurr quick. Have to do at least 2 parts. Sorry it's late. Life happens.
Gail walked rather gingerly down the stairs. One because her knee still wasn't 100%, which was really all her fault as she had pushed too hard and re hurt it. It had annoyed the hell out of the physio and doctor, not to mention Oliver who had put her on desk duty for the past week. The physio had put her back in a leg brace. Holly though was mega pissed, just when she had been ok enough to end their injury enforced celibacy she had injured her knee again after only 3 days of sex. So when she had felt good enough for sex again Holly had stood firm. Gail had begged and pleaded and even tried to bribe with Holly's favourite food and wine. All to no avail. That was until last night when they got up to the cabin.
Jesus last night, another reason why she was walking gingerly. Holly had been kinda wild last night. Gail swore she had only had about 2 hours sleep. The Rest of the time it had been sex, good hard fucking with the dildo to gentle tender lovemaking in just about every damn position she could think of. Holly had finally fallen asleep and God Gail loved her but she needed to escape. She had taken a steaming hot shower to sooth aching muscles and not daring to linger had dressed hurriedly in track pants and jumper and left the room. Holly seemed to have endless stamina every time they came to the cabin, Gail needed food for fuel and an hours break.
Making it to the bottom of the stairs she shuffled towards the kitchen and came up short on seeing Holly's mother, aunts and some cousins getting busy making food for the day. Laura seemed to sense her and looked up
"Hey Gail, Happy thanksgiving" she smiled which was quickly echoed by all the aunts. Gail just kinda waved as she honed in on the carafe full of strong black coffee which she hoped to hell Laura had made.
"Coffee" she grumbled making her way to a stool at the breakfast bar when Laura went to pour a cup and add some milk.
"You look like you need it" Laura teased and Gail glared when everyone laughed as she took the cup and had a soothing sip.
"Your daughter is like a horny teenage boy every time we come up here" she shot back which effectively shut everyone up. But only for a second as they laughed again.
"Can't handle the pace?" Beth Hayley's mum teased
"God I just need an hours peace and a refuel" Gail muttered "I would have had that second slice of pie last night if I knew she wanted to break our sex record"
"Ok TMI" Beth laughed but Gail wasn't finished.
"It's 13 by the way, gonna have to break that, it's unlucky" she screwed her nose up as everyone stared at her and she took a sip of her drink "what?"
"13" someone squeaked, she wasn't sure who and she grinned devilishly
"Advantages of loving a woman, multiple orgasms" she teased loving their blushes. They want to stir her when they thought she wasn't at her best. She showed them, as many of the blushes proved, that when it comes to snark she can always conjure up something.
"Hey no giving lesbian secrets away" Andy said as she strolled into the room, once again looking like she could be at a photo shoot. Damn woman was gorgeous, even fresh out of the shower wearing low slung worn jeans and a sloppy jumper. Gail smiled at her friend
"How's the arm?" She asked
"Eh not bad" Andy shrugged her good shoulder. Gail took that to mean it was killing her. Poor Andy, while her set back had been her own fault Andy's had been bloody medical incompetence. After being in constant pain for two weeks she had gone back to the doctors who had ordered another set of x rays. She had been in theatre shortly after where they relieved the pinched nerve, set the shoulder properly and cleaned some scar tissue. Hayley had been furious and scared all in one. She had used the Stewart name to terrify a few people and threaten jobs. It had been quite awesome to watch.
Gail realised she must have been staring at Andy worriedly when the brunette sat beside her and gently squeezed her shoulder in reassurance.
"Seriously Gail it's all good now, nowhere near as painful as those ill fated two weeks" Andy grimaced.
"Good." Gail nodded and turned back to Laura "so any more questions?"
"Yes" Laura nodded and Gail groaned, ok she had enough of the sex talk, time to move on. But before she could say anything Laura continued "what would you like for breakfast?" And Andy and Gail shared a look and beamed
"Pancakes" they echoed knowing she made the best and Laura laughed before agreeing to get right on it.
She was halfway through her pancakes and everyone was discussing food preparations and plans For the day when Gail felt the tingle that indicated Holly was close by. Like a sixth sense. She wasn't at all surprised when two thin arms wrapped around her from behind and a kiss was pressed on her right ear
"Hey sexy"
"Damn woman I know I am hot but can you please control yourself for a few hours. I need to refuel And reenergise." Gail grumbled.
"Yes Holly please wait for round 14" Beth stirred and Gail heard Holly choke before taking a seat beside them
"You told them?" Holly whispered Into her ear and Gail grinned and winked watching Holly's cheeks bloom as her mum came forward with her coffee
"No more antics until tonight, it's family time" she informed her daughter who was so embarrassed she was already thinking of ways to extract her revenge.
"Someone needs to tell Holly that no matter how many times she has sex she still needs a real cock to get in the family way" Hannah a cousin smirked
"Hannah!"
"Shut your face" Holly flipped her off. "Besides you're confusing me with Hayley"
"I can't believe you said that!"
"Hey keep me out of this" Andy squeaked
"I can still wash your mouth out with soap" Came the multitude of replies and Gail sighed. Seems like a verbal war was about to start as she looked up but paused as something caught her attention out the kitchen window.
"Who's that? Thought everyone was here" she questioned as she saw the older model truck coming up the drive. Everyone forgot what they were saying as they turned almost as one and looked out the window also. There were mutterings that they didn't know who it was, they didn't recognise the truck, who visited at this hour and everyone was accounted for.
Gail flicked a quick glance at Andy who was watching the truck intensely before turning back to watch it herself. Hmmm appeared to be a 2007 model or there about. GMC. Dark red in colour, US plates of some kind. Appeared to have two occupants, no wait one and a dog. Interesting. She and Andy slid off their chairs together, cops curiosity piqued as they headed for the front door while the truck came to a stop In front of the house. They peaked out the window beside the front door and watched as the drivers door opened and the occupant slid carefully to the ground, the dog quickly following, a yellow Labrador.
Gail quickly estimated that it was a woman from her build, about Hayley's height, a bit leaner. She was dressed in a cap, large fleece jacket, gloves, cargo pants and hiking boots. She waited for the yellow lab who had dashed off Into the trees for a few seconds before making her way to the house with a rather awkward gait that told Gail she had an injury or disability. Gail saw no threat so opened the door to show herself and Andy.
Gail had an offhand thought that the three of them must look like the walking wounded with this woman's obvious injury, her leg brace and Andy's sling. As the woman got closer Gail could tell she was young, maybe Hayley's age and she had definitely been injured if that wicked scar That ran from her ear to the point of her chin was any indication. This close she could tell she was Caucasian, pale skin but not as pale as hers and covered in freckles. Dark blonde or light brown hair peaked out from under a hat. Interesting. Once the three of them stopped checking each other out the woman offered up a tentative smile.
"Hi, I'm Harley. I'm here for Paige" she stated and Gail felt her eyebrows raise without her permission the same time she felt Andy's shock. Paige was Holly's widowed cousin with two young kids. Paige was an army widow, having lost her husband to an IED in Afghanistan. Gail looked at this woman's injuries, remembering her gait and wondered if she was connected somehow. Gail didnt know Paige too well as she lived in the States. The only other thing she knew about Paige was that she was a couple of years younger than Holly, which made her a good dozen to 14 years older than the woman in front of her.
"Im Andy and this is Gail" Andy introduced "you better come in and tell us why you are here" Gail felt Andy pulling her aside as she let the stranger and her dog inside. Gail said the first thing that came to mind
"Well trained dog"
"Thanks. Champ is a service dog, he is trained to be with me always" the woman, Harley explained as she took off her gloves and coat which she hung with everyone else's. Yeah that confirmed it, this woman was military. They led her back to the kitchen where several Stewart/Carter females were waiting. She saw the younger woman hesitate and for some reason she found herself offering encouragement
"It's ok, they're all bark, no bite. If they can handle me they can handle anyone" she smiled "everyone this is Harley, Harley everyone." She introduced before pointing to Holly "that one's mine. Holly. She's kind enough to put up with me"
"Someone's got to" Holly rolled her eyes and Gail grinned before ushering Harley forward to a seat. Before the poor woman could blink everyone was hovering and she had a coffee and pancakes in front of her. Gail returned to her seat and A fresh plate of pancakes, awesome, she was starving as she hoed in with gusto while keeping one ear on the conversation.
"So Harley what brings you here?" Beth asked and Gail winced when she remembered she forgot to tell them why Harley was here.
"Um I'm here for Paige" Harley stated as she swallowed a mouthful of food, she had only had snacks since yesterday lunch "she um sorta invited me"
"Sorta?" Andy questioned, eyebrow raised
"Did, I said no, but after she left I realised I was an ass and came up. She didn't know I was coming" Harley shrugged.
"Maybe you better start at the beginning" Jasmine, Paige's mother stated "who are you and how do you know my daughter?"
Harley stopped eating her pancakes and swallowed hard realising it was Paige's mother asking.
"Private Harley Davidson of US army, retired." She shot Gail a look when she snorted "no comments on the name, I got enough of that as a kid" Gail immediately snapped her mouth shut which caused everyone to chuckle "two years ago In Afghanistan an IED killed her husband and a few others. It also took my legs below the knees, half my liver a kidney and left me a scarred wreck physically and mentally"
There was a pause as everyone reflected on that while Harley showed them her two titanium prosthetic limbs. "I was in a coma for a long while, a few months, they didn't think I would make it"
"Why were you on the front line, I didn't think they put women on the front line?" Laura asked and Harley rolled her eyes.
"Seriously, that's a myth. They throw out just about whoever they can get when they need to. I was their medic." She laughed at their dubious looks "don't let the freckles and baby face fool you. I'm 26. Went into the army at 18 due to juvenile delinquency. Loved it, did medic training. Was on my first and last tour. Staff Sgt Kevin Hunter was my platoon Sgt. He was a good man." She paused and everyone was quiet waiting for her to continue "when I woke the doctors told me what happened and at first I gave up, I didn't want to go on. Then one of the nurses pointed out a few home truths to me and I started working my ass off to get better. When I got better, fit enough to live on my own I moved back to Boston, got a job in a shop that is basically an army surplus store and tried to move on. I had to have continued physical therapy of course and was referred to Paige." Harley sighed rubbing her forehead
"Hunter is a popular name, I didn't think anything of it and as far as I knew the Sergeant wasn't from Boston. So imagine our shock when we discovered the truth. We kinda just stared at each other. Then I offered to go to another physio and she talked me out of it. It was awkward to start but then I guess with her encouragement I opened up, talked. She seemed eager to hear what he was like as a sergeant. She spoke of him being a wonderful husband and father. We started to meet outside work for coffees and stuff. I told her about my PTSD and she helped me get champ" she pointed at the dog who was relaxed on the floor and was receiving treats from Gail.
"Then by accident I ran into her and the kids at a local store, turned out we only lived a couple blocks apart and didn't even know it." She shrugged "we're friends now, I see another physio but Paige she helps when we are together, especially if I am having phantom pains. It's weird to have pains in an appendage that's no longer there. Nervous system is a pain in the backside" she grimaced. "Anyway the kids love champ and he loves them. I'm always complaining that I spend too much time with them, take up time they should be together as family. She always bribes me with food, or tells me the kids would love to see me and champ" she nodded "they're good kids"
Gail watched Harley quietly, listening and taking it all in. What this woman went through made her feel like an old fraud with a slightly banged up knee. She seemed like a nice person and it also seemed like she cared about Paige and the kids. She hoped Paige wasn't clinging to her in a belief of keeping her husband alive in some way. Not that he wasn't already alive in the kids. She listened as Harley continued the story of how she had gone trick or treating with the kids and how Paige had blind sided her with the invite to the family Thanksgiving. Harley didn't have family of her own but didn't want to interfere with her family time. Paige had tried to talk her around, even begged but she hadn't budged, not until she had watched Paige get into the car and drive away while obviously upset. She had gone to work and done her last shift for the week, gone home, packed up the truck and headed north. She was half a day behind Paige which is why Paige arrived last night and she arrived this morning.
"You've been driving all night?" Laura gasped
"Well besides stops for gas and a couple short naps yes ma'am." Harley nodded but before anyone could comment there were delighted squeals and an excited woof as Champ ran towards two young cherubs and started licking them as they hugged him. A boy about 10 and a girl about 7. Gail didnt know them, only having met them quickly last night. Harley spun in her seat and Gail watched the change overcome the younger woman's face, oh boy, she recognised that look. It was a look Hayley wore often when looking at Andy. A look she presumed she and Holly wore. Well shit. Turning in her seat she looked over at Paige who seemed frozen to the spot. Everyone remained silent as they watched.
"Hey darling" Harley drawled in an awful Texan accent that had Gail groaning but actually brought Paige out of her stupor as tears started to stream down her face and she hastily tried to brush them away. Harley clumsily got out of her chair and hurried over to her "hey there, no crying, you know I hate to see you cry" Harley pulled her Into a hug
"What are you doing here? You were adamant you weren't coming, that today was about family" Paige sighed
"Well that's the point see, watching you and the kids drive away I realised something important" Harley told her and when Paige pulled back to look at her inquisitively she grinned "you guys are my family"
Paige gave a soft cry and launched herself at Harley, hugging her tight. Gail kinda felt like a voyer watching but couldn't drag her eyes away.
"You must have driven all night" Paige mumbled
"Pretty much but your family has been very hospitable and kindly gave me some coffee and pancakes when I arrived" Harley confirmed and Paige looked over at the kitchen and seeing everyone watching in interest blushed.
"Then we need to get you to bed" she pulled back and Harley shared a quick hug with the kids and asked them to look after Champ. She told Champ to stay and let Paige take her by the hand and lead her out of the kitchen.
"But Paige honey there are no spare rooms" Jasmine came out of her stupor and seemed to call into thin air.
"Yeah I don't think they need a spare room. Geez Holly how many lesbians are in your family." Gail chuckled "Ow, hey" she hissed as Holly clouted her across the back of the head.
"Behave, they're friends"
"Oh like Andy and Hayley were friends?" Gail snarked which earned a smack from Andy and another from Hayley who came into the kitchen at that moment. Gail rolled her eyes as Hayley kissed Andy deeply in hello then headed over to where the kids were playing with the dog.
"Hey guys who have we here?" She crouched down to pat the Lab, noting as she did he was in perfect condition and appeared well looked after.
"Champ" the kids chorused which earns a woof from the dog in question.
"Ah I see. Does he belong to the woman who is with your mum?" Hayley asked still stroking Champ who was lapping it up.
"Yup he's a service dog" the boy nodded vigorously.
"Low blow Stewart, questioning the children for goss" Gail chided and received a smirk
"You're just jealous you didn't think of it" Hayley snorted and turned back to the kids "A service dog huh"
"Yeah she has PTDS...PDTS" the boy frowned realising he wasn't saying it right.
"PTSD?" Hayley frowned, that was rough.
"Yes, she has dreams awake and asleep. Champ helps her, and mum. We aren't allowed in case she hurts us. She wouldn't mean it we know but we can't come near. It's scary to watch" the boy said sadly.
"I don't like it. Makes Harley and mum cry. Champ cries too" the girl added quietly
"Some nights are so bad it wakes us in our sleep when Harley stays in mums room. She has bad days sometimes and mum lets her stay" the boy said "we do what we can, fetch glasses of water but mum usually sends us back to bed"
"Ok enough" Holly stepped in and Hayley gladly stepped back after a final pat of champ, she hadn't expected so much from the kids when she tried to get some goss on her cousin. PTSD was a private matter until the person suffering from it said otherwise. "how about you kids take Champ out the back and play with him. Let him stretch his legs. There should be balls laying around somewhere"
"Cool" there was a great rush for the back door.
"Make sure you put your jacket, gloves and boots on" Jasmine called out after her grand kids.
After that conversation was stilted for a bit. No one knowing quite what to say. Everyone agreed that they would turn their attention back to food preparation. Though turkey was usually the flavour of the day on thanksgiving not everyone ate it so chicken, pork and beef roasts were being prepared too. Thank God they had a large industrial oven in the kitchen, one in the outdoor kitchen as well as a large BBQ where they were cooking steaks, ribs and sausages for the kids. The hot plate for the BBQ would be for boiling up shrimp. Inside they were making a tonne of mash and greens, corn on the cob along with coleslaw and different salads. Someone stated they wouldn't need dinner as they had so much food for lunch. Hayley and Gail growled at them much to everyone's amusement.
Slowly the men and children started to trickle down for breakfast. Jasmine explained to her husband and Paige's siblings about Harley, keeping vague on certain details and telling them Harley appeared nice. Gail and Andy decided to get out of the way and go supervise the children who were playing with Champ. The dog had endless energy as it chased from kid to kid as they played keepy off with the ball.
They kept their conversation light, how it was nice to have a long weekend off. They talked about their own injuries and when they expected to get back to work. They even spoke of the wedding dress search and how Laura now had Gail flipping through magazines. Andy teased Gail that she still hadn't stood up for herself. Gail said she had no doubt Laura would pull them out this weekend and Andy had better stick up for her as she promised.
After a couple of hours it got far too cold to sit outside and Gail called to the kids to head into the games room and get out of the cold for a while. They headed in and Gail challenged the kids to mario kart as Champ lay at Andy's feet and puffed like an old billy goat. Hours seemed to get lost as they played game after game, Andy teasing at Gail's competitive streak for not letting the kids win. It was some time later that Holly called out from the door behind them
"Ok you lot lunch. Turn off the game. Now Gail" she used a firm tone and Gail sighed. Nag nag nag. Saving the game and turning off the console and TV they followed Holly back Into the great room to find the table laden with food. The table could seat a few but it was basically grab what you can, find a seat where you can (even if it was on the stairs) and dig in.
Gail piled her plate high with meats basically, but aware that Holly was watching grudgingly put on some salads and vegetable. The breakfast bar could seat 8 and noticing Andy sitting waiting patiently for Hayley to bring her food headed over.
"Wow Peck, leave any for the rest of us?" Andy teased
"We will see once Hayley gets back huh" Gail shot back before looking up when feeling a presence beside her and was surprised to see Harley
"Do you mind, figured us three injured musketeers should stick together" she offered with a smile and Gail waved at a seat watching as she climbed into it with some difficulty before settling in "So Paige says you're cops. Suspected as much by the scrutinization when I arrived. How you get injured?"
"Accident. Got rammed, spun out, rolled and slammed into a pole" Gail informed frankly
"Ouch" Harley winced
"Numb nuts was driving, I blame that" Gail teased her friend
"Ass" Andy rolled her eyes then smiled at Hayley when she brought her a plate of food and delivered it with a kiss. Gail pretended to gag but had no problems in Kissing Holly when she arrived to sit next to her. The table was rounded out nicely by Nicola and April and Paige who came to sit with Harley and try and keep the Spanish Inquisition to a minimum. Gail didnt care for talking, right now she wanted to Hoover food and she was doing a decent job until Holly nudged her.
"What?"
"Your turn"
"My turn to what?" She asked clearly confused and Holly rolled her eyes. Gail could get extremely focused at times but nothing like when food was involved. Well except sex, Gail was 110% focused then.
"It's thanksgiving. You gotta tell what you are thankful for" Holly informed using a 'duh' tone. Gail narrowed her eyes
"You are shitting me" she swept her gaze around the room and saw all eyes on her even though people were watching. "Oh Fuck"
"Gail!" Holly growled while the others watched on amused. Gail sighed. She was so fucking whipped.
"Fine, Hols" Gail growled and turned to face the room "I'm grateful for my friends even though sometimes they drive me nuts. I'm grateful for alcohol especially after a long day" she beamed and Holly sighed as everyone else laughed. Gail thought she better put some serious shit in if she wanted to get laid tonight "I'm grateful for my job and being good enough at it. I'm also grateful that through my job I met the most wonderful person in the world, the woman who taught me what love and life is about and I'm eternally grateful she said yes when I asked her to marry me and brought me into this wonderful family" there were a chorus of Awwws and she smiled at Holly who was watching her in wide eyed shock as she leant in and kissed her softly before pulling back and issuing a cheeky smile "oh and I'm grateful to this food and would be even more grateful if I can go back to eating it" she smirked which caused a series of laughs before she resumed eating.
She smiled as Holly leant in to kiss her on the cheek and whisper how she just loved how she continued to surprise her. It was Holly's turn then. She was grateful for her family and friends, work and being healthy "but most of all I'm grateful for a certain blue eyed blonde for coming into my life and bringing with it snark and banter and cheese puffs, video games and a huge grocery bill. But most of all I'm grateful that you found room in your heart to love me and I can't wait to be your wife" she leant in to a openly moved Gail to kiss her deeply, pulling away to wolf whistles.
"Holly if you make me cry in front of your family and lose my tough girl image..." Gail threatened blinking rapidly. She had no idea what she had done to deserve this woman but she was holding on for dear life.
The thanksgiving went around the room still, Hayley giving thanks to The usual before turning to Gail and Holly "most of all I want to thank you two for getting together and making it possible to meet the most beautiful, generous, caring and loving woman on this earth. You didn't make it easy babe but I am most thankful every day that I have you in my life" Hayley took a deep breath and looked a cross between earnest and nervous as she continued "I love you"
By the way Andy dropped her fork in shock and stared at Hayley Gail realised the younger blonde just made a major declaration in front of everyone. She didn't Know whether to laugh at the woman or smack her. Everyone else seemed to be holding their breaths until Andy uttered a small cry and launched herself at Hayley who caught her. The kiss they shared was enough to make Gail a little hot under the collar. Time to remind them they weren't alone.
"Geez someone get a hose please. Hey you two kids in the room" she called out when Hayley's hands slipped to Andy's ass. They pulled apart startled and then blushed as spontaneous applause broke out. Hayley sat but Andy remained standing as it was her turn
"I am grateful for all the usual stuff so I won't go into that. But I will never be more grateful Gail than to you telling me I owed you still and getting me to help you escape your own bday party. It allowed me to meet Hayley who was waiting outside with Holly." She smiled at her friend before turning to Hayley "I'm grateful I accepted that ride that night and that you were cheeky and brazen enough to ask for my number. I'm grateful you never gave up on me, never took the easy way out and decided I was too hard. I'm grateful you let me Into your life when I was down, Into your home when I needed a friend and then finally into your heart. I love you too, very much, more than I thought possible" she leant down to a beaming Hayley and kissed her in return.
"Whoa no, you got your one kiss, save it for later" Gail growled and scooped up another mouthful of food, scowling when she realised she was coming to the end, her plate was nearly empty. Damn there had better be desert.
So the thanksgiving went on, to Nicola and April who did the usual good health, family, friends and jobs before moving onto Paige. Gail thought it might be interesting so settled in to listen. She was disappointed though when she merely toasted Harley as a new friend. Well that sucked, no goss there as they all waited for Harley to stand. Hers was rather poignant being grateful for being alive and given a second chance. A chance at walking, of having a home and a job and a car. Then she turned to Paige "I'm grateful you let me into your life. Yours and the kids. I must be a reminder every day of what you had and lost but I'm grateful you persisted and we are now...close" she offered after a pause and Gail's eyebrows rose at the significance of the pause and the word, flicking a look at Paige who was smiling warmly "you've helped me through so much this year, first as my physio, then as a friend and confidant. You helped me get Champ who's been a godsend, helped me with my pain and been there when I've called. I couldn't be more grateful than to have a more special woman in my life" she smiled back at Paige "and those kids of yours are pretty damn great too"
That of course caused a stampede of tiny feet and paws as Paige's kids and champ raced over to Harley for a hug and some attention. Paige got up to join in on the cuddle fest and everyone kinda looked away to give them a moment as the next in line stood to give their thanks.
Gail tuned out and went back to her meal. By the time she was done everything was back to relative normal except Andy and Hayley couldn't seem to separate themselves completely and were always touching. Paige was being ultra protective of Harley too. Six of the 8 that had been around the breakfast bar managed to sneak off to the games room with the kids after lunch was finished. Nicola and April got stuck with KP duty. The rest of the day was pretty good and Gail found herself relaxing enough that she had a little power nap with her head on Holly's lap and Holly stroking her hair.
Gail came awake slowly and kept her eyes closed, groaning internally when she realised her worst fears had come true and everyone was talking about the wedding. She had no doubt it wouldn't be long before Laura brought out the bridal magazines. She needed to get out of here ASAP. Pretending to do an 'I've just woken up' stretch she rubbed her eyes and blinked up at Holly who grinned knowingly down at her. Damn, she could never hide Anything from Holly.
"Oh Gail darling, glad you are awake, I brought more bridal magazines to look at" Laura stated and Gail had to force herself not to cringe.
"Awesome" she smiled in her best put on smile as she sat up gingerly "just give me five minutes for the loo". She got up and looked at Holly offering up a smile before hobbling out of the room.
Holly watched her go, not at all fooled with the fake smile her lover had just given everybody. She had no qualms that Gail wanted to marry her, Gail talked about their future and what it entailed all the time. Holly had had a suspicion since the first time Gail had come home after a day of shopping with her mother and Traci. She had made little comment about the day and how dress shopping had gone and it had only gotten worse from there.
She looked over at her mother who was happily flicking through the bridal magazine with a few of her aunts and dog earring pages. She frowned at that, it wasn't up to her mother to pick what dresses she liked. It was Gail's job to pick what she liked and for the others to support her. She had an inkling now what had been going on, what she didn't understand is why Gail hadn't stood up for herself.
Looking around the room she took in everyone else and halted on Andy who was watching Holly's mum with some nervousness and biting her lip. Holly wasn't a doctor for nothing and realised Andy knew what was going on. For now she would sit an observe and wait.
Long minutes passed, much longer than the five Gail had promised and Holly knew then she had done a runner. She was surprised it took her mother a half hour before she checked her watch and looked up with a scowl.
"Where's Gail?" She asked Holly who could only shrug.
"Probably running scared. What have you done mother?" She asked and she could tell by her honest confusion that Laura was quite put out by the comment. Holly turned to Andy who was shifting rather nervously in her seat which also caught Hayley's attention.
"Babe? Do you know something?" Hayley asked and all eyes turned to Andy who sighed and could honestly kill Gail for putting her in this position.
"Gail and I spoke the night of the accident. She wasn't happy" she flicked a look at Holly "not that she was unhappy. Argh I'm gonna kill her for this." She looked at Laura "she didn't want to disappoint or upset you but she really hates the dresses you picked out for her"
"That's enough Andy" Gail said as she hobbled back into the room after deciding she had been a chicken shit long enough "thank you though" she paused just inside the room and crossed her arms while looking at Laura who was looking a bit shell shocked "Laura I love you a lot, you've been more of a mother to me in the last year than my own mother has all my life. For that reason I have bit my tongue for too long." She sighed "I am sorry but Andy is right. The night of the accident I told her that all the dresses I have tried on were all your picks and that I never got to try on anything I liked"
"Mother!" Holly was horrified. No wonder Gail was always grumpy going with her mum.
"But I thought you liked the dresses, you never said anything that's why I kept picking out similar" Laura stated
"Really?" Gail threw up her hands in exasperation "Do I look like a traditional wedding dress type to you. Seriously. Puffy skirts, puffy sleeves and a train" Gail rolled her eyes "I was trying to be nice"
"I was going to come the next day and help Gail explain its her wedding and she should decide" Andy pointed out "but well that didn't happen for obvious reasons" she pointed at her injured arm.
Holly had enough of listening and quickly stood and headed for her mother, snatching the bridal magazine out of her hands, flicking through the pages and gasping in horror at some of the dresses. "Oh God if you'd actually let her get you into one of these dresses I would have left you at the alter. They're hideous"
"Yeah" Gail grumbled.
"I was only trying to help" Laura mumbled a bit put out and Gail sighed as she hobbled over and sat next to her soon to be mother in law, pushing Beth out of the way as she did so
"I know and I am mostly to blame for not being my usual sarcastic self, I should have said something earlier. I still want you to come with me" she offered and Laura took her hand and gave it a squeeze before looking confused
"But what about Traci? Surely she knew those dresses weren't your style" Laura added
"You leave Traci to me. Payback will be a bitch when my brother finally proposes" Gail grinned evilly and Laura understood that to mean that Traci knew Gail had been uncomfortable but had spurred her on.
"Oh dear, I'm so sorry"
"Lets go through a magazine. One." She reiterated when she saw Laura's beaming smile "If I see anything I like I will mark it then you know what to look for ok" Gail offered and Holly had to grin knowing its the last thing Gail wanted to be doing but she felt bad for upsetting her mother. That earned her a kiss and she leant down to deliver it quickly
"I love you" she told the blonde
"Love you too lunchbox" Gail smiled, a genuine smile this time and Holly could see the weight had been lifted off her shoulders. "Andy get yourself over here. You volunteered to help you're stuck with it now" Gail informed and Andy actually seemed eager to help, giving Hayley a kiss then heading for the couch. Holly decided it was time to leave and let the 'bride' have her fun.
Heading for the kitchen to get herself a drink she jumped when one of her asshole younger cousins decided to turn up the Xbox to make the game they were playing more real. The on screen explosion literally rocked the house through the surround sound. Mothers started to yell at them to turn it down, that it was too loud. Laughter was the only reply along with a few comments there were plenty of other places to go so it wouldn't be so loud. Argh if her kids turned out like that she would blame Gail.
Heading Into the kitchen to fetch a drink she froze at the sight before her. Harley was on the floor, backed into the corner of the cabinets, her eyes wide and unseeing and her face pale as sweat dripped off her. She had her knees to her chest and her knuckles were white as they were clasped over her ears. Oh shit. Knowing she couldn't help other than to get help she started backing out slowly, wincing when another boom from the video game rocked the house and Harley jumped.
Turning back around the corner she ran for the TV, noting Champ lying with Paige's kids she called out "Champ where's Harley. Where's Harley boy?" Sighing in relief when he was up and off in seconds. Her mad dash through the house caught everyone's attention, including Gail's who was wondering what was up. Holly seemed to be in a panic as Gail tried to scramble to her feet.
Holly reached the TV and did the only thing she could think of, turning all equipment off at the wall.
"Hey!"
"Holly what the fuck?" Her cousins protested
"Shut up" she snapped at them "where's Paige?" She asked the room in general. She turned and caught one of her cousins trying to sneak over to the power point "don't move. You turn on that TV again and I will break every bone in your hand"
"Whoa babe!" Gail came forward "I know it's a bit loud but sheesh, it's just a game"
"Gail, Harley is having an attack in the kitchen right now because of that game!" Holly informed Gail who looked Stricken. Just then the back door opened and Paige walked in, pausing when she noticed the atmosphere "Thank God" Holly breathed "Paige get in the kitchen now. These morons decided to play Call of Duty at full volume. Harley's having a flashback"
Paige went white, then ordering everyone to stay away from the kitchen she gave a glare at the rather chastised cousins and tore off. Holly then turned back to her male cousins and placed her hands on her hips
"From now on whenever Harley is around you will not even contemplate playing any type of war game. In fact any game that may have a gun in it or any type of explosion. Including Mario cart. Unless Harley gives you specific permission understood"
Holly received a few Yeahs and nods from her subdued cousins.
"You're a pack of morons. I suggest you not be anywhere Paige can find you once she returns and don't contemplate putting the TV on again all weekend." She looked at her worried fiancé "that includes you" she added knowing Gail's addiction.
"Yes, no I wont" Gail stuttered a bit scared and slightly in awe of a really pissed off Holly.
"Get out of here" Holly told her cousins "and later I suggest you apologise to Paige and Harley for the Imbeciles you are"
They scurried Out of the room. Some even going as far as putting on jackets and boots and heading outside. Holly took Gail's hand and led her back into the lounge section where they had been sitting previously. She told Gail to stay there and told them she was just going to quickly stick her head around the corner and make sure everything was alright. As she approached the corner of the kitchen she could hear sobbing and Champ whining and her heart broke. She was livid that they had been stupid enough to put on a game like that, that they hadn't forced the boys to turn it down before something like this happened. They quite simply hadn't thought about it until it was too late. As a doctor she should have known better.
Slowing down she peaked around the corner and what she saw warmed her heart at the same time broke it further. Harley had unfurled and had allowed Paige to sit beside her and wrap her arms around her. Her right hand gripped the front of Paige's jacket tight while her left hand gripped Champs collar as he was laying on her left side with his head in her lap. Harley's face was buried tight in the crook of Paige's neck as she sobbed while Paige had her cheek pressed to Harley's hair while silent tears ran down her cheeks. Champ just let out pitiful whines.
Turning away quietly she went back to where the others were as they looked at her expectantly.
"I think she's out of it but she's really upset. Paige too" Holly sighed and needing her own comfort headed over to where Gail sat on the sofa and knelt on the floor in front of her and leant forward to wrap her arms around her lovers waist. She just needed that close contact after witnessing that heartbreaking scene. Harley had already been through so much, it must cost her to go through those.
Slowly conversation returned to the room. No one dared discuss what was happening out in the kitchen though as a good hour passed before Paige returned to the lounge room looking terrible, pale with red blotchy cheeks and bloodshot eyes.
"She's sleeping" she told the room in general. "She's feeling nauseous which is normal for her. I doubt you'll see her until tomorrow where she is going to feel embarrassed" she wrapped her arms around herself and her mother hurried over to her to wrap her in a hug but she pulled away after mere moments "I'm going to go be with her. Mum can you look after the kids"
"Sure" Jasmine agreed "And she has nothing to be embarrassed about. We owe her for triggering an attack"
"Just don't let it happen again" Paige sighed
"It wont" Holly piped up "I've banned them for the weekend and any time Harley is around"
"Thank you Holly" Paige smiled "I'll be down quickly later to get our dinner"
"I'll make up a couple of plates for you" Laura nodded "not too large if she isn't feeling well"
"Thanks aunt Laura" Paige gave a final nod and turned on her heels and headed out.
The rest of the night was awkward. The boys were severely chastised and upset that the rest of the family were livid at them. They were the golden boys, usually able to get away with just about anything. But not this time. The look Paige shot them when she came down to collect their dinner had them feeling worse. They cocked up royally and they knew it.
Gail wasn't hungry for the first time in forever and struggled to get even half way through her plate. Others seemed to have the same problem and dinner was finished early. The night was pretty much ruined and people decided to just retire early around 9pm. It would be a fresh start tomorrow, they would get a chance to apologise to Harley and hopefully finish the weekend on a good note.
Ok before people get angry yes I know I promised a sex scene but this got big on me quick. Adding the sex scene this chapter would make it too long. Secondly yes I know Canada celebrates Thanksgiving before Halloween. Well I know now thanks to J. But from day dot I have said some of Holly's relatives live in the States so I am running with it. Besides which I had this mostly written before told. Hope you enjoyed, not happy with ending but just wanted to get a post up.
Reviews please.