12.
FINALE
x
"...he had gathered that life for everybody was a struggle, sometimes magnificent from a distance, but always difficult and surprisingly simple and a little sad."
-F. SCOTT FITZGERALD, The Freshest Boy
Dear Kona- Wait let's scratch that out.
Just FYI there will probably be a lot of scratches and doodles in this letter because I can't control my thoughts sometimes, ya know how that goes right?
Sup Kona - NOPE. Got to scratch that out too.
Man, I didn't realize how hard this would be. I don't know how you easily wrote letters to your family back home, this is just downright difficult. Maybe I should type this out? Nah, my mom says handwritten letters have more meaning and I guess you would enjoy reading it better this way. I wonder how that worked in the olden times where secret lovers wrote to each other in the dark...NOT THAT WE'RE SECRET LOVERS OR ANYTHING... I just wonder ya know? Did their scents get locked into the pages where they pour their hearts out? Can the reader imagine how their sender looked or felt while writing? MAYBE I'm putting too much thought into it, I'm such a thinker...everyone knows that about me.
Shit, this letter is going to be SUPER long.
Okay let me get it together!
Hey Kona, if you're reading this (No. This wasn't meant to be a Drake reference it honestly just happened like that and it sounds right so if the shoe fits right?) I'm most likely dead. I guess I should get the hard part over with since you always informed me that you rather get the bad news first then follow up with the good. So here goes nothing! At the age of nine years old I was sent to an underground school that I would attend at night while my father went off to work and my sisters and I would travel out to this school. Now this school had multiple teachings over the nation, I started off my training in Iran for almost three years. Training for what? To be a assassin and protector. I know that may sound insane to you, which is understandable but that's what I had to do. My mom attended the same exact school and man was she one of the toughest ones! (until she got sick and married my father.) My sisters and I had to live up to her expectations and let me tell you the pressure was so on!
My mother was so good that she became a mentor and teacher to the rest of the kids like us. We start young so we can adapt easier, some don't start their killings as young due to what they can handle. Me? I didn't start-out with the extreme missions like my sisters. My sisters began their first missions at eight and eleven years old, meaning that they had to murder someone. They were much tougher than me, but I didn't have that skill. I didn't WANT to kill anyone, I'm not a killer. At this underground school we are taught all sorts of things and abilities to survive in the world that we are brought in. Most kids are brought in through their parents, like my sisters and I, other's are forced into it because they're orphans and they have nowhere to go. I only ever killed one person in my life and that was because I had no choice. It was either him or my mother. My mother has a target on her back even until this day which is why we transferred from Iran to Amsterdam then from Amsterdam to Greece once my father found out what we were into. It was a shock to my sisters and I that my mother never filled my father in on what she was-is. People at this underground school learn all sorts of techniques from killing to hacking to protecting. A majority of us fit under different category's and we all become marked. The government tries to control us but we cannot be tamed.
My mother held the title of assassin and mentor.
My eldest sister, Naz = Assassin
My older sister, Yasmin = Assassin and Hacker
As for myself, I fit underneath protector.
Which was my job for you.
I couldn't kill anyone else again, I couldn't cope with that. It ate at me. (I knew I would die 4 U - If I had to. Just because I didn't want to kill again didn't mean I did not know how to, especially when it came down to you.) Knowing that that man had a mission to kill my mother and that he had a family back at home that he had to protect but I couldn't let him hurt my mom. Just like I couldn't let my dad hurt my mom, my mom and I could have ran away easily but we stayed because of you. DON'T go blaming yourself for this, my dad shouldn't put his hands on anybody but he did. My mother and I could easily kill him but we spared his life because at the end of the day we still love that man, even if he has nothing but evil in his veins. It's weird isn't it? Sounds weird enough. Loving someone who brings nothing but pain to you. I know that when he receives the news that I have passed that it would break him just like it would break me if I lost him. Why? Because that's not the man who raised me, that's a man who lost his way and doesn't know how to get back. Somehow I still have the hope that he will get back on the right path and be a better man not only for my mother but for himself. He owes that to himself because he has to live with it. He is alone now.
Your brother Dacey, he came to my mother and I in Greece to ask us to do something for him. It's a bit difficult to find trained assassins but with a help from a hacker named Nadia Avila he found us. He picked our family because I was the closest out all of the protectors that were around your age. I didn't do this for the money at all, please believe that. Dacey had money and he gave that to my father who happily took it since things were getting a little rough, you know about my father's job situation, looking for work is tough. Anyways Dacey spent less than three days telling Ma and I about you. About the wildness he got himself into with one of the most ruthless brothers in Chicago, Herb and Epps. He needed my help to keep you safe here, he had a plan to get you here. He had been in contact with your father, not visiting - but over the telephone they came together to make sure you were protected while Dacey went into hiding. I had photos and knew your interests in no time, at this point I'm sure your fuming but I promise you at the start it was a job to be honest. But as I got to know you, I didn't look at you like that anymore. I didn't play a starring role and whatever movie this would be made into. I made a friend in you and I certainly hope you made a friend in me.
I'm so sorry I had to keep that from you, but keeping you safe was my main priority. Believe it or not your father and Astrid wanted to keep you safe, no matter how much hate you have in your heart for their wrong doings they have done to you and your family, they do want to protect you. I hoped that through that misery in Greece that I shined a little bit of light in your life, to keep pushing on but you still had your soul back in Chicago which I definitely understood. All of your years on this earth was spent in Chicago but Dacey wanted you safe so he made sure that someone with my skill set would be able to do that for him. For you.
I brought you back to Chicago for many reasons. 1) I knew it would make you happy. I had that in plan to visit for a bit, I'm not sure how it would have worked out but I'm very good at what I do. Quick on my feet and developing plans. 2) I had to get you away from a possible lawsuit from Josie's parents or an arrest. At this point I know you're staring at this crazily and you want to know what happened between you and Josie. You two fought and Josie called you out on your shit. You did have it good in Skiathos although it didn't feel like it, you felt safe. If I had to, I would even try and get Carl and Debbie out here for you if I had that chance but things didn't play out that way. The fight got to the point where blood was drawn, marks on your forearms, cut on your lip and bloody nose. Josie wasn't as lucky, If I didn't get you off Josie you would have killed her with that monkey wrench or put her in a coma...trust me I know. When you passed out in my arms I had to make a deal with Josie, I had to get you out of there before she did press charges. I didn't want that for you. I knew Josie since we were fourteen and she knew me. I knew what she was like and she always said what she meant. I saw that in her eyes. So my mother and I organized getting you out of here, however we weren't going to stay in Chicago.
I wanted to bring you back to Kentucky with me but your heart was meant for Chicago. I couldn't rip you away, not again. So I let you stay and I saw some life come back into your body even through the hardships of Carl not accepting your disappearance. I knew he would learn to understand just like I learned that you can't rip a flower from it's root and bring it somewhere else expecting it to grow the same.
I hope one day that this will all make sense.
I hope one day your pain will change to happiness.
*See attachment for doodles and shit and that poem that you wanted to read so bad.*
P.S. I know this might be hard for you but Nadia is now going to protect you until this is all over. Until Herb, Epps, Derek, and Delaney Luh are dead.
Be good doll.
Love your friend,
-Anwar
Earthquakes to Take
she had a lot of pain, this i knew
the layers of her skin reminded me of humid sunny days
although i never found myself looking for shade, i'd take the humid anyway
when i officially met her, i felt her world through her eyes
scrambling my brain like an earthquake.
her name started with a 'k' and ended with an 'a'
her vibe told me that she did have a lot to say
underneath the Aries sign k told me that she didn't belong
not on the same soil as i and she had a plan to go far
back to her true homeland
on a night at the beach she sat beside me,
a stick in between her lips, her eyes matching the ripping waves that kissed the shore
man, i wished i had kissed her
the lifelines etched into her soft palms already told me what i needed to know
she said "back in Chicago they referred to me as an earthquake"
somehow i found no shock in that
it was in the lines on the palm of her hands
which resembled the cracks flowing through dry dirt
it was the way she spoke to me,
her voice a little low and her eyes peering into mine that made the earth shake
well at least for me.
it's humorous really since she tells me that she could see inside of my soul,
since my eyes are extremely light.
nevertheless when i were face to face with her i see two glass bulbs
lighting up with thunderstorms
with her hand in mine, she felt like a bonfire
the flames upon her skin putting a stop to the chill in my very own bones.
her voice sounded like rain as if small pellets were falling from gray skies
every time words rolled off her tongue.
the lies i had for her were always traveling as a message in a bottle
there had not been one single time she had not been honest to me
for that i'll always have guilt
in the short time that i have known her she is not just an earthquake
k is all of the nuclear seasons and all of the weather conditions
for she is human just like each and every one of us
i love her for that
i understood who she is since she does not, yet.
underneath the skin and bone is a soul trying to survive this universe and it's tragedies
she is L . I . F . E .
an earthquake i wouldn't dare brace myself for,
neither should you.
Korinna sat outside of the nursing home with the said letter and poem crumpled into her bronze skin. She glared out into the dull skies secretly wondering if Anwar was with her brothers up in the sky, if heaven were a real thing. She had left the Gallagher's over two hours ago after the whole brick through the window incident and the embrace she shared with Carl, hoping to share the words of her late friend to Nona. At the start Nona seemed overjoyed to have her granddaughter read her the letters, since Korinna had been complaining about her black glittery vision that brought her back to that day with her and Josie. Once Korinna finished the poem Anwar had obviously written about her, Nona had completely forgotten who she was. Mistaking the fifteen year old as her own mother, which no doubt made Korinna's eyes burn with liquids.
The Afro-Greek sat outside with her knees balled up to her chest and the sheets of papers squeezed in between her right hand. To get rid of her sadness she asked an older man outside if he had an an extra cigarette but immediately turned away when his actions became sexual, questioning what the young girl would do in return for the cancer stick. Korinna kicked the man where the sun didn't shine and sent a few blows to his spine with her elbow, much like Dacey had shown her when perverts were lurking around. Soon Korinna pushed herself from the gravel, folded the pages and shoved them into the coat pocket. Buttoning the hood to her jacket she pulled out her phone just to find that it somehow died without her knowledge, with a sigh of annoyance she placed her phone into her back jean pocket and set on the few mile walk back to the Gimello's knowing that she would in for it.
xxx
Korinna didn't waste any time jogging up the narrow steps of the brick building. She knew that she would have to face the music some time and honestly, she didn't feel like fooling around outside in the cool air any longer. She had a rough day and all she wanted to do was just go to bed or at least try. Shutting the door behind her she turned to see no other than Vito standing with his arms crossed, his eyes screamed relived but his body language screamed pissed. Blinking Korinna turned to the side as she peeled off the winter coat she borrowed from the Gallagher's, tossing it onto the hook. She said nothing as she made her way over to the couch plopping down on it.
"Where the fuck were you?" Nicky's voice echoed along with his heavy footsteps thumping down the steps.
Vito moved to sit down on the coffee table in front of Korinna, "She was fine. I know she went to the Gallagher's, I talked to Fiona. I also had Nadia check the cameras out on the streets to know that she was out there somewhere and I also called the nursery home to check if she went there. So she wasn't doing any drugs, Nicky."
"Is this how it's going to be until I'm eighteen?" Korinna bit through a tight jaw.
Nicky sat down in his signature chair puffing on a cigar, "You made it this way kid. We don't like keeping tabs on you but if it's to keep you safe, hell yeah we're gonna fuckin' keeps tabs on you."
Korinna rolled her head around to stare at Nicky, "Wow. It's funny because everyone keeps saying the same shit to me, 'it's to keep you safe' well you know what? I don't need any saving, I'm tired of people trying to save me. First my father, Dimitri left my family and started sleeping with some Norwegian chick down the block saying the same thing that he never meant to hurt us so he flew back to Greece to save us the pain. Then my mom takes Uriah off life support because she wanted to save us the pain of looking at him in that way. Then the EMT's wouldn't let me see Jesse after what happened, then Dacey selling those girls in our basement, to Carl, to Anwar, and now you guys?! I don't want to be saved. If I could be, then the big man upstairs would have and I wouldn't have to deal with the bullshit that's been handed to me on a silver platter. There is no God, there is no need to try and step-right in for Korinna Rokos! The girl with the biggest tragedy. I don't need it, I don't need any sympathy."
"Sweetheart. We get it, you have every right to feel the way that you do. But, how do you expect us to react with you running out of the house disappearing for hours after everything that has happened to you? Do you get that you were dead? Don't you understand that we love and care about you that we just want to help you reach a better life? We're not trying to save you, we're doing something that a family should always do. Never turn your backs on each other, so don't you turn your back on us." Vito voiced, complete seriousness in his tone as he leaned on his knees staring into Korinna's eyes.
Korinna sat up straight, "Don't you understand that I want to be trusted? I want things to be like they were before I left. I want to go back in time so I wouldn't have to be treated like a science experiment, okay? We get it, I decided to love so many people and got shitted on in return. I went and got messed up because of love but I'm dealing with it! I'm trying to! Just let me breathe."
"Trust you? Our trust for you went out the window the moment you fuckin' overdosed! I understand getting fucked up because of your home life but over that fuckin' Gallagher kid?! You're fifteen years old you don't know what love is, you can do better than him. Matter of fact if that Anwar mothefucker were alive I'd rather have you with him. Carl Gallagher pushed you to drugs and I ain't gonna stand by and watch you die again over some punk whose thinkin' with his piccolo cazzo opposed to his heart. I'm not havin' it. You don't want us down your throat? Then stop doing shit that's gonna make us suspicious. Stop wandering off to places without telling us and until you get clean from your drug habit, then maybe we'll trust you again." Nicky exclaimed, jamming the end of his cigar into the tray on the coffee table before exiting into the kitchen.
Korinna bit down onto her bottom lip hard as she closed her eyes, the words from Nicky effecting her. She couldn't find her words to fight back against Nicky which was a little bit surprising since Korinna happened to be always argumentative. Vito watched at his little sister figure tried to fight with the earthquake that dared to come out, even with her eyes closed. Vito was not sure what would happen once Korinna opened her eyes. Once she did Nadia walked into the beginning of the living-room, untying her apron as she smiled at Vito only viewing him first, "Dinner's ready!"
"Did you know that your girlfriend trained with an assassin underground school? Did you know that's where she gained her hacking ways? You guys want to talk about trust so much, did you know that Vito? Huh?" Korinna tested with a tilt of her head and a bitter smile playing on her lips.
Vito tensed as he brought his eyes away from Korinna's to Nadia who appeared as a deer caught in headlights, "No. I didn't. Let's eat." He replied sternly, pushing himself from the coffee table.
To say that Korinna was enjoying the awkwardness at the dinner table would be an understatement. She even stole a few sips from the wine bottle before Nicky harshly snatched it away, earning a laugh from Korinna as she happily chewed on the food Nadia had prepared.
Biting into the drumstick Korinna asked, "So since nobody wants to address the elephant in the room...Nadia, from Anwar's letter he tells me that you are also a trained assassin! Isn't that something you should share on a first date?"
Nadia swallowed the lump in her throat as she kept her eyes trained on Vito who didn't bother looking at her. "I had a job to do-"
"I should blow your fuckin' brains out all over this floor, mami." Nicky threatened, his left hand resting on the glock that sat right beside his plate and wine bottle.
Nadia sat up straight, "Look you should be thankful that I'm looking out for Korinna okay? Yes I lied about my background a bit but what do you expect?"
"I expect you not to lie. You know what we're into, you knew that from the jump. Yet, you didn't think it would be cool to let me know that people hire you to take people out?" Vito spoke, his voice rising a bit before simmering down, still not looking at Nadia.
Nadia reached her hand out to place on top of Vito's, "Baby you have to understand that this is how I make my money. I gotta do what I gotta do, just like you and Nicky. My job was to play a part."
"Clearly it's all about the money with you. You didn't give one purple fuck about my brother, fuck, you prolly don't even care about Korinna. Like you said that's how you make money. Matter of fact why are you still even in our house? BOOM! Your skeleton just fell right out the closet. For all we know you could be here planning to kill all three of us to get your money." Nicky stated taking the safety lock off.
Vito slammed his hands on the table causing Korinna to lift her head as she scooped rice and beans into her mouth, "Nicky we're not shooting her. Look Nadia, if that's even your real name. You can play me once, 'cause I gotta a lot of heart but you can never play me twice. If you really have a job to do then I suggest you do it, meaning looking after Korinna in the ways that Nicky and I can't. I'll make a deal with you, if you can do that then we're cool. Don't know if I'll ever invite you into my bed again but- if something happens to my sweetheart...I'm gonna murder you in broad daylight. You follow?" He said with just enough venom, his ocean eyes finally meeting Nadia's.
Korinna had never seen Vito this way, meaning that he had been deeply hurt. Korinna had read the table her letter, majority of the parts focusing on the underground training and how Nadia was involved. That had made the dinner more silent, Nicky's calm anger coming into play as he pulled his glock from his waist-band and sat it on the table for everyone to see. Vito sat with his elbows harshly pressing into the table, his gaze set on his hands. Nadia sat waiting for either of the Gimello's to speak while Korinna ate the food Nadia had prepared in full content. She wanted Nadia out of the picture and fast. Nadia Avila was the one to not be trusted, not Korinna.
Shortly after Nadia had agreed to Vito's request, deciding that it would be best if she left she abandoned her plate at the table, Nicky following her out as she collected her things while Korinna and Vito remained at the table.
Letting out a sigh Korinna stared down at her empty plate, she hadn't eaten like that in the past few days but it seemed like the entertainment in front of her was enough to make her stomach the food. Licking her teeth to get the left-over food into her system she rested her chin into her left hand as her right hand gave Vito's forearm a squeeze, his eyes moved to meet her's.
"Life's a bittersweet tragedy isn't it, Vito? I'm glad Anny told me about how much of a fraud Nadia is in those pages. Although he lied to be too but, I kinda have to get over it. He's dead now. It's a good thing he told me, I wouldn't want you to get hurt or killed or something by her. Now you're prepared to watch out for yourselves just in case that day might come, I'm glad I could save you. I wouldn't want anything to happen to ya, you're i oikogéneiá mou." Korinna expressed as she stood, bending down to kiss Vito's cheek before heading up the steps.
All Carl knew was that Fiona wanted Frank gone. He had somehow ruined her wedding plans, which wasn't much of a shock to Carl since everything Frank touches he ruins. Night-time had fallen and he just came back from meeting up with Dom at her place. Carl didn't know why he decided to accept Dominique's invitation over text, knowing that most likely that it would lead to sex once he got there. Her father had to run back in since he were working on a big case or something and Carl thought Dominique may have knew about it, it sounded exciting enough to hear about but Dom brushed it off saying that her father never told her about the cases he worked on, that she should just know that he goes to work everyday trying to make the world better for her.
Carl wished Frank could give a shit about him and his family like that. It was interesting to see him try for half a day but of course it never lasts long. As soon as Carl got home he witnessed Sean and Frank beating the shit out of each other and Fiona wanted Frank to stop but he wouldn't listen. Carl knew how to make him listen. As it began to snow, Carl charged forward yanking his father's backwards into his chest, Carl's arms immediately wrapping around Frank's neck into submission. Carl kept his choke-hold position until he felt his father go limp in his hands, Carl slowly lowering him down onto the ground.
Fiona stared wide-eyed at Frank who did not appear to be moving, "Oh, my God, what did you do?"
"Chokehold. Cops do it." Carl replied with a shrug and a satisfied grin as he stared at Fiona who stood over their father.
"Is he breathing?" Fiona swallowed.
Debbie stepped a bit closer from behind Sean, Fiona, Frank, and Carl, "Daddy?" She questioned weakly.
In a matter of seconds Carl began to fill his heart slowly trail down into his stomach before his father gasped loudly rolling onto his side first as he began to groan and cough.
Sighing with relief, "You're a fuckin' asshole Frank." Fiona snapped watching as the man got to his feet, "God! You were doing so great. Ya almost pulled it off. And then you had to go fuck it all up again."
"Get the fuck outta here! Go!" Fiona continued pointing in the direction she wanted Frank to go.
Frank stared at all of his children first, saving his glare for Sean before stumbling off into the winter flakes leaving damage behind yet again.
Carl didn't watch his father leave for much longer, knowing that he would be back someway or another. He didn't even bother to channel into Fiona yelling at Sean as he turned to Debbie who cradled Franny in her arms, walking over to his sister he looked up just in time to see Korinna eyeing him as if she didn't know who he was. Just like the time in back of Nick's car when they picked her and Debbie up from the bakery.
Shaking her head she turned her head, the light from the street lights showed the gloss of tears in her eyes as she rushed inside the home. Carl turned to Debbie who already had her eyes on his, "Don't worry I'll figure out what's going on. Just- Just don't follow us up to my room, you don't want to make things worse, okay?"
Nodding his head Carl rushed up the steps holding the door open for Debbie and his niece, allowing them inside before himself peering over at Fiona one last time to make sure her and Sean were okay as well.
xxx
Carl paced his room, Liam was fast asleep as he did so. Just right next door the girl he deeply cared about was in there with his sister talking about her feelings to her instead of him. Carl wanted to run after Korinna, he didn't know what that look was for and it was irking him not knowing. It had been almost two and a half hours since everyone all came upstairs and Carl was beginning to think that maybe Debbie forgot about meeting up with him again.
With that thought in his brain, the knob twisted causing Carl to stop in his tracks to see Debbie peeking around the corner. Her eyes falling on Liam's sleeping form before waving Carl over to the door. Carl pulled the door back as he stood in the door-way glancing over at Debbie's room as the reddish haired girl yawned before saying, "Korinna's in a very fragile state right now as you know. I as her best-friend listened to every single detail that went on while I weren't around and I mean literally everything. Putting Frank in that choke hold triggered something for Korinna - she saw Uriah in that position again. That's why she freaked out Carl, I don't think apologizing for that is going to make up for it and I don't think she would want you to since you can't walk on broken glass around her. Although we feel like we need to, we can't. Or else it's gonna piss her off more."
Carl carefully listened to what his sister was telling him. He felt a sense of disappointment run through his veins, not thinking about what those policemen did to her eldest brother. It was all over the news with recordings and that police officer still had his job. No justice was ever served. Carl didn't want Korinna to ever be afraid of him, if they ever did end up together in the near future and Carl stood by with police enforcement he wanted her to know that he wouldn't be like that cop that did that to her brother. He would be one of the good cops, that Carl was sure of.
"Shit." Carl let out which Debbie nodded to.
Debbie stretched in front of her brother, "Well she's downstairs if you're looking for her. I honestly don't know what's going to happen between the two of you but just know that I want what's best for the both of you. I never met Dominique and I know you were a different person when you met her but- Korinna's loved you for a long time. She deserves more of a chance than Dominique. I think you should strongly consider inviting Rinna to Fiona's wedding, just saying. If you don't - I'm going to kick your small pea sized brain."
"You're not really giving me a choice." Carl snorted dodging Debbie's aim to punch him.
Debbie cheesed, "Your right. I'm not. Korinna's my best friend and I don't know Dom, so obviously I'm gonna say ditch the other one."
"I don't want to hurt anybody." Carl groaned.
Debbie moved over to her door checking in on her daughter, "It's too late for that. Rinna's been hurting dumbass! I can see that it's also taking a toll on you too, 'cause you care too. It's not up to you to know who you're gonna hurt more, you can't possibly know that. Just like I didn't know that I was hurting Derek but I stopped chasing him and started focusing on Franny, shes most important now, not Derek. So what's it gonna be?"
Carl hesitantly checked the living room as he made his way down the steps. When he didn't find his dark haired friend sitting on the couch, he blew out a breath through his nostrils before heading into the kitchen where he saw her form sitting on the edge of the counter. She stared ahead as she used an ice cream scooper inside of the carton before placing it into her mouth. Carl didn't know how to address the situation so he made his way around Korinna to sit down at the head of the table.
"You ever wonder if the earth will keep spinning once the Apocalypse starts?" Korinna started, licking the left over ice cream from her lips as she placed the ice cream scooper back into the tub of chocolate ice cream with M&M's.
Carl's eyes shifted wondering where Korinna was going with this, "Um. Are we talking Zombie Apocalypse or just apocalypse-apocalypse?"
"Doesn't matter."
"Well if the earth explodes it definitely stops spinning but far as a zombie apocalypse it would still spin although we're all walking toxins."
Korinna hummed, placing the empty ice cream carton to the side of her. Her fingertips now cool as she ran her fingers over her jeans as she thought over Carl's answer. While she didn't say much Carl turned to face her in the chair just eyeing her, "Ren are we gonna talk about what I did?"
"No. Because I assume Debbie already told you what I felt so there's no point going back a few pages just for me to explain the same thing to you as I did to Debz. I don't blame you for doing that to Frank, the dude's a terrible father we all know that. We both know the game, so I get it. Really I do. Seeing that happen in person kinda just set me off."
Carl sat on the edge of the chair, "I'm sor-"
"Don't." Korinna interrupted turning to look at Carl, "Just stop apologizing. It is what it is, it was what it was, ya know?"
Carl glanced away from Korinna keeping his mouth shut, knowing that was the best he could possibly do in this moment. He wanted to say more on the subject knowing that it was a deep sore that always effected Korinna but he didn't want to keep pushing her.
"Ren I have to ask you something." Carl started, breaking the silence as she turned her attention to him.
Korinna said nothing as Carl stood up making his way over to her. The fifteen year old watched as Carl stood in front of her, his eyes intense as his eyes scanned her face. Slowly but surely Carl got down on one knee, lifting his head to see Korinna starting at him in complete horror. Carl reached forward to grasp Korinna's hand, the girl desperately trying to pull her hand from his grip.
"What the hell, Carl?" Korinna breathed rapidly.
Carl smirked as he stared up at her from underneath his eyelashes, "It's not what you think it is. I wanted to ask, if you would be my date to Fiona's wedding?"
Korinna rolled her eyes as she calmed herself down, resting her free hand on her chest as she did so. She went to kick at Carl who pushed himself back away from her letting out a small laugh, "Don't scare me like that you douche."
"You didn't think-" Carl trailed off as he sat on the floor in front of Korinna, leaning back on his hands as he watched her expressions.
"Well what am I supposed to think? That's the way it works, dumbo." Korinna snapped as Carl smiled back at her in reply.
Carl licked his lips, "The day I marry you...it'll be big. Trust me."
Korinna shook her head, biting down on her bottom lip as she breathed out a laugh staring up a the ceiling, "See you don't get to do shit like that to me. You're making it harder for me to get over you, Gallagher."
"Maybe I don't want you to get over me." Carl challenged.
"Why because you like the attention I've been giving you over how many years now?" Korinna hashed, glaring down at the long-haired fourteen year old.
Carl got to his feet, "No..."
"Then what?! What exactly are you trying to say?!" Korinna yelled impatient; eyeing Carl as he got closer to her.
Carl swallowed as his hands moved to rest against Korinna's waist pulling her closer to the edge of the counter. He felt her tense underneath his touch, making his eyes move upwards as he positioned himself in between her legs staring into her nightfall colored eyes, "Please don't hate me anymore."
Korinna closed her eyes as she dipped her head, her forehead resting against Carl's. Carl inhaled her milk and honey scent for a bit before moving his right hand from her hip to tilt her chin upwards so their lips could meet. It felt just like the first time in the courtroom all over again, it ignited Korinna's bones. Her hands tangled into Carl's hair pulling on a bit but allowing him to have complete control over this kiss. The kiss was fall of passion on Korinna's part, her impulse making her wrap her ankles around Carl's frame pulling him closer to her body. Carl kept his cool as Korinna moved her lips against his fast. He kissed her slowly, keeping his hand on waist and the other on her chin. Korinna felt overwhelmed with they way that Carl teased her with his lips on her's so she pulled back ending it all much too quickly. Carl opened his eyes just to find Korinna biting down on her swollen lips, just watching him as if she were trying to process if this were real or not.
Carl reached out to her neck pulling her forward as he mumbled against her lips, "One more."
The smile on his face still appeared as Korinna had control over this kiss again. It felt as if Korinna were stealing all of the air out of his lungs, lighting his brain on fire, leaving the rest of the warmth to drip through his insides. Carl didn't find himself comparing this kiss to Dom's but it very different, so different. He pushed her to the back of his mind focusing on the kiss against his own lips, admiring how Korinna worked her magic. It was wild fire against an earthquake all wrapped in one. Carl knew it would be a short kiss but man did it linger. Opening his eyes he found Korinna with her eyes closed this time.
"Am I going to be your side bitch now?" Korinna mumbled, her face going stone cold opposed to the pleasing smile she just wore.
Carl frowned as he stepped back from Korinna, "Not at all. I'm breaking up with Dom and you're coming with me to Fiona's wedding." He replied in full determination.
"That sure doesn't sound like you're giving me an option." Korinna spoke as Carl walked backwards to the steps.
Carl winked, "I'm not. Goodnight, baby."
Korinna watched as Carl jogged up the stairs leaving her to think over what just happened. She ran her fingertips over her lips as she stared down her lap, not knowing if this would lead to good things or a fistful of tears.
Once Carl got to his bedroom with a smile on his lips, he pulled himself up onto the top bunk pulling his phone from underneath his pillow he checked the time to see that it was 3:08 A.M. Sighing Carl unlocked his phone and went into his text, sending a message to Dom.
TO: Wifey
dom txt m3 whn u get dis we g0tta t4lK A$AP
xxx
By the time Carl had woken the first thing he heard was Franny's screams. He rolled over onto his side balling the pillow into his ears as he looked over to Liam whose bed was empty. Hearing the sound of thumping and glass breaking made Carl sit up on the top bunk, jumping down onto the floor and rushed out to see Dominique shoving Korinna into the wall. Carl watched in shock as Korinna let go of Dominique's forearms, bringing them underneath her arms jerking them harshly against her bones so she could get out of the cage Dominique had her in. Dominique loosened her grip giving Korinna the upper-hand as she shoved the girl back which made Dominique angrier.
Carl glaned at Debbie who stared at the scene wide eyed, "What happened?"
"I don't know, Rinna left the room to shower and I hear something breaking, something being our bathroom sink! She had your bat trying to swing it at Korinna and the next thing I know the two started fighting!" Debbie yelled over the commotion.
Carl turned back to the sight in front of him hearing Dominique scream as she tried to charge at Korinna, who stepped to the side and placed her foot out to trip the girl. Once Dominique was on the floor Korinna got her knees moving one knee to place against Dominique's chest as she tried to catch Dominique's swinging hands. Carl eyed the sight both of the girls were damp from the the busted sink Carl assumed, he could see right through Korinna's white t-shirt getting a good look at the black bra that stuck to her. Her dark hair drapping over as she struggled to hold Dominique down. As for Dom her large sandy curly hair was also damp, the curls turning wavy and dark.
"Would you stop drooling and do something, idiot?!" Debbie shoved Carl out of his trance.
Before he could step forward he heard the door of Fiona and Sean's bedroom pull open, "What the fuck is goin' on here?!"
Fiona pulled on Korinna's shoulders pulling her off Dominique as she sent a kick to Korinna's tummy, making the girl gasp and lean over. Carl moved to step forward to grab Dom but Sean beat him to it, tugging the girl upwards and wrapping his arms across Dominique's to stop her from charging at Korinna.
"That bitch kicked me in the stomach, let me beat her face in Fiona!" Korinna wheezed, making Carl worry that her asthma might act up.
Dominique laughed, "Yeah you touch me and I'll press charges, druggie!"
Korinna began to stand up straight as she caught her breath, "Bitch you came at me with a bat! What do you expect me to do, not defend myself?! You got the wrong one!"
"No! I'm sure I got the right one, thinking it's okay to steal my man!" Dominique yelled.
Korinna laughed, "If Carl was yours then he wouldn't want me so bad, now would he?"
That set Dominique off as she struggled to against Sean's arms while Korinna kissed her lips a the girl. Fiona shook her head at the situation glaring at Carl who tried to hide his smile behind his lips, "So this is Dominique huh? Look at this mess you created!"
"I didn't tell Dom to come into the house and fight Ren, I would never tell someone to do that." Carl disagreed with his big sister.
Sean stared down at Dominique who desperately tried to get at Korinna, "How'd you get in here anyways?"
"You guys apparently don't believe in locking doors." Dominique stated the obvious as she rolled her eyes at the man, "And if you don't get your hands off me, I'll have my father arrest you for psychical assault!"
Fiona met Sean's eyes nodding her head as Sean let her go not wanted to mess up his parole. Korinna squared up just in case Dominique tried to run up on her again but Carl latched onto Dominique's hand spinning her around to face him, "What are you doing here? I told you to text me when you read my message."
"Do you honestly think I'm dumb Carl? I think you must have me confused with yourself." Dominique rolled her neck.
"Watch your mouth." Korinna warned, her eyes in slits as Dominique rolled her eyes at the girl.
Dominique turned back to Carl who waited for her to say her peace, "You weren't the first boyfriend I ever had in my life, I mean look at me."
"Look it's the local trash on the side of the street." Korinna yelled, earning a laugh from Sean, Debbie tried to contain her laughter by burying her face in the cloth she had wrapped around Franny who she bounced in her arms keeping the baby silent. Fiona on the other hand wrapped her arms around Korinna's neck pulling the girl in her chest to keep her quiet.
Dominique choose to ignore Korinna taking the high road, "But you were the first boy I ever dated that treated me like I mattered. I know what you were trying to say, I mean we haven't stayed up with each other texting in the early hours in the morning because I don't play with my beauty sleep and you know that. I know you were trying to break up with me and I just can't believe you would choose a three over a ten."
"I'm not just looking for looks in a girl. I think you have me confused. Dom you're better than that, you have a lot going for yourself, really you do. I think you're a beautiful girl and I had fun with you, you made time go slow and made them count whenever I was with you no matter how bad your father tried to make me feel around you. But...I don't know this chick that's standing in front of me, I don't like the fact that you thought it was okay to come into my house and right someone I deeply care about. You're better than that and you know that shit, Dom. I'm sorry but we need to break up. I can't continue this relationship with someone I don't have the strongest feelings for, we can still be friends if you want but right now you're not the one for me. I hope you understand that." Carl said his peace watching as Dominique's rage turn to complete sadness.
Dominique took a deep breath, "I knew this day would come. I just knew from the way that you looked at her. I just thought that maybe my love for you would be enough but I thought wrong. I mean we lost our virginity to each other! We wouldn't have continued to keep having intimate moments like that if there wasn't a connection between us...I hope you know what you're doing by picking that drug- Korinna. The second she starts fucking up your relationship, don't even think about running back to me." She snapped getting one last look at Carl before stepping around Fiona who moved herself and Korinna out the way.
Carl stared down at his feet knowing that he had hurt Dominique and that was something he didn't want to do. It did bother him a little bit to know that she figured out that he didn't care for her the same way as he did in the beginning and she did blame Korinna for that, he understood that. If Korinna didn't come back from Greece Carl didn't know where he and Dominique would be. Carl just knew that things never happened the way that they really sure but you have to deal with it somehow.
"Well that one was a firecracker, it's a good thing you let that one go, Carl. I don't think you'd be able to handle that side of her for too long." Sean clicked his tongue, giving Carl's shoulder a squeeze then turning to make sure that the girl did indeed leave the house, "I'm gonna make sure she left the house. Don't want her to turn up in your attic or something along those lines."
Fiona laughed removing her arms from Korinna's neck, "So are you two a thing now?"
Debbie patiently awaited the answer as Korinna scratched her nose and Carl watched her finding it cute.
Carl smirked, "In my mind I'd like to make Ren mine but...I don't think she'd want to jump into something right away after everything that happened right, baby girl?"
"Uh...right." Korinna mumbled trying to hide that her eyes went wide at the pet name Carl just gave her. First it was baby now baby girl? She felt like she might just melt underneath his gaze.
Fiona grinned, "Well whatever you two are...I approve."
Carl smiled at Fiona who turned on her heels to exit the hallway.
"Carl and Korinna sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G!" Debbie began to sing as she spun on her feet to enter her bedroom teasing the two.
Carl scoffed as Korinna stuck her middle fingers up at her best-friend not realizing that Carl had made his way over to her. Giving Carl the side-eye Korinna watched as Carl checked her over before fully standing in front of her, "You good?"
"Not even a scratch. You would think that someone with a police officer as a father would know how to fight better."
Carl shrugged, "I bet Dom will have her father harassing me for awhile."
"That's gonna suck." Korinna commented.
"It's so worth it though." Carl answered, pressing a kiss to Korinna's cheek.
A/N: Longest chapter I have ever written for this story. I don't want to stretch it out anymore so we'll just say this is part one of the finale if that's cool? There's still much more to write but part two probably won't as long as this one. What are your thoughts on this chapter? We read Anwar's letter to get more insight on him and we found out that Nadia was also connected to Anwar and his family a bit. Do you think Nadia might actually have feelings for Vito or? Thoughts on Korinna's development in this chapter? What about that Carlinna kiss?
Let me know. Thanks!
1 MORE TO GO!
-ALES
