/==/ Chapter Fourteen /==/
Glynda's mood had gone from hopeful to utterly defeated when Nathaniel Arc arrived upon the doorstep of her small home, a battered helm in his hands. She fell apart without him uttering a single word, and found herself pulled into a tight embrace.
"I'm so sorry, Glyn." Nathaniel whispered as he held the distraught woman. "If you need anything, you call me and Jasmine… you and Jaune are family… now and always."
Glynda paid his words no attention. Sorrow and depression rising up inside her like a tidal wave. Her world was shattered, her dreams of a future, of family, torn away. Her baby girl was just four months old. Jaune would never know the warmth of Jonathon, her father's embrace. Never hear his laugh, never see his smile. Even before now, Glynda had been struggling. Her moods varying wildly, she had been warned by the doctors about the "Baby Blues" and she had dismissed them. She was Glynda Goodwitch, soon to be Glynda Arc. She was a huntress of the highest calibre. There was no way she would suffer in such a way. But she was, and now… the abyss that had always been threatening to consume her, did.
"I want you to come to the house, with Jaune." Nathaniel spoke softly as he continued to hold the sobbing woman. "You're family, and you need to be with family."
"I will." Glynda offered weakly as she slowly extracted herself from Nathaniel's comforting grip. "I will, I just need… some time."
"If you need anything, and I mean anything, Glyn… you call or come over, regardless of the time." Nathaniel eyed the woman that was to be his sister-in-law twice over, or would have been if the unthinkable hadn't happened to his older brother Jonathon. He could tell she wasn't right, but forcing the issue, making her accompany him back to the Arc homestead, would only cause further problems. "Day or night. For anything. Okay?"
"Okay." Glynda replied with no conviction.
"I mean it, Glyn. You are family. Family takes care of each other in times of need."
"Thank… you." Glynda responded, her tone empty, as she stepped back, and reached for the door. "I just need some time… I promise to come over…"
"Okay."
With that, Glynda closed the door, and struggled to keep herself from crumbling. Hidden by the door, Nathaniel's eyes narrowed. He had always been rather astute. It came in handy when trying to settle bills, or arrange purchase contracts. He knew Glynda was struggling, and while he followed Jasmine's advice in giving Glynda some space, he wasn't very keen on doing that now. Stepping away from the small cottage like home, he made a phone call.
Glynda felt cold and empty as she sluggishly and stiffly moved from the front door to the room she and Jonathon had allocated for the nursery. Inside, Glynda's ray of joyous sunshine lay in her crib. It had been a gift from Nathaniel and Jasmine. Every Arc child up to Violet had used the heirloom, and when Glynda had been gifted the almost antique piece of furniture, her heart soared. It had meant so much to her. Gently, Glynda lifted Jaune from her crib, swaddling Jaune with the stuffed toy rabbit she never let go off, Glynda kissed her forehead. Turning from the crib, she made her way into the main living area of the once warm home that was a symbol of her shining future.
"It's okay sweetie." Glynda cooed, as Jaune shifted about in her warm cocoon. "We're going to see daddy. Do you want to see daddy with mommy? Of course, you do. You want to see your daddy. He's going to be so happy to see you, sweetie. He's going to love you so much."
Jaune started to shift, and make a fuss, only to quiet down as Glynda started to hum a wordless tune. Nestling into her mother's chest, Jaune was soon fast asleep, as Glynda opened the front door and walked out. She continued to hum softly, comforting her precious bundle, as she walked into the street, leaving the door wide open. Glynda paid no heed to anyone as she made her way towards the shallow, arching stone work bridge that crossed the meandering river that cut through the centre of Ansel.
She never heard the screams of panic and alarm as she held Jaune close while letting herself fall backwards over the low railing towards the murky waters below. Her eyes were closed, and a smile was upon her face, as she pictured showing Jaune to her beloved. Of introducing her bundle of joy to her father.
/=/
Peach didn't hesitate to pull the sobbing and distraught woman into a tight embrace. She knew instantly from what Glynda described that her friend had been suffering from Postpartum Depression, that toppled into Postpartum Psychosis. While normally such a mental illness would only manifest within the first few weeks after giving birth, Peach did know of research centred around rare cases that saw symptoms developing much later. Peach couldn't fathom the strain Glynda had been under. Being a new mother, and also losing the man she loved.
"It's okay, let it all out. You're safe." Peach coaxed in an effort to get Glynda to let out everything that was bottled up inside her. Her right hand rubbing gentle circles upon the taller woman's back.
"I'm a monster." Glynda sobbed.
"You're not a monster." Peach countered as she continued her actions to ease Glynda's distress. "You were ill. Just ill, nothing more."
"I tried to kill my baby… I'm a horrid and wicked woman…"
"You are no such thing." Peach countered with a soft, reassuring voice. "You were ill, Glyn."
It took almost an hour for Peach to get Glynda to release all her pent-up emotions, and she knew there was even more to dredge up before Glynda would be what Peach would consider mentally healthy. But it was a start, and Peach could, after the revelations of Glynda's tear stained words, see the signs she had long dismissed. Glynda's overprotective and overly critical nature. She was over compensating for her past mistakes with Jaune.
"I'm the reason Jaune is afraid of deep water." Glynda idly commented, her tone less hysterical, and more neutral. Peach could tell just by the look of Glynda's eyes that she was just balancing on the edge of another meltdown.
"Do you think Jaune has any inkling that you are her biological mother?" Peach hesitantly asked, knowing that it could push Glynda into another episode of self-loathing, but knowing she needed to start pushing her friend towards facing her insecurities.
"No"
"Does anyone else know besides yourself, Nathaniel and Jasmine?"
"Jas and Nat's three oldest. Saphron, Vert and Jade."
"I know it's not the right time, with all the shit that is happening in your and Jaune's life, but…"
"You think I should tell Jaune."
"I do." Peach confirmed. "I also think it should have fucking happened years ago, but that's my professional opinion, but I will also admit right now… neither of you are ready for that reveal, and the potential conflict it might spark between you."
"I don't think I ever could… I lost my…"
"Don't." Peach squeezed Glynda's knee. "You didn't lose any chances or rights to be recognized as Jaune's mother, and I won't lie. When it comes to light, and it will, this type of shit always finds a way… there will be tension, and maybe you won't have a mother daughter relationship with her, but you are her family, and she has the right to know."
"I'm so afraid, if…"
"And you are allowed to be… but at the end of the day you have to ask yourself two questions."
"And those would be?"
"One, do you trust Jaune?"
"I do."
"Two, do you love her?"
/=/
"Visiting hours are just about over." A nurse informed Velvet and Coco by just popping her head through the door, and gave a knowing smile when she saw Coco holding Jaune's hand. "You can come back in a couple of hours to see your girlfriend,"
Velvet couldn't suppress the giggle that rose up as she witnessed Coco stammer and blush. She had never seen Coco so flustered, it was nice to watch her be on the receiving end for once.
"Thank you." Velvet responded, knowing that Coco wouldn't be able to in her current state. Velvet watched the nurse's head vanish, and turned her attention back to her team leader. "Coco no!"
"What?" Coco asked as she paused in mid-motion of leaning down to obviously steal a kiss from the resting young woman. "I was…"
"Don't be stealing kisses from an unconscious woman. It's not appropriate. What if she's not ready to take that step? You need her permission fir…"
"What if I want her to steal one?" A soft, weak voice spoke up.
"Jaune!" Coco cried out, as she quickly snaked her arms around the object of her affections and squeezed her tight. "I'm so sorry, this is all my fault!"
"What?" Jaune screeched as Velvet just gave Coco a look, as obviously Professor Goodwtch's words totally went in one ear and out the other through Coco's head. "Why do…"
"This has happened twice." Coco tried to explain as she released her hold upon Jaune and started to step back. "Twice we tried… and twice you've…"
Velvet had to giggle as Jaune grabbed Coco by the sides of her face, to pull her forward and shut her up with a soft, lingering kiss. Coco's eyes went wide as her mind clued into what just happened as Jaune released her grip and gave her a lopsided grin.
"It wasn't your fault." Jaune's smile slowly disappeared as she sighed, "It was mine. If I had been strong…"
"Don't even say that!" Coco cut Jaune off, causing Velvet to roll her eyes. It was obvious that Coco and Jaune were into each other, but she could also see the indecision and fear. So she made her move. Regardless of the whole situation with pretending to be a man, and being Professor Goodwitch's daughter, Velvet was not going to let the pair of idiots ruin something before it could start.
*WHAP* *WHAP*
"Hey!" Coco yelped.
"What was that for?" Jaune exclaimed while rubbing the top of her head, while Coco did the same lying, considering Velvet just karate chopped the pair of the on the head.
"Just stop it." Velvet commented as she crossed her arms over her chest and shook her head. "Coco, Jaune just stole a kiss from you. Jaune, Coco hasn't let go of your hand or moved from your side since she got here."
"Why did you do that?"
"What the hell, Bun-Bun?""
"I was stopping the pair of you from doing, or saying, something you both would regret." Velvet gave the pair her best Professor Goodwitch imitation glare. "What happened was Sky's fault…"
"But…" Coco and Jaune started to speak.
"No buts. Sky caused it all." Velvet let her glare soften and gave them a soft smile. "Are you going to let her get away with that kiss, Coco?"
"I… um…"
"Ladies." The nurse from earlier poked her head back into the room. "It's time to go. Ms Arc needs her rest, as do you. You can come back and make kissy faces at each other tomorrow."
Coco looked back at Jaune, a shy smile crossing her face.
"You'll be back tomorrow, right?" Jaune asked, a similar sheepish smile on her own face.
"Of course, Angel. I wouldn't miss it." Coco leaned over and gave the blonde a quick kiss on the cheek before turning to leave with Velvet, so she wouldn't see the blush on her face.
/=/
Ozpin looked up as the elevator to his office dinged, signalling the arrival of a visitor. Causally, he folded his hands upon his desk over the paper on which he was preparing the list of reagents for Doctor Peach. He was absolutely sure of who would be exiting the elevator, and sighed when Glynda Goodwitch stepped out through the doors.
"How is Jaune?" Ozpin asked, hoping to defuse a possible confrontation as he read the deputy headmistresses' body language.
"Sedated and probably traumatized." Glynda answered as she closed on the Headmaster seated behind his large desk. "Who have you told?"
"I assume you are referring to Jaune's parentage."
"Who. Have. You. Told?" Glynda repeated herself very slowly as she finally reached Ozpin's desk.
"No one." Ozpin replied calmly. "The only ones who know are Myself and Doctor Peach, who was here when I blurted it out."
"Keep it that way."
"Why are you so scared of others knowing that you are Jaune's biological mother?"
"I have my reasons, respect them."
"I will." Ozpin confirmed. "I assume that Nicholas and Jasmine know, of course."
"They do, as do a couple of Jaune's older sisters."
"Cousins."
"Sisters." Glynda corrected. "As far as Jaune knows, they are her sisters, and that is all she'll…"
"She deserves to know, and things like this, secrets this big, have a habit of being found out." Ozpin commented, "I would know."
"You have more secrets than anyone alive, Ozpin, and you seemed to be doing exceedingly well at keeping them."
"Everything I hold close to my chest has been found out by others at one time or another… when it hasn't been me who has revealed them, it often ended in disaster." Ozpin sighed as he leaned back in his chair, exposing the sheet of paper he had been working on. "In the end the choice is yours, and I will respect that."
"Good."
"How are you fairing?"
"I'm managing."
"Well, go get some rest. There is nothing that needs your attention right now, and if something comes up, I will deal with it personally."
"I…"
"Glynda, go be with Jaune." Ozpin leaned forward again. "Even if she doesn't know, she is still your flesh and blood. Be with her."
"What about Mr Lark?"
"Doctor Peach is going to assess him, and if my suspicions are right, he will not be a resident of this school for much longer."
"You're going to let him leave?"
"No. I am going to await Peach's assessment and then make a decision on whether he should be incarcerated or institutionalized." Ozpin lifted his arms and pushed the list he was making across the desk to Glynda. "I have spoken with Doctor Peach, and in light of recent events, I feel it is time to put an end to my original plan."
"So?"
"I am preparing a list of items I will need to reverse the original ritual." Ozpin replied as Glynda looked over the list. "Some I have, others will need to be gathered. But the process has begun and barring any serious interruptions, Jaune should be free before the end of next month."
"Really?"
"Yes." Ozpin rose from his seat and made his way around his desk to stand before Glynda. "I made a mistake, and I will correct it. You are free to tell Jaune about what we are going to do, and I think that it would be taken as better news if it came from you."
"Thank you." Glynda responded, her voice sounding a little choked.
"Go be with Jaune, and get some rest." Ozpin gave Glynda's shoulder a comforting squeeze. "I have preparations to make."
/=/
Doctor Peach stood in the observation room of Beacon's infirmary, looking through the mirror glass into the secure treatment room. A room in which an extremely agitated Sky Lark was currently being held. Peach continued to jot down notes using a stylus on her tablet. Around ten minutes ago she had finished a vitriol, vulgarity, and venomous filled misogynistic interview with the young man. It was obvious to her, and in her professional opinion the young man was deeply disturbed, and for some reason she would never find out, as she had doubts Mr Lark even knew why… he had become dangerously obsessed with Jaune.
"The question is, Mr Lark. " Doctor Peach commented to herself, "What would be the best option to deal with this issue."
Peaches looked up from her tablet when she heard the secure door being activated. She watched as one of Beacon's nurses entered carrying a tray with a little paper cup that Peach knew contained some sedatives she had requested. It was an effort to calm the young man down. Sky's body language instantly went from agitated to hostile, at least until a second individual entered the room.
Gus was a literal bear of a man, and not just because he was in fact a bear faunus. He was massive, and the image he projected was intimidating. Peach knew him from Arkam, where he normally worked as an orderly. Peach had requested his temporary posting to Beacon, specifically for Mr Lark's case.
She knew Gus was in fact a giant teddy-bear inside, and cared deeply for those under his charge, but he was also a deterrent for those with more aggressive tendencies. Which is the case right now. At Gus' appearance, Sky instantly became passive, and compliant. He took his medication without any resistance.
Peach jotted down some more notes, focused specifically on her recommendations in regard to Mr Lark. He needed to be kept away from the general population. His impulses were violent, and there was no telling whom he might unconsciously choose as his next target. Peach had two choices; Shawshank, or Arkam. Both would do for keeping away from the general populace of Vale. Though Arkam would be a better choice considering his need for treatment.
After Gus and the nurse left the room, Sky's agitation once again rose rapidly. Peach had seen enough, and had her recommendations noted. Peach exited the observation room, as she sent a message to Headmaster Ozpin stating that she was ready to speak to him about the issues centred around Mr Lark. The ping a moment later told her that Ozpin had sent a reply.
"Tomorrow morning it is then." Peach commented to herself as she left the infirmary and made her way to her private quarters.