A/N: What is this? I'm publishing a chapter during the semester? I sure am! It was supposed to be out a few weeks ago, but I was being picky and then I had some things to do. That doesn't include watching One Piece and One Piece Live Action...but I am back in my One Piece era! The same can be said with Jujutsu Kaisen. (This series is killing me as both a manga reader and anime watcher. It's good though LOL.) What are you guys currently watching or reading?
Feel free to answer that or not. I know why you're really here. ;) So please, enjoy the chapter.
Malarkey called Madison in early May, confirming that he could go to Tonawanda after the college semester was over. This meant that Madison and Malarkey would reunite in mid-June.
Madison was elated when Malarkey gave her the date that would work best. Since she didn't have Faye Tanner's telephone number, she made sure to write a quick letter to the woman that would visit.
Dear Faye,
I'm sorry to say that it's been awhile since I last wrote to you. As you can imagine, life has been busy! I'm working in Mobile and plan to enjoy my summer here. However, I have exciting news for you: Don called me today and confirmed that he can go to Tonawanda after he's finished with finals. (Yuck!) We plan on coming around the week of June 16. Is that alright with you? Let me know as soon as possible.
Warm regards,
Madison E. Klein
Madison also made sure to write to the Penkala family, informing them that she would visit them near the end of June. She saved Bill for last, calling him and letting him know she'll be in South Philadelphia in early June. They ended up talking on the phone for four hours, but it was worth the high cost of the phone bill.
Everyone around Madison could tell that she was happier than she had previously been. She was more chatty with Father Maloney and her friends, and far more friendlier with the youngest Sledge boy, who had yet to prove to her that the woods near his home were safe. Not that Madison was complaining; she'd rather have tea with her aunt, his mother, and sister-in-law as the older ladies conversed about their lives. Madison fully believed that there were ghosts in the woods.
The Klein household was livelier too, perhaps because the weather was getting warmer by the day; Madison was thankful that the Gulf's breeze combated the heat. Furthermore, Amara was getting ready to move to attend Alabama State University for her summer courses and, if all went well, she would continue in the fall. Madison had only found out that Amara was attending university full time prior to the war, but went part time for the war effort and eventually took a leave of absence when her mother had passed away the previous year.
"I had meant to start back up in the spring, but I didn't feel ready," Amara had explained from the back porch. "I needed more time."
"I understand. Why do you think I haven't done anything with my life since I've been home?" Madison pointed out as she pinned laundry on the clothesline to dry. Amara watched as the young girl got on her tiptoes so she could reach the wire.
"Oh, that's not true, Maddie," Amara brushed off her friend's self-deprecation. "You've done a lot! You moved, you're working, and you're making friends. You're visiting friends. That's exciting!"
It's true. Despite Madison's ongoing troubles, she was making improvements. While she felt like she was dumped on her southern relatives, the young woman has found that she enjoyed the warm weather and the people she has met. She's been working while applying to colleges. She's befriended people and had become more friendly with the Sledge boy after an initial hot-and-cold meeting. However….
"Yeah, but I haven't done anything long term," Madison pointed out. "That's what people really want to know."
Madison has been struggling on what she wanted to settle on. She had a fairly good idea on what her career track was going to be, but where was she going to do that at? Would it be back home in Dayton, or should she make her permanent residence in Mobile? Truthfully, the young woman was still lost on what to do in regard to that.
"Well, we know you're going to college. And you just got your final acceptance letter," Amara said. "Have you decided where you want to go?"
"No," Madison admitted. "Although I've narrowed my choices down. I plan on asking Doctor Sledge and Sidney their opinions about schools down here. If anyone can help out, they can. When I visit my family, I'll ask my sister and opa what they think."
"You won't ask your parents?" Amara wondered.
Madison shook her head, indicating that she would not do that.
"Pops never went to a 'real' college; he learned by trade and hand. I don't want to exactly follow my mama's path, either," the young woman explained, finally getting the last of Eleonora's laundry pinned. "There we go."
"I see," Amara mused. "Still, though, you have your current goals planned out, so—"
"Amara? Madison?"
Both girls turned to see who interrupted their conversation. It was Mr. Jamison who stood in the backdoor's threshold. While the older man stood tall and was a composed man, the girls noted that something was off about him. He seemed to be shaking with a sheen layer of sweat. Immediately, Madison felt her body burn. Something was wrong.
"What happened?" Madison asked, throat constricted.
"It's Jacob. He had a seizure at work and got transported to—"
As soon as Mr. Jamison dropped the hospital's name, Madison flew past the older man, scurrying to the foyer to put on a pair of shoes before running out the door. Perhaps the young woman should have waited, but she couldn't just sit there and wait. Her cousin was seriously ill, and she wasn't going to let him alone nor be neglected in his care.
As the thoughts of her cousin raced in her mind, Madison raced towards the nearest bus station. She had to get to him as soon as possible. Who knew if his parents were there with him? It was likely that Anna couldn't be with him since she wasn't actual family. Amelia couldn't leave her children alone while her husband worked, and Eleonora was with her today.
"Maddie! What the hell are you doing?"
Madison halted in her tracks, nearly toppling on the pavement. As she stabilized, she looked to her left and saw her uncle, his car stopped in the middle of the road. He looked shocked, and Madison was sure that she looked just as surprised to see him.
"Maddie!" Jack repeated. "Do you plan on running to the hospital?"
"Only if I have to," Madison answered, vaguely aware that her legs were shaking. If needed, she would continue to run.
"Enough of that military mindset. Get in the car!"
The tone in Jack's voice made Madison aware that she needed to obey—no mouthing off or anything that she usually did. Without another word, Madison ran over to the front passenger side, hopping in.
"We're seeing Jake?" Madison asked as she shut the door.
"Damn straight," Jack nodded, speeding off just as Madison shut the passenger door. "I was coming to get you after I got the call. Should have known you were gonna jet off."
"I was going to take the bus this time. I already got scolded enough when I walked across town multiple times," Madison defended her actions. She always thought their concerns weren't needed. After all, marching was the most common mode of transportation while in the service and back home (when not using public transportation or her parents' car), not to mention that she marched 118 miles as a training exercise in the past! Her routes in Mobile were nothing compared to that. However, she was trying to appease her family's and friends' concerns over her. She would try to stop going everywhere by foot, but it was just so hard.
"You're something else," Jack muttered, keeping his eyes on the road. He looked tense. As much as Madison wanted to ask, she had a feeling that she would find out later.
Madison had been to hospitals plenty of times in her short span of life. She was born in one and sometimes, her mom would take her when she had her shift at Good Samaritan Hospital. She really didn't go to the hospital as a patient growing up, but that was fine because her mom made sure that each Klein child had a clean bill of health. (Perks of having a nurse for a mother, Madison supposed.)
Then there was the war. When Madison was in the Nurse Corps for a brief time, they had been to hospitals, both public and military. Then Madison was sent to Toccoa, Fort Benning, and Aldbourne—she didn't work in hospitals then; they were more equivalent to aid stations that she would occasionally go to while deployed. They were makeshift, taking over abandoned businesses and churches. The same could be said when she was in Austria and helping with the DPs and, occasionally, POWs or German soldiers. (Her friends didn't like the last bit, but Madison was one of the few who didn't get hostile or let her feelings deter her from the job.)
The last time Madison was admitted to a hospital, however, was when she was evacuated from Holland to England. She had been destroyed by shrapnel (mainly her thighs; miraculously her midsection survived), nearly strangled to death by a kraut, and received a horrid concussion with lasting impact. While she recovered decently, being in that hospital was like living in a dreamlike—no, nightmare like state. Soldiers came through in all types of conditions, but seeing them in misery made Madison sick, especially when they were just shells of the people they once were.
It was just as bad seeing someone in hysterics, however. Currently, Jack was trying to calm Sarah down. Madison was off by herself, lighting up a cigarette. She was trying to quit smoking, but it was a bad habit that allowed her to anchor herself.
Huh, funny that I'm back in a hospital smoking, Madison thought wryly. She had started smoking when she was admitted to the English hospital. Hopefully this isn't a pattern in our family….
Madison had finished nearly half of a pack when a doctor finally came to speak to Jack and Sarah. Madison joined them for moral support. She could see that Sarah was trembling while Jack was standing tall like an oak tree—strong and a pillar for his wife. Hopefully, the news of his son wouldn't make him wilt.
"Your son is awake," the doctor began, "but he suffered some nasty injuries."
"What's wrong with him?" Jack asked.
"The best way to put it is that he's in a daze right now," the doctor began. "His memory and speech are affected. He has bone fractures, and I'm concerned about his bone density. I'd like to do an evaluation on him once his condition starts to improve."
Madison's face remained blank, Jack's face was neutral, and Sarah's face was contorting—you could see a whirlwind of emotions flicker through her red-rimmed blue eyes and quivering face.
"Is he up for visitors?" Madison asked.
"Yes, but he shouldn't have too many in the room at a time. It may overcharge him," the doctor said.
Madison nodded. "Alright. Uncle Jack, Aunt Sarah, how about you two go see your son? I'll call and let Amelia, Anna, and the Jamisons know what's going on."
"Are you sure—?" Sarah started, but she couldn't finish. She was too upset. Madison understood—if she had a child and they were going through a major health scare, even as an adult, Madison was sure she would lose her shit.
"Go. I'll be fine here," Madison convinced her aunt and uncle to go see their son. Sarah tried to fight again, but Jack beat her to it.
"Thank you, Madison. We'll let you know if Jake is up for more people once we see him," Jack said.
Madison nodded again and watched as her family left. Once they were out of sight, she went straight to a payphone.
"Fuck. I should have asked for change," Madison swore in German. Oh, well, she could lose a few cents today.
Madison called Amelia, Anna, and the Jamisons in that order. She explained that Jacob was hospitalized, and only mentioned that the man was disoriented and that his parents were with him right now.
"Call back if you need me or Jeremy to pick you up," Amelia informed her. "Eleonora can stay with us tonight, too."
"Thank you for letting us know. We're wishing for Jack's health to be restored quickly," Mr. Jamison had said. He also asked if he needed to stay overnight at the house, but Madison told him that it was unnecessary.
Anna, however, ended up coming to the hospital, even though Madison informed her that she wasn't sure if Jake was well enough to handle more visitors. Jack and Sarah have yet to return, anyway, so Madison would be Anna's only source of company.
When Anna came in, Madison could tell that the young woman was in despair. She was worried for Jake, that much was obvious, but it looked like she was about to break down. Madison made sure her cousin's girlfriend took a seat and got her some hot tea and a snack.
"Thank you," Anna said, hands trembling as she took the beverage from Madison.
"No problem," Madison said as she took a seat next to Anna. "Are you doing okay?"
Anna didn't answer at first. She took a sip of her tea before she answered.
"I'm worried," Anna admitted. "Jake hasn't had to be hospitalized since prior to the war."
Madison cringed.
"I knew Jake was kind of sickly, but shit," Madison cursed, "this time must be really bad then."
"It's scary, not knowing what happened to him," Anna sniffled. "It was so scary the last time, too, you know?"
If Madison had to be honest, no, she did not know because she had never seen her cousin suffer from a seizure. Although, medically speaking, she knew how they worked and they knew how it could effect not only the patient, but their loved ones, too. It was scary to watch someone go through a health scare, whether they had a seizure, the flu, or got shot and lost a lot of blood.
So, no, Madison didn't know how scary Jake's last seizure was, but she—
"I understand," Madison said. "I'm sorry I couldn't tell you any more than what I did. Sarah was too upset to tell us what happened, and she hasn't left Jake's side."
"It's okay," Anna reassured quietly.
It was quiet between the two women, as Anna sipped her tea and Madison smoked another cigarette. She offered Anna one, but the woman rejected the offer. That was fine, it just left Madison in her own little world, mindlessly smoking and not thinking much. They did converse a little, but both were too preoccupied about current events.
It was nearly an hour later when Jack came back to the waiting room. Madison noticed him first, and lightly hit Anna on her forearm to get her attention. Together, both women stood up as Jack reentered the sitting area.
Taking a look at her uncle, Madison could tell he was haggard. His face looked more sunken in, he looked paler, and his hair looked even grayer. Madison wanted to frown, but she didn't. Instead, she asked—
"How is he?"
Jack exhaled.
"Jake's doing fine. He was in a coma, and he was slipping in and out, but he's awake and stabilized now," Jack answered. "He was confused when he finally maintained consciousness, and the doctors want to do more tests on him. He'll stay for a few nights for observation, but he should pull through."
Anna sobbed in relief. Madison looked solemn, as did her uncle; he had more to say.
"Maddie, can I talk to you?"
Jack's voice was grave; serious. He had started speaking in German. Madison had a feeling that her uncle had more to say, but he didn't want Anna to hear it. He probably didn't want to worry her.
Madison nodded wordlessly. Before uncle and niece talked, Jake had asked Anna if she wanted to see Jake. He could have visitors, but no one wanted to overwhelm him, so they tried to limit visitors in his room.
Anna nodded, saying that she wanted to go.
"Alright, let me lead you to his room," Jack said, prompting Anna to follow him. He turned to his niece. "Madison, I'll be right back."
"I'll be here," Madison said quietly, before watching Jack and Anna leave.
I wonder what Jack wants to talk about, Madison briefly pondered. It must be bad, though, if he's going to start speaking German. Ha, I remember doing that when I didn't want mama to figure out what I was ranting about.
Madison sat back down in one of the sitting room chairs, finally taking a look around the area. There really wasn't special about the place—it was decorated in a soothing manner but, like the smell, it was sterile. Well, it was mostly sterile, she kind of polluted the place with her cigarettes but, in her defense, the hospital staff smoked, too.
Sooner rather than later, Jack returned. He gave Madison a tight smile as he sat next to her. Madison decided to address the problem.
"He is not doing well."
Jack sighed, reaching into his jacket pocket for a cigarette. He fished one out before attempting to find a lighter. Jack's sigh indicated his frustration; he couldn't find his lighter.
"Uncle," Madison caught Jack's attention, along with her own lighter she held in her hand. She gestured for him to move closer. Jack complied and Madison was able to light the cigarette for him.
"Thanks," Jack said before taking a deep pull from his cigarette. "Never thought I would be smoking with my niece."
"Never thought I would be smoking, but here I am," Madison said. "But seriously, Jake is doing worse than you are admitting, right?"
"He is stabilized, but he is having trouble with his memory right now," Jack admitted. "His mood is off, and he is weaker than before. The doctors think he may have some bone loss."
"Is this along with what the doctor originally told us?" Madison asked.
"Yes," Jack nodded. "But they still need to do further testing. We told the doctor not now since Jake's still disoriented."
"Jesus," Madison breathed out. That was a lot. "And you let Anna go see him?"
"She may be able to improve his mood, and she has seen him in worse conditions," Jack explained. "I wanted to tell you this because I did not want you to be terrified of how he looks if you go see him. Do not give me that look. I know you have seen the unthinkable, but Jacob is your family. Do you understand what I am trying to get at?"
"Yes," Madison grumbled, scowling as temporarily looked away from Jack. "Uncle Jack, I will be fine. How is Sarah?"
"A mess," Jack admitted. "She's been here the longest. She saw Jacob fall down and…well, she said this was a violent seizure this time. It came out of nowhere."
Madison grimaced. That sounded like a violent episode, and no doubt her aunt had exhausted herself with worry.
"She won't leave him," Madison stated.
"Yes, but I am worried," Jack admitted. "I know I look stressed, but Sarah is blaming herself for Jake's illness. And we know her mother is getting worse by the day."
Jack would have gone on a long speech about the woes of Sarah and how she shouldn't blame herself, but Madison had heard it all before and decided to cut it short.
"Take her home. I can stay with Jake for the night," Madison proposed.
"Maddie, you don't—"
"I'll be fine Uncle Jack. It's not like I am known to having normal sleeping habits," Madison joked. (Although, to give her credit, she had been doing better recently.) "Besides, Sarah is running on fumes right now. I know she was up all night with her mother. Why didn't she come get me? I would have stayed by Eleonora's side."
Jack sighed. He didn't answer Madison's question, but he agreed that Sarah needed to rest. He could cook dinner tonight and take care of anything else while Madison stayed with his son. Truthfully, Madison was one of the few people that Jack could trust. He knew if his son wasn't treated right, she would go, in his niece's words, fist city on someone.
"Let me see how everyone is doing," Jack decided, getting up from his seat. "Do you want to see Jake?"
"I'll go with you, but I won't enter the room just yet," Madison answered, joining her uncle. "I don't want to stress Jake out too much."
Madison was preparing herself for an argument or refusal from her aunt. However, Jack had all but forced Sarah out of the room, with Anna in tow.
"Please look after him," Anna requested quietly. She left the room before Madison could respond. Jack and Sarah also said their goodbyes before exiting the room.
Madison sighed after she watched the door shut. All the visitors sans her were gone, and she was to watch over her cousin. As Madison looked over to Jake, she could tell he was sleeping by his shallow breathing. Wordlessly, Madison grabbed a chair, scooting it close to Jake's bed before sitting down.
"Looks like it's just you and me," Madison said quietly, studying Jake's face intently.
She received no response besides the sounds of Jake's breathing.
Jack had stopped by again to drop things off for both his son and niece before returning home. Jack told Madison that she shouldn't go into work tomorrow—her task was to stay with Jake and to help him when she could. This was fine with Madison—she didn't want to work in her uncle's stuffy office anyway. She needed a break from all that legal paperwork. It just wasn't her forte.
Madison passed the time in a few ways while sitting in her cousin's hospital room. This included reflecting on her past with an occasional snack. (The nurses were kind enough to bring Madison food—Jack can pay the bill.) She did read a little, but found herself distracted with her cousin, who was still slumbering away by the time.
Apparently, Jake had fallen asleep some time after Anna visited him but before Madison came in to the room. His parents were a bit concerned, but the doctor said sleep was part of the healing process. Madison silently agreed with with the doctor, so she was going to let Jake sleep for as long as he wanted.
Madison found herself murmuring childhood nursery rhymes to entertain herself. She didn't hear the shifting of a body on the bed until a raspy voice called out to her.
"Maddie?"
Madison, who was staring up at the ceiling as she sat in her chair, found herself looking at her cousin who stared at her. He looked a bit disoriented; troubled.
"Maddie," Jake repeated, this time a little stronger. "Where…where is…mom and pop…?"
"Your parents and Anna went home," Madison answered. "It's a little after eleven, don't worry, you've only dozed off for a few hours. How are you feeling?"
"Like shit."
"Fair enough," Madison conceded. "I'm sure I would be too if my brain inflamed and I pissed myself."
Jake shot her a displeased look.
"Sorry. Do you need anything?" Madison asked as she stretched her legs out.
"Might want to tell the doctor I'm awake," Jake suggested. "Can you get water?"
"Sure," Madison nodded. "Be right back."
Madison retrieved the doctor on duty, escorting them to Jake's room. She decided to give Jake and the doctor some privacy and ran to get a pitcher of water and some cups. By the time she returned, the doctor was leaving. Madison stopped him at the door.
"How is he doing?"
The doctor regarded her with piercing eyes.
"Who are you?"
"I'm kin," Madison stated, "and I'm staying with him until papa says otherwise."
The doctor clicked his tongue as he pondered on what to tell Madison. For a moment, he considered that the girl was lying, but she did look like the patient in the room, so….
"It'll take awhile for him to recover from his episode," the doctor said. "However, he's doing well so far."
"Good to hear," Madison nodded. "Is he do for some fluids?" She held up the water pitcher.
"It'll do him some good," the doctor said. "Call if he needs anything."
"Will do," Madison said, watching as the doctor briskly walked away. Once he was down the hall, Madison returned to Jake's side, pouring him a cup of ice cold water.
"I hope he didn't bother you too much," Madison said. "Can you sit up?"
"Not on my own," Jake admitted.
Madison put his water cup down and was by Jake's side, helping him sit up and get comfortable. Once he indicated he was fine, Madison gave him his water.
"Thanks," Jake said. He reached out for the cup, hands trembling. He clasped his hands on his cup, but, sensing that he was about to drop it and spill his water, Madison clasped her hands over Jake's.
"Thanks," Jake repeated, this time quieter as he took a gulp of water; Madison assisting him all the way. Once he was finished, Madison took the cup out of his hands. Jake made himself comfortable as he watched his cousin get everything situated around them. Then, he took a deep breath.
"Maddie," Jake called out.
Madison looked up from her task. While his vision wasn't great, Jake could make out that his cousin was attentive. Jake swallowed.
"I'm sorry," the young man rasped out.
Madison looked perplexed. "Sorry for what?"
"I can't go," Jake said simply but still raspy. However, Madison didn't understand what he meant.
"Go where?"
Jake swallowed heard before he clarified, "To New York, Philadelphia, home."
It was silent between the two cousins as they stared at each other. Jake watched as Madison's neutral expression became something that he could not recognize. This was nothing new to Jake, but it frustrated him that he couldn't tell if Madison was sympathetic, upset, or something else.
"Don't worry about it, Jake," Madison reassured her cousin. "Just get some rest, okay? It sounds like you have a long road to recovery. Hey, you want Anna to be your nurse?"
"Shut up," Jake said. A pulse of irritation coursed through his veins before he saddened. "She shouldn't see me like this. She deserves better than this."
Madison frowned, not liking what Jake was implying.
"Don't say that, or else I'm going to give you another reason to stay in that bed," Madison warned. "You—"
"I mean it, Maddie. What does she see in some guy like me?" Jake asked. "I mean, how many guys do you know who gets seizures as bad as this?"
"I know guys who are messed up in all sorts of ways, especially up here," Madison tapped her temple with her index finger. Jack scoffed, but Madison continued. "It's true. You have seizures, others flip their wig, some are vegetative, but people love them anyway. You get me?"
Jake was silent for a moment. Madison could tell that he was trying to process what she was saying and how he wanted to respond. She blinked at him, waiting intently but patiently for his response.
"It's not that simple," Jake claimed. "Maddie, would you want a husband so weak that he can't handle seizures? Would you want to handle that for the rest of your life?"
Briefly, Madison wondered if her comment about getting an inflamed brain and pissing himself had struck a nerve in Jake, but she didn't address that. Her cousin was having an episode of low self-esteem, and she wasn't going to put up with that.
"I would do anything for my loved ones, and for anyone for that matter," Madison pointed out, crossing her arms over her chest. "Seriously, you're asking the wrong person that question. But even if I didn't want to help people for the rest of my life, I would still help my family. Because I love them, you fucking idiot."
A twinge of anger flared through Madison. Great, now she was pissed for her cousin for being so dumb when it came to people loving him.
"Seriously, Jake. Do you know how worried Anna was? She came running as soon as she hung up on me. She told me you haven't had a seizure this bad since prior to the war. Why would she remember that if she didn't care for you? Why would she have come down here, not knowing if you were well or not, if she didn't love you?"
Jake watched as Madison continued to rant about how much it didn't matter if you were sick as a dog or not because—
"If someone really cared for you and loved you, they would do anything to protect and cherish you," Madison declared. "What do they say in vows? You love for better or for worse, in sickness and in health? Right, that's right. You love and cherish each other to the ends of the earth, no matter how healthy you are! Come on, Jake, you know that!"
"…You're quite the romantic," Jake said before he could truly form a response.
"This isn't about me!" Madison cried, tumbling out of her seat. "Christ, you're hopeless, Jake. Should I just tell Anna that she should forget becoming part of the family one day?"
"No, no, absolutely not," Jake said sternly. "I get what you're saying, okay? I know I'm an idiot. I'm just…"
"Insecure," Madison supplied, seeing that Jake was struggling. If it was because he was still delayed or just couldn't find the right words, Madison didn't know. "I get it, though. I mean, it's like I really have no room to talk, so…."
"I bet you have guys lined up," Jake said. Madison snorted.
"Oh fuck no. I'm not very desirable," Madison insisted.
"True, you're an oddball," Jake mused. "But someone will appreciate that. I know I do."
"Oh shut up," Madison scoffed, ignoring the blush igniting in her cheeks. "Nice reflection, but seriously Jake. If I even think that you're thinking about how much of a loser you are with your seizures, I'm going to pick you up and throw out out the window."
Jake paled. While he doubt Madison would do that—wait, she is pretty strong for someone her age and size, but she wouldn't really do that to him, would he? Jake shuddered at the thought. He hoped she would just scold him and call him a dumbass.
"Don't worry, I'll make sure to tell you that you're an idiot. Anna and the kids can move in with me to get away from you."
"That's real nice. Why would you say that to someone who recently suffered from a seizure?" Jake asked, trying to pull off an innocent tone.
"Because you're being dumb. You're family, too, so I'm allowed to act like this," Madison insisted. By this point, Madison had been standing as she talked to her cousin. "Anyway, you feeling sleepy? Or do you want me to entertain you with me storytelling?"
"Hit me with the stories you got," Jake challenged.
Madison grinned.
"You got it."
Madison sincerely meant it when she told her cousin not to worry about her. After all, Jake had gotten wrecked by his latest seizure, which left his parents on edge.
Even though Madison told her cousin that all he needed to do was rest (and to stop being an idiot with his low self-esteem), she had a big problem. With Jake out of commission, she knew her uncle wouldn't let her go up north to visit her friends. It was frustrating because Madison was a big girl—she could travel by herself!—but her uncle still saw her as little girl, or someone vulnerable who would be taken advantage of. The thought of that would aggravate her even years later when she was an old crone herself. But that's jumping too far into the future—Madison needed to focus on the now.
What was she going to do? She knew she couldn't leave Mobile by herself, and she was sure that Jack wouldn't trust Malarkey to come down only to take her away. She could ask Luz. He would come down and help her out in a heartbeat, but Madison didn't want to bother him.
Could Madison ask someone down here, someone that Jack and Sarah knew well? Obviously, Jake was out of the picture. Amelia wouldn't want to leave or take her young children, and Madison didn't know her husband very well. She could ask Anna, Katharine, Emilia, or Jane, but Jack was too traditional of a man. Sidney Phillips and Mary Houston were out of the question, since their hands were tied up in their summer wedding.
Who else? Madison wondered as she walked back and forth on the front porch, thinking heavily. Who else is a bum like me, and has all the time in the world?
It took some time, but when the answer came to her, Madison was relieved but groaned as she realized who she could ask.
Madison borrowed her uncle's car so she could drive across town to a home that she was familiar with by now. The closer she got, however, the more anxious Madison felt. She really hoped that he would agree to travel with her. If he rejected her, then Madison was out of ideas and was royally screwed.
While her anxiety was running in the background, Madison kept the forefront of her mind calm, even with the occasional seep of the what if's. Driving through town and further out of it helped ease her mind, though. Perhaps Grant was on to something when he taught her how to drive nearly a year ago. For a moment, she wondered how he was doing—hopefully, he was okay. He could be hanging out with Liebgott or Christensen, but she didn't really know.
As Madison crossed over the bridge and through the thick of the woods, she knew she was getting closer to her destination. She hoped he was home—although, truthfully, she knew he was home thanks to a telephone call to Sidney Phillips, who may or may not have teased her when she inquired.
"Why don't you call and ask yourself?" Sidney had asked, slight amusement in his tone.
"I need to ask in person—and it's none of your business anyway," Madison answered. "And no, I'm not mad today, so you won't find his obituary in the paper."
Sidney laughed. "He's not here and if he ain't with me, he's with his brother, but he doesn't leave the house too often. Only for the important stuff."
Somehow that claim made Madison a bit apprehensive to ask him her favor, but she had to do it. Besides, she was sure she could persuade him if he turned her down. She will see the Guarneres, and she will meet Faye Tanner and the Penkala family. Also, if all else failed, Madison could just lie to her uncle and go AWOL on him. She was determined, damn it.
Madison pulled through the gates and onto the driveway. She could hear the gravel crunch under the tires as she pulled in further, and what do you know? Madison was just in luck; she could see a familiar figure sitting under a tree, and she recognized that shade of red hair from anywhere. She also noted that her car briefly caught the young man's attention, but his head quickly turned back to its original position: pointed upwards towards the sky. It was a nice day, so he was probably enjoying it to his fullest.
Madison stopped her car once she reached to a good point in the driveway—not too close to the house or estate entrance, but if someone was entering or exiting the premise, then she wasn't blocking them in. Once the young woman put the car in park and took out the keys from the ignition, she sat in her seat for a moment to collect herself.
Madison took a deep breath, reminding herself why she was here and how she was going to convince Eugene Sledge to join her pilgrimage. He was really the only viable option at this point, and she couldn't screw it up.
Here it goes, Madison thought to herself before exiting the car and shutting the door behind her. She moved around the car and made her way to the middle of the front yard, where Eugene Sledge was lounging against the tree. She noted that Sledge had sun shades on.
"Protecting your eyes from the sun, baby Sledge?" Madison asked when she finally got close enough to start talking to the young man.
"Thought we were past our last names," Sledge responded in his typical, monotone voice. He had not looked at her yet. Madison nearly frowned, but that wouldn't deter her.
"We are, I just wanted to grab your attention," Madison said, hands on her hips. "How are you today?"
"I'm doing just fine. I didn't expect you to come here," Sledge admitted. "How's Jake doing?"
At this point, people have heard what happened to Jake. While the initial scare had worn off, Jake still felt weak and cautious. He hadn't admit it, but Madison theorized that his latest seizure had scared him badly. Other than that, though…
"Oh, he's doing fine," Madison answered as she began to sway side to side. "He's doing much better, but he feels more fragile than before. These days he's with his grandma and Anna comes by often. I keep them all in check, though."
"I'm sure you do," Sledge said as he finally looked up at her. Madison couldn't quite see his eyes, but she could feel him observing her. "Why aren't you with them now?"
"Well, Jack and Sarah are both home. It is a Saturday—that means it's a free day for most people," Madison answered. "Not that you're not doing anything in your free time, but do you spend all of it out here?"
"Pretty much."
Well, at least he's honest, Madison thought to herself.
"Why are you here, Maddie?" Sledge finally asked. If anyone else heard him, they would have chastised him for his tone. It sounded like he was bothered, but Madison had a feeling that he wasn't trying to be rude. To give him credit, he had a valid question.
"I came to ask you something," Madison blurted before she could fully think of how to answer.
Sledge didn't say anything, merely looking at Madison to let her continue to speak. Madison wasn't sure what he was thinking, which only made it worse.
"I want you to come with me when I leave Mobile," Madison started. "I'm not moving or anything—I'm just traveling. Jake was gonna go, but then he had his seizure and he's still feeling like a wimp, so he's not going. I would go by myself—that was my original plan—since I really don't need anyone but Uncle Jack says that I need someone to go with me or else I can't go. Which is bullshit, by the way, why do people think I can't travel alone? I can totally do that! I've done that before. But anyway most people that I could ask can't go, and I don't think Jack would trust if Malarkey just came down here to pick me up. I know you'll probably say no—you never leave your house unless your mom or Edward drag you out, but I would really appreciate if you—"
"When are you leaving?"
Madison paused, her eyes glued onto Sledge, wondering where their conversation was going.
"I plan on leaving in early June," Madison answered. "Maybe late May, I'm still finalizing some details."
"I'll go."
Those two words simultaneously froze Madison briefly before she dropped to her knees. She stared up at Sledge in near disbelief. She felt like her jaw hit the ground. Did she hear him right? there's no way.
"Did you say you'll do it?"
"Yes."
"Really?"
"Really."
"It's in June, right?"
Madison's mind was speeding, and she had trouble concocting both thought and speech. What could she tell him? Eventually, as if she couldn't hold in her relief any longer, she lunged forward and hugged Sledge tightly.
"Oh my God. Oh Christ. You're amazing!" Madison cried out in pure joy. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
"It's…nothing," Sledge said, unsure of what to do now. Never in a million years did he think Madison would hug him. Hell, he was pretty sure the only girl or woman who ever hugged him was his own mother, and perhaps his sister-in-law. He couldn't help but fluster, but it seemed like Madison didn't particularly notice that his brain was short-circuiting.
"It means everything to me," Madison pulled back, staring at Sledge intently. "Seriously, this means so much. I owe you big time. I'll pay you back, I'll buy you tobacco since I know Bill's going to run down your social battery, I'll do anything you ask of me within the next year."
Madison meant every word. But Sledge also meant it when he said it was nothing.
"It's fine, you don't have to do anything," Sledge insisted. He was about to add that it was the right thing to do, but he had a feeling Madison would smack him, so he kept his mouth shut.
Madison smiled. "I do, though. I promise I'll pay you back somehow, even if you reject my working-girl money."
Sledge rolled his eyes at how she described her income, but he couldn't help but let out a small grin.
"You're going to drain all your savings with this trip. Tell me, are you cutting back on your office snacks and baseball cards?"
Madison gave him an offended look. "Hey! I'm actually pretty good with my money. You think I just blow it all off?"
Sledge didn't say anything.
"Wow, I wish you had more faith in me," Madison said. "But also, yeah, I have cut back just a little. Gotta buy snacks that are only in the northeast. Don't worry, I'll share them with you. I'm nice like that."
Madison and Sledge slipped into conversation for about half an hour—they talked about everything and nothing—before Madison decided that she had to return home to tell Jack the news.
"Seriously, Eugene, thank you so much. I really owe you a lot for this," Madison repeated, hugging him again—she couldn't help it, she was just too excited. "I'll see you later. Don't worry about walking me to my car, it's literally in the driveway. Just keep watching the branches or whatever it was that you were doing before I got here."
While Sledge didn't walk her to her car, he did watch as Madison entered her vehicle and left the premise.
"Was that Madison Klein who just came by?"
Sledge jolted in his spot before seeing his mother standing before him, a curious and amused look in her eyes. He briefly wondered if his mother watched their interaction the entire time Madison was in the front yard with him.
"Yes."
"What did she want?"
"To ask me something," Sledge merely said.
Now Mrs. Sledge really looked interested.
"Well? What did she ask?"
"She came by to ask if I would go up north with her since Jake can't do it anymore," Sledge explained as briefly as he could.
"Really?"
"Really. Apparently I was the only logical choice," Sledge said. He could see how she came to that conclusion—Jake was recuperating, Sidney was busy, and there was no way in hell that Jack would just let a couple of girls go by themselves.
"Well that's…that's a surprise," Mrs. Sledge settled on. "What did you tell her?"
"I told her I'll do it," Sledge answered.
"You'll go?" Mrs. Sledge was surprised. "I'm not sure if that's a good idea. You two will be unsupervised…"
Sledge shot a perplexed look to his mother.
"What are you talking about? It's not like we're getting eloped, mother," Sledge pointed out, a weird feeling blooming in his chest. "She just wants to see her friends and pay her respects. She actually wanted to go by herself, but Jack wouldn't allow that. And Jake was going to go, but he had to back out. I was just a last ditch effort."
Sledge's tone became taught the further he explained the predicament. While he may not always act like it, he did feel for Madison. She was bit out there, but he didn't really care, at least not now. At this point, he knew what Madison was like and he had known her brother.
Matt. Now, Sledge had lost a lot of friends, but Matt stuck out like a sore thumb. While Matt made sure to get his work done, he was also one of the more friendlier Marines. The loss of Matt was similar to the loss of Haldane, but what haunted Sledge more was that he actively saw Madison, one of the sisters that Matt always talked about. They shared the same blue eyes and had similar shades of mousy brown hair, although Madison's hair was slightly lighter, possibly due to the Alabama sun.
Sledge sighed. Now he was starting to second-guess his agreement. It's not that he regretted saying yes, but would it really be okay for him to do that? To stay close to Madison, watching while she reunited with her friends and family? Would it really be okay for him to do that when he had yet to really apologize to his deceased friend's family? What gave Sledge the right to travel with Madison, when the one person who should have done that is buried on Okinawa?
"Well, I hope you know what you're getting into, Eugene," Mrs. Sledge eventually broke through. "You only have a few weeks, and the trip could be tiring. Do you know when you'll be back?"
"Late June, early July," Sledge estimated.
Mrs. Sledge once again looked hesitant.
"Are you sure you're alright with this?" she asked. "You are part of Sidney's wedding party. Do you suppose you'll be back in time?"
"Yes," Sledge answered. "She knows when the wedding is and she's going too. She wouldn't skip out like that or force me to stay with her. She's a grown woman, she can always come back by herself if something were to happen."
"But that wouldn't be safe for her."
"She was in the Airborne mother, I'm sure she's been in dangerous situations before," Sledge pointed out. "Honestly, I don't think anything could scare her easily."
Mrs. Sledge sighed. She knew it was futile to press this matter more with her youngest son—he was stubborn as a mule when he wanted to be.
"Alright. I just hope that you know what you're getting into," Mrs. Sledge gave in. "The both of you."
Sledge said nothing in response.
It was late afternoon when Madison walked through the front door of her family's home. Jack and Eleonora heard the door shut, along with shuffling, but the most surprising sound was of something humming.
"Is that Madison?" Jack asked his mother-in-law. Before Eleonora could answer, the watched as Madison strolled passed the living room, humming with a smile on her face. She had a little pep in her step, which intrigued the pair of adults even further. Madison had been somewhat perturbed lately thanks to Jake's health scare, but she seemed more joyful today.
What surprised them, however, was that Madison made no indication that she saw them. Usually, she would announce that she was home, but save for her humming, she didn't make a peep.
Jack and Eleonora shared another look before they both got up from their seats. Quickly, they followed to where Madison headed out. By the time they found her, she was sitting out back with a drink in one hand as she swayed back and forth, still humming the song.
"I've got no strings to pull me down. To make me fret, or make me frown…"
Jack couldn't help but snort.
"I thought you said Pinocchio scared you?"
Madison jumped in her spot, looking back to see her uncle and Eleonora looking at her in awe. She didn't scowl at them like she usually did when someone took her by surprise. She only looked confused, which fueled the awed looks.
"It does. I think I'm afraid of it more than Mikey. I don't know why mama and pop made me take him to go see that scary flick…." Madison trailed off lightly, suddenly lost in thought.
"Where did you go?" Eleonora asked.
It was like Madison didn't hear her. She was lost in her own world, still singing silly little songs and she had a huge smile on her face, something that Jack hadn't noticed when Madison came home, but Eleonora did. The elder woman studied the younger woman, a grin spreading across her wrinkled face.
Oh, Maddie's head was in the clouds. She was happy about something.
"Madison," Jack said. Why did she ignore Eleonora? That wasn't like his niece.
No answer, the girl's head was bopping side to side.
"Maddie!"
Jack's loud voice seemingly broke Madison out of her trance, although that big smile was on her face. Now, Jack was glad to see that his niece was in high spirits, but what caused that?
"Yes?"
She didn't say yes in German like she usually did. That made Jack a bit suspicious, as Madison always loved using the enunciation of ja.
"What happened?" Jack asked.
"Where did you go?" Eleonora clarified as she saw Madison looked confused by her uncle's vague question.
"I visited the Sledges today," Madison answered.
"Really? On your own?" Jack asked. Madison nodded. "Why?"
"I had to ask Sledge something," Madison answered.
Both Jack and Eleonora glanced at each other before back to Madison.
"Are you courting him?" Eleonora asked coyly.
"What the fuck? No!" Madison sputtered, turning bright red. "I asked him to go with me up north and he agreed!"
Eleonora smiled while Jack looked like he was in shock.
"What?!" the old man cried in German. "Madison! Why did you do that?"
"…Because he was the only logical option?" Madison answered. "Who else was I supposed to ask?"
"You could have—" Jack started, but then he thought about. Who could she have asked? He thought about it for a moment, but found himself stumped. However…
"You're taking the Sledge boy?! Really?!" Jack cried out. "Are you crazy?"
"Yes, yes, and yes," Madison answered all three of his questions. She wasn't really sure why her uncle was reacting like that.
"Do you know the implications if you two go—" Jack started, but Madison interrupted.
"But you wouldn't let me go by myself, and you wouldn't approve if I asked anyone else besides family," Madison pointed out in a cool manner. "Jake's too wary of going now, which I get. Can't be too careful, right? You don't really know any of other friends, I don't know Amelia's husband very well, and there's no way you would go. Sledge was just the best option."
Jack studied his niece, who had a serious look on her face. He couldn't deny Madison's rational. His son was still trying to recover, he didn't think that a group of women would be safe companions, and he didn't trust anyone else. That Sledge boy, however…
"Maybe you wanted him to go with you," Eleonora said with a mischievous look on her face. It reminded Jack of his wife for a moment.
"Yes," Madison agreed, then she caught on to the old woman's suggestion. "I mean no! That's not it! He was just…he's not doing anything but even if he said no I would have gone by myself anyway."
"Sure," Eleonora said. She was sure Madison would have begged for the boy to go with her.
"Absolutely not," Jack said at the same time. Like hell he would let Madison travel alone. What if something happened to her? His brother would be upset and his sister-in-law would skin him alive. Morgan and Mikey would retaliate too, no doubt.
"I would have," Madison said. "Seriously, I would have gone AWOL. I've done that before, and I'll do it again."
"This is not Europe, and you are no longer a soldier," Jack reminded her. "That's not really applicable here."
"So?" Madison asked. "Going AWOL kind of means sneaking out, right? It's the same thing, different context type of thing."
Jack sighed. "You're hard to budge, you know that?"
"I said what I said," Madison shrugged, suddenly becoming sober. "So…can I still go?"
Jack studied his niece. It felt like forever to Madison…until Jack finally nodded in agreement.
"Yes. You may go."
The pure joy on Madison's face was worth saying yes. Now Jack could only hope for her to have a safe, enlightening trip.
A/N: There is so much that I love about this chapter, and I hope you loved it too! Now, without spoiling anything, we're really getting into things! I've had this section of the story planned out for little years! It's one thing to plan and outline, but writing it out is a beast itself.
Speaking of beasts, I have more exciting news. I am completely revamping Matt's story. (Well, most things, he's still going to be KIA'd. Sorry dude.) I decided to do this because, tbh, it needs more depth. I wrote it during one of the most stressful times and really didn't cater it like I did with Madison's story. I mean, I also revamped her story...so now Matt is getting equal treatment! LOL, I enjoy it so far. Don't fear, though, as it should not delay this fic any further than my usual obstacles. I will definitely let you guys know when Matt's story is completed and ready to read, so keep an eye out for that ;)
Well, that's all I have to say for now. Until next time!
