Settled
Kate POV
We're waiting for the valet to bring our cars to us so we can head to the house.
"Dad? How are you feeling?" Rhi asks. "You look kind of pale." She has a concerned look on her face.
To be honest, I was concerned too. He was walking at an awfully slow pace and it looked like he was tired. Hell, I'd be tired and slow too if I just had a bunch of IV bags full of medicine forced through my veins. I can't imagine how that feels once, let alone on a regular basis. We all hope it works the first time. I worry so much about what it will do to Rhi if anything happens to her dad. We'd all be upset and affected negatively but I have a feeling that when the time comes she will be destroyed. Ana and I have been preparing how to handle things and we've got to make sure we're able to focus all our energy on helping her. I'm not saying we won't be affected. I'm just saying we will deal with that on our own and will not allow our own emotions to feed hers.
"I'm ok Rhi. I'm just a little tired. I've been sitting for hours and I'm not used to doing that. My body doesn't know what to do with itself. There's no need to worry." Captain replies, looking at Rhi with a smile.
I believe him. To a point. Cancer is evil and the medicine is just as bad, if not worse. He's got a great attitude and sense of humor still, which irritates Rhi but she doesn't realize she's the same way. She gets mad when she's told that, but then again, who wants to be reminded of their faults? I don't think it's a fault, per se, it's more like a defense tactic in preventing the effects of a bunch of bullshit thrown at you from creating more damage.
"Ok daddy. Let's get you into the car and I'll get you home as fast as possible." Rhi replies as she's leading him to her car.
With a chuckle, Captain stops moving. "Rhi, there's no way I'm riding with you when you say things like that. I know how you drive. I realize you're a safe driver but I don't think I can handle doing drag races after that treatment. I'm going to ride with Joe. You and the girls go together and we'll meet you there."
Rhi stops in her tracks and gives him a hurt look, to which he laughs, "Don't look at me like that. I know how you are. Racing is in your blood and you can't help yourself. Besides, it's easier for me to get into Joe's SUV than your Camaro. You can help me into his vehicle and then you and the girls can meet us there."
Rhi deflates a little then, as realization sets in, she squints her eyes at her dad, "Hey! I'm not a bad driver! I just like to race. It's not my fault most people don't know the stop lights are just drag racing lights!" She gives him one of her cheeky smiles and laughs.
She is correct in that matter. She does drag race and she's pretty damn good at it. Unfortunately, he's also correct because all the MPs know her and her racing tendencies. She gets out of a lot of tickets because of the Captain and who he knows. She's kind of spoiled, in that matter, and she's lucky too because she'd be in jail for the endless tickets of reckless driving, speeding and display of power. I'm quite shocked, actually, that she hasn't had her license suspended for every time she got busted. She's not the only one who gets out of tickets because of the Captain; Ana and I do too. It's wrong and unfair to other drivers but we're not complaining.
We watch as Rhi and Joe load him into the SUV and once he's inside, Rhi gives him a kiss on the cheek. "See you at home! Joe, you better drive safely you've got precious cargo!" She shakes her pointer finger at him and has a stern look on her face, though the smile that accompanies it cancels it out.
Ana and I look at each other and smile, wondering how long she'll be able to keep up the façade of being okay. She's very strong emotionally so we're surprised when she gets into the car tears are filling her eyes. She starts the car and it growls to life, the rumble echoing throughout the courtyard. It sounds like an animal and I can understand why she loves the sound so much.
She's silent and still as she looks straight ahead and after a few minutes of silence Ana asks, "Rhi? Are you ok? I know that's a stupid question, but are you?"
Rhi sighs, grips the steering wheel and turns to face her. The tears that were imprisoned in her eyes had finally been set free, leaving shiny trails down her cheeks. Not a word was spoken, not a breath taken, only stillness.
Taking a shaky breath, Rhi finally speaks, and when she does she asks the one question we don't have an answer to. "Why?"
Ana and I are silent. I have no idea how to answer that. Unfortunately, I know Rhi well enough to know that it's not rhetorical and she truly wants to know the answer. I feel like a horrible friend because I can't give her the one thing she needs the most. An answer.
Ana seems to be able to have a better handle on things when she replies, "Rhi, to be honest, no one knows the answer to that question. We can all speculate and we can all come up with various answers but the truth of the matter is we don't know why. Maybe to make you stronger. Maybe you will be able to change the lives of people through the experiences you've had. Maybe you will relate to others and be able to help them. I refuse to believe that you are being punished for something you did or didn't do., so you can get that thought out of your head right this minute. You've been through so much and have persevered through things no one else could survive and you've come out on top, stronger than ever. There's a reason for it, we just don't know what it is. All you can do is keep being the wonderful person you are and when the time is right that answer will come to you."
Well said, Ana, well said.
Rhi is silent, looking at Ana, and after a minute passes she nods. Wiping away her tears she speaks again. "Guys, this has been the most stressful day I've had in a long time. First, mother failing to bring Dad to his appointment. Then, Joe dropping the bomb on me that I'm the sole heir to my Dad's and both sets of my grandparent's estates. Do you realize what that means?"
She doesn't give us a chance to respond before she answers her own question. "That makes me one rich bitch!" She laughs and smacks her hands on the steering wheel for emphasis.
Ana and I are shocked at her outburst, we're actually speechless. Before Ana or I could respond she excitedly commands, "OK! Buckle up girls! They've already left and will get there before we do. I can't let that happen!" She turns to look at us and gives us a cheeky grin and with a laugh she puts the car in gear, revs the engine and the tires start to smoke a little. When she lifts her foot off the brake the tires continue to smoke and squeal until they gain traction and the solid steel beast lurches forward, throwing us back into our seats like someone physically pushed us. Well, something did push us, the law of physics kicked into high gear just like the engine.
Though Ana and I are aware of Rhi's racing reputation, we've never been in the vehicle when she does it. I can see why she enjoys racing so much. It's exhilarating, albeit a tad bit frightening. There's the slight whine of the engine kicking into high gear, powerful shifting of the transmission changing gears and the growl of the exhaust echoing in the air and the squeal of the tires on the street. I think my greatest fear is the tires finding a patch of loose gravel and sliding around causing Rhi to lose control but so far so good.
"Jesus Rhi, slow down will you? What's the rush?" Ana shrieks. She has one hand holding onto the dashboard so tight her fingertips and knuckles are white. Her other hand is holding onto the door armrest. I'm holding on to the shit handle in the back seat with one hand while the other is trying to keep me from sliding across the seat. We're both doing this while the g-force is pushing us back into the seats.
Rhi just laughs at our discomfort. Her demeanor is the complete opposite of ours. She's relaxed and alert. Her right hand is resting on the gear shift while her left hand is lightly holding onto the steering wheel. While her car is an automatic she treats it like it's a manual, shifting from gear to gear, controlling when and how the vehicle moves its power.
"Would you guys relax? Trust me. I know what I'm doing." She responds, rolling her eyes. Continuing she surprises me, "Trust me. I'd never put you guys in any danger." She leaves the statement hanging in the air. I can tell there is a double meaning but instead of saying something in response I decide to leave it alone. Ana is silent as well and I wonder what she's thinking.
I'll have to ask her about it later.
We arrive at her house just as Joe is helping Captain out of the SUV. I'm bracing myself for the car to come to a screeching halt but Rhi eases it to a smooth stop and turns off the engine.
"There. Safe and sound. Was that so bad?" She looks from Ana to me, eyebrows raised.
"Actually, that was exciting! I wouldn't want to do it all the time, like you, but once in a while it would be fun." Ana replies.
I'm surprised she says that considering she's a conservative driver.
"While I don't completely share Ana's sentiment I don't completely disagree either. It might take a few more times before I can make that decision." That's the only thing I could think of saying.
Rhi laughs, "Well, I'll just have to take you out driving again sometime. You'll love it once you're comfortable."
Well, fuck. That backfired on me.
Rhi POV
I had to scratch the racing itch when the girls and I got into my car. Do I regret catching them off guard? Not at all. They've never been in the car when I'm racing and I wanted to give them a taste of the rush of power. I could tell they were a little scared but apparently they enjoyed it a little more than they appeared to. Ana agreed and Kate said she'd need to do more to make her decision. I was shocked, to be honest. I've told them numerous times that I can handle the power and that I'm a safe driver but they never truly believe me. Hopefully they will try it again in the future. We shall see.
When we pull up Dad is getting out of Joe's SUV when we pull up. The color has returned to his face so he doesn't look so pale but he's still moving a little slower than he usually does. He's being helped up the driveway by Charlie Jacobson and Scott Pruitt as we exit the car. Michael Allman is opening the front door of the house for them. I feel like I should be the one helping him but I let the men do it. Maybe they feel like they should be doing something more than being there for support. I decide to let them have it.
Joe turns to me, "Rhi, I better not get any calls or messages about you racing." He smiles, a twinkle shining in his eyes. I know he's joking but I also know he's serious. He's gotten many calls about my driving and I'm thankful he's gotten me out of tickets otherwise I'd be in jail.
"That's funny. You're in luck, there wasn't a cop in sight. So your phone should be quiet in regards to anything about me." I laugh and give him a big smile. He just rolls his eyes.
Once we all get inside the house, Dad says, "Let's go to the entertainment room and watch this again. Rhi? Why don't you girls go to the kitchen and bring some refreshments."
Nodding, I watch them head across the room toward the hallway that leads to the entertainment room. Once they enter the hallway Kate, Ana and I head towards the hallway to the kitchen.
"Ok girls, what should we bring?" I ask them. I know if I chose there would be alcohol so I'm leaving it up to them.
"Popcorn!" Kate shouts. "We need popcorn! Hot buttered popcorn! Too bad it's not from a movie theater but homemade will work. Rhi? Melt some butter. Ana? You work on the drinks." She's already pulling popcorn out of the pantry and starting the popcorn machine. While that's getting started she grabs a couple of large bowls to put it in and adds a few smaller bowls for everyone.
I laugh, "You're really making this into a big movie production aren't you?"
Shaking my head I wander over to the fridge and grab a couple of sticks of butter and put a pot on the stove to melt the butter. Ana has already pulled out sodas and is now filling a bowl with ice along with tongs and glasses for everyone. While I'm waiting for the butter to melt I find trays to put everything on so we can carry everything in one trip.
Once everything is done, we load up and carry it to where everyone is waiting. The other men's eyes widen in shock and Dad just laughs. "Ok, Kate, I know it was you who wanted the popcorn, did you make enough for everyone?"
Kate laughs, "Of course I did! There are two bowls, one for me and one for everyone else! You know how much I love my popcorn! Especially when we're watching an awesome movie! This one is going to be epic!" She rubs her hands together and passes everyone a small bowl.
Ana has set the glasses and bowl of ice on the bar and I follow with the drinks.
"Ok guys, come on and grab a drink." As the men are getting their drinks, Kate is serving the popcorn.
"Rhi, you need to go get two more bowls. You don't have enough." He winks at my confused look.
"Um, okay…" I reply. I thought we had enough for everyone but if he wants more then I'll get more.
I start down the hallway and as I'm getting ready to head toward the kitchen, I hear the handle to the door jiggle and start to open. I'm surprised and squeal when I see my Papa and Nana come in.
I let out a surprised squeal and run over to them. "Nana! Papa! What are you guys doing here?" I ask, giving them both a big hug.
Nana laughs at my excitement, "Do you really think we would miss watching you put that vile woman in her place? Your dad called us over to watch the shenanigans unfold. The anticipation is killing us! I hear this is going to be the movie even of the year!"
Papa laughs along with her, "Now, where do we go?"
"Go ahead down to the entertainment room. I'm going to go get a couple of more bowls. I'll be right there." I tell them, pointing down the hall.
Nodding, I watch as they turn to the hallway and start toward the room. Rushing into the kitchen, I grab the bowls and rush back to everyone. When I enter, I hear two more voices that are unexpected but I recognize.
"How did she handle it? Was she ok? I wish we could have been there to watch it unfold as it happened. But this is just as good. Thank you for doing this. It means a lot to us." I hear Memaw's soft voice coming from the tv soundbar. What the fuck?
Walking further into the room I see both Memaw and Papa on the screen, along with the video that was recorded from earlier.
"Memaw! Pop-Pop! What are you doing here? Well, not here, here, but here from there?" I question, surprised to see their faces. Everyone laughs and I look around. "What's so funny? It's a legitimate question."
Dad is laughing, "Rhi, did you hear what you just said? The way you said it?" He asks, chuckling.
I think about it for a moment, "Don't judge. It makes perfect sense to me. You all knew what I was saying. Don't pretend you didn't." I laugh, realizing I sounded like a complete lunatic.
"It made perfect sense to me, my precious girl." Memaw speaks up with a smile. "Your dad was able to figure out how to connect us to watch the video with you guys"
I almost forgot why we were all here. Today has been such a blur and so much has happened that it still hasn't sunk in.
Dad breaks in before anyone could say anything else. "Well, now that we're all here shall we start the show?" He asks.
A resounding "Yes!" erupts from everyone and we all get comfortable. I see Kate, sitting on the floor with her legs crossed, grab a large bowl of popcorn and dig in. She looks like a little kid watching Saturday morning cartoons. Ana is sitting right next to her with her small bowl of popcorn. I can't help it. My heart warms and tears swell in my eyes. I'm so lucky to have them in my life. They're the best friends in the world.
Turning my head back to face the tv, like everyone else, I watch as the drama unfolds on the screen. The further we get into the video I glance around the room to see the various expressions on everyone's faces. There's a mixture of happiness and sadness on everyone's faces. Memaw and Pop-Pop have pained expressions on their faces and I can see the sadness in Memaw's eyes. It send a pain to my heart to see them like that. I've lived through a lot of stuff and I'm stronger than everyone thinks. It's nice to know there are people who care about and love me but they shouldn't feel bad. Life happens. There are bad people in this world, some are even those that are supposed to love and care for you, but those bad people get what they deserve; In one way or another. I watch Nana and Papa have similar reactions and go climb in their laps. I don't want them to hurt. It feels good to have their arms wrapped around me, I just wish Memaw and Pop-Pop were here physically too so they could join us. I notice Dad looking at us with a secret smile on his face and I smile at him. A few minutes later I hear a door close and footsteps coming down the hallway. Confused I turn to look at the room entrance and I'm stunned to see Memaw and Pop-Pop. My eyes widen and I feel my cheeks stretch with a huge smile.
"Memaw! Pop-Pop!" I shout as I struggle to get out of Nana and Papa's laps and run to them, wrapping my arms around them just as I did with Nana and Papa. I give them a huge squeeze and bury my face in Pop-Pop's chest. When I look back up at them I see tears in their eyes.
"Hello Pumpkin. How's my girl?" Pop-Pop asks with a soft smile.
"I'm perfect now that my family is here. I've missed you." Suddenly it hits me. "What are you doing here? Wait! Weren't you just on the tv? How are you here?" I ask.
With a chuckle, Pop-Pop responds, "We were waiting in the office waiting for the right time to come out and surprise you. We wouldn't miss this for the world!"
I give them both a huge hug again and turn to find them a seat. Nana and Papa have already made room for them on their couch and I can't keep the smile from my face. I'm so happy they get along with each other. There's still enough room for me to sit on the couch with them so I sit between Nana and Memaw. Each of them wrap their arms around me.
Don't cry. Don't cry. Don't cry. I chant in my head.
It's at this time I notice the video has been paused. Looking at my Dad I smile, "Thank you." He just nods his head and smiles.
Turning back to Joe, he nods and says, "Go ahead and start the video again."
I would prefer to forget about the video. Actually, I want to forget the whole thing but I know some people need to watch it so I endure it. I try to avoid looking an anyone because I know I'll see sorrow and regret and I can't handle that. After a while, the video stops and there is silence.
I can't handle the tension any longer so I stand up, clap my hands, and shout, "Yes! That was an amazing movie! What did you all think? Did you enjoy it as much as I did?" I look around and see nothing but surprised expressions. "What? Too much too soon?" I sigh, "Tough crowd. Jeeze, relax, someone had to break the tension." I mutter quietly.
"Rhi." Dad starts but I don't let him finish.
"No Dad don't 'Rhi' me. What needed to be said was said. It's over and done with. Can't we just move on? I'm tired of living in the past. She was a shitty person and she's gone now. I'm good. Everything is fine. Sorry Memaw and Pop-pop. I don't mean to hurt you but…" Before I can finish I'm interrupted.
"Rhi, You're not hurting us. She hurt you and everyone she came in contact with. We're not just for you but for our closure too. We're more here for you though." Pop-Pop says with a smile. After a moment he continues, "We did what we knew was right. We discussed everything with your Dad and Ellie and Chadwick and came to this conclusion all on our own. There's a reason we left everything to you. You deserve it. Our ungrateful children do not deserve to be rewarded for their abhorrent behavior. We want you to be able to live and not have to worry about money or a place to live. Ever. All the properties we left to you, you now own. You can do whatever you want with them. The only stipulation is that you have to wait until you turn 21 to sell or give away anything you want. The money, you already have access to. There are stocks, bonds and other investments that are there too and we have financial advisors you can meet with when you're ready. Please, don't feel bad for saying what your true feelings are. We agree with you about Veronica and Bruce 100%." I watch him as he looks around the room and everyone nods in agreement.
Memaw clears her throat and says, "You had a horrible mother. Your Dad, Oscar, is an amazing man and raised you to be an amazing young woman. You're strong, determined, intelligent and wonderful woman with a big heart despite the shit that your mother and Uncle did. You were also blessed with having a father like Brad be there and support you through everything. Throughout the past 17 years you've been challenged more than any child should have been yet here you stand strong and true and loved more than you could ever know. We are the ones who are blessed and luck to have you in our lives. You are cherished and forever will be. We love you."
By the end of her talking she's in tears, along with nearly everyone else in the room. Unable to handle any more, I sit down on the floor and quietly sob. No one says anything and after a few minutes I hear rustling and Ana and Kate scoot over and wrap me in their arms.
"Shh, it's ok. You're going to be ok. It's over. Now you can move on and focus on living your life. You won't be alone to do it either. Kate and I will both be there, along side with you." Ana says, calmly.
I have to laugh when Kate throws in her two-cents, "Yeah, we'll be there to make sure you stay out of jail from all your vehicular transgressions."
"Thank you Ana. Thank you Kate. I really needed that. You two are the best friends in the world and I wouldn't have been able to make this journey successfully without you guys by my side. I owe you the world. As for the vehicle transgressions, that's what Joe is for." I wrap my arms around both of them and give them a big hug.
When I pull back I wipe the tears from my cheeks and look around the room at the faces before me. I see nothing but love.