Chapter 138: Sundays
Sunday, January 8th, Morning
The sun was coming up and lit the waters of Murphy Inlet with a bright red-orange color of the birth of another Sunday morning. She came out of Murphy House wrapped in a thick blanket, holding a cup of coffee. Taking a seat on the porch, she wrapped the blanket around herself tighter. In the bitterly cold air, her breath came out as clouds of steam. There was also steam coming off her cup of coffee.
Kelly Burke took a sip of her coffee, as she watched as a ship was heading out to sea. The large container ship passed by the opening of the small Murphy Inlet. She took a deep breath and felt the remains of congestion from the last night.
The door behind her opened and Kelly looked over her left shoulder. She saw her husband and three kids coming out of the door. Rian ran over and climbed up into Kelly's lap.
Andrew took a seat in the chair next to Kelly. Their two oldest children, nine-year-old Phelan, and seven-year-old Liv took seats on a nearby bench.
"What's going on?" Kelly asked.
"Well, we all know about your morning routine," Andrew said.
"I've had this routine for years," Kelly said.
"We know, Momma," Phelan said, "But we also heard you talked with Coach Scott."
Kelly nodded, "Yeah, they want me to show up to honor the team I played on in high school," she said.
Liv nodded, "Are you doing it?" she asked.
"I'm thinking about it," Kelly said.
"Momma," Phelan said.
"Yes, Phelan?" Kelly asked.
"Will you play for us?" Phelan asked.
"Sure, get my guitar," Kelly said, and Andrew took Rian from her lap.
Phelan nodded and went inside. He came out holding the guitar. He handed it to Kelly, she handed Andrew her coffee cup and settled the guitar on her knee.
"What do you want to hear?" Kelly asked.
"The Chain," Phelan and Liv said. Kelly nodded and started to play her guitar.
Listen to the wind blow
Watch the sun rise
Run in the shadows
Damn your love
Damn your lies
Sunday, January 8th, Morning
As per their routine, they would meet in the same coffee shop every Sunday at the same time. No matter how many times they saw each other during the week they did this. Fallon smiled as she walked into the coffee shop. Getting into the line she waited for her chance to order, she ordered.
Walking out to the dining room she found Ellie and Trin waiting for her. Fallon was typically the last one to show up. She took a seat next to Ellie and looked over her two friends/family.
"So, it looks like someone had a good date," Fallon said.
"Yes, I did, it was just what I needed," Trin said.
Fallon laughed, "Got rid of those cobwebs down there?" she asked.
"Oh yeah, multiple times," Trin said, almost laughing after each word.
Fallon shook her head and looked at Ellie. Ellie was dressed in more casual slacks and a blouse, more contemporary look instead of her normal Boho style. Her light blonde hair was pulled back and held by a simple clasp.
"What's wrong, Ellie?" Fallon said.
"I had a bad night last night?" Ellie said.
"Are you okay?" Fallon asked.
"I'm fine," Ellie said.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Fallon asked.
"No," Ellie said.
"This isn't like you, Els," Trin said.
Ellie shook her head, "I know, I'm just trying to wrap my head around something," she said.
"Els, you can always call me to talk," Trin said.
"I know," Ellie said, turned to Fallon, "So, how was the Knight Gallery?"
"Fallon!" The Barista called out.
"Put a pin in this, I'll tell you when I get back," Fallon said, got up and went to retrieve her coffee.
Trin looked at Ellie and shrugged. Ellie nodded and turned back to her coffee, as they sat there in silence.
And if you don't love me now
You will never love me again
I can still hear you saying
You would never break the chain
Sunday, January 8th, Morning
Nathan stood at the front door and knocked. He pulled his coat closer to himself and let out a long breath. There was a cloud of steam that came out of his mouth and his nose. Again, Haley didn't come along with him. He started to step his feet up and down to keep his blood flowing.
The door finally opened, and Nathan turned around to see a now grey hair Rachel Gatina appeared in the door. Nathan nodded at his old high school classmate, and the grandma to three of his grandkids by his son Brian.
"Nathan, how are you, please come in, I have coffee on," Rachel said.
"Thanks, but I'm sorry, I'm going to have to turn it down," Nathan said.
"Oh Nate, why?" Rachel asked.
"I have things to do with the kids back at Tree Hill," Nathan said.
"Nate, when did this happen?" Rachel asked.
"Last night, you know Haley," Nathan said.
"Sadly, I do," Rachel said, she turned around, "Lennon, Lacy, Darren, get your shoes and coat on, Papa Nate is here."
There were the sounds of three little kids running around.
"Were they any trouble?" Nathan asked.
Rachel turned to face Nathan, "No, they're never any trouble," she said.
Nathan nodded, "That's good," he said.
Rachel smiled and stepped aside to show Nathan the bags of the grandkids. Nathan nodded and stepped inside the cabin. At that time, he saw the three grandkids appear. They each said their goodbyes to Rachel. Rachel spent time with each of them. Nathan noted that Rachel spent a few more moments with Lacy.
Once they were done, Nathan handed one of the bags to Lennon. The four of them walked out to the mini-van, with Lacy leaning against him. His movement was slowed by Nathan's limp from his bad knee.
Finally, once they were loaded up, Nathan got into the mini-van and started it. After one last long look at the cabin, he put the mini-van into gear and headed back home.
And if you don't love me now
You will never love me again
I can still hear you saying
You would never break the chain
Sunday, January 8th, Afternoon
Sitting at the breakfast bar of the kitchen of Tree Hill Hall, Chase Burke watched the kids. It was Sunday, and Huck was working until Monday morning. This day also marked the change of house, for the up and coming week, for Brett. Chase's step-daughter would leave to return to her Mom's house.
Chase slowly sipped at her coffee. She watched as the kids said goodbye. Brett stood out with her ginger red hair in the sea of brunettes. Brett was down on one knee hugging PJ.
Being very aware that PJ looked up to Brett as a role model, Chase nodded. She assumed that would be normal for the younger sister to look up to the older. Not knowing it for a fact, since she was the oldest.
Next in the line of goodbyes was Key. The young of Chase's Irish twins also looked up to Brett. Something told Chase, which she would often fight the urge to think, was that Key was her Izzy. Key had the same quietness about her, and read books instead of other things. That scared Chase because she knew how ruthless Izzy could be.
Brett was next saying goodbye to BB. Chase smiled, BB was the night to PJ and Key's day. BB was the night to PJ and Key's day. The little girl kissed the cheeks of her big sister. BB was the fun-loving one of her girls.
Col was the last of Brett's younger siblings to say goodbye. Chase often wondered about Col. How would being the only boy affect him? Her husband and brother-in-law were the only sons and they turned out fine. She could only hope that Col turned out as good as Huck or Keith.
Brett stood up and walked over to Chase.
"I'm off, Momma Chase," Brett said.
"Be safe heading to your Momma's," Chase said.
"I will," Brett said.
"See you at your games," Chase said, as Brett walked out the door.
Chase waited a few minutes, then she sent the younger kids to the playroom. She pulled out her smartphone, pressed a speed dial button and waited.
"Hey Ash, Brett just left," Chase said, "I want to get some coffee later. I have something to talk to you about. Yeah, I'll see you there."
Chase hung up her smartphone, and with a sour look on her face, she finished her coffee.
Listen to the wind blow
Down comes the night
Run in the shadows
Damn your love
Damn your lies
Sunday, January 8th, Afternoon
The bitterly cold winds blew off the lake and battered the Second City. The glass panes rattled as the winds gusted along the streets and the buildings. Even behind the closed curtains, she could hear the rattle and even though there was no draft she felt the cold.
Kay Scott walked back and forth, pacing across the small apartment. Her right arm hanging in a sling, as the polar vortex stayed, bring temperatures closer and closer to zero. Her rebuild shoulder suffered. But she still paced staring at the same email on her smartphone.
"It was four years ago," Kay said, "Why won't they let it go?" She kept pacing.
"Why do they blame me?" Kay asked the air, "I'm innocent, but no one takes that into account. Then again they know me."
Part of the reason she lived year-round in the tundra of Chicago was because of what happened four years ago. Once she was cleared after her surgery, she fled Tree Hill to Greenwich Connecticut. Once she signed with Chicago, she moved there, full time.
There's emptiness though. Her family was close, and she missed that. She noted only Keith and Sawyer remained in Tree Hill. Keith did it by choice. Sawyer because of her age. But they stayed behind, they had the strength to stay.
Finally, Kay walked over to her small kitchen table and put her smartphone down. Looking down at it, she could see it was time for her pill. She walked over to her place she kept them, and found her pill, taking it with a swig of water.
In frustration, she went to her chair and slumped down into it. She didn't want to look at the email anymore. No, Kay didn't want the guilt, but it was there. Every email would renew it.
Kay sighed, stood up and walked to the window. With her left hand, she pushed the curtain aside and stepped to the window. She leaned her head forward and rested her forehead against the glass. The cold glass felt good, but sharp, against her skin.
She took in several breaths and exhaled several times, making her cheeks puff up and then down. Taking her left hand, she pressed it against the cold glass.
"I guess I'm going to have to go home to Tree Hill," Kay said and sighed.
Break the silence
Damn the dark
Damn the light
Sunday, January 8th, Night
Beaulieu Manor was an amazing place to grow up, Izzy reflected. She fixed the edge of the covers of her six-year old's bed. Izzy leaned forward and kissed Ellis on his forehead.
Izzy reflected that this was Trin's old room. There were many nights Izzy and Trin would hang out here and talk. The first year they lived here it was usually in Chase's room they would hang out. Except when Izzy would be getting ready to go on a date.
Izzy nodded; her Mom was sentimental. Maybe there was a reason she put Ellis in this room. There were plenty of bedrooms rooms in the East Range. She knew Keni was in Fallon's old room.
"Are you going to be here when I wake up?" Ellis asked.
Izzy nodded, "I will, and I'll be taking you to school, but I do have to head back to work tomorrow night," she said.
"Why?" Ellis asked.
"Because it's my job," Izzy said.
"Why?" Ellis asked.
"Because I want to help other people," Izzy said.
Ellis nodded, "Okay," he said.
Izzy kissed him again, "Good night, Ellis," she said.
"Good night, Momma," Ellis said.
Izzy left the room, pausing at the door. She looked back at Ellis. She sighed, flipped the light switch off and left the room.
She walked to the next room, her old room, and walked into it. This was most certainly her Mom being sentimental, putting her daughter into her old bedroom. Speaking of which, laying on the bed, with her tablet, was Izzy's ten-year-old daughter, Nomi. Izzy walked over to the bed and sat down.
"What'cha watching?" Izzy asked.
"Some basketball highlights, I'm trying to see what I can do to improve," Nomi said, unconvincingly. Izzy nodded, knowing Nomi she was probably seeing what was going on where her Dad was. Izzy just let it go.
"You love basketball, don't you?" Izzy asked.
Nomi nodded, "Yes, I do," she said.
Izzy smiled, "That's good, now time for bed," she said.
Nomi nodded, turned off her tablet and slipped under the covers. Izzy leaned forward and adjusted the covers. She leaned even more forward and kissed Nomi on her forehead. "Good night, Nomi," Izzy said.
"Night Momma," Nomi said.
"I'll see you at breakfast, and take you to school," Izzy said, to which Nomi nodded.
Izzy got up and left the bedroom, shutting the light off as she left. When the bedroom door was closed, Izzy leaned against the wall, and her hazel eyes welled up with tears.
And if you don't love me now
You will never love me again
I can still hear you saying
You would never break the chain
Sunday, January 8th, Night
Moving around the outside of the Staples Center were four young doctors. They ducked, dodged, and weaved around people. The Clipper's fans were enjoying it, while the few Heat fans weren't, the Clippers won 98-86, not a good margin.
"Where are we going?" Kaelyn asked.
"Towards the player's entrance," Madyson said, her acccent not hiding her frustration with Kaelyn.
"Why are we going there?" Kaelyn asked.
"I'm going to meet James," Candi said.
"We're going to meet James Scott?" Kaelyn said.
"Yes," Madyson said.
"If I knew that, I would dress nicer," Kaelyn said.
"What makes you think we were going to say hi to him? He's Candi's cousin after all," Madyson said.
Fawn nodded and turned around, her eyes fell on Madyson and Kaelyn, "Keep that down," she said.
Kaelyn and Madyson nodded when they came up to the crowd control fences. Candi stood there, in statuesque figure standing out clearly. Fawn took the space to Candi's right, showing her five-foot-eight inch frame to Candi's above six-foot frame. Madyson took the space to Candi's left, her five-foot nine and a half-inch frame is second only to Candi in height. Kaelyn took space next to Madyson, being just slightly shorter than Fawn. The four of them stood there in silence, as the players started to come out.
Kaelyn could see James Scott walking down the small aisle the two rows of fences made. She noted at how tall he was, as he stopped and greeted fans, especially the kids. He even posed for several selfies and signed a few autographs. Finally, he walked down the aisle way.
"Hey it's the King of Kings," Candi called out.
James stopped and turned, shaking his head and smiling at the same time. He walked over to Candi and stopped at the fence. Kaelyn watched as Candi and James hugged.
"Long time, no see," James said, with a laugh.
"Well, it's a good thing, and by the way, the game sucked," Candi said.
"Don't remind me," James said.
"Yeah, don't remind us," Fawn said.
James laughed and turned to Fawn, "Hey Fawn," he said, leaned over the fence and hugged her.
"Great to see you, again, James," Fawn said, as they separated.
"We should stop meeting like this, people would talk," James said.
"James," Madyson said.
"Mads, a pleasure to see you again," James said and hugged Mads.
"You're not going to get us drunk again?" Madyson asked.
"No, not at all, and I thought you Australian could party." James said and looked to Candi, who nodded, and James turned back to Madyson.
"We can, but you caught me on an off day," Madyson said.
James laughed, and turned back to Candi.
"James, this is my other housemate, Doctor Kaelyn McCullough," Candi said, "Kaelyn, this is my cousin, James Scott."
"Nice to meet you," Kaelyn said and offered her hand to James.
"Pleasure is all mine," James said, and shook her hand, and looked to Candi, "We're doing this?"
"Doing what?" Kaelyn asked.
"James and Candi are going to do something," Madyson said.
"I didn't know that," Kaelyn said.
"Why do you think we took two cars," Fawn said.
"Oh," Kaelyn said.
"Yeah," Candi said and turned to Fawn, "I'll see you back at the house," she then turned to James, "Let's do this," she said.
James nodded, hopped the fence and followed Candi off into the crowd.
And if you don't love me now
You will never love me again
I can still hear you saying
You would never break the chain
Sunday, January 8th, Night
The door opened to her Upper East Side apartment and Trin found Ellie standing there. Ellie was still dressed in her stylish but boring look, forgoing her normal Boho chic look. Trin studied Ellie from head to toe and nodded.
"Don't take this the wrong way, but what are you doing here?" Trin asked, "Also what's with the clothes?"
"Its movie night isn't it?" Ellie asked.
"Yeah, but that doesn't answer my question," Trin said.
Ellie took in a deep breath and shrugged, "I just need to be around family, right now," she said.
"Come in," Trin said.
Ellie entered the apartment. Before she could get too far in, Trin grabbed her elbow.
"What's wrong, Els?" Trin asked.
"Just some shit I have to figure out on my own," Ellie said.
"So, you come here?" Trin asked.
"I don't want to be alone right now," Ellie said.
"This must be serious," Trin said, "I can set Wyatt up with a movie and we could talk."
"No, I don't want to disturb Wyatt, too much, and I'm not ready to talk," Ellie said.
Trin nodded, "Okay, let's get you settled and stuffing your face with popcorn," she said.
"I'll be quiet," Ellie said.
Trin let Ellie go and they walked into the great room. At about the same time, Wyatt came out of the hallway. He looked at Trin and Ellie and his eyes lit up.
"Aunt Libby," Wyatt said, and ran to Ellie and they hugged, "What are you doing here?"
"I cam to hang out with my best guy," Ellie said.
"Ah," Wyatt said, "Come sit next to me."
"Sure," Ellie said.
Trin walked into the kitchenette to pop the popcorn. She watched as her son and best friend took a seat in front of the TV and started to talk. Trin couldn't help but wonder if the world did change last night.
And if you don't love me now
You will never love me again
I can still hear you saying
You would never break the chain
Sunday, January 8th, Night
Across Manhattan Island now in what is known as Greenwich Village, Fallon took a seat in her living room. She put her feet up and leaned back in the chair. Fallon wore her comfortable sweat pants and her cropped muscle shirt. Her hair was pulled back in a messy ponytail.
She closed her eyes and wondered what was up with Ellie. Ellie would adjust to plain dress style when she needed to focus on deadlines, but even then, she would never retreat into silence, like she's done. Fallon sort of shrugged, but didn't move any more than that.
That was when her smartphone started to ring. Fallon shot up into an upright sitting position. And her eyes snapped open.
"What the fuck?" Fallon asked, and reached for her smartphone. Looking at the screen she saw Grant was calling her. She clicked to answer the call.
"Evening Grant, what's up?" Fallon said.
"Just wanted to hear your voice," Grant said.
"Awe Grant," Fallon said.
"Yeah, our conversation earlier wasn't enough," Grant said.
"Are you flattering me?" Fallon asked.
"Maybe," Grant said.
Fallon laughed, "You're cute," she said.
"I also got word about something you might find interesting," Grant said.
"What could that be?" Fallon asked.
"That painting you liked, Shu Swamp in the Spring," Grant said.
"Yeah?" Fallon asked.
"It sold, it finally solid. Someone bought that orphan painting," Grant said, quoting what Alex Grasland called her painting.
"That's good, right?" Fallon asked.
"Yes, it is, especially for Alex," Grant said, "That painting has been a source of stress for her."
"Then it's good news," Fallon said, awkwardly.
Grant nervously chuckled, "Yes, it is," he said, reassuring her.
Fallon nodded, and leaned forward, picking up a sheet of paper. She looked down at the printed sheet of paper that once laid on the table before her. She had printed it out today for her paper records, she kept in the library. The letterhead of the sheet was that of the Knight Gallery. Fallon smiled, some times having multiple holding companies does pay off, she reflected, as she continued to talk to Grant.
Chain, keep us together
Running in the shadows
Sunday, January 8th, Night
Lamont Wilson sat in his hospital bed, hooked up to machines monitoring his condition. He was somewhat in a good mood, since his favorite hometown basketball team, the Lakers, beat the Orlando Magic, 112 to 95 today. He sighed and looked at his Mom.
"What's wrong, Lamont?" Ms. Wilson asked.
"I don't know, I'm just, I don't know," Lamont said.
There was a knock on the door jam. Lamont and Ms. Wilson turned to the door and saw Dr. Candace Scott. She was standing in the doorway, dressed casually except for her starched white lab coat.
"Hi Lamont, Ms. Wilson," Candi said.
"Hello Doctor Scott," Ms. Wilson said.
"Hi Doctor Scott," Lamont said.
"Lamont, I said please call me Candi," Candi said.
"Umm sorry, Candi," Lamont said.
"May I come in or am I interrupting anything?" Candi asked.
"Sure, come in, Doctor Scott," Ms. Wilson said.
Candi entered with a nod. She walked over to the side of the bed and took a quick set of vitals. She nodded and looked over Lamont.
"You seem to be doing well," Candi said.
"Thanks," Lamont said, "You're not dressed like you normally are."
Candi laughed, "Very perceptive," she said, "I was at the Clippers' game."
"The Clippers, really, Candi?" Lamont asked.
"Hey! I got four competed tickets," Candi said.
"Can't argue with that," Lamont said.
Candi smiled, "Well, I bought you a souvenir from the game," she said.
"Doctor Scott, you shouldn't have," Ms. Wilson said.
"Also, I'm a Lakers fan, not a Clippers fan," Lamont said.
"It's no bother, Ms. Wilson," Candi said, "But when I saw this it just screamed Lamont."
"Really?" Lamont asked.
"Yes, really, and it should be here soon," Candi said.
James stepped into the doorway, on hearing the line he waited for, and knocked on the door jam.
"Yes?" Lamont and Ms. Wilson asked at the same time without looking up.
"Can I come in?" James asked.
"Yes," Ms. Wilson said, finally looking at James and not knowing who he is.
Candi looked up to the door, and her smile grew just a little bit wider. "Hi James, come in, and meet Lamont," she said and turned to look at Lamont, "Lamont, this is my cousin James…"
"James Scott from the Heat," Lamont said, with his eyes lighting up.
"That's me," James said.
Candi nodded and smiled, "I told you, he's my cousin," she said.
"Hey Lamont," James said, "Candi told me you're a big fan of my Dad and the Lakers."
Lamont nodded, "I am," he said.
"I practically grew up at the Staples Center watching he play," James said.
"Wow, that must have been cool," Lamont said.
"It was in some ways," James said, "Well sadly my Dad wanted to be here, but he couldn't leave North Carolina, but he did send something to me to deliver to you."
"Yeah?" Lamont asked, curious.
James unslung a small gym bag from over his shoulder. He set it down on the bed and carefully unzipped it. He pulled out a box and handed it to Lamont. The young man looked at it and opened it up. Inside was a yellow and purple Laker's game jersey. Lamont held it up and unfolded it and the purple number twenty-three was visible and on the back was the name Scott also in purple.
"Wow!" Lamont said, "A Nathan Scott Jersey."
"He also signed it," James said and pointed to the tail of the jersey.
Lamont looked at the game jersey and found the black sharpie signature of Nathan Scott. Lamont looked up at James and smiled. "Wow, could you thank him for me?" Lamont asked.
"I could do one better," James said, and brought out his smartphone, and put it down, using the pop stand in front of Lamont. A Face Time call was in progress and on the screen was the face of Nathan Scott.
"Nathan Scott!" Lamont said, so loud it could be considered a yell.
"Yes, it's me," Nathan said, "And I would guess you're Lamont."
"Yes, I am," Lamont said.
"Well, my niece called me and told me you're a fan, sick and need surgery," Nathan said.
"That's true," Lamont said.
"Well, Candi's a good doctor, has a good heart, and knows what she's talking about. I wish, I could be there in person, but family commitments keep me in North Carolina. I do get out to Los Angeles during the summer for a few weeks to teach at a basketball camp for young men like yourself for the Lakers. So, if you're ready to go in August, I have a spot for you in that camp," Nathan said.
"Really?" Lamont asked.
"No joke, and it's all on my dime," Nathan said.
"Thank You," Lamont said.
"Are you sure, Mister Scott?" Ms. Wilson asked.
"Positive, but it's all up to Lamont. It's his job to get healthy, so he could join us in August," Nathan said.
"I will," Lamont said.
"Lamont, I have to go, duty calls, so I'll give you some advice, listen to your doctors and get healthy," Nathan said, "Your health is more important than basketball camp."
"I will," Lamont said.
The connection disconnected and James took away his smartphone and smiled at Lamont.
"I'm just the messenger," James said.
"A good messenger at that," Candi said.
"It's not often one of the best point guards in the league delivers a message for a legend," Lamont said.
"We all do what we have to for the fans," James said and slipped out of the hospital room.
Lamont nodded. Candi checked his vitals, again. "I think you've had an exciting few minutes. I'd try and get some rest, you have a big day tomorrow and need your strength," she said.
"Okay," Lamont said, "Was that really James and Nathan Scott?"
Candi nodded, "Yes, I told you I was related to them. Now get some sleep," she said. Lamont nodded, and leaned back, trying to get comfortable, clenching the signed Nathan Scott jersey. Candi turned to Ms. Wilson, "I'll see y'all in the morning."
"You didn't have to do this," Ms. Wilson said.
"I didn't, most of this was my uncle, I was just trying to cheer up Lamont. I figured meeting his hero would do that, but that couldn't be worked out," Candi shrugged, "The rest was all my uncle," she said.
"Well, thank you either way," Ms. Wilson said, "It means a lot to Lamont and me."
"You're welcome if you'll excuse me, I have an early morning, as do you and Lamont," Candi said.
Ms. Wilson nodded, "You're right, and go ahead, Doctor Scott," she said.
Candi left the room and met up with James in the hallway.
"Thanks again for doing this," Candi said.
"You're welcome," James said.
"I owe you big time for this," Candi said.
"Good," James said, "I'm calling in my make now."
"Name it," Candi said, "If it's reasonable I could do it, if it's not it will take longer."
James chuckled as they reached the elevator, "Go back to Tree Hill for the thirty-first and help the family celebrate the championship of Angela and Ashlyn," he said.
"Why?" Candi asked, "I wasn't on the team."
James shrugged, "That's all I ask," he said.
"I'll see what I can do," Candi said.
"Very well," James said as the cousins got on the elevator.
Chain, keep us together
Running in the shadows
Chain, keep us together
Running in the shadows
Chain, keep us together
Running in the shadows
Chain, keep us together
Running in the shadows
(BLOG entry in Italics)
This so-called polar vortex keeps it cold where I live. It's usually warm, even in the winter months. I got to see my sister-in-law, as she came down from where she works to visit my niece and nephew. Also, there is something brewing on the horizon. Is it a storm or is it a clearing? There is a song that has a hazy title but has hopefully lyrics, and that's what I'm waiting for. After all, we're all living Under Grey Skies. Comment below.
RavenHussar
T3 Collective
Author's Notes
Well, welcome to the end of another episode of this story, it was a long ride to get here. That's my fault, the first two episodes were done during an extremely productive time, where I was writing up to three chapters a day, and unfortunately, they were all tied closely together, hence the long first two episodes. I will try and not make them as long as the first two, I think I've settled into a good number with episode three, which is even longer then I wanted it to be. Also, finally, the first week of the year is over.
This episode is named Under Grey Skies which is a song by Kamelot. Originally, I picked the name because of the sense of what it gives me, and the fact that everyone is in a deep winter chill. Upon listening to the song, it was a song of yearning and hope, which I was hoping to underline in several of the storylines in this episode. It's also a beautiful song in its own right and feature Troy Donockley of Nightwish and Charlotte Wessel of Delain, I would take a listen you can find it on YouTube.
I've always said this is where I can tell stories and reflections on the past episode. I've also said there are always two stories here; the one on the page and the one about writing. Under Grey Skies had a difficult birth, being framed out and plotted before the publication of the first chapters of this story. Originally, it was set to be a forty-chapter episode, which was originally going to be the standard, which was then raised to fifty, and finally, I said, no, we're cutting it down to thirty-six, hence some of the weird mergers, such as Chapter 134 Moments. It ended up being thirty-eight when the New York Stories chapters made more sense to be broken up to how it is now.
That was only the beginning. I started working on this around the beginning of January of the year I published this. The first chapters went digital on February eighth. During this time, and I was making good progress. That was when an opportunity to move to a cheaper larger rent came up and I couldn't turn it down. That was nothing, it would just delay things. That was when my grandfather died from a long fight with cancer. I needed to help my father close down my grandfather's house, as late last year, my aunt, who was like my big sister, also passed from cancer. I typically type up the week's chapters on the weekend, but two weeks before my grandfather passed, I was asked to return to visit him, extensively to say goodbye. So, there was some delay in production there.
Try being a funeral during the ramp-up for COVID-19 lockdown. We got his funeral in, one day before the church's shut down funerals. My grandfather was born, raised, and a practicing Roman Catholic. I was asked to give the eulogy, and I'm normally well-spoken, but I lost my words. So, yeah, I'm writing this during the COVID-19 pandemic. So, there are some stories of writing that are just as dramatic as the one on the page. If you read this, just review saying you hear me.
The Song in Chapter 106 is God' Going to Cut you down by Johnny Cash. It's off his album American V: A Hundred Highways. I've always loved this song and thought it would be a perfect fit for Chris Keller. Listening to the song by Johnny Cash the images of a preacher at the pulpit came to mind, and hence why such a video. With some influence from Kenya West and Jesus Walks Video.
Chapter 128 was actually the first chapter written for this Episode. This was done during the work up for the story, and a way to establish Rachel after the years. I thought it was a good scene and just had to find a place to shoehorn it in. So here it is.
The Annus Horribilis Secrets
Carson Murphy has passed away. (Episode 2)
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Playlist
Chapter 106: God's Going to cut you down by Johnny Cash
Chapter 126: Stones in my passway by Robert Johnson
Chapter 127: Fake it by Tonight Alive
Chapter 127: Starlight by Tonight Alive
Chapter 138: The Chain by Fleetwood Mac
Poems
Translation Guide
In Chapter 107:
Marguerite, Léa, dis à Wyatt que sa mère est là pour lui – French for Maguerite, Léa, tell Wyatt his mother is here for him.
Oui maman – French for Yes Mama
Maman, Wyatt peut-il rester pour le dîner? - French for Mama, can Wyatt stay for dinner?
Je veux que Wyatt reste trop Maman - French for I want Wyatt to stay too Mama.
Non, les filles, Wyatt doit rentrer à la maison - French for No, Girls, Wyatt needs to go home.
Merci de m'avoir regardé, Madame Legrand. Je te vois demain Marguerite, Léa - French for Thank you for watching me, Madam Legrand. I'll see you tomorrow Marguerite, Léa
In Chapter 119:
Engel – German for Angel
Liebling – German for Darling, more or less, there is no real one for one English word.
Ty mozhesh' byt' takoy zadnitsey, Dorogaya – Russian for You can be such an ass, Darling
In Chapter 127:
Opa – German for Grandpa
Babushka – Russian for Grandma
In Chapter 135:
Bonsoir, Madame Legrand - Good Evening, Madam Legrand
Ah Wyatt, votre français s'améliore - Ah Wyatt, Your French is improving
Et s'il vous plaît entrez - And please come in
Merci, je vais - Thank you, I shall
Marguerite, Léa, Wyatt est ici - Maguerite, Léa, Wyatt is here
Merci maman – Thank You Mama
Oui - Yes