Chapter 652: 01:00
Sunday, March 12th, Early Morning
(Bailey-Miller Residence)
The three young women made sure they were dressed, and they left the bedroom. Baylee led them, with Brett and Avril following. They went downstairs and headed to the kitchen.
Once they entered the room, Baylee stopped suddenly, with Brett and Avril bumped into her. They looked to where Baylee was looking at a man who was closing the refrigerator.
"Hello, girls, you're still up," the man said.
"Hi, Dad," Baylee said.
"Hi, Mister Bailey," Brett said.
"Hi, Mister Bailey," Avril said.
"So, where are y'all off to at this hour?" Mister Bailey asked.
"Umm," Baylee said.
"I forgot something, so I have to go to my house," Brett said.
"Which house?" Mister Bailey asked.
"My Mom's," Brett said.
"All three of you need to go?" Mister Bailey asked.
"Dad, it's late at night, so we're all going for safety. You know, want to keep your little girl safe," Baylee said.
Mister Bailey nodded, "I guess it all makes sense," he said.
"Thanks, Dad," Baylee said, kissed Mister Bailey on the cheek, and moved away.
"See you later, Mister Bailey," Brett said and followed Baylee.
"Have a good night, Mister Bailey," Avril said and caught up with Baylee and Brett. When they reached Brett's car, Brett looked over at Baylee.
"You have your dad wrapped around your fingers," Brett said.
"Of course, don't you?" Baylee asked.
"That's complicated," Brett said.
"It was a nice lie saying we have to go to your Mom's," Baylee said.
"Wasn't a lie," Brett said.
"So, are you sure we could get the key?" Avril asked.
"Yes, I can," Brett said.
"It's at your mom's?" Avril asked.
"No," Brett said.
"So, where is it?" Baylee asked.
"My Nanny Deb's," Brett said.
"Isn't she your great-grandma?" Avril asked.
"Don't tell her that," Brett said.
Baylee laughed, "Well, let's get going," she said.
"Nervous?" Brett asked.
"I don't want to get caught," Baylee said.
"So, let's go," Brett said.
"Let's," Avril said.
The three girls got into the car. Brett started the engine, and they were off.
(Rerun's Bar and Grill)
Rerun looked up from the bar and saw Lucas walking over. Straightening up, Rerun took a pose that showed respect. Lucas took a seat in front of Rerun and looked him over.
"Coach Scott, always a pleasure, but we'll be closing soon," Rerun said.
Lucas nodded, "I know," he said.
"Okay," Rerun said, "So, what will it be?"
"My usual," Lucas said.
Rerun nodded and went about preparing Lucas's drink. When he was finished, he brought it to Lucas. Lucas's wallet was already out; Rerun held out his hand.
"Your money isn't good here," Rerun said.
"It's not fair; I should pay," Lucas said.
Rerun shook his head, "No, not for bringing home another championship; also, congratulations, Coach Scott," he said.
"Thanks," Lucas said.
"You're welcome," Rerun said and shook his head, "Hard to believe I was on the sideline for the first."
Lucas nodded, "That you were," he said.
Rerun shook his head, "Hard to believe; what is this the fourth one you brought to the town?" he asked.
Lucas shook his head, "Fifth, one as a player," he said.
Rerun nodded and lifted his water, "Here's too many more," he said.
"If I'm lucky, only two more," Lucas said.
Rerun looked at him sideways. "Why only two?" he asked.
"I'm retiring in two years when Sawyer graduates," Lucas said.
"Why?" Rerun asked.
"A promise I made, and I always try to keep my promises," Lucas said and finished his drink.
"That's a good thing," Rerun said.
Lucas nodded, got up, and laid money on the bar. He started to walk away.
"Coach Scott, what's this? It's on the house," Rerun said.
Lucas stopped, turned around, and looked at Rerun. "It's a tip," Lucas said, turned around, and left the bar.
(Beaulieu Manor)
Sawyer's thumbs danced across her phone's screen. She chuckled a few times and kept at it. Keni got frustrated and got out of bed. Sawyer looked up and shrugged as Keni left the room, closing the door behind her.
Sawyer: We disturbed Keni.
Kier: How did we do that?
Sawyer: LOL! Laughing at your messages.
Kier: You laughed out loud?
Sawyer: No.
Kier: How did you do that?
Sawyer: Simple, she was lying next to me.
Kier: You're in bed with Keni?
Sawyer: Yes, and don't get all pervy.
Kier: No, I wouldn't do such a thing.
Sawyer: Yeah, right.
Kier: I swear.
Sawyer: Ugh! I'm too keyed up to sleep, and Sunday is SO boring.
Kier: You could visit me.
Sawyer: How? I don't drive. For a few months, at least.
Kier: How do you get to school?
Sawyer: A driver, but she's off tomorrow.
Kier: Damn! I would like to see your pom-poms tomorrow.
Sawyer: Why? Cheerleading is over for the year.
Kier: Maybe, I like pom-poms.
Sawyer: I'll get you a pair.
Keni: I like your pair.
Sawyer: I'm turning them in on Monday.
Kier: I'd like to see them still.
Sawyer: Yeah, if you're lucky, you can see them before I turn them in.
Kier: ;-)
Sawyer shook her head and yawned.
Sawyer: TTYL.
Sawyer put her phone down and tried to get comfortable in Keni's bed. She rolled on her side and pulled the cover tight around her.
(Beaulieu Manor)
The door to the adjoining room opened, and Grant stepped through. Izzy shook her head at his shock. Grant shook his head, and Izzy laughed.
"Congresswoman," Grant said.
"Call me Izzy, please; I'm off duty," Izzy said.
"Oh! Yeah," Grant said.
Izzy chuckled, "Don't worry," she said.
Grant shook his head, "I didn't expect to run into you here," he said.
"That's okay; all the bathrooms are jack and jills in this wing," Izzy said.
"So, that's your room, next to Fallon's?" Grant asked.
Izzy shook her head, "No, I'm in the old guest room; Nomi's in my room," Izzy said.
"Speaking of which, you don't look like Chase too much," Grant said.
"I take after our mom more than Chase," Izzy said.
"Oh," Grant said, "I don't think she likes me much."
"Who?" Izzy asked.
"Chase," Grant said.
"Why?" Izzy asked.
"It was going well until I mentioned she looked like the pro-skater Chase Adams," Grant said.
"That's the issue," Izzy said.
"What issue?" Grant asked.
"You mentioned our sperm donor of a father. Chase has major issues with him," Izzy said.
"Oh," Grant said.
"Don't worry, Chase will get over herself," Izzy said.
"Good to know," Grant said.
"As for Fallon," Izzy said.
"Yes?" Grant asked.
"Break her heart, and I'll break you," Izzy said.
"I see," Grant said.
"I'm serious," Izzy said and left the bathroom.
Grant nodded, "Nice having this conversation with you," he said and went about his business.
(Beaulieu Manor)
Looking up from her smartphone, Fallon saw the bedroom door open. This was the door to the gallery rather than the bathroom where Grant went. A petite, short, brunette teenage girl stepped through and closed the door behind her. Fallon put her smartphone down and canted her head; the young girl walked over to the bed and jumped on it. She crawled up and lay face down next to Fallon.
"What's up?" Fallon asked.
"Sawyer's in my bed," Keni said.
"Isn't that normal?" Fallon asked.
"Yeah," Keni said.
"So, what's the problem?" Fallon asked.
Keni rolled onto her side to look at Fallon. "She's DMing some guy," she said.
"So?" Fallon asked, confused.
"She's keeping me awake, and anyways it's our time," Keni said.
"Did you tell her this?" Fallon asked.
"No," Keni said.
Fallon shook her head, "Maybe you should start there," she said.
"Ugh!" Keni said.
"What's wrong?" Fallon asked.
"Nothing," Keni said.
"Kendall Marie," Fallon said.
"Fine! I don't want a guy to come between us like what happened with Sawyer's mom and mine," Keni said.
"That will happen only if you let it," Fallon said.
"Did it happen to you?" Keni asked.
"No, but ask Izzy about Shae," Fallon said.
"Ms. O'Brien?" Keni asked.
"No, someone else," Fallon said.
"Oh," Keni said.
"Yeah, you were little when it happened, just before Gareth moved here," Fallon said.
"Ugh! Don't get me started there," Keni said.
'What? What happened? You have to tell me," Fallon said.
"Do I have to?" Keni asked.
The bathroom door started to open. "Later," Fallon said, "Now to your own bed."
Keni nodded, got up, and left the room.
(Beaulieu Manor)
The East Range of Beaulieu Manor had a place where someone could stand and watch the approach down the drive. Brooke stood in the window and watched the sky; some stars were visible between the overcast and light pollution. Brooke looked out towards the direction of Leighton and sighed. Lucas wasn't home yet, which meant he was out drinking, sulking, or both. Tucker was supposed to be home today, but he hasn't arrived home yet.
Brooke shook her head and studied the outer walls of Beaulieu. Her home, her palace, and slowly it was emptying. In a few short weeks, Nomi and Ellis's dad will be home, and they will start transitioning back to living at Leighton. Fallon will soon return to her life in New York and Ellie. Tucker was a transient at the best of times. That left Sawyer and Keni, but they will be away at college in a few years.
Brooke sighed hard; the castle, her palace, once filled with all the emotions and sounds. The bricks and concrete once radiated with youthful energy. Slowly, as with anything, children became adults and created their own life and household. First, Chase married Huck and moved out. Trin never returned home with her son but chose to remain in New York City. Izzy was following when she married and moved out. Fallon eventually settled in NYC to run her empire.
After a heavy sigh, she looked out the window again. She rested her forehead against the glass pane. The chill of the glass passed through the skin of her forehead and comforted her. Brooke picked up her hand and pressed the palm against the glass. Brooke sighed and looked up through the window.
A tour bus was coming up the drive. It stopped just before the last bridge. Brooke watched as the bus door opened, and Tucker stepped out of the bus. He put down his bags and waited. Tucker was followed by a blonde woman whose Brooke figure was Alix.
Brooke watched as Tucker and Alix embraced hen kissed. There was a long pause, but finally, Alix returned to the bus. Tucker stood there for a long moment, then eventually turned and started to walk across the bridge.
Straightening up, Brooke smiled; another child was home. Things were starting to look up.
(Seaview)
Standing in his room, he closed the door behind him. Gareth, for a moment, thought about taking his shirt off and getting ready for bed. It had been a long, exciting day; the bus trip to Raleigh was the highlight.
Gareth smiled; he was happy for Brett. They were somewhat raised together. Brett was three years older and was lumped in with the other three girls in her family. Gareth often spent time with them after school. He and Brett were never close, the three years were a big gap, and even later, Brett would babysit them.
Shaking his head, he walked over to the bed and sat down. Gareth looked up to the window. Leighton, the neighboring house, was closest to his home. The place had been dark since Keith went on deployment. The window he looked at gave him a feeling of longing. The girl that used to have dad moved out three years ago, leaving the house to Keith and his family.
With a heavy sigh, he remembered looking across the way. The many nights he would sit on his bed, various beds over the years, and watch the window. The girl whose room it was would sometimes sit at the desk; they would talk by holding signs. Later they both learned Morse Code. They would flash lights at each other to send basic messages.
"Gareth!" Meggy yelled through the door.
"Yes, Mom," Gareth yelled back.
"I'm going to bed, don't stay up too late," Meggy said.
"I won't," Gareth said.
"Okay, good night," Meggy said.
"Good night, Mom," Gareth said.
Gareth sighed, got up, and shut his light out. He returned to his spot on the bed. Gareth sighed and reached into the nightstand. He looked at the flashlight and made sure it worked. Gareth pointed the flashlight towards the window and flashed the light.
.. – .. … … -.- — ..- … .- .- -.- . .-.
(Absolution)
The music was pounding, and she moved with the beat. The bodies around her made the nave of the old church, now dance club, hot, and her body glistened with sweat. Ellie moved around, dancing by herself one minute, grinding against a woman, or man the next.
Ellie felt a hand on her arm, and then she was dragged off the dance floor. Finally, in a quiet corner, Ellie was roughly turned around to face the person. Ellie's eyes got wide, then narrowed down.
The person that grabbed her was one of the waitresses. The waitress stood tall, maybe just a hair under six feet, and her pale gray eyes locked on Ellie. This woman had long platinum blonde hair worn down her back and held in place by a black and purple headband; around her neck, she wore a Victorian-style choker that hung a jeweled purple rose from it. The waitress's lips were full and black; she wore a black velvet high-low dress with lace, her legs were covered with stockings, and she wore Doc Martens.
"What are you doing, Ellie?" the waitress asked, her pale gray eyes had an accusing look in them.
"I was dancing, Eleni," Ellie said.
"I could see that, but why here? Why tonight?" Eleni asked.
"Why not here?" Ellie asked.
"You're not the type," Eleni said.
"How do you know that?" Ellie asked.
Eleni tilted her head, "You're someone who is running," she said.
"I'm not, and you only just met me a month ago," Ellie said.
"You smell of it," Eleni said.
"Yeah, whatever," Ellie said.
"Multiple things," Eleni said.
"Whatever, just get me a drink; I'm going to be dancing," Ellie said and walked away.
Eleni shook her head and went to the bar.
(Beaulieu Manor)
The vibrations of the tour bus shook him awake in the lounge seat. Opening his eyes, he looked around quickly and rubbed them. Tucker Baker looked over to see his girlfriend, Alix Hartmann sleeping beside him.
Getting up, he headed to the nearest window and looked out into the darkness. From what he could see, they were turning down the main drive to Beaulieu Manor. Tucker stretched and went back to Alix. He rested a hand on her hip and shook her gently.
"Num…what?" Alix asked in a sleepy tone.
'We're almost to Beaulieu," Tucker said.
"What?" Alix asked.
"It's my stop," Tucker said.
Alix uncurled and sat up. "Why didn't you say that?" she asked.
"I just did," Tucker said as the bus stopped. He grabbed his bags and headed out; Alix followed him. Once the door opened, Tucker knew which side of the bridge they were on. He turned to the driver. "We couldn't get closer?"
"I don't trust the bridge," the driver said.
Tucker shrugged and climbed down the bus's steps. At the bottom, he noticed Alix following. Tucker dropped his bags.
"You could stay the night; I'm sure my mom wouldn't mind," Tucker said.
"You don't know how tempting that is, but I promised Katrina to be there in the morning to see Reyna," Alix said.
Tucker nodded, "I understand," he said.
Alix stepped to him, put her arms around his neck, and kissed him. When she backed away, they looked deeply into each other's eyes. "I'll see you later today," Alix said.
"I can't wait," Tucker said.
"Me either," Alix said and kissed him again. They broke apart and extended their goodbye. Finally, Alix climbed back onto the bus. Tucker waved as Alix blew him one last kiss as the bus doors closed.
Tucker picked up his bag and turned towards Beaulieu. Taking a deep breath, he crossed the bridge and headed toward his