Chapter 720: If I Had A Heart
Sunday, March 19th, Morning
This will never end 'cause I want more
More, give me more, give me more
She sat up when the alarm sounded. Rolling out of bed, she went to the East Range gym and worked out. Working up a good sweat helped wake her up and clear her mind. Once she finished, she walked back to her room.
Ellie stared at her bag. She had started packing to return to New York City and her metropolitan life. With a sigh, she reached into her bag and started to unpack. Next, she sat before her laptop and canceled all her flight searches.
Once done, Ellie went into her bathroom and started the shower. She had time before breakfast would be served. Ellie got naked, climbed into the shower, and let the hot water wash all over her. Ellie pressed a hand against the tiled wall
and leaned forward. As the shower water ran over her, Ellie started to cry. Her tears became lost in the rain of the shower.
No matter how much she wanted to return to New York City, she wanted to stay here. Ellie felt she needed to be here for her dad. Her dad, Lucas, was there when she needed him; now, he was having heart surgery. She had planned to return for the original date, but now it's been pushed up. Ellie knew what she had to do; she had already made the choice; all she had to do now was come to terms with it.
Stepping out of the shower, Ellie dried herself and entered her bedroom. After drying her hair with a hair dryer, she brushed it out and dressed. Pulling her hair back into a messy ponytail, she picked up her smartphone and called her agent.
"Hey, yeah, I'm staying down here, my dad is having surgery, and I want to be here for that. I got an offer to write short works for Sketch Dailey. Make it happen, thanks," Ellie said.
Ellie looked at herself in the mirror, made a few final adjustments, and nodded in approval. She put on the wristwatch she bought when she sold her book and checked the time.
With a smile, Ellie left her room and went to the family dining room for breakfast.
Sunday, March 19th, Morning
This will never end 'cause I want more
More, give me more, give me more
As was her routine, Brooke was the first up in the East Range. She would go to the gym and do her morning routine. After a quick shower, she would do about half an hour in the sauna. Once done and back in her room, she would do some yoga to clear her mind. That was followed by another shower, getting dressed, and heading to the family dining room.
Brooke would get herself a cup of coffee and sit at the head of her table. Only the head of her table would benefit a queen in her queendom. As she drank her coffee, she would read her overnight emails. Gordon Gecko had said it best, money never sleeps.
After the first round of emails, Brooke would make herself a plate and return to the head of the table to eat. This time she would read the news on her tablet. Eventually, people would start shuffling into the dining room for breakfast.
Brooke made a note it was Ellie first. Lucas's daughter surprisingly turned out not to need much sleep to function. Ellie was late to bed, early to rise. The curly-haired blonde made up her breakfast and took to the table. Brooke noted Ellie sat closer to the foot of the table. Brooke also watched as Ellie was working on something on her phone.
"So, did you turn in your story?" Brooke asked.
"Yes," Ellie said.
"So, what do you have planned?" Brooke asked.
"I'm hoping I can stay here until Leighton is opened," Ellie said.
"What about work?" Brooke asked.
"I'm getting a contract from Sketch Dailey to write short fiction for them," Ellie said.
"So, how long are you staying?" Brooke asked.
"As long as it takes, but I will be heading back to New York," Ellie said.
"Okay, at least you have a plan," Brooke said.
"Yes, I do," Ellie said.
Brooke nodded, "That's good," she said and returned to her tablet. Ellie went back to her phone as the early risers had their breakfast.
Sunday, March 19th, Morning
If I had a heart, I could love you
If I had a voice, I would sing
As she woke, the bed felt comfortable, which was odd, as she had recently become used to the stiff lumpy mattress. Rolling over, she opened her eyes and took in the room. It was her first morning here, and it was strange to her.
Callie got out of bed and checked the schedule left for her. Buffet breakfast is served in the family dining room, dress code casual attire. Not entirely sure what that meant, so Callie went to her bags. She didn't unpack, thinking that this Brooke Davis would kick her to the curb as soon as she could.
Dressing casually, or what she thought was casual attire, she left the room, map in hand. Walking down the gallery, she looked at herself in the mirror. Callie thought she looked good; she thought the dress was okay but preferred jeans, but they were better than her pink pajamas; her mom bought them for her little and only girl, not remembering that Callie hated pink.
Slowly, she went to the family dining room; Callie only had to check the map twice. Callie felt simultaneously over and underdressed as she entered the family dining room. The Brooke Davis was sitting at the head of the table, casually dressed to kill, as seemed to be her norm. One of the men that lived here, she couldn't remember his name, was sitting half awake, dressed in clothes Callie could describe as refugees from the floor. There was a short-haired woman who looked like Brooke Davis and was dressed to impress. Mister Scott sat at the foot of the table; he was dressed casually. The two little kids were still in pajamas. The other man here seemed dressed for work in a business suit. The two girls she went to school with were interesting pair. Sawyer was dressed in what she slept in, but she looked like she glammed up to take Instagram just woken-up pictures. Keni looked like she had just rolled out of bed and said fuck it. There was another woman who looked like an older Sawyer.
Callie wondered if Mister Scott had a young wife, a second wife. That would explain why Sawyer was so young for his age. She wasn't about this woman, but damn how much she and Sawyer looked alike. The older version of Sawyer was dressed casually and was focused on her phone.
Brooke Davis turned away from her tablet and looked at Callie.
"Good morning, Callie," Brooke said, "Come in, don't be shy."
"Thank you," Callie said just as the scent of breakfast hit her nose. For the last few weeks, she has been hitting fast food places and convenience stores for food. So, a home-cooked meal would be nice for a change.
"We don't stand on formality here; just grab a plate and make up what you want," Brooke said.
"Is their designated sitting?" Callie asked.
"Except for me and Lucas, no," Brooke said.
"Okay," Callie said and walked to the buffet.
"Callie, is there anything you need? Clothes, anything?" Brooke asked.
"Umm, I'm not sure," Callie said.
"Just let me know," Brooke said.
Callie nodded, made up her plate, and joined them at the table. Once she took the first bite, all Callie could think was damn! This food is excellent!
Sunday, March 19th, Morning
After the night when I wake up
I'll see what tomorrow brings
After breakfast, Izzy and Lucas went out to the North Range Gardens. Ellis and Nomi followed them, and out in the gardens as siblings were oft to do, Nomi got Ellis riled up, and they started a game of catch me if you can. That left the adults to walk after and watch them.
"Jeith will be back next week," Izzy said.
"So, you want me to get Leighton open?" Lucas asked.
"Yes, I'm planning on staying there with Keith and the kids on the weekend, Uncle Luke," Izzy said.
"I've already got Leighton being opened up," Lucas said.
"Are you okay with Nomi and Ellis staying here until school ends?" Izzy asked.
"Not up to me, and you know your mom; she'd keep them here if she could," Lucas said.
"I know, I know, she has so many grandkids but only gets to see my two," Izzy said.
"Chase is good about bringing them over, but she has her own life, too," Lucas said.
"Yeah, well," Izzy said.
"I hardly see more than two of my kids and two of them like being in exile, and one I only get to see because I'm her landlord," Lucas said.
"So, when are you going to write again?" Izzy asked.
"Nothing to write about," Lucas said.
"Bullshit, you're still breathing; there is always another chapter," Izzy said.
"No one wants to read that chapter," Lucas said.
"Everyone wants to read that chapter," Izzy said.
"I have surgery," Lucas said.
"So, you have no excuse; you will have downtime," Izzy said.
"Let me see if I feel physically up to it," Lucas said.
"Okay, I'm going to have you promise me something," Izzy said.
"What is it?" Lucas asked.
"When you're home from the hospital, you will start writing the next chapter," Izzy said.
"I can't promise," Lucas said.
"Uncle Luke," Izzy said.
"Yes?" Lucas asked.
"Just do it for me and the grandkids," Izzy said.
Lucas sighed, "Fine, I'll try," he said.
Izzy nodded, "You better," she said.
"You talk just like your mom," Lucas said.
"How do you think I've gotten as far as I have?" Izzy asked as they both laughed, and they followed Nomi and Ellis.
Sunday, March 19th, Late Morning
Ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah
The van dropped him off at the departure terminal. The driver got out and walked over to him. They looked at each other, and he shook his head.
"Why are you sending me back?" Noah asked.
"You belong home. Your mom misses you and worries about you, plus you have stuff to work out," Cash said.
"Why can't I go with you?" Noah asked.
"Noah, if I didn't tell your mom you were here, she was going to the police," Cash said.
"Cash!" Noah said.
"You both need to talk this out; I've also talked with Shay; if you and your mom can't work it out, someone will give you a bed," Cash said.
Noah sighed, "I guess," he said.
"Also, you have two other sisters; I suggest you try and contact them, preferably not in public," Cash said.
"How?" Noah asked.
"I don't know, but you're clever; you could figure it out," Cash said.
"I don't want to go," Noah said.
"You have to," Cash said.
"Why?" Noah asked.
"There's a time in everyone's life when they must step up and face things they fear the most. It's a good thing you're learning this lesson now," Cash said.
"Did you?" Noah asked.
"Yes," Cash said, "Now go check in."
Noah nodded, turned, and walked into the terminal. Cash signaled an officer, explained the situation, and asked to ensure Noah got on his flight. Once done, Cash returned to the van and returned to his responsibilities.
Sunday, March 19th, Late Morning
Ah-ah-ah
If I had a voice, I would sing
She unpacked boxes after waking up and doing her usual Sunday morning routine. As her mom once taught her, have three piles, one to keep, one to donate, and one to throw away. She quickly went through several boxes and had a good pile to donate and throw away.
Kay was opening another box when there was a knock on her door. Kay went to the door and went to see who it was. Upon opening the door, she found it was Mal standing there.
"What's up?" Kay asked.
"I figured you wanted some coffee and a kidnapping," Mal said.
"No," Kay said.
"Look, Kay, you can't stay hunkered down here or at the team facility," Mal said.
"I'm not," Kay said.
"So, what are you doing?" Mal asked.
"Cleaning out my closet," Kay said.
"Is that all?" Mal asked.
Kay nodded, "Yeah," she said.
"Do you need help?" Mal asked.
"Sure," Kay said and let Mal in.
Kay never had much, and Mal looked over the sparse furniture of the apartment. Mal saw three piles, three empty moving boxes, and one box that had yet to be opened.
"You were being literal," Mal said.
Kay nodded, "Yeah," she said and sat down.
"What are the piles for?" Mal asked.
"Throw away, donate, keep," Kay said, pointing to each.
"What can I do to help?" Mal asked.
"Box up the donates, and maybe find a place to take them," Kay said.
"Yeah, sure," Mal said and glanced at the keep pile and saw a picture of a blonde woman. "Who's this?" Mal asked.
"Ivy, my ex from Chicago," Kay said.
"What are you doing with her picture?" Mal asked.
"Boxing it up," Kay said.
"As a sweet memory?" Mal asked.
"Bittersweet," Kay said as she opened her next box.
Mal nodded, grabbed one empty box, and started sifting through the stuff to donate.
Sunday, March 19th, Late Morning
Dangling feet from window frame
Will they ever ever reach the floor?
As she was oft to do, when her mind was troubled, she would get up early. This often led to a run. At thirty-three years old, she was in her prime, but her daughter was coming into the years where she needed her mom, and let's not forget her brother was having heart surgery. This made her mind spin, and she ran the long way around the neighborhood.
Angela panted as she returned to her parent's estate. She entered the kitchen and found her daughter eating at the table. Jess looked at her mom as she entered the room, drying herself off.
"Bad morning?" Jess asked.
"Yeah, how do you know?" Angela asked.
"You ran the long route," Jess said.
Angela nodded, "Yeah, you know me too well," she said.
"What's bugging you, Mom?" Jess asked.
"Mostly adult things," Angela said.
"Never stopped you from sharing before," Jess said.
Angela grabbed a water bottle and took a seat across from Jess. They looked at each other, and Angela's heart went through another trial of emotions; her dad Church would give Angela the same look of concern.
"I've got a lot on my mind," Angela said.
"More than Aunt Ashlyn's idea or playing with cousin Kay, again?" Jess asked.
"Yeah," Angela said.
"What is it?" Jess asked.
"Uncle Lucas," Angela said.
"What about Uncle Lucas?" Jess asked.
"His surgery has been moved up," Angela said.
"Wouldn't that be a good thing? Get it done sooner," Jess said.
"Yes, but not in this case," Angela said.
"Then, what, I don't know, why isn't it good?" Jess finally spit out.
"His condition has gotten worse," Angela said.
"Oh, that's not good," Jess said.
"Yes, not good," Angela said.
"So, you're going back to Tree Hill?" Jess asked.
"I want to, but I have work and training, and Uncle Lucas doesn't want me down there," Angela said.
"Uhhuh!" Jess said.
"Plus, I want to be here for you," Angela said.
Jess nodded, "So, do you want to see the Meerkats?" she asked.
Angela laughed and smiled, "Sure, why not? Get dressed," she said.
"Shower!" Jess said.
"Race you," Angela said, shot up, and took off.
"No fair," Jess said, laughed, and followed.
Sunday, March 19th, Late Morning
(More, give me more, give me more)
Cushion filled with all I found
The media room was on the main floor close to the forecourt. It was well-outfitted and functioned as the pseudo headquarters of the pseudo-rebellious group they were members of. Keni was in a beanbag chair, her head buried in headphones and on her tablet. Sawyer looked at one of the screens she was in front of. Yup, KMS Roswell was online streaming some alien game.
Sawyer leaned back and looked at the file of her live stream. Three hours and she'd have to edit it for an hour video, the greatest hits of best of all. Sawyer hated editing; she missed the days of putting up raw videos. It's called evolution; if you don't evolve, you die.
"Wow! This is a nice room," Callie thundered as she entered the room.
"Shhh!" Keni said, "I'm streaming."
"Oh, sorry," Callie said, walking past Keni to where Sawyer was sitting, "Nice setup."
"Thanks," Sawyer said.
"Do you have the latest and greatest?" Callie asked.
Sawyer nodded and accidentally bumped her mouse. The computer woke up, having gone into sleep mode, and showed the screen wallpaper of RavenHussar. "Yeah, it gets updated as mucha s possible," Sawyer said.
"You're RavenHussar? The tank streamer?" Callie asked.
Sawyer nodded, "Guilty as charged," she said.
"I always thought you were Polish, with the song, the Polish references, and playing Polish tanks," Callie said.
"My brother played the song for me when I was little, and I liked it. He called me his Raven Hussar," Sawyer said.
"Oh, cool, I missed your live stream. Did you save it?" Callie asked.
Sawyer nodded, "Yeah, I was about to edit it down to post it as a video," she said.
"So, I can still watch it?" Callie asked.
"You could edit it; Sawyer hates editing," Keni said.
Sawyer nodded, "That I do," she said.
"Maybe, I could do it," Callie said.
"What?" Sawyer asked.
"Yeah, used to cut all my family's videos," Callie said.
Sawyer made a backup file, pushed away from the desk, and looked at Callie. "Have at it," Sawyer said.
"Thank you," Callie said.
"No problem," Sawyer said, curled up on a bean bag chair and retreated into her dark thoughts.
Sunday, March 19th, Afternoon
Underneath and inside, just to come around
(More, give me more, give me more)
She sat at her desk and looked at a family photo. Candi turned back to the book she was studying for her cardiac program. Candi had a lot of work to do before she went to look after her dad. She might have to extend her studies for another year if his recovery was too long—something Candi didn't want to do.
"What you doing?" Madyson asked from the door.
"Trying to get ahead before having to look after my dad," Candi said.
"It's gotten that bad?" Madyson asked.
Candi nodded, "Apparently, they are putting him under the knife in about three weeks," she said.
"Wow! He seemed like he could…." Madyson said.
"Pull the horns off a gundark?" Candi asked.
"Funny, I was drunk when I said it," Madyson said.
"Which means I can most certainly can hold it against you," Candi said.
"Fine, fine, I like Star Wars, but I balance it out by saying I love Mad Max," Madyson said.
"One, you're from Australia, it's like your national movie, and two, Mel Gibson is in it, so, no," Candi said.
"Mel Gibson is a Tank like you," Madyson said, "Travis Fimmel, now there's an Aussie."
Candi looked at her, "Figured you would go with a Helmsworth," she said.
"Nah, not my cup of tea," Madyson said.
"So, what's up?" Candi asked.
"Your Doctor without Borders, who you want to cross your borders, is here," Madyson said.
Candi rubbed her eyes, "Shit, we have wedding stuff to do," she said.
"Like each other?" Madyson said.
"Got to go," Candi said, grabbed a button-down shirt, slipped it over her sports bra, and found some shoes.
"Trainers? You really look like you are ready for this," Madyson said.
"I'm not; with my dad's surgery, I've been distracted," Candi said.
Madyson laughed, "Well, have fun," she said.
"Wish me luck," Candi said and left her room.
"Hope you get lucky," Madyson said and laughed.
Sunday, March 19th, Afternoon
Ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah
If I had a voice, I would sing
Fallon walked the few blocks to her favorite village coffee shop. She pushed through the front door and walked to the line. She looked over the menu as she waited for her time to order. Finally, she ordered and went to find a table.
Finally, her coffee and pastry arrived at the table. She sipped at her coffee and nibbled at her pastry. Checking the clock on her phone, she had some time before Trin would show up. Only two of them today; she missed Ellie hanging out. The young blonde's misspent adventures allowed Fallon to live vicariously through Ellie's miss-adventures.
Fallon next started going through her emails. They say the city never sleeps, and with the city never sleeping, money never sleeps as well. With her portfolio, Fallon had to stay on top of it to keep the ship's inertia sailing in the right direction.
Her phone rang with a video call. Fallon looked at the notification and saw the name Chase B. Fallon smirked and wondered if she shouldn't change it to Chase the B. Chuckling to herself, Fallon accepted the call.
The image of Chase appeared on her phone's relatively small screen. Fallon could see Chase was sitting in her living room. The two looked at each other, and finally, Fallon smiled.
"Hey Chase, what are you up to?" Fallon asked.
"Not much, haven't spoken in a while and thought I could catch you and chat," Chase said.
"So, you chose this time?" Fallon asked.
"Ellie told me what time you usually go to get coffee," Chase said.
"So, what do you want to talk about?" Fallon asked.
"Let's talk, get to know each other, be sisters again," Chase said.
"So, talk," Fallon laughed, "Well, I'm seeing Grant tonight."
"He's nice," Chase said.
"What's on your mind?" Fallon asked.
"I was clearing out some boxes, and I found stuff from our time at Convent," Chase said.
"Yeah, great times, another lifetime ago, so what makes you want to relive the past?" Fallon asked.
"Just wondering about how I left things," Chase said.
A statuesque blonde stepped up behind Fallon. The blonde wore a VLC polo shirt.
"Fallon, who are you talking to so loudly?" the blonde asked as she looked down at the phone. "Chase," the blonde said.
"I've got to go," Chase said, then disconnected the call.
Fallon looked up at the blonde. "Well, you scared her off," she said.
"I didn't intend on it, and I didn't expect to see her," the blonde said, "ever again."
"No one ever expected you two to see each other again," Fallon said, sighed, but her phone down and picked up her coffee.
Sunday, March 19th, Afternoon
The call had meant just to touch base with her sister. At the most, reminisce about ancient times before Tree Hill. Instead, Chase nearly had a heart attack. She never expected to see her, not on Fallon's phone, of all places. On the other hand, Fallon would get her coffee at the blonde's dad's place.
Chase stood up and put her smartphone on the coffee table. She started to walk in circles around her living room. Chase went to the kitchen and made herself a cup of herbal tea. Once she finished, Chase sipped at her tea and looked off into the distance.
Finishing her tea, Chase went to her office and sat at her desk. Reaching into the box in the corner, Chase picked up the lacrosse stick and spun the stick in her hands. Chase watched the basket make its small circles. Finally, Chase put the stick back in the box. She reached in and picked up the framed lacrosse picture. Chase looked it over, sighed, and put it back.
Why? Why? Why? Ran through her head as she put her head down on the desk and sighed.
Again, I revisit the song's concept by Fever Ray If I Have a Heart. The line "If I had a heart, I could love you" and what has been going on with my life. Maybe, I am old-fashioned, but shouldn't we have feelings for each other before they do something? If you know what I mean. What are your thoughts? Please share and comment below.
RavenHussar
T3 Collective.
The Annus Horribilis Secrets
1) Carson Murphy has passed away. (Episode 2)
2) Spencer Churchill "Church" Grady was killed in action as a US Navy Seal and buried in Arlington National Cemetery (aka The Garden). He is also Jessica Ashlyn Scott's Dad. (Episode 4)
3) Constance "Connie" Garland is in a permanent vegetative state. (Episode 6)
4) Brian Durham Scott died of a heart attack at the age of Twenty-Seven, becoming a member of the infamous 27 Club. (Episode 19)
5) Gabrielle "Gabi" Vincent is living in long-term care from damage done during a suicide attempt causing permanent brain damage. (Episode 20)
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Playlist
Chapter 703 - Evanescence - My Heart is Broken
Chapter 712 - Quarterflash - Harden my heart
Chapter 720 – Fever Ray - If I Had a Heart
Poems
Quotes
The song Mama's Broken Heart by Miranda Lambert is quoted in both Chapters 699 and 703
Chapter 706 - As You Like Act II Scene VII by William Shakespeare, the All The World's a Stage speech is quoted.
Chapter 706 – Principal Gibbons is quoted from the Movie Easy A.
Translation Guide