Author's Note: I hope everyone is doing well. The title of this chapter is a play on the song title, "Hello Mother, Hello Father." Enjoy, and reviews are welcomed and appreciated.
Four days had passed since the trio of Mark, Veronica and Christine had departed the Sierra Madre. That time had allowed Mark and Christine to get to know each other a bit better, and for Veronica and Christine to get reacquainted with each other. Mark didn't tell anything about his past that Veronica didn't already know, and insisted that the story that he told her was just that, a story, which may or may not have been true. Christine told Mark about her time with the Brotherhood, her and Veronica's relationship, their apparently pre-meditated break-up, and her moving to something called the "Circle of Steel," which she said was basically internal affairs for the Brotherhood. Mark hadn't heard of that with the DC chapter, so maybe it was just a west coast thing.
She then told them of her travels before she got caught in the auto-doc. She mentioned some place called the "Big Empty," but would not elaborate any further on what or where it was. Mark seemed to be warming up to Christine, and she was the same with him. Christine and Veronica still had some issues to work out, but they seemed to be well on their way to getting back to something close to where they were before their forced separation at the hands of Elijah.
Mark and Veronica told Christine of the others at the Lucky 38. Veronica felt it necessary to warn her that Boone was a former NCR sniper, due to the Brotherhood's bloody history with the NCR. Mark stressed that he trusted Boone, and everyone else at the 38 with his life, and that she would have to learn to work with more "outsiders" if she wanted to stay with them. "You don't have to be all buddy-buddy with each other," Mark had said, "just tolerate each other. That's all I'm asking." Christine admitted that it might be difficult, but she would try. Mark promised that he would try to keep Boone in line as well.
The walking was mostly uneventful, encountering raiders a couple of times, but under the combined firepower of the three, the raiders were easily dispatched. They found small settlements on the way back, buying supplies that they might need, and renting rooms if it was close to nighttime. Thankfully, at least from Mark's perspective, none of the settlements needed his help with anything, which was a far cry from what happened when he would come upon a new settlement in DC.
It was now early morning on the fifth day, close to 9 AM, and they would reach Vegas by the end of the day, putting a bit of a spring in Mark's step, his eagerness to see Amata evident to the two women. They were presently traveling on what was once a Nevada State Route, heading in from the north. It was at this time that Mark's pip-boy beeped, and when he looked at it, a wide grin came across his face. Amata's frequency had reappeared, meaning that they were back within the twenty-five mile radius for them to stay in communication. He was almost home.
(Lucky 38)
In that same four day period, the relationship between Amata and Abby continued to grow. Abby was slowly but surely getting used to the idea that she had a home, and a family, again, and that she would never have to go back to living on the streets. There were a couple of nights where Abby had had a nightmare, so Amata let her sleep in the same bed as her. Arcade and Cass were also enjoying Abby's company, and she and ED-E were getting along like two peas in a pod. The two of them were rarely apart.
The second afternoon that she was there, Arcade had taken Abby down to the medical facilities, and gave her a health check-up that Amata had requested, under the guise of Arcade showing Abby how all of the machines worked. He also put a protective boot on her foot, which he admitted he should have done the first day. He also gave her an introductory lesson on how to treat basic injuries, using the nearly-healed cut on her cheek as an example.
Cass, meanwhile, wanted to teach Abby how to shoot her shotgun, but Amata had immediately shot down that idea, saying that with her only being seven, coupled with her injured ankle, that she wasn't ready for anything more powerful than a pistol. Both Abby and Cass objected, but Amata put her foot down, and would not budge. So, instead, Cass regaled Abby with tales of her time on the road, editing some of the more explicit tales. This was after Cass had received a tongue-lashing from Amata after Amata walked in on Cass telling the young girl about having a threesome. Cass also started teaching Abby about the finer points of negotiating and how to read people by taking stock of their body language and reading facial expressions.
Amata continued to teach Abby how to read and write, and Abby could now identify all of the letters of the alphabet, and could now write her first name, along with other basic words. Once Abby's foot had healed, she vowed to take Abby down to the gym to get her started on a workout regimen. Mark had stressed on multiple occasions that physical fitness had helped him escape dangerous situations more than once. Speaking of Mark, in their brief conversation, Amata was sure that she heard him say that he would be back in five days, so she held onto that thought to sustain her until he could return. Amata told Abby a lot about Mark, giving her a head start on learning about her adoptive father. Amata thought that it might speed up the bonding process if Abby already had some knowledge of him when she met him.
True to his word, Arcade had given a book to Amata that he thought would help with Abby. He had acquired it a few years ago from a trader, and it had helped him out a lot. The book was titled "Child Psychology 101." The book, in part, explained how children dealt with trauma, and what the best course of action was. Amata absorbed the information like a sponge, willing to do anything to help her adopted daughter deal with the death of her parents. Abby had yet to reveal what had happened, and Amata did not push, waiting for Abby to tell her, which was exactly what the book said to do.
ED-E had become extremely attached to Abby, following her everywhere, playing music for her. He even guarded her door when she was asleep at night, which Amata found absolutely adorable. He was like a little floating metal guard dog. Sometimes, Amata had found Abby chasing ED-E, warning her to be careful since she still had the crutches, but not explicitly stopping her. She was still a kid, after all. As long as she didn't go too fast, Amata let her have her fun.
A couple of days into that four day period, when Amata had gone on the Strip to take a walk, she was given another note by the same NCR trooper that had delivered a note to her the last time. It was a missive from Colonel Hsu, saying that the plan that Mark had devised to deal with the Crimson Caravan Company and their targeting of various caravans was given the green light. Amata told the trooper to please inform Colonel Hsu that Mark was not feeling well, and that he would meet with the Colonel when he was feeling better.
Boone seemed to be the only one not getting along with Abby. In fact, he seemed to be intentionally avoiding her, as well as everyone for that matter. For the first three full days that Abby was there, Amata noted that he seemed to leave before everyone else got up, and came home after everyone went to bed. Amata was becoming increasingly frustrated with him. Cass and Arcade had slowly began to earn Abby's trust, but Boone hadn't done anything with her since the day they met, and that went no further than a stare-down and a hug from Abby. By the end of the fourth day, Amata had had enough. She was going to force a confrontation with him, whether he wanted one or not. So she waited.
(12:30 AM, earlier fifth day)
Boone walked into his room and turned on the light. Boone's room was smaller than the master bedroom, although similarly furnished, to a degree. Whereas her and Mark's room had two couches, his only had one, and there was a slightly smaller bed, but that was where the basic differences ended. He had a large NCR flag hanging on the wall, and had hung up some camo netting, giving the room a more militaristic feel. Amata was sitting on the couch in the dark, and when the light came on, she spoke. "Hello, Craig." Boone immediately drew his pistol and aimed it at Amata, but he holstered it when he saw who it was.
"God dammit, woman, don't do that. You're liable to get shot that way." He sighed and began to disarm. "Any particular reason that you're sitting in my room in the dark?" Amata examined her fingernails with a bored expression on her face. "Oh, you know, just wanted to say hi, since no one's really seen you in the past four days. They way you're acting, it might make someone think that you're avoiding us." "I've been busy." "Busy doing what, exactly?" Amata asked as she stood up and walked over to the NCR flag, examining it. "I don't see how that's any of your business." She turned around, examining the rest of the room. "Yeah, you're right. It is none of my business. You're an adult; you can come and go as you please. So, tell me, Craig, what do you think of Abby?" He grunted. Amata looked straight at him.
"No, you wouldn't have any opinion on her, because outside of meeting her, you've had absolutely no contact with her. You've had no interaction with anyone since she's been here. Why?" "I don't see why it matters." "Oh, believe me, Craig, it matters." Amata said, her voice making it clear that she was extremely unhappy with him, "Cass and Arcade are getting along great with her, and she's warming up to them. She and ED-E are nearly inseparable, and I love her to death. Yet, you avoid her and us like we have the plague."
"You know what she asked me when I put her to bed earlier? She asked me why you hated her. You know what I told her? I told her nothing. I had to change the subject, because I couldn't answer her. The fact that she even asked that question was extremely troubling to me. There is a small child, who gave you a hug because she said quote, "he just looked like he could use a hug," who probably thinks that she did something wrong by hugging you. She's not going anywhere, Craig, and you've probably already realized that, so what the hell's going on? Do you actually hate her?" Boone didn't answer, making a beeline for the door. Amata moved past him, blocking him from leaving.
"Oh, no, you're not going anywhere." He stared her down, but Amata was not intimidated. He moved over towards the desk. "Fine, you don't want to tell me what's going on? I'll take a guess. I don't think that you hate her. I think that you're avoiding us, Abby in particular, because she is a painful reminder of the life you could've had if Carla wasn't abducted and killed. You're afraid to get close to her, or anyone else, because you're scared that if you get close to someone, and something happens to them, you won't be able to take the pain. If you have no emotional attachment, then you can't get hurt." Boone's knuckles turned white as he gripped the back of a chair, and his face was becoming red. "You know nothing about me," he hissed through his teeth.
She threw her hands up in the air in exasperation. "Of course I don't know anything about you, I mean the real you. Your hopes, your fears, your dreams. You don't talk to anyone besides Mark it seems. All that Cass and the others know about you is that you were in the NCR's military, and the only reason that I know you were married is because Mark told me. You can't live your life avoiding people and shutting them out, Craig. You're just gonna end up as some bitter old man, with a bunch of regrets, and you're gonna die alone, with no one to remember you." Suddenly, the look on her face morphed from one of annoyance and anger to one of sympathy, and her voice softened considerably. "Craig, you gave your heart to Carla. You let her in, let her past this whole "macho man, lone wolf" façade. You two were gonna have a child together. What happened to her, Craig, it sucks and it was unfair to you. You got robbed of a chance to have a family of your own."
Her voice hardened a bit again. "Well, I've got some news for you. Sometimes life sucks, and it is rarely fair. If it was, Mark's dad would still be alive, and he would have grown up with his mother. Craig, if you let us in, we can be that family. Abby can be that kid that you never had, but you need to give her a chance. In case you've forgotten, I also have a kid on the way, and I want him or her, and Abby as well, to grow up around people who care about and respect each other. If you can't do that, then you might as well just leave right now." Amata demonstratively pointed towards the door. "I will do whatever it takes to make sure my family is happy, and if you're standing in the way of that, then I don't want you here. I don't care what Mark would say." There was no movement in the room for a minute or so, as Boone and Amata stared each other down. Boone saw a veritable raging inferno in Amata's eyes.
"Get out of my room," Boone eventually said. Amata raised her hands in defeat. "Fine, I'll leave, but not because you told me to. I'm tired from waiting up for you." She turned and opened the door, but before she left, she turned her head and looked at Boone. "Starting tomorrow, you will spend some time with her, or you will leave. Just eat breakfast with her or whatever. I don't care, just do something that shows that you don't hate her." She paused for a moment. "You may be a great sniper or whatever, but right now, all I see is a negative influence, and I will not have that around my family." She paused again. "I would slam this door, but everyone else is sleeping. Goodnight, Craig Boone."
(8:50 AM, fifth day)
The next morning found Abby, ED-E, and Amata in the kitchen. Abby was eating some sugar bombs in brahmin milk, ED-E was hovering around Abby, and Amata was looking out of the door that overlooked the balcony, a glass of water in hand. She was wishing for the umpteenth time that the wasteland had coffee, like the vault did. It had helped her get through some rough nights, both during and after the standoff. The wastes didn't even have anything close to it, which was a shame, because there were some times when she could've used a cup, like this morning. After declaring that Abby's ankle was healed, Arcade had secluded himself in his lab, asking for no disturbances, saying that he was close to a breakthrough with his research. Cass had yet to grace them with her presence. Boone hadn't been seen, either, but Amata was fairly sure that he was still in the building.
A few moments later, Amata heard a door open and close in the hallway, and when she turned around, she saw Boone standing in the doorway. Both Amata and Abby stared at him, and then Abby went back to eating. Amata pursed her lips, narrowed her eyes, and jerked her head in Abby's direction. Boone got himself a bowl and spoon, and sat down at the table, making a bowl of cereal for himself. He then started to eat, occasionally glancing at Abby. Amata watched them, seeing if Boone would actually interact with her. A couple of minutes later, Boone finally spoke. "How's, uh, how's your cereal, kid?" "Very good, thank you, Mr. Boone." Boone nodded.
A few moments later, Abby finished, and got up and stood next to Boone. When he looked at her, she said, "I wanna tell you a secret," indicating with a finger for him to lower his head. He did so, and Abby got close to his ear, and blocked her mouth so Amata wouldn't hear. "Good morning," she whispered. She then gave him a peck on the cheek, and then ran out of the room giggling, ED-E following right behind her. Boone watched her leave, and then looked at Amata, who was grinning like a madwoman. "What the hell just happened? She said she wanted to tell me a secret, but all she did was tell me good morning and then kissed me." Amata laughed. "Craig, she's a kid. A lot of things that kids do don't make sense. You just have to roll with it."
Boone shook his head. "If you say so." Amata sat down in the seat that Abby had just vacated. "See? Now was that so hard?" He grunted, and continued to eat. She lightly swatted him on the shoulder. "Admit it, you like her." He continued to eat, not responding. Amata put her elbows on the table, interlocked her fingers, and then rested her chin on her hands. She stared at Boone, continuing to smile. Boone kept glancing at her every few seconds. "Would you please stop staring at me?" "Not until you admit that you like her." A minute later, he threw his hands in the air. "Fine, I like her. Happy?" Amata nodded. "Very." She then got up, and took Abby's bowl and spoon over to the sink to wash them. When her back was turned, Boone rolled his eyes and shook his head. "I saw that, Craig." He continued to eat, Amata hearing him mumble something that included the words "…crazy women…" Amata couldn't help but smirk.
While she was washing the dishes, she heard the elevator ding, and she heard Arcade singing his rendition of "Ain't That A Kick in the Head." He then appeared in the doorway.
"…The room was completely black
I hugged her and she hugged back
Like the sailor said quote
Ain't that a hole in the boat…"
As Amata went to dry her hands, Arcade grabbed them and broke into an impromptu dance, swinging both of their arms back and forth.
"…I go to sleep and I keep grinning
If this is just the beginning…"
Amata was finally able to get him to let her go. She laughed. "Arcade, calm down. Why are you so happy?" He grinned at her. "Amata, it's so wonderful, I feel like I could kiss you. Ah, what the hell?" He gave her a big kiss on the cheek. He then turned and looked at Boone. "Try and do that to me and I shoot you," Boone said pointedly. As if to accentuate his point, he put his pistol on the table in plain view. "Fair enough. I'm just so excited! My research has finally yielded results!" Amata smiled. "That's great, Arcade. What did you find?" "Well, it seems that-" At that moment, Cass appeared in the doorway, leaning on the doorframe. She was bleary-eyed, and her hair was a mess, and she was wearing her plaid shirt and a pair of blue sweatpants she borrowed from Amata.
"Wha' tha fuck is goin' on?" "Cass, language," Amata berated her. "Anyway, it seems that Arcade got excited because he finally had a breakthrough with his research." "So, he decided ta start singin' like a nutter? It's too damn early fer this." She sat down at the table, and laid her head on her arms. Amata poured her a glass of water and put it in front of her. "Drink this, Cass. You look like you could use it." Cass looked up, examined the glass for a moment, and then chugged it. "Thanks, 'Mata." Amata looked at Arcade. "Sorry, Arcade, now what were you saying?" "Ah, yes, right, well it seems that-" He was interrupted again when Amata's pip-boy beeped. "Sorry, Arcade, hang on." She looked at her pip-boy, and her eyes widened. "What is it, Amata?" "It's Mark."
She pressed a button on the screen. "Mark? Mark, can you hear me?" Mark's voice came through. "Amata, is that you? You have no idea how wonderful it is to hear your voice again. How are you doing?" "I'm fine. How are you? How's Veronica?" "We're both fine. Based on where we are, we should be back by 9, 9:30 PM at the latest." "That's great, Mark." Abby and ED-E had just re-entered the kitchen, and Amata beamed at her. "Mark, when you get back, I have a surprise for you." "Oh, really? Well, we sort of have a surprise of our own." "I can't wait, Mark. Now you listen to me Mark Franklin, and you listen well. Unless you are attacked, you are not to deviate from getting back here. Is that understood?"
"Yes, Amata, my love, I understand." "No, Mark, repeat after me: I promise that I will not deviate from returning home unless I am attacked." Mark sighed. "Really, Amata?" "Just do it, Mark." Mark knew her no-nonsense voice when he heard it, so he just gave in. "Fine. I, Mark Franklin, son of James and Catherine Franklin, promise that I will not deviate from returning home unless I am attacked. Happy?" "Yes, yes I am. I'll see you in twelve hours. I have preparations to make. I love you Mark." "I love you too, Amata." She ended the transmission and then walked over to Abby. "Come on, sweetheart, we're gonna go find something nice for you to wear for when you meet him tonight. I saw some nice dresses downstairs that I think you'd look cute in." She took Abby's hand, and headed towards the elevator, ED-E in tow.
"Hang on," Boone said as he got up and followed them, "I'm gonna hitch a ride down to the gym." Cass stood up and walked out, saying that she was going back to bed. That left Arcade standing in the kitchen by himself. He sighed and took a beer out of the fridge. "I guess my news can wait until Mark returns. He is the reason that I'm able to use the lab in the first place, I guess. He should be there when I announce my breakthrough." He then raised his bottle. "See, the conquering hero comes, sound the trumpets, beat the drums."
(12 hours later, Freeside)
The twelve-hour walk for Christine, Mark, and Veronica, the walk was mostly uneventful. There were some fiends and a cazador, but otherwise, they only stopped briefly to rest a few times. As they walked through Freeside, Mark chuckled. "What's so funny?" Veronica asked. "Well, it's just…I just remembered something. Do you remember the day we met at the 188?" She smiled. "Trust me, I won't soon forget the day that changed my life for the better." "Do you remember, right before we left, when I saw that kid, uh, the Forecaster? One of the things he said to me was about meeting you." That piqued her curiosity. "Oh, really now? What did he say?"
"Well, he said a few things, but there was one line in particular. He said, "Underground, and under a cloud, your meeting will be mutually beneficial." Seems fitting, doesn't it?" Veronica silently mouthed the words to herself, and then realization dawned on her. "The bunker, and the Sierra Madre, the Cloud, you think that's what he meant?" "I think so. At first I thought he just meant the clouds in the sky, but it fits. We did help each other out quite a bit." "Yeah, I guess we did." Then she said quietly to herself, "that's the second prediction that that kid's gotten right." "What was that?" Mark asked, not hearing her. "Uh, nothing. I was just wondering what this surprise of Amata's is." "Yeah, me too. She seemed pretty excited about it. We'll find out soon enough, I guess," Mark said, staring at the looming Lucky 38 in the distance.
(Same time, Lucky 38)
During the same twelve-hour period in the Lucky 38, Amata became increasingly nervous about seeing Mark, and what his reaction to Abby would be. Despite her constant reassurances to Abby that Mark was going to love her, there was still a nagging doubt in the back of her mind that he would reject her. So, after picking out what Abby would wear, Amata distracted herself by going into a cleaning frenzy. Arcade, after seeing her nearly biting his head off after he accidentally spilled some water, left to go see the Followers for a few hours to stay out of her way. Cass spent most of the day with Abby, using a spare room in the gym to show her how to properly shoot a pistol. Cass even gave her shotgun to Amata so she wouldn't be tempted to teach Abby how to shoot it, against Amata's wishes. Boone went…somewhere…for most of the day, but came back around 8.
She had tracked Mark all day, and true to his word, he did not deviate, except for resting a few times. It was now 9:20 PM, and Mark and Veronica were in Freeside, coming ever closer to the Strip. Amata and Abby were in the hallway, Cass and Arcade were talking in the kitchen, and Boone was shooting pool by himself in the game room. ED-E, as usual, was floating near Abby. Abby had been bathed, and was now wearing a very adorable light blue-colored shin-length cotton dress. She had matching bow in her hair, and was wearing white ballet flats. After doing her hair in a few different styles, Amata and Abby both decided to just let Abby's hair hang loose.
Amata wished she had clothes like these growing up, instead of just the vault suits. She counted herself lucky that she had access to them now. She herself was wearing a short-sleeve baby blue blouse with a v-neckline, blue jeans, and white sneakers. She also decided to let her hair hang loose. She preferred the ponytail, but she thought this look went better with her outfit.
Abby looked nervously at Amata while fidgeting with her dress. "You're- you're sure that he's going to like me?" Amata squatted down in front of Abby, fixing her dress, and flattening down a strand of hair. She gave Abby a reassuring smile. "Trust me, sweetheart, he is going to absolutely love you. You have nothing to worry about." She wasn't sure if that last part was meant to reassure herself as well. "I'll introduce you, and then all you have to do is be yourself, okay?" She nodded. "Okay, mommy." She then started pacing around the hallway, leaving Amata where she was, her eyes widening in response to what Abby just said. She saw Cass and Arcade come out of the kitchen.
She walked briskly over to Cass and dragged her back in the kitchen. Arcade briefly wondered what was going on, but decided not to butt in, figuring it was some woman thing, so he went to check on Abby. "'Mata, what's goin' on? Why'd ya drag me back in here?" Amata checked over her shoulder, and then spoke to Cass in a quiet, yet excited voice. "Cass, Abby just called me "mommy!"" Cass grinned and pulled Amata into a tight hug and then let her go. "Hey, that's great, 'Mata! I told ya that the two a ya had a connection." "I know, it's- I didn't think it would happen this quickly. I had thought that it would take a lot longer than this, but it feels great. No, great isn't the right word. Maybe exhilarating comes close, and I don't even know if that cuts it."
Amata started crying tears of joy. "I-I have a family of my own, Cass. I have a husband, a daughter, and another kid on the way. I've never felt such joy. Only Mark telling me he loved me for the first time can come close to rivaling this." "I'm happy fer ya, 'Mata, I really am, an' I'm glad ta be part a this family a yers." Amata wiped her tears away. "Yeah, you are part of this family. You and Veronica are like the sisters that I never had." "I feel tha same about ya, 'Mata. I really do." She pulled Amata in for another hug.
She checked her pip-boy. "Mark's in the casino." She ran out in the hallway, where Abby, Arcade, ED-E, and now Boone were waiting. Cass followed Amata out of the kitchen. "Okay, everyone, they're in the casino. Everyone get ready." Abby stopped pacing and stared at the elevator door. Amata stood behind her putting her hands on her shoulders. A little ways behind her, Cass stood between Arcade and Boone. "Five caps says he passes out when she tells him 'bout tha kid." "I'll take that bet," Arcade said.
The elevator dinged open. Mark stepped out first, followed by Christine and Veronica. Amata couldn't help herself. She ran towards him, and the second after he dropped his bag, she leapt into his arms, her arms going around his neck, and her legs wrapping around his waist. She then began to kiss him for all he was worth, Mark returning it with equal gusto. The momentum of Amata jumping into him had driven them into a wall, with Mark holding Amata against it. Everyone was now staring at them, neither group noticing the new addition to the other group.
Eventually, they stopped kissing, and gazed lovingly into each other's eyes, their foreheads touching. "Amata, you have no idea how much I've missed you." "I missed you too, Mark. Don't you ever do something stupid like that again. If you ever get the urge to follow a radio signal again, tell me to my face so I can shoot you in the leg." Mark chuckled, as did Amata. "Yes ma'am. I love you Amata Franklin." "I love you too, Mark Franklin." Cass cleared her throat, getting their attention. Mark looked over towards her, Arcade and Boone, and that was when he finally noticed Abby. "Uh, babe, who's the kid?" Amata looked a bit embarrassed as she detached herself from Mark and walked over behind Abby, who looked apprehensive.
"Mark, this is Abigail. She's our daughter." Mark looked at Abby, who gave him a nervous smile. "Ah, okay," was all he said before he fainted and fell backwards. Luckily, Veronica was near him and had the wherewithal to catch him. She then leaned him up against the wall. "Mark!" Amata yelled out. She ran over towards him, as did Arcade, who did a quick examination. "He's fine, everyone," Arcade announced, "he just passed out from shock, I believe."
Amata looked at Abby, who was frowning. "Abby, don't worry. This isn't your fault. It's mine. I should've given him a bit more of a warning. I don't think he expected my surprise to be a kid." "You're-you're sure?" "Yes, sweetie, I am absolutely sure." She saw Mark begin to stir. He blinked his eyes to get readjusted to the light. When he saw Amata, he smiled. "Hey, babe." "Hey yourself." "You know, I just had the weirdest dream. You told me we had a daughter, but I know that isn't possible, because I was only gone for a week, and you're only two months pregnant." "That wasn't a dream, Mark. We do have a daughter. I sort of adopted her while you were gone." Amata motioned for Abby to come over. "Mark Franklin, this is your adopted daughter, Abigail Celeste Fields, but she prefers to be called Abby." Mark sat up and smiled at the young girl, who was fidgeting with her dress.
"Hi, Abby. It's very nice to meet you." There was no response from Abby for a few moments, before she said, "It's nice to meet you too…Daddy." Amata was stunned. It took her five days for Abby to call her 'mommy,' and yet she called Mark 'daddy' upon meeting him. Maybe telling Abby about Mark was the right call. Mark got to one knee and held his arms open, inviting the girl in for a hug. She did, and there wasn't a dry eye in the house. Even Boone had a tear roll down his cheek, but he quickly wiped it away, and would deny anything about it if asked. "Welcome to the family, Abby. Has everyone here been treating you okay?" She pulled back a bit, not wanting to leave his arms, which made her feel safe.
"Yes, everyone has been treating me really nice." "Well, that's good to hear. I must say, you look quite lovely in that dress." She smiled. "Thank you. Mommy helped me pick it out." Mark leaned over and gave a quick kiss to Amata. "Well, Mommy does have great taste in clothes, and in men, too, if I might add." Amata lightly smacked Mark in the back of the head. "You're damn right I do." "Uh, Mark," Cass said, "I hate ta interrupt, but I think ya got an introduction ta make as well." Mark looked at Christine, who was standing a ways back, holding Veronica's hand, looking like she wanted to make a run for it. Mark stood up, taking Abby up along with him.
"Right, sorry. Everyone, this is Christine Royce. Christine, these folks are Craig Boone (Christine frowned when she saw the NCR beret), Arcade Gannon, Rose of Sharon Cassidy, but she prefers Cass, and the flying robot is ED-E." He put his free arm around Amata's waist. "This immaculately dressed woman is my wife, Mrs. Amata Franklin, and the young lady in my arms is my adopted daughter, Miss Abigail Celeste Fields." "It's nice to meet you, Christine," Amata said. Then she noticed Christine and Veronica holding hands. "Oh, are you and Veronica together? Are you two part of the same, um, organization?" "Yeah," Mark said, "that's a long story, one we probably only need to tell once." He looked at Abby. "And it's a story that probably isn't appropriate for a child's ears."
Amata nodded. "Come on Abby, it's already past your bedtime as it is." "But I'm not tired," she whined, pouting and giving Mark her best puppy dog face. Amata laughed and took her from Mark. "That's not gonna work, missy, and yes, you are tired, you just don't know it yet." Mark gave Abby a kiss on the cheek. "Just listen to her, Abby. It'll make it easier on everyone if you just do what she says. Trust me, I learned that the hard way." Amata kicked him in his right shin. "That's because I'm usually right. Abby, give your Daddy a kiss." Abby leaned over and kissed Mark on the cheek. "Goodnight, Daddy." "Goodnight, Abby. Sweet dreams." Amata and Abby made their way towards Abby's room. That was when the elevator dinged. This drew an automatic response from Mark, and everyone else besides Amata, drawing their weapons. Seeing as everyone was already here, they were prepared for an intruder when Victor rolled out into the hallway.
"It's okay, everyone. Lower your weapons. It's just Victor." Christine, who was new and had never seen Victor, took some additional prodding to get her to lower her weapon. "Hello, Victor," Mark said, "I assume that House wants to see me?" "You're darn tootin' he does. He ain't thrilled with ya, and I'm here ta take ya by force if necessary." "No need for that, Victor. I'll come quietly." "Mark?" Mark turned around and looked at Amata and Abby, who both looked concerned.
Mark and Amata then had a silent conversation, a type of conversation that only two people who knew each other for as long and as well as the two of them did could have. Amata nodded, and then looked at Abby. "Daddy'll be fine, sweetheart. Come on, I'll tell you one of my favorite stories from when I was a kid." They started heading towards Abby's room again, while Mark followed Victor into the elevator, seeing the look of concern on his friends faces as the door closed.
Hope you all enjoyed the chapter. Until next time, and reviews are always welcomed and appreciated.