DING!
As soon as James deactivated the seatbelt signs, Danielle unfastened hers. When James gave them the all clear to disembark by opening the doors, Nigel guided Danielle towards them at the front of the aircraft. As they passed, she reached out and knocked lightly against the door of the cockpit, something she would never have dared do, if she didn't know and trust the captain. "Captain?" She called. The door opened a few seconds later.
"What's with, "Captain," Danielle?" James asked.
"Well, you were professional to the end there," she smiled at him. "You'd never know we were also friends… well, until you said cake off that was!"
"Yeah," Dave laughed. "That was hilarious!"
James grinned. "Had to. How can I help you, Danielle?"
"Um," she hesitated. "I really don't know if I'm allowed to do this, it's up to you entirely, Sir, this is your aircraft, you're in charge. Is there any way I could quickly see inside a cockpit? I've never seen one obviously, and I would love this chance."
"Sir?" James asked. "First off, quit that, second, come over here." He took her hand and guided her through the narrow door.
"Good old Danielle," Dave smiled lovingly. "She only called him Sir because he is the captain, but he was all over it to stop that in its tracks! He's a good guy, they all are."
"Indeed," Nigel smiled back. "Um, should we sit down, just in case Captain Avery decides to take off?" The two men grinned at each other, stepping to the cockpit doors to watch.
"This looks like the inside of a damn spaceship," Danielle said in awe, carefully touching the huge array of buttons, dials and knobs James guided her hands over. "How the hell do you know what to press when?"
He chuckled. "Practice."
"None of these will do anything now, will they?"
"Nope, we're parked and shut down. That slight hum is just the main engine, which I'll stop in a moment. In fact, I'll let you do it."
"Are you sure?"
"Certainly. This button works though." He put her hand on what felt like a small phone. "Pick that up." She did so, placing it to her ear. "Say something," he encouraged."
"Hello," Danielle said, hearing her voice immediately in the plane's cabin.
"Hi Captain," Dave and Nigel chorused.
"Christ, that joystick is huge," Danielle said reverently. "How do you move that, it's so heavy." As James had assured her, they were shut down, she gently moved it from left to right. It moved easily, but she could feel the power it held, even when stationary.
"It's a bit like a car," James said, pushing Danielle into the Captain's seat. "With power steering. Once the aircraft is up, the joystick isn't that hard to move."
"I seriously have to get a picture of this," Nigel said, holding up his phone. Danielle put her arm around James, pulling him into focus. "Flying," the two said together, then laughed.
"Awesome pic," Nigel said. "I'll send it to your other half right now, Danielle, then the others." Within seconds, Nigel's phone vibrated with a text, he'd turned it back on once they landed.
"Haha, Michael says, "suicide alert. It was bad enough with a car, but a plane?"" Danielle, Dave and James began to laugh. "I'm now texting him to tell him the flight was fine."
"Thanks grandad," Danielle said. Nigel's phone buzzed again.
"Dr Stark says, "first she's a guard, now she's our new pilot. Is there anything this girl can't do?""
Danielle felt a rush of affection for her now former doctor. "She's awesome," she said affectionately.
"She is indeed," James agreed.
"Captain Conway," Danielle said. "Just something I've always wondered. Where's your copilot? How come you don't have one? I know this is only a short flight, but what if something happened to you in the air?"
"Well, now it seems Captain Avery would take over," he squeezed her hand. She smiled at him. "The computer has the routes this aircraft commonly uses set into it, if something goes wrong and I don't touch anything for one minute straight, the computer will first alert me, then 3 seconds later, the nearest airport. They will then contact Smith's Grove, as it's their aircraft. In the meantime, another craft will be sent up to check on me."
"Nice," Dave said, sounding impressed.
"That's pretty sophisticated technology," Nigel nodded. "But then considering… who you might have aboard…"
"Yeah, exactly," James said seriously. "Like, Michael Myers, you mean?" They all smiled at each other.
"Surely the cockpit's locked during the flight though?" Danielle asked.
"Of course," James confirmed. "But just in case."
"Jesus!" Danielle shivered. "Can you imagine Michael getting into this cockpit and killing the pilot? That would be so fucking terrifying! I think I'd rather he just killed me first, so I didn't have to die in a fiery plane crash!"
"Me too," Nigel, Dave and James said in unison.
"Joanne says, "I told you I'd be scared if you were flying a plane, now I'm terrified!" Jack says, "uh oh, I'm taking the car with Michael!" Rick says, "nice! But Michael, you're driving me if I need to go anywhere!" Haha, Dr Loomis says, "James, where did you find that copilot?""
Danielle grinned. "Thank you so much James."
"No problem. Ok, so now Captain Avery, I need you to first press this big button here," there was a loud beep. "Then this one." A second loud beep and the hum slowly began to die beneath them.
"Are you staying in Haddonfield today then?" Dave asked him, as they finally disembarked the aircraft.
"For a few more hours yes," James replied. "I'll fly back later, but Dr Loomis told me they were in no great need of the aircraft, so to take my time. I have family and friends who live here, I'll catch up with them a bit later. He glanced at his watch. "Not yet though, they're all still at work."
"This might sound a strange question, but this stuff fascinates me," Danielle admitted. "How do you lock an aircraft? Surely, it's not like… you know, a car?"
"Well, yes?" She could hear James was trying not to laugh. "You stick the key in the hole in the door and turn it!"
Nigel and Dave cracked up. "Shut it!" Danielle poked James' shoulder. "I mean…" Laughing, James pushed a huge bunch of keys into her hands. "See?" She gawped at him. "Don't tell me those are all for this aircraft? So, you can't say it's just like a car at all, Captain!"
"Well, the engines are locked behind safety glass, you wouldn't want to get too close to those, you could fall into it and be crushed to death instantly. Then you have the cockpit, main cabin, but no, they're not all for the aircraft. I have other work keys there too. The apartment and so on. But since you ask, Captain Avery, here you go." He guided her over to the door they'd just exited from, putting her finger on a keyhole.
"I'm guessing it's this huge heavy one?"
"Yep," he confirmed. Danielle slid it into the hole and turned it, just as he'd said. There were several loud clicks. "Done," James said. "Pull that handle to check." She did, and it didn't budge.
"Why do you all always have to tease me all the time?" Danielle wined as they walked towards the gates into the airport grounds. In reality though, she was trying not to laugh. "So unfair! I can't even ask a question without getting stick!"
"Ah be quiet," Nigel tweaked her left ear. "It's because we love you, and you wouldn't have it any other way!"
"You're probably right," Danielle sighed, then laughed. "Ow, my ears! Captain Conway, based on what you just said, I have time to treat you, dad and grandad to a coffee. No arguments, that's an order, Captain!"
James hugged her, taking her arm to guide her to the car. She squeezed it, feeling a rush of affection for him. He squeezed back. "No arguments, thank you. I acknowledge your order. It's understood, Captain Avery."
…
"Haha," Nigel laughed again as they climbed into his car and prepared to leave the airport. "I put everyone in the same text thread, so they can all read each other's replies and Michael says, "wait a moment, who's designated me as the driver? That said, if that plane is the only choice, maybe I will after all!"" Everyone cracked up as Nigel handed his phone to Dave, who was sitting next to him, Danielle and James behind them.
"Dad, can you tell them I say, "well, you did. You said you would take the car! Can't blame the others for hopping a lift if you don't want my first-class air service!""
Dave laughed. "Done," he said a few seconds later.
"Nice car," James whistled.
"Thanks pal," Nigel grinned. "I used to be a taxi driver way back, so I like my vehicles." The three men had insisted on carrying all Danielle's bags for her, not letting her carry a thing. They were now securely stowed in the trunk. Pulling out her phone, Danielle turned it back on and texted Michael.
Landed safely as you know, babe. I'll text when I get home, taking James for a coffee to say thank you. I love you.
"You know," she said, voicing her train of thought. "I thought just recently how nice it was we're seeing Michael's playful, rather than deadly sense of humour, and there it is for all to see!"
"Yes, and we have… who to thank for that?" Dave reached over and squeezed her arm.
"I still can't quite believe it sometimes, you know," she said quietly. "I mean shit, he's Michael Myers!"
"To echo Dr Stark," James said. "Is there anything this girl can't do?"
"Well said," Dave and Nigel said together, as Danielle went bright red.
I am glad to hear it, although as it seems you were the pilot, how is anyone's guess! I love you too, Danielle. Stay safe. M.
Grinning, she read the text out to the others. "See what I mean?"
"Aww," James said. "He really cares about you, doesn't "he? Like you said, wow. Well done Danielle Avery! You've tamed a killer."
"She's Danielle Avery," Nigel said lovingly. "That's why. She's impossible not to love."
"Oh, shut up," Danielle said, but was blushing.
…
The Haddonfield Haven had long since been one of Danielle's favourite chilling spots. As they walked in to the familiar smell of coffee and sound of chatter, she felt a rush of happiness. She was here, home. "Welcome home darling," Dave said, clearly having seen something on her face.
"Thanks dad," Danielle found herself blinking back tears.
"Danielle!" A familiar but long unheard voice said immediately. "Oh my God! How are you? You were amazing in court! So nice to see you again! Welcome home! What can I get you? It's on the house!"
"I rest my case," Nigel blinked back tears too now. "Everyone loves you, Danielle."
"I can't expect Angela…" Danielle began.
"This is my establishment, my rules. Sit down, all of you. I will take your orders myself in just a moment."
"She's lovely Angela," Danielle said affectionately, as they did as they were told. "She was almost like a mother figure towards the end. I came here a lot when Adam… you know, when things got bad."
Nigel smiled. "She made Sophie and I meals when she got really ill too."
"Aww, really? What a true angel! She's got the right name then," Danielle smiled around the table.
Angela was as good as her word. Within 5 minutes she was back to take their orders. "For you, Captain?" She smiled at James.
"First, please don't call me Captain," he smiled back at her with a wink, shrugging off his uniform jacket. "I'm James. I'll have a white coffee, creamer, no sugar, thank you."
"You babes?" Angela asked Danielle, a loving, motherly hand on her shoulder.
"I think you know the answer to that, tea, milk two sugars please."
"Oh of course, how could I forget? What about cakes for you all?"
"Oh, you should not have said cake," James grinned. "I'm trying to diet!"
"You don't need to diet son," Angela smiled at him. "I'm old enough to be your mother and I can see that!"
"Fine!" James threw his hands up in mock surrender. "Then if I absolutely have to, I'll just have a piece of the jam sponge, please."
"Good choice," Danielle said. "Angela makes the cakes herself and they're to die for."
"Chocolate cake thanks Ang," Nigel and Danielle said together, grinning at the older woman.
"Carrot cake cheers sweetheart," Dave said.
"Coming right up ladies and gents." Before she could walk away, Danielle gently grabbed her arm and stood to whisper in her ear.
"If you're absolutely insisting, they're on the house, we can't thank you enough, but please let me pay for James' at least? He just flew us home, charging us nothing. I really want to thank him."
Angela shook her head. "Nope, sorry D. A friend of yours is a friend of mine. I insist. You'll have to thank him another way, because I'm thanking him right now." Danielle tried to argue, but the older woman just pushed her lovingly into her seat and walked away.
Danielle sighed but was smiling. "I love Angela. Didn't realise just how much I'd missed her.
"What was all that about?" Nigel asked with a grin.
"I asked if I could at least pay for yours, James, to thank you, but she wasn't having it. Said a friend of mine is a friend of hers, that I'd have to thank you another way, as she was thanking you right now."
"Aww," the three men said together, smiling.
When their drinks and cakes arrived, Danielle hadn't expected it, but she found herself telling James everything she'd gone through at Adam's hands and how Angela had helped like a true angel. The times she'd been desperate for just something small to eat and had gone to Angela with a black eye and in tears, only for the other woman to make her a full meal, by taking her by the hand up to her little apartment above the café.
"Her husband died a few years ago," Danielle explained, biting into her chocolate cake. "It's just her and her little dog Chester up there now, he's adorable!" She and her husband Mat set the business up and she was desperate to keep it going in his memory."
"Doesn't look like she'll have a problem," James smiled. "It's filling up fast already."
"Oh yeah, the HH is legendary around this town. I can't believe you've never been here before?" She smiled, as Angela greeted all her customers like friends. "Everyone loves Angela Adams."
"Yes, I'm fast learning why, and I'm surprised I haven't been here too, but then, I don't stay in Haddonfield itself for long, that's probably why. But I'll make a note to pop in next time I'm here."
"Angela won't forget you," Nigel warned. "Good luck paying for your coffee here!"
"Right," Danielle grinned.
She continued with her story, telling James the whole set of circumstances which had led to him flying Michael, the guards and Dr Loomis down to Haddonfield so fast. How Adam had grabbed her and was holding her prisoner.
"I knew something had happened," the sympathy in his voice was so sincere, she reached across the table and squeezed his hand. "It had to be an emergency for me to be authorised to fly at such short notice. I'm so sorry, Danielle!"
"Thanks," she blinked back tears. She lowered her voice in the busy café, telling him exactly how Michael had killed Adam, cutting his head clean off with one fatal cut."
"Jesus," he whistled. "Anger Michael Myers by messing with his girl, prepare your funeral!"
"Right," Nigel nodded fervently.
Dave shivered, he too lowering his voice. "He's only going to be my son-in-law. Jesus! I don't know if I feel safe, or terrified!"
…
Half an hour later they left, Danielle stopping just long enough to hug Angela, Nigel and Dave doing the same. James shook her hand warmly. "Thank you so much for my coffee and cake," he said. "I greatly appreciate it."
"Anytime son," Angela winked. "If you're in Haddonfield, come and say hi."
"Will do," he smiled at her.
"Do you need a lift back to the aircraft later?" Nigel asked James as they got back into his car.
"Thanks man, but no. I'm seeing mom later, my brother's offered to drive me back. Thanks a lot though."
"No problem. Here's my number, if I can do anything for you, just let me know."
Danielle felt a flutter of something as they drove through the familiar streets of Haddonfield. Due to Adam making her run constant errands for him, she knew them like the back of her hand and could walk them all on foot. So as a result, when they reached a point, she asked Nigel to stop. He did, and she got out, alone, unfolding her cane, turning and facing forward. She didn't have to be told she was standing right in front of Adam's old house. Without a word, Dave quietly came to join his daughter, pulling her into a hug.
"Jesus," Danielle breathed. "I nearly died in that fucking garage just in front of us. I can't believe where I am mentally now. Protected by a man who made Adam look kind!" Dave said nothing, sensing his daughter didn't want him too just then, he simply held her close.
"I have the keys," Nigel's voice said softly from beside them. "It's yours now, D." He handed her a bunch of keys, which she recognised as Adam's immediately. The keys she could not touch on pain of death unless running errands, or doing something at Adam's command. If she was alone, she'd die for touching them.
James came to join them when Danielle called softly to him, and unable to resist, she entered the house. It looked the same as when she'd left it, all Adam's stuff still there. The three men followed. "Christ," she sighed. "I must sort out all this shit. Even the fucking stereo has bad memories attached to it. I touched it even once; I was beaten badly. I couldn't listen to anything, no TV…"
"Only when you are ready kiddo," Nigel pulled her into his arms, speaking gently but firmly over her to stop the memories in their tracks. "When that time comes, I have a group of male friends who will be only too willing to assist you, at no charge. But it's when you say when, and not a second before."
Danielle wasn't quite sure what possessed her to do it, for next moment, she was walking into the garage and with a thrill of… something, she realised the chair she'd almost died on was still there, tipped on its side. None of the men joined her, letting her have the space she needed just then. She took several deep breaths, memories of that horrific night flashing in front of her, but with nowhere near the force they'd once had. Softly, she called outside, and the men finally did join her.
"Dad," she kept her voice low, but wasn't sure why. "Please can you take a picture of me standing in front of this chair and send it to them? Please don't refuse?"
Her father said nothing and a few seconds later, Danielle heard the flash of a camera. "Caption?" he murmured.
"I just had to set my demons to rest one last time. Thank you for rescuing me."
"Done," he spoke again a few seconds later. Michael, Joanne, Dr Stark and Dr Loomis?"
"Please," she nodded. Thirty seconds later, he spoke again.
"Michael says, "Is that the garage, his house?" I'll just put, yes?" She nodded again. "Christ, is it just me, or does every one of his texts regarding Adam radiate anger, almost a warning?"
"No, it's not just you," Danielle and Nigel said together, shivering.
Danielle briefly told James how she'd hung herself from this very ceiling, standing on the tipped over chair, and how Nigel had broken down the door with a sledge hammer after Adam had locked it, cutting her down.
"I would've smashed it over his fucking head," Dave muttered. "You're a better man than I am, Nige!"
James hugged her. She squeezed him back, blinking back tears of affection for James Conway. "Let's get out of here," Danielle said eventually, turning.
"Good decision kiddo," Nigel hugged her again.
"I wish I could thank you the way I really want to Nigel Manning," she started crying. "But I can't! You saved my life in here, and there's nothing that would ever be big enough to acknowledge this fact!"
"Shh," he soothed, holding her tightly. "Any decent human being would've done it. Dawson, was not a human being."
"Well said," James and Dave said together. Danielle took Nigel's hand, and he guided her from the garage, then the house.
"Anyone else notice how Danielle thanks Michael, and the only thing he asks is if it was Adam's house?"
"Yeah," Nigel shivered. "Christ! He's dangerous!" When Danielle looked at her phone back in the car a few moments later however, she saw Michael had text her privately.
Why would you do that? I mean I understand, but what did you hope to achieve?
She read it out to the others. "See?" Dave shivered. "He almost sounds angry at you."
"He's not," she assured. "That's just Michael."
I'm not exactly sure, I just had to. It's my house now and I must sort it all out, nothing's changed, all his stuff is still right where he last left it.
Do not do that until you're ready, and if able, I wish to be there with you when you do.
"Aww," James said when she read this message out. "See? He really cares. It can sound possessive, but it's all out of love he's just not sure how to show."
"Fair play," Nigel nodded.
"Plus, there's no denying his inhuman strength would be invaluable," Dave said.
"Good point," Danielle smiled.
You could probably move it on your own! You're strong enough! Nigel has offered me a group of his friends, but dad just pointed out how easily you could help us.
Which is one of the reasons I said what I did, plus I do not want you facing that alone.
"I rest my case," Nigel sounded like he was close to tears. "Michael Myers loves you, Danielle Avery. He's just offered to help and said he loves you, albeit in Michael's… unique way.
Five minutes later, they reached the Avery house, and now Danielle's face broke into a genuine smile. They'd asked James if he had time, and he'd nodded, smiling. They entered through the front door. "Nice house," James sounded impressed.
"Thanks," Dave said.
"Full of so much love you'll have some to take home," Danielle said affectionately, hugging her father. "Do you have a wife and/or children?" She asked James as they entered the living room.
"I hear you," James said. "Yes, both. Youngest son has just started middle school and my daughter's now in college. My wife is a doctor."
"Nice," the other three said in unison.
Danielle smiled. "That works out well. Someone falls ill, your wife helps them until you can fly them to the hospital! Lucky neighbours!"
James laughed. "Not quite."
…
Half an hour later, Nigel offered to drop James wherever he needed to be, giving him the Nigel stern look when he tried to order an uber. "I don't think so. Come on, my car's just outside."
"Don't argue with a manning, Dave warned. "You'll lose."
"That's very kind of you," James smiled at Nigel, surrendering. "Thank you."
"Dude, you just flew us home," Dave and Danielle said. "Duh!"
"Precisely," Nigel nodded.
After they'd left, Dave showed his daughter up to the room that was and had always been hers. As soon as she entered, she could smell new paint, and didn't have to guess too hard it had been newly decorated for her homecoming. She also had a brand-new wardrobe, bed, night table and armchair. "Dad," her mouth dropped open. "Why are you spoiling me?"
"Because we love you, and we can," he said simply. Opening the wardrobe, he showed her all her new clothes before helping her unpack her case.
"I still can't believe I'm home," she said several times, as he hugged her.
"Well, you are, and welcome home, babe."
"Thanks, dad. Shit, I forgot to ask. If you still have that picture, could you send it to Adam, please?"
"Already did darling, thought of that first."
When Danielle checked her phone again a short while later, slumped on her luxuriously comfortable new king-sized bed, there was indeed a text from her DVA.
Good for you, sometimes we must do that. Although I did notice Michael didn't sound so happy about it.
She smiled a little at this.
That's just Michael. I think he's only trying to protect me.
Yes, I know. In his own… Michael Myers way.
Now, she laughed out loud.
That's exactly what Nigel said.
…
"We ready?" Nigel asked 45 minutes later, as they met again in the living room. He'd returned from taking James back and had then gone to collect more of his belongings from his new house.
"No," Danielle sighed. "But I must do it. I'm back home for good now, I know she needs me to step up."
"No, she doesn't," Dave hugged her. "She just needs her sister, that's all."
Nigel drove them back to the hospital, and they all headed towards ICU. "I still can't believe there's absolutely no change," Danielle said sadly as they walked.
"Sweetheart," Dave consoled. "People can be in a coma for months, years even. No change might be good news, remember that. She's still fighting. Considering we were told she'd be dead as soon as it happened, that's good!" Pulling out her phone, she texted Michael one last time.
I must turn my phone off, entering ICU now. Will text when we get out. I love you.
…
"Danielle, oh darling!"
Danielle couldn't help it and started crying at the sound of her mother's voice. Emma Avery jumped up and pulled her into such a tight hug she couldn't breathe, but she didn't care.
"Sis we're so glad your home," Colin sounded close to tears as he too hugged her as tightly as he could.
Danielle sat down between Emma and Colin, Dave and Nigel on the other side of the bed. Charlotte's favourite music, soft rock, was playing quietly in the background, somewhat disguising the ever-present hiss and beeps of her life saving machinery.
"Dr Merrick is confident siss," Colin said after a few moments of silence, Danielle taking her sister's warm, but still hand. "He said she's still fighting; we just have to hang in there." Danielle couldn't help noticing he kept calling her, "Siss," and wasn't sure if that was happiness due to her recent adoption, or if he was in fact trying to distance his heart from the Danielle he'd wanted, who Michael Myers now had.
"That sounds like a broken record," Danielle said, trying not to sound bitter. "But I guess they can't perform miracles. That said, they told us she'd be dead the next day, and she's still here, so maybe that's one."
"Hey Danielle," said Tim's voice, as he entered the room with hot drinks, including a tea for Danielle. Dave text you were all on your way. Welcome home. How are you?"
"Hey Tim, thanks for the tea. Not too bad, would rather be somewhere else but here though."
"Wouldn't we all," he sat on Colin's other side.
"The doctors keep telling us we should go home," Emma said, sounding exhausted. "Are they serious?"
"They… might be right," Nigel broached gently. "You look exhausted, Emma babes. "You could do with some sleep. I know, it's your daughter, but she's surrounded by trained medical professionals, and you won't do yourself any good if you're tired when she wakes."
"That's exactly what I've been saying," Dave and Colin said together. Emma sighed, running a hand across her pale face.
"Shit… I hate to say this, but you all might be right. I just… fuck!" She lightly hit the hospital wheeled table. "I just… I feel so useless!"
"We all do babes," Dave wrapped his arms around her, Colin did so to Danielle. "But even the doctors can't do anything right now, so if they can't, what can we do? They've promised us God knows how many times to contact us the second anything happens."
"I will drive you all here no matter the time when they do," Nigel promised. "I'll do whatever I can for you all, just ask. Anything."
Danielle felt a lurch of sympathy for him. Nigel knew about death, he'd been at Sophie's side when she drew her last breath, so he completely understood their pain. "We love you Nigel," the family said as one.
"I love you too," he said back.
…
A few hours later, Danielle, Nigel, Dave, Tim and Colin left the hospital, Emma still stubbornly refusing to move. Although she had relented to swap with Dave the next night, so she could try and get some sleep.
"Mom's not going to do herself any good like that," Colin said sadly as they got into Nigel's car, Tim following behind. The Avery house was big enough that Tim and Nigel were both staying there in spare rooms.
"I know," Dave sighed. "But at least we're swapping tomorrow night, that's progress. I think that was you, Nige. Wise words."
The older man smiled sadly. "But true. I didn't want to leave Sophie's side either, but I had no choice at times. I was there when it ended, albeit not the way I wanted. But that isn't going to happen to Charlotte! Trust me on this!"
…
"Danielle," Colin said a little tentatively when they got home and were sitting in the living room together. Dave, Nigel and Tim had retreated to the kitchen so they could talk. "Listen… I… I want to say sorry for the way I behaved that… that night. Dad told me Michael told him he was not going to kill me, but shit. I… I should not have said what I did."
She sighed. "No, he wouldn't have done, you're my brother. But I won't lie to you Colin, that pissed me the fuck off when you did that! I almost text you to tell you as much, until Dr Loomis advised me this should be between you and Michael. I'm not involved in this. But Jesus I was angry. Do you have any idea how hurt and almost angry at me Michael was when we got back?"
"What happened?"
"He said to mee, "He loves you, and not as a brother should!" The rest doesn't matter. It was Michael who told me how you felt… feel for me. Why the hell did you go to Michael, Cole? Why not dad, Nige, anyone but him? It's like… you were trying to wind him up on purpose! Winding up Michael Myers, if no one's told you yet, is a fucking stupid thing to do! Would you have done the same if it had been any other man?"
"Yes," he said without hesitation. "But Jesus, Michael Myers?" Colin ran his hands through his hair.
"Are you challenging who I fell in love with now?" She asked bluntly.
"Shit, no siss, I mean… I don't understand it, he's Michael fucking Myers! But at the same time, I wasn't there when you got closer, I don't know everything that happened, except he killed Adam, which I missed, fucking sadly!"
"So, why in God's name did you just stroll up to him in the hospital, and start antagonising him then? It's no wonder he slammed you against the fucking wall!"
"I… I don't know," he sounded so defeated, some of her anger melted, she sat beside him on the couch and put her arm around him.
"Cole, if you felt that way about me, you had months to tell me, years even. Even during the end of my relationship for want of a better word, with Adam. But you didn't. I'm not a mind reader, I saw you more as a big brother even then. If you'd told me, things might have been different sure, but you didn't, until it was too late, and you can't now blame Michael because you didn't act."
He sighed, holding her tightly. "Fuck I know that, alright? I know! It was just… everything. Charlotte, worrying about you, you'd just narrowly escaped with your life and I… I didn't think."
"Which is precisely why Dr Loomis told you to go to bed, as emotions were high. You should listen to that man; he knows what he's talking about!" He sighed again. "It's also one reason Michael did not attack you any further than he did, dad told me Michael told him so. Because he knew emotions were high. Doesn't that tell you something? Even Michael Myers knew emotions were high, so acted appropriately. Quite honestly, you would've deserved it if he'd done something. Now I'm not saying kill you, of course I'm not, I love you, but something."
"I know you're right," he said softly, lowering his head. "Fuck. I'm sorry Danielle, I should have either told you, or kept my mouth shut. I think I was… I just wanted someone to lash out at, take all my anger, hatred and grief out on. It… probably just should not have been Michael Myers!"
Unable to help it she smiled a little now, finally pulling him into a hug. "Probably not." She decided then and there she had to tell him, close any hope he might have as gently as she could while they were alone. He deserved that much from her. "Colin," she said simply, before raising her left hand.
There was a long silence, before he spoke again. "You're marrying him." It wasn't a question.
"Yes," she nodded. There was nothing else she could say. She could tell he didn't know how to react. "Look, I'm not expecting you to be happy necessarily, I know it's a shock and I'm sorry for that. But I wanted to tell you alone, face to face, before you found out another way.
"I appreciate that." She couldn't tell if he was being sarcastic. He sighed, tightening his arms around her. "No, I do. I… I don't know how I feel, but I guess I am your adopted brother now, so… that kind of relationship would have never worked now anyway. Doesn't mean I… I find it easy to take."
"I know Cole," she hugged him close, speaking gently now. "I'm sorry. But you know I'll always love you, you're my number one brother! I'll come to you for anything if I need help, someone to talk to, protection. You are so important to me, please don't forget that!"
"I'm also your only brother," he smiled sadly.
"Yeah, that's true, so, John needs you to do your best then!"
He hugged her tightly. "Danielle, I'm so sorry about John, too."
"Me too," she smiled sadly back. "But he would want to know I'm protected, loved. That's where you come in, Cole. It works both ways, too. I'm always here for you, I hope you know that."
"Clear as crystal," he squeezed her tightly.
"Plus, don't forget, Michael Myers will be your brother-in-law. God help anyone who hurts you! You know damn well he'll protect you too."
Colin smiled a little now, a genuine smile. "If that's not a scary thought, I don't know what one is!"
…
"I want to speak to him," Colin said a little later. "Michael, I mean. "I… I owe him a real apology. I can't wait until we're face to face because who knows when that'll be, and the guilt is literally killing me! Uh, just like he didn't!" Danielle and all the men were now seated in the living room enjoying dinner from their laps and small tables.
"Yeah, you were stupid," Dave said, then sighed. "But damn brave and loyal too."
"Danielle told me," Colin said quietly, touching his sister's arm. "I know she and Michael are getting married."
"Wait," Tim said. "What?"
Danielle smiled a little. "I didn't tell anyone, I wanted to wait until I was back home, sorry Tim." She showed her engagement ring.
"Um, wow," Tim looked shocked. "Congratulations. Jeez, Michael Myers of all men a married man! Damn Danielle, what did you do?"
"I know right?" Colin nodded. "You look like I feel."
"Please, Cole," Danielle took his hand. "I love him. He's made me so happy and rescued me both metaphorically and literally. Please say you're with me?" He sighed.
"I… I don't understand it and nothing to do with my own… feelings, but if he makes you happy, of course, I'm with you. I love you, D."
"Good man," Nigel, Tim and Dave said together.
"Which is why I need to talk to him," Colin said. "I need to say my piece, I don't want it to be on your damn wedding day or something!"
Finally, Danielle nodded. "That's fair. I'll speak to Dr Loomis. I can call Michael, but I'm thinking you want to see his face?"
"Yes," Colin nodded back.
…
"I'll see what I can do," Dr Loomis said when Danielle called him later that very night. "Stand by, give me 10 minutes."
"That fast? Colin said he will wait, Dr Loomis."
"No, I admire him for it, I'll arrange it. Stand by." Exactly 5 minutes later, it was Colin's phone which rang. Dr Loomis also had his number.
"Hello?" Colin answered from his bedroom, as a live picture flashed onto his screen.
"Colin, it's Dr Loomis. How are you?"
"Hey Dr Loomis, nice to speak to and see you again. I'm… well, you know. I know about the upcoming wedding; Danielle told me today. That's… that's why I have to say my piece to my soon-to-be brother-in-law."
"Hence the reason for my call," Dr Loomis said. "I will pass the phone to Michael shortly and give you privacy. Are you ready?"
Colin swallowed, feeling suddenly nervous. But he had to do it, he owed it to the other man. "Yes," he said quietly.
A few seconds later, the picture changed, and Colin Avery was looking straight into the black eyes of Michael Myers. However, maybe his eyes were deceiving him, but could he see just a hint of softness in the killer's usually cold gaze?
"Hi, Michael," he swallowed. "Uh, how are you man?" Jesus! He shouted at himself. What a stupid way to start! Glancing down at his phone, he waited if Michael wished to reply.
Better than you sound, it seems. There is no need to talk to me like a ticking time bomb.
At this, Colin laughed. "You're Michael Myers," he said before he could help himself. "Did you expect anything else? Look man, I was bang out of order when we met, and I've felt terrible about it ever since! I had to say sorry; I must! Seriously, I have felt so guilty. I shouldn't have spoken to you like that. Danielle asked me today if I'd have done the same with any other man and I said yes, but I don't think either of us really believed it. I…" Colin took a deep breath. "I should not have bought up 63 and 78 like that, and not out of fear for my own life. That was… was wrong and damn cruel. You would have had every right to kill me for that!" There was a short pause, then Michael's reply came through. Colin realised his heart was hammering.
No, Colin, you shouldn't have. That was out of line. However, I was of course, completely aware how high emotions were that night. If it came to it, I would not have hurt you, certainly not to death.
"No excuse," Colin muttered, suddenly realising he was blinking back tears. "Jesus! How fucking stupid can I be? Not to mention a complete pig? Danielle loves you, I… I can't change that and would not even if I could. She's also right in what she said today, I had years to tell her and didn't. She's happy, she loves you. I know you're getting married too now. I… congratulations, man."
You don't completely mean that, now do you?
This time, Colin was sure the killer's eyes were gentle as he looked back into his. "I… I do," he said with an effort. "If she's happy, you make her happy, then that's enough for me. That's all I've ever wanted, Michael."
I know it is.
"I… I didn't want to have this conversation on your damn wedding day or something! That might be the next time we meet, and I… I had to speak to you."
That's fair.
"I…" Colin swallowed again. "Danielle also told me today of… what happened between you. I… I want to hate you Michael, tell Danielle she should leave you immediately, but I can't. Apart from anything else, we both know my motives for doing so, wouldn't be… entirely older brotherly." Now, he was sure Michael slightly smiled at him.
Indeed not.
"But she's forgiven you, so, who am I to judge? I… I truly thought you were going to… to kill me that night when you had me against the wall." Michael sighed softly.
Colin, your father told me how afraid you were, but that part of you also wanted me to do so, to ease your pain. If I had known that was how you were feeling… I would've let you go sooner. I would never hurt you. I think I just wanted you to shut up.
Finally, Colin laughed. "I don't blame you. Me and my big mouth! That usually only happens when I'm drunk," he grinned a little. There was no way Michael had just smirked at him, had he? "I really am sorry man," Colin said eventually, after a short silence. "I hope you can forgive me. Danielle said you were angry the night you got back, and I don't blame you either. She told me you said something like, "He loves you, and not as a brother should."
That's exactly what I said.
"You're… you're right," Colin admitted with a huge effort. "But it wasn't fair of me to blame you, because you got the girl first," he smiled a little shakily. "Fair play to you! If Danielle can soften the heart of Michael Myers, she deserves it!" Colin was certain Michael made a soft sound of amusement at this. "She also reminded me how you'd protect me, just as you'd protect any of us. I said if that isn't a scary thought, I don't know what one is."
Not for you, however.
"No, but I wouldn't want to be my enemy," Colin let out a breath. "Christ!" After a pause, he spoke again. "You have my word I'll look after her," he said. "She called me her number one brother. Sadly, her only brother now."
I thank you. However, were you not always her only brother?
Colin drew a breath. Clearly, Danielle hadn't told Michael this yet. "Um, no," he said hesitantly. "Sorry, I thought Danielle had told you, it… it's not really my story to tell, it's hers." Michael's eyes had softened further, Colin was certain now.
It will stay between us, if you wish me to know. Danielle will never know you said something.
"I… I don't think I can man," Colin said sadly. "I think Danielle should tell you."
That is fine, I respect you for keeping her confidence. Clearly, it is something she hasn't wished to tell me yet, and I am fine with this, of course.
"Thanks," Colin smiled at him. "It's not my confidence to break." Michael nodded. "There is one thing I wish you could do for us though. Get Mom out of that fucking hospital chair! She won't move! Nigel has finally persuaded her to swap with dad tomorrow night, but damn! Chair must have superglue on it!"
That must be very difficult. If I was there, I would take over for you for as long as necessary.
"You know Michael, I believe you," now Colin did have tears in his eyes, this touched him more than he could tell the other man. "I'll tell mom you said that. If Michael Myers doesn't get her to move, no one will!" This time, Michael chuckled.
Stop it.
"Dude, you think I'm joking," Colin smiled back. "I'm not! You're terrifying!"
A fact which I would never use against my mother-in-law, to get her away from her daughter's bedside.
"Fair point," Colin blushed. "Sorry."
No need, nor is there any need to say sorry for that night. It's all forgiven and forgotten now.
"Thank you, Michael, that means so much to me."
You're welcome.
After a short, almost comfortable silence, Michael texted again.
Is Danielle, ok?
"She's fine," now Colin's smile was real. "Thanks man. She's just enjoying being home. We've got her a brand-new bedroom, new furniture, everything. Even got a team of decorators in to do a professional job. Dad said she was worth every penny, which indeed she is. Hang on. Take care man, I'll see you very soon."
Same to you, Colin.
Standing, Colin took the phone into the corridor and tapped lightly on his sister's door. "Hello?" She called cheerfully, over the sound of her stereo, which made Colin smile again. He loved hearing joy in Danielle's voice, something he'd thought he'd never hear again after her suicide attempt. Whether he liked it or not, the man currently on the other end of his phone had a hell of a lot to do with that. "Phone for you babe," he said, opening the door. "Three guesses who?" The smile which lit up Danielle's face almost brought him to tears again. It told him, more than anything else could, that Michael Myers really did make his sister happy, and he didn't stand a chance.
He passed her the phone, then realised something. "Shit," Voiceover isn't on for you to read Michael's texts. How do you do it?"
Danielle told him, and he activated it on his iPhone. "Way too slow," she laughed. "I'll speed it up a bit. Thanks Cole, I love you so much!"
"You too babe, no rush, take your time. He was gone.
…
Are you ok?
"Hey darling," Danielle smiled at him, knowing he was there, even though she couldn't see the picture. As she'd been taught, she raised the camera so it was on her face. "I'm fine, thanks. Being home feels strange, but I like it, I can't lie."
I'm glad for you.
"Are you really?" She asked quietly. "I mean, I know you miss me and…" she hesitated, but he beat her to it.
I'm not going anywhere anytime soon?
"Um, well, yes," she blushed.
Yes, I mean it. You worked hard to get there, so why wouldn't I be?
"Well, I would've left in a body bag when you first met me," she pointed out and he chuckled quietly.
True.
"But seriously Michael, I would never have got as far as I did if it hadn't been for you. You did more than I think even you understand. I'm not even talking about my rescue and killing Adam either. I'm talking about everything you did for me mentally. You gave me strength, help me realise I could love again, that there was a future and hope for me."
You would have realised that without me, in time.
"Hey!" She said a little sternly. "Please don't minimise what I'm telling you. You helped so much it's untrue. Just ask Dr Loomis or Dr Stark." He sighed.
I don't need to; I'm hearing it from you.
"But you don't believe me," she countered.
I… I am trying to. Not to go back over this but listen to me. I grabbed your damn throat, Danielle! You forgave that, somehow. You pushed through my stubborn refusal to let you back close to me, insisted you needed me. I don't think you understand this, in turn.
"Fair point," she spoke softly now. "But I love you, Michael. There's no rhyme or reason to love, you know. It comes along whenever it wants to." He chuckled again. "What?"
That's what Nigel said.
She grinned. "There you go then; we can't both be wrong."
I love you, Danielle.
This made her blink back tears, the fact they were not face to face didn't help. "I love you too, Michael Myers," her voice shook. "So, so much! I can't wait until I am your wife."
I miss wiggling my ears for you.
"Don't," she pleaded. "You'll make me cry," she laughed through her tears.
Please, don't cry? I can, after all, still do this for you.
Next moment, he was softly whistling in her ear. Now, she couldn't help it and did start to cry, longing and love for him fighting each other in equal measure. "I miss you so much," she just managed over the lump in her throat.
I miss you too, but I will see you very soon. In the meantime, please do something for me and enjoy being home? See your friends, be with your family, have the fun you want. This of course, isn't goodbye for ever, Danielle. We'll make this work, I promise you, both when I am your husband and before.
"I know," she sniffled. "Even if right now my heart is breaking! I wish you and the rest of our family could all be in the same room right now! I don't know how I'll sleep tonight without you beside me; it won't be easy."
We need to trust Dr Loomis' word. He told me he would do what he could for us, just as Dr Stark told you. We need to trust them.
Reading this message made her smile a little. Typical Michael, no display of emotion.
What? You're smiling.
"Honestly? I was just thinking I pour my heart out to you, and you just stick to the facts, no emotion on show. It's so… so you, Michael, but I love that part of you! Dad thought you were angry at me earlier when he read your text about if it was Adam's house, I said you weren't, it's just Michael."
Just because it is not on show, does not mean it's not there, however.
"I know," she smiled at him. "Of course you don't know how to show emotion, I know I'm helping you in my own way mentally too. You won't recognise yourself once I'm finished with you, Mr. Myers!"
I already don't, tell me, how much do you have left before you're, "Finished with me?"
Now, she laughed out loud. "The rest of our lives," she said completely seriously.
Then it would seem I'm in this for the long hall, wouldn't it? That sounds just fine to me. I say again I love you, Danielle.