(no subject)
Edward: It had been several hours and I wanted to check on Julie. "Groo?" I whisper as I knock on the door.
Groo: I hear the knock on the door and slide out of the bed. I open the door and step out into the hallway. "Mr. Lawrence, how can I assist you?
Edward: "How is she?" I ask curious if we truly need to take her to the hospital.
Groo: "Still sleeping," I say quietly. I sigh, "I do not believe her body is currently fit enough to do much else."
Miranda: I had finally calmed down from the night before, not even remembering much of it. What I did remember seemed like a dream, but my gut told me it wasn't. I wanted to call Julie, but I was afraid to. I called Craig instead.
Craig: I was at lunch, and the secretary put a call from my wife back to me. I was eating in my office today. "Hi sweetheart. How are you feeling?"
Miranda: "Better...I was wondering about last night. That really happened, didn't it?" I bit my lip, hoping he'd tell me I hit my head on something and the whole thing wasn't real, that he drove her home.
Craig: I sighed. "Honey, I can't lie to you, it did happen. Julie must be on steroids to be that strong. I just wish it didn't end the way it did."
Miranda: I tried not to get upset. "I guess so, I don't know...wait, what do you mean you're sorry for how it ended?" He was sorry that scary fanged thing died on our car?
Craig: "Well...I tried to talk to her and it ended up...let's just say she ran off because I raised my voice...a little."
Miranda: What? "What did you say to her, Craig. I just found her, if you said something to make her leave and never come back..."
Craig: This was going to end badly too. "I just told her...look, why don't I wait until I get home to tell you this?" She demanded I tell her. "She was so wrapped up in taking care of herself that I told her to do that..."
Miranda: "Craig...you yelled at her, didn't you? I remember yelling. Why did you yell at her? She's just a kid for crying out loud!"
Craig: I paused for a moment. "She's actually 19, Miranda. And I'm not proud of what happened...I wanted to call her today, but I haven't had the time."
Miranda: I started to panic. "Haven't had the time? She's probably leaving right now. I'll probably never see her again. I can't believe you did that!" I yelled. “I have to call her, I have to make this right. And you get the couch for the next...next MONTH!" I hung up before he could answer, shaking I was so upset.
Edward: I sigh "I believe we need to do what is best for her." I admit
Craig: I hung up the phone, knowing I was going to need a drink tonight after I got home. I am in so much trouble here. I hadn't even told her about the conversation I had with Edward. I needed to call and make this right. I dialed Julie's phone number, hoping Edward didn't answer this time.
Faith: I hear the house phone ring, after several rings I answer it. "Slayer central, speak."
Craig: Wow. I didn't expect this person with that response. "Um...I was calling for Julie, is she available?"
Faith: "Depends, who the hell are you?"
Craig: Well that wasn't called for. "This is her stepfather, Dr. Craig Gordon. I'd like to talk to her, please."
Faith: I feel anger rise in my chest. "Oh, you're the bastard that told her you cared and then kicked her to the damn curb. No, you can't talk to her. Ever again you fuck."
Craig: I couldn't believe what a foul mouth she had. "Listen to me, young lady, I'm calling to apologize and you have nothing to do with what happened. Put her on the phone and then go wash out your dirty mouth."
Edward: "I will go prepare the car." I say to Groo. "Pack her a small bag of things that would make her happy... Please" I say patting his shoulder then walking away. I hear Faith yelling at someone on the phone so I decide to step in.
Faith: I actually laugh when he told me to wash my mouth out. "Yeah, well, the thing with apologies, there only as good as the person they come from and if you could do that to her, let's just say it won't hold much water."
Edward: "Faith" I say stepping in and reaching for the phone. "I assume that is Dr Gordon."
Faith: "You got it," I hand the phone to him. "If he shows up here, I'm kicking his ass," I tell Edward seriously.
Craig: I was about to say something else when I heard Edward in the background. Then she was handing the phone to him and I heard what she said. "I certainly don't deserve bodily harm, Mr. Lawrence."
Edward: "Worry not Faith." I put the phone to my ear. "What do you require Dr Gordon. You couldn't possibly wish to talk to Julie."
Craig: "Actually yes, I do. I made...I made two terrible mistakes and I want to apologize. I will come over there if that's what it takes, I don't care what that...girl...said."
Edward: "You don't want to cross her, you think Julie is strong, Faith is well trained and far stronger." I say plainly "Julie is not available, and doesn't wish to see you. I am sorry, you can not win her back..." I said then hung up.
Craig: "No wait!" I sighed. This was just getting worse and worse. I would have to go over there and risk harm, but I was going to apologize, I was going to make this right.
Faith: "Good going, Highlander," I say to Edward. "We'll keep her safe, no matter what," I say with a confident nod.
Edward: "Highlander?" I ask
Miranda: I tried to call, but the line was busy. I couldn't help it, I started crying. This couldn't be happening. I couldn't get her back then lose her again. I dialed her again, and now the phone was ringing. Good.
Edward: "Oh bloody hell" I say as I answer the phone "HELLO!"
Faith: I shrug and chuckle, "Everybody gets a nickname, guess that's yours now," I explain as he answers the phone again.
Miranda: I nearly dropped the phone when he yelled at me like that. "I...I'm sorry...is she? Is Julie there?" My voice was shaking and tears were running down my face.
Edward: "She is not available, nor does she wish to speak with you or Dr Gordon, please allow her that." I say simply then hang up. "Faith, We are taking Julie to the hospital, I believe she would like for you to come with us if you can."
Miranda: I couldn't even answer. He hung up and all I could do was stare at the phone. I slowly hung up the receiver. I had lost her again. Sobs hit me and I could hardly breathe.
Faith: "Hospital? Is she okay?" I ask, suddenly very concerned.
Edward: "She is malnourished, unable to bring herself to eat without sedation which doesn't allow for much nutrition. She needs far more than we can do for her."
Faith: "Damn. I'm coming with. Lemme go change, or actually, just tell me where you're going, I'll ride. I've gotta make sure Brandon's settled if he doesn't want to come."
Edward: "I think its best that he doesn't right now. She is very self conscious."
Faith: "That's cool, he's just got a busted up arm, long story. I'll make sure he's got what he needs then I'll ride over. Which hospital?"
Craig: I cancelled the rest of my afternoon. Fortunately, there were no surgeries, just consultations, and there was a doctor on call for emergencies. I headed out. I was going over there and I was going to make this right.
Edward: "St Mary's I believe. And if Dr Gordon does show up do not harm him, just inform him he is not welcome." I say simply and go to gather Julie and Groo.
Craig: I ran into traffic. There was a major accident. Great, this was going to take longer than I planned.
Faith: "Do I gotta?" I tease. "I'll behave, slayers honor. I'll see you in a bit."
Groo: I gather several of Julie's items, placing them in a bag. I place the bag over my shoulder and lift Julie from the bed, carrying her down the stairs.
Julie: "W.Where are we going" I whisper weakly
Groo: I kiss her forehead gently. "We are going to get you help, my love."
Julie: "You could do that here." I look up at him my eyes wide.
Groo: I shake my head and smile gently. "I am afraid your body is beyond my assistance. I will, however be with you every moment."
Julie: "Groo..." I whine "Please don't."
Groo: "My sweet Julie, I do not wish this for you. Your body requires it, however. I have made a commitment to always do what is right for you."
Julie: "Too tired to fight."
Groo: "Not for long, my love," I reassure. I look at Mr. Lawrence. "We are prepared."
Edward: My heart broke for her. "Alright." I say as I ran my hand gently over her cheek. "Just rest darling." I said
Julie: "Ok" I whispered as I started to doze off again.
Edward: I look to Groo "They phoned." I said simply
Groo: I clench my jaw, understanding his words. "Am I to assume you informed them they were not welcome?"
Miranda: I didn't bother with my pills. I went into the kitchen and poured myself a glass of wine. The kids would ask, but, I didn't care right now.
Edward: "I did at that." I said "I did not inform either of them of her condition.
Groo: "Excellent, that is good. We are her family, we shall care for her."
Edward: "I agree" we got her in the car and I drove on to St Mary's hospital, fearing that the car I just saw was Craig’s, but I care not.
Craig: I tried to think of side streets, but none were near enough. I was stuck here. Then I got an opening and sped over to her house. I parked and ran up to the door, knocking on it.
Faith: I'm pulling on my jacket walking down the stairs as I hear a knock in the door. I walk over to it and open it, looking the man standing there up and down. "Can I help you?"
Craig: The girl from the phone earlier, lovely. "I'm here to see Julie. Where is she? I need to speak with her and whatever you do won't stop me from seeing her."
Faith: I scoff, "Uh huh. What part of you'll never talk to her again didn't you understand?" I ask, standing casually in the doorway.
Craig: "Look, you don't understand what my wife has been through looking for Julie. And I won't let Julie be lost to her because of me. Miranda doesn't deserve that. If you had family or cared about something besides yourself, maybe you would understand. Now move before I make you move."
Faith: I feel my body tense as he says that. "You really don't wanna be talking about things you have no fucking clue about."
Craig: "You're right, I don't know you and I don't care to know you. I'm here to talk to Julie. Now tell me where she is."
Miranda: I called my neighbor, who's kids also went to the same school as mine, and asked her to keep them for a few hours. She tried to ask me what was wrong, but I wouldn't tell her. Then I finished off my glass of wine and then took the bottle to the den with me.
Faith: I shrug, "Not here, far away from you." I lean against the doorframe. "You know, you're kinda bordering on stalker here. Everyone that ACTUALLY cares about her told you to stay away, and yet here you are."
Craig: I grabbed her arm. "I do care about her. I wouldn't be here if I didn't. I won't stay away from her. Now that we found her, we're not losing her ever again." I grabbed her arm, got closer to her. "Where. Is. Julie?"
Faith: I look down at his hand and it takes all my willpower not to punch his lights out. The only reason I don't is because I told Edward I'd play nice. "Get your goddamn hands off me," I say, my voice practically a growl.
Craig: "Tell me where she is and I will." I stared at her. She wasn't going to scare me away.
Edward: We finally arrived at the hospital and she was immediately admitted. Something in her was set off though and she tried to fight the Doctors. Unable to do much else they restrain her as well as sedate her, not that it was necessary at that point, she had used all her strength fighting them.
Faith: I easily break his grasp and shove him backward slightly. "Like I said, far away from you and your freak show."
Craig: I become angry, walking up to her and shoving her aside. I start looking through the house for Julie, calling out her name.
Miranda: I go to my closet and take out a box. I've had this box ever since I left...I escaped from him. I walk back to the den, and sit down, gulping down some more wine before I open the box and look at its contents.
Faith: I grab him as he starts searching through the house, dragging him to the front door and throw him bodily out. "Stay the hell out of my house or I will put you down."
Craig: "I'm not afraid of you, little girl. I am here for my daughter and I'm not leaving without her. WHERE IS SHE?"
Faith: I take a fighting stance in the doorway. "I already told you, SHE ISN'T HERE. What part of that don't you understand?"
Edward: I look to Groo "You think this was the correct decision?"
Brandon: I hear yelling and Faith's voice, I struggled with my pants and finally got them on, walking downstairs to see Faith handling the guy. "Who the fuck are you?" I ask.
Groo: I hold Julie's bound hand. "I believe it is, I only wish they did not insist on binding her."
Edward: "It was for the best. She fights the IV's will cause problems."
Craig: "I'm Dr. Craig Gordon, and if one of you doesn't tell me where Julie is, I will get the police involved. Where is my daughter?"
Groo: I nod. "I know you are correct, I only wish it were not necessary."
Brandon: I look at this guy. "You're her father?" I asked confused, we killed the bastard. "She's not a piece of property, she's old enough to make her own decisions." I snap as I walk to Faith's side.
Faith: I look over as Brandon, "Baby, I can handle this." I look back at Craig, "Now THAT I'd love to see. And you're going to tell them that your wife's long lost daughter has finally reemerged and some crazy chick is holding her hostage in a stunning home?"
Craig: I sighed. "You know what, I will find her on my own. You may think what you want about me, but I care about her. I've been looking for her along with my wife for a long time. No one is going to keep me from making things right with her. No one. So hide her while you can, I will find her and I will talk to her and there's not a damn thing either of you can do about it." I turned, fuming, and I walked away to my car. I would find her myself, and no whore and her boyfriend will stop me.
Brandon: I wanted to say something to him, but he walked off. I shut the door with my left hand and looked at Faith. "Everything all right babe?"
Faith: "Like I said, stalker," I say to him as he turns to leave. I look over at Brandon, my body tense. "Yeah, it just took everything I had not to knock him out. You shouldn't have come down," I say softly.
Craig: If she's not here...where would she be? Mr. Lawrence and Groo weren't there either, if they were, they would have stopped me. On a whim, I decided to call the area hospitals.
Brandon: "I heard yelling, and your voice, had to make sure you were ok." I say as I pull her to me and kiss her softly. "Where's Julie? We need to get a hold of her and warn her."
Faith: I wrap my arms around him gently, careful of his broken arm. "Thanks for that then. I'm just worried about you, you need to be careful." I melt into his kiss and then look up into his eyes. "She's at St. Mary's hospital. She can't eat, they had to take her in," I explain softly.
Brandon: "We need to go and at least warn them, or call them." I say holding my one arm around her, careful not to pull her to close and bring myself a world of pain.
Craig: I called three hospitals, nothing. Maybe I was wrong about this. But I couldn't go home and tell Miranda that I had failed to find Julie and talk to her. I decided to call St. Mary's, it was actually the closest to her house.
Faith: I nod, "Well, we should definitely call them. I wanna be there for her, I just don't know if, you know, she'd be comfortable with you there. It's nothin' personal."
Brandon: "Yeah...I get it." I say softly. I kiss her forehead. "Then let's find a phone and call Groo." I say. "If you want you can go, I'll stay home and sleep or watch TV or something."
Miranda: I picked up the picture. It was crinkled and old, but it still had her face in it. Three years old. It was the last picture he let me take of her. I had it in my wallet, when I left. I closed my eyes. "I failed you baby, again. All I am is failure." I put it back down. I picked up the small, stuffed rabbit she loved and the pink bow she used to wear in her hair. This was all I had of her.
Craig: "No Julie St James..." I sighed. I should have known. "No one named Julie at all? Well, you can't tell me that anyway..." Something occurred to me. No, he couldn't do that. "Is there a Julie Lawrence by any chance?"
Nurse: "You know very well Dr Gordon, I can't tell you this information."
Craig: I sighed. "I know you can't, but this is my daughter we're talking about. My wife's daughter, so she's practically mine. You don't have to tell me why she's there, just tell me if she is there. Please."
Nurse: "I am sorry sir, I can't answer these questions."
Craig: "Can you give me some sort of hint. Anything. Everyone I talk to is unwilling to tell me anything. I work for St. Mary's, I'm on the executive board, I am a damn good doctor and I love this girl. Please. Tell me something."
Nurse: "I am sorry sure. I cannot tell you she isn't here. You just have to call your wife and ask her."
Craig: "My wife. Right. Thank you, nurse. I will have her call you." I hung up. She was there, under Julie Lawrence. At least she's getting whatever help she needs.
Faith: I make a happy sound as he kisses my forehead. "Sounds like a plan. Let's get you back in bed and I'll call Groo," I say as I walk him up the stairs.
Julie: I come to feeling something in my arm and unable to move my legs and arms. "Where am I?"
Groo: "Julie," I say softly, "you are awake." I lean over and kiss her gently. "We are at St. Mary's hospital."
Julie: "Why?" I ask confused.
Groo: "Your body needed nourishment, my love."
Julie: "I would have eaten..please." I whisper pleadingly.
Groo: "My sweet Julie, I know you would have, you have been. This is not a punishment," I explain. "Your body was too weakened."
Craig: I drove over to the hospital and sat in the parking lot for a few minutes. I wanted to be calm and collected when I saw her. I then got out of my car and headed inside.
Julie: "Please take me home." I say softly
Faith: I get Brandon situated, then walk back down the stairs, calling Groo's cell.
Miranda: I sighed. I put the wine bottle down. "Maybe I should just...let you go..." I said, then I started to cry again as I clutched the box.
Groo: I shake my head gently, starting to answer her as my phone rings. I take it from my pocket, "Hello?"
Faith: "Groo, it's Faith, listen, Julie's crazy step father came here. He's totally bent on finding her. I don't know if he'll find you, but I wanted to give you a heads up."
Craig: I paused. I was nervous and I didn't want to cause a scene. Plus, I needed to call Miranda and see if she was...well, not a sobbing mess...I stepped back from the lobby and called her.
Groo: I listen closely, frowning as she tells me Dr. Gordon is searching for Julie. "Thank you, it was good of you to inform me," I say, hanging up. I look to Mr. Lawrence. "We may encounter a problem."
Miranda: I wanted to ignore the phone, but I couldn't. I answered it. It was Craig. "Why don't you just come home. I think it's best that we let her go."
Julie: "What is it?" I ask confused.
Edward: "It wont be one." I say simply knowing what the call was about.
Craig: "Miranda...we can't just quit. We've come this far, and yes, I screwed things up badly, but we can't just quit."
Miranda: "Every time I am involved in her life, I screw things up for her. Just come home and we can love our kids and enjoy the life we have. She has a family anyway, she doesn't need us."
Groo: I nod at Mr. Lawrence. "Very well," I say, rubbing my thumb across the back of Julie's hand.
Craig: "Miranda, this is all my fault. You didn't do anything wrong. You never have. She needs you in her life. I am going to make things right, I promise. I'm about to talk to her."
Miranda: "I'm surprised they would let you near her. Just come home, Craig. I'll write her a letter or something. I don't want things to become worse."
Craig: "If we give up, her life will be worse without loving parents in it. I know those people care about her and I'm glad that she has them. But nothing can replace loving parents. Just let me try. And then I'll come home."
Miranda: I sighed. "Do what you think you have to do, but I will kill you if you make things worse. The couch will be the least of your worries, mister."
Craig: "Threat against my life by my loving wife duly noted. This probably won't take long anyway. I'm not sure I'll get talk to her. I love you, Miranda. I'll see you in a while."
Miranda: He actually made me smile. I knew there a reason I married him. "Alright. I'll have dinner on the table for you, so don't be too late. And...well, if you get the chance, tell her I love her no matter who she is or what she does with her life."
Craig: "I will." We said I love yous, then hung up. I put my phone away and headed back into the hospital. I walked up to the nurse’s station. "I need to know the room number of Julie Lawrence."
Nurse: "I can't release that information to anyone but Family sir."
Craig: "I'm her father as well as her doctor. Please give me her room number."
Nurse: "I am sorry but her Father is listed as Edward Lawrence and her Doctor is not you. I have been given specific orders not to allow you in."
Craig: Great. Somehow they knew I was coming. "Fine, that's fine. Thank you anyway." I decided to go room to room until I found her.
Nurse: I phoned the nurses station on 6 east and warned them that the doctor to be kept away from room 612 is on his way.
Craig: I didn't have much luck at first. I even tried to be devious and get the room number, but that didn't work either. Apparently everyone knows about me. Lovely. I finally got to six east. She had to be here.
Edward: I was standing guard at her door. I wasn't about to let him near her...what I didn't count on was dozing off at the door.
Craig: I saw Edward outside the door asleep. All I have to do is sneak past him and into the room where probably Groo was waiting. Well, here goes. I carefully made my way into her room as to not wake up Edward.
Edward: I stir and look up seeing him there. "And where do you think you are going?"
Craig: "I'm going in there and I'm getting on my knees and I'm begging her forgiveness, that's what I am doing, Mr. Lawrence." I pushed on the door.
Edward: I stopped him "It is not wise at this time that you attempt that." I said simply "She is not in a state to handle such actions."
Craig: "How am I to believe you when no one will tell me what her state is? And I'm not leaving, Mr. Lawrence. I'll wait her until she is able to listen to me if I have to."
Edward: "That won't be soon. I must ask that you leave, for her. She does not want you here."
Craig: "My wife, Mr. Lawrence, who, by the way, had nothing to do with what happened the other night, wanted to give up. She believes Julie would be better off without her in her life. This is my fault. All of my fault. Please let me make things right. Julie needs us in her life, whatever that life is. Now I reacted badly to what I found out and I'm still trying to deal with it. But that does not mean that she doesn't need us.”
Edward: "She does not want to see you, she is not in a state to see you, you say you care about her, yet you want to force your way into her room when she isn't ready."
Craig: "Why are you people so intent on keeping me from her? What is wrong with her? Is she dying? What? Give me SOMETHING, Mr. Lawrence. I am not leaving here and having her disappear again. My wife cannot handle that!" I was in his face now.
Edward: I push him back against the opposite wall. "She is not in a state to see you, nor is she going to leave. She is staying right here." I said "And you are leaving her alone."
Craig: My anger boiled over. I shoved him back and went into the room. He isn't going to tell me, I will see for myself what kind of state she is in.
Julie: I see Craig. "GET HIM OUT OF HERE" I scream as I fight against the restraints.
Groo: I stand quickly as I hear the door, then hear Julie's scream. I stand between him and her bed, "Leave now or I shall be forced to make you."
Craig: "Julie, please. I know you can hear me. Let me apologize for what I did. Please, this wasn't Miranda's fault. Hate me, but don't hate her. She loves you so much."
Julie: "Maybe not, but you made it clear you didn't want me around you. Now let me make it clear your psycho, stepdaughter doesn't want you either. And for the record, since you are such a good doctor you can read a chart and see I am not on drugs."
Groo: I approach him, twisting his arm behind his back, walking him out of the room forcefully. "She has made it abundantly clear that she wants no part of you. Do not attempt to contact her again."
Craig: I was in pain. "JULIE I'M SORRY! PLEASE! WE LOVE YOU!" I yelled as I was forced out of the room.
Julie: I sob as he pushes Craig out of the room. I was so scared.
Groo: I release his arm as I shove him forward. "You are not welcome, do not contact her nor any of us again. Do you understand?"
Julie: "Groo don't." I yell from the room...this wasn't what I wanted.
Groo: I pause, turning back to Julie, confused. "I am sorry, I thought this is what you wanted and needed."
Julie: "Tell him to leave me alone, but all this fighting..." I started to get tired again, could feel my body going weak "I can't take it..."
Groo: I nod at her then turn back to him. "I do not need to repeat myself, she needs me," I say, turning my back on him and returning to her side.
Craig: I walked back in with him, my arm aching. "She needs me and her mother too. I don't want to fight, I just want to apologize. I'm a brilliant doctor, but I am also an idiot for what I said the other night."
Julie: "Just go away." I plead weakly barely able to hold my head up. "Just let it go. You made it clear, you don't want a slayer, and you think I am nuts so that’s fine." My eyes heavy, I start to doze off.
Groo: "Leave now," I say again, more quietly, giving him a menacing look.
Craig: "We don't think you are nuts. We were just in shock, I mean you threw that thing into our car and then killed it. What kind of reaction did you think you were going to get, praise and medal of honor?" I ignored Groo. I wasn't afraid of him.
Julie: I couldn't respond, I was unconscious again, exhaustion taking me over.
Groo: I see her fall asleep again and grab his shirt, taking him out of the room again. "Do not return. I will not allow you to harm her further. She is my life, my love."
Craig: "She is my life, too, Mr. Groo. You didn't spend the last 14 years looking for her, praying that you would find her, hell, praying that she was alive. And we know that she is, whereas you have just met her and you think you know what's best, you think you are the only one that is allowed to care. We love her and we won't stop. We will do what it takes to prove that to her."
Groo: "I do know what is best for her. I am not the only one who is allowed to care, but she needs people who will love her unconditionally, not someone who will turn away from her, drive her away when things become difficult."
Craig: "I made a mistake, Mr. Groo. Neither of us is perfect. I shouldn't be barred from seeing her just because I made one mistake."
Edward: I walk in "If that is what she wants you should."
Craig: "She doesn't know what she wants, she's in restraints for God's sake. I will do what I have to, gentleman. She and you have not seen the last of me. By God, I will make this up to her. You won't keep her family from her."
Groo: "We are her family," I say firmly.
Edward: "I am the only true family she has known for 6 years, if I had known the horror she lived nightly she would have been saved years ago."
Craig: "You think we hadn't been trying to save her for 14 years? We aren't going to lose her again. And if you two don't let up, I will go the legal route. I will leave, for now." I said, then turned to go.
Edward: "You won't win." I say "Your wife is no where near stable enough to take on Julie and her needs."
Craig: "We'll let a judge decide that, if need be, Mr. Lawrence." I said as I walked away.
Groo: I turn to Mr. Lawrence. "I do not like the sound of his words. I do not feel he is an honorable man."
Edward: "he is, a good man...he just doesn't take honorable measures." I say "Sadly if I were him I would be doing the same." I admit "He won't win though."
Groo: "You are a better judge of human characteristics than I, my friend. But you are correct, he will not win. I will not allow him or his family to damage her."
Craig: I walked outside of the hospital and had to compose myself. What was I going to tell Miranda? She is going to kill me. I think I just made things worse. I got in my car and left for home.
Miranda: The kids wouldn't stop asking about her. I managed to get them through dinner and then told them to go to their rooms for the night. They knew something wasn't right, but I wasn't about to tell them. Where is Craig? His dinner is getting cold. I made the damn thing for him and he needs to come home and eat it! I poured myself another glass of wine, the last of the bottle. Damn it.
Craig: I pulled into our driveway, trying to think of what to tell her. Whatever I did tell her was only going to make her mad. I finally got out of the car and went into the house.
Miranda: "Your dinner is cold. And I'm not heating it up, pal." I said. I was mad and I was a bit tipsy. "Tell me everything is okay with my baby and I won't divorce you."
Julie: I look at Groo as I come to. "Groo." I whisper
Craig: Oh dear lord, she's been drinking. "Honey, I was late because I was talking to Julie..." I said, heating up my cold dinner.
Groo: "I'm here, my love," I say softly, holding her hand again.
Miranda: "And? What happened, she get her boyfriend to rough you up and throw you out?" I giggled, that wasn't funny but it made me laugh.
Faith: I walk into the hospital, carrying a couple of bags. I go up to the room number Groo gave me, walking in. I see her strapped to the bed and have the unreasonable want to get her out of them.
Julie: "W..Will you get something for me?" I asked softly
Groo: "Anything that is within my power," I assure her. "You need only ask."
Craig: "Something like that..." I said quietly. "Her boyfriend and that man, Mr. Lawrence, are bent on not letting us see or talk to Julie, I'm afraid."
Julie: I see Faith come in "Hi" I whisper then turn back to Groo "Something soft and fluffy. I don't ever remember having a stuffed animal."
Miranda: "You blew it again. I knew it. I told you not to go." I sat down, putting my head in my hands. "I quit, Craig. I don't deserve to have her back. I don't deserve the life I have."
Faith: I smile and open one of the bags, "Gotcha covered, Jules," I say, walking to her and handing her a soft teddy bear. "I know it's kinda cheesy, but," I shrug, not finishing the sentence.
Julie: a tear falls as I cling to it as best I can. "Thank you." I whisper weakly.
Groo: I look up at Faith and smile. "That was quite thoughtful."
Craig: "Miranda...we can't quit. We've come this far, we can't let those people keep us from her. Especially you, you're her mother."
Faith: I blush slightly, shoving my hands in my pockets. "It's no big, that's what, um, friends are for, right?"
Julie: "Y..You're a friend..."I whisper as I look up at her "Only one I have ever had and not been scared that I would get her killed."
Miranda: "Yeah, I'm her horrible, screw up mother who can't do anything right for her. I've lost her for good and that's for the best." I got up and got the box, opened the garbage can and dumped the contents into it.
Edward: I grab Groo's arm. "Lets give them some time. I think they need each other." I say softly
Faith: I walk smile and touch her hand. "Yup, friends," I say softly, feeling a lump in my throat.
Craig: Jesus, she will freak tomorrow if she remembers she did this. She dropped the box, then headed to our bedroom. I hurriedly got everything back out and put it in the box.
Julie: I lace my fingers in with hers "Thank you."
Groo: I look up at Mr. Lawrence. "Certainly," I say, standing and kissing her before leaving with him.
Julie: I look to Faith "C..Can you help me do something?" I asked as they left.
Miranda: I stumbled to our bedroom and went into our bathroom. I had to pee something fierce. Then I would end it all.
Craig: I followed her, nearly running down Dax in the process. "Go to bed, son, she'll be fine tomorrow, I promise."
Faith: I look down at our hands and feel a tear slip down my cheek. I swipe it away with my other hand and look up at her. "I'd be glad to."
Julie: "C..Can you dial a number for me." I said motioned to the phone.
Dax: "But she said she's giving up...dad, I'm scared..." I told him, my lower lip quivering. "Maybe Julie should have stayed lost."
Faith: "Uh, sure? Isn't everyone you know here though?" I ask, picking up the phone.
Craig: "Dax, don't say that. Don't ever say that. This isn't Julie's fault. Now please, go to bed. Your mother will be fine." I gave him a hug and went past him into the bedroom.
Julie: I tell her the number and she puts the phone to my ears. "Not someone I want here...."
Dax: I tried not to cry, then I heard the phone ring. I went and answered it since dad would be helping mom out. "Gordon Residence." I said unhappily.
Julie: "Dax?" I asked softly and very very weakly
Faith: I nod and hold the phone to her ear, a concerned look crossing my face. I don't know who Dax is, but it's obviously someone she knows.
Dax: "Oh it's you. What do you want? And why are you whispering? Not that I want to hear you..."
Julie: "Long story, and not whispering, just weak....You don't know everything please don't be mad." I pleaded. "I..Is she there?
Dax: "She's here...crying and drunk and wanting to quit because of you."
Julie: "Try asking your father why she really wants to quit, but maybe after you hand her the phone."
Faith: I can't help but chuckle, even weak and strapped to a bed, she can still be sarcastic. No wonder I like her.
Dax: "I don't know. Dad's with her right now." I was scared, but I tried to hide it. "Finding you was supposed to make her better, but it didn't, it's made her worse."
Julie: "Again I say ask your father why she is upset. Ask him why he rejected me in the first place while you’re at it, but please just take the phone to her."
Craig: I helped her out of the bathroom before she could hurt herself. I got her to the bed and I heard Dax talking to someone. "Dax...who is it?"
Miranda: I hated Craig for stopping me. I lay on the bed, heard him say something to Dax. "If it's Julie, tell her she wins. I'll leave her alone for good."
Dax: I walked to the doorway. "It's Julie. She wants to talk to mom."
Craig: I sighed. "Give me the phone, son. You mother is in no condition to talk to anyone."
Miranda: I laughed. "She wants to tell me off, that's what she wants to do. And she has every right to do it, too."
Dax: I wasn't sure what to do. "She asked for mom, not for you." I walked over, giving mom the phone. "Did you do something, dad?"
Craig: "Dax, I told you everything would be fine." I was too worn out to be mad. I didn't even fight Miranda for the phone. I had already done enough.
Miranda: I took the phone. "Julie...you don't have to talk to me anymore. You deserve a better mother than me. I'm sorry I failed you so many times..."
Julie: "You didn't fail" I said weakly "I know you don't want me near the kids, but don't let Craig take me from Edward and Groo...please...I will only run, and you will never find me again." I say honestly "Please."
Faith: I clench my teeth as she mentions that bastard. He's obviously been here. I should have knocked him out at the house.
Dax: "Right. You always say that. Cole and Carly might still believe you, but I don't."
Craig: "Dax, please. This isn't the time...I will talk to you tomorrow, I promise. I will explain everything."
Miranda: "Now where did you get such an idea? Oh wait, I know one idiot husband that probably told you. Don't worry, Julie, I won't mess your life up again. You don't have to worry about me anymore."
Julie: "You didn't mess up my life, and he didn't know I heard, just don't let him take me away please. he said he would go to the courts...he won't win."
Dax: "Fine, but you're telling me tomorrow. And mom better be okay." I walked over and kissed her on her cheek. "Mom, tell her she can go away and never come back. We're better off without her."
Julie: a tear fell as I heard that "Told him they would hate me...it was only a matter of time."
Craig: "Dax! Don't say that and go to bed before I do something I might regret, young man." Dax turned and left. I sighed.
Miranda: "He doesn't hate you...he just doesn't like seeing mommy all drunk and upset. Look, you just go live your slayer life and just forget that you ever had a mother. Go back to believing I'm dead, it's better for you."
Julie: I start to cry "No it isn't." I said firmly "Do you know where I am?" I ask
Craig: I wanted to take the phone from her, but even drunk, she's agile enough to keep it away from me. "Miranda, you have to stop saying that."
Miranda: "Doesn't matter where are you, where ever it is you're safe and with people that love you. Oh God, Julie, I love you so much...I never wanted to hurt you..." I was crying now.
Faith: I see her crying and look away, I don't like it when people see me cry. I study the bear I bought her, I'm glad she doesn't think it's stupid.
Julie: "I am in the hospital, strapped to a bed because father had me so afraid to eat without his permission that I am too weak to do anything but sleep."
Miranda: I sat up so quickly, I was dizzy for a moment. "You're in the hospital? Craig, when the hell were you going to tell me my baby was in the hospital!"
Craig: Dammit...now I'm in even more trouble. "I was going to tell you, dear, but I didn't get a chance to..."
Miranda: "Which hospital? I could...I could send you something...or just pray for you, that would be best..."
Julie: "I don't need anything, just promise you won't let him take me." I say again "And give me a couple days...I don't want..." God all I wanted was for her to come see me, that and Carly's happiness right now. "I don't want to upset you more."
Miranda: "You didn't upset me, hon, I upset myself. And now I'm going to hang up and take it out on your more than deserving of it stepfather. Like I said, don't worry, just get better."
Julie: "M...Mom" I whisper "W..Will you bring Carly by tomorrow? I mean if you think she can handle it...I promise I won't let Groo or Edward hurt either of you."
Edward: "Who is she talking to?" I ask as I walk back in with Groo and seeing Faith holding a phone to Julie's ear.
Faith: "Uhh, I don't know?" I say, surprised as they walked back in, I didn't even hear the door.
Miranda: "If you want me to...please don't feel like you have to..." I said, almost not believing what I just heard. "She asked about you all through dinner..."
Julie: "I..Is she already asleep?" I ask ignoring Edward
Miranda: "I think so. She loves you so much. We all do, honey, we just want you to be happy, no matter what or who you are..."
Julie: "C..Can you check?" I ask softly
Miranda: I got up and on wobbly legs, made my way to Carly's room. Craig followed behind me, wondering where I was going. "Carly, you asleep, baby?" I said as I barged in.
Carly: Mom woke me up. I had just gotten to sleep too. "I was...what is it, mommy?" I yawned.
Craig: "Goodness. You didn't have to wake her up, Miranda. Carly, it's okay, sweetie."
Miranda: "She's awake now, Julie. Here. Talk to her." I gave the phone to Carly and then turned and glared at Craig.
Julie: Now I felt bad. "Carly" I whispered "I'm sorry she woke you up."
Carly: I woke up more and grabbed the phone. "Julie. Hi! It's okay. I missed you today."
Craig: "I'm sorry, Miranda. Please, why don't you go to bed and I get comfortable on the couch?"
Julie: "I'm sorry sweetie...can you do me a favor.." I ask closing my eyes trying my hardest to focus.
Groo: I hear her say her sisters name and walk to her, holding her other hand. I do not know if she called them or if they called her, but she does not seem upset by it. I only want her to be happy.
Carly: "Sure, I'll do anything you want...well, anything mommy and daddy will let me do...are you okay? You sound so quiet..."
Miranda: "You go get on the couch. You've done enough tonight. We will talk tomorrow." I crossed my arms over my chest. I was sobering up, dammit.
Julie: "Will you give mom a hug for me, and I am ok sweetie...ju...Just..." I start to doze of but jolt awake. "And tell her not to be so hard on your dad ok."
Carly: "Okay. I can do all of that...can you come visit again? I promise it will be more fun this time..."
Craig: "Okay. I really am sorry, Miranda."
Miranda: "I know you are. And yet I still love you. You're a very lucky man."
Julie: "Your mom is going to bring you to see me tomorrow..." I start to doze off again but jolt awake "Can I talk to her again."
Carly: "Yay, I can't wait! I love you, Julie. Good night." I said, then got up and pulled on mommy's arm. "She wants to talk to you again, mommy. Oh and she wanted to me to give you this." I said and hugged mommy tight. "And she says not to be so hard on daddy."
Craig: She actually said that? I felt a bit of hope for the first time that night. "I'll put Carly to bed, hon." I said with a bit of a smile.
Edward: "Did they call here?" I ask Faith
Miranda: "Julie is so much sweeter than I am...oh, put her to bed and then come to our bed. I'll see you in a bit." I hugged Carly back. "Goodnight, baby. Mommy loves you." I then went out into the hall. "Julie...you still there?"
Julie: I was snoring as I had fallen asleep again.
Carly: "I'm going to see Julie tomorrow, daddy, I'm so excited!" I said as I got back into bed. "I'll need two stories to go to sleep now."
Craig: "We'll see about that, young lady." I said, reaching for a book and reading to her. So Julie doesn't totally hate me, that's a start.
Groo: I take the phone from Faith as Julie falls asleep. "She has fallen asleep," I say into the receiver.
Faith: I shake my head at Edward. "No, she wanted to call them, I didn't know the number, she didn't tell me. But, it's what she wanted," I shrug.
Miranda: "I pretty much knew that when I heard her snore..." I laughed a bit. "Look, I know you and Mr. Lawrence don't like us right now. Just please tell me that Julie will be okay."
Edward: I nod "Alright" I say softly
Groo: I smile, "Mrs. Gordon, I assure you, she will be all right. I will never allow anything or anyone to harm her."
Miranda: "Good. You and Mr. Lawrence are good men. I'm sorry about my husband, he did what he did for me. He won't do that again. And we aren't going to do anything legally, okay?"
Faith: "Yeah, she probably knew I might have tried to talk her out of it if she told me who it was. But, hey man, if she wants to try to get to know them and they can get their panties out of a bunch, maybe it's a good."
Groo: "That is pleasing to hear. I also am sorry if I injured him, it was not my intent. I was only protecting her," I explain.
Edward: "Ahh yes, and with what poetry you say it Faith." I say with a smile.
Faith: I laugh. "Yeah, well, we can't all be all knowledgeable and stuffy, some of us have to do the hard work, yo," I tease.