|
Post by Dix C. Martin on Jul 14, 2012 19:08:52 GMT -5
(OOC: Tried my best to kick this off, if you want anything changed lemme know!)
Maneuvering onto the porch with her crutches, Dixie reached for the star around her neck, clutching it tight as she looked up. Then she sighed. Of course there weren't anything but clouds on a night she needed there to be more. "C'mon, Kathy.", she said, watching as her daughter got out of the car. Opal had insisted on Palmer's old chauffer driving them until the crutches were gone. It was a sweet offer from her mother in law, but Dixie wished she didn't have to take it. Not being able to drive just made her feel less in control, the last thing she needed.
Moving closer to the door, she reached to knock twice. Then angrily wiped a tear from her eye. She hated looking and feeling so vulnerable, period. Let alone around her kids. But she didn't know how else to act or where to turn tonight. Not after everything had gone from bad to worse without warning. Opal had comforted her as best she could but it wasn't enough. Dixie needed reassurance from a part of her heart things would eventually be alright, and this was the only place she could get that.
They'd been home settling in when Tad had gotten another mysterious phone call. He'd ignored and been ignoring them and Dixie hadn't thought to ask what they'd all been about. She got her answer though when Tad's old boss and a cop showed up at her door, saying that her husband would be leaving with them for a long term case for the Bureau, in handcuffs if necessary. They'd had about ten minutes for him to pack and say goodbye to her and the kids, and then he was gone. The timing couldn't have been worse, with the FBI calling not a day after Kathy and Dixie had been released from the hospital. J.R had been there as well for her, his siblings, his son, Marissa, as well as his battle with the cancer. The entire ordeal left Dixie feeling helpless throughout and shut down after, but at least she had Tad. He'd been a rock for all of them, and now with him gone, she had to contend with physical therapy and be there for Kathy who was still not herself after the accident, as well as the boys. The twins lately were spending more time with their grandparents then at home, and Dixie knew J.R had been going through hells of his own. Despite her best efforts, in the hospital she couldn't be there for him as much as she wanted and needed.
And the last conversation betweeen the two them, J.R was angry and hurt. Him drunkenly waving the flask in her face was burned into her brain. Along with images of him in the hospital before and during his treatment for the cancer, the few times she'd snuck out of her room or left Kathy's to sit with him.
J.R was home now and for that she thanked God, but she had to know how he was holding up, and as much as it pained her, let him see she wasn't holding up that well. She just hoped he'd be up to letting her and Kathy in to see him at all.
|
|
Kathy Martin
Junior Member
"Do you know any magic tricks?"
Posts: 174
|
Post by Kathy Martin on Jul 14, 2012 19:52:38 GMT -5
Kathy had had a rough couple of days since being released from the hospital, especially with coming to terms for the second time, with her Aunt Julia’s death. She’d grieved her Aunt’s death once, but doing it again had been just as hard, especially when she didn’t understand everything that had happened and that was going on. She was relearning about her biological parents, her brother and sister, her aunts and her uncles and grandparents, everything felt new to her despite how long she’d actually known the truth but had lost the memories.
And then things had gotten much worse, if that was possible, men had come to the door and taken Tad away, leaving her scared and uncertain. She’d lost so many parents, she didn’t want to lose another one, and had clung particularly tight to Tad asking if he really had to go. And then like that he was gone, and they were alone. She could sense how upset her mom was, but didn’t know what to do, that was when Dixie had decided to go see J.R. and they’d all piled into the car being driven by Palmer’s chauffer. When they arrived at the mansion, Kathy stared at it for a moment, having been there before with her Aunt and felt a knot twist up in her stomach.
“Coming,” she said quietly, as Dixie encouraged her out of the car. She moved down the small path to the front porch and stood nervously beside her mom. For a moment there was silence as her mom knocked on the door, until she heard a small sniffle and looked up, just in time to see her mom brush away a tear.
“Don’t cry m-mommy,” she told her and reached up to carefully touch her hand. “It’ll be okay.” That was what everyone had told her, and so far, despite it all, things had been alright for the most part, she had people who loved her and cared for her still. “I’m here.” She gave her mom her best encouraging smile and waited for the door to open...
|
|
|
Post by JR Chandler on Jul 20, 2012 8:39:08 GMT -5
JR had been restless since getting home from the hospital himself. The entire ordeal was hard on him, half of his family had been injured by the bus crash, and he felt so weak that he didn't feel he could really be there for any of them, especially after being sick himself. He had been under so much stress lately, worrying about his son, Marissa, his siblings, his mother and even having to worry about whether or not he would be around for any of them in the future. He knew he should be resting now, he was barely released by the doctors himself but he was pacing the floors.
He had just checked on AJ not 20 minutes ago but already had the urge to do so again, he was passing by the front door heading upstairs when he heard the knocks. He paused, glancing upstairs as he knew in his rational brain that AJ was alright, and he was just the same as he was earlier, but the worry was still there. "I've got it" He called out to his staff so that they'd know they didnt have to bother answering the door. He descended the last few steps and headed back to the front door, surprised to see his mother and Kathy on the other side. Though he had known of both of their injuries in the hospital, seeing them both now still looking hurt and weakened was another shock to him. He also saw the look in his mother's eyes, a little glossed over with tears. He hoped there wasn't more bad news.
"Hi..." He said looking at the crutches, knowing she shouldn't be up if she didn't need to be. He also looked over at Kathy, he wanted to hug her but had heard about her memory problems, did she even know who he was? He didnt want to scare her. "Come in...sit down. Is everything alright?"
|
|
|
Post by Dix C. Martin on Jul 20, 2012 13:48:12 GMT -5
Despite Kathy's plea, Dixie couldn't help tearing up when she reached for and touched her hand, especially knowing just a few days ago she was calling her Dixie instead of Mommy and asking for Julia. Her and Tad had brought her over to the PVH chapel to try and explain things, and Kathy had been hurt and confused and afraid, not willing to accept what she was hearing. A huge part of Dixie was afraid the damn accident had taken away her little girl forever. Slowly though Kathy began to come to grips with it all, and was definitely making progress. Dixie just knew it'd be a long road for the two of them. Looking down at her daughter trying to be strong on her account, both melted and broke her heart. Sniffling she managed a soft smile.
"I know, baby. And I'm so glad you are. I'm so glad.", she said, squeezing Kathy's hand back before going to knock again, right as J.R opened the door.
Quickly Dixie looked him over and saw he looked fragile and tired, but given his state just days before at the hospital she was counting her blessings he was still alive Guilt set in though knowing J.R had been through as much hell as everyone lately. The thought of being the bearer of more bad news had Dixie's stomach in knots. But after their last talk, when her trying to protect him from the truth backfired in the worst way, she swore not to keep anything from him again. As much as it hurt she was going to have to keep her promise.
"Hey, kiddo.", she greeted. Noticing the way he eyed her crutches, she waved off his concern. As of now her injury was the least of her problems. "It's okay. Trust me it's not as bad as it looks.", she assured. "I..we're not keeping you from anything though, are we? Marissa, or..A.J? Gosh he's probably already asleep. It's so late, I'm so stupid.. I should've thought to call you first, I just...", she trailed off. Luckily J.R cut her off mid self-scolding and invited her in.
Thanking him, and apologizing again, once in the living room Dixie obeyed and sat in a roomy arm chair. Motioning for Kathy to join her, she propped her crutches against the arm of the couch. "We just really wanted to come by and see you.", she answered. That was definitely the truth, just not all of it. "At the hospital things were just so hectic. I barely got down to see Marissa or A.J or-- or you.", she said guiltily. "It just wasn't fair, you know. Kathy didn't even get a chance to give you guys the cards we'd made.", she hinted, smoothing her daughter's hair. When Dixie was recuperating in her room, she and Kathy made a project of making cards for everyone. It was a way to keep their mind off things and to pass the time. Now just talking about them was at least passing the time. Dixie knew she'd have to get to the main event soon but couldn't bring herself to just yet.
|
|
Kathy Martin
Junior Member
"Do you know any magic tricks?"
Posts: 174
|
Post by Kathy Martin on Jul 20, 2012 23:40:04 GMT -5
Kathy just smiled at Dixie when she was told she was glad to have her there and squeezed her hand again in return. When the door opened she glanced up at J.R. for one of the first times since the accident. She knew they were brother and sister, but it was still settling in on her like everything else. When his eyes met hers, she tried a small smile, but it didn’t last as she listened to her mom talk as they entered the Chandler Mansion. She followed her mom and brother inside and into the living room, taking a seat beside her mom and curling her legs under her as she sat.
“I have the cards now, if you want them,” she offered and pulled her backpack off her back, opening it up and reaching in for the cards she made. “One for AJ, one for Marissa and one for you. It’s so you can all feel better.” Getting up she went to J.R.’s side and held out the three cards for him to take and then quickly went back to her seat and smiled a little.
“Are you feeling any better J.R.?” she asked him now, sending a worried glance at Dixie as if asking if this was okay to ask, before her eyes went back to J.R. again. “I know it’s not nice to be sick and hurt.”
|
|
|
Post by JR Chandler on Jul 26, 2012 13:23:08 GMT -5
JR wasn't sure really how he should be acting now around his mother. He had been worried sick (quite literally) about everyone after the crash, but at the same time, the last real conversation they had before that hadn't gone so well, and he was sure it was on her mind just as much. He wondered if she would be trying to see if she could spot any alcohol in the room, or smell any on his breath, testing where he was now (though he hadn't had any).
"Don't worry, you never have to call first, either of you" JR told them as he let them in. "A.J. could sleep through a hurricane, don't worry about waking him up" He said, relieved that she did come in and sit down, afraid she might fall if she hadn't.
JR nodded as she said that she hadn't really had much time to see him or AJ or Marissa at the hospital. "Its okay, I just wish I could've been able to visit you two more. I made sure the nurses gave me updates, but I would've like to check on you more myself" He said apologetically. He hated that he had gotten sick at the time that everyone else needed him to be strong. They were hurt and he just added to the stress they were undergoing.
When Dixie mentioned the cards Kathy made, JR smiled over at his sister. "I'd love to see them" He told her sincerely, taking the cards as she handed them to him. "This was really nice of you Kathy, Thank you. I'll make sure AJ and Marissa get theirs too"
He could see Kathy's worried glance as she asked how he was feeling, and nodded reassuringly at her. "Yeah, its not nice to be sick or hurt, but I am feeling better. Still a little tired at times, and getting over a bad cough" He said referring the pneumonia, but figuring cough was easier and less scary for his sister to understand. "But actually the doctors say I'm doing better than I have been in awhile." He told both her and his mother. "How have you two been feeling?"
|
|
|
Post by Dix C. Martin on Jul 26, 2012 20:22:38 GMT -5
When J.R said he wished he could've been there for them, Dixie sighed and shook her head. Her son had been fighting for his life when she'd been laid up in bed with just a gimpy knee and sore ribs. Of anything she should've snuck down to be with him more often.
When Kathy gave J.R the cards, Dixie watched their interaction closely. It warmed her heart to see it and left her all the more emotional. Thinking how close she'd come to losing both her kids, and how despite what they were going through now, things could've been so much worse.
"That..that's wonderful, baby.", she beamed, relief filling her face.
"Well everyone at the hospital said we were looking better and decided to send us home. What you think..they get tired of us or what?" Dixie weakly joked, smoothing Kathy's ponytail between her fingers. "You, were so brave the whole time we were there though, Kathy. I thought my doctor was gonna put you in charge of takin care of me.", she said. "Really, the two of you both..", holding her little girl close she smiled proudly at her and J.R both. "How'd I wind up with such tough kids, huh?", she praised, doing her best to hang tough herself but it wasn't easy.
|
|
Kathy Martin
Junior Member
"Do you know any magic tricks?"
Posts: 174
|
Post by Kathy Martin on Jul 27, 2012 0:39:13 GMT -5
“You’re welcome, and thank you J.R.,” Kathy said quietly, when he told her he’d make sure the others got their cards as well. “I’m glad you like them.” When she was seated back down, she glanced up at J.R. and waited for him to answer her question on how he was feeling. She listened to him quietly as he explained how he was doing, and nodded a little.
“I had a cough once, but Aunt Julia made me warm milk and honey, it helped,” she told J.R. with a smile. “Maybe you should try that?” Her smile slowly began to fade as she remembered that Julia wasn’t around anymore, and she quickly tried to hold back the growing sadness. “But I’m glad you’re feeling better.” When the question was returned and was asked about how she was feeling, she let Dixie do it for and smiled up at her for a moment before giggling.
“I was brave because Aunt Julia taught me to be brave! She made me feel a whole lot better when she used to look after me,” she explained and bit her lip, hugging Dixie tight. Shrugging a little to her question over how she ended up with such tough kids she rested her head against Dixie’s shoulder and glanced back at J.R. for a moment.
“So you’re really my big brother?” she asked glancing back up at Dixie. “I really have a brother?” She knew she should know this, she'd been told this, but the whole thing felt so new to her still as she came to terms with it.
|
|
|
Post by JR Chandler on Aug 1, 2012 14:42:20 GMT -5
"I love them" JR told his little sister. "And I know that Marissa and AJ will too, it'll make them feel better just getting something this thoughtful" He told her, sure it would bring a smile to both of their faces.
He smiled softly as she mentioned her Aunt Julia making her warm milk and honey for a cough, but he could see she was still in pain over what must seem like a fresh loss to her. "That's a good idea, I should try that" He told her, nodding as Kathy added that her Aunt Julia taught her to be brave. "She taught you a lot of great things"
JR was glad to hear Dixie's repor tthat they were doing better, even though JR still was worried by the way his mother looked and knowing that his sister's memory had been affected. He nodded as she asked if he was really her big brother.
"I am your big brother...I know it might seem a little strange, most of the kids you know probably have brothers closer in age to them, but you're still stuck with me as a brother" He said with a smile. "You know before the accident, you and I had made some plans to spend more time together with just the two of us, going to the park, or for ice cream, or sleepovers...maybe once we're both feeling better we can try those again?"
|
|
Kathy Martin
Junior Member
"Do you know any magic tricks?"
Posts: 174
|
Post by Kathy Martin on Aug 4, 2012 16:50:16 GMT -5
Kathy grinned happily when J.R. told her that the cards would help A.J. and Marissa feel better and she hoped they would brighten up the room they would be put in. She nodded when J.R. took her suggestion about milk and honey for his cough, glad to have helped him even if it was just a little bit.
“Aunt Julia was the best,” she told J.R. quietly with a small smile. “She would do all the things a mommy would do, like help me with my dolls dress when it got stuck, or make play dates and take care of cuts and hurts. I miss her a lot.” As she curled up next to her mom on the chair she glanced at the ground before back at J.R. when she asked if he was really her big brother and he answered her.
“We’re stuck together than,” she exclaimed with a smile, though it felt like she should know all this, when really she was only relearning it. “I’ve never had a big brother before. Ta – daddy was telling me that Jamie is my brother too, and I can still beat him at thumbs! I like having big brothers.” She tilted her head as he spoke about before the accident and the plans they had promise to make. She wished she could remember and quickly glanced up at Dixie for a moment before back at J.R. again.
“We did?” she asked, getting excited at all the things they were going to do. “I’d like that! If it’s okay?” She looked back to Dixie to see if she would be allowed to do this and gave her a hopeful look. OOC: I wasn’t sure if you were waiting for me to respond to this, if not, I can delete it!
|
|
|
Post by Dix C. Martin on Aug 5, 2012 19:06:37 GMT -5
Listening as Kathy spoke in glowing terms about Julia, and about missing her still, Dixie's smile went sad and she held her a little closer. She couldn't help but chuckle though at Kathy's excitement over spending time with her big brothers, and the hopeful look in her eyes made her melt. "Oh of course it is, honey. Like J.R said though, when you both are feeling better.", she said, pushing some stray hair of Kathy's behind her ear. And then frowned, realizing she'd forgotten to do something at the house before they left.
"Speaking of, baby can you do your mom a big favor? I left my purse in the car out front with Opal's driver, and that cream the doctor gave me's in it. You know the stuff to put on your scratch?", she said softly, tracing the scar left on Kathy's forehead from the accident. Now that the stitches were removed the cream was supposed to help the mark fade, and Dixie had enough scars to know she didn't want her daughter left with one in plain sight on her face. "Can you go and grab the purse for me?"
After Kathy nodded, Dixie thanked her and watched her leave the room, before her lower lip started quivering and fresh tears welled up in her eyes. Embarrassing her. Apologizing again, she sniffed and wiped at her eyes. "I just, all she needs is another scar, you know?" she sighed, shaking her head sadly as more tears fell, prompting her to cover her mouth. Thinking of all her daughter had lived through and relived the past few days, all J.R had been up against, all Tad was dealing with now. She'd tried to keep numb as long as she could. Knowing if she started crying she wouldn't be able to stop. For that reason she'd kept calm when Tad had left, at Opal's, even the car ride over. She didn't want Kathy seeing her like this, but with her out of the room, it just got too difficult to keep it together.
(OOC: Kathy is you're not cool with this post lemme know and I'll edit it)
|
|
|
Post by JR Chandler on Aug 6, 2012 10:46:09 GMT -5
JR originally hadn't thought much of his suggestions to Kathy, hoping it would help give his sister something to look forward to but when he saw her look to their mom for approval, he had a sudden flash of doubt. Maybe she wouldn't be that approving of him spending time alone with Kathy, since the last time they'd really a talk before today, he had been drinking. He hoped his mother would still trust him to be responsible around Kathy. When Dixie agreed, he felt a bit relieved, but part of him hoped it wasn't just for Kathy's benefit. He was a bit confused by what he was seeing on his mother's face next, before she had Kathy go out to the car.
He saw her tearing up and was pretty confident this was about more than just the cut on Kathy's forehead. "She's young, it'll heal up just fine, by the time she's my age I bet you won't even see anything...what's this really about Mom?" He asked her, trying to be gentle . "Are you two not really recovering as well as you said before? Is it Kathy?" He asked wondering if the head injury had caused more damage than just the memory issues currently. But his own defensiveness wondered if this was connected to his earlier offer. "Are you upset that I told Kathy we'd spend time together? I'm not drinking..."
|
|
|
Post by Dix C. Martin on Aug 11, 2012 13:51:37 GMT -5
Trying her best to get a grip but not really succeeding, wiping her eyes Dixie heard J.R's question and his concern for his sister. Shaking her head, she looked up alarmed when he brought up the drinking. "No! J.R, no, that..that's not it!", she insisted. "I know it's been awhile since we talked and that after the last time, you'd expect me to act like that. But, I believe that you wouldn't go back to the bottle, sweetheart. Please know that.", Dixie said, almost pleadingly.
She knew how rocky things were between her and J.R before the accident. She'd kept secrets from him not thinking he could handle them and it almost cost her everything. But it felt like the entire situation between them had changed when they were in the hospital. With everything that had gone on, the drinking hadn't even crossed Dixie's mind until now. She'd been too focused on everything else being battled by her family.
"Kathy's..improving. She's getting better. But her having to hear about Julia and, me and...and Tad all over again. It was difficult enough for her the first time. But, Tad managed to tell her everything again, and he kept reassuring me once we got her home with the twins, when we got out of the hospital, eventually her memory would come back. She wouldn't just, say we were her family. She'd know it in her heart and believe it. He kept saying everything would be fine, we'd be back to normal if we just gave it some time. We were supposed to have time.", Dixie emphasized, her agitation growing as she spoke. If her moving didn't involve crutches she'd be pacing the floor right now. "You know I don't understand why they came for him now, tonight. He...he quit! I...how can they threaten him when he already resigned! I just..." Trailing off, realizing she probably sounded like a crazy person, defeated, Dixie lowered her head before speaking again. "Tad's old boss from the FBI showed up tonight. He'd been calling the past week but Tad had been ignoring him so, he came to the house. He said he needed Tad for a case out of the country, and, if he didn't comply..he'd arrest him. We had ten minutes to pack him a bag and...that was it. Nolan and Tara weren't even there to say goodbye." Looking up, the blond shrugged sadly.
"Kathy was, a wreck. She all but grabbed onto Tad's leg refusing to let go. And after she kept asking me why he had to leave, why he..couldn't keep his promise that he'd be there for her. I didn't know what to say, I just held her and told her I'd be here, but I don't feel like, her just having me is going to be enough for her, what she needs.", she said guiltily, remembering how after the accident Kathy was asking for Tad by name.
"And the twins? They love Tad so much! How am I supposed to tell them he's gone again?", she asked. Tugging at the thin chain on her her necklace, she looked at the inscription on the charm and her eyes filled with tears. "I have no idea if he's safe, if he's alright. If he'll even be able to come back this time."
|
|
|
Post by JR Chandler on Aug 12, 2012 17:30:39 GMT -5
JR's instinct was always to doubt that people were ever on his side, and assume they thought the worst of him. So though his gut reaction to his mother's denial that this was about his drinking was that she was lying, looking into her eyes and seeing the love there his heart believed her. He didn't always go with the emotions his heart felt, but this time he trusted her and nodded before saying a simple "Thank you" Glad that she trusted him, even though truthfully he hadn't given her much reason to lately.
"Threatened him? Who..." JR started before letting his mother explain everything that had gone on with Tad being called back for another job with the FBI. "That's outrageous! How can they do that if he quit! What would they arrest him for? Not wanting to be at their beck and call? This isn't right, I can call my lawyers...The government can't push citizens around like this, Tad has rights..." JR said, getting worked up, his mind already going over the possibilities, and the Chandler gene in him wondering who he could bribe to get this process expedited.
But as anger and determination fueled him he caught the look of sorrow in his mother's eyes. Her tears, and seeing her heart breaking in front of him. "This isn't right, you all need Tad right now, you're still recovering, trying to fix things with Kathy..." JR said softer before going over to his mother and hugging her. "I'm so sorry Mom...this isn't fair to you"
|
|
|
Post by Dix C. Martin on Aug 17, 2012 16:10:33 GMT -5
"Honey, it's no use.", Dixie said sadly, watching as J.R ranted about rights and lawyers. She wished that he could pull some strings at Chandler to get Tad out of this nightmare, but she knew deep down the odds of getting him back were slim to none.
"I tried, so did Tad. But there's no way out of this..he, he's gone.", she choked out, as J.R softened and pulled her into a hug. It helped her feel at least a little bit whole again, but she felt terrible her own son was forced to comfort her. After crying for a few moments, sadly she pulled away. "I'm sorry..I'm sorry.", she sighed. "I shouldn't be doing this, you--you've been through hell already and here you are, comforting me? It's not right, not after what I've done." Slowly she took a few deep breaths to calm down, get her crying in check. While her guilt about everything rose to the surface. After Tad had walked out, all she could think about was all the time they'd wasted. Mostly because of decisions she'd made from fear, that looking back, had cost her way too much time with the only man she loved. "What happened to Tad isn't fair to the twins, or to Kathy. Or to him. They don't deserve to be kept apart. It shouldn't be happening. But with me?" Wiping her eyes with her sleeve she lowered her head, looking as ashamed as she felt as she reflected on some goings on in her marriage.
"After Tad came back home before, those first few weeks we had I--I stayed at Cortlandt Manor. I guess I was, scared to reunite with him and have it backfire. Maybe I was punishing him for being gone for so long. I don't know. All I know was my husband was finally home and I was staying away from him on purpose. Then when I finally came to my senses, and moved back with the kids, we were on the right track but I derailed things again! Jumping to the wrong conclusion about him and Liza one night. Looking back I just wasted so much time, being afraid or being angry, or both. I feel like Tad and I barely had any time to just be us and...that it's my fault. I mean, it's my fault he signed on with the FBI in the first place. He took the first long-term job because of me, because of our relationship and the drama that goes along with it. You heard him, he said he was afraid. Afraid of him and me." she said, feeling guilty about 100 times over. "This is unfair to the kids J.R. And to you and everyone else who loves Tad. After everything that's happened though..what's going on now is not unfair to me.", she corrected. "I feel like I pretty much deserve it."
|
|