The Angriest Woman in the World! (GxG)

Epilogue

One Year Later...

   Hannah and I hid behind the patio furniture as three little bundles of joy lobbed water balloons at us.

   "You'll have to try harder than that!" Hannah challenged, standing to throw a few water balloons of her own.

   As the kids continued their barrage, I leaned closer to Hannah, whispering in her ear. "They got us pretty well pinned down."

   "You thinking what I'm thinking?" She asked.

   I smirked, raising an eyebrow. "Blaze of glory?"

   She just nodded before counting down on her fingers.

   As soon as the last finger dropped we jumped out from our hiding place and threw as many balloons as we could, sending the kids running and laughing in different directions...

   After a while, we settled on a truce and Hannah got the grill started for a cookout, the kids helping out in any way they could.

   I stood alone on the patio, looking out over the tree line at the end of our backyard, sipping a beer.

   That's when I noticed a figure leaning against one of the trees.

   With a little smile I approached her.

   "Well, here I thought you were gone for good." I said.

   Aileen smiled, pulling me into a quick hug. "I like to check in on you every now and then. Speaking of, you should get that thing on your ass checked out."

   I turned quickly, looking at the back of my pants. "What the hell are you talking about?"

   She just started laughing.

   I returned her laugh, giving her a little shove. "At least you haven't changed."

   She flashed me a little smile, looking at my family behind me. "It's nice to see that you have."

   I followed her gaze. "Yeah, no kidding. I don't know what I'd do at this point without them."

   She rested a hand on my shoulder. "Glad to hear it, kid."

   I took a sip of my beer before speaking up. "So, they paired you with anyone else yet?"

   She shrugged. "A few."

   "How'd they do?"

   "Nowhere near as good as you." She replied. 

   I took a quick glance at her. "Well, that's disturbing."

   She just nodded.

   I looked back at my family. "Right, anyway, how's my mother doing?"

   She looked at me. "What makes you think I know?"

   I folded my arms, staring at her. "You don't?"

   She smirked a little. "Are you sure you really wanna know?"

   I returned it. "How about this, just pass a message along for me, ok? Tell her that I miss her every day and I hope she finally found peace."
  
   Her eyes softened a little. "Will do."

   I gave her a little hug. "Thank you."

   "Any time." She replied. "Now, as fun as this has been, I should probably get going."

   I pulled back. "Wait, you don't wanna say 'hi' to everyone?"

   She glanced back at my family, rubbing the back of her neck. "Uh, I don't know, do you really think that's a good thing?"

   I grabbed her arm and pulled her towards my family. "Yes, I know Hannah misses you and I'd love for you to meet the kids."

   She rolled her eyes slightly. "Alright, fine."

   Hannah looked up as we approached. Her eyes went wide and she dropped her beer. "Christ, she's back? No, please tell me I'm dreaming."

   "Nice to see you again to." Aileen said dismissively.

   I just laughed. "C'mon, you guys know you missed each other."

   They rolled their eyes but shared an awkward hug anyway.

   Then, the youngest of the three kids ran up to us. "Who's she?" She asked.

   "Ana, I'd like you to meet an old friend of ours, Aileen." I replied.

   Aileen knelt down in front of the girl. "Ana, that's a pretty name."

   The girl smiled. "Thanks, they told me I was named after my real mommy."

   Aileen placed her hand on Ana's shoulder. "Do you remember her?"

   Ana shook her head, a hint of sadness flashing through her eyes.

   Then Aileen placed a finger to Ana's forehead. "Well, she misses you very much."

   The girl smiled widely, a few tears leaking down her cheeks, before pulling Aileen into a tight hug.

   "Are you sure we should be letting her do those Jedi mind tricks on our daughter?" Hannah whispered.

   I chuckled a little, wrapping my arm around her shoulders. "As long as she's happy."

   The boys joined us shortly after, just in time for dinner...

   As night fell and we put the kids to bed, Hannah and I joined Aileen on the patio.

   She smiled between the two of us. "You two really made a beautiful life for yourselves."

   "And we couldn't have done it without you." I replied.

   Hannah took my hand in hers, giving Aileen a little smile. "As annoying as you are, I appreciate everything you've done for us."

   Aileen waved her hand. "Don't mention it."

   Hannah nodded. "Don't have to ask me twice."

   We all shared a laugh before Aileen took a couple steps back. "Well, this has been great, but I should get going."

   I smiled at her. "Fair enough. Just know, you're always welcome here."

   She gave me a tiny wink before snapping her fingers, disappearing right before our eyes.

   "Finally, I thought she'd never leave." Hannah said.

   "I heard that." Aileen's voice called out, causing me to laugh.

   Hannah just shook her head before walking back inside.

   I stayed out for a little longer though, looking up to the stars.

   "See you later..."

The End