A Falice Story

19. Moving Past

"I need your shirt FP," I say as we arrive at the hospital. I can't go in there only wearing a bra, so he removes the flannel he was wearing and tosses it to me. Gladys gets helped onto a gurney and wheeled in through the ER doors. "Jug? Go with your mom," FP tells him. He nods and follows behind the hospital staff. 

Betty, Polly and the twins take a seat in the waiting room. FP takes my hand in his and leads me down the hallway, so we can be alone. "I'm so sorry," he says, pulling me into his chest and stroking my hair. "What are you sorry about?" I question, resting a hand on the side of his face. "I should have been there to protect you--I never should have left your side." 

I wrap my arms around his torso and rest my head against his chest. "It's okay. I'm fine, FP. You rescued my daughter and grandchildren--I can never say thank you enough for that." He presses a kiss against my forehead, "Are you positive you're okay?" I smile, "Yes, I'm completely sure of it." My lips find his and I run my fingers through his hair, "You never filled me in on rescuing Polly--did anyone see you?" 

He shakes his head, "Not a damn one. We found her and the kids hiding out in an old barn. That place is so secluded we didn't even hear you screaming. That's why we didn't realize something had happened until we saw that the van was missing." 

"That place is a nightmare. I never want to see that Edgar guy's face again..." FP holds me tighter, "You won't ever have to," he smirks, "Betty told me you kicked him in the groin--I'm very proud of you baby," he bursts out laughing. "Oh shut up," I playfully push him away from me, "I had to do something--and I really didn't want a murder on my hands, so shooting him was out of the question." FP shrugs, "Self defense." 

Jughead comes around the corner, "Hey, mom is all stitched up. It wasn't too bad after all. I guess she got lucky where it hit her. She also got some pain meds..." he says looking to FP. He lets out a sigh, "Point us to the direction of her room." Jughead stifles a laugh.

"What? Why's that so funny?" I ask him. Jughead smirks, "Well, she doesn't exactly react the best being under medications like that--" I don't need him to finish his statement, I can hear her from down the hall. She's singing, It's Raining Men and the male doctors in the room are enjoying the performance. "Oh dear God," FP mutters under his breath. 

"Are you her husband?" one of the doctors asks him. "Ex," FP replies, just as Gladys realizes we're in the room. "Ohhhh whoaaaa...I know you! You--we used to be married," she slurs. He nods, "Yes. We did. Are you ready to leave?" 

She shakes her head aggressively, "Nooooo way. I'm stayin' hereeeee. With my neeew husband." Gladys grabs one of the doctors hands tightly and he is trying to stifle back a laugh, "She's been the most popular girl in the ER tonight." 

FP scratches his forehead and I can't stop laughing. "I bet she has," he mutters. "Oooo I know you too..." she points to me, and I cringe a little. "You're the--the bitch who stole him awaaaay." I'm about to say something, as the doctors give me a look, but she keeps going, "But you know--I--I kind of like you. You are a badass, motherf--" 

"Okay, that's enough compliments," I stop her, causing everyone in the room to chuckle. "Can we go?" I look to FP with wide eyes. He smiles, "Yes, let's go. Come on Gladys. Say goodbye to your new husband," he pushes the wheelchair she's sitting in with a smirk. "You have been great. I love you--we're gonna be so happy..." The doctor nods trying to hold back a laugh and hands a set of crutches to Jughead. 

We head down the hallway to meet Betty, Polly and the twins. "Wheeeee!" Gladys exclaims, throwing her hands up in the air. "Well this is going to be a fun car ride," I groan. "What's wrong with her?" Betty asks. "Pain meds," we all respond simultaneously.