The Flightless

Reunification

Once the ceremony breaks, Oswald steps into the office to check on Dinah. I instruct the guests on the order of the reception.

"The open bar is along the back wall. Food and drinks are set up along the east wall. Make a line around the office, please." 

Along with Loren's and Kent's help, we serve everyone a proper dinner.

After the meal, the Gordons share their first dance. Lee then asks for my hand to guide her in the obligatory father/daughter dance. Except it's us sisters who take the ballroom. Arm in arm, we move freely about the dance floor, playfully— and terribly— waltzing.

Laughter is our music long after the song ends.

"You made this happen," she finally says, "thank you, Sera."

My heart feels light. The smile is easy upon my lips. "I would do anything for you and Jim. A family's got to stick together, you know."

Guests slowly pour onto the floor and help themselves to rations, cakes, and booze.

Jim and I share a dance among the crowd.

"You look beautiful," he compliments.

I smile. "You clean up pretty nicely yourself. For a cop at least."

"Is that so?" He chuckles. "Look, Sera. I know things haven't always been easy for us, but I'm glad you're here. We're all glad you're here."

"Me too, Jim," I speak honestly. "There's nowhere else I'd rather be. I'm sorry for the shit I've put you through. Getting caught up with Falcone and dying, and—"

"Say no more. I feel the same way. I think we both can agree our relationship could've gone much smoother up to this point."

My chest feels light. "Look at us. Behaving exactly the way our parents would've wanted."

"It's a miracle."

"God bless us, everyone."

Harvey Bullock pulls me from my brother. "Quit hogging the ladies, Jim."

"She's all yours." My brother raises his hands in innocence.

"Hello, Harvey."

"Hey, sister. I didn't get the chance to tell you earlier, but that baby in there is beautiful."

"Thank you."

"Just like her mother," Bullock pauses. "I know we don't talk so much anymore, but I am always in your corner."

"I'm here for you, too."

"Hey, Harvey!" Alverez shouts from across the room. "Come look at this!"

"Duty calls." He reluctantly breaks away from my grasp. "See you 'round, sister."

It's my turn to interrupt another dance. I take Loren by the hand, and straight out of Kent's embrace.

"I'll get to you in a second." I shoot him a pointed look.

My friend practically radiates as we begin our own waltz. "Some party, huh?"

"We did a good job."

"We did, didn't we? You'd think after all this time, we'd stop making such a great team."

"That thought never crossed my mind," I say. "When I choose my friends, I typically choose them well."

"Listen, boss. I've got to tell you something. It's kind of important."

"Sure. What's up?"

"I'm changing my major. I think I want to be a psychiatrist. If being around mobsters and the crazies has taught me anything, it's that I want to learn more about them. I want to heal people's minds, Sera."