Brave Enough

Twenty - Five

      "You better get over here and give mama a hug," Athena says barely giving James and Cleo time to drop their bags at the door. The girls run over to her and hug her. "James Malina don't you ever pull a stunt like that again. I mean it. We've all been worried sick. Buck over here barely ate and barely slept. We missed you two so much. I don't care if they threaten my life you don't just disappear without contact." James starts to cry in Athena's arms. "It's okay baby, mamas got you." Soon everyone is hugging the girls and welcoming them home.

"Maddie? Can I talk to you alone for a couple minutes?" James asks.

"Of course sweetie. Let's go to your room," Maddie hugs James before leading the way. "What's going on?"

"Maddie I'm pregnant. I'm not ready to tell Buck. But I needed to tell someone. I'm so scared. I want this baby. But after last time..." James collapses on the floor wracked with fear.

"Oh James. It's going to be okay. It won't be like last time. Buck will be so happy. Baby girl, you are safe and loved. With Buck moving in you're in good hands. Shhh. It's okay," Maddie holds James as she cries. "I'll be right back." Maddie stands and exits the room. "Hey everyone. I think now might not be the time to do this. James is kind of a mess right now. She's also not feeling great right now."

"Maddie, what's wrong? What did she say? What can I do?" Buck asks questions too fast for her to answer.

"Just be there for her. That's really all you can do. I can't tell you. It's something she isn't ready to say right now. Please do not pressure her at all. I swear to god Buck, I will kick your ass if you do."

With defensively held hands Buck asks, "can I at least go hold her?" Maddie nods with a warning look. Buck walks into the room to find James sitting on the bed looking exhausted and spent. "Baby, Everyone is going home. Your dad is taking Cleo home with him so he can have some daddy daughter time with her. Why don't we lie here and go to sleep? Hmm?" He sits next to her and lets her snuggle into him.

****

"Who is this lovely little lady you've got with you?" Chief Handricks asks Colin.

"This is Billie. She's my girlfriend. Billie, this is Chief Handricks," Colin says and James extends her hand to greet him.

"It's nice to meet you, Chief Handricks," She says politely.

"Like wise. Colin, I wasn't aware you were dating again. I'm happy for you son." Someone bumps into James causing her to spill her drink.

The sight makes Colin's blood boil. 'Why must she always mess up?' He thinks to himself. Pulling her way Colin maintains the calm charade he's been holding up. Leaning into her ear he threatens her again. "Billie when will you learn? We'll discuss this later."

"Earth to Collin. Mom wants to know if you're coming home for Thanksgiving this year?" Corrine asks. Colin waves her off with an annoyed look. "I don't know, mom. He's being difficult right now. Him and Billie are going through a rough patch."