Fantasy Life made Normal

Chapter 88

Nathan looked over at him after the girls left. The boys had all run off to play. Ashley had taken Audri with her and Madelyn. Marshall looked at Mckynna. He couldn't wait til she was out doing things like that with his wife.

"You ok?" Nathan asked.

Marshall shook his head.

"Man, I've been in this game for so long and this one incident has me thinking of dropping it completely," he said slowly.
"The Sarati stuff?" Nate was careful with his language with the kids around.
"Yeah, like my head ain't right. Every single time that woman leaves the house now I wonder if today is the day she ain't coming back. Is today the day she is done with me?"
"That woman loves you more than I have ever in my life seen her love anyone. She went thru some messed up stuff. You have helped rebuild that strength in her. She ain't gonna just give up on you."
"But why? That's what I don't get. Like after that any other woman would have been gone, divorce court, child support, the works."
"That's just Madelyn, Marshall. You know that woman better than I think you even know Kim and it scares you."

Marshall nodded. He was slightly surprised that his baby brother had such insight but he was thankful for it too.

"I'm surprised she hasn't suggested pressing charges on Sarati," Nathan admitted.
"Paul is already working on something quietly," he replied.
"You want to know why Mads ain't going anywhere?"
"Yeah I do."
"You gave her everything she ever wanted."
"Money?"
"A family, Marshall. Her family gave up on her so quick. Yeah James and Chris are trying now but where were they for the rough years. Where were they when Corey was knocking the shit out of her? Where were they when he was drugging her? Where were they when she just wanted to be loved? They weren't there and you were. You showed her that love doesn't have to hurt. Yes you messed up a lot but you never really made her feel unloved. You played mind games but she realized that was due to your own mind being messed up. You and Madelyn are a lot alike. Really as good of friends that you and Kim are now, that shit was abusive."
"From both sides though."
"Yeah I know. But it was still abusive."

Marshall nodded. He was contemplating everything Nate said to him. He thought about the times he had made Madelyn leave. The groupie thing that happened and then Maverick's pregnancy. The groupie thing was an accident. Maverick was out of fear. It all seemed stupid now that he could have lost her over fear.

"We all know you find it hard to trust people, but Madelyn is the best thing that has ever happened to you besides your kids." Nate said honestly.

Marshall nodded. He wouldn't even remotely disagree with that.

"Shit that girl carried triplets for your ugly ass," Nathan laughed.

Marshall chuckled. He stared at his daughter for a moment.

"Mckynna is really starting to look like her," he said.
"And all four of these heathen boys look like you," Nate said.
"Matthew is Madelyn too."

Nate watched the kids for a minute. He loved seeing his boys interact with their cousins. Marshall was right. Maverick, Malakai, and Myles could be him all over again. Mckynna and Matthew were definitely Madelyn. They even had her eyes.

Flashback

"Mads, you sure you won't meet him? I swear it only has to be once," Ashley said.
"No, I don't want to meet him. Ashley, you know how long it took me to meet Nate and then find out I already knew him," Madelyn chuckled.
"Mads, just one lunch date. Please? Get you both into the dating world again."

Madelyn sighed heavily. Nate just watched her for a minute.

"Mads, he don't like all the attention he gets either. He just wants to be normal and live his life," Nathan said.
"Then why did he start rapping," she asked.
"It was just something he loved to do. He got lucky and has made a career out of it. He just has certain things he has to deal with."
"No such thing as a fantasy life Nathan."
"Never said there was. Marshall hides a lot because he has to. He doesn't know how to be happy because he doesn't trust anyone. You two have more in common than you think."
"Fine. One lunch date. That's it."

Nathan looked at Ashley and nodded to her. She had a huge grin on her face. He sighed.

End

"Who would have thought that day would lock you two into the rest of your lives like it did," Nathan chuckled.
"You ever have moments where you just want to lock Ash up and protect her from everything?" Marshall asked.
"Every day but she would probably kill me for it."

Marshall laughed. He leaned back on the couch.

"Dude, I ain't mean to get all sappy on you," he chuckled.
"Nah, bro that's what I'm here for. You may be my big brother but I got your back when you need it." Nathan replied. "I know that her being gone when you wake up is still messing with you. Even when she is in the house. I can tell you without a doubt that Madelyn is not going to leave you."

Marshall nodded. He needed to get out of his own head. He was always on edge about her leaving him. He didn't like the feeling and he wanted it to go away.

"It will all work itself back out. Where y'all going on vacation this year?" Nate asked changing the subject.
"Not sure, we really haven't talked about it," Marshall said.
"Where have you gone so far?"
"Gatlinburg, Colorado, Florida, Myrtle Beach, Hawaii, and I took Mads only to Mexico."

Nathan nodded. He looked thoughtful for a moment. Marshall hadn't talked to his wife or the older girls about where they wanted to go. They were going to have to start thinking about it though.