New Earth: Arrow

Chapter 35

That afternoon found Oliver and Thea sitting at Iron Heights, both of them dressed like they did when Oliver was mayor and Thea was his chief of staff, alongside Jean Loring as they waited for the guards to bring their mother out.

"So, how much longer until they bring mom out? We've had this meeting scheduled for weeks." Thea complained, right as the guards finally brought Moira out to see them.

"Sorry about that." Moira said as she had the cuffs removed by the guard and she moved to sit down with them.

"It's fine, how are you holding up?" Oliver asked.

"I've been holding up okay." Moira said and Oliver sighed.

"Jean, how much of a chance does mom have of getting off?" Oliver asked their lawyer.

"Well, they could be worse. It helps that no one died and that she has proof that Malcolm blackmailed her into being a part of the Undertaking." Jean said.

"So, you think there's a shot at her being released?" Thea asked.

"Maybe, but there is the matter of the riots and panic that her warning caused in the Glades. Not to mention, with Malcolm Merlyn being confirmed dead, the city is going to want to throw someone on the bonfire for it." Jean said.

"So you're saying it could go either way?" Thea asked.

"Yes. But there's also the fact that Moira is a part of the one percenters in this city, a part of this city's population that is rarely held accountable for their actions, so the judge might try to use her as an example." Jean said.

"That's BS, our mother may have done some things wrong, but she didn't have a choice and it's because of her the damage wasn't worse." Oliver said.

"Believe me Oliver, I'm aware of that, I am just letting you know what to expect." Jean said and Oliver nodded as his phone rang.

"I'm sorry I need to take this." Oliver said as he got up and answered it.

"Hello?" he asked.

"Oliver, hey, is now a bad time?" Samantha asked.

"Kind of. I'm at Iron Heights in a meeting about my mom's trial." Oliver said.

"I'm sorry, I forgot Moira was still in prison at this time." Samantha said.

"It's fine, but hopefully the first time William meets his grandmother on my side won't be while she's still in Iron Heights." Oliver said.

"Anyways, the reason I called is because I wanted to tell you that William and I are moving back to Star City and when we do, I plan on submitting papers to give you partial custody of our son." Samantha said.

"Wait what?" Oliver asked.

"I was wrong before. Every boy needs his father, especially when he knows who his father is and honestly, you're the kind role model I want around him. Plus, he told me about what happened before and I reminded him that the reason you were raising him is because it's what I wanted and we both know that while it won't be easy, he's going to try harder to meet you halfway, since I know that you did your best." Samantha said.

"Thank you, but I think it's best if William lives with you and he just visits me on weekends." Oliver said.

"We'll discuss it more after we actually move." Samantha said.

"Let me know if you need any help." Oliver said.

"I will. We're coming up there next week to do some house hunting." Samantha said.

"You two can stay with me at the mansion while you're here. Tell William I can't wait to see him again, this time under better circumstances." Oliver said.

"I know he's looking forward to it too and I'm not just saying that." Samantha said and Oliver chuckled.

"I need to go. I'll see you both when you get here next week." Oliver said as he hung up the phone and reentered the room to find that Jean had left.

"Where's Jean?" Oliver asked.

"Well, there wasn't really anything more we needed to discuss with her, but I wanted to speak with the two of you." Moira said and Oliver smiled.

"About what?" Oliver asked.

"Just your lives. Thea, I'm so sorry I missed your graduation." Moira said.

"It's fine mom, it's not like you wouldn't have been there if you could. But I do have some good news. I've already got a lead on a great job." Thea said.

"Really, what is it?" Moira asked.

"Thea is going to be running the new Star City branch of Danvers Daily News." Oliver said proudly.

"Wow, how'd you get that?" Moira asked.

"The owner of the paper, Kara Danvers, is an old friend from before the Crisis. She heard about Thea's work when she was my chief of staff and I guess she thought it would be a good fit for her." Oliver said and Moira smiled.

"Well congratulations Thea. That's quite an opportunity for you." Moira said.

"Yeah, I start training for it in Central City next week." Thea said.

"I thought it was National City." Oliver said.

"Kara called me and said that she has a family emergency, so she's having me go out to Central City to shadow Iris until she gets back, then I'm going to National City." Thea said.

"Well I'm proud of you. And what about you Oliver?" Moira asked.

"Things are going well at Queen Consolidated." Oliver said.

"I know that. We do get the news in here in case you've forgotten. I'm glad to see that you've managed to be a better CEO now." Moira said and Oliver chuckled.

"So what did you mean?" Oliver asked.

"How are things going between you and Laurel?" Moira asked.

"They're going great. It helps that she knows about William." Oliver said.

"I am sorry I kept you from him by the way." Moira said.

"I've come to terms with it." Oliver said.

"So, think you're going to pop the question to her yet?" Moira asked.

"I don't know. The last time Laurel and I got anywhere close to that, the Queen's Gambit happened." Oliver said.

"Ollie, I get that, but I also remember when we were in the Dominators fantasy world, your greatest wish was to marry Laurel. Maybe it's time you make that a reality." Thea said.

"Maybe." Oliver said and Moira smiled.

"What about you Thea? Are you still seeing Roy?" Moira asked.

"I am, though I think Roy and I are still a little young to think about marriage." Thea said.

"Good." Oliver said and both Moira and Thea rolled their eyes as they continued talking until their time was up and Moira was escorted back into the cellblock and Oliver and Thea left the prison as well.