Chapter 36: Gifts…oh Gifts…
POV: Gabby
December 20, 2007
Max and Abby had yet to ask me where I was, I was disappointed in their assumptions and their behavior. Yet, Abby asked for the afternoon and Shawn the morning, so I told her to pick me up at the hospital at 2. He had to be at work then.
Zac had told his parents we were married and they’d not taken it well, I felt bad that they were disappointed in him because it really was my idea. I’d done a lot of holding and trying to make him feel better, although I wasn’t entirely sure why. He had left early because they were going to do a Christmas video to be posted before hand, he only left because Shawn was about here and he knocked ten minutes later. I let him inside.
“Oh..wow…someone likes Christmas.”
“Made the mistake of telling him the last few haven’t been that great. Decorations, lights, he went all out. But it’s also his favorite time.”
“Speaking of…”
He presented me a large wrapped box, I had seen it when he came in but wasn’t sure what or who it was for and I took it but started for the tree, figuring it was for Christmas.
“Ella, it’s a late birthday gift. Open it now.”
“It’s okay.”
“I insist.”
I moved to the sofa so I could sit it at my feet and he sat it on the table top. It was pristinely wrapped and I was sure some professional did that, he had never been great with wrapping. I tore the paper off and inside was a professional art portfolio, complete with my name engraved on it, he even had me open it to the dozens of professional grade supplies. Paper, pencils, colors in every shade, and there inside sealed for their protection were drawings.
“You kept yours and how did you get these?”
“Julian kept them, I asked her for them and she handed them over. She said you destroyed a lot of the ones you did after I left.”
“You didn’t tell Zac about those did you?”
“I did. Why?”
“That’s why he keeps asking me what I wanted to be.”
There were dozens of images in here of people, animals, places, and even just random shit. I detected though that some of them were copies.
“You kept your originals?”
“Of course. The ones you had given me for my birthday or holidays I kept with me, they were something I couldn’t leave behind. Despite how I felt at the time I think I still acknowledged that you loved me deeply and leaving them just seemed like the wrong thing to do. Besides, when you blow up I’ll always have bragging rights.”
“When I blow up?”
“You told me when you were ten that what you wanted was to draw and make people happy. That you wanted to beautify the world. It’s a suggestion for a future career.”
“I haven’t drawn anything since I was twelve.”
He leaned over and kissed my temple. “Talent never dies Ella. I don’t want anything from you for Christmas except 1 thing. I want a drawing. I don’t care what you do, I don’t care how you do it. I won’t even be mad if it’s late.”
“But…”
“No buts, that’s what I want.”
He was asking for an impossibility, I hadn’t drawn anything in years beyond little doodles in the margins.
“For you I’ll try.”
“It’s all I ask and no copying this stuff either.”
“So mean. I am injured you know.”
“You can draw with your arm it’s not a full break.”
“What if I want to be a doctor?”
“Be whatever you want to be Ella.”
“Do you really think I made the right decision in staying married? Changing my name?”
“Yes, I do. As I told you before, I don’t know Zac as well as maybe Abby or Max do, but based on what you’ve told me, he might just be the right person for you. Like I said, if it doesn’t work out that’s fine. You both are aware that things went fast. Look around, if this isn’t trying hard I don’t know what is.”
“I hope you’re right.”
“I’m your big brother, I’m always right. So, are you ready?”
“Yep. Zac actually gave me a key so I am good to come and go now.”
“Perfect.”
I got my wallet and key and we left. We shopped first as he had a new lady friend he wanted to find something for and what he wanted was jewelry, I wondered if this was Zac’s sneaky way of having me choose something but he was looking at necklaces and bracelets, I felt safe. He ended up getting one of both, matching set.
“Anything you like?”
“I am not saying because I don’t much wear anything.”
He gave me a puzzled look but accepted it, we had a very nice lunch at one of those places with no prices and unlike Zac, I never even saw the bill or the tip! Since we had spare time we waited there at the restaurant.
“Did you ever want to find our parents? You knew them longer than I did.”
He was quiet for what felt like an eternity before he finally took a deep breath.
“I did find them about two years ago, I saw them once.”
“Just once?”
He nodded. “I wasn’t going to say anything but I guess you deserve to know. They didn’t really care about us Ella. They barely remembered me and it was just the annoying boy and Mom remembered having you but not anything else.”
“She is certain we’re related right?”
“Yes. Child services ran DNA on us both, sorry Sis you’re my full blooded sib and there nothing you can do about it.”
“Oh, let me contain the disappointment. So, they didn’t remember us at all?”
“Not really, few moments here and there. Apparently they were incredibly high the whole time.”
“I never really thought about them much, I guess the impending meeting of my, fuck, my parents in law had me wondering if you ever did. I wondered if they’d have reacted the same as Zac’s parents. He told them a few days ago, they didn’t take it well.”
“I’m sure meeting them won’t be bad. They’ll love you. They’re going to be disappointed in him, but really they love him and they’ll love you.”
“I don’t know about that, how do you tell a lady you married her son during a drunken wedding in Vegas, better…drunken wedding that was officiated by Darth Vader. I’m not sure she’s gonna just going to be all huggy and lovey.”
He laughed! “Wait..you saying Darth Vader married the two of you? Oh my god!”
“Laugh it up, go ahead.”
He did for several minutes and then I showed him the pictures we’d finally gotten.
“That’s just awesome. I wonder if Grace would approve of that later on.”
“Doubtful. Seriously though…I don’t know them at all. What if they hate me because of this? I practically dragged him in, it’s more my fault than his.”
“They won’t hate you Ella. Zac went with you under the same assumption. He’s as much to blame as you.”
“We haven’t said the three words Shawn, we’re married and only his parents, brothers, and their girlfriends really know. Abby and Max believe I filed for an annulment and moved in with Stella, Taylor’s girlfriend. He hasn’t even announced it! I don’t know how to approach a woman and tell her I married her son after thirteen days and I don’t even know if I can say that I love him.”
“Does you being married have any impact on anyone besides the two of you?”
“His family and you.”
“Does it look like I mind how your marriage occurred? I’m just glad it’s not one of those jackasses you dated before him. I would have a major problem with them. Besides, you love him and you know you do Ella.”
“No I don’t know if I do Shawn.”
“Can you sleep alone without thinking anything about him?”
“Not really.”
“Since he left this morning have you thought about what he was doing?”
“Couple of times.”
“When you’re with him do you feel like the world just stops, that you don’t ever want that moment to end?”
“Yes.”
“Have you ever felt that way with anyone else? Max? Newton? Simon?”
I had to think about that. “I did with Max. Even though I knew deep down that what we had was just sex, nothing else. Every time he went with someone else I died a little.”
“You loved him and you love Zac, you just won’t admit it to yourself or to him. Do I think he loves you? Yes. I’m sorry Ella but I don’t see Max sitting at that hospital for that long, he cried over you. He was crying when you were brought in, nurses there told me. If he doesn’t love you then he’s an idiot.”
“So totally wish you hadn’t left.”
“Me too.”
We finally left and headed to the hospital, he changed there and then headed up to start his shift and I waited in the front, least I was safe here.
Hey gorgeous – how was lunch?
I couldn’t hide the smile. It went very well. He told me he met our parents and how…uncaring they were. Guess it’s a good thing I never had time to know them.
He mentioned it to me too. They don’t know the awesome woman they let go, their loss. Will you be home for dinner or am I fending for myself?
She’s running late so I don’t know yet, plan for 2 and worse case I’ll have it for lunch tomorrow.
Deal. You know if I were there we could play doctor…
Like you don’t twice a day anyway! It totally feels weird to have a bra on…
You could have left it off…I tried to get you too.
I don’t need to flash peeps honey.
After I hit send I realized I’d put honey in there and I hadn’t really ever called him anything but Zac. Could Shawn be right? Could that be some hidden sign?
You can flash me any time. So…Ike is nagging me…he wants to get you something but he doesn’t know what you want. Suggestions?
I considered that for a moment because there wasn’t much I wanted really.
Are you with him or will he be alone?
I’m with him and we’re at the mall (HELP ME!!!)
Rofl – suck it up buttercup and deal with the mall. I had to last week with you and those decorations. As for suggestions…clothes really would be nice. You know how pathetic my choices are. While you’re there…I could *really* use something appropriate to wear to your parents.
Buttercup?! Please, stick to honey in public … you want ME to pick something out?!
Yes. Something appropriate for real..same goes for Ike’s choices.
Okay. *kisses* I’ll see you when you get home and if you have any issues call me.
I will buttercup. *kisses*
Abigail was pulling up as I put the phone away, buttercup, what a nickname to give him but I would kind of keep that one more private. I walked out and got in her car.
“You look…good. Why am I picking you up here? I figured it would be the bookstore.”
“Shawn took me out a bit and he had to be here at 2, you are late.”
“Traffic. So…you’re still talking to Shawn?”
“He’s my brother Abby, you know how I felt when he left and I just…I can’t be mad at him.”
“Yeah, I just fear he may leave again, that’s all.”
“Understandable. So, what are our plans?”
“Shopping, what else?”
Great, more shopping. “I guess that’s good, I need to find something for Max anyway.”
“You could just go back there.”
“I’m fine where I am.”
She thankfully went to a different shopping area that where Zac and Ike were. Truthfully, I needed something for Isaac also, but I didn’t know him that well.
Buttercup…wth can I get Isaac?!
He was bitching the other day about not having anything to “organize his stupid ass desk” his words. So, perhaps something along those lines? Clothes are always a plus for him too and contrary to belief he is an avid reader and loves historical thing.
Thanks – will his girlfriend be there too? Nicole is it?
It is Nicole and yes. Isaac said if you pick something for her she loves clothes and fancy/frilly items. She’s a girlly girl he said.
Perfect. I can do girly…mmm…there’s a cute little French maid outfit here..
Only if it’s your size this time :P
I smiled and put the phone away, Abby was giving me weird looks anyway, considering she knew how many friends I had.
“What does Max want?”
“He gave me a list of things, did he not send you the list?”
“No.”
“Oh, well he loves video games obviously. He said he wanted a new computer but he’ll have to get that himself.”
“No kidding. Those things are expensive.”
“So, that’s not the phone on his plan for you.”
“I’m on Zac’s plan still, the phone is on a plan so he’s pretty stuck with me until the end. Max apparently threw mine away anyway.”
“You know they can remove you and put you on your own plan.”
“I can’t afford my own plan, not with Verizon. He insisted and I didn’t argue nor am I going to spend all day talking about it.”
“No calls from Simon?”
“Nope not since I got the new number.”
“Good. So, I was thinking about getting him some video games, he has like 4 listed. But here is the list.”
He had pretty normal things, games and clothes mostly. Which I knew he had a shit ton of clothes already, way more than I ever had, so I opted to pick a few games. I was shocked we found the ones we did, considering how busy they were.
“Anything else you need to grab?”
“I have yours already and I got to find something girly and something that I have no clue about.”
“Something girly?”
“Yes.”
“What size?”
“That’s a very good question.”
I shot that text to Isaac myself because he may not want Zac to know what size shirt or pants she wore, and he was more than happy to send me her size, which was mine. Should be easy enough, he did indicate she liked girly but more professional like girly. Thank god Abby was with me to pick that out. I also got some accessories to match the outfit.
“What about this other person?”
“Desk organizers which seem a bit strange for Christmas but it’s what he bitched about apparently, clothes or historical related books.”
“Do you even know these people?”
“Yes.”
They technically were my brother’s and that meant I had to put effort into the gift, I couldn’t just do gift cards. Which, Abby was planning for most of her family and I was sure mine would be a gift card too. We wondered around the organization aisle and I was trying to find something that fit with Isaac’s tastes, something professional and I finally found a very nice set but it was also very expensive.
“That’s…wow.”
“Yeah…”
I knew Zac had gotten little things for him but nothing extravagant or expensive so I took a picture of it and sent it, I was basically asking permission to use his credit card that he had given me.
You know…when I handed you the card I didn’t mean you had to ask to use it. That is perfect. He will love it.
Abby looked freaked out when I picked it up and checked for any damage before carting it.
“Are you insane?”
“No. It’s the perfect gift.”
Really, it wasn’t much below what I’d spent on her and Max, so she had no bitching room. Stella had asked me last week what we could use and I’d said towels, because Zac had like 2 and she’d gotten household items too because it’s what she asked for. I did need to get Zac something but I was rather afraid to pick it out now, yet when else was I going to get it?
He was rather easy to buy for because he liked video games too, but I had gotten them already and had them wrapped already. But I did want to find a few nice t-shirts or something. Vintage bands t-shirts and Abby surely eyed me then.
“Gabriella. Who are you buying things for?”
“Well, there’s Isaac and his girlfriend, I’ve already gotten Taylor and Stella’s, I need to get Zac something too. I will see them all and I know there getting me something.”
I for sure knew Zac was, I’d seen the items wrapped under the tree already, boy moved fast!
“You’re still coming over Christmas Eve right?”
“Yes. You said you’d be with your mom Christmas day and he was going with you.”
“Done?”
“Yes. I need to get something for his parents but I have no clue what to get.”
“His parents? Whose?”
“The boys? I’ll be going to their parents house.”
“Oh. Never met them.”
“Neither have I.”
We wondered around for a while and I picked up a few items that Zac had mentioned but I just wasn’t sure what to get. I was rather pleased when Zac text and said he and Isaac had picked out something for them that can be from me. I was relieved.
“Are you getting Shawn anything?”
It reminded me that he’d included paper but I wanted the bigger tablets, so I diverted and she swiveled to follow me to the craft aisle.
“He said he wanted one thing from me.”
“What was that?”
I turned down the art aisle and the easels and tablets. “He wants me to draw something for him, he doesn’t care what.”
“Gabs come on, you gave that shit up. It’s not for women.”
“It’s all he wants and I told him I would try, for Christ sake he brought me a portfolio and everything I’d need in professional grade levels.”
It hit me then that I’d left it sitting on the coffee table, but Zac was bound to find it anyway, it was huge!
She shook her head and I scanned for the right size and finally settled on a larger one. We then headed to check out, I sent her first because she had less than me and I had to split mine. I ran mine first which was Max and Zac’s basically and the rest would be on the card he gave me. The cashier was patient and I handed her the card, I saw Abby’s shocked look because his credit card was custom made with Star Wars on it, he promised me the one he ordered me was not going to be that way.
I had to show her my ID and sign. “Thank you Mrs. Hanson.”
“Thank you for being patient.”
“No problem. Have a good day.”
I got the bags and followed her to the car but she must not have heard the lady.
“So, where are we going? I don’t know where Stella lives.”
I heard it in her voice but I gave her directions to Zac’s apartment. I asked her to stop by the mailbox so I could check it, I was waiting on my new social card and for several bank and credit cards, Zac was very fast with this stuff and I wondered if he didn’t submit the request weeks before. I got my new bank card, got one from his bank too and the visa card. I was rather shocked they all came. As we pulled up to the building Zac sent a message and said he was headed home and would be here in about twenty minutes or so. That was good, maybe she’d be gone before he arrived. Yet, she parked next to Max’s car and I sighed.
“You told him where we were going?”
“He wants to meet Stella and see the place, you can’t blame him Gabby. You haven’t even told us the address.”
“Well, Stella isn’t here.”
Mostly because she didn’t live here but I didn’t say anything else. Max gave me a hug when I was out of the car and the two of them got the items I had purchased. I got the bag with the t-shirts because I wanted to put them up so he didn’t see them. I let them in, directed them on where and I didn’t really think about it, I just dropped the mail on the kitchen counter and went to put the t-shirt up in the storage room.
“Her apartment is rather manly.” Abby said.
“Very manly, but the decorations are extremely well done, she went all out.”
I was trying to find a spot he wouldn’t look in and I finally found one and put them up. I then returned but they were both standing there holding envelopes in their hands, envelopes that were on the counter.
“It’s odd that Stella gets mail with Zac’s name on it and nothing with hers.” Abby said.
“Even odder that you’re getting mail with the wrong last name.” Max said.
I plucked the two envelopes from them. “It’s also very rude to go through other people’s mail uninvited.”
“This is nowhere near Taylor’s apartment and you said Stella’s building was a few blocks away. Taylor is miles from here.” Max said.
“Oh, I guarantee you it’s not Stella’s apartment. Bet you the bedroom is just as manly filled with men’s clothes.”
She started to go down the hallway and I stopped her. “What the bedroom looks like is really none of your business.”
She blinked. “What the fuck is going on?”
“Why does this say Hanson? Your last name is Frost, it always has been since I’ve known you.” Max said.
Fuck! This was totally not how I wanted them to find out. Would have rather it be after the holidays because I didn’t want everyone mad at me before Christmas. I didn’t want to ruin Christmas period.
“I got it changed.”
“You got an annulment to this sham of a marriage, you told me you did. They wouldn’t change it after that.” Max yelled.
“No, you assumed I did! You never really asked you just congratulated me on it and moved on with your conversation and you don’t need to yell at me. I’m not across the room.”
“You may as well be! How many times do you have to be hurt before you realize that he doesn’t give a shit?”
“I’m not arguing about this. It was my choice and no one has to live with the consequences of that choice but me. You don’t and she doesn’t. Just me!”
“Wrong. We get to hear you whine and cry about it when he becomes an asshole and cheats on you.” Abigail said.
“Like I did with who?”
“You did when Shawn left, asked me a dozen times why he left. You knew why Gabriella! Max moved in and you stopped obsessing over Shawn and moved on.”
“I was twelve, I haven’t whined nor have I cried to you about Newton or any other man except Simon and that was because you both basically told me to tell you.”
“We couldn’t provide help without knowing. So, I assume this is Zac’s apartment and not Stella’s? I guess you were just stupid enough to move in, it’s going to make getting this marriage annulled even harder.” Max said.
“I’m not filing for an annulment Maxwell, so where I live doesn’t matter. I knew when I chose to change my name and come here that an annulment would be off the table.”
“So then you are just being a stupid child about this situation?”
“Why is it a big deal? If it were Simon I could understand, Zac’s not Simon you told me that!”
“Because it’s a stupid decision! It doesn’t matter who it is.”
“Was having sex with you a stupid decision?”
“You know damn well it was Gabriella. You knew all along that it was just sex. That’s all you wanted remember?”
I heard the phone gone off but I wasn’t about to stop and answer it now.
“I asked for once. I recall you didn’t have a problem claiming my virginity then and if I recall you came to me the second time and the third time.”
“Yeah, I regretted that after a while and I should have never come back.”
“So you’re what? Just living here with him? I assume you don’t just sleep on the couch either.” Abby asked.
“As his wife I sleep where I should be, which is beside him. Pretty sure your next question is sex related and honestly it isn’t any of your business either.”
“Oh please, we don’t have to ask who you are fucking. It wouldn’t shock me if you haven’t fucked them all already. Sure Zac wasn’t the first and doubtful he’ll be the last.”
“You need to seriously back off Max. You keep acting like you’re my father or some shit.”
“Sometimes I need to be! So I can beat your ass until you understand what bad decisions are.”
“Max.” Abby said.
“It seemed to work, Simon kept you in line for three years. No drugs, no being a whore. You basically have been that since you were fourteen. If I’d know once would turn you into a whore I may have suggested it sooner.”
That hurt a lot more than it should have. “Get out. Just leave.”
“I’m not leaving without you, someone needs to stop your downward spiral before you really get yourself killed or something. You claim the men came for a floppy disk? Please, those are so outdated. Are you sure you just didn’t invite them over and things got out of hand? Didn’t want to tell your new husband what a whore you are so you make it up? I’m sure you know the names of them all.”
“I’m not going any fucking where with you. I know what happen I was there and I wouldn’t ever invite some jackass over to stab me or try to kill me. What the fuck is your problem? YOU got me the fucking job with them! You knew how he was and you still said it was fine. Neither of you have any fucking right to tell me what I can or cannot do, you’ve been fucking each other behind my back for a long ass time. Don’t even try to say that it was right before, you’ve two have been fucking before we were. Why not just fucking admit it?”
“Gabriella.” Abby said.
But he moved her rather roughly away and he moved so close to me. “You’ve always been a whore, you just won’t accept it. Your proper place is some street corner. I won’t allow that bullshit. Simon had a point with you, control is important because you cannot make decisions. It’s time we go. You don’t need anything from this house.”
“I’m not going anywhere so you can back up.”
I never thought he’d actually hit me, but the slap came from nowhere and was hard enough to send me into the kitchen counter. I felt the explosion of pain from the edge of the counter and I was pretty sure there would be a bruise there now, assuming the stitches didn’t come undone. That was not going to be easy to explain to Zac! The counter did keep me from falling to the ground and as it turned out I wouldn’t have to tell Zac. I heard him say Max’s name and that was a moment before Max was laying on the ground, knocked out. I blinked.
“Baby?” Zac asked.
“I’m okay.”
His fingers under my chin felt soft and warm as he checked the side of my face and I was sure surveyed the redness in my face. He also checked the bandages, Abigail stood quietly as he made sure I was okay.
“Are you okay Gabby?” She finally asked.
“She’ll be fine. I however have a good mind to call the police and have him thrown in jail for assault. Why the fuck is he even here?”
“I thought the address was Stella’s, he just wanted to see where she was. I didn’t think…We didn’t know she was here or that she changed her name.”
“Yeah, this is why she didn’t bother to tell you. I think you should get him woken up and you should leave.”
She glanced down and then back up at me. “I don’t…”
I walked to the tree and got the gift I’d gotten and handed it to her. “Just go. You obviously agree with him so I guess the one person I thought was still my friend isn’t.”
“Gabriella.”
“Don’t.”
I turned and walked to the bedroom because my side was hurting and I really just didn’t want to bother anymore. I went to the bedroom and laid down, waited for him. I knew Zac would come to me when they were gone. I could hear voices, male voices before the door shut rather hard. I couldn’t make out what they were saying though, not clearly. A few moments after the door shut he was sitting beside me on the bed, clean bandages in hand.
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah, stitches are fine but I couldn’t really see well, I know you didn’t in there either.”
He took a few moments to check them well, make sure none were pulled before he put clean bandages on them both.
“If you do feel bad or it continues hurting then we do need to go see a doctor.”
“I…I never thought he’d ever hit me. He was so pissed off with Simon when I told him how he would. I don’t know what’s gotten into him.”
“Abby wouldn’t take the gift with her, they’ll be over Christmas Eve but I flat told Max if he couldn’t keep his insults to himself then he shouldn’t bother to come.”
“I don’t even care right now.”
He kissed my forehead. “They’ll eventually get over it Gabby. They just have to accept that you are an adult and you are capable of making good decisions.”
“Rarely capable.”
“Always capable, you’ve made good decisions your whole life. Just you didn’t make well informed decisions.”
“So that’s the difference? All of my stupid ones were not well thought out?”
“Yep.”
He pulled me gently in for a hug. “Now, how about we just go grab dinner or Chinese takeout if that’s better.”
“Take out is better.”
He made the call and placed the order and I showed him what I’d gotten for them but not his. Once dinner was done he settled in for a movie and I snuggled close to him, it really was a pleasant feeling to know he’d be there. I didn’t even remember falling asleep, but I must have. He woke me up when he was ready to go to bed and after changing and settling in I was back asleep.