Chapter 7: Feeling Blah

POV: Gabby

Word Count: 3563

March 2, 2009

Stella was doing very well but she it was hard seeing her break down when she finally saw the little that was left to her bookstore. The fire investigators ruled it an accidental explosion, resulting from a broken pipe outside the building, the fumes had finally backed up the line to the furnace inside where a spark ignited it. Causing the blow up, I wasn’t entirely convinced that Simon had absolutely nothing to do with this. But, the explanation made sense to me and Stella while concerned about Scarlet also accepted the reason, so I didn’t dwell. She and Taylor were dealing with the insurance people today and Isaac and Nicole were finalizing their cake designs, flowers, and other details so we called the realtor to see if he had anything he could show us.

We agreed to meet him early but the first three houses of the morning were like the last two. The lot size was perfect but the houses were expensively done and therefore the price was above our target budget. We stopped for lunch about 11:30 and the man talked and ate through lunch. He talked to other clients besides us, made plans for a lunch tomorrow, and somehow ate what he ordered and had like three glasses of sweet tea. That explained his hyperness!

He then diverted us to a subdivision near Hawthorne Park, the actual house was on West Matthew Street on the end. The lot size was small and I could see multiple neighbors on both sides.

“This was built kind of recent, three bedrooms single floor. There is no garage but you are literally steps to the park right there. Perfect for animals or children later on.”

The inside was nice but it was very small. Under 1500 square feet and it was also very dated, but the price point was right near our budget so it wouldn’t give much room for updates right away. Not to mention I could wave to the neighbors from one of the bedroom windows. The next house was close by on West Rollins Street, it actually had a decent lot. Single story house with a covered three space car port, it kind of obscured the front of the house but it was already fenced in. It was another three bedroom, small place and while the neighbors weren’t in sneezing distance it was still closer than we wanted.

He seemed frustrated with us and finally seemed to listen, but the next house he took us too was around Philbrook.

“Zac, there’s no point in us getting out of the car here.”

“Why do you say that?”

“I can tell you this is out of our range.”

He looked at the house but got out anyway, so I got out and followed him to the front door. Granted it had plenty of room, very nice house, but the price tag was over three million.

“Did we not give you our budget?”

“Ma’am, your husband is well known and I am sure the budget you set is more conservative but he seems to like the more glamour.”

“The budget I set is the one he set, just because his name is known does not mean you have the right to ignore what we are asking you for. The house is very nice but 16 thousand square foot is way the fuck too much for two people. Now, either you get off your ass and follow our fucking budget or we can find someone else.”

He seemed shocked and just stood there, acted like he didn’t hear me and when he turned to Zac and asked if he’d like a formal look around I blinked. Had he totally ignored me on purpose? Zac looked at me and shook his head.

“No, I think we’re done. My wife has a point, the budget was set between us and you have consistently showed us places we either can’t afford or they are in areas we don’t want. I think we’re done here. Thank you for your time but we’ll find another realtor.”

“This place is perfect.”

“No it’s not. It’s too big, it’s too much.”

I followed Zac out and we left, not really giving him much time to counter argue with either of us, he called the realtor’s office and he requested someone else contact us by the end of the week.

“So…we have the afternoon.”

“With nothing to do...we could break out some games.”

He was about to reply when my phone rang and it was Julian, so I answered.

“Hey, it’s been a few weeks.”

“I’m sorry! I knew you were busy with honeymoons and magazines. But, I was wondering if could come over a bit? Talk and catch up, you can meet my step-daughter. Who has asked me numerous times to meet you.”

“I’m with Zac right now, I mean I can drop him off at home.”

“No required, if he doesn’t mind being around a fan. Really Gabby, I think she’ll know who your married too when she sees you. Because she has the magazine and made me watch the interview a few times.”

“How avid of a fan is she?”

“She’s not obsessive or anything but there could be some excitement and stuff.”

I looked at Zac and he nodded, changed directions and I told her we were on our way. It didn’t long before we were parked and knocking and she let us in with a warm smile and the house smelled very familiar.

“Cinnamon. You made sugar cookies.”

She just smiled. “I wasn’t sure if they were still your favorite. I just took a chance.”

“They are still my favorite.”

She retrieved the tray of cookies, which were fresh from the oven and got milk, reminded me of the weekends when she and I made cookies. Reminded me what it was like to be happy then.

“Chloe should be home in an hour or so, she’ll ride the bus. It would give us a little time to talk and not be so rushed.”

“How old is Chloe?”

“Just turned sixteen in February. His son Caleb just turned 21 in January. Caleb’s son Aaron will be three in June.”

“I was wondering who and I figured the grandson was pretty young given the toys.”

“He’s a doll, she picked him up early though for a routine appointment.”

“The house feels the same, even if it’s not the same one.”

“Travis and I lived there for a year before we moved. The neighbors were just…they never…”

“They didn’t understand how you could live with him without knowing what he done.”

“Yeah. Pretty much. Honestly, I don’t see how I did either. How are you really?”

I giggled and ate a cookie. “I’m pretty fucked up. But it’s not entirely Jacob’s fault.”

Zac kind of chocked on his bite, but recovered quickly. She just kind of stared at me.

“Therapy has helped Julian, it really has. When I left I was pretty bad, I didn’t really have any direction or motivation to do anything. I missed Shawn, I didn’t understand why he left me there and it felt like he left me with Jacob. I told Shawn what he was doing but he didn’t believe me. Jacob said you wouldn’t. He didn’t get bad until I was over fourteen.”

“Why then?”

I picked up another cookie. “He saw me and Max, I guess that made it okay for him to move on.”

“The neighbor?”

“Yeah. I don’t talk to him anymore though. Really, it wasn’t just Jacob, it wasn’t just Shawn, it was a combination of everything. It was last year when I started therapy, there was a point where I understood that I wasn’t okay. I was only okay with Simon because he was so controlling that anything else was wrong.”

“After you left he seemed moody, paranoid even. I should have known when he pushed for another adoption, a girl only. I just thought he missed having you, I guess I was right in some sense. I really wanted to believe that she was the first. The police originally thought she was, but then others came forward. Neighborhood children, ten and eleven years old.”

“I never knew about them.”

“He confessed to you.”

I looked at her. “Shawn said he wasn’t charged with me.”

“He wasn’t formally, but part of his deal was that he admit to anyone he’d hurt. He named you.”

“Least he’s in jail.”

“His release is later this year, I can’t remember when.”

I blinked. “This year?”

“Yes.”

“Hopefully he’s learned his lesson.”

“I agree. So, how did you two meet anyway?”

Zac smiled. “My brothers hired her as the roadie for the tour in 2007. They put her in the bunk above me and I went to say no to that, thinking they’d hired a guy. I was pretty much done after September. I couldn’t get her out of my thoughts, so eventually I asked.”

“Best job I ever took.”

“Seems like you did good. I can’t deny I approve of him.”

I smiled. “I kind of do too.”

“So, aside from all the bad stuff. What’s been going on? Shawn said you were drawing again.”

We spent another thirty minutes discussing what we’d been up to in general and my artwork and Zac’s too. She seemed happy to know and she did ask about the therapy which I was still attending but not three times a week. She requested we stay for dinner before Chloe got home and we agreed. Chloe arrived at 4.

“Julian! There is a strange car in the yard.”

She walked past the door at first but I saw her back up slowly and look into the living room.

“Hi.” I said.

Zac just waved and she just stood there.

“You’re…and you’re….JULIAN!”

She came from the back with another tray of cookies. “It’s okay Chloe.”

“But..he’s..she’s…you…”

Julian sat the cookies down in front of us and I swiped a fresh hot one from the top, Zac just sighed. “You are ruining your dinner.”

“Have you tasted these?”

He swiped another one. “Yes, unfortunately.”

Julian was explaining to Chloe why we were here, she finally came in much calmer than she was before and sat down where Julian was.

“I can’t believe you are here in my living room.”

“Cookie?”

She snagged two and nibbled lightly on them, clearly nervous.

“You don’t have to be nervous Chloe, it’s okay. Julian said you were a fan, how long have you been?”

“Well, I was four when they came out originally and I’ve pretty much always loved the music. Daddy told me a lot that I always seemed happy when they were on. Over the years I got older and more of a fan of everything. But, Hanson has remained the top one.”

“We appreciate that very much.” Zac said.

“Where are the other two?”

“Isaac is with Nicole planning their wedding and Taylor is with Stella, she had a fire at her bookstore and needed to handle some business. We were house hunting and she fired the realtor.” Zac said.

“That was Stella’s bookstore that burned down?”

“Yes.”

“Oh no! I loved going there with my friends, she had a great atmosphere for just studying and reading. I’ll miss that place.”

“She did say she may reopen, it depends on the building manager too.”

“That would be awesome. She was so sweet. I knew she was dating Taylor, I’d seen some pictures before but that’s his private life.”

“You aren’t like most fans that I’ve met.”

She smiled. “I remember seeing the things they said and done. I must say that having a sister that is bad ass is kind of awesome.”

Sister? That kind of confused but Julian smiled.

“Biologically neither of you are mine, but you’re my daughters anyway. I know you really never wanted another sibling but tough. You got two more.”

“Shawn know about this?”

“Shawn?” Chloe asked.

“Shawn is my older brother, he and I were adopted at the same time.”

“I think I saw a picture of you with him. I think it was the zoo.”

“Yeah he had to save me from the big bad peacock. Those are super sneaky birds.”

“I don’t like them either, they are super pretty but they freak me out.”

“See Zac, I’m not the only one.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

We talked about the music, what she liked, she was disappointed that she wasn’t at the wedding but since I shared some other pictures she was fine. She understood the reason they didn’t bring her. She was respectful, well mannered, so nice and we fixed dinner leaving poor Zac alone with her for an hour. But, she was nice and they had a good conversation about video games and school subjects.

Travis arrived home and we got to talk some more and just kind of enjoy the afternoon. We had dinner with them.

“Chloe do you have homework? I know you want to visit but you should do that.”

“I do but it’s the dreaded math.”

I giggled. “Math was my best subject, let me see it.”

I really expected something more complicated but even Zac was rather amazed that I was able to explain to her how to solve the problem the right way and help her memorize how to solve them easier.

“You always were smart, I couldn’t believe the adoption agency when they showed me your grades. All the more reason I should have seen it. Are you still able to draw from memory?”

“I am, it’s improved actually. I can draw Zac from memory in virtually any position or pose I want.”

He groaned knowing full well most of those were nudes poses, but I could add clothes if I had too.

“What about Isaac and Taylor?” Chloe asked.

“I can Taylor um, not as easily as Zac. Isaac is my trouble subject, I can’t quite get his eyes right but I am getting there.”

Chloe smiled and I asked her for a sheet of printer paper, which she gladly handed over. I noticed her binder had a picture of Hanson on it, clearly she was unashamed to show her fan status.

“Is that your favorite picture?”

“Pretty much.”

“You finish your studies, I’ll handle this.”

Zac smiled and shook his head and while she finished her homework I created a new picture for her binder. I finished after she did and while she marveled at the picture, I looked over her homework right quick, clearing her. I signed her picture and she immediately placed it there.

“I so want to brag, but is this suppose to be a secret thing? I mean they didn’t mention where they went or whose wedding. I don’t want to brag and then…”

I smiled and looked at Zac, who smiled as well.

“You can tell people but they may not believe you. Although, more than welcome for a picture.”

Julian was nice enough to take it for her, putting her between us. She wasn’t quick to post it though, she had some other homework and while he and I talked to Travis and Julian a bit more she finished up her studies and then got herself ready for bed.

“She’s a good kid.” Travis said.

“She’s been super sweet all afternoon, I’m not use to that in fans! It’s so weird.”

“My son is still enrolled for a few more years, he wants to go career. We did tell him about you two and he was interested in meeting you but he’s not here right now.”

“That’s fine, when does he get another break?”

“Not for a bit, but he has one tour left and they’re going to station him close by but maybe out of state. I will miss Aaron is they move out of state. But, I understand.”

“We’re you in the military?”

“Navy, spent twenty years serving and retired at 38. Now, I just do some local security, it’s a good job and pays good.”

“How did you two meet?” Zac asked.

“Julian and I met in 2002 at Jacob’s trial. I was there to assist in security, fresh out of the Navy. We met in June and in 2004 we got married in June, on the 5 th. She told me about you and Shawn and how you’d both had left. Caleb was a little skeptical but he warmed up and so did Chloe. We usually split custody but she moved to the city and Chloe wanted to finish her schooling here. All of her friends are here and she loved this city. We agreed to let her finish school and she visits often and usually for the summer.”

“Shawn didn’t tell me anything about you, just that she asked.”

“He came around a bit but not often.”

“Shawn never really accepted new parents, he was defiant and never called us mom and dad, always our first names. But, I understood because he was older when you were taken.”

Chloe was up-stairs showering and getting changed so I felt safe asking. “Did you have any knowledge or idea what happened before you took us? Do you know what happened when we were taken?”

She straightened up and that told me she knew something, usually meant she didn’t think I should know about it. But she sighed.

“I keep telling myself that you’re too young, but truth is you’re not. We asked the lady who handled the case what caused the two of you to be taken, she said you were thirteen months at the time. I also wanted to know about the past foster homes because it’s always a good idea to know.”

I waited and felt Zac’s hand on my back.

“They told us about the spiders and what happened, about them splitting you up initially, warned us that wasn’t wise. But they skirted the reason until I pressed it. The lady said that Shawn missed three days of school and they couldn’t reach your parents at all, so they had officers do a well check. They arrived at the home around three, are you sure you want to know this?”

“Yes. Shawn has told me some but I am sure his memory of that event isn’t that great.”

“The officers found the house to be a mess, dirty dishes all over the place, dirty clothes, just dirty. It smelled horrible. The report said that you were in a play pen area, in the living room. You were crying when they entered the house, Shawn was trying to give you a bottle of soured milk and you wouldn’t take it. He was in there with you, your parents were passed out in the bedroom, there was drug paraphernalia everywhere.”

“What else?”

She was quiet and I looked at her. “Julian, I am not a baby anymore. I’m not a little kid. I want to know the truth. Shawn remembers taking care of me but I can see it in his eyes too, he’s not telling me everything.”

“It’s not a pretty story Gabriella. Shawn was only five when you were taken. He told the officers he gave you bottles and tried to change you. The lady told me a search of the home revealed that Shawn had outfits because of school, ten total. You had four suits and no shoes. Most of those were dirty because they had no diapers in the house at all. Officers were appalled and it made them sick that they had gone on this binge and completely ignored you and him. Neighbors reported they hardly saw you at all and when they did it was Shawn watching you.”

“What happen to them?”

“I didn’t know until I met Travis, I asked him to look it up. They were arrested on multiple charges of child cruelty, child neglect, the DEA wanted to file attempted murder charges because neither of you were at a decent weight. You spent several days in the hospital with Shawn. It’s when they learned you were allergic to penicillin and amoxicillin. They were convicted because no one in their right mind would not convict. They got three years and probation, but I never met them.”

“Shawn said he found them, they didn’t remember me.”

Travis looked at me. “They didn’t want another baby, you weren’t planned or expected. I read the trial transcripts and he used that as an excuse. Neither of them truly wanted either of you. But as we’ve told Shawn and now you, we do want you. I wish that I’d been the man that adopted you and not Jacob. I would have never hurt you. No child deserves what he done.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

Chloe came down to say she was going to bed, said her goodnights to us all and headed to bed. Zac and I called it a night too and headed home.

“Why did you ask her about that?”

“I asked Dr. Cortez if it was wise for me to learn what occurred, Shawn had mentioned a lot and her account coincides. But, I knew Julian would know more. Jacob often told me no one ever wanted me, including my parents. I guess he wasn’t lying about them but he was about the no one ever part.”

“I’ll always want you.”

I smiled at him, but we both chose bed because they were going in early tomorrow.

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