The Storm

Lucy’s hand tightened on the phone. “What?”

“Honey, plug the lights back in or we are going to have one very unhappy little girl on our hands.”

Her heart began to race as she rushed over to the window. There, parked at the end of the drive, sat a dark vehicle. “Oh….” She snapped the phone shut then leaned down to plug in the lights.

Not bothering with a coat she simple shoved her feet into her boots then threw open the door. The sight that greeted her brought tears to her eyes. Bandit, bundled up in a red coat, was running through the snow around the lighted reindeer with Sam in hot pursuit. Nearby stood Gerard smiling as he looked towards Lucy.

“Oh my God.” Lucy raced to him. “You’re here, you’re really here.”

He caught her in his arms. “There was no way I’d let my woman spend Christmas Eve alone.”

Lucy hugged him tightly, “But how…”

Before he could answer Bandit ran up to them. “We fooled you Lucy. Daddy said you didn’t think we were coming. Are you really surprised?”

Moving out of Gerard’s arms Lucy scooped Bandit up. “I’m very surprised and very, very happy.”

Bandit giggled. “When daddy called you this morning I almost messed up.”

“Remember when I covered the phone?” Gerard explained.

Lucy nodded.

“We were already at the airport”

“But….”

He smiled, “We flew into Oklahoma City. I tried Wichita first but no go. So from Oklahoma City it should have been a four hour drive but it took us six. I’m sorry I didn’t call but we really wanted to surprise you.”

Lucy sat Bandit down and the child immediately started running through the snow again.

“But the snow?”

“It wasn’t that bad down South. We really didn’t hit bad road conditions until we crossed into Kansas.”

“Oh Gee.” She moved into his arms again. “Still... it was dangerous.”

He hugged her tightly. “We drove slow and that beast I rented as four wheel drive.” He moved back to look into her eyes. “We had to get here. We had to be with you.”

Tears rolled down her cheeks. “I love you.”

“Love you too. I’ll get our stuff later let’s get inside. You aren’t wearing a coat woman and here you were making fun of me last time I was here without a coat.”

“I didn’t have time for a stupid coat.” She laughed.

As they walked towards the house Bandit took Lucy’s hand. “I love all the lights. Pretty.”

Lucy wiped her cheeks. “I hoped you’d like them.”

“I do.” Bandit clapped her hands excitedly.

Inside Lucy bent down to remove Bandit’s boots. The little girl was looking around in awe.
“Wow… look daddy.”

Gerard too was in awe, every available space was covered with brightly colored decorations and lights. “Christmas blew up in here.”

Lucy smiled then removed her own boots. “Yep, just like I promised.”

Gerard used the towel by the door to wipe Sam’s paws and soon the Lab was racing through the house following Bandit as Lucy turned on all the lights.

“Be careful.” Gerard called out seeing his daughter lift a snow globe.

“This is all for her.” Lucy said softly as she returned to his side. “She can touch anything she wants.”

Bandit sat the globe down then returned to Lucy’s side. “I have to go potty.”

“Come on.” Gerard led her towards the downstairs bathroom still overwhelmed by the Christmas decor. Once he’d showed Bandit the bathroom he rejoined Lucy. “This is incredible.”

“Maybe a bit overdone?” She smiled.

“Not at all. You’ve made a Christmas wonderland.”

“I can’t believe you’re really here.” Lucy whispered her heart was so filled with happiness she thought it might burst.

“Sorry about Bandit being so wound but she slept for the last couple of hours.”

“I’m glad.” Lucy smiled, “I’ve got dinner for us, and there is so much for her to see.”

He once more took her into his arms. “And we have so much to talk about.”

Lucy blinked, “I guess that’s true. Are you….”

“I’m more than okay now that I’m with you.” He said for now needing her to believe that fact.

“Daddy.” Bandit raced up to them. “There is a Santa on the potty lid. His eyes are open when it’s closed but when you open it his eyes are covered.”

Lucy giggled, “Well that’s so you can use the potty without him seeing.”

Once more Bandit raced off to explore.

“A Santa on the potty lid?” Gerard laughed.

“Made the cover myself.” Lucy nodded.

“Oh woman.” He took her hand to lead her to the sofa. “God, it feels so good to be here and we timed it just right.”

Lucy titled her head, “You did?”

He nodded, “Yep, called Clyde when we were almost to the Neosho Falls turn. I wanted to make sure you were home when we arrived.”

Lucy smiled, “I didn’t even realize at the time but he did hand me my coat…he was in on this?”

“Clyde knew we were on the way. He’d promised to make sure you went down to his bar so you wouldn’t be alone until we got here.”

Lucy giggled, “He did say something when I first got there about almost coming to get me.”

“Yep, he was in on the plan.”

“When did you decide all this?”

“After I talked to you last night Alicia came to see me.” He took Lucy’s hand in his. “She made it clear I was screwing things up.”

“What?”

“She asked me if I feelings for you had changed. Once I explained to her I love you with all my heart she told me how I’ve been making you feel…”

“Gee, I didn’t mean….”

“Hey, I needed to hear it and Alicia was only too happy to make sure that happened. I’m so sorry I made you doubt my love.”

“I was just afraid.” Lucy whispered. “You seemed different.”

“And this is why we need to talk…”

Unfortunately Bandit interrupted them. “Lucy, does the train work?”

“It does.” She walked over to the tree then sat down. “Okay, watch.”

Bandit sat down beside her.

“This lever is what makes it move and you can make it go fast or slow.” The train began to chug along the track.

Bandit clapped her hands, “Oh lookie. It goes all the way around.”

“It does and then it comes back. And there…” She pointed. “Are some little packages you can load into the train cars.”

“Daddy, look at this.” Bandit called out.

While he understood and loved Bandit’s enthusiasm he really needed to talk to Lucy. “That’s cool, B.”

“Can I try?” Bandit asked.

“Of course you can.” She scooted out of the way so Bandit could reach the controls.

“Woo woo chuga chuga…” Bandit sang as the train once more moved along the tracks.
Lucy hugged her than returned to her seat on the sofa.

Gerard once more took her hands in his. “Anyway….” His voice trailed off. There was so much he needed to tell her he was finding it difficult to decide where to start.

“You said you are lost.” Lucy whispered.

His hands tightened on hers. “Yeah, I’ve felt lost these past couple of weeks. I missed you so damn much but…”

Lucy waited patiently.

“The longer I was away…well I started thinking about my life and what the future holds.” He sighed “Damn this is hard.”

“Just start talking.” Lucy urged. “I want to understand.”

“Okay.” He nodded, “Before I met you I’d screwed up my life, it was a wonderful life but I almost threw it all away. You made me realize that. You pulled me out of the darkness.”

“You did the same for me.” Lucy whispered.

Gerard looked across the room at his daughter who was happily playing with the train. “The future looks so damn bright at times it’s scary but one thing in my life that has been a constant for years…one thing I loved so much has changed.”

Lucy honestly wasn’t sure where this was going.

“Being in a band was all I wanted for so long and I was blessed by the response we received and still do. But….” His voice lowered. “My feelings have changed…I think it’s time for a change. It’s time for me to move in a different direction.”

“Oh” Lucy whispered.

“Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I don’t love making music because I do. But my life has changed. Being on the road…it doesn’t bring me happiness anymore.”

“People change.”

“Right, but because I’m so close to the other members…hell one of them is my brother.”

“And you haven’t mentioned how you feel to them?”

“No, I’m afraid they’ll be hurt by this decision.”

Lucy thought a minute. “I’m no expert by any means but it seems to me from what I’ve seen that your music has always been real and pure. At least that’s how it seemed but the videos I’ve seen from the last few weeks are different. I thought I was just imagining it but…”

He smiled, “I’m glad you noticed. My heart just isn’t in it anymore. I still want to make music but on my own schedule. I want to work on my comics but mostly I just want to have more time with my loved ones.”

“You need to be honest with the rest of the guys. Maybe they feel the same way too but like you they are afraid to say it.”

“Maybe. But making this decision is even more than that.” Once more he glanced over at Bandit. “There is so much to take into consideration. The divorce caused me to liquidate a lot of my assets because I was determined to keep the house.”

Lucy frowned.

“I’m worried…I mean being in the band is a pretty steady source of income. I still have a huge mortgage on the house.”

His words sunk in. “The house. You’re worried about losing your house?”

“I’m not sure…I mean maybe with my comics doing so well and all but yeah, that’s a big concern.”

Lucy pulled her hands from his then folded her arms. “So you’re worried because you might have to sell your house?”

Her suddenly attitude confused him. “Yes.”

“So what if you did? It’s just a house.”

Now he was really confused. “But it’s the house your grandmother built.”

Lucy shrugged, “So?”

“But Lucy…what I saw in that house led me to you.”

“Fate led you to me.” She smiled slowly, “If you have to sell the house it doesn’t matter.” She looked deeply into his eyes, “If it’s what you want I’d live in a shoebox with you.”

A feeling of joy filled his heart. “A shoebox?”

Lucy nodded, “Yep, a shoebox.”

“Lucy I love you so damn much.” He reached out to caress her cheek with his fingertips.

“Love you too you silly man.”

“God, you have no idea how happy I am to hear you say that. I was so worried because I thought…”

“You thought the only way to get me to live in California was the lure of the house my grandmother built.”

He sighed, “Your visit at Thanksgiving worried me. I’ve been so confused, I mean on one hand I was worried about losing the house but at the same time I couldn’t help but worry because I wasn’t even sure if it mattered.”

Lucy spoke from her heart. “I’m sorry the visit left things so unsettled. Honestly I wasn’t sure when I left…I knew I loved you but…” She glanced over at Bandit who was adding little packages to a train car. “Once I got back here it all became so clear. Home isn’t a place it’s a feeling. I realized that what I wanted more than anything was to be with you. You are my home.”

Gerard felt a weight lift off his heart. “Okay then…”He looked over at Bandit. “B come here.”

Lucy wondered what was happening when Gerard whispered into his daughter’s ear.

“Okay daddy.” Bandit giggled then crawled onto the sofa between them.

Lucy’s heart almost skipped a beat when she saw Gerard pull a small box from his pocket then hand it to Bandit.

“Okay just like we practiced.” He whispered.

Bandit nodded as her little fingers opened the box. She took a deep breath then held it out to Lucy. “Me and daddy want to know if you’ll marry us.”

Lucy glanced down at the sparkling diamond ring. Immediately her eyes filled with tears.

Not understanding Bandit turned to her father. “She’s crying. She don’t want to.”

“Oh baby.” Lucy reached out and putting her finger under Bandit’s chin turned her head back to face her. “I’m crying because I’m so happy. I want to marry you and you’re daddy very much. I love you guys.”

Gerard exhaled the breath he’d been holding and Bandit started clapping.

Lucy leaned down to kiss the little girl’s cheek then lifted her eyes to Gerard’s.

“Can I go back to the train now?”

Gerard hugged his daughter. “You sure can.”

As soon as she was off the sofa he pulled Lucy into his arms. Another tear rolled down her cheek as he slipped the ring on her finger. “Another thing that’s been weighing on my mind is while I’m so damn proud of you for making yourself a happy life here I’m selfish, I want you with me.”

“And I want to be with you.” She kissed his cheek. “I want to be with my loved ones.”

“We’ll keep this house.” He promised. “It will be our place to get away.”

Lucy smiled, “Actually before all of this happened I’d decided if you still wanted me I’d move to California.”

“Oh Lucy I’m so sorry I made you doubt.”

“Doesn’t matter now. But I’d figured out a way to keep this house. I don’t know if you’ve ever noticed but Clyde lives behind the bar in a trailer.”

“I’ve noticed the trailer.”

“Well I talked to him and he said he’d love to rent this house and when we want to come here he’ll just stay in his trailer.”

Gerard smiled, “Seems you and Clyde have been making some secret plans too.”

“Yep.” Lucy giggled. “We did but I made him promise not to say anything if he saw you because I wasn’t sure you still wanted me to move to California.”

Gerard laughed, “Clyde had to know it was what I wanted. I’ve talked to him almost every damn day.”

“You did?”

“Sure, he was keeping an eye on you for me.”

Suddenly Lucy’s cell rang. She was surprised when she saw the caller ID. “It’s your brother.”

“Oh shit I was supposed to call him when we got here. He and Alicia arrived in Hawaii a few hours ago when they called me. B and I had just hit some bad road conditions so I couldn’t really talk but I’d promised I’d call him when we arrived so he wouldn’t worry.” As he was speaking he pulled out his cell phone. “Damn thing turned itself off.”

“So that’s why he’s calling me.” She smiled, “Did he know what you and Bandit were going to ask me?”

“Bandit told him.” Gerard laughed. He suddenly remembered. “Oh shit I’ve got to call Lindsey too. She wanted to make sure we arrived safely.”

“You call Lindsey, I’ll talk to Mikey.” Lucy smiled.

Gerard nodded. He understood Lucy knew it was important she and is brother form a good relationship.

“Hello?” She answered moments before the call was about to go to voice mail.

“Uh, hey Lucy.” Mikey didn’t want to ruin his brother’s surprise so he wasn’t sure how to proceed. However he believed Gerard and Bandit should have arrived by now. “So…how’s your Christmas eve going?”

Lucy wanted to put his mind at ease, “Mikey they arrived but Gee’s phone turned itself off.”

“Thank God.” The tension left his body. “I was worried but I didn’t want to tell you they were coming if they hadn’t arrived yet.”

“He’s calling Lindsey right now but I can have him call you back in a few minutes.”

“No” Mikey said surprising her. “That’s okay he doesn’t need to I’m okay now that I know they’re there. But you never did answer me…how’s your Christmas Eve going?”

Lucy giggled, “Wonderful, just wonderful.”

He still wasn’t sure… “So that’s good…”

“They asked me and I accepted.” Lucy said softly wondering how Mikey truly felt about this.

Mikey looked over at Alicia and smiled “I’m really glad Lucy. My brother loves you so damn much…welcome to our family.”

Lucy was touched by his words. “Thank you Mikey.”

“Congrats” Alicia yelled out.

“Tell her thanks.” Lucy laughed.

They spoke a few more minutes then as Lucy disconnected she was surprised to see Gerard handing her his phone. “Linds wants to talk to you.”

“Oh” She took the cell, “Hello”

“Hey Lucy.” Lindsey sounded very sleepy, she’d fallen asleep while waiting for the call. “Gee told me the news…I’m happy for you.”

Lucy smiled, “Thank you, Lindsey.”

“Merry Christmas”

“Merry Christmas to you. Uh, do you want to talk to B now?”

“Yeah, thanks.”

“Bandit, it’s your mommy.” Lucy said to the little girl who was still being a train conductor.

“Hi Mommy.” Bandit said happily then launched into a full description of Lucy’s house making sure to describe the train.

Gerard sat back down beside Lucy. “So how’s my brother?”

“He said he’s happy I accepted and Alicia is really happy about it.” She added with a beautiful smile, “He welcomed me to the family.”

Gerard’s arms tightened around her.

When Bandit was finished with the call she walked back over to her dad to return the phone.

“So are you hungry?” Lucy asked.

“Yeah” Bandit nodded.

After dinner even though the hour was growing late Bandit was still wide awake. Her dad tried to remind her that Santa would be coming soon but she was too keyed up for sleep.

Lucy was just putting the remaining ham away when Gerard whispered in her ear that he’d brought gifts for Bandit but they’d have to get them out of the car once she was asleep.

“I got her some things too but they’re hid in the closet.”

Bandit, who’d gone back in to the train returned, “Can we watch a movie together?”

To Lucy that seemed like a perfect idea. She wasn’t ready for this night to end. “I have some Christmas DVD’s by the TV. Why don’t you pick one out?”

The little girl raced off.

Gerard pulled Lucy into his arms. “This is really a perfect Christmas Eve, isn’t it?”

“It is because the people I love are with me.” She answered from her heart. “I still can’t believe you and Bandit are here. Why don’t you go get your suitcases and we’ll have B put on her jammies before we start the movie. I have a feeling she might crash before the end and it will be easier for us to tuck her into bed.”

“Good idea.”

“Go ahead and bring in the gift too. You can stash them in the downstairs closet with the others. I’ll distract her by showing her her room.”

“She has a room?”

Lucy nodded, “Yep, I’ve been very busy Mr Way. I fixed up the room I once used for her. Even painted it pink because I know she likes that color.”

“You have been busy.” He nuzzled her neck. “And we’re going to get busy once B falls asleep.”

Lucy giggled, “Yeah, that’s definitely a good plan but for now…it’s family time.”

He lifted his face to look into her eyes. “Family time.”

“I never believed…never dreamed I get another chance.” Tears filled her eyes. “But I’ve been given a miracle.”

“GUYS” Bandit yelled from the living room. “Come on.”

Both Gerard and Lucy laughed.

When they reached the living room Bandit was holding a DVD in her hand. “This one.”

“Okay” Lucy answered. “But first your daddy is going to get your suitcases so you can put your jammies on.” She took the little girls hand in hers. “Come on, I’m going to show you your bedroom.”

Gerard’s heart filled with happiness as he watched them walk up the stairs.

“Okay…here is is.” Lucy threw open the door.

“Oh wow.” Bandit’s eyes grew huge as she took it all in…the small bed with the pink net canopy, the pink walls and rugs…the small Christmas tree on the dresser. “This is my room?”

“It is.” Lucy smiled.

Bandit raced over to the bed which was covered in a pink comforter sporting Dora the Explorer. She turned to Lucy. “Can I jump on the bed?”

Lucy laughed, “It’s your bed…if you want to jump on it…” Her words were cut off by the sound of Bandit squealing as she jumped up and down.

“This is cool.” She landed on the huge pile of pillows. “I love this room.”

“I’m glad.” Lucy moved to take a seat on the bed.

“I like it here.” Bandit declared. “So tomorrow we’re gonna go play in the snow right?”

“We sure are. I have sleds that are ready to go.”

Bandit caught sight of Sam who had entered the room. “Can Sam sleep with me?”

“Sure”

“Sam will watch for Santa.” Bandit said sounding very serious. “Cause he’s gonna come tonight.”

“He sure will.” Lucy answered while wondering if Gerard had the gifts stashed yet.

“Lucy?” Bandit was suddenly solemn. “When you marry daddy what will I call you?”

Lucy understood that even at a young age divorce and remarriage was difficult. “What do you want to call me?”

Bandit’s brows drew together as she considered this. “I like Lucy. It’s a pretty name.”

Lucy hugged her. “Then you’ll just call me Lucy.”

“And that’s okay?”

“Of course it’s okay.” Lucy answered.

Bandit placed her hand over Lucy’s. “But I can be your little girl if you want.”

Lucy’s heart melted, “Thank you, Honey.”

“What are you girls talking about?” Gerard’s voice caused them both to turn their attention to the doorway.

“Just stuff” Lucy smiled.

He saw the tears in her eyes but could tell they were caused by happiness. “Good. Here’s B’s bag.”

Once Lucy helped B into her jammies they met Gerard in the living room. Lucy placed the movie into the DVD player then sat down on the sofa. Bandit crawled into Lucy’s lap.

“Do you like this movie?” The little girl asked.

“Believe it or not this was my favorite movie when I was a little girl.” Lucy said as “It’s a Wonderful Life” started playing.

Gerard had been slightly surprised when his daughter had picked out this movie believing she’d chose something newer.

A feeling of contentment fell over him as his arm tightened around Lucy’s shoulder. All seemed right with the world when Bandit snuggled up closely in Lucy’s arms. As time passed and the end of the movie drew near Bandit’s eyes were growing heavy.

Out of the corner of his eye a slight movement across the room caused Gerard to turn his head just as Zuzu was delivering her famous line….Look daddy, teacher says every time a bell rings an angel gets his wings.

Gerard’s eyes grew wide…it was a small crystal bell on the Christmas tree that was swaying gently.

“Oh hell” He whispered as the truth became clear. “Not a ghost…an angel.”

Lucy tilted her head up to look into his eyes. “Did you say something?”

Gerard’s heart was so full it took a moment to respond. “No honey.”

She smiled then leaned down to kiss the top of Bandit’s head.

Outside on the porch the figure standing at the window smiled, “Took you long enough to figure that out Amigo. It was always all about you Gerard not my Lucy. You were my assignment but I’m mighty pleased how it all turned out.” Rafe looked down at his companion. “Come on Rex it’s time for us to go.”

The dog’s tail wagged but made no sound as it hit the porch floor.

Rafe took one more look at the three snuggled up on the sofa. “It is time.” His smile was bittersweet. “Be happy my Lucy.”

Slowly he turned away. As the man and dog walked across the newly fallen snow not a track was left behind. In the distance a bell rang out welcoming Christmas morn and the promise of a wonderful life that was just beginning for those inside the small farm house.

Notes

First off I want to say Happy Holidays to all. I purposely planned the end of this story to coincide with the Christmas season…because I’m a silly romantic. However to be honest the very end where the truth about Rafe is revealed didn’t come to me until I was writing the last chapter but when it did…well, it just seemed perfect.

As this is the last fanfic I will ever write I want to take a few minutes to reflect on the journey I’ve taken. It seems right to remember. It has been a long and sometimes strange journey but one I’ve truly enjoyed. MCR gave me the chance to once more remember how much I love to write and for that I will always be grateful.

In 2006 I started my first story…a very long story that at times drove me crazy. When I first started posting “Looking For The Happily Ever After” I tried to post a chapter a day. It was crazy, I did tons of research but I couldn’t seem to stop myself. I swear the story went on for years. And while it was long and full of drama I loved it and the characters I created.

It was during that time I also started another story “We Like Movies”. This was my first attempt at erotica and was only meant to be a one shot. However, it was well received so I wrote a few more chapters. But since I can’t ever seem to stop my brain from working it became clear to me I couldn’t just write Gerard as a heartless bastard. There had to be a reason for his actions…so the whole murder mystery came into play. In my head I still call it “The dead chick story”. LOL

After that came “So Shut Your Eyes”. This was my first story with a touch of the paranormal. It wasn’t a long story but I loved Willow and her abilities.

Next was another long one… “Forever And Ever”. This story is one of my favorites because of all the characters I created for it. In truth Marcus was my favorite and again I loved the paranormal concept as well as the fact I got to write about one of my favorite places…Cripple Creek Colorado.

After that story came “The Way Home”. Again I used Colorado as my setting but in this one I also was able to add my love of the Native American people and their beliefs. While a lot of research was again needed I loved every minute.

Finally my last story… “The Storm”. I wanted to again use a place I love…Neosho Falls. Funny to say I love a ghost town but it’s true. I’m very pleased I had the chance to incorporate this town into my story.

But all good things they must come to an end. MCR is no more so my stories must stop. I will admit I’m saddened by this. Not long ago I was feeling sorta blue, thinking I’d stop writing, when a thought occurred to me…I could write the story Gerard was working on in “The Storm”. At first I rejected the idea but then it became a challenge. When I was writing this last story I had no plans to write any thing else so what he and Lucy talk about was really just random thoughts. So then it all became quite a challenge. I had to go back and see what I’d written about the story and try to work that into an actual book. Yep, I’m writing a book, the book he was writing. All I can say at this point is Levi truly moves to a strange town and an even stranger house with many secrets. Not long after he moves in he meets Claire…and the secrets began to be revealed.

I’m not sure what I will do once I complete the book perhaps try to get it published but that’s a long way off. The most important thing to me is I am still writing…which is what I love to do.
Well this farewell will be its own book if I don’t stop. For the final time…Thank you all for reading my stories. You have taken the journey with me and for that I love you all.