The Independent

“You know, you can keep this up until your blue in the face but I’m still going to be the one going home to get fucked by your son so…” It wasn’t something that he should have said but like Kieran already warned, he was a bitch. “I’m still going to marry him and he’s still going to be in love with me so in the end, I still win.”

“Then let me give you a word of warning, free of charge. Relationships aren’t always what they’re cracked up to be. Fights, disagreements, screaming at the top of your lungs, nasty jealousy. Marriage won’t be much different.” Fiona simply smiled. “Soon, the honeymoon phase and that love will slowly fade until he can’t tolerate being around you.”

“oddly profound. okay, i’m going to let it slide.” georgia’s own mind was in no state to be thinking about anything other than her immediate circumstance. “shocking, considering his father thinks he’s the godfather.” she said dryly, a distracted hand combing through her curls. “you know what? your son has stirred up so much shit that i’m actually starting to like him. you’ve gotta admire someone who can kick up that much dirt in so little time.” seeing the look on the woman’s face, georgia steamrollered on, “….but tell me why you hate kieran so much. you know, i used to date him.”

“You can’t handle the flat fucking truth, leave.” The woman folded her arms across her chest and lifted one shoulder into a shrug, “Leaving a horse in an enemy’s bed is child’s play for Callum Chambers.” That man knew where to strike all the wrong chords with Fiona, he was basically Northside personified. “I would admit Josh is his father’s son, but his real flair for dramatics came from his mother.” Coming from the same former Serpent who turned heads whenever she walked into a room, it was true. “Really, god mercy on your soul for putting up with that.” She sighed, “Kieran acted like the nastiest fucking bastard to my son during school. Granted, it was for a single semester, but mama never forgives or forgets.”

Josh gave her a small smile, noticing how she looked him over so fondly as she often did. He tried not to roll his eyes, his mother always did choose random times to have her moment of silent sentiment before returning to the matter at hand. “I think it has a lot to do with trust, you should trust my judgment and trust that I have done everything I can to make sure that Kieran isn’t playing me. I know that they made my life a living hell but I also know how sorry they are, I know how much they’ve changed and how much they love me. I’ve had moments of doubt, don’t get me wrong but Kieran is — everything I need right now and I’m not asking you to forget what they did or even like them, I’m just asking you to be civil and not corner them or jump down their throat when you see them. I want you to just — keep your opinion to yourself and give them a chance to show you that we actually love each other.”

“I trust your judgement, baby, but what if there is even a slightest chance it’s been clouded by well-crafted lies and a large penis?” It’s astounding how she managed to say the statement with a straight face and without a drop of humor. Vulgar and blunt as it was, Fiona was being one hundred percent serious. “Apologies can’t erase past actions and it doesn’t change how I feel about them. For every single time Kieran and I are forced in the same room together, I’ll always see him as the rich trust fund little shit who bullied my child.” She released a deep breath, forcing away the tense knots in her shoulders. Being a bitch to Kieran wasn’t exactly worth losing her son. “And would acting...somewhat civil make you happy, Josh? I mean, I’ll try behaving, but they say something smartass to me and I’m pushing back.”

“I wouldn’t say it was a big heart, but there’s definitely something, he chooses to ignore it and that’s fine, I just wish I’d stop getting dragged into his bullshit choices.” Dillon stared down at his hands, confused as to where Fiona was heading with this conversation until it became abundantly clear. His heart skipped a beat or two again and he frowned at the woman, “Are you asking me to kill my dad?”

Parents’ horrible mistakes sometimes if not always bounced back and affected their children with unnecessary consequences. Callum’s penchant for mayhem snowballed a chain of events that almost ended in his son’s death, which she couldn’t bare being party to. “I’m not asking you to bloody your hands and commit patricide.” Fiona placed both hands along the small foot board lining the bottom of Dillon’s bed and leaned forward. “A lot of people are gunning for your father’s head. I’m asking if you will stand idly by and let them...or give me permission to do it myself.”

Josh opened his mouth, but her words surprised him and perhaps they shouldn’t have, but he’d never expected to hear them. “Because you are still my mom and even if we barely see each other anymore and even if you drive me completely insane when we do, I love you,” He responded easily, shaking his head with a frown, as if it were so obvious. “Look I get it, trust me, I get it but I’m not a child anymore and I have never let myself trust or even remotely like anybody because I’ve been so concerned that they’ll do something to make me regret it. I’ve been so cynical over the years and that didn’t stop when this all started with Kieran. It’s completely out of the blue and maybe a little reckless but — I need you to be open minded and at least trust my opinion and my decisions because even if you don’t like it, I’m still going to love them and I’d rather not strain our relationship anymore than things already have.”

He managed a small smile, though he wasn’t so sure where the amusement had come from, he truly believed the statement Fiona offered, perhaps it was the morphine, “You got it,” He murmured regardless. It provided some comfort to know that not every Southsider wanted him dead at the moment, what Callum had done was unspeakable and while he couldn’t blame them for the reaction they had carried out, it didn’t mean he wasn’t resentful or even frightened for his life now. Dillon’s heartbeat picked up, the machine to his right beeping louder and louder, hitting his last nerve with every shrill sound. The boy sighed and he shook his head, “You know sometimes there’s — there’s a brief moment when I think he’s gonna say or do something that’s… that’s like the human thing to do. But it’s almost as if he notices it too and he just squashes that moment like a bug and continues to be a dick.” He knew he hadn’t answered just yet but Dillon was still wondering if there were any excuses at all that he’d accept for the hurt Callum caused by showing no interest in the life of his son. “No — no I don’t, not anymore…”

“Mom,” He breathed, wiping his hands down his face, “I’m only gonna say this once and I want you to hear me… My relationships, who I’m sleeping with, who I move in with, who I’m dating, who I marry, is not your business. Not yours, never yours. Stay away from Kieran, don’t even so much as breathe in his direction or this relationship, as meaningless as it is, will cease to exist.”

“Yeah, and if it is as meaningless as you say, why still call me mom?” No doubt it stung knowing her son thought so little of her when it came down to the root of the problem, but Fiona couldn’t love him any less. She was still his parent and nothing erased that. “Always jumping straight for the threats, you are your mother’s son.” She placed a hand over her heart and shrugged. “I don’t like Kieran, Josh, I don’t trust him around you. And just because I can’t stop the marriage in its tracks, doesn’t mean I’ll ever hide my distaste.”

Dillon shifted uncomfortably in his bed, staring up at the woman as she spoke. It seemed as though Fiona was feeling emotional, though he couldn’t entirely think of a reason. His brows knitted together and the boy let out a soft sigh as she looked out of his window. He didn’t understand what this was, perhaps some misplaced emotion for her own son, especially given everything going on with Kieran right now, but he appreciated the sentiment none the less, he even felt guilty for a moment for doing what he was with Dalton, before realising their relationship was long over. “Thank you… for caring that this happened to me, it’s… it’s nice.”

“Let’s just say you are one of the few who have caught me in a weak moment. I’d suggest keeping your mouth shut about it, though, cold hard bitch is a reputation I’m determined to uphold until the day I die without tarnishing.” While that fact was a small joke, it was also partly true. A well-known woman showing humanity in Reston wasn’t always considered a vulnerability. “I know, you’re surprised I’m not shooting you death glares or smothering you in your sleep with a pillow. Both of which I’d never blink an eye of hesitation with a so-called enemy, but my fight isn’t with you.” Fiona sighed softly, “I can’t know what you must be thinking realizing your father’s throne is more important than family, but I believe it’s the worst feeling imaginable. I’m going to ask two questions of you, Dillon, your answer to the first will dictate if I should bother asking the second.” She paused, “Do you believe Callum is redeemable?”

“I don’t know. I mean I could still be making your sons life a living hell and instead I’m at home playing house husband cooking him dinner.” Kieran offered a shrug of his shoulders, “Just because I’m with your son doesn’t mean I’m not a bitch because I claim that title proudly.” Only a Lancaster would claim something negative as a positive. “Your son is happy, probably for the first time in a long time and you’re getting pissy because of your choice of partner?”

“That doesn’t make you a changed person.” Fiona counter-argued. While people made claims a good percent of the time, keeping to the promise and following it through to the letter were two very different things. “Bitch is too weak of word to describe you, Lancaster. Don’t believe there is a proper one.” She released a scoff, “Why does that strike you as a shock? I don’t like you ergo I’m pissy about his choice.”

“wouldn’t trade my hometown for any other.” her voice had the signature acerbic edge georgia was known for. she knew she should be more hurt by the older woman waving her mother’s death away with a hand, but georgia sincerely didn’t want any type of emotion from this woman. it would be too weird, and out of place. she was already walking into a mess, it didn’t need to be the twilight zone also. “alright then, catch me up. and i know about dillon by the way, i’m visiting him in the hospital soon. if i ever find the bastards that did that…”

“Sad how that all works out, isn’t it? We suffer through the worst this world’s thrown in our direction and take it with smiles on our faces.” Doing the exact opposite of the philosophy would likely drop Reston’s population to about five people who would die in the same town they were born into. “Visited him early, I say his mind’s more of a mess than those injuries.” Is that the truth with everyone? “Aside from Callum pretending he’s the biggest dick to walk the planet, my son’s getting married to a kid I despise.” 

“the impression kind of came from the venom you were spitting at that girl just moments ago, but i suppose it also comes from the state of this godforsaken town. nobody really has their shit together here.” and now, finally, she was one of them, completely lost and planless. though she would try like hell to pretend that wasn’t how it was. scoffing and shaking her head at fiona’s answer, georgia half rolled her eyes. “no thanks, shockingly, you’re not a comforting figure in my life.”

“Welcome to Reston, where nearly everyone fakes having their shit together.” Fiona’s air of confidence didn’t make up for the fact that she was one of those people sometimes. Although, it never stopped her from succeeding in fucking demolishing anyone. “Good, I don’t do consoling.” The woman waved a hand as a way to dismiss the subject entirely. “How about I play catch up with you on our quint town instead?”

“No, just my relationships. I’m guessing you’re just choosing to ignore the voicemail I left you.”

I heard it, I just prefer face-to-face confrontation.” Oddly enough, she made a bet with herself how long it took for Kieran to spill the beans on their conversation. It was later than anticipated. “Have something you’d like to say to me, dear?”

He stared at her for a moment, attempting to figure out how a relationship between her and Dalton ever worked. Dillon wondered how the woman would react if she found out about the two of them, or did she know already? His eyes narrowed and he shrugged his shoulders, “I’d prefer if you didn’t pass comment on my parents, or my mom at least, have at it with my old man, he hasn’t been here once, bit of a wasted effort on the Serpents’ part.” Dillon glanced around, picking up his cup of water, hands trembling as he did, “I feel like – I’m lucky, but would I don’t think it would have made a whole lot of difference if I hadn’t been so lucky.”

Fiona knew how this looked. The former queen serpent coming to visit the son of the Southside’s supposed enemy after he was run over by a a couple of impatient snakes could understandably arise suspicion, but she wasn’t here to threaten. “I guess credit is where credit’s do when it comes to your mother. She’s put up with a bunch of shit I’d be aching to lift a finger against.” Fiona’s heels clicked along the linoleum floor while she glided over to the window, the world and it’s craziness never ceasing. “You Chambers do know the power for underestimating, don’t you?” She turned and gave the boy a flickered smile. “It doesn’t mean everyone else can’t give a flying fuck about you when Callum doesn’t have the capacity.”

“I’m not claiming to be special. I’m not claiming to have done something others haven’t done before me. The only ones claiming things about me without knowing me happen to be you and Dalton. I’m not the same kid I was in high school.” It was the truth. If he was, this relationship wouldn’t have happened in the first place. “I’m not going to fight over your son like he’s some prized toy that I can’t let go of. Josh is a big boy and he can make his own decisions on what he wants to do with his life and right now, he wants a life with me, and I plan to give him the best damn life that he could ever hope to dream of.”

“You’re free to claim you’ve had a personality makeover all you like. People don’t change, Kieran, I thought that is the one lesson this town could have taught everyone who lives here.” Fiona liked to think she believed handing out second chances where others are different from who they were in the past was a possible thing when it couldn’t have been further from the truth. Men like Callum, Kieran, and even Dalton were still stuck in certain ways. “Did you rip that from a soap opera or are you simply talking out of your ass now?” Harsh as it might appear, it’s something she knew how to do well.

Dalton let out a heavy sigh at the question, “I think you should have stayed on Southside because it was his home. Nothing more, nothing less, and we don’t know if he wouldn’t have ever met Kieran because of that. Kendall’s Southside. Kieran would have crossed the border eventually.”

“I never wanted Josh donning a jacket. I thought moving us to the Northside would’ve made him safe, but it’s no better over here than it is over there.” No use looking back on the situation now, only forward. “Why do I feel like we’re pushing him further away?”

“The only choices that are hurting Josh are the ones being made by you and his father.” Kieran didn’t miss a beat in responding. “He went toe to toe with Dalton over me. What do you think he’s going to do to you?” It wasn’t a threat. He couldn’t make threats on Josh’s behalf but he saw the way Josh looked at his father let alone spoke to him when they were at the hospital and he could only imagine the choice of words Josh would have for his mother. “Don’t fool yourself into thinking that I’m taking the reigns without Josh’s knowledge. He knows what I’m doing and he knows my game plan and he knows that my choices are to benefit the both of us in the end. If I didn’t care about him, I would let Southside burn and I would let him burn with it. I care about your son more than I care about this myself, this town, or the two of you so don’t think for a second that I will let Josh go down with the rest of you.”

“Any choice we make he’ll have to understand in the end.” Sheer annoyance now replaced every bit of anger she previously felt, “Any level of fighting Josh dishes my way won’t be anything I haven’t contended with before. I’m his mother, arguments were as common as Sunday dinner.” Grudges were also commonplace, but so was eventual forgiveness. It didn’t always happen straight away and that was expected from two extremely stubborn people. “You know you aren’t the only one to say that or vow sacrificing everything for the good of this town, right? More than a fair share walked away in defeat or didn’t walk away at all, so nothing makes you particularly special.”

“I’m not rolling over on my back,” Dalton argued. “But I’m not murderer and I’m not killer. You know that. You want Kieran dead? That’s on you.” Dalton couldn’t hurt Josh that way and he couldn’t hurt Kendall that way. He already saw the wreck she was when Kieran got jumped. 

“I’d go to any lengths to protect Josh, that’s something you know.” Fiona’s gaze dropped to the floor and she shook her head, “But I wouldn’t risk having our son hate me forever if I tried placing Kieran six feet under. He’s going to be the one hurt in the end either way.” The woman looked up uncertainly, “Dalton, do you think Josh and I should’ve stayed on the Southside when I got him? He wouldn’t have met Kieran.”