#joe macduff

Episode 135: Uncertain journey home

Some time later. Almost two weeks had passed. Two weeks filled with activity. Orlando spoke with Tessa and Alexander about the proposal, which they agreed to, and immediately afterwards called Bella. She and Mortimer, of course, also had to consider how everything would work at their home. But they quickly found solutions and agreed to the whole thing as well.

Dr. Nix also got things moving. In Pleasantview, he contacted the local hospital and a home care service that handles such cases and supports families whose loved ones are in a coma or need assistance due to another serious tragedy. Checkups, medication reviews, wound care if needed. Nothing would be lacking.

Everything was prepared, and time simply flew by. Finally, the day arrived when they were to go home, and they all met up one last time at the accommodation. "Well, on Robin's behalf, we would like to thank you all again most sincerely. For your support, for your friendship, and above all, for being able to help him so quickly. We sincerely hope that he recovers at home."

"Yes, we hope so too. He's a really great boy and hopefully he'll be back to his old self soon. We'll think of him every day." / "Thank you so much." / "Besides, he still has Alex, so nothing can go wrong, right?" / "Yes, that's true." / It was slowly time to say goodbye. Everyone got a hug and a few kind words were exchanged…

"Take care, it'll all work out, I believe in it. And maybe we'll see each other again sometime." / "Yeah, that would be cool, you're really okay, and hopefully things are going well now, but only with that one person, you hear?" / "Yeah, of course, something like that definitely won't happen to me again, she's great." /… Tristan and Alexander are very close musically, and also as friends now.

“I’d also like to thank you again, Marigold, for everything you’ve done for us these past few weeks.” The conversations helped me a lot.”/“And I’m glad that you’ve gained strength now. I wish you all the best, especially for the birth.”/ “Thank you.” The men have also become good friends with each other. Although saying goodbye was generally a little difficult, everyone is also looking forward to going home.

"Oh, Alex, I'm really going to miss you, and especially your music. You're really great, and I really hope Robin can sing that song someday. Thanks for playing it for us and reading the lyrics. You two make a great couple." / "Thanks. I'll send you a demo tape when we've recorded it." / "Hehe, that would be great. Have a safe trip home."

Alice also came by to say goodbye. "I know, I really should have contacted you more often…" said Alexander, lowering his gaze with a slight smile. "It's okay. I know everything now. I wish you and him all the best, okay?" / "Thanks, we can certainly use that." Even though the circumstances were anything but pleasant, Alexander was glad that the game of hide-and-seek was finally over.

Orlando and his wife were waiting in front of the house. "That young man is taking a long time." / "He has to say goodbye, honey. I hope the hospital gives us everything we need for the drive; it'll take us over six hours because of the huge traffic jam." / "It should clear up soon. I hope the ambulance can follow me." / "They have the address, don't they?".

The day is already almost summer-like. Together, they drove back to the hospital to help with packing. Tessa was allowed to ride in the ambulance, and Alexander rode with Orlando in his car. Who knows, maybe the change of scenery will trigger something in Robin—see you again soon in Pleasantview.

The evening of the school dance is here. Despite it taking place at a former barn, the students have found that they quite like the little bar.

“I saw them kiss.”

My hands shook as Drake spoke. Surely he had misunderstood what he’d seen. But then, I remembered; this had happened before.

Magic tingled on my fingertips, ready to be unleashed upon the world. I had to stay calm. For now.

I followed Drake inside the house and froze when I saw what he’d seen moments ago. Jules, talking to some woman of the Fae.

“It’s one of Rhiannon’s friends too,” Drake’s voice was hushed, but he prickled with anger. “Just you wait until she finds out.” His usually mild-mannered fiancee was nowhere to be seen, but I knew she would be nearly as angry as I was.

More than anything else, I was hurt. This had happened before. When we first moved to town, when I’d first met him. We’d started flirting, but then he’d entered a relationship with a woman who now hated me. I was there first. That was how I’d justified this toxic relationship to myself from the start. I didn’t know at first, but when I found out, I had convinced him to break up with her, because he had been with me first. Because I was a better choice. Maybe inwardly he had disagreed, or he’d only done it due to a fickle change of heart.

Whatever the case had been then, he was even more so a liar and a dirtbag now. My fingers grew hot and I knew I was about to lose control. Drake suddenly grabbed my wrist to ground me before I accidentally set the entire house ablaze.

“I’m sorry, Leah. I’ll send him outside.” Drake’s yellow eyes burned into me with an intensity I had grown accustomed to over the years. He’d always been serious and intense, even when we were children. Maybe a side effect of his curse.

I gave one solemn nod in response, though I felt myself slipping. My entire body was hot, and I felt the magic dancing along my fingers, my hands, my arms, like static electricity. Despite the heat from my powers, I had goosebumps.

Drake stalked over to Jules and began to berate him. Over the din of Jules’ party, I could barely hear what Drake was saying. But I did catch one line: “You better pray she forgives you, because if she doesn’t…” His eyes flashed, and a pale yellow glow emanated from them.

The other woman backed up, trying to gauge whether this was worth it. As I watched the pale glow of her wings fill the air around her, my heart burned with hate. It’s not. Not for you, or for me.

I took my leave then. I couldn’t bear to see more. Who knew what other venom my brother would spit at my boyfriend; but he deserved it. It didn’t matter to me what Drake said. Because I knew anything he said would be true. I would be lucky if Jules showed up out here in one piece.

I slowly walked down the porch steps, my hands still shaking. How stupid could he possibly be? To do this here? In my own house? While I was here, right outside?

Maybe I should end it. When the thought crossed my mind, butterflies filled my stomach and my heart leapt into my throat. I was afraid, but it was the right thing… it had to be.

While I waited, I let my gaze trail over the yard. Rhiannon’s fairy house was nestled against a great oak tree. The lights were off, and I wondered where she was. When she found out, she would be devastated by her friend’s betrayal.

I heard the front door open and close then, but I didn’t turn around. Quiet footsteps grew louder as they descended the steps.

A rush of magic surged through my veins, but I held back. I had to hear him say it first.

“Leah,” he breathed. My blood began to boil at the sound of his voice.

“You’re a liar,” I said. “I should’ve known when I found out about Alice. I should’ve just ended things there.”

“Don’t say that,” he whispered, placing his hand gently on my arm.

“Don’t touch me!” My fingertips glowed, and I instinctively raised them in a casting position, ready to fight. “Drake said you… you kissed her. How could you do that? Do you think I’m that stupid I wouldn’t find out about it? In my own home?” My voice was growing louder. I was humiliated, and I didn’t want people to know. But I was losing control.

“Leah, calm d—”

“Don’t tell me what to do!” My voice finally rose to a yell. I could feel my burgundy hair beginning to fly around in the breeze. The breeze I was creating, because my powers were yearning to break free. To destroy.

“Leah, please—”

Rather than let my near uncontrollable power loose, I relied on my hands to do the work. My open palm connected with his cheek before I even knew what had happened.

“Get out of my sight, you bastard. It’s over.”

Jules was frozen in place for a moment, stunned by my actions, but not entirely surprised. I could see his magical aura radiating off of him the way it did when he felt strong emotions. He was a witch too, but didn’t have the experience, the skill, I had. I had no fear of him, or what he might do, because I knew I could counter it. Not to mention, Drake was just inside, and Rhiannon would come if I needed her. Jules could do nothing and he knew it.

His eyes were soft though, as if he regretted his actions. It was beginning to dawn on him, what he’d caused. Even if he did possess the magical skill to defeat me, he wouldn’t. He still cared about me, deep down. He had to, even if he’d betrayed me.

meanwhile, joe is with bailey... I think these two even got married in my legacy game

gotta admit I’m glad their kids turned out more like bailey, as annoying as clones can be

tbh I was amused that she ended up with a guy that seems to be so “normal” as I figure her inspiration likely wouldn’t approve. although in his family he’s apparently the odd one out, so...

Episode 123: Camptime (Part 14)

Fateful trip - the Accident (2)

CW: Unconsciousness

4:48 p.m. After Robin and Joe couldn't find much fresh firewood in the nearby woods, the two unanimously decided to look further afield. Whenever they found something, they brought it to a specific spot and put it all in a pile to take back later. "Hey, look, is that a gem?"/"Yeah, there are plenty of them around here. You can take it."

Robin looked at the stone and then pocketed it. "That was a moonstone, by the way, it looks really precious when polished"/"Okay, and why is it called a moonstone?"/"Because it shines just as brightly as the moon at night…"/"Wow… Must look great, I'll definitely have it polished at home. Now let's move on. There's sure to be some more here, this isn't nearly enough…"/"Okay." Actually, Joe didn't really feel like looking for any more wood

At the campsite, Alexander has now finished his little cover song session. "Well, you can play really well, then the band thing will definitely work out later on." / "It'll just be a hobby for us anyway, a side job… I'm going to write books." / "Wow, and have you written one yet?" / "Yeah, it's already finished, I just need to find a good publisher." / "I think I know one. He lives here and writes stories himself, Chauncey Grimm, a little crazy, but really nice."

"Grimm? And he writes stories? He's not related to the Brothers Grimm, is he?" / "Heehee… People here suspect he is." / "He likes reading new stories himself, he's such a bookworm." / "Well, mine is less of a story and more of a summary of experiences… I processed my mother's disappearance and her return in it." / "Well, I'd like to read it." / "Yes, sounds interesting."

Some time has passed again. The search for suitable firewood continues. They ventured further and further into the forest. And Robin noticed that Joe had become quite quiet. "Oh man, you're really hard to talk to, aren't you? You were pretty talkative before, so why not now?" "We can talk… But… how about the truth for a change?"/ "What are you talking about?" Robin asked, pausing.

Joe slowly turned around and looked at him challengingly. "Well… about you and Alex? I know you're not just best friends." Suddenly, Robin felt uneasy in his stomach and tried to stay calm. "What… How, how did you figure that out?"/ "I'm sorry, but… Oh man, I saw you guys, okay?"/ "When?"/ "A few days ago in the woods… I followed you… I know I really shouldn't have done that, but…" Then it dawned on Robin… "Shit…".

Here was the moment Robin had been dreading all along. He didn't want the whole thing to come out like this, and it made him incredibly uncomfortable. "Why the hell don't you two tell the truth? That you're together? Okay, it's none of my business, but…"/ "Why did you follow us anyway, Joe?"/ "Because… I've had this weird feeling about you two the whole time…" he said honestly, pressing his lips together.

"Weird feeling, hh-h, and that gives you the right to spy on us? I can't believe it!" / "Come on, should I have just confronted you about it? You've been messing with us the whole time, man!" Joe had finally said what had been bothering him so much the whole time. And that was the only thing that bothered him, namely that the guys weren't being honest from the start.

"Don't you think the others should at least know that?" / "No, not now, and you're not going to run up to them and tell them, do you hear?" / "What's the problem? Are you afraid they'll make fun of you?" / "I… we'll make it public, okay, but not now and you shut up!"/ "I just don't understand you… And all your back and forth,"

Robin had to pull himself together first. And Joe continued speaking more calmly this time. "You never said what your actual problem was, only that you and your father had some kind of disagreement. Is it… because you're gay?" There was a brief silence in the air. And Robin knew he had to face it all now. Then he told Joe his whole story so he could understand it better. "But… everything's okay now… isn't it?" / "Yes, and I'll come out sometime later, okay? But can we keep looking for now?" / "Yes… and I'm sorry."… a little annoyed, but also almost a little relieved about this bombshell, the two continued looking for wood.

As they continued their search for wood, they didn't discuss the topic any further. And then, after leaving a tiny bit of way behind them, they came upon a remote and rather overgrown property… "Hey, how cool, an old building, must have been a factory or something," said Robin, curiously examining the building. "I've honestly never seen it before, I haven't been this far out yet…" / "I want to take a quick look…" / "Seriously?".

Robin continued walking toward the building. He was just too curious. Joe followed him with slow steps. "Well, I don't know, it looks pretty dilapidated…" / "Look around, there's lots of old wood here, right?" / "Well…" Joe took a step back and looked up at the old walls. "Oh man, if you're too scared, stay outside and look for something flammable." Then Robin turned around and looked briefly through the open door…It seemed as though no one had been here for a long time.

While Joe looked around outside, Robn cautiously walked into the old house. "Well, I don't see anything flammable here," he heard Joe call out at some point. Then Robin remembered that he had seen something else outside. "There were some wooden pallets, chop them up… Hey, this must have been a woodworking shop or something, there are just no workbenches anymore; they seem to have stolen everything." Joe answered him indifferently. "Well then…"/ "I'll gather a few things together, the more we have, the better." Inside, it smelled very musty; the wood had been corroded by the weather over the past few years…

Joe continued looking outside for wood… And he found a few of the old wooden pallets Robin had mentioned. These were also pretty decomposed, but they were still usable. The boys were still able to talk to each other in loud voices. "I'm just going upstairs for a minute." But Joe was too engrossed in his search to really hear Robin's last words… And then, just a few seconds later, an incredibly loud crash and bang came from the house, as if something had collapsed. Joe froze. "R-Robin…"

A thick cloud of dust billowed out of the house, causing Joe to cough. After it settled a bit, he could see again and went inside despite his growing fear. But the sight that greeted him made it hard to breathe. "Shit… That's… Robin." Once he was upstairs, he must have taken a wrong step, and the middle of the rotten wooden floor gave way, crashing down to the ground floor, along with the boy.

Joe recognized the seriousness of the situation but was almost overwhelmed. Nevertheless, he went over to him. "R-Robin, hey, can you hear me?" But he didn't answer. There were lots of large and small wooden beams lying on top of him. Joe came a little closer and listened… "Oh man, he's still breathing… how do I get these giant beams off? I can't do this alone, I… I'm going to get help, you hear, please hold on." And Joe ran—faster than he'd ever run in his entire life.

Episode 124: End of Camptime

Worries about Robin - Part 1

It was already after 8:00 PM when Joe arrived at the campsite, almost completely out of breath. He hadn't been able to meet anyone along the way, not even flag down a car… "Mr. Farmwell, h-h-hh, you have to come with us immediately…" he shouted frantically. "What's going on, Joe? Where's Robin?" "There's that old factory… he's under the rubble, but he's still breathing…" The others gasped in shock. "What?!"

There wasn't much time for hesitation. Gladsten knew the area like the back of his hand and immediately remembered the building Joe had described. Together with Joe, Waylon, and Alexander, he set off towards it. And slowly, the sun disappeared behind the mountains, and darkness fell. They had to hurry.

Since Joe and Gladsten were the only ones who knew the way to the abandoned house, they run ahead of the other two. "What exactly happened?"/ "He went in there, I was outside looking for wood…and then there was an incredibly loud crash."/ "The ceiling collapsed, you said, the roof?"/ "No, it's intact, see for yourself…"/ "Damn it, I told you not to enter unknown places…"

Arriving at the old house, they couldn't see much from the outside; it was getting dark and increasingly cold again. Inside, Gladsten only glanced around briefly and was shocked to see Robin lying under the rubble. He went to him immediately.

He did the most important thing first. Check if he had a pulse. “Is he still breathing? When I left earlier, there…” / “Yeah, weak, and the pulse is moderate, but he’s okay… Well, only at first glance…” / “Oh man, I told him this wasn’t a good idea…” Joe said, almost tearfully, as he nervously ran a hand through his hair. "It was probably Robin's curiosity… and I hadn't even thought about this old house anymore." Gladsten glanced up for a moment and saw the huge hole in the ceiling. "Oh man."

Alexander had arrived by then and quickly ran into the house. But then his breath caught in his throat when he saw his friend lying under the rubble… "Robin! Oh my God, please no…" / "He's okay, Alex, he's breathing… right now I don't see any blood or anything that might have pierced his body…" / "What?…" Alexander was immediately filled with terrible thoughts. "Hey, don't panic, okay? We need to get all this stuff off him first." / "I'm not leaving him, I'm not going anywhere." / "Yeah, okay. Waylon, Joe, help me, and be careful, you two should probably start from back there."

There was still an oil lamp on the old table in the corner. They were lucky and there was still some oil left in it, so they lit it to at least have some light in the room. Gladsten and the other boys started to move some of the debris aside. Joe could never have moved the large pieces alone. The massive beams that had supported the upper floor all these years were far too heavy. "Careful, lest something else fall on him."

"Oh man, no wonder it collapsed, it's all rotted away," Waylon said, breathing heavily as he helped with the salvage. "Back in its heyday, the windows were sealed, and the weather couldn't get in. They used to store wood here." / " Was this a workshop?" / "Yeah, with a sawmill and everything… the lumberjacks often slept here after work. But now that everything's protected and no more trees are being cut down, they cleared everything out and left the building to its fate…"

Alexander stayed close to Robin, checking every now and then to see if he was still breathing. And he blamed himself for not having gone with him and Joe. Otherwise, maybe this wouldn't have happened. "Hey, I'm with you, okay? You have to hang in there, we'll get you out of here quickly… Please… I need you." / "Man, some parts are pretty jammed together here."

While they’re trying to get Robin out of the old house, Marigold has arrived at the campsite. Her fiancé contacted her while he was running to the old building. “Are you all right?” / “Well, we’re okay, but Robin isn’t. What if he…” Daydream struggled to speak. “That would be terrible!” / “You mustn’t even think about that,” she tried to reassure the youngsters.

“Isn’t there anything we can do?” / “No. But if you want, we all go back to the boarding school now.” / “Really? That would be better. I don’t think anyone wants to sleep out here anymore. At least not for a while…” / “Okay, then pack your things. The tents stay here.” … Uncomfortable thoughts also crossed Marigold’s mind at that moment. She had gotten to know Robin over the past few months and hadn't thought he would put himself in such a dangerous situation.

It was after 11:00 p.m. when all the debris had finally been cleared, and Robin could be rescued more easily. Gladsten examined him thoroughly again and determined that his femur was broken, possibly from the impact of a beam. Alexander was still very upset. "Why didn't you just call an ambulance?" / "Do you know how far away the nearest large hospital is? That would have taken too long. There's a smaller one nearby, but they don't have ambulances… we should hurry, he's getting blood all over my arm, he probably has a wound on the back of his head. Let's go!"

Gladsten called a friend who arrived within minutes in his large car and drove them all to the small hospital on the edge of the woods. Once there, Robin was immediately attended to. Gladsten filled out some paperwork with Alexander’s help, even though the boy found it quite difficult to concentrate. His friend was possibly in mortal danger, but he tried to help as best he could. They were told to take a seat in the waiting area and wait until the doctor arrived. And that would take a while.