(Currently geeking out at intermission at the Disney Princess Concert. LITERALLY JEREMY JORDAN'S MUSIC DIRECTOR FROM HIS TOUR IS HERE. It's also been a day so maybe a forked up life chapter coming soon.)
"Father, I do not see why Edith cannot come and help me pack." I said, getting my things and putting them in my bag that laid on the bed.
I had on my purple skirt and white blouse with purple and blue flowers on it. I brought the outfit together with my blue belt and blue bow around my neck, it's the outfit I wore after the strike ended. Why such a nice outfit? I am going home! After a week in the hospital again, I am going home. But, I'm still leaving Jack here.
He hasn't woken up. In a week, it'll be a month since he was admitted. They don't see much hope anymore and he gets weaker everyday. They... They want to give up on him. They want me to decide, seeing how I was- am. How I am his girlfriend. I can't do it. I can't decide if I should keep him alive and hope and pray every day he'll wake up, or let him die. What if he's in pain right now? Can he feel? I don't want him in pain, so I would end it. But, I can't do that. If I am going to be selfish it's going to be now. I need him.
"Because, darling, the hospital is no place for a young girl." Father said, helping me with all the flowers from the Reids, Bill, Lilianna and Claira.
Father has been... Well, like a father. He hasn't left my side and has been checking on Jack when I couldn't. I hate the fact that being sick or injured is what it takes for him to be there. It's an awful thing to say, but I wish I was like this all the time so he would actually care.
"I'm here." I said, closing my bag.
"You were a patient. You're not anymore so I would hope that bag is packed." He said, turning to me.
I sighed softly and turned to face him, bag in hand, "This good enough?"
"Perfect, my dear. I suppose you are ready to go home?" He asked, coming over to link my arm with his.
"Very much so." I said, taking his arm.
He smiled and nodded, kissing my cheek. He helped me put my purse around my wrist and then handed me my parasol. I like having my Father be like my father again, but I am not a fan of his expectations for how I should dress, speak and act. He made me refer to the fellas as gentlemen the other day. They are definitely not gentle and they are most certainly not men yet. And now, I am wearing a bustle in a skirt I normally wear without one.
I suppose there are prices I must pay to have my Father back, no matter how girly they are. As we left the room and walked down the hall, I heard a familiar voice come from a room. I looked towards the room and realized it was Jack's, without any hesitation I dropped everything and ran over to look in. Only, when I did, it was to my shock to see Davey there with Sara there. I stepped in, "Davey?" I asked in somewhat shock, considering I haven't seen him or any of the fellas in nearly a month.
Davey turned to me and a wild smile broke out on his face before he ran to me, engulfing me in a big, tight hug. As he held me close, I cried softly at the familiar feeling of his arms. I looked over his shoulder and saw Sara, waving her into the hug. She smiled wide and ran over, joining us. Just as we were feeling at home with each other, my Father walked in and cleared his throat. I sighed softly and pulled away to face him, "Father, let me formally introduce you to my friends; Mr. David Jacobs and Ms. Sara Parker." I smiled softly as Davey held out his hand.
However, Father merely nodded, "Mr. Jacobs. Mrs. Parker." He said.
"Ms. Parker." Sara corrected him. Wow. She's got guts.
"Sorry, Ms. Parker, I just assumed..." Father trailed off, looking at her stomach which was now showing a small bump through her tight uniform.
Sara nodded, "I can understand your confusion, Mr. Pulitzer. Sorry if I am not married. Sorry if I do not match your perfect society. But, as you see, love will do what it does." She spat before walking out, leaving all of us speechless.
After some shock, I called after her, "Sara!"
"Excuse her, Mr. Pulitzer. Her moods have been amiss lately, I believe it would be the pregnancy." Davey said.
Father nodded, "I am to assume you are the father?"
"Yes, sir." Davey said, almost looking guilty.
Father nodded again, "My wife had been the same way with all of our children. I do say her attitude with Katherine was the worst, must be where she got it." He said as I rolled my eyes and Davey let out a soft chuckle, "I suggest chamomile tea. It works wonders."
"When Mother drinks that it makes her fall asleep." I said.
"Exactly." Father smirked softly. I truly am seeing a whole new side to him, it's nice and warm. It also doesn't mind having fun and joking around.
Davey laughed, "Thank you, Mr. Pulitzer, I must try that sometime."
Father laughed softly and nodded as Sara stepped into the doorway, "I am truly sorry to ruin your little moment, but Davey, you should not even be here. Mr. Pulitzer, Katherine, you should be gone by now." She said, "Visiting hours are at 4. The chapel opens at 2."
"Why do we need to know when the chapel opens?" I asked.
"So Davey can pray for mercy on his soul if he tries to make me fall asleep." Sara smirked.
Davey went to say something but he was speechless at Sara's pure sass in her stance and expression. It was marvelous. Sara merely continued to smirk, then nodded us out. Davey looked at me and smiled softly, nodding his head, "It was nice seeing you, Kath...-" He noticed my Father's unamused expression at the nickname for me, "Erine?" He finished awkwardly.
I smiled softly, "You, too, David. You must pay a call by the mansion sometime, right, Father?" I asked, looking at him with puppy eyes.
Father sighed and nodded with his jaw clenched and his eyes shut, "Of course, my dear." He muttered, accepting his defeat.
I smirked softly and looked back at Davey, "Sara and I would love to." He smiled.
I nodded, "Good day, Mr. Jacobs." I smiled and curtsied, doing all the things Father would approve of. I hate it all, but I will like to stay on his good side as long as Jack is in here and Father is paying.
Davey looked questionable at first, but played along, "Good day, Ms. Pulitzer." He smiled and bowed.
I smiled softly before Davey walked away, kissing Sara quickly before running down the hall. I smiled softly, but once I remembered Jack was behind me, it faded away. I turned to look at him and sighed softly, a small tear rolling down my cheek. I felt Father put a hand on my shoulder and wasn't sure if I should sigh with relief or tense up. Even Sara - the badass she was being in the moment - seemed to feel something, "You can come see him later." She said.
"Later's not now." I sighed softly.
"Come alone, Katherine." Father said, going to the door and standing next to Sara.
I looked at them, then back at Jack before sighed. I leaned down so our face's were inches apart, "I love you, Jack. Remember that, please." I whispered to him before kissing his forehead. I stood back up and turned away, letting out a heavy sigh before walking to the door. I took one last look at Jack before looking back to Sara, "I shall see you later, Ms. Parker." I said, trying not to get choked up.
Sara sighed, "Katherine-"
"Goodbye!... Sara." I said before quickly walking away, leaving Father to run behind in my tracks.
I cried softly as I left the building, finding our carriage then getting in. After Father gave the footmen my bag that I had dropped upstairs in the hall, he followed and sat across from me. He seemed to understand that I wanted time alone, seeing how he didn't speak till a good 20 minutes into the ride.
"We're friends seem... kind." He said, looking at me.
"They are." I said softly, continuing to stare out the window.
"Maybe you would like to plan a luncheon sometime with them?" He asked.
I sighed, "That would be grand." By this point, all I was doing was holding back the walls of tears that were at my eyes.
"Your Mother was thinking you would like to pick what we will have for dinner tonight? Ralph won't be there, Edith doesn't seem to care what she eats considering she doesn't eat much, Constance and Herbert would eat anything and you know that I and your Mother are happy with whatever you may choose. We-"
"I have plans tonight." I said.
"Katherine, dear, you were just released from the hospital. How could you possibly have plans?" He asked.
"I had correspondence while I was there! I know people and I have friends. I plan to see them tonight." I said, finally facing him.
"The Newsies?" He asked with an annoyed tone.
"The Reids." I said.
Father sighed and nodded, "Very well."
"I shall leave as soon as we stop." I said.
"At least say hello to Constance before you do. She has been worried sick." He said.
"Fine." I said softly as the carriage stopped.
As soon as the door opened, I stood and cut Father off, getting out first. I grabbed my bag and didn't hesitate on going inside. I have all intention of going in, finding Conni, telling her I'm okay, then leaving. However, when I went through the ballroom I saw Mother, Ralph, Edith, Conni, Tony, Ms. Vanderbilt-Webb, Bill, Lilianna, Darcy, Brienna and Claira!
I know I said I should leave, but my excuse to is right there. Besides, it was so nice to see them all. I ran to Darcy and hugged him, everyone else joining us. I was back at my house and I'm happy. I mean, not happy because, well everything, but happy enough to say. Seeing my family there for me was all the medicine I needed.
"Oh, guys! I've missed you!" I cried as I held Darcy and Brienna's hands, looking at everyone.
"We've missed you, too, Katherine." Claira smiled.
"How are all of you?" I asked.
"Happy now that you are home, Katie." Ralph smirked, holding Ms. Webb close.
I smiled and nodded, "It's nice to see you again, Ms. Webb." I said with a forced smile.
Ms. Frederica Vanderbilt Webb. I hate her. She is one of your basic high society women who uses charity to climb her way to the top and host luncheons for only the highest of people, which unfortunately was me a few times. Although I am not a fan of Frederica's, Ralph sure is. He is so happy when he's around her and I just hope she is not using him for the fortune, which he does not really have since he passed it to me.
"Please, Katherine, call me Frederica." She smiled.
I sighed and nodded, "Fine,... Frederica."
Edith knew my deep hatred for Frederica, so she quickly jumped in, "Katherine, I have missed you so dearly. How are you feeling?" She asked, grabbing my hands.
"Tired. A little drained. But, in all, alright." I smiled softly.
"If you are so drained, my dear, you shouldn't be going out." Father said.
"You are going out?" Mother asked.
"You just got home!" Conni complained.
"I know, but I have commitments." I sighed, holding her close.
"Mrs. Reid, can't you see her siblings miss her so? How about you three stay here for dinner tonight?" Father asked.
I quickly shot Brienna a look as if begging for help. She sighed, "I am sorry, Mr. Pulitzer, but this simply can not wait." She said.
Darcy looked at her, "What?"
Brienna gently hit his side, "My love, don't you remember? Katherine is coming over for supper, so we can discuss certain matters."
Darcy looked at her in confusion for a minute before somewhat understanding, "Oh, yes! Of course! Sorry, my love, my brain is amiss lately. Too much thinking and planning for the babies I assume." He smiled awkwardly.
I nodded, "Well, we should get going." I said.
"Katie, come on! You just got home." Bill said.
"You have to have a little fun, not all work." Lilianna smiled.
Ugh! Why do my friends care so much for me and why do I care back!? It would just be so much easier if we all just didn't care! I looked at Conni's little puppy eyed expression before caving in. I couldn't say no to her of all people, so we all spent the next 7 hours in the drawing room, just talking and sipping tea. I can not believe this is my life now just so my Father will pay my boyfriend's medical bills while he's in a coma. I suppose all girls go through this at one point. Well,... Maybe not allll of that.
It is now 8 o'clock. I wish I could say the day went by fast, but it did not. By this point, Brienna and I should've been done our little venture and I should've been at the hospital with Jack. Yet, here I am, sipping tea and listening to Frederica go on about her coming out gala. Edith had excused herself, Conni and Toni went to bed, Bill and Lilianna had to go because they had a dinner party to attend, and Claira had to go make supper for the boys. She invited me, which would've been an escape from Frederica, but Brienna and I have a very important matter to attend to. I was just waiting for her and Darcy to help me out of this.
"Wow, Ms. Webb, what a brilliant story... for the 5th time." Brienna said through a fake smile, as Darcy held her close on the love seat.
"Thank you, Ms. Sullivan." Frederica said through a forced smile as well.
"Mrs. Reid to you, Ms. Webb." Brienna corrected her.
It was no big surprise they hated each other. Frederica being Vanderbilt only took time out of her day to pay attention to the highest of society. She liked Darcy a lot, she even fancied him at one point but once he married Brienna she seemed to turn. Yes, Brienna and Darcy marrying was quite a shock. I mean, she was a Bowery dancer and yes she is Mexican and not like the other high society people, she's better. She's still a kind human. The two marrying was like a king marrying his kitchen maid, but it doesn't mean Brienna should be treated any differently.
"Brienna." Darcy said quiet in her ear, but loud enough for me to hear.
Brienna sighed and held his arm tighter around her, "Love, the babies are starting to act up and I am starving. I am sure Katherine is, too. We should go home." She said as I let out a heavy sigh of relief. She is literally my savior right now.
Darcy nodded, "Of course, my darling."
"Timothy, please fetch our coats." I said, standing.
"Where are you off to, sister?" Ralph asked.
"I was supposed to have a luncheon with the Reids, now I suppose it's our own small dinner party." I said as Timothy helped me slip on my coat.
"What time will you be home?" He asked.
"I do not know. Why?" I asked.
"Because, you can't be staying out late." He said.
"Ralph, I am 17. I am practically a woman. I'm also smart and I know how to handle myself. I do not have to justify myself to you or let you know when I will be home, seeing how you don't even live here and.. Oh, that's right, it's none of your business." I said.
"Katherine!" Ralph reprimanded me as everyone looked in shock.
"Goodnight, Ral." I said softly before heading for the door.
After the pure shock left Brienna and Darcy, they came chasing after me. By the time they found me, I was already on my way, walking down the street. I could practically feel their sigh followed by the worried look they shared. As I walked, Darcy came next to me and linked my arm with his. Brienna stood on the other side of him and he wrapped an arm around her, "Wanna explain what just happened in there?" He asked as we continued to walk.
I sighed, "I'm tired of everyone treating me like I am fragile."
"Well, Katherine, we're just worried for you. You almost died from that gunshot wound, you were in a coma for nearly two weeks, finally you came home but when you found Jack you had a heart attack and was in the hospital again for a week." Darcy said.
"Thanks for the life story." I rolled my eyes.
"Katherine, all we're saying is that we don't want to lose you, too. We love and care about you." Brienna said, "Maybe what we're about to do is-"
"It's a good idea. I need to do this." I said.
You see, I was in correspondence with Brienna while in the hospital the past week, because she's going to help me. I can't decide if Jack should live or die, it hurts too much, besides I've only known him for not even a year. I need one of his relatives. Of course, from what I've heard of his dad, I'm slightly afraid to ask him. Any man who used to rob places and possibly did murder someone does not have good judgment, I can't trust him with Jack's life, even if he is his Father. I didn't know who else to go to, so I went to Medda. She's like the only mother he's ever had, it's only right to ask her option. Since Brienna used to work for her, she was able to arrange a meeting for us. The only thing is, she doesn't really know what state Jack is in. I don't think any of the boys have had the heart to tell her, I don't know if I do either.
"I just don't think anyone should decide this for Jack but you." Brienna said.
"I have to agree." Darcy said.
"Shouldn't you be going home?" I asked.
"I want to make sure you'll be safe on your way." He said.
"We'll be fine." I said.
"Katherine, I get you're worried and you're confused on how to feel right now, but if you are not forgetting, Brienna is carrying my children. Maybe you should care about her instead of-"
"Instead of what? My dying husband!?" I snapped, earning a look from both of them.
After a few moments of silence, Brienna looked at Darcy, "Kath is right. We'll be fine."
"Enna,-"
"Go home, love." She said.
Darcy sighed and nodded. He kissed Brienna gently, holding her close in his arms. Usually, I try to ignore them like this considering Darcy was practically my brother, but this time I just watched. I saw how Darcy held her and how she could barely kiss him back because her smile was too wide. It... It reminds me of how Jack and I used to kiss.
God! I miss him! Is Darcy right? Are my emotions so confused I can't feel anything and I'm just acting in haste? What if tonight is a bad idea? How can I tell Medda and how will I ask her to decide between life and death for Jack? I... I don't know. I don't know what to do. I don't know how to feel. I'm completely and utterly lost... because he's not here with me.