Mercy LaCroix
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SWIM's Lead Auror/Profiler
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Post by Mercy LaCroix on May 22, 2007 5:14:11 GMT -5
The one problem with Salem's Peak, In Mercy's opinion, was news spread way too quickly. Here she was two months pregnant with Tristin's baby and the whole town knew she was pregnant. She wasn't sure who told, maybe one of her comrades or one of the students. It didn't matter since no one had an inkling who the father was. To Mercy that was important. Unlike Cecilia Lark, Mercy wasn't going to rant and rave about how her life was ruined because a little angel sat under her heart now. What was the point? Other than make the child feel unloved.
In this whole debacle, Mercy had finally moved on from Tristin. She couldn't take the yo yo games anymore. Cecilia could have thoses. Instead Mercy was going to open herself up to What life had to offer. After that she was going to be the best damn mother ever, hopefully with Remy's help.
A small soft smile touched her lips and lighted her steps as she entered the Ambrosia's. The smell of sugary confections assailed her nose and maybe her own mouth water. The baby and her was craving sweets. She should probably bring some home for Remy. It was so easy to think of Remy's house as a home. Never in a million years did she ever expect to fall in love with her best friend.
Looking at the case, she wondered what Remy would want. It was so hard to figure him out sometimes. For now, she was going to go with the flow and enjoy this new found love. She supposed her mother was right. You date the gamblers, but you fall for your best friend. Right now, the most pressing decision was what treats to get for herself, the baby, and Remy.
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Post by Kalista Marcus on May 22, 2007 15:53:22 GMT -5
((I assume since it's an open thread - you don't mind me posting here... if you do, just lemme know and I'll delete it))
"Don't go too far ahead!" a voice called out behind a ball of energy, triumphantly running towards Ambrosia's. The little one's blonde hair fluttered in streams behind her and her tiny legs carried her switftly towards the place of her desire - the candy shop. Kal trotted along after her, toting bags with her as she went. She had intended to drop off their own neccessities (not clothing, but other assorted items) at the store with her mother before they continued their shopping excursion, but Charlie had different ideas.
The little girl ran into the treat shop with careless abandon - leaving Kal to fight with the door herself. It had been quite an interesting few weeks - trying to keep up with business as well as any personal things that might have come up. Charlie had a particuarly bad asthma attack within the confines of two weeks and Kal was keeping a close eye on her without being too overbearing. She had been told she was being too overprotective; of course, some people just didn't understand how she parented or the fact that she was the only one looking after Charlie, which meant she had to be twice as careful.
As she finally got through the door, Kal saw Charlie darting around - taking in the multi-colored sweets with hungry eyes. She was more than eager when it came to candy, "Not too much, sweetheart," Kal informed her, earning an obvious snort of disregard from the little girl in patched overalls - who was busy trying to decide what kind of chocolates and gummies she wanted. Kal couldn't help but laugh as she saw the glint of childish delight in her daughter's eyes. Although she didn't particularly want Charlie to have it - she could let it slide once and a while, kids would be kids after all.
Placing down the heavy bags, she rubbed her aching elbows and let out a deep sigh, looking about the shop. She had always noticed how colorful it was - and the smells. If that wasn't enough to attract children the delightful music playing was another luring factor for the candy store. For adults it was mostly the promise of a pick-me-up after a long's day work and the sugar that lured them in. Kalista wasn't immune to the idea of a piece of chocolate every once and a while, especially after a particularly trying day. Maybe she would pick something up for herself.
She kept a loose eye on her daughter (who, for the most part, was well behaved) and began to cycle around the store herself. Her eyes darted over displays and she could feel a bit of saliva forming in her mouth - even adults got goofy over candy. She licked her lips momentarily and then stopped at the sight of a familiar face. Although it was odd to see Mercy around Salem's Peak - especially during the school year.
Curiously, Kalista approached - still eyeing Charlie who was eagerly bouncing around the gummi display of the store. She seemed to have a bag of chocolates already picked out and was going to be picking her worms, or bears, or bottles (whatever she liked) from the gummi display very soon. "What brings you to the Mystic Valley Mall?" Kalista greeted and smiled cheerfully, glad to see Mercy around - looking so well at that.
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Post by Tristin Calixso Wright on May 22, 2007 16:02:44 GMT -5
Of course Tristin had heard the rumors. And of course Mik had made sure he’d heard the rumors. And then of course he was so busy lately that all he could do was focus on the rumors. Damn that woman! She left him and found a way to stay in his life. It was maddening! Running a hand over his hair, he walked past a shop, glancing in. What he saw nearly made him fall on his face.
What was she doing in the candy store? Licking his lips, he righted himself and dusted his hooded jacket off. He’d taken to wearing more concealing clothing since she’d left, preferring to go to work, go home, and then hang out with Chloe if she came over. Really, his life had taken a dive in activities. He fed the horses, looked after them, looked after himself, and then if Chloe came over, she helped look after him as well. He was like a big kid, and now that he didn’t have his babysitter with him, he was way too free.
Pushing open the door, hearing the bell ring as he stepped in, he let it fall behind him slowly. Fixing his jeans, making sure they fell over his boots just right, he straightened up and took a deep breath. Stepping a few feet closer to Mercy, he couldn’t think of what to say. ‘Hey, I heard you were pregnant… is it mine?’ No, that just came out too harsh and sudden for having not made eye contact with her in over a month. Or… or was it longer?
His face also had a nice layer of prickles. Seriously, he couldn’t look any worse! And she certainly looked like she was glowing. Fixing his hair a little, brushing his fingertips through it as if it would help, Tristin hoped he didn’t have any circles under his eyes. Clearing his throat, he stepped up next to Mercy and grinned at the man behind the desk. “Chocolate frogs, please.”
Turning to Mercy, as if he hadn’t seen her, his eyebrows rose. Inside he was torn and it felt like his stomach had just dropped a foot. His heart also felt like it was in a vice. Why did he have an urge to come in and mess with his heartache? Resting against the counter, nonchalant, he smirked at her, glancing over her. Best he keep up pretences, right? He opened his mouth but nothing came out. And then some woman stepped up to talk to her, and he turned away, accepting the chocolate and moving away to look at something else.
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Mercy LaCroix
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SWIM's Lead Auror/Profiler
To Protect and Serve
Posts: 175
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Post by Mercy LaCroix on May 22, 2007 16:21:46 GMT -5
Mercy was studying the case carefully. Lately she hadn’t been in the mood to deal with people. However her profiles were getting to her despite Remy’s attempts to distract her. She might be the lead investigator, but he was showing how easily he could turn her into putty. Plus it guaranteed a good night’s sleep.
Mercy didn’t even look up when the door opened and closed. However she sensed a familiar presence beside her. The only thought that entered her mind was it was Tristin. After nearly a month and a half of neatly avoiding each other, they were finally in the same store together. Mercy didn’t look at him. She knew he was waiting for her to look up, yet she didn’t want to. It would be too painful.
“Chocolate frogs, please.”
Or he could be picking up sweets for his new found lay of the day or his daughter. Mercy Merely bit her tongue for such nasty thoughts. After all he smashed her not that long ago. Maybe last year she would let him walk all over her by taking him back and believing what ever lies he had to say. Mercy was a different woman now. She had Remy who she knew and trusted to never hurt her. Maybe it was time for him to see what exactly he lost.
"What brings you to the Mystic Valley Mall?"
Mercy nearly cursed out loud. Just like Kalista to exhibit her great timing when Mercy was getting ready to give Tristin a taste of his medicine. Mercy had to bit her tongue against saying anything nasty. Charlie was there as well. Mercy knew she shouldn’t have left Remy’s house that morning, but The baby carved sugar and mercy was a slave to that reasoning.
It was a hard position to be in, really? She Just didn’t want to deal with anyone. Even now as Tristin slinked away, Mercy wasn’t too pleased with everything. She wanted to confront him. Yes the baby was his. After all, she was the only capable of being faithful in their relationship. However Kalista whether she realized it or not, just gave him an escape route.
“Shopping, just like everyone else, Kalista.” Mercy commented as she pointed out the caramels and chocolates she wanted to the clerk, “I’m sorry if I seem short but it’s been a very rough two months. I was just heading back to Remy’s when I got a sugar craving.”
Mercy accepted the bag from the clerk, “Plus I’ve been getting more time off and rest, considering my condition. How is the shop?”
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Post by Kalista Marcus on May 22, 2007 16:53:05 GMT -5
Kalista immediately noticed the look on Mercy's face and how... displeased she seemed. She hadn't meant to upset her in anyway - if candy shopping required her full attention, by all means, she would allow her to do it solo - she had just thought that perhaps she would be friendly. Slinking back a bit, she wasn't exactly thrilled with the reception she recieved, but bit her tongue - for fear that she might agitate the woman even further. Gazing at Charlie, she hoped the little girl would pick what she wanted soon so they could get out.
Rubbing the back of her neck with her free hand, Kalista was disappointed at the response she recieved, but everyone had things on their mind and apparently - she wasn't having an all too good time of this whole shopping thing. She wasn't exactly too sure of what was going on, but apparently, it was something that required her to be a lot more on edge than usual. Perhaps a break in a case or something more serious - she hadn't really had time or patience for gossip within the recent months, more concerned with paying the bills and taking care of her daughter than listening to people talk about other people.
"Well - um, I hope the months get better then," she offered, attempting good nature while treading softly on glass. Of course, as she heard little feet burst forth, Charlie was trampling on it. She had no knowledge of ill-will or shortness, just that she was getting candy and was far too excited for it. A bag of gummis in one hand and some chocolate in the other, she ran up to her mother, gazing up at both brunettes, a bright and cheerful smile on her face. Putting a hand on Charlie's shoulder, she acknowledged the girl's presence but with a soft squeeze urged her to be quiet, for the sake of everyone.
Charlie, not realizing that warning - beamed and waved at the other woman before looking to her mother, "I got my candy mommy!" she squeaked and showed her, holding up the bags for her to see. Kal plucked them from her daughter's hands and gingerly held them while she regarded Charlie, "We'll pay in a minute dear, be patient," she suggested, the little girl rocking back and forth on her heels with excitement - eyeing the bags of candy with hungry eyes - knowing once they were paid for she could eat them.
Kal turned her attention back to Mercy and tilted her head to the side. One would think with more time off she would be more at ease. She didn't question though - and from the sounds of it - she was a little more than taking sick days. Condition - cravings, Kal didn't know Mercy was pregnant; however, she wasn't going to say anything. She wasn't sure if it was the type of welcome pregnancy or the type of pregnancy that she had - rather devestating and lonely. If it was the latter of the two options, she didn't want to bring any more ill will forth. Nodding sagely, she kept her mouth shut on that note, but smiled a bit when asked about the store - deciding on being brief rather than giving her a drawn out explanation she probably didn't want to hear.
"It's fine - same old thing, you know," she made a vague gesture with her hand - one of those things that meant nothing, but you just did when you didn't really have anything else to say about a subject. "How's Remy and Matt?" she asked, curious - Charlie's eyes lighting up and tugging on her mother's shirt once again, "Can Matt and me play again? Pleeeeeeease?" she interupted, recieving a stern look from her mother before Kal turned her attention back to Mercy with an embarrassed smile, "She had fun last time," she explained. "But um - if you're busy - I'll see you around, alright?" she questioned somewhat tensely - prodding carefully to see whether or not she should leave.
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Mercy LaCroix
Global Moderator
SWIM's Lead Auror/Profiler
To Protect and Serve
Posts: 175
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Post by Mercy LaCroix on May 22, 2007 17:39:09 GMT -5
Mercy was just in a mood. It wasn’t really anyone’s faults. Kalista just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. If she didn’t recognize her ex was standing right next to her, It’s wasn’t her fault. Charlie was a bundle of energy and Kalista was probably concern with keeping up with her. However Mercy wasn’t going to apologize. That was her current mood.
So Mercy just nodded as Kalista answered her questions. It was safe that way. She didn’t want to isolate the young woman. Plus Charlie was present. No need to scare the little girl as well. Instead Mercy held her bag and listened. Right now She just wanted to leave. She didn’t want to be there any longer than she needed to.
"How's Remy and Matt?"
“They are good. Remy and I have decided to try to date. It’s going good so far between patrols and the case.” Mercy informed her, “Matt is hoping he can come and live with Remy more often. But we’ll see how Lauren deals with that.”
Mercy was getting ready to leave when Charlie spoke up. To be that young and innocent again. It would be a dream to Mercy to go back to a time when love was so simple to understand. No pain and heartache just something that was wonderful. Mercy glanced to where Tristin was. Before she learned that the world was full of false knights.
"Can Matt and me play again? Pleeeeeeease?"
"She had fun last time. But um - if you're busy - I'll see you around, alright?"
Inwardly, Mercy sighed. Why wasn’t she surprised that Kalista had the martyr look down to a science? It wasn’t a bad thing, it was just Mercy didn’t want to feel guilty. She just wanted to be alone until her mood changed again. She also wanted to Confront Tristin too. But she wasn’t getting that wish right now. This pregnancy thing was starting to get to her.
“Owl Remy for when he gets visitations.” Marcy stated casually as she tried to smile, “I’m not sure how the schedule works. Usually according to Lauren’s whim. But Matt will enjoy the company. I’m sorry but It’s been pretty rough between everything. I have to head back to Remy’s before I return to the school for my patrol tonight. Drop us an owl and I can explain more then.”
Mercy gave a wave before heading to the door. She was tired, cranky, and starting to feel a bit sick about everything. . Mercy gave Kalista and apologetic smile before looking at Tristin. With out a single word more, she disappeared from the store and heading towards the mall’s bathrooms. She really needed to get over this phase of everything.
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Post by Tristin Calixso Wright on May 22, 2007 17:56:01 GMT -5
“… I was just heading back to Remy’s when I got a sugar craving.”
He almost dropped the bag of chocolate frogs he had gotten. Gritting his teeth, he didn’t dare look at Mercy. So she was hanging out with Remy more, was she? For some reason, that really irritated him. He listened to the beginnings of a cat fight, or so he thought it was, hoping that the woman, Kalista, gouged Mercy. Just a split second desire before it passed and he felt bad for wanting that.
“Plus I’ve been getting more time off and rest, considering my condition.”
Condition? So the rumor was true! He resisted looking at her yet again. Tristin silently cursed himself for having come in the sweets shop. Taking a rope of something up with the chocolate frogs, he paid for the candy before heading towards the door, messing with some other candy on shelves while eavesdropping on the conversation.
“They are good. Remy and I have decided to try to date. It’s going good so far between patrols and the case.”
At the mention of ‘date,’ Tristin’s hand slipped on the chocolate raisin bag, letting out a noise as the entire rack of bags fell. Picking them up, he tried to listen, desperate for information. Someone came over, grunting and groaning about the mess. Helping clean up his mess, Tristin waited for more information. She was dating Remy… so the baby was his? That ugly Cajun Auror…
“… I have to head back to Remy’s before I return to the school for my patrol tonight. Drop us an owl and I can explain more then.”
Drop ‘us’ an owl? Us?! His mouth dropped, and thank god his back was to her. He might have dropped more than just his jaw if he had been standing. Once she stepped from the store, Tristin stood up and turned, as if he hadn’t just been listening in on the conversation. Giving Kalista a smile, he winked at them and walked out the door, quickly jogging to catch up with Mercy.
She had gone in all ready… Growling, he pushed through the girl’s bathroom, stepping up to the first closed stall. Knocking on it, he waited outside of it, biting his lower lip. “Mercy, I think we should talk.” He hadn’t really even noticed he was in the girl’s bathroom. Holding the sweets with one hand, he knocked again with the other. Glancing around the bathroom, he was surprised how… closed it was. Weird.
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Post by Kalista Marcus on May 22, 2007 17:56:39 GMT -5
She was glad to hear Matt and Remy were doing well. They deserved to be happy and doing well. Everyone did, for the most part, anyway. She could think of a few people who deserved a little less, but that wasn't mentionable at a time like this. "I wish the both of you luck," she smiled a bit, hoping it did work out for Mercy and Remy. They had always been close and it seemed natural that they should hook up sooner or later. Maybe the baby was his? Kal had no idea, but whatever the case, she was glad that Mercy wasn't alone for the ordeal.
Sure, it wasn't like she had been alone either - but she certainly didn't have the same kind of support a man in someone's life offers. It was her mother and father for the most part, and grandparents respond differently than fathers do. She didn't have that happy sort of love that went along with a new baby, not like other people had. Her parents attended all doctor's visits with her and her father planned the nursery, but she didn't have anyone's arms around her at night - or a partner to tell her, no matter how much she felt she looked like a bucket of basketballs, she was pretty. It was good to hear Mercy wouldn't have the same experience.
As she went on though, Kal wasn't surprised when she found it was definetely the right time to head out. It was just not the time or the place - especially when a pregnant woman was in a mood. For the most part, it was something one didn't want to intrude upon and was excusable, to a certain extent. She had expected people to give her the same luxury of alone time when Charlie had been merely a bundle of cells inside her, so she could do the same for Mercy. It wasn't fun - and it was even worse when one had to try and be pleasant owning a store, but she wasn't about to recall those days with any sort of softness.
Kalista remembered the address to Remy's house and wouldn't hesitate to send a note to them. Charlie needed to get some energy out and Kal was curious as to what Mercy needed to explain. Maybe she didn't realize Kal was piecing things together - but whatever the case, she would owl and figure it all out then. "I'll be sure to do that," she nodded and took Charlie's hand, the little girl excitedly bouncing on her toes - knowing that she would get another playdate. "See you then Mercy," she gave Mercy a smile - something not many would do - and then led Charlie towards the counter as Mercy disappeared from the store.
She put the money for the candy down and recieved her change in an almost instant transaction. Ignoring the man who smiled and winked - she believed she recognized him, but wasn't sure, she took her change and shoved it in her pocket. She was thankful the people were quick here and in a seamless motion, she ripped open the bag of gummi worms and handed Charlie four of them, the little girl squealing and taking them excitedly - keeping her busy. "Let's go Angel," she smiled at the little blonde girl who beamed up - the tail end of a blue worm sticking out from the corner of her mouth - elicting a laugh from her mother. "You can have some more at Best Wish," she informed her and led her out of the store - contemplating Mercy and everything else that was going on.
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Mercy LaCroix
Global Moderator
SWIM's Lead Auror/Profiler
To Protect and Serve
Posts: 175
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Post by Mercy LaCroix on May 22, 2007 18:18:24 GMT -5
Mercy had heard the noise and barely suppressed a smirk as she remembered it. Tristin did tell her to date around that day in the park. Besides it would be very wrong of him to get upset when he usually never waited before jumping another woman after they broke up. So it served him right to feel a bit of what she did. Poetic justice in that sense.
Mercy entered the bathroom behind an older woman. The woman took the first stall, nearest to the door. Sighing, Mercy moved to the last stall. Her stomach was very unsettled which she was told by the healer was quite normal. Usually Remy was there to hold her hair back, but this time a scrunchie was going to have to do the job. Pulling her hair into a ponytail, she barely beat her stomach cleaning itself out.
As she started to recover, Mercy flushed the toilet as started to straighten herself up when she heard a very familiar, masculine voice call out to her. It was followed by knocking only it wasn’t on her stall door. It was on the other stall door. Oh that poor woman.
“Mercy, I think we should talk.”
Oh so now he wanted to talk. After avoiding her all this time, he now wanted to talk. What did he honestly think he could say that would make up for everything he did to her in that park? He made her feel cheap and some broken toy that he finally got bored with. He even admitted that he probably never really thought of her. Seriously, he may be the father of her child, but that gave him no right to order her about.
“What on earth do you think you are doing in here, young man?”
Mercy started chuckling as the older woman had enough of Tristin in the bathroom. Mercy smirking evilly, peeked out of her stall as the older woman stalked out intent on getting either an Auror or security. Feeling a bit more confident, Mercy leaned against the frame with her arms crossed. She needed to face him. It was obvious he heard the rumors.
“What do you want, Wright?” Mercy stated, “I suspect you have ten minutes until she returns with reenforcements.”
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Post by Tristin Calixso Wright on May 22, 2007 18:42:41 GMT -5
“What on earth do you think you are doing in here, young man?”
Blinking at the older woman, Tristin took a couple steps back and let the old woman leave. “Ah… Wrong… bathroom?” He didn’t have time to deal with her anyway. Frowning and turning around, he was surprised to see Mercy standing, amused by the looks of it, in the stall door frame. She looked really good… Licking his lips, Tristin tried to think of what he had wanted.
“What do you want, Wright? I suspect you have ten minutes until she returns with reinforcements.”
Biting his lip, he leaned against the stall the older woman had just come out of, glancing back at the door. “Well… I wanted to talk to you. I’ve heard… I ah… Well obviously” Motioning with his hand at her, he laughed uncomfortably. He’d heard the ending of her retching, at least. Though obviously not long enough to pinpoint the right stall… “Ten minutes, I used to be good in that time.”
Grinning, his smirk slowly slid off his face. Damn… not even his normal jokes were going to do him any good this time. Pushing off from the stall, he glanced at the door again, biting his lower lip. “I just… I ah…” Turning his eyes back to her, he blinked and glanced over her. “You look good, for… for the rumors going around, you know?” How was he going to get through this without being chopped into little pieces?
“Ah, so… I mean, I have to ask but I don’t want to ask. But you know I really…” He moved closer to her, wanting to just hold her. “I miss you, Mercy.” His eyes softened and he glanced over her before letting his eyes rest on hers. “I didn’t realize how much until I saw you standing in the… candy shop.” He smiled softly, glancing down at her stomach before his eyes flickered back to hers.
Then his smile fell, and he took a step back. “But you… you are with Remy now. You two… happy?” He was feeling a little sick to his stomach thinking about that. Resting a hand on it, he gently drummed his fingertips against his abdomen. “I mean, I guess you could think it’s happiness, right? You two know each other so well… He’s even helping you out with… Well. How’s work?”
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Mercy LaCroix
Global Moderator
SWIM's Lead Auror/Profiler
To Protect and Serve
Posts: 175
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Post by Mercy LaCroix on May 22, 2007 19:14:43 GMT -5
Well… I wanted to talk to you. I’ve heard… I ah… Well obviously. Ten minutes, I used to be good in that time.”
“Yeah, you were.” Mercy admitted with a sigh, “But You would also move on in that same amount of time too. So it’s all relative.”
He looked good with that roughen look. He was also letting himself get a bit messy. Miss Perfect must not be watching him as well as she should. Good, she hoped he was miserable. He deserved a taste of what he use to put her through. Nothing was going to make her feel bad for hoping Miss Perfect Lark who he chose in the end, was making him miserable with her rules.
I just… I ah…You look good, for… for the rumors going around, you know?
“Thank you. Remy is making sure I eat healthy and don’t get too stressed out.” Mercy informed him, “He is excited about the baby. It’s starting to get me excited too. After all, you did your damnest to crush me not that long ago. It’s nice to have something to smile about.”
Ah, so… I mean, I have to ask but I don’t want to ask. But you know I really…I miss you, Mercy. I didn’t realize how much until I saw you standing in the… candy shop.”
Mercy looked at him. Did he really think it would be that easy? That he could just walk up and say, Mercy I miss you, come back to me. Maybe it would work on the old Mercy, but she wasn’t that pitiful woman anymore. She was seeing and thinking clearly for the first time in a long time. Letting her temper a bit loose, Mercy shoved off the door frame.
“Oh so now you miss me? Miss Lark a bit too cold in your bed?” Mercy stated viciously, “Well you picked her, Wright. So how long did it take you this time? It’s not even three months yet. So why do you all of a sudden now miss me?”
Mercy put her hands on her hips. She watched his eyes linger on her stomach. Her temper began to flare again. So that was it. He heard the rumors about her pregnancy and wondered if he was the father. That’s why he missed her, because she was carrying his baby. He didn’t miss her but wanted to see his heir.
“Or perhaps it’s because I’m carrying someone’s baby? You wonder if it’s your huh?” Mercy bit out.
“But you… you are with Remy now. You two… happy? I mean, I guess you could think it’s happiness, right? You two know each other so well… He’s even helping you out with… Well. How’s work?”
“I’m very happy with him, Tristin. At least I know in three months, he’ll still be there for me, rather than screwing anything in a skirt and with beasts.” Mercy remarked with a bit of bitterness, “He is actually capable of being faithful to me. So yes, Tristin, I can call it happiness. It’s nice you know for once being with a guy and not have to worry if he decided to replace me.
Mercy took a deep breath and reined in her temper, “Sorry I’m still very bitter. Work is fine. I’m getting pulled from the school as soon as I finish the last of the profiles. However I’ll still be in charge, just working out of the Aurors Station. How’s the club?”
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Post by Tristin Calixso Wright on May 22, 2007 19:54:47 GMT -5
“Yeah, you were… But You would also move on in that same amount of time too. So it’s all relative.”
Ouch. That was a low blow. Tristin glanced down at the floor and sighed. He supposed he deserved her resentment. Even if she didn’t know the half of it. Stuffing his hands down his pant pockets, he finally looked back up at her, glancing over her face for some hint of how she felt. He knew he had done something terrible to her, but… he wanted back in her life. He hated this living alone. Always had.
“Thank you. Remy is making sure I eat healthy and don’t get too stressed out… He is excited about the baby. It’s starting to get me excited too. After all, you did your damnest to crush me not that long ago. It’s nice to have something to smile about.”
Ouch again! Opening his mouth, Tristin frowned. “I didn’t try to crush you… Well, I mean I hadn’t… meant to…” It wasn’t going to come out right. She needed the whole story and he refused to give her that. Looking down again, he shrugged. “Good he looks after you, at least.” What else could he say without getting angry over it all?
“Oh so now you miss me? Miss Lark a bit too cold in your bed? Well you picked her, Wright. So how long did it take you this time? It’s not even three months yet. So why do you all of a sudden now miss me?”
Looking up, his eyes flashing anger, Tristin pulled a fist out of his jeans and slammed it against the stall. “I haven’t been with Lark since you found out. I haven’t been with anyone, thank you.” Swallowing further retorts, he clenched his fist and stuffed it back in his pocket, glaring at Mercy. He missed her before, but he would be damned if he told her that…
“Or perhaps it’s because I’m carrying someone’s baby? You wonder if it’s your huh?”
Rolling his eyes, he grit his teeth and finally rested his gaze on her face. “Well, is it?” He almost bit out something he would have regretted, as if she didn’t know whose it was or not. But he kept it to himself, and waited. He would rather find out now than ten years down the line and get the sh*t beat out of him because someone forgot to mention it at the time. Seriously… it was such crap! She could at least tell him.
“I’m very happy with him, Tristin. At least I know in three months, he’ll still be there for me, rather than screwing anything in a skirt and with breasts… He is actually capable of being faithful to me. So yes, Tristin, I can call it happiness. It’s nice you know for once being with a guy and not have to worry if he decided to replace me.”
Gritting his teeth, he shook his head. “You don’t know the half of it, Mercy!” He bit back, closing his eyes. He refused to talk to her about it. “You’re right though. It takes a true man to help you see that light at the end of the tunnel.” Rubbing his head, he sighed and shook his head. If she thought she had happiness then fine. She could be delusional. Glancing back at the door, he frowned. Not much longer and the woman would be back with reinforcements, no doubt.
“Sorry I’m still very bitter. Work is fine. I’m getting pulled from the school as soon as I finish the last of the profiles. However I’ll still be in charge, just working out of the Aurors station. How’s the club?”
Shrugging, he walked over to the door. Peaking out, he saw a small group of people coming towards the bathrooms. Cursing, he walked back towards Mercy, past her to the back door. “Club is fine. Same as always. Good thing about work. I’d hate to see you miss anything.” Rolling his eyes, he opened it and headed out, wanting to get away before he got some fine for being a pervert or something. He didn’t expect Mercy to follow after him, clutching the bag of chocolate frogs in one hand and his other hand stuffed deep in his pocket.
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Mercy LaCroix
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Post by Mercy LaCroix on May 22, 2007 20:45:50 GMT -5
Mercy could see that Tristin at least remorseful over his actions in the park. She should ease up but there was a lot of pain inside her. It had built up ever since that night. He had humiliated her that night, in a way mocked her trust in him. This was her chance to make him feel what she had felt over the last five years. She would be ashamed later but the pain buried for the moment.
“I didn’t try to crush you… Well, I mean I hadn’t… meant to…”
“You did, Tristin. I refuse to do anything for the longest time. Eat, sleep, even try to work on the case. I was hoping the Neo De’s would come and put me out of my misery. Remy saved me though. He reminded me that I have everything to live for.” Mercy whispered as she looked away from him.
“Good he looks after you, at least.”
Mercy nodded before she started on Lark. She couldn’t help it. The woman was the catalyst for everything. It wasn’t fair to blame her but she was a convenient, skinny target. Of course Tristin took exception to that. His fist slamming into the stall caught Mercy off guard. She jumped at the bang and met his angry eyes head on.
“I haven’t been with Lark since you found out. I haven’t been with anyone, thank you.”
“That’s a first, Wright.” Mercy commented darkly, “I’m impressed. It must have been quite a struggle.”
Mercy squared her shoulders. She could sense the battle coming at her. They were both hurt. He was just getting his first taste of it. Despite that, Mercy did vow to be honest with him. Not that it would change her mind. She was actually happy with Remy and felt safe in his arms. It was a feeling she once shared with Tristin, before he shattered her heart. Of course he asked the burning question.
“Well, is it?”
“What do you think, Tristin?” Mercy remarked hotly. She didn’t like the tone he asked about it in. Honestly, he was the one that couldn’t stay with one woman. She remained faithful to him even during the down time. Mercy pinned him with a glare, “You were the one that slept around. Not me.”
“You don’t know the half of it, Mercy! You’re right though. It takes a true man to help you see that light at the end of the tunnel.”
“What is there to know Tristin?” Mercy shouted back, “You never claimed to love me. It was my stupid fault for loving you. You loved your freedom. So I gave it to you. I let you be free. Free to live your life, the way you wanted to live it. That pain you feel is something I lived with for three years. In time it’ll pass.”
Mercy’s watched him walk to the back door as he spoke. So he was running from her. She told him what he wanted and he was leaving?! Mercy stalked after him. She wasn’t about to let him away this time until he understood exactly was he did to her.
“Don’t you dare walk away from me, Wright.” Mercy remarked as she stepped out after him, “You wanted this talk and we are going to talk. You got what wanted. The baby is yours. I was at the club that night to tell you about it. It’s the weight I can’t easily lose.”
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Post by Tristin Calixso Wright on May 22, 2007 21:30:03 GMT -5
“You did, Tristin. I refuse to do anything for the longest time. Eat, sleep, even try to work on the case. I was hoping the Neo De’s would come and put me out of my misery. Remy saved me though. He reminded me that I have everything to live for.”
She could be so dramatic sometimes. Tristin closed his eyes and took in a deep breath. Yes, if the Neo DE’s would have done that, it would have saved Tristin years of hard work. Seriously, Mercy was deranged. Or he wanted to think that. Rubbing his forehead, he finally looked at her. Of course Remy saved her. Why wouldn’t he save her? He knew what he had with her as his friend. It irritated him to no end, of course.
“That’s a first, Wright… I’m impressed. It must have been quite a struggle.”
That did dig deep. Standing up straighter, staring down his nose at her, he raised an eyebrow. Putting up his defenses, so to speak. Why did those comments make him lash out so easily? “Incredibly so. I mean, women throwing themselves at me and I can’t help but stay away from them. Quite a struggle. I’m amazed I’m still standing.” His eyes had narrowed slightly. She never got it, never understood!
“What do you think, Tristin? You were the one that slept around. Not me.”
Chuckling darkly, he shrugged and leaned forward slightly. “Ah, but that doesn’t answer my question, does it LaCroix? My sleeping around doesn’t effect you being pregnant.” He could feel the heat being generated, along with all the freshly reopened wounds. It was like pouring salt over it, and he could feel each sting. However, he wasn’t big enough to stop it. Not yet, at least.
“What is there to know Tristin? You never claimed to love me. It was my stupid fault for loving you. You loved your freedom. So I gave it to you. I let you be free. Free to live your life, the way you wanted to live it. That pain you feel is something I lived with for three years. In time it’ll pass.”
Laughing, he shook his head and felt with each forced amusement from his lips that he was one step closer to losing it all together. “You’re right. I just need to find me a best friend who will be there when I’m feeling down. Someone who will go and beat up the one causing my pain, and then come home and sleep with me. That’s a fantastic idea! I’d hate to be a copy cat, though.” Pain? She didn’t know pain. She had had the most faithful guy in the world! She just couldn’t know about it.
“Don’t you dare walk away from me, Wright.”
Waving his hand over his shoulder, he felt all the feelings he’d had the past couple months welling up inside. He could walk away whenever he damn well pleased, thank you very much! Besides, he needed to put some distance between the bathroom in case the old woman decided to search around the vicinity for him.
“You wanted this talk and we are going to talk. You got what wanted. The baby is yours. I was at the club that night to tell you about it. It’s the weight I can’t easily lose.”
That put a slip in his step. Nearly stumbling down to his knees, Tristin somehow caught his balance and swung his arms out, finally walking normal. However, he turned around suddenly and looked at her, wiping the fresh tears that had come up. To hell with Mercy… Once he could trust himself to speak, taking a few steps backwards with his hands on his hips, Tristin glanced from the sky to the ground and finally back to Mercy.
“Maybe you should get back to me in ten years. That seems to be the norm for this sort of thing. I’m only good for child support, so you just tell me how you want it and you’ve got it, babe.” He felt like a total d*ck, unsure of what he should say. Running a hand through what little hair he had on his head, he tried to keep things under control. It was his? He had brought another baby into the world to be screwed up by having his genes. Shaking his head, he laughed darkly at Mercy before stopping in the grass.
“Good to hear you still have something I-” want. But he couldn’t bring himself to say it. He choked slightly on it before looking away, frowning. “Look, if I can help, let me know. Otherwise I’m ah… You know I’m a shitty person, I shouldn’t be allowed to sire children. They’ll end up pretty screwed up if given the chance.” Putting his hands behind his head, interlacing the fingers, he laughed.
“Let me know if it’s a boy or girl, ok? I mean, you have your big Cajun to take care of you, but I do care about the child. So just… keep in touch for that reason.” One last bit before he had to leave. He was afraid he was going to lose it if he stayed right there. "You look great, Mercy. Haven't seen you glow so much in a long time. It's good for you."
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Mercy LaCroix
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Post by Mercy LaCroix on May 23, 2007 11:17:40 GMT -5
“You’re right. I just need to find me a best friend who will be there when I’m feeling down. Someone who will go and beat up the one causing my pain, and then come home and sleep with me. That’s a fantastic idea! I’d hate to be a copy cat, though.
Mercy nearly struck him for that. Is that what he thought of her then? Someone who just jumped into bed with Remy immediately after. Of all the… She stopped that thought and just glared at him.
“Yes Tristin, because only you can sleep around after being dumped. I forgot that was your thing.” Mercy snapped back, “You know, you really are an idiot. I only just started going out with him. But of course you did have such a low opinion of me that day in the park. So I really should be surprised.”
Mercy followed him. She wasn’t sure why. Perhaps it was a perverse part of her wanted to know what he thought of the baby. Another part wanted to hear him apologize for hoe he treated her. The truth was she still loved him, it would never go away. However he wasn’t ready for that and who knows he might never be ready. However Tristin had to face what he had done.
Mercy stood as they were far enough away from the mall. He started looking everywhere but at her. Mercy crossed her arms and waited. She had all day. Remy was on Patrol at the school and wasn’t due home for quite some time. Not that he dictated where she could go or who she could talk to.
“Maybe you should get back to me in ten years. That seems to be the norm for this sort of thing. I’m only good for child support, so you just tell me how you want it and you’ve got it, babe.”
Mercy Glared darkly at him. She couldn’t stop herself from smacking him hard. She was not Cecilia Lark, and never would be. Lark was a class one spoiled brat. Mercy wasn’t anywhere near that. She was from Jefferson parish and fought for everything she had. Lark only had to cry and she got it. Mercy remembered her from SWIM after talking to a few of her former classmates.
“I’m not that bitch, Tristin. I don’t want your damn money. You can take it and shove you r butt or maybe her tight one.” Mercy informed him darkly, “But don’t you ever think I’m the same as her. At least I loved you and didn’t ever once use you as a cheap thrill.”
“Good to hear you still have something I-Look, if I can help, let me know. Otherwise I’m ah… You know I’m a shitty person, I shouldn’t be allowed to sire children. They’ll end up pretty screwed up if given the chance.”
Mercy sighed at that. He was good at getting her to stop being angry at him. She didn’t know where he got that nonsense from. He wasn’t an overall shitty person, just someone who didn’t know what he wanted. If she was younger or had a different career, she would have waited for him. In fact she did for three years until she realized he wouldn’t change.
“You are not a shitty person, Tris. You just don’t know what you want. I’m sure he’ll turn out fine. If nothing else he’ll have your charm.” Mercy stated softly with a sigh.
“Let me know if it’s a boy or girl, ok? I mean, you have your big Cajun to take care of you, but I do care about the child. So just… keep in touch for that reason.”
“I want you in their life, Tris.” Merrcy blurted out before thinking. She looked at him with watery eyes. It was emotional for her. Three years she had been with this man. Even though she made out with Remy in the end, she still cared for him. Mercy swallowed and continued on, “I know better than anyone how important a father can be to a child growing up. I want my child to know their father, Tris.”
"You look great, Mercy. Haven't seen you glow so much in a long time. It's good for you."
“Thank you.” Mercy stated, “I’m actually excited about being a mother. After the last miscarriage, I was afraid I could never be again. Seems fitting it would be with you. I just hope that nothing happens this time to ruin it.”
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Post by Tristin Calixso Wright on May 23, 2007 21:09:03 GMT -5
“Yes Tristin, because only you can sleep around after being dumped. I forgot that was your thing… You know, you really are an idiot. I only just started going out with him. But of course you did have such a low opinion of me that day in the park. So I really should be surprised.”
Laughing at that, he simply shook his head. Yes, he was an idiot… he knew that all ready. Why did she find it important to bring it up to his face? Then again, he had said some pretty harsh things. He couldn’t apologize, though, as that would cause some sort of weird problem. He wanted to, but he couldn’t. Tristin didn’t think he could tell her all he had told Mik. Not after the reaction and everything he’d gotten since then.
Of course, the slap should have told him enough. He wasn’t even sure where it came from. One moment he was leering at her, the next he felt the smack. Rubbing his cheek, frowning, he almost bit back at her but swallowed what he wanted to say. It wasn’t true, he knew that, but it was easier to say than start apologizing. And by the look on her face, he’d gone and pissed her off some more. Good job, pal. No problem, buddy.
“I’m not that bitch, Tristin. I don’t want your damn money. You can take it and shove you r butt or maybe her tight one… But don’t you ever think I’m the same as her. At least I loved you and didn’t ever once use you as a cheap thrill.”
Shrugging, he wasn’t there to argue. Running a hand over his hair, he wondered what it would be like to let it continue to grow out. He could be scruffy man. It would fit him well. His hand moved down his cheeks and finally dropped back to his side. Why was he bothering with this? What had he wanted to get out of Mercy that he hadn’t all ready received? He wanted to tell her, wanted to confess himself to her. But he couldn’t. It just refused to slip out.
“You are not a shitty person, Tris. You just don’t know what you want. I’m sure he’ll turn out fine. If nothing else he’ll have your charm.”
Rolling his eyes, he realized he should have expected something like that. Probably made her feel guilty or something. He had meant that he was a terrible person, and wouldn’t change his opinion of himself. He had done a lot of things he regretted and didn’t know how to start making up for them. Tristin knew that if Mercy knew of those things, then she would see it the same way as he did. And perhaps that was another reason he didn’t say anything. He feared she would hate him even more.
“I want you in their life, Tris… I know better than anyone how important a father can be to a child growing up. I want my child to know their father, Tris.”
He choked up a little at that. Yes… his father had quickly disappeared the older he got. And now? He hadn’t spoken to his father in eight months. There was just no point in it, really. But he understood from Mercy’s perspective how a father was supposed to be a great thing for a child. He only wished he could have known that feeling… “Yeah… that is important.”
“Thank you… I’m actually excited about being a mother. After the last miscarriage, I was afraid I could never be again. Seems fitting it would be with you. I just hope that nothing happens this time to ruin it.”
Frowning, Tristin stopped walking backwards and put his hands on his hips, staring hard at Mercy. “The last what?” What the hell was she talking about? He almost just apparated home. He had horses to feed and water… but for some reason, Tristin stood rooted to the spot. He would wait and see what she was saying and then he could book it without feeling like a complete ass. Or more so than he all ready felt, at least.
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Mercy LaCroix
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Post by Mercy LaCroix on May 24, 2007 18:50:16 GMT -5
Mercy glared as Tristin held his cheek. It was the final straw hearing him compare her to that Lark woman. She wasn’t another Cecilia Lark. Farther thing from that woman. At least Mercy took pride in the fact that she had a heart beating in her chest. She heard the rumor about how Cecilia beat up Tristin when she first learned who he was. Everyone else thought he deserved it for leaving him. Mercy had a strange feeling that Tristin didn’t know about Chloe. However, that’s what happens when your name is Lark. Everyone takes you at your word.
Mercy stamped down the jealousy she was feeling. He wasn’t hers any more. Perhaps he never really was. Mercy watched him softly. He was getting a little scruffy and it worked for him. Ladies liked rugged men after all. It gave them a dangerous appeal. Mercy knew he might be single now, but he wouldn’t be single for long. Women had a hard time resisting men like Tristin Wright. She knew that from experience.
She wasn’t sure what Tristin really wanted from her. If he wanted her back, he missed the train. Maybe if he came to her a month ago she would have jumped into his arms. However she learned there were other men she could be with. Remy was showing her that. So where did that leave us.
“Yeah… that is important.”
Mercy gave him a soft smile. She knew he didn’t get along with his father but then again he also had Mik who was like a father to Tris. They might complain about each other, but it was obvious that anything ever happened to one, the other would be devastated. It was the type of bond and guidance she wanted her child to have. She also wanted to keep Tristin somewhere in her life. They spent three years together. Even in their off times, they maintained a friendship. She hoped they could keep that.
“I also want to keep you as a friend in my life. You did hurt me badly, but you were also someone I considered a dear friend. We been through a lot together, Tris.” Mercy stated gently.
“The last what?”
Mercy stared at him blankly. How could he not know. The doctor told her that they told him about it. The man who was at her bedside that first time she landed in the hospital. Unless…. Mercy groaned. She was an idiot. They must have told Remy thinking it was Tristin. Running a hand through her hair, great she was about to open another can of worms. She was going to kill that Cajun.
“They told me they told you about it. They must have told Remy. Why the hell didn’t he tell me?” Mercy cursed, before composing herself and faced Tristin, “I’m Sorry Tristin. I thought you knew. Remember that first time I landed in the hospital, when they were afraid of me dying from excessive blood loss. It wasn’t from my wounds.”
Mercy stopped as her eyes filled with tears. She needed a moment as she brought back up the pain. It was three years ago, yet it still hurt, ached over the lost of the child she had wanted with Tristin. Wrapping her arms around herself, she often wondered what her life be like if the baby had survived, what they would be like. She looked back at Tris, hoping she wouldn’t have to say anymore.
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Post by Tristin Calixso Wright on May 25, 2007 18:21:28 GMT -5
“I also want to keep you as a friend in my life. You did hurt me badly, but you were also someone I considered a dear friend. We been through a lot together, Tris.”
They had been… quite a lot of things had gone on over the past three years, some of which Mercy didn’t know of. But it all came down to Tristin having lost Mercy and still wanting to be in her life. Would she ever forgive him for the things he said? Would he ever get her back? It felt like some sixties action show where there was a cliffhanger and you knew it would turn out in the end but how it got there, no one knew. So then you’d tune in next week and get yet another cliff hanger.
However this cliffhanger was coming a lot quicker than usual. Or expected. He saw the way she looked at him after he asked her what she had meant. Tristin hadn’t exactly caught what she said, or chose not to. Then she groaned and Tristin frowned. This didn’t sound promising… Taking in a deep breath, he blinked and waited, wondering what the blow would be this time.
“They told me they told you about it. They must have told Remy. Why the hell didn’t he tell me?”
Talk about confusion. Tristin licked his lips and frowned, resting his hands on his hips as he considered what she could be talking about. So someone told Mercy that Tristin knew, but had instead told Remy and he had neglected to tell Mercy… What? His face showed it wasn’t quite making it there. He almost made a comment about Remy but kept it to himself for now. Whatever this was that she needed to tell him, Tristin was going to wait to hear it.
“I’m Sorry Tristin. I thought you knew. Remember that first time I landed in the hospital, when they were afraid of me dying from excessive blood loss. It wasn’t from my wounds.”
Tristin saw she was getting emotional, but it just wasn’t clicking. Either Tristin really had no clue that a miscarriage would cause a woman to bleed out, or he just didn’t want to believe it. He had been the cause of that first hospital trip, the start of it all. How could he live with himself if he found out that he had been the one that caused the death of their first child? So he frowned and confusion streaked across his face. “What was it from?”
She seemed to be beating herself up over it. Taking a step towards her, still frowning, he rubbed the back of his head and glanced at the sky. Seriously, if the blood loss wasn’t from her wounds, where was it coming from? “Did you puncture a lung? Get a cut inside somewhere? What? Internal bleeding?” Sometimes being clueless had its positives, and in times like this, it was definitely a negative.
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Mercy LaCroix
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SWIM's Lead Auror/Profiler
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Post by Mercy LaCroix on May 25, 2007 19:38:31 GMT -5
Mercy opened her mouth to answer but nothing came out. She couldn’t believe he didn’t know what the excessive bleeding had meant. True she was in bad shape at the time, but even her mother figured it out. Maybe women just instinctively knew when a woman suffered a miscarriage. She sniffed as the tears rolled down her face.
“Did you puncture a lung? Get a cut inside somewhere? What? Internal bleeding?”
Mercy started really crying at that. She tried to calm herself, she really did. However her emotions were running away from her. It was just everything that was happening to her such as her mood swings. Dabbing her eyes, she paused in trying to speak. It would be too hard to try right now.
After a few minutes, she was a bit calmer. She looked up to see that he was still clueless. Gulping down a fresh wave of tears, she cleared her throat and looked down. She was going to have to be direct. Nothing else was clicking with him.
“Tris, I wouldn’t be getting this emotional if it was those things.” Mercy started out, “I wish it was those things over what it really was. You might want to sit down.”
“I had a miscarriage.” Mercy paused after taking a deep breath as the tears rolled down her face before she completely broke down, “I lost our first child. It was my fault.”
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Post by Tristin Calixso Wright on May 27, 2007 15:59:46 GMT -5
Mercy was crying and Tristin couldn’t stop it. Opening his mouth, he didn’t know whether he should comfort her or not. Was it something he was supposed to do? Obligated to do? Closing his mouth, he frowned in concentration. Normally he would have hugged her and told her everything was okay. But he didn’t know what she was getting at, and they weren’t together anymore…
“Tris, I wouldn’t be getting this emotional if it was those things.”
Well, why not? A punctured lung could have left her dead, same as internal bleeding. They could have been traumatic experiences! And if he had been more creative, he was sure he could have come up with something just as emotional if not more bloody. At least she had gotten hold of herself a little. He had felt bad standing there and not doing anything.
“I wish it was those things over what it really was. You might want to sit down.”
Tristin nearly laughed at that, glancing to his left, right, and then behind him. Unless he planned on sitting on the grass… he wasn’t going to sit down. That would have been a useless sit anyway. He would have to get quite down to sit, and by that time she could have told him whatever it was. Something nagged at him in the back of his mind, but he refused for now to give in to it. Mercy was talking.
“I had a miscarriage.”
Tristin’s face hadn’t changed. He had his half smirk on his lips, hands on his hips, and head tilted just slightly. Of course his expression hadn’t changed, but he hadn’t moved either. His brain was trying to work around this new information. Finally his smile faded and he opened his mouth, taking in a deep breath. He was about to speak but then she started breaking down again.
“I lost our first child. It was my fault.”
And then it hit him. She had been pregnant before. With his child. Way back in the beginning… Suddenly he couldn’t breathe fast enough. Feeling lightheaded, Tristin took a step back and stumbled slightly, waving his arms out at his sides to balance himself. Rubbing a hand over his face, he shook his head, in shock. She had been pregnant before… back when she went into the hospital the first time. Back when they had been together and really happy…
Everything crashed down suddenly and he felt a sob reach up at the lump stuck in his throat. That had been his fault… She had gone into the hospital because of him. She’d lost their child because of him. Shaking his head, he put out a hand as if he could stop the train from hitting him full force. “My… It was my fault… Mercy… I… Oh god…” He let himself kneel on the grass, putting his head in his hands and silently crying against them. He had thrown it all away… and he hadn’t even known it!
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