Final Exit {Jack}

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

Vy Pryce

Why must minds always do this? Play devil’s advocate and be convinced of the worst: could see the posture of his body from across the town-square. The way he worried for this girl like no stranger. Vy’s mind noticed nothing but this, despite the distance and heavy uniform. And the picture only becomes more vivid as she continues to hear nothing from him for days. He’s found a new tough girl to save, there’s no denying that.

No, he’s too gentle to ever cheat.

Then she gets distracted by her toddler’s voice, “Mama, where we going?” She questions, and makes Vy stop completely in her tracks. A shirt gets pulled from the bag, just not for too long.

Yeah, but he’s at least wishing he could, even if he hasn’t yet.

“Just to visit Granny for a little.” Folded clothes begin to get stacked into the bag again. That little nose scrunches up on Brooklyn’s round face. Someone’s been spending far too much time with her mom.

“When we coming back here?” The Rugrat questions all too innocently, emphasize on the fact that she believes this is where they belong.

“Not sure Sweetie.” And how is Vy supposed to tell her otherwise? She takes in a long sigh before taking her Little one into her grasp. Have to at least show her that everything’s all right. “Don’t you miss Granny?” They both giggle in response, though Vy also begins tickling the Rascal in addition.

Somehow all of their belongings fit into a large duffle bag, and two back-bags. Have to love only having a physically light load. “How about we leave the toys for Mira? I’m sure you still have plenty at Granny’s.” Have to love that Brittany spoils Brooklyn and treats her extremely differently, only reason why they’re going back.

Like the smart cookie Vy is, she waits until the house is completely empty. Last thing she wants to do is argue with Kyanite, and hopefully a note will help her understand much better. She begins writing it as soon as Brooklyn calls it clear. Probably smart to give them a few minute incase they forgot something. A few things are scribbled down, and she forces herself to not reread. Last thing she needs is to spend the entire time perfecting a letter and wind up getting caught anyways. It’s folded in half and left on the kitchen counter for, fingers crossed, a few hours.

“Come on Brookie.” Vy eyes where she’s been to make sure no mess is left behind, and nudges her head for her to get a move on. They cut through the living room to retrieve their things. There’s no denying the memories and feelings they’re going to miss from this place. But it’s much safer to leave due to it being Vy’s decision, rather than waiting for things fall apart. Risk it being her fault. And with that they then head to the door for a final exit.

[Jack Lexington]

Exhausted and tired I make my way 'home' by foot. The way seems far too long and my head is spinning with thoughts of what happened. There's a deep frown on my face while I recollect the way this girl looked after being publicly flogged. I know I'm lucky I was never put on display and publicly shunned so every single person would be able to recognise me as a law breaker even though I was one. If I keptmy shirt on, nobody would know.
The one thing still heavy on my mind is that I got away with killing Jins. For some reason that just doesn't seem right. Not even an interrogation or investigation followed. I blame that on the fact that some neglegent peace keeper allowed Jins to escape in the first place and nobody was supposed to have to pay for it and a pk got severly injured by Jins. Maybe that made my actions 'okay'. Or maybe one day they willcome back for me and put me on that same flogging pole in the market square and beat me till I'm done....my thoughts are going to very dark places right now so I barely notice the bags when I unlock the door and want to head straight up to my bed.

Little Brooklyn runs around the corner and bumps into my hip head on. "Ouch, watch out!" I tell her and cast a glance at Vy behind her.
Only now do I notice all the stuff.
"What's going on here? What's with the bags?" I ask tired and lean against the door frame.

Brookly dances around me and suddenly stops to look at me with sad eyes. "Are you going to visit us at grammas?"
I wrinkle my brow in confusion. "Huh?" Then my gaze wanders to Vy again. "At grandmas?"

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

Busted. Just when Vy was certain they'd easily slip out unnoticed, the door's creaking open. She's caught redhanded. Instantly her face goes blank, and she attempts to kick the duffle bag around the corner. 'Course it doesn't work. Matthew tiredly strolls in, and the distraction of Brooklyn last all of a second. Takes him him only another second to question what's going on. "Um..." There's such an instinct to lie to avoid the truth, yet something holds her back. Inability to come up with a good story? Or lack of desire to fib to the one she's learned to call friend?

Luckily Brooklyn decides for her. She innocently wonders if he'll visit them at Granny's, and the cat is now entirely out of the bag. Confusion gathers upon Matthew's expression, as his eyes slide over to her. He questions what the Little one's talking about, and Vy's completely speechless. She planned for that note in the kitchen, not getting busted head-on.

"Yeah. We're going to stay at Brittany's for a little. Give Jeran some space." She explains in a monotoned pitch. There's no telling how Matthew's going to respond.

"Mind telling Ky that everything's okay when she gets home?" He can't really protest if she makes it sound like it's already a sure thing. "Probably be more comforting coming from you." Now to figure out if he's going to support or protest to what's going on.

[Jack Lexington]

Instantly I know something is off by the way Vy is looking at me. I'm actually way too tired to deal with her shit now but she's my friend, right? So I take the time to stand there and listen to whatever explanation she has for taking a trip to grandma, whom she's not fond of as far as I know.

"Yeah. We're going to stay at Brittany's for a little. Give Jeran some space."
Wow, she cut to the chase fast. Jeran.
I raise my brows and run a tired hand over my face. So Jeran and Vy are having some relationship issues. Obviously I'm the last person to add my two cents to something I know so little about.
"Jeran, huh?" I ask to think some more about it.
"I was under the impression you two really hit it off. You seemed pretty cosy lately."
It's a statement that she can comment on or not. Maybe there's more to the story that I don't know but I'm sure she wouldn't uproot her child for a mere argument.

"Mind telling Ky that everything's okay when she gets home? Probably be more comforting coming from you." So Ky doesn't even know yet. I must have surprised her.
"Why don't you tell her yourself. Take a moment- think this through."

I more or less block her way because knowing Vy this is one of her rushed temperamental decisions.
"Does Jeran know? What happened?"

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

And now Jeran's getting cosy with someone else, but does Vy mention that to Matthew? Of course not. He might of noticed Jeran's fondness for the wounded one, or reassure Vy that she's overthinking it, neither of which she wants to hear. "Not so much anymore." Instead she simply blows it off with a shrug. Have to remain strong despite the separation anxiety running through her veins. If only that was enough to get Matthew to let her go.

To no surprise he advices her to tell Kyanite what's going on herself, and to stop for a moment to think. If she did either of those things, she'd be forced to consider the logic in leaving. And that does not sound like a good idea. Last thing she wants is to wait & listen to Jeran explain how he's in-love with someone else.

"I already have." She attempts to convince them both that she's considered this entirely. Doesn't mean Matthew clears the path to the door though, as he then quickly questions if she's even informed Jeran. Guess he doesn't get that's what she's trying to avoid. Or the fact that Jeran's ignored her for days since that new girl came about. And she holds no interest in going into details over the problem. Would much rather solve it by ignoring it all together.

"It doesn't matter." Vy's determined to stick to this conclusion, seem uncaring about the whole ordeal. Sure she's leaving the closest thing she had to a family, but it's better then what potentially lies ahead. "We just can't be together anymore. And I figured it'd be best to give us a little space." She explains while somehow managing to appear together. "I know Ky would try to fix everything, hence why I'm sneaking out." Maybe if a childish spin is put onto he'll let her go. Certainly he'd prefer a house with only his family of three anyways, just have to convince him of that.

[Jack Lexington]

Vy claims that she's thought about what she's doing enough. "I already have."
Of course I'm not buying that for one second because I know exactly what rush decisions look and feel like.
"You're trying to fool a pro here, Vy!" I tell her and then make space and walk to the kitchen to get a glass of water and grab some cheese from the fridge which I quickly throw on a slice of bread to return to the escape artist.

"It doesn't matter." She declares about Jeran and her relationship, which just seems wrong.
"We just can't be together anymore. And I figured it'd be best to give us a little space. I know Ky would try to fix everything, hence why I'm sneaking out."
"She would." I chew with little joy just to fill my stomach as quickly as I can.

I have no idea what happened between the two love birds but it seems odd. I'm the last person to judge her on that though. They had a weird relationship from the start.
"Last time I checked you two looked pretty cosy under those sheets. What changed?" I demand to know even though it's none of my business.

The kid has meanwhile taken off to run around the house again and play. Apparently we've given her a chance to stay where she wants to be.

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

The entrance to the door becomes completely empty; after Matthew expresses that Vy's attempting to fool a pro, and leaves for the kitchen. What the hell is he talking about? How many times had he secretly try to walk out unnoticed? Either way her eyes stay glued to the door, debating on whether she should slip out now or try to explain things to Matthew. Something keeps her feet stuck to the floor though, and it seems like the decision's not even hers. Dammit.

'Least when he does return, he agrees that Kyanite would try to fix everything. Does that mean he doesn't want her to? Hard to tell, though he doesn't free Vy quite yet. No, he mentions how cozy Jeran and her were the other day; a memory that she'd rather not recall.

What changed? To share the truth or come up with some bullshit. She gulps as she attempts to figure out her strategy. "He's just into someone else." She continues to act like she's shrugging it all off. There's no denying that it's eating her up, but she won't admit to that. Everything's fine. "Don't tell me you didn't see his connection with the girl that was punished?" She questions as if it's still no big deal. There's still this dire need to know if it's only her, or if Matthew could spot it as well. Maybe she is making a rash decision, or she's being smart enough to protect herself early.

"He hasn't even looked at me since she was put on that post." She pathetically laughs as a bit of truth slips out. 'Course her eyes dart to the floor after a quick roll. "So clearly, it's best if I leave now."

[Jack Lexington]

I stand there and wait patiently. Not that I don't have anything better to do. I could eat some more, take a shower or sleep while Mira's away but instead I'm trying to be a good friend and listen. What has gotten into me lately that I'm being so nice...I need to change that again.

"He's just into someone else." She surprises me with the truth and even before she says it I've already got it figured out because I remember the way he begg-forced me into taking care of that blonde chick- what was her name?
"Don't tell me you didn't see his connection with the girl that was punished?"
I bite my lip and shake my head even though I agree- not with her conclusion though.
"Yeah, I saw their connection."
My eyes suddenly find hers to pin her down.
"They've been friends since they were babies." I try to defend him.

"He hasn't even looked at me since she was put on that post. So clearly, it's best if I leave now."
"Did it cross your mind that a good old friend returned and is in really poor state. He had to stand by and watch her get whipped. Do you think that could fuck with his mind a little and put you out of the focus for a moment even if he doesn't want to fuck her?" Oh my choice of words- must be the absence of my baby...but then I notice her girl at the other side of the hallway putting her hands over her ears. "Mattew said the bad word!" She points her finger at me.
"Yeah, I'm sorry, baby." I shake my head at Vy though.

"You're stupid- running away like that." That's my two cents on it.
"Great solution."

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

At first Matthew makes it out to believe that he's on Vy's side. He noticed their connection, which must mean he understands. But shortly after he's protesting that Jeran's been friends with this girl since they were babies. Well how funny that he just forgot to mention that while knowing Vy for over a year. And after a couple of days of his old friend's recovery, he has still yet to inform her of anything. No returning home, ten minutes to talk, or even a short phone call. She can't help but assume for the worst, and also prepare for it.

What Matthew says next stings, making Vy's jaw tighten with anger. So he thinks she's being selfish? If Kyanite ever disappeared for a couple of days to care for an old male friend, certainly he'd be predicting the worst as well. 'Course that's not what Vy brings up though. She'd prefer to simply walk out now, but Brooklyn point's out Matthew's bad word, and she somehow finds a reason to stay.

"Pretty sure two days is more then a moment." Vy mutters, having no interest in this argument. She brushes her fingers through Brooklyn's hair to reassure her that's everything's alright, and nudges for to go play. Last thing she needs, is to be listening in.

Doesn't Matthew just have a way with making it better? Definitely a point to remember, to not talk to him while in a sorrowful state. He claims that Vy's simply stupid for this decision, and sarcastically claims she has a great solution. "I thought so." Thing is, Vy's just as skilled in sarcasm. "But hey, if they're not together in a couple of days, you win the bet." Despite her current mood, she follows in the sarcastic remarks.

[Jack Lexington]

"I totally understand you." I say because I have seen the look in his eyes and the way he begged me to take care of that girl. Maybe she's right. Maybe it's more than a childhood friendship but I think she's drawing conclusions too fast.
"I think you're pissed off a little too fast. Fight for him...I'm taking that bet. You two have a strange relationship but he's into you. We both know that...who knows why." I try to lighten the mood by teasing her a bit.

Then I step aside and wave my arm towards the door.
"It's your call but I think you're making a mistake. It would be wise to wait and talk to him. Maybe even go over there. But again- we both know wisdom is not your strong suit."
Why am I teasing her so much when she's already upset...guess I'm just not that nice.

Deep inside I still hope she won't go because I've become very used to her and her daughter. It would be a pity.

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

Teeth grit because of what Matthew says next, but somehow Vy manages to resist changing her expression in any other way. Who knows why Jeran would ever be with her, exactly why she's actually being smart with this quick decision. And to think seconds ago he was claiming to understand. Perhaps Kyanite taught him how to say that even when it's not true. "Who knows." She sarcastically agrees with a fake grin and crossed arms. Rage instinctively wants to kick in, but she'd rather not show any emotion at all.

Again the way to the door is cleared, and Vy couldn't be more baffled on whether he wants her to stay or not. He declares it's completely up to her, as if she wasn't aware of that already. Then he just has to add in another insult, which once again hits too close to home. Now she follows her instincts as she reaches for her bags.

"Come on Brooklyn." She gently calls for her little one and heads for the open exit. "Then I guess I might as well follow it." Is returned with the same attitude, while she gives Matthew a quick pat on the shoulder. It's been proven that Jeran has no business being with her, and her best bet is get out now. Sure there's an odd half of Matthew's words that make it seem like she should still stay, but her heart is currently screaming at her to get out now. "We'll visit. Just keep your family happy." And with that she gives her final weak grin.

[Jack Lexington]

My choice of words might not be the best one (I never claimed to be good with them) but I intend to make her see that she's making a mistake by running out on Jeran and us.
What drives her to act the way she does only Vy knows.

"Who knows." Her voice is dripping with sarcasm and I know that look in her eye. She's ready to put her knuckles in my face if I don't get out of the way and as much as I love a good fight this is not the best time or person.

"Come on Brooklyn." She reaches for her bags an changes to a much softer tone like only a mother can. "Then I guess I might as well follow it."

That pat on the shoulder makes me grit my teeth in return because she patronizing me. I want to slap her hand away but stand still.
"We'll visit. Just keep your family happy."

What can I say. I can only shake my head to that. "Jeran's part of that family." Did I really just say that? I'm trying to defend him and stand up for him? I must have lost my mind somewhere in that pile of dirty diapers.

"Vy, c'mon. Give it a bit more time. Talk to the guy. Who knows, maybe she is really nothing but a childhood friend, who's in really bad shape and you're blowing him off."
I raise my hand in defense when she glares at me but shrug and look at her for a long moment while Brooklyn's eyes dart back and forth between us. Her face suddenly looks very unhappy.
"I want to stay here." She pouts making me want to hug her, so I simply do. I step towards her and enclose her in my arms picking her up.
"You'll come back soon."
Squeezing her I tickle her a bit until she laughs again but I give Vy a look.

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

It's been well established that Vy's taking a 50/50 shot here. There's still a chance that Jeran's truly only distracted by a long lost friend, and his mind could be clearing at this very moment...or his brain is fogged beyond repair. "I can't take that chance." She explains softly and apologetically; having no desire to fight with Matthew, despite his previously poor wording. It's bad enough that she won't get the privilege of his sarcasm on a daily anymore. Don't want to leave fighting with him to.

Hard to tell if what Matthew does next is intentional or not; because if it is a new strategy, props to him. Brooklyn whimpers about not wanting to leave, and he automatically scoops her up into a hug. Is he trying to make leaving difficult? He reassures her that they'll be back soon, forcing Vy to bite down on her inner cheek again. There's no doubting this family is far better then Brittany's best fake. Is Vy being selfish by taking Brooklyn away from this? Only to go back to the person that made her like this, someone that simply runs.

"I'm sorry." She more-or-less says to Brooklyn, though her eyes are upon Matthew's. "Maybe we'll back by tomorrow. Just have to wait for everything to settle." A wobbly grin crosses her lips while she reaches for her little one, whom now holds no interest in leaving. "Come on Brookie, I'm sorry." Perhaps this is why she wanted to avoid seeing anyone. Tears stream down those round toddler cheeks, making all of this that much harder.

"Bye Matthew." Brooklyn sniffles as they finally leave.

Days go by without a word from Jeran, just as expected. 'Course Vy was hoping to be wrong for this occasion, but she's glad she made the right decision on leaving. Plus now she doesn't have to feel guilty leaving her daughter at home, since Brittany's more then willing to make up for lost time. So after being sick and tired of waiting at home for the one that no longer remembers her, she's off to the bar. Nothing like a few drinks to get her mind off of everything. A nice quiet corner is chosen, one right next to the bartender in order to keep the drinks rolling in.

[Jack Lexington]

It's strange not to have her in the house and it's almost as strange not to spend my days renovating my own place since it's occupied by Jeran and his damsel in distress. Yes, I do harbor slight angry feelings against the guy for taking such poor care of Vy, who has admittedly become my friend.

I don't have much to do now but finish the crib, which is a half dayproject just to sand down some edges and put some finishing on the wood to let it dry. Then all I can do si change dirty diapers, feed Mira and let her cry in my ears when she has a belly ache and no rocking will calm her down. It's grinding on both of our nerves as cute as Mira is.

The situation also makes me wonder what I'll do with my life from now on. I need to bring home some money soon. Of course I can always fall back on my dads job offer but I don't want to so I tell Ky that I'll go into town to look at the job board at the town hall.

My efforts there are only half assed because I don't know what to do with my life just yet. So I note down the adress of some construction companies, who are looking for workers and then make my way back home.




For some reason my path leads me past Vys home just to find her courgar mom there and immediately leave again. Next stop is the bar down the road. A beer would surely sooth my tired nerves.

As I enter smoke and dim lights make the setting kind of sketchy and hard to see, so I narrow my eyes and look around. The place is pretty full for a Friday evening at 7 pm only.
"One dark beer." I show the bar tender my index finger because it's pretty loud in here and then lean my back against the bar , elbows resting on top to look around.

"ha...look who the cat dragged in!" I grin at the blonde seated all the way in a corner before I grab my beer and approach her.
"Vy! What a surprise to see you in here!"

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

Tonight's plan is pretty much set in stone without establishing it. The only thing that Vy's desiring, is to get wasted alone. Probably would of been more logical to not do that in a public bar, but it's not like she has the opportunity to do so at home. All she can do now is hope to go undisturbed. Running into a familiar face is the last thing she craves, especially given that she'd rather forget about everything. Does her only wish come true though? Of course not, that'd just be too damn easy.

"Ha...look who the cat dragged in!" That voice that she recognizes far too well, rings through her ears. Instinctively a heavy sigh escapes her while she pulls her eyes away from her drink. Figures she can't just have one night to herself. "Vy! What a surprise to see you in here!" Though she can't deny missing his sense of humor.

Sort of funny how they're in the opposite seats from last time they were at a bar. Is Matthew going to start a bar fight to cheer up Vy this time? She chuckles lightly to herself while shaking her head softly. Probably isn't the best idea. "Good to see you to." She sarcastically replies with, and actually manages a grin. Guess he's not the worst person to run into. Can only imagine the discomfort if it was Jeran drawing closer. A friend with some good sarcastic jokes could be exactly what she needs.

"Another please." She requests from the bartender, and patiently awaits another harsh shot. "So what brings you here?" Is questioned with hopes that it'll make the time go by faster. Though it doesn't seem to matter since the attendant is fast with the orders. Oddly enough he drops two short, and filled to the brim, glasses in front of her.

Does she have to share? Obviously not, but she feels obligated to. "Here, guess he assumed I need to get drunk faster." She attempts at a joke while sliding one of the shots across the sticky countertop. "How's everything at the Homefront?" She dangerously wonders with no changed expressions to go along with it. In a way, she doesn't want to know. Yet something pulls her around to asking anyways.