London Calling

[Dah]

The day had finally arrived. The interview with Aaron Leffield had been gnawing incessantly at the back of Danny's mind all week. At this stage in his career, he'd assumed those jitters would have abated, if not gone completely. But there was no such luck to be had today. He paced about the room, a nervous mess, stopping in the mirror to double check his appearance while muttering his side of an imaginary conversation.

Alexia perched lightly on the edge of the neatly made bed, her large, rich, dark brown eyes following Danny's trim, well dressed figure as he paced back and forth. She had taken a break from trying to soothe him as it seemed her words of comfort and encouragement seemed to fall on deaf ears. She considered it a small miracle she had convinced him to have a few bites of breakfast. Now, she sat, her hands folded neatly in her lap, a tiny smirk on her delicate features. She couldn't help but find his nervousness endearing.

"Y-You're going to be brilliant, mo chroí. I'm s-sure of it." She murmured warmly to him as he paced in front of her once more.

He turned to face her, almost freezing in place where he stood. He wore an impeccably tailored navy blue suit that hugged his athletic form. A white collared shirt was worn with no tie and his black shoes, freshly polished, gleamed in the morning light. Though it may not have seemed like it, her words DID set him at ease. He let out a deep breath with an audible sigh. Those trademark dimples made their appearance as a smile crossed his face, just for a moment.

"I know, I'm 100% overthinking it." He said, unbuttoning his suit jacket before taking a seat beside her. "This could just be very big. I mean, the book was a massive success, but if I make a good impression today, the sky's the limit."

As soon as he was near, she snuggled in close and slipped a thin arm behind his back, her soft, petite hand resting on his side. Her smile warmed and the distinct scent of lavender and chamomile surrounded them.

"Y-You will. Just be your w-w-wonderful self." She said, deep, genuine affection in her tiny voice.

"And perhaps, after, w-we can celebrate somewhere."

Danny took in the sight of that pretty little face, his hand reaching up the rest upon her cheek. "I'd like that." He said quietly, those green eyes staring right into her. "You know, none of this would have happened without you. Right?"

Those large eyes went a touch wider and her surprise easily replaced her radiant smile.

"Wh-What? How?" A soft, incredulous chuckle left her lips as dark pretty brows furrowed.

"Well..." he ran a thumb along her eyebrow. "Without you, I don't learn your story, I don't write 'An Insignificant, Little Fae', it doesn't get published, it doesn't become successful, it doesn't get me noticed by Polaris and Leffield. I probably wouldn't even be in Rhy'Din anymore. I'd probably be here, writing articles...living an extraordinarily dull and solitary life. But instead, here I am. On the verge of something great, and it's all because of you."

"You could n-never be extraordinarily dull, my love. O-Only extraordinary." She squeezed his torso in a sweet side embrace.

"I bet I could if I really set my mind to it." Danny grinned and leaned in slowly, gently pressing his lips to hers for a long, lingering kiss. When it ended, he remained, his forehead to hers.

She began to glare playfully at him, but his tender kiss cut off any argument she might have had. Now, sitting so close together, she sighed contentedly before gazing up into those familiar emerald green eyes.

"I love you, D-Danny." She murmured. "And I'm s-so proud of you."

"I love you." He flashed her that oh-so Danny grin.

She mirrored his grin with one of her own, a ghost of a dimple appearing high on her right cheek. After a moment, her eyes narrowed.

"Hmm. Y-You're stalling." It wasn't a question. She stood, slipping from his arms, although quite reluctantly, and put her petite hands in his, tugging gently, urging him to stand and earning a playfully petulant groan from him.

"C-Come on. It's almost time." She admonished him sweetly and took a few steps backward, guiding them toward the door, but pulling his arms to wrap around her waist.

"Give me one more hug and k-kiss, and then be on your w-w-way." She said, firmly but lovingly.

He groaned theatrically, letting her drag him to his feet and guide him away. "Do I have to? What do you say I just unwrap you like a christmas present and spend all day playing with you?"

Her face burned crimson, but her expression remained fairly neutral, save for the high arching eyebrow of feigned disapproval. It all fell apart, however, when another incredulous laugh left her and she shook her head.

"D-Daniel Dubek, we did n-not come all this way for you to m-m-miss this incredible opportunity for the s-sake of being intimate." She mock-scolded.

"W-We can do that later." Her voice dropped a touch and the crimson in her face redoubled, but she held his gaze, a glint of mischief in her own.

Danny put on a pouty face, pretending to listlessly kick at the ground. "Ohhhh allllright...." He peered up at her, a hint of excitement and intrigue in his eyes. "Promise?"

A giggle bubbled up as she looped her arms around his neck and stood on her tiptoes. She craned her neck and tilted her head up to place a tender peck on his lips before giving a tiny nod.

"Now, o-off with you." She insisted, her left eyebrow arching.

He stumbled backwards out the door, a cheeky little smirk playing across his rugged features. "See you soon, love."

She dipped her head in a small nod, a warm smile crinkling the corners of her eyes. She watched him depart until he disappeared into the elevator. Only then did she close the door and turn to look at the empty room. Now a bout of nerves had taken residence in her own stomach and she quickly searched for a distraction, finding it in a book she found in a second hand bookstore they visited the day before.

It wasn't long before a knock came from the door. Alexia looked up from her book, confused at first. With knitted brows, she tucked a slip of paper into the book to mark her page and set it down on the couch next to where she had been sitting.

"It c-can't be over already..." She murmured to herself. As she neared the door, she called out.

"D-Did you forget something, my lo-" When she reached the door, she pulled it open, expecting to see a tall, auburn haired adonis. Instead, her words cut off in surprise.

Far from the tall, handsome writer, she instead found a much shorter, nervous looking Jo, a dish wrapped in tinfoil in her hands. There was just something about the woman, an easy, genuine quality that set people at ease. "Hello." she said, a slight sing song in her proper British accent. "I hope I'm not intruding. I wanted to pop by and see you before you go. Is now a good time?"

To say Alexia was shocked would have been an understatement. The stark contrast from who she pictured behind the door left her momentarily speechless. After a long moment, she blinked herself out of her mini fugue and stood aside.

"Oh! Ah... Y-Yes, I suppose that would b-be alright." A bit flustered, she quickly looked around, for what, she wasn't certain.

"Ah, p-please, come in." She said as she held the door open.

"Thank you, dear." Jo slipped in, setting her purse on the counter. She turned to face the younger-looking woman once inside, and offered the dish to her. "As it’s your first trip to London, I thought I’d make you a traditional English trifle. Just to prove our cuisine isn't limited to fish and chips." Jo smiled warmly. Her thick, blonde hair was kept short and neat, and a pair of thick-rimmed glasses now adorned her face. The dish beneath was layered with custard, sponge cake, whipped cream and topped with several strawberries. It seemed Jo had some talent as a baker.

Alexia gave the dish a look of genuine interest. She knew exactly its purpose and it did not go unappreciated. After all, how often had she done the exact same thing? Cooked or baked up a storm and arrived at her destination armed to the teeth with delicious food. The small but friendly smile on her lips remained as she looked up.

"Sh-Shall I get some p-p-plates?"

"That would be lovely." Jo beamed, unwrapping the trifle and taking out the pie server. "How are you enjoying London, Alexia? I imagine Danny is showing you all the sights?"

It took a few moments to find what she needed. The kitchenette was lovely, but unfamiliar and she chewed her bottom lip with every open and close of a cabinet or drawer until she finally found clean plates and silverware. With a small sigh of relief, she set everything down next to the desert and expertly cut and served her unexpected guest before serving herself.

"Oh, y-yes, it's been l-lovely. W-We've been to s-s-so many wonderful places and he's told me l-lots of s-stories from his y-youth. A-After he m-moved here from T-Texas, of course… Th-That is to say, he’s t-t-told me of his youth in T-T-Texas as w-well, but wh-while we were… ah… there… and n-now we’re here…" She could feel the nervous chatter begin to build.

"He's always been a sweet boy." Jo said fondly, mercifully plucking her from her spiral. "I never got to see them when they were living in America, but when they came here, he and his parents were at my place almost weekly. Until Mel became ill..."

Alexia’s dark eyes quickly lowered at the mention of Danny's late mother, her interest suddenly inexplicably tied to the plate before her. Her mind immediately went to the deep hurt that radiated off of him when they had first arrived at the music shop. At a loss for what to say, she gave a small nod of acknowledgment to show she was still listening.

"She was a wonderful woman. She would have absolutely adored you." Jo smiled. There was absolutely no maliciousness or ulterior motive to be detected in the woman.

“And the most beautiful singing voice! I sang a bit in my younger years, but I was practically a shrieking harpy in comparison.” She chuckled, "Has he shown you her music?"

She was terribly unsure what to say. Danny had often told her the same thing. Melody Dubek would have loved her. It was an odd feeling. A sad feeling. How could someone yearn for a person that no longer lived? A person they had never met and yet somehow felt that they had? There was little doubt she would have continued on that train of thought and delved into a deep, introspective state. Luckily, Jo's next question hauled her back.

"Hmm? Oh! Y-Yes, he has. Her s-songs are l-lovely and her v-voice is so beautiful. He's so p-proud of her." She said, the warmth quickly enveloping her voice.

Jo smiled, but there was a hint of pain behind those kind eyes. "She was so proud of him." she said softly. "Melody wanted nothing more than another child and Danny…Danny was her wish come true. She worried so much for him when they first arrived...starting a new life in a new place with his…difficulties. She was terrified he would be bullied and tormented...but Danny just never gave up. You should have seen the way she lit up when she talked about that boy."

Alexia’s smile turned wistful. She thought of her love and the pain he went through. To have had someone that loved him so dearly and unconditionally, only to be unfairly ripped from his life. She thought of Melody and how she must have ached knowing she wouldn't always be there for him. A few rapid blinks did little to dispel the moisture that threatened to spill from her eyes. With a sharp intake of breath through her nostrils, she quickly carved a tiny morsel of the trifle and nibbled it off the fork. Despite the love and care that went into making it with the best ingredients, it still turned bitter in her mouth.

"It isn't d-difficult for a-anyone to be proud of him. He's q-quite an amazing p-person." She murmured softly.

Jo flashed a toothy grin at the lovestruck fae. "You are absolutely head over heels for the man, aren't you?"

Dark eyebrows shot up in surprise and she blinked a few times. A touch of rosy glow warmed her cheeks and she chuckled voicelessly. There was no denying even if she wanted to.

"Y-Yes, I r-really am." She confessed with a little nod. "He has e-every last bit of m-my heart."

It wasn't easy to miss the wistful ache behind Jo's eyes, and the note in her voice. "We should all be so lucky."

Dark brown eyes sharpened as she sought out Jo's gaze. It had been there that night. Something she was sure she sensed between Jo and Vernon. It certainly wasn't the right time then, but she was certain it had to be discussed eventually. They simply could not go on foolishly ignoring their growing feelings for each other. But there was something more pressing on her mind.

"Is th-that why you came to s-see me? To... To t-talk about r-relationships?"

Jo snapped out of it and turned her gaze back to the little fae. "Well, I suppose you could say that. I do hope there is a chance for us all to have some manner of relationship going forward. I know that's easier said than done. But...I don't want another twenty years to pass without Danny visiting. And I'm certain Vernon doesn't either."

"Th-That's really up to D-Danny..." She trailed off as her gaze drifted to the side, a knot of nerves suddenly twisting in her stomach. Or perhaps it was guilt. Sitting there, talking about Danny without him there to have the opportunity to speak for himself felt wrong, especially considering the sensitive subject.

"Of course." Jo nodded. "Though, I believe it could benefit them both. This may seem somewhat forward, but I think it's something we should encourage. What do you think?"

"You... w-want me to... to try and c-c-convince him to talk to his f-f-father?" Her brows knitted and her voice held no small amount of uncertainty.

"I want to know if you think it will help him." She said simply.

"I..." Confusion brewed and manifested on her pretty face for a moment before she took a small breath and closed her eyes for a moment. When she opened them, she focused on her plate once more.

"I would l-love nothing more than for D-Danny to have all the f-f-family and support possible. H-He deserves n-nothing less. B-But I think you know as w-well as I do that it h-has to be s-s-something he w-wants. I can t-try talking to him. I'll c-certainly l-let him know what we t-t-talked about and how you and I b-both feel about the s-situation." When she finally looked up, her expression was fairly neutral.

"But if the p-pain is still too great for him to b-bear, I w-won't push the m-matter. I'll a-always p-protect him first."

Jo considered the fae's words for a moment. She could certainly understand the loyalty. There was little in the world she wouldn't do for Vernon. It was painful to see the division between father and son. The disparity between Danny's view of him and the good man she'd known since they were kids was confounding. She just knew there had to be a way to make him see what she did. She nodded slowly, a tight, almost sad smile crossed her lips.

"You're a good woman." She said. "Danny is lucky to have you." After a moment, she spoke again. "Has he told you much about Vernon?"

Alexia thought for a moment, carefully choosing her words as she so often did. Of course Danny had told her about Vernon and how hurt and angry he was with him. She didn't need to be an empath to sense the pain he had carried for decades.

"He's s-spoken of him a f-f-few times." She said, leaving it intentionally vague. Her intense brown eyes searched Jo's carefully.

Jo nodded. For a moment she was quiet, but she pushed on, catching Alexia's eyes. "There are so many regrets there. I wish you had more time to get to know him. He really is a wonderful man. He's been my best friend since we were teens. When he lost Melody, I think...something just broke. It was supposed to be happily ever after when they got together. I've never seen two people so hopelessly in love."

Alexia could tell in her face that Vernon and Danny were not the only ones who were devastated by the loss of Melody Dubek.

"Nobody talks about what happens in that 'ever after' part." Jo said. "There's still pain. Still tragedy. Still mistakes. Danny lost a mother. Vernon, a soulmate. And I lost a sister. Or at least someone as dear as. We just keep hope alive that our failures don't doom us forever."

Alexia did her best to hide the swell of mixed emotions that Jo had unknowingly stirred up. Indeed, she had her own share of family tragedy and lost ever afters. Rather than let herself get swept up in them, she let her gaze fall to the side, her lips pressing into a thin line. After a moment or two, she drew a deep breath through her nostrils and held it briefly.

"I... w-will admit, I had hoped their reunion had been m-more p-p-positive. How exactly, I'm n-not certain. But I can t-t-tell D-Danny is hurting now m-more than ever." Part of her felt, again, like she was betraying him somehow. But, she told herself, Jo seemed genuinely concerned for him as well.

"You're very protective of him." Jo said, but the smile on her face showed that there was no disapproval there. She understood perfectly. She of course didn't think anything of the fact that she was JUST as protective of Vernon. That might require her to confront things that she was not at all willing to acknowledge about her feelings for her oldest friend. Instead, she turned that empathetic eye to the girl before her. "But you don't need to be so guarded with me, love. I am most definitely not your...or especially his enemy. You and I are very much on the same page. I had hoped the old wounds would have healed some and they would be able to find common ground, myself. I suppose it was a sort of fools errand, that. I want them both to heal and stop hurting. More than anything, I want to see them happy."

Alexia nodded. Of course she agreed wholeheartedly.

"He j-just needs time to p-p-process it all. Y-You and Vernon had the i-incredible experience of watching Melody's being built. You were able to w-watch it c-c-come to life and p-pour your hearts into it. D-Danny was s-stunned by it's s-sudden and undeniable existence. No warning, n-no input. A-All that pain just came r-rushing back..." Alexia shivered as she remembered how her love radiated hurt and anger that night. She could still feel the edges of it.

Jo listened intently, a tight, sad smile forcing its way to her lips. "Yes. I know he regrets that." she said. "Vernon tried to contact him when we were first coming up with the plans, but I don't think Danny was willing to speak to him, much less read any messages from him. But, I have to say...I'd not seen that man so alive and free in decades as when he was planning the shop. That was one of the things Melody brought back in him. The passion for music and art that I knew he had. His father instilled it in him to bury so much deep, deep down for so long, even with her. But, I suppose that eventually, the dam had to break. Melody's was the result."

Alexia nodded slowly. Of course she hadn't meant to cast any blame. She understood the entire situation was complicated to say the least.

"I'm g-glad he was able to f-find something that b-brought joy back into his l-life." And she genuinely was.

She nodded slowly, looking away from her. There was a sadness to Jo that was hard to place. She smiled and was polite and unerringly kind, but when speaking to her, one got the impression that there was a hole in her life that she never quite figured out how to fill. Her eyes finally met Alexia's again, that warm, sad little smile returning.

"Well, I suppose I should be getting on." She said, collecting her purse as she rose up. "I do appreciate you talking with me. And I do hope we get the opportunity to get to know each other better."

Alexia rose as well, although more slowly, her rich brown eyes fixed on Jo's face. Her inescapable gaze was intense and pensive as she studied the roller coaster of emotions she could sense from her. A little voice in the back of her mind implored her to pursue questioning Jo about her feelings and the dynamic between her and Vernon Dubek. Instead, she simply etched a smile onto her pretty face.

"S-So do I." She said genuinely. "P-Perhaps we'll be able to s-s-say a proper goodbye before we l-leave."

"I'd like that." She said, sharing a fond look with the petite fae as she shouldered her purse. "Thank you again. And please! Enjoy the trifle! Tell Danny it's from me."

"I will. I'm s-sure he'll l-love it." Her smile warmed as she walked Jo to the door. Part of her wished Danny would suddenly return before she had a chance to leave and they could all somehow spend a nice evening talking about many things. But, as expected, when she opened the door, the hallway was still empty.

"Th-Thank you, Ms. Davies. It t-truly was lovely m-meeting you."

"You, too, Alexia dear." She smiled. "Give Danny my love."

And with that, she headed off down the hall, leaving the fae to herself. She hoped her visit had done more good than harm. Jo had no desire to come off as pushy or manipulative, but she would have kicked herself if she didn’t at least plead her case and hear Alexia’s thoughts. It was just a matter of time before she’d see the results

[Vernon Dubek]

December 7th, 1984
Vernon clutched Melody’s hand, trying his level best not to think about what was happening on the other side of the sheet. Even with the drugs in her system, numbing any sensation of what they were doing, her hands shook. Doctors were working diligently out of their sight as she stared up at her husband with clouded eyes.

“You’re doing wonderfully, love.” Vernon said, earning a nervous smile.

“I hope he has your eyes.” Melody said, her jaw chattering just a bit.

Vernon chuckled. “And your hairline.”

Melody smiled and squeezed his hand weakly. “I love you.”

Vernon touched her cheek gently. “Oh, my dear. I love you more than life itself.”

She wanted more than anything to kiss him in that moment, but movement was not an option in her current state. Although she was completely numb from the waist down, she could still feel the sensation of being moved this way and that. She tried desperately to ignore the sudden realization that, no matter how hard she concentrated, she couldn’t so much as wiggle her toes. Taking a deep, shaky breath, she tried to smile once more and ignore the rising panic that threatened to overcome her. Suddenly, they heard it.

The first cry. It had been an agonizing wait. Seconds were drawn out like hours. But it was finally unmistakable.

Vernon’s eyes lit up as he looked toward the sound. “Mel…” he whispered.

In her state, she only looked confused for a moment before relief and happy tears spilled onto her smiling face. Vernon brought her hand to his lips, his voice cracking as tears began to form.

“That’s our baby.” He said excitedly. “That’s-“

“Danny.” She whispered. “His name…is Danny.”

For the first time in years, Vernon looked down into her eyes and saw the woman he’d married. All the pain and loss seemed gone and that bright, joyful woman was back. Melody had found her smile once again.

[Dah]

All of the nerves and all of the prep had been needless. Honestly, Danny knew, in his heart, that it would be. The publisher wouldn't call for a meeting with an author they did NOT currently employ if they didn't want him on their roster. The contracts would have to be signed and the legalities would still need to be addressed, but Danny was about to move onto bigger and better things in his career.

He had to keep himself from sprinting home like a lanky Charlie Bucket, clutching his golden ticket. He couldn't even recall anything from the commute, really. He found himself outside the door of the hotel room, pressing his card to the pad.

After walking Jo to the door, Alexia immediately returned to the kitchen area and sat primly on the chair, a myriad of thoughts racing in her head. Her cheek rested gently on the knuckles of her closed fist and her eyes, unfocused and unseeing, gazed in the general direction of the door. It wasn't until it began to open that she came catapulting back with a sharp breath drawn threw her nostrils. An almost guilty look crossed her pretty features as she sat a little straighter.

Just before he pushed it open, he slumped his shoulders and put on his absolute best disappointed face, trudging into the lavish suite. It was all he could do to keep the excitement out of his almost overly dejected tone. "Hey..."

Dark pretty brows knitted in confusion. She rose and made her way toward him, concern quickly taking over.

"Mo chroí? Wh-What happened?" She couldn't believe for a moment they hadn't absolutely loved him.

He swallowed hard and sighed. "Well. I've got some news." He said, but the smile was already creeping onto his face. "I'm afraid I'm going to be VERY busy in the near future." His eyes lit up and that dimpled smile overtook his chiseled features. "They're taking me on!"

A small chuckle brightened her face as she tossed her arms around his neck, all manner of concern melting away.

"I kn-knew it! I kn-knew they'd adore you! How could they n-not?" She rained tiny kisses on his cheeks and chiseled chin between words.

He picked her up in his arms, spinning her around before finally setting her down. "There's still a bunch of paperwork to do and deals to strike, but they want to get started right away with another story. God, Alexia...it could not have gone better."

Giggling uncontrollably, she placed one more tiny, sweet peck on his lips before she pulled back and simply admired him.

"I'm so g-glad to hear it, my love. W-We should celebrate! A-Anything you want to do."

"Pub." He said simply. "I need a good, old fashioned trip to the pub."

Alexia nodded eagerly, more than happy to oblige.

"That sounds l-lovely. L-Lead the way, love." She tucked into his side and slipped her thin arm into his coat to wrap around his back.

Danny and Alexia would find themselves in a warmly lit little pub, a football match playing on the TV over the cozy, wooden bar. Chelsea v. Club America, Danny noted. Not really his team. He was much more of a Manchester United fan. The pair would settle into a booth, a pint in his hand and Shepherd's pie on the way. Danny beamed across the table at his beautiful companion, raising the glass to his lips and taking a sip.

"So." He began. "How was YOUR day?"

Much to Alexia’s delight, the bartender had managed to scrounge up a sweet little red wine that wouldn't completely bowl her over with the first glass. As she scooted into the booth, she picked up her drink and lifted it to her lips for a sip only to be halted completely by his question. For a long moment, she simply stared into the red liquid as though it would hold the perfect answer for her to say.

"Ah, it was n-nice. M-Mostly just missed you." She lifted that intense dark brown gaze to meet his.

He studied her for a minute, detecting that moment's hesitation. "Well, I apologize for leaving you alone so long. I hope you weren't too bored."

She shook her head, a few locks of hair tumbling over her thin shoulder.

"N-Not at all. Ah… your Aíntin paid a visit, actually." She said before taking a sip of wine.

Danny's brows rose as he peered over the rim of his glass. "Jo?" He asked. Well, it certainly explained the trifle on the table when he'd come back. "What brought her by?"

"Well, W-We talked about you a l-lot." She stared up at him, those doe eyes hiding absolutely nothing from him.

"She's... c-concerned." She began carefully.

That was hardly surprising, he supposed. On both accounts. He took a moment to smile and thank the waitress who brought them their food before turning his attention back to Alexia. "I reckon I can guess what the topic was." He said, pushing the potatoes around with his fork. "I can't say I blame her after the other night. It was a little...daytime soap-y."

It took a moment to process Danny's assessment, but thanks to the Finnegans, Alexia now knew what a daytime soap opera was. She nodded slowly as she recalled the events at Melody's.

"Things c-certainly became quite t-t-tense that night. But please know, I'm s-still wholly on your s-s-side." She reached across the table to gently squeeze his free hand.

Those brilliant green eyes stayed on her hand, giving a squeeze back. "Never a doubt, love." For a moment he just stared off, the wheels turning in his head as he considered everything.

Her tiny thumb gently stroked his knuckles and she offered him the sweetest smile.

"What do you think I should do? Should I just...rip it off like a band aid? Have dinner with them just to say I tried?" He asked.

"I would love n-nothing more than for you to have as m-much love and support as p-p-possible. But y-you know as well as I do, it's n-not about what I want." Carefully, she slid her glass to the side and reached across, her other hand joining the tender clasp around his.

"I can s-see it in your eyes sometimes. That ache as though you're m-missing something. I w-wont pretend everything will be fine and it will w-work out perfectly. The strain between the t-two of you may mend or w-worsen into an irreparable rift. Th-That's the harsh truth of it. But I can say, with certainty, that n-no matter what happens, I will still l-love you and support you."

His gaze shifted slowly back up to her, the turmoil within clear as day upon his face. He wanted so badly for things to be easy. And before his brother came sauntering back into his life, they were. The walls were up and he didn't need to spare more than the occasional intrusive thought or two for his father. Now, though, it seemed Pandora's box had been opened and, try as he might, he couldn't just ignore it. "Would you? If you were me?"

His question certainly caught her off guard. She blinked a few times in surprise and found herself at a loss for words. After a thoughtful moment or two, she drew a deep breath and slowly let it out.

"I c-can't say for certain, but I... I th-think I would, knowing I'd have y-you to turn to if it d-d-didnt go well."

Deep down, he knew that would be her answer. Hell, he was actively looking for her parents as they spoke. Time would tell on that question. But, Alexia was the strongest, bravest person he’d ever known. if she could face them after everything they'd done, he could certainly face his father for one dinner. Plus he'd be lying if he said he wasn't curious to see how it would go, on some level. And, it would be good to spend a little more time with Jo. He had almost only fond memories of her from his childhood. Yes, it was safe to say he'd come to his decision. How would it go from there? Only time would tell.

[Melody Dubek]

December 8th, 1984 12am.

Melody sat in her hospital room, her newborn son swaddled in her arms. Hours had passed since he’d come into the world, a whirlwind of nurses, doctors and phone calls eating up every second. Constant interruptions to check on her ensured that sleep wasn’t going to be a thing tonight. But for now, they were finally alone. Vernon had gone home to be with Wally just a short time before. Vernon was wonderful throughout the whole process, taking care of everything while she was drugged up, but if she was honest, as much as she appreciated his intentions, she was glad to be free of his anxious doting and endless attempts to make her somehow more comfortable.

The anesthetics had worn off, but thankfully, the painkillers left only a dull ache at her abdomen. In the recesses of her mind, Melody vaguely marveled at the fact that she barely took note of it. She was far more engrossed with the slumbering bundle at her side. A soft smile graced her lips as she watched him snooze away peacefully. He was the most beautiful thing she’d ever seen. Gently, she ran her thumb along the tiny, soft hairs atop his head.

“Hey there, my little Danny.” She whispered.

Danny squirmed just a little before settling right back in.

“You know, mommy and daddy have been waiting a really long time to meet you.” She said, tracing her thumb along his brow. “It’s strange having you here now. I’ve seen you every night in my dreams. I pictured your face a million times and looking at you now, it’s almost like meeting an old friend.”

The little one opened his toothless mouth wide with a yawn.

“Ooh, big yawn, buddy!” She giggled. “I want you to know, my sweet boy…mommy loves you. And I will spend the rest of my life making sure that not a day goes by where you don’t know it. Thank you for letting me be your mom.”

Danny’s eyes opened slowly, bright green as they settled upon his doting mother. For a long moment, they just stared at each other and Melody just fell more in love with this little piece of her.

“Hi there, baby.” She whispered, tears filling her eyes.

Danny yawned again, but she swore she could see him smile at her, the tiniest little dimples forming. She gently stroked his fine hair with her thumb.

“It’s okay, Danny.” She cooed. “You’ve had a busy day, bud. You get some sleep.”

Melody clutched him to her chest, carefully caressing while she began to hum. His eyes began to fade away into sleep as she sang.

“Stars shining bright above you
Night breezes seem to whisper "I love you"
Birds singin' in the sycamore trees
Dream a little dream of me…”

Melody sang to her son for the first of many times that night. Danny was a dream come true, one she never thought she’d see realized. He was finally here, and all was right in the world.

[Vernon Dubek]

Vernon sat at the keyboard in his flat, sheet music in front of him as he worked on learning a new song. He didn’t nearly have Melody’s gift as a musician but, with work, he managed quiet well. His fingers moved across the keys with grace and precision, drawing out the notes from the instrument. It was beautiful…until that one sour note.

Vernon grimaced and cursed under his breath, starting over from the top. The concert for one was ended, though, when his phone began to ring. He sighed, resigned that his practice would go incomplete. Quickly, he fished his phone from his pocket and accepted the call.

Suddenly, a face appeared on the screen, Stevie with his thin, round face and receding grey hair making a face. “Ugh. God, you look old.”

Vernon chuckled, “Ah, yes. Criticism from the fountain of youth himself.”

“Oh, good lord, he heard me.” Stevie joked to his husband off-screen. An impish little smirk graced his features. “Hello there, big brother.”

“Stevie, how are you?” Vernon asked. “How is Tommy?”

“Hello, Vernon!” Tommy called from behind Stevie.

“He’s well.” Stevie confirmed. “A pain the ass, but what can you do?”

“Ah, yes.” Vernon chuckled, “I’m sure he’s a real problem.”

“Vernon says you’re a problem.” Stevie called over his shoulder.

“I didn’t say that!” Vernon said, adopting a playfully annoyed tone.

“He’s saying I’m an absolute prince.” Stevie grinned as his husband laughed derisively. He turned back to the phone, stone-faced. “I’ve never liked him.”

Vernon laughed as Tommy leaned in from behind, kissing his husband’s cheek before disappearing out of frame.

“So.” Stevie sighed. “Danny, eh?”

The light expression dropped from Vernon’s face. “Yeah. Danny.”

“I don’t imagine it went swimmingly?”

Vernon shook his head. “Far from.”

“Well, I can’t say I didn’t see that coming.” Stevie said. “The handful of times we’ve chatted, you were a…shall we say, touchy subject.”

“He’s so angry, Stevie.” Vernon sighed. His brother had basically been the one link he had to check in on his youngest child. “I’d hoped we could at least speak, but he doesn’t seem to want that at all.”

“Of course he doesn’t.” Stevie said. “After what he went through, can you blame him?”

“I suppose not.” Vernon responded dejectedly. “But I still hoped.”

“Well, hope in one hand…” Stevie didn’t finish the saying. “The boy is hurting, Vern. Do you remember how you felt with dad? After all that miserable old prat did, would you want a heart to heart with the old man?”

“Oh, bloody hell, I’m not like him, am I?”

“No!” Stevie exclaimed. “No. Not at all. But, I’m saying he’s in pain. Not at all unlike you were. Legitimate or not, he has the right to feel what he’s feeling.”

Before Vernon could respond, his door opened. He knew who it was before he saw her. A smile crossed his face.

“Morning, Jo.” he called out to her.

“Hey, Vern.” She bellowed back. “I took the liberty of picking you up a pastry from the shop. Are you hungry?”

“Not at the moment.”

“Is that my JoJo?!” Stevie asked excitedly.

Jo rushed over, peering down at the phone.

“Stevie?! Oh my goodness, how lovely to see you!” She gushed.

“My word, JoJo, I swear, you get more radiant every year.” Stevie said with that big grin. “How are you? Is my brother paying you well to be his keeper?”

“This stingy old bugger?” Jo smirked.

Stevie laughed. “We were just discussing young Daniel.”

Jo’s face dropped. “Oh. Yes. I’m afraid we made quite a mess of things last night.”

“So I heard.” Stevie muttered. “Well, do me a favor and talk some sense into the old fellow for me, will you? I’m afraid I need to run.”

“Great to see you.” Jo beamed. “Give Thomas my love.”

“Oh…JoJo. I’m afraid you just aren’t his type.” Stevie joked.

“Numpty.” Jo narrowed her eyes playfully.

“Ta for now.” The call ended with that childlike grin. They were alone again.

Vernon pushed away from the keyboard, rising to his full 6’1” height. He walked over to the kitchen, propping his shoulder against the wall as he slipped his hands into his trouser pockets. Jo was flitting about as usual, rearranging things she felt were out of place.

“You know you don’t need to do that, don’t you?” He grinned, earning a stern look from her.

“If I didn’t, you’d be living in your dreary, bachelor squalor for the rest of your bloody life.” She chided him playfully.

Vernon’s brows raised, a sarcastic smirk forming. “Ah. Yes. Absolute filth. Paper towels ten centimeters to the right. Absolutely tragic.”

Jo took in a deep breath and let it out in a huff. She smiled cheekily up at her old friend. “Yes. Good. I knew you’d see it my way.”

Vernon chuckled, heading toward the fridge. “What are you up to today?” Then, remembering his manners, he gestured to the appliance. “Drink?”

“Please.” She accepted the offer, leaning back against the counter. “Actually, I’ve been quite busy.”

“Ah, have you?” Vernon teased.

“I…visited Danny and Alexia.” She said, her eyes gauging him for any reaction.

Vernon stiffened where he stood. “...Did you now?”

“I did.” Jo nodded. “Danny was at his meeting, but I had a lovely conversation with the girl. Sweet little thing. A bit…twitchy and nervous, but my lord does she love Danny.”

“Well.” Vernon nodded slowly, forcing a smile. “That’s good. I’m happy for him.”

“We’re going to try and get him to come by for dinner.” Jo pressed on.

“‘We’ are, huh?” Off of her excited nod, Vernon’s eyes slid shut as he sighed. “Jo…I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Vern.” She protested, but he interrupted.

“The boy despises me. He doesn’t want to come over here.” Vernon said, “And I’ll be honest, I’m not looking for another verbal lashing.”

“So, what’s your plan?” Jo crossed her arms defiantly. “Never speak to the boy again? Go another couple decades with no contact? Do you really want that?”

Of course he didn’t. He wanted nothing more than to have a relationship with his son. He and Wally had managed to patch things up and it was fantastic. But Wallace didn’t have the same experience as Danny. The resentments there went far deeper, and even Vernon couldn’t deny that they were at least somewhat justified.

Jo walked up to him and took his hands, looking up into his eyes. “Vernon…” She said, her voice softening, “At our age, we can’t afford to gamble on ‘a couple more decades’. We might not have the time.”

Vernon’s father was only a few years older than he was when he’d died. The unceasing march of time was already against him and he’d long ago begun feeling its effects. Time wasn’t slowing down.

“You need to tell him the truth.” Jo said firmly. “All of it.”

“He won’t listen.” Vernon whispered after a moment’s consideration.

Jo rolled her eyes and let out an exasperated sigh. “Oh, you Dubek men are so bloody obstinate. Give your son a chance to surprise you. He deserves to know. You both do.”

Vernon’s jaw clenched and he went silent. “What if it just makes things worse?”

“Oh, I’ve little doubt it will be a Rockwellian success.” Jo gave his hands a squeeze, connecting with his eyes. “But then at least you’ll never have to ask the dreaded ‘what if?’”

He considered it for a long moment, anxiety clear upon his face. “I don’t want to lose him, Jo. I can’t.”

“Sweet man…” Jo smiled, cupping his face. “If you don’t take a chance…you definitely will.”

Vernon eyed his dearest friend for a long moment. He couldn’t deny her wisdom. As terrifying as the idea might be, she was right. He had to know. Either way, the danger of losing his son loomed heavily. At least this way, there was a chance. He’d face his son, and hope for the best.

[Vernon Dubek]

1999

The intervening years saw drastic change for the Dubek family. The boys were growing up and making friends. Danny’s speech was slowly improving. Vernon and Wally were close as any father and teenage son could be, though he struggled connecting with Danny. Sweet though he was, the youngest of the Dubek clan knew what he was and was not interested in and was not compelled to pretend otherwise. Vernon was promoted twice and, though this meant more work, he could afford to get his youngest child the care he needed. But as the idea of Danny entering high school was becoming closer and closer to reality, the overworked father understood that he needed to find a new approach.

Danny was smart. Smarter than most assumed, given his impediment. He was often lumped in with children who struggled simply because his teachers couldn’t understand him. It was in 1995 when a call from Jo informed him of an incredible speech therapist that could possibly give him the push forward he needed to succeed. The decision wasn’t easy, as they’d be leaving everything they’d built in Clute behind, but Vernon had made a vow to himself and Melody. Danny needed help, and he would get it, no matter the sacrifice.

The next year they moved to a small flat in London, and though Danny resented having to leave his only friends and the life he knew, he was thriving under his speech therapist’s tutelage. Both Melody and Vernon were incredibly proud of him, though the boy only cared to hear about it from his mother. Danny clung to her, viewing his father as the man who’d stolen his life away when it was just getting good. Even Melody couldn’t reason with him on the matter.

Difficulties again rose when Wally dropped out of school at 17, riding a rebellious streak that drove a wedge between the close-knit father and son. Much arguing persisted, but Vernon tried to reason with the boy, feeling that he was losing the only connection he had with his children. Ultimately, he lost the battle. In 1998, at 19, Wally moved back to the States, finding a place to stay with some friends from Clute as they pursued fame and fortune as a rock band.

Both Melody and Vernon took it hard, though both had to admit to themselves a sliver of pride that he was pursuing his artistic dreams. Vernon wished he could have had the same courage when he was that age.

It had been a long day at the office when Vernon finally made it home. The second he walked through the door he could sense something was very off. Silence hung heavy throughout the flat. Normally, the radio or tv would be playing or Melody would be behind the piano, playing something. Instead there was nothing. For a moment, he wondered if Danny and Mel were there at all. It was the faint cough that dispelled the notion.

Vernon hung up his coat and moved into the living room. For weeks she’d had that persistent cough, taking all kinds of medication to no avail. Though, as heavy a smoker as she was, it was hardly surprising.

He found his wife sitting in the kitchen alone. Even at first glance, he knew something was wrong. Her head was held low, staring at an unlit cigarette between her fingers.

“Mel?” He asked gently.

Melody glanced up at him, looking exhausted. Her eyes were bloodshot and showed signs that she’d been crying. Immediately, alarm bells rang out in his mind.

“Mel, what is it?”

His wife mustered what little smile she could and patted the table beside her. Her voice was weak, quiet.

“Come. Sit.” She requested.

Vernon slid beside her, almost cautiously. “What’s going on, love? You’re worrying me.”

The fact that her eyes refused to meet his only increased his anxiety. She was clearly building herself up to say something. Immediately, he began thinking of every possible worst case scenario. Someone had died, or something had happened to Wallace. Had he been spending too much time at work? Was she leaving him?

Her hand clasped around his, giving a squeeze and quieting his thoughts. Finally, her eyes found the courage to look up at him.

“You know how I’ve been coughing a lot lately?” She asked.

Vernon nodded slowly. Melody swallowed hard, her throat tightening a bit.

“Well…” she said, “It’s not just a cough.”

Vernon’s heart sank like a lead weight had been attached.

“Vern…I’m sick.” She whispered.

In his heart, he knew what she meant, but his mind wasn’t ready to acknowledge it.

“Th-then we’ll get you more medicine. Talk to the doctor…”

“Vern.” She said firmly, but gently. The tears started anew as she shook her head. “I saw a doctor today. This isn’t the kind of sickness that medicine can fix.”

Vernon Dubek’s world came crashing down around him. He suddenly couldn’t remember how to breathe, how to move, how to exist.

“H-how bad?” He stuttered.

“They’re not sure.” Melody said. “But…bad. It’s leukemia.”

The state he’d found her in suddenly made perfect sense. They’d talked about her quitting time and again, but it seemed now it was too late. He searched as best he could for the right words, but they eluded him. Finally, he asked the only thing he could manage.

“Have you told Danny?” He asked.

Her eyes shifted to his room and she shook her head slowly.

“I didn’t know how.” She whispered, her voice cracking. “How do I tell him that his mother’s going to die?”

Something rose in him that Vernon didn’t expect. Anger. “No. No, we’re not talking like that.”

“Vern…”. She reached up and touched his face. “The doctor said-“

“I don’t care what he said.” Vernon interrupted. “Millions of people beat cancer all the time. And you will too. Right?”

Melody expression said it all. She didn’t share his optimistic appraisal of the situation. She ran her fingers through his hair and wiped a tear from his cheek.

“Right.” Melody said, mostly for his benefit.

Vernon grabbed her hand and pressed his lips to her knuckles.

“I can’t lose you.” He croaked.

“Oh…Hon. You’ll never lose me.” She promised, a sad smile breaking through. “But if things don’t work out, I want you to promise me…you’ll take good care of our boys.”

“Mel…how?” He pleaded. “I don’t know what I’d do without you. They need you.”

“And they’ll need you.” She said. “Promise me.”

“What if I can’t?” He asked. “What if I fail?”

Melody took his hands in hers and looked him in the eye. “Then you try again. Life isn’t about the stumbles, Vern. It’s about getting back up. You are a wonderful, amazing man. I believe in you. Talking to you in that coffee shop was the best thing that ever happened to me. You gave me a life. You made me a mother. You always underestimate yourself. You’ll find your way.”

Vernon knew she was right, but he couldn’t quite comprehend a reality where Melody wasn’t there. He didn’t argue the point, though. Instead, without thinking, he simply said, “I promise.”
H

[Dah]

What the hell was he thinking? The absolute last place on the planet he wanted to visit was his father's flat, but here he was, a bottle of red in-hand. What idiot had agreed to this asinine plan? Oh. Right. Him. He knew the area well. It was a cozy little neighborhood, not far from Hampstead Heath. He remembered running around on these very streets when he was just a kid. Before the diagnosis. Before...No. No, he was going to give this a shot and try his best not to focus on what had happened back then. For Alexia and Jo's benefit, if nothing else.

He clutched Alexia's hand in his, squeezing tight as they awaited their host. It was Jo who arrived at the door first, her kind face lighting up at the sight of them. That warm, sophisticated voice greeted them as she opened the door. "Oh, my lovelies! It's so wonderful to see you!"

She immediately hugged Alexia before moving onto Danny, christening them with kisses to the cheek in-turn. "You both look fantastic. Come in! Come in!"

Alexia squeezed Danny's hand in return, not letting go for a moment even through greetings and hugs and being ushered in. She wanted him to know he had her, no matter what. She would be his rock, his lifeline, his tether. Radiating warmth and calm as much as she could manage, she stepped in time with him as they followed the eager optimistic Jo.

"It's l-lovely to see you again." She smiled as she spoke. Her free hand crossed her torso to trail delicate fingertips across the back of Danny's.

He was grateful for her presence. Despite knowing he could leave at any moment he chose, the evening could very easily leave him feeling trapped. He needed the reassurance that the beautiful Ontari constantly provided. She made him feel strong.

"Hello, Jo. Thanks for having us." he said, returning the greeting ritual to her.

"Of course, thank you for coming!" Jo beamed. "Come, come. Vernon is preparing everything."

Jo lead the way up the creaky old stairs to the second floor, accepting the bottle of wine gratefully as she let them inside. Danny had to admit, it was a cozy little place. Two bedrooms, one batch. Sort of rustic in decor. But the pictures along the walls were what caught his attention first. Younger versions of Wally and himself stared out in the hall. School photos from, he could only guess was his fifth year. The last in America. Of course, he thought. That's why he looked so happy. That kid had NO idea his parents were going to be moving him to the other side of the world.

Once again, he suppressed the urge to follow that negative emotion as Vernon stepped out of the kitchen. Out of the dim lighting of the shop, Alexia could see so much of Danny in the older man. The same easy warmth, those same dimples when he smiled, and the same kindness behind his eyes. Even his the soft timbre of his voice. "Oh, it's wonderful to see you both. Thank you for coming."

"Dad." Danny nodded, making no effort to shake hands or hug. Vernon understood. He wouldn't force the boy.

He did, however reach his hands out to Alexia. "I'm sorry, my dear. We didn't get a chance to meet the other night. I'm terribly sorry. I'm Vernon. What is your name?"

The smile on Alexia's face remained warm and inviting. Even the demure dip of her head was charming as she chuckled voicelessly and offered her hand not gripping Danny's.

"It's A-l-lexia." She offered, her light, airy voice warming the atmosphere. She held Vernon's gaze with surprising confidence.

Those dimples flashed as he took her hand in his. They were definitely a musician's hands, his fingers calloused from years of playing the guitar. The man before her bore little resemblance to the cold, aloof businessman from Danny's stories. He was engaging, personable, even, dare she say it, charming. "Alexia." He repeated. "It is a genuine pleasure to meet you. Can I get either of you a drink?"

"Scotch?" Danny said almost too quickly.

"I have just the bottle." Vernon said, failing to suppress the upward tick at the corner of his mouth. "Alexia?"
Vernon was trying, god love him, but the tension from Danny could be cut with a knife. He was being personable, but it seemed like he was walking across a minefield.

Although Alexia did not feel like drinking, she'd go along. After a quick squeeze to Vernon's hand, she reached over once more and placed her own gently on Danny's bicep, lending a reassuring warmth.

"A s-s-small glass of wine, if it isn't t-t-too much trouble." She said carefully. It was a well rehearsed response.

"Of course." Vernon said, leading the way into the flat. The dinner table had already been set up for their arrival, plates and silverware set out. There were more pictures throughout the apartment, one of a younger Vernon and a very pregnant Melody holding each other in front of the Clute house. In the background, one could even make out the infamous garage that would be burnt down by the very baby Melody was carrying at that moment. As they moved into the living space, they could see a very familiar book sitting on the end table beside the recliner. "An Insignificant Little Fae" by Danny Dubek.

It honestly took Danny aback a little bit. Part of him was surprised the old man kept up on anything regarding him, let alone read his book.

Alexia's poker face held firm. If she had even seen the book, it certainly didn't register on her face beyond the pleasant expression she sported. In her mind at least, she was making it very clear. She would absolutely play nice, but she was firmly on Danny's team.

As they neared the table, she glanced up at the talented writer she considered herself fortunate to call hers and gave his arm another affectionate squeeze.

"How do you take it, Danny?" Vernon asked his son, a bottle of Macallan removed from a glass cabinet along with two rocks glasses.

"Neat." Danny said, sliding into one of the four chairs.

"Man after my own heart." Vernon smiled, pouring a finger of the brown liquid.

"Eh..." Danny raised a finger. "Two. Please."

Vernon rose his brows as if surprised. "Absolutely."

Jo came out of the kitchen with two glasses of wine in-hand, setting one down at Alexia's place at the table. "Here you are, dear."

Vernon passed the scotch to his son, clinking glasses with him. "Cheers."

Alexia murmured her thanks to Jo as she accepted the glass. Seeking to break at least a tiny part of the tension, she quickly yet gently clinked her own glass to Danny's with a tiny wink just for him.

"Sláinte, mo chroí." She whispered.

Danny tapped his glass to Vernon and Alexia's, the only difference between the two was that the smile he offered her was genuine. "Cheers."

The buzzer in the kitchen went off and Vernon made a move towards it, but Jo cut him right off. "No, no. You lot relax. I'll handle everything."

The look she gave her dear friend said that there would be no argument. "Thanks, Jojo." Vernon smiled after her.

"You two are close." Danny noted. Vernon wasn't certain there wasn't a hint of judgment behind those words.

"Yes. But, then, Jo’s never displayed great judgment." He shrugged, the lopsided smirk on his lips a mirror image of the one Danny often flashed.

Vernon sipped his scotch as Jo brought out two serving platters with beef Wellington and a vegetable medley, setting them in the middle of the table. Vernon thanked her and began to load up his plate. "I read your book, Danny." Vernon said. "Fascinating story. Tragic, but...uplifting in a way. Until I saw your lovely girlfriend, I had assumed it was entirely fiction...but now I'm thinking there may have been a bit of a muse...am I wrong?"

Alexia had just lifted her own glass for a tiny sip, barely wetting her lips, really, when Vernon spoke. It was still odd to her, people sort of knowing who she was. It didn't get any less strange if it was a stranger or someone closer. With a small clear of her throat, she lowered her glass.

"L-L-Like other talented writers, D-Danny draws i-inspiration from many aspects of his l-life." She beamed at him with pride. It wasn't her goal to speak for him, but instead to give him options. Her answer was true enough and purposefully just vague enough for him to add to it if he felt like it, or leave it at that.

Vernon smiled brightly. "Yes, I'm sure he does." He took a sip from his glass, turning his attention back to Alexia. "Was all of that true, if you don't mind me asking?"

Only Danny would truly see it. That small flicker in her manufactured confidence. The dent in her armor. Her demeanor wavered for a split second before she redoubled her efforts and turned back to Vernon, her tiny smile just as friendly as ever.

"Yes." she said with quiet strength. "Every w-word."

Even through that unyielding smile, Vernon knew it couldn't have been easy. "Good lord. I am so very sorry. I can't even imagine the strength it takes to endure such horrors and come out the other side...well, as you are today."

"I'm f-f-fortunate enough to have found an excellent s-support system. I've found a l-loving compassion and deep empathy in y-y-your son." She stole another glance at her beloved, her genuine smile making an appearance.

It seemed as if Vernon was mentally somewhere else in that moment, but a smile tugged at the old man’s lips. “Well, he gets that from his mother, to be sure.”

A quiet, derisive laugh escaped Danny as he helped himself to his share of dinner.

Vernon’s face fell just slightly, a glance exchanged between him and Jo. The evening felt like it was sitting on the edge of a knife. One wrong word and it would fall apart. Though, if anything Danny did upset Alexia, she made no show of it. Instead, she followed suit, reaching for the nearest dish of food to begin serving herself as well.

“What do you do back home, Alexia?” Jo asked as jovially as possible.

"I-I'm a healer." she said, once again leaving her answer intentionally vague. "Additionally, and m-more formally, I sometimes work w-with the local university, helping t-t-translate ancient t-texts."

Jo leaned forward in her seat. “Ooh, what sort of texts? Have you run across anything interesting?”

"M-Most of them are f-fairly obscure, often predating any current l-living l-l-languages. Although I d-did happen across an a-ancient rubbing of a Sumerian recipe for b-beer." Before Alexia could get carried away in excited gushing prattle, she softly cleared her throat and resettled back into her seat.

Despite her desire to carry on for hours about her slightly misguided efforts to recreate said recipe, she simply smiled and politely lifted a fork to begin cutting off a tiny morsel of food.

Vernon could see she was itching to talk about it, a smirk crossing his lips before asking the question on both his and Jo’s minds. “…was it good?”

"Oh, m-my, N-No." She said, a bit too quickly. Try as she might, she couldn't suppress the tiny shudder that escaped her as the others chuckled. "I had t-t-trouble sealing it p-properly."

The tiny admission widened her eyes briefly as she stared down at her plate, the memory clearly still too fresh. With a slight shake of her head, she quickly came back to the present.

“It really was atrocious.” Danny chimed in with a matter of fact tone. “The Sumerians were great at many things, but the brewing of ales was NOT one of them.”

Jo and Vernon laughed. For the first time since they’d arrived there felt like a genuine moment of peace was settling over father and son.

“What about you, Danny?” Vernon asked. “Are you working on anything new?”

Danny took a bite of his dinner. “I have a few irons in the fire.”

Vernon clearly wanted details, but Danny wasn’t elaborating.

“It’s been incredible seeing how well your book has been doing. You’re all over the place here. We saw an interview on the tellie. Publishers must be frothing as the mouth for more.” Vernon said, the slightest hint of desperation creeping into his voice.

“Thats all it takes to get your attention, I guess. Suppose I should have written a best seller when mum died, huh?” Danny muttered bitterly.

Vernon was completely taken aback. Jo sighed and shook her head.

“Danny? Please.” She begged.

The old wounds were strong and that chip on his shoulder was stubborn. Danny nodded, his voice going quiet. .

“Sorry.”

Vernon forced a smile. “It’s okay.”

Silence hovered over the table for what felt like an eternity before Vernon spoke again.

“Do you still talk to…what was his name? The journalist?” Vernon asked.

“Ken Greene.” Danny said curtly. “And yeah. We talk a lot. He’s like a father to me.”

Alexia's eyes followed the volley of conversation, her trademark neutral expression giving nothing away. That is, until Danny's last statement. She had been content to let things follow what seemed like the natural course, but it was clear to her the pain of all those old wounds and suffering were starting to take control and steer the conversation down a road he might someday regret.

With a gentle, wistful little smile, she placed her tiny, delicate hand over his and gave a gentle but firm squeeze.

"D-Danny..." Her tone was soft and full of compassion, and it was clear she was still completely on his side. It was the very reason she finally interjected.

Danny turned his eyes to her, for a long moment his mind remained in turmoil. He didn't want to create an awkward night for her OR Jo.

“I kn-know…” Alexia whispered empathetically after a few moments, as though an entire silent conversation had taken place between the two of them.

Across the table, Vernon clearly took the not-so-subtle dig to heart. His eyes lowered to his plate as he took a deep breath. The old man's fork and knife clinked against the porcelain plate as he set them down.

"Alright." Vernon said, an almost defeated tone entering his voice. "I was hoping we wouldn't need to do this, but you've very clearly got something you want to say to me, Daniel."

Danny stared at his father. Alexia had only seen that look on his face once, right before his fight with Eren. Jo looked almost horrified. This was NOT the night she'd hoped for.

"Vernon-" She began before he cut her off.

"No, Jo." Vernon said. "Let's get it all out there. Come on, Danny. No more hidden barbs. No more politeness. Just talk to me."

Danny had waited twenty one years for this moment. All of the righteous rage he'd carried came bubbling to the surface. "Where should I begin? Huh? Maybe with the fact that you were never there? Even before mum got sick. Or maybe how I had to leave behind the only friends I ever had when I was eleven years old because it was convenient for you? Or maybe, just maybe it was everything after. What about mum? What about when you practically abandoned her after she got sick? How about that, Dad? Did you care? Did you love us at all?"

"I was working to afford a better life for you and your brother." Vernon said. "Do you think I liked not being able to be around? I wanted to watch my children grow up more than anything, but the simple fact of the matter is that someone had to keep a roof over our heads. Do you have any idea how many nights I rushed home, hoping to spend a moment with you or your brother? Not doing anything important, maybe just sitting and watching the telly. It crushed me to not be there, Danny. And we moved to London because the money was better and we would be able to get you the help you needed."

Vernon stared at his son, the pain clear in his eyes. "Do you think I wanted to hurt you? To take you away from your friends? Daniel, I agonized over it. But I heard story after story of how you would come home in tears because you were being tormented about your voice. I wanted nothing more than to spare you anymore of that pain. The best speech therapist in the world was in London.” Vernon’s voice wavered. “My son, my baby boy, was in agony. So, I made a choice. And it killed me to make it. I took a job I didn't love in a place that held very few good memories for me because it would allow me to spare you more pain."

Danny was at a loss. He'd clearly never heard or considered that.

"Do you know what my life was like growing up here?" Vernon asked. "My father was a cold, vindictive monster who died bitter and alone because he'd managed to alienate and drive away both of his children. Because he was filled with hatred. He hated us for who we were. For who we weren't. For who we loved. He spoke horribly about your mother and I cut him from my life like a cancerous tumor. I am guilty of a good many oversights in my life, but don’t you dare tell me I didn’t love my family, Daniel. Don’t you dare."

The look on Jo's face told them that every word was the truth. Her eyes lowered.

"I didn't want to come to London, Danny." He said, his voice lowering to a painful whisper. "But I faced the pain and the memories because I knew it would be the best way to help my child. And I’d do it again. I’d have you hate and resent me and blame me for everything all over again, because there isn't a thing in this world I wouldn't have done to protect you."

Danny's breathing had increased in rhythm, he was clearly getting worked up. "Then why did you abandon me?"

"I never abandoned you." Vernon protested.

"Yes, you did!" Danny spat, his voice shaking and his eyes glassy. "Yes, you did. The second mum got sick, you shut off. Even more than you had before! You abandoned me and you abandoned Mum. You left her with me! I was fourteen years old!"

The shame on Vernon’s face told the whole story. This part, he knew was his own failure.

"I had to go with her to chemo." Danny said, his voice rising in intensity with every sentence. "I had to watch her hair fall out until she was bald. I had to keep her spirits up even when she was huddled over a bucket, retching on an empty stomach. Do you have any idea how… fucking terrifying that was for me? How scared I was every single time she started coughing up blood? I watched her wither and die for months. And where were you?"

Vernon went pale. When he finally found his voice, it was weak, barely a croak. "You're right. You’re absolutely right. I did fail you, Danny. I had no right to put that on a child. I should have been the one to go through all of that."

"Then why weren't you?" Danny's voice shook with anger, the tears running freely.

"Danny, place yourself in my position. I'd found out that the woman I loved more than anything in this world was going to die." Vernon said. "Your mother was my reason for living. She was my strength. Before her, I was nothing. I hated myself and I hated my life. But Melody made me feel like I was...somebody. That I was worthy of happiness. The idea that someone like her could possibly see something great in me was…impossible. She gave me a life worth living. And when they told me that wonderful, impossible woman was going to die…and there was nothing I could do? Just an end to the story right in the middle. No third act. No happily ever after. Just ‘She’s gone. End of story.’ I shut down. I broke. My whole world came crashing down around me and I didn't know how to go on."

"That's your excuse?" Danny said, full of vitriol.

"It's not an excuse." Vernon shook his head. "It's just the truth. I'm not proud of what happened, Danny. I wish to god I could go back and make it right. Take care of you the way I should have, but I can't."

"Bullshit." Danny said, his voice hoarse. "You say you loved her so much but you couldn't even be there for her the night she died? You couldn't tear yourself away from your phone to ride a bloody ferris wheel with your ‘impossible’ woman? You know what I think? I think you didn't give a fuck about her. I think you spent two years burying your head in the sand and doing nothing to help your wife because it wasn’t convenient for you. Am I right? Because I sure as hell didn’t see anything different."

Jo's face was wet with tears when she finally spoke up. "Vernon, tell him."

Danny glanced at her and then back to his father. "Tell me what?"

Vernon thought for a moment. For years, he'd blamed himself for what happened between himself and Danny. He let his son hold onto his righteous rage because he felt he deserved it. But, in the past few years, Jo had talked a certain amount of sense into him. Made him see things differently and own the truth of what had happened.

"Tell me WHAT?!" Danny demanded again angrily.

Vernon's eyes turned to his son, his tone softening. "I spent two years." he swallowed hard before continuing, "Two years talking with every specialist, every doctor, anybody I could, trying to find some way to save your mother. Everyone I talked to said to give up. To just let her go. But I couldn’t. I wouldn’t. There was no life without her. The night your mother died, I was on the phone with a doctor who had a line on an experimental treatment that might have been able to prolong, if not save her life. I fought like hell to get her onto that treatment. I wasn't doing business that night, Danny. I was begging for my wife’s life. And...and I did it. I convinced them to get her in on the treatment. I took you and your mother home, I laid in bed with her. I told her I loved her. I said I had good news. The best news. But do you know what she said to me? She said, 'Tell me in the morning.'"

Vernon’s voice cracked weakly, his blue eyes glassy. “When I woke that next morning and I reached over, she was gone. I woke up and my world ended.”

Danny's brain was burning trying to process all of this. It flew in the face of everything he had come to believe about his father. He'd have thought it would have made him feel better, but, for reasons he couldn't quite pinpoint, it only made him angrier.

"I made so many mistakes and poor choices in my life. I’ll own that. But I never gave up on your mother, Danny. Not then and not now."

There was nothing in the words his father spoke that Danny could say was a lie. He was sincere and honest and it absolutely pissed him off. How dare he? He let him carry this anger around, eating him up for over twenty years. His mind spiraled, his breath out of control, his hands shook. For a moment it felt like he couldn't breathe at all. It was a full on panic attack.

"Danny..." Vernon reached out and took his son's hand. But Danny immediately ripped his hand away, shooting out of his chair. No words left the youngest son of Vernon and Melody Dubek. He just stared in wide-eyed panic at his father. He'd forgotten everything and everyone else in the room. Everything he'd known for two decades seemed to change in an instant and he was not at all prepared to face it. He had only one instinct: Run.

And run, he did. He left Alexia behind, shoving through the door and disappearing out into the hall. But this time...he didn't come back.

[Dah]

The sun began to rise over London, casting an array of color in the cloudy sky. Danny moved, almost unconsciously, down the street. His mind was in utter chaos. So much of what he’d believed had been turned on its head and he just couldn’t process it.

So many feelings flowed through him. It was impossible to grab onto just one. Guilt, anger, sorrow, confusion…they all swirled around him in a maddening cacophony of anguish. Somewhere, deep down, he knew he should feel glad. Some sort of relief at the truth about what his father had endured. He knew he should feel guilty about walking out on Alexia. All his ranting and raving about his father abandoning him and Melody and he was no better. If anything, he was worse.

His feet came to a stop, though he didn’t quite know why. Slowly, his eyes came back into focus and he realized where he was. His gaze shifted to the left and settled upon a familiar, haunting sight.

The flat. It had been home for so long. It had been a place of laughter, love and joy. Where his mother had sang to him and encouraged him. But it was also where she had become sick. It was the place he’d carried her up the stairs when she was too weak to do it herself.

It was the place where she died.

Danny couldn’t be certain what brought him there. Muscle memory, he supposed. There had been so many nights when he had walked home from school in the same grief-stricken daze to end up in front of those same stairs. He hadn’t seen them in decades, but now, it all came rushing back.

Over and over in his mind, he repeated that it was just a building, just some brick and mortar. But he knew better. This place emanated Melody. He could practically see her there, sitting on the steps in one of her bohemian blouses and the ratty old jeans she almost exclusively wore, barefoot with a cigarette between her fingers.

He could see her eyes light up at the sight of him approaching, that warm smile on her lips. He remembered the way the light hit her short, dark blonde hair, almost as if she were glowing like an angel. In that instant, he was 12 years old again, working through his speech impediment. He would rush over to her and she would wrap him in the tightest, warmest hug and the troubles of the world around him would melt away. Melody would welcome him home and ask about his day.

He’d lie, of course, saying it was fine. But she always knew better. She would look past the facade and see deep into his heart. She would ensure him that things would get better. That one day, they would all be happy and all of this nonsense would barely be a memory.

He remembered the tears that would follow. How she gently wiped them from his face. He remembered how she would take him upstairs and the pair would sit at that piano for hours until all of it went away.

He saw her there, in his mind’s eye, clutching that auburn haired little boy. For just a moment, he swore he saw those kind, warm eyes turn up to him, look deep into his…and smile.

Then, as quickly as she had appeared, she was gone. Once again, the stairs were empty and it was just a building without Melody Dubek. But Danny was not willing to let her go. He needed to be near her again, and there was only one place he could do it.

He’d have to visit a place he’d hoped never to see again. His eyes squeezed shut as he pushed away his fear. Slowly, his breath evened out and he was determined.

“I’m coming, mum.” He promised.

With one last look at the old flat, he turned away and set off down the early morning streets of London.

[Vernon Dubek]

2000
Vernon lay in bed, sleeping peacefully on a rare day off of work. Danny was, of course, at school. The past year had been trying, to say the least. Melody’s cancer progressed, spreading throughout her body. She was becoming noticeably thinner, the effects of chemotherapy taking their toll on her. Vernon spent as much time as he could, speaking to every doctor he could find, trying to find some way to keep her alive. But, thus far, his efforts had proven unsuccessful.

He was exhausted, I’m every way. Real, restful sleep became a fond memory. Even that night’s slumber had been the result of complete burnout. There were no dreams any more, only darkness when he shut his eyes. Time slipped by in an instant and all the worries and all the stress of the world waited in the harsh light of day. He was only vaguely aware of what was happening around him at any given time, his focus solely on the disease currently killing the woman he loved more than anything on earth. He agonized over the idea of life without her…and it was destroying him.

It was the sound of the piano that woke him. Vernon’s eyes opened slowly, the morning sun pouring its golden light through the curtains. He sat up in his bed, running a hand through his messy hair, a couple days worth of beard growing on his face. As Mel played on, a genuine smile crossed his lips for the first time in what seemed an eternity. Her playing always put him at peace.

Vernon rose from his bed and moved out into the flat. Melody sat at the piano, fingers dancing across the keys. When he looked at her, he didn’t see the withering cancer patient, clinging to life. When he looked at his wife, all he saw was the beautiful girl, singing on-stage so many years ago in Texas. He saw the woman who captured his heart and would never let it go.

Melody’s voice was a bit lower now, a touch of grit to it now, yet still as mesmerizing as the night they met.

Rows and flows of angel hair
And ice cream castles in the air
And feather canyons everywhere
Looked at clouds that way

Vernon propped a shoulder against the wall, a tiny pain deep in his chest.

But now they only block the sun
They rain and they snow on everyone
So many things I would have done
But clouds got in my way

Melody took in a breath, strengthening her voice, her eyes closing as she sang out.

I've looked at clouds from both sides now
From up and down and still somehow
It's cloud illusions I recall
I really don't know clouds at all

Tears welled in Vernon’s eyes, that sad smile tight across his face.

Moons and Junes and Ferris wheels
The dizzy dancing way that you feel
As every fairy tale comes real
I've looked at love that way
But now it's just another show
And you leave 'em laughing when you go
And if you care, don't let them know
Don't give yourself away

A warm smile formed on Melody’s lips, lost in the song as her fingers expertly explored the keys of her piano.

I've looked at love from both sides now
From give and take and still somehow
It's love's illusions that I recall
I really don't know love
Really don't know love at all

Vernon covered his mouth, stifling the sob that threatened to work its way out and take him completely.

Tears and fears and feeling proud
To say, "I love you" right out loud
Dreams and schemes and circus crowds
I've looked at life that way
Oh, but now old friends they're acting strange
And they shake their heads and they tell me that I've changed
Well something's lost, but something's gained
In living every day
I've looked at life from both sides now
From win and lose and still somehow
It's life's illusions I recall
I really don't know life at all
It's life's illusions that I recall
I really don't know life
I really don't know life at all

Vernon stood in that hall, listening as she finished her song. He could have stood there for hours, listening to that heavenly voice, that beautiful music. She was an Angel. She was perfect. He had no way of knowing this would be the last time he’d hear her sing in person. If he had, he’d have stayed forever.

[Dah]

Vernon sat in the driver's seat of Jo’s car. He knew exactly where to find Danny. The vehicle ambled up to a parking space, idling quietly. Through the reflection in his glasses, he stared intently ahead.

“Give us a moment?” He asked quietly.

Jo nodded, clasping Alexia’s small hand. “We’ll be here when you’re ready.”

Alexia stared out through the windshield. There was no possible way she could have seen Danny from where she sat in Vernon’s vehicle, but there was no doubt the direction of her gaze was spot on. After a long moment, she tore her eyes away from the distant spot to meet his gaze and gave a single, silent nod.

Vernon stepped out of the car, tugging on his windbreaker. As he passed along the rows of headstones, he stuffed his hands in his pockets. Danny stood at the foot of Melody’s grave, staring blankly and looking utterly exhausted.

Vernon said nothing as he joined his son’s side. For a long while they just stood, their eyes tracing the carved letters in the granite block that spelled out Melody’s name. It seemed almost an eternity before Danny spoke. When he finally did, it almost startled Vernon.

“Did you love Wally more than me?” Danny asked quietly.

Of all the questions Vernon expected, that was far from his mind. He turned to his son, genuinely perplexed. “No. My goodness, Daniel, no. Why would you ever think that?”

“You were…different with him.” Danny muttered, still not making eye contact.

“Well, I suppose we were closer.” Vernon admitted. “But your brother was…I suppose, like me. He went along with the program. Tried to be whatever we told him to be.”

A small smile worked its way onto his lips, remembering vividly his troubles raising Wallace. “Even when he acted up, it wasn’t difficult to get him to fall in line again. At least, when he was younger.”

Wally had, after all, left as soon as he was old enough to pursue his own misguided dreams. Their relationship was most certainly not without its bumps in the road. Once again, he looked to his youngest.

“But, you.” Vernon said fondly, “You were like your mother. Stubborn. Strong willed. You never let anyone put you in a box and tell you who you needed to be. You were brave. From day one, you were brave. And…as frustrating as that could be at times, I always admired that in you.”

Danny finally looked to his father. The last thing he expected to hear was that his father had admired him.

“Your brother was happy to go along and feign interest in the things I tried to instill in him. But with you…after a while, it just seemed like you didn’t need me. Maybe that’s why I spent more time with Wallace. But I never meant to make you think I didn’t love you every bit as much as him. Not for one moment.” Vernon turned his attention back to the gravestone. “Even now, I still see her spirit in you. And I still admire you.”

“Then why?” Danny asked. “Why did you shut me out?”

“Because I didn’t know how to cope with it.” Vernon said, his voice dripping with shame. “I didn’t know who I was without her. I didn’t know how to go on without her. And I certainly didn’t know how to connect with you. That was always her department.”

Vernon smiled sadly and turned his eyes down to the gravestone. “You always had a special relationship with her. One I never got to be much of a part of. And don’t get me wrong, I’m thrilled you were given that chance. To see the woman I saw. To know what a truly exceptional and wonderful person she was. But, I didn’t know how to break through that barrier. I didn’t think you needed or wanted me in all of that.”

“Well, I did.” Danny said, but the anger that usually dominated his tone when speaking to his father was waning. Now it was just pain.

“I know.” Vernon nodded. “I was wrong. I allowed myself to fall into a deep pit of despair and by the time I clawed my way out, you were gone. After I promised her I wouldn’t let that happen. I let her down. I let you down. And that…that I’ll regret until the day they lay me to rest beside your mother.”

Danny could see the weight his father carried in the slump of his shoulders, the anguish hidden behind his eyes. More than that, though, he saw the guilt. He knew it all too well. It wasn’t dissimilar to his own.

“I haven’t been back here since the funeral.” Danny said hoarsely. “Even when I was in town. I just…couldn’t.”

Vernon glanced over, not interrupting.

“I hate myself for that.” Danny whispered.

Vernon’s lips parted slightly, a swell of empathy for his child.

“She doesn’t.” He said. “I don’t. Jo doesn’t. And that girl…that wonderful girl worried sick about you… doesn’t hate you. We never could.”

Danny turned that burdened gaze to his father. “Maybe you should. I let everyone down. Even Alexia. Eventually…I just screw everything up.”

Vernon smiled slightly. “Is that what you’re afraid of? Failing?”

“I’ve done it before.” Danny said.

“You love her.” Vernon said. “Don’t you?”

“Yes. And you loved mum. And we both failed her in the end.” Danny muttered, staring down at her headstone. “I’ve already hurt Alexia once. What if I’m not strong enough and it happens again?”

“So what if you aren’t? That doesn’t mean you’re lost forever. You can love someone and still fail them at some point. It’s what you do after that matters most.” Vernon sighed and reached out, clasping Danny’s shoulder. He removed his glasses to look him in the eye. “Danny…let me tell you something your mother once told me. It’s not about stumbling. It’s about getting back up. It’s about doing better the next time. And the next. And then doing it all over again. But…hopefully, we eventually get it right. Take it from an old man who has lived a life filled with stumbles. It’s never too late to make things better.”

“But look what I did to you. I mean, I didn’t even have all the facts. I’ve been a child. A classic fool. I lost her and now I’ve lost so much time being pissed off, when I could have just listened. That isn’t me. When did I become…this?”

“Danny, what matters is what you’re going to do now.” Vernon tried as much as he could to comfort him, but Danny was not ready to let his shame go just yet.

Danny felt that unstoppable wave of emotion wash over him and he couldn’t force the tears back anymore. “I’m so tired, Dad.” He managed to eke out through the tightening in his throat. “I’m so tired of being angry. At you. At what happened to me back in Rhy’Din. I’m tired of being afraid that I’m broken and nothing can make it better. I’m tired of feeling like I have no control and I don’t know what I’m doing. I’m so tired.”

“Can I tell you a secret?” Vernon asked, receiving a nod in response. “Nobody knows what they’re doing all the time. Nobody. And everyone feels… a little bit broken. But you can’t wait for someone else to fix it, Danny. You have to roll up your sleeves and work at it. And you will. Do you know why?”

Danny shook his head slowly.

“Because you’re Melody Dubek’s son.” He said, his voice breaking. “You are my son. And, no matter what, you are never alone.”

Something deep inside Danny melted away. The anger he’d carried almost all his life washed away like a wave had carried it out to sea. All he could do was wrap his arms around his dad, press his face to his chest and sob.

Vernon clutched his son to him, rubbing his back gently while Danny said he was sorry over and over again through a frenzy of sobs.

“Oh, my boy.” Vernon whispered. “So am I.”

[Vernon Dubek]

The room was packed at Melody’s, many of the small shop’s regulars in attendance along with a few curious passersby. Jo greeted each in turn, taking tickets with her trademark smile. It was nights like these that made her think about Melody.. There were times she imagined another life where she would get up on that stage and sing her heart out. The thought always brought a wistful smile to her face.

A day had passed since the cemetery, and it seemed things were going to return to some semblance of normalcy. Danny apologized profusely to the ever-patient and forgiving Alexia, vowing never to abandon her like that again. What bridge had been rebuilt between father and son, Jo just hoped would carry onward longer than just this week. There was still a lot to work through, of course, but the walls were finally down and the armor was off.

Vernon stepped up beside her, looking excitedly over the gathered patrons, a bright smile on his dashing face.

“Big crowd.” He said breathlessly.

“You’ll do wonderfully, my dear.” She beamed up at her handsome friend, echoes of Alexia’s questions regarding her feelings toward him bouncing around in her head. Even when she’d said they were merely close friends, she knew she didn’t believe a word of it. There was always something there. A connection beyond friendship and a chemistry that she couldn’t deny, but could never bring herself to confront.

“I don’t know if I ever properly thanked you.” Vernon said, looking down to her.

“Whatever for?” She asked, perplexed.

“For always being there.” He said. “And for standing by me through everything. I don’t think I’d have survived without you.”

Jo’s lips parted, but the words refused to come out.

“Oh, don’t be a pratt.” She joked, nudging him with her elbow. “You’d be doing wonderfully even without this old bat wandering around, cleaning up after you.”

“Right.” Vernon chuckled. “Of course.”

He placed a hand on her arm and gave a gentle squeeze. “But I don’t think I’d have Danny back. You brought me my son, Jo.”

Once again, she was left speechless for a few seconds. As usual, though, she fought through it with that dry sense of humor. With a hard swallow, she fussed with his collar and straightened out his vest.

“Right. Well…just don’t muck it up this time, yes?” She said with mock sternness.

Vernon flashed that dashing toothy, dimpled grin he’d passed down to his son. “I’ll do my best.”

With that, he leaned down and pressed a kiss upon her cheek, her eyes closing with a flutter before he could see. “Thank you, Jo.”

Jo reached out, taking his arms in hers and breathed in deep. “Knock ‘em dead.” She ordered.

With a sly little grin, he stepped back a few paces before turning away. Jo let out a shuddering breath, letting those nerves settle. There wasn’t much time to reflect, though as more customers came in and she was forced to put on that classic showman charm.

Vernon moved up the steps to the stage to the applause of the crowd. With a dashing, bright smile he waved to them all, taking up his guitar and slinging the strap across his body. After a quick tuning, he moved up to the microphone and looked out over the audience.

“Hello, everyone.” He said, his voice booming through the speakers. “Welcome to Melody’s. You know, seven years ago when we opened our doors, we never thought we’d see crowds like this. It’s an absolute pleasure seeing all of your faces here tonight.”

Jo beamed with pride as the crowd applauded.

“My late wife, Melody…” He said and turned, pointing up at the picture of her behind him, sitting and playing a guitar on a stage much like the one he was on now. “That’s Mel. Well, she had a voice that could charm a rabid dog. Melted this stuffy old Brit’s heart at first sight, anyway. She’d have loved being here tonight, seeing all your lovely faces looking up and celebrating her favorite pastime. Now, I wasn’t always the charming artiste you see before you.”

His faux-pompous air earned a few chuckles from the crowd.

“No, no, I know. Hard to believe that I was once a stodgy businessman. But, uh… but, Mel always tried to get me to sing with her. And, as with most things, my lovely wife usually won the battle. But I never quite worked up the courage to do it in front of anyone but her. I promised so many times that I would… someday. But she was gone before ‘someday’ came. So, when I opened this place and started these little concerts, it was for her. I see some new faces…and some familiar ones out there, as well. I just want to thank you all. You’ve helped me keep my promise. And I… am eternally grateful.”

Applause built from with the crowd. Vernon took one last look at the image of Melody and smiled. “This is for you, Mel.”

Applause filled the small shop as Vernon stepped back, lowering mic to his level as he sat upon a stool. After one last check on the tuning of his guitar, Vernon looked off to the side of the stage, the smile on his face positively glowing as he nodded.

A second man stepped up onto the stage, murmurs spreading throughout the crowd as some clearly recognized the tall, handsome fellow. With a wave, he slipped down onto the bench of the piano. Melody’s piano.

“Ladies and gentlemen…” Vernon said. “Journalist, world-famous novelist…and my son, Danny Dubek.”

The cheers erupted, Danny flashing that absurdly charming grin to them all, landing finally upon the tiny fae who had sidled up beside Jo at the counter and cast an enchanting smile of encouragement up at him.

Danny took a moment, his fingers tracing over the keys of the piano, a million memories of sitting behind it with his mother rushing through his mind. He could almost smell her perfume, feel her warmth. For the briefest second, it almost felt as if she were there with him, wrapping her arms around him and helping guide his hands to play her favorite songs. He could practically hear her voice as it was towards the end, calling weakly from the couch.

“Play for me?”

He shut his eyes and reached up, pressing his palm to the spot where she always kept her tea, the marks still etched into the wood. A smile spread across his face as he whispered, for only himself to hear.

“What do you want to hear?”

Danny’s eyes slowly opened as Vernon began the song, gentle, almost twangy notes upon the strings. Danny joined in as the song picked up a steadier rhythm. The two men exchanged a look and nodded, Vernon leaning into the microphone, his voice soft and pleasant.

Come up to meet you, tell you I'm sorry
You don't know how lovely you are
I had to find you, tell you I need you
Tell you I set you apart


Danny leaned in then, taking the next few lines, looking directly at his father.


Tell me your secrets and ask me your questions
Oh, let's go back to the start
Running in circles, coming up tails
Heads on a science apart


Both men joined their voices together as they played on, sharing a quick grin between each other.


Nobody said it was easy
It's such a shame for us to part
Nobody said it was easy
No one ever said it would be this hard
Oh, take me back to the start


Jo watched the two of them with tears running down her cheeks. Almost absently, she wrapped an arm around Alexia, as if she needed the little fae’s support to stay standing. Vernon’s voice dropped out as Danny closed his eyes, continuing the song.


I was just guessing at numbers and figures
Pulling the puzzles apart
Questions of science, science and progress
Do not speak as loud as my heart


Vernon took over from there, a glance up at the breathtaking picture of his wife, a twinge hitting him right in the heartstrings and bringing a tear to his eye.


But tell me you love me, come back and haunt me
Oh and I rush to the start
Running in circles, chasing our tails
Coming back as we are


Once again, both men joined their voices together in perfect harmony.


Nobody said it was easy
Oh, it's such a shame for us to part
Nobody said it was easy
No one ever said it would be so hard
I'm going back to the start…


The “oohs” that ended the song faded into an echo, silence following for a long moment before the crowd erupted. Vernon and Danny immediately rose, father embracing son tightly, the hug returned in equal measure.


“Thank you.” They both whispered to each other at the same time, breaking out into laughter, Vernon fondly placing a hand upon Danny’s cheek before turning out to their audience.


Vernon placed a hand on his son’s back. “My son, Danny, everybody!”


Once again, more cheers arose, both men basking in the love of the room around them. Together again, yet feeling as if for the first time. Danny felt lighter than he ever had in his life. A pain he’d carried most of his adult life was gone.

[Dah]

Danny and Vernon loaded the last of their luggage into the boot of their rental while Jo was loading Alexia up with sandwiches and fresh baked snacks for their journey.

Vernon glanced over to see Jo chattering away to Alexia, a sly smile forming.

“That’s an incredible girl you have there.” He said.

Danny turned his attention to the little fae smiling politely at all the fussing about. “Yeah she is. Seems like you’re doing pretty well, yourself.”

“What?” Vernon chuckled.

Danny shot his father a dubious look. “Come on. You two never…”

“No!” Vernon shook his head. “Daniel, the last woman I had any feelings for was your mother. I loved her and I still love her.”

“Yeah,” Danny said, “And I get it, but…maybe it wouldn’t be so bad if you took another shot. Life is too long to be alone.”

Vernon couldn’t really deny that there was something there. He and Jo had a very long history, and through it all, she was his biggest supporter. But Vernon was nothing if not stubborn.

“That assumes she’s even interested in-“

“She is.” Danny interrupted in a matter-of-fact tone.

“Well…but I-“

“She is.” Danny insisted more forcefully. “I’ve seen how she looks at you. And, not to put too fine a point on it, I’ve seen how you look at her. So…stop being a prat. Cut the stupid foreplay. And, god, man, just ask her out. For all of our sake.”

Danny shut the boot of the car, Vernon smiling warmly to his son. In his wildest dreams, he never imagined he’d ever again be in a position to take romantic advice from his youngest.

“I’ll think about it.” He said, flashing that classic Dubek grin.

Danny rolled his eyes moving over to the ladies, his arm easily slipping around Alexia’s waist, a quick kiss planted atop her head, earning him a tight, loving squeeze around his torso. Jo beamed up at him as Vernon arrived at her side.

“Are you sure you two can’t stay another night?” She pleaded.

“Wish we could.” Danny said. “Ken’s meeting us in Cambridge. Says he has something big for us.”

“Oh…”. Jo pouted. “Well,soon then. Alright, you. Come here, dear. Give us a scrunch.”

She wrapped Danny in the warmest, tightest hug, kissing his cheek. Alexia was next in line.

“Alexia, dear, it was lovely meeting you.” She held the girl out in front of her, a playful sternness in her eyes as she glanced at Danny. “You take care of this one, mister.”

Danny flashed that dimpled grin. “Always.”

Vernon approached Alexia, his hand extended. She stared at it briefly before meeting his gaze, her left eyebrow arched. She hesitated only for a fraction of a second before her small arms wrapped around him and clasped him tight. It was most certainly not what either expected, but a warm smile crossed his lips and he enveloped her tiny form to match.

“I’m glad you f-found each other again.” She whispered so only he could hear.

Vernon’s eyes squeezed shut, knowing that none of this would be possible without her. She’d given him his son back, a piece of his life he’d lived for so long without. What could he possibly say to express his undying gratitude in that moment? Melody was always the poet, and the best he could muster was “Thank you.”

Two simple words, but the weight behind them carried a vast ocean of meaning. Meaning she could feel as powerfully as if she’d experienced it herself.

Vernon's eyes welled up with tears as they separated, while Danny gently placed his hand on Alexia's back. Collecting himself, Vernon turned to his son, took a deep breath, and prepared to speak.

“So.” He exhaled, “Christmas?”

Danny nodded, flashing that inherited dimpled smile. “Wouldn’t miss it.”

There were a million things Vernon wanted to say. Hell, he just wanted to hug the boy and never let go again. He knew this new journey had only just begun, and healing from decades of pain couldn’t be so quickly wiped away. But for the first time, he actually held hope that someday things would be the way he’d always dreamed.

When the words just wouldn’t come, he wrapped his arms around his youngest child, and as Danny hugged him back, he thought about the little green-eyed baby boy staring up at him on the day of his birth. All of life was ahead of him, nothing but pure potential. What amazing things awaited that newborn child. In that moment, much the same as the day he was born, Vernon Dubek could feel Melody looking on and smiling.

Finally, they parted, Vernon still holding him by the shoulders. “Call. Yeah?”

“I will.” Danny nodded. “And, uh… think about what I said.”

Danny tilted his head almost imperceptibly towards Jo. Vernon chuckled, blushing just slightly. “Alright, alright. Get off my arse.”

Jo was too busy wiping away freely falling tears to pick up on the subtext, of course. She stepped up and hugged Vernon’s arm tightly, resting her head on his shoulder as Danny started away.

Vernon suddenly gasped remembering one last thing. How could he forget?!

“Danny!” Vernon exclaimed. “Wait.”

The younger Dubek stopped, meeting his dad halfway as he fished something from his pocket. What he finally produced was a folded piece of notebook paper. Danny glanced down at it curiously, taking it in his hand. Slowly he unfolded it, immediately recognizing the handwriting. He’d seen it almost every day when taking care of his mother. It was hers.

“Is this…”

“Yes.” Vernon whispered. “Her last. I think she’d want you to have it.”

Danny couldn’t help the small tremble in his hands. He didn’t dare read it just now. It was something that was hers. He’d discovered recordings she’d made over the years shortly after her funeral and he never dared dream that there could be more. But now he knew. This was it. The last time he’d get to experience her words for the first time. Reading it now would have felt too much like saying goodbye. He knew that if he did, they’d never be able to leave London.

Vernon's heart sank when he met those green eyes, now tinged with red, on the verge of tears. Danny’s voice trembled with emotion as he mustered the strength to speak.

“Thank you.”

Without warning, he lunged, embracing his father one last time. Vernon felt Danny’s fist grip a handful of his shirt as he shook and sniffled. When he pulled back, Vernon placed a hand on his son’s cheek and wiped away a tear.

“Alright.” Vernon said gently. “Now go on. Bugger off, kid.”

Danny chuckled through the torrent of emotion and nodded. He almost made it to the door when he heard it.

“I love you, boy.”

The words rang in his ears and sank deep into his heart. He wanted so very badly to say it back, but he just wasn’t there yet. When he turned his gaze back to his father, Vernon only smiled. Danny knew that he understood.

“Talk soon.” Danny promised, swallowing the lump in his throat.

“Please do.”

Vernon and Jo watched as the car pulled off and headed down the street, disappearing into the distance. For a long moment, they just stared before Vernon again spoke.

“Jo?”

She peered up at him, that warm, touched smile lingering. “Hm?”

“Would you fancy a bite to eat?” He asked, his blue eyes ticking down to meet hers.

Something in the sound of his voice was different and she heard it. This wasn’t to be a usual lunch between old friends. Slowly, her smile widened.

“I’d love to.”

Danny clutched the wheel as the streets he’d grown up on passed by, an uncertain future ahead of them. There were many more to travel, but for the first time in ages, he felt as if the tremendous weight of his past was no longer holding him down.

“M-May I see?” Alexia asked gently after several long moments, fully prepared for her request to be declined.

Danny nodded and set the folded paper on the center console. Looking over to her for a moment.

Alexia gazed back unto those beautiful green eyes. Although nothing was said aloud, she gave a single slow nod of understanding before unfolding the paper she had carefully picked up. Ever so softly, she began to hum the first few notes before gently singing the last song written by Melody Dubek.

My movie’s almost over
The darkness setting in
Did I tell you that I loved you
Enough before the end.

But your movie keeps on going
Your story still goes on
So please picture me watching happily
Long after I am gone

You gave this small life meaning
When I held you in my arms
And when the dark comes and embraces me
I’ll hold you in my heart
I’ll hold you in my heart.

You know you drove me crazy
When you came into my life
You showed me what love’s meant to be
When you looked at me that night

And the sunlight’s started setting
The day’s nearly at its end
But I cherish every moment
Every memory we’ve penned

You gave this small life meaning
When I held you in my arms
And when the dark comes and embraces me
I’ll hold you in my heart
I’ll hold you in my heart.

So, as the darkness gathers
And my time begins to fade
Know that my love will linger on
In the legacy we’ve made.

I’ll be there in every smile
In the joys that your lives bring
And when you need to talk to me
I’ll see you in your dreams

Because You gave this small life meaning
When I held you in my arms
And when the dark comes and embraces me
I’ll hold you in my heart





Note from Danny: Thank you to all who have been reading this. This story has been brewing for a very long time, and I finally got the chance to tell it. These characters mean SO much to me, but none more so than Melody. I hope that I’ve done justice to the woman in my mind. Thank you again!