***Author's Note: Well it has been years and I have finally come around to this story. I am not sure if it will be continued but if so this ends on a positive note. Positive feedback is always appreciated. I will try to check all PMs if anyone has anything extra to share or prefers private reviews/comments! Thank You and Enjoy!***
It had been hours and Rachel still hadn't returned. Drinking the last of my third glass of whiskey, I looked up at the clock on the mantel, 2:12am.
After Rachel left Grams fled the study with whispered apologies. I hadn't seen her since as she stayed locked in her room. What have I done?
I visualized every possible outcome to how things would go when Rachel came home. Will she leave me and take the kids? Will she yell at me and call me sick for taking advantage of Grams? Would she come home at all?
Every possible outcome drove me to another glass of whiskey and before I knew it I fell asleep on the couch.
The slamming of a car door jolted me awake. Heading for the front door I saw Crystal with her arm around Rachel's waist. As soon as she saw me she breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank God! I love your wife but boy can she drink."
"Oh, pleassse," Rachel slurred "it was j-just a few *hiccup* drinks." Lifting herself from the passenger seat she pulled away from Crystal.
Making her way to the stairs she reached to grab the railing but tripped. Reaching around her, I quickly scooped her into my arms before she could fall. Rachel immediately tried to get down.
"Put me down!" She started to hit my chest.
Climbing the porch steps I set her on her feet. Looking into Rachel's eyes I held her arms to her sides.
"Rachel, please... I just-"
"Just don't!" Rachel moved out of my arms and into the house.
Crystal let out a low whistle behind me, "Well, that went well."
"Turning back to Crystal I walked her back to her car. "Thanks for getting her home safe Crystal."
She shook her head and let out a chuckle. "Hey, what are friends for?" Jumping in her car she lowered the window. "Your grandfather was important to both of you and I know this is hard. If having a girl's night drinking helps, I'm always here."
Looking back toward the house and back to Crystal I sighed. "She didn't happen to talk to you about why she was upset, did she?"
Crystal shook her head and sighed, "You know Rachel, she's an onion. You got to peal one layer at a time."
Biting her lip Crystal looked back at the house and took a breath. "Listen, whatever it is, I'm here for you guys. She's worried about your Grams but she's also worried about you, you know. The most she said tonight was that she felt like you weren't coming to her for help. Just talk to her! You two have always known each other inside and out, No can tell when something isn't being talked about better than you two."
"I know-"
"No, you don't!" Crystal sighed. "She's upset as hell and I couldn't get her to talk Michael!"
I sighed and shook my head, "Your right. I'll talk to her Crystal, I promise."
"Good, now get some sleep. You like as much shit as she did earlier." Crystal chuckled.
Walking back to the porch I waved Crystal off and stepped inside. Locking everything up I looked again at the mantel clock, 4:47am. Well I guess I should try to get some sleep.
Walking up the stairs I picked up Rachel's discarded shoes as I went. Stepping into my old bedroom I saw the bathroom light on and could hear the shower.
Rachel threw her clothes on the bed so I moved them to the hamper. Walking up to the bathroom door I rested my head against it.
Listening closely I could hear sniffling. Trying the knob I thanked the stars she didn't lock it. As I stepped inside, Rachel was sitting on the floor of the shower. Quickly and quietly undressing I opened the shower door slowly.
Looking up from the drain Rachel's eyes met mine. They were red and full f so much emotion that I couldn't help but pick her up in my arms.
Expecting her to hit me again or at least push me away, I was surprised when she wrapped her arms around my neck and allowed me to wrap my arms around her waist pulling her close. I placed light kisses all over her face slowly, "I'm so sorry lil sis. I never meant to hurt you, I-"
Reaching up Rachel gently set her fingertips on my lips, "Shhh, I know..."
Looking into her eyes I brushed my fingers through her wet hair. Slowly our lips came together in a gentle kiss that built quickly into a desperate need. Pulling back I ran my hands down the sides of her neck and kissed her forehead.
As we stood there holding each other the water began to cool. Turning off the water I led Rachel out of the shower. Taking a towel of the rack I slowly dried Rachel's body. Working my way down I kneeled in front of her and kissed every spot as it became dry.
Running her through my hair Rachel pulled me up to kiss her sweetly. No words were spoken as we dressed and climbed into bed.
Pulling her close to rest against my side I kissed her head lightly. Lifting her head she kissed me sweetly.
"Tomorrow we will talk, ok?"
Nodding my head I held her close and we both fell asleep.
As the sun begun to peek through the windows I felt Rachel fingers caressing my chest and abs. Opening my eyes slowly as I ran my fingers through her hair she looked up at me.
Looking into each other's eyes we sighed together. Running her hand to my cheek I could see the wheels turning in her head. Pulling her hand to my lips I kissed her palm gently.
Closing her eyes slowly she barely whispered, "How long?"
"Since the funeral..." Rachel opened her eyes as I reached into the nightstand drawer. Pulling the picture out, I handed it to her. "There was more to the story."
Rachel sat up holding the picture and flipped it over reading the writing. "What- How is this-"
"Grams is Beth and Grandpa was William from the story. After the funeral I found this and asked Grams. She told me the truth and-"
