Crystal was in a cab, on her way back home. She accepted Caleb's demand to work for him. She didn't do it for him. She did it for William. She wanted to save him and while he was in the lock-up else she wouldn't live in peace.
Crystal unlocked her cellphone and searched for someone on her list, She clicked on Chloe and the profile of a woman smiling through the screen eased the frowning face Crystal.
It has been five years now that she has seen her. In the entire, run-for-life scenario, Crystal remembered her one friend and relied on her. Once Max met her and they were on their way back to town, Chloe was the first name she saved.
"Some friendships fit in your life like a picture puzzle that can complete you." She mumbled to herself and called her number.
The phone started ringing as Crystal waited patiently for Chloe to pick up.
"Hello, Chloe Bridger speaking. How may I help you?" Chloe responded. Crystal was in tears to finally get to listen to her voice. "Hi Chloe," Crystal replied in a hoarse voice.
"Crys… Crystal? Shouldn't you be in prison?" Chloe asked instantly. Crystal raised her brow, unaware of how Chloe knew that and what she meant by that.
"I ... We were on our way to visit the Colebridge Prison to get you. I am so glad to finally hear from you." Chloe sighed.
The response eased Crystal and explained to her everything.
"I was taken into custody that day. Soon after I reached there I spaced out. They tried various tactics to make me confess. But this morning when I woke up the constable asked me to get up and walk out." Crystal tried to come up with events.
"They handed me my phone which I charged for a while at the station and then booked for home the first thing. Can you believe Chloe, the culprit was caught, I am glad to finally get away this morning. I am heading home." Crystal lied, as she was instructed by Norman and Caleb that morning.
Chloe processed the news. "Alright, we'll head back home in that case. Please be home soon, something bad happened Crystal."
"It's your father, Thomas is dead."
#
At Fitzgerald Villa, Caleb walked down, more serious than usual. His mind was trapped in the possibilities of what may have happened if he had gone that night instead of his brother. He was sad and wanted to clear his mind off things.
Ever since the news of Edward's death doomed the castle, everyone was sad and there wasn't any usual hustle or bustle at the place. Caleb looked around, used to everyday camaraderie. He sat at the dining table, along with his mother and father.
The older couple was in their early sixties. They were helping each other with food and Caleb reflected on the days back when Edward was identically happy and everything was peaceful.
The silence was broken by his ringing cell phone. His parents looked in his direction and nodded, trying to understand the heaviness of the situation.
"You should answer that Caleb. Now you have to look after your father and me and our business. But please don't ever get trapped…" his mother choked on her words and his father rubbed her back gently.
"Things would take time to heal Cassandra, please calm down." the old man tried to put her to ease. Caleb wasn't able to see it when he stood up and walked out of the hall to attend to the call.
"Hello Boss!" a strong male voice said, "Deal has been signed, IMR 4350 has arrived, and we have aligned Ramshot and Hodgdon next. Positive!"
"Hold on with Hodgdon," Caleb replied, "We need to figure out the trajectory. Stock the Rams and find more chugs along. I will be away for some time, I need to take care of the business as well."
Meanwhile, a little girl came running into the room. "Uncle, Gigi, Grandpa…" she came in running and hugged Caleb's leg.
"I'll call you back later." he said in the speaker and then picked up the girl, "How's my little elfy?" Caleb smiled, for the first time in several days.
She sprawled her leg and sat comfortably on the chair. Adjacent to her grandmother. Caleb sat next to her " Good morning, Uncle Caleb! Where have you been? I missed you so much."
"Aww, little, I was away on a business trip. Can you tell me how you are?" he asked best, pretending to be happy.
"I am an adorable little baby, how can I be …?" she replied and acted as if she was about to sleep, "a little drowsy."
"Uh-oh! What did my little elf dream about?" Cassandra, her grandmother asked. Caleb poured syrup on the pancakes for Elmore as she replied, "Uh-huh! I was dreaming, Grand Pop knows. Grandpops, what was I dreaming about?"
Everyone smiled sadly at her shenanigans.
"Uh-oh! Our little elf was a princess in the castle" he replied through his tears as he wiped the food from his mouth.
"Yes that and Uncle Caleb was wearing a clown on his head," she said as she started digging in food.
"That's the crown, and oh so I was your Majesty for you."
"Yes, mamesty," she said, chewing on her pancakes. "And you were fighting the bad guys."
Caleb laughed," Well, that sounds like something I'd do. Gotta keep my princess Elmore safe."
Elmore almost stopped chewing and looked up, "Uncle Caleb, what do you do all day? Gigi says you have a very important job."
Caleb paused and thought for an answer to make her understand, "Well, sweetheart, my job is to take care of our family and make sure everyone is safe and happy. Sometimes it means making tough decisions, but it's all for the good of the family."
"So you like Daddy but Spider man?" she asked and continued slurping the juice.
Caleb choked on his breath at the mention of Daddy. He, however, replied, "Yes, Something like that. Now, eat up your pancakes. You've got a big day ahead of you."
From the other side, a young woman entered the room...
"There is the little elf," he announced.
"Oh no!" Elmore gasped, "Uncle Caleb, here is your juice" and as if she was missing a bus, she went to the other side.
#
Crystal reached her home, which she had left five years ago. The nameplate on the front was still the same. There was a crowd a little inside however. People were standing at the door. Crystal knew what it was about and felt like throwing up.
Just then a hand hugged her neck from behind. She turned around and hugged the little boy. "Daniel," she called out and hugged him. Her tears were shining in the sunlight as she cried. Daniel was calm. "I am glad you can be here, Crisy," Daniel replied.
Daniel was very reserved throughout his life. Always keeping his business to himself, but Crystal knew he loved everyone in the family.
They held each other's hand and walked inside.
Inside, Rebecca was holding a picture of Thomas in her hand and crying bitterly. She wasn't talking much. Chloe and Max were serving water to all the guests present there. Crystal walked in and hugged her mother.
No sooner did Rebecca open her eyes than she jittered Crystal away.
"Why are you back? Why are you here?" Rebecca asked, eyeing Crystal. Everyone stood there dumbfounded, looking back and forth between Crystal and her mother.
"Where have you been all these years? You ungrateful child of a devil." Rebecca swore.
"Your father would always be tense, walking up and down, looking at the doors, mails, searching for you in parks, maybe you would come. Maybe Crystal would come and…"
She shouted.
"Mom… I… Father wanted me to marry some stranger… I wanted to make my own living…" Crystal managed to say through her sobs.
"Well, now you must be delighted he is gone. Ohh, God! Why don't you take me up too?" Rebecca shouted as her emotions escalated.
"It would've been nicer if, of the two of you, you could have died. Shasha was always obedient and look at what happened." Rebecca bickered.
"If it weren't for all the pride you gave your father, he wouldn't have gone to see you at the prison…" Rebecca asked in an accusatory tone.
"Is that called making a career? Killing someone, you illicit brat!"
Everyone in the room gasped. Whispers started floating and everyone was gawking at the exchange.