Fan Fiction
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Great Unexpectations Chapter 31
Previously…
They let the valet park the car and rushed into the hotel. They opened the suite door and found Tina and Faye enjoying pictures of Angelica on Tina’s laptop. "Hi babe", Tina said. "How did it go?" Faye looked expectantly at Richard.
He held his breath before telling Faye everything. Well, almost everything. He censored the parts about Jason’s tears, and nearly soiling the back seat of the rental car. When Richard repeated what Jason said about Cora being happy, Faye broke down into tears. Tina quickly went to her side, and rubbed her back. Soothing her. When he talked about Cora being at some anonymous bay she nearly fell out of her chair. Tina caught her and Bette shored her up on her other side. The shocked look on Faye’s face in time turned to a wide smile. "I think I know where she is. Bette. Call the pilot. Tell him we need to go to Michigan. Traverse City, Michigan."
Chapter 31.
"Ok, thanks", Bette said before flipping the phone closed. "Faye, he said he’ll work on filing a flight plan right away. He’ll let us know when to come to the airport."
"Good. Thank you, Bette."
"So Faye", Tina asked. "What is about Michigan? Why are you so certain she’s there?"
Faye spoke as everybody else listened. Spoke of the early years, the relatively good years, of her marriage. When they enjoyed the happy moments that most functional families enjoyed. Weekend picnics, long Christmas vacations and the annual summer trip to Grand Traverse Bay. Without exception they always spent at least two weeks on those beautiful shores in northern Michigan. For generations Mr. Buckley’s family had owned property on West Bay and he had grown up spending his summers there. Summering there was a tradition he happily passed on to his own family. Young Cora loved splashing about on the beach and playing with the other children who were also on vacation. Her first six summers were the best of her life. That sixth summer was her last taste of innocence. Her last taste of safety and security. A short time after that vacation things in the Buckley household inexplicably changed. More of Mr. Buckley’s drinking. More late hours. More yelling. And eventually the beginning of the physical abuse that continued until Cora ran away from home. During those bad years she’d often cuddle in her mother’s arms and beg to go back to Michigan. As if just being there could bring everything back under control. She eventually stopped cuddling. She eventually stopped asking. But she never stopped wishing.
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(17 votes, average: 4.53 out of 5)
Well… I guess Bette did what she thought was kindest. There was a lot of humor this chapter… it balanced how it ended nicely. But I’ll admit, I’d hoped that there would be some last-minute miracle towards the end. I’m very glad to see you back with such a good chapter red… but… poor Faye. :( (Did I just type that?!) Great chapter, and p.s. the only eggs I have will be used for early nog. Cheers for the post red
No worries about the hiatus. I’m just grateful for the update. What an emotional rollercoaster. I loved the laugh-out-loud humor of Alice’s death-defying gamble with Bette’s car and the embarrassing revelation of Bette’s ABBA fixation. At the other extreme, of course, was Faye’s death. And here Bette took a gamble because what if Faye had lingered on? Bette clearly sensed the end was imminent and her assurances about Cora were an act of kindness. I expect Bette and Tina will work extra hard to make those assurances a reality.
Glad that you are back. It is okay to be a slacker. Sometimes you just have to do it. I loved the banter between the gang and of course Angie’s stubbornness (just like her mother Bette). Bette did what she thought was right and for Faye it was. I hope that Bette is going to be okay.
Owwww, very painful
Red, One off your best chapter by far!!!!! I did hope that they would find Cora befor Faye died, but please let then find her. Thank you PPS
Wow, redhorse I don’t think that there’s a dry eye left in the house. I never thought I’d feel this for Faye Buckley! Can’t wait for your next update to this story.
Hey Red, Welcome Back and you came back with one heck of a chapter, eh? **The Eh is for our neighbors to the North*** The first chapter of this story I wanted Tina to kick Faye’s ass until she had her in tears & now….I have tears in my eyes at the compassion & kindness Bette showed Faye at the end. Your story telling is descriptive and brilliant. On a side note, thanks for mentioning Traverse City. When people think of MI they only think of the negative stereotype that is associated with Detroit. They don’t realize how many beautiful cities we have across the state. And Traverse City is absolutley lovely. PS.
Red, you are too kind but as we both know, it was and is all you baby! I have to admit, I wasn’t going to read the whole chapter but I just couldn’t stop myself. Excellent as always, although I think you are channeling your inner IC with this turn of events. Where have all of the happy endings gone? LOL. Now, post again!!
Red, you are a very talented writer! This chpater and the whole story are brillant! Great humor and lightness well balanced with the drama. I think many of us would act like Bette did, what do you call it, a kind lie? And hopefully it’s not a lie, just a matter of time before the exact same result… Shame that Faye couldn’t see her daughter one last time… I agree with jb621, Detroit and Michigan are a very beautiful place. I was there a few years back and was amazed by how nice it is! Thanks for mentionning it. Can’t wait to see what will happen now. Please post soon. And thanks!
HEy red, That was awesome. Sometimes doing the worng thing for the right reason is the best that you have to offer. I do believe that giving Faye hope in her final few moments was the proper response from Bette. Sweet to see that Tina was there as Bette’s tower of strength. As for the gang and the car and puppy debacle, how hysterical was it. Just the perfect light relief against the darkness and sorrow to follow. As for Richard’s lashing out, it just showed his frustration at all that was going on. I do hope that the gals will complete their quest and find Cora. More please whenever you get the chance. This tale is an emotional rollercoster ride and so worthwhile. Please continue soon. Many, many thansk from Your Loyal Fan.
wow that was so intense at the end…thx for posting, very moving tale…balanced by humour…get ange the dog…
I write this with tears in my eyes…..so sad. I was hoping Faye would live to see her daughter. Bette did a good thing. She’s so much more a softie than she lets on. Great chapter! PPS!!
Incredible! Strong,emotional,humourous – wow, what a rollercoaster. Will wait patiently for the next chapter of this wonderful story – whenever you’re ready.
Damn this is sad!