YN is on a trip visiting her boyfriend from LA. He promised to take her around his childhood home and show her everything that South Carolina has to offer. Unfortunately, and fortunately some things change those plans.
“Ughhhh, where is it?”
Throwing my clothes across the already trashed hotel room, looking for the perfect skirt. I had been in South Carolina for about a week, and somehow I’d already gone through most of my clothes. Stumbling over suitcases and shopping bags, searching for something I hadn’t worn yet, I heard my phone ringing from somewhere in the room, changing my search from clothes to my phone, mumbling to myself out of annoyance.
“Great, I can’t find a good outfit now I can’t find my phone….” Eventually, after what felt like forever, I finally found my phone, I saw my boyfriend's perfectly handsome face light up my screen, the small green button below flashing. The call wasn’t unwelcome, but it was a bit confusing. Gideon had a shoot today doing some action shots for some new indie studio action flick. and according to my calendar, he wasn’t supposed to be done for another 2 hours.
“Hi, baby… Did you miss me so much that you couldn’t wait a few more hours?”
“Hello, is this Y/N?” My body tenses…… Something feels wrong.
“Yes? Who is this? Where's Gideon?”
“Hello, ma’am, my name is Joseph Paterson. I am the on-site paramedic for this project. This was the most recently contacted number. Are you available for…”
“YES WHATEVER….HURRY UP AND TELL ME WHAT’S WRONG… WHAT'S HAPPENING?
“Ma’am, please Unfortunately, there has been an accident on set today. Emergency services have been called, and the situation is being taken care of. The patient is responsive for the time being and is being treated for serious injuries. Our reports so far are either back or neck injury and possible concussion.”
I have never been more furious in my life. The meathead production crew this studio hired are no better than the fools in LA. Despite the seriousness of the situation, I can’t help but roll my eyes
“EITHER? POSSIBLE? It’s not that hard to give a straight answer, unless the incident was your fault, and I know it probably is because my Gideon is talented and he’s always safe. If he’s even the one who’s hurt, apparently you don’t know how to directly address a situation and inform the person you’ve reached out to who…. isn’t actually on the emergency contact list for said patient unless you are using very old documents, but going off the fact you referred to me as the most recently contacted person, I’m assuming you are not up to date on certain safety protocols or even know what the fuck is actually going on…
After being met with silence, I speak up again.
“Ughh, well, what’s the address? Tell me where I need to go.” I ran down to my car, listening to this man stutter out the address and how to get in, blabbing out the rest of his required explanation plus some damage control. Letting him clamor on, I zeroed in on the road in front of me. His explanation was just like those know-it-all assholes I deal with every day; it's the kind of life I signed up for working part-time at my family’s academy insurance company. I’ve been trained on all the protocols—lead actors, background, stunt, you name it, I’ve done it all. None of it matters to me right now; I’m supposed to be on vacation. I’m with Gideon…… God, I feel sick. All I can think about is getting to my baby as fast as humanly possible. I've broken about fifty traffic laws and speed through the parking lot until I see it. All the cast and crew standing outside the stage, the frantic producer and production team on phones, and the ambulance and security cars scattered around. I didn’t even pull into a spot; I just parked my car and ran up, pushing through the people. I looked around. I had seen the ambulance when driving up, but it was currently empty. There were so many voices and so much going on until I spotted them. The EMTs are pushing a stretcher from the stage hanger. I rush over and call out to him.
“Gideon, baby,” the closer I got, the more I saw…. Gideon was strapped to the gurney, a few cuts and bruises forming, but most troubling brace around his neck. He was looking around. I could see he heard me but couldn’t tell if it was real. Moving towards him to grab his hand, some big paramedic man steps in front of me.
“Ma’am, please, you need to step back. We have a serious injury.”
“Get the fuck out of my way, gigantor. That’s my fucking husband, you freak.” Pushing past him, I grab Gideon’s hand and walk with the gurney.
“Y/N… what?”
“I’m here, baby, don’t worry.”
“I think I really hurt my neck, baby. Something feels wrong, and I can’t think right. My head—”
“Suhh, it’s okay, my love; we will take care of it later.” I kiss his palm and take a step back while they hoist him into the ambulance. Following behind him quickly and grabbing his hand again used my free hand to brush his hair out of his face. Looking him up and down, I see how banged up he really was.
“Gosh, Gid, what happened?”
“I don’t know, I’ve done this so many times before. I must have overshot it or…or…” Panic rises in me when I see how hard it is for him to speak. Also noticing how his eyes were drooping as he started nodding off.
“Gideon, baby, look at me, okay? You have to stay awake, okay? It will all be fine; just try and talk to me.” Kissing his hand over and over again, I did everything I could to keep him awake. I didn’t know what could possibly be taking the paramedic so damn long. Then I saw another figure appear at the back of the truck—some man in a suit with a phone, a producer I’m guessing. He immediately that bombarding us with documents trying to get us to sign off on something is no doubt a last-minute risk doc he drew up to keep him from getting into trouble for what he did to my Gideon.
“Get the hell out of here! You’ve got some kind of nerve coming in here, keeping us from going to the hospital. Do you know who I fucking am? Do you know who my family is? You’re fucking done; you’re finished. This ridiculous joke of a film? It’s done. Funding pulled, contracts dissolved, you are going to owe us so much money your great-grandkids will be paying it off. Get out of my face before I give you a new one! GO GET OUT,” practically shoving him out of the ambulance. I grab the door before pointing out the one remaining EMT: “You get in the damn ambulance and DRIVE.” Slamming the doors shut, I go sit by Gideon, assuming my usual spot, his hand held tightly in mine. He smiled weakly and then mumbled out a few words of gratitude.
“I love you so much for taking care of me.”
“He’s never going to work again. I’m going to ruin his life.” My words were spiteful, but my tone was so sweet. The ride to the hospital was tense; Gideon's awareness was fluctuating, and every time we hit a speed bump, his face tightened in pain. I did my best to make him feel better, soothing him when he would begin to panic and distracting him when he became restless being strapped up and not in complete control of his body. Finally arriving at the hospital, they took Gideon back to get an X-ray for his neck and examine him further. Trying to keep myself from going crazy, I used the time to make calls to my family’s lawyers, working out what action I could take. Then calling to let everyone back home know I was going to stay a little longer than planned.
…….
“MY PARENTS! Wait, I need to tell my parents. Where’s my phone and my stuff?” A sudden burst of energy hit Gideon.
“Don’t worry, baby. I called them. They had to wrap some things up at the church, but they left around a half hour ago, so they should be here in a bit.”
His body relaxed. “God, baby, you are the best. Hey, I'm really sorry about this, angel.”
“Bubs, why are you sorry? You didn’t do anything wrong.”
“Well, this kind of ruins your trip. We can’t do anything we had planned. I was going to show you around…you know, take you around your future home.”
“You didn’t ruin anything, Gid, I promise. And we will just do all that when I move here. Okay, baby.” I moved over to sit on the small hospital bed with him, cuddling into him the best I could. “Besides, I get to practice doing something else that I’m going to be doing in the future.”
“Mumm, what’s that?”
“Taking care of you and smiting your enemies…that’s from the Bible, right, smiting?”
“It is, but I’m hoping that’s not something that fills our future.” For the first time all day he laughed—well, it was more like a strained cough, but regardless, “Baby, I have a question.”
“What’s up, baby?”
“I don’t know if it was just my head injury-induced brain fog, but I could’ve sworn I heard you call me your husband at one point today.”
“Oh yeah, some big idiot was trying to keep me from seeing you. Baby, you remembered that after everything?”
“Mumm was the best part of my day, actually, if you can believe it.”
“Well, I thought I should start practicing that, you know, for the future. For any future traumatic bodily injury situations or if someone ever tried to flirt with you in front of me, like, Hey, bitch, that’s my husband.” I turn to face him, a big smile on my face. We hadn’t gotten to have a real date, but sitting with him in this tiny bed, stiff sheets over our legs, and the array of cafeteria snacks I had gotten earlier was just as nice because he was safe and because he was here.
“Baby, you are so perfect. Really, I mean everything you do and everything you are. I couldn’t imagine my life without you. The way you’ve been handling everything. I love you more than anything in the world. I don’t know if I will be able to handle it when you have to go back home.”
“What if I don’t… I could just stay here. I’ll sell my apartment from here and take care of everything else; everything is online anyway. I love you too, Gideon. I’m happiest when I’m with you, I don’t want to waste any more time not being together.”
“Marry me. Let’s just do it, baby; we can go ring shopping when I get out. Let’s get married, no more practice or talk of the future.”
“Oh my god, OH MY GOD… YES, oh baby,” in a mildly inappropriate tone for a hospital, I began shrieking and wrapped myself around him, immediately pulling back when I heard him suck in a breath.
“Oh, sorry, fuck….”
“It’s alright; I’d be more physical about it too, but you know.” He cupped my cheek awkwardly. “You’re my forever.” I grabbed the hand that’s covered my cheek and smiled before I got anything else. We heard the door open and people rushing in. I turned to see Gideon's parents looking frazzled as they finally arrived.
“Oh, my baby boy, what happened? I knew this was too dangerous, that people didn’t know what they’re doing.
“I’ll be okay, Mama. Y/N’s been taking care of everything.”
“Oh, sweetheart, thank you so much. How are you, darling?”
“I’m alright, thank you.”
“See, being a big Hollywood big shot isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, huh? Damn near crippled yourself. Thank God that girl of yours got a good head on her shoulders.”
“Thanks, Pop, really appreciate the concern. And, yes, she does going to need it planning a wedding in this family.” I watched as his eyes widened. I wasn’t sure how you were going to handle our spontaneous engagement, but I guess this was it.
“Oh, we are engaged… and my neck’s broken, just to catch you all up.” Smiling nervously at them, I watch their faces as they take everything in. This definitely wasn’t a typical date night , but when was this family ever typical…?
“God, if this is you all’s engagement, I can’t imagine what the wedding is going to be like.” Jesse laughed but Gideon paid him no mind. We were staring into each other’s eyes grinning ear to ear.
Even with a perfect life there are days you have to do things you wish you didn’t.
I was having an early morning, alone shuffling around the kitchen, making my morning coffee and cooking some eggs. I breathe in, enjoying the silence of the morning, standing in front of a finally empty sink, enjoying the sun beaming in from the window. I love my husband and our loud, eccentric family; it was everything I had ever dreamed of, but I still savor moments like this. It’s how I keep a sense of self, how I get through days like this. It was going to be an eventful day…….through the years I’ve managed to maintain the unhelpful skill of scheduling all my tasks on the same day. I took a bite of my eggs and scanned over the calendar; nothing too strenuous except that dreaded appointment taking the 2:20 slot on that little square. Pouting, I begin to feel the same dread I did when scheduling, but before I can fixate on it too much, I hear footsteps coming down the stairs to the kitchen. Grinning as I watched him still half asleep, sloppily digging in the cabinet to grab a bottle. Our equally sleepy baby boy sat on his hip, still adjusting to the morning sun. My little pumpkin rubbed his eyes with chunky fists. Until finally he spots me, I give him a little wave watching that gummy smile grow tenfold cooing and babbling
“Suhhh, we have to stay quiet, bubs; we don’t want to wake up Mamma.” My sweet, sweet husband hadn’t registered I was right behind him and was still trying to let me rest.
“You didn’t notice I wasn’t in bed?” laughing at his sweet words.
“Ahhhh….holy…..baby, you. How long have you been out here?”
“An hour or so.” I shrugged, finishing off the last of my breakfast and taking my dishes to the sink. “Wanted to have some me time before my boys came down…what are you looking for?”
“Oh, uh, a bottle. He was fussing when we were upstairs. It’s this cupboard, right? I’m not seeing anything.”
“Ah, they are in the wash. I loaded them before I made my coffee. They have about 30 minutes left.”
“Shit, I was supposed to do them last night. I’m sorry, baby... he was being cute, and I got distracted.” I walk over to Gideon, kissing him sweetly.
“You’re such a good daddy,” I say, grabbing Matthias as he started to fuss more and more, bouncing him on my hip and cooing at him.
“Isn’t Daddy the best?” peppering his face with kisses, trying to soothe him. He joined me rubbing Matthias's back; unfortunately, not much could calm our son when he was hungry.
“It’s okay pumpkin, mama’s going to fix it.”
“There's still around 20 minutes on the wash; I can prep the formula.”
“No, it’s okay; I can feed him.” I begin adjusting my hold on him, pulling down my shirt.
“Are you sure, baby? I know you were wanting to wean him off”
“Yeah, it’s alright. He’s been doing good with formula; he deserves a little treat, especially because he has a big appointment today.” swaying my little angel back and forth now that he’s latched on and happily drinking. “Don’t you, baby? Are you going to be good for Mama?”
“Appointment?” I look over at Gideon taking a sip of coffee, leaning against the counter.
“He has his 6-month checkup today; we were supposed to do them last month, but we had to reschedule, so I guess it’s more like a 7-month checkup.”
“I thought he had a checkup a few months ago.”
“Babies have appointments every few months until they are 2, Gid.”
“I don’t know how much I trust that doctor. Matti is always upset when he comes back from there. I mean, how much does he really know about what our son needs?” I give him a stern look. Gideon always got so defensive about Matthias's doctor. When I was pregnant, he drove us to about 20 different pediatric doctors in the area, and now that Matti was born, he seems to regret his choice every month.
“He's a good doctor, baby. He’s just going to check his lungs, see how he’s growing, and give him his shots….”
“SHOTS…baby, I don’t know why he needs shots. He’s not around anyone but us and the family”
“And the church and everyone you seeery day…also, have you met your family? He’s getting his shots” I look down at the child in my arms. Sweet face dotted with freckles and those perfect eyes looking up at me. I pull him up and begin to burp him on my chest. Watching my husband grumble as he goes to unload the dishwasher, “…putting needles in my baby,” I walk over to Gideon and kiss up and down his shoulder unti he turns to me.
“It’s going to be fine, baby. He won’t even remember it tomorrow, okay?”
“I know, I know.” Gideon takes Matti fromme kissing his little cheeks. I pull the burping cloth off my shoulder and place it on his. “I just hate when he’s uncomfortable, and this time it’s going to be our fault.”
“But it keeps him healthy….now come on, help me change him and pick out his outfit for today.”
…………..…………..…………..…………………………….
We are sitting in the car like we had been for the last 15 minutes. Engine still rumbling and the soft lullabies of gospel songs for kids came from the car stereo. Gideon is in the driver's seat, making small talk to distract me from the clock, occasionally glancing in the backseat. Checking on our sleepy baby in the back seat. I take this momentary distraction as an opportunity to leave, unbuckling my seatbelt and opening the car door.
“Woah, baby relax you’re gonna wake him up”
“He’s been awake, gid; come on, we need to go in sooner or later.” I’ve already opened the back door and begun unbuckling his car seat and pulling it out of the car. Gideon is already behind me, diaper bag slung over his shoulder.
“baby, do you want to sit with him while I sign us in”
“Yeah I got him” already pulling our baby out of his car seat, I smiled watching them. Gideon was the best father, he had was already the most wonderful husband and when I told him I was pregnant the love we had got so much bigger. Our family was perfect even in uncomfortable positions like this. I was trying to stay calm and collected to ease my husband's nerves, but really I hated these appointments as much as he did. Finally finished with everything, I sat back down it was going pretty well; Matthias was being such a good boy, happily bouncing in Gideon’s arms, unaware of what was waiting for him. After an half hour we were called in, everything was going smoothly so far matti was having a good time giggling while the nurses distracted him,taking his vitals and measurements. Gideon looked over to me with a small smile. I could tell we were thinking the same thing; maybe this wouldn’t be so bad. That was until he came In…the nurse followed closely behind with tray of needles. I squeezed my baby a little tighter to my chest; he seemed to somehow understand the shift in the room, becoming a little clingier. The nurse began to wipe his leg clean, still using all her distraction techniques, but none of them were quite as effective as they had been. Gideon was a wreck; I could feel the nervous energy buzzing off of him. I watched as the needle got closer to his chunky little leg.
“Wait! Stop.” Pulling him back, “Sorry, oh my gosh, I’m sorry about that.”
“Uh it’s okay ma’am we just need to re satanize his leg so we can continue”
“Yes, yes, please, sorry again,” I mutter, rubbing my hand over his soft little curls. Trying not to watch as the nurse begins the process again. God, I hated these appointments. I felt Gideon’s hand on my back, rubbing up and down slowly. I felt a wave of comfort flood over me; no matter how stressed, he was always there to protect me. I look at him with great full eyes as he leaned over to kiss my forehead. Our sweet moment was interrupted by a shrill scream.
“Oh suhhh, it’s okay, baby. Momma’s here daddy’s here.”
Matthias was screaming his head off, as he flung his limbs around. I whisper in his ear and try to clam him down before the second shot. Unfortunately, the nurse wasn’t eager to give me any more time than we already had, she grabbed his little arm, pinched it, and shot. I didn’t think a baby could scream that loud or turn that shade of red. The doctor gave us a few minutes in the room alone to try to sooth him, but nothing was working, so we just decided to leave, walking through the lobby with a screaming baby in my arms. I was trying to load him in the car, but he wouldn’t have it. Reaching for his daddy pushing against the seat.
“Gideon…. help me please”
“I'm coming, y/n. What do you need should try to strap him in.”
“No, he wants you. Just hold him, please. I can… I’ll drive you; hold him.
“Baby, I don’t think that’s the safest.”
“I don’t really care right now; I just need him To stop. It’s torture. I hate when he cries.”
“I know baby me too… Hey, hey, it’s okay. Look, he’s already calming down. We can wait a few more minutes. I’ll put him in his seat, and then I’ll take us home.”
“Okay,” I felt so pathetic the whole day. He was nervous, and I spent that time teasing him about being so uptight and always worrying, but when it came down to it, I was a mess. I sat in the passenger seat as Gideon buckled up Matthias and then took his place in the driver's seat. Thankfully, the ride soothed the upset boy, and when we got home, I immediately scooped him out of his seat and took him inside. Gideon and I were attached to him for the rest of the day: he was always in one of our arms, and we played his favorite shows. Let him toddle around the backyard a little longer than we usually do anything to make forget the event of the day………
I was laying in bed rubbing my neck after a long day, waiting for Gideon to come back in to our bedroom after putting Matthias down. He had gone full daddy’s boy mode after getting back from the doctors, Gideon encouraging him whispering apologies that mean mamma made him do it and daddy didn’t want to.
“God that kids stubborn. I thought I would never escape.” I look up as Gideon walked back in the room. Eyes tired, hair messy, in his worn t-shirt and boxers.
“Well he’s your son and buy that I mean he spends to much time with your dad”
“ What’s the point in living down the street from your parents if you don’t overuse free babysitting”
I let out a laugh and pulled the covers back to let him crawl in.
“How was he”
“Better still grumpy….i think he’s milking it but he did get extra time in the rockin chair so he’s getting what he wants”
“Mumm, hey baby?”
“Yeah”
I sit up and crawl over straddling myself on my husbands lap moving very slowly “you were so amazing today, I know you were uncomfortable too but when it was time you really took care of us” I move to kiss his neck
He let out a soft groan before answering “I’d do anything for you baby. You were helping me all day , was just returning the favor.” Wrapping his arm around my waist and guiding my movements shifting me ever so slightly.
“I can help you all night too.” I whisper into his ear our movements becoming more intentional.
“Mumm maybe I should schedule some more appointments” I lean back, smacking his chest scolding him, but quickly smash our lips together again…… practicing one of the rules of marriage I came up with when we were engaged. If one of you had a shitty day you would make sure they had an amazing night.
This may be bad I’ve never done Yn before but I will get better I promise! Hope yall like this.
Yn and Amber go on a shopping spree and yn comes home with a few surprises for Gideon.
Staring out the window I watch as we pass familiar greenery; it was a perfect sunny South Carolina day. Though most of the day was spent inside Charleston’s finest mall, accompanied by your fiancé’s fabulous mother. Amber had been begging me to go out with her for a wardrobe upgrade, stating that because now I was officially joining the family, I had to get more “public-facing and influential clothes,” whatever that meant…but I figured It would be nice to get out of the house. Gideon had recently taken his interest in preaching to the next level, and it hadn’t been going so well. He hasn’t been the best at hiding his disappointment either. So whatever her reasoning, I was just happy to get out and be spending time with her. As much as I loved my mother, she wasn’t as glamorous as Amber, often telling me I needed to dial it back/tone it down. But Amber always encouraged my flamboyance. The day was something out of a movie, the two of us trying on dress after dress, finding the perfect jewelry & shoes to match. Laughter following a childhood story about Gideon or when I would crack a well-timed joke. Eventually I had to tap out, still new to this shopping game. Despite obviously having all the energy in the world left, Amber decided to go home with me. Leading us to now, relaxing in the car, I stretched out, enjoying the heated seats warming my sore hips.
“Oh, sweetheart, I’m just so happy you came out with me.”
I shift slightly to face her. “Thank you for convincing me to go. I forgot how nice this could be… It’s fun to indulge every so often.”
Amber smiled at me, her lips pursed with a slight glint in her eyes.
“You know I’ve always wanted a daughter to do things like this with. I thank the Lord every day you found my Gideon.”
I freeze at her words. Amber may not be a Gemstone by blood, but she has that unique talent for gut-punching people with affection out of the blue. I look down, fiddling with my diamond ring, grinning.
“I didn’t find Gideon; he found me. We make each other better…… And Amber, I love being your daughter.”
With a shake of her head and a satisfied smile, our deep conversation was over. Going back to light conversation, some wedding talk, discussing the clothes we had just bought, eventually settling into a comfortable silence…… Finally seeing the large entrance gates to the Gemstone compound, I start gathering all the bags around me in an attempt to make my trip a little easier. Although we were just engaged, Jesse and Amber were more relaxed with Gideon and I living together. Originally, I laid down ground rules that I had to leave every night before one, and I did for a while; now we all just pretend I still do. I feel the car pull Into the gravelly driveway and grab everything I can.
“Y/n, honey, you don’t need to do all that; we can have Nathaniel help you.” Amber chides with a wave of her hand. Before I can protest, Nathanial is stepping out of the passenger seat and grabbing my bags. Giving him a thankful nod, I turned back to Amber in the car.
“Thank you so much for today; it was just what I needed.”
“Anytime, sweetheart, anytime, and I better be seeing those outfits next Sunday.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Still holding a few bags of my own, I open the front door and lead Nathaniel in. Telling him he can just drop the rest at the bottom of the stairs so I can take them up later. After a few trips, I finished moving all the bags. I wandered out to find Gideon. After a quick sweep in the obvious rooms, I figured he was still in the office.
“Baby, I’m home.” I push open the door. He's in the same spot I left him, rewatching the recording of his last sermon and trying to rework his slides. I pout slightly, looking at Gideon; he’s been stressing about redeeming himself next week. I walk up behind him and wrap my arms around his neck, giving him a light peck on his temple.
“Gid…. What are you doing?”
“Looking at my sermons for next week.” responding but not truly breaking his focus, “I think where I went wrong is that I hadn’t fully memorized my slides, so I was kind of flying blind, you know.”
I pull his chair back to sit in his lap and reach over to close his computer. “Mmh, you know what I think.”
“I was…babe… I was working on that.”
Putting my hand over his mouth, I silence his rehearsed protest. I knew he was tired; he knew he was tired, but in true Gideon fashion, he would rather pass out from exhaustion than willingly take a break.
“I think you’ve been working on that a little too long...and I think you should take a break so I can show you all my new clothes.”
I grabbed his face, pulling it towards me, rubbing my thumbs under his tired eyes. He glanced over at the computer and then looked back at me. Giving me a crooked smile.
“Darlin I think you may be right.”
“I just know you so well.”
“Well, come on, don’t keep me waiting.”
I drag him upstairs and sit him on the bed, looking like he saw a ghost when he registered all the bags on the floor.
“Omg, Y/N, how long were you gone?”
“Around 3 hours; your mom can be very persuasive when shopping.”
“I know that….how much did you all get?” Rubbing the back of his head, I watched as his stress crept in. Not on my watch. Putting my bags down I faced him.
“Baby, relax. I’m literally about to get changed in front of you like a bunch of times. And if you don’t pay attention, I’ll have to make you sleep on the couch, so…” multitasking and undressing while I talk to him.
“The couch!? In my own home”
“It’s my home too, lover,” wiggling my ring at him. “Now pay attention…first we have this one,” holding out one of the flowy sundresses I had bought before slipping it on and giving a twirl. Then I pull out the jewelry and shoes I got to match the dress. I repeated this process for the next few outfits. Filling him in about each item and why I bought it.
“Wait try that last one again, baby; I really liked it”
“Gid, we just finished the sundress section. I can’t go back. We have to keep going; there are, like, 6 more bags.”
“Wasn’t this for me to destress and enjoy myself? Well, I’ll enjoy you in that dress again, and it will distract me from the stress of those 6 more bags.”
“Yes and yes, but we must push on…. These are going to be your favorite, I promise.” Already opening another shoe box, I blow him a kiss, pulling out the shiny black pumps. “Wait, close your eyes!! It needs to be a surprise.”
“It's a little late for that, don’t you think?”
“Not the shoes, the rest of it!!”
“Alright, whatever you say, sweetheart.” He closed his eyes and pulled his hands up for good measure. I scrambled to get dressed, pulling on the navy blue halter dress, before I added my new gold necklace and earrings, each with a sapphire pendant to complement the dress. Finally, I slipped on the pumps. Gideon still covered his eyes but smiled at the sound of my heels clicking around the room as I pulled another outfit out of the bags and laid it out on the chair to my right.
“Surprise! Isn’t it perfect?” I back up, holding my hands together, hopeful he loves it as much as I do. Opening his eyes and looking me up and down, smiling even wider.
“You look so beautiful, baby. Whatever you spent was worth it. You look perfect. I…”
“Not me, nerd. I know I look fantastic, but thank you anyway, baby. I mean that.” I pointed to the chair next to me, laid out with a navy blue blazer, shirt, and pants, with new black loafers and a simple gold chain. He didn’t exactly give me the reaction I was hoping for; he kind of just stood there looking at everything.
“Baby… could you say something, please? Well, maybe don’t if you hate it because I got, like, 4 more matching outfits, and it’s going to hurt my feelings.”
“You got us matching outfits?” He finally spoke; he did just restate what I had said, but it was still something. Then his face changed, and he gave me that special look when his face got twisted up in that lovesick puppy mixed with a madman’s grin look.
“Y/N I love it so much. I love you so much….”
“I knew you were feeling nervous about this new preaching position, but Gid, you are amazing, so I thought you should have a nice new wardrobe for church. You know, show everyone how handsome and amazing you are. Then I thought I should match you so everyone knows you’re mine. Plus there were like a bunch of things I still wanted, so it worked out perfectly.”
“You are the best future wife in the world, you know that, right?
“I did know that, but I may need some reminding,” I say, looking into his grateful eyes with a slight smirk.
“I have an idea on what might help you remember, but you might need to ditch the dress,” leaning in as he spoke. I kiss him softly before pulling back, patting him. On the chest
“Don’t be silly. I still have more dresses to try on, and now you can try on your new clothes too.”
“I-“ Gideon grunts out, shocked I teased him.
I laugh, throwing him a white button-up with little black dots over it. “Come on, lover boy, we can’t be wasting time….you have things to attend to after this.” I give him a wink, slipping into another dress…. I had never seen him put on a suit so fast.
3 months after Lessons still to learn and at beginning of season 2 show timeline
wanting to keep the first few months of their relationship to themselves. Gideon and Marjorie decided to not tell anyone they are together; unfortunately, this information might be the key to keeping Marjorie out of serious trouble… …..
Gideon paced around the room halfheartedly, getting dressed for church. Marjorie still hadn’t responded to any of his attempts to reach out. sector to his stomach with worry, he thought about ditching the service. But he didn’t; the dutiful firstborn son that he was, he went to church, sat with his mother and brothers, sang along to Aunt Judy’s performance, and clapped as his father and Uncle Kevin spoke. Going through the motions of a typical Sunday service that seemed to drag on for eternity…… Gideon stood on the sideline, watching his family greet churchgoers, a weekly ritual for the Gemstone family. This time it felt more tedious than others. All he wanted was to get the familys Sunday rituals over with so he could go to her, be with her, and fix what was causing so much trouble. groaning as he looked down the line of people waiting to speak to the family. It seems to go on forever. He knew that anything they were going to say was pointless, wasting his time, until he spotted her, the answer to all his prayers, leaving his spot and walking towards Mrs. Evan. The warm, kind face he had searched for those short months ago was here in front of him, and the key to fixing Marjorie’s problem.
“Mrs. Evan’s, uh, hello… I hope you are having a blessed Sunday and enjoyed the service. I was wondering.”
“No need to be so formal, sweetheart. I’ve known you since you were fussing in the middle of sermons. It’s good to see you, young man.” Mrs. Evans pats his cheek, laughing softly, “Now what’s got you coming over here in such a state?”
Letting out a nervous laugh, slightly embarrassed by the older woman’s affection, he collected himself. “Uhh, it’s um about Marjorie. I just noticed that she wasn’t here, and she’s always here. You know...because she's a member of the church, not because of anything else. I was just wondering if she was sick or something.”
He noticed a slight shift in her warm demeanor. “Oh yes, Marjorie, she’s all right. It’s going to take some getting used to, but her father already had a receptionist position at his office, so that will be okay, and I’m sure she’ll be back by next Sunday. I suppose it’s just a bit too difficult to come today with everything that happened… Oh, before I forget, I just wanted to thank you for always coming in and helping her. She would always say how nervous she was not really knowing anyone, but that girl always came home with a smile on her face whenever you would pop in. It’s so kind of you to help and even to check on her now.”
“I’m sorry, new job? I… she’s leaving.”
“Oh no, sweetheart. I thought you knew. And that’s why you came over and asked. she was let go. She won’t exactly tell me why, but she seemed pretty upset about it.”
Gideon’s heart sank. What could’ve happened? She was the most amazing teacher the head ever stepped into those classrooms, and how much she loved those kids—no wonder she looks so devastated. But why would his grandfather fire her? What could you possibly have done? Was it his fault? Did they find out? Was there some rule against him being with the staff? The older woman watched his face contorted in confusion and guilt, and a knowing smile grew on her face.
“You know she’s home right now, sweetheart. I was planning on sticking around, so I don’t really need my car for a while. Would you mind moving it to a shady parking spot?”
Giving him a not-so-subtle wink at the end. Without a second thought, Gideon grabbed the keys. Throwing a grateful nod her way and quickly weaving his way through the lobby to the parking lot's handicapped section, spotting Mrs. Evans' car, he raced out of the lot, heading to his girlfriend's home.
……………………….………………………………………
Sprawled out and tangled in her floral sheets, Marjorie laid in the same spot she had been in since the second she came home, her parents and grandmother coming in and out of the room checking in on her, but she stayed the same, and still here she was while her family was out at church. They knew her well enough not to push at least not this soon. Leaving to giving her time alone…… time that was quickly interrupted when an aggressive pounding shocked Marjorie out bed hoping it would go away she ignored it but after 20 minutes she decided to end the tournament and dragged herself downstairs.
Opening the door with a grunt, “WHAT!?! MY GOD”
“Thank God my wrist was hurting,” Gideon said with a smile. While driving to her, he was brainstorming all the different ways to approach the situation, but he figured that being his typical self was what she needed most.
“Gideon?”
Her voice had never sounded so small; it broke his heart. Before he could say anything else, she crashed into him, wrapping her arms around his waist and plopping her forehead on his chest. Gideon felt her nestle into him as if trying to merge their bodies into one. cupping a hand around her hair and kissing her wherever he could. Waking her backwards into her living room until they reached her couch, sitting them down, Gideon readjusted her onto his lap so he could still hold her.
“Suhhh, it’s okay, I’m here, my angel.”
“Why, I mean, how did you know to come?”
“I saw you crying yesterday, baby, and then you kind of ignored my 1000 attempts to contact you, so I figured something was wrong. Then your grandma thanked me for helping you in class, saying you got let go… Baby, what… what happened?”
“I’m sorry……oh, I’m so embarrassed I….”
“It’s okay, my baby; don’t apologize. I just want to help you. There is nothing in the world you could have done to make me see you differently. I need to know so I can help.”
Looking up at him with her puffy, tear-streaked face, she sniffed and began to explain what happened story broken up by plenty of sobs and nose-blowing, with the occasional comforting kiss. After giving her a few more minutes to cry, Gideon stands up, pulling her with him, and heads for the stairs.
“What are you doing?”
“Taking you to your room so you can get ready.”
“Gideon, what are you doing...why?”
“Because we are going to lunch.”
“Baby, I don't think this is really a good time.”
“Please, Marji, I promise it’s just what you need.” He kisses her hand and flashes his blue eyes full of nothing but love at her, and she has to agree. How could she say no?
……………………….………………………………………
(Jason’s Steak House)
The Gemstones and Co. were enjoying another classic church lunch at Jason’s. A private dining room held the infamous family and their close friends, who made their small group feel like a party of fifty, with the post-church debrief, wild laughter after a shared memory, and, most of all, sibling bickering.
“Daddy I think it’s about time you let me step up and take a crack at a few things. Let me Handle that reporter, clown. I’ll get that motherfucker’s ass talking about Mama, making up fables.”
“Yeah, uh, no thanks, Jesse. Daddy’s smarter than that.”
“Man, Kelvin, shut the fuck up and go suck off your freak muscle men, talking about Daddy’s smarter than that. fuck you mean?”
“Nah, boy, you shut the fuck up acting better than us. He knows how you handled Johnny' seasons last year or your own fucking son. It’s pathetic, man.”
“Don’t you talk about my son, Judy; you don’t even have a kid. wombs , probably dried up like a fucking bat cave.”
“I don’t want kids if they anything like those fucking animals. Gideon isn’t even here, probably skipping out on us again couldn’t stand two seconds back in the church, and y’all wanna talk about BJ. My man’s untouchable …fix your shit.”
“And that other boy of yours doesn’t even respect you. One out of three isn’t good odds, shitty daddy and a shitty preacher.”
“I’ll fucking beat both your asses. You’re fucking done, both of you. Get over here….”
“ENOUGH…. Goddamnit, I’m sick of you all. Why can’t we be a family? Huh, that's too much to ask. Your mother would be beside herself hearing how nasty y’all get. Apologize now.”
The siblings mutter their apologies and try to keep peace the rest of lunch, mainly opting to stay silent. Listening to Martin tell stories of his week or Amber talk about her new ideas for a women’s group. Despite his children’s change in demeanor, Eli still seemed to have a tense air around him.
“Damn, Daddy, we’re getting along now, and you’re still moping, boy. Isn’t this enough? Don’t get greedy now”
“Yeah, Daddy, we did it. I thought you left all that depressed business behind last year.”
“No, it’s nothing. I appreciate you all getting along for the rest of church lunch. I just had to do some hard stuff at work this week.”
“That’s why I’m saying you’ve got to let me take some stuff off your plate, Daddy. I’ve been man enough. I can do it.”
“Omg, Jesse, let Daddy talk, please. I’m sick of that voice.”
“I had to let the new first grade teacher go; we got some complaints,” Eli said quickly before his children could fight again.
“oh Eli I am so sorry she was a sweet girl… what could she have done? I heard everybody really liked her.”
“Ahh Amber Don’t pretend you don’t know about this bitch. you love talking shit probably the one who started the rumor. The girl had her boy toy all up in that classroom sucking face”
Jesse usually coming to Amber defense stayed silent, seemingly in deep thought he listened to the table talk about what they’ve had happened back-and-forth Eli cutting in when their story got too crazy….
“Wait, Daddy, that young girl one who took over for her grandma. Now why’d you go and do that. She ain’t got strangers in that classroom unless she’s two timing ”
“ well I didn’t do it for fun Jesse it was business. She broke the rules. And she wouldn’t give me anything to help her. I didn’t enjoy it. Poor girl was devastated.”
“Well Ain’t that Gideon’s girl. It ain’t no mystery who the man was”…..
“What are you talking about son”
“What? Y’all haven’t noticed how he’s been prancing around getting all fresh for church, putting in extra time in his routine, acting like a damn fool. Anytime they’re near each other during service, they giggling like damn school kids. It’s obvious she’s got that boy whipped.” Looking around, he sees everyone slowly putting the pieces together, shaking his head, smiling, knowing that he had figured it out before anyone else. “Humm, looks like I know my son a little better than everyone thought. Talking about how I’m a shitty dad—well, Daddy done fired his grandson’s girlfriend without knowing.”
Eli groaned, rubbing his head, “Lord, I feel like such a fool. I’m going to have to call her up. and apologize. I wonder why she didn’t say anything to me; poor thing had to listen to me rattle on about our expectations and how disappointed I was.”
Eli was cut off by footsteps running up the stairs. Everyone turned to see Gideon. Giving a quick apology for missing so much of church lunch. He began to explain why he was gone. How his grandfather had made a mistake and once he explained it was all gonna make sense. Going back down and coming up again with you close behind. He opened his mouth to speak again..
“No need, son; your old man fixed it for you.’”
“What?”
“In all my brilliance, I deduced the two of you are not so subtly secretly dating. Son, you really have to work on holding back; it’s a bad look. Anyway, I have informed your grandfather that he has made a serious mistake in the wrongful termination of this young lady here, proving my superiority as a man, a son, and a father.”
“Sweetheart, I am so sorry about everything that happened the other day. I should have been more gentle. And dear, why didn’t you just explain to me what was really going on?”
“It’s all right, Mr. Gemstone, sir I know you’re just doing your job and it wasn’t that bad well maybe a little bit I understand….. I didn’t say anything because I didn’t want you to think that I was just using Gideon a safety net or as a just his name. I love him so much…he’s my everything, these past few months the best of my life I didn’t want to do anything to jeopardize that or make you think that this wasn’t anything serious. Also I already looked like a disaster when I was free to speak….”
A round of laughs came from the table, and she smiled. when Gideon told her where they were going. She felt unsure. I mean, going to grovel for her job back wasn’t exactly a great way to meet the members of her boyfriend‘s family, but it did kind of beat the situation she was in the day before, especially because he would be there with her. It also helped that Gideon‘s father had already figured it out and explained it, which took so much pressure off. In fact, the moment felt almost lighthearted. They had the waiters bring two more chairs to the table, inviting her to join them for the rest of church lunch. After a bit more expiation and apologies, they had fallen back into the flow of a regular Sunday at Jason’s. Marjorie had almost forgotten the tense situation that brought her there. She was sitting next to the man she adored more than anything, surrounded by his family, who she fit in perfectly with. It was all she could have wanted.
3 months after lessons still to learn and show timeline around the beginning of season two
wanting to keep the first few months of the relationship to be about them. Gideon and Marjorie decided to not tell anyone they are together, unfortunately this information might be the key to keeping Marjorie out of serious trouble……..
This part mainly features, Marjorie and Eli
Angst fic
It was a beautiful Saturday morning. The church was alive with potential converts touring the lobby, staff prepping for tomorrow's service, and the classrooms filled with students busy learning the word of the Lord…. In one particular classroom, young students were enjoying their favorite part of the day….
“Alright, you little lights, who here is ready to share their Godly good deed of the week?”
The classroom of Miss Marjorie Evans was instantly filled with the eager voices of the little children who were ready to share their good deeds for the week. Miss Evans walked around pretending to be in deep thought as she weaved through the desks. Putting on more of a show this Saturday due to head pastor Eli Gemstone sitting in the back of her class. After being chosen for a classroom audit. Marjorie was beyond nervous she wasn’t just trying to make a good impression as an employee but also as his grandsons secret hopefully one day not so secret girlfriend..
“Will it be you…or you?!” Or should we let the Lord decide?”
walking to her desk she picks up a cup of popsicle sticks and waves her hand around it. Eli smiles as he sees the kids giggle and squirm in their chairs. Pulling out a stick, Marjorie gasps and exclaims
“RING RING RING WE HAVE A WINNER, BOYS AND GIRLS!! And it is one, Miss Hanna B. Come on up, sweetheart.”
She waved up the young girl as she happily jumped up and skipped to the front.
“Look who is filled with the Lord’s love today! Now remember, my little angels, last week our focus was John 15:12: Love each other as I have loved you. So everyone, let’s listen up, and our friend Hanna will tell us how she brought the goodness of the Lord into her week. Go ahead, baby.”
stepping to the side to let her student take the floor. She was beaming with pride watching once too shy to speak Hanna tell everybody that she and her Nanna made cookies for a family party and they made an extra batch to take to the soup kitchen with wide, bright eyes and big gestures. The best part of teaching was watching her lessons actually help the kids not just to learn the word but to grow as little people. When Hanna finished, the class gave a generous round of applause. Calling on a few more kids to share and fill up the last few minutes of class.
“Alright, who is ready to take on this next week and have the most fun ever?” The kids scream and cheer, “That’s what I want to hear!!! I will see you all next Saturday. Have a blessed week, everyone.”
Saying her goodbyes to each child as they shuffle out of the room, she feels the pit of anxiety filling her stomach grow and grow. Knowing Mr. Gemstone is right behind her, she lingers in the doorframe a bit longer, waving to some parents as they collect their children. Clearing his throat to get her attention, Eli walks closer to her. Turning to face him, Marjorie musters the biggest smile she can.
“Thank you for letting me sit in on your class today, Miss Evans; it was a real treat.” Eli broke the ice using that perfectly diplomatic tone where you know there is something hidden behind it.
“No, thank you, sir; I know how busy you are these days.”
“Mum, yes… Well, sweetheart, would you mind coming to my office with me to discuss a few things?”
Her mouth goes dry. “Yes, yes, of course, anything.”
He takes the first steps out of her classroom, leading the way. She follows quietly behind. Of course, that doesn’t last long, anxiety building up in her. She starts rambling about how much she loves the kids and the lesson plan she has for the rest of the year, the special ones she reserved just for Christmas and Easter. Saying a few personal tidbits about the kids she learned over the last year she was there and over-thanking him for the position. They finally reached his office after what felt like years, and she took a seat on the other side of his desk. Sitting down and Justin adjusting his glasses, Eli leaned back in his chair.
“Now, Miss Evans, it really was refreshing to watch your class, and judging by those last few minutes walking into my office,. I can see you really love those kids. And they love you.”
Hearing this, Marjorie smiled so wide she thought her jaw was going to stick, and she let out a breath. She didn’t even know she was holding. Perhaps she was worrying for nothing; sometimes routine checks are just routine checks.
“Now, unfortunately, at the moment, that’s just not enough to keep someone. Your grandmother was a pillar of this community. Never had anything but a kind word said about her, and if she did, her teaching spoke for itself. You’re a lot like her, but you’re young and inexperienced, and unfortunately, we’ve had some complaints about some of your behavior when students are around.”
Marjorie was going to be sick. The brief moment of relief was ripped away from her in a matter of seconds; her blood went cold, her mouth would try, and her hands became clammy.
“Wha- what do you mean I would never do anything to compromise the kids? I- I love this job. What… when… Please, Mr. Gemstone, there has to be some mistake. I didn’t…” voice breaking and on the verge of tears. She stopped herself before completely falling apart. Taking a breath, she continued, “Please, I promise I can explain anything. I would never embarrass my grandmother or the church like this.”
Eli could see how genuine she was being, but he still had to investigate, especially with that Thaniel Block sniffing around, paying Eli a visit just that week… They couldn’t have any liabilities.
“Miss Evans, please I know you’re a good kid, but there can’t be exceptions just because you have a family links. We’ve had some complaints from parents saying their kids Come home talking about some guy you have in class. I’ve heard all sorts of things so I need you to be honest with me. Have you been allowing your boyfriend to sit in on your class during work hours. Were you physically affectionate with him in front of the children kissing, hugging anything like that”
“NO, I would never do that in front of the kids… kiss. I mean, I promise I would never even hold hands when I’m with the kids. I am just there for them. ”
He puts his hand up, and she stops. “You may not have been physically affectionate; I know how the parents exaggerate they have affinity for scandal, but that was only half the problem. Have you let him be in the room during teaching hours? Because on our logs, we don’t have any volunteer signed up and unless he’s authorized to work here that was against church policy”
he says more sternly. He didn’t want to do this. He knew she was a sweet girl, but he just couldn’t risk it. Her eyes watered as she looked down. She couldn’t deny it; it hadn’t crossed her mind as an issue. Sure, Gideon would pop in sometimes when he was making the rounds checking on things. He might have lingered a moment or two more than he should have in her classroom, but they always tried to keep it as professional as possible. There were times when their feelings were hard to hide, but she didn’t think a bunch of first graders would pick up on their subtle flirting or her blushed face after he left the room.
Not looking up, she replied, “Yes, I have, but only for a short while, no more than….” “It doesn’t matter; you cannot have unauthorized people or non-volunteers in the classroom while classes are in session, sweetheart. My hands are tied. M’sorry, but we’re gonna have to let you go.”
She stifled her cries as he continued on about protocol and what was going to come next—filling out forms, cleaning out her desk, having to turn in her keys and name tag to the front office by Wednesday. She was listening, but barely. How could this happen. How could she have been so careless? Why didn’t she think? A small part of her. Was ready to scream out who this mystery man was. Maybe if he knew it was his grandson, who is more than authorized to be at the church hell he might even run it one day. Would the damage be undone, but Gideon talked about how he wanted to wait, that they would decide when it was time to tell his family and her family. Also, did she really want to officially meet her love of her life’s grandfather, a man he cherished so deeply, like this? Sobbing in his office after getting complaints from parents who were painting a worse version of the truth, trying to use her boyfriends nepotism to stop getting her fired something that had never happened with a first grade teacher at the church before. Right when the shady reporter came to town, it was all too much.
“Sweetheart I really am. Sorry about all this, but rules are rules for a reason. And you haven’t worked long enough for us to be able to keep you. Maybe in a couple of years you can reapply for the position.”
Finally, looking up, eyes puffy and red, she sobs out another apology, thanking him for the experience.
“I’m so sorry, Mr. Gemstone. I didn’t mean to cause any trouble. I’m so embarrassed. I really loved working here. Thank you so much for the opportunity. Um, I know I don’t really have the grounds to ask, but could I say goodbye to the kids next week if that’s possible?”
She watched as he let out a deep sigh. I knew it wasn’t going to be the response she wanted:
“I’m afraid not our termination process. It takes about four days. You’ll officially be out of the system by Wednesday, and we’ll have a sub in place. I know this is difficult, and you are still welcome at church, and I do hope that you attend tomorrow in times like these. We need a little extra Lord in our life.”
Nodding, she gets up. “OK, thank you again. I’m really sorry.”
Grabbing her bag, she leaves his office and speed-walks out of the church.Eli buried his head in his hands. He wasn’t sure why, but from the moment he met her he liked that girl; there was something special about her he knew she loved the Lord something fierce, and she was something fierce herself but…. If it had been any other time, he would’ve let it slide and told the parents to mind their own. But he had his family to look out for. His job was rewarding, but it wasn’t always easy……Marjorie rips her car open and throws herself inside, locking the door. Finally letting it all out; breathless sobs, head in hands. Marinating in the embarrassment of being caught not being able to defend herself out of fear that it might damage her relationship. Knowing that she’ll never see her kids again, not as their teacher. She imagined their reactions, learning that she wouldn’t be with them anymore. Praying that they wouldn’t feel abandoned. The guilt that filled her knowing how this would embarrass not just her but her grandmother. Fortunately, and saving her from further embarrassment, she hadn’t noticed that across the parking lot Jesse, Amber, and the whole firstborn Gemstones family were getting ready to pile in their car. As Gideon was getting in, he recognized her car across the lot, smiling, hoping to get a glimpse of her. He looked to the driver's window immediately, frowning as he saw her head buried in her hands, shaking violently, occasionally looking up to wipe her eyes. He wanted to run to her but was quickly pulled back to reality hearing his father’s yell for him to get in the car, something about wasting the cool air. Reluctantly, he got in the car, and they drove home…
Gideon called her about 200 times, but she didn’t pick up once. He needed to figure out what was wrong. What made her, his Perfect angel who never once frowned in 3 months of dating, sob so uncontrollably. Who or what could do such a thing to her?
Saturday school teacher (Marjorie) x Gideon Gemstone
Short blurb/ one shot??
Set around a year after lessons still to learn fic And in show time between 2&3
Gideon gets fully indoctrinated into the churches behind the scenes…but with everything going for him will it do more damage than good?
It had been around a year since Gideon decided to really stay home to rejoin the church, and if he was completely honest, it was the best decision he ever made. He had his family back. Being with his mama, playing video games with his brothers, and working to rebound with his father. He was helping the church get more online coverage, helping record sermons, and doing some light stunt work here and there.Family vacations, church lunch, but most of all, his Marjorie… God bless that beautiful Thursday. After their first date, she really was the one everything was better when she was there and the way she meshed with the family…. She was destined for him. Hell Even sitting in this not-so-official emergency church meeting, he couldn’t help but feel like he was in the right place. Looking around the room as everyone settled in, his father to the left of him with all of his loyal followers. goons? disciples? close by. Martin was seated on the other side of Gideon with Eli at the center of the table a few nondescript men scattered around. Not really sure what the meaning was for Gideon had agreed to come when Jesse drove by this morning, saying he should come see his old man in action and now here they were. Eli Standing to address them.
“All right, men, you all know why we’re here. We can’t have any more close calls after that big-shot reporter came to town and that clown show with the Lissons. We can’t have a close like that again. Small scandals nd minor beef that’s what we handle. It’s time to tighten up and close ranks… Jesse, what’s the news?”
“Well, Daddy, we can confirm. Thanks to my perfect leadership and planning skills. The lessons are taken care of.” Jesse confirmed with the subtlety of a 3-year-old who had just defied their parents.
Eli gave a curt nod of approval. “Good, good… Well, Martin said he”
“Yeah, that they won’t get us. We took care of them, Daddy Boy. Well, they… they are out of our lives for good on account that we did kill them. No one messes with the Gemstones. Wanna try? We will send you straight to the king.”
He let out a light chuckle, and his crew began nodding and giving Jesse thumbs-ups. Eli placed his head in his hands and just sighed. But Gideon, he began to bounce his leg and look around the road nervously. He didn’t fully know what they had done. Of course he had heard his dad say they had to take care of things after what happened at Zions Landing. And he wanted the family to be safe. He wasn’t so innocent before and this time it was to protect the family so naturally they had to take action into their own hands, but this is his first time seeing this side of everything from the churches point of view. He dealt with that motorcycle gang but he didn’t really know how serious it all was.
“Jesus, Jesse, please, it isn’t something to repeat. We did what we needed to do. That was pure self-defense. Now, quit. It's bad enough you got us tangled up with them in the first place if you had just listened to me.” Shaking his head as he tried to relax, he turned to Martin. “How’s the cleanup going? Anything to report?”
“Very good, sir. The cover-up went smoothly. The Lissons had many scandals, and we were able to link them to Thaniel Block. However, we are seeing a bit of action from a few other skeletons in their closet. We have a team on it.”
The men continued to share and set up plans to keep the behind-the-scenes running as smoothly as they needed so the church wasn’t affected. Gideon looked around a bit puzzled at how calmly everyone was, with being the newest addition to the group, he was the most uneasy as well. Cringing hearing all the things that had happened just in the past year, his grandfather getting shot someone shooting at his parents Car, the reporter it was almost to much. He was convinced his scheme was the first time something like this happened but it clearly wasn’t and it wasn’t going to be the last. Conversation continuing over the next two hour with thorough reports, so many stupid ideas (most of them coming from his father and friends) finally a solution, a little bit of actual church talk, and then the meeting was over. Jesse watched Gideon, and on the way back he could tell his son was uneasy the way he was fidgeting. He could practically smell the overthinking on him. He didn’t mean for him to affect it like this. He figured seeing what happened on the beach and knowing about the motorcycle gang, he should be lit and fully, especially with how serious his relationship with getting. 
“Damn, boy, you’re about to rub those seats raw. I just got them refinished.”
“Sorry, Pop. That was a lot to handle. I didn’t know how deep this all was. God.”
“We are an empire, son, warriors of the Lord. People will always try to get us; everyone eventually plots against the king.”
“Yeah, but who else could want to mess with us? You all took care of everything like that was the last of what you had to do.”
“From those two fuckfaces, hell yeah, we blew those fuckers straight to the sky. They are done, though, but all those skeletons Martin was talking about. I don’t know shit about that. Not yet i got my men on it”
Gideon nervously scratched the back of his neck, playing with his hands
“what what do you mean like how long dose this play out ya know”
he says mind wandering to the life he had picture for himself, knowing he’ll have to make subtle adjustments
“A little inside info Son, at the meeting, your granddaddy likes to downplay it, but I saw at least 10 new guards on each property, and it looks like we’re getting a new security system, but you have to calm the fuck down. We’re always fine. We are God‘s number one family! Have you ever seen this shit before? No, but it’s been happening. Your whole life, shit like this happens. Every few months scandal here crook there. Your old man got that shit in the bag. The only reason we’re including you this time is because you got that girl, and if you’re going to be working with the church, you should know everything.”
Right, yeah, yeah, that makes sense. Sure
Despite the end of the Gideon‘s mind was still racing, he knew his father said was probably right, but he just couldn’t relax I mean he had just started getting comfortable again and if this was happening behind the scenes, then was everything that he thought he was building a lie? Was this just what came with a territory. He needed to get home and be with Marjorie (who may or may not be secretly living there with him) she would make him feel better…..he knew he should have listened to her when she asked him to stay home with her and do housework.. smiling as they turned into the driveway of granddaddy, old war place, he practically jumped out of the car and ran to the front door. Jesse watched him and shook his head slightly and then drove off.
“Baby, I’m home ……”
Gideon exclaimed as he entered the house, but there was no reply. He couldn’t hear any music playing in the background, no light talking or even movement. He knew it was irrational, but he began to panic. I mean, she always had something playing. was always moving around the house. Where was she? The longer she didn’t respond the more he panicked . What if that meeting wasn’t really a meeting at all what if that meeting was the people plotting against them? Getting them all out of the house and then kidnapping everyone who was left? Walking into the kitchen, eyes widen a he saw a couple towels with red stains all over them, and noticed that a knife was missing from the stand. He couldn’t control anymore. He began frantically racing through everyone in the house, calling for her….upstairs, downstairs, in the garage. he slammed into the wall about 10 times and tripped on the same carpet as he raced around finally running into the backyard almost crashing into a fountain as he continued his search.
“GIDEON, BE CAREFUL……i love that fountain.”
Marjorie exclaimed from her spot in the hammock tied up between two shady trees. He turned to the sound of her voice and almost fell to the floor. Finally relaxing, knowing she was safe
“Baby, what happened?… Why are you panicking?” she asked, concerned.
“Why didn’t you answer me?” He panted out
“Oh, I’m sorry, my love, were you calling me?” She asked, looking over to her phone.
“No I was screaming your name running through the house” he says still coming down from the panicked situation
“Uhh, well, I wasn’t expecting you to do that, so I had my headphones on,” she says, with a crooked smile and one eyebrow raised. “So, baby, why were you running through the house screaming for me?”
“I thought someone had killed you or something,” he says, still slightly panicked. “At the meeting, they were saying all the stuff. I came home I couldn’t hear you, and this is when you usually have your annoyingly loud music on or do the dishes. So when the house was quiet, I panicked, and then I saw that rag with all the red stains on it, and there was a knife missing.”
“O amado,” she says, sitting up as she does a little hop out of the hammock, walking over to him and grabbing his hands. “I was cutting my fruit, and I had extra cherries, and you know I’m basically a caveman when I eat cherries. It looked like I had just eaten someone, and that was when I was using the towels; that’s all that was.” While talking, she had moved her hands to cup his face, trying to search for something in his eyes to let her know what had caused him such stress.
“Okay, okay, yeah, it’s good, it’s fine. That was dumb of me anyway. I mean, how would someone get on the compound to kill you anyway? You know”
Giving him a small smile she walked him over to a spot they could sit together. She knew how much being home and working with the church was helping him, but a part of her was always resentful of the fact that everyone would come home and seem a bit more frazzled than others. She knew there was stuff going on there had to be with the size of everything. Not to mention those random people that would show up and leave but not before a few accidents happen. She knew that he would always protect her and she didn’t really mind as long as he was safe
“Come here.”
Marjorie pulled him down onto their patio couch. He laid on top of her, resting on her chest, as she wrapped her arm around him, one hand cradling his head and the other holding his hand.
“Baby, you protect me all the time. I’m not scared to be with you because I don’t know if anything happened, you could handle it, and even try to come for you. I’d shoot them in the face.”
They lay there for a while. Gideon eventually told her the cliff notes of the meeting, not fully wanting to overwhelm her explaining how there was a dangerous side to this. Of course she already knew but it wasn’t appropriate to tell him, not now when he was worried about if it was all going to be worth it or if they should just run. She assured him that they were in the right place. And this is where they were going to stay. He knew you were right; you always were. This life is crazy and. Gonna be easy. But at least they were together.
“Ya know what”
Gideon gave a hum of acknowledgment wanting to hear what she said, but not wanting to move from his spot, on her chest
“It’s kinda sexy…..like I don’t know I feel like I’m dating a mob guy”
“Baby we are supposed to be a church family I-………wait sexy” he sits up and looks at her with a puzzle look all his face she’s such a gentle person. He forgets how much she actually likes action.
“I don’t know i just…… sometimes a girl likes adventure or the bad boy preachers son” she’s giggling, traces her fingers up his arm eventually grabbing his hand
“Well then let me tell you something baby picture this, me alone vs like 100 guys on motorcycles……. So what happened was…..”
The rest of the evening is spent out on the patio him telling her stories. Earning kisses and beautiful laughs as rewards for all this heroic duty’s. They sat there happy and safe in that moment. Getting decided that if anything would happen again it’d make for a hell of a story he could tell his angel.
This takes place in between season one and two. I don’t wanna give away too much, but Gideon finds himself chaperoning the primary Saturday school field trip. And gets a lot more out of it than he thought he would!!
I might want to do a series idk
OK, I am very new to this so please be kind not the best at spelling or grammar, but I tried my best. I hope you guys enjoy this. It’s kind of long and a bit wordy. I promise I’ll get better but enjoy.!!
Thursday 7:30am …
Gideon rubbed his eyes and let out a groan, soaking in the last few moments of silence before he left his car. This wasn’t the earliest he’s had to be up, but having to be fully dressed and ready to drive 3 hours with a bunch of first to third graders on a bus made 7:30 feel like 3:00am. He collected him before gathering his things and finally left his car and started walking towards the church.
One week earlier…
Gideon was sitting on the kitchen island eating his breakfast when his father entered the room.
“Good morning, my formerly disgraced son. Now I know we’ve made amends and such, and some might say your misguided and villainous deeds were to a certain extent influenced by me, but who’s to….”
“Well, no, that’s exactly what happened.”
“Okay, it's my time right now. Son, I’m trying to do father-son lessons rn, so step back.”
“Alright,” Gideon said with a tight nod.
“As I was saying this past year, forgiven and forgotten, but seeing as the majority of the problems were caused by your reaction to what I did and not so much what I did or did not do. I’ve decided that you still need to work for the church and do some favors, some make-ups for the people, so I have volunteered you to help with the annual Saturday school tiny tots field trip.” Jesse finished with a flourish of his hands.
“I thought you were supposed to do that.”
Uh, no, I don’t think…”
“Yeah, I heard you and Mom talk about it the other night.”
“I’m going to have to disagree with that one, son. All that time in la-la land has got you making up stories. So, yes, you are still volunteering for the position. And you’re welcome for this amazing opportunity and teaching moment. And with that, I leave you.”
Before Gideon could respond, Jesse left the room, leaving his son in a baffled silence…… shaking his head at the conversation he just had with his father just thinks about how he’s going to get through the annual field trip. Gideon still has love for his church and his family. But when he was away, he became distant from that lifestyle and more aware of the fake smiles and pageantry of it all. He wasn’t sure how he could fit back in with it……
Current day
Thursday 7:40am
Gideon enters the church, cringing as he is hit with bright fluorescent lights and the echoing sounds of excited children. Despite the time, it seems the anticipation of today’s trip. The Bible museum has given the kids more than enough energy. Just as he was getting used to the sounds, Gideon felt. A dull hit of a clipboard to his chest. He looks up to see Mrs. Mary, the second-grade Sunday school teacher. She was nice enough but stern, as most second-grade teachers have to be, but it seems her years working with children have shortened her patience for those above 3 feet.
“So glad you could finally join us, Mr. Gemstone.”
“Oh, uh, sorry I…. Uh, am I late?“ Scratching the back of his head, “I thought we were leaving…”
“ Early is on time, and on time is late, Mr. Gemstone; no amount of charm will change that. Here’s your clipboard. It has all the information you will need.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Mary,” he says with a gentle smile. “Am I helping your class on the trip or.
“No, son , I can manage my class on my own.”
Pulling her glasses down and looking at her board, she says he will be helping Miss Evan’s ' first grade class and points him down the hall. With an exaggerated nod and a quick thank you, he heads down the hall. Gideon was relieved to not be with Mrs. Mary’s class. She was harmless, but that was not the environment he wanted to be stuck in on top of everything else. Now Mrs. Evans? She was someone Gideon had no trouble being near. She was his teacher back in the day, his favorite one if he was honest. He was sure today would have to be a bit more hands-on than he had planned, but the personality trade was worth it. He finally reached the class gathered at the end of the hall and did a quick scan. Searching for the silver-haired teacher, no doubt in her classic cardigan and animal brooch, but as he looked around, he couldn’t seem to spot her… a few moments of confusion interrupted by a voice behind him.
“Alright, my little angels, let’s get in our lines!! Remember Noah’s ark style, two rows, and make sure you are across from your buddy.”
A sigh of relief came from him with a confirmation he was in the right place. He turns around and stops, confused. He wasn’t sure who she was, but he was certain she was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. The glow of her crooked smile as she addresses her “little angels,” the way her whole face moved with expression and feeling, and the way she dressed. She was so bright and real. The big hair, the few red marks on her cheeks, her nails light green and chipped…. She was the realest thing he had ever seen. And she was perfect. He wasn’t sure if he was just so paralyzed by her presence that he had become invisible to the human eye or if he had dropped dead the second he spotted her, knowing that there would be nothing else in this world as great as a moment, but it seemed that she didn’t notice he was there. He watched as she walked past him to the children's messy attempt at, falling into line complaining about buddies and who got to be in the front and who got to be in the back. He watched as she managed them. He has never seen children so invested in what an adult had to say.
“Miss Evans,” a mainly toothless child exclaimed as he tugged on her sleeve.
“Yes, Maliki?”
Her voice is so warm and smooth he feels his blood rush.
“Who’s that?”
Maliki loosely pointed at Gideon. Seemingly being the only One to spot him…. Following the boy's hand, she turns to him
“Oh, hello, Mr. Uhh….“ He watches as a look of concern paints her face before she takes a look at the clipboard in her hand “Mr Gemstone thank you so much for joining us today and volunteering to help” large smile never leaving her face. She was really excited to be here to be with her students.
“Hi.”
Gideon could have slapped himself right there. That was all he said; that’s all he thought to say?!with the physical embodiment of everything good and beautiful standing right in front of him. He had to say something more; he had to redo his introduction.
“HELLO… I mean, hi… No, I just said that. Sorry, thank you for having me... to help.”
He finishes with an awkward smile. Then he looks down at the kids to give them A wave. She looks him up and down with a puzzled look, but then quickly turns back to the class.
“Well, my tiny miracles. We have been blessed with a very special chaperone. today. His daddy is Pastor Jesse. Everyone, let’s say hello.”
The children all blurt out their hellos, finally getting his footing and gathering whatever charms he had left about him back. He matched their enthusiastic hellos and occupied them with small talk for the next few minutes before he and Miss Evans helped file them onto the bus, making sure everyone got on safe. Gideon wasn’t much help. Already not that good with children, ones that young anyway, his time was spent watching every move she made. He wasn’t sure why he had never seen her before where did she come from? Where was the Miss Evans He remembered? And why couldn’t he stop watching her? The way she gracefully attend to every single child who demanded her attention. Finally after three meltdowns, one lost then found teddy bear, and several left behind lunch pails were returned. They were on the road. Thankfully, instead of the other first grade class they were on the bus with the third graders, naturally being more well-behaved the other teacher and chaperone were more focused on helping with the first graders. The first half hour of the drive she and Gideon sat together in silence. Both calming there nerves after the stressful morning till eventually she turned to him.
“I’M MARJORIE… sorry, I just realized I didn’t tell you my name earlier.”
“Oh yeah, that’s alright. It was a busy morning and all… You are so great with them and everything… you know, with all their needs and stuff,”
he stammered out, reeling from learning her name it had unlocked something inside him. Was this that feeling his Granddaddy talks about?
“THANK YOU!” she exclaimed a little too excited, before she continued, she took a breath. “I really do love them all. I used to just come in every once in a while last year and help when my grandma was still teaching, but when she retired, I figured, why not take over? They’d basically have to give me the job, especially with her recommendation.”
“Oh, Mrs. Evans, is she your grandma? I was wondering where you came from. I haven’t been here in a while. I’m still getting used to all the new, or I guess old, faces—not that you’re old. You’re not. I just mean, you know you’re new to working here. Well, actually, that’s not true. I’m new to seeing you work here is what I meant to say.”
Gideon had never felt so uncool in his life. He didn’t know why she had this effect on him, but he was desperately trying to fulfill his insatiable desire to impress her. Despite fumbling over his words and a couple awkward pauses, they spoke for the rest of the ride there. Thankfully, the kids were well-behaved, but if they weren’t, there was a very distinct possibility that neither of them would notice. The next two hours they spoke about everything under the sun; Gideon told her what it was like in LA. She filled him in on things that had happened in the church. Random small talk about themselves. The intimate conversation cut short when the bus came to a stop in the parking lot alerting them that it was time to go back to being trustworthy adults.
“I’m glad you’re back… My grandma would always talk about you, about how much everyone missed you at church. the famous Gideon Gemstone with all that charm, those blue eyes not to mention all the freckles. How you could make any story sound like a wild adventure and sang like your grandma.”
“Ah, your grandma always gave me more credit than I deserved…”
She let out a sweet laugh, and Gideon smiled. Perhaps he hadn’t completely blown his chances. The rest of the trip, Gideon’s mental energy was, used to brainstorm how they would continue their time together after this day. Room after room of biblical scenes, children shouting with excitement learning more about their faith that they hold so dear it touched something in Gideon. He watched their little faces light up as Marjorie explained, in first grade terms the power, and meaning behind each room, he remembered when it was like to have no doubts he thought about how different the feeling was to now he hadn’t felt that 100% belief, the full confidence in everything he was taught in a long time. Until today and with every moment spent there in that cheesy museum the feeling inside him grew….. after several hours of museum fun everyone was back on the bus and headed home. This time the bus conversation had more voices then just Gideon and marjorie there was questions after questions flooding in from the kids, comments about what their favorite part of the day was playing with their souvenirs from the gift shop. The fun hadn’t stoped when they left the museum. Now watching as all of the kids ran to their parents excited looks on their face, ready to tell them everything they had done that day. Gideon stood off to the side a permanent smile stuck on his face and to think he started the day off beyond irritated with his father for signing him up for some dumb church trip, taking care of a bunch of snotty kids. he won’t be telling his father this but Gideon hadn’t felt this right in a long time and despite his father’s twisted reasoning for signing him up, he was glad it happened….
“Whoo, those kids love to talk, don’t they?”
He turned to see Marjorie had come over to him after all the kids had been picked up.
“I don’t think I’ve been anywhere louder than that bus was, and that includes action film sets.”
“Mumm, it was fun though….well I had fun. I love being around the kids, and…I had a pretty cool chaperone.”
Looking at him her cheeks were a light pink lips pursed in a light grin
“Yeah, it was really fun… It was a lot more fun than I thought it was going to be. I thought I was going to hate it.” He watched as her smile quickly turned into a frown. “No, not like hate it. I…I mean, my dad was supposed to do it and then switched out with me at the last minute, and I was annoyed at first, and I’m not that big of a fan of kids, and to be honest, I don’t even really know how I fit in this whole church thing anymore, but then I got here, and well, a lot of that was because of the kids. They are actually really cool and, yeah, they’re way less annoying and fun, but it was really because of you, your magic, you know.”
“Gideon, stop talking, please.”
His stomach dropped an entire day of networking of trying to correct his shaky start was gone. He really stepped in this time.
“I’m free on Saturday at noon.”
He stared at her in shock. He couldn’t believe it; she wasn’t giving up on him. He had another shot….
“To continue my research, of course, you know, if the rumors are really true….no ulterior motives here.”
She grinned wildly, tightening her bag around her arm, and slowly headed back towards her car.
“I’ll see you on Saturday, Mr. Gemstone.”
Gideon stood there, watching her like a fool. Eventually he regained the feeling in his legs and walked to his car to head home. Instead of driving straight home, though, he made a stop by his grandfather's house. Entering, he made his way to the study, where he knew his granddad would be working.
“ Gideon, what brings you here?”
“ I’m just looking for some advice.”
“Didn’t want to ask your daddy first?”
“ I’ve always been better at talking about this stuff with you.”
“Ah lady troubles. Well what’s got you down, son.”
“What did being near Grandma feel like? Like the first time you saw her, was it like that all the time, or did it change?”
“ She was perfect, and I know most men say that about their wives, but she really was. Everything just felt right, you know. I’ve had my struggles with the faith. I always try to be honest with you kids about that. When I was young, I went down my paths, but I always found my way back. I always remembered my teachings in the back of my head. I knew that they were there, but when I saw your grandmama, I knew it was real, it was true, because there she was. Everything I had been told about goodness and his love, she was right there. And every time I saw her, it just felt more right.”
“She must be pretty special if you are asking about your grandmother”
