#sandy grayson

[wannabecatwriter]

As soon as she sits down, Sandy whispers to Tara:

- What is even happening? Why is he yelling at people?

Tara: I don’t know, but whatever it is - it’s not earning him any favors with the judge.

Meanwhile, the court crowd is getting more and more incredulous. They didn’t expect the best of reality TV to take place at a city courthouse.

Danielle: I must say, dear, either your husband is an amazing actor, or he’s out of his mind. Do you know which one it it?

Milena: Not a clue. Nothing he’s done is really out of character, though.

[wannabecatwriter]

Eventually, the courthouse fills up and the judge arrives. As do the plaintiff and the defendant, along with their respective lawyers.

Tara: I can’t believe Randolph Varner took up his case. I’ve always thought he’s a bright guy overall. I guess his company assigned him to the case.

Sandy: Is that good or bad?

Tara: It means he’s got decent defense. But there’s no way he’s weaseling his way out of this, not with your statement and the video.

Sandy: Alright, then.

On the other side of the court floor, Marcel is complaining about being here so late.

Randolph already looks like he would rather be anywhere but by this man’s side.

Judge Calahan clears her throat and announces to all present:

- All rise. Court is now in session.

[wannabecatwriter]

- Hey, are you alright?

Marwick approaches Sandy after the end of the session. He’s not too sure if she’s satisfied with the results or if she’s feeling uncomfortable. To his relief, she smiles at him.

Sandy: Hey, Marw. I’m fine. How are you? That was quite the show we got. 

Marwick: Yeah... I had no idea he was sick to that extent.

Sandy: Neither did I, but it does explain a lot. Do you think he’ll follow the judge’s orders?

Marwick: If he knows what’s good for him. So, what are you going to do now?

Sandy: Go home and pack, probably. You know how I love Sunset Valley, but I got an amazing job offer - in Starlight Shores. A film studio there is hiring me on to be their on-set stylist. 

Marwick: Oh, wow, congratulations!

Sandy smiles.

- Thanks. I don’t know if it’s going to be a permanent move for me, but it is definitely a move upwards. If you ask me, I think either your Mom or Danielle put in a word for me with the producers there.

Marwick: If they did, they haven’t told me, but I’m glad it’s all working out for you. Really.

Sandy: Thank you. What about you? What are you going to do now?

Marwick: I’ve been asked that quite often lately. Honestly, I still don’t know. I might stay there. I might go somewhere else. The future’s open.

Sandy: Whatever you do, be well.

[wannabecatwriter]

His attention drawn back to Sandy, he realizes what’s coming before she says the words.

Sandy: I’m sorry, Marwick. I can honestly say you are one of the best guys I’ve ever met and I think, until that evening, I was truly planing to spend the rest of my life with you. ‘Till death do us part, the kids, the little white picket fence. Cliche, I know. But now...

Marwick: I understand. I do.

Not that it makes things better. While he wasn’t exactly planning his life around a traditional marriage path, he did also see himself long-term with this woman.

Sandy: I know it sounds silly, but maybe we can stay friends? I couldn’t message you all this time because I didn’t want to make it real, but I really don’t want you completely out of my life.

Marwick: I think we can. You’ve taught me so much, Sandy, you’ve no idea. I think, wherever we are, and whoever we’re with, we’ll always have a space in our hearts for one another. 

Sandy: Once again, I’m sorry.

Marwick: Don’t be, don’t be.

As he hugs her, he realizes that it’s probably for the last time. Talk about things being bittersweet. And he’s got his dear Dad to thank for that...

[wannabecatwriter]

As Tara calls Sandy and Bella over to sign some documents, Milena approaches him.

- I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. She begged me not to - she wanted to do it herself.

Marwick: I understand. So, this is why you’re going through with the divorce?

Milena nods.

- It was a huge eye opener. I cannot comprehend how some can stay with their husbands knowing they are capable of something like that. 

Tara, not raising her head from the document:

- They are the ones who usually get killed for knowing too much, hon. I see it far too often.

Milena: True, I suppose. Now, son, please, don’t do anything rash.

Marwick: What are you talking about?

Milena: Marwick, I know what you’re like. 

Marwick: Don’t worry about anything. You ladies just focus on the case. What’s the next step, by the way?

Milena: We’re waiting to hear from the police station. Sandy pressed charges and they’re supposed to tell us what to do next. They’re sure taking their sweet time, though.

Marwick: I’ll probably be there soon, I can check on it.

In reality, he is absolutely stewing on the inside. Marcel better hope he doesn’t cross his path.

[wannabecatwriter]

- It’s true.

Sandy quietly tells him, deflated. 

- And I didn’t tell you about him stalking me at the salon because I didn’t want to drive a wedge between you. I wish I’d told, though. I’m sorry.

Marwick: What are you sorry about? I should be apologizing for introducing you two, for not realizing he was capable of something like that.

Milena, quietly: None of us did.

Sandy smiles, even though she’s crying.

- You know, your Mom is a right hero. She saved me that night. Beat him right up! 

Marwick: So, that’s why he’s got that huge bruise, huh. Serves him right.

He doesn’t need to ask why she’s been ignoring his messages, anymore. In her shoes, he would’ve done the same.

- So, what is all this? The fight?

Sandy sighs.

- Well, after what happened, your Mom and I got talking and we had questions. So, we’ve been making some calls. It turns out, I’m not the only one your father’s been harassing. I’m just the last one in the line. And then there are the lewd messages, the letters with some. Bella’s here because of that, actually. She already told you about his behavior after her win, right?

He nods. She continues:

- So, we’re planning a court case against him. I don’t know what will come out of it, but something should.

- Oh, don’t worry about that, dear. Mr. Wolfe Sr is going to be in serious legal hot water very, very soon.

Somehow, upon hearing voice in that expression, Marwick recognizes her.

- Aunt Tara? Is that you? I can’t believe I didn’t recognize you.

Tara: Of course, dear, you were too young. Your Ma and I haven’t talked in some time too, but there’s always time to catch up. All the while I prepare these documents.

[wannabecatwriter]

- Marw! Oh!

Sandy jumps up, a frown on her face.

- You’re here.

Marwick: Of course, you wanted to talk. Wait, Sandy, why didn’t you tell me? Why didn’t you tell me about my f-f-father.

It takes him a few tries to get that word out, and it feels entirely wrong saying that after what he knows.

Sandy blanches and he thinks she might start crying.

Marwick: I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to yell. 

Sandy: It’s... you didn’t. But how did you find out?

Marwick: Someone was there, they have a video. But why am I learning about this from some video that I only saw by chance? 

Bella: Someone was there when Marcel tried to assault her? Then why did those losers not step in? 

Marwick: What.

Behind he can see his mother hyperventilating and trying to signal Bella to quiet down, but the redhead’s always been pretty terrible at taking hints.

Bella: Dude, if Milena hadn’t been there that night, things would’ve been much, much worse.

Marwick: He did what?!!!

[wannabecatwriter]

Hailing the first available cab and making it to the Grayson house in record time, Marwick gets a surprise when his mother opens the door.

Marwick: Mom? What are you doing here?

Milena: Uh... 

This is the first time in his life that his mother is actively lost for words, which is alarming, to say the least.

Marwick: Is Sandy here? Is everything alright? She messaged me last night, saying she wanted to talk.

Milena, with relief: Oh, good. Come in then. 

She still seems nervous, but he jumps into the kitchen from which he hears voices coming.

Marwick: Hello?

Much to his surprise he sees Sandy with a striking new hair color, Bella (!!!???), and another woman, whose name he can’t quite recall, but who has a very familiar face, all surrounding a paper-filled table and seriously discussing something.

Upon hearing his voice, Bella whips around and smiles.

- Oh, hi Marw! What brings you here? Are you joining the fight as well?