Farrington-Gores: Escape

'So what flights have you found?'

I'm going to choose these ones late tonight. I already have the keys to the new place, so that won't be an issue. We can leave for the airport in a few hours.'

'Wow... I can't believe how quickly this is happening.'

'Fantastic, you've done a great job.'

'Thanks... I know I shouldn't have let it get this far. Poor Zeus... but Tristan wasn't ready to go.'

'It's not your fault. You can't have pushed Tristan further than he was ready to go.'

'You're right. Oh, he was so brave today... he put himself right in there. Told Tate not to hurt me.'

'Aww. Amazing kid.'

'Good.'

'...Hmm, do you think Zeus would be willing to let someone take a photograph of his bruising, before it starts to fade? I know how horribly fucking corrupt the damn police force is here, but some kind of documentation could help in the future, especially if there were eye witnesses to the assault.'

'We could ask him, at least.'

'People should know about what Tate's done. I'm not saying it has to happen soon, but one day. One day we need to tell everyone the truth about him.'

'Absolutely, and when that day comes, having a paper trail and meticulous documentation will be of great value.'

'I did witness it... I punched Tate.'

'Well done!'

'Good for you! I hope it broke his fucking nose.'

'It wasn't his nose, but it was satisfying.'

'I just got your message!'

'Oh my God, I'm so sorry... What a bastard he is.'

'Thanks, Nyla.'

'I can't believe you're going so soon. Oh my God, I'm going to miss you so much!'

'We all will.'

'I'll miss you too. Still, it's for the best... Thanks again for helping us, Nalini.'

'It's no problem. Good luck with your new life.'

'I really appreciate it. I'd tell you to visit, but I guess you probably wouldn't like Isla Paradiso.'

'I could probably stand to tolerate it for a short while. Thank you, that's kind of you to offer.'

'I'll definitely visit, so perhaps you could go with me.'

'Yes, that'd be nice.'

'Hey, you guys, what's going on? Mum rushed us over here and she said it's because we have to say goodbye!'

'I'm moving away.'

'Moving away? Where are you moving to?'

'I'm not really sure... Mummy said it's an island far away. I don't really get what happened. Daddy and Zeus had a big argument and then we suddenly had to pack our bags really quickly and come over.'

'Far away? So we're not gonna see you again?'

'Not for a while.'

'That sucks!'

'Yeah... I don't want you to go.'

'Nothing I can do about it... Zeus has a bruise on his face. I think Daddy hit him. So I think we're running away so he can't do it again.'

'He hit him?! No offence Julius but your dad is a massive butthole!'

'It's okay Feli. We've always said that. Mummy says it too, when she thinks I can't hear her.'

'Hey... I'll miss playing with you. I won't miss your pranks, but I'll miss you.'

'Aww, nobody likes my pranks.'

'I do! If you're not around to do them then I'll just have to do them instead!'

'I'll still do them on the island. I hope the other kids are cool anyway.'

'W-Will you ever come back?'

'Sure I will! All we'd have to do is hide from Daddy, and it can't be that hard, right?'

'It's not f-fair that you have to go because he's so mean...'

'Tell me about it. I wish we could put him in prison. I asked Mummy if we could but she said it's not that easy. I don't understand it.'

'Maybe I could ask Ellis... he's a policeman, he could do it. Nalini too.'

'Ooh, yeah! Then Julius could stay!'

'Good idea. I think we need to go to the island first because we can't go home... but then after that we could come back.'

'Roxxi...'

'Oh, you did come...'

'Of course I did. I was worried I'd missed you.'

'...Edward, I need to talk to you about something.'

'Oh, okay...?'

'Yeah, somewhere else. Nalini, Aria, I'd like you to come as well.'

'Why?'

'You'll see.'

'I'll have to thank Nyla later for that.'

'Me too... she's a great friend. If I manage to find anyone like her in Isla Paradiso, I'll consider myself lucky.'

'I'm sure you will. You're a lovely person.'

'Aww... so are you. I'm glad I've got the chance to say goodbye properly.'

'I'd feel terrible if I didn't manage to see you off.'

'Thanks for being so lovely to me. This past... wow, it's coming up to a year, isn't it?'

'Wow. I can't believe it's gone by so quickly.'

'Me neither. This past year, you've made me feel so good. I've never been treated so nicely.'

'You deserve it! A woman like you should be cared for. The fact is, you've had to put up with being downtrodden for too damn long. But no more, okay? You're free.'

'Yeah... I'll really miss you, Maria.'

'I'll miss you too. I promise, I'll stay in contact. I'll message you every day if you want.'

'You still want to do long distance...?'

'I'd love to. Honestly? I've never felt this way about a woman before. This doesn't have to mean the end of us.'

'Good...'

'I'll come visit, once I get the chance.'

'I can't wait.'

'So what's this about?'

'...I'm shit at lying. I wanted to give them some space.'

'Why?'

'.....Oh, I get it.'

'...Oh. Yes. Me too.'

'Well I don't. You're not gonna tell me, are you?'

'Nope.'

'...I might tell you later, depending on whether I'm given permission.'

'That's so unfair.'

'Better a might than a no?'

'Why do we need to give them space? It's not like they're together, is it?'

'...Wait. They are, aren't they? That's it!'

'Oh my God.'

'Well?'

'...Yeah, they're in a relationship. But don't tell anyone! The kids obviously don't know. Only the three of us knew, up until just now. Please, keep it to yourself?'

'Hey, I can keep a secret. Honest.'

'Good. It would be wrong for the kids to find out like this, after all.'

The time came for the final goodbyes. Saraya had arrived, determined not to miss the triplets leaving.

There were hugs...

And tears...

And vows of revenge.

'This is it, huh? Don't any of you kids worry. You lot focus on getting there safely and starting your new lives.'

'Shame you'll have to stay behind and still put up with Dad...'

'Oh believe me, I'm not putting up with anything. I'll give Tate hell. He won't get away with what he did to you.'

'Thanks, Aria... Are you okay?'

'Boiling mad and putting on a brave face, to be honest. It's a lot of work.'

'But hey, I'm not letting him ruin our goodbye! Once you've recovered from today, you have a real shot at happiness. You take it, and make the most of it, understood?'

'Understood.'