Preparations

'Go right in.'

'Thank you.'

'Roxxi? Kids?'

'I'm here. I don't know how long we've got until h-he comes back...'

'Then let's get the hell out of here as fast as we can. Have you packed up the PND? I don't think he deserves to continue enjoying its protection.'

'No... but you're right, he doesn't.'

'Right, I'll quickly go and unplug it.'

'Thanks.'

'I'm ready.'

'Right, got it.'

'Ah, you're taking back the PND?'

'Damn right I am. You guys should have it, not Tate.'

'We can take it abroad. Okay, let me nip upstairs to help Julius.'

'...I'm really sorry, Zeus.'

'Thanks...'

'Right, anything that's really heavy, pass over to me.'

'It's okay. You don't have to.'

'An extra pair of hands to help with the luggage will get things moving faster.'

'...Okay.'

'I'm going to the bathroom, and it might end up taking a while. I will witness nothing. If you happen to slip out during, it was an accident, okay?'

'Thank you so much. Both of you.'

'No problem.'

'I called Edward too and he said we can go over there while I book flights.'

'Oh, good... At least we'll get to say goodbye to Charon.'

'I don't get it, Mummy. Where are we going?'

'Alright. Have you got a car to drive everyone and everything over in? Because, uh, I ran here.'

'Ah, I do have one... I don't know what I'll do with it afterwards though.'

'Mummy!'

'I know, I'm sorry. This is all really confusing for you...'

'Is Daddy going?'

'No, darling...'

'Oh, good.'

'Let's just get out of here for now, what to do with the car can be sorted out later.'

Later...

'...He's been sleeping with my sister.'

'Oh, I'm so sorry. He's a complete bastard.'

'Oh God! That's appalling, I'm sorry too.'

'I don't know what I'll say to her. I can believe it of him, but her... we're not the closest sisters... but... How could I have been so stupid?'

'I'd probably punch her personally, but I'm an angry, angry asshole. It's not your fault. If she opted to choose a few sordid trysts with a man the calibre of dog shit over her own sister, that's her own stupid mistake. She's not worth your time.'

'Absolutely. You don't need people like that in your life.'

'She always was a gold digger. He's probably paying her.'

'...You know how I feel, don't you?'

'I do. Both with having terrible siblings, and being caught in the fallout of him choosing to have sex with inappropriate people. He can't resist. Or chooses not to. Fucking moron.'

'Nalini, I know you don't know what we're talking about... I caught him having sex with my first girlfriend.'

'...What the fuck?! I hope her guide dog bit him in the balls!'

'Wouldn't that be nice? It's not that I forgave him. I chose to try to forget about it for the sake of the kids.'

'Christ. I'm sorry. Can we forcibly put a chastity device on the scumbag?'

'Mmm, we should.'

'Yep. Especially because he fathered her fucking kids as well.'

'Oh for the love of fuck! Scratch that. Removal.'

'I'll do it. ...Actually, no I won't, that's gross. Someone else can.'

'Twin girls. Two little angels. They're only three.'

'...Twins? That's how we know they're his.'

'Aria.'

'Triplets and twins? Fucking hell.'

'I suppose it was inevitable after his first three single births.'

'Y'know, that's what you might be letting yourself in for, getting involved in this family.'

'Don't, you'll scare the poor woman away.'

'...Well that's slightly worrying.'

'...Sorry, I really know how to make an impression. Was trying to lighten the mood, lest I blow up again.'

'Oh, don't worry about it. I have a horrible, horrible niece whose idea of humour is coming out with things far more inappropriate and horrifying.'

'Well, I was hoping you didn't think I was a psycho, after last time we met.'

'Not at all. You got angry and stormed out, that's completely understandable.'

'I mean, Edward obviously thinks a lot about you, and you're kinda part of us all now, so... I was pretty annoyed when I thought I'd fucked it all up the first time.'

'You didn't. I do think a lot of Nalini. I also think a lot of you. You just made a mistake.'

'After everything that's happened, it's no surprise tempers and emotions were running high, and I've been there myself. Believe me, I understand.'

'Thanks.'

'You're lovely. My kids think the same.'

'Aww. I'm glad they do. They're great kids. Soon you'll be able to take them far away from here. I bet they'll love it.'

'I can't believe Grandad actually hit you. That's horrible.'

'I wasn't expecting it... I probably crossed a line, but-'

'No, you didn't. You were just defending yourself after he said awful things to you. Besides, it's not wrong to want him dead.'

'Exactly. Don't think for one second that anyone but Tate is to blame for this. I'm sure he'd try to claim you provoked him, but that's just victim-blaming crap. He had no right to lay even a finger on you.'

'Yeah... thanks guys.'

'I'm sorry, Zeus. I should've agreed to this sooner.'

'Well like Ellis said, it's all Dad's fault... and you're the one who defended Mum and stopped it all. You have nothing to be sorry for. And Carmella went to get Topaz, so... you both helped save us. I've got nothing against you, okay?'

'You're all brave kids. I'm seriously impressed with how you handled it.'

'Me too. Though I'm beyond pissed at Grandad... who does he think he is?'

'A fuckhead.'

'Heh, I thought you were against swearing.'

'Today is different. I'm just as pissed as you. I could swing for the old bastard. He wants to hit his kids? Let's see how he likes being hit by one.'

'Mum did swing for him. You know I don't like violence, but she did a really good job...'

'Good on her. Oh, if only we had more time together. I'd treat you all to whatever you wanted. It's the least you deserve.'

'Shame. I'll really miss you all...'

'Jude said she'd keep you company. It'll be a nice chance for you to get closer.'

'And there's Wednesday too. You won't be all alone.'

'It won't be forever. I know, I'll miss you too, but we can still chat online.'

'You'll come see us, won't you Ellis? And bring the others?'

'Of course I will.'

'Wild horses couldn't keep me away!'