turn21

Turn Around

Summary: Kathryn and Sebastian might finally get everything they've wanted.

Chapter 21: End Of the Road

"We've given her a mild sedative but we still have to restrain her for everyone's safety as well as her own" the young doctor explained to us.

"Do you have any idea what caused this?" My father asked still shaken from the night's events.

By the look in the doctors eyes I could tell he was completely clueless but he told my father "well we don't know the exact trigger yet but it does appear she had a mental breakdown. Is there anything you could tell us, anything that might of happened recently that could of led to this?"

My father was quiet as if he was trying to think of the right answer but it wouldn't come to him. Looking up at the doctor from his waiting room seat he was about to answer when a voice behind him called out. "I know what caused it."

The three of us spun around to see Kathryn approaching us in a wheelchair followed by two police officers. She was still dressed in her gown but was now wearing my tuxedo jacket around her shoulders. She was also wearing two new accessories acquired that night, a bruise and cut on her face and a bandage on her arm.

It was safe to say the night hadn't gone exactly as planned. The drug Blain gave us was suppose to make Tiffani feel uninhibited which we thought would make her drop her guard and show the society crowd her true colors. It made her drop her guard all right but I never in a million years thought she would attack Kathryn. If I had I never would have let her go through with it.

As soon as Tiffani had grabbed the knife and lunged at Kathryn my father had tried to intervene. She quickly pushed him away and jumped at Kathryn. The two women struggled with the knife while I and some of the of male party goers tried to pull her off. Finally we did and I quickly ran to Kathryn's side. She was shaking badly and I realized then just how scared she was. Tiffani had only cut her once on the arm but it was deep so Kathryn was rushed to the emergency room for stitches and Tiffani was taken to the psych ward.

My father and I had been awaiting news on either one so when I saw Kathryn come out a wave of relief washed over me. She looked tired and frail but she was safe and that was all that mattered. Immediately I got up and went to her side asking "are you ok?"

She smiled "I'm fine but a little cold so I'm keeping your jacket."

I kissed the top of her forehead not really caring how it looked to anyone. "That's fine it looks better on you anyway."

The doctor asked "Ms. Merteuil you think you can shed some light on what happened tonight?"

A sad and frightened look came across her face as she began to tell her story. It was sad, and frightening, and some of it was even true. I stood back admiring her performance as everyone else listened intently. Kathryn described what an awful childhood she had with her mother (leaving out the abuse by her father) and how it continued even into her teen years. She then started shedding more tears when describing how crazy her mother had been acting lately, accusing her of sleeping with her step father, and even locking her in her own bedroom. "I-I just don't know how to make her stop" she began sobbing harder. "I don't know what I ever did to make her hate me so much."

She really was an amazing actress. Even my father, who had seen Kathryn at her most vicious, was buying every word of it or pretending to at least. "Sweetheart it's not your fault" my father told her gently as he gave her a hug "your mother is a very troubled women."

Kathryn hugged him back and as she did so our eyes locked. I smiled slightly and there was a happy glint in her eye that wasn't there earlier. "Well will you be pressing charges?" One on the police officers asked. "Under the circumstances and for your own safety I think it would be wise."

She shrugged like she wasn't sure after all we never thought prison time would play a part in our scheme but I didn't see how it could be a bad thing. When Kathryn didn't say anything right away my father spoke up "yes I think it would be a good idea."

Kathryn and I once again glanced at each other surprised my father was so willing to throw his new bride in jail. "Really?" I asked him.

He looked over at me then back at Kathryn "yes I believe we should do whatever it takes to keep Kathryn safe. Don't you agree?"

I looked down at Kathryn and nodded "absolutely."

"Well we have some papers for you to sign Ms. Merteuil. If you'll come with us" Kathryn and my father followed the police officers while the doctor went off to deal with another patient. Alone I decided to sneak away to have a little alone time with my step mother.

I found her room right away, it wasn't difficult given it was the only one with an armed guard in front of it. "Can I go in and see her? She's my mom" I lied.

"Ok" he said gruffly "but make it quick."

Walking in I nearly tumbled over with laughter at the sight before me. The room was dank and depressing with only an old medal bed and a table beside it. There was one window in the small room but it had heavy bars on it. Then there was Tiffani in all her splendor. Gone was the expensive dress and makeup. It was replaced my a pale blue gown and a serious case of bed head. The topping on the ice cream though was the restraints that were holding her to the bed.

As I slowly walked in she seemed to have this far away look on her face and at first she didn't even seem to notice me. However she soon glanced over at me and with absolute venom asked "what the hell are you doing here?"

I smiled "well I wanted to see how you were doing mom. You're looking lovelier than ever."

"You came to gloat? How predictable but if I were you I wouldn't get to use to seeing me like this. It's only a matter of time before I'm released."

"Oh I wouldn't couldn't on it. You see my dad is insisting that Kathryn press charges. So even if by some miracle they decide to let you go you're most likely looking at a healthy jail sentence." Tiffani's eyes went wide in shock as she leaned back in bed defeated. "What no witty come back? Don't tell me you're giving up where's the fun in that?"

"You little bastard! You think you've won?" She hissed at me with sudden energy.

I only smiled calmly "oh I know it. While you're willing the hours away in a padded cell I'll be helping your daughter cope with this latest tragedy. I'm sure it will be hard for her to deal with the embarrassment of having a nut job mother but don't worry I plan on taking her mind off of it."

"In case it's escaped that pea size brain of yours Sebastian, Kathryn hates you or have you forgotten?"

Before I could respond the hospital door opened and Kathryn walked in with a triumphant grin on her face "oh I wouldn't count on it mother." She walked over to me and pulled me down for a soft kiss and giggled. Glancing back over at Tiffani who was staring at us with a mix of hatred and confusion, Kathryn clucked her tongue at her. "Come on mother you didn't really think I was going to let you win did you?"

"Of course she did" I told her wrapping my arms around her waist "the almighty Tiffani Merteuil always wins."

Smiling coldly Kathryn said "well not this time."

"You...don't you see what she's doing? She's using you!" My step mother screamed.

"She's using me?"

"Yes she's sleeping with your father! I heard them making love the other night in his bedroom. She's using you, you fool!"

"Oh" I said nodding my head "tell me Tiffani was she wearing the see through nightie with the silk robe?"

The question seemed to baffle her as she looked at me and then Kathryn "y-yes."

I smirked "that's one of my favorite's. I'm sorry about all the noise. We can be sort of loud sometimes."

Slowly the realization seemed to come to her that she had been set up. "You did this to me!" She hissed at us "you set me up to think it was Edward."

"Mother why would I do that?" Kathryn asked completely innocent.

"To get me back you little witch! I'm not letting you get away with this understand"

The smile fell off Kathryn's face as she broke away from me and slowly approached her mother. "I don't think so" she whispered to her softly but menacingly. "You see I am sick of obeying your every whim. You ruined my life and then tried to take away the one thing in the world I ever truly cared about. Did you really think I was going to give up Sebastian because you told me to? I love him and there's nothing on earth that's going to keep me from him."

"Oh I know something, your precious inheritance."

"Fuck the inheritance!" Kathryn screamed at her "it doesn't matter it never did!"

"Are you telling me you're going to throw it all away, your reputation and your money all for him?"

Kathryn was silent for a second before she smiled and said "damn straight."

"It will never happen!" Tiffani screamed at her as she struggled in her restraints "I will never allow it to happen!"

"Good-bye mother" Kathryn kissed her cheek lightly before turning away from her for good. All the noise Tiffani was making must have alerted someone because several orderlies, doctors, and nurses came rushing in to sedate her. Without a word Kathryn calmly took my hand and we walked out of the room.

Once safely in the hallway and unable to control myself I pulled Kathryn towards me and kissed her. She didn't pull away just wrapped her arms around my neck and held me close. As we pulled away she whispered "so are we finally free?"

"I think so. I have to say I'm very proud of you."

She looked at me skeptically "for what? Having my mother institutionalized?"

"Well I was referring to what you told her to do with the money. You know she might still be able to make sure you don't get it. Your birthday isn't until tomorrow."

"I don't care anymore" Kathryn sighed as she buried her face in my chest. "I have what I want."

"A rich boyfriend?"

She pulled away with a smirk "are you disappointed you might not be getting an even richer girlfriend?"

Caressing her hair I told her "I think I'll live."

As I bent down to kiss her once again we were interrupted by the sound of a ringing phone. "It's mine" Kathryn sighed as she pulled away. "Who the fuck is calling me now?"

"The press?" I suggested.

Kathryn rolled her eyes as she pulled her cell phone from her bag. "Hello...who?...oh yes...what? now?...I'm sort of in the middle of something...ok...ok...I'll be there soon...yes...goodbye."

"Who was that?"

"That was John Davis our families lawyer. He said he needed to talk to me right away?"

I looked at my watch "it's nearly midnight. What could he have to tell you that's so important you have to rush over in the middle of the night?"

She shrugged "I have no idea but I intend to find out. I'm on my way over there now."

"All right, do you want me to come?"

She smiled "no it's ok. Why don't you head home and get some rest." With a wicked grin she reached up and licked my earlobe "you're going to need it for when I get home."

"Oh?" I asked her raising my eyebrows in amusement.

"I plan on staying in bed for at least a week and I would like some company."

Wrapping my arms around her waist I pulled her towards me "that could be arranged."

We kissed for a minute before I pulled apart and watched her head down the hallway. Noticing my father must have took off already I got in my car and headed home to wait for her. However the idea of waiting in that dark house alone or running into my father wanting to celebrate the end of Tiffani's reign did not appeal to me. Instead I decided to head to this small all night diner near my house that had good coffee.

As I was opening the door of the car something caught my eye. On closer exception I noticed my leather journal stuck under the passengers seat. I scooped it up and suddenly remembered how it got there. Shortly after Kathryn read it I got fearful she might do it again so I hid it in my car thinking she would never find it there. Then with every thing that happened I forgot about it and never thought of it since.

Sitting down at a booth I ordered a black coffee from the waitress and began to flip through it. The last entry was several months ago. I was writing the usual crap about missing Annette but that last part was about Kathryn and what an annoying brat I thought she was. "A sexy, beautiful, brat" was what I actually wrote. It seemed like a million and a half years ago that I first met her but it hadn't even been half a year.

Sighing I took a sip of my coffee when I heard a familiar voice ask "you still carry that thing around? I would of thought you out grew it by now."

I looked up surprised to see Annette standing in front of me dressed in jeans and a tee shirt. "Hey what are you doing here?"

"I'm staying at a friends and stopped in to pick up some dessert. I forgot you liked this place" she said sliding in the seat across from me.

"Yeah it seems like a long time ago doesn't it?"

Annette nodded "it sure does. So how is everything? Is Kathryn all right?"

I smirked "do you care?"

Rolling her eyes she sighed "I don't like the girl Sebastian but I certainly don't want her dead. Now beaten and bruised that's another story..."

"She's fine just a few cuts. Tiffani however probably won't be seeing the light of day for some time to come."

Leaning closer to me she asked "yeah that was really strange. What happened to her? Everyone said she just snapped."

I nodded "that seems to be the consensus. I don't think Tiffani was ever playing with a full set to begin with."

"Hmm" Annette smiled faintly "it certainly clears things up for you and Kathryn now doesn't it?"

I dropped my jaw in mock shock "Annette are you actually suggesting we had something to do with it?"

Her smile never dropped "I wouldn't put it past you. After all you did ditch me halfway through the party." My smile fell slightly as I looked over at her slightly alarmed. "Oh don't worry Sebastian I won't say anything. So long as no one ever sees those pictures."

Nodding I told her "consider them burned."

Tilting her head in thought she commented "you really love her don't you?"

"Faults and all" I smiled. "I guess I have you to thank for that."

"How so?"

"Well if you hadn't broken up with me we might still be stayed together and I would be miserable."

She looked up at me in annoyed "thanks a lot."

Smiling good naturally I told her "you know what I mean. You and I aren't right for each other Annette I think I always knew it I just didn't want to admit it. Then I met Kathryn and I don't know...everything clicked."

"Yes you two seem made for each other. In a twisted sort of way."

"Annette" I asked somewhat bemused "is this your way of giving me your blessing."

"I wouldn't go that far. But I do want to see you happy Sebastian and if Kathryn makes you happy...well who am I to stand in the way of true love."

I wasn't too surprised by Annette's attitude after all we were long over with. However it was nice to know that there was no bad blood between us. "Thank you Annette I mean it."

She nodded and there was a moment of silence before she asked "so do you still write in that thing?"

Looking down at my warn journal I sighed "no. I think my conquest days are behind me. I'm a one women guy now."

"Yes but something tells me that women will give you plenty to write about" Annette smirked as she stood up. "Well I better get going. I'm glad I ran into you."

"Me too"

Taking her bag from the waitress she smiled "good-bye Sebastian."

"Good-bye Annette" I watched her leave and I realized it was time I left as well. I took one more glance down at my journal feeling for the first time that I was truly starting over with my life. As I left the restaurant I tossed the journal in the garbage.

* * * * * *

"Sebastian there you are" my slightly inebriated father called to me. "Join me for a drink."

When I arrived home I was hardly surprised to find my father already toasting Tiffani's demise. It wasn't at all shocking that he was happy to be rid of her. "Celebrating all ready dad?"

He sipped his scotch with a lazy grin "I just signed the divorce papers. I'm as free as a bird son."

"Happy to hear it. Is Kathryn home?"

"Yes she came home a little while ago. You know I was considering asking her if she wanted to help me celebrate but something tells me she would prefer your company." I didn't say anything only smirked as I passed him. "Well son it seems everything has worked out in your favor hasn't it?"

I stopped and faced him with a grin "yes it has. Now if you'll excuse me I have a beautiful women to attend to."

My father raised his glass to me as I headed to Kathryn's bedroom. When I walked in I noticed the room was empty but there was music coming from the bathroom. I followed it to find Kathryn lounging in a bubble bath surrounded by candles. "Happy birthday" I told her softly.

She opened her eyes and grinned at me "it's tomorrow retard."

"Well" I said pulling up a stool beside her "it's past twelve so technically it's today." "I suppose you're right. Where have you been?"

"I stopped at that dinner to get some coffee" I purposely left out the part about Annette. It was safe to say Annette and I were finished for good and I didn't want Kathryn feeling threatened, not now. "What did you're lawyer want?" I asked her while pulling up my sleeves so I could wash her back.

Kathryn's smile widened "he wanted to give me some good news."

"Oh?"

"The estate was left to me" she said simply.

I stopped in surprise "all of it? Just like that?"

Kathryn nodded "it seems in lieu of my mother's recent...troubles everything gets left to me."

"Wow they wasted no time did they" I commented still taking it in that Kathryn was now one of the richest women in the world.

"Well apparently it's bad for the firm if one of their major clients is in the loony bin. Since I am now technically old enough and of sound mind they thought it best if I took over."

Shaking my head I said "oh Tiffani is going to love that...if she ever gets out."

"Lets hope not"

"So birthday girl, what is it you want for your birthday?"

She tilted her head back in thought "hmm...I want you to fuck me."

"Right now?"

Kathryn nodded her head and I quickly stood up. Without bothering to take my tuxedo off I jumped in the tub with her making her squeal. "God you could have at least took your clothes off first" she laughed.

"Where's the fun in that?"

"Indeed"

Epilogue Coming Soon