Chapter Twenty-Five.
A STOP FOR PIES
˖ ᡣ𐭩 ⊹ ࣪ ౨ৎ˚

   The three of them had been driving for hours, the soft hum of the engine blending with the faint strumming of music playing in the background.

   The air inside the car was still, weighed down by an unspoken tension that none of them seemed eager to address. Outside, the scenery blurred into endless stretches of road and trees, the monotony broken only by the occasional highway sign or passing car. Marigold leaned her head against the window, absentmindedly tracing a finger along the glass as the coolness soothed her overheated skin.

   Marigold was lost in her own thoughts, letting the music drown out the hunger gnawing at her stomach, a discomfort she'd been ignoring since last night. Jeremiah, focused on the road, tapped his fingers lightly on the steering wheel, his gaze flicking between the asphalt ahead and the clock on the dashboard.

   Then, a loud grumble cut through the silence.

   Jeremiah glanced sideways, Marigold straightened slightly, and both of them turned their attention toward Belly. The sound had undeniably come from her, and the mortified look on her face confirmed it.

   Marigold's lips twitched into a small smile, the kind that came more naturally to her when she wasn't caught in the middle of some bigger, messier situation. The three of them hadn't eaten anything since they started driving, and honestly, Marigold couldn't blame Belly for being hungry. Marigold, herself, hadn't eaten since last night's bowl of cereal. Her own stomach was on the verge of protesting, but she kept quiet, focusing instead on the embarrassment painted across Belly's face.

   Jeremiah arched a brow, sneaking another quick glance at Belly before turning back to the road. "Oh my God. Was that your stomach?" he asked, his tone half-teasing, half-genuinely amazed.

   Belly's eyes widened as if she wished the seat could swallow her whole. "All I've had to eat today was an Icee," she admitted, her voice defensive but tinged with self-awareness. "And even I know that doesn't count as a meal."

   Marigold frowned at that. It was no wonder Belly's stomach was growling loud enough to shake the car. But even as her own hunger clawed at her, something inside her shifted. She didn't mind waiting a little longer to eat if it meant making sure Belly was taken care of first.

   "Well, lucky for you, we're almost to pie," Jeremiah said with a sly grin, his words cutting through the quiet and pulling a delighted gasp from Belly.

   Belly's head snapped toward him, her face lighting up like the sun breaking through a cloudy sky. "Rosie's?" She asked eagerly, her voice an octave higher than usual.

   Jeremiah shrugged, playing it cool even as the corners of his mouth quirked up. "So... you wanna stop, or?" He teased, drawing out the question as though they didn't already know the answer.

   Belly didn't hesitate. She playfully punched him lightly on the arm. "Yes!" she exclaimed, her excitement spilling out in a wide grin.

   "Ow," Jeremiah said, feigning pain as he rubbed his arm, though his smile didn't falter.

   Marigold watched the exchange from the backseat, leaning back against the headrest as the tension that had weighed on the car earlier seemed to lift, replaced by Belly's infectious excitement. Her gaze shifted to Jeremiah, and she caught him glancing at her in the rearview mirror. For a moment, their eyes met, and he smiled softly—not at her, but at the rare sight of her smiling too.

   It wasn't often these days that moments like this happened. Marigold had almost forgotten how simple and easy things could feel, even if only for a fleeting second.

   As they neared the exit for Rosie's, Jeremiah's hands tightened on the wheel, and he stole one last glance at his sister through the mirror. Her focus was entirely on Belly, a faint look of admiration softening her features. It was such a rare sight for him to see either of them this at ease, and he held on to it as long as he could.

   Finally, he turned into the parking lot, the neon sign for Rosie's glowing faintly against the bright afternoon sun.

   The three of them climbed the wooden steps leading to Rosie's, the old porch decorated with bright flowerpots overflowing with blooms from the shop next door. The sight was comforting, steeped in nostalgia, and Marigold couldn't help but feel a bittersweet pang as memories of summers past rushed in. Rosie's had always been a part of their tradition, a sanctuary filled with laughter, teasing, and, of course, Belly's unchanging love for blueberry pie.

   The warm smell of sugar and pastry lingered in the air, adding to the charm of the moment.

   Belly walked a little ahead, her eyes fixed on the inviting entrance, but suddenly her foot caught on the edge of a step. She let out a small gasp, stumbling backward, arms flailing. Before she could lose her balance entirely, Marigold's reflexes kicked in. Her hands darted out, catching Belly firmly by the waist and steadying her before she could hit the ground.

   For a moment, everything froze. Belly looked up at Marigold, her cheeks flushing a deep pink as her hands grasped onto Marigold's arms for balance. She stuttered, her words tumbling out in a mix of embarrassment and gratitude.

   Marigold cleared her throat quickly, her hands already retreating as if the contact had burned her. "It's fine," she said briskly, pushing Belly back upright with a firm but gentle motion. Without lingering, she turned on her heel and dusted her hands off on her jeans, walking ahead. Her pace was faster now, as though the distance between them could somehow disguise the matching flush on her own cheeks.

   Jeremiah, standing just behind them, had caught the entire scene. He raised an eyebrow but said nothing, his grin widening slightly as he followed the girls into Rosie's.

   Once inside, they stood at the counter, the trio taking a moment to absorb the familiar atmosphere. The rustic charm of Rosie's hadn't changed—wood-paneled walls, handwritten signs for daily specials, and the heavenly aroma of freshly baked pies filling the air. Belly's eyes danced over the display case, a rainbow of pies sitting neatly in rows, their golden crusts glistening under the warm light.

   "I think I'm gonna get..." Belly began, her voice filled with playful indecision.

   "Blueberry," the three of them said in perfect unison, their voices blending seamlessly.

   Jeremiah and Marigold exchanged a knowing look, grinning like co-conspirators, while Belly laughed, shaking her head in amusement. "Yeah? Weird," Jeremiah teased, his tone laced with sarcasm. Blueberry had always been Belly's go-to flavor, and they both knew it.

   Belly rolled her eyes at his tone, her smile lingering. "You two always could read my mind," she said, her voice softening with affection as she looked up at them.

   Jeremiah let out a chuckle, his grin widening. "Mostly. I mean, I'm just glad it's back, anyway, our ESP," he quipped, his tone lighthearted.

   "Okay," Belly raised her hands to her temples, adopting an exaggerated psychic pose. "I know that you're not eating any pies...mm, you're worried about ruining your abs."

   Jeremiah gasped, clutching his chest in mock offense. Marigold laughed softly, her grin widening as she glanced at her brother. "Spot on," she agreed, shaking her head at his antics.

   Jeremiah shrugged, his arrogance on full display as he glanced down at his covered torso. "I mean, they are a service to mankind, so... maybe not, maybe. You'll never know."

   Belly rolled her eyes at his ridiculousness but turned her attention to Marigold. She mirrored the psychic pose, fingers pressing to her temples again. "And you... you're definitely getting the cookies and cream pie."

   Marigold froze for a moment, the playful atmosphere around her dimming slightly. She cleared her throat, shifting her weight from one foot to the other. "Actually," she said softly, her tone more reserved now, "I'm not eating right now, just get yourself something."

   Her words hung in the air for a moment, her smile faltering as she avoided both of their gazes. She hoped the small, half-hearted smile she gave would be enough to move the conversation along, but Belly wasn't so easily distracted.

   Belly's brow furrowed, her eyes drifting downward to Marigold's hands. She noticed the subtle but familiar movement of Marigold picking at the skin around her nails—a nervous habit that spoke volumes. Concern welled up inside her as she tried to piece together what might be wrong. Was it her? Was it something else? Maybe something her mom had said? Belly hated feeling so out of the loop, especially when Marigold was clearly holding something back.

   "Are you sure—" Belly began, her voice hesitant but filled with genuine concern.

   "Belly?" A voice called out from behind them, cutting through the warm hum of conversation in Rosie's.

   Belly turned, her face lighting up in recognition. Standing there was Nicole—the girl Marigold had made a habit of disliking. It wasn't entirely unjustified; memories of Nicole leaving Belly and Taylor stranded at the lake with nothing but their phones and a thin, raggedy cloth had left a sour taste in Marigold's mouth. It didn't help that Nicole's bright smile seemed too perfect, too polished, like she didn't have a care in the world.

   Marigold's jaw tightened as she watched Belly giggle and run into Nicole's open arms. The ease with which Belly forgave people never failed to surprise her. Marigold stayed planted where she was, her body stiffening, but her sharp gaze didn't miss a thing.

   Jeremiah, always attuned to his sister's moods, noticed her tension immediately. He placed a hand on her arm, raising an eyebrow in silent inquiry. "Mar?" he whispered.

   Marigold shook her head, giving him a dismissive wave. She didn't need him hovering, not now. But even as she brushed him off, she couldn't pull her eyes away from Belly and Nicole. With a deep breath, she followed Jeremiah as he walked to join the two girls.

   As they approached, Nicole's smile faltered slightly, replaced with a more subdued expression. "Jere, Marigold," she began, her voice dipping into a softer tone. "I was so sorry to hear about your mom. She was so lovely."

   The words hit Marigold like a blow. Her fists clenched at her sides, the familiar weight of grief settling in her chest like a stone.

   She didn't respond, couldn't respond.

   "Yeah, she was," Jeremiah replied, his voice steady but strained. He cleared his throat awkwardly, glancing down at his shoes as he added, "Thank you."

   Nicole nodded, her gaze flickering to Marigold, who hadn't said a word. Marigold stared back, her jaw tight, her hands now moving to pick at the skin around her nails—a nervous habit she couldn't seem to break. Her silence stretched between them, heavy and uncomfortable.

   Belly noticed again. She always noticed. Her eyes darted to Marigold's hands, catching the way her fingers tugged at the tender skin. It was her tell, and Belly recognized it instantly.

   "Hey," Belly cut in, her voice suddenly cheerful, though a little forced. "I think, uh, our order's ready." She gestured toward the counter, hoping to distract Marigold.

   Jeremiah picked up on the shift immediately. "Yeah, uh, me too," he said quickly, offering Nicole a polite nod before grabbing Marigold by the arm. "C'mon, Mar."

   Marigold allowed herself to be guided away, her steps rigid, her eyes fixed straight ahead. She didn't even glance back at Nicole.

   When they were far enough away, Jeremiah stopped, turning to face his sister. His brows were drawn together in concern, his voice low but firm. "Are you alright?"

   "Yeah, yeah," Marigold replied quickly, too quickly. Her tone was clipped, and she avoided his gaze, her eyes darting around the shop as if searching for an escape.

   Jeremiah frowned, his heart sinking. He'd heard that response too many times in recent months, and it never fooled him. He watched her for a moment, noting the way her hands trembled slightly as she tucked them into her pockets.

   "Marigold," he said again, softer this time, but she didn't look at him.

   "I'm fine," she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper.

   But Jeremiah knew better. He could see the cracks in her armor, the way she carried herself like she was holding the world on her shoulders. She had always been good at putting up walls, but since their mom died, those walls had turned into fortresses.

   Marigold had always been the one to keep it together, the one who put everyone else's needs before her own. But now, Jeremiah couldn't help but worry that she was burying her grief so deeply it would consume her.

   He sighed, running a hand through his hair as he watched her retreat into herself. "You don't have to do this alone, you know," he said gently.

   Marigold glanced at him then, her eyes sharp but tired. "I'm fine, Jere," she repeated, her tone firmer this time.

   Jeremiah didn't push her. He wanted to—desperately—but he knew his sister well enough to understand that she wouldn't open up until she was ready.

   So instead, he nodded, even though it hurt to let her shut him out again.

past

The soft hum of the television drifted through the living room, a quiet murmur of voices and laughter filling the space. It wasn't loud enough to drown out the silence, but just enough to keep it from swallowing them whole.

   Marigold lay curled on the couch, her head resting in Susannah's lap, her body folded in on itself like she was trying to disappear. Once upon a time, the show playing on the screen would've had her in fits of laughter, her giggles so uncontrollable that Susannah would have to pause the episode just so they could both catch their breath. Those moments felt like a lifetime ago now, replaced by an almost deafening quiet.

   Susannah's fingers moved softly along Marigold's arm, tracing delicate patterns in a slow, rhythmic motion. It was a comfort, one Marigold had sought out ever since she was little. Even now, as a teenager, she melted under her mother's touch, as if she could pretend the world outside this moment didn't exist.

   "Are you excited for Thanksgiving, Mar?" Susannah's voice was gentle, breaking the silence without shattering it, her words as soft as the brush of her hand through Marigold's hair.

   Marigold didn't respond at first, her gaze fixed on the television but not really watching. Her mind felt far away, distant, as though it was safer to stay detached. "Are you?" she finally asked, her voice quiet, barely above a whisper.

   Susannah paused, her fingers halting for a moment before resuming their soothing rhythm. "I am," she answered with a small nod, though the weight in her voice didn't go unnoticed.

   Marigold closed her eyes, letting the silence settle between them again. "Then yes," she murmured, her tone light but hollow.

   Susannah smiled faintly, though sadness lingered in her expression. She hesitated before speaking again. "Belly's coming," she said carefully. "With Conrad."

   At the mention of their names, Marigold's body tensed ever so slightly, her shoulders drawing up as if bracing for something. She tried to play it off with a shrug, but Susannah's hand on her arm stilled, and her voice softened further.

   "No, don't do that," Susannah said quietly, her thumb brushing against Marigold's temple in a gesture so tender it made Marigold's chest ache.

   Marigold bit her lip, hesitating before glancing up at her mother. Susannah's eyes met hers, warm and full of something that felt like both love and sadness, an unspoken plea that made Marigold feel like the air had been knocked out of her. She hated that look. She hated knowing she was the one putting it there.

   "Please don't shut us out," Susannah whispered, her voice breaking just enough for Marigold to notice. Her hand moved back to Marigold's hair, combing through it gently. "My sweet girl, I miss your smile. I miss your laugh. But I also miss your tears. I miss your anger. I miss all of you."

   Her voice trembled, and Marigold's throat tightened as she felt the lump rising, threatening to choke her. "I can't bear the thought of leaving this world knowing you're feeling... nothing."

   Marigold swallowed hard, her jaw clenching as she forced herself to stay composed. She wouldn't cry—not now, not ever. She had promised herself that a long time ago. Crying meant breaking, and breaking wasn't an option.

   "I'm fine, Mama," she said softly, the words stiff and automatic, as though she'd rehearsed them a hundred times before.

   Susannah cupped Marigold's cheek, her thumb brushing against her skin. "But you're not," she said, her tone filled with a pain so deep it was almost unbearable. "You're not fine, baby. And I'm so worried about you."

   Marigold sat up then, pulling away from her mother's touch. She crossed her legs, folding her hands tightly in her lap to keep them from trembling. "Don't worry about me," she said firmly, though her voice wavered just enough to betray her. "I'm fine. I'm supposed to be worrying about you, not the other way around."

   Susannah tilted her head, her expression softening despite the tears welling in her eyes. "No daughter should have to worry about her mother, not like this," she said gently. "Not at your age. Not ever."

    Her hand reached out again, brushing a piece of hair behind Marigold's ear. She smiled, but it was small and fragile, the kind of smile that felt like it might shatter under the weight of everything left unsaid.

   Marigold opened her mouth to speak, to say something, anything to make her mom stop looking at her like that. But the words wouldn't come. They were stuck in her throat, tangled up with the tears she still refused to let fall. Instead, she just sat there, staring at her mother, wishing she could find the strength to say what she knew Susannah wanted to hear.

   But all she could do was sit in the silence, the space between them filled with everything they couldn't bring themselves to say.

ALRIGHT WHOAAAA!

i am SO SO SORRY that i haven't updated IN FOREVER! i sort of lost motivation for this story for a while but wanted to try really hard to put out a chapter for you all. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO SAY THANK YOU SO MUCH! molten heart was nominated in aesflms's fanfic awards and i'm so thankful. if you would like to show some extra support, it would be amazing if you went and nominated it as well, ALTHOUGH don't feel you have to!

i hope you enjoyed and don't forget to share your thoughts! 🫶🫶