'I feel pretty good'

The clock ticked on and on, a deafening silence filling the room and reflecting off the furniture. The light in the room was harsh and the clicking of a pen attracted the attention of Annabelle Carter. She glanced around the room with her lips pursed and her fingers fumbling in her lap. Her legs were folded on the comfortable large chair that had most certainly been an expensive purchase for Moira Queen and the girl raised her eyebrows and looked up at the doctor who was staring at her. "So..." Anna trailed off, nodding her head slightly. "So," the doctor hummed, folding her arms across her chest and staring at the girl who looked away quickly. "Can we dim the light?" Anna blurted out. "It's harsh and hurting my eyes," she added.

The doctor sighed and stood up, going to turn the knob for the light slightly as in to lower the intensity of the bright light flooding the room. "Is this better?" she asked to which Annabelle nodded in response. "Does the light bother you often?" the doctor asked while returning to her chair across from Anna. She shrugged, "Sometimes, usually in the morning but it isn't a big deal," she responded. "And how is everything else? Is your stomach hurting?"

The brunette shook her head, "Not usually. It hurts sometimes at night when I lie awake thinking about random things but other than that I don't feel any pain."

"And what keeps you awake at night?" the woman asked while bringing out her pen to take notes on her patient's response. "I have a lot of... nightmares? I don't know if I would call them that but I think they are more so my past memories of the... the island. They keep me awake and are truly haunting."

"Would you like me to reccomend a therapist that you could talk to about this with?"

Anna shook her head quickly. "No, Dr. Lee," she answered. "They aren't bad enough to constitute that. It's just... usually these dreams lead to my stomach hurting because they stress me out. When I take Nyquil or melatonin at night it usually helps but I don't want to have to rely on those."

"What if you tried writing it down? Speaking to someone about your thoughts and writing them down often help patients with PTSD."

"PTSD?" Anna wondered.

Dr. Lee nodded and closed the notebook before setting it softly on the coffee table in between the two. "Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder," she said. Anna shook her head, "N-no, I know what it means. I just never thought of myself having it. I guess I thought my nightmares were just that and nothing special."

"Well, Annabelle," the doctor replied, "PTSD is quite normal in veterans but it common in others as well after a traumatic ordeal. I am just a general doctor with an MD and not a therapist or psychiatrist but with what you have told me I can tell you that the nightmares, or in this case memories, that you are experiencing at night are symptoms of PTSD. Now, it would not be my responsibility to do anything about this, and would normally recommend you to a psychologist but since it seems to correlate to your ulcer, which is my concern, I have to strongly advise you to see someone about this. Or at the very least, I have to suggest you write this down and talk about it with Oliver Queen who experienced an ordeal similar to yours."

Anna nodded and sighed, "I understand, Dr. Lee."

The woman smiled slightly, "Can you stand up for me?"

Anna stood to her feet and the doctor rose as well. "Okay, how about lifting both of your arms together and raise them above your head."

Anna did as asked and the doctor smiled, "Okay, go ahead and put them down. Can you walk from one side of the room to the opposite, please?"

Anna did as told and walked from her closet to the window seat at the other end of the room. "And a slight jog," the doctor continued. Anna slightly jogged back and forth before the doctor instructed her to stop. "Did you feel any pain?"

Anna shook her head, "No, that actually felt really good," she smiled. "Does that mean I can start working out again?" she asked hopefully. The doctor chuckled, "No, Annabelle, that is not advised. You can continue walking around, but nothing more."

"Can I go back to work at least?"

The doctor sighed and looked at the adult with an annoyed glance, "How about I give you clearance to visit work. Will that calm your urges to be productive at least a little?"

Anna grinned and followed the doctor out the door and then downstairs to walk her out. "It might hold me over for a little while but until I can be sitting at my desk and getting some work done, I don't think I'll truly be satisfied," she giggled. Dr. Lee beamed and patted her satchel that hung at her side with her notebook and everything inside. "You are making progress, Ms. Carter. Just remember that even small steps get you closer," she stated while walking out the door and down the walkway to where her car was parked at the ened of the long drive. Anna waved her goodbye and sighed before closing the door again.

She had clearance to go visit the Carter Provision. That was a start. She had been wanting to go since she got out of the hospital weeks ago. Jordan was left in charge of more than he should have been, according to his salary, but she had the CFO taking care of many responsibilities as well. She was making progress.

A smile was brought to her face and Anna found herself standing in the foyer of the Queen Mansion with a stupid grin on her face. "Whoa, what's got you all smiley," Thea Queen giggled as she hopped down the stairs with a wide grin herself upon seeing her friend so uncharacteristically happy. Anna shrugged, "I don't know," she honestly replied. "I just feel pretty good. Want to hang out?"

Thea smirked, "Hell yes! I so want some girl time!"

Anna flipped her hair, "Well of course, this is me we are talking about here."

"What did you have in mind?" Thea wondered while tugging on her overcoat. Anna pursed her lips, "How about coffee and a trip to Carter Provision? I've been meaning to check on it and I just got the all clear. Plus, there is a little eye candy in the form of my assistant that I know you like to look at so it's a win-win," she said while wiggling her eyebrows at the teenager. Thea groaned, "Don't embarrass me!" she whined.

Anna laughed and grabbed the car keys and together the girls were off on their journey.

•••

With Starbucks coffee in their hands, well a tea for Anna since coffee was not recommended for her ulcer, the girls entered through the clear glass doors of the Carter Provision and entered a lobby filled with business associates talking about their days while on their lunch breaks. The receptionist seated at the desk in the front looked up upon their entrance and she smiled when she saw her boss. "Ms. Carter! I wasn't informed you were coming in today," she said politely while shaking the woman's hand. Anna nodded, "I thought I would make a surprise visit. I am still on medical leave so I won't be returning to work just yet but I wanted to check in," she explained. "This is Thea Queen. She's shadowing today," she added while gesturing to the girl standing beside her. Thea smiled and shook the woman's hand. "May I take your coats?" the receptionist wondered.

Anna nodded and slipped off her coat, as did Nya, and handed them to the young woman who turned and hung them on the coat rack behind her seat. "So, tell me, Grace," Anna smiled, "How have things been running?"

The receptionist, Grace, grinned, "Very smoothly, Ms. Carter. Mr. Mitchell is handling things very well in your absence and has the assistance of all the associates. We have many projects under way and I'm sure Mr. Mitchell has already informed you of them."

"He has, I am very impressed with everyone's work. Well done," she congratulated. "So, what does everyone do here?" Thea wondered, asking the question to neither of the woman in particular. Grace smiled, "Here at the Carter Provision, our goal is to help those who may not be able to help themselves. We provide assistance to not only the growing homeless population of Starling City but also the less fortunate around us. That assistance is anything from food and clothes to building shelters around the Glades. Some projects are more expansive but we focus mainly on those. And with the new addition of the Taka plan, which may I say, Ms. Carter has integrated great with the rest of the company, we also provide assistance to those who have spent time with the judicial system and need recovery after release."

Ms. Carter giggled, "I could not have said it any better myself, Grace. I will make sure to update your company evaluation and express your helpfulness today. You have greatly impressed me," she informed the young girl who was seen blushing while trying to mask her growing smile. "Thank you very much, Ms. Carter. I hope you enjoy your visit," she said while watching the two girls walk to the elevators and entering. "She seems sweet," Thea said while they rode up the many floors in the lift. Anna nodded, "She is. Everyone here is trying to make an honest living. Grace is finishing up college and wants to have a future at the company here one day. Everyone has to start somewhere."

"She knew a lot about the company. Kind of seems like she was kissing your butt," the teenager joked. Anna laughed, "Like I said, it's only business. You have to start somewhere. My first job as a waitress taught me that and you better believe that I kissed my boss's ass to try to get the better section of the restaraunt for tips. My dad had money but it wasn't mine, it didn't feel the same," she explained to Thea who absorbed the information.

As they reached their destination, they were greeted immediately by Jordan Mitchell who hugged Annabelle instantly. "It's so great to see you here, Ms. Carter!" he cheered before stepping back and away from the laughing woman, "And it's great to see you, Jordan. I see the office building still stands and I haven't seen any fires yet so at first glance it seems like I left the right person in charge."

Jordan chuckled, then noticing Thea Queen and gave her a big smile and held out his hand for her to shake. "It is nice to see you again, Ms. Queen. I don't believe I have seen you since the Christmas party about... four... I think, months ago."

Thea nodded with her cheeky little smile, "Yeah, what a fun time that was. Joshua, right?" she asked as she shook his hand.

Jordan's smile turned to a frown and he nodded slightly, feeling now uncomfortable and embarrased that he was not remembered by the littlest Queen. Anna frowned once she noticed and she elbowed Thea who grunted in pain and glared at the woman. Anna gestured to the boy and Thea smirked, "I'm completely kidding, Jordan. I know your name. I don't forget things that easily," she assured him while losing interest in things and wandering around. Anna rolled her eyes, "Nevermind her," she told the boy while sipping her tea and walking forward toward their offices that bordered each others'. "So, tell me, Jordan," she began, entering his office behind him and standing in front of the large window as she looked out the city. "What's been going on? Any hiccups? Be honest."

Jordan shook his head and motioned to all the papers on his desk to which Anna lifted several and began examining. "None, actually. I've been looking through all the accounts you emailed and have been contacting donors all across the city. We are cutting things close this year, you know, but we are making it work," he admitted. She raised an eyebrow, "What do you mean 'cutting it close'?"

Jordan shrugged, "You know, less donors, less money, less assistance. We still have our major benefactors, some from the other side of the country and some here, but Merlyn Global Group just pulled out so we lost some major funding. We still have enough to fund all the projects we had planned, but we are going to have to do some mega fundraising in the Summer to make this up for next Fall."

Anna's smile fell and her expression was one of hurt and confusion all at the same time. "Merlyn Global Group pulled out? When? Why wasn't I informed of this? I asked you to fill me in on all major accounts and events. That is a major event."

Jordan froze. He didn't know what to say. He either messed up really bad or someone else did and he didn't know what to do. "I-I thought I mentioned it last week in the email. It's possible I didn't but it was on the agenda that I sent out."

"What agenda? I didn't get an email last week, Jordan," Anna chastised the boy who immediately sat down and began clicking through his computer. He sighed, bringing his head into his hands, "I sent it to everyone in the meeting and completely forgot to send it to you. I thought I did, Ms. Carter. I am so sorry and nothing like this will ever happen again, I can assure you. You did not make a mistake leaving me to handle these things but I guess I was flustered with the events that transpired and it slipped my mind."

Anna pursed her lips and sighed, "I am not angry with you, Jordan. Yes, I would like to have known but that's in the past. I just want to know more about them pulling their funding. What exactly happened?"

Jordan rummaged through files on his desk before pulling out a white envelope with a pink note on the front that read: MGG. Anna took it from his hands and opened it, reading the details on the first page. "I called our donors last week for the semi-quarterly update and when I called Merlyn Global Group and asked to verify information, I was told by Mr. Merlyn's assistant that they were unable to continue their funding. I asked to be transferred to Mr. Merlyn himself and he just told me that due to 'unforeseen circumstances' in a project of theirs they 'would be unable to grant us donations at this time or any time in the future.' I tried to keep him on the line while I transferred him to our donations manager but he hung up. I've been calling their office every day just for more information but I honestly think they blocked our number."

Anna shook her head and groaned, "They were our biggest benefactor. What are we going to do? A bake sale like grade school children? There are hundreds of people that rely on this account."

Jordan shook his head in understanding, "I completely agree, Ms. Carter. However, this is not something for you to worry about at this time because your health is more important. And you are now stressing about this and Mr. Queen was very adamant I do nothing to stress you out so I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to ask you to leave," he sternly said while gesturing to the door. Anna smirked and folded her arms across her chest, watching as the boy stood in front of her with a dumbfounded look on his face. He was trying so hard to be assertive.

"I'm going to take this file and look this over. Leave an agenda on my desk for when I return. I will be calling Merlyn Global Group myself even if it takes organizing a meeting with Malcolm to understand this. But, it can wait till my doctor clears me."

Jordan smiled and took the note before walking Anna to the elevator. There they found Thea who was leaning against the wall with an annoyed look. "I finished harassing your employees five minutes ago. Can we get a move on?"

Anna rolled her eyes and nodded, pressing the button on the elevator and entering with the girl. "Jordan, do you mind going to make sure those employees are alright?"

Jordan nodded with a smile, "I will see you soon, Ms. Carter."

"Yes, thank you, Jordan. And don't leave me out of those agendas any longer!" she called as the doors shut.

She sighed and stood next to Thea who hummed along to the elevator tunes and took a sip of her macchiato. "So, what's new?"

Anna shrugged, "In the business world, we call what Jordan and I were just discussing a 'setback.' But in my world, we call this 'I will kick Malcolm Merlyn's sorry ass if he continues to come after my business.' He wants to play with fire, Thea. And I would like to see him try."

•••

The rest of the day dragged on, ending with Thea and Annabelle eating fast food and watching a cheesy rom-com on the television in the living room. They had done face masks earlier in the night as well as painted each other's nails and now Anna was flashing light blue nails while Thea was rocking a dark purple. Oliver wandered into the house later that evening after spending the day at the club and when he walked in, he noticed Thea and Anna curled together on the couch, both drifting off, and the movie credits rolling in the background. He smirked and placed his coat on the hook near the door and then stepped in to the room where a brown paper bag of fast food trash was sitting on the coffee table. He picked it up silently and tossed it in the trash before entering the room again and shutting the TV off.

The absence of soft music was enough to wake Thea up. She groggily sat up and looked around the room, noticing the sleeping Annabelle Carter next to her and a very amused Oliver Queen standing next to the television with his arms folded and a signature grin on his face. "Oh, it's you," Thea grumbled while rubbing her eyes. "Great to see you, too, sis," Oliver chuckled while reaching out his hand for her to take. She accepted and he lifted her off the couch gently. Thea stretched her arms and glanced at the time on her phone before rolling her head back in exasperation. It was eleven at night. "Looks like you wore out my girlfriend," he pointed out, gesturing to the girl collapsed on the sofa. "Oh, are you two finally and officially back together?" Thea sassed. Oliver pushed his sister's arm playfully and she smirked, "About time."

Oliver watched as the teenager walked away, most likely upstairs so she could collapse onto her bed and go to sleep. He turned his attention to his girlfriend who had no intention of moving. "Hey," Oliver whispered, kneeling down to her face level and brushing a strand of hair away from her eyes. "Why don't you come to bed?" he added, watching as the girl slowly opened her eyes and looked around while lifting her head. "What time is it? Where's Thea?" she asked.

Oliver helped the woman up and slung an arm over her shoulder as they walked toward the stairs. "It's eleven, and Thea just went to bed. What did you guys do today?"

Anna shrugged, taking each step up the stairs heavily and with tiredness. "Got coffee, went to the Provision, got food, watched a movie," she explained. "Oh, and painted our nails," she smiled while wiggling her fingers in Oliver's face as they entered his room. He swatted her hand away with a grin stretching across his face and she giggled. "Why'd you go to the Provision?"

Anna sighed, sitting on his bed and tugging the comforter over herself. "I wanted to visit and see how things were going. Doc hasn't cleared me to work yet," she said while curling up against him. He hummed and rubbed a hand up and down her arm in a soothing way. "How was your doctor visit today? Any troubles?"

Anna shook her head. "She said I'm making progress but hasn't cleared me for exercise or work yet. But she did say that I have PTSD and that explains all the nightmares I've been having."

Oliver scoffed, "Well I could've told you that you have PTSD. We both do and we don't hide it that well. Memories last forever."

Anna huffed and found herself scrunching Oliver's shirt in her fist. "Yeah, they do."

"Tell me more about the Provision. What's new there?"

Anna whined, "Nothing good. Malcolm Merlyn pulled his funding and now we don't have enough money to fund our Summer projects. We'll finish the Spring season fine but after that, I-I don't know what will happen."

Oliver frowned, many thoughts circling his mind about the guy that Thea was sure his mom was having an affair with. "He just stopped donating? Isn't there some legal shit involved in that?"

Anna hummed, toying with the fabric of her boyfriend's shirt. "I don't know, actually. My dad handled all that stuff. There's a lot in the Provision files that I haven't gotten around to yet."

Oliver sighed, "I know you aren't on good terms with her and for good reason, but maybe talk to Laurel. I can imagine she will offer you free legal advice in exchange for actually talking to her. It might be helpful. Malcolm Merlyn is a shady guy and someone needs to put him in his place."

Anna laughed, "Yeah, right. How did Tommy end up the way he did with a dad like that? That man is all kinds of twisted. I think on some level my dad was scared of him."

"Ah, the Starling Triad. Merlyn Global Group, Queen Consolidated, and the Carter Provision," Oliver grinned. Anna narrowed her eyebrows, "And Merlyn Global Group is the only one left unscathed," she muttered, making Oliver frown, "What?"

Anna sat up, her curiosity taking over now. "Think about it, Ollie. Your dad and you, the rightful heir to the company fortune, and me, the rightful heir to the Provison, are all in the same boat accident. That knocks out major competition from Queen Consolidated and dents the Provision. Then, The Provision loses its founders and CEO. The only company that hasn't been affected in the slightest is Merlyn Global Group!"

Oliver thought about it, "I think you're reading into this," he said hesitantly. Anna patted his chest repeatedly and shook her head, "No, Ollie! Think about it! As soon as I got my company under control I got a letter from Malcolm saying he can't wait to do business with me but then months later he completely retracts all funding from my company with no explanation. What if MGG is behind this? I-I don't know if it's Malcolm himself but it's a large corporation. It could be someone inside the company! It makes too much sense for this to be a coincidence. It all adds up!"

Oliver pursed his lips and pondered, "If you're right, and I'm not completely on board, then what's their end game? The Provision is stable and my mom is running Queen Consolidated. If you're right then killing our parents wasn't the end, they won't stop until the businesses are ruined completely."

Anna slowly laid back down, "Well we have to make sure that doesn't happen."