Returning new Hope
Part 11
By Yuki Wildstar
4th April, 2212
“Don’t you touch him!” Nova screamed. She ran towards her children and shielded them from his anger.
“Come here slut!” he grabbed her by the hair and dragged her across the room. Nova fought trying to get control and swung to protect her children.
Alexander Wildstar ran towards Aaron and began to hit him
on his back as he held Nova by the hair. “LET MY MOM GO!” he yelled.
“Get off of me you little shit!” he turned and pushed Alex across the room.
Nova jumped up from his grip and ran for a pot. She swung hard at him hitting him on the shoulder. She turned to her children and screamed. “GO! Get out of here, now!” She hit him again knocking him down to the ground. Nova quickly ran over to DJ and shook him. “Take your sister and go! Run and don’t look back. Go to the house down the street and call your,” she almost said when she felt him grab her by the hair again. “DJ GO!” she screamed. Alex took hold of his baby sister and snatched his brother’s hand and ran out the door. Nova felt his fist hit her hard in the face. She fought hard swinging back at him like a wild animal protecting her babies. He shoved her into the wall and then then picked her up and tossed her against the table. She moaned from the pain that shot all over her body. She slowly tried to get up and defend herself but he grabbed her by the arm and began to slap her on the face. Trying to protect her face he took hold of her by the throat and began to squeeze it. She fought harder to escape his grip. She managed to kick him hard in his groin and he dropped her to the floor. She lay on the floor gasping for air when he came up to her and bent down then punched her in the face. She blank out and woke up to him kicking her in the stomach. She rolled into a ball preventing him from causing more damage to her ribs. She black out again and Aaron stopped hitting her. He looked down at her and gave her one more kick before leaving.
Alex and DJ with Miku in tow ran faster down the street to a nearby neighbor. Alex and DJ bang hard on the door until someone opened it. Mrs. Mato looked at the three children and said, “My word what happened to you?” she reached for Alex’s face and examined it closer. “Come in, hurry.” She told them.
“I need to call my father.” Alex said breathing heavily. “My mom is hurt. He hurt her bad.”
“Who child? Who hurt your mother?” she asked in fear. For some time now she knew something wasn’t right with her boyfriend. He seemed too controlling and unsociable. He never wanted to talk with them and when Nova was visiting he would call her to come back to the house. “Take your sister to the living room DJ. I’ll call the police and ambulance. Alex, here take my cell and call your father.” She gave him the cell and picked up her land line. Both dial quickly and began to talk. Mrs. Mato spoke into the phone and requested a police squad to come out. Mr. Mato put his jacket on and walked back to the house. He found it in shambles. Broken plates and glass everywhere, there were holes in the wall where he pushed her into. Mr. Mato’s walked slowly around the center aisle to see her unconscious on the floor. He ran to her and turned her over. Her face was batter and bruised. He almost didn’t recognize her. He heard her moan and he lifted her head. “It’s alright young lady, help is on the way.”
“My, my,” she coughed. “Al,”
“The children are fine. They’re at my house with my wife. Try not to move. Save your strength.” He said. He sat with her until he heard the siren of the police squad and ambulance. He ran out the door and waved them in. “She’s in here. He beat her pretty bad.”
They rushed in and were amazed at the mess. They walked over to her and the young EMT spoke. “Hi there, we are going to take care of you before we take you to the hospital. Who did this to you?”
“That no good boyfriend of hers. His name is Aaron Peterson. He works for Branson Industries. We wanted to warn her but he never let us near her or the children.”
“Children”?
“They’re fine, they are down the street with my wife. Someone has to call the father, her ex-husband. He needs to know.”
“Who is the father?”
“Captain Derek Wildstar.” He said.
The room went silent and they all started to look at each other. “THE Captain Derek Wildstar?” Mr. Mato shook his head yes and they work faster on her. Quickly and with ease they place her on the gurney and rolled her onto the ambulance. It took off within second towards the hospital.
Alex’s sat with his brother and sister tears running down his face. His face red to where he slapped him and pain shot through his body from being thrown. He wanted to kill him for hurting his mother. He tried and knew that he let her down. After an hour they heard their father’s car pull up and DJ ran to the door. Derek Wildstar was let into the house by Mrs. Mato and walked over to where Alex sat with his sister. He let out his arms and they all ran into them. “It’s alright. It’s alright guys. I’m here. What happened?”
Alex wiped his face and spoke to his father. “It’s my fault dad. I should have fought harder.”
“Wait a minute what happened?” he asked his son again.
“Mom and Aaron were arguing and she told him to get out. He started to say bad things about her and I told him to stop. He slapped me and pushed me down. Dad, she tried to hit him and he hit her back. I tried Dad, I tired really hard,” his voice trailed off. Derek took his son in his arms and held him tight. “I tried to stop him daddy, I really tried.” He broke down and cried.
Wildstar looked up as tears ran down his face. “Where is she?” he asked Mrs. Mato.
“Oliver went down to the house. I think the ambulance took her to the hospital.”
“Mrs. Mato can you watch them until their uncle Stephen comes. He should be here in a few minutes.”
“Of course Captain.”
Wildstar gave his children one more hug and told Alex to stay there until their Uncle Stephen came for them. He got into his car and drove down to her house. The ambulance was already gone and the police stood around taking notes. He walked into the house and saw the mess that lay in front of him. One of the officers walked over to him and asked. “Can I help you sir?”
“I’m Derek Wildstar, her ex-husband. What happened?”
“Looks like a bad case of domestic violence. He beat her up pretty bad.”
“Have they caught him yet?”
“No sir, we have all units looking out for him.” The officer said.
“I’ll have my men join in the search.” Wildstar said, his anger growing more as he looked around.
“Sir, Great Island PD has this under control. You don’t,”
Wildstar snapped at him, “If you had this under control you would have him in custody. Find him before my men do.”
“Sir we don’t like being threatened.”
Wildstar grabbed him by the collar and looked into his face. “Do you know who she is! She is Nova Forrester Wildstar, a member of the Star Force and my wife! So get off your asses and FIND HIM!”
He pushed Wildstar away and said in an angry tone. “Sir You’re under arrest for,”
“SERGEANT! Stand down right now.” The officer turned around and saw his superior standing behind him. “Captain Wildstar my apologies the sergeant here is a bit stupid. Of course it would be alright to have your men help in the search.” Captain Randell Blakely was an older man with reseeding greying hair and a mustached that stretched from ear to ear. He was short with a belly that hung over his pants. He also served with Captain Avatar on many occasions and helped in going to Iscandar. He walked to Wildstar side and said. “Sorry Wildstar.”
“It’s alright.”
“Were the kids here?” he asked him.
Wildstar nodded and said, “Yes they were. Alex has a red mark across his face and Miku’s is shaken up. DJ’s arm is a little red from his imprint of his hand. I’ll have Doctor Sane look at them at the house.” He looked away from Blakely and said, “I’d like to see her.”
“Of course, I’ll have the sergeant here give you an escort to the hospital. If we hear anything on Mr. Peterson I will call you personally.”
“Thank you Randell.” He looked around one last time and said. “Can we keep this out of the press?”
“I will order my men to not speak to anyone or face suspension.”
They shook hands and Wildstar got in his car as a police car ran in front of him escorting him all the way nonstop to the hospital. He walked in the hospital and asked where they took Nova. They gave him the floor and room number and he took the elevator up to the fifth floor. He walked down the hall and looked for room number 12. He took deep breath and knocked softly on the door before entering the room. She laid on the bed her back against the door with the blanket covering her body. “Nova? baby.”
“Go away.” She softly said.
“Not this time Nova,” he said as he walked around to see her. His heart almost stopped when he saw her. Her face was swollen and discolored with bruises. He took the chair and sat it in front of her. “I’m sorry baby but I’m here to stay so don’t try to fight me on this.” He told her.
“Please Derek, don’t look at me.”
“Why?”
“Because I look hideous.”
“No you don’t you always look beautiful to me.” He pushed a hair strain out of her face and smiled at her.
“The kids?”
“They’re fine. Mrs. Mato has them until Sandor comes for them. They’re a little shaken up but they’ll be fine. I called Doctor Sane and he said he will look them over to make sure that their okay. Right now they’re worried about you.”
“I tried Derek, I tried but he was too strong.”
“I know baby. Don’t worry about anything. I just want you to get better.” He told her. The doctor walked into the room and went over her chart with him. He watched as the nurse helped her up to shower and saw as her body was covered in black and blues. He turned away fuming in anger to what he did to his ex-wife. ‘I swear Nova he is going to pay for this.’ He thought. They gave her a sanative to get her to sleep while he sat there watching her. An hour later he heard a gentle knock on the door and looked up to see Venture standing in the door way. Wildstar walked out the room and they walked down the hall.
It’s been a long time since they settled their differences on what happen with him and Nova. Mark Venture always may it clear to Wildstar that he would like to remain friends and see his god son. When he saw the picture of Wildstar with Mei he was angry and frustrated that he allowed him to do it to her again. Sandor kept him in the states until the dust settled and Nova and Derek moved on with their lives. He called her from the states one time and spoke to her about what happened. She made it clear that him trying to return would only make this more complicated and it was best for her to just concentrate on her children then hooking up with another man. Venture understood and offered anything he could do to help her. “How is she?” Venture asked him.
He shook his head and sighed. “I want his head on a platter. Any word?”
“Nothing yet, but we are covering every air field, bus terminal and train station. He’s not going to be able to get off Great Island. I gave orders to bring him to HQ. We’ll find him Derek, I promise you.”
“I want him, he touched my kids and he did that to Nova. I want him dead.”
“I understand Wildstar.” He said. “Do you want me to call Mei?”
He shook his head and said, “No. This is a family matter. I don’t want anyone to know about this. Make sure it’s not in the press. I want this under tight lock. No one is to talk about this. I’ve already asked Captain Randell and he’s ordered his men to keep a tight lid on this. Call him and see to it that it is done.”
“I will.” Venture place his hand on his shoulder and said. “Tell her we are all thinking of her.”
“I will. Call me the minute you hear something.” Venture nodded and they said their good byes. Wildstar walked back into the room and put the chair in front of her. He stayed with her all night watching her sleep and tossing and turning to the night mare she was having. He told Sandor not to bring the kids to see her yet. He would stop by during the week to check in on them and tell them that their mother was doing well. Most of his time was spent at the hospital watching her. She didn’t say much to him and he didn’t force her to talk. He figured that she would tell him sooner or later. 5 days later Venture came up and waved him out of the room. “What’s up?” he asked Venture.
“We found him. He’s being held at HQ now in one of the old underground integration rooms. You wouldn’t believe the balls on this one. He made his appearance at a function for batter women with a new girlfriend, needless to say, the shock on his face when our MP’s arrested him. What do you want to do now?”
“Take me to him.” Wildstar demanded. They drove back to headquarters
in silence, Wildstar thinking of his ex-wife and her recovery, Venture
wondering what he will do to Peterson. Entering the building they all looked on
as he made his way to the basement where they held their prisoners. Peterson
sat in a dim lit room with a metal table and two chairs across each other. He
was at a luncheon with a new girl in tow when they showed up to arrest him. The
color drained from his face when he saw them walking towards him. Now he sat
waiting to see what will happen next. The door flew opened and watch as a
shadow walk into the room. When the light hit his face he knew that he would
show no mercy on him. 
His pictures were always in her house. The kids adored
their father and now he stood before him. Wildstar put his cover on the table
and took the other chair and sat across from him. “Hello Aaron. So I see you
were stupid enough to be caught. What do you have to say?” Wildstar said. Peterson
lip quiver as he tried to think of what to say. How could he make it look like
she started it? No he would not see it that way. “Well I’m waiting.” Wildstar
said in a calm manner while putting on leather gloves. Aaron put his head in
his hands and began to cry. “Crying isn’t going to get you out of this one. So
what do you have to say for yourself?”
“You can’t hold me here. I demand to see a lawyer.” He told Wildstar. “You have no jurisdiction here.”
“What make you think that the regular police want anything to do with this? As far as they are concern you simply disappeared. So you’re pretty much on your own. Now do you still want that lawyer? I might have one in mind. He happens to be an excellent lawyer from the states. He hasn’t practice in a while but he just might take your case pro bono. Let me see if I can remember his name.” Wildstar slapped his head and smiled, “Oh yeah, how stupid of me, his name is James Forrester. I do believe he is related to Nova. Hmm, oh yeah it’s her father.” He finally leaned forward and Aaron could see his brown eyes turn black with hate and fear ran down his back. His hands shook and he began to sweat. “Do you really think that I would let you just walk away into the arms of Great Island authority? You’re a bigger fool then I thought you were. So what do you think I should do to you?”
“I, I don’t, I don’t know. Hand me over to the proper authority?”
Wildstar laughed out loud to his answer. “You’re a funny man. I like that. Even in despair you have a sense a humor.” Wildstar sat back again and sized him out. “So when did you start beating on defenseless women? Is it a pleasure you have?”
“I never meant to hurt her.”
“I see, you never meant to beat her to an inch of her life. Not to mention hurting my kids. Oh that’s right I happened to be her kids father. Are you going to tell me that you didn’t want to hurt my kids either?”
“That was an accident.”
Wildstar stood up and slammed his hands on the table. “An Accident! Really do you take me for a fool!” Petersons looked down and Wildstar stared to where he was looking. “For god sakes.” He walked over to the door and called to the MP. “Take him to the bathroom and have him clean himself up. Get him a change of clothes.” He turned to Peterson and said. “You disgust me. This is not over. Get him out of here.” The MP help Peterson’s to his feet and looked down in disgust as to the puddle on the floor.
Wildstar walked out of the room and into another that over looked the other room. “Looks like you scared the crap out of him.” Venture said.
“Hmm, more like the piss. And thank god it was only that. I don’t think I can take him crapping on himself.”
“Now what Wildstar?”
“I’m not through with him yet. He’s going to wish that he was never born. You want to take a crack at him?” He grinned.
“With pleasure and I think we have a few more guys that would love to too. Whadda ya say?” Venture grinned back.
“I can live with that.” 
Peterson was escorted back to the room clean and in a work jump suit that they had. He sat in the same chair as Venture paced around the room making him nervous more than when Wildstar was there. “Peterson is it?” Venture asked him. He nodded his head yes and Venture smiled making him less nervous. “I have to apologize for my dear friend and how he has been. Would you like anything? Some water, tea, coffee. How about a smoke? It looks like you can use one.” He motion over to the guard and he passed Peterson a cigarette. Giving him a light Venture sat down and waited for him to take a puff. Peterson hands shook as he took a puff and inhale the toxic fumes. Venture lean forward and gave him another smile then slap him hard across the face. “There’s no smoking here.”
“But, but you said,”
“Shut up! Sergeant, get him an ashtray I don’t want him desecrating our integration room. Now I understand you would like a lawyer present.” He bowed his head and nodded yes. “Well if that is all you wanted. Sergeant, can you call Mr. Peterson a lawyer. You know what, I do believe Captain Wildstar mention an excellent lawyer. Hmm, what was the name he gave?”
The Sergeant rubbed his chin and smiled. “I believe it was a James, hmm, James something or other. I can’t seem to remember sir.”
“Right, James, um, oh yeah! I remember, James Forrester.”
“But sir, isn’t that Commander Forrester’s father?”
“Why I believe it is, Sergeant. Hmm, shame that you like to beat up on women and the fact that you put your hands on his daughter he may send you up the river without a paddle. So good luck in finding anyone better,” Venture stood up and grabbed his cover. “Sergeant, I believe Commander Glitchman would like him searched. So if you don’t mind?”
The Sergeant smiled wide and pulled out of his pocket a pair of latex gloves. He slid his hand into them and slapped it into place. “I need you to stand up and bend over the table.” Peterson face went white and almost passed out. Grabbing him by the underarm the sergeant positioned him on the table then started his search.
From the other room Wildstar almost laughed out loud for what Venture suggested. Venture walked into the room and gave him a wink. “You think he will hold it together?”
“We’ll have to wait and see.” For hours they integrated him. By the next morning Peterson was exhausted and crying. Wildstar finally walked into the room and sat in front of him with his arms crossed. “So how was your night? I myself had a great night. I slept really well. ”
“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry.” He whimpered.
“Oh but there’s nothing to be sorry about, after all she probably deserved to be slapped around. Oh gosh and the kids could be a little much. Sometimes I want to give them a good spanking. I mean you’re a big man, you have to keep them in line. Isn’t that right Captain Venture?” He looked over to the two way mirror. “But you know what I know, she didn’t deserve it. I was married to her and she could never hurt a fly. But if she thought you were going to hurt our children she would die trying to protect them. Oh did I say OUR children, you smug son of bitch!” Wildstar snapped and swung forward punching him straight in the face. Peterson fell back off his chair and onto the floor. Wildstar came around and looked at him as he tried to curl up in a ball. With his left foot he kicked him hard in his stomach. “Hurts, doesn’t it.” Wildstar said then kicked him again. From the sound of impact Wildstar heard him moan and something snapped. He lean down and grabbed him by the throat. “How does it feel to be man handle like a bitch?” His grip grew tighter and Peterson began to choke for air. “How do you feel now, you piece of shit! You should have never put your hands on her or my kids. She is everything to me and my kids. You smug little prick.” he whispered into his ear. Gripping tighter Wildstar wanted to choke the life out of him.
“Captain WILDSTAR!” he heard Venture yell behind him. “Let him go. We need to talk.” Wildstar glared at Peterson with frustration. He let him go and Peterson drop to the floor gasping for air. He walked to Venture and Venture put his arm around his shoulder. “I know you want to kill him. I want to kill him. But we can’t. We just have to think of something to make him pay for what he did to Nova.”
“I just need a few more minutes with him.”
“No, Wildstar he’s had enough.”
Wildstar spun around and glared at him. “He hasn’t had enough, trust me. He needs to suffer more.”
“Listen, let’s give it a rest. Nova is going to be release from the hospital in a couple of weeks. Maybe you should spend some time with her before she goes back home.” Venture suggested. Wildstar nodded his head and took his suggestion.
20th of April, 2212
Her room was covered in flowers, mostly from him. He knocked gently on the door and peeked inside the room. He smiled to see her standing near the window. She turned and tried to give him a smile. “Hello gorgeous, how do you feel today. Sorry I wasn’t here earlier I had something important to do.” He brushed a strain of hair from her face and gently kissed her cheek. The swelling on her face was starting to go down and some of the bruises slowly started to vanish. Her eye would take a longer time to heal as it still was swollen. He rubbed her eye gently and said. “So I hear their sending you home soon.”
She looked away from him and sighed. “I think I should just check into a hotel. I’m not ready to go back there.”
She’s right he thought and before he could stop himself he said. “Hey how about you and the kids go on vacation. Some place relaxing. I’ll tell you what I’ll make all the arrangements and all you have to do is get on the plane.”
“I don’t know Derek.”
He placed his finger in front of her mouth and said. “It’s already done. So all I need you to do is get better.”
She wiped her tears and smiled at him. Even after all this time he was still loving and companionate. He was always there for her and their children even after she left him and divorced him. She knew he still loved her and that bound would never be broken. “Thank you Derek. How are the kids?” she asked. Since her ordeal she made sure that he kept them away until she was better. She didn’t want them to see her broken.
“They miss their mother very much. They can’t wait to be home with you again.” He said softly.
“Where are they staying?”
“At my place with your mother.”
“What about Mei?”
“I think its best that only family deal with this. Right now they don’t need someone they barely know trying to make them comfortable. Your mom has been a god sent. She’s been keeping them entertain. Now let’s get you eating something. I brought you some soup from D’s place that you like. Come here and sit down.”
“Derek, I’m not really hungry.”
“You have to eat. You’re losing too much weight, your starting to look like bones. Now come here and eat.” He took hold of her hand and made her sit down on the bed. Little by little he fed her the soup until it was all gone. He talked to her about the vacation and how excited their children were going to be. “It’s going to do you some good. Trust me. You’re going to come back like your old self.” By the end of the day he sat with her until she fell asleep.
25th of April, 2212
A few days later they finally released her from the hospital and Derek whisked her away before anyone knew she was there. He drove her straight to the air field as their kids and her mother waited for them. She got out of the car and they ran into her arms. Nova cried hard as she hugged them tight. Wildstar watched as tears rolled down his face. While she finished her recovery he was at headquarters dealing with Peterson. By the end of the fourth day he was a broken man. He begged them to kill him. Wildstar finally handed him over to the authority where he would stand trial. They never question about the bruises all over Peterson’s body, they didn’t care to ask. Nova would have to relive it in the court room but for now she needed to get away. “Alright everyone let’s go.” Wildstar announced.
Nova looked up at him confused. “Are you coming with us?”
“Of course this is a family vacation. Anyway I think you can use the help with the kids. Your mom can’t go she has to stay here and help your father put the case together for the trial. Come on it will be fun. Promise.” He crossed his heart.
“Derek, what about Mei?”
“Don’t worry about her, she understands.” He said. He figured he’d call her when they land and tell her he had to go, some last minute meetings in the west coast. They all boarded and the plane took off. The flight to Hawaii was long and once they landed they were exhausted with the time difference. Derek drove them to a house that sat on the beach. It was a one story bungalow that sat off a cove, mountains surrounded it and it was very seclude so no press could sneak in and take picture. He arranged for extra security to patrol the grounds with orders shoot to kill. He smiled as she looked around, touching things and then walking onto the opened patio that looked over the beach. Nova walked to one of the large suites and lay down as he put the kids down to sleep. Derek walked into the room and found her fast asleep on the bed. He pulled the blanket and covered her. He slipped into bed next to her and hugged her. He closed his eyes and fell asleep while he took in her perfume.
Nova woke up to the sun shining on her face. She realized that someone was in the bed with her. She turned to see him sleeping next to her. Quietly she slid from his arms and into the bathroom. When she came out he was sitting up on the bed. He smiled at her and she blushed. “How do you feel?” he asked her.
“Okay, I guess. I should get dress, the kids will be up soon.”
“Why don’t you just stay in bed and I’ll get them. It’s time that you get pampered.” He got up and walked to her. He slipped his arms around her waist and said. “I’m here for you Nov, I want you to get better. Psychically and emotionally. Our children need you.”
Their first few days, Nova didn’t say much to him, she
chatted with their children listening to what was going on in their lives while
she was in the hospital. Alex stayed close to her while Wildstar watched as
Alex tried to protect her from emotional pain. He helped with his brother and
sister while their father walked on the beach with their mother. He stayed by
her side quietly as she took in the cool breeze when they walked. At times she
would stop and cry and he would hold her, assuring her that all will be
alright. He kept her out of the press and made sure that the guards kept tight
security around his family. Sandor owed the house for many years and barley
used it, he thought it would be prefect to take her there. Sandor bought it for
just that, privacy. 
Five days into their vacation Nova sat on the dune
watching the water hit the shore. The sun was finally settling down for the
night and the cool breeze blew through her hair. Derek walked out towards her
after settling the children to a movie. He sat next to her and put his arm
around her shoulder. She lean her head on his shoulder and wiped her tears from
her face. “I’m sorry Derek.” She began. “I should have seen all the warning
signs. He seemed so nice and charming in the beginning. But then he just
started to get demanding. I didn’t see it at first I just thought he was being
protective and keeping me to himself. Gosh! I should have seen the signs.” She
shook her head. “He was manipulating how I dressed. He wanted some of your
picture removed. I just thought he was a little jealous.”
“When did he first hit you?” Derek asked.
“We had a fight about you calling so early. I told him that you will always be in my life because of the kids. He went off the deep end and it escalated to an argument. He slapped me and I told him to get out. I’d figured that we talk when the kids were with you and I could end it. I should have known, Derek. I should have known. The rough sex and when I told him to be a little gentler he was more forceful. I was going to end it before it got out of hand but,” She tried to smile and gave him a lite laugh. “Then you called asking me if it was okay to introduce the kids to Mei. I knew that you were going to ask her to marry you. So I didn’t end it. Then he came by that day smelling like alcohol and I should have known to walk away. But he started to act like a drunken idiot. He started to make rude remarks about us in front of Alex so he attacked him. My god I let this monster into our children’s lives. How could I have done that.” she stopped talking and held back her cries. Derek listen to her tale as his blood boiled at what happen. Now he wished that he did kill him. Venture called him days later and told him that there would be no trial, he pleaded guilty and the judge sentenced him to 25 years. As far as Derek was concern it wasn’t enough time behind bars. “Derek, I’m so sorry that I put our kids in the middle of it. I’ll never do it again. I just want to raise my kids and forget about men completely.” Derek laughed at her and hugged her tighter. “She seems really nice Derek, I hope she makes you happy.”
“Huh, who?” Her comment threw him a loop and for a second he almost forgot about Mei. “It’s not as serious as you think.”
“But I thought that you wanted to introduce them to her. I figured that you were ready to pop the question.”
Derek laughed out loud at her. “That wasn’t in the cards, trust me.” He wasn’t about to run into another marriage. Even though she has been hinting at the fact he was avoiding her like the plague. He never saw himself with anyone other than his wife. As far as he is concern Nova was his wife and he still referred her as such. “It’s getting late and cold, why don’t we get back to the house. The movie the kids are watching is probably almost over.” He kissed her on the forehead and helped her to her feet. They stood looking at each other, her heart racing to see into his eyes. She looked away and they walked back to the house. Since their arrival at the house he slept in the same bed with her, comforting her at night to sleep. Each night her tossing and turning became less and less. After a week she seemed a little relax around him. As the time went on he would check his calls from time to time and Mei left numerous messages. He never returned her calls and didn’t want to until Nova was healthy. Nova soon talked to her children about what happened, bringing them closer as a family. She assured her oldest son that he was not to blame at what happened. He was only a child and he wouldn’t have been able to help. It was best that he took his brother and sister out and get help. He did the right thing. Almost three weeks since they arrived he heard her really laugh. He smiled at her and laugh with her. They walked on the beach every night after the kids went to sleep. They would talk about nothing and what she plan to do when they returned back to Great Island. “Maybe I’ll stay here forever. It’s so peaceful and beautiful here. The kids would love it.”
Derek heart sank as the words came out of her mouth. “Well I was kind of hoping you would come back to the house. I mean, it’s just sitting there and it is the house I take the kids too when I have them.”
“I don’t know. I need to start fresh somewhere else. Anyway, who is going to want me now?”
He could hear the low self-esteem in her voice and he brought her face to look at him. “Are you kidding me, your beautiful, smart and loving. Anyone would be happy to be with you, including me.”
“Is that an offer, Captain?” she smirked.
“It’s always an offer.” In the short time they were there he knew he wanted her back. Mei was a great girl but he could never forget Nova. She was his wife and despite his infidelities he loved her more then he knew. He thought about all the press leakage back on Earth and wondered how they got a hold of the pictures that were plaster on every smut magazine. His year away was tracked since the day he and Mei started their affair. He wasn’t sure how those pictures made it back to Earth but when he walked into his house he knew she saw them and was gone for good. Now he was getting a second chance if she would let him. “Seriously Nov, what about giving it another try? I missed you so much and the thought of someone almost taking you away from me I almost wanted to die. What do you say?”
Nova stood still stunned to hear him tell her that. Her
eyes filled with tears and she nodded franticly. “No, no, we can’t do that. I
don’t want to be the other woman. Mei deserves a chance with you.”
He gave her a cross look and said. “I don’t think it will work between us. She wants a show dog and I want you.”
“I don’t understand?” Nova asked.
“I didn’t think anything of it until now, but I always wonder how those pictures made it here to Earth.”
“What does it matter anymore Derek? It’s pretty much over between us.” She told him, remembering the pain when she first saw the papers with his picture on them.
He huffed and said. “Is it really over Nov? I never wanted to divorce you. You already drew up the papers and left them on our bed with all those clippings. You never gave me a chance to explain.”
“What is there to explain? You slept with someone else. Not just a night but for a whole year. You and she played a couple for a whole year while I sat at home with our children waiting for you.” she said bitterly.
“Look I know it hurt you,”
“I don’t want to argue about it, Derek. It’s over and in the past.” She said quickly.
“As much as I don’t want to revisit that scene again, I know it was her that leaked it all to the press. And that is why it would never work between us. I guess when I get back I’ll have to break the news to her. I’m not excusing what I did, Nov. You’ve made it very clear. But I never wanted you to find out like that.” He took her hand into his and brought it to his chest. “I still love you. Please, just give it another chance. I promise you won’t regret it.”
She pulled her hand away and stepped back. “I can’t do this now Derek. I need to think.” She said.
“Nova, come on. We can pick up where we left off. Happy with each other and raising the kids together. Just give me one more chance, I promise,”
“Stop it!” she snapped. “I have been hurt enough, both psychically and emotionally. My heart and mind are not going to let it happen anymore. Psychically I am drain to all men. I don’t want the promises, I don’t want lies and I sure as hell don’t want you blowing sunshine up my ass because of what happened. My life is now about my children and nothing more. So spare me the ‘I’m sorry about what happen’. Just leave me alone.” She turned and ran into the house.
6th of June, 2212 . . . . .
She avoided his stares and kept her distance. The thought of his proposal made her think of all the pain he put her through. Why should she even consider him back into her life? She sat up in bed staring out the French doors that led to the porch and out the beach. Her mind couldn’t forget what he asked her. ‘He asked you to marry him. Why not give it another chance. He cheated on me, he lived with her for a whole year, that’s why. Your affair was one night and you regretted it. He had an ongoing thing with her. They were a couple. If he had any regrets he would have never kept it going. But I love him so much and he asked me to marry him again. It would make us a family again. Don’t go that route again Nova, he will hurt you again. She thought and argued in her head. It was a cool night and she covered her feet to keep them warm. He knocked gently on the door and poked his head in. “Hey, are you still up?” He asked.
She nodded her head and tried to smile at him. “I was just looking out to the sea but if your here to,”
“I come in peace, I’m just checking in on you, I promise.” he told her then sat down on the bed.
“Derek, I really don’t think,” she began.
“Listen I didn’t mean to get you upset. I was only trying to tell you how I feel. I love you and missed you.”
“Please don’t start with that again. I really can’t deal with it all. We had our time together and it didn’t work. You and I are just over. Anyway I don’t want to be the other woman. I have been on the one side of the fence I don’t want to be on the other.”
“I’m not asking you to be. Please hear me out.” He touched her leg and softly rubbed it. “I know you hate me for what happened. I hate myself too. I lost you because I was stupid and weak. My own son hated me and only because of you is the only reason he let his wall down. Nova, I breathe and think of you every day. I lost you and then he almost took you away from all of us. I love you and want you back.” His voice grew deeper and horsed. “I love you please just give me one more chance.” He reach over to touch her face and lean in to kiss her. She hesitated at first then let his lips touch hers. Their kiss started softly then grew more heated. He moved her back on to the bed taking in her kiss.
She stopped and said, “What about Mei?”
“Who?” he smirked. Though making love to Mei was nice, she wasn’t Nova. Mei was more technical and after a while she seemed bored with their love making. He felt she was a million miles away thinking of the next meeting with other diplomats. He started to sense she like being on his arms when they attended functions. She began to parade him around the room introducing him with high regard as to who he is. He would blush profusely and asked her not to make him sound so untouchable. She would just shrug him off and say, “Nonsense, you should use your fame to get things done. It helps when they know who you are.” At the end of the night she would apologize and seduce him into bed. With Nova it was different, she never like the press and avoided it as much as possible. She was protective of the kids and her life. When she saw a picture of him and their children in the papers she hit a ranging fit. She swore to him if he ever did it again she would stop his visitation. It was his duty to protect them when they were with him. She didn’t want them in the public eye under no circumstances and since then he made sure that it never happened again. Even when Mei asked to photographed him with the kids, he told her a firm, NO. He was angry that she even asked and disrespected Nova’s wishes. He then made sure that he never have her meet the kids until Nova said it was alright. With Nova, she was more loving and warm and sensitive to his needs. It was more passionate when they made love. She just didn’t lay there waiting for it to be over. She loved being held at the end knowing that he loved her. They pulled away from kissing and he looked deep into her eyes. “Marry me Nova, marry me again.”
Nova was lost for words. She said nothing for a long moment before saying. “Yes, Derek, yes I’ll marry you.”
He smiled at her and kissed the top of her head, “I’ll have them call a justice of the peace first thing in the morning.”
10th of June, 2212
Mei sat at her table drinking coffee and having breakfast. She thought about Derek all night and wondered why he wasn’t returning her calls. He called over a month ago and told her that he had to fly to the states, but it was supposed to be only a few days. It’s been over a month and she heard nothing from him. Why wasn’t he calling? She tried calling but it always went straight to voice mail. Lucky her days were full of meetings and negotiations’ with diplomats. She went over all her appointments as she did every morning. There were some function to attend and she hoped that Derek would be back in time to make some of them. She finished looking over her appointment book and picked up the paper. She began to sip the coffee when she saw it. Dropping the cup on her lap and burning herself she screamed to what she saw. “NOoooo!” on the front page of the paper was a full length picture of Nova, Derek and their kids on the beach with a minster. The page read:
She smiled back and said, “Good morning to you. Tell me
that we actually got remarried. It seems all like a dream to me, is this a
dream?”
Derek made his way to her office as her staff looked on in
shock. Her assistant looked up and gasp to see him standing in front of her.
“Captain Wildstar!”