So far away

"Thanks Zack. Glad to know everyone thinks I'm a bitch." I giggled looking at the shirt he bought Maddie. I tried to act mad but I gotta admit, it was funny. 'I love mommy even though everyone else thinks shes a bitch'. It was kind of true though, I love being a bitch.

"Hey I just saw it and thought of you for someone reason." He laughed and everyone joined in. I looked at Maddie in Val's arms. I studied Val for minute. I just couldn't wrap my head around the thought that she was at one point a cold blooded killer. She was so sweet and fragile looking. But I guess being a mom had changed her like it did me. Her little boy was so sweet and I could tell he would make a good brother one day. The way he looked at Maddie and rubbed her head when she cried. Would Maddie be the same one day?

"Has anyone talked to Brian?" Arin spoke up. It had been a week since I saw him at the hospital talking to Arin and Matt. We had all avoided him. I still don't know what his problem was but I was set on finding out. But today, I didn't want to think about that. I wanted to soak up this moment. We were together as a family. Even though none of us are related we still act one and I kinda guess we are. Family. Weird word for me.

"No, and I don't plan to. He wants what he wants and we all know what we want." Matt said looking at Maddie. Was she cold? Was she okay? Was she hot? I began to get up when Val gave me a reassuring look. I winced as I shrank back into the couch. I was still weak and broken. My rib constantly hurt and no amount of pain medicine took the pain away completely.

"But what does he want? What are we even fighting for?" I asked looking around. What do I have to do for some answers? I think I have a right to know!

"He wants us to continue but we all want out. I mean, we're growing up. We have families now, lives that actually mean something. And lets be honest, it would be for the best of us. If anything happens to us then it affects us all. Its no longer just about us." Zacky said looking at Maddie. I nodded understanding now. The mood got serious and everyone went silent.

"We cant do this anymore." Johnny added. I knew that Brian wouldn't go down without a fight. But I also knew that this was my weakest state and I wouldn't be able to fight. But this has to stop. We have to stop fearing him. We cant keep sleeping in the same room just in case something happens. I cant keep living in fear. I had been down that road before and I refuse to go back. I have a life now. I have people that actually give a shit about me.

"I say we all just call him over and tell him. If we do it separately someone might get hurt and we cant have that." Arin said looking at us for confirmation. I looked at Matt to see him deep in thought. "If we do it now, Val can take the kids to the park or something. Its better just to rip the band aid off quick than sit around and debate what to say." He added. We all nodded and he pulled out his phone and went to the other room. Val packed the kids up and hugged everyone before leaving.

As soon as she walked out the room my stomach sank. Would she be okay with them? Matt seems to trust meaning I have to as well. Arin came back into the room and sat next to Matt. "He's on his way." He mumbled. Now we wait. While we waited I wondered what we would tell him. How would he react?

*Brian's POV*

I walked out to my car as soon as I hung up. I knew what they were planning and I'll be damned if I let it go easy. No, I had back up but I just had to wait until the perfect moment. If Ivy thought she was safe, she's wrong. I'm gonna hit them where it hurts. I had been waiting and watching but I was just about to boil over. At this point, its all about timing and I almost have them where I wanted them. But I wouldn't let them know that. I'll leave them to think that everythings fine and that's when we hit them. They're going down. I had this all mapped out. Every detail and every minute counting.

I pulled into Matt's drive and turned the car off. I smirked at the thought of their entire world crashing and burning right in front of them. They were supposed to be my friends and no one had a problem with it until the accident with Jimmy. When Jimmy got shot my entire world fell apart. He was my brother and my mastermind. When he was taken out, I think a piece of me went with him. I shook the thought from my head as I knocked on the door. I wont let my feelings get in the way of this. Eyes on the prize Haner.

Zacky answered the door and stepped aside so I could come in. I walked in to see everyone look up at me. I looked at one person in particular. Ivy. She was weak and that was good. But after seeing how scary she can get, I knew she would be difficult to take out. I would let her heal and everything but not because I cared about her. Because I loved the fight. I loved the screaming and the pleading. I knew she loved it too and that's what we had in common. We were both fighting for the same reason. I actually kind of liked her until she had to ruin everything with her sloppiness. And now the kid.

"I think we should talk now. I think we're all ready." Arin said pulling my attention away from the fragile mess on the couch.

"Took you long enough." I smirked sitting next to Johnny. Matt knew me well and that meant that I had to play this off well. I kept calm and acted friendly but deep inside I wanted to wrap him in barbed wire and pour lemon juice and salt on him. On all of them.

"Right so, I think you know what we all want. Brian, theres no reason for it anymore. We all want to go in public without double checking to make sure theres not a blood stain on us. Its just not worth it anymore." Zack spoke up. I smiled and nodded. Matt gave me a dirty look like he knew I was lying.

"No youre right. Youre all right. Its...crazy to continue without a reason. I get that." I softened my expression like I really cared. "If that's all you really wanted then I must be going now. I have some things to take care of. As long as youre all sure." I looked around to see everyone nod. I had to contain the smile trying to bubble its way up. I nodded and walked back to my car pulling my phone out on the way. I pulled up the contact and called.

"We move in Monday when Matt's out golfing. You better be ready." I commanded into the phone.

"Oh I am." He replied laughing. I hung up and drove off. These fuckers wont know what hit them.

Notes

So thanks to Dani I decided to choose the name Madeline so I could call her Maddie. And I'm sorry im such a liar. Ive just had a lot going on. My sister just had a baby and then she moved to Florida and I really honestly planned on just sitting in my room all break but then everyone made plans. But I got to see Fall Out Boy and Wiz Khalifa last night so im not complaining! But some big things will be going on soon in the story! Can anyone guess who Brian was talking to or what hes planning? Let me know in the comments and let me know who's still reading because I know I abandoned the story a little and I feel bad but I'm gonna update as much as I can!