AUSTIN, TEXAS

2003.

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MARISOL STOOD IN THE MILLER RESIDENCE'S KITCHEN,

meticulously coating the chocolate cake in front of her. Her gaze shifting from the baked good to the grumpy twelve year old sat at the table. Her brows slightly furrowed as she attentively listened to the less than happy Miller child give her an earful over being left alone to spend the afternoon with the Adlers. Sarah ending her rant with "We didn't even bake chocolate chip cookies! They were raisin!" as her face scrunched up in disgust to emphasize just how horrific the situation, she was left in was. 

A small chuckle escaped Marisol's lips at Sarah's theatrics. One the curly haired child didn't seem to appreciate as she defiantly crossed her arms and let out a huff. 

Though her attitude quickly shifted once Marisol informed her of the news, she had learned earlier that day regarding the new addition to the Miller family. While Sarah attempted an annoyed tone as a teasing comment slipped past her lips, she couldn't hide the beaming expression that took over her features. 

"At least tell me you've thought of a name? Knowing dad and uncle Tommy they've only suggested Star Wars ones." Sarah playfully rolled her eyes. 

"I don't know, I kinda like how Anakin sounds." Marisol tilted her head to the side as if it was an option she was seriously considering. 

Sarah quirked an eyebrow as she gazed at her maternal figure with an inquiring look. One that read are you serious?

Although it was apparent what the two were discussing was merely joking banter, Marisol still shook her head. A small confirmation that was needed as Tommy proved to be incredibly convincing at times. 

Sarah humorously let out a heavy exhale as she wiped away the imaginary sweat from her brow.  

Marisol softly laughed as she momentarily diverted her attention back to frosting Joel's birthday cake. Her thoughts shifting to a name for her baby she had been pondering on. One that refused to leave her mind since the moment she found out her child would be a boy. "I was thinking of Johnny." Sarah perked up as Marisol turned back to her. 

 "It was my dad's name. He... passed when Sam was super young." The brunette cleared her throat as she proceeded with caution. Joel and Tommy knew little of her family before them, and Sarah even less. But her father, that was someone she was more than content to talk about. She wished everyone knew of the good man he was. "He was a really good dad. Used to call me his Sol, and nicknamed Samantha, Sammi Bear cause she used to follow him around like a cub. He had this beat up guitar, one that was missing strings, but he still played it really well, used to sing you are my sunshine to me and Sam every night before bed." 

Marisol hadn't registered the tears that were welling up at her waterline till a stray one ran down her cheek. She quickly turned away from Sarah, not wanting her to see her cry as she hastily wiped her face. Mustering all she could to place a reassuring smile on her features as she faced Sarah again.

 The Miller woman prepared for whatever jesting comment the curly haired child would vocalize in true Sarah fashion. 

"I like Johnny. It's a good name. Has a nice ring to it, Johnny Miller." Sarah sincerely spoke, briefly catching Marisol off guard as she looked at her with a genuine smile. One she returned as she felt the familiar poke at her waterline. 

A concerned look momentarily crossed Sarah's face before she changed the subject. "I thought Sam might be coming over. She promised she'd show me how to pick a lock next time she stopped by." She amusingly spoke. 

Marisol bit her tongue to contain her laughter as she shook her head in disapproval. She glanced back at Sarah with a stern look, identical to one a parent would give their child to let them know to tread carefully. 

"I'm joking." Sarah defended as a string of chuckles slipped past her lips, amused at Marisol's attempt to be strict with her. "Totally joking."

"Yeah, whatever. Smarty pants and a juvenile, who woulda thought." Marisol let out a faux disappointed sigh. 

Her gaze shifted to the clock hanging above the stove, half past nine it displayed in bright numbers. The boys were running late, an occurrence that wasn't unusual as punctuality was never the Miller brother's strong suit. But the looming hour did cement one of Marisol's concerns, Sam wasn't coming. 

"Looks like Tommy and your dad are running late." Marisol spoke as she turned back to Sarah, doing her best to ignore the growing pit in her stomach as she worried about her sister.

"A surprise to no one. Can't wait for the earful you'll give them. What line are you thinking of starting off with this time?" Sarah smirked as she propped her hands under her chin. 

"Hey, watch yourself. Go pick out something to watch while we wait for them." a small chuckle slipped past Marisol's lips as she motioned her head towards the living room. 

Sarah let out a dramatic groan as she got up from the table. 

Marisol shook her head as she finished frosting the last layer of icing on Joel's cake. Offering the sugary coated spatula to the grumpy Miller child as a peace offering. 

"How tempting, but no thanks." Sarah sarcastically declined. 

"More for me." Marisol shrugged her shoulders as she swiped some icing off the spatula with her finger. Contently sighing as the chocolate flavored glaze hit her tongue. 

Sarah shook her head. "I swear you and Uncle Tommy were made for each other."

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"Oh god, I think I'm gonna pee my pants." The older brunette managed to get out between snorts as she clutched onto her bump.  

Her comment prompting the Miller child next to her to laugh even harder. 

"Hey! It's not funny! I'm serious!" Marisol attempted to seize the chuckles that left her breathless, inevitably failing as her laughs grew louder at the sight of Sarah in the same predicament as her, grasping her side as infectious giggles left her lips. 

The source of the boisterous and uncontrollable laughter that currently plagued the two, the movie Shrek. 

A film they had seen countless times before, but never failed to elicit laughing fits from the both of them, whether it was Marisol's horrible attempt at the main characters voice or Sarah's well timed comedic commentary.

The chuckles exchanged between the two soon died down as both brunettes welcomed oxygen back into their lungs. Sarah resumed her previous position as she curled up into Marisol's side. Her head laid against her shoulder as the Miller woman delicately ran a hand over her curls. 

It was moments like these Marisol cherished the most. The slight numbness that tingled her cheeks and the ache she felt in her ribs, remnants of the laughs that racked her body and the joy she felt. As she cozied up in front of the television, nothing of particular importance displayed on the screen, all that mattered was the company she had to bask in the moment with. 

The rattle of keys jingling as they entered the lock of the front door, grasped Marisol and Sarah's attention as their eyes shifted to the clock beside the tv, the hour nearing eleven.  The two exchanged a look, one that confirmed the Miller men were most definitely in for a scolding. Vexed sighs left both of them as Sarah reached for the remote to turn off the movie and Marisol headed to the kitchen to retrieve the cake. 

As Marisol rummaged through the cabinets for matches, she could faintly hear the stern tone of Sarah's voice mixing in with Joels. Indistinct bickering resounding from the room over as she finished adorning the cake, striking a match and lighting the candles as she held the baked good in front of her. Stepping out into the living room just as her name slipped past Joel's lips in a questioning tone. 

The stressed expression that always seemed to occupy the older Miller man's features faded away the moment his eyes landed on Marisol as she began to sing Happy Birthday. A smirk etched onto Sarah's lips as she joined in on the singing, taking notice of the blush that crept onto her dad's cheeks. 

As the tune reached its end Marisol sat herself beside Joel on the couch as Sarah occupied her spot on the other side of him. 

"Now make a wish while it's still your birthday." Marisol spoke, her voice demanding as she knew the brown-haired man despised making a big deal out of his birthday. 

Joel rolled his eyes at the unwavering stern expression on Marisol's face, as he leaned in and blew out the candles. 

A smile etched at the corners of Marisol's mouth as he pulled away. "Happy birthday Joel.", "Happy birthday dad." her and Sarah each vocalized their congratulatory wishes, both of them content as a small grin grew on his lips. 

"Where's Tommy?" Marisol inquired, realizing their rendition of the happy birthday song was missing an off-pitch voice as she briefly shifted her gaze around the room. 

"Said he had to stop by that diner you like first. Something about getting you a strawberry milkshake ahead of time so you don't wake him up at two in the morning when you're craving one." Joel humorously explained as a chuckle escaped his lips. 

"How dare he." Marisol scoffed, heat rushing to her cheeks as she set down the cake on the coffee table. "I only made him do that once or twice, tops three times."

"Well, we can't eat cake without Uncle Tommy, so I guess it's off to presents." Sarah released a dramatic sigh. 

"You got me a present?" Joel rapidly turned his head to his daughter, gazing at her in disbelief. 

Sarah rolled her eyes as she moved to grab something from behind the pillow she reclined on. While Marisol retrieved her purse from the corner of the coffee table. 

The curly haired child pulled out a small white box and extended it to her dad. An amusing expression grew on his features as he grasped the present, inspecting it as a "Wow" slipped past his lips. 

Sarah and Marisol both softly chuckled as Joel opened the box. The humorous look that was present on his face faltering as he peered down at the gift. Silence followed, promptly Marisol to quirk a brow as she tilted her head to the side to get a better look at the present that managed to leave Joel speechless. 

His old watch. The one that had broken some time ago. The item that had been gathering dust, tucked away in a drawer as he voiced, he would get around to fixing it eventually. 

"Fixed it for you." Sarah softly spoke, pulling both adults from their daze as they diverted their attention to her. 

The ghost of a smile lingered at the corners of Joel's mouth as he carefully removed the watch from the box. Staring at it for a second before bringing it up to his ear, his eyebrows knitting together. "Did you?"

"What?" A confused expression crossed Sarah's face as she leaned in to inspect the watch. 

"I don't hear anything." Joel kept a serious look on his features as Sarah moved to grasp the watch from his hand. 

A scoff escaping her parted lips moments later as she heard the ticking of the device and the pleased laugh Joel let out. 

"That was lame. You're lame." Sarah remarked as she leaned back into her spot on the couch. 

"Yeah, I know." Joel beamed as he set the box aside. "Where'd you get the money for this?" he inquired as he laid the watch against his wrist. 

"Drugs. I sell hardcore drugs." Sarah casually replied. 

Marisol suppressed a laugh as Joel simply nodded his head. "It's better than what I do." he responded as he attempted to fasten the latch on the watch. 

Allowing the Miller woman beside him to assist as the straps slipped past his fingers. Marisol offering a small smile as she secured the band. A grin Joel returned before he promptly veered his head back to Sarah's direction as she spoke, "It was only twenty dollars, which I stole from you." 

"I could've stolen sixty, but I put the change back because I'm an honest thief." She justified, earning a grumbled "Mm" from her dad and a proud "That's my girl" from Marisol. 

"Besides, it's the thought that counts. And you were never gonna do it for yourself, so." Sarah added. 

Joel gazed at Sarah for a moment, before shifting his eyes to the refurbished watch that now adorned his wrist. Knowing he had no retort to the comment she made as it was one hundred percent the truth. "Thank you." he genuinely voiced. 

"It's a really good gift Sarah." Marisol sent a reassuring smile her way. "I'm afraid mines isn't as neatly wrapped." she softly chuckled as she pulled out the present from her purse and handed it to Joel. 

Soft laughs left both the older Miller man and curly haired child as they examined the wrapped gift adorned in crinkled paper, held together by multiple pieces of scotch tape. 

Joel turned the present over in his hands, inspecting it in the similar way he did Sarah's, before carefully unwrapping it. A smile gracing his features as he peered down at the framed photograph.

"Finally solved the case of the missing camera while I was cleaning out boxes and making space for the nursery a few weeks back. There was a lot more flattering photos in the roll, but this one felt most like us." Marisol tenderly spoke as Joel's eyes continued to dance over the image. 

His thumb gently ran over the edges of the butterfly picture frame, admiring the photo of the family on their first official trip together. An anxious grin present on his lips as he held a young Sarah. The toddler wiggling in his grasp as she reached out to play with the necklace that decorated Marisol's neck. The brunette caught in the middle of a laugh as she gazed down at Sarah, while Tommy stood beside her, hand secured around her waist, his eyes crinkled slightly as he sported his signature pearly white smile. The picture itself slightly out of focus, capturing the chaotic atmosphere of that moment. Marisol was right, it was them. 

"My sunburn is so bad but look at how cute Sarah is." Marisol awed, earning a playful eyeroll from the Miller child as she peered over her dad's shoulder to get a better look at the image. 

"How young dad looks, my god what happened?" Sarah teasingly poked fun at. 

"It's a little something called parenting." Joel retorted as he faked an offended look. "You'll find out all about it one day."

Sarah stuck her tongue out at his comment, earning a slight headshake from him before he turned his attention to Marisol. 

"Thank you, Mari, I really like it." he sincerely spoke as the two exchanged beaming expressions. 

"There's one more gift!" Sarah announced as she reached behind her pillow again. 

Marisol and Joel both veered their heads back to Sarah as she pulled out a dvd. One, the brown haired man excitedly retrieved from her grasp. 

Marisol shook her head and let out a small laugh as she watched Joel turn it over and attentively read the printed words.

"Borrowed it from the Adlers." Sarah explained with a bright smile. 

"Oh, this is the one with the deleted scenes." Joel enthusiastically pointed out. 

"Yeah, imagine how bad those have to be." Sarah giggled as she tilted her head, motioning towards the television. "C'mon pop it in. While it's still your birthday." 

Joel wasted no time as he rose from the couch, turning on the dvd player and popping in the disk. He settled himself back onto the couch with the remote in his hand. 

Marisol and Sarah comfortably found their spots on either side of him as they laid their heads on his shoulders. 

"Don't fall asleep." Joel directed at Sarah as he turned on the tv. 

"Course I wont." Sarah replied. "It's too riveting."

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Light snores left the sleeping Miller child as she laid her head in her dad's lap. One of his arms draped over the blanket that covered her frame as the other embraced Marisol as she rested her head against his chest. 

The pair watching the corny action flick with heavy eyes as it began to serve as background noise. 

"Sorry Sam didn't show." Joel spoke, genuine remorse evident in his voice. 

"It's okay." Marisol peered up at him. "Just been worried about her. Looked like she was coming down with something at work earlier and I sent her home. Been trying her all day but she won't pick up the phone." She released a frustrated sigh as a frown grew at the corners of her mouth. 

"She's a teenager Mari." Joel exhaled as he glanced down at her. 

"I know, just wish she'd return a damn call and let me know she's alive." a humorless laugh left her lips. 

Joel felt his heart ache as Marisol's eyes shifted away from his and back to the screen, realizing she didn't want him to see how truly concerned and hurt she was. "I'm sure she's fine, if she's anything like her sister then she's one tough cookie." he attempted in the most reassuring tone he could muster, knowing it's what she needed the most at the moment. 

"You're probably right, and she's way tougher than me. Tougher than a kid her age should have to be." Marisol solemnly replied, the guiltiness she felt over the situation bleeding into her tone.  

Joel sadly gazed at Marisol, wanting nothing more than to comfort her as he searched his mind for the right words to say. Coming up short handed as Marisol looked back at him. Her eyebrows knitted slightly together as if she could decode the distressed expression on his face. She cleared her throat as she once again diverted her gaze.

"Also wish Tommy would get here already with that damn milkshake, didn't want it before but now I do." While her words were intended to ease the building tension, they were still truthful. 

Joel chuckled, sending vibrations through his chest as Marisol further nestled into his side. His eyes shifted from the television to the watch on his wrist, wondering the same thing as the hour was growing late. His line of sight lastly fell onto the unparted cake. The baked good that started it all. 

It was nine years ago and the night before Sarah's third birthday. Joel had gotten off work later than expected and was rushing throughout the entire Austin area in search of any market of bakery that was still open. And just as he was prepared to give up, he stumbled upon a quaint mom and pops bakery, one whose 'open' sign was illuminated. 

The bell at the top of the entrance door dinged as he stepped inside. The shop was vacant, lights dimmed, and chairs stacked onto tables as the only other person inside the establishment was a brunette at the cash register, her back towards him as she spoke something along the lines of them closing up. And as Joel began to trip over his words as he explained the dilemma he was in, she turned to face him. His breath hitched in his throat and heat rushed to his cheeks as a smile etched at her lips. Saving him from anymore embarrassment as she asked what his daughter liked and what her favorite color was.

She disappeared into the kitchen for a while, before walking back out with two boxes in hand. Joel voiced his immense gratefulness as he reached for the wallet in his jeans. Just as he was about to pull it out, the brunette insisted that it was on the house. And when Joel quirked a brow and questioned if she was sure, she uttered something about the cash register being locked and the owner who had the key had left for the night. While Joel was skeptical of the reasoning, he still pulled out a twenty and placed it in the tip jar, offering the woman a shy smile and 'thanks' as he left the establishment. 

It wasn't till the next morning as he pulled out the purple-colored butterfly cake to surprise Sarah with that he realized he had been given two pastry boxes. He set aside Sarah's cake on the counter as he pulled the other box out of the fridge. Opening the container to see a slice of chocolate cake inside, along with a napkin note. One that read 'looked like you might have a sweet tooth, new recipe im trying out, hope you like it!'  and in smaller letters ' if you do, stop by for more!' and written in even smaller letters, 'if you dont, pls dont get me fired!!' signed in handwriting 'marisol'. 

Joel chuckled as he finished reading the note and grabbed a fork, cutting himself a well portioned piece for a taste test and bringing it up to his mouth. A moan slipped past his lips the moment the chocolate hit his tongue. It was the best chocolate cake he'd ever had. 

And he found himself returning to the bakery, initially it was just to thank Marisol for her kindness and assure her he enjoyed the cake she baked, and that Sarah's eyes beamed when she saw hers. What he didn't plan for was the immediate connection his toddler who had just entered her terrible threes formed with Marisol. Or the pull he himself felt towards her as the two got to talking, and a friendship blossomed. 

One that after almost a year seemed like it might've been leading to something more as fleeting touches began to linger, sleepovers after Marisol drifted off on his chest during a movie became regular, and 'mari' started to sound like 'mom' every time Sarah called out for her. 

But just as they were on the cusp of something greater, Tommy returned home. 

The younger brother who was in the army who Joel had unknowingly spent so much time talking up. And the moment Tommy met Marisol and flashed her that charming smile of his, Joel knew she was no longer his, if she ever even was. 

The vibrating sound of Joel's cellphone grasped the attention of the half-asleep pair. Slightly startling the two as Marisol began to stir and Joel reached for the device before it could wake Sarah. 

Marisol groggily wiped at her eyes as Joel started conversing on the phone. Her face soon contorting to a look of worry as Joel threw his head back onto the couch and pinched the bridge of his nose, an annoyed "Goddammit." leaving his lips. 

Joel momentarily veered his head to her, mouthing 'It's Tommy' before he continued the conversation on the phone. 

Marisol's eyes widen as she maneuvered herself till she was fully sat. The dialogue between Joel and Tommy seemingly turning tense as multiple concerned expressions grew on Joel's features. 

Marisol stared at Joel anxiously as she awaited any further updates. 

"Well, which jail? Travis County?" Joel's questioning words nearly giving Marisol a heart attack as she prepared to ask for the phone. 

A beat of silence followed on Joel's end as Marisol assumed Tommy was already voicing apologies on the other line. 

Joel sighed "Okay." 

Marisol let out a frustrated sigh of her own as she ran a hand through her hair. 

"Fuckin' idiot." Joel grumbled as he hung up the phone. 

"Thats it. I'm going to kill him. Give me your car keys." the Miller woman nodded as she quickly rose from the couch, expectedly reaching out her hand. 

"No way I'm letting you drive out this late to go get him." Joel shook his head as he rushed to put on his shoes. "Especially in your condition." he added as he got up. 

"I'll be fine Joel." Marisol slightly groaned, feeling a headache begin to manifest. "Plus, there's a few words I'll be exchanging with him that I think it's best you don't hear." a sardonic smile lingered on her lips. 

"Trust me, there's some words I'd like to exchange with him too." Joel sighed. "Why don't you stay here with Sarah while I go get him?" he added as he veered his head to the still asleep Miller child. 

Marisol's line of sight diverted to Sarah, nestled in her blanket as her eyes remained peacefully closed. Her facial expression instantly softened at the sight as she felt all anger and will to argue fade away. "Yeah, okay." 

Joel nodded his head, letting out an exhale of relief as he moved to scoop up Sarah and take her to her room. Marisol placed a loving peck to her forehead as Joel carefully maneuvered his way through the living room and towards the stairs. 

Marisol began to tidy up the space as she waited for Joel's return. Switching the television channel off, fluffing the couch pillows, and folding the blankets the trio had just used. Just as she moved to retrieve the cake and take it to the kitchen, Joel's heavy footsteps echoed down the staircase, causing her to turn her head. 

"Promise I'll be quick." Joel spoke as he rounded the corner. "Then you can call him every name in the book." he teased with a slight smirk as he threw on his jacket. 

A small chuckle left Marisol's lips. "Be safe." she responded, her tone turning serious. Mirroring the growing look on her features as she faced Joel. 

Joel slowly nodded, gazing back at her with an expression that showed he understood the severity of the situation. 

The two stood there, set in their spots as they fixatedly looked at the other for a moment longer.  Marisol was the first to break off the eye contact, peering down at the half-folded blanket in her grasp. Joel cleared his throat, shooting one last look her way before he hastily made his way out the front door. 

The Miller woman released a sigh as silence filled the space around her. Her anxious and worrying thoughts over the situation resurfacing as she found herself alone. She gently discarded of the blanket on the couch as she grabbed the cake from the coffee table. Making her way towards the kitchen to place it in the fridge before the icing could melt. Tommy would definitely be receiving an earful from her over leaving the cake to go to waste on his brother's birthday. As well as the almost heart attack he gave her. He'd better have a damn good story and excuse by the time he returned with Joel. 

As Marisol settled back down onto the couch, she grabbed her cellphone from her purse. Though she hadn't heard a ring or beep all night, she still wanted to double check she didn't miss a call or message from Samantha. 

Her shoulders fell as she clicked on the device, the bright screen illuminating 'no new messages'. While the rational part of her brain was telling her that Sam probably followed her advice and was resting in bed all day and hadn't checked her phone, and that the around ten texts and voicemails she had already left were enough to let her know to call back as soon as possible, her thumb still lingered over her contact. One more attempt wouldn't hurt right? 

She brought the cell phone up to her ear, picking at her nails as the line began to ring. An uneasy feeling settled in the pit of her stomach as the phone only rang a short number of times before throwing her to the voicemail. Making her aware that Sam's phone was currently off, or the battery died. 

Nevertheless, she still cleared her throat as she relayed yet another message. "Hey, you were missed tonight. Sarah asked about you, something about you teaching her how to pick locks which I hope to god isn't true. Jeez, the trouble you two could cause." she softly laughed as she rubbed at her temple, already having an idea of the antics she knew the two could get into together. 

"We didn't get to the cake tonight, but I'm definitely making sure we eat the damn thing so I'm thinking cake for breakfast tomorrow. I would really like it if you stopped by, we could catch the bus together after. I downloaded a few of those songs from that band you like, Garbage." her brows knit together as she hesitantly spoke the band name, visualizing the eyeroll her younger sister would give her as she made a comment about her music taste being out of date. "They're actually pretty good. Maybe we could listen to them together. Anyways, I really hope you've been sleeping all day and not dodging my calls. There's something super important I wanted to tell you about, biting my tongue right now not to just spill it over voicemail." She truthfully spoke with a goofy grin. 

"So please call me back when you hear this, I love you Sammi." her expression shifted to a much gloomier one as she tried not to choke on her words. 

She softly sniffled as she hung up the phone, placing it within her reach just in case as she grabbed the television remote, desperate for something to fill the silence and ease her thoughts. She flipped through the channels before settling on one that was showing sitcom reruns. She unfolded the blanket beside her and reclined into the couch, hoping to catch some rest before the boys returned. 

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"Mari, Mari, Mari..." the familiar voice rang distant as she faintly felt hands shaking her shoulders, causing her to slightly stir.

"Mari, Mari please... mom!"

 A gasp left her lips as she shot up. Her widened eyes surveyed her surroundings in a panic, recognizing she was still on the couch in the living room. The emergency broadcast that played on the television only adding to her anxiety as she turned to Sarah. 

"What-what's happening?" she questioned as she softly grabbed Sarah's face, a frightened look occupying the child's features. 

"Something's wrong, I don't know. Where's dad and uncle Tommy?" Sarah asked as she shakily laid her hands over Marisols. 

Marisol felt her stomach drop. "I-I, they were supposed to be back already." she stuttered for a response as her eyes momentarily glanced at the clock, it had been over an hour since Joel left. 

Before either of them could speak another word, barking and clawing at the sliding door pulled their attention. 

Startled shrieks left the two as they turned to see what caused the sudden noise. The neighbor's dog clawed at the glass, appearing to be scared as he whined. 

Marisol and Sarah rose from the couch and cautiously made their way towards the opening. "Why'd they let him out?" Marisol wondered out loud as she slid open the door. Mercy instantly jumped at the pair, whimpering. 

"Shh, shh.. easy. Easy Mercy." Sarah attempted to calm him, petting his fur as Marisol looked around.

The sound of a helicopter looming overhead caused both Sarah and Marisol to shift their gaze to the sky as they vigilantly made their way towards the front of the house. Marisol held tightly onto Sarah's hand as she remained in front of her. 

The two shared an equally confused and distressed look, before looking back at Mercy who refused to follow them. 

"C'mon boy, let's get you home." Marisol called as she patted her knees. Mercy barked back and remained in place. 

Sarah sighed, as she grabbed his collar and began walking him. "C'mon Mercy please." His stubbornness persisted as Marisol grasped the other side of his collar to help move him. 

As the pair turned the corner and stood in front of the Adler's house, they loosened their grip on him. "Mercy!" they both called out as he immediately ran in the opposite direction. 

Clanking and clattering sounded off from inside the house as Marisol and Sarah veered their heads. 

Sarah moved to step forward, only for Marisol to grasp her wrist and shake her head, signaling for her to stay behind her. 

Marisol led them up the porch steps. An uneasy feeling washing over her as she noticed the front door slightly ajar. She tightened her grip on Sarah's hand as she cautiously opened the door. The floorboards creaked beneath their feet as they stepped inside. Their eyes instantly falling down to Mercy's leash, discarded on the ground only feet away from them. 

The two peered into the almost pitch-black living room. "Mrs. Adler?" Sarah called out. 

Clattering followed from the kitchen. The pit in Marisol's stomach grew as she felt something was off. "Stay behind me and stay quiet." she whispered as she turned to Sarah, her tone authoritative. 

Sarah gulped, rapidly nodding her head as the hand that wasn't already intertwined with Marisol's grasped her wrist. 

Marisol slowly inched forward, shifting her direction towards the swinging saloon style door that divided the hallway and kitchen. 

The clanking grew louder and more rapid the closer they moved. Sarah's grip on Marisol only grew tighter. 

With an uneven inhale Marisol stepped through the swinging divider. Her and Sarah nearly losing their footing as they slipped in something. Marisol peered down; streaks of crimson painted the kitchen flooring. Something was definitely wrong. 

A shaky gasp left Sarah as she rapidly tapped into Marisol's wrist, promptly her to look up. 

Her free hand trembled as it moved to cover her quivering mouth as her eyes took in the horrific sight of Mr. Adler slouched against the door, blood staining his entire left side. 

"Help me." he uttered just above a whisper. 

Marisol forced her legs to move forward as she and Sarah approached Mr. Adler. The man groaned in the pain as his injury became more visible the closer they got. The left side of his neck horribly mangled as a steady stream of blood continued to seep out of it. His eyes opened wide in terror as his trembling head motioned to the side of counter. 

They neared the corner, the horrified expressions on their faces only growing as they stared at wheelchair ridden Nana hunched over a lifeless Connie. The old woman breathing heavily as she gnawed at her daughter's neck. Sarah and Marisol shakily began to back away. 

Nana slowly peered up at the noise, revealing a freakish plant like substance cascading out of her mouth. 

"Sarah" Marisol croaked as Nana rose from her position, standing up straight as she stared at the two with a blank expression. "Run" 

The old woman growled as she lunged at them. Screams left the pair as they ran out of the kitchen. Marisol forcefully grasped Sarah's arm and lunged her forward to sprint ahead of her.

As the pair made it out of the house, the familiar grey truck screeched to a halt in front of them. 

"Get in the truck! Right now!" Joel yelled as he departed the vehicle. 

"Baby, get inside!" Tommy shouted as he got off the driver side, shotgun in hand. 

"Move!" Joel urged as he rushed towards a still in shock Sarah and Marisol. 

Before either of them could further get a grasp on what was going on, growling from the porch earned their attention. All four of them turned, watching in horror as the old woman's body contorted, before she let out a gasp and rose again, heading straight towards them. 

"What are we doing Joel?!" Tommy questioned as he brought his weapon up to his line of sight.

Joel's grip on the wrench in his hand tightened as he swung it, knocking the old woman down.  

Though she was still in a frightened state, Marisol instinctively moved to shield Sarah as Tommy and Joel hesitantly approached Nana. Joel dropped his now bloodied tool to the ground as the two peered down at the old woman's now deceased body.  

The brothers turned their heads to Marisol and Sarah, both girls frozen in terror with their mouths agape. 

Joel quickly moved to Sarah while Tommy rushed to Marisol.

"Tommy, what's going on?" Marisol questioned; eyebrows furrowed as she barely registered the hands that cupped either side of her face. 

"I'll explain everything I know. Just please get in the car." Tommy replied, tone distressed as he locked eyes with her. 

All Marisol could muster in response was a slight head nod as her husband's eyes shifted over her frame, looking for any sign of injury. 

"Joel we gotta go!" Tommy called out as he glanced over at his brother who was in the midst of reassuring a still shaken up Sarah. 

Just as Marisol made strides to comfort the curly haired child, an explosion on a powerline a few blocks away urged the Millers to start piling into the vehicle. 

"Hey let's go! Come on!" Tommy shouted as he helped Marisol into the back seat. 

Joel opened the car door for Sarah as Marisol held out her arms to her. 

Sarah nestled in Marisol's side, the both of them still trying to regain their composure and even out their breathing as Tommy started the car and Joel shouted a warning to a neighbor before climbing into the front passenger side. 

 The vehicle screeched as Tommy tried to maneuver their way out of the cul-de-sac.

"Get your seatbelts on." Marisol distantly made out Joel words as she heard her rapid heartbeat in her ears. Her surroundings blurring as the only thing she could register was her arms that she protectively wrapped around Sarah. 

"Daddy-" Sarah quivered as Joel and Tommy shouted directions at each other. 

"We don't know." Joel spoke as he momentarily turned his head back to her. 

"They're saying its a virus. Some kind of parasite." Tommy explained. 

Marisols thought instantly shifted to the news report the family heard on the radio earlier that morning. Prompting her already alarmingly fast heartbeat to speed up.

"Is it from terrorists?" Sarah asked. 

"We don't know." Joel replied as he shared a worried look with Tommy. 

"Are we sick?" Sarah concerningly inquired. 

"No. Of course not." Joel tried his best to put Sarah's racing thoughts to rest. 

The distressed dialogue exchanged between Sarah and Joel momentarily faded as Marisol suddenly felt herself growing nauseous. Tears welling up in her eyes as her mind shifted to her sister. How sick she was at the bakery that morning. The bite mark on her arm...

"Sam." Marisol uttered, barely audible. 

All chatter died down as everyone turned their attention towards her. 

"At the bakery this morning, she was burning up. I thought maybe it was just the flu or a cold, but then I saw the bite on her wrist. Said an old lady attacked her on the way there. Haven't heard from her since." The Miller woman explained, her voice wavering and uneasy.

"She's gonna be okay." Sarah nodded her head, attempting to comfort Marisol as she intertwined their shaky hands. "Right, dad?" 

No words of reassurance followed. Instead, silence engulfed the vehicle as Tommy and Joel briefly turned to the other, uncertainty visible on both of their features. 

"I- I need to go find her" Marisol managed to get out between sniffles. 

"Mari..." Tommy solemnly sighed as he glanced at her through the mirror. 

Marisol shook her head, swallowing the lump in her throat as she shifted her gaze out the window. Refusing to believe for even a second, her sister met the same demise as the Adlers. Samantha was strong. She was a fighter.

Sarah further burrowed into Marisol's side; not quite sure how else she could offer solace to her maternal figure as she too struggled to wrap her mind around what was happening. 

As the group drove past a burning house, they further tried to reach a rational explanation for what was going on and why. Tommy made a comment about the sickness mostly affecting people in the city as Sarah continued to anxiously ask Joel questions, he didn't have the answers too. 

"We're fine. Trust me." Tommy tried to reassure everyone in the car, though he himself didn't sound convinced of his own words. 

The younger Miller man eased his foot off the gas as they neared a stranded family on the side of the road. Earning a disapproving look from Joel. "What are you doing?" 

"They got a kid Joel." Tommy justified. 

"So do we. Keep driving," Joel sternly replied. 

"We could put them in the back." Sarah suggested, tone hopeful.

Yet, Tommy heeded Joel's words and sped up instead, a guilty look crossing his face as he sent a fleeting glance his brother's way. 

"Someone else'll come along." Joel voiced nonchalantly. 

Though she wouldn't vocalize it, Marisol agreed with Joel's stance. All that mattered was them getting out safely. But she hated the distraught expression that etched on Sarah's features at the action. A single tear slid down her face, one the Miller woman gently wiped away as she placed a kiss to the side of her head. 

"Fuck! Everybody had the same fucking idea!" Tommy frustratedly groaned, banging on the steering wheel as they reached the freeway entrance that led out of Austin. 

 A flood of cars filled each lane as the traffic was bumper to bumper.  "I can't get through this." Tommy shook his head as he honked the horn. 

"All right, all right. Let's think it through, we'll think it through." Joel spoke as he racked his mind for other routes they could take. 

The brothers hurled different directions at each other until Joel instructed Tommy to take the field to cut off the traffic. 

Marisol firmly held on to Sarah as the truck swerved onto the bumpy and uneven grass. Not making it too far as they came across a blockade. 

"Shit! The fucking Army." Tommy muttered as he turned to Joel. 

The two Miller men in the same predicament as before as they hurled directions at the other. Tommy made a sharp turn as Joel told him what paths to follow. 

"Maybe it's everywhere. Maybe there's nowhere to go." Sarah spoke. 

Her words not garnering a reply from anyone in the vehicle as a passing by plane, alarmingly losses altitude. The aircraft rumbling loudly as Sarah and Marisol covered their ears and Tommy glanced out the window. "What the fuck?!"

The two sat in the backseat looked through the window behind them, making out two other planes flying erratically and dangerously close to the ground. 

Tommy continued to speed through the desolate field, making it onto a road that led into town as the distant lights grew closer. But the nearer they got the louder the frenzied noises became. 

"Son of a bitch! Gotta go around. Grab somethin'!" Tommy instructed as he made it onto the main street only to find it was blocked off by police cars. 

The tires screeched as he turned into an alleyway and began maneuvering the truck through the crowded streets. 

The group coming across and passing by mobs of people, some visibly wounded as they croaked out ear piercing screams. 

Marisol turned Sarah's face towards her, obstructing her from viewing the carnage as she ran her hand over her hair, humming a melody as she attempted to conceal the horrifying sounds. 

"All right, all right. Keep goin!" Joel encouraged as it appeared there was a way out. "Shit. Tommy!" he shouted only seconds later as they narrowly missed a car crashing into them. 

As they made it back onto the main street, growing crowds of panicked people blocked the road, making it impossible to drive through. 

"Tommy, you can't stop here." Joel anxiously stated. 

"I can't drive through em all." Tommy argued.

"Are you serious?! Just keep going!" Joel demanded.

The deafening sound of glass shattering followed, as a horde of people exited a building in front of them. Shrieks left the masses as they all sprinted in the opposite direction the truck was heading in. 

"Back! back, back, back! Back!" Joel shouted as he slammed his hand on the dashboard. 

"I'm trying!" Tommy yelled back as he put the car in reverse. 

"Tommy! Go faster! We gotta go!"

"I'm trying! There's nowhere to go!"

The two brothers hurled frustrated shouts at the other as they searched for a way out. 

"We're gonna be okay, just keep driving." Joel spoke.

"Dad?!" Sarah alarmingly shouted as her and Marisol stared out the back window. 

Both Joel and Tommy veered their heads, meeting their line of sight. 

"Shit.. Move.. Move!" Joel yelled as a plane rapidly made its way towards the pavement. 

The last thing Marisol registered was a wave of heat surrounding her as the car tipped over.

Her head throbbed as she began to come to, regaining consciousness as the side of her skull felt damp and a wet trail dripped down her legs. 

"Mari! Mari baby wake up!" Tommy's voice grew louder as she groaned.  

As her fluttered eyes adjusted to her surroundings, she turned to see Joel helping an injured Sarah out of the turned over car. She weakly reached her hand out as she muttered a barely audible "Sarah."

"Don't move baby, I got you" Tommy leaned into the vehicle, placing a hand at Marisol's back and the other around her waist as he assisted her out of the damaged truck. 

As Marisol stood to her feet, her face scrunched up in agony. She reached a hand up to touch the side of her head, bringing it to her line of view to see her fingers painted dark red.

She peered down as a sharp pain illuminated from her bump. "Tommy..." she called out, voice frail and strained. 

He frantically turned back to her, following her gaze that lead to the side of her stomach. A splotch of crimson stained a section of her shirt, steadily streaming down to her pants. 

 He cursed under his breath before taking her face in his hands. "He's gonna be okay, we're all gonna be okay" Marisol weakly nodded her head with glassy eyes. Her husband's eyes mirroring her own as he gently caressed her cheek, before he pulled away. 

"We gotta get off the street!" He shouted at Joel, who was stuck on the other side of the car with Sarah. 

Just as Joel was about to shout something back, a police car came rushing their way full speed, crashing into the truck. 

"Shit!" Tommy cursed as he quickly moved to shield Marisol with his body, both of them falling to their knees in the chaos as flames began to engulf the collided vehicles. 

"Tommy?! Mari?!" Joel yelled from the other side; concern evident in his voice. 

Tommy rose to his feet, pulling Marisol with him, keeping her close to his side as he peered through the small gap between cars. "Head to the river! I'll find a way!" 

Joel paused, as if he was about to argue, his eyes flickering to Marisol. 

"Get her outta here, Joel! Go!" Tommy urged.

Joel nodded his head in response, following his instructions as Tommy turned back to Marisol. 

"Keep your eyes on me and don't let go." He shakily spoke. 

The brunette was too weak to protest as he firmly took her hand in his and hastily led the way. 

Marisol was familiar with the atrocities humanity was capable of, she was well acquainted with the violence people inflicted on each other, but the carnage she witnessed as she sprinted alongside her husband, the man shooting at anybody that came within feet of her, as she disregarded his warning and let her eyes linger over the multiple corpses that decorated the blood filled streets, as blood curdling screams left those still alive as they had their flesh ripped and teared apart, it was unlike anything she'd ever seen. Something not even the most tormented parts of her mind could conjure up for a nightmare. 

As Tommy and Marisol neared the river, gunshots rang out, prompting the two to fasten their pace as both of their thoughts turned to the worst. 

Getting to Sarah and making sure she was okay was the only thing driving Marisol to continue on as her body felt it was on the verge of collapsing. 

The two reached the river, prepared to let out sighs of relief until they come across Joel laying on the ground a few feet away as a soldier stood on top of him, gun aimed down at him. 

Before Marisol could react, she was shoved to the ground and a gun was fired off. She squeezed her eyes shut at the ear ringing noise, afraid of what scene would be playing in front of her once she flickered them open. 

But the familiar arms that wrapped around her as they helped her up, convinced her to blink them open. 

"Oh god." Tommy muttered under his breath.

Marisol was quick to follow his gaze, her eyes shifting from a bruised Joel to a shaking Sarah who laid away from him. 

Mariol felt her blood run cold, leaving Tommy standing in shock as she rushed to Sarah's side. 

"No no no! Sarah!" she leaned beside her, eyes rapidly scanning her injuries as Joel joined her. 

"Okay. You're okay. Move your hand baby." Joel shushed as Sarah breaths became frantic, chest heaving as she hyperventilated. 

Marisol took her head into her lap, gently brushing her curls out of her face as Joel moved her bloodied hand.  A quivering gasp left Marisol's lips upon seeing the growing red stain on her t shirt. 

Joel entered a state of shock, staring at the splotch as blood continued to pool out of her abdomen. 

"Joel! Do something! Please!" Marisol cried out. 

Joel grasped the back of her head, attempting to move her, but the pained yelps she let out as she winched, heeded him to stop. 

"I know baby. I know, I know. I know it hurts." Joel tried to console her as she clung onto his shoulder, writhing in agony. Her own eyes shifting down to her bloodied abdomen. 

"Alright. Don't look down, look up, look up." Joel instructed as him and Marisol both placed their hands over her wound, adding pressure to slow down the hemorrhaging. 

Sarah reached for each of their wrists, clutching them tightly. 

"Come on, baby. You're okay, you're okay." Joel repeated. "I know, I know. I know, baby. I know. I know this hurts. You're gonna be okay."

Sarah continued to gasp in pain, grabbing at Marisol's wrist harder as her tear-filled eyes widened. 

Tears cascaded down Marisol's cheeks. "You're gonna be okay. Everything's gonna be okay sweet girl." she shushed. 

"All right... baby, baby, baby, listen to me. I gotta get you up okay? I gotta get you up" Joel explained. 

Sarah shoke her head in protest as her gaps turned to heaves. 

"You come on. I know baby." Joel and Marisol slowly began to lift her. The movement warranting more anguished cries from the curly haired child. 

"No, no. I know, I know, I know, I know. I know, I know." Joel shifted his head to Tommy, looking at his brother in desperation. "Tommy help me!" 

"Joel." Tommy rasped out in a knowing tone. He knew what this meant, he'd seen it before. Sarah was bleeding out, she was dying. 

Joel gazed at him, in misery as he turned back to Sarah. "C'mon, baby girl. I gotta get you up." He cradled her body as her cries died down, her eyelids fluttering. 

A sob racked Marisol's body as Sarah released her grip on her wrist. The girl's hand going limp as her pained sounds seized.

"Come on, we'll get up." Joel croaked out, frantic as he could no longer hold back his tears. "Come on, baby girl."

He turned to Marisol to see the same defeated look etched on her features as a wail slipped past her lips. 

"Come on... please." Joel begged as he rocked his daughter back and forth, cradling her lifeless body. 

Marisol Miller thought she knew what loss was, she had spent practically her entire life loosing, over and over again. But as she kneeled there that night, her palms adorned in blood, both her own and that of Sarah, as she let out anguished wails, pleading with whatever higher power was out there, whatever force would listen, to give her back her sweet girl, she realized that prior to that moment, she had no fucking clue. 

── GABRI SPEAKS!

whew... so that was definitely something

i think this is the longest chapter i've written like ever, and i really hope i did it justice, especially the hectic escaping scene, i know im guilty of over describing the mundane and simple scenes and when it comes to fast action my mind really just says "alright imma head out 🏃‍♀️"

but like im so happy i've finally wrapped up and concluded the 2003 storyline (y'all already know i had to sprinkle in a little mari x joel action in preparation for the time jump 😝)

anyways i cant wait to get to the post outbreak plots, if y'all thought i was done traumatizing mari, guess again 💋

thinking about how while she's bonded with joel and tommy over their shared loss of sarah, she had to grieve samantha alone cause they didnt really know her like that, really hope that doesn't have long term affects on her, and wouldnt it be crazy if she met a smart mouth immune teenager who shares similar traits to sam, who she also ends up taking under her wing and into her care 😂🤣

as always thank you so much for the continued support and pls dont forget to interact! a simple vote or comment (ideal both) really does motivate me to keep writing!

i know the wait for this chapter was quite a while compared to the last two but i really hope to get the next few up sooner rather than later!!

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