Arrowheart

Chapter Nine

Hannah and I walk into the mansion together and find Moira, Walter, and Thea greeting people in the living room. Hannah runs over while calling out to them.

Thea: "Hey, Hannah Banana."

Elizabeth: "Hey, it looks nice here."

Moira: "Yes, Oliver has done a nice thing for all of us. You look lovely, Elizabeth."

Elizabeth: "Thank you. Hannah insisted she wanted to match with me."

Moira: "That's so cute. Matching green velvet dresses."

Walter: "She looks adorable."

Hannah hugs Moira and Walter as well.

Hannah: "Where's Daddy?"

Moira: "He will be here soon."

A few people come up to us, and we greet them while Hannah runs off to play with a few other children that came with their parents.

Walter: "Oliver."

We turn to see him walking over to us with a smile.

Oliver: "You guys look great. Merry Christmas."

In unison, we all reply with Merry Christmas to him, and Hannah runs over, hug attacking his leg.

Hannah: "Daddy!"

He picks her up.

Oliver: "Hey, sweetie. Wow, look how cute you are. And you're matching with Mommy."

Hannah: "Uh huh, I picked out our dresses. Mommy looks super pretty, right Daddy?"

Oliver: "She always does."

He smiles at me, and I can't stop a blush forming on my cheeks.

Elizabeth: "Thank you, Ollie."

Oliver: "Let's get a holiday photo."

Moira: "I've already sent out our Christmas cards, Oliver."

Oliver: "Mom, let's get a picture just for the six of us."

Moira: "Of course."

We pose together for the photographer. Once the picture is taken, a boy walks up to us with a bouquet as Hannah runs off with a friend.

Boy: "Excuse me, Mrs. Queen, these are for you."

He hands her the flowers, and I see Oliver isn't too pleased with this guy being here, but Thea sure is. I nudge Oliver, making him smile slightly.

Moira: "Well, thank you. I'll, I'll go put this in water."

Thea: "Wow."

Thea walks off with him while giggling.

Walter: "Is everything alright?"

Moira: "You and I should talk alone."

She walks off with the flowers.

Oliver: "Everything okay between the two of you?"

Walter: "Yeah, I'm sure it'll work itself out."

We watch Walter go after Moira, and Thea leaves the room with that boy.

Elizabeth: "It was sweet of you to throw this party for everyone."

Oliver: "I knew everyone needed it. I went five years on that island with no holidays whatsoever, and to find out that they did too, it just didn't seem right."

Elizabeth: "I know they appreciate the effort you put into this for them, Ollie. I do too."

He smiles at me, and I give him a 'thank you' kiss on the cheek. When we separate, we find Tommy and Laurel just walking in. We quickly make our way to them.

Oliver: "So glad that both of you could make it."

Tommy hugs Oliver while I hug Laurel as we exchange 'Merry Christmas' with each other. Laurel and Oliver hug each other as she gives Tommy a look, and I embrace my brother.

Tommy: "So how long do you think it'll be until this isn't so weird? You know, the four of us."

Oliver: "That's not weird at all."

Elizabeth: "[awkwardly] Of course, it's not weird."

We all laugh at the fact that it is, and we know it.

Laurel: "Tommy, Lizzy, do you mind if I talk to Oliver for a minute?"

Tommy: "Yeah, I'll go grab us a couple of drinks. And drink them both."

Elizabeth: "I'll go with you."

Tommy and I go to the refreshment table and have a glass of pinot grigio together before we check on Hannah. Laurel joins us for a drink, and Oliver is nowhere in sight.

Laurel: "Liz, how are you and Ollie?"

Elizabeth: "Oh, we're both very busy people. He can't seem to sit still long enough for us to get anywhere."

Laurel: "Go figure."

Tommy: "Do you want me to say something?"

Elizabeth: "No, it's fine for now. He needs time to adjust, and I understand that."

Tommy: "Just let me know if you need any help."

Elizabeth: "Of course, Tommy. Only if you promise me the same."

Tommy: "I promise."

Elizabeth: "Let's just enjoy the party for now."

We all agree and start mingling with other guests. An hour or so later, Moira finds me and looks very distressed.

Moira: "Elizabeth, we have to go now. Mr. Diggle just called saying Oliver is in the hospital."

Elizabeth: "Oh my god. What happened?"

Moira: "He had an accident on his motorcycle. Come on, Walter went to get Hannah."

We quickly go to the car and join Hannah, Thea, and Walter.

Upon our arrival, Mr. Diggle leads us to the room where Oliver is just waking up.

Hannah: "Daddy!"

Oliver: "Hey, sweetheart."

Hannah runs to his bed and jumps up, hugging him, causing him to groan.

Elizabeth: "Hi, Ollie, how are you feeling?"

Oliver: "I'm okay."

He kisses Hannah's head as we approach the left side of his bed and see his state.

Moira: "Are you alright?"

Thea: "Oh god, you look terrible."

Walter: "Well, thank god you were wearing your helmet."

He seems confused.

Diggle: "I told them how you were on a bike, and a semi pulled right in front of you."

Moira: "What were you even doing out?"

Thea: "You bailed on your own party."

Oliver: "It seemed like the right move. I mean, like you said, it... wasn't the best timing."

Thea: "[sighs] Okay, but when I said that, that was just me being a bitch."

I nudge Thea's side as Hannah looks over at us.

Hannah: "What's a b***h?"

Oliver: "A word you should never say. Okay?"

Hannah: "Okay."

Moira: "The truth is, I don't think any of us were at our best."

Walter: "The real truth is, you wanted to have a party to bring us closer together. Well...here we are."

Elizabeth: "And the good news is you are still with us."

Oliver gasps from a moment of pain, breaking the touching moment.

Moira: "We're going to let you get some rest, hmm?"

She kisses his head before she and Walter leave the room, and I take Hannah out. I could tell Thea, and Ollie needed a moment. When she comes out, I ask her to watch Hannah while I speak with Oliver.

Elizabeth: "You look like s**t, Ollie."

Oliver: "Yeah, I feel like it too."

Elizabeth: "At least you're alive, though."

I hug him and kiss his cheek.

Elizabeth: "Please be more careful. We just got you back."

Oliver: "I promise, Liz. I won't leave you alone with our daughter ever again."

I hold his hand with silent tears welling up in my eyes.

Elizabeth: "I'll hold you to that."

We chuckle together before I leave for the night with the others.