JP - Back to the Cabin

Cody gently picked up Ami and held her close in that brotherly way he always did. “Come on…let's get you away from all of this.” He said and started down the hall. “Ami, I’m sorry for what I did and said…I’m hurting too…”

Ami hugged Cody back. “Do you think Frisk can help her?”

“I hope so…” Cody held out the rifle and let Klaire take it as she walked by. “I guess she upset Klaire again.”

“Aunt Klaire!” Ami called after the dog-eared woman sadly.

Klaire stopped at the sound of Ami’s voice. Sucking up her pride, she wiped tears away before turning and going to Ami and Cody. “Yes, sweetheart?” She asked softly.

Ami threw her arms around Klaire, burying her head in Klaire’s shoulder as she cried.

Klaire hugged Ami and rubbed her back. “Shhh…it’s gonna be okay,” She told her. “Want to head back and stay with the twins for a bit. I’ve got to go check on them and James.” She explained.

Ami looked at Cody. She hiccuped. She was torn.

“If she goes, I’ll come along…” Cody said. He was not in the mood to really stay here right now. He needed some space and air.

“Will Tzeitel be okay?” Ami asked worriedly.

“We’re hoping she will be. Here, in the Meta Underground, she has a lot of people keeping an eye on her.” Klaire explained as she walked with them to the entrance. “Hopefully she’ll accept the help…”

Tears ran down Ami’s face. “She was hurt badly.”

“Yes, she was, but it’s up to Tzeitel to accept the help or not.” Klaire replied with a sad look on her face. “All we can do is remind her that she has all of us supporting her…even if she keeps pushing us all away…”

“Why can’t she be more like you?” Ami asked. Klaire had a lot of scars too, and Ami had overheard more than the adults probably wanted her to know about Klaire’s time in MegaCorp.

“Everyone handles their problems differently.” Klaire told her and got into the car they would be using. Cody got in the driver’s seat since he had learned how to drive over the past five years. “Maybe she just needs some space for now…”

Ami got in and buckled up. She looked back towards the Underground. “I hope she’ll be okay… but you never drink, or exercise until you hurt yourself.”

“I limit myself,” Klaire said as she buckled up as well. “I don’t want to hurt myself…plus, I want to be a good mother for Lotus and Leon.”

“You are a good mother, Klaire,” Cody said as he buckled up and started the car.

“Tzeitel is usually good.” Ami said, her shoulders slumping.

“Yeah, usually…” Cody replied as he drove them back to the cabin where they were greeted by James and the twins.