What If?

Family Reunion

Artemis:

Mom asked for Jade and I to come over today and spend some time with her before I get married. I guess it's kind of like girls time or something. Jade was very reluctant but I encouraged her to come. Well, actually I promised her lunch if she came.

(Jade and Artemis had just arrived at Paula's apartment complex and are sitting in the car.)

"So...uh...are we gonna go in or..."
"Sigh....yeah. Sorry Sis. I guess I'm just not that close to mom. Spending time baking or whatever isn't really something I'm comfortable doing with her." Jade hesitates.
"Well...think on the bright side. I'll be there. And it's not like we're moving in. It's just a couple hours. Ok?"
"Yeah...Ok."

(A few moments later.)

"Knock, knock."
"Artemis! Jade! Oh please come in." Paula opens the door with a smile.
"Thanks mom." Artemis replies.
"Please, go ahead and sit down."
"Um...ok."
"You too, Jade."
"Fine." Jade crosses her arms as she sits next to Artemis on the couch.
"Now...I know you two aren't gonna be too happy about this, but hear me out...I've been speaking with your father lately."
"What?!!" Jade angrily stands up.
"Jade, please."
"Jade, hear mom out." Artemis interrupts.
"Sigh..." Jade sits back down.
"Thank you. Anyways, I know all of our history with him and the kind of person he has been to you two, but for a couple of months, I have been meeting him for lunch and he really wants to be a part of both your lives. I know it sounds laughable, but if you could just give him a chance."
"Absolutely not! I will have no part with that man. I don't care how much he's changed. He will always be Crusher to me and that's final." Jade growls.
"Don't you think you're jumping to conclusions, Jade? I mean, maybe we could at least hear him out." Artemis says.
"Artemis, I'm surprised you would even waste your time talking about this. He hurt you. He forced you to do things you never wanted to do."
"I know Jade, but he's our father. Doesn't he deserve a second chance just like you?"
"You knew about this didn't you?"
"I knew about them talking. But otherwise, no."
"Jade, please. Won't you give him a chance?" Paula pleads.
".....Fine. I'll hear what he has to say, but don't you think for one second that I'm gonna let him come around my family."
"Ok. I understand. Now he'll be here soon." Paula replies.
"Great." Jade glares."

(About five minutes later.)

"Knock, knock, knock."
"That's him. Alright. You two ready?" Paula nervously says.
"Sure mom." Artemis smiles lightly.
"Jade?"
"Just open the stupid door." Jade hisses.
"Sigh...ok.....Lawrence! Hello! Come in." Paula opens the door.
"Hey, Paula. Good to see you. Artemis...it's been a long time. You look all grown up." Lawrence walks in, awkwardly standing by the door.
"Uh...thanks dad. It's um...good to see you?"
"Same. And Jade. You look.....pregnant."
"You look exactly the same as when I last saw you. Cold and heartless...Crusher."
"Jade..." Paula grumbles.
"It's ok, Paula. Jade and I have a lot of history that you two don't know about. Isn't that right, Jade?" Lawrence smirks as Jade remains silent, giving him a death stare.
"I made lunch. Shall we eat?" Paula suggests.
"Sure, Paula. I do miss your cooking."

(After getting seated, everyone begins to eat.)

"So Jade. How's Roy? Or should I still refer to him as broken arrow?"
"Actually, he goes by Will now, and he's fine. Why?"
"Just curious."
"Well don't be."
"Jade..." Artemis kicks her foot.
"Artemis, Paula tells me you're getting married this weekend." Lawrence continues.
"Uh...yeah. To Wally West."
"Good for you. I'm sure that'll be...interesting."
"Um...Thanks. And what about you, dad?"
"Huh?"
"Well...has anything...changed in your life?"
"Nah...just the usual. I mean, besides bein' Sportsmaster."
"You gave that up?"
"Your mother insisted that...well, let's just say, I needed a change."
"Some change." Jade scoffs.
"Something you wanted to say, Jade?" Paula glares.
"Actually, yes. Since when have you ever really given up Sportsmaster? You've never been anymore than that, so why are you crawling back now? You must want something pretty bad to stoop this low, Crusher."
"I know we have lots of rough history, Jade. More than your sister and mom want to know about, but I would've thought you of all people would understand. After all, didn't Will, Artemis, and your mother give you another chance?"
"Don't bring Will into this. In fact, don't bring anyone into this. They made their own decisions. I refuse to give you a second chance because you could never want one. You're not even capable of reforming."
"I'm sorry you see it that way, Jade. But maybe time will help. I'll see you later, Paula. Great lunch by the way. Bye Artemis. And good luck on gettin' married." Lawrence smirks before walking out.
"Jade, I know it's hard to forgive those who've hurt you, but..."
"Don't start with me, mom. The last thing I need is a lecture from someone who never got over their ex." Jade interrupts.
"That's not what this is about!"
"Oh really. Then tell me, what is it about? Because I know you would never have given Crusher the time of day if something wasn't up."
"I...I just want to see the best for him. For all of you." Paula lowers her head.
"Yeah, well good luck with that." Jade walks out.
"Sigh...she's so much like him."
"Mom, you knew Jade would respond this way. Give her time. She always comes around, eventually."
"You're right, Artemis. I guess it's just that she's not wrong."
"About what?"
"I do still have feelings for Lawrence. I can't help it. No matter what he has done, I can't help but still love him. All this time I stayed away because I knew he wouldn't change and I was worried for you girls, but now that I know you're safe and seeing him come back...you know how prideful he is. I just know coming back here must've been difficult for him."
"Mom, it's ok to want to see the best for dad, and I'm willing to give him a chance...slowly. But you need to be careful how quickly you're willing to trust him. He could be fooling us."
"You're right, Artemis. And don't worry, sweetie. I'll be careful."