Together Burning Bright

The morning had started off beautiful-Odessa had woken up with Andy still passed out beside her in bed and she had smiled and thought about laying back down. The sky outside was bright, blue and cloudless-the perfect day. Dess could remember getting up, stretching her tattooed arms above her head and at forty-eight she had to admit that her ink was still looking pretty spectacular. A quick trip to the bathroom and then it was downstairs for some coffee. The house was silent-it had been she and Andy alone for over a year now. Newly married Arabella had a place of her own in town with her husband Brett, Oliver was living in LA with Anthony and Edmund and Cammy and the Hollywood Rebels were on tour-currently stopped in Ohio.

The coffee had been dripping out of the Keurig for only a few seconds when the phone rang.

Who would be calling at this hour? Dess looked at the clock over the stove-8:15. Eh, let the machine get it she had thought at first, but something was nagging her in the back of her head. Quickly she fumbled to get the phone, clicking it to life and holding it up to her ear. What she heard on the other end made her scream-cry out in the most guttural way she possibly could and Dess knew that her world was ending. She dropped the phone, Ashley’s voice still calling out to her on the other side, but Dess couldn’t hear him anymore.

She couldn’t do anything-breathe, think, see, hear or speak. Finally Andy, having been woken by her screaming and loud crying, came rushing into the kitchen, his chest bare and Dess could only look at him and think how cold he must be. She was sitting at the kitchen table, her hands trembling, her rings cutting of her circulation and Dess remembered removing them-nothing made sense. The world swirled in front of her eyes and her lungs took in air but Odessa Montgomery Biersack knew things would never be the same. Andy knelt in front of her, his hands on her knees as he looked up at her with concerned blue eyes. He could see that something had happened and immediately he picked up the phone, which had still been laying on the floor.

He called the kids, one by one, to see if they were all okay. Arabella was at work and fine-Brett was also at his office and fine as well. Oliver-asleep but woke up with the ringing-was tired, but doing okay for the most part. Could they send him some money? Sure, Andy had said and finally he made the call he was the most worried about. Cammy-his youngest-was on the road and Andy knew the perils of being in a huge moving vehicle. Had there been an accident? Had something happened? Finally he had reached Cam on her cell-she was fine, half asleep and yes she was going to visit Grandpa Biersack since they were in Ohio. Andy placed the cordless phone back in its charger and looked down at his wife once again.

Dess was shaking, her shoulders heaving up and down violently and Andy could only do what felt right-he picked her up and carried her into their den. The vast room-where they had their Christmases and family gatherings-was warm and inviting, but Andy felt a pang in his heart as he noticed the empty dog bed. Dove, Crow and Winnie had been long gone, but Dess had kept the dog bed-just in case. As Andy sat them both down on the couch, he noticed that Dess had finally seemed to calm down and was looking at him. Her moss green eyes-the ones he had fallen in love with so many years ago-were scared and he could see the wrinkles forming at the edges. He loved Dess-they had grown old together just like Andy had always wanted.

After a few soft kisses and whispering comforting words in her ear, Andy was finally able to find out what was happening. As Dess told him everything-the call and what was going on-he felt his own emotions get the best of him. Within minutes the two of them were up, Andy pulling on a hoodie and Dess grabbed her purse as they ran out to the car sitting in the driveway-not even bothering to lock the door behind them. Andy drove-he drove as fast he possibly could and he couldn’t help but smirk because the last time he had driven this crazy had been when Dess was in labor with Camellia. They made it to Fauquier Hospital in record time and as they walked the halls Andy held Dess’ hand as tightly as he could.

Ashley had met them-Andy had never seen his best friend look so sad and scared. The fifty-three year old, with his long grey hair and tired eyes barely held it together as he told them all he knew. Kit had been feeling poorly the night before-a headache which she had been getting often. The couple had thought nothing of it as they sat around in their kitchen, drinking a glass of wine and joking with one another. Everything had seemed normal as they went to bed, except Kit still had that damn headache. Ashley had fallen asleep with his wife in his arms-sleeping peacefully-until he finally woke a few hours later to feel the bed shaking. He had thought it was an earthquake, but he noticed that Kit was laying beside him and she was the one that was shaking the bed.

Her green eyes-her bright green orbs that lit up a room-were rolled back in her head and Ashley tried to hold her still. There was nothing he could do and so he quickly called 911 and waited for an ambulance to show up. Katrina had been unresponsive as the paramedics tended to her, but she had a pulse. The doctors worked on her all night and finally it was determined that Kit had had an aneurism in her sleep-the headache she had experienced before going to bed had been a blood clot entering her brain. She was alive-barely-and the doctors weren’t giving her much time. Ashley called Dess first and then he had placed the hardest call he would ever have to make.

The twins, Pierce and Cammy were on their way and Dess watched as Ashley broke down in to tears.

There was a lot of sitting involved-waiting for doctors to come out and decide who could see her first. Kit was awake, but her vital signs were weak and she didn’t seem to have much time. Ashley went in first, spending an hour with his wife until finally he emerged with a red face and tear stained cheeks. Dess had called all of the other kids-Arabella and Oliver-plus Andy had made calls to CC, Jinxx, and Jake. Jake was overseas with Ella, but they were going to get on the first plane out-could they stay with Andy and Dess? Of course-all were welcome in this terrible time.

Finally it was time for Odessa to go in and she almost didn’t want to. As she stood, Andy had asked if she wanted him in there, but Dess needed to do this alone…she had to say goodbye.

Smoothing down her black and red pajama pants-they had been getting stares all morning-Dess inhaled deeply and pushed open the heavy door. The room inside was dim-the only light coming in from the window and she sucked in a breath as Dess turned the corner and looked at her best friend.

Kit was laying in bed, her head pointed towards the window and Dess could see that a nurse had pulled her wild red hair back from her face. Her eyes were open and staring, almost blankly and Dess was scared of what was to come. A blanket was pulled up to her chest and as Kit seemed to notice someone approaching, she weakly smiled as she realized who it was-Dessa. They had planned on going to lunch today-to catch up and make plans for the holidays. The twins and Pierce would be on tour, but Dess had been hopeful to have the gang all together for Christmas…like they used to when the kids were small. As she laid there, Katrina knew that the gang would all be together…just not with her.


“Hey D…” Kit croaked, her throat sore and scratchy but she was smiling anyways. Dess said nothing at first, just kept walking towards her best friend until finally she reached the side of the bed. She hadn’t been in a hospital since her mother had died three years ago and of course Andy’s mother Amy had passed the year before that. Dess hated hospitals…she always had.

“Oh Kit…” She said as she sat down and Kit only smiled, coughing as she closed her eyes for a moment. Damage had been done and Kit could feel her mind growing cloudy-she knew the time was coming.

“Hey-don’t cry for me Argentina…” She joked and Dess only smirked as she reached out and placed a hand on her best friend’s leg. Kit was shaking slightly and Dess felt her heart drop in her chest. She couldn’t do this…she couldn’t say goodbye to the one person who was left from her past.

“The kids are on their way. Did Ash tell you that? Aria is closing everything down, Oli’s gotten on a flight and the band are turning the bus around…everyone’s coming to see you Kit Kat.” Dess said, smiling softly but Kit could see the tears in her best friend’s eyes. This was it…there was no more time.

“That’s nice…it’ll be nice to see Oli. How’s he getting on these days?” Kit asked, closing her eyes and Dess sucked in a breath. Distraction-that’s what this conversation was and Dess knew it was something that had to happen right now.

“He’s good! Working for DC and living his dream. Andy and I are so proud of him.” Dess said with a weak voice and Kit said nothing as she cracked one eye open and looked at the blonde sitting next to her.


This girl had been everything to her-they had been everything to one another and Kit knew that they never would have made it. Dess had held Kit up-helped her see what she was worth and that her dreams could come true. Kit had been there for Dess through everything-losses, marriage, sickness…everything. Kit smiled as she thought over everything-she would be leaving soon, but her kids would still be here…Odessa would still be here. Heaven would be waiting for her though and a lot of people would hopefully be there to greet her. Moira, Momma and Daddy Montgomery and her own parents among others. They had lost a few people this year-Bert McCracken, Danny Warsnop and Justin Hills. All gone and now it was Kit’s turn.


“Good-taking after you. I figured he would…I was hoping that one of my own would want to go in to management, but they all take after Ash with the music.” Kit smiled softly and Dess noticed that her green eyes seemed to be fading.

“There’s still time…one of them could change their minds.” Dess encouraged and Kit only smirked softly as she closed her eyes and winced. Her head was killing her and breathing was becoming an issue. Kit slowly opened her eyes and a single tear ran down her pale cheek.

“Maybe, but I won’t see it…at least not from this vantage point.” She laughed softly and Dess could feel her resolve melting. She was trying to be strong-trying to not show her emotions, but seeing Kit…seeing her sister laying there so broken was making her weak.

“You will Kit! You’re going to live…you have to because we made a promise to one another. Do you remember?” Dess asked, smiling through her tears as she thought back to that eighth grade pact. Kit did remember and softly they both spoke at the same time, smirking at one another.

“Never marry, hundreds of cats…grow old together.” They said in unison and soon enough Dess was hugging her best friend gently. She should be the one comforting Kit in this time, but instead it was the other way around for once. Dess was always taking care of Kit, but now it was time for the wild child best friend to take care of Odessa…and to say goodbye.


The two girls spent over an hour together, laughing and joking about times past. School girl crushes, grudges and forgiveness. Dess mentioned Kit’s aversion to love and Kit stood by her viewpoint of never thinking love existed, but she admitted to finding the best guy in the world-Ashley. They made plans as they sat there-Kit would host Thanksgiving this year and Dess would have Christmas, but next year they both agreed that maybe a couples cruise was in order-just the four of them away for the winter. Finally it was time for Dess to go-Aria had shown up and wanted to see Aunty Kit for a bit. As Dess hugged her best friend, she let her nose linger near Kit’s head and inhaled the smell of her best friend.

Cigarettes, oranges and memories…so many memories.


“I love you Kit Kat-I’ll see you in a bit.” Dess said as she stopped at the door and looked back at her best friend. Kit was smiling at her, a hand held up and she blew the blonde a tiny kiss.

“I love you too…now send the next one in!” Kit laughed and Dess felt a smile creep on to her lips as she closed the door and hugged her eldest daughter.


Hours passed and everyone just continued to sit quietly outside of Kit’s room as visitors walked in and out. The twins, Pierce and Cam finally made it-all three kids running in to the room to see their mother and Dess held her breath as she listened to the sobbing. Cammy said nothing as she just sat down beside her mother, her tattooed hands covering her face as she sobbed. Dess wrapped an arm around her youngest and rocked them both back and forth slowly. Andy was out at the airport-picking up Oliver, Anthony and Edmund. Jake and Ella were in flight on their way from the UK, Jinxx was on his way-Melissa was taking a later flight as she was stuck on set and CC, Christy, Margaret and Moira were also on their way. Everyone was coming, but Dess could feel it in her bones that they would be too late.

As they all sat quietly-Andy had shown up with the boys and Oliver was currently in the room with his Aunty-Dess couldn’t hold her tears in. She let them flow down her cheeks and she knew that Andy was holding her tightly. Cammy and Aria were standing near the door, both crying as Aria had an arm wrapped around Cam’s shoulders. It made Dess happy to see her two girls together-they had little in common, but it seemed like bridges were slowly being mended. Finally Oliver left, saying that Ashley, the twins and Pierce may want to go in there for a while.

Kit was fading fast…


“It’s going to be okay baby…she’s going to be okay. Kit’s a fighter…she always has been.” Andy said in her ear and Dess only smiled as she turned and faced him. She needed to stand and so without a word Odessa stood up and began to pace.

“She’ll be okay mom…I know she will.” Aria said as she looked towards her mother. The older woman looked a mess and silently Aria wondered if this is how her mother had looked when Aunt Moira had passed away.


After two hours and Dess pacing back and forth so much she almost burned a hole in the floor, the door to Kit’s room opened and Ashley popped his head out. She was gone. Katrina Evans Purdy had given up her fight and had left this world with her children and husband by her side.

Odessa felt everything in her world come to a full stop and Andy quickly rushed to her side. He wrapped his arms around his wife, holding her as they both slid down the wall she had been leaning against and soon they were sitting on the floor. People were crying around them-sobbing loudly at the loss-but all Andy could focus on was his wife. She was holding her head in her hands, crying harder than he had ever seen her cry and the only thing Andy could think to do was to lean in and through his own tears he began to sing in to Dess’ ear softly.


'Cause I lost it all
Dead and broken.
My back's against the wall.
Cut me open.
I'm just trying to breathe,
Just trying to figure it out
Because I built these walls to watch them crumbling down.
I said, "Then I lost it all."
And who can save me now?

Notes

A moment of silence for the loss of such a great character. I told you guys...time is moving on and with that people are getting older and sooner or later everyone-even Andy and Dess-will be gone.

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