Breaking Bad- - the Widow

[melinda]

For Sanda who loves this show as much as I do. Jessie I hope this doesn't spoil anything for you. YOu don't have to read it because I hate to give away the ending. Its just that last week's episode was so upsetting for me that I had to write about it.

She'd always known this day would come, but she had no idea that it would be by Walt's hand that she would lose her husband. For most of her adult life her entire world had been built upon the fact that she was Hank Schraeder's wife. He'd been there for her when at times she couldn't even take care of herself. This was happening all too fast for Marie to even begin to process.

Skylar had offered for Marie to spend the night, but all Marie wanted to do was to get as far away from any reminder of Walter White as possible. Walt. Mild-mannered, smart, strong- and her husband's murderer. It was just too much for her to take.

Falling to the ground, having only made it two blocks from the White household, the tears flooded her face as it hit her that Hank was gone and he was never coming back. He'd called her to say that he'd arrested Walt, and that was more than likely the last call of his life.

“Aunt Mare?”

She didn't want to look up. Marie kept looking at the ground, almost willing it to swallow her whole, so that she didn't have to face anyone.

But this was Flynn, Walt Jr., her own nephew. Trying to catch her breath, she wiped her face, to no avail, and stared off in the distance.

“Aunt Marie...I didn't want you to be alone right now. My mom would be here but she has to wait for him to bring Holly back.”

She said nothing. Instead she found herself fiddling with her wedding ring, which did not go unnoticed by her nephew.

“I wish...” he took a deep breath. “I wish I knew what to say to make you feel better.”

What could he say? What could anyone say to make up for the fact that her sister's husband murdered Hank?” She didn't say anything; instead she just nodded, acknowledging Flynn's words.

“Do you hate me?”

Finally she looked up at him and shook her head. “I could never hate you. You're my nephew and I love you and Holly more than anything.”

“I wish he weren't my dad! I hate him. He's a....he's a monster and I hope his cancer kills him.,” Flynn cried out.

“I don't know what I can say. I know I'm supposed to be the grown up but I don't have any answers. The man we welcomed into our home, the man who was the best man at our wedding took my husband away from me! Nothing that bastard can ever do or say can make this all right. Nothing!”

Flynn nodded. “It's my fault.”

Now for the first time since she'd heard the news, Marie stopped crying and looked curiously at her nephew.”What do you mean?”

Now it was Flynn's turn to tear up. “I should have known. I should have seen this coming. If I'd have known then maybe I could have made him stop. Maybe he wouldn't have done what he did if only I were brave. If only...”

“Oh, Flynn. This isn't your fault. There is only one person who is to blame for this. I'll spend the rest of my life making sure that that monster can't hurt you or my sister or anyone else,” Marie vowed.

“Do you want to come back to my house?”

She shook her head. “I can't. I just can't. You go on. Your mom has enough to worry about without not knowing where you are at.”

“Aunt Marie...”

She looked up at him.

“Would it be okay...would you mind if I sat here with you for a few minutes?”

She nodded, and so for the next half hour it was just the two of them, wondering how in the world they would pick up the pieces of the lives that Walter White had shattered.

tbc

[melinda]

ch 2

“Marie, shouldn't you be with the other ladies, getting your hair fixed and overall-prettied up?” Walt smiled as he approached his sister-in-law as she stepped onto Hank's backyard.

“Hank-how is he?”

“Oh, he's a bundle of nerves, but you know Hank- he's got too much pride to admit to anyone how he's really feeling.”

“He's really a good guy, isn't he?”

“He's the most stand-up guy I've ever known. I can't pretend to understand what you're feeling right now, but know this- Hank will provide for you and everything you've ever wanted from life. You're in good hands.” Walt put his hand on Marie's arm for comfort.

She smiled. Maybe she was making too big a deal of things. After all, couples got married every day. It didn't change things for those other couples, so why shouldn't things get only better for her and Hank? “You must think I'm crazy right now,” she sniffed as she tried so hard not to break down.

“I'd think you were crazy if you weren't nervous.”

“Were you nervous- when you married my sister?”

He nodded. “I'd never been so nervous in my life. After all I was marrying this wonderful woman who was way too good for me...”

“And then there was the baby,” Marie teased.

“He certainly helped our relationship progress. But I wouldn't trade a minute of my life with your sister and Jr. for all the money in the world. Family is everything. And now-in just a few short minutes you'll be married and all set for a family of your own.”

Marie laughed and shook her head. “ No, no kids for me. Not yet anyways.”

“You're young. Maybe you'll change your mind.”

“Marie!” called out the familiar voice of her sister. ”Marie, what in the world are you doing out here? The judge is ready to begin and your hair...”

“What about my hair?” Marie's hand flew instinctively to her head.

Skylar started to speak then changed her mind. “You look beautiful.”

Marie hugged her, then they all walked back to the house, ready for Marie and Hank's journey to begin.


00000

“You did it.” Walt lifted his glass to congratulate his new brother-in-law. “You did well for yourself, my friend. If the happiness I've found with Marie's sister is any indication, I predict a long and very blissful life for the two of you.”

Hank took a drink of his champagne. “Thanks, man. I tell you, the guys on the force had a bet wondering if I was ever going to take the plunge.”

“Take the plunge? We've been married for five minutes and already you've found a derogatory name for our marriage?”

“Oh, come on, Marie. You got to be hard-headed if you marry a Shraeder.”

Everyone laughed. Even Marie found herself breaking into a small grin despite the disapproving look she shot her husband.

“Oh, Marie, Hank...” Skylar took their hands. “I want you to know that Walt and I couldn't be happier for you. I've always worried about my sister, but now I know that I don't have to worry any longer. She's in good hands, and I just wanted to say...welcome to the family.” She leaned over and kissed Hank on the cheek.

“Oh, by the way, Walt..you're not off the hook...” Marie turned to him.

“What did I do now?”

“I know that as best man you were in charge of my husband's bachelor party. As the one guy on earth, according to my sister, incapable of telling a lie....did my husband behave himself?”

Walt chuckled. “Right hand to God I took him out for a steak and then a few beers. No funny business for these two married men.”

Skylar hugged Walt. “There better not have been. After all., we just finished the baby's room...I'm sure there would be room on the floor for Junior to have a roommate.”

Hank laughed. “Wow and I thought I was tough! Skylar, how'd you like to come work with me one of these days?”

“No! It's bad enough you put yourself in those situations, but you're not dragging my sister into it!”

Everyone laughed, then Hank turned to Marie. “You're a real fighter, aren't you?”

“I fight for what I believe in. And right now, I believe in you.”

As everyone 'awwwwed” them, Hank pulled his wife in and kissed her.

Yes, this was the happiest day her life.

tbc

[jessie]

Wonderful start to your story, I feel sorry for Marie, and the whole family. I have not watched the show yet, but hopefully I will soon. I can't wait to see what will happen next, and what will happen to Walt, and the rest of the family. Please update again soon.

[Sanda]

Great start to your new story Melinda. I feel bad for Marie, Skylar, Walter, JR, Holly and even feel bad for Walter as well. Melinda please don't be mad at me for feeling bad for Walter. I know that Walter did wrong and that he was responsible for Hank's but he still a human being and he deserves compassion. I feel bad that he dying all alone. Walter's son Walter, JR should be ashamed of himself for wanting his father dead because if wasn't for Walter and Skylar he went be alive. I know that Walter did be wrong but Walter JR needs to think before he speaks.

[melinda]

ch 3

The officer escorted Flynn and Marie back to Skylar's home, where she was clinging tight to her infant daughter. Holly had been found at a fire station, and after medical evaluation, had promptly been returned to her mother.

Marie's eyes met her sister's; neither knew just what to say at that moment. In the blink of an eye, the lives of both families were changed, forever, and there was no telling what else fate had in store for them.

"Marie..." a tearful Skylar began. Holly started to call out 'mama' and Skylar attempted to comfort her.

"There is nothing that you can say that will make this right. Not now. Not ever."

"I had no idea...I swear that I had no idea he was capable of anything like this..."

"Oh, you knew," Marie bitterly spat out. "You knew and all this time you've lied. You lied to me, you lied to your son, and for what? To protect that monster you call a husband? Did it ever occur to you that I had a husband to protect, too? Tell me, Skylar, what did Hank do to deserve what happened to him? Your husband's missing, but we both know it's just a matter of time when he's found. What about my husband? He's out there all alone and no one except for Walt knows where he's at. All Hank wanted was justice; what about justice for Hank? Did you ever stop to think about how this would affect anyone but you? No! On the outside you wanted everyone to think you had this picture perfect family trying the best they could to make it in this world. But what were you, really? It was all a lie. Walt never loved you. He only loved himself and to hell with anyone else! You still have a family to protect. You have a wonderful, sensitive son and a beautiful daughter. What do I have? What do I have?"

Skylar nodded tearfully. She knew there really wasn't anything she could say that would even begin to make up for all that Walt had taken from Marie.

She had lost her husband, a long time ago. But Marie was right; she still had her kids. But Marie- what did she have now? For so long Hank had been her world, her protector, her everything. Now what Walt had done had been done, and there was no turning back.

00000

Marie got settled into her hotel room for the night, not sure if she could ever bring herself to go back to the place she called home with her husband. She had known from the beginning that he'd gone into a dangerous profession, but there was something so cruel about his losing his life to one of the people he'd trusted most on earth that she couldn't even begin to wrap her mind around it.

What were his last thoughts? Did he know the end was near? Did he try to call her one last time? Was he afraid, dying god knew where all alone?

This couldn't be real. It just couldn't.

Walt was a liar. Who knew if he was even telling the truth about Hank? Maybe, for some sick reason he knew where Hank was and just decided to lie once again, perhaps to buy him some time on the run.

That was it. Hank was fine, he would be coming home to her. He was probably at home right now waiting for her, wondering where she was at.

She opened the door and told her police escort to take her home. At first he refused, but after seeing how determined she was, he drove her back to the place she'd shared with Hank all those years.

Standing in the doorway, she looked around, praying he would come out from wherever he was hiding. Slowly she took a few steps, examining the place carefully for any trace of her husband.

"Hank?" she called out, meekfully at first, not wanting to believe that any of this was real.

"Hank!" She ran to the bedroom, calling out his name until she grew hoarse.

The garage. He had to be in the garage. So slowly but hopefully she opened the door to the place where Hank spent most of his free time. Beer. Minerals. Boxes upon boxes. He was there; everything in the space screamed out his name. But realization slowly sank in- her husband was never coming home.

Falling to her knees, Marie hit the floor and didn't even care if she got up again. Hank had saved her from herself during some of the most difficult times of her life, and she would never get the chance to thank him for loving her even when she wasn't so lovable.

How she would make it through the night, she had no idea. But for now, she was all alone, and the thought scared her more than anything else in her life ever had.

tbc

[jessie]

Part 3 is so good I really feel bad for Marie, and the rest of the family. I really love your story hope you update again real soon.

[Sanda]

Great update Melinda. I feel bad for Marie and the whole family. I hope you update this awesome story again really soon.

[melinda]

ch 4

"Mom?"

Skylar looked away from the window to see her oldest child standing in front of her. At that very moment her heart could not possibly ache any more than it did right then. Not only had she lost her husband, her dreams of happy ever after, but even more significantly, her children had lost their father. She'd never felt so helpless in her life.

Junior had been dealt an unfair hand in life, to be sure. Born with a disability, he'd learned to be strong and courageous, mostly by observing his father. From the time Junior was placed into Walt's arms for the first time, Junior had, quite simply, adored his father. Worship was probably a better word. Though they'd had their differences over the years, deep in his heart his father was his hero, and had taught him all about being the kind of man he'd always wanted to be.

Junior was so young, so innocent. Holly was still a baby; thankfully she would not have to come to terms with the man her father had become, not yet anyways. But Junior-even though she'd tried to shield him from life's difficulties she knew she wouldn't be enough to help him come to terms with the man his father was.

"You should get some sleep. It's late."

He shook his head. "I can't sleep. I just wanted to...I wanted to check on you."

She smiled. "Can I get you anything? Would you like me to make you an early breakfast?"

He nodded. "I'd like that."

So without another word, Skylar set upon the task of frying some eggs and bacon, every few minutes checking on her children.

Finally they both sat down to eat, with Junior playing with his food at first.

"Son...I know I haven't been a very good mother. But I want you to know how much I love you and your sister. I've made so many mistakes- but loving you and Holly aren't one of those. I wouldn't trade a second with you two for anything in the world."

"Why...why didn't you tell me?"

She took a deep breath. "I guess I wanted to protect you."

"Don't you think...don't you think I'm grown up enough to know the truth? I'm not a baby anymore, Mom," Junior exclaimed.

"I know. But I had to make a choice- and I chose to protect you. I only hope that one day you'll be able to forgive me."

"I don't know. I don't know what to think. I know my dad isn't who I thought he was, that he's a very bad man. And now all the kids at school are going to find out. Everyone will make fun of me!"

Skylar wanted to cry, but she knew she had to be strong for Junior's sake. "No, they're not. They're going to understand that you aren't responsible for your father's actions. They might even surprise you..."

"Stop it! Stop it Mom! We both know kids are so mean. I've always been made fun of for being different, for talking funny and walking funny."

"Why didn't you tell me this?"

"Because! I wanted to make Dad proud! I thought that if he knew what's been going on then he'd be ashamed to go to work. That he'd be ashamed that I'm his son."

She reached over and took his hand. "Look at me. Look at me. Your father has always, always been nothing but proud of you. He loves you more than anything in this world..."

"Then how could he do this? How could he destroy our family?"

It was so complicated. How could she make him see that his father hadn't always been this...this, whatever he'd become?

"People make choices. He just made some terrible, terrible choices. He's going to have to live with what he's done for the rest of his life."

"He's not the only one. Aunt Marie has to live with it. You and my sister and I all have to live with it."

"Junior..." a single tear fell from her face. "I understand that you hate your father. Do you...do you hate me too?"

He didn't hesitate for a minute. "I could never hate you, Mom. I love you."

That was exactly what Skylar needed to hear at the moment. "I love you too, son. More than you could ever know."

Just then Holly began to stir, so Skylar went to check on her, leaving a very hurt and very confused Junior alone with his thoughts.
tbc

[Sanda]

Great update Melinda. I loved the talk between Skylar and Junior in this chapter. I feel sorry Marie and the whole family. I am looking forward to the final episode of Breaking Bad tomorrow night. I will be recording it so I won't be watching it when it airs live. I hope you update this awesome story again really soon.

[jessie]

I don't watch the show but this is one of my favourite stories of yours. I can feel the characters pain especially Skylar, and Marie's, and of course the kids. I think Walt needs to pay for his crimes. I hope you update this story again soon.

[melinda]

ch 5

As Marie spread out the blanket, Skylar carried the picnic basket and, when Marie was finished, she placed it right in the middle.
'This is nice,” Marie smiled as she opened the bottle of wine. “Why don't we come here more often?”
“I don't know. I guess I've been busy with work and all...”
“And don't forget about your new boyfriend!”
Skylar laughed.”Yeah. That, too.”
“That too? This is the first time in ages that you've actually had a boyfriend. I was beginning to think that you secretly went and bought yourself a chastity belt!”
“Marie!''
“What? Don't tell me that you and Walter haven't done, you know...the nasty!”
Turning bright red, Skylar shook her head. “I am not going to talk about that, most certainly not with my sister!”
“Why not? We're sisters. We're supposed to tell each other everything. So how about it? How is he?” Marie persisted.
“I do not wish to talk about this with you or with anyone else.”
“Let me guess- he's a missionary kind of guy. I bet he makes you turn the light off, and when you're done he takes about five showers just because he can't stand to be so 'dirty!”
“Okay, we're about finished with this conversation. Besides- I notice that you've been free on Friday nights. What's up with that?”
“I don't know. I just am tired of all the bullnuts guys put you through. In the beginning, they notice everything about you. It's 'Marie have I told you how beautiful you are? Marie I really really want a commitment. Marie I can see myself spending forever in your arms. A few weeks later and you find out Mr. Right has a Mrs. Right and a baby on the way. I'm just tired of it all.”
“Oh, Marie...I had no idea...” Skylar sighed.
“Yeah, well, that's the story of my life. I am finished looking for the one. I'm on my own, with no one to tell me what to do, who I can talk to or what to wear. I am happy, Skylar. Really.”
Skylar looked at her doubtfully. “Methinks the lady doth protest too much.”
“What?”
“Nothing. Anyways you're young. You have plenty of time.” Skylar looked away, her glass of wine still in her hand.
“What? What are you looking at?”” Marie strained her neck only to see what it was that had caught her sister's eye. “Oh, my. Would you look at that?”
Skylar quickly turned her head. “I don't know what you're talking about.”
“Yes you do! I saw you watching those hunks over there playing football! Don't worry, I won't tell Walt,”Marie laughed.
“I was not looking!”
Marie patted Skylar's hand. “It's okay. You're taken, not dead.” She turned her attention to the ball players again. “Oh, my, my. Would you look at that tight end on the tight end!”
They both laughed. “He is kind of cute,” Skylar laughed. “I wouldn't have to worry about crossing the street at night with him. He's built like a house!”
“Yeah, but he's probably your stereotypical jock- all brawn, no brain.”
“There's only one way to find out.” |With that, Skylar stood up and before Marie could stop her, she headed over towards the playing field.
Marie was mortified. Usually she was the crazy one, the spontaneous one, but for now there was no stopping her sister.
She watched as Skylar waited until the guys took break and before Marie could protest she approached the man they were talking about only moments before.
Before Marie could retreat, Skylar and the young man were headed her way. This was so embarrassing!
“Hey there,” he offered his hand. “I'm Hank.”
Marie said nothing; instead she just shook his hand, not bothering to make eye contact.
“Anyways...your sister said you guys were watching me and my buddies play...”
“I don't know why she would say that. My sister is a pathological liar.”
Hank laughed heartily. “It's all good. They're a bunch of good guys. Mostly they're the guys at work. We like to blow off steam after a hard day,”
“See, Marie,” Skylar prodded. “He has a job! That's a plus, right?”
Marie wanted to strangle her sister. “Look, I don't know what my sister's told you, but I'm really not...”
“All she told me is that you just got out of school. Something about the medical profession?” Hank asked.
“Yeah. Yeah. “
“That's cool. Anyways, I should probably run. I just had to stop by and introduce myself to the prettiest girl in the park.”
“Oh, please, you probably say that to all the girls,” Marie huffed. “You probably said that to my sister until she told you she had a boyfriend.”
“I'm saying it to you, ain't I?”
Even Marie had to smile.
“Anyways, one of you two gorgeous ladies got a pen?”
“I do,” Skylar replied quickly. She handed it to him and then he proceeded to write his number down.
“My boyfriend and I are having a cookout next weekend,” Skylar spoke up. “Maybe if you're free, that is, if you want to, you could join us.”
“Yeah. I'd like that. Nice to meet you, Skylar. And you,” he nodded at Marie. “I'm afraid I still don't know your name.”
“Marie. My name is Marie.”
“Well then, Marie...give me a call. Next weekend sounds like fun. And Marie...”
“Yes?”
“I don't know. I don't know. I guess I was just going to say it's nice to meet you. And hopefully I'll see you again.”
With that, Hank walked away, leaving Marie to wonder just what her sister had gotten her into. He might have seemed like a nice enough guy, but one thing was certain: she was not about to give her heart away to him or anyone else.
Little did she know that fate had other plans for her and Hank.
0000
Marie woke up with a startle, automatically reaching for Hank. But this was not their home, and he was not there. Now all she had were her memories, and even Walter White couldn't take those away from her.
TBC

[jessie]

Another awesome update Melinda this could be one of your all time best stories. I feel so bad for Marie, but I feel bad for Skylar too. Marie lost so much but she will need her sister to help her deal with whatever her future holds for her. I think Walt has to pay for his crimes but I don't watch the show but I kind of feel bad for the guy he really has ruined so many peoples lives including his own.

[Sanda]

Great chapter Melinda. I feel horrible for Marie in this chapter. I also feel for Skylar as well in this story. Skylar and Marie going to each now more than ever to help each other and to help Holly and Junior as the all pick up the pieces of their lives after all the crap that Walter put them all through. Walt needs to pay for having Hank killed. Thank you so much for dedicating this awesome story me.

[melinda]

ch 6

As Skylar awoke from a short nap, she found her thoughts turning to Marie. She had done nothing wrong, but thanks to Walt, was now a victim of her husband's actions.

What must she be feeling right now? As much as Skylar hated Walt, even she didn't want him dead. He had cancer- certainly he had a short shelf life. How he would spend the rest of his days was anybody's guess. Would he hide out, living the rest of what time he had left a criminal? Would he give himself up to protect his family? Not likely, but it was hard for her to know just what her husband was capable of these days.

Would he return, terrorizing her family however way he could? As Skylar looked around her house, she saw the portrait of him staring at her, taunting her, daring her to move on from him. She knew what she had to do.

As the kids were still sleeping, she knew she had to act fast. Furiously she removed the portrait and slammed it onto the floor. Still, it remained intact. She started stomping on it with all of the anger and hurt inside of her. Not for one more second could she take looking at his evil face. This was not the man she'd once loved and vowed before God to stand by for the rest of her life. In his place was a monster, the face of pure evil. Never before in her life had she felt such hatred for a human being,

Not wanting to disturb her kids, she grabbed the portrait and ran outside. Looking around desperately, her eyes focused on a metal object on the back seat of her car. A tire rod. Perfect.

After grabbing it, she turned her attention to the portrait and with all of her might she began to tear it apart. Over and over again with all of her might she used her entire body strength to tear into pieces that godawful reminder of the life she once had.

After a few more hits, she tossed the rod aside and without another thought Skylar picked up the pieces and tossed them where they belonged- in the garbage can.

Taking a deep breath, she returned to the house where her kids still slept, and sat down, exhausted, on the sofa. She picked up the phone to call Marie when a shiny object on her left hand caught her eye. It was her wedding set.

She'd worn them for so long that it took a minute for her to pry them off, but once she had she felt an immediate sense of relief. No longer was she tied to the monster that had once been her husband.

At one point she had told Walt that she would give the set to Junior when the time was right. Now, everything had changed. The last thing he needed was a reminder of the man who had hurt his family, so she thought about what she could do with it.

Feeling inspired, she calmly walked to the bathroom, put the toilet lid up, and without hesitation threw the rings into the toilet.

After flushing it, she watched with no remorse as her tie to Walt disappeared forever.

0000

"Marie? It's me. I wanted to call and see how you were doing. Is there anything I can do for you? I don't...I don't really know what to say. I love you and will do anything..."

She put the receiver down, not knowing what to say to her sister. What could she say?

As she felt tears start to come to her eyes, Skylar took a deep breath. She would not- could not- shed a single tear for Walt. She had to be strong- hard days were just on the horizon.

If only she could talk to Marie, if there was any way to make her understand that she had no part in what Walt had done to Hank. That she would have protected him with all of the strength that she used to fight for her own kids. Most of all, Skylar wanted Marie to know how much she loved her no matter what.

Right now she knew she was the last person Marie wanted to see. Okay, she thought. All she needs is time. She'll come around. She can't hate me forever.

If there was a special place in hell reserved for Walt, then why did it seem as if she was living that hell right then and there?

TBC

[jessie]

I can see why Skylar is so angry, and it must hurt knowing your husband has done so many evil things, but he is still the Father of her children. I feel more horrible for Marie she lost the love of her life, and she has so much hatred inside of her. Walt needs to pay for his crimes. I hope she lets Skylar help her. You are writing a wonderful story Melinda.