Pretty in Blue

(Is there Word of my Charlene?)

PART 2: CHARLENE

*

"Hey mister, need a ride?"

Wynonna got out from the car that Constance Clootie left behind as Doc Holliday stood still from the porch looking at the brunette in the dark.

"Always." 

The gunslinger smirked as the Earp Heir walk towards him, and continued, "Wynonna Earp, the only woman so bold as to woo a man with another woman’s car."

"I thought if anyone should have it, it’s you."

"And exactly what am I to do with it?" Doc just glanced upon the brunette as she settled on the other post opposite to him.

"What do you do usually with your enemy’s horse?" Wynonna thought aloud, she wasn't really sure why she gave the car to Doc, but she's certain it's the least that the Stone Witch could do after what she did to Doc, "shoot it, ride it, paint it something other than pink?"

"Color is the only thing this pony has going for it," the gunslinger wondered why the heir would have doubts with the car's color, "It’s strong, masculine."

"Pink’s traditionally a girl’s color."

"Oh, how history rewrites itself," Doc still wasn't used being surprised on how things have gravely changed from his time, "See back in my day girls were all delicate and dainty in blues."

Wynonna chuckles, she sure as hell can't imagine wearing such color. She's a fucking badass, only black leather jacket passes that criteria. But if anyone would accuse the Earp Heir of blushing at this point, she would deny it with her life even if bribed with bacon donuts, for she couldn't help it when John Henry Holliday said the next words with heartfelt sincerity:

"I think you would be very pretty in blue."

*

"License and registration?"

If there was another one thing in this modern age that impressed John Henry Holliday, other than those digital gizmos and mechanical contraptions, it would be women empowerment. Here he was nervously shifting through the driver's seat as his face gave way to confusion in front of the law-woman that stood with authority and power, Deputy Sheriff Nicole Haught.

"It’s me Officer Haught, and I have neither those things."

The deputy held back a chuckle as she glanced Waverly getting out of the cruiser and storming towards the pink car. "Oh, boy."

"How about an explanation, huh?"

And as if Doc had enough of the women empowerment, here comes another fiery woman letting him take a piece of her mind. Waverly Earp was a force to be reckoned with. The younger Earp had given Doc the idea of learning to drive instead of destroying the car with a big hammer.

"If there is any kindness in you, you will arrest me," the gunslinger pleaded onto the officer, "and quick."

The redheaded officer then scribbled on her pad and gave the ticket to Doc, "sorry there, Stone Cold, not getting off so easy."

But Doc Holliday had to get off, out of Purgatory. He now can get away from the place that haunted him and kept him for more than a century. Now Waverly was asking him to stay. For what? For who? Did the Earp Heir really needed him? 

"Can't you at least try?" Waverly tried to reason and added silently, "I mean, I'm trying with Nicole."

Doc will know this later, but at this point he didn't realize that he was one of the first people Waverly told about her relationship with Nicole. But it was already obvious to the gunslinger that the officer and the younger Earp had feelings for each other. It really wasn't that hard to notice.

"Difference is, she adores you back."

*

"H2J-1B3"

Officer Haught, ever the law abiding fellow in the group, felt immensely torn in the 'Charlene situation' her new ally had. Doc has been driving for weeks now (after Purgatory's Poker Spectacular) without proper papers, always in luck to have none other than herself out on patrol whenever the gunslinger was caught speeding. Given the officer's familiarity with the law and licenses, she presented Doc with several options on how to legally take ownership of the car in his custody during a night-out at the BBD office. And added some road seminar to get him in line with the rules when driving.

"Hey Doc," the redhead motioned to the gunslinger the week later as Wynonna and Waverly left their booth to play pool at Shorty's.

"Yes Officer Haught?" Doc noticed that the officer was a bit tipsy at this point but held out a gaze at him with full seriousness.

"Did you fill out the forms I gave you?" Nicole paused as she focused her eyes on Doc, then added, "and please call me Nicole when I'm off duty."

It was in the redhead's good nature to help people regarding things like this, and had been the contact person for adulting stuff back in her previous city. Very Type A of her. Handing out forms for Waverly in her search for the truth about her parentage, or now for Doc to get the license and registration that would be needed for his Charlene. Even one time for Chrissy Nedley when she asked about tax forms and registrations.

"Well Miss Nicole," the redhead feigned a grimaced look on the formality but Doc just smiled knowingly, "there are some boxes that require information that I do not have. If you may, I might require your assistance in handling some of them."

"Oh okay," the officer softened her gaze, "I'll come by the homestead tomorrow to hangout with Waverly anyway, I might as well check on your forms to get Charlene a proper christening." Nicole chuckled as she air-quoted the last two words.

"That would be much appreciated," the cowboy smile and tipped his hat towards his new friend, "Nicole."

*

"Is there any news about my Charlene?"

Back at the homestead, the gunslinger still cannot grasp the thought of being away in the Garden for eighteen months. It seemed only like a few days, but given as how he saw the state of Purgatory and even the lengthened hair of his redheaded friend, he has no choice but to accept the truth: He missed a lot of Property Brothers' episodes.

But a larger part that occupied his mind is the state of his beloved car, Charlene. He loved it like he loved his old strong horse back in the old days when he galloped together with his best friend, the Earp ancestor, Wyatt. He was taught then to cherish of those which carry you in farther strides. So he did the same with Charlene.

And though as he asked this query to his obviously distraught friend, he can't help but expect the worst for the condition of his vehicle. Only to be highly relieved when the redhead toss him his keys and pointed towards the east side of the homestead where Charlene is parked.

Doc Holliday couldn't hold back his excitement seeing his Charlene in excellent shape. He remembered something about maintaining cars from Juan Carlo but it soon dissolved when he turned on the engine and drove past the homestead.

*

"Among all the cars at the homestead, I like Charlene the most."

It has been a few minutes since Doc and Rachel left the police station. Doc glanced upon the teenager at the passenger seat, remembering the hotheaded remark about adults as she entered the car. Rachel Valdez is a new force residing at the homestead, apparently ex-Sheriff Haught's sole companion during those eighteen months that they were in the Garden.

"Nicole taught me how to drive," Rachel continued, "since she can't with her broken leg, which took months to fully heal by the way."

"You did a mighty job in taking care of Sheriff Haught," Doc gave the teenager a grateful smile and truthfully he still regard Nicole as the sheriff, "and thank you for believing my Charlene is the best of the lot in all of our vehicles."

"Yeah. It's hard to get up to the seats in Wynonna's truck and Waverly's jeep with that leg. So when Nicole had to give up the police car, we kept using Charlene when we need to ride into town for errands and supply."

A comfortable silence accompanied their ride from the station to the homestead. Doc noticed the excellent condition Charlene was since they reunited several weeks ago. Although Nicole was being avoidant with all of them since their return, maybe the teenager by his side now could give answers to some of the queries he has been curious about.

"Miss Valdez," Doc began as Rachel turn her head towards him, "did Nicole kept all of our vehicles in good shape all these months?"

"Yup," Rachel emphasized by popping the 'p', "she also taught me how to do that, so we take turns in maintaining them, especially during winter."

Even as they got near to the homestead, Rachel continued to ramble on what she learned from her adoptive mother about cars and how to take care of them. The gunslinger easily smiled on how similar Rachel and Waverly's rambling when the latter talked about history and languages.

"The oil would be useless sludge if we don't regularly check the cars, Nicole would say," the teenager continued, "The gas tank could have condensation in it. The battery would be dead and the tires warped and maybe cracked. The battery might die. Oh! We needed to make sure that they all pass the test when we renew the registrations, so we have to drive them around to get enough mileage."

"I see the good officer has taught you well, Miss Valdez."

"You know Doc, you could call me 'Rachel' and yeah," the teenager kept a smile to herself, "Lil Mama taught me well. It's part of our routine along with the trap inspections around the homestead."

"That must've been a lot," Doc glanced a grateful smile to the teenager, "Thank you, Rachel."

"You're welcome Daddy Blue Eyes. Although it would have been so much cooler had Nicole let me drive the Harley."

*

"Dearest Wynonna,"

Doc Holliday hates goodbyes. He took his pen down as he pinched the middle of his brows where words fail to be written in his letter. But he knew he has to do this. Staying in Purgatory would be a coward's way of living, terrified of change and doing what needs to be done.

He wrote a list of what he wants to do. He was given another life that he had no more hesitation to leave Purgatory. His immortality (and then being a vampire) led him to self-loathing and accepted that he no longer deserves good things in his life. But now everything is different. Time flowed again for him and this time he would do what he must.

'Find Alice.'

It wasn't written in his list, but it's on the top in his heart. 

Even if Wynonna never told him where she had their daughter hidden away with their Aunt Gus, he would scour the earth just to find his daughter and be the man worthy to be called a 'father'. He would do it right this time. He would be a coward no more.

After the heated conversation with Wynonna during the silk worm hunt, Doc kept his resolve. He would leave. There wasn't a single lie in what he told Wynonna. Staying would be the coward's way.

As they returned to the homestead for Waverly and Nicole's wedding, he had a quick check in with the things he will bring on his journey. He started loading some of his things in Charlene's trunk but had to return to it later to be the 'Best Man' at the wedding.

"You are a good person. Not perfect, but trying, every day to be better. And that makes you the best man I have ever known."

Truly he was surprised when Waverly took out from her jeep the restored saddle of Wyatt Earp. And even more surprised when the bride Earp requested him to be her 'Best Man'. He knew he wasn't the best man among their lot, but as Waverly reasoned with him, he could only be grateful and touched with the sincerity of the woman who always believed in him to be good from the beginning.

"Come with me."

"We don't have time for this shit."

"I can't leave her."

"You are without a doubt the best Earp that I have ever had the privilege of calling... friend."

Of course Wynonna would stay. She couldn't leave now. Doc understood this and knew he had to let go of the woman he loves even if it is actually the last thing he wants to do. There was too much pain they inflicted upon each other all these years. It would take too much time also for them to heal. But why can't they heal together? Away from the place that caused their misery.

The only time Doc's resolve shook was when he saw Wynonna giving Waverly away at the altar. 

He was right.

Wynonna looked very pretty in blue.

*

"Haught!" 

Wynonna chirped at her phone on speaker as she video-called Nicole, "or should I say Haught-Earp? Get it?"

Doc could see the Sheriff chuckling with her wife in the background. After everything that happened between him and the redhead--from getting a traffic violation ticket, disclosing the revenant situation, the dissolved trust of the Sheriff his last friend at the Perley homestead, getting traded to the Claytons to get Waverly out of the garden, and saving the supernaturals from the BBD cells--Doc and Nicole now forged a friendship of loyalty and trust.

"Earp! You're really gonna continue to 'interruptus' even when your sister and I are married?"

The older Earp snorted, "You betcha Haught-Earp! That's my job as the sister-in-law!"

"But would a bestfriend 'nacho tacos'? Talk about being the worst wing-woman ever," Waverly fired back, then laughter erupted from both screens.

"Hello Nicole and Waverly," Doc chimed in. It seemed just a moment ago when some crazy chick with a gun riding a Harley shot at his precious Charlene. But he wouldn't miss it for the world. 

"Hey Doc! So why did you call Wynonna? I was about to get your sister off of her wedding dress." Nicole teased and turned the camera to focus on Waverly's back.

"Gross Nicole, spare me the details when you defile my baby girl!"

"It's not defiling when we're already married, Nonna!" Waverly teased.

"Yeah, yeah. So listen. I might have shot Doc's car twice--" before the older Earp could continue, Nicole did a very feminine, loud gasp at the screen--much to everyone's surprise--which means she was very shocked.

"You what?! Wynonna! I spent eighteen months keeping that car in check! Hell, I even spent a lot of lowkey redtape paperwork and earned Nedley's 'why-the-hell-are-you-doing-that-much-documents-Haught' stare to get everything in order since the beginning--"

"Whoa, whoa. Hold your horses, Haught!" Wynonna tried to use her pouty smiley face to ease the situation, which miraculously worked so she continued, "I just shot one tire, that's all. Since Mister-Fastest-Gunslinger here couldn't get the hint that I was in pursuit."

Wynonna turned the camera towards her cowboy as Doc gave an apologetic smile, "Apologies Sheriff, it wasn't our intention to undo the good you did to my dear Charlene."

"That's okay Doc. You sure it's just the one tire? Let me see," the redhead focused her gaze as Wynonna turned the camera to Charlene's back left tire.

"That's all, I promise."

"Hmmm, okay okay. I'll get it towed now," Nicole smiled as she remembered how cathartic this moment was for her bestfriend and sister-in-law. "Just remember to pay me back by not doing the 'Wynonna Interruptus' tonight."

"Just tonight?" Waverly pouted as her older sister snorted.

"Look who's horny now. Alright Haught-Earps, thanks for this," Wynonna gestured towards Charlene and saw Nicole's inquisitive stare, "And yes, I won't do 'my thing' to you both tonight. Maybe Doc and I will do our own thing."

"We'll count on that, sis!" Nicole's voice softened together with her gaze at the screen as Wynonna felt warm in her chest upon realizing that 'officially' she now has another sister, another family.

They ended the call with another set of light teasing and Doc thanking Nicole again for her help with Charlene. Wynonna and Doc stood still for a while enjoying each other's presence before hopping on Wynonna's Harley.

A soft beep took Doc's attention as he saw a text from Waverly:

'See Doc, she adores you back. ;) '

Doc half hoped that Wynonna would come with him in this journey. But his every imagination turned bleak as he knew Wynonna wouldn't. Now his heart was almost complete in rejoicing the woman he loves is in his arms on this mighty motorbike. His heart quickened with the possibility of meeting their daughter. Honestly, he had wished earlier during the wedding for Alice Michelle to see her mother in that lovely dress.

"Darling?" Doc whispered against the wind through Wynonna's ear as they zoom past the Ghost River Triangle border. He glanced back at Charlene although she's now very far back at Purgatory's border.

"Yeah?"

"Have I told you that you looked very pretty in blue?"

If John Henry could see the brunette's face, he would have seen a soft recognition from the conversation they had years ago by the homestead when the Earp Heir gave Charlene to Doc. Wynonna could've tried to hide her unshed tears, but given the fast drive along this new journey ahead of them, she can only look back from all these insane adventures they had been through since the year she turned twenty-seven. But she could never forget that moment when John Henry Holliday made her blush from the front porch.

"That's twice now."