Diamond in the Rough: Chapter 18 (adult)

"No, we are not dressing Little Ray as a turkey," Blair said.


"Why, Mom?  You dressed me as a pumpkin."  Sam said.


"That was Halloween and you were a baby."


"Ray's a baby."


"I know, but it's not Halloween."


"Drop it Sam, if Sister Rebecca Katherine loses her glasses, she might think Ray's the real turkey,"  Todd said.


"Oh, man," Sam protested.  


It was Thanksgiving at The Mannings'.  Jack was in the kitchen, dressed in his Thanksgiving outfit, waiting for the guests, when Timothy and Sister Rebecca Katherine arrived.  Timothy said, "Ah, Jack, you're looking spry today."


"Spry?  Isn't that for old guys?"  Jack asked.


"Who's calling people old out here?"  Todd said coming out of the kitchen.  He was in tans and browns, just like Blair, who followed with Little Ray and Sam in tow.  


"No one, we were just discussing his dapper clothing."  Sister Rebecca Katherine said.


"The poor kid doesn't stand a chance with the dictionary twins," Todd said.  He kissed Sister Rebecca Katherine, and hugged Timothy.  He said, "Want anything to drink?"


"I'll take some of that cider over there."  The nun said.  


Jack poured her a glass of apple cider and stuck a cinammon stick in it.  "Mom said I have to put that in."


Shaun was helping to actually cook the meal, and planned to go to his family's house later in the day.  He had the turkey in the deep fryer, an Evans family secret, and Blair had taken care of most of the side dishes.  The table in the large dining room off the foyer was set and looked picturesque.  Starr and Addie, who had arrived earlier, were primping the dining area and making sure everything was perfect.  Hope and Sam went into the living room to play, while everyone gathered around, readying for the big day.  


"So," Timothy said, "Who else are you expecting for Thanksgiving today, Todd?"


Todd smirked, "Not too many people more than this," he started, "My sister, Viki, was nice enough to bow out and stay home to keep the peace."


"Todd, stop," Blair said, "My aunt, and my two cousins."


Timothy's expression changed to one of mirth.  "Your Aunt, Dorie?"


"Yes, she's coming.  And Kelly and Cassie."


"Ah, well, things are looking up!"  Timothy said.


"I think I'm going to be sick," Todd leaned over to Blair, whispering.


"Well, just push that sick aside and help me, there's a lot to do before they arrive.  Dinner's in an hour." She said, popping a cherry tomato into his mouth.


Todd helped Blair with the last minute touches on the meal and occasionally, he would stand back and watch her, in total admiration: how beautiful and perfect she was, and how strong.  He said, whispering again, "Babe, I never thought a woman in an apron could be this perfect to me, but you are."


She caught his eyes, and they locked them, staring for a moment, and he reached up and touched her cheek.  Jack was pleased.  Seeing his parents like this, not tangled in pain and worry, was a relief.  Maybe it didn't matter what happened to his father; he could just watch them get over it and get over it with them.  Timothy, as if he knew what Jack was thinking, said, "Jack, they're going to be all right, ya know."


He was indignant.  "I know."


"Good, because I didn't, and was very afraid for them."


The boy looked back over and the cheek touch had become a lingering kiss.  Still embarrassed by their romantic moments, he  looked away but smiled.   This was the only man who had ever made his mother smile this deeply and love this hard.  Even Zeus' effect on her paled in intensity and was fleeting by comparison.  But then, he was just riding on his father's coattails, after all. 


The doorbell rang and the Cramer women came in, Dorian last, with Timothy standing by, nonchalantly waiting to catch her eye.  Immediately upon entering Unforgettable,  Dorian found his smile and their eyes met.


After everyone said their hellos and greetings, the family gathered in the large dining room and Todd and Blair, lagging behind a bit, caught up to Sister Rebecca Katherine and he said, "Awfully quiet this evening."


"Ah, Todd, I have a lot on my mind, a new case at St. Anne's that has been occupying my brain. I  promise to be more social at the table."

"Something that's bothering you, huh?"

"Yes.  A special case, you might say.  But I am making headway."


"You're a good woman, Sister."


"In honor of God, my boy."


They all sat at the table, and Sister Rebecca Katherine said grace.  "Dear Lord, we sit before ya today and ask your blessing for today's bounty.  Lord, bless this food and the hands that prepared it.  We also thank ya for your grace and protection, and for letting us all be here, together for this celebration.  All this we ask in Jesus' name, Amen."


The meal was a combination of chatter and delicious offerings.  Everyone ate and talked and for the most part, The Manning Thanksgiving was going along as many other family Thanksgivings all over the town of Llanview, until Sam blurted out, "We forgot to thank God for Dad saving Mom and Ray and not getting all cut up into pieces, right Jack?"


The silence was deafening.  Jack's fork touched down on his plate with a clatter, and he put his face in his palm.  Sam looked to his parents; Blair grabbed for Todd's hand under the table, and Todd, concerned for her, looked to Sam and said, "Sam,"


Timothy interrupted, "Sam, you're right.  We have to give thanks today for our family who were kept safe, and your father, the strongest man I know, who was brought back to ya.  We have to give thanks that Bridgette and Todd are both here with us and that we're able to spend another holiday together."

"Who's Bridgette?"  Sam asked.

"It's me, Sam," Blair said, and her eyes had misted over.


Around the table, there were few dry eyes.  Sister Rebecca Katherine's were sparkling with tears, and she removed her glasses to dry them.  Cassie and Kelly looked to their cousin and both smiled through droplets that threatened to spill onto their faces.  Dorian, who looked at her niece, sniffed back emotion, then turned her attention to Timothy, and mouthed, "thank you," to him.  


Addie, who was also emotional, put her hand out and took Todd's.  She said, "I've always known that you would look after my beautiful girl.  I love you, Todd.  You're so misunderstood, but if it helps, I always understood you."


He said, "Addie," and hugged her.  As she rested on his shoulder, she was able to touch her daughter's face.


Sam said, "Geesh, I didn't mean to make everyone cry!  What about dessert?"


There was a great deal of laughter, and commotion, as the table was cleared and hours passed.  Dinner was put aside to make way for the pies.  Everyone moved throughout the lower level.  Coffee was brewing, and Todd took Blair's hand and lead her into the family room for a moment.  He said, "I just wanted to check if you're all right."


"Yes, I'm wonderful, Todd, I really am.  But what about you?"


"I feel really good."


"How good do you feel?"  She asked him, reaching out and touching his chest and running her hand down to his abdomen.



"Not as good as I could," he said, putting his hand under her hair, against her ear and cheek.  His large, strong hand almost covered the side of her head.


She said, in an urgent whisper, "I'm so turned on right now, Todd," and leaned against him.


He swooped her into his arms in a split second, and his tongue was in her mouth, his hands on her.  She was standing on one foot, the other wrapped around his body, and her hands were in his hair.  They pulled apart, and she said, "In the middle of the family room, at Thanksgiving?"


"We've been with these people all day.  Don't they ever go home?"  He took her hand, and walked her to the closet off the family room, and when he opened the door, Timothy and Dorian were locked in an embrace.  "Whoa!" Todd shouted, "My eyes!  I'm blinded, Blair, quick, wash my eyeballs."  The two in the closet were startled out of their kiss.


She shushed him, "Stop it, Todd!"


"Well, I cant help it.  That's . . . oh boy.  Just no."


Timothy said, "Lad, ya had the same idea I did."


"I guess I did," Todd smirked, taking Blair's hand and leading her away.


"We can't run off, it's dessert."


"Exactly."  Todd tapped a glass, "Excuse me, guests, Blair and I are going to put Ray down for the night.  We'll be back in a bit.  Enjoy yourselves, there's coffee and dessert here."


Starr said, "I'll serve the pie."


Addie got up to help with the coffee, and Timothy, seeing how things had played out, yanked Dorian back into the closet.  


After putting Ray in his crib, Todd was kissing and touching her before they even got to their bedroom.  Blair, filled with passion for him, and a sudden freedom from inhibition, fumbled with his shirt and jacket, and stripping him down as they went.  Finally, they stopped just outside the nursery, and he put her against the wall, and held her there with his weight.  She wrapped a long leg around him, and felt him hard against her body.  She moaned and could hear him breathing as he kissed her neck and collarbone.  She was wearing thigh-high stockings and a short tan leather skirt, with a brown top, to match him.  He ran his hand up her thigh and finding her center, moved her panties to the side and touched her and she began to moan, softly in rhythm to his touches.  She whispered, "They'll hear us."  


"They won't.  We'll be quiet," he said, pulling her panties off and then lifting her slightly off the ground while pushing himself inside her.


"Oooh," she sighed.


On the lower level, Cassie, Kelly, Sister Rebecca Katherine, and Jack were still at the table, while Starr served pie and Addie poured coffee.  Sam and Hope were in the family room watching a movie, and Dorian and Timothy were now trapped in the closet.  


He said, "Dorie, we can't get out of here.  Sam and Hope will see."


She said, "Oh dear, and it's getting a little warm in here."


"Well, that's the heat from you and I, warmer than an Irish potato on the fire."


"Let's make better use of our time, Mr. Broderick," and she kissed him, and it lingered, and continued to another and another kiss, since neither one thought it was proper to come out with the children in the room.  


Cassie, hearing a loud thud from the second level, said, "So, Jack, how is school going?"


"It sucks."  He said, matter-of-factly.


Another loud thud from the second floor, and Kelly said, "Where's Aunt Dorian?"


Sister Rebecca Katherine said, "I believe Jack is doing wonderfully.  He just gets a little down in the mouth when . . ." another noise from the second floor, as if something heavy had fallen onto the floor with a loud bump, "things go wrong.  But he's a good student.  He has plans to attend college, don't ya Jack?"


"Yeah."


Cassie said, "You know, Mother has been missing for a while, where did she go?"


Kelly, taking out her phone, said, "Excuse me, I got a text."  In reading it, she said, "I think I know where she is.  Hope, Sam, come on in here for dessert!"


"Yay, dessert!"  Sam yelled, and ran, with Hope following.


Todd was on the floor of the second floor hall, sweat glistening all over him.  Blair, sitting on top of him, was in a bra and nothing else, moving against him and whispering his name.  His shirt was half off him; he had one sleeve on and the other was below him, his pants were somewhere around his ankles.  He reached up with his long, toned arms, and pulled her head to him, pushing his lips against hers and holding her in place as he kissed her.  She began to move herself on him sharp and skillfully, and he groaned against her mouth, enough to make her stop grinding for a moment, and shush him with her fingers.  She started her movements again, and he began to groan softer but faster this time, and she covered his mouth as he came.


Timothy came into the dining room, with his hair a bit out of sorts.  His tie was crooked and loosened. Sister Rebecca Katherine motioned to him to straighten it, and he read her signals.  A few minutes later, Dorian walked into the dining room, straightening the jacket to her two-piece suit.  She also had hair out of place.  


Sam said, "Aunt Dorian, you look a wreck."


Addie said, "Sam, that's not nice.  That needs an apology."


"Sorrrr - rry," he said, in a singsong voice.  


Kelly plopped a huge dollop of cool-whip on some pie and said, "Whipped cream, anyone?"


Todd, having exploded into a powerful release, recovered for a few minutes.  He said, "Now I know what I'm thankful for."  Blair, still sitting over him, watching her handiwork, smiled, and licked her lips, beckoning to him with her eyes.  In one movement, he whisked her onto her back, under him, and began to pleasure her with his lips and tongue.  She reached over her head looking for something for resistance, and grabbed the base of the railing behind her.  Realizing they had moved, in their passion, to the top of the stairs, she perked her head up suddenly.  Worried they could easily be found out or heard, she grabbed his hair, and lifted his face off her lower half and pointed to how close they had worked themselves to the staircase.


He looked at her, and with a puzzled expression, mouthed, "So?" and shrugged, burying his face back against her, using his tongue to make her cry out his name.


From upstairs, everyone heard Blair call out to Todd.  The talking ceased, and it was all too silent.  Not wanting more sounds to venture toward them, Cassie, Kelly and Dorian began chattering wildly at the table, about everything from the dinner to the next holiday to drown out anything further.


About five more minutes passed, and Blair came down the stairs alone.  "Ray is fussing," she said.  "Todd's going to ... take care of things."  One of her thigh-highs was missing, and she fluffed her hair.  Kelly, pointed down, incognito.  Blair said, "Excuse me a minute," and went into the kitchen where she took the other one off and discarded it.  


Coming back to the table, she said, "Can I get anyone anything else?"


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Port Charles Chronicles: Chapter 44

         Lucy was shocked to hear the Crimson offices were being taken over.  She looked at the contract in her hands.  This is it, Lucy, are you going to work for this man or not?  “I believe we have one more thing to iron out.”

        “And what would that be?” Todd waited for Lucy to elaborate.  It had been her idea to have a written contract between them.  Now he was curious to see if she would stick to it and make him sign it.

       Lucy squared her shoulders.  “I don’t officially work for you until this contract is signed and an amount to work for you has been agreed on.  As a sign of good faith, I brought you that lease and I’ve already contacted the Managing Editor of the Port Charles Press.  As we speak, a reporter should be on his way to the courthouse for Kate Howard’s trial.”

      “Well done Lucy.  You show him.”

       Lucy turned at the sound of the familiar voice.  Her eyes widened as she recognized the owner and where the owner had just exited from.  “Blair Cramer, what a delightful surprise,” she met Blair halfway across the room and the two women embraced. “ I didn’t know you were in Port Charles”  then in a whisper.“You never said your man was Todd Manning.”

       After hearing the comment, Blair smiled and whispered back. “That’s a long story.  I’ll catch you up on things later.”

       Todd watched the exchange and raised his eyebrow at Blair.  “You’ve been holding out on me.  You didn’t tell me you knew Lucy Coe personally.”

      “There are still a few things you don’t know about me, Todd.”  She only meant to tease him but saw the flash of something akin to sorrow flash across his face.  She realized he was thinking of the lost eight years and everything that he had missed in that time period.  She recalled Addie’s words.  “He needs to know what you’ve been through.”

       Todd knew he had let his guard down for just a minute when Blair began to move toward him.   Before she could reach him and bring his defenses down even further, he sidestepped her and walked to Lucy. Keep your mind on the present, Manning  “You’re right Blair.  Perhaps we can catch up later too.  Ms. Coe, I’ll look at that contract now,” he held out his hand, taking the papers from her. “The notary will be here soon.  Let’s see what you consider an adequate salary.”  For the second time in the space of a few minutes, he found himself surprised.  “I see you think very highly of yourself, perhaps you could tell me why you’re worth this amount.”

       “The way I see it, Mr. Manning, you’re going to be stepping on some pretty important shoes around here when you make your move.  One of whom is Sonny Corinthos.  He’s not going to take too kindly to your shutting down his fiancee’s business. I’m well acquainted with Sonny and I worked with him on many  Nurses’ Balls.  I’m also connected to the Quartermaines and ELQ through my late marriage to Alan Quartermaine.  You’re new to this town and it wouldn’t hurt to find a way to work with the movers and shakers in this town.  I can help with all of that, as well as handle your corporate officers.  One last point, my husband is one of Mac Scorpio’s friends and having seen your background, it might help you to have someone like me to act as a buffer with the law.”

      Todd laughed.  He had been so right about Lucy.  She was as flamboyant as Blair had said, but she was also smart.  He took another moment to read the rest of the contract.  She had put everything in it that he had offered her over the phone.  “From listening to you, I’m guessing this is ironclad.”  Lucy nodded.  “If I agree to your salary, you’ll sign and join Manning Enterprises as my Executive Assistant.” She nodded again. “Very well, you have a deal.”

       Blair sighed, “Lucy, you better be absolutely sure about what you’re getting into.  Todd is no picnic as an employer.”

      Lucy smiled benignly.  “Relax, Blair, I’m sure he’s no worse than Edward Quartermaine. and when I was married to Alan, I had Edward wrapped around my little finger.”

      Blair walked over and looped her arm into Todd’s.  She looked at Lucy.  “I can already see one problem with that assumption.  There will be no wrapping of Todd around your little finger unless you want to lose it.  Do I make myself clear?”

      Lucy laughed. “Absolutely.”

      Todd looked from one woman to the other.  He was always uncomfortable when he found himself the object of admiration.  He knew what he was and even though Blair loved him, he never got used to the idea that she found him desirable.  Wanting to change the subject he said.  “Blair, she just said something about a husband, I don’t think you need to worry.”

      “Oh, I’m not worried, but it’s always important to let other women know you’re unavailable.  I really don’t like to have to tear hair out if it isn’t necessary.” She kissed his cheek tenderly, in effect, staking her claim.

      There was a knock at the door, and Blair let go of Todd and opened it.  “You must be the notary, come in.”

       The next few minutes were spent finalizing the contract and getting it notarized.  Todd paid the notary and then handed the contract back to Lucy.  “Now that you’re officially in my employ I need you to make a copy of that contract and then I want the headquarters of Crimson cleared out by the end of the day.  Use what staff is available from Crimson to get it done, but by tomorrow, there will be workmen there for you to supervise.  I want Manning Enterprises up and running by the end of the week.  Also, notify the Managing Editor of the Port Charles Press to hold the presses.  I want a copy of the article about Kate Howard faxed here and  I’ll be in there later this afternoon to give them tomorrow’s front page.”

       Blair smiled at Lucy’s dumbfounded look.  “I warned you.  You’ve signed on with Simon Legree.”

       Lucy gathered her wits about her and smiled back ruefully.  “It looks like I have.  This is definitely going to be interesting.   Okay; Contract, Crimson, and Managing Editor, I've got it.  Will there be anything else today?”

     “No, that’s all for now.  I’ll see you at the Crimson offices tomorrow.”  Todd said.

      Lucy grabbed her bag and headed out to begin her day anew for the second time.  As the door closed behind her, she clutched her bag and her new contract.  “Well, Lucy, you wanted a challenge.  Something tells me you might have gotten more than you bargained for.”

****

      Johnny had gone to the trial to keep an eye on Kate and make sure everything was still buried in her subconscious.  For now, Kate was in charge and he knew she had confessed to killing Hope and Cole.  The big question was how the courts would look at the crime.  He was hoping they would be lenient since it had been proven that she was indeed mentally ill with DID.  He was sitting in the back of the courtroom when Starr Manning and Michael Corinthos walked in.

      Starr and Michael took their seats, up ahead of them, sat Michael’s father, Sonny.  He was currently talking to Kate and Alexis Davis.  The trial got underway and Starr listened as Alexis pleaded Kate’s case and showed the court proof of Kate’s illness.  She recalled her cousin Jessica’s illness and how Bess, Jessica’s Alter, had stolen Hope at birth.  Twice now, sufferer’s of DID had taken her child.  Because Kate pleaded guilty, the judge was ready to make a ruling regarding sentencing.  Starr stood up.

      “Excuse me.  I know this is sudden, but I would like to say something.”

      “Who are you?” the judge inquired.

      “My name is Starr Manning and it was my daughter and her father, who died in the accident.”

      Alexis was afraid that Starr was going to make matters worse for Kate. “Your honor, this is highly irregular.  Ms. Howard has already pleaded guilty.  All we’re asking for is leniency so that she may get the proper help for her illness.”

      Starr looked over at Alexis and Kate.  “You misunderstand me.  I’m not going to ask that she be put in jail.  It was my little girl who died and I know Ms. Howard never meant to hurt her.  I have family members who suffer from the same illness and I’m well aware of how devastating it is to all involved.  My daughter is dead, and putting Ms. Howard in jail will not bring her back.  It was an Alter who did this terrible thing and if she were real I would want her to pay for the harm she caused.  But there were actually three victims involved and the third one is Ms. Howard.  I can’t punish her for the sins of her Alter and I believe she should be allowed to get treatment.  There has been enough sadness and pain from this.”

      At Starr’s words, Alexis felt relief.  They had just been given a huge boost from a very unlikely source.  Hopefully, the judge would also see it that way.

      The judge sat quietly for a few minutes, then he said.  “I’ve made my decision.  Ms. Howard, please stand.  Crimes were committed by one person, one Connie Falconeri, but she is a product of a sick mind.  Ms. Manning has pleaded that Ms. Howard should be given therapy and help, not jail time.  If anyone would want justice, it is her.  I find myself moved by her plea more than anything else.  Ms. Howard, I sentence you to time served and order you to continue therapy for your illness.  It is my hope you’ll come out of all this a stronger woman.”

     “Your Honor, two people were killed and another assaulted by this woman.  Surely...”

      The prosecutor was silenced by the judge. “I’ve made my ruling.”  He looked across the courtroom at Starr.  “I, too, believe it is time for healing to begin.  Court is adjourned.”

       Sonny looked over at his son and the young woman who had tried to kill him for the death of her daughter.  He didn’t know what to say.  He had almost put her in jail for her actions and today she had stood up for his fiance.  He had misjudged the young woman and now owed her a debt of gratitude.  Before he could say anything, Starr turned and began to leave the courtroom.

      Starr just wanted to leave.  Her heart was heavy, but she knew that she had done the right thing.  She was almost out the door when she spotted Johnny Zacchara.  She frowned. Why was Johnny at Kate’s trial?  Before she could ask him, he skipped out another door.  He had seen her looking at him, she was sure of that. Why had he left so abruptly?  Michael came up next to her.

       “Starr, are you alright?”

       “I’m okay, did you see him?”

       “Did I see who?”

       “Johnny Zacchara.  He was here, watching the trial.  Why?  I thought he was trying to get back together with your mother.  Why was he here watching Kate?”

       “I don’t know, but we can ask him.  Where did he go?”

      “That’s just it.  As soon as he saw me looking at him, he just left.  Like he didn’t want to talk to me?”

       Now it was Michael’s turn to frown.  “He did that?  Now I really want to talk to him.  Something isn’t right.  He told mom, he never meant to hurt her and he knew Kate was sick but kept it to himself.  Now he’s at Kate’s trial and then there’s this thing with this Tomas or Alcazar character.  Come on, we’re going to go and find him.  I want some answers.”

****

      Blair turned around after closing the door behind Lucy.  She watched Todd as he began to pour himself a second cup of coffee. She noticed his hand begin to shake.  “Todd, you need to relax for a little while.  You’re still recovering.  You just came home from the hospital.  Maybe you’re trying to do too much.”  She walked over and put her hand on his.

      He took in a deep breath, and his hand stilled under hers. “Maybe?  But I’ve lost so much time.  I just feel I have to make up for it.”

      “I understand, but let’s take it a little slower.  Did you take your medicine?  Dr. Webber said you needed to continue to take it or malaria would come back.”

       “I forgot.  Listen, I’ll take it, but you promised me we would get in touch with the realtor.  I need to get out of the city for a while.  Let’s get the boys and we’ll take them to look at the house.”

       “Todd, you need to take baby steps with Jack. You haven’t even seen him yet.  I’m not sure that taking him to look at the house you want us all to live in, is a baby step.  Stay here, I’ll get your medicine and then we can talk more.”

        Todd looked down at the coffee in his hand and felt his stomach lurch.  Damn the man who did this to him.  Thanks to the wretch, he was plagued with an illness that had almost succeeded in killing him.  Once again he reached for his phone.  He had to talk to Dr. Collins.  If Lucy hadn’t arrived when she did, there was no telling if Irene would have reappeared.  He needed relief from her, he was using every distraction in the book to keep her in check, but she was still managing to appear when he was vulnerable.  Blair re-entered the room just as his call got through.  Damn it, an answering machine.  Probably for the best, Manning.  You don’t want to worry Blair.  “Yes, this is Todd Manning.  I’d like to make an appointment as soon as possible.  You can reach me at this number.”

        “Who was that?”

        “Nobody, just a contractor I need to talk to.  Give me those,” he opened his palm and Blair gave him the pills.  Swallowing them quickly he reached for a bottled water and took a swig. “There, are you satisfied?  Blair, I want to see Jack.  I know he hates my guts, but I have to find a way to break through to him.  When I was dying and found myself with Bitsy and the boys, they made me realize I’m not a lost cause.  Brendan loved me even though I would only have been a stepdad.  I know how deeply Jack loved Victor.  If he’ll just give me a chance, I think I can show him it’s not a betrayal to Victor’s memory, to let me be a part of his life.”

         Before Blair could say anything, Todd held up his hand. “And I know you’re about to say it’s more because I killed Victor.  I know that, but there just has to be a way around it.”

        “Todd, I wasn’t going to say that.  I told you earlier, I’m beginning to wonder about Victor’s death and your memories.  I’m not so sure anymore that you had anything to do with it, but my believing that and proving it are two different things.  Jack still has no real understanding of what you’ve been through.   For just a short while I thought he was coming around on the plane and he now knows Tomas’ part in your capture, but I think he’s clinging to a false image of Victor because Victor favored him over Starr.”

          “I don’t call bribing someone else to take the fall for his crime,  favoring Jack.”

          “No, I agree, but Jack did.  He finally had his father’s attention.  Then you appeared and suddenly Jack found himself caught between two fathers.  The one he knew and the one who had given him away.   He didn’t know how much you loved him because he was too little to remember.  He only knew the story of his birth.  Then Victor was killed.  You know how devastated he was and just as he was thawing towards you, John arrested you for a second time for Victor’s murder.  You were all the way back to square one.  Please, Todd, we’re not going anywhere.  I brought the boys here because I know you need them.  Sam already loves you.  Jack will come around.”

        Todd dropped onto the sofa.  He shoved his hands through his hair and leaned his head back.  “When are the battles finally going to be over?”  When he had arrived home after freeing himself from Irene, he had really thought things would change but instead they had only gotten worse.  He angrily wiped his eyes as tears formed.  He was so tired of it all.

         Blair sat down next to him and drew him close.  “Soon, Todd, and you’re not alone anymore.  I’m here and we’re going to win this time and everyone better watch out because the Mannings are going to take Port Charles by storm and the city won’t know what hit them.


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The Devil You Know: Chapter 29

The Mannings had been back in Port Charles for a few days when Blair called Lucy Coe to talk about her act for the Nurses’ Ball.  They met for lunch and Lucy was her usual bundle of energy.  “So you know what your act is going to be?” Lucy asked excitedly. 

Blair smiled and crocked her finger, beckoning Lucy closer.  “This has to be kept quiet.  Meaning, no one but you and me can know.  Deal?”

“Oh, definitely!  My lips are sealed,” Lucy assured her, miming zipping her lips. 

Blair smirked at the gesture.  “My youngest son does that, but it never seems to work.”  Blair looked around the restaurant again then said, “When we were in Chicago this week, Todd learned some things he didn’t know, ore rather remembered, about himself.  One of them was, as a kid, he was actually a very talented pianist.”  Lucy’s eyes widened as Blair went on.  “We were sitting in the hotel bar and he went over to the piano.  He started to fiddle with it and all of a sudden, he was playing Nat King Cole’s ‘Unforgettable’.”

“Oh, I love that song!” Lucy gushed. 

“It was playing the night Todd and I met.  We both hated it and yelled for it to be shut off,” Blair said, the memory coming to her.  “Anyway, we would like to do that for our act, maybe like a lounge singer and her accompanist.”

“Oh, that a great idea!.  We’ll get that together for you,” Lucy said, a smile beaming from her face. 

“And I mean it, Lucy.  It’s a skittish situation.  Todd’s been dealing with a lot from the visit and I’m a little worried about him,” Blair said. 

“What happened?”  Lucy’s tone turn to one of concern so quickly, it made Blair’s head spin.  From all her talks with the bubbly event organizer, she had never heard that tone of voice before.

“It’s just…Todd has had a lot to deal with over the past couple of years and especially a lot in the last week,” Blair said. 

“Is this what we talked about before you left?” Lucy asked.  When Blair nodded, Lucy put her hand on top of the other woman’s.  “Maybe he does need to talk to someone.  Really, Doc is great, even with the most stubborn patients.”

“Todd completely dismissed it when I suggested it.  He isn’t the type to talk thing out.  He doesn’t like people knowing too much about him.  The last time he did let a stranger know personal information and talk about his feelings, it came back at him as fodder for emotional blackmail,” Blair explained.  “Which led to him being shot and a whole big mess we only just got cleaned up.”

Lucy’s usual curiosity was piqued.  She had read a little bit up on Todd Manning since he had offered to sponsor the Nurses’ Ball, but she didn’t want to pry too much into the man.  And really, she had a number of shady characters help her out over the years.  She wasn’t one to judge normally, and she didn’t want to be in the position to judge either.  Still, she felt bad for this man who seemed to have some real issues.  Then a thought occurred to her.  “Are you above a little subterfuge to help out your man?”

Blair looked at Lucy seriously for a moment, but then a smile formed on her lips.  “What do you have in mind?” she asked.

“I think it would be lovely if we went out to dinner.  You can tell Todd it has to do with the Ball.  I’ll bring Doc with me and maybe we can have him try and at least get a read on Todd,” Lucy said.  “We’ll try to make it an innocuous as possible so Todd doesn’t think it’s a set-up.”

“Let’s have you two over at our house instead.  That way, if anything does come up, it’s a more controlled environment,” Blair suggested.

“You think something could come up?”

Blair sighed.  “Well, let’s put it this way, if Todd figures out what it is I’m trying to do, I’d rather he lose it in our own home.” 

Lucy nodded her head.  “Understood.  I’ll give Doc a heads up on dealing with Todd in a professional capacity.”

“Okay, so we’ll see you tomorrow if it alright.  Is there anything you can’t eat or don’t eat?” Blair asked.

“Oh!  Duck!  I don’t east duck,” Lucy informed her.  “Other than that, anything else is fine.”

Blair nodded her head slowly, finding the comment strange.  “Okay then, no duck.  I’ll call you when everything is settled.”  Blair looked at her watch.  “Now, I have to get going.  We’ll talk again.”  With that, Blair left and headed for the Manning Enterprises offices.  She wanted to let Todd know she had spoken to Lucy. 

When she arrived on the floor, it was almost too quiet.  Maxie was not at her desk and the door was closed.  Blair went over and knocked. softly.  When there was no response, she knocked a little harder.  Still there was no response so she tried the handle.  The door opened and she walked in.  Todd was sitting in his chair, staring out the window.  He made no movement, which set off alarm bells in Blair’s head.  “Todd?” she called softly.  When there was no answer, she approached the desk, trying to remain calm.  “Todd, are you alright?”  Finally, she faced him and noticed the blank stare on his face.  “Todd can you hear me?” she cried, the panic rising in her as she shook him.

Just them, Todd blinked and looked at her.  Confusion played over his face.  “Why are you yelling?”

“Oh, Todd!” she exclaimed with relief.  She threw her arms around him and squeezed tight, afraid he may slip away again and let a tear fall down her face. 

Through her embrace, Todd wondered what had triggered it.  “I’m okay, but what’s got you acting like this?” he asked. 

“What’s got me…?  Todd, I knocked on the door, I call from the threshold, I even tried to shake you to get your attention, but you weren’t responding.  What happened to you?”

Todd shook his head, as if clearing out his mind.  Then he squeezed his eyes shut and reopened them.  He took a deep breath and let it out.  But he himself had no idea what happened.  “Ah, I sent Maxie on an errand and I was looking at some papers and then, you were here.”

“Now your getting me worried.  You’re losing time?  Todd, I really think you need to see someone.  You still have issues from last year and now with everything you learned in Chicago, it’s taking a toll on you.  Even the Starr and Jack are noticing,” Blair said, her voice almost pleading. 

Todd stood up and grabbed his cane, walking back out into the reception area.  “Blair, we discussed this.  I don’t talk to shrinks!  End of story.”

“You talked to Ray Martino all those years ago.  Why can’t you talk to someone now?” she asked, trying to stay calm.

But Todd gave he a cold stare, one that she knew meant she should drop it. 

“Fine.  Have it your way,” she said finally.  “I just came here to tell you that I had lunch with Lucy Coe today and I invited her and her husband over for dinner to talk further about the Nurses’ Ball.  They’ll be over tomorrow night.”

“Who’s coming over for dinner?” a new voice asked.  Blair turned and saw her sister-in-law, Tina Roberts standing there. 

“Ah, the woman in charge of the Nurses’ Ball, that thing I’m sponsoring,” Todd said, relieved for once that his sister was here.  Maybe it would stop Blair’s going on about the shrink.

“Oh, I heard about that!  I’m so glad.  I wanted to pitch in for it also,” Tina said exuberantly.  “Would it be too much of an imposition if Cord and I joined you?  I‘d love to meet this Lucy Coe.”

Blair looked at Todd who shrugged his shoulders.  That was not the response she was hoping he’d give, but she didn’t say anything.  Turning back to Tina, she said in her sweetest tone, “I don’t see why not.”

“Thank you.  Oh, I can’t wait to meet her.  Maybe you can tell her I’m more than willing to help out in any way,” Tina replied as she sashayed past Blair.  “Now, I need to tell my baby brother some things, so why don’t you run along, dear.”

Blair leveled a death glare at the redhead, but excused herself.  “Todd, I’ll see you at home.”  With that she left. 

Todd walked over to his sister and unexpectedly hugged her.  To say she was taken aback was an understatement, but she returned the sentiment.  “Well, I missed you too,” she said.

“No, not that, you may have just save me from an argument with Blair,” he replied.

“One that could break you two up for good?” she asked, a touch too hopeful.  When she saw Todd’s reaction, she sighed melodramatically.  “One can still hope, can’t one?”

“Why’d you come here, Tina?  Besides play the same tape you’ve had for all these years.”

Tina sat in front of the desk.  “I just wanted to tell you that Tracy Quartermaine wants to meet with us whenever you’re available.  She seems to have something for us that her father left for after his death.  She’d also like Victor to be here too.  That was Uncle Edward‘s wishes.”

Todd frowned and grimaced at the mention of his brother.  No matter how much time would pass, there was never going to be a time when the thought of having a brother, much less a twin, wouldn’t sound weird.  “Fine, call him and tell him to get his ass up here.  I want to get this over with.”

“Well, after the funeral, where Tracy told me this, I called Victor and he said he can’t get up here…until the Nurses’ Ball,” Tina said. 

Todd’s eyes rolled so far back, he thought he saw his brains.  “I thought he wasn’t coming.  Thought he had no interest in it.”

“Well, I guess Viki mentioned it to him and he changed his mind,” Tina tried to reason.

“Translation:  Viki talked him into it,” Todd replied with disgust.  “Whatever.  Fine, we’ll wait till then to talk to Tracy.”  He started shifting paper around his desk and look back up at his sister.  “Are we done here?”

“Well, I guess so--”

“Then leave.  I’m busy,” he dismissed her.

Tina walked to the office door and looked back.  There was something going on with Todd and it worried her.  She realized she’d have to do something she absolutely loath and talk to Blair about it.



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Diamond in the Rough: Chapter 17

"Do you know where we're going?  We're going to The Sun.  That's right.  The Sun!  Your Daddy and I are going to work, and you're going with us," she said, looking into the baby's face and making him smile.  "God, Todd, it's so easy to make him laugh."

"That voice you use has to do it."

"Stop, now.  Are we forgetting anything?"

"Anything we forget, Ramon can go out and buy."

"True.  Is Devon on?"

"Yep.  All's safe," he said, putting his hand on the back of her head.  

She smiled, wistfully.  "I know.  But, my biggest hero is going to be there with me."

"Let's get into the copter, I'll strap you both in."

"All right," she said, kissing the baby's forehead, and climbing in to the helicopter.  Todd strapped her in, then placed Ray's carrier in the seat and strapped it in, pulling on all of the belts to be sure it was secure.  

"Does that meet your approval, Mommy?"

"Yes.  Thanks.  We're ready to go!"

They arrived a short time later at the Manning Building, and soon, they were back in their old digs, the baby at the nursery, and the two of them in Todd's office, going through some material for the next edition.  He said, "About Jenna, we have to get her and her sister in here for an interview.  Stuff we can put into the article."

"Good idea.  Can I call her?"  Blair offered.  "IT's been a few days since Jack admitted he's wealthy."

"Yeah, why not?"

"All right, I'll go do that while you be the mogul you are.  My man, I love you," she said, in her short lavender skirt and suit jacket.  She bent over him, as he sat at his desk, and kissed him.

"I love you.  Now get that call done so we can move on to the rest of this."

Blair went to the other desk in the office, and picked up the receiver.  Dialing the number he handed her, she got a woman's voice on the other end.  "Hello?"

"Hello, Lynnette?  This is Blair Manning, from The Sun."

"Blair Manning?  You're Todd Manning's wife, right?"

"Yes.  I am."

"I've heard a lot about you.  Both of you."

"Thank you, same here.  Lynnette, I wanted to ask if you'd come in and talk with us, with Jenna, for an interview.  Maybe you could have lunch with us and we could talk about the art show.  Maybe some things to add to the article Todd wants to do?"

"I've not agreed to any of that, Mrs. Manning.  I am willing to bring Jenna there, but I must let you know, it's only because she so badly wants me to."

Blair was not expecting the woman's response.  She just forged ahead, "How about noon?"

"We'll see you then.  But I promise nothing," and hung up.  

Blair held the receiver a moment, then turned to Todd.  "Done," she called out, sitting back for a minute.  "Todd?"

"Yeah?"

"She was . . . cold."

"Not sure what you mean."

"She was sort of, like, against the idea.  Not what I expected.  She clearly wasn't gracious."

"I'm sure we'll figure it out when we meet her."  He looked over to her, busy with some paperwork.   "Good job.  Check this layout for me, will you?"

They puttered around the office for a few hours, looking at mock ups and talking through ideas for other stories to follow, when Ramon announced Lynnette and Jenna's arrival.  "It's already noon?"  she said.  "We forgot to order lunch for them!"

"I'll get on that."  Todd said, going to Ramon's smaller office outside his.  He crossed paths with Jenna and her sister on her way in.   He said, "Hey, Jenna.  Welcome.  You must be Lynnette."  He extended his hand.  She didn't accept.

Lynnette said, "Mr. Manning."  Her eyes were narrowed.

Jenna said, "Should we go inside?  Is Mrs. Manning there?  I so want to meet her."

"Sure," he said, "go right in," and he walked off, continuing to Ramon's desk.

They walked in, and surveyed the beautiful office, demonstrating appreciation for it.  Blair, standing, walked toward them.  She said, "Hi, I'm Blair," she extended her hand.

"I'm Jenna," the girl said, taking her hand.  She looked right into Blair's eyes and smiled.  "This is my sister, Lynnette.  She's my guardian."

"Good afternoon,"  Lynette said, taking Blair's hand.

"Nice to see you.  Well, we can get started with the planning if you'll just say yes, Miss . . .?"

"Lynette is fine.  I haven't said yes for a reason, Mrs. Manning."

"All right, what reason?"

"Your husband . . . is a rapist."

Jenna's face sank.  She looked as though someone had hit her, very hard in the gut.  She almost keeled over, but kept herself together.  Blair noticed the younger girl's discomfort and held her tongue...for the moment.  

Blair focused on Lynette's face.  "He was," her face emphasizing where it was needed.

Just then, to Blair's dismay and relief, for she felt both, Todd came back, with Little Ray in his arms.  He said, "Someone's in a good mood."

She said, "He's always in a good mood!"  She took him in her arms, and hugged him, and his little chubby face was against hers.  She said, "Meet Jenna, Little Man."

Jenna said, "Hi, Baby Boy, you're so sweet and happy!"

He took Jenna's hand, and said, "Da-da."

Todd watched the scene.  Jenna was taken with Ray; everyone usually was.  Lynnette said nothing.  He studied her expression.  She's not receptive.  Something's wrong.  

They doted on the baby, and the elder of the two young women said, "Mr. Manning?"

"Yeah?"  He responded, pushing his hands into his front pants pockets.

"Mr. Manning, I'm not going to lie to you.  I did some of my own research.  You . . . you raped someone."

"Is this what you came here to do?"  His expression changed, and Blair, who was hoping the subject would be dropped, stood close beside him.  "I mean, this is about your sister."

"No.  But I think you should know that I know what you are."  Her voice was strained.  He recognized it; her body language, her tone.  She was attacked.

"Lynnie!"  Jenna said, "Stop, please?"

"No, Jenna, it's all right."  His voice was tender, compassionate.  "Lynnette, I'm glad you know what I am, because I don't always.  To this day."

"What does that mean?"  She seemed alarmed.

"That means, I see myself as a lot of things.  Especially a rapist, even though it's been over for more than twenty years.  But my kids, and this woman next to me, see me differently.  I don't get it either, believe me."

She backed down a bit.  "I don't know what you expect."

"Yeah, I suppose you're right," he folded his arms.  "I don't know what you want me to say.  I couldn't explain everything to you if I tried.  Maybe it's not possible."

"I really planned on coming here to tell you that I am not going to accept your sponsorship of my sister's art show.  She's a minor, and she's not to be around the likes of you . . ."

She was interrupted by Blair, and her face said 'pissed.'  "Now wait a minute.  You come here, and act like some kind of judge?  You have no idea what this man has dealt with, and you have no idea who he is and what he's done for me and my children.  You can't begin to know how he's laid his life down for them and me, time and time again."

Lynnette said, without faltering, "What does that have to do with this?  I am sure he's done whatever it is he thinks will make things up to everyone.  That I can understand.  But it doesn't change the facts.  Does it?  He's caused someone undeniable pain."

Blair was not letting go.  Like a bear with her teeth into something, she was long from done.  She handed the baby to Jenna and asked her to step into the vestibule.  

When the teen was gone, she said, "You want to talk about pain?  Listen, chick, you have no idea who you're talking about here."  Todd lifted both eyebrows and sat back folding his arms.  Secretly, he loved when his woman defended him.  "That was more than two decades ago.  Don't you read the papers, or do you pick and choose what you read?  For that original crime, he was pardoned after he saved the life of the victim.  She forgave him.  Did you know that my husband was abused himself, tortured, cut and scarred, almost killed?  He risked his life to save us," she began to cry, "he traded himself for me and that beautiful baby and suffered terrible Hell.  He . . ."  She stopped herself short, and looked at Todd.

Todd said, "Hey, don't quit now, you're doing great."

Blair looked back to Lynnette, who appeared green.  Jenna came back into the room, without Ray, who she had brought to Ramon, who in turn took him to the nursery.  She looked at her sister and said, "Please, Lynnie.  Please, let's just go." 

"I . . . don't know what to say."  Lynnette was shaking, and her voice was tremulous.  "You . . . were . . ."  Her words trailed off, and she faltered on her feet, as if she was going to topple.  Blair reached out and grabbed her arm and lead her to the sofa.  

Todd didn't move.  He was not happy that Jenna seemed to have heard the truth.  The girl was crying.  He looked at her and said, "Hey, Jenna, everything is going to be all right."

Lynnette looked up, "Mr. Manning, I can't say I'll ever be accepting of what you've done.  I never thought that possibly the bad things you've done are in the past."  

He said, "You don't owe me anything.  Those things are in the past, for me.  But, I'm guessing they're not, for you."  She's a victim.  I've seen it before . . .

She didn't respond, except to put her forehead into her hand and cry, her shoulders shaking.  Blair immediately went to her side, and sitting down, she carefully touched the young woman's shoulder, and when there was no resistance, she embraced her around the shoulders.  "It's all right, you're safe.  I'm sorry for being so hard on you."

"I . . . feel . . ."

"You don't have to say anything," Todd said, still leaning against the desk.  Jenna was handed a tissue.

"I suppose I don't.  But I have to.  I want to say that  . . . I am sorry for your own victimization, Mr. Manning."  Lynnette said.

He nodded, "Thank you.  And I'm sorry for yours."

At his words, the dam broke and she was sobbing.  Blair continued to comfort her, until it subsided.  Lynnette said, "It's not that long ago.  And, I've done it, alone.  My mother's gone, and it's just us."
Jenna was shaking, and Todd said, "Hey, it's all right.  We're going to help, however we can."

Jenna said, "How did you know about my sister?"

"I just did."

Lynnette stopped crying, and pulled herself together.  "Mrs. Manning, I told my sister people don't change.  From your defense of your husband, I realize I might be wrong.  About a lot of things."

Blair answered, "You're not wrong as much as hurt, angry.  Maybe we can help.  I just love my husband, and I know he's not perfect, and he's made mistakes.  But some are not without reason, and he's paid."

Todd, listening, looked at Blair, "You finished over there, Tammy Wynette?"

Blair said, "Well, yeah, I guess.  Lynette, I am just so tired of people judging him all the time.  And, I didn't know about you.  I'm very sorry for what you went through, and if you want to talk about it, I am a good listener."

"Actually, in truth, it is amazing to see two people . . . so in love, I guess is the best way to say it.  Almost like love can really make a difference."

"Someday, when you're not dealing with so much, I'll fill you in on just what it can do," Todd heard himself say.

"We're so sorry, honey."  Blair moved her hair back, patted her shoulder.  The young woman, though a stranger to them, seemed to want to cling to Blair and made no attempt to move away.  In fact, she had leaned toward her, and her posture wasn't guarded anymore.  

"I  guess I reacted in response to what happened to me, as much as anything else,"  Lynnette said, sniffling.  

Todd said,  "Don't think another thought about it.  We have an art show to discuss.  I can promise you, you have nothing to fear for your sister.  My life has taken so many turns since those days.  I am not proud of my past, but I am proud of my family and what I've tried to establish."

Lynnette didn't respond to him, except with a softened look that culminated in a small smile.  Blair was proud of him; he didn't hesitate to get the conversation in a different direction as soon as he had the chance.  

He said, "Okay, great.  First, let's get some information on you to put out in the paper regarding finding your mother."

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Diamond in the Rough: Chapter 16

Todd waited for his son outside of Ray's office.  He sat on the bench in the hall, the same one that Blair had collapsed on months before, when she almost lost Ray.  It brought his mind to the funeral of his daughter, Sommer, and he thought all of it over, as if searching his mind for answers.  There were none.  Hatchmarks on the wall . . .

He shook himself loose of the memory flash, and turned his attention to the opening door.  "Hey, Jack."

"Hi Dad," the boy said, sitting next to him on the bench.  

Ray said, "This was a bit emotional for Jack.  He might need a breather."

Todd instinctively put a hand on his son's head.  "You okay?"

"Yeah."

"I know what always works for me after these kind of sessions."

"What?"

"McDonald's."  Jack laughed slightly, but Todd looked down and saw his son wringing his hands.  Blair does that.  

"Thanks, Ray."

"Jack's come to some good realizations about the alcohol, at least.  That's a step.  I gave him information to share with you about a teen group that's here.  Kids that have great amounts of stress, and have turned to substances.  Jack's gotten caught at a good time, at least he's not dependent on it. But," Ray turned to the boy and put a hand on his shoulder.  This caused Jack to look up.  "It could very well become that way if we don't get it under control now."

Jack looked back at his feet.  Todd said, "So, you like this teen group idea?"

"Yeah, kinda."

"All right.  I've been in group with Ray before," Todd said, thinking back to his days at Llanview Hospital in the 90s.  It was before he met Blair.  It had brought him to a lot of realizations about himself, back then.  Time had flown.  "They work."

"Okay, I'll see you then, Jack.  In fact, the group is just getting out," Ray said, consulting his watch.  "Next time, you can be a part of it."

As they walked together toward the main entrance and lobby, Jack stopped short, and Todd, following his eyes, saw what made him pause.  It was Jenna.

***

"Mom, is Jack going to be okay?"  Sam said.

"Yes, he will be okay,"  she assured.

"Mom, is he going to hate me more because I told Dad?"

She stopped her fussing over her Thanksgiving plans and took Sam on her lap.  "Now, what would make you say that?  Jack doesn't hate you."

"He does," the little boy said, and then started to cry, "he never wants to play with me anymore.  He hates me, Mom."

"No, I know he doesn't hate you, Little Man.  I know it."

Sam sniffled against her chest, and she wrapped her arms around him.  "You know you're my baby boy, right?"

"No.  Ray's the baby boy.  I'm just Sam."

"No, you're always my special baby boy.  You are always that to me,"  she gently rocked him to give him comfort.

"Mom, why is Jack drinking that stuff?  Is it good?"

"No.  It's bad.  Jack's just . . . trying to get the bad stuff in, to push other bad stuff out.  It's not right, and it's not good.  And you must never try it, okay?"

"I won't.  I'm no dummy.  Besides, Spiderman doesn't drink.  And Dad doesn't really either, except sometimes at parties."

Blair was amazed at how observant her son was.  Then, she flashed on a younger Todd, drunk at a local bar, and how he looked when she walked in the place to find him, ruminating about Victor Lord.  That was so long ago.  "Not much, no.  Your Dad is different.  He's . . . very strong."

"He is.  He picks up me without even saying 'ugh.'"

She laughed, and kissed the top of his head.  "Right.  And he's strong other ways."

Sam pulled away just enough to lock eyes with his mother, "I know, Mom.  He's the strongest.  I want to be like him when I grow up.  I want to save everyone."

Blair thought of the irony and purity of the comment and her eyes welled with tears.  "You'll be just as strong as he is.  Trust me."

***

"Jenna?"  Jack said, approaching her.

"Hi, Jack.  Well, I guess the news is out, huh?  I see a shrink.  And I'm in a group here."

"Well, don't feel so bad.  So do I and I will be in that group next week!"

She smiled, "At least I'll know someone."

"Yeah, me too.  I'm glad for that."

Todd purposely hung back, and watched the two of them as they walked toward the doors to outside together.  Jack was extremely taken with the girl; she was lost in his words.  My son's in love.  Finally, Jack realized what was going on, and as they got onto the walkway outside Mountainview, he turned.  "Dad?  Sorry."

"No problem, just didn't want to interrupt."

Jenna looked at Todd, and he recognized two things in her face:  curiosity and fear.  He said, "Jenna, how are you today?"

"Fine, Mr. Manning.  You?"

"Fine, thanks."  Todd shot a look at Jack that said, it's now or never.

"Jenna, I have to tell you something."  Jack said.  "I'm not a regular kid."

Todd laughed a little to himself, and she said, "I hope not!"

Jack laughed too, and then continued, "I'm . . . well, my family is rich.  And that's why we have that limo over there."

She looked at it, "I kinda figured."

"And that's why . . . well, my Dad, he wants to sponsor your art show, if you'll let him."

Her expression was priceless, and his son had given that to her.  Done deal.  They'll be an item by sundown.  

She said, "Oh, my God.  Mr. Manning?"

"Yeah, Jenna, I saw your sketch.  You're great.  I was thinking that my newspaper, The Sun, could back your art show and do an article on you and your family, to help bring your mom out?  Possibly lead us to her, or lead her back?  It was all Jack's idea."

She was elated, and almost lifted onto her toes.  "Yes!  I'd love it."  Then, she faded a bit.  "But I'd have to talk to my sister.  She's my guardian."

"All right, sounds good.  Here's my card, call the office when you guys are ready to talk."

For a moment, Todd detected disappointment in Jenna, but then the girl came back to life.  "Jack, I can't thank you enough."

Todd made himself scarce by going to the limo and getting in.

Jenna continued, "I can't believe you believe in me enough to ask your father."

"I do."

"I just . . . I don't know if Lynnette is going to go along with it."

"Why not?  Is it because of me?  Because of the things I did?"

"No, not you."

His eyes narrowed.  "My father?"

"Yes, I think so."

"People change.  He changed.  He suffered.  Trust me."

"I do.  But not sure she does.  You see . . . well, this is hard."

Jack read between the lines.  "Something bad happened to Lynnette, didn't it?"

Jenna nodded.  "It was my fault.  It's part of the reason I'm here.  I was supposed to be picked up at a certain time.  I was late.  She was waiting, on foot, we didn't have a car.  A man attacked her from behind.  She's never been the same since."  Her eyes misted over.

He found himself putting an arm around her shoulders, and pulling her to his chest.  Then, they let go, and he said, "I'm sorry that happened.  But how can it be your fault?"

"I ask that in my head, but not in my heart."

"I'm sorry."

"Me, too.  Anyway, I'm not sure she'll let me do this, not with your father involved.  She . . . has a thing against him."

Jack swallowed.  Somehow, he understood it.  "What about you?"

"I don't have anything against him.  He's been nothing but kind.  And he made you."

Jack smiled.  "Want a lift?"

"No, Lynnette is on her way.  She'll be here in a few.  I'll ask her about the art show, but I doubt it, Jack."

"All right."

"But thank you so much, and your father, too, for believing in my talent."

"It's easy.  Your work is great."

"Thanks.  See you at school."

"Yeah, see you," he said, looking into her green eyes, and for a moment, he toyed with the idea of kissing her, then stopped himself, and went to the limo.

As he was getting in, Todd said, "She's pretty.  Forgot to tell you."

"I know.  She really is.  And she's nice."

"She seems to be."  That was all they said about Jenna on that car ride.  Jack was glad.  He didn't have the heart to tell his father the real truth right then.  "Williams, hit the next Mickey D's, will ya?"

Jack looked at his father.  People do change.  No matter what anyone says, not everyone stays the same.

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