*Note: Takes place about 11 years after my last story. Ed just turned 16
and Rafe and Alison's other child, Makala, is 11. This story focuses a lot
on Ed's problems and Rafe and Alison trying to deal with him*
*Another note: I plan on putting a lot of thought into this story. I kind of rushed my other ones, lol. The updates won't be very frequent, so please be patient. And as always, reviews are appreciated =)*
It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon in the middle of June and the Kovich's were eating breakfast outside on their deck. It had been a very good month so far. Rafe was named the co-editor of the Port Charles Newspaper and Alison had just taken a new job at another nearby bank as the vice president. Ed and Makala were off school now until after Labor Day, and their report cards were due any day in the mail. And it was Ed's 16th birthday. The plans were to take Ed to get his driver's license and then they were going to take a subway to New York City to see a Yankees game, which happened to be Ed's favorite baseball team.
"Hey dumb brain, scoot over. There's no room for me," whined Makala, using her favorite nickname for her brother.
"Oh shut up and deal with it," Ed said, rolling his eyes.
Alison groaned as they continued to bicker. She couldn't even think of a time since Ed entered high school where they weren't fighting over something.
"Hey stop it! Your dad went to get some more orange juice and if he comes back here and hears you two arguing again, you know he'll yell."
"But mom, he won't move over!"
"Oh give me a break! I moved over, but little miss 'I get everything I want because I'll cry and scream if I don't' wasn't happy with the space I gave her."
"I don't act like that moron!"
"My ass you don't!"
"That's enough!" Makala and Ed jumped as they heard the deep voice of their dad, who had just gotten back. "You two do nothing but fight 24/7 and your mother and I are getting sick of hearing it! Ed, you know better than to swear, especially around your sister. Being sixteen does not make you an adult yet. Apologize to each other, right now." Rafe folded his arms to let them know that he meant business.
"But dad, he wouldn't move," Makala whined
"I don't care who did what, just apologize, please." Rafe looked up at the sky and sighed. He wished they would just get along for once.
"Fine. Sorry Ed," Makala said, making a face at her brother when her parents weren't looking.
"Yeah, sorry Makala," Ed said, making a face back at his sister.
Alison smiled at her husband and then looked back at her kids. "That's better."
"Mom, dad, do you mind if I go over to Angie's house for a little bit?" Angie was Ricky and Casey's daughter and they lived right around the corner.
Alison looked over at Rafe who shrugged. "I don't have a problem with it. Just be home by 2 so we can take Ed for his driving test. Then straight from there we're catching the subway."
"Ok. Bye!"
"Bye sweetheart, be careful."
The cordless phone in the kitchen started ringing, so Alison ran inside to answer it. "Hello."
"Is Ed there?"
"Yes, may I ask who's calling please?"
"It's Dan."
"Oh hey Danny! I almost didn't recognize your voice. How are you and your parents doing? We haven't seen them in a couple of weeks.
On the other end Dan made a face at the mention of the name 'Danny'. The only other person who called him that now was his mom. He hated being called that now, but decided to hold off on reminding Alison. She and Rafe were his parents' best friends after all. "We're great, thanks. How are you?"
"Just fine. I'll go get Ed for you." Alison stuck her head out to the deck and said, "Sweetie, Danny's on the phone for you."
Ed got up to take the phone from his mom and went further inside the house for some privacy.
Alison sighed and sunk down in a chair next to Rafe. "Those two kids of ours are something else, aren't they?"
"Yeah they sure are. Well at least we know where Makala's snobby attitude came from. Takes after her mom at that age I guess."
Alison picked up the newspaper and swatted him with it, making Rafe flinch and laugh. "Sorry angel. You know I'm just joking with you."
Alison stuck her tongue out at him and leaned her head against his shoulder. "I still can't believe that after 16 years of marriage, you're still calling me by that nickname. And look at us! We still act like silly teenagers that are in love, and we're nearing 40."
"Well you are an angel you know. My angel, and you always will be. No matter how old we get. I love you." He gave her a tender kiss on her forehead.
"Oh Rafe, I love you too. Always."
"Forever," Rafe whispered as he pulled her into a sweet and enduring kiss. It lasted quite a while and probably would have lasted longer if they weren't interrupted by the sound of Ed clearing his throat. Rafe and Alison laughed. They knew Ed was used to them being like this.
"Sorry to interrupt your sweet but rather nauseating moment, but I have a question."
"Shoot."
"Can I go with Dan to see a concert tomorrow night? It's at the amphitheater about 15 minutes from here."
Rafe sighed. "I don't know about that. I know a lot of drinking and stuff goes on at those concerts. You know how your mom and I feel about that."
"Yeah I know dad, but come on. You know me better than that. I don't hang around with that crowd."
Rafe still wasn't sure. "Yes, but I still don't want you involved with that kind of stuff."
"Sweetheart, excuse us for a minute. I'm going to have a talk with your dad," Alison said, pulling Rafe away.
"Listen Rafe, I know you're concerned about the drinking thing, but get with the times. Ed has already encountered that kind of stuff, seeing that it most likely goes on during high school football games. But you know he's smart enough. We taught him well. He knows not to drink. And besides, Makala is sleeping over at Angie's house tomorrow. That would give us the whole house to ourselves from six until at least midnight. And you know how long it's been since we've had time alone," Alison pleaded with him, giving him her most irresistible look.
Rafe smiled and Alison knew she had him. "Alright fine. But he's calling as soon as he gets to the concert and right before he leaves"
Rafe walked back over to Ed. "Ok, you can go to the concert, but here are the rules. Dan is driving since he's had his license for a few months and you don't even know if you're getting yours until after 2 today. You are to call as soon as you get there and right before you leave. I want you home right after the concert is over. And you know the drinking and drugs rule. Got it?"
"Yes sir," Ed joked, giving his dad a mock military salute. "And I was planning on just crashing at Dan's place after the concert, so I'll call from there."
"Ok, no problem."
The rest of the afternoon went great. Ed passed his driving test with no problems, and they all had a great time at the Yankees game. The next day was full of the sound of argument again.
"You stupid jerk! You ruined my shirt," Makala cried to her brother, who had just accidentally spilled juice all over her shirt.
"I didn't mean to, it was an accident. Here, let me help you." He got a wet rag and started trying to get the stain washed out.
"Don't bother! I know you're not sorry. You don't even like me!" Makala pulled away from her brother and had tears streaming down her face.
"Well if you would stop acting like a little baby, maybe I would appreciate you more."
"I do not act like a baby!" She pushed her brother.
"Yeah you do!" He pushed her back and ended up making her fall to the floor. She fell down and started crying more. "I hate you! Mom, dad, Ed pushed me down!" Makala yelled upstairs.
Rafe and Alison came into the living room quickly. "What is your problem? You don't treat your sister like that!" Rafe yelled at Ed while Alison tried to soothe their crying daughter. "Shh, it's ok baby. You're alright. Ed didn't mean to push you down, isn't that right?" Alison asked, looking into Ed's eyes with a fierce look.
Ed groaned. His little sister was always getting her way and he was tired of it, but he knew he had better say something or he wouldn't be able to go anywhere tonight. "Yeah I didn't. I'm sorry Makala."
She wiped the tears off her face. "It's ok."
Rafe gave his daughter a hug. "You ok sweetie?" She nodded. "Alright, go upstairs and pack your things. It's almost time to go over Angie's house." She ran upstairs without a second look back to her brother.
Alison sat down on the couch and patted the seat next to her, indicating for Ed to sit next to her. "Ok, we need to have a talk. I was going to wait until after your concert, but apparently we need to talk now. What has gotten into you? You have treated your sister like crap for the past week. Now I know you two have never gotten along, but it seems to be getting worse. She is 11 years old, and she's supposed to be able to look up to her big brother. But you're a bad example. You yell back at her instead of telling her to calm down, and then today you pushed her."
"Look mom, she pushed me too."
Rafe held up his hand. "Save it. That doesn't make it right for you to push her back. This isn't the only thing we're concerned about."
Alison grabbed an envelope off of the coffee table and handed it to Ed. "We got your report card today. You got a D in Biology. And it wasn't because you were having problems. Your teacher wrote a note saying that you never did your homework. You have always been a good student, Ed. I don't understand what's going on here. It's like you became a completely different person this year or something."
Rafe nodded. "Yeah your mom's right. Now you know we have to have a serious talk about this and set some rules. We will have to ground you. But we will talk after your concert. You can still go, but I don't want you staying over Dan's house. Come right home afterwards."
"Ok. Thanks dad. And I'm sorry. I really am."
Rafe and Alison both nodded. "You know we both love you Ed. That's why we're concerned about you, ok sweetheart? Go ahead and get ready. Danny will be here any minute now." Alison kissed her son and Rafe gave him a friendly slap on the back. After he went upstairs, Alison looked at Rafe with a concerned look. "Rafe, this is really scaring me. Ed has never been a problem before, but now all of a sudden this happens."
"I know angel. But you knew he wouldn't be perfect forever. It would have to happen sometime."
"Yeah. I think all parents have the same wish: for their kids to be perfect. Of course it never happens though."
Makala soon left to go to Angie's and Ed left with Dan to go to the concert. As soon as they were gone, Alison jumped into Rafe's arms, making him laugh. "Do you realize the last time we had the house to ourselves?"
Rafe smiled at her as he carried her into their bedroom. "Yeah it has been quite some time, huh?" He laid her on the bed and unbuttoned her pants and shirt and then took off his own clothes. Alison wrapped her arms around his waist and gave him a sweet kiss. He kissed her while gently running his hands along her lower back. "You're so beautiful," he whispered in her ear as he nibbled the edge of it.
Alison giggled and whispered back, "And you're so handsome." She gave him another kiss before pulling him on top of her and then she reached over and switched on the radio. "Just to add some atmosphere," she said. They made love with the sweet melody of a love song filling the air.
"Wow," Alison sighed when they were done. "That was great."
Rafe smiled and massaged her neck. "Yeah but, isn't it always?"
"That's true. Oh Rafe! I forgot to tell you the other day. Guess what Makala was talking about after you left for work the other morning."
"What?"
"Derek, a boy in her class at school. Can you believe it? Our little girl has her first crush! Isn't that cute?"
"How about that. And I'm sure Derek likes her too, seeing that she has her mother's beautiful looks and all."
"Oh Rafe," Alison said, blushing.
Ed and Makala both took after their parents. Ed had Rafe's golden brown hair and Makala had her mother's blonde hair and sparkling blue eyes. Oddly enough their personalities seemed to match their parents too.
"It's nearing midnight. We've been in here since 7!" Rafe exclaimed, looking over at the clock.
"Oh wow, are you serious?" Alison looked over at the clock too and couldn't believe that they spent that much time in the bedroom. A few seconds later the phone rang as they were putting their clothes back on.
"Hello."
"Hi, Alison? It's Eve."
"Hey Eve. What's going on?"
"Well I understand that Danny was supposed to go to a concert tonight with Ed. I just picked Dan up. Apparently they went to a party and drank instead."
Alison groaned. "Oh great. Well, what's the address?"
"1100 Woods Drive."
Alison grabbed a pen and a piece of paper and wrote down the address. "Ok. Thank you so much for calling, Eve."
"No problem. Call me soon, ok Alison? We have a lot to catch up on."
"Of course I will. Bye hon. Take care."
"You too. Night."
Alison slammed the phone down and tried holding back tears. "That was Eve. Danny and Ed went to a party over on Woods Drive."
"Please don't tell me he was drinking," Rafe said, folding his arms across his chest the way he did everytime he got angry.
"Ok, I won't," Alison said, trying to liven up the mood a little.
"Damnit!" Rafe cursed as he punched the bed in frustration. "After everything we've taught him. And he even said to me earlier that he didn't hang out with the party crowd."
"I'm sorry. This is all my fault." Alison started sobbing. "I convinced you to let him go to the concert. I was the one who told you not to worry about it, that he would encounter drinking anywhere he went and that he wouldn't do that. I'm so sorry. I'm a horrible mother"
"No! Don't you ever say that. You're the best mother, and that's the truth. It's not your fault that Ed went to that party. It's his fault. We're going to have to have a serious talk with him. And ground him until he's 40." The last comment made Alison laugh.
"There's that smile I love. Now listen, don't ever say that again, ok? You're the most loving mother that I know. Neither of us could have stopped this from happening. So, let's go get Ed. We'll talk with him about everything in the morning when we're calm."
Alison grabbed a tissue and wiped off her tears. Then she gave Rafe a kiss. "How come you always know the right thing to say?"
"Because I'm smart. Ready?"
She linked her arm in his and sighed. "Ready as I'll ever be."
*Another note: I plan on putting a lot of thought into this story. I kind of rushed my other ones, lol. The updates won't be very frequent, so please be patient. And as always, reviews are appreciated =)*
It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon in the middle of June and the Kovich's were eating breakfast outside on their deck. It had been a very good month so far. Rafe was named the co-editor of the Port Charles Newspaper and Alison had just taken a new job at another nearby bank as the vice president. Ed and Makala were off school now until after Labor Day, and their report cards were due any day in the mail. And it was Ed's 16th birthday. The plans were to take Ed to get his driver's license and then they were going to take a subway to New York City to see a Yankees game, which happened to be Ed's favorite baseball team.
"Hey dumb brain, scoot over. There's no room for me," whined Makala, using her favorite nickname for her brother.
"Oh shut up and deal with it," Ed said, rolling his eyes.
Alison groaned as they continued to bicker. She couldn't even think of a time since Ed entered high school where they weren't fighting over something.
"Hey stop it! Your dad went to get some more orange juice and if he comes back here and hears you two arguing again, you know he'll yell."
"But mom, he won't move over!"
"Oh give me a break! I moved over, but little miss 'I get everything I want because I'll cry and scream if I don't' wasn't happy with the space I gave her."
"I don't act like that moron!"
"My ass you don't!"
"That's enough!" Makala and Ed jumped as they heard the deep voice of their dad, who had just gotten back. "You two do nothing but fight 24/7 and your mother and I are getting sick of hearing it! Ed, you know better than to swear, especially around your sister. Being sixteen does not make you an adult yet. Apologize to each other, right now." Rafe folded his arms to let them know that he meant business.
"But dad, he wouldn't move," Makala whined
"I don't care who did what, just apologize, please." Rafe looked up at the sky and sighed. He wished they would just get along for once.
"Fine. Sorry Ed," Makala said, making a face at her brother when her parents weren't looking.
"Yeah, sorry Makala," Ed said, making a face back at his sister.
Alison smiled at her husband and then looked back at her kids. "That's better."
"Mom, dad, do you mind if I go over to Angie's house for a little bit?" Angie was Ricky and Casey's daughter and they lived right around the corner.
Alison looked over at Rafe who shrugged. "I don't have a problem with it. Just be home by 2 so we can take Ed for his driving test. Then straight from there we're catching the subway."
"Ok. Bye!"
"Bye sweetheart, be careful."
The cordless phone in the kitchen started ringing, so Alison ran inside to answer it. "Hello."
"Is Ed there?"
"Yes, may I ask who's calling please?"
"It's Dan."
"Oh hey Danny! I almost didn't recognize your voice. How are you and your parents doing? We haven't seen them in a couple of weeks.
On the other end Dan made a face at the mention of the name 'Danny'. The only other person who called him that now was his mom. He hated being called that now, but decided to hold off on reminding Alison. She and Rafe were his parents' best friends after all. "We're great, thanks. How are you?"
"Just fine. I'll go get Ed for you." Alison stuck her head out to the deck and said, "Sweetie, Danny's on the phone for you."
Ed got up to take the phone from his mom and went further inside the house for some privacy.
Alison sighed and sunk down in a chair next to Rafe. "Those two kids of ours are something else, aren't they?"
"Yeah they sure are. Well at least we know where Makala's snobby attitude came from. Takes after her mom at that age I guess."
Alison picked up the newspaper and swatted him with it, making Rafe flinch and laugh. "Sorry angel. You know I'm just joking with you."
Alison stuck her tongue out at him and leaned her head against his shoulder. "I still can't believe that after 16 years of marriage, you're still calling me by that nickname. And look at us! We still act like silly teenagers that are in love, and we're nearing 40."
"Well you are an angel you know. My angel, and you always will be. No matter how old we get. I love you." He gave her a tender kiss on her forehead.
"Oh Rafe, I love you too. Always."
"Forever," Rafe whispered as he pulled her into a sweet and enduring kiss. It lasted quite a while and probably would have lasted longer if they weren't interrupted by the sound of Ed clearing his throat. Rafe and Alison laughed. They knew Ed was used to them being like this.
"Sorry to interrupt your sweet but rather nauseating moment, but I have a question."
"Shoot."
"Can I go with Dan to see a concert tomorrow night? It's at the amphitheater about 15 minutes from here."
Rafe sighed. "I don't know about that. I know a lot of drinking and stuff goes on at those concerts. You know how your mom and I feel about that."
"Yeah I know dad, but come on. You know me better than that. I don't hang around with that crowd."
Rafe still wasn't sure. "Yes, but I still don't want you involved with that kind of stuff."
"Sweetheart, excuse us for a minute. I'm going to have a talk with your dad," Alison said, pulling Rafe away.
"Listen Rafe, I know you're concerned about the drinking thing, but get with the times. Ed has already encountered that kind of stuff, seeing that it most likely goes on during high school football games. But you know he's smart enough. We taught him well. He knows not to drink. And besides, Makala is sleeping over at Angie's house tomorrow. That would give us the whole house to ourselves from six until at least midnight. And you know how long it's been since we've had time alone," Alison pleaded with him, giving him her most irresistible look.
Rafe smiled and Alison knew she had him. "Alright fine. But he's calling as soon as he gets to the concert and right before he leaves"
Rafe walked back over to Ed. "Ok, you can go to the concert, but here are the rules. Dan is driving since he's had his license for a few months and you don't even know if you're getting yours until after 2 today. You are to call as soon as you get there and right before you leave. I want you home right after the concert is over. And you know the drinking and drugs rule. Got it?"
"Yes sir," Ed joked, giving his dad a mock military salute. "And I was planning on just crashing at Dan's place after the concert, so I'll call from there."
"Ok, no problem."
The rest of the afternoon went great. Ed passed his driving test with no problems, and they all had a great time at the Yankees game. The next day was full of the sound of argument again.
"You stupid jerk! You ruined my shirt," Makala cried to her brother, who had just accidentally spilled juice all over her shirt.
"I didn't mean to, it was an accident. Here, let me help you." He got a wet rag and started trying to get the stain washed out.
"Don't bother! I know you're not sorry. You don't even like me!" Makala pulled away from her brother and had tears streaming down her face.
"Well if you would stop acting like a little baby, maybe I would appreciate you more."
"I do not act like a baby!" She pushed her brother.
"Yeah you do!" He pushed her back and ended up making her fall to the floor. She fell down and started crying more. "I hate you! Mom, dad, Ed pushed me down!" Makala yelled upstairs.
Rafe and Alison came into the living room quickly. "What is your problem? You don't treat your sister like that!" Rafe yelled at Ed while Alison tried to soothe their crying daughter. "Shh, it's ok baby. You're alright. Ed didn't mean to push you down, isn't that right?" Alison asked, looking into Ed's eyes with a fierce look.
Ed groaned. His little sister was always getting her way and he was tired of it, but he knew he had better say something or he wouldn't be able to go anywhere tonight. "Yeah I didn't. I'm sorry Makala."
She wiped the tears off her face. "It's ok."
Rafe gave his daughter a hug. "You ok sweetie?" She nodded. "Alright, go upstairs and pack your things. It's almost time to go over Angie's house." She ran upstairs without a second look back to her brother.
Alison sat down on the couch and patted the seat next to her, indicating for Ed to sit next to her. "Ok, we need to have a talk. I was going to wait until after your concert, but apparently we need to talk now. What has gotten into you? You have treated your sister like crap for the past week. Now I know you two have never gotten along, but it seems to be getting worse. She is 11 years old, and she's supposed to be able to look up to her big brother. But you're a bad example. You yell back at her instead of telling her to calm down, and then today you pushed her."
"Look mom, she pushed me too."
Rafe held up his hand. "Save it. That doesn't make it right for you to push her back. This isn't the only thing we're concerned about."
Alison grabbed an envelope off of the coffee table and handed it to Ed. "We got your report card today. You got a D in Biology. And it wasn't because you were having problems. Your teacher wrote a note saying that you never did your homework. You have always been a good student, Ed. I don't understand what's going on here. It's like you became a completely different person this year or something."
Rafe nodded. "Yeah your mom's right. Now you know we have to have a serious talk about this and set some rules. We will have to ground you. But we will talk after your concert. You can still go, but I don't want you staying over Dan's house. Come right home afterwards."
"Ok. Thanks dad. And I'm sorry. I really am."
Rafe and Alison both nodded. "You know we both love you Ed. That's why we're concerned about you, ok sweetheart? Go ahead and get ready. Danny will be here any minute now." Alison kissed her son and Rafe gave him a friendly slap on the back. After he went upstairs, Alison looked at Rafe with a concerned look. "Rafe, this is really scaring me. Ed has never been a problem before, but now all of a sudden this happens."
"I know angel. But you knew he wouldn't be perfect forever. It would have to happen sometime."
"Yeah. I think all parents have the same wish: for their kids to be perfect. Of course it never happens though."
Makala soon left to go to Angie's and Ed left with Dan to go to the concert. As soon as they were gone, Alison jumped into Rafe's arms, making him laugh. "Do you realize the last time we had the house to ourselves?"
Rafe smiled at her as he carried her into their bedroom. "Yeah it has been quite some time, huh?" He laid her on the bed and unbuttoned her pants and shirt and then took off his own clothes. Alison wrapped her arms around his waist and gave him a sweet kiss. He kissed her while gently running his hands along her lower back. "You're so beautiful," he whispered in her ear as he nibbled the edge of it.
Alison giggled and whispered back, "And you're so handsome." She gave him another kiss before pulling him on top of her and then she reached over and switched on the radio. "Just to add some atmosphere," she said. They made love with the sweet melody of a love song filling the air.
"Wow," Alison sighed when they were done. "That was great."
Rafe smiled and massaged her neck. "Yeah but, isn't it always?"
"That's true. Oh Rafe! I forgot to tell you the other day. Guess what Makala was talking about after you left for work the other morning."
"What?"
"Derek, a boy in her class at school. Can you believe it? Our little girl has her first crush! Isn't that cute?"
"How about that. And I'm sure Derek likes her too, seeing that she has her mother's beautiful looks and all."
"Oh Rafe," Alison said, blushing.
Ed and Makala both took after their parents. Ed had Rafe's golden brown hair and Makala had her mother's blonde hair and sparkling blue eyes. Oddly enough their personalities seemed to match their parents too.
"It's nearing midnight. We've been in here since 7!" Rafe exclaimed, looking over at the clock.
"Oh wow, are you serious?" Alison looked over at the clock too and couldn't believe that they spent that much time in the bedroom. A few seconds later the phone rang as they were putting their clothes back on.
"Hello."
"Hi, Alison? It's Eve."
"Hey Eve. What's going on?"
"Well I understand that Danny was supposed to go to a concert tonight with Ed. I just picked Dan up. Apparently they went to a party and drank instead."
Alison groaned. "Oh great. Well, what's the address?"
"1100 Woods Drive."
Alison grabbed a pen and a piece of paper and wrote down the address. "Ok. Thank you so much for calling, Eve."
"No problem. Call me soon, ok Alison? We have a lot to catch up on."
"Of course I will. Bye hon. Take care."
"You too. Night."
Alison slammed the phone down and tried holding back tears. "That was Eve. Danny and Ed went to a party over on Woods Drive."
"Please don't tell me he was drinking," Rafe said, folding his arms across his chest the way he did everytime he got angry.
"Ok, I won't," Alison said, trying to liven up the mood a little.
"Damnit!" Rafe cursed as he punched the bed in frustration. "After everything we've taught him. And he even said to me earlier that he didn't hang out with the party crowd."
"I'm sorry. This is all my fault." Alison started sobbing. "I convinced you to let him go to the concert. I was the one who told you not to worry about it, that he would encounter drinking anywhere he went and that he wouldn't do that. I'm so sorry. I'm a horrible mother"
"No! Don't you ever say that. You're the best mother, and that's the truth. It's not your fault that Ed went to that party. It's his fault. We're going to have to have a serious talk with him. And ground him until he's 40." The last comment made Alison laugh.
"There's that smile I love. Now listen, don't ever say that again, ok? You're the most loving mother that I know. Neither of us could have stopped this from happening. So, let's go get Ed. We'll talk with him about everything in the morning when we're calm."
Alison grabbed a tissue and wiped off her tears. Then she gave Rafe a kiss. "How come you always know the right thing to say?"
"Because I'm smart. Ready?"
She linked her arm in his and sighed. "Ready as I'll ever be."