One note: Yes, Eddie is still alive. I just couldn't bear not having him in the story. So let's all use our imaginations and pretend Eddie lives forever, okay?
Hess Crane woke up at 6:45, got dressed, and prepared for school. She ran down the long, elegant steps
In her lavish apartment at The Montana, and strolled into the kitchen.
"Good morning darling," Daphne Crane said looking up at her daughter. "Sleep well?"
"Yeah, really well actually," she replied. "Morning, Dad."
Niles Crane entered the kitchen beaming. "Morning all, isn't it a beautiful day?" He kissed Hess on the top of the head like he did every morning, and then stared at her, savoring the moment.
Hess was 15 now, a sophomore in High School, and reminded Niles more and more of Daphne every day. She was medium height, thin, and indescribably beautiful. She had Daphne's enchanting brown eyes, long chestnut hair and full red lips. Her hair even smelled like cherry bark and almonds. To Niles, she was perfection.
Daphne was gazing at Hess too, only in a different way. To Daphne, Hess was perfect because of the ways she resembled Niles. She was charmingly witty and remarkably intelligent, even more so then Niles was at her age. She was thoughtful and generous, and would do anything for the people she loved. Sometimes Daphne couldn't believe her luck. She knew she had always wanted children, but had no idea how amazing hers would turn out.
David Crane stumbled into the kitchen, football in hand. A senior in high school, David would be attending Brown University the next year to play football. Martin was thrilled, and even though Niles was hesitant, he was extraordinarily proud of his son for achieving something he could not. And hey, Brown was an ivy league, so Niles wasn't complaining.
"Hey Ma, what smells so good?" he asked kissing his mother on the cheek.
"Just some eggs and bacon, dear. Here you are," she said handing him a plate.
The four Cranes sat at the table, digging into their breakfasts. Daphne's food had improved greatly ever since she became a mother, and she was becoming quite an excellent cook.
"Done Hess?" David asked. "School starts in twenty minutes and I don't want to be late."
"Yeah let's go. Thanks for breakfast Mom, it was great," Hess said planting a kiss on her mother and father's cheeks.
"Have a good day!" Niles and Daphne yelled in unison as their children scurried out the door.
Niles looked at Daphne lovingly. "We did such an amazing job with them, Daphne. We are just so lucky. Who would have ever thought that I, Niles Crane would be the happiest man on earth?" He sighed happily.
"Oh Niles," Daphne smiled, and pulled him towards her, giving him a kiss he'd think about all day.
At David and Hess's high school…
Hess entered her English class and sat in her regular seat next to her best friend and cousin, Lily. Lily was her Uncle Frasier and Aunt Roz's daughter. From what Hess understood, her Aunt Roz and Uncle Frasier had worked together for over ten years before Frasier moved to San Francisco to follow some random woman. However, much to everyone's relief, he returned three months later and confessed his love for Roz, and that was it. Hess and Lily were born a day apart from one another, and were inseparable, just like their parents.
"Hey, "Lily greeted Hess. "Did you hear Mrs. Jameson quit? We're getting a new teacher today."
"Wow really? I hope our new teacher's good," Hess replied. "Oh, here she comes."
An impeccably thin woman with short black curls entered the room. She was slightly mousy and held her nose up high.
"Hello class, my name is Ms. Mel Karnofsky. You may call me Ms. Karnofsky. I regret to inform you that your previous English teacher, Mrs. Jameson has quit. I will be taking her place for the rest of the year. Now, let me take attendance so I can learn all of your names."
She went through the A's and B's, until she came to Hess's name.
"Hester Crane?"
The class giggled and Hess blushed.
"Here. You can call me Hess," she replied shyly. "Most people do."
Ms. Karnofsky looked up at her and the color drained from her face.
"Oh my god," she murmured. She knew that name. She saw him in Hess's face. And even worse, she saw her. The two people who had ruined her life, the reason she'd had to quit plastic surgery and start over. The reason she had a hole in her heart that would never mend.
Wow, she really did look just like the both of them.
But she had to make sure; she could not just assume the worst.
"Excuse me?" Hess inquired politely.
"Um, Hess did you say it was?" Mel asked. Hess nodded.
"Could you, um, tell me your parent's names?"
"Sure, but if you don't mind me asking, why?"
"Just tell me their names please!" Mel snapped, and Hess jumped.
"Sorry," Hess mumbled. "My mother's name is Daphne and my father's name is Niles."
Mel was speechless. She did not know how she could go on teaching this class. She couldn't even hear the names Daphne or Niles without cringing. Now she would have to stare at them every day for the remaining seven months.
She swallowed her sorrows and smiled. "Just curious," she replied nonchalantly. Unfortunately to keep up appearances, she had to ask every other child their parents names, and wasn't it the icing on the cake to learn that not only was Niles's daughter in the class, but so was Frasier's.
When class was over, Hess practically sprinted out of the room, eager to remove herself from Ms. Karnofsky.
Lily stopped her. "What was that?" She asked. "Why did she look like she'd seen a ghost when she saw you?"
"I have absolutely no idea!" Hess shouted, exasperated. "But I know one thing, I really do not like her, and obviously she has something against me or my parents."
"Are you going to tell them?"
"No, not yet. It might have been some misunderstanding. I'll wait a few days, and if she continues to act strange around me, maybe I'll say something. Look I've got to run, I have Student Government in five minutes. I'll see you at Grandpa's tonight, okay?"
"Okay great," Lily said, hugging Hess. "Feel better babe."
"Bye," Hess replied smiling. She was so grateful for Lily. She wouldn't trade their friendship for anything. Lily was a lot like Roz in the sense that she made Hess feel comfortable enough to step out of her shell, and Hess knew she would be able to withstand English class with Lily by her side.
Later that night at Martin and Ronee's the whole family sat down for their weekly Thursday night dinner.
"So, how was everyone's day?" Frasier asked.
"Wonderful," Daphne answered smiling. "After doing our exercises, Martin and I took Eddie for a walk, and then had lunch."
Martin smiled. He had always wanted a daughter, but never had one. Then Daphne came along, and gave his life meaning again. None of the happiness he had now would exist without her, and he thanked her every day.
"Oh yeah it was great! How bout you kids, how was school?" Martin asked, beaming at his grandchildren.
"Fine," Hess stammered. Niles looked at her confused, and then looked over at Daphne. He stared at the worried expression he knew Daphne would have, and their eyes met. After twenty years of marriage, they could have discussions with one another without uttering a single word. With a reassuring nod, they decided to discuss it later at home, and continued with the conversation.
"School was good," Lily blurted, trying to swerve the awkward attention away from Hess. "Hess and I got A's on our lab report in biology."
"Outstanding," Frasier bellowed with pride.
"How about that English paper you were working on, Lil?" Roz asked. "Did Mrs. Jameson grade it yet?"
Hess coughed loudly and nudged Lily's side gently. "Excuse me," she said under her breath.
"Um, nope! Not yet. Should be ready by Monday."
"You know sometimes I wonder about that Mrs. Jameson, she seems out of it. What do you guys think of her?" Roz directed at Niles and Daphne.
"I'd have to agree with you there, Roz. Niles hasn't met her yet but I think he would agree with me." Niles nodded. Of course he would. He would agree with anything Daphne said.
"Let's talk about something else," Hess murmured, pushing her food around with her fork. "Anything else."
Daphne frowned with concern, and her eyes locked with Niles's once more. Something was definitely wrong. David could sense it too.
"Hey Hess," said David, trying to change the subject. "I saw that you were the only sophomore who made Varsity Field Hockey. That's fantastic!"
Hess blushed and everyone at the table erupted.
"Oh Hess that's wonderful!" Ronee exclaimed. "I played field hockey when I was your age. I can't wait to watch you play."
"I can't wait to cheer for you," Lily gushed. As a sophomore, Lily was the best cheerleader on her High School's team. Her back hand springs and splits were crowd favorites at all the sporting events.
"Oh darling that's wonderful news! We knew you'd make it," Daphne beamed, putting her hand on Niles's shoulder.
"I couldn't be prouder," Niles said, smiling.
Hess became filled with an overwhelming sense of joy. She was proud of herself too. She had worked extra hard on her sweeps, drives, and Indian dribbles for field hockey, and was glad it had paid off.
"Thanks everyone, I really appreciate it," Hess laughed. She was feeling better about today, but there was still that voice in the back of her mind, reminding her that there was still English class tomorrow.
Back at The Montana, Niles and Daphne were laying in bed, talking.
"Niles," Daphne started, but Niles knew where she was going with this.
"I know," he said. "What do you think is wrong with English? It's her favorite subject. She told me she liked Mrs. Jameson."
"She said the same to me. But I didn't like her at dinner one bit. She's such a cheery, vibrant girl. Tonight she seemed cut off from everything and everyone. Niles, you're a psychiatrist. What do you think?"
"Well, you see Daph, this is different. I can't just analyze Hess like she's a patient because she isn't. She's our daughter. But I can tell when something's bothering her, and there seems to be a problem."
"Should we just ask her?"
Niles paused. "No. If it gets worse, then yes. But maybe she was just having an off day. We all have them. Let's sleep on it."
Daphne touched his face. "You always know just what to say. I love you."
Niles brought his hand up to hers and gazed into her eyes. "I love you too."
She smiled when Niles wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her passionately. How was it possible that after twenty years he could still make her heart stop and leave her breathless? How could it be that after all this time she seemed to fall in love with him all over again whenever she looked at him? She loved falling asleep in his arms every night, resting her face in the crook of his shoulder listening to his heart beat while he held her. She cherished every morning waking up in that same position. They always woke up at the same time. They were so in synch, so simpatico. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him harder. When they finally pulled away for air, she snuggled back into her favorite spot in his shoulder and rested her hand on his heart. He smiled at her affectionately and held her close. Daphne fell asleep to the soft beat of Niles's heart, knowing that he would always be there to make everything better.
The next day at school….
When Lily arrived to English class, she saw Hess waiting outside for her.
"I… I didn't want to go in there alone," she whispered.
"Hess," Lily replied, concerned. "Seriously?"
"I know Lily, I know I'm being overly dramatic. There's just something so weird about Ms. Karnofsky. Didn't you notice her staring at me in class yesterday? And I don't mean just glancing. I mean full on STARING. It was uncomfortable! It's like she's seen me before."
Lily took a moment to recall the previous day's class. "Yeah," she admitted. "I did notice that, but I also noticed she took a deep breath when I told her my Dad's name is Frasier. I mean, obviously it's not the most common name in the world, but it's like she knows the Crane name or something. Maybe she knows our parents."
"Excuse me ladies," Ms. Karnofsky intervened. "If I'm not interrupting your intimate conversation, are you two just going to stand outside gossiping all class or would you like to join us?"
"Oh, whoops!" Hess laughed nervously. "I didn't even realize the bell had rung. Sorry!"
Ms. Karnofsky just stared at her blankly and began handing out worksheets.
Lily and Hess found their seats, and Hess buried her head in her arms. It was going to be a long class.
"I don't understand why you care so much," Lily said. "This woman's just plain rude, and she'll get what's coming to her eventually. Alice is always talking about that karma stuff."
"Does Alice have teachers like Ms. Karnofsky at UCLA?" Hess retaliated.
Lily shrugged, and Ms. Karnofsky began explaining their next assignment.
"Ok class, your next writing assignment will be an analytical piece on the play of Macbeth. I want a typed, three page essay on what the play means to you and your innermost thoughts on the ending, due Monday. Any questions?"
"This is perfect!" Hess thought. Macbeth was one of the first plays her father read to her as a child. Niles would have never dreamed of reading it to her at such a young age, but one day when she was four, Hess found it in his bookcase and began to read. When he found her petite body sprawled on the floor of his library reading Macbeth, he picked her up, kissed her on the nose and slowly removed it from her grasp. That night when he tucked her in, she begged him to read it to her. One of the things Hess had learned about her father over the years is that he's a softy. He would do anything to make Hess happy, and he obliged. She remembered snuggling into his arms while he read her the "G" version of Macbeth. It's one of her fondest memories, and she could not wait to get home and start writing.
As Hess and Lily were leaving class, Ms. Karnofsky stopped them.
"I don't want to see what I saw this morning again girls," Ms. Karnofsky said sternly. "You will arrive to class on time and I will separate the two of you if I see you talking."
"The bell had just rung," Lily protested. "We weren't late if we were right outside the classroom about to walk in!" Hess nudged her hard.
Ms. Karnofsky smirked. "What exactly was it you two were talking about in such a secretive manner?"
"Obviously that's none of your business," Lily huffed. This time Hess nudged harder.
"Like father like daughter," Mel said, shaking her head quietly, and then she closed the door on both of them.
Hess was feeling extremely confused. "How does she know Uncle Frasier?"
"I don't know okay? But we're out of here."
"I think we should tell our parents now, don't you?"
"I don't know Hess, let's just go to back to The Montana and figure it out."
Hess and Lily walked home in silence, conflicted and nervous. Do they tell their parents? It seemed like they should, but then again they were sophomores in High School. Involving their parents seemed childish.
When they arrived at Hess's apartment, Daphne and Roz were in the living room.
Roz greeted them first. "Hi guys, how was school? Hungry? Daphne and I made some popcorn. It's in the kitchen."
"Ok great," Lily and Hess said at the same time. They scurried into the kitchen without as much as a thank you.
Daphne was feeling worried again. Niles had made her feel better last night by suggesting they give Hess time, but she seemed worse today then she was yesterday. Earlier that morning at breakfast, Hess had barely eaten anything, and looked extra tired.
"Something's going on Roz," Daphne informed her. "Has Lily said anything to you about Hess?"
"No, but I saw it in Hess at dinner last night. Don't worry too much Daphne. You and Hess are exactly alike. You're both strong and levelheaded. It's probably just some boy or something."
"You're probably right. She has a date tonight with that cute junior Nolan Horowitz. I know she's nervous. He just asked her out, right out of the blue. I guess that happens when you're as pretty as she is, but I don't think she has much confidence. Maybe to make her feel better, we'll pick out an outfit together, and I'll do her hair."
"That's a great idea! If you want any help call me." Roz winked at Daphne.
"Oh dear, I think we'll pass on that one Roz," Daphne answered and they both laughed.
In the kitchen...
Hess and Lily just stared at the popcorn on the counter. They didn't feel like eating.
"Are you nervous for your date tonight?" Lily asked.
"Yes, oh my god yes! But it'll be good for me. I want to forget about this whole Ms. Karnofsky incident and have fun. Nolan's sweet. We've been texting a lot since he asked me to go out with him and he seems decent. We'll see. But let's hold off on telling our parents until at least Tuesday. We should give it a few more days."
"Okay, well I have to go. Alice is in town for the day and she's meeting us at the space needle. Call me tomorrow!"
"You know I will," Hess assured Lily. "Say hi to Alice for me!"
"Will do! Love ya!"
Meanwhile, at Café Nervosa…
Niles was sitting at his usual table, waiting for Frasier to meet him. He cherished these coffees he shared with his brother. Those three months that Frasier was in San Francisco were torture, and it was important for them to spend time together.
Frasier walked in, spotted Niles and took a seat. "Afternoon, Niles. How are you?"
"Afternoon Frasier, I'm wonderful, thanks."
Frasier smiled. Every day he asked Niles how he was, and every day Niles said something such as wonderful or spectacular. Twenty years ago when he was with Maris, he never got an answer like that.
"Glad to hear it," Frasier smiled at his brother.
Niles shifted uncomfortably in his seat.
"Something bothering you?" Frasier asked.
Niles hesitated. "Well, yes. Frasier, if you don't mind me asking, has Lily said anything to you about Hess? I know they have English class together, and you saw how strange Hess's reaction was last night at dinner."
Frasier nodded. "Oh yes, I noticed. What kind of psychiatrist would I be if I hadn't? But no, I'm sorry Niles; Lily hasn't said a word to me or Roz as far as I know."
Niles scratched his head. "You think as psychiatrists it would be easy to figure this out. But there's something about Hess being my daughter, and not my patient. I just can't put my finger on it. I know everything about her. Why can't I figure out what's troubling her and fix it? You should have seen her this morning Frasier. Daphne and I were hoping she would be feeling better this morning, but it was quite the contrary. She looked so tired and worn out. It broke my heart."
Frasier looked at Niles sympathetically. "I understand completely. I regret saying I did not spend all that much time with Frederick during his childhood. But with Lily I'm able to wake up and see her every morning. So it makes me wonder why it's so much harder to analyze her. Roz wants me to leave it alone, but there's nothing worse than that sense of not being able to help someone."
"Maybe it's nothing," Niles tried convincing himself. "Maybe we're being overdramatic. It's only been two days. Hess will be fine. I know she will."
"You're exactly right Niles. My, you've come a long way. Before you married Daphne you were hyperventilating left and right."
"She's saved my life in more ways than you can imagine," Niles said dreamily. "Well what about you? You're much more fun to be around since you married Roz. You laugh more, and you don't yell nearly as much as you used to."
Frasier nodded, smiling. "It's true what they say about the best relationships starting off as friendships."
"That it is," Niles agreed, thinking about the seven long years of friendship he'd shared with Daphne before it became something more.
"Well, I'd best be off. Alice is in town, so Roz and Lily and I are going to see her. Feel better, Niles. I am confident Hess will be fine."
"Thanks Frasier. Say hello to Alice for me."
"I will."
Back at the Montana…
Hess was sitting in her room, deciding if she liked her outfit. She was wearing a long, fitted magenta top with black leggings stuffed into brown boots.
"Oh, I like your outfit Hess. It's lovely," Daphne said entering the room.
"Thanks," Hess smiled at her mother. "I like it too. It's just my hair and makeup; I have no idea what to do."
"Well that's what you have me for!" Daphne exclaimed. "Come here love and let me have a look. You have such beautiful hair. It reminds me of my hair when I was your age."
This is what Daphne lived for. These moments she got to share with the beautiful child she had created with Niles. Running her brush through Hess's smooth, thick hair, and creating small waves with the iron made her heart melt. She loved every second.
When Daphne had finally finished Hess's hair and makeup, she was speechless. Hess was breathtaking. She didn't normally wear much makeup, just a hint here and there. She usually wore her in a pony tail, or just down, natural. The hair and makeup accentuated her natural beauty, and she was a sight for sore eyes.
Niles entered Hess's room, took one look at her, and his knees went weak. His gorgeous daughter looked so much like Daphne it was uncanny. She brought him back to the first time he had laid eyes on Daphne in Frasier's apartment. He remembered every second.
"Daphne, this is my brother Niles," Frasier said, introducing them.
Niles turned, expecting to see a plump, eighty year old woman. He did a double take. Instead he saw this, this goddess to say the least. She was simply the most stunning image he had ever laid eyes on.
When he was able to find his words and speak, he asked, "You're Daphne?"
She smiled and he thought his heart might burst. "Why, yes I am," she replied politely. She had an accent too? This was too much.
"Well," he managed to spit out. "When Frasier told me he'd hired an English woman I pictured someone, a little more…not quite so… you're Daphne?" He knew he sounded like an idiot. She was just so perfect, so angelic. He didn't know how to act.
"It's nice to meet you," she said shaking his hand. And that was it, the beginning of the rest of his life.
Seeing Hess so beautiful and grown up, Niles couldn't help but flashback to that memory of the day he met Daphne.
"Oh, Hess," Niles choked. "You look stunning."
"Thanks, Dad," Hess said, cheerfully. "You don't have to get so choked up. It's not even prom or anything. I'm just going out."
"Please don't remind me," Niles said through gritted teeth. He was not pleased about this date, especially with someone a year older than Hess. But as usual, Daphne had talked him into agreeing.
"Be careful and have fun," he whispered, kissing her forehead.
"Of course I will," Hess reassured her parents. "I'm meeting Nolan at the park at 6:00, so I should probably leave now. David's driving me."
"Good," Niles nodded approvingly. David was almost as protective of Hess as Niles was. He knew she'd be okay.
Hess hugged her parents and left the room. Niles couldn't tear his eyes away from the doorway. It killed him to see his baby daughter all grown up. He felt Daphne wrap her arms around his waist from behind, and he immediately filled with warmth.
He turned to face her and kissed her gently. "I can't believe she's 15, going on her first date."
Daphne sighed and ran her fingers through Niles's hair. "If it's anything like ours was, I know it'll be perfect."
Niles smiled and pulled Daphne closer. She laughed and leaned in for a long, sensuous kiss.
"Would you like to dance?" Niles whispered in her ear.
"I'd love to," Daphne replied.