Disclaimer: I don't own any part of The Nanny…yet.
A/N: Here are chapters 11-20 of my 100 chapter response to the 100 Word Challenge. Let me know what you think. - FoG
100 Word Challenge
Chapter 11
'DAY'
Fran had been at the house a little less than six months and decided that Mr. Sheffield needed to take some time off to spend with his children. "I know you're busy, but I really think it's important for them."
Max sighed. "Very well, Miss Fine. Have Niles prepare the basket and well all head to the park for a picnic lunch."
"Niles is in the kitchen as we speak packing everything up." Fran stood from her corner of the desk.
CC sighed heavily. "Maxwell…what am I supposed to do while you go play in the park with the children?"
"Oh…" Fran started. "I told Niles to pack enough for you too, Miss Babcock."
Max held back his laugh. "There you go, CC…you'll join us in the park."
"I'm not really dressed for an afternoon in the park, Maxwell." CC prayed that would be just enough to get her out of an afternoon in the park watching Fran flirt with Max.
Fran grabbed CC's hand and pulled her up off the sofa. "I have a pair of jeans and a light sweater ya can borrow…you'll be fine. It's just sittin' on a blanket and eatin'…"
"Maxwell?" CC tried calling as Fran drug her upstairs to change. CC was actually surprised at the jeans and sweater Fran had been talking about. The jeans weren't too tight and the sweater was just a simple pale blue pullover. Fran also leant CC a pair sandals that she could easily slip off when they reached the park. "Thanks, Nanny Fine. I guess this won't be too terrible."
Max called from the foyer. "Miss Fine are you and CC ready? We're all waiting." Niles had changed into jeans and a denim button down and Max changed out of his slacks into jeans as well. "Wow!" Max couldn't help himself when the ladies appeared at the top of the stairs.
Niles chose that moment to enter with the basket from the kitchen. He stopped dead in his tracks at the sight of her…them…her. "Well, this should prove to be a lovely day after all."
The ladies led the way and the family made their way down the block to the park.
Chapter 12
'NIGHT'
As the sun set over the park, the stars started popping out. "Daddy…can we catch fireflies?" Gracie asked.
"Well, darling, if you see any we can certainly try." Max smiled at his youngest. "Miss Fine, I have to thank you for insisting we take the day off. It's been really lovely."
"Daddy!" Gracie called. "I see them, I see them!"
Max got up from the blanket and he and Fran ran to where Grace was certain she saw the fireflies. "We're coming, Gracie."
"I didn't see any fireflies." CC scoffed.
Niles laughed lightly. "You have to have the heart of a child to see fireflies, Miss Babcock…like Tinkerbell, you have to believe in fairies."
"You know, Niles…" CC started and suddenly noticed Niles eyes growing large matched only by the grin moving across his face. "What?"
Niles moved slowly toward her. "Hold still." Niles move quickly to the basket and grabbed the grated cheese. He quickly dumped the last remaining cheese into the basket and moved still closer to CC. "Now, hold very still…please."
"Niles…what the hell…" CC tried to protest.
Niles touched her thigh softly. "Shhh…don't move…" He slipped closer still and took the jar near to her ear and in a few seconds sat back on his feet. "Ok, you can move now."
"What the hell was all that about?" CC barked at him in the growing darkness.
Niles held up the small jar and showed CC the pair of fireflies it contained. "It would seem they liked you." Niles winked at her. "Miss Grace!" He called.
Grace approached him sadly. "I don't need the jar, Niles. We didn't catch any…" Then Grace noticed the little lights blinking in the jar. Her eyes grew nearly as large as Niles' had earlier. "You caught me fireflies?"
Niles shook his head. "Not me. Miss Babcock caught them."
Grace threw her arms around CC. "Thank you, Miss Babcock." Grace took the jar from Niles and ran calling to her father and Fran. "Daddy, Fran…look! Miss Babcock caught me some fireflies."
"Why'd you tell her I caught them?" CC asked still amazed at the grip Grace has for such a small child.
Niles grinned. "You looked like you needed a hug. And I know that Miss Grace did." Niles stood and started cleaning up the picnic and was rather surprised when CC started to help him.
Walking back to the mansion a short time later Max broke the familial silence. "It really was a great idea to go to the park."
"Yeah…" Fran sighed. "It was a really nice day."
Niles watched as they all moved into the house CC held the door for him. "It wasn't a bad night, either."
Chapter 13
'CLOUDS'
It had been one of those days in the mansion. Max had left CC in the office working while he took a meeting at the theatre. Fran had taken the kids to a Disney double feature and wouldn't be back until dinner. That meant she and Niles were alone in the house. So it could either be pleasant, meaning she'd be in the office and he'd stay in the kitchen, or it would be…fun…meaning he'd keep popping into the office to bug her and she'd keep going into the kitchen to get in his way. They opted for fun.
Niles had only just returned from the grocery store when CC called him from the back yard. "Now what on earth is she doing out there?" Niles opened the door and stepped out into the yard off the kitchen. "You screamed?"
"I think I saw a snake…could you check?" CC asked as nicely as she could. The minute Niles moved past her, she bolted for the house and decided she'd lock him out.
Niles shook his head and moved to the car where he retrieved the last two bags from the grocery store. He waited for her to let him in. CC stood at the door and shook her head. Niles put down the bags and reached into his pocket for his keys. CC, having found them on the counter dangled them in front of him.
Niles eyes narrowed and then he smirked at her. He reached into the bag and pulled out the large bottle of scotch. CC's eyes got very big and Niles stepped back from the door. CC opened the door and pulled it closed behind her. "Give me the scotch and I'll let you in."
"Miss Babcock, did you remember to bring my keys with you?" CC turned around and saw Niles' keys sitting again on the counter.
CC shook her head. "Nope, I left them on the counter, why?"
"That door automatically locks. Mr. Sheffield had me put it in when the children kept forgetting to lock up at night." Niles offered.
CC tried to open the door. "Well, there has to be another way in…right?"
"Do you have your key to the front door?" Niles asked.
CC smiled. "Yes! It's in my purse…which is on the sofa in the office." They both heard the soft rumble overhead. "Niles…was that…thunder?"
"I think it was, Babs…don't worry, you won't melt…unlike your cousin the wicked witch of the west…I've already determined you're impervious water." Niles removed his suit jacket just as the rain started to softly fall. "Here." Niles draped his jacket over CC's shoulders.
"Niles…that's very sweet, but you'll freeze when you get wet." CC slipped her arms into his jacket and couldn't help but notice his scent.
Niles shook his head. "I have no intention of freezing or staying outside in a thunder storm."
"Niles…I locked us out…I'm sorry, but how do you plan on getting back in?" CC stood as close to the house as she could and pulled Niles' jacket tight around her.
Niles took off his tie and tucked it carefully into the pocket of his jacket. "Just stay here and I'll either let you in shortly, or I'll be back shortly." Niles left her standing by the kitchen door.
True to his word, it wasn't more than ten minutes before Niles opened the kitchen door and let a now fairly damp CC Babcock back into the house. CC stepped in and Niles grabbed the last two bags from the bench he'd sat them on and closed the door moments before the sky opened and the real rain came.
"Niles…" CC now warm and under cover noticed Niles' badly torn shirt. "What happened to you?"
"I had to climb the trellis to the servant's balcony and make my way over to my bedroom window." Niles pulled off the offending garment and looked at it. "That was a brand new Brooks Brothers shirt."
CC gasped. "Niles…you're bleeding."
Niles looked at his forearm. "It's just a scratch. I caught it on a loose nail on the trellis." Niles started to unload the grocery bags.
"I'll put this stuff away, Niles. You should go get out of those wet clothes, and take a shower. And when you get back we'll take care of those scratches." CC offered as she handed him his jacket.
Niles sighed. "Thank you…I won't be long."
"Good, I hate thunder storms." CC mumbled as he went up the back stairs.
Chapter 14
'CHEESECAKE'
Niles, now showered and almost re-dressed, returned to the kitchen. "Thank you for taking care of the groceries."
"Come here and sit down. I don't want that arm to get infected." CC ordered. "Did you notice anymore scratches or anything?"
"I didn't notice anything, but I can feel something on the back of my neck." Niles answered as CC put the antibiotic ointment on Niles arm and bandaged it.
CC stood behind him. "Put your head down. Yeah…I see it, it's not bad, but I'll put something on it all the same." CC carefully applied the ointment to Niles' neck and then attached the bandage. "There you go…all better."
The words had barely left her lips when the lights flickered with the thunder and went out. "Oh, great." Niles stood carefully. "Well, at least there is still some light coming in from outside."
"That won't last long…it'll be dark soon. We'd better find the flashlights and some candles." CC didn't even finish her thought before Niles was standing next to her with a box of candles and two flashlights.
"Well aren't you just the proper little boy scout." CC joked as the phone rang.
Niles answered. "Sheffield residence…oh, hello, Sir. Yes, or course, we'll be alright. Yes, Sir, I'll tell her. Not yet. Very good, Sir. Good bye." Niles hung up the phone and it immediately rang. "Sheffield resid…hello Miss Fine." Niles listened and then laughed. "Very good, Miss Fine. I'll tell him. Good bye."
"Ok, Niles…spill." CC sat down at the kitchen table.
"Mr. Sheffield says the roads are terrible since all the street lamps and traffic lights are out so he's staying at the theatre. Miss Fine and the children are walking to Loehman's which still has power." Niles looked at her and waited.
"So what are we supposed to do?" CC whined hating the current situation. It was too dark for her to work and she was stuck in the mansion with Niles.
"Well, we've got to eat. The stove is gas, so I could hand light the burners and cook something. But that will take a while. Since the power is out I don't want to be in and out of the fridge too much since I just filled it with groceries." Niles raised his eyebrow. "It's time for me to make an executive decision." Niles stood and moved to the fridge. He opened it, reached in grabbed what he wanted and closed the door. "Not bad for the dark." Niles brought the items to the table.
"Well, Niles…what's for dinner?" CC was getting just a little depressed. It was dark and there was thunder clapping and lightening flashing all around her, which she hated. And of all the people to be stuck with it had to be the butler.
Niles set a bottle of water in front of CC and put one on the table across from her. He lit tow candles and put them on the table. Then he grabbed two forks from the drawer and sat down. "Alright, Babs. Close your eyes and open your mouth.
"I know you're kidding." CC barked at him.
Niles frowned in the dark. "Oh come on, just this once would you please trust me. We're having our first candle light dinner." Niles laughed lightly.
"Okay. But only because I know where you sleep and I can kill you if you do something terrible." CC sighed and did as he asked. She was more than surprised when Niles slipped a forkful of his chocolate peanut butter cheesecake into her waiting mouth. "Oh my God, that's good."
"Thank you, I aim to please." Niles took a forkful for himself. "You know…I don't want to have to open the fridge again. We're going to have to eat this whole thing." Niles couldn't help but notice how the candle light only served to make CC more beautiful.
CC smiled. "I could eat one of your chocolate peanut butter cheesecakes myself. The two of us shouldn't have any trouble." CC watched at the candle light danced off his still damp hair making it look more red than blonde. "Just look how handsome he can be…"
Chapter 15
'INSOMNIA'
"That's the last time I eat half a cheesecake for dinner." CC tossed and turned in her bed finally pulling herself up and resting against the headboard. "Why can't I get him out of my head?" CC sighed and looked over at the romance novel on her night stand. "It's just the most ridiculous idea ever." CC grabbed the book and started reading where she'd left off the last time. "Sienna leaned back against the makeshift shelter and watched as Roderick, now dripping with sweat from the tropical heat, removed his shirt to work on the fire…"
Niles tossed the blankets off his legs and flipped them over the edge of the bed. "Why can't I stop thinking about her? The way the candle light danced in her eyes as we ate, that's why. It's the most civil we've been toward each other in months." Niles sighed heavily and looked at the book on his nightstand. "I just don't know what Fran sees in those silly romance novels." Niles picked up the book and read the back cover. "Would the desperate pirate captain Roderick the Red and his prisoner, the snotty Sienna Beaumont, find some way to work together on the deserted island? How would they survive? And what other adventures were in store for this socially mismatched pair?" Niles shook his head. "Utter rubbish." Niles rolled his eyes, lay back against his headboard and opened the book.
Chapter 16
'LOVE'
"Happy Valentine's Day, Niles!" Fran called as she stepped down into the kitchen and dropped a kiss on his cheek.
Niles smiled. "And a Happy Valentine's Day to you as well, Miss Fine. Do you have plans for today?"
"Oh…ya neva know." Fran smiled and sat down at the table. "So this is what it's like here early in the morning…huh?"
"Well," Niles started. "This is what it's like in the kitchen early in the morning. I get up and make breakfast and serve it in the dining room." Niles smiled. "Why are you up so early?"
Fran sighed. "Oh…I was havin' trouble sleepin'. This is my first Valentine's Day since…well you know."
"The ugly break up between you and Danny?" Niles tossed out as he loaded the serving trays with the food he'd prepared.
Fran frowned at him. "Yeah, Niles…thanks for puttin' it right out there on the table."
"Miss Fine, it's been nearly a year. Why don't you go out and have some fun this Valentine's Day?" Niles suggested warmly. "You don't have to be a couple to enjoy the day."
Fran turned her head slowly to look at him. "Really? And what pray tell do you have planned for today?"
"The same thing I do every Valentine's Day." Niles smirked at her.
Fran's eyes got very big seeing the smirk form across her friends face. "Okay, Niles…dish."
"It's nothing special, Miss Fine, I assure you. I serve breakfast for the family and then Mr. Sheffield, in some form of overwhelming guilt for my aloneness gives me the rest of the day off. I usually take in a double feature or see a show…something like that." Niles took a tray into the dining room.
Fran thought for a minute. "Niles…" Fran began when he returned for more food. "Maybe I could spend the day with you then…you know just as friends…"
"Uhm…" Niles stopped dead in his tracks. "I don't think that's a good idea Miss Fine…I've got a day of boring man things planned."
Fran knew something was up. "Ok, well then I'll just spend the day with Val or somethin'…no big deal." Fran stood and went into the dining room.
They were eating in near silence when the tell tale sing song of CC's voice called out. "Hello, hello!" CC entered the dining room and took her usual place while Niles made her a plate.
"Miss Babcock…" Fran cooed. "You seem very chipper this morning, why are you in such a good mood?"
CC made her cat-that-ate-the-canary grin. "Oh, you know, Nanny Fine, it's Valentine's Day."
"Wishful thinking wouldn't you say?" Niles 'dropped' her breakfast plate in front of her.
CC sneered at Niles. "I'll have you know Benson, that I have had a fantastic Valentine's Day every year for the last ten years."
"Conjugal visits at the prison?" Niles tossed at her.
"Niles…" Max warned.
Niles swallowed his grin. "Sorry, Sir."
"Well, I think that's great, Miss Babcock. What's made Valentine's Day so special for the last ten years?" Fran asked as she took a bite of her Belgian waffle.
CC actually blushed a bit. "Well, it's kind of a secret. I don't really have any plans or anything…it just happens…" CC suddenly noticed that she was smiling and everyone was staring at her. "What?"
"Fantastic Valentine's Day's don't just happen, Miss Babcock." Fran corrected. "Someone somewhere has to plan for them to be 'fantastic'."
"Well, I don't do the planning. It just happens. Now, I have some work to do so if you'll all excuse me." CC stood and quickly left the dining room.
Fran looked at Niles. "Well, I wonder what all that was about."
"I have no idea." Niles offered leaving the dining room so Fran wouldn't notice the smile gracing his face.
Chapter 17
'DINNER'
CC practically ran up the hall to her apartment door. "It has to be here…" She quickly unlocked the door and tossed it opened to find just what she was looking for. "There…" CC picked up the pale blue envelope and shut the door on her way to the sofa. She tossed her coat aside and tore into the envelope. There was the same pale blue note card she'd received every year for the last ten. She read the contents to the empty room.
"My Dearest CC,
On this our tenth Valentine's Day…I thought we should meet. I've longed to gaze upon your beautiful features and long for the day I can make you mine. I'll see you tonight, at the Rainbow Room…seven o'clock.
My heart is yours,
~S.A.~"
CC sighed just as the door bell rang. "I'm coming." CC knew what would be waiting on the other side of the door. It would be the same thing that's appeared there every year for now ten years. CC opened the door. "Hello, Charlie."
"Happy Valentine's Day, Miss Babcock. Looks like you still have an admirer." Charlie the doorman held a gorgeous arrangement of ten orange roses surrounding a single red rose. "Miss Babcock, if you don't mind my asking, why the unusual arrangement? Does it mean something?"
CC took the vase from him. "Yes, Charlie. Each color has a special meaning. Orange is for desire, enthusiasm and passion, the red is love and romance. Ten years ago I got a single red and a single orange rose for Valentine's Day. Each year after that there was an additional orange rose. Oddly enough, orange roses have always been my favorite…ever since I received my first bouquet in college, I was studying abroad. That was from a secret admirer too."
"Well, I just hope that he finally gets up the courage to introduce himself. Ten years seems like a long time to pine for someone." Charlie smiled at CC. "Happy Valentine's Day, Miss Babcock."
"Happy Valentine's Day, to you too, Charlie." CC closed the door and placed the vase on her foyer table. "Dinner with the mystery man…I'd better get ready."
CC walked up to the Maître d. "Hello, I'm…"
"Miss Babcock, your table is ready, please just follow me." The man escorted CC to a table set for two in a romantic corner of the room near to the dance floor. "May I get you a drink while you wait?"
"I'd like a mineral water with a twist of lime, please." CC asked deciding to skip the alcohol for the evening.
The waiter brought CC her drink as the Maître d approached them. "Excuse me, Miss Babcock a messenger left this for you." He handed her the familiar pale blue envelope.
"Thanks." CC opened and read to herself.
"My Dearest CC,
I beg your forgiveness by my work has kept me from you this evening. I can only hope that you will stay and think of me as you enjoy the dinner I have arranged for you. I wish it could be different, my love. Until next year.
My heart is yours,
~S.A.~"
"Figures." CC mumbled softly feeling someone standing over her.
"Miss Babcock?" Niles spoke softly. "Are you alright?"
CC looked up at him in shock. "Niles? What the hell are you doing here?"
"I have a standing dinner reservation every Valentine's Day. I just hope someday it will be for two." Niles laughed. "I'm sorry, I'm interrupting." Niles turned to leave her.
"Niles…wait." CC took a deep breath. "My…date had to cancel, but he pre-ordered dinner for two…would you like to join me?"
Niles looked at her a bit suspiciously. "Are you sure?" CC nodded. "Well, then on one condition. Dinner's on me." Niles waited.
"Ok, Butler Boy, but if you tell anyone this was a date, I'll run you up the flagpole." CC warned.
Niles smiled as he sat down. "I give you my word."
The minute Niles walked in the door from his dinner Fran accosted him. "Niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiles! Ya got a package!"
Niles frowned at her. "What?"
"Just after you left for your 'day of man things' the delivery guy brought this package for ya." Fran was more excited about the package than Niles.
"I wonder what it could be?" Niles looked it over.
Fran stared at him. "Open it would ya before I kvetch!"
"I'm sorry, Miss Fine." Niles tore into the brown paper revealing a gorgeous French blue Brooks Brother's button down dress shirt. "Wow."
"Niles…" Fran lightly smacked his arm. "Why didn't ya just tell me it was some shirt ya ordered?" Niles was unsure of what to say. "Isn't that just like the shirt you ruined in that thunderstorm last week?"
Niles looked up at her. "Uhm…yeah." Niles started up the front stairs.
Chapter 18
'HONEY'
"Niles…" Fran started. "Why are there twelve 8oz. jars of honey in the pantry?"
"I like to keep a good stock." Niles answered easily.
Fran rested her hands on her hips and tossed her 'Fine Evil Eye' at him. "I don't believe that for a minute, Mista."
"I'm planning a prank and I needed extra honey…alright?" Niles confessed.
Fran laughed at him. "Now that…I believe, can I have some details?"
"Not yet, Miss Fine." Niles continued with his work. "But I promise when I've worked it all out…you'll be the first to know."
Fran tilted her head. "What is Sidr Honey? I've never heard of it." Fran looked at the jars.
"It's a uhh…" Niles tried to by himself time for an excuse.
"Miss Fine!" Max bellowed.
Fran put the jar done and started up the back stairs. "You haven't seen me."
"Right." Niles sighed. "Thank Heaven for the bellow."
CC arrived home later than usual and she was in a rather unpleasant mood. "I can't believe no one remembered my birthday." She'd barely closed the door behind her when there was a knock. "What!" CC barked at Charlie who stood holding a box. "Oh…I'm sorry, Charlie, what is it?"
"You got a package, Miss Babcock." Charlie handed CC the box and made his way down the hall.
"Thanks!" CC called after him. "Well, maybe all isn't lost after all." CC carried the box to the bar separating her living room from her kitchen. She opened it and found a pale blue envelope. "It's from him!" CC tore into the note and read it aloud.
"My Dearest CC,
I wish to make amends for missing our dinner on Valentine's Day. A little bird told me that my precious Honey had a bit of a sweet tooth. I only hope that you and I will someday enjoy this treat together…on toast maybe…over breakfast."
My heart is yours,
~S.A.~"
CC lifted the tissue paper from the box revealing twelve beautiful jars of her very favorite vice…Sidr Honey.
Chapter 19
'SERVANT'
"Niles…" CC made her way into the kitchen.
"It's the first of the month; don't you have a coven meeting or something?" Niles dropped as CC burst into his kitchen.
"Very funny, Merry Maid. I wanted you to serve this honey with breakfast today." CC beamed as she handed him the jar.
Niles nearly choked when he saw the jar. "Why?"
"Oh come on Niles, I expect so little of you…and I'm rarely disappointed." CC smirked. "It was a birthday present."
"Really, did Mother Nature reward you off for being a good witch this year?" Niles knew it was lame, but he was still trying to get out of serving that honey.
"Just serve it! You're a servant it's your job. It's very expensive; it costs fifty bucks for a jar that size, so while it's not your usual Sue Bee, I think it's good enough for the family." CC turned and stormed into the dining room.
Niles shrugged and turned just in time to see Fran standing on the steps. "Playing a prank, huh?"
Chapter 20
'HURT'
"Niles…why didn't you tell me it was for Miss Babcock? Don't you trust me?" Fran asked.
Niles looked at her. "Its not that I didn't trust you, Miss Fine, but it's a rather sensitive subject."
"It's really very sweet of you Niles." Fran smiled and patted his arm.
Niles shrugged. "Everyone forgot her birthday so I wanted to get her something nice this year. Usually I just leave the gym sock out of her coffee. But she's mentioned how much she liked that honey so I ordered her some. No big deal."
"She doesn't know it's from you…does she?" Fran asked her friend.
Niles whipped around to face Fran. "No…and she'd better never find out either."
"I won't say a word." Fran crossed her heart. "I've never seen that stuff in the stores…where'd ya have to go to get it?"
Niles thought to himself. "Thank heaven she didn't hear how expensive it is or I'd be sunk." "I just had to go to the health food store…it's uh…organic."
"You're crazy." Fran smiled and made her way into the dining room.
Everyone raved about the honey and CC smiled. "I got it from my special friend. He had to miss our Valentine's Day dinner and sent me a case of this honey for my birthday yesterday!" CC hoped that everyone would catch her not so subtle hint.
"I'm sorry, CC." Max frowned. "We all forgot your birthday."
"Well, this case of honey really makes up for it." CC spread some honey on her toast. "Niles…is there anymore toast?"
"I'll make some right away…would you prefer an English muffin?" Niles asked knowing the answer would be yes.
"Oooooo…yes that would be wonderful…thanks." CC cooed at the thought of her special gift of special honey on an English muffin. Niles went into the kitchen. "Do you know an eight oz jar of that honey costs fifty bucks?"
"Wha!" Fran nearly choked. "Are ya kiddin'? Why so much?"
Gracie chimed in reading from the jar. "It's only harvested twice a year, and it's from the remote mountains of Hadramaut in the Southwestern Arabian Peninsula."
"Well, that must be some special friend, huh, Miss Babcock." Fran asked sharply.
Niles entered from the kitchen with more toast and CC's muffin. "Here you are, Miss Babcock." Niles put CC's muffin on the plate in front of her.
"Niles…" Fran started. "Why don't you have some of this magic honey from the Laundromat Mountains on some Arab island? It's very expensive." Niles frowned at Fran from his place next to Max. "That's alright with you…isn't it Miss Babcock?"
"Why not…I let you have some didn't I?" CC laughed.
Max frowned at her. "CC…please. Niles and Fran are family, just like you."
"Not exactly." CC grumbled to herself.
