Episode 3

Kaylynn poured Daniel a glass of wine and poured herself water. He could tell that she was not herself. Something was on her mind. It was strange seeing her drinking water. She smiled as the two set down. "as you know, I haven't been feeling well and I missed that time of the month." Daniel gulped down his wine. "I am pregnant and I plan on keeping this baby. I am willing to keep your name out of this whole situation, as your employer frowns on negative publicity."

Daniel exhaled. "I appreciate that, Darling."

"At a price." Kay continued, as Daniel had a sudden look of fear. "I do need to make sure that my baby and I are taken care of."

Remington Estate

Brenda walked in the gardens in the backyard the next morning. It was one of the few things that she really enjoyed. So lost in her thoughts and the beauty, she didn't notice Jessica Wells walk behind her. "Excuse me, Mrs. Remington." She said in a silent and calm voice. "I have typed up my resignation letter and left it on your husband's desk."

"Resignation letter? Are you leaving us?" A startled and shocked Brenda asked.

Jessica smiled. "I was here to help the former Mrs. Remington and thought that my services would no longer be required."

"They will be. Please stay." Brenda said taking Jessica's hands. "This is a big lonely house and I need all the help I can get."

Jess nodded. "Of coarse, This is more than an employment to me. It's my home. Now, that I am back to work. I took the liberty of hiring a governess for the children. Her name is Nichole Roddy and she is very good."

"A governess? Wow! That is great. Uh, do I get to meet her?"

"Forgive me for misspeaking, you of coarse will get the final say so in her hiring." Jess corrected herself. "When I saw that she had come open and that we would have children in this house, I took the liberty of interviewing her. When shall I set up the final interview."

"Hmmm, this afternoon at 1:00." Brenda realized for the first time that the fortune and house was actually theirs. "Is there anything else I need to know about?"

"A lot, but don't worry, I will help you through this awkward time." Jessica calmed her feelings.

The Burbs

John Burb had gotten Lucy off to school. Jennifer, his wife, was cleaning up when there was a knock on the door. John answered it and saw two well dressed men standing in front of them. They were members of the local division of the Republican Party. John invited them in and they gladly entered shaking hands with John as they took their seats in the chairs around the living room. Jennifer, having heard the guests arrive, fixed a pitcher of lemonade.

Richard Anders was elder of the two gentleman. The graying former Senator sipped the cold sweet beverage. "John, we have been looking for a candidate for the upcoming election and we believe that we have found it in you. Now, before you answer, in Pleasantview you are a trusted citizen and many would vote for you should you run for office."

John sat back. This was a lot to take in at once. Working in politics was something he had never considered. There were no skeletons in his closet and he didn't have as much as a traffic citation. He was a young father. Jennifer was a perfect woman in his eyes. The first draw back was that the other party played dirty politics. If they couldn't find something on you, they'd make it up. He did not want to see his family or friends hurt. The second draw back was Jennifer's brother, Daniel Pleasant. Rumors were already circulating about him and a certain maid. Though not connected to John, the political machine would make sure that everyone knew about it. Damage would be minimal to his campaign, but would destroy Mary-Sue and their family. "I will give it a lot of thought." John promised them.

"That is all that we are asking for, right now anyway." Richard said. "I just wish you had been ready when I retired and left office. We may not have lost that seat in the senate. Well we have several more runs to make. Please, think hard about this." Richard looked back back at Jennifer. "Mrs. Burb, that was some mighty fine lemonade. It sure did bring back a lot of old memories. No one makes it the old fashioned way anymore."

"Thank you, Mr. Anders." Jennifer said almost blushing. She gathered the glasses as the men shook hands with John and he walked them to the door.

John came into the kitchen and pulled Jennifer into a hug. "Well would you like to be married to a Senator and live at the capitol?"

Jennifer smiled back. "I don't know. I love Pleasantview, but they are right about one thing. You would make a great senator. You'd at least get one vote." Jennifer kissed John tenderly.

The Brokes

The days went by and Brandi got bigger and bigger. Training Beau was becoming harder. She did her best. Fortunately, Dustin took up the slack. He handled teaching Beau to walk and the two split potty duty. Beau was quickly growing and learning. Skip would be so proud of him. Skip would also be proud of what Dustin was growing into. She was still concerned about his current occupation, but, at home, Dustin was growing into a fine man. He and Angela became closer as a couple and once Daniel and Mary-Sue simmered down about the late night cruising, he was able to visit her more often.

A delivery truck pulled up in front of Brandi's house. The delivery people unloaded a computer, table and chair. Brandi was in shock. Who would be so generous? Could it have been Mr. Salvatore? He knew that she disapproved of Dustin working for him. They handed her the paper work and went into the house to set it up. The note was not signed. It only said that Brandi would be writing food articles for the Sim City Times and its sister publications. Brandi enjoyed cooking. It seemed like a dream come true. Dustin was even impressed with the computer. This was a luxury that would have taken Brandi years to save up for. She decided whatever money she could make, a part of it would be put back to pay the benefactor.

Fortunately for Brandi, Dustin had the day off. He did his homework, as little Beau played with his block toy. Brandi got on the computer and looked at her first assignment, 'How to make Santa putty in your hands.' It would cover several different Christmas cookie recipes which were on Santa's list. She often found herself distracted watching Beau trying to put the square peg in the round hole. When It wouldn't fit, he would cry in frustration one minute, and figure out where to put it the next minute. Watching children learn was amazing for her.

The Remingtons

Nichole Roddy sat in the chair in the front room of the great estate. Feeling a bit uncomfortable, she hummed her favorite tune to herself. Her uncomfortable feeling grew as Brenda walked in. Nichole hated interviews, even though this one was a formality. "Hello, Mrs. Remington." Nichole sweetly said as she stood up and extended her hand. Brenda shook. "I look forward to working here and with your children."

"I called all your references and I don't see any reason why you can't come to work for us. Miss Wells has also vouched for you." Brenda said. "Can you start tomorrow?"

"Yes, mam." Nichole could not hide her enthusiasim.

"I am sure that you will be happy here. Miss Wells will see to it that you will get all set up.

The Goths

Alexander could not wait to get off the bus. He charged into the house and jumped on his mother's lap and hugged her. It was apparent that he had not gotten over the trauma of her being taken. She would often have to reassure him several times a day that she would be there and not disappear again. If only Cassandra was that young again. Alex was easy to manage. If he could see his mother, his fears would be calmed. Bella wasn't sure that would calm Cassandra if Don hurt her. The only thing that kept that from happening was the threat. Even Bella knew, that, sooner or later, even that would not stop Don Lothario, or as his fellow doctors called him, 'Don Juan.'

After reassuring Alexander, Mortimer would come in and take him into the study. There the two would work on his homework. Mortimer shared with young Alex his knowledge about the lesson. Then, afterward, he discussed the family business with him. Goth Industries was a growing firm, and Mortimer hoped to live long enough to see the day when Cassandra and Alex would run it together. As usual, Alex whizzed through his homework and went down stairs to read one of his books.

Mortimer on the other hand, visited his wife, Bella, The two shared kisses and hugs. It was a moment that Mortimer had looked forward to. The two relaxed on the bed and cuddled. The next thing anyone knew, Mortimer and Bella whoohooed. So spur of the moment, that neither had used protection. That was the one thing that Bella did not want was another child. Once the two had finished, Mortimer slipped off into a blissful sleep. Bella slipped out of bed and went down stairs.

Pleasantview Memorial

Don Lothario had a lot on his mind as he walked down the hallway making rounds. Bella Goth had the power to put him in prison. Kaylynn Langaark was threatening his freedom by threatening to announce that her baby was his unless he shelled out 100,000 to her "for her baby." That threat might trigger Bella, which would undoubtedly land Don in jail. His only other option was to doctor the Goth books and take out the money and hope that he would pay it back before it was discovered. If it was, he again would be at Bella's mercy. Don smirked at the idea of Kaylynn disappearing permanently. No, that is why he didn't go into the Lothario business.

Finally, rounds were over and he went into the small office space that acted as his office. Behind his desk sat Bella Goth.