~Arthur's POV~

Outside snow began to fall coating the ground in another white layer of coldness, fog swirled around the air giving it a mysterious feel and my toes stung even wrapped in warm fur socks. Sitting on the couch with my feet placed on the coffee table in front of the fire place, wood crackled as the flame licked at each strand.

Coffee mug in hand I watched the clock above the fire place, Mark had yet to come through the door and it was driving me crazy. We had a long drive ahead of us to get to Paula's house; the mountain cabin we lived in was five hours away from LA and than another thirty minutes from Paula. Biting my lip I sighed, if he didn't show up in an hour I had to leave without him.

The window was coated with glassy frost, I need to bring the kids up here I bet they would love it. I have to ask Christine and Paula if it's okay.

Phone ringing caught my attention, getting up placing my mug on the table I quickly answered, "Mark?"

"Hey Art,"

"Where are you?" I bit my lip in anticipation.

A deep sigh escaped his lips, "I'm sorry but my boss won't let me go yet so I'm going to have to meet you down there,"

Rolling my eyes I dropped back down on the couch, "You'll be too tired to drive down by yourself," my eyes glanced at the window watching the snow flitter down creating a wonder land outside my home, "Besides the snow is falling pretty good I don't want you to get in an accident."

"I really am sorry," silence took hold of the conversation for a few minutes showing how much we've grown apart, "Art I have to go so..."

"...yeah," I whispered out trying not to let how much this disappointed me show, "I guess I'll see you in a few days."

"Tell the family hi for me?"

"Will do, have a good night I'll call you when I get there,"

Mark hung up shortly after that leaving me in a down mood, hardly up for driving down there and than hanging around two young kids. In the bedroom, suitcases already packed, I unpacked Mark's and stuffed his picture in the zipper part of my suitcase before trudging out into the snow. Tossing the luggage in the back of my Dodge Durango, in the drivers seat I pulled out and headed down the winding road, radio softly playing in the back ground as my mind wondered back to the first time Mark and I met....

***

The hallway seemed to stretch on and on, glancing back down at my schedule to see that I had the right building, McDaniel, well I had the right building but the doors didn't seem to match up with the numbers. Bell ringing signaling twelve o'clock and reminding me I was already five minutes late and I heard the Psychology teacher Mrs. Holtz was an old bag that hardly let any excuse fly.

Turning the corner my books went crashing to the floor along with the rest of my body, my eyes raised to meet the most gorgeous green eyes which belonged to Mark Hornsby, jock extraordinaire, captain of the basketball and baseball team and first string on the swimming team. My heart sped up causing blood to rush to my face immediately causing a blush to rise. It was no secret among my group of friends that ever since I came out as gay Mark was the one I was fascinated with but he was two grades ahead so we had no classes together.

He smiled down with a twinkle of laughter in his eyes, "You lost freshman?"

Mark leaned down collecting the books at his feet while I scrambled to get the ones closer to me. Once everything was picked up I stood up shifting to my left foot, "I'm not a freshman,"

"What?" he took a step closer to hand me the books he picked up.

Licking my lips I looked at him, "I'm...uh not a freshman,"

He furrowed his brows for a second before handing me the books, his hand brushing against my skin sending a shiver through me, "Huh...you're not a senior are you?"

"Oh no...No I'm a sophomore," I said brushing my long bangs from my eyes than adjusting my glasses, nervous habit can't stay still.

"What class you looking for?" raising an eye brow I wondered how he knew what I was doing before slamming me with his hard chest, seeing my question gaze he nodded to the schedule still clutched in my left hand.

"Oh...yeah...um..." my throat was dry not believing I was actually talking to the king of the college, mind blank I had to look back at it but the words seemed a bit fuzzy, "Um...Mrs. Holtz room..."

"1205," Mark spoke before me, "I'm actually heading there now,"

"Where is it?"

"Third floor, freshmen are on the fourth floor and so on down." He nodded toward the elevator which we quickly entered with me trying to keep my books balanced and my glasses on my nose.

"So why are you...I mean if you don't mind me asking because you don't have to answer, not that it's that personal of a question unless you know you think it is..."

Suddenly I find myself up against the side of the elevator with Mark pressed so close I can smell his after shave, his finger placed roughly upon my lips, "Your rambling,"

Gulping I tried to think of something to say but he just pulled back his eyes roaming up and down my body, was he checking me out, another blush crept up my cheeks and I swear the rest of me as well.

He smirked as the elevator dinged signaling the arrival of our floor as the doors opened he chuckled walking out throwing over his shoulder a, "Your too easy freshman,"

Struggling to get all the books he knocked out of my hands as he pushed me against the wall I finally realized what he said and shouted back, "I'm not a freshman!"

Only he was gone and I was alone.

****

Smiling I changed lanes, we had many more encounters like that before I finally realized he was gay and totally flirting with me. Than it took another year for me to ask him out since that was what he wanted, me to ask him out so he knew I wanted him.

Mark had a thing about exhibition and if he could turn me on he would. Lately though there was nothing from him, emotionally or physical, even trying to spice up our bedroom life failed miserably.

Biting me lip I focused on driving instead of the memories piling into my brain.

****

~Raife's POV~

"Welcome to Burger King, how can I help you?"

That phrase was already on my nerves having said it a million times. Listening to the idiot in his car I punched in his order and read it back to him. The same thing with the next car, god I hated the drive thru but I'd rather be here than on the front cash register at least here I don't have to see their ugly mugs more than a minute to give them their change.

Instead of getting to sleep until I have to pick the girl's up I got called into work cause one of the young guys didn't show, asshole is all I have to say, just because he's barely twenty he thinks things won't affect him well I hope he gets what is coming to him.

"Hey Raife,"

Turning I see my good friend Eli Palo, forty two and still acting as if he was sixteen, drinks and smokes like one too.

He smacks my back with a smile, "What's up man?"

"Work," rolling my eyes I mute the person trying to order telling them to hold on.

"Dude you need to loosen up," he winked, "Get some maybe,"

"I have Ashley tonight,"

Eli groaned leaning against the counter with folded arms, "So...she's like what ten?"

"No she's four,"

He smiled and stood up, "Perfect just send her to bed. I have this classy broad who is dying for a piece of the Raifester,"

Sighing I told him to hold on and took care of the ass hollering into the microphone. Once taken care of I returned my attention on my friend, "Don't send anyone over. I'm not going to put my daughter threw that,"

Eli held his hands up, "Fine dude whatever but seriously you're starting to sound like my father,"

"Your father's dead,"

"Exactly," he pushed my arm, "And you know why that is?"

I shook my head.

"He didn't know how to get the stick out of his ass either,"

"Eli!"

"I'm just saying," he smirked again and walked off.

"Davies?"

"What?" I turned to see my boss looking a bit peeved at me, "Sorry what do you need?"

"Mike showed up so you're free to go,"

Finally

I clock out and realize I have to get the girls, no time to clean the apartment now. In the car I race to the daycare hoping to get there in time so Christine doesn't have yet another reason to yell at me.

The security guard was standing by the fence and for the like of me I couldn't remember his name. Biting my lip I stepped out and came forward, he put his hand out to stop me.

"Sir I have to ask who are you here for?"

"My daughter, Ashley Davies and my niece Spencer Carlin,"

He looked me over before nodding, "I remember you...Raife right?"

I nodded quickly hoping he'd let me by now. He did.

Inside the daycare always made me roll my eyes, it was so...so kid friendly it made me sick.

"Daddy!" My little angel cried out and rushed into my arms.

I wrapped her up being careful not to hurt her, "Hey sweetie how are you?"

"Fine daddy. I go home with you today?"

"Yep, you get to come home with me for the weekend," she smiled widely at this wrapping her arms around my neck.

"Raife?"

Standing up I saw Jane with cold eyes and folded arms, "Jane...where's Spencer?"

"Asleep. She wore her self out crying, I'll go get her." Jane spun on her heel and strolled off, god that woman infuriates me.

"Daddy?"

"Huh?"

My attention brought back to my daughter who looked over to where Jane left than back at me her brown eyes wide as she leaned in to my ear, "Spender don't like it here," she whispered.

"Why not?"

She shrugged her shoulders as she tugged on my collar, "Mrs. Anders didn't let her sleep with me."

"She didn't, why not?"

"Says Spender have to sleep in a crib,"

I chuckled, she was so caring it made my heart swell, sometimes I watch her sleep so calm and with a gentle smile always on her lips making me feel like she turned me from the grinch with a small heart to a heart two sizes bigger.

"Well Spence is still a baby she needs to be protected,"

She furrowed her brows, "But...but mommy and mama let Spender sleep with me on the floor for our naps."

"Yes but they only have to watch you two, Mrs. Sanders has to watch a lot more kids,"

"Oh," she nodded in understanding when I'm sure she didn't really understand.

Jane cleared her throat and I glanced to her she was standing there with Spencer in her arms, dead asleep. Setting Ashley down I took the two year old in my arms and than Ashley's hand and we made our way to the car when I realized I didn't have the car seats set up, I always keep them in the trunk.

"Ashley sit right there okay," she sat down on the curb with out question and I helped her hold Spencer, when she was holding the toddler I went to the trunk and quickly set the seats up. Taking the blonde I put her in the first seat and than buckled Ashley in and we were off.

I couldn't wait to get home and give Ashley her early Christmas gift, a drum set, specially made with the purple venom symbol etched into the middle drum, purple venom was my college rock band that didn't get any where besides a dance or two.

By the time we got to my place Spencer was awake and with a dirty diaper, her tears caked on her cheeks. I quickly got them out and we rushed to the door, of course I couldn't find the keys and she screamed louder.

Finally inside I tossed the keys on the side table by the door.

"Daddy the room is dirty," Ashley tugged on my pant leg and pointed to the glass shattered in the kitchen.

"I know sweetie daddy will clean it up,"

"I help," she rushed forward.

"No!" I shouted running forward barely holding on to Spencer as I reached down to swipe her up but it was too late a sliver of glass slide across her pale flesh and cut her finger open.

Now I had both of them crying.

****

~Christine's POV~

Sighing I prayed that I got this job, the interview went well or at least I believe it did. With Paula going to school and the girls old enough to be at day care to make friends and learn to interact in a social environment it left me alone in the house. Paula told me she thought it would be a good idea to get a job so here I was leaving my fifth interview. J.B Records was hiring for a new PR manager and with my degree I was a shoe in as long as no one else with better qualifications applied.

It was weird being back in the job market, having to go to work every day would be a challenge after these years off of sleeping in, as much as one can with two small children. The times we stayed in bed cuddling and talking, their words garbled yet some how making so much sense echoing around the room. This growing up thing sucked and as Paula realized it isn't easy leaving your child behind.

Licking my lips I merged into traffic and headed toward Raife's apartment, I hated going down there but he had Ashley this weekend so it was just easier if he grabbed Spencer too. The road wasn't as crowded as usual so it was quite a breeze down to the west LA sector where most of the lower class set up shop. Now don't get me wrong I don't mind poor people in fact at one point I was with them but it's the ones that have become shady after the years living day by day. The ones who still, shop lift and carry weapons, smoke, drink and kill that got on my nerves. Not the hard working loyal ones.

Paula was supposed to be home already cooking dinner for all of us, I hadn't seen Arthur in some time and was really looking forward to chatting with him. He always helped me pick out a gift for her, although that was kept secret.

Raife's street was littered with trash and broken down cars that had been stripped to the bare frame but I was impressed that he rented a room at the best and cleanest apartment rentals in the area. No matter that it was at least two hundred dollars out of his price range, he didn't want his daughter near the real dangerous parts of the neighborhood. Plus the apartment building was gated in so I knew my car would be safe as I locked it and traveled up to his place.

Even down the hall I could hear the girls screaming, I knew he was capably of handling it but it didn't stop my heart from beating a bit faster and my steps to fall that much quicker till I was standing at his door knocking.

No one answered.

Digging through my purse for the spare key he had made for me I unlocked the door and pushed it open. Raife had Spencer pinned on the couch blowing raspberries across her stomach, her tiny arms and legs flailing to get away while Ashley was trying to pull his arms away and laughing and screaming as she scrambled up his back.

The door slammed against the wall scaring them, all three spun around with one loud gasp before their breathing evened out.

"Damn Chris you scared the hell out of me!"

"Uh oh!" Spencer cried out pointing at him.

"That's right Spencie uh oh, Raife don't cuss in front of the girls."

He stood up from the ground with a puff showing how old he was getting, "Sorry Chris..." he whispered rubbing the back of his neck, "...you just really freaked me out. Why didn't you knock?"

"I did no one answered and I heard the girls screaming so I..."

"...you what?" His voice rose slightly, "Thought I was torturing them or hurting them somehow?"

"No...God no Raife I just thought...I don't know what I thought but..." I stepped forward placing my hand on his shoulder making sure I got his eyes, "I'm sorry I didn't mean to burst in here."

Raife nodded in understanding before walking over to the kitchen stepping over the baby gate he had in front of the entrance, "Did you want a coffee or something?"

"No thanks,"

"Mama?" Ashley tugged on my pants glancing down she raised her hand showing me her finger, "Daddy gave me a baby Taz band aid,"

Glancing up at Raife who shrugged, "She likes Tiny Toons,"

"I know this but why does she have a band aid on?"

Licking his lips he blushed, "I broke a bottle and didn't have time to pick it up before going to work than I went to get the girls. She wanted to help clean up, I tried to stop her,"

"I know," I assured him.

One thing I knew about Raife was he would never ever intention put anyone in danger let alone his daughter and niece.

"You do?"

I nodded and he sighed coming back into the living room, "Yes,"

He smiled, "Good. I'm glad."

I sat down next to him watching the girls playing on the floor together, my eyes directed to the band aid on Ashley, "How'd the bottle break?"

Raife bit his lip, "I...I threw it,"

Shaking my head I turned my attention on him, "Raife if Paula finds out. You know how much she hates this place and you,"

"But I swear I didn't mean for her to get hurt!" his voice raised slightly.

"I know..." holding my hands up to show I meant no harm in what I was saying, "But that's what you said when she fell and broke her arm and the time you left her here with your friend who didn't even know she was here to go to work. I understand you don't mean it and are still learning and nothing serious has happened but if you don't start paying attention if you don't act like the grown up I know you can be something may happen,"

"Paula shouldn't have any right to tell me how to raise my daughter, she isn't her mother,"

"Mama?" Ashley and Spencer both looking at us.

"Ash take Spence back to the room," she nodded and took the blonde's hand and the two walked into the back room. Once the door was safely shut I turned back to find Raife inched closer to me, swallowing I forced what needed to be said out, "Paula is too her mother...she may not have given birth or even help with getting me pregnant but she has been there day in and day out through everything..."

"And I would have to if you didn't practically shove me out the door when you got with her, she's the one that got you to divorce me and take my little girl away."

This made me mad, standing up I shook my head vigorously, "Your little girl is in that room right now wondering why we are fighting. We didn't take her away..."

He jumped up from the couch taking a step forward, "Oh so a weekend stay once a month isn't taking anything away from me huh? How would you like to have her live with you only once a month and visit rights only when I don't have something else to do?"

"If you want more time with her just say so, don't go getting on Paula or me for that matter."

"Whatever, you should go,"

Sighing with closed eyes I tried to figure out a way to get through to him, "Raife..."

"Take Spencer and get out!"

Knowing there wasn't too much I could say at the moment that he would listen to I nodded and got Spencer, giving Ashley a goodbye kiss and than left.

Buckling Spencer in I got in the car and backed up, "Ashy not coming?"

"No baby Ashy is staying with her daddy for the weekend,"

Her little lip stuck out in a small pout as she thought, "Mama?"

"What?"

I was unprepared for what tumbled out of her mouth, no matter how many times Paula and I talked about what we'd do if it came up it didn't compare to the actual words and made my mind go numb.

"Do I have daddy?"

TBC....