Chapter 4

Griffin sat in the living room, and was watching some news report, when he realized the phone was ringing. He looked up on the wall and it read quarter to 1:00 AM. Griffin wondered who could be calling this late at night. Sarah was coaled up in his arms as she fell asleep to Pocahontas. Griffin picked up the receiver and spoke very quietly into the phone.

"Hello?" Griffin asked in a low whisper. There was no answer, Griffin waited a few seconds then repeated his phrase again.

"Hey Griffy….Buddy I need a ride." The strange voice sounded wobbly and drunk.

Christ! Griffin thought. It was one of Griffin's brothers the youngest out of 3 children, who is a rotten drunk and could never stick out a job. Griffin is always the one to bail him out even long after his family had turned their backs on his younger brother.

"Lenny…I'm sorry I can't help you. I'm sort of busy for the night…." Griffin said getting angry at Lenny.

"What are you having sex with a hot woman or something?" Lenny asked as he stumbled on the curve knocking down a trash can, making a loud bang and crash.

"Ha Ha! Very funny no I got my daughter here, asleep in my arms." Griffin said sounding not amused by his brother's drunken tone. "Where are you Lenny?"

"I'm …..I…am heading over to Luck's for some time out for a wild night with hot looking ladys." Lenny said as he stumbled over the words. Griffin knew Lenny is walking to every bar in the city, he knew it would take him 30 minutes to get there.

"Stay there I'm coming to get you." Griffin said and exhale out a heave of bottled up anger. I glances down at his sleeping daughter and didn't want to leave Sarah alone. Griffin held the phone in his hand and started to dial the one number he knew he shouldn't have dialed.

Monica was in a deep slumber when she heard her cell phone rang and vibrated her bedside table. Drossy feeling she glances at the clock, and blindly reaches for the cell. Still half asleep, she flips the phone up and answers it, "Hello, this is Monica." Then voice on the other end, made her heart skip.

"Monica…..Sorry to wake you up at this hour, but I need you to look after Sarah for me, while deal with something." Griffin sounded a bit desperate and she was hoping he is not leaving his daughter to go get some booze.

"No its okay…..I'll be there in 15 minutes." Monica said and hung up the phone. Still feeling a bit drossy she manages to slip on a sweater over her tank top, and slipped in her jeans as she grabbed her long tan coat and car keys and purse. She quickly glances in the mirror, and combs her hair down, and heads out the hotel room. It took Monica about 20 minutes to reach Griffin's house, as she puts the car in park, and headed to the front door.

Griffin greeted her, and feeling really antsy to get out, Monica stopped him just as he reaches the door. "Griffin! Did you bring me here to look after your daughter so that you could go get drunk?" Monica asked in a serious and angry tone, as she studies Griffin.

"No! I have been sober for about 4 and a half years, I made a promise to God that I would never get drunk again. It's my brother Lenny who is drunk all the time. I need to get to him as soon as possible so please just look after Sarah I'll be back shortly." Griffin said in desperate pleads. He looked into Monica's burning eyes, and right then and there, she actually believed him.

Monica closed her eyes for a brief moment then looked up at him, "Just come back in one piece for your daughter okay." Griffin took that to be just be here before your daughter finds out. He gave Monica a tight squeeze of the hand saying I promise to her. And with that Griffin disappeared in the night. Monica looked out of the window and watched Griffin pulling away from the drive way. Then she looked up and said a quick prayer to him, as she strolls over to his sleeping daughter.

Monica looked at Sarah, and something in Monica's heart just shattered. She realizes that she was not only falling romantically in love with Griffin, but also falling in love with his daughter. Monica had always wanted to be a mother to a child, but because of her angel identity she can't. Monica stroked Sarah's hair and Sarah wiggled a bit then lay still as Monica carefully lifts Sarah up in her arms. Monica cradled the sleeping child as she carries her up to her bed. Sarah had unconscenly coiled her arms around Monica's neck as her right cheek rested against Monica's right shoulder. When Monica comes to Sarah's room, she turns a small light on while she holds onto Sarah. Then carefully she gently sets Sarah down on the bed. And like any child would, sleepily curled into the warmness of the bed and snuggles down in it. Monica then turns off the light only to reveal Sarah's nightlight of dancing ponies as the glowed throughout the night. Monica smiles and closes Sarah's door, and briefly stood by her bedroom door, then with a deep breath came down the stair well and into the living as she waits for Griffin's return.

……………………………………

Griffin had been to every bar club in the small city and still no sign of his brother Lenny. He looks at the clock on his car radio and it said quarter to 2:00 am. There was one more bar he hadn't check, and hoping to God that his brother is not in there. The bar was, were Griffin almost got shot, by tracking a murder and a rapist which never been found. His long term mentor and he tracked him down in this bar, only to be gunned down. His mentor had been serially injured and died in Griffin's arms that night. Griffin parked the car, and put on his non-looking police coat as he strolls through the snow covered parking lot.

Griffin whips the door open and finds his brother over to the left with a women giving him a lapdance. Griffin's face hounded on Lenny as he came up to him, "Hey Griffy…my big brother…." Lenny mumbled in his drunken tone.

The half naked women came up to Griffin and started to flirt with him a bit. "Hey…..Handsome man do you want some company? My name is Candy….if you know what I mean?" The blonde women giggled as she starts to grope Griffins arms.

Taking a step back Griffin moves out of her embrace, "Sorry lady I just came for him." Griffin stated as pointed in the direction of his brother, who is now moving in the back rooms with a brunet women too young for him.

"Oh well if you need anything….just give me a call….I'll be waiting for you….you know if you want to get it on sometime?" The women left and moved onto a different costumer.

Griffin moves in the back, as he followed where his brother went. There were lots of noises back here, and he realize that he just walked into the back where drunken folks went to go have sex with the strippers. As Griffin moves father in the back the louder the screams of women's pleasure increase. Finally he came to a door where he knows that it was his brothers. He could hear his brother making moves on his so call "date". Griffin knocks on the door, with a girls giddy laughter answer through the closed door.

"Ahhhh….Who is it? Whoever it is we're busy?" She sounded out of breath.

Griffin growing impatient and wanted to get the hell out of this place and knocks harder on the door. This time it was a man that came barging up to the door. "Look! Buddy if you want her…just wait till I'm done doing her, and then…." The voice stopped when he looked at Griffin.

Griffin stared down at Lenny in his boxers and sees that his brother is already sexually aroused. Lenny looked so shocked to see his big brother there that his senses were starting to come back. Griffin started down at his brother and angry tone came out when he stated, "Get your clothes on! And you're going to the clinic." Just then the woman came over, she was only wearing her lacey see through pink bra and pink see through thong. Lenny paid the girl and took his clothes and put them on. As soon as Lenny stepped out of the small room, Griffin yanks his brother out of the bar.

"Hey easy Griff….I was just having some fun, and I wanted to bang someone tonight. What the hell is your problem?!" Lenny squealed once outside of the bar.

"What the Hell is my problem? You pulled me away from my daughter, to drag your sorry ass back to town, and now your fine? Lenny you need to get some help.." Griffin sounded more and more angry at his brother.

"Griffin I'm not the one that needs help, you do too. Why don't you come inside with me so that you could get some action….you don't get anymore since you and Crystal split…" Lenny sounded off, as his drunken mind was still intoxicated.

"I have a daughter…I don't need to waste my night on some one night stand…besides I have responsibility. And leave my ex-wife out of this." Griffin warned Lenny. "Lenny I'm taking you to the clinic. You are going to go to rehab, because I can't keep doing this."

"Doing what having fun…." Lenny said as he moves away from Griffin and started to walk into the street.

"Lenny! Damn it Lenny! Why do you keep doing this?" Griffin pleaded, as he grabs Lenny's arms and holds them firm in his tight grip.

"I get drunk because I'm jealous of you! And because my wife dead with my unborn child." Lenny said all hurt. Twenty years ago Lenny had a good life until a drunk driver hits his wife as she goes out on a night jog. And since then Lenny could not have controlled his hurt and anger of his wife's murder. And since then he had always been jealous of Griffin and his other brother Kurt.

"Lenny believe me, I know what it feel s like, but think of what you are doing to mom, dad, Kurt and I. We want to help you but you keep pushing us away. Go to the clinic." Griffin tries to plead, but every time he does he feels like he is running into a brick wall of failure.

"Just get the hell out of my face Griffin I don't need a lecture." Lenny saids as he pushes Griffin aside. But like always Griffin comes back. Lenny had it with his brother and his drunken rage took affected on him. Lenny spun around and punches Griffin in the face and kept punching his older brother. But Griffin strong enough to fight back shoves Lenny off of him and fight off the urge to fight back.

"Fine if you don't want my help….I'm through…I have tried to made peace with this for 15 years Lenny and still you refuse my help…So I'm going to do both of us a favor and just walk away. " Griffin said as blood pooled out of his lip and nose and cheek. Griffin slowly walks to his car and turns to his younger brother who is walking back into the club again. Griffin climbs into the car, and without looking back turns onto the highway and heads home.

……………………………….

Monica was dozing off and on, lying on the couch, when she heard some moaning in the kitchen. Thinking in her mind, who the hell is in the house? Monica gets up from the sofa and moves into the kitchen only to find Griffin leaning against the kitchen counter injured.

"Oh my God! Are you alright? What happened?" Monica came over to Griffin's side. When Griffin heard her voice he acted like it was just a sketch.

"Oh its nothing." Griffin stated, as he dabs the blood out of his mouth and cheeks.

"Uh-ha? I'll be determine if your fine or not." Monica said as she came closer to him. "Let me see."

"Monica it's really nothing just had to fight off drunken people." Griffin stated but knew that Monica didn't buy his act.

"Griffin if you want my help you are going to have to be honest with me. Now go sit on the couch and I'll fix those bruises." Griffin moved to the couch feeling sore and tender everywhere. He had to admit that Monica was no dummy; she was very smart and bright. Monica left for a few minutes then reappeared with some antiseptic and some bandages.

"Now sit still. And try not to move so much." Monica said as she places some antiseptic on a paper towel and moves over to Griffin's strong lined face. He looked really dashing and handsome, probably the most handsome man Monica had ever met, and really stubborn too. When Monica places the antiseptic on Griffin's face he jerked a bit to the pain. "Ouch! Damn It, that hurts!" Griffin yelped to the pain.

"Well it supposed to….that's why they call it alcohol for a reason, so that it would take care of the germs, and the wound will not get infected." Monica stated that as a fact. But with Griffin's confused look she smiled as she calmly suggested, "Here would this help the pain?" Monica then gently tilts her head up at a slight angle and let out a cool breeze that flowed onto Griffin's forehead, when she did that Griffin's hands met with hers, and Monica moved her head down to look eye to eye with Griffin.

Griffin studies Monica for a few minutes then ask her a personal question, "Monica….I know you never dated any one or had a relationship, but did you ever fell in love?"

Monica closes her eyes and sits back in Griffin's sofa, she wanted to say no, but she knows she'll be lying to herself and him. In fact she had fallen in love with one man for a day, but had to give him up. "Yes," Monica pauses as she reopens her eyes to look up into Griffin's, "but I told him that it can't work out."

"Why?" Griffin asked as he shifted his weight, and doing so accidentally grazes Monica's leg.

Monica wanted him to know who she was right there in that moment, but looking into his eyes, told her that she shouldn't, at least not now. "Because of who I am, and because of that I could never have a stable relationship with anyone." Monica then caught Griffin's gaze and together they sat on the couch close enough for them to wrap in each other's embraces.

In the glow of the fire light, Monica looked so incredibly beautiful. Griffin wanted to express the feeling in his heart that he is feeling with her, but his mind kept on telling him that she is just like Crystal. Taking your heart and shattering it to the ground. Without thinking his hand found hers, and he gently moves his thumb in a circling motion. Weather Griffin admits it or not, he was falling in love with Monica.

It was nearing 3:30 am, when Monica glances at the clock. "Well Griffin….I got to go." Monica was starting to get up when she felt Griffin's fingers wrapping around her wrist.

This had caught both of them off guard. Then they both lock gazes and each one felt major tension between one another. Then Griffin was the one to speak, "It' 3:30. I don't want you to go out all alone this time at night."

"Oh Griffin really it no problem, besides I don't want to intrude your home." Monica protested, knowing she will lose this argument.

"Please stay…….for me." Griffin begged knowing that he was making a mistake.

Monica exhaled the breath that she was holding in and stated, "Okay…..on one condition, I don't want to confuse your daughter thinking that we are a couple, so what I suggest is you sleep in your bedroom and I…"

"The guess bedroom." Griffin interrupted.

"The what?" Monica slightly confused at his statement.

"I have a spare room, you could sleep in there, for the night. And I totally agree with you, on confusing Sarah. When I typically date a woman I usually go by the best ways of what Sarah thinks." Griffin said in agreement to Monica's state before.

Monica smiled to that, which had made Griffin smiled too, until they both shared a laughter together. Griffin then got up with his sore body, and moved in the room that was across from his, and set up Monica's room for the night. While Griffin made Monica's bed, Monica slipped into some of Griffin's cloths and got ready for bed. She looked absolutely ridicous in his cloths, but all her things was in the motel. When she emerges from Griffin's bathroom, and through his bedroom to the doorway, she saw Griffin just about finished with her room.

Griffin not realized Monica standing in the doorway almost ran into her. With an awkward moment they both said goodnight to one another. Although Monica looked so small and petite in his cloths she looked still damn sexy and beautiful.

"Goodnight Griffin…" Monica shyly said, and walked to the left side of Griffin.

"Goodnight Monica" Griffin said softly as she turned at her door. Monica gave a half smile to him, and closes the door, with cheeks flaring from blushing so hard.

It was a small room that overlooked the river, which flowed down through the side yard. A porch wrapped around to the master bedroom, where Griffin slept. Monica still wanted Griffin near her, but she knows that it was against "the code". Monica slipped in under the covers, and pulled the blankets up to her cheeks. The sweatshirt that she borrowed from Griffin's dresser contained his scent that had sooth Monica's rushing mind, and for once made her sleep. The scent was a man's cologne and it made Monica happy inside as she buried her head in Griffin's sweater to soak up the smell.

…………………………………………………

Griffin had dreamt of Monica all night and her burning image flowed through his mind. He wondered if she had ever been kissed before, or even experience sex. But what the information that she shared with him, he could tell that she hasn't. He was just about to take her in his embrace as he holds her face with his strong hands. Then gradually their heads came nearer, until his lips were just barley on hers…..a few heartbeats more and they would be lip locked for a really long time. But his dream had shattered when Monica mummers something that Griffin couldn't make it out…and then turns to black and red, as her image fades into the fire burning pit of evil monsters.

With a jerk, Griffin awoke from his pleasant dream, then to a nightmare. Suddenly he felt a body curled up against his chest. He peered over his shoulder to find Sarah next to him. Griffin stroked his daughter's soft dirty blonde hair, as Sarah moved in closer to him. Griffin assumed that she had a nightmare as well and went to his room shortly after he fell asleep. He looked at the clock which read 5:49 AM. Sleepily he closed his eyes once more and fell back into a deep slumber until 7:30.

…………………..

Monica sleepily woke up to the morning sunlight peering through the window. Her eyes flicker to the still dim lit room, as she glances at the clock. It read 6:45 AM, and she knows that she has to get back to the hotel before either Sarah or Griffin gets up. Monica laid back and gazes up at the ceiling for a few minutes to get her eyes to focus some, before changing into her cloths and out of Griffin's sweats. She wondered if she should shower, but knowing that would probably wake both of them up, so she decides to wait until she reaches the motel to shower. Monica quickly got dress, and made up the guess bed as she gathers her things and opens the door.

Monica creped to the stairwell trying not to cause so much noise as she carefully moves through the little hallway between Griffin's bedroom and Sarah's bedroom. Monica came down to the bottom of the stairs and was about to turn the corner to the closet to gather her coat and car keys, when all of a sudden she was then greeted by Griffin's coffee as it dumped half on her and half on him.

"Oh…I'm am so sorry, Griffin…."Monica said in a soft voice as she helped to dry Griffin's shirt.

"Its okay really this shirt is really old…." Griffin said as he looks up at Monica. A smile formed on his face when he saw her look. She looked so cute and so innocent to what had just happened.

Monica then dropped her gaze as she stared at her own clothes for a brief moment then looked back up at Griffin again. "I didn't wake you…."

"No…..I was up by 6:20 anyways. Didn't sleep well anyways." Griffin said, as he tried to wipe off the coffee stain.

"I should be going…I have things to do…Thanks for the hospitality, I really enjoy your home." Monica said as she grabs hold of her belongings, and slipped on her winter coat.

"Your welcome, oh here…" Griffin said as he opened the door for her. Monica gave him a shy smile, which had melted Griffin's heart. "Will you be coming to Sarah's Thanksgiving play Monday?" Griffin asked from the porch as he stopped Monica by the porch steps.

Monica turned at a slight angel where the morning sun was just peaking through the trees, which had highlighted Monica's hair, making her look like an angel. "Yes…I'll be there, 7:00 right?" Monica asked as she slips on her tan gloves.

"Yeah 7:00" Griffin replied back, as he moved his arms on his forearms to keep from freezing.

"Okay….I guess I'll see you Monday then, and you should probably go inside before you freeze to death out here." Monica stated as she bounds down the steps and walks at a brisk walk to her red Cadillac. Monica gets in the car, and turns on the engine. Then she turns to look at Griffin through her window, and gives a smile to him, as she waves him goodbye.

Griffin stayed outside long enough to see the red Cadillac disappear behind the rows of pine trees. Then went inside to read the newspaper, and waits for his daughter to come down to watch her morning cartoons. All the while, as Griffin waits for his daughter to be awake he has an unanswered question that keeps circling in his mind.

Today was Monday, Sarah's final rehearsal for tonight's play. She had felt giddy and nervous all at once. She really wanted her father and Monica to sit next to one another so that sparks between them could flare up. For Sarah's age she all ready is seeing the signs between them, and knowing that they are already liking one another, but neither one of them will admit it. Sarah had read all her lines, and felt very confident with herself on her part. She was an Indian like Pocahontas to bring food to the pilgrims for the first Thanksgiving dinner. It was almost time for school to end, as Sarah puts her math homework in her bag, and made her way to the doors of the school to catch the bus.

Suddenly Sarah stopped short, and notices Monica waiting by her car. Sarah hated ridding the bus, and would avoid it any way as possible. She decided to go over to where Monica was standing. "What are you doing here?" Sarah asked as she came a few yards in front of Monica.

"I was called by your father and he said that he is going to be working a little late tonight, but he will be at your play." Monica stated as she looked down on Sarah, and offer to take Sarah's book bag off her shoulders. Monica put the book bag in the trunk of the car, and came around to face Sarah again. "Plus I thought you and I could have our special girl time like we did when I first starting to babysit you." And with that Sarah's face lit up, like a fourth of July parade.

"Is he going to be there?" Sarah asked Monica once they got in the car. "My father…..is he going to be at my play that I have be rehearsing for months."

"He told me that he is, he wouldn't miss it for the world." Monica said with a smile, as she started up the car.

"This is a nice car….where did you get this?" Sarah asked as Monica pulled out of the drive of the school parking lot.

"It was my best friend Tess's car; she gave it to me as a goodbye gift, as I was promoted in my job." Monica said, as she remembered the day that she had to leave Tess to start a new adventure without her.

"Where is she your friend that gave you this car." Sarah asked sensing Monica's hurt of the absence from her best friend.

"Oh…somewhere out there in the world. Before we said our goodbyes she gave me a necklace to hold on our friendship. I wear it all the time, and it has never left my neck." Monica explained as she watches the traffic clears before turning onto the expressway to get onto the main road to lead to Griffin's house.

"Do you ever see her?" Sarah asked wanting to know more about Monica.

"Sometimes I do, but only on rare occasions. See where I work I can't cross paths of those people that are higher than me. And my friend Tess is one of those people." Monica tried to explain about her angel identity but not giving away that she is an angel. "So……anything new happened in school today?" Monica asked to change the subject.

Sarah giggled a little bit as she replied, "No….nothing much but I have some homework tonight, and rehearsed my lines for tonight." And for the rest of the ride Sarah turned on the radio as she watch the bare tress go by on the highway. Sarah heard Monica humming to the tune that was on the radio, and turn to look at Monica.

Monica having a six sense felt Sarah staring at her, "I know this song. Use to sing it all the time to myself, whenever I had hard times." The song Some Where of the Rainbow by Judy Garland and with that Sarah chimed in and they the last line together. "I haven't heard that song in years." Monica said as the radio went to a commercial, as she turned down the volume.

"You have a great voice. I use to drive my dad nuts with this song." Sarah said as Monica turned onto the similar streets of Sarah's hometown. As soon as Sarah mentions her father, she notice Monica is blushing a bit.

"Thanks. I don't believe I have a terrific voice, I'm such a terrible singer." Monica said as the light turned green and she flicks the turn single to head down the road to Griffin's house.

"I don't think you have a terrible voice, I mean it's not awesome as Judy Garland or anything, but it's not horrible. I really like the song you sang to me, when I fell asleep. And you sounded so pretty to." Sarah said as she looked out over the upcoming front lawn. Sarah looked over at Monica, who was grinning somewhat big to Sarah's statement.

For the rest of their time Monica helped Sarah out with her homework, which only was a little and helped to get Sarah ready for the play. Monica combed through Sarah's hair, and brayed the soft Sandy brown hair as the little girl requested. While Monica made little cress-cross patterns in Sarah's hair, Sarah wanted to ask Monica a personal question. "Monica….can I ask you a question."

Monica looked down on the child and as she repositions herself to look eye to eye with her, "Sure…anything."

"How come a women like you, not having any kids. You seem like you would be a natural at being a mother." Sarah asked as she puts her hands with Monica's, like any child would.

"I can't really answer that…..but I would love to be a mother and a wife, but I could never be one." Monica stated.

"Why not?" Sarah asked curiously.

"Because of my job and loyalty which I could never abandon nor go against the rules. Now come on, I have to put on you costume. You don't want to be late for the show." Monica said as she helps Sarah into the costume. It was almost 7:00 and Sarah needed to be there at 6:45 sharp, and it is 6:25. "Come on, we have to go now, you teacher wants you there at 6:45 sharp."

Monica and Sarah quickly got into Monica's car as she drove them to the school. Monica had never felt this way and was overwhelmed with joy as if she was her own daughter. Monica handed the fake, bread to Sarah as Sarah made her way to the doors that lead to backstage of the auditorium. Just before Sarah disappeared through the doors she looks up at Monica and went to her embrace. Monica bent down to her level, and they exchange a hug. Sarah then whispered in Monica's ear, "even if you can't have any kids, I would love to have you for a mother." Monica then looked into Sarah's blue eyes, and smiled at her, and then embraces Sarah again and held her for a while longer. Then got up from the floor, and watched the child disappear through the doors.

Monica waited by the doors for Griffin, as time crept closer to the start of the play. At the last minute she went inside hoping that he hasn't forgotten his daughter's play. Monica kept thinking of what Sarah had jus said to her, and she was filled with joy. Just then the lights went dark, and the principle was up at the front of the stage. Monica was so busy focusing her attention to the front when she didn't realize that Griffin had come in. She saw him in the aisle way, and waved him over to her.

"Sorry I was late, traffic." Griffin murmured to her.

"You're not late; you're right on time in fact." Monica whispered back, and smiled at him. And with that the play had begun. It was a little awkward to have Griffin there beside her, but Monica tries to push her feelings for him out and focus in on the play.

Griffin was so please with his daughter, and felt like a new man with having to be reconnected with social life again. Maybe having Griffin's heartbroken was a good thing to him, and when he glanced down at Monica his heart just stopped beating. She looked incredibly beautiful in that moment that Griffin wondered if she has ever been loved by a man. He loved Monica's sweet schoolgirl like smile whenever she laughed, and her soft brown eyes just sparkled with love and joy. Griffin reached out to find Monica's hand and laced his fingers to hers. Monica senses this and her gaze immediately feel from the stage and right up into his eyes. They had this intense stare as their hands felt one another's hand.

Griffin's heart was racing and he doesn't know if it was the moment or his emotions but in that moment he wanted to kiss her. But as soon as their little chemical romance began it quickly ended when Monica pulled away. When Griffin looked into her eyes they were filled with fear and loneliness. There was also a hint of tears devolving in her eyes as well. He was about to ask when the house lights came on as a sign saying that the play was over. All the parents in the room cheered for their young ones, as they filled to the door. Griffin strolled over to where Monica was standing in the aisle but was stopped short by Sandy.

"Hey Griff…..haven't seen you in like about 6 months. How are you?" Sandy asked, as she holds Griffin back. Sandy had always tried to make a move on Griffin shortly after his ex-wife left him. Her daughter and son have been not so kind to Sarah, and well Griffin tried to stay out of her way. Sandy was 10 years younger than Griffin was, and was divorced from her husband as well.

"I'm good just looking after Sarah, and well work to." Griffin said as he tries to end the small talk and wants to get back to where Monica is. He sees that she is greeted by Sarah, as they embraced one another.

Sandy still was rambling on, "So Griff…….have and plans for Thanksgiving, I'm cooking a lovely feast, and well I'm sure Sarah really misses Jane and Wilbert, they always have the best of times, and I was wondering if you would like to come so we could catch up." She looks up to him as her hazel nut eyes glimmer in his. And when she was talking her fingers found his forearm and lightly stroke it, trying to lead him on. All Sandy wants from Griffin was just sex, and nothing more.

Monica looks at Sarah, and tells her she was wonderful in the play. "Sarah you were a pro in it, I never was so impressed with a talent that you gave. You were fantastic." And with that Sarah gave Monica a hug.

"Well I missed up on a few of my lines…." Sarah said as she felt embarrassed with it.

"I haven't noticed from where I was sitting." Monica said as she rises up from eye level from Sarah's view.

"Did my father come?" Sarah asked. Monica had nodded her head. Then Sarah asked, "Where is he?"

Monica looked about and spotted him talking to a strange woman with blonde hair, and a petite body. Then she pointed in the direction of where Griffin was. Sarah told Monica she'll be right back, as she dashes off toward the direction of her father. Monica felt slightly jealous of this woman making moves onto Griffin. Monica stood by the stage for a couple of minutes and then head out of the school because she doesn't want to be in the same room with Griffin, so confess her feelings or what the hell was between them.

Griffin manages to get away from Sandy, as he and his daughter made their way towards the spot where Monica used to be. "That's funny she was just here a moment ago." Sarah explained.

"Maybe she's out in the main lobby. Why?" Griffin asked as he took his daughter's hands.

"I wanted her to come back for dinner. I really like Monica." Sarah exclaimed.

Griffin really liked her too; in fact he is really falling for her. "Well maybe another time sweetheart, after all it is a school night. And I have to get up early tomorrow."

Griffin looked at his daughter as she gave a sad sigh and walked to the doors that led to the main lobby of the school. Sarah had looked forward to this night of getting Monica and Griffin alone to have some "grown up" romance time. But her plans fell apart when that woman Sandy came to talk to her father.

Griffin walked fast through the main lobby of the school and out in the winter cold weather. As he went to find his car to pull up to the main doors of the lobby, he spotted Monica next to her Cadillac. His heart did a little flip flop, and he didn't want Monica to leave without a goodbye. Abandoning his car he came to where she was.

"I guess you are a popular bachelor around here huh?" She said as she whipped around from the trunk of the car. She obviously saw him approach her from the distance.

"I'm not really popular if that what you're getting at," Griffin said, "What made you guess that?"

"That woman, she seemed very into you." Monica said as she looked down on the ground, and then her eyes looked right at him. Griffin's once ice cold eyes were burning into her, were now, ocean blue and it made Monica's knees go weak.

"Oh….Sandy, she's been hitting on me for years, I never bought into it." Griffin said as he looked into Monica's soft brown gaze, he loved her eyes.

"Ah….I see…well Griffin…." Monica said, as she is feeling uncomfortable with the closeness of his presences.

Griffin now studies Monica and had this strange urge to pull her towards him, and hold her, kiss the pink bud of her lips. Their gazes met one another's, which made Griffin's heart stopped beating as he looked deep into Monica's eyes. Monica then steps back a few paces to leave an arm's length gap between them. "I got to go…..it's getting late. You and Sarah need some time together."

"Monica I was wondering if you would like to come to Thanksgiving dinner, Monday. Sarah would really love it and so would I. That is if you don't have anything planed?" Griffin said, as he held his breath for her reply.

"I would love to come, I usually spend Thanksgiving with my friend, but she's out of town. What time?" Monica asked, as she gave a shy smile to him.

Griffin released his breath as he replied, "Dinner is at 4:00. And it is over at Chris's house."

"Oh…" Monica said with a shock, "I just assumed…"

"That it would be at my house, every other year we switch it up. Just be at my house around 3:20ish, and then I'll drive you and Sarah over to Chris's." Griffin stated, as his gaze fell to the ground. He looked at Monica and then to the school, and then back at her again. "I got to go get Sarah. See you Thursday then?"

"Yeah, have a good night." Monica said as she hopped in her car. She didn't started it up right away, as she saw Griffin get into his own car as he drove around and pulls in front of the school. Then bursting from the doors was Sarah as she prances to the back seat of the car. Monica gave a smile to her as she put the car in drive and heads out of the school parking lot.

As soon as Monica arrives at her hotel room, she was feeling all giddy inside. She felt like a sixteen year old girl who just experienced her first love. Monica was all feeling warm inside plopped on the bed, and turn on the TV and watch an old romance movie. She soon fell asleep to the sound of the register of heat as it warmed her heart. And for the first time Monica actually slept feeling so happy inside.