Ella Kominsky decided she liked the two women across the road almost as soon as they moved in. The day after she saw them arrive, the blonde one came out of the house to get something from the car and saw her in her front yard, struggling vainly with a mower that just would not start, however many times she tried to persuade it. The young woman had come over and introduced herself with a shy smile. "I'm good with engines," she had said. "Let me take a look."

Within 20 minutes, the mower was working more smoothly than it had in ten years, and the young blonde insisted on mowing the yard herself. "I like the smell of grass," she had said with a crooked smile, "I'll enjoy it. Let me just tell Janet where I am, she's likely wondering where I've disappeared to."

And so a friendship began. Mrs Kominsky came over to Sam and Janet's the next morning with a delicious home-baked cake, and welcomed them officially into the neighborhood. It was clear to her right from the start that Sam and Janet were more than just friends but were in a relationship. Unlike some of the neighbors, who had already started curtain-twitching, she wasn't in the least disconcerted by this. Over 50 years with her beloved Lionel had taught her that what mattered was love, and that it didn't signify who you loved or who loved you, just as long as there was love. He told her terrible tales of the camps, where innocent lives were destroyed, just because the inmates had a different religion, or sexuality, or because they were sick. He taught her to enjoy every moment of her life, and that everybody was equal, and deserved respect.

When Angus became part of the Carter-Fraiser household, Sam and Janet excitedly took him across the road to meet their elderly friend who was, as they had expected, delighted with the enthusiastic puppy. They hadn't expected her to offer to take care of him when they were away, or while they were at work. "Are you sure?" Janet had asked when Ella made the offer. "We don't want him to be a burden to you. He's quite a handful."

"I wouldn't offer if I didn't mean it," Ella had replied crisply. "Anyways, Lionel and I always had dogs. I was seriously considering getting another one after Banjo died last year, but I didn't think an old lady on her own would be much company for a dog. So a part-time dog would be perfect," she had smiled.

Ella knew that her new friends worked for the military, and that much of what they did was classified. So she was unsurprised when she got a 'phone call from Janet asking her to keep hold of Angus for a few days, while they dealt with a 'situation'. Ella happily agreed, but even she was startled when they brought home a young girl and, the next day, introduced her to her as "a good friend" who they "very much hoped would be staying". The child seemed very old-fashioned and shy, and a little bemused by her new home, so Ella did all she could to ensure that this new life was as unthreatening and welcoming for her as possible. She could tell that the girl, Cassandra, had endured a terrible trauma, though she knew not to ask what that entailed. If Cassie wanted to tell her later, she was ready and willing to listen.

Sam knocked on Ella Kominsky's front door and waited for her friend to answer the door. "Hey Mrs K," she smiled as the door opened. "Cassie and I have come for a visit, is that okay?"

"I really do think you should be calling me Ella by now," the older lady said with a warm smile. "After all, we're nearly family now, aren't we?"

"Actually," Sam said, "that's one of the reasons we came over, isn't it Cass?"

Cassie nodded, suddenly overcome by shyness.

"Well come sit down," Ella said. "What can I get you to drink?" she asked.

Sam shook her head. "We're good," she said. "But we've been talking, Cassie, Janet and I, and we wanted to ask you something. Well, two things in fact, but the first one is the big question."

Ella cocked her head and smiled. "Well spit it out!" she said. "I'm intrigued now!"

Sam grinned. "It's like this. Cassie has just started at school, haven't you, Cass?"

Cassie nodded again.

"And she keeps hearing from the other kids about their grandparents. And my mom died when I was fifteen and, to be quite honest with you, I don't have all that much contact with my Dad. And Janet's parents are... well, she has no contact with them either," Sam swallowed, wondering how to phrase it.

"None at all," Sam added quietly. "She keeps trying, but they don't like her... lifestyle. So," she smiled again. "We were wondering if you'd care to be Cassie's Grandma? Cassie loves spending time with you, and we know you haven't got any kids or grandkids."

Ella looked over at Cassie, who had hardly ever spoken. "What do you think of the idea Cassie?" she asked gently. "Would you like me to be your Grandma?"

Cassie nodded once again, finally speaking. "I'd love it," she said shyly. "I think you'd be a great Grandma. And Angus loves you too."

Ella's kind, friendly face broke into a beaming smile. "I'd love to be your Grandma Cassandra," she said. "But you have to do one thing for me, okay?"

Cassie smiled widely. "Anything you want!" she replied, excitedly.

"Come over here and give me a big hug!" Ella said, and the young girl flew across the room and flung her arms round her friend. "There!" Ella said a few minutes later. "It's official. I'm your Grandma!" She looked over at Sam, who had tears of emotion in her eyes.

"Thank you," Sam said in a quiet voice. "That's wonderful, isn't it Cass?"

"Yes, it sure is," Cassie replied.

"What was the other thing you wanted to ask?" Ella asked Sam.

"Cassie'll ask," Sam grinned.

Cassie looked up. "We wanted to know if you would come over for dinner this evening," Cassie said. "Please... Grandma?"

"I'd love to," Ella said.

"We'll all be one, big happy family," Sam said. "Family is so much more than blood, isn't it?"

Ella reached across to the blonde, taking her hand and kissing her softly on the cheek. "You've made an old lady real happy," she said to her, earnestly. She looked at her closely. "It's good to see you looking so well, Samantha. You're fully recovered now, I hope?"

Sam nodded. She knew that Cassie had been worried about her, and would have spoken about it to Ella. "I am," she smiled. "It was rough for a while, but I'm all better now, thanks to Janet and Cassie," she put her arm round her daughter.

Just over a month later, Janet collected Cassie from a birthday party. "Hey sweetie," she said to their daughter as she climbed into the car. "Did you have a good time?" she asked.

"It was okay," Cassie replied, not looking directly at her.

"Just okay?" Janet asked. "Cass, honey, is something wrong?"

Cassie shook her head. "M'okay," she mumbled. "Is Sam back yet?" she changed the subject.

"Not yet, Cass," Janet said. "This evening, I hope." Sam had been in Washington for the past four days, and Janet was missing her desperately. She had been quite shocked to realize how much more she had come to depend on Sam's presence since the arrival of Cassie. Even though this wasn't a mission, and Sam would not be in any danger at all (apart from possibly terminal boredom; some of the meetings that had been set up were tedious in the extreme), Janet didn't sleep at all the first night that Sam was away. Cassie also missed her terribly too. Maybe that was the reason for her somber mood? Janet decided not to push Cassie, but just to be there to listen if she wanted to talk when she was ready. "Angus'll be pleased to see you," Janet said lightly to her daughter. "I swear he gets bored with just me around the place."

Cassie gave a small smile. "Angus loves you Mom," she said quietly. "You know you're his favorite of all of us."

It was true, since his adoption, Angus was happy to spend time with any of the family, but it was Janet in particular he adored, trailing round after her and climbing into her lap whenever he got the chance.

"I thought I'd made pot roast for Sam for tonight, what do you think Cass?" Janet asked. "Want to help me cook?" Usually Cassie loved working in the kitchen with her mother.

Cassie shook her head again. "I've got homework to finish," she said.

"Okay honey," Janet put a gentle hand on her arm. "You know I'm always here if ever you want to talk, huh?"

Cassie nodded.

So Janet was dicing and chopping and peeling when she heard the key turn in the front door. She saw Angus shoot out of his basket and run into the hall, where he greeted Sam excitedly.

"Whoa, boy," Janet heard Sam's much-missed voice, and had to swallow a lump in her throat. "Did'ja miss me?" Sam nuzzled in his neck.

"We all missed you baby," Janet's voice was soft.

Sam looked up from her crouched position on the floor to see Janet standing there, still wearing an apron, her hair mussed and her face flushed from the stove. She didn't think she had ever seen anything more beautiful. Sam stood up and took a step forward, catching Janet in her arms. She kissed her tenderly. "Oh God," Sam said. "You feel so good," she kissed her again, the kiss becoming more intense as she felt Janet respond.

Eventually Janet pulled back with a small laugh. "I look a mess," she said with a grin. "You're early, I was going to get all dressed up for you."

"You look perfect," Sam told her. "You've never looked better."

Inexplicably Janet's eyes filled with tears.

"Jan?" Sam was concerned. "What is it baby? What's wrong?"

"Nothin'," Janet sniffed. "Nothin' at all. I'm being dumb. It's just... it's just..."

"What is it honey?" Sam asked gently.

"It's just four days is too long," Janet admitted. "I know I'm being silly. It's just so good to see you."

Sam smiled. "Right back at ya Jan," she said. "Can you imagine how bored I've been, listening to paper pushers spouting on about budgets and timescales and predicted outcomes. Like the Stargate could ever be described as predictable. And all the time I could only think about you, about being with you. God I can't wait until tonight," she kissed Janet again. "Where's Cass?" she asked when they finally broke apart.

"She's upstairs," Janet's voice was a little gloomy. "I picked her up from Greta's birthday party earlier. She seems a bit sad, Sam, but she tells me she's okay. Maybe you can get her to talk?" at that moment, footsteps could be heard on the stairs.

"Sam!" Cassie cried as she saw her second mother in the hallway. "You're back!"

"I sure am Cass," Sam grinned. "C'm'ere," and she swept her up in a huge hug. "You know, I think you've grown," she smiled as she put her back on the ground. "I missed you Cass," she said.

"We missed you too, didn't we Mom?" Cassie replied. "I'm so pleased you're home."

"Me too, Cassie," Sam agreed. "I was real bored without you all. Yes, Angus," she grinned as the dog nuzzled at her leg, not wanting to be left out. "Even you."

"Hey Cass," Janet suggested. "Why don't you take Sam into the living room, make her a cup of coffee while I finish up in the kitchen. You can tell her all about what you've been doing the past few days."

"What a great idea," Sam said. "I haven't had a decent cup of coffee since I left."

"So what have you been up to, squirt?" Sam patted the seat next to her on the couch and was gratified when Cassie sat and snuggled into her.

"Not much," Cassie replied.

"Not much?" Sam asked. "That's not like you. You've usually got lots of stories to tell me when I get back from being away. Is everything okay Cass?" she peered anxiously into her daughter's eyes.

"I'm fine," Cassie replied, but telltale tears appeared in her eyes.

"Cass?" Sam looked at her and was disconcerted when the child's face crumpled and fat tears fell down her cheeks. "It's okay," Sam said gently. "Whatever it is. We'll fix it. We will. Or we'll find a way around it. You can tell me," she said softly. "You'll feel better if you do."

"I'm just being dumb," Cassie sniffed. "You'll think it's real stupid."

Sam shook her head. "I'll never think anything you say is stupid," she said firmly. "I want to help Cass, will you let me?"

Cassie looked up at her anxiously. "It's Susie Kendrick," she said miserably.

"Has she been mean to you again?" Sam asked, her heart sinking. Ever since starting at school, Cassie had been subjected to snide remarks and mean asides from Susie Kendrick, who was a renowned bully.

"She said I'm a freak, 'cos I can't swim," Cassie looked so miserable that Sam's heart broke for her. "Nobody swam on Hanka. The seas and lakes there are too dangerous. So I never learned to swim. And Greta was talking about having a swimming party next year, and I said I couldn't swim. So Susie started laughing at me," the tears fell freely down her face.

"Oh Cassie," Sam hugged her tightly. "I'm so sorry. I never even thought. Hey, it's okay," she kissed her on the top of her head. "We can teach you to swim, if you'd like to learn. Swimming's great fun in fact, isn't it Jan?" she looked up at her lover who had entered the room just moments before. "You'll love it."

"You sure will," Janet said, kneeling at her daughter's feet and putting a reassuring hand on her knee. "And Sam's a wonderful swimmer, she'll teach you all sorts of things."

"Will you Sam?" Cassie asked, doubt in her voice?

"Of course," Sam said. "I'll bet you that in two months you'll be swimming better than that Susie Kendrick. But Cass, I want you to promise me something?"

"What?" Cassie asked.

"Don't listen to Susie Kendrick. She's mean. You're not a freak, not in any way. I know you spent your first years on Hanka, so some of the things here are different, and you're having to get used to them. But you are doing a wonderful job, and all your other schoolfriends think you're just great. And if you do some things differently, so what? Not everybody should be the same. We should celebrate our differences. Just know that you're great, just as you are. We love you so much, don't we Jan? And so does your Grandma. And Angus," she smiled as she saw a grin on Cassie's face. "If anybody's a freak, it's Susie, if she needs to make herself feel better by being mean to other people. Just remember that you, Cassandra Fraiser, are wonderful just as you are, huh?"

Cassie nodded. "I love you Sam. And Mom," she said.

"You're so great with her," Janet said as they got undressed that night.

"So are you, honey," Sam kissed her softly. "She loves you so much."

"She loves both of us," Janet said. "We're so lucky, aren't we baby? Even if," she swallowed, "even if we never have any more kids. It's a real family, isn't it?"

"It's the best," Sam said reassuringly. She smiled. "So Dr Fraiser, are you ready for some intensive swimming training?"

Janet grinned in return. "I can't wait," she said. "You know that the sight of you in your bathing costume drives me wild," she pulled impatiently at Sam's shirt. "I've missed you so much," her breathing quickened.

"Oh yeah?" Sam grinned as she pulled the shirt over her head in one swift motion. "Care to show me just how much?"

Janet's mouth went dry.

David Richmond was many things, but he was not a stupid man. So he learned to 'play the game' in prison, to behave well, and most importantly to convince his gaolers that he was sorry for what he had done.

He watched the other prisoners at the group counseling sessions. Privately he couldn't bear it when some of them broke down in tears, repenting their crimes, swearing to make up for their misdemeanours. But soon he saw that those that said the right things stood a greater chance of early release. So, although he despised the behavior, he learned to pretend remorse for what he had done, to snivel pathetically along with the others, to attend endless sessions with gullible psychiatrists. Just to ensure that his release date would be brought forward.

And it looked like it was going to work. Within two months he would be free. He'd be on licence, admittedly, with a whole raft of restrictions. One of which was that he had to stay out of the state of Colorado. But, he told himself, once he had gotten out of prison, he would disappear from the 'system'. He would get a false identity. Most importantly of all, he would get to Colorado to get his wife back. He knew he would have to deal with the blonde bitch first. As always when he thought about her his hand unconsciously moved to his jaw which still gave him trouble. He would make sure she paid for that. And once she had been eliminated, he would work on getting Janet back. He knew she would be missing him. Her foray into the gay lifestyle would have palled by now, she would be desperate for a real man. And he could give her just what she needed. Yes, David Richmond thought, everything would work out real well.