"I'm seriously getting worried," Sandy Cohen says to his wife, as he takes a sip of coffee. "This Balboa Heights case is spiraling out of control. Your father has been stonewalling me every chance he gets. I think the man is almost hoping I don't offer him a decent settlement amount so that I'll be forced to work through the holidays!"
Kirsten winces as her husband violently schmears a bagel. "Sandy, you can't let him get you down. If he sees that this is affecting you so much, he's just going to keep wringing more blood from the stone. You've got to draw the line somewhere."
"I just don't want the Land Trust getting screwed because I couldn't secure a low enough settlement. I'm worried that I might not be a good enough lawyer to win this case if, God forbid, it goes to trial. Your father is going to have a host of the most conniving, soulless bastards to ever graduate from law school on his side. I think I may need a miracle."
"You're a great attorney, and the Balboa Land Trust is lucky to have you. You'll find something, I know you will." She kisses her husband on the cheek, and he takes her in his arms. "You know, Sandy, I'm really hoping that this case doesn't go to trial. It's hard enough to find time to spend with you right now, and you're only trying for a settlement. How long has it been since we've been had five minutes where our phones haven't gone off? Dad is punishing me for dropping out of the project, so I'm always working."
"And Rachel is always calling me, needing some kind of information on the case. But you know what," he whispers, following it up with a very sensual kiss. "I don't here our phones ringing right now." He delivers another kiss to his wife, this one a little deeper than the first. He's just about to pick her up and put her on the island when they are interrupted by their two sons.
"Nice, Dad. We don't eat there or anything." Ryan walks over to the bagel basket and grabs two bagels. One for Seth, which he throws to the other boy, and one for himself.
"Impeccable timing, as always boys," Kirsten says, straightening her suit coat and fixing her hair. She grabs her briefcase and kisses her husband good-bye as she leaves for work.
"That's my cue as well. Learn something useful today at school, guys. Show me that your tuition money is actually going toward your tuition instead of building another pool." Sandy grabs his attaché case and leaves the house as well.
"Is it really fair to keep interrupting their impromptu make-out sessions," Seth asks Ryan.
"Probably not, but we keep getting caught with our girls, I think it's only fair that they have to find better hiding spots too."
School
"Corona! What's up man," Luke asks as Seth sits down next to him at their lab table. "Almost ready for Winter Break?"
"Did Moses lead the Jews from Egypt? The answer, my WASPy friend, is yes. Although, winter around here is kind of a joke. The weather doesn't really change a lot."
"I know. Hey, I think Mr. Bendis is assigning our teams for our History projects today. You want to team up? I was thinking maybe The Crusades?"
Seth looks over at Zach. "Sure, let's do it. Anything to keep from getting paired up with that guy." Zach sneers at the two. Luke returns the goodwill with a hand gesture.
"Alright class, quiet down," Mr. Bendis says as he walks into the room. "Today I'll be assigning you all into two person teams for your History projects. Your class presentations will account for one third of your final grade, along with your term papers and, of course, the final exam. I'll be dividing the class into two person teams. Each team will be responsible for presenting a detailed account of a pivotal event or period in European history. Now I've already had quite a few a partnership requests however, in all fairness to the other students, I will select the teams myself at random. Ok, we have Lauren and Kenny, the French Revolution. Luke and Zach, the Spanish Inquisition, Stephanie and Bobbie the Protestant Reformation…"
"Dude…" Seth says.
"I know."
Jimmy's Apartment
"Hey Jimmy," Sandy says as he walks into the other man's apartment.
"Sandy, how's it going?" Jimmy directs his friend in the direction of the couch. "You want a beer or something?"
"No thanks, Jimmy. I've actually got to get back to work soon. I just wanted to drop by and let you know that I had a talk with my friend, the securities attorney, today."
"I imagine this isn't going to be good news," Jimmy says, dropping his head into his hands.
"Well, it's not great news. He talked to the SEC and your ex-clients, and they all agree that, if you make full restitution by January 1st, you'll be free and clear. No jail time, no fine, no anything."
"But that means selling the house. I don't know if I can do that to Julie and Marissa right now, with the holidays coming up so soon."
"I'm not saying you have to sell it right now. Just have Veronica show it while Julie is out and Marissa is at school."
Jimmy stands up from the couch and begins to pace. "What if Julie doesn't want to sell. I mean, she's got her name on the title, right next to mine. What if she says no?"
"What choice does she have? She can't afford to live there if you're in jail. She doesn't really have a choice, unless you two know someone that will buy the house and let her live there."
The Cohen Residence
Kirsten picks up the phone from the counter and dials the number she has memorized to heart. The phone rings for a moment and is finally answered by a feminine voice.
Hello?
"Lindsey? Hi, it's your sister, Kirsten."
Hey Kiki.
Kirsten groans. "Please tell me that nickname isn't going to be permanent."
You can blame Dad for that.
"I know. I'll just add it to the list."
Lindsey laughs. So what's up? Luckily you caught me during my lunch break. They kind of frown on answering cell phones during class here.
"Right. I forgot you were in school still. I was actually wondering what you have planned for tomorrow?"
No real plans, I don't think. Were you thinking about doing something?
"Well I was wondering if you wanted to go to the mall with Hailey and I?" Kirsten is met with silence on the other end. "Lindsey? Everything okay?"
Yeah, I'm fine. It's just that I thought Hailey didn't really like me. Dad kind of forgot about her when I came to live with him and I thought Hailey still held that against me.
"Actually, it was Hailey's idea. She said that she wanted to take some time to get to know her younger sister."
Really?
"I know! I was just as surprised as you are. I guess Hailey may finally be growing out her selfish tendencies. So do you want to go?"
Sure, I'd love to!
"Great, we'll pick you up after school at Dad's. See you then!" Kirsten hangs up the phone, excited at the prospect of all three sisters finally getting along.
Jimmy's apartment
Jimmy leaves his apartment, closing and locking the door. He turns to walk down the hallway and almost runs into Hailey Nichol.
"Hailey," Jimmy says, looking up and down the hallway, "what are you doing?"
Hailey smiles. "Hey Jimmy! Fancy running into you here. I'm just on my way to meet Dad for lunch. What are you doing?"
Jimmy looks confused. "I guess what I meant is what are you doing here?"
"Oh, didn't you know? My dad got me an apartment here when I told him I wanted to stay here in Newport for a while. I guess the rent on these is pretty low and I just love the view of the ocean."
"Well, that's uh...nice, I guess," Jimmy nervously stutters. "How lung have you, uh, been living here?"
"Just a few days. I'm surprised you didn't see the movers bringing the furniture in."
"I've been spending most of my nights over at Veronica's place and I don't usually get back until late at night." He sees Hailey's face fall into a frown. "You know, in case you moved during the afternoon. Which you might have. Or maybe not."
"Yeah, that's probably why you didn't hear it. So, where are you off to today? You know, I could totally drive you. I've got one of my dad's cars," she says in a singsong voice. "That way you wouldn't have to drive."
"Oh, gee Hailey, that sounds…fun, but Veronica is actually waiting outside for me. Actually," he looks down at his watch, "she has been now for the past five minutes, so I should get going. I'll talk to you later Hailey." He moves to step around her, but is stopped by her hand on his shoulder.
"Anytime you want to get together and have dinner, you just let me know Jimmy. After all, we are neighbors now." She grins at Jimmy as she moves aside and Jimmy passes her. She continues to look out the window as Jimmy walks out the door of the complex and hops in Veronica's waiting car.
"What took so long, Jimmy? I called five minutes ago to tell you I was here," Veronica says and kisses her boyfriend hello.
"I know V, and I'm sorry. I was just, uh, meeting a new neighbor."
"That's nice. What are they like?"
"Well, they're very…friendly, that's for sure," Jimmy says, not bothering to correct Veronica's generalization. He knew she would go crazy if she found out Kirsten's sister was living next door to him.
"Maybe we should have them over for dinner, James. It would be a good way to get to know them," Veronica says as she pulls out of the apartment complex's parking lot.
"You know, I don't think that's such a great idea, V."
At School
Ryan carries his tray over to the table his two friends are already occupying, sets his tray down, and joins them. "So…Zach, huh?" He gives Luke a curious look and bites into his burger.
"I know! This totally blows Cohen. I wanted to pair up with Corona because I knew that would mean a good grade." Seth makes a cough that sounds like 'asshole.'
"So when are you two getting together to do your project," Ryan asks around a mouthful of French fries.
"Tonight," Luke says and rolls his eyes. "I'm grabbing some stuff from my place, then we're going to meet at my dad's dealership to use some of the equipment there." He reaches for some of Ryan's fries, only to have his hand smacked away.
"Sounds like a blast," Ryan offers dryly.
"Hey," Seth says looking hurt, "sarcasm is supposed to be my thing!"
The Cooper House, later
Jimmy stands at the stoop of his wife's house and waits for her to answer his knock. It's strange, he thinks to himself, that he's waiting to be invited into a house that he once used to live in. The door finally opens and Jimmy is greeted by the sight of his ex-wife.
"James. A pleasure as always. Come in," she says and opens the door wider to allow her ex-husband access. Jimmy walks into the house he knows so well and proceeds to the living room. Julie joins him and sits down on the couch. "Have a seat." She motions to the cushions next to her.
"No thanks, Jules." Jimmy stuffs hands in his pockets and stares down at his feet. "So, how are things? Is, uh, stuff good with you and Neil?" He takes his hands out of his pockets and crosses them over his chest.
"Neil and I are fine," Julie says hesitantly.
"Great, that's just…great," Jimmy says and uncrosses his arms, placing them on his hips. He walks over to the window and stares out of it.
"Okay Jimmy, I don't buy this concerned ex-husband bullshit for a minute," Julie says, standing. "I'm sure Neil and mine's relationship isn't the real reason you came over here. Quit stalling and tell me what's going on."
"I don't know what to do Julie. Sandy came over earlier and told me that the securities attorney that is handling my case called him today. Apparently, the SEC called and they said that I was going to have to make full restitution by January 1st."
Julie falls back down to the couch with a stunned look on her face. "Jimmy! That's only four weeks away!"
Jimmy walks over to the couch and sits down next to his ex-wife. "I know, and I really hate to spring this on you right now, but I don't know if I really have any choice. I mean, I owe four million dollars. Can you at least think about showing the house?"
"I don't really have a choice now do I Jimmy? If you go to jail, you won't be able to pay me alimony and Marissa and I won't be able to afford to live here anyway, will we?"
"We're going to figure this out, Jules. I won't let you and Marissa go homeless. We'll talk to Veronica and the Cohens and see if we have any other options."
Cohen Residence
Sandy Cohen walks into the kitchen of his home and sees his wife spooning Thai take-out onto plates. He grabs a steamed dumpling out of the container and tosses it into his mouth.
"Hey," his wife jokingly complains, "no picking from the box. The boys are washing up right now. You can wait five minutes." She looks over and sees the preoccupied look on her husband's face. "Uh oh, I know that look. What's wrong?"
"It's Jimmy Cooper," Sandy says, placing his hands on the counter and leaning on them. "I don't know what to do. I heard from my friend, the securities attorney today. He has to make his restitution by the beginning of the New Year or he's looking at jail time."
"I don't see how that's going to be possible, Sandy. I know Jimmy has been looking for a job, but nobody will hire him with this hanging over his head. They're probably going to have to sell the house."
"And that's what I told him, but he's worried about Julie and Marissa not having a home during the holidays."
"I'm sure Neil wouldn't let those two go homeless. I'm sure he'd be able to help somehow. And, even if he can't, I know Julie still has family out in Riverside. That's not the most attractive option, I know, but it's still an option nonetheless."
"I'm sure Neil would help, but I don't see him being able to give Jimmy four million dollars. Either way, Jimmy is still going to have to come up with that money." Sandy leans back off of the counter and grabs another dumpling. "I just don't know what else I can do to help the guy." He pops the dumpling in his mouth.
Kirsten smiles and hugs her husband from behind. "I love you so much, you know that? I feel so lucky to have such a selfless husband." Sandy scoffs. "I'm glad you're my moral compass." She turns him around and kisses him, then just stands in his arms for a moment.
Sandy breaks the silence after a few seconds. "So, how receptive was Lindsey to spending tomorrow afternoon with her two sisters?" He tries to grab another dumpling, but Kirsten smacks his hand away.
"Stop trying to snatch dumplings and wait for the boys," she admonishes. "You know, after Hailey's reaction to me mentioning Lindsey over Thanksgiving, I was really surprised when Hailey mentioned the sisterly outing. I think that a little bonding time is exactly what we all need. We never really got to know each other as sisters; we were all raised at different times. I got Mom and Dad and everything that came along with it. Hailey got Mom for a little while, but Dad was so busy with Mom when she got sick that Hailey basically went through her teenage years by herself. Lindsey, on the other hand, never knew our mom and only lived with her mom for a while. Dad officially adopted her at a pretty young age, when both Hailey and I were already gone."
"Whatever Hailey's reasons are, I'm glad you have something to distract you from what's going on with the Coopers right now." He hears the boys trudging down the stairs and grabs some plates to carry over to the dinner table.
"I know. And I still plan on calling Julie to see if they need help with anything. Her and Jimmy are two of my oldest friends and I hate to think of anything bad happening to them," she says, setting two platters down on the table. "Boys, dinner is on the table."
Carson's dealership
Where is this asshole, Luke thinks to himself and checks his watch for the fifth time. Zach is twenty minutes late and Luke is thinking he might have blown him off. He is just getting ready to give up when Zach pulls up in his SUV. Luke hops down off of his tailgate as Zach gets out of his vehicle and walks over to Luke's truck. "Nice to see you could schedule some time to come out and work on the project, Stevens. I've been waiting for you to show up for the past twenty minutes." Luke grabs his books out of his truck and the boys walk towards the dealership.
"I'm not on your time clock, Ward. Water polo practice ran late."
"Whatever, man. Let's just get this over with." Luke reaches for the door, but is stopped from opening it when Zach places his hand on the door.
"Let me make one thing clear to you, Ward: I want to be here just as little as you do. The sooner we get this over with, the sooner we can go back to our own lives." He opens the door to the dealership and walks in, followed by Luke, who turns and relocks the door.
The two boys walk into Carson's office, which is filled with expensive-looking audio/visual equipment, and begin to work on their presentation. They quickly get absorbed in their work and, the next time they look at the clock, three hours have passed.
Luke stands and stretches. "So," he says, running his hand through his hair, "I guess we should probably bounce. It's getting' kinda late."
"Yeah, I guess so." Zach helps Luke pack up their supplies. They finish getting their belongings together and walk out of the office, into the show room. "So, I'll catch you tomorrow?" Zach holds out his hand.
"Yeah, sure," Luke says and takes the other boy's hand with his own in a firm grip. He looks over Zach's shoulder and smiles. "Hey it's my dad!" The smile quickly fades. "Who's the dude with him?"
Zach turns to see what Luke is looking at. "That's my dad!" He sees them holding hands and immediately starts to frown. "What the fuck?" The two older men, unaware of their sons' presence, walk in through the front of the building. They stop near the entrance and Carson brings Zach's father's hand up to his mouth and kisses it. The two begin to kiss heatedly. "Dad," Zach whimpers, feet frozen to the spot.
Luke has no such problem, instead backing away from the offending scene. However, he doesn't see the floor model parked behind him and bumps into it, setting off the alarm and spilling his supplies everywhere. The two fathers hear the alarm and look in their direction, finally seeing their sons.
"Luke? Luke, wait!"
"Zach! Let me explain!"
Carson tries to open the door to the show room, only to find out that Luke locked it on the way in. He pulls out his keys and desperately tries to unlock the door.
His father's voice finally breaks the spell over Zach. He turns to find Luke picking his books up off the floor. Zach quickly assists him and the boys stand and run out the side door as Luke's father finally unlocks the door to the show room.
School, The Next Day
"So, how was it," Seth asks as Luke and Marissa walk up to join Ryan, Taylor, Seth, and Summer in front of the school. "Is he really a demon? Did he try to steal your soul? I need information man!"
Summer slaps him on the shoulder. "He's not a demon and he doesn't try and steal souls. You forget that I dated him for a little while."
"I had forgotten that until you mentioned it again," Seth says, rubbing his temples.
"Don't even bother you guys. He wouldn't tell me anything on the way here," Marissa offers.
"Look, he's just a normal guy, alright," Luke says, getting a little mad.
"You mean except for being a homo," Seth asks, smirking.
Luke turns on the skinny boy, rage in his eyes. "What did you say Corona?" He walks up to Seth threateningly, but Ryan stops him.
"Alright, that's enough! Marissa, take him off to class." Marissa grabs Luke's arm and drags him towards the classrooms.
Summer smacks Seth upside the head. "Way to go asshat!"
"Ow! Damn, I didn't know that was going to be such a touchy subject!"
"Neither did I," Ryan says, looking contemplative.
Yogilates
Julie, Kirsten, and Veronica all sit on the bench in the women's locker room, cooling down from their workout.
"So do you guys have any ideas," Julie asks. "You are two of the biggest real estate titans in Newport and my two best friends. If anyone can help Marissa and I out of this mess, it's you two. Please tell me you have an idea."
Veronica and Kirsten both look at each other.
"Julie, we're really sorry…" Veronica begins.
"But we think you're going to have to sell," Kirsten finishes.
Julie leans back against her locker and rubs her forehead. "I was afraid of that."
"We can help you find a place Julie," Veronica says. "Nobody knows this housing market better than me or Kirsten."
"How am I going to be able to afford it? I don't have a job!"
"We'll figure something out. Veronica and I won't let you be destitute. We're your friends and that's what we're here for. Speaking of, what about Neil? Have you told him what's going on or asked him for help?"
"We just started officially seeing each other, Kirsten. I can't just go up and ask him if I can move in with him! That seems a little forward for where we are in our relationship."
Veronica puts her hand on Julie's back then takes it off when she realizes how sweaty Julie is. "We'll come up with something. You'll be fine," she says, wiping her hand on her pants.
At that moment Taryn Baker comes running in, interrupting them. "Oh my God you guys, I just ran into Betsy on the elliptical trainer. She was getting her car serviced this morning." She looks around and continues, although softer. "Okay, come here, come here, come here," she says, as the large group of women in the locker room moves closer to hear. "Okay, you can't tell anyone, but you are not going to believe this…"
School
Lindsey walks up to Marissa and Summer, who are enjoying a free period in the lounge, drinking coffee and looking at magazines. "Hey Marissa," she says, sitting down and joining the two girls.
"Hey Lindsey. Everything okay," she asks, noticing the girl's reserved demeanor.
"I guess I should be asking you that. I'm really sorry to hear about Luke's dad. I know we haven't really been friends, but I feel bad with everything you've got going on, and then this happens to your boyfriend." She shakes her head in sympathy.
"What do you mean? What happened to Luke's dad?" Marissa looks confused.
"You mean you don't know," Lindsey asks.
"Know what," Summer asks as she sets down her magazine and joins the conversation.
Luke's locker
"I heard his favorite TV show is Dawson's Crack," one kid says, laughing.
"No way. I heard it was Everwoody," another says, joining in.
Luke slams his locker door and turns to walk away, almost running over Zach. "What the hell, Stevens? Who'd you tell, huh?" He shoves Zach in the chest.
"Screw you, Ward. You think I'd tell anyone. I'll bet you spilled it, just to get back at me." Zach shoves Luke back.
"Look at the little fairy kids trying to have a little fairy fight," 'Dawson' says as he approaches.
'Woody' joins him, laughing. "No way, man. I think they're going to kiss." He high fives 'Dawson' and they both laugh.
Luke and Zach look at each other, turn to the two other boys and simultaneously drop them to the floor with two punches.
"Ward! Stevens! I saw that," a teacher says as he walks up to the two boys left standing. "You two, office, now!"
Luke and Zach slowly grab their things and head in the direction of the Dean's office, casting dark looks at the two boys laying on the floor as they leave.
The Mall, later
"I feel so bad being at the mall, shopping, when my friend is going through financial trouble and the Wards are going through family trouble," Kirsten says as she and her two sisters leave the store they were shopping in.
"I agree," Lindsey adds. "I met Zach's parents a couple times and they seemed nice enough. I don't want to know what it's going to do to his dad's political career."
"There wouldn't have been any problems if they weren't gay," Hailey says. "If you ask me, I think they deserve everything they get."
Kirsten scowls. "That's terrible Hailey! Carson and Meredith have been friends of the family for a long time. Their son is best friends with your nephew. Show a little sympathy. Their lives as they know it are probably over." She directs the other two into a very expensive department store, where they look at everything from watches and jewelry to make-up and blouses. Hailey seems to take particular interest in a very nice tennis bracelet. Finding some items and making a couple purchases, the three women leave the store, only to be stopped by the wailing sound of an alarm. Two guards immediately approach the trio and ask to see their receipt and bags. The women hand over their shopping bags and receipts. The guards go through the bags and, finding nothing, ask to see the women's purses. The sisters shrug and hand over their bags. The security guards look through Kirsten and Hailey's purses first and find nothing as well. However, as they look through Lindsey's handbag, they pull out the silver bracelet Hailey was looking at earlier, price tag still attached.
"Care to explain this, ma'am," the first guard asks.
"I have no idea how that got there!" Lindsey says, looking confused.
"We're going to need you to come with us, young lady," the second guard says, and begins to walk her back into the store.
"Kirsten! Please do something," Lindsey pleads, on the verge of tears.
"Excuse me, sir,"" Kirsten says, getting the first guards attention. "I'm Kirsten Cohen, and that is my sister. Would it be possible for you to release Lindsey into my custody?"
Guard one shakes his head. "I'm sorry ma'am, but we can't do that. We're going to have to process her first, and then decide if we're going to press charges. At that point, we'll call for a parent or guardian to come pick her up." The guard follows his partner and a crying Lindsey back into the store.
Kirsten reaches into her purse, pulls out her cell phone, and begins to dial.
"Who are you calling," Hailey asks her sister.
"Dad. He's going to lose it." Kirsten turns away to talk to her father, completely missing a smirking Hailey.
Luke's house
Ryan and Marissa both knock on the door of the Ward's house and stand on the porch, waiting for someone to answer the door. Meredith Ward answers the door, crying. She doesn't even wait for Ryan and Marissa, she just points up to Luke's room. Ryan notices that the normally out-of-control younger Ward boys, Brad and Eric, are sitting quietly and watching television. The two teens make their way up the stairs and arrive at Luke's room. Ryan knocks, and he and Marissa enter their friend's room to find him lying on his bed, listening to some music on his iPod.
"Hey man, how are you," Ryan asks as he gives his friend a one-armed hug.
"Could be better, I guess." Luke greets his girlfriend with a kiss and then sits back down on the bed. Marissa joins him and Ryan sits down at his computer chair.
"I believe that," Ryan says, shaking his head.
"What are your folks going to do? Your mom looks pretty upset." Marissa takes her boyfriend's hand.
"Yeah, my dad called her last night after I saw him at the dealership. She freaked and called some friends and, well, you know how gossip travels here. Next thing you know, the whole place knows."
"How are you dealing," Ryan asks his friend.
"'Bout how you would imagine. It totally blows. Dad is going to stay somewhere else for a while. I'm not sure if Mom will take him back or not. I just feel really helpless right now, like there's nothing I can do. You guys have no idea how much I just want to go get blitzed and kick the crap out of somebody."
"Speaking of," Marissa cuts in, "how did the dean deal with you and Zach beating up those two little assholes today at school?"
"They let us off. They already knew what had happened last night because of the rumors flying around and the teacher heard what those two morons said so we just got a warning. I don't think my parents would have given a shit either way," Luke says, looking in the direction of the hallway, where they can hear yelling.
Marissa sees him starting to get depressed. "Let's get out of here and go do something. Maybe we can go over to Ryan's and play some video games?"
"No way. I don't really feel like talking to anybody else right now, and I know that, between everybody else, I'll have to explain things and talk about it all night long. I kinda just want to be alone."
"Grab your board," Ryan says. "Mine's in the Jeep. We'll hit the waves."
Luke grins. "Cool. Thanks man."
"No worries."
Luke stands to grab his board, but stops. "Hey Cohen? Tell Corona I said sorry will you? I didn't mean to blow up on him, I just kinda had some stuff goin' on."
Ryan pats him on the shoulder. "I know man. So does Seth."
"Come on boys," Marissa pleads. "The weather is beautiful and I could use some sun! I mean…Luke could use the distraction!"
Nichol Mansion
A large, black limousine pulls up to the Nichol mansion and stops. The driver gets out, walks to the back, and opens the door. Caleb Nichol slowly steps out, followed by his youngest daughter.
"Daddy, please," Lindsey wails, "I really don't know how that bracelet got there!"
Caleb says nothing, only motioning her to follow him inside the house. He walks into his office and pours himself a scotch as Lindsey waits in the foyer. She knows better than to walk away, as her father has not dismissed her yet. Caleb soon returns from his office with drink in hand. He takes a small sip and savors the smooth taste. "Lindsey, go up to your room. I'll be joining you in a moment," he calmly tells his youngest as he takes another sip.
Lindsey's lower lip quivers and her eyes begin to glisten as she realizes what is coming. She slowly makes her way up the stairs.
Caleb patiently finishes his scotch and finally sets the empty glass down. Rolling his sleeves up, he climbs the same stairs his daughter took not more that three minutes prior. Kids today, he thinks to himself. They just have no respect for authority figures.
School, next day
"So you guys had a pretty good night surfing," Taylor asks her boyfriend.
"Yeah. Luke got to take out some aggression on the waves. I think he really needed that. But that's not even the end of the story. I get home and Mom tells me about Lindsey getting arrested. Shoplifting, she said. I thought she was doing better."
"Who knows? Maybe she just wanted some attention? They say that kids in troubled situations often act out, just to get attention."
"Yeah, well, I don't think she wanted Grandpa's attention. Mom said he was pissed." Ryan is interrupted as the teacher walks in.
"Okay class, that's enough. If everyone will take his or her seat, we'll begin. Has anyone seen Zach or Lindsey?"
Ryan and Taylor look over and see that the chairs belonging to both teens are empty. They share a worried look.
"I'm sure everything is fine," Taylor tries to tell Ryan.
"Regardless, we're going to call my mom after class."
Nichol house, later
Kirsten knocks hurriedly on the door to her father's house and Lindsey finally answers the door.
"Hey sis. Surprised to see you here. What's up," Lindsey asks, hiding behind the thick door.
"Ryan and Taylor called. They said you weren't at school today. I came over to check on you."
"Oh, right." Lindsey gives a fake cough. "I wasn't feeling so great today, so I thought I'd stay home. Dad said he'd call and let the school know. He must have forgotten."
"Lindsey, I have two teens of my own. You think I don't know a fake cough when I see one? You know, if this is in any way related to yesterday, you shouldn't try to hide. It's not going to go away and people are just going to gossip about it if you're not there to tell them the truth."
"Nothing good is going to come of going back. People will find out and I'm going to be a social leper!"
"It could be worse, sweetie. The store isn't pressing charges. You'll be okay."
"Fine," Lindsey says, rolling her eyes. "I'll go back tomorrow. Happy?"
"Very. Now come here and give me a hug." Kirsten reaches out to hug her sister, only to pull back in alarm when her hands touch Lindsey's back and she hisses in pain. "What's wrong," she asks. When Lindsey doesn't answer, she turns her around and lifts her shirt to see a large, purple handprint on her back. "Oh, sweetie," she says, tears forming, "did Dad do this?"
Lindsey doesn't respond. She just begins to bawl.
"Is he here?"
Lindsey shakes her head no.
"Go pack a bag with clothes and toiletries. I'm taking you home with me."
The Newport Group
Kirsten walks into her father's office and shuts the door.
"Kiki," Caleb exclaims, joy in his voice. "I'm surprised to see you here. Does this mean we're talking again?"
"No, Dad. This is me giving you notice. I'm quitting," she spits at the older man.
Caleb's face loses the happy expression and changes into that of stone: expressionless. "You won't quit Kirsten. You love this job. You said just as much."
"I know I did, which is what makes this so hard. But, when I found out that you were hitting Lindsey again, I realized that I had to do something."
"That's unfortunate Kiki, but I'll have you replaced before the day is over by some kid straight out of high school that I can pay half as much. You think you're punishing me? You're only punishing yourself," he says and turns back to his work on his desk.
"That saddens me Dad, it really does. I'm still going to do you one more favor though. I'm not going to tell the cops and I'm not going to tell Sandy. Lindsey might, but they won't hear about it from me." She begins to walk out of his office, but stops. "Oh and I guess I should tell you about my last act as Chief Financial Officer of The Newport Group. This afternoon, we purchased Julie Cooper's house. For four million dollars. Inserted in the bill of sale is a clause that The Newport Group will not sell the house for at least six months and that the Coopers will be able to live there, rent free, as long as they desire. Good-bye Dad." Kirsten opens the door to her father's office and walks out of The Newport Group for what could be the last time, leaving her father with a frown on his face.
A/N: Sorry that took so long to get out but I was out of town for a while, picking up my truck. I'm finally not dependent on anybody again! Yay! Also, if I made any mistakes on the real estate things or anything, I apologize. They're all mine and completely my fault. I blame my laziness; you can too. Random fact of the chapter: Yogilates is an exercise system that is a blend of yoga and Pilates created by certified Pilates instructor and yoga practitioner Jonathan Urla in 1997. Enjoy and please review!
AZ