As everyone prepares for the New Year's Cookout, Leo is making sure he has everything prepared for the day. He has steaks, hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, ribs, and vegetables ready for the grill. He looks over everything hoping they will be enough to feed his guest. He also looks at the games and activities he prepared for the kids. As he is doing this he looks up at the outside tree in the garden where Ben's tree house stood. He goes over and still wonders' how to get in. Ben as a child asked the carpenter to make it hard to get inside. He was always surprised Ben was so secretive about his business when he was in there but Ben did get the tree house after he saw Tom Cruise in "Mission Impossible II" and wanted to be like "Ethan Hunt". Even now literally twenty years later not he, Henry, Alice, Chloe, or Camille had ever found a way to get inside. When he asked the carpenter who built it how to get in he said that it was a trade secret only Ben would know. The carpenter was good at his job, even now nearly twenty years later the large tree house still stood strong and firm through earthquakes, fires, storms, and the collapse of their family.
Camille: Thinking about old times. (comes up behind Leo as stands staring at the tree house)
Leo: Yeah, I was just wondering if Ben will ever tell me how to get inside.
Camille: Maybe he will tell Sarah, and she can take the other kids up to take a look.
Leo: Maybe. So they are coming?
Camille: Yeah, I don't think Ben wants' to come. But Sarah, convinced him. It seem's you Boykevich men are all wrapped around fingers of your daughters;.
Leo: It does seem that way.
Camille: Plus, Vincent and 3-Jay were already coming as dates to Lauren and Clementine, so I think Ben decided it was okay to come since he has back up just in case.
Leo: In case of what?
Camille: In case things don't go as smoothly as you are hoping.
Leo: I just can't get it Camille when did this all become a fight between everyone. Ben was a good kid, they were all friends how did they become enemies?
Camille: Sweetie I don't know. But to be honest, I think they were never really friends.
Leo: What do you mean? Alice, Henry, and Ben grew up together they were like siblings. Ben tried to marry Amy, and he was married to Adrian. I mean yeah, there's bad blood between he and Ricky, but Ben was always there for all of them. When,.. no why would he think of them as enemies now?
Camille: Because he was always there for them, and they weren't really there for him if they were at all. I mean sweetie, none of them, not even Adrian ever mentions Mercey.
Leo: We don't talk about that either.
Camille: And that is why Ben see's us the same way as he see's them. None of us talk about her.
Leo: But stuff like that is difficult to talk about, and it's painful.
Camille: Yeah it is, but not talking about pain doesn't make it go away and it doesn't make you feel better either. Ben had to deal with so much, and I think we all just ignored just how much he was put through. No we ignored what WE PUT HIM THROUGH. He was there for all of them, and us. But none of us were really there for him.
Leo: But we tried to be Camille you know that.
Camille: All I know is I never once asked Ben about how he felt after his mom died. I never asked him about his relationship with Amy. I never talked to him about his relationship with Adrian or how I never really liked Adrian or Amy. I never talked to him about how he lost his daughter, or how he was dealing with the issues he Henry, and Alice were having. I never even asked him about how he felt about your marriage, and divorce from Betty, or us dating and getting married. But I did punch him in the face for what he said to me about us getting married on top of him finding out everyone else was getting married. We never even talked to him about us adopting Chloe. We all just did what we were going to do and expected Ben to accept it, and deal with it.
Leo: I tried.
Camille: Leo when I punched Ben, you laughed about it.
Leo: I know that was wrong.
Camille: Leo, how many conversations did you have with Ben about Mercey's death?
Leo: (looks beyond guilty) I really treated him like shit didn't I?
Camille: No, we all treated Ben like shit. Now he's making us see just how it feels'.
Leo: It feels horrible.
Camille: Yeah, he really does have a right to hate us.
Leo: Do you think that he does?
Camille: Well he came back, and he's coming to the cook out, so who knows.
Camille: You know in all this drama, I never got to ask you how you feel about being a Grandpa.
Leo: I don't know if I am yet. I just met her a week ago, and all I want to do is hold her, and hug her, and apologize for missing out on so much of her life. I want to let her know no matter what she is the most important person in the world to her, and I would never do anything to hurt her. That no matter what I will always be there for her, and take care of her. But, I can't say any of that. Because my son her father refuses to acknowledge me as his father or her ...grandfather. The worst part its my fault. All because I made one mistake nine years ago.
Camille: Leo you didn't mean it.
Leo: Didn't I. I hit my son in the face because that night he made me so angry. I felt so ashamed of him for how he was acting, and felt so proud of Ricky for all he had. In that moment I did wish Ricky was my son, and not Ben. So I told him that. And he knew it, he felt it. By me saying that I gave up every right I ever had, or would have to Ben, and Sarah... for Ricky.
Camille: Leo,..
Leo: Camille, look at all he has done and accomplished. I never would think he could do all of that. EVER! I never realized how strong, or resourceful he was. Of all the people to know what my son could do, and I had no idea. But I always thought Ricky could do so much. After all this time when I stop because I have to stop and think about it, I never once realized how everything that I praise Ricky for was given to him. And I was the one who gave it to him. I always thought Ben was so entitled, but it never crossed my mind the reason he was entitled was because he is my son. Everything I did for him I was supposed to do because I was his father. I got mad at the things he did, but I'm the one who told him to do most of it. Dating Amy, Adrian, and Dylan all came from me. So why was I angry at him about it.
Camille: (looks at Leo and feels bad because he's right most of the issues he got mad at Ben for were of his making) I know Leo, but you aren't to be blamed alone. It's my fault too.
Leo: How is it your fault.
Camille: I saw everything you did, I should have stopped you. Ben wasn't my son, but I still cared about him. (begins to sob) I never showed him that I did care about him. He was so young when he lost his mom, and he needed one so badly, but I didn't even try to step in.
Leo: Camille he knows you loved him.
Camille: Does he? He stood at her grave crying at eleven years old, and I didn't go up to him and hold him like I should have. After everything Sarah and you did for me, I just watched him suffer, and kept watching him suffer. I did that because I was afraid I couldn't match up to the woman his mother was, and I let that fear control me. Then when we were together I tried to force myself into his life when all I had to do was be there for him.
Leo: Honey...
Camille: You know it's strange. Ricky has so many parent's in his life he has Shaker, Margaret, George, Nora, Anne, Bunny, and even you and me. Ben only had you... and he didn't even have all of you.
Leo: What do you mean?
Camille: Sweetie you always tried to be there for all of them, for Ricky, Amy, Henry, Alice, even Adrian and Omar, but Ben you always seemed to make him work harder for your love and respect when they did nothing to get any of it.
Leo: And now he doesn't love or respect me. Amazing how much I need something, I so easily took for granted.
AUTHOR's NOTE: Do you all think that this happened that Leo took Ben for granted? Do you think that compared to the other teens that Ben had less than half a parent?
As Leo and Camille are talking Ricky and Amy pull up with John and Jaimee. They are all looking happy as they get out specifically John since his parent's seem to be on the mend from all of the drama they had been going through for the past few weeks. He only hoped his Granpa Leo would get better so Ben would leave and never come back. As they all go up to the mansion they see Leo appears to be having a serious conversation with Camille in the back yard.
Ricky: Leo, Camille Happy New Year.
Leo: (turns to see Ricky and despite his conversation with Camille puts on a smile) Ricky, Amy, boys HAPPY NEW YEAR!
John: Hi, Grandpa Leo Happy New Year did you start grilling yet.
Leo: No, I haven't John I remember what we talked about last year.
John: Cool can I start setting up the grill now?
Leo: Okay, but be careful put the charcoal in first, and don't touch that lighter fluid until your dad, or I come over.
John: Got it.
Ricky: So how's your New Year so far Leo.
Leo: It's not too bad, I'm alive to see it, and hopefully it will be better as the year continues.
Ricky: I'll bet I mean having Ben back in your life must be great news for the new year? (looks sullenly at Leo about that he worries about his place in Leo's life with Ben back)
Leo: Well I'm hoping he will be, that's actually my New Years Resolution.
Ricky: That's great mine is too become a better husband and father to my family especially after what I did. Also to be a better employee to you if I can keep my job. (looks at Leo worriedly he still knows that Leo will decide his fate.)
Leo: Ricky I wouldn't worry about that the board and I still have to wait until my doctor gives me the go ahead. Honestly I'm still worried if I will have a job this year if the board decides to permanently remove me.
Ricky: What they can't do that, this was all my fault you were only trying to protect me.
Leo: I know that, and so do they, But, my position as C.E.O. was to protect the company, and not let personal relationships interfere with my decisions. Honestly if they decide to remove me I cant' blame them.
Amy: But that's not right you're the C.E.O. I mean no one has done more for the company than you have.
Leo: I wouldn't say that Ben's only been back for two month's, and he's saved the company from scandal, brought in over 30 new business accounts, found a new food and market source. He's even made some modifications to your food chain project Ricky.
Ricky: But that's my project how can Ben just come in and change it.
Amy: Ricky calm down. Ben is the C.E.O. now, he has the right to do whatever he wants whether you like it or not. Besides we don't even know if you will even keep your job with the company .
Ricky: Amy you don't understand. That's my idea, and I worked really hard on it.
Leo: Don't worry Ricky, Ben just revised your idea for the fast food chain. It will not only save us money, but possibly reimburse us the money we'll invest in the project. He really knows what he's doing.
Ricky: But the fast food chain was my idea, Ben can't possibly know how important it is to me. I mean what changes did he make? (become angry that Ben would mess with his project)
Leo: Ricky don't get upset, especially not today, and not knowing the state of our positions. But Ben only made some minor adjustments that will ensure that the project doesn't fail and maybe even give it some much needed publicity.
Ricky: Publicity? (confused)
Amy: Ricky calm down it's New Years, let's not talk about work right now and just try to enjoy the day.
Ricky: Fine you're right. I'll go help John he's eyeing both the lighter fluid and the matches, I'd better go help before he burns himself or the mansion. (goes over to John and instructs him how to squeeze the fluid out without over doing it to get the best amount of fluid on the coals in one go.)
Amy: So how have you and Ben really been getting along Leo?
Leo: (looks at her with sadness) Not good. It's like he and I and all our problems are like those charcoals calm at first nothing wrong, but then in a moment I say something or anything and he goes off like someone used a flamethrower on those coals.
Amy: He's the same way with us. I just really don't know why he's so mad at us all the time.
Leo: I do, and so do you Amy. (looks at her with a sad yet honest expression, and his phone rings) Excuse me.
Leo: Hello.
Henry: Mr. Boykevich it's me Henry.
Leo: Yeah, Hank Happy New Year are you, Alice, and Alfie, on your way here?
Henry: No, we're not. We decided that this year we're going to sit out on this year's New Years celebration.
Leo: Really? (feels disappointed that they won't be here) You two have spent every year here since you were ten years old.
Henry: I know, but maybe it's time we start making our own traditions.
Leo: Hank tell me is this about Ben being back, and what he said?
Henry: Mr. Boykevich I'm not going to lie it kind of is. Ben was right we were his friends, and when he needed us the most we both betrayed him in some way. Even after he went missing, we still kept going to your mansion and taking all of your gifts, without him being there Alice and I don't feel that it was right. I'm starting to wonder was it ever really right.
Leo: Hank you and Alice practically grew up here with Ben, I see both of you as my own kids.
Henry: We know that, and we in a way see you as a father. But Ben is your kid, and because of us he no longer see's you as his father.
Leo: Look I know Ben has his problems with us, but that doesn't mean you all have to feel bad about it. What happened is my fault I chose to give all of you that stuff, it's my fault not yours. You shouldn't put yourselves or Alfie down for what I did.
Henry: Mr. Boykevich we know that, but we don't feel bad for what you did. We feel bad for what we did. Ben was our friend, and we took him, and our friendship with him for granted. It just wouldn't feel right being there in the mansion celebrating with you, with things the way they are. Do you understand?
Leo: Yeah, I can. Goodbye Henry and Happy New Year to you, Alice, Alfie, and that new little one I hope you guys have a great year.
Henry: The same to you and your family Mr. Boykevich. (hangs up his cell sadly believing that this was the end of an era)
Leo: (also hangs up his phone with the same feeling) Well you were saying Amy?
Amy: I wasn't saying anything Leo. Was that Henry are he and Alice not coming?
Leo: No their not. They've decided that it might be time for them to start making their own traditions in the New Year.
Amy: Let me guess they feel guilty because they think they wronged Ben in some way.
Leo: That among other things.
Amy: I don't get it. How is it we are letting Ben come in and ruin things for us.
Leo: Ben isn't ruining anything Amy, he's just making us all realize things we didn't want to accept.
Amy: Leo I know you have to say that because Ben is your son, but it's not our fault he feels that way. We made mistakes, but we never meant to hurt him.
Chloe: (steps up behind her after returning from Ethan's for a change and shower) Didn't you?
Amy: What? (turns to look at Chloe)
Chloe: I said didn't you. I mean according to Ben you are the one that left New York claiming to want to clear the air with Ricky only to come back here and try to marry him behind Ben's back. There is no doubt you knew something like that would hurt him, especially after you left the weekend you slept with him for the first time.
Leo: What? (shocked to hear this new information)
Amy: (in shock Ben told her, and even more that Leo now knew her secret) He told you?
Chloe: Yeah, Dad Ben told me that is one of the main reason's he was mad when he came back that day. Amy made him believe that she was in love with him, and that they would try to give their relationship another try. He said deep down he knew that it would fail because he said sex with her was horrible, but it was still hard to believe she wouldn't even tell him to his face she wanted Ricky and not him.
Amy: What do you mean? Ben would never say being with me was horrible.
Chloe: Yes he did. He said that it was awkward, and wrong. He also said surprisingly enough he actually had to think of Adrian in order to finish all three times.
Amy: How dare you.
Chloe: What don't get mad at me, I mean what did you expect. Adrian was his first, and she had way more experience than you ever did. Ben may have had only two other people to compare you too, but let's face it even Ricky stepped out on you because you were probably bad in the sack.
Leo: Chloe, stop that! (Becomes angry at what she was insinuating)
Amy: Well if I were you Chloe I wouldn't try to talk, because you have more experience than any of us, and that includes Adrian.
Leo: Amy! (angry at what she inferred to his daughter's past)
Chloe: Yeah, accept for Ricky. I mean he never stopped even after you two were married, and you got all preggers.
Leo: Amy, Chloe CALM DOWN THIS INSTANT...(begins to cough and had a hard time catching his breath)
Chloe: Daddy, are you alright? (immediately goes to Leo, and begins to help him into a nearby chair)
Amy: (gets Leo a glass of water from a pitcher) Leo, I'm so sorry I never meant to get you worked up.
Leo: (takes a sip and catches his breath as his coughing subsides) Its,... its, alright I'm fine. But this is a New Year, and I would like to spend it not rehashing old fights from the previous. Chloe you and Amy like it or not will be related one day, and I think it's time you all buried the hatchet.
Amy: Leo is right, I don't want to feel this way toward my brother in laws wife so Chloe I apologize for what I said.
Chloe: Daddy I'm sorry (takes a firm stance in front of Leo and Amy sure of her conviction) But the only place Amy, Ricky, or any of them know how to bury a hatchet is in someone else's back. Ben was naive enough to trust them, and so were you. I won't make that mistake. I'll go get mom to check on you.(turns and walks away to get Leo's medication
Amy: I'm sorry Leo maybe we should go.
Leo: No, its alright I am already down by three guest that's no party. I'll talk to Chloe.
Amy: Are you sure she will listen.
Leo: No, but I can try. But Amy?
Amy: (looks at him with a little fear) Yes.
Leo: Was what Chloe said true did you sleep with Ben, the day before you got back to California?
Amy: (looks guilty) Yes, but it wasn't like you think Mr. Boykevich. I did sleep with Ben, but it was only so I could see what it would be like and if we both really felt the same way about each other or if I felt something more for him then I did with Ricky.
Leo: So you were trying to see which one was better in bed.
Amy: No its not like that.
Leo: I don't want to talk about this anymore. Just enjoy yourself. (gets up from the chair and walks into the house as Camille is waiting at the door with a blood pressure apparatus and his nitroglycerin medication)
Ricky: (goes to Amy wondering what happened) What was that all about?
Amy: It seems Ben is being very selective about what secrets he wants to keep and what he wants to tell.
Ricky: What do you mean by that?
Amy: I mean that after that little argument Leo may not be willing to re-hire you this year.
Ricky: (looks at Amy both surprised and saddened) Its okay, maybe its time for a career change any way.
As they were talking Adrian and Omar with Tony pulled up into the drive way. Omar gave a quick scan to see who had all arrived and so far only saw a few cars from some close office employee's and Ricky and Amy's car. Adrian got out and opened the door lifted Toni from his car seat.
Omar: Doesn't look like that many people are here.
Adrian: Or you mean Ben isn't here.
Omar: Is it wrong for me to hope he won't be.
Adrian: Only if you consider that this is his father's home, and the place where both he, and his mother grew up.
Omar: It's also the place he left, and where our family now celebrates many holidays. With a man that we both really care about, who Ben is treating like crap.
Adrian: I know, but what ever problems Ben and Leo are having maybe we can try to help with.
Omar: I think the only problem is Ben, and the faster he leaves the less problems we will have.\
Adrian: What problems are we having?
Omar: I'm not going to answer that, because I don't want another fight. I'll just get Tony and we can go in and say hi to everyone.
Adrian: Fine..(leaves Omar while holding her back as the baby is getting bigger. She see's Amy and goes over as other's begin to arrive)
Adrian: Hey, so how was your New Years Morning. I saw you and Ricky get pretty hot in that kiss for New Years.
Amy: This morning was a bit confusing, but I have to admit last night was fun. (smiles shyly)
Adrian: So does this mean that you and Ricky are back on the mend.
Amy: Maybe I don't know, but I think we are back on the right track. So how was yours and Omar's night.
Adrian: Let's just say if I wasn't already pregnant, I would be this morning considering what we did last night, and this morning.
Amy: It's nice to see you and he have made up since the whole Christmas fiasco.
Adrian: Yeah, it is. (as they are talking Zoe arrives with the guy she met the night before)
Amy: Well I was thinking today was going to be nice, but clearly it's not.
Adrian: Amy let's just ignore her, at least she's here with that guy from last night, and not trying to get her claws into Ben.
Amy: Honestly Adrian why would you care, I mean if Ben wants to be with that bitch let him, its not our problem.
Adrian: Amy Ben is a father now, and I would hate to see him try to turn that skank into a mother to his daughter.
Amy: Adrian if Ben is that stupid then, let him be. It's not like she's your daughter.
Adrian: No, she isn't but Sarah is still Mercey's younger sister.
Amy: (angry that Adrian would bring up her daughter with Ben and their connection) Well it still doesn't make her your problem. Ben obviously isn't that stupid to fall for Zoey, and that's why he left last night. Besides she's here with the guy she was making out with last night. I guess Ben showed Zoey he was a jerk and maybe she wised up.
Adrian: Okay first last night you were mad at her for dancing with Ben, and now you are acting like she was innocent, and Ben was fooling her. What's going on, Amy?
Amy: Nothing, nothing at all. (angry at what Chloe told her Ben said, and even mad at Adrian for what she said as well)
As they were talking many other's began arriving, with their families and children. John was with Ricky and Omar over one of the five grill's being taught the better etiquette of fine grilling, as Jack showed up.
Jack: Hey guys how's John doing on the grill?
Omar: He's doing great he just needs to make sure to keep the sides evenly turned as he grills.
Ricky: No, he just needs to keep them cooking on the sides before he turns them.
Omar: Ricky I have grilled for years, trust me I know what I'm talking about.
Ricky: And I work as vice president in a billion dollar butcher shop business,. Before that I worked in a butcher shop dealing with meat all day so I think I know a lot more about grilling meat than you.
Jack: Well I don't know I've probably been to more tail gates, cookouts, and picnic's than both of you combined, and eaten a lot of meat, so I'll be the judge okay.
Omar: Fine. So Ricky how was your night with Amy, make any head way? (smiling)
Ricky: If you're asking about whether or not we spent the night together I don't kiss and tell.
Jack: Well last night you guys were definitely kissing. So anybody seen Henry or Alice, I was really worried about him, and how much he was drinking last night?
Omar: No, I thought they'd be here by now.
Jack: Well I'll text him to see if he's okay, he can help me judge.
Omar: Yeah, do that.
Jack: Bad news Henry said he and Alice are gonna sit out the cookout this year.
Omar: Why would he do that?
Jack: He said he and Alice want to start making some traditions of their own in the New Year.
Omar: Or he let Sausage Boy make him not want to come, I swear that guy has been nothing but trouble since he got here.
Ricky: Hey maybe Henry just doesn't want to come.
Omar: Yeah right, we all know Ben just made he and Alice uncomfortable, so they decided to stay away. Honestly he even makes me uncomfortable.
Jack: Well maybe you guys should try and stop pretending that he doesn't intimidate you and maybe then you'll feel better.
Ricky: Ben doesn't intimidate me Jack. (get's defensive)
Omar: Or me.
Jack: Yet here you guys are still talking about him behind his back.
John: Dad, how come you guys don't like him? Is he a big jerk or not?
Omar: Yes John he is a jerk.
Jack: No, John he isn't. Ben just makes your Dad, and Omar feel like that because he used to date your mom, and Adrian.
John: I know that, but if he's such a jerk especially considering how he treats Grandpa Leo, how come you're defending him.
Ricky: Yeah, Jack how come you're always defending him? (angry and curious about Jack's reason for defending Ben since he has known him longer)
Jack: Because, I'm not personally involved like they are. Ben never dated Madison, or married her.
John: Really he married one of them which one.
Jack: You never told him Ricky? (looks at him questionably)
Ricky: No, he doesn't need to know, Jack. (looks angrily at him)
Jack: I think he does Ricky.
Omar: Jack it's not important.
Jack: Actually it is.
John: What is? (confused by the entire situation)
Ricky: Nothing John.
Jack: Yes it is something. John Ben married both your mom, and Adrian.
John: What?!
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
So do you think it was right of Jack to tell John that bit of information about Ben marrying both Adrian and Amy?
Do you think Chloe was telling the truth about Ben not liking sex with Amy?
Do you believe that Ben really imagined Amy was Adrian to bring himself to climax?
Why do you think Amy got mad about the entire situation if she doesn't want Ben?
Why do you all think Jack of all the character's is defending Ben instead of siding with Omar and Ricky?
If you liked this chapter please like and or comment. I would like a few answer's to these questions I post by the RAMY VERSE since you speak so adamantly about Ricky/Amy...