Author's Note: I just want to take this time to thank all of my readers out there in the world (yes, I do check the stats every day). I may not have a lot of attention or reviews on this story, but I'm very thankful to everyone who has been reading this and sticking by my updates and posts. As usual, please leave read and review! I would also love to meet all of the wonderful writers out there too!
Disclaimer: Just read the other chapters to find out.
Ever since the day Sabrina was returned to her mother, Niles had found himself spending a lot more time with the Babcock women. Despite having despised CC since the minute he met her, he actually felt like he was getting along with her just fine now. It seemed as if Sabrina was the one bringing them all together to spend time with each other. On certain days, they would all go out as a family, despite CC's protests sometimes. Sabrina had befriended Niles over time, so on his off days, he and the girls would treat each other to movies, walks in the park, and sometimes going out for dinner. However, just because they were all out having a good time with one another, that didn't mean Niles would have his moments of pranking CC. Even Sabrina was getting in on them too. Sometimes they would get themselves into trouble, or - on the rare occasions - CC would actually go along with it. CC never thought she would spend this much time with Niles, but as the weeks went on, she started to actually appreciate him more. He cared for her daughter just as much as she did, and it was very heart-warming to watch Niles be a better father figure for Sabrina. The fact that he continued to mention that he would always watch out for her made the older woman feel grateful that he was the first to know about her situation with her daughter. At first, she didn't know if she was able to trust him, but as time went on, her trust grew with him, even when he pranked her or shot back quips.
What the small family didn't know was that the paparazzi and tabloids had gotten ahold of their candid moments they had spent together. An anonymous source had tipped the tabloids about Sabrina's family background and had even mentioned that Maxwell Sheffield, her biological father, was not a part of her life despite his knowledge of his fourth child. They wanted to get the whole story on the next newspaper so the article could blow up in the entire nation. Sure enough, it did, and it wasn't long enough where Sabrina caught herself in the middle of a breaking story once again. Bernie had called her in regards to this, and she explained to her agent that things had been hectic ever since she found out who her father was. However, she wasn't complaining, as it seemed like the tabloids were on her and CC's side. She had to show her mother the newspaper just so she could get a laugh out of it. "Mom!" she called out to CC. Sabrina rushed to her mother's room, where CC was sitting at the vanity, putting on the rest of her makeup. "Mom! You have to see today's paper!"
"If it's about the new musicals that just mounted, I'm not interested.." she said as she put on one of her diamond earrings and gazed at her own reflection. "And if it's about Maxwell, I'm really not interested." CC grimaced at the thought of Maxwell consistently getting unnecessary attention from the press when his productions always ended up flopping.
"Well.." Sabrina started. "I mean... it kind of is about him.. but.." she tried to continue, but her mother was quick to respond back.
"Honey, I already told you. I am not interested in hearing anything more about the man who put his sperm inside my body 20 years ago," CC shot back at her daughter as she finished putting on the other earring and began applying the mascara on her eyelashes. The entire time that Sabrina was talking to her, she did not make eye contact with her due to the nature of the situation.
"Mom, I know you're not interested in hearing about him, but what if I were to tell you the headline says 'Deadbeat Father?'" Sabrina asked as CC picked up her makeup brush. When she heard those words, CC's eyes widened in interest and she dropped the brush onto the tabletop of her vanity. "And what if I were also to tell you that the tabloids are actually defending us instead of going against us?"
"Shut up and give me the paper," CC immediately said after she heard those words come out of her daughter's mouth. This was the first time that she ever heard that the tabloids have been ripping Maxwell apart, but have been defending CC. In fact, with the headline that her daughter gave out, she became very intrigued as to what was in the paper. Sabrina handed her mother the newspaper and watched as she looked over the article. "How did anybody else find out about this? You, Niles, and the entire Sheffield household are the only ones who know ab-" CC stopped herself and set the paper down on the vanity table deadpanning.
Sabrina shook her head and sat next to CC on the vanity bench. "It sucks to be working for someone who lives in a house full of yentas, doesn't it?" she grinned and laughed. She wasn't the one who had told the journalists about her story, but she thought that it was amusing to know somebody had done so.
CC wasn't having it though. She had wished that her private life would've been a little bit more private for a while longer. Now that it was out for the entire nation to see, she had given up. "Wipe that smug off your face, or else you can forget about seeing Phantom tonight," she warned Sabrina who then kept her mouth shut.
"Yes, mother," she obeyed. Just as she was about to walk out of her mother's room, she heard her cell phone ring. Sabrina picked it up and answered it. "Hello? Oh, hi Bernie!" she chimed. Whenever CC heard Sabrina talk to her agent, she just rolled her eyes. A part of her had felt jealousy towards the woman who had taken care of her daughter almost her whole life. Knowing how Sabrina was now, CC didn't know if she would end up the person she was today if she had taken care of her herself. If she were to have had her back then, Sabrina would probably have been stuck with a nanny knowing CC's busy schedule. "Yes, she's right here.." Sabrina said as she then put her free hand to the speaker part of her phone. "Bernie wants to talk to us, Mom."
Sabrina put her phone on speaker and allowed CC to move in on the conversation. "Hola, amigas!" Bernie chimed from the other line. "I just saw the article about Sabrina's father, Ms. CC. How tragic! I cannot believe mi hija was a part of his musical. What a waste of time for her!"
CC rolled her eyes. God, how she wanted to shut this woman up in person. Sabrina looked over at her mother knowing that Bernie probably had miscommunicated that to the wrong person. "Remember.. that was my musical too, Bernie. My musical for my hija!" she said defensively, but tried to keep her jealousy streak down, even though it somehow wasn't working.
"Oh dios mio," the Mexican woman muttered on the other line. She also muttered something else in Spanish that was inaudible for both CC and Sabrina to hear. She took a moment to gather her thoughts before she spoke with them again. "Anyways, I was calling you Sabrina, because I've decided that because of today's article, I have booked you and your mama on Good Morning New York scheduled for tomorrow!"
"Whoa, whoa, back up, amiga.." CC said in protest to this event. She took the phone from her daughter and then inquired, "Don't you think you should've talked to us about this before you booked us on the show? Besides, I have my own agent... me!"
"Please, Ms. CC, the story has been spread widely throughout the entire country! The people out there want to know why Maxwell Sheffield deserves to rot in hell!" Bernie pleaded to Sabrina's mother. "Don't you think that this would also give you another opportunity to discuss your family life? From what I've seen in the pictures on page 8, I feel like you both would appreciate the airtime." CC heard that there were pictures on page 8 and she quickly grabbed the paper, flipping to that page. Sure enough, there were candid pictures of Niles, CC, and Sabrina in Central Park having a good time together. CC's jaw dropped at the sight of them. Great, now she probably was going to be asked about her and Niles. "I wonder who the man in the picture is.." Bernie said aloud.
"Oh, that's just Maxwell Sheffield's butler. He's a good friend of ours," Sabrina interjected wanting to cover for her mother from embarrassment. CC sighed in relief and brought an arm around her daughter. She continued to listen in on the conversation.
"You let the butler go out to get ice cream at Central Park with y-" Bernie was about to inquire, but CC was quicker to interject.
"Okay, we get it! No need to continue elaborating about the help! Gracias, Bernie. Adios," CC said nervously as she gripped the phone in her hand. She was about to hang up, before Sabrina snatched the phone from her mother. "Sorry.. I don't know what's gotten into her.." Sabrina apologized on behalf of her mother.
"My guess is no one," the woman on the other line quipped. This caused CC to clench her fists together and crumple up the newspaper in her free hand. Sabrina would've found that funny coming from Niles, but she didn't laugh this time. Bernie sighed before she spoke up again, "Sabrina, I'm telling you: you and your mother would have a perfect opportunity to speak up about your struggles. You cannot seem to pass this up."
Sabrina turned to CC and then looked at her smugly. She really wanted CC to stick up for her at the event and call Maxwell out so badly. "Well go on..." Sabrina motioned to her mother. "Ask your agent if it's okay!"
The older woman huffed and rolled her eyes again. For a moment, she then thought about the possibilities of going on the show. She had an opportunity to get revenge on Maxwell, and if she were to reject this offer, she wouldn't have her chance in the spotlight. Maybe this would've been good for her to get her name out into the country as a solo producer, something she had been wanting to become for years. "You know what? Keep Sabrina and I booked, amiga. I have a little something I want to say to the audience at home," CC said with a smirk.
Sabrina had no idea what was on her mother's mind for what she wanted to say for the next day, but she was definitely looking forward to it. She took her cell phone off speaker and held it to her ear. "Gracias Bernie! I'll be in touch with you soon," she said before she hung up the phone. She had to admit she was a little annoyed with CC's attitude towards her agent. "What's going on with you today? What did Bernie ever do to upset you?"
"She's kissing up to you," CC grumbled and crossed her arms. "Can't you see that? You said it yourself that she cares about your money more than your own well-being.. and it clearly shows by the way she's talking." Sabrina didn't want to believe that, but she knew it was true. Bernie really wanted Sabrina back in the limelight ever since she announced her retirement after opening night. Now with this news out, Bernie would do anything to get her money's worth with Sabrina on the talk show with CC. "Don't you want to enjoy your retirement from show business? It doesn't seem like she wants you to retire anytime soon. Remember, her name is a part of your paycheck, baby. When you're done with show business, so is she."
The girl sighed and lowered her head. Bernie had been there for her through everything, but her mother was right. She needed to move on from her grip on her career, especially now that she was going to be officially retired. But she also couldn't stop thinking about the moments she and Bernie shared throughout her life.. even before she was famous. Sure, she wasn't as there for her as she was during her career, but she enjoyed them to an extent. "I don't know.. Bernie's kind of like family to me," Sabrina muttered.
"She's not family to you, and she never will be," CC said reminding her as she grabbed the newspaper that was sitting atop the vanity. "Do you want to see what a real family looks like?" She turned to the page where the pictures of her, Niles, and Sabrina were featured. Seeing the emotions and expressions in those photos made Sabrina look at her perspective of family differently. She only saw CC as family for the past year, but now that Niles was included in their little bunch, she actually felt like she had two parental figures in her life, despite her biological father not being in her life. "I don't know about you, but I've never seen a happier family before.. although it is quite the odd grouping.. seeing as it consists of a queen, a princess, and a domestic."
Sabrina nudged her mother playfully and chuckled along with her joke. Yes, Niles was still in a lower class than them, but despite his monetary status, she began to love him equally like CC. She smiled basking in the moments shared in those pictures that were taken. "You're right. I haven't seen you or me happy in a long time... especially like this," she said pondering at some of the shots. She looked over at a specific picture with Niles and CC gazing at each other which made her heart warm. She knew her mother wasn't fond of him in that way, but now she really wished she was. "You look so happy with Niles here."
CC took a second glance at the picture her daughter was referring to and narrowed her eyes. She noticed the gaze that they gave each other and almost wanted to rip the page out of the paper and discard the memory for good. But for her daughter's sake, she wasn't able to bring herself to do that. However, she looked over the picture again and noticed how... loving... their gazes were. She couldn't help but blush and cover one of her cheeks. Oh God.. she had never thought about Niles this way before.. now here she was. "I do.. don't I?" she replied back to her daughter. "Damn servant and his stupid smug lopsided grin that's so attr-" CC stopped herself before she could go on.
Even though CC did stop herself from exposing herself in front of Sabrina, her daughter still noticed her reactions to Niles. Sabrina grinned wider hearing her mother's subtle confession, even though it wasn't necessarily out in the open. "Please spare me and don't tell me you were going to say atrocious, because that is a flat out lie," she pointed out to her mother who huffed in defeat. "Mom..? You... you actually like Niles, don't you?" Sabrina inquired after a moment of silence. Seeing as CC didn't respond to her question, her eyes widened in glee. "Oh my God, you do!"
"No I don't!" CC snapped back at her daughter, who immediately widened her eyes in fear. She then realized her reaction was a bit harsh and she looked away from Sabrina composing herself once again. "Just because we and Niles have spent time with each other as a family doesn't mean I like him like that."
"But look at how genuinely happy you are to be with him here," Sabrina said pointing out the picture once again. She wanted CC to understand her point of view and for her to understand that they were meant to be together. "He's happy to be with us, and he's like a father to me! A real father."
CC chuckled at her daughter's curiosity in their relationship. She knew how she felt about Niles, and just because she was spending more time with him didn't mean she despised him to no avail. Although in this moment, she did feel somewhat in denial. "Honey, I told you already. Niles doesn't mean anything to me! Besides, he's not into me at all. A HIPAA violating pharmacist was more into me than him!"
"Well.." Sabrina pondered her thoughts. She knew the quip from Bernie earlier wasn't as funny coming from her, but she couldn't help but say it again. "Niles is not into you yet.." she said trying to hide her smug grin from her mother. CC shook her head and reached over for the nearest pillow. Once she grabbed it, Sabrina screamed and ran out of the room laughing. "Come back here, you little shit!" the older woman shouted following her daughter outside of her room. It was moments like these where CC really needed the pick me up. Even though her daughter was a pain in the ass sometimes, CC loved the way she would joke around with her and make her laugh. The two spent the rest of the day together helping each other prepare for their big interview tomorrow. CC knew Sabrina didn't do well under pressure in those situations. However, Sabrina knew that she would be just fine since her mother was a part of the interview as well.
The next day finally had come for them, and CC had to admit for herself that she was a bit nervous. The last time she had gotten herself into an interview on a talk show was with Maxwell about the union strike, but in that situation, she had been kicked off the stage because of Fran. This time around, she didn't have Maxwell and his family accompanying them, so she didn't have to worry about being booted off of her own interview. Now this moment was about her and Sabrina, and she was going to make it count, despite not wanting to even be in this situation. There was something that CC did plan on revealing to the public and the talk show hosts though, and she did manage to keep that a secret from Sabrina for the past 24 hours. She found that it was her own way on getting revenge on Maxwell for what he did to her and her daughter. She thought it was going to be quite sweet, and she had to remember to thank the anonymous tipper for the article as well.
CC and Sabrina had taken their seats already and watched as the crowd started to come in and join for the taping of the show. They had to wake up extremely early for their hair and makeup appointment before they headed to the studio, so it was safe to say that Sabrina was nearly falling asleep on the chair. She felt her eyes slowly start to droop up until she felt her mother flick her fingers on her arm to wake her up. Her nails ended up piercing her daughter's skin. "Ow! What was that for?" she asked opening her eyes and rubbing her arm.
"The cameras are going to start rolling in a couple of minutes. You need to compose yourself," CC whispered to Sabrina who looked over at her nervously. She reached over to grab her daughter's hand gently. "Remember if you get stuck on a question, just look over at me, and I'll finish what you started, okay?" Sabrina sighed heavily and then nodded her head. They both smiled softly at each other knowing that they were safe. "I love you. You're going to do great," CC reassured her as the cameras started to roll.
"In 5... 4... 3... 2... 1! Action!" The camera man called out. The audience then erupted into applause seeing the hostess of Good Morning New York come out into the studio starting to greet everybody. CC and Sabrina were also clapping for the hostess who came out with some cards. She had taken her seat after a good few minutes of rolling the greeting segment of the show.
"Welcome back, New York City! We will get back with all of you regarding our traffic and weather segment, but first, we want to move onto entertainment. We have a surprising and breaking story from an anonymous tipper who had claimed that nationwide pop sensation and newly turned Broadway star, Sabrina Taylor, has found out who her biological parents are. After being in the dark for 19 years, she had finally made a shocking revelation after recognizing a picture on her locket to look exactly like her birth mother. What's even more shocking about this story is that both of her biological parents are none other than Maxwell Sheffield and CC Babcock, both infamous producers for their known musicals at the 49th Street Theatre. To give us the full story is none other than Sabrina Taylor and her mother, CC Babcock," the hostess said as the crowd applauded them. Sabrina and CC greeted everyone in the audience throughout the next few seconds before the audience quieted down. "So Sabrina, tell us how this all happened. Right from the beginning!"
"Well.." Sabrina started off clasping her hands together. "I grew up in foster care my entire life, and I was forced to move around different homes for nine long years until one particular family decided to keep me around for the remainder of my childhood. They were actually a good family, so it was hard for me to let go of them.. in fact, one of the caretakers became my agent when I started to work in Hollywood. She's been great to me ever since."
CC really wanted to roll her eyes in that moment, but since she was being filmed, she was forced to act like nothing was going on. That woman never did her daughter any good, and she didn't want Sabrina to continue buttering her up for no reason.
"Throughout my life, it was always a dream of mine to find my birth mother, seeing as I had no knowledge of who my father was," Sabrina continued before she pulled out her locket. "I wore this locket every single day just in case I was to run into my mother, so every time I found some tall beautiful blonde woman, I would have a literal panic attack!" Sabrina giggled which made the audience giggle as well. "Well sure enough, I was called down to Broadway where I met Mr. Sheffield and my mother, and I feel like right from the get go, I knew she was my mom. Like... we had instantly formed a connection. I've only known my birth mother for over a year now, but I feel like I've known her my entire life."
"And how do you feel right now being with your mother?" the hostess of the show asked her.
Sabrina looked over at CC, and they both smiled at each other. She reached over to grasp her mother's hand tightly. "It's amazing. My mom is my best friend.. she's been there for me with everything that I've done, whether it involved the show or not."
"What about you, CC? How do you feel now that your daughter's back in your life?"
"Honestly, I think Sabrina took the words right out of my mouth. It's amazing... but so indescribable," CC started out. "I thought I had given up on my search to find her after all of the years that had passed by, but when Maxwell convinced me to hire her for the musical, something just felt right. At first I was opposed to the idea after our first leading lady had gotten a better offer, but seeing my daughter up there onstage performing just made me think... wow, that was the best casting idea we came up with! And of course.. I'm proud of my baby. She's worked so hard to get to where she is now." Sabrina looked over at CC and mouthed 'I love you' over to her.
After a moment of applause from the audience, the hostess finally mustered up to ask the next question. "Well, I think it's sweet that you two have such a great bond with one another, but Sabrina I do want to ask you about the main reason you're on today: your father. What makes him such a deadbeat? He's already got three other children."
"That was something that just didn't make sense to me. He cared for his other three children, so I couldn't see why he wouldn't accept his fourth child into his life. I had to admit, I was a little heartbroken when he said that to my mother's face. It's just... such a shame, you know?" The hostess nodded her head in understanding. "But I've moved past that part in my life. I know someone... kind of like a father figure... who is willing to always be there for me. I don't need my biological father in my life if he's not going to be accepting."
CC then added, "In all honesty, it was kind of my fault at first, because he was unaware of the fact that I did have his child. However, I still feel like he should've taken up his responsibility once I did tell him. It just... it really hurt to see her in so much pain after the confrontation we had.." CC moved to get a tissue from her pocket and dabbed her eyes. Sabrina moved a hand to CC's back and rubbed it to console her. "I just wanted my baby to see that she had two loving parents, but things just.. didn't go that way."
The hostess nodded her head and then said, "Of course. Again, I am so sorry about the outcome to this, but it looks like the two of you are better off without him in your lives. Now I do understand that you have something you wanted to announce to the public, CC?"
CC motioned for the cameras to all face her as she let out a grin. "I do, thank you. Firstly, I do have to thank the anonymous tipper of this story. Without them, I wouldn't be out here crushing that British dimwit's soul. Whoever you are out there.. I owe you one. Second, I just wanted to let everyone know that this is my formal resignation from Maxwell Sheffield Productions, as I will finally cut ties with him, his family, and our business. As a result of this, I will be starting up my own business to where my retired daughter and my um... friend... will be a part of the creative process. Anyways... Maxwell Sheffield, screw you and good luck with that floozy tramp of yours." The audience started to cheer and clap, but the cameras had quickly cut and gone to commercial break as CC's words were a bit too derogatory for TV. She was hoping that nothing would be edited after that live session.
Sabrina's jaw dropped at her words and she turned to CC whispering, "What was that all about?"
"Honey, he's probably watching this at home. I regret absolutely nothing. Now smile and wave to the people at home," she replied as she and Sabrina continued to smile and wave at the audience who were still praising them for being brave and strong for their appearance on the talk show.
About a couple of hours later, both CC and Sabrina decided to head to the Sheffield house so CC could drop off her formal letter of resignation, since she felt that Maxwell needed that in writing. Luckily, Fran and the children had gone out for the day, so it was just Maxwell and Niles at the house. Since they all had watched the Good Morning New York show, everything in the house had been quiet. None of the children wanted to speak to Maxwell, and Niles had gone days without speaking to the family in general. He saw how confident both of his girls were on TV, and he couldn't be more proud of them, especially CC. Niles knew that the older blonde had gone through hell and back being a single mother, and it showed on certain days where he would stick around with them. When he noticed both Babcock women enter the house, he beamed up at them. "Afternoon, ladies," he greeted them.
Sabrina smiled over at Niles as CC walked over to where Maxwell was standing holding a manila envelope. "Hello hello!" she chimed, just like her mother. "What did you think of the show? Did we nail it or what?"
"Oh right in his poor little cold heart," Niles confirmed which made Sabrina grin in delight. They both snickered to themselves quietly before Niles moved in to speak quietly to the girl. "Don't you want to thank that anonymous tipper of the story? I'm sure they would be greatly appreciative of everything that just happened."
"I wish I could thank them. You should've seen how carefree and calm Mom was," Sabrina said to him. "I really do wish I knew who the anonymous tipper was, because what they did for my mom really h.." Sabrina stopped to look up at Niles, who had a smug grin on his face. She tried to put two and two together and realized that it was Niles who had submitted the story to the journalists. Surely, Nanny Fine or Maxwell's children wouldn't have done so. He was the biggest yenta in the house, so that much was obvious. "Oh my God... that was y-" Sabrina asked aloud, but Niles had covered her mouth in time so the other two adults in the room couldn't hear.
"Shhhhh," the butler warned the girl. "Yes, I did submit the story, but you must be subtle and quiet about it. I want your mother to be surprised when she finds out. In fact.. I plan on telling Mr. Sheffield right now." Niles seemed pretty excited about exposing himself in front of his boss, which confused Sabrina.
"Wouldn't you be losing your job when you tell him?" she asked with concern. Sure, she was very grateful for Niles always being on their side with this, but she also cared about his own well-being.
"I would, but I don't really care. I need to move on from this bloody house anyways. I've spent so many years of my life busting my arse for over 12 hour days in this house and not having a moment to enjoy myself," he started out. "All I want is a future.. a true home.. a family. I'm not receiving that here, because there's no opportunity for me to achieve those goals." Niles sighed and Sabrina tried to console him. "Whenever I was with you and Miss Babcock, I felt like I was a part of your family.. and more so accepted as well."
Sabrina smiled and said, "You've always been a part of my family.. I don't care what my mother thinks." She then thought about the consequences that Niles would have to face himself and frowned. "Although I am kind of sad for you. You've known Mr. Sheffield your whole life, and you'd be abandoning your closest friend."
"Well after the stunt he pulled with Miss Fine, it's safe to say that I can no longer think of him the same way. I've realized how much I've been blinded by this household for years, and now I want to make a breakthrough for myself," Niles said confidently. He then looked back at Sabrina and said, "Now would you do your old man a favor and help me pack my bags upstairs? I want to be ready to dash out the door once he fires me."
"Sure, pal," Sabrina whispered with a chuckle and dashed up the stairs to find Niles' room. She couldn't wait to hear about how Niles would go about getting himself fired. She also thought about how he was the one who anonymously tipped the tabloids. Sabrina wondered if he was doing this all to impress her mother or if he was doing this for his own well-being and to not feel trapped in the enclosed household he was living in.
After a moment of discussing the resignation with CC, Maxwell and her turned to the front door so she would be able to leave. "I hope you're happy with this, CC. I hope you and our daughter have a jolly good time after embarrassing me in public on television and through all of the newspapers in the country!" Maxwell angrily shot at his former business partner.
CC didn't care that he was angry with her. In fact, she had absolutely no regrets about the things that were written in the paper or said on television. Of course, she wasn't responsible for any of the damage that was caused in the headlines and tabloids, and at this point, she really wanted to know who was the one that sent in this story. "First of all, she's not your daughter any longer, so stop using that pronoun around my baby and any mention of her. Second of all, I appreciate the flattery, Maxwell, but if you must know, I wasn't the one who was responsible for the tabloids in the first place. In fact, it kind of came off as a surprise to me!"
"Well if it wasn't you who wrote the story, then who was it!?" Maxwell asked her demanding to know who came up with submitting that to the tabloids. Niles smirked watching the two producers argue and wanted to see if they would get the hint. Seeing as they didn't end up taking Niles' presence in the room into mind, he had to step out and tell them himself.
"Greetings," Niles saluted to Maxwell and CC, who had turned around to face him. At first they still didn't understand what he had meant with his impromptu salute, but then he finally clarified. He had to admit, he was getting quite annoyed with having to repeat himself once again. "Oh come on! I'm the one who tipped the bloody tabloids!"
"YOU!?" Both Maxwell and CC asked in their own tones of voices simultaneously. Maxwell was very irate knowing that his butler would betray him like this, but CC felt the complete opposite. She had no idea that Niles would go up to bat for her in a way like this. She had thought Niles hated her enough to push their partnership back together and make her suffer the torture she dreaded. However, the kind gesture of exposing her daughter's biological father really had gotten to her. She saw it as more than a favor, and she needed to figure out a way to repay the butler. In order to hide her true reaction, she stayed deadpanned and silent.
"I can't believe you, Niles," Maxwell spat at his butler. "How could you do something so horrid and disgraceful as betraying me like this!? Do you know how much hatred I am receiving and how many phone calls have been coming in!? Backers are taking their money elsewhere! My children don't want to speak to me anymore!" He was actually quite hurt by the gesture that his longtime butler and friend had pulled on him.
"And I can't believe you, sir. I thought you were a better person and father, but clearly, you don't want to love and cherish another child that's supposed to be yours. Poor Sabrina has no father in her life, and only if you had the decency to care about her, maybe I wouldn't have made your reputation fall apart," Niles retorted defensively. In the background of the two men fighting, CC covered her mouth in shock watching Niles defend her daughter. She was actually quite concerned for what his fate was going to be in this moment. Was Maxwell on the edge enough to do something dire to his butler?
"Niles.." CC tried to stop him from going any further. She couldn't possibly let him become thrown out into the streets after this confrontation.
"Not now, Miss Babcock," Niles retorted respectfully towards her before turning his attention back to Maxwell. "You did this to yourself, Mr. Sheffield. If only you have been much kinder to Miss Sabrina, none of this would have happened!"
Maxwell couldn't take any more of this nonsense. He couldn't take any more of his butler betraying him. He knew from that point on, he had enough of his antics. "Fine! You know what? Why don't you see yourself out the door immediately? Because this time I mean it, old man. You're fired!" he shouted which caused CC to gasp in fear. What was Niles going to do? Where was he going to go? Surely she couldn't allow him to be stuck out there homeless with nowhere to go.
"Good!" Niles shouted back at him before he went over to the edge of the stairwell in the foyer. "Are my bags packed?" he asked. Just as he said that, Sabrina came down with two large suitcases filled with all of Niles' belongings. She was waiting for the signal from Maxwell to indicate that Niles was more than ready to leave the vicinity.
"Just about done!" the girl chimed as she and Niles smiled widely. She handed the bags over to Niles and then looked over at Maxwell who was probably in his biggest state of shock since he found out about Sabrina. He didn't think this whole scene was planned whatsoever. "Ready to bust out of here?" Sabrina asked the now former butler. Niles nodded his head and then headed towards the front door with his belongings. However, the two couldn't get away so quickly as they heard CC call out to them.
"Excuse me!" CC shouted which caused both Niles and Sabrina to turn around and face her. She had her arms crossed and stared them down as if they were in trouble. "How dare you leave me here and not take me with you!" They both sighed in relief hearing that. Sabrina rushed to grab her mother's hand as they all made a mad dash for the front door. Neither of them left the house without any regrets of the past events that had just happened. Niles was ready to move on from his life as a butler and was ready to start anew with CC and Sabrina. As for the Babcock women, they finally would be ready to have a real family of their own. All of the ties were cut with the Sheffield's and the house itself. It was something CC never found herself doing, but in that moment, she felt so free and relieved.
About a few minutes later, they all arrived back at CC's penthouse excitedly. It took Niles quite a bit to get himself settled in, especially since CC insisted on him sleeping either on the couch or the floor beside Chester. He obviously knew there wasn't going to be anywhere else to settle in, seeing as CC and Sabrina pretty much occupied the penthouse. He couldn't remember the last time he had been here... or if he had even stepped foot in CC's home before, but he had to admit, this was nice and cozy. When they had gotten back, Niles cooked dinner for all of them and they had some deep and meaningful conversations with one another. It gave them all a chance to get to know each other better since they were now unofficially a family. After a few hours, Sabrina had told Niles and CC that she would be heading over to Dominic's place for the evening. She didn't forget her curfew, of course, and said she would be back in a couple of hours. Once Sabrina had left the penthouse, Niles and CC both got themselves ready to retire for the night, but they still didn't want to leave each other's presences.
After CC had dressed herself in one of her long satin nightgowns, she walked out of her room and spotted the former butler reading one of his books on her couch. She couldn't help but gaze at him from afar. The man she had claimed to despise for years had been her hero this whole time. She still couldn't wrap that around her head: Niles came to her and Sabrina's rescue when they needed it the most. Now that she was in a more safer space with him around, she felt like she could trust him with her whole life. "What do you got there, Flabio?" she teased with a chuckle.
Niles heard the woman's voice and perked up from his book. His focus immediately went to what CC was wearing. That nightgown had to be one of the sexiest things that woman had ever managed to wear. He closed his book and decided to pay all of his attention to her. "Oh it's... something I used to read back in Oxford.." he stammered still gazing at CC's sleepwear.
"What's the matter? Cat got your tongue?" CC let out a sultry chuckle as she walked over to sit next to him. She found herself becoming more drawn to Niles, which she thought would've never happened in a million years. Her own attraction to him began a couple of years ago when they shared their drunken passionate kiss in the living room, but it grew from there when he promised to take care of her daughter. Now since he had tipped the tabloids, her attraction for him only grew more. Niles couldn't respond, so she continued on her small talk. "You know I never thanked you... for everything that you did for me and Sabrina.. not just for today."
The former butler smiled softly at her. He felt like he was in the right place at the right time. After so many weeks of being a part of their small family, they became his top priority. Niles felt like he was able to finally move on with his own life and start fresh. "No need to thank me, Babs," he started out before he reached over for her hand grasping it softly. "When I said that I cared very greatly and deeply about you and your daughter, I meant it."
CC could almost feel tears well up in her eyes. She found herself falling for this man... this servant... but she couldn't bring herself to stop or care. When he reached for her hand, she could feel the electrifying touch between them surge through her body. She noticed that he was afraid that she would be repulsed by his touch and pull away, but CC didn't move. She reassured him with her eyes that she wasn't going anywhere. "You're getting too sentimental for my taste, butler boy," the woman responded.
"And that's supposed to be a bad thing?" Niles asked her bringing her hand to his lips kissing it softly. He watched as CC gazed at his motions as she felt her heart race. What was happening to them? How and where would all of this innocent flirting lead to? "You both have become my biggest staples in my life. I've always lived to serve others.. now the only people I ever want to serve is you and your daughter."
CC shook her head and grinned widely amused at his words. This was getting to be almost too much for her. She wasn't used to this kind of affection from any man before, and it was really hitting her hard. "I still can't believe you allowed the tabloids to publish that story," she let out a soft laugh just thinking about the trouble he had to go through. After a moment, she found herself gazing into his eyes again. She swallowed nervously and bit her bottom lip. "You put your job on the line... for me..." her free hand reached out to cup his cheek gently. "You didn't have to do that, Niles.."
"Yes, I did. Who was going to step up and help you when you needed it most?" Niles inquired watching CC blush softly. He was lost in his own trance just by looking at her. Oh how he wished she knew the things she did to him. "Believe it or not, Miss Babcock, I've always cared about you.. even if it meant losing the only job I ever knew how to do. You know all of those nasty jabs and insults I've said about you over the years? I never meant a word of them. I do hope you know that."
"In a way, I think I do believe you," the blonde chuckled before she moved closer to him, her grin only widening more. "But... I may need some more convincing in order for me to fully believe you.." she spoke in a softer tone. Her free hand now was running through his hair wanting to be touched by him.
Niles found this opportunity to wrap his arms around the blonde woman's waist. He had dreamt about this moment and more with her, and now that it was finally happening, he tried his best to convince himself that he surely wasn't dreaming. "Oh dear.. well what can I do for that?" he asked with a low chuckle that immediately made CC swallow and giggle, moving closer to his embrace.
"I think I can help you with that," she whispered as they both cupped each other's cheeks, bringing them in for a tender and soft kiss. Once their lips met, it was almost as if the world around them stopped. Now their main focus was each other and the way they tasted. Soon enough, their tender and loving kisses soon turned heated and passionate. CC found herself wrapping her arms around his neck pulling herself closer to his embrace and Niles gripped onto her waist needing more of her touch. However, once the kiss was beginning to really heat up, they both pulled away after hearing a muffled cheer coming from the closet by the front door. CC sighed heavily knowing her daughter was watching them this whole time. "Good God, she takes after you in the yenta department.." she groaned. Niles could only respond with a deep chuckle before bringing CC in for another passionate kiss, this time their tongues finally danced with one another.
Seeing this as an opportunity to leave, Sabrina smirked as she slowly made her way out of the closet. Noticing just how dangerously close the two were getting, she grinned eagerly and then asked out loud, "Mom, can I spend the night at Dominic's?" She knew CC would normally answer no to her question considering that it was past her curfew and CC wouldn't have allowed her to spend the night with her boyfriend, afraid she may get intimate with him. However, because of her being too entranced with kissing Niles, she could only let out a soft moan as a response. "Okay, I'll take that as a yes!" Sabrina chimed excitedly. She watched as Niles moved one of his hands from CC's waist to behind his back letting Sabrina high five him. She giggled and then made her way out of the penthouse for good, leaving her mother and Niles very acquainted with one another.
"She is so getting laid," she said to herself with a laugh.