Irene slipped into the pew next to Alexander. Lita, Serena, followed her and then Stephan Alexander turned and gave her a bright smile. He laid his hand over hers.

Irene tried to keep her mind on the service, but her thoughts soon wandered. Alexander was so loving every Sunday morning when they sat in church together, but the minute they returned home, he became his normal abusive self. Sometimes as she sat in church with her husband and family surrounding her, she prayed something would touch Alexander's heart. She hoped he would confess all of his cruel treatment of her, truly repent and become the loving, warm husband that she knew he was capable of being.

She turned her head slightly and looked at her husband. Alexander turned his head and gave her a brilliant smile as he squeezed her hand.

Irene turned her attention back to the sermon. Pastor Walker talked animatedly about evil doings, hidden sins. She wondered how Alexander could sit so serenely and every now and then mutter an Amen. Didn't he see himself in the message? Didn't he realize he was hiding his own sin? She sighed deeply as she turned to her Bible page to the scripture from which Pastor Walker was now quoting. She continued through the remainder of the service wrapped in her own dark, brooding thoughts.

"Nice to see you," Alexander greeted several people. Irene did her share of nodding, smiling and hand shaking.

When they reached the exit, Pastor Walker shook Alexander's hand heartily, and then greeted the children. When he got to Irene he gave her a long, hard look, then said, "I will be stopping over Monday evening for a visit with you and your family."

Irene smiled politely, wondering what Alexander was up to now.



"Mom, I'd like you to meet Morrison Baker," Lita said.

Irene looked up from the book she was reading. "Hi, Morrison. Lita tells me you just moved here from California."

"Yes. My father got a promotion and the move was part of the package." He smiled.

Irene observed his golden blond hair and bronzed muscular body. His build was beyond his years compared to the boys that Lita normally dated. "Did she warn you about the cold winters?" she asked.

"Yeah, but I'm looking forward to the snow. All I ever saw was in the movies or TV." He laughed. "I can't wait to build my first snowman."

Irene joined his and Lita's laughter. "So what do you two have planned for this evening?"

"We're going to the movies. Darien and Serena might go with us," Lita answered.

"Good."

"We're gonna go get something to eat."

"Okay," Irene replied.

Irene walked into the living room where Darien and Serena sat on the couch, holding hands.

"Hi, Mom."

"Hi, yourself," she teased. "So, I hear you and Darien are double- dating tonight."

"We thought we'd give Lita a break."

Irene raised her eyebrows in question.

"You know how it is, Mom. It's tough on the first real date."

"It doesn't look to me like Lita's having any trouble."

Serena laughed. "Well he is cute."

Darien playfully poked her in the ribs. "Hey!"

"But not cuter than you," she quickly added.

Irene laughed. "I think I'll read some more."

"What are you going to do tonight, Mom?"

Irene sensed the worry in her daughter's eyes. "I am going to relax for a while, then go back to my writing. I've put it off for far too long."

"What about Alexander?"

"I have no idea what time he and Stephan will be home." She patted her daughter's shoulder. "He's not going to hurt us anymore, Serena."

"I know, but I'll just be glad when he doesn't live with us anymore."

Irene looked at Darien. She sensed his uneasiness. "I'm sure Serena 's told you what's been going on," she said softly.

"I feel bad for you, Mrs. Copeland," he replied awkwardly.

Irene gave him a warm smile. "I'm just grateful you were there for Serena, Darien. And I want you to know that I have always trusted you with my daughter."

Darien's face reddened. "Thank you, Mrs. Copeland."



Irene sat intently writing in a notebook. She jumped when a shadow fell over her notebook. She instantly looked up. Alexander stood smiling down at her. He held a steaming cup of coffee in his hands. "I thought you could use this."

"Thank you." She smiled back at him. "I think my novel is finally coming together."

"What's it about?"

"My life."

"Oh." He pulled up a chair and sat down next to her. "Can I fix you a sandwich or anything?"

"No, thanks." She looked intently at him.

"What?" he asked gently.

She inhaled deeply. "Oh, I was just thinking that it's too bad that we can't get along like this all the time."

"But we can. Just give me one more chance," he pleaded. "I promise to make it up to you."

She eyed him warily. "Why is Pastor Walker paying us a visit tomorrow night?"

He hesitated briefly before answering. "He just wants to see how we're getting along. He hasn't been over in awhile."

"Okay, I was just curious."

"You don't believe me?" He sounded surprised.

"Alexander, I never know what your motives are anymore." She looked down at the steaming cup of coffee. "I wish I could give you what you want, Alexander, but I can't. I'm totally drained."

"I could make you feel better," he said in a husky voice as he winked at her.

"Where's Stephan?" she asked.

"At George Wilbur's house," he answered quickly, taking her question as an acceptance to his proposition. He stood up and reached for her hands.

"What?" she asked.

"We have the whole place to ourselves. We just need to get back on track."

"No, Alexander," she said firmly, but almost apologetically. "We have sex, but no love. Afterwards you go right back to abusing me. I feel used by you."

"Not this time, babe. I've changed."

She shook her head. "I'm sorry. I can't. Not anymore."

His eyes flashed angrily. "You think you're so great, but you're not! Who needs you anyway?" He turned, and then stomped out of the room.