Brad growled, "Janet, will you stop moping around the window? Ken will be home from school soon, and you'll just make him think you're sad."

Janet gave her husband a pleading look, "I am sad, Bradley.."

Brad whipped his glasses off, "Bradley?! Listen, Janet! If you start acting like I'm the one in trouble here, I swear I'm out the door. I'm sick of dreaming about what you and Frank did that night! What you did yesterday only makes me more worried about my own sanity! I've tried! I've tried to forget, and I've tried being nice! I look in the eyes of my son, the dark green eyes, and I know he's not mine, Jan! But I love him as my own, and I try to love you.. I force the thoughts out of my head.. And now.. You've proven that you'll always see me as second best.."

Janet said distantly, "I've thought about what you did with him.. A bit more taboo, I'd say.."

Brad looked at the back of Janet's head in disbelief, "There's a difference! I have no desire to be with Frank again! I swear it, Jan, I was in love with you!"

Janet turned to face him, "Was..? Past tense.."

Brad just gave her a sad look, finally turning away, "Wise up, Janet Weiss."

Janet was about to comment when the door opened. Ken stood with his back pack on one shoulder. Brad gave him a small smile. His short, mousy brown hair gleamed in the light from outdoors. He had dimples, and he looked sweet when he grinned back at his 'father'. He wore a kind of half- smile, and Brad knew where he got that from, too.

Ken said excitedly, "Daddy! I found a caterpillar on the way home! Come see!"

Brad feigned interest, "Cool! Let's go!"

Just as Ken was closing the door behind Brad, he barely noticed his mother by the window, sulking. He said quickly, with little enthusiasm, "Oh. Hiya, Mom."

Janet waved tiredly as the door closed. Janet rose as the phone rang, and answered it in a detached monotone, "Hello?"

A high-pitched voice said back, "Hello, Janet! How'd ya like the party last night?"

Janet was startled a moment, and then she remembered: Columbia had left before her advances on Frank.. Janet felt guilty: She had no idea. She finally answered, "Delightful.. Just great."

Columbia took no notice of her saddened tones. It occurred to Janet that Columbia seemed a bit over-excited. Col said quickly, "I think Frank and Fay would want you and Brad to know.. The three of us are at the hospital! She's having the baby! Well.. She's not in labor just yet, but she's close."

Janet's eyes widened, "Wow! That's some anniversary present.. I'll tell Brad.. I guess we'll see if we can swing by."

Columbia cheered, "Great! I'm positive they'll be glad for the support! Bye, Jan!"

"Buh-bye."

Janet listened to the click of the receiver and put her own end of the line down. She sighed. She didn't want to lie to Columbia, but she knew well enough that they would not be stopping by.. At least she wouldn't be.. She did plan on telling Brad when he returned from his walk with Ken..- A thought struck her: Fay is in the hospital. Brad is on a walk with Ken.. Fay is in a hospital bed.. Immobile. Columbia has no clue.. And Feral Hane.. Can't get up from her bed.

Janet shook the idea from her head. "No way, Jan.. They're happily married.. About to have a child.." Her mind wandered to Frank's adoring eyes, cast upon his wife the night before. She thought of how he must look at that very second, his face lined with worry, concern, and unconditional love.. She imagined him smiling at her, and saying.. "Is it very painful, my love? It's not too bad, I hope..?"

Janet was convinced. She wasted no time in snatching up her car keys.