~Chapter Three~

Test of Strength Test of Faith

"Chris, Chris you want to play with Kitty?" Piper was nudging her brother early the next morning holding her new pet in her arms.

"Oh Piper please go away for now," Chris cried out barely above a whisper.

"We just want to play Chris," Cat joined in climbing on her brother at the same time and beginning to jump.

"Dad," Chris cried out just as Gage lifted Cat off him.

"Ladies I think your Mom has breakfast going and needs some help making muffins," Gage told them shooing them from the room Kitty and all.

"Dad why would anyone ever want to drink," Chris lamented out loud to his father.

"Chris it is like everything else it can be all right if you don't over due it. Or as in your case you aren't too young to know what you are doing," Gage was laughing as he explained to him.

"I do know the best remedy in the world though for what ails you," Gage said as his son tried to focus in on him.

"Anything Dad just so I feel better," Chris moaned out.

"Then the best thing to do is to work it off," Gage exclaimed pulling back the blankets and reaching to pull up the blind. "I figure by the time we have the garage cleared out you'll never know you drank too much."

"The garage?" Chris moaned out the question. "You can't mean it?"

"Oh yeah I mean it. Mom is planning a big supper tonight and you want to be in shape to eat it don't you?" Gage asked not giving Chris a chance to answer. "She's making all your favourites even strawberry shortcake."

Gage smiled watching the pale face that came over Chris. "I guess for now water would be good."

"Yeah just a little water Dad," Chris agreed sitting up and looking for his clothes.

"I'll see you in a few minutes then," Gage smiled again. "Mom is making eggs and I don't want to miss them."

Chris held his hand over his mouth mumbling to his father at the same time, "I'll see you in a few minutes."

Sydney was just setting Gage's plate on the table when he came in the kitchen. "Looks good Honey," he told her leaning down and giving her a kiss.

"Where's Chris?" Piper asked looking up from her breakfast knowing Chris had got himself in big trouble she just wasn't sure what that was.

"He'll be here shortly we're cleaning out the garage today," Gage informed them.

"Can we help Daddy?" Cat cried excitement lighting her eyes.

"Afraid not this time Puss this is a project for Chris and I," her father informed her smiling at his wife as she took her place at the table.

She had just sat down when the phone rang setting down her fork she started to get up only to be stopped by Gage. "Sit Syd I'll get it," he told her standing and reaching for the receiver.

"Hello… Walker," Syd looked up hearing their boss' name. "Sure we'll be here all day… okay see you later," Gage said before hanging up.

"Walker's coming over?" Syd questioned.

"Yeah and Alex," he slipped in.

"And what do they want?" Syd asked.

"Do they need a reason to drop by?" Gage answered with a question watching Syd's face.

"They never used to," Syd replied watching Gage walk to her end of the table coming to stand behind her and wrap his arms around her neck.

"Honey it will be fine," he whispered kissing her neck.

"You are the eternal optimist Gage and your breakfast is getting cold," she teased turning to catch his lips for a quick kiss just before Chris came in.

"Morning Chris," Syd greeted him.

"Hi Mom, I think I'll wait for you outside Dad," Chris said hurrying through the kitchen Buddy on his heels.

Gage broke into a fit of laughter at his son's expense. "Francis," Syd scolded trying to hold in her own laugh.

Later…

"Hey Chris you want to give me a hand moving this," Gage called watching Chris pull himself to his feet once again.

"You guys ready for some refreshments?" Syd asked offering Chris a bottle of water.

"Oh thank you Mom," Chris cried taking the bottle from her and heading out under the tree at the back of the yard.

"You aren't being a little hard on him are you?" Syd asked watching as Chris flopped to the ground.

"He's fine Syd," Gage laughed seeing the worry on her face. "Promise I won't work him to death."

"I know Gage it's just…"

"He's your little boy?" Gage asked stepping back to miss the punch he was expecting her to throw at him. Instead she stopped in her tracks watching Walker's rig pulling into their driveway.

Stepping forward Gage took Syd's hand in his and they walked towards their friends. Danny was all ready out of the truck shouting his hellos, "Where are the kids?" he was asking.

"Piper and Cat are around somewhere," Gage replied and Chris is under the tree in back taking a break from helping clean the garage."

"Thanks," Danny answered taking off in search of everyone.

"Your garage Gage isn't that inhumane punishment for anyone?" Walker asked walking to where they stood.

"That's what Syd thought too but I think we are doing great here," Gage retorted.

"I can see that," Walker agreed looking at the junk that had been removed from the garage and was now sitting in the driveway.

Alex and Sydney stood looking after their husbands both knowing they were giving them a chance to talk and reconcile their differences. "Got lemonade in the house care for some?" Syd finally asked.

"Yeah thanks," Alex replied following Sydney inside.

The two women remained silent until Syd finished pouring the lemonade and handed one to Alex. "Sydney I owe you an apology," Alex began as she stood facing her friend.

"Alex I wasn't really at my best yesterday either," Sydney answered.

"But that still wasn't any reason why I wasn't there when you needed me," Alex paused staring at the glass she held in her hand.

"Alex…"

"No Sydney hear me out. Since I've known you, you have been there standing by me for every event in my life. You were there when I got married, when my father was killed, Gage almost lost his own life saving mine and yet you both rallied round me. You could have lost Cat in the process…"

"Alex," Syd tried again as Alex reached for her hand.

"I'm just trying to say you have been there for me through it all. We share everything, we probably know more intimate facts about each other's husbands then they would like known…" both smiled at the remark.

"Sydney you are my closet friend and for me to forget that and doubt you, to doubt Chris just because I was wrapped up in my own affairs… I'm just so sorry can you ever forgive me?"

"Can I get a word in here now?" Sydney asked. "I know I tend to go a little overboard when Gage and the kids are concerned but I got to tell you Alex this hurt, it felt like the last straw. You know it's not been an easy week for Chris and even though we don't blame Angela… I just didn't feel right going to you over it …"

"Oh Honey I never want you to feel that way," Alex cut in. "But then how else would you feel after yesterday."

"Alex don't say that."

"Sydney honestly I don't know what came over me. Once I had time to think things out I knew how wrong I was. I guess I just didn't want David to be in the wrong either."

Sydney put her arms around Alex and drew her into a hug. "It's all right Alex."

They stood that way a few minutes more both putting their differences behind them.

~~~~~

Once the girls had disappeared inside Walker asked how Chris was. "Remember your first big drunk?" Gage retorted a smile spreading across his face as Walker shook his head smiling too. "Nothing much has changed."

"Where did the beer come from?" Walker asked. "David and his friends?"

"The friends," Gage replied.

"That's what I figured but that doesn't mean David wasn't in on it," Walker agreed. "They got caught and needed a scapegoat."

Gage nodded his head figuring Walker to probably be right.

"Chris is still coming to the dance the HOPE center is sponsoring on Friday night isn't he?" Walker questioned an idea all ready formulating in his mind.

"That is still under debate," Gage answered.

"Convince your wife, I think with just the right amount of rope Angela's new friends might just hang themselves."

Same Time At The Walker Ranch

Angela looked up from her where she was writing a paper on her computer hearing a car pull into the driveway. She glanced at her clock knowing it was too early for her mom, dad and brother to be returning from Chris'. Standing up she walked to the window to see Jenna Preston's cherry red Mercedes convertible come to a stop next to her mother's car. A minute later David Preston was opening the door and getting out. Without a moments hesitation Angela flew down the stairs and out the front door.

"David what are you doing here?" she asked letting him catch her in his arms.

"When you told me on the phone that you were here all by yourself I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to spend some time with you," he smiled letting his lips caress her cheek.

Angela could feel her face heat up at the intimate jester. The only other boy who had ever kissed her was… never mind she thought we were just little kids when Chris kissed my cheek.

"Your mother lets you use her car? David you don't have your license yet?" Angela couldn't help quiz.

"Grandmother says it's only a technicality I've been driving for close to a year now," David bragged.

"Things are sure different around your house then they are mine," Angela remarked smiling shyly at David. "So are you going to take me for a ride?"

Draping his arm around her shoulder he leaned over kissing her again saying, "Why don't we just stay here?"

"But my parents aren't here right at the moment," Angela began to protest.

"Even better we'll have a chance to be ourselves really get to know each other," David smiled picking up a wisp of Angela's long blonde hair and twirling it between his fingers.

"All right," Angela agreed pulling away a nervous tension building within her. "Why don't we sit on the porch swing?"

She let David take her hand and lead her up the stairs of the porch as they got to the top step he stopped them saying, "Angela my throat seems awful dry. You think I could get a soda?"

"We should have one in the kitchen," she told him excusing herself heading in the door.

Waiting for her to disappear inside David quietly opened the door and followed her in. She was looking in the fridge just retrieving the can of pop when he moved up behind her grabbing her waist.

"You startled me," Angela cried out near dropping the can on the floor.

"I'm sorry," David replied leaning in his lips crushing hers.

"Umm David," Angela got out as she struggled in his arms the phone suddenly ringing. "David I have to get it its probably my mother."

At the mention of Alex David released his hold on Angela and she ran across the kitchen to grab it up crying, "Hi Mom," into it.

"Angela it's me Aunt Erica…"

"You and Daddy are on the way home… sure I can start the salad for dinner," she continued as if she hadn't heard Erica.

"Angela what's wrong? Do you want me to send Uncle Jimmy out there?" Erica asked motioning Jimmy to pick up the phone.

"Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Erica are on their way out for dinner okay I'll make lots," Angela was still talking. "Okay Mom see you in a few," she signed off.

Turning she said to David, "You'd better take off they are at the crossroads, Aunt Erica and Uncle Jimmy are on their way and they left Dallas before Mom and Dad," she began telling David.

"I'd better," David agreed leaning forward to kiss her. Angela turned her head quick so the kiss meant for lips hit her cheek. David lit out the back door Angela turning the lock as he left. Just as quickly she ran to the front door throwing the lock on it watching out the window until David's car disappeared down the laneway.

Before the dust was settling Angela was dialing the phone it started to ring, once, twice on the third ring Cat answered. "Gage residence."

"Cat its Angela are my Mom and Dad still there?" she asked trying hard not to cry.

"Yeah Danny is playing with Kitty," Cat replied.

"Cat I need to talk to my Dad right now. Please Cat," Angela pleaded.

"Okay just a minute," Cat told her taking the phone outside where the grownups were.

Angela could here Cat calling, "Uncle Walker, Uncle Walker Angela wants to talk to you."

"Angela?" her father's voice came on the phone.

"Daddy you and Momma have to come home," Angela broke down hearing Walker's voice.

"Angela Honey what's wrong?" Walker asked Alex's eyes going to him as well as Sydney and Gage's.

"David was here… Daddy please come home," Angela cried into the phone.

"We're on our way Angel," Walker cried hanging up the phone. "Alex get Danny we have to get home David has been there and given Angela quite a scare."

"Please God no," Alex whispered.

"Walker do you want me to go?" Gage was volunteering.

"Gage I'll call if we need you," Walker was quick to say.

"I'll call Sydney," Alex cried out as she hustled Danny into his seat once more looking at her friend she whispered, "I'll call."

"Mom what's wrong?" Chris was questioning her watching Walker squeal out of the driveway.

Syd gave Gage a quick look before putting her arm around Chris' shoulder and answering, "We aren't quite sure what's going on Angela had a scare and Aunt Alex is going to call when they get home and let us know what's going on."

"But Angela's all right isn't she?" Chris asked his anxious face looking up at Syd.

Again Sydney looked to Gage who answered for them. "We don't know all the details but I think we can assume that Angela is going to be all right she was able to call her Dad on the phone. We'll know more when Aunt Alex calls we just have to be patient."

Chris nodded his head yes worry for Angela clouding his dark eyes.

The Walker Ranch

Jimmy Trivette's car was parked in the laneway both Alex and Walker recognized it as they came speeding to a halt.

"Angela," Alex was calling before the truck even stopped.

"Momma Daddy," Angela was crying as the front door came flying open and she was running to them.

Walker gave his daughter a quick hug letting Alex take her as he looked to Trivette who had just come out on the door to stand on the porch. As he neared his friend Jimmy began telling him what happened. "Erica called to talk to Alex David was here and Angela made out like she was talking to her mother. When Erica asked if she wanted me to come out she rattled on about us coming out for dinner and we were on our way. So I just came right on out," Jimmy finished.

Glancing at his wife and daughter Walker felt his hands clench as he asked the next question, "Did David hurt her?"

"I think the phone call prevented that but he scared her pretty good," Trivette confirmed.

Danny had run ahead and joined his father and Uncle Jimmy on the front porch letting his mother wrap her arm around his sister and walk towards the house. He had been just in time to hear his Dad ask if David had hurt her. Turning he glanced back at his Mom and Angela silently vowing that some how David would pay if he ever hurt his sister.

As Alex got up the steps with Angela she drew her daughter a little closer saying, "Thank you," to Jimmy.

Jimmy smiled reaching out squeezing her shoulder. "Anything else I can do before I take off?" he asked.

Alex began to shake her head no then stopping asked, "Can you let Sydney and Gage know and tell Syd I'll call her later.

"Will do," Trivette smiled as Walker's hand went to his shoulder offering his thanks as well.

Sydney and Gage's Home

The phone rang just as Gage was herding the children into the dining room for dinner. "I'll get it," Gage offered.

"No you sit I'll get it," Syd directed heading back to the kitchen. Chris was about to follow until hearing his father's voice direct him back to his place at the table while he joined Sydney.

"Then Angela is all right?" Sydney was asking into the phone. "Thanks for calling Jimmy… bye," Syd hung up the phone.

"Well?" Gage looked at his wife wanting the whole story.

Syd had just finished saying, "David gave her quite a scare," when Chris who stood in the doorway cut in.

"If David did anything to Angela…"

"You'll let Uncle Walker or your Mom or I take care of it," Gage quickly recovered not expecting to see Chris standing there.

"But Dad…?"

"There is no room for but Dad here young man," Syd intervened. "David wanted to take advantage of a situation and it was totally wrong for him to do that. It's still not right for you to punch him you need to get one of us to stop things from getting out of hand."

Syd looked sternly at Chris as did Gage before extracting the boy's promise from him.

Once more they went back to the dining room to take their seats. The blessing had no sooner been said then a loud crash was heard from the kitchen followed by a loud yowl from Kitty and loud furious barking from Buddy.

"Gage I believe that was a signal for you," Sydney smiled at her husband who gave a look of mild amusement back to her before going to survey the damage.

Angela Walker's Room

The room was serenely quiet as mother sat with daughter. Alex had sat in the middle of the bed pillows behind her with her arms around her daughter, Angela lying back against her.

Walker had spent a few minutes with them holding his little girl reassuring himself that she hadn't been hurt. Realizing that Angela needed the time alone with her mother he had pulled open the door watching them go arm in arm up the stairs.

Mother and daughter sat together Alex gently stroking Angela's hair. "Mom I thought he was going to be the perfect boyfriend," Angela whispered. "Maybe it's me, maybe I shouldn't have been such a baby."

"Angela do you really think that?" Alex asked.

"I don't know Mom…"

"I think you do Honey. David is older then you he may feel he is a little more mature then you. That still doesn't give him the right to try and make you do anything that you aren't comfortable with even if that is only a kiss," Alex tried to ease her daughter's mind.

"How am I going to know who is right for me?" she pleaded with her mother for an answer.

"Angela there is no real formula for who is the right guy. What I do know is you have to keep true to yourself. You did the right thing today not giving in to David just because that is what he wanted to do," Alex stressed.

Turning Angela wrapped her arms around Alex and held tight letting Alex smooth her hair and lean forward to kiss the top of her head.

TBC.