~Chapter Four~
Our Hearts Be True
"Brad I think we have a problem," Walker spoke into the phone. "I'd rather talk with you in person about it. Good I'm on my way now."
"What are you going to say Walker?" Alex asked clearing the last of the dinner dishes away.
"Don't worry Alex I think I can handle this diplomatically," Walker replied leaning in to kiss her cheek.
"I've seen your diplomacy Walker and we are talking about Angela here…" Alex left the rest unsaid.
"I'm just going to tell Brad that we don't appreciate David coming to call when we aren't home. In light of that it has been decided by you Angela and myself that Angela doesn't wish to see David at the present time."
"Walker I feel so bad about this how could we have missed judged David so much?"
"David is good he only lets us see what he wants us to see. I bet he has a lot of people fooled," Walker commented.
"But still we deal with these kinds of deceptions and lies every day," Alex continued as Walker put his arm around her drawing her close letting his lips caress his cheek.
"We aren't usually looking for it in our family and friends," Walker reminded her.
Nodding her head knowing Walker was right she smiled slightly murmuring, "Don't be long."
"As long as it takes," Walker told her nuzzling her ear.
~~~~~
The sound of the door of her father's truck closing brought Angela to her bedroom window. She knew he was going to pay a call on the Prestons. Her eyes stayed focused on the taillights until they were almost out of sight. Turning she eyed her night side table where her telephone sat and taking a deep breath walked over and picked it up. She sighed as she sat on the edge of her bed and began to dial.
The phone rang three times before it was picked up. "Uncle Gage it's me Angela, could I possibly talk to Chris," she asked needing desperately to talk to her best friend. There was a pause at the other end of the line while Gage called Chris to the phone.
"Angela," Chris answered the phone. Angela remained silent for a moment wanting to pour her heart out to her best friend. "Angela are you there?"
"Yes Chris I'm here. I wasn't sure you would talk to me… I'm so sorry about all this, you're my best friend and I… can you ever forgive me?"
"Angela I'll always be your best friend no matter what," Chris replied his father's smile crossing his face.
"David isn't my boyfriend any more…" Angela proceeded to tell him stopping when there was silence at the other end of the line. "I'm sorry Chris, please tell me you can find it in you heart to forgive me," Angela's flare for the dramatic shining through.
"Angela you're my best friend in the whole world of course I forgive you," Chris confirmed to her. "I understand I'm not as old as David but I promise I'll try to act a little more grown up."
"Chris you are a lot more grown up then David will ever hope to be," Angela told him.
Gage smiled at Sydney as she took hold of his hand pulling him away from the kitchen where Chris was talking on the phone. "Francis come away from there and give him a chance to talk to her," Syd scolded pulling him with her towards the family room.
"Syd…" Gage tried to protest his wife not hearing of it.
"Come on Gage the girls need to be tucked in," Sydney told him standing behind him pushing him down the hall.
"But Syd…"
"No buts Gage," she said stopping in front of the girl's door.
"You know Shorty I'm just looking out for Chris' best interests here," Gage smiled turning to face her his arms went around her drawing her tight to him.
Laughing Syd wrapped her arms around her husband's neck pulling him forward so she could kiss him. "Hmm Gage maybe you should be looking after your own best interests," Syd teased.
"You just might be right," Gage replied placing a hand on either side of her face and kissing her soundly. "Let's say we get everyone tucked in including Chris. In fact I think I should even be getting you tucked in."
"Now you're thinking my way Gage," she teased more feeling his hands rubbing her back sliding beneath her sweater as he kissed her again.
"Mom and Dad," Chris startled them coming into the hall with them shaking his head as if totally surprised by his parents show of affection.
"You and Angela make up?" Gage questioned trying to take the attention off him and Syd.
"Yeah we are going to stay friends for now and maybe sometime in the future we might become boyfriend and girlfriend," Chris answered.
"And that arrangement is all right with you?" Sydney asked.
"Yeah Mom I think its perfect," Chris replied letting Syd hug and kiss him before continuing to his room.
"I'll be in after I say good night to your sisters," Gage told his son ruffling his hair on the way by.
"Okay Dad," Chris grinned.
Both Syd and Gage watched as Chris continued down the hall. "I'm going to run a nice hot bath," Syd sighed glad to have things getting back to normal.
"Yeah I'll join you as soon as I say good night to the kids," Gage murmured once again brushing his lips across hers. He watched as Syd disappeared down the hall and into their bedroom before turning the doorknob of Piper and Cat's room. Cat had all ready fallen asleep her teddy bear sharing her pillow and covers. Gage was careful to tuck them both in before giving her a kiss.
Piper on the other hand was playing still with Kitty. "Time for lights out young lady," Gage told her reaching to pull the covers up the cat attacking with her tiny claws.
"Kitty you be nice," Piper scolded, "If it wasn't for Daddy you'd still be living in that pet store window."
"That's right cat," Gage scolded too nursing his wounds.
As Piper scooted under the covers Gage sat on the bed beside her. "Dad when Marcus goes into Jr. High he had better not forget about me like Angela did Chris," she announced to him.
Teasing her, her father asked, "And why not?"
"Cause I'm the best girlfriend he's ever going to find," she boldly announced to Gage.
"Spoken just like your mother Honey," he laughed leaning forward to kiss her.
"Besides I'd fight any other dumb girl who tried to be his girlfriend," she told him.
"I think Marcus knows how lucky he is to have you in his corner," Gage told her deciding he was glad Sydney would be handling this one.
Going down the hall Gage opened Chris's door. "Just about ready for bed Chris?" he asked noticing how relaxed and back to his old self his son was.
"Yep," he answered grinning at his father. "Dad thanks for being here for me when I needed you."
"Chris I hope I can always be here when you need me," Gage answered his son who grasped him tight in a hug. "And that you can trust me and your Mom to help you through what ever happens in this life."
"I know I can," Chris answered still holding tight to Gage a few minutes more.
Finally Gage pulled himself away telling Chris good night.
Brad And Jenna Preston's Home
Walker stopped his truck outside the sprawling home of Brad Preston jumping from the rig. Reaching back in he grabbed his black Stetson off the seat and placed it on his head. He didn't look forward to this encounter but it was something that had to be done and the sooner the better.
Walking up the walkway to the front porch Walker stopped outside the door a minute before ringing the door chimes. "Walker come in," Brad Preston greeted him. "Can I offer you some coffee…"
"No thanks Brad what I have to say won't take long," Walker told him.
"Sounds serious," Brad replied showing Walker into the den.
"Alex and I both think that it is," Walker answered, as Preston remained silent. "David came by the ranch when Alex and I were both out with Danny. Angela was the only one home and she wasn't expecting him."
"I don't see where you are going with this Walker they're teenagers," Preston interrupted.
"All right Brad let me spell it out to you, David came to the ranch uninvited knowing that neither Alex or I were there. He put his hands on Angela trying to get her to consent to something she wasn't ready for. She struggled to get away from him and if it hadn't been for the phone ringing I'm not sure how this may have ended. For now Angela, Alex and myself have decided it would be better that David not see Angela," Walker finished.
Preston's mouth hung open shocked at what Walker had just said but before he could speak David entered the conversation. "No you think it's better for her to see that drunk Chris Gage, who will never amount to anything."
"David that will be enough," his father intervened asking, "Were you over there this afternoon forcing yourself on Angela?"
"Don't be absurd Brad," the voice of Brad's grandmother Elizabeth Preston sounded from the doorway, "David spent the afternoon with me. Like David said it was more then likely that Gage boy… and his parents both Texas Rangers."
Turning back to Walker Brad smiled saying, "There you have it Walker David was here all afternoon. It's like Mother says Angela is probably covering up for her friend the Gage boy."
"I believe what Angela has told us to be the truth. In any case I know that Chris Gage was not at our home today, Alex and I were at the Gages' home to look into the matter of the drinking at the picnic. Chris was there and never left," Walker defended Chris.
Turning he faced David. "Angela does not wish to see you David. I hope that you will respect her wishes and this won't need to be taken any further."
"You can't keep me from seeing her if I want," David shouted back.
"Yes David I can Angela is a minor and Alex and I can get a court order if we need to. I hope you will respect our wishes so no other action is needed," Walker finished.
"Who do you think you are?" Elizabeth Preston's voice sounded again. "You come into our home giving orders about who we can see and can't see. You are out of line Ranger. This is not the end of this by a long shot," the old woman threatened her eyes narrowing.
"Mrs. Preston please don't make things worse then they are," Walker told her, her face unchanging. "I'll see myself out," Walker told them placing his hat on his head as he walked to the door.
Ranger Headquarters The Following Friday
Both Alex and Sydney were deep in conversation as they entered Ranger headquarters. "We really haven't given Chris a decision on the dance at the HOPE Center tonight," Sydney was saying as they walked towards Gage's desk just as he hung up his phone. "It was kind of left up in the air since the weekend."
"Well not any more," Gage cut in. "That was Chris on the phone I kind of told him I'd square it with Mom about him going tonight."
"Gage," Syd cried trying to sound mad. "I was just going to try and sweet talk you into the same thing, but I like this better that means you can buy lunch while you try and talk me into it."
"You think so do you?" Gage frowned at her his eyes narrowing.
"Gage," Sumner's voice interrupted the conversation, "I just got a line on Jake Sears coming with me to pick him?"
"Right behind you Sumner," Gage called after him all ready a step behind Matt.
"Hey what about lunch," Syd yelled to him.
"I'll take a raincheck Shorty," were Gage's parting words.
"He'll take a raincheck," Syd fumed Gage all ready disappearing.
"Where are those two going in such a hurry?" Walker asked coming out of his office.
"Sumner is going to pick up a suspect and Gage is getting out of buying Sydney lunch," Alex informed her husband.
"I don't think I want to know," Walker laughed.
"Suffice it to say it's good I have such an adorable son because his father isn't making a very good case for him to go to the dance tonight," Sydney stated as both Walker and Alex chuckled to themselves.
The Preston Home
David Preston sat in his bedroom surrounded by his friends. The foursome had skipped class that afternoon like they quite often did hanging out at David's house.
"So tonight is the night," Ben grinned at David the other two snickering to themselves.
"Are you sure that they are going to let you in the dance if Angela is there?" Sammy asked.
"With the money my old man has invested in the HOPE Center they won't be keeping me out," David answered very sure of himself. "But that isn't the problem it's that Gage kid. They stick together like glue he'll be there we'll have to get him away from Angela and really teach him a lesson. I know her feelings for me would be obvious if he was out of the way, he's got to learn."
"I'm sure we are just the boys to teach him that," Ben smirked.
Suddenly there was a sharp rap on the door and Elizabeth Preston stuck her head inside. "What are you boys up to now?" she asked offering them a tray with colas and snacks.
"What makes you think we are up to something Grandma?" David asked.
"David dear you are always up to something," she retorted.
"Well not this time we are just planning our evening out we're going to the dance at the HOPE Center," David told her.
"And is your sweetheart Angela Walker going to be there dear?"
"She sure is," David's smile widened as he spoke of Angela to his grandmother.
"I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time then won't you dear?" Mrs. Preston asked leaning forward and planting a kiss on David's forehead.
"You are going to take care of this problem with the Gage boy aren't you?" she asked leaning back to look into David's face.
"The plan is ready to execute," David laughed his pals joining in.
Later Sydney and Gage's
Chris was out the door and around to his father's side of the car before Gage had the car in park. "What did she say?" he was anxiously asking.
"What did who say?" Gage asked enjoying himself at Chris expense.
"Dad!" the boy exclaimed.
"You two wouldn't be talking about the dance tonight would you?" Sydney cut into the conversation.
"Oh hi Mom," Chris smiled over at his mother clearing his throat before speaking again. "I was talking with Dad a little earlier about maybe going to the dance tonight and he said he needed to talk it over with you. I was wondering if he had gotten the chance."
"As a matter of fact he did mention it briefly," Syd replied not saying anything more.
"Mom," Chris cried knowing that they were teasing.
"Well Chris we decided we would give you a chance to act a little more responsible then last time you were out," Gage began, "But we certainly don't want anything like what happened at the picnic to happen again."
"Because if it does," Sydney started to say, "You'll be spending a lot of these social events at home in your room."
"Do we make ourselves clear?" Gage ended.
"Very clear Dad," Chris answered. "Thanks a lot Mom and Dad," he shouted running back towards the house.
"Young love," Gage laughed watching Syd roll her eyes.
A Little Later At The HOPE Center…
"Do you see Uncle Walker's truck?" Chris asked Syd anxiously as they pulled up to the center.
Gage and Syd had flipped for who got to go chaperon at the dance and who stayed home with the girls. "But Syd its Chris' first dance," Gage had whined.
"I know and I'll tell you all about it when we get home," Syd had teased feeling it was adequate pay back for lunch.
"I don't see them yet but they might be running a little behind Uncle Walker was dropping Danny off at our house with your Dad and the girls," Syd tried to sooth her son.
"Oh no look who is here," Chris moaned catching sight of David and his friends.
"Chris just try and stay clear of them don't let them ruin the evening for you and Angela," Sydney told him catching sight of the four older boys as well. "I know it may look like you are running to your mother but please Chris if there is any trouble at all I need to be involved and not as your mother." She laid her hand on his shoulder as she spoke while Chris nodded his eyes staying focused on David Preston.
Opening the car door Sydney came around the car to where Chris waited for her and together they walked into the center.
"Good evening Mrs. Gage, Chris," David greeted them his buddies standing behind him.
"David, guys," Chris boldly spoke reminding Syd of his father.
"Good evening gentlemen," Syd answered as well.
The door closed behind them and David's smile turned to a ruthless grin of pure hate for Chris. "He thinks he is so smug walking in there with his mother. If she interferes make sure she gets the same as him."
"David she's a Ranger," Ben interrupted David's thoughts.
"Yeah so she's still just a girl and not a very big one at that. You just make sure you keep them busy so I can stake my claim with Angela. You got it?" David asked grabbing the front of Ben's shirt.
"I don't know about this David…" Rob began David quickly turning on him.
"Wasn't I always there for you when something needed doing?" he glared at his friends. "Wasn't it I who got old lady McGarritie to see clear of passing you in her English class? What about you Sammy you are the one the coach was going to suspend for drug use wasn't it? I did fix that for you didn't I? And Ben there was that small matter with Charlotte Cameron…"
"All right David we owe you and we'll come through," Ben interrupted before David could go on.
"That's what I like to hear," David smiled opening the door and entering the center his friends following close behind.
Inside Chris had found Angela she and her mother had arrived early so Alex could make sure things were running smoothly. The music had started playing and Chris had asked Angela to dance.
"So Sydney I see Chris isn't a perfect recreation of his father it looks like he got a few of your dancing skills," Alex teased Syd who stood with Anna B and Sumner.
"No he's his father you wouldn't believe how much practice went into what you are seeing out there," Syd smiled proudly her eyes not leaving Chris.
"Come on now are you trying to tell me that there is something Gage doesn't do well?" Sumner jumped in.
"He may not be the smoothest on the dance floor but he makes up for it in other areas Matt," Syd teased back her eyes sparkling as she thought about her husband deciding they should put those skills to use later after she got home tonight.
The music had died down and Angela had excused herself for a moment while Chris had gone to get them a cold drink. Coming back to the table he sat down to wait for her return.
Having two sisters and then of course his mother Chris was accustom to waiting for the girls. The music had started to play once more and Chris craned his neck to the spot where Angela had disappeared a few minutes earlier.
Before long a girl about Angela's age walked over to where Chris sat. She bent her head to his ear and asked, "Are you Chris Gage?"
Chris nodded yes.
"Well Angela was just heading towards the back door. She asked me to come and get you to join her. Oh yeah she said to make sure her mother didn't catch you," the girl giggled taking off across the dance floor.
Chris gazed over to where his mother was talking still with Aunt Alex, Sumner and Anna B his eyes quickly darting back to where Angela had disappeared. Getting up he headed for the exit to see what Angela wanted.
The back of the center was very dimly lit Chris squinted his eyes trying to see where Angela might be. "Angela," he called out in a hoarse whisper, "Angela where are you?"
"Right here Chris," Ben Stocks called out trying to mimic Angela's voice.
"Very funny Ben," Chris retorted turning to go back inside.
"Chris thought you might like to do some drinking with us," Sammy called to him.
"Not tonight," Chris called over his shoulder heading back up the steps.
"You'll drink with us if you want to find out where Angela and David are," Ben called after him bringing Chris to a halt.
"By now he's probably made a real woman out of her," Sammy teased the other two breaking into fits of laughter.
Before anyone knew what was happening Chris had turned his fist shooting out hitting Sammy square in the mouth knocking him to the ground. Both Ben and Rob made a run from behind at Chris whose foot came out catching first Rob in the chest sending him flying then spinning caught Ben in the side of the head sending him to the ground.
Sammy was up again now he too running at Chris trying to grab him from behind. Quickly evading Sammy Chris jumped to a garden bench turning to bring his foot up to catch Sammy just below the chin sending him flying.
"Chris!" he could hear his mother's shout.
"They got Angela Mom!" he shouted back both Syd and Sumner stepping in to stop the fight.
Suddenly a loud shrill scream broke the night from the back of the yard. Chris was off in a shot into the dark and the rear of the yard where he knew there was a small screened in gazebo that stood secluded by the yard's shrubbery. It was easy to find it was lit with a soft glow of yellow light.
Pulling open the door Chris found the little structure to be a light with candles that flickered everywhere, everywhere except where David had Angela pinned to the floor straddling her with his body. Her hands had been tied behind her probably with the help of his buddies as David leaned over her kissing her his hands ripping at the front of her dress.
"Nooo," Chris shrieked rushing David knocking him from Angela half a dozen of the candles flying over in the process.
David was back up grinning at Chris, "I've waited a long time for this and I'm going to enjoy beating the tar out of you." He swung out wildly Chris blocking the punch countering with his foot to David's middle.
As David fell back more candles tipped over and the wood floor began to smolder. "Angela run," Chris shouted.
"Not without you," she cried back getting herself to her feet.
Taking the opportunity David's fist shot out hitting Chris on the cheek. Shaking it off he swung back smashing David's nose just at the structure burst into flames.
"Chris," Sydney was shouting as she pulled the gazebo door open a blanket of smoke whooshing out at her near choking her.
"Aunt Sydney," Angela cried.
Chris heard his mother's call blocking another punch from David and delivering one of his own to send young Preston to the floor where he stayed. Going to Angela he put his arm around her just as his mother did and together they made it outside with her.
"Mom David is still in there," Chris cried turning to rush back in just as Sumner came out carrying David in his arms.
Methodist Hospital
Catching sight of his wife Gage came barrelling into the hospital emergency the children in tow. Danny headed towards his mother and father while Piper and Cat rushed to Syd. As their small arms went around Syd's waist Gage's arms went around his wife the same time asking, "Syd how's Chris and Angela? Are you guys all right?"
"We're fine Gage," Syd assured him grateful he was there with his arms around her. "The doctor is just checking the kids out making sure they didn't get too much smoke."
"Rangers and Mrs. Walker," the emergency room doctor had come into the room. Anna B quietly herded the kids over to a couch to where Sumner sat to let the grownups talk to the doctor uninterrupted. "Both Chris and Angela are going to be fine. We'd like to monitor them for a couple of more hours before you take them home though."
Walkers and Gages alike nodded their heads thankful that their children were going to be fine.
"If you could follow me I'll take you to them," the doctor smiled.
"Thank you," Walker spoke for them all.
"Alex how could you let this happen?" came the distinct voice of Jenna Preston from the other end of the corridor. "We supported you, befriended you and helped with your HOPE Center. You've been in our home and us in yours how could you let this happen?"
Turning Alex walked towards Jenna who stood with Brad and Elizabeth Preston Walker a few steps behind her. "How could I let this happen?" Alex asked her voice low and menacing. "How could I let this happen?" her voicing rising as she continued, "After your son snuck into our house when we weren't there. After we asked him to stay clear of Angela he came to the dance with his friends with the intent of doing bodily harm to Angela's friend Chris Gage and sexually assaulting her.
Still you have the nerve to come here and ask how I let this happen," Alex's rage burning within her.
"You ungrateful little…" It was Elizabeth Preston who spoke out. "After all Brad and Jenna have done for your pathetic little center. You have no sympathy or compassion for David who lays upstairs in pain his face and body disfigured by the fire caused by their brat interfering in what was due him."
"Mother please," Brad tried to silence his mother.
"Brad you are just like your father you don't know how to take what is due you. Jenna has more backbone then you," the elder Mrs. Preston ranted on.
Ignoring the older woman Alex once more turned to face Jenna and Brad. "I'm sorry it came to this but it will not go unanswered David will be charged along with his three friends."
"I understand," Brad began to say stopped by his mother's sharp slap landing across his face.
She stood in front of him glaring into his face for a few minutes more before walking away from him and out the doors never looking back.
Walker put his arm around Alex and together they turned walking back where Sydney and Gage waited for them to join their children.
Once again the doctor began to lead the way down the corridor stopping to push the door to exam three open to admit the still anxious parents. All four headed in only to stop short at the sight of Chris his arms embracing Angela their lips meeting in their first real kiss."
Gage stood beside Sydney his mouth agape, as was his wife's. Alex's eyes opened wide as she clutched Walker's hand who in turn loudly cleared his throat.
"Mom Dad," Angela squeaked as Chris' arms dropped to his sides both their faces going very red.
"We were just…" Chris began to stutter out.
"We can see what you were just…" Gage finally got out. "I think we have many more discussions ahead of us Chris," his father continued.
"Many more young lady," Alex reinforced to Angela, "Many more."
At Home At The Gage Residence
"Everyone tucked safely into bed?" Gage asked pulling the covers back for Sydney to slide in beside him.
"Everyone including Kitty," Syd sighed reaching over to turn off the light before settling in her husband's arms.
"It's really been some week," Gage commented letting his hand play up Syd's arm she in turn rolling to her side and cuddling closer.
"It sure has," she agreed letting her lips brush his chest.
"Can you believe it Chris has girlfriend," Gage murmured fluttering his own kisses across Syd's brow, her cheek, her neck…
"Hmm yes he does," Syd agreed pulling herself up to tease Gage's lips with her own.
"Does it make you feel old Syd?" Gage asked just as her hands moved across his hard stomach and backside the same time nibbling on his neck.
"Not even slightly Gage," she moaned feeling his hand caress her back before rolling her beneath him.
"Me either Babe," he whispered taking her for his once more.
The End.