Chapter 8: Six years ago…
Jessica Bennett was walking home from school. She had to stay late because of a Student Council meeting, of which she was the secretary. It had taken forever to come to a decision about when to hold the Autumn Soiree this year, and they had all finally decided on Halloween. "I thought that would never end!" Jessica mused to herself. She picked up her pace, noting the approaching storm clouds, as well as the setting sun. She nearly was at her front doorstep when she saw a familiar looking woman on the corner. "Kay?" she called, thinking it her eldest sister, who had left for New York City the previous year. The woman didn't turn when Jessica called her name, yet the Bennett girl was positive it was Kay. "KAY!" she called again, louder. The woman looked up and stared blankly at Jessica. "Kay, what are you doing back here?" Jessica asked. "I missed you guys too much for me to stay away. I'm back Jess," Kay said, smiling. "Really, Kay?"
"Oh, yes Jess. I've comeback to make up for the heartache I've caused everyone. I'm sorry," Kay said, hugging her little sister. "Come on, Mom will be upset if we miss dinner!"
That night at dinner, everybody couldn't help but notice something was off in the way Kay was behaving. Well, everybody except for Grace and Charity that is. "I told Pearl that I really wanted to go back to Harmony. I'm small town girl and the city was way too much for me, just like Mom warned me about. I guess you were right," Kay said, flashing a Grace a loving smile. "I also sat up one night, thinking about all the wrong I did here in Harmony," Kay explained to the Russells, who were over for dinner. "And I decided that my leaving and moving to New York City wasn't going to solve anything. So I packed up my stuff and came back here to Harmony. I apologized to everyone I had mistreated, including Charity, since we weren't able to become that close. And they all forgave me!"
"What about college, Kay?" T.C. asked. "I decided that I would take over the family's business," Kay said. "Kay, you're going to help me run the Bed and Breakfast?" Grace asked, shocked. "Absolutely!" Kay said, hugging her mother. "Oh, Kay, I'm so proud of you!" Grace was near tears. "So am I," Sam replied. "Me, too," both Charity and Jessica said. "So," Kay asked, once the hug fest was over, "what have I missed around Harmony?"
"Remember the evil Zombie that looked like Charity?" Simone asked Kay. "Oh, yes, she was evil!" Kay replied. "Well, Charity here defeated her once and for all," Grace bragged. "With help from Miguel, Aunt Grace," Charity pointed out. "Of course," Grace said. "Miguel? Is he okay?" Kay asked, concerned. "That reminds me, his cast should come off next week," Dr. Russell said. "Oh, his arm healed fast, huh Mom?" Simone asked. "Miguel broke his arm?" Kay asked. "Oh yes, when he pushed me out of the way of that rock Zombie threw, it broke his arm," Charity explained. "Oh," Kay said, "but you said it was better Dr. Russell?"
"Yes. We're just leaving the cast on an extra week just be certain," Eve explained. "I guess all our prayers worked, didn't they?" Grace asked. "Absolutely, Mom," Jess agreed. "Shows what prayer can do," Kay chimed in. "Indeed it does Kay," Grace replied, smiling at her daughter. "When will Miguel be able to play softball again? I was thinking of having him help me teach Charity how to play so we could have games together," Kay said. "Oh, thanks Kay, but I'm not a softball type girl. I'm sure you and Miguel could still play, give you two time to catch up," Charity said. "Kay, Charity, will you two help me clear the table for dessert?" Grace asked. The two girls nodded and started to clear off the table. "What's for dessert Grace?" T.C. asked. "Tomato Soup Cake!" Grace replied, going into the kitchen, unaware of the horrified looks of the Russell family.
A week later, Jessica was really concerned about her sister. This was the Kay everyone wanted Kay to be. This was the type of Kay a true Bennett was supposed to be. She was kind, generous, courteous, hard-working, and just plain good. In all intents, she was Charity, without all the powers. Grace seemed so happy with the change in attitude, but neither she nor Charity seem too surprised over Kay's change of heart. Even her father was suspicious, as was Uncle Hank. No one else seemed to mind. Kay was paying more attention to Reese, even though before she left, Kay said she could never like Reese in that way. When questioned, all Kay said was "that she had made a mistake and almost let the love of her life walk out." Simone and Kay were just as close as before, maybe even closer. Simone stopped believing this was another one of "Kay's schemes and tricks" and believed this was "the real thing" and that "Kay Bennett has changed for the better!" Only Jessica, Sam and Hank thought there was something wrong with Kay, but no one was listening to them.
Meanwhile, in New York, Kay really hadn't left. She was in her sophomore year in college, and had decided to become a psychology major. She had no change of heart, was *never* going back to Harmony unless she died (which then she was sure no one would be too sad about it, except maybe Reese and her father), and was enjoying life to its fullest. She had just started dating Vincent, after much coasting on both his and her friends' parts. On the day Kay was supposedly having dinner with her family and the Russells, she was really in her and Pearl's apartment alone. She had offers from her friends to go out that night, but Kay needed to stay home. So, tuning into NBC for "Friends," Kay plopped down on the couch with a bowl of chocolate ice cream, some Hershey bars, some hot chocolate, and her diary/photo album.
Her photo album was filled with pictures from Harmony. She stared at her favorite picture ever. It was taken a couple of years before Charity came, and it was at one of Kay and Miguel's softball games. They had won, with Kay catching the ball. Pilar took the picture. She's shown holding the ball high above her head in victory, her face full of surprise and pride. Miguel is hugging her, pride on his face as well. Her parents stand off to the side, smiling like idiots, and Jessica is running out into the field. Also running out onto the field were both Luis and Theresa, to hug Kay and their little brother. Simone was standing by Grace and Reese was coming up behind them. Next to that picture is a picture of Jessica, Simone and Kay standing outside of the church, with Simone and Kay wearing red dresses. Kay remembered this as her confirmation day and had taken the name "Grace" after her mother and had asked Pilar to be her sponsor. Miguel had taken the name "Martin", and had asked Luis to be his sponsor, while Simone took the name "Catherine" and asked Whitney to be her sponsor. Below was a family picture, taken the week before Charity came. Grace sat on a chair in the Bennett kitchen with Sam behind her, Kay next to Sam and Jessica kneeling on the floor, her head on her mother's lap.
Those were the simpler times, when everything was okay in the world and in Harmony. Kay turned the page and found all the pictures she had taken after Charity arrived. The first was of Grace, Sam and Charity all standing on the front porch of Grace's bed and breakfast. The next was a picture of Charity and Miguel on a picnic with the group. Miguel is pictured holding a laughing Charity, with Jessica and Simone playing Frisbee in the background, and Reese fiddling with his palm pilot. Things would never be the same, not ever. 'And that is exactly why I am never, EVER returning to Harmony!' Kay opened her diary to where she had stuck some fresh loose-leaf in. No one *ever* bothered to look in Kay's binder, which made it safer than a regular diary. She took out her pen and begin to write. She always addressed her entries as letters, since she always felt stupid writing "Dear Diary." In Harmony, her entries were all addressed to Pearl. Now, they were addressed to her father.
Dear Daddy,
I guess even I can't escape homesickness sometimes. I've been away from Harmony for over a year now. Not that I want to go back, mind you. I miss you, but I'm sure you're the only one missing me. Let's face it: Mom forgot I existed the day Charity Standish came waltzing into our lives. Miguel forgot about me and everyone started to turn against me. True, I did cause damage to Harmony by listening to Tabitha, but we were both steered down the wrong path and were not listening to common sense. That's why I'm actually glad I'm in NYC, I've regained the smart Kay I was, not the Kay who only thought with her heart.
Today, I'm looking at my pictures from Harmony. Pictures from when we were so happy, like the picture Pilar took when I made the winning catch in that softball game. Remember? Remember how proud everyone was of me then? I sometimes wish I could go back in time and relive that moment over again, when it was just "Kay and Miguel. Miguel and Kay." When Mom actually remembered I existed and asked how I was feeling instead of snapping, "What did YOU do now?" When Simone and I weren't constantly fighting, when Jess and I had the usual sibling fights you were always breaking up. But I take a lesson from the musical "Beauty and the Beast" that the gang took me to see for my birthday. In one song, Belle sings of being trapped in the castle. One of the lines she sings is: "What I'd give to return to life I knew lately/But I know that I can't/Solve my problems going back." What's done is done. I will never relive my moment of glory, back when I was happy.
Last time you called, you asked if I ever wonder what is happening in Harmony. I don't care what happens there. As long as you are safe, the rest of the town could be swallowed into the fiery depths of Hell (where many of its occupants belong!) and I wouldn't shed a tear. I am *never* going home AGAIN! New York City is my home now, and I like it that way.
Love, Kay E. Bennett
Back in Harmony, the other Kay was busy being a good citizen. This day, about two weeks after her return, Kay was helping to clean up Harmony Park. She was with Reese and Jessica cleaning a small part of the park, while Charity, Miguel and Simone cleaned the other. Milling about were random citizens that the teens would stop and say hello to. Beth would run water over occasionally from the Book Café, and Luis would stop by every hour to tote away the bags the teens collected full of both trash and leaves. "I'm so glad you're back, Kay," Reese said. "I'm glad you're glad that I'm back," Kay replied. "Well then, I'm glad that you're glad that I'm glad that you are back."
"Really? Then I'm glad that you're glad that I'm glad that you're glad that I am back."
"Then, I'm-"
"Will you two please shut it? That's all I've heard from the both of you all day! I'm getting sick and tired of it. You two are worse then the couple of the year over there!" Jessica screamed. Reese and Kay looked at the teen, who was known not to ever lose her temper. Jessica's outburst also brought over Charity, Miguel and Simone, all concerned about their friend. "Jess, what's the matter?" Simone asked. "It's these two! God, if I have to listen to them one more time, going on and on about how happy they are about finding one another, I am going to die!" Jessica said. "It's okay, Jess, just calm down. They can act that way, they're in love," Charity soothed her cousin. "Just like me and Miguel."
"Oh, like you two are any better?" Jessica snapped. "All day, 'Oh Miguel.' 'Oh Charity' Everyday for the past 3 years! Now it's 'Oh Reese.' 'Oh Kay.' There's only so much 'love' one girl can stand! Well I draw the line here. I am going home and I am not talking to either one of you couples until you promise me that I will not have to hear this ever again. Save it for when I leave, thank you very much."
Jessica sat in her room, doodling away. Why would Kay suddenly act like that, the type of behavior she had always detested in Charity and Miguel. It would've been Kay who would've snapped at Charity and Miguel, but Jessica had to instead. 'That girl is NOT Kay Bennett. She can't be!' Jessica thought to herself. A knock interrupted the younger Bennett's thoughts, as her mother came in. "Hey, Mom," Jessica said. "Jess, are you feeling all right?" Grace asked concerned. "Yeah, why?"
"Because Charity and Kay said you were acting really strange in the park. Are you sure you're okay? Something you want to talk to me about?" Grace said, playing the sympathetic mother. "Oh, I was tired of listening to all the mushy 'I love you's' and all the games they would play, like saying 'Thank you.' 'You're welcome' 'Thank you for saying you're welcome.' 'Your welcome for me saying your welcome to your thank you.' And so on. I just couldn't take it anymore, from Charity and now Kay. Mom, you understand, right?"
"I think you might've overreacted a bit there. They are in love and want to show it," Grace said. "But it annoys everyone, not just me. Ask Simone," Jessica said. "It only annoys you. Are you jealous of Charity and Kay, Jess? Are you jealous that for once, you aren't my perfect daughter? Are you going to try and get rid of Charity now Jess?" Grace asked sternly. "Mom? Of course not! What a ridiculous thing to ask!" Jessica exclaimed. "Charity has been through enough! She now has Miguel who makes her happy. She deserves every bit of happiness she can get, doesn't she? Kay realized this, even if—" Grace cut herself short and took a deep breath. "I want you washed up and downstairs for dinner, with an apology ready for Charity." Grace was nearly out the door before she added, "And Kay." Grace closed the door.
Jessica stood in shock over what just happened. Her mother had just lost it with her, going through a conversation that sounded almost like the old ones Grace and Kay used to have. Jessica was accused of being jealous of Charity! But who wasn't in the Bennett household? Certainly Kay was jealous of Charity, and even Jessica was a little jealous, though she had always tried to be Charity's friend. Charity was always pushed up to the front of the list, before everyone else's needs. Jessica remembered a recent event where she had fallen during a gym exercise and needed stitches. Grace came to pick up the teenager, who was going through the nurse's entire supply of gauze to stop the bleeding. Grace had signed Jessica out when Charity came down the hall, crying. She hadn't been feeling well and had done poorly on the test. Grace also signed Charity out and the principal had to call Sam to take Jessica to the hospital. Sam never mentioned the day to his wife, but it bothered him, his daughter could tell. Jess reached over to her phone and took out Pearl's number. She had to at least talk to her, even if they weren't ever that close of cousins.
"Hello?" Kay said, after running from the front door of the apartment to the phone. "Kay?!" Jessica's voice came over the other end. "Of course! Who else would it be?"
"Pearl," Jessica said. "Okay, besides her," Kay replied. "But I thought—nevermind," Jessica said. "Okay. You sound distressed what's the matter?" Kay asked. "Nothing, I just wanted to call and say hi to Pearl. I guess she's not in so I'll just call back later. Besides, Mom's calling me for dinner. Good-bye Kay," Jessica hung up. "Odd," Kay mused to herself, "I guess she didn't have anything to say. But she did sound upset. I wonder what's up?" Kay fought the sisterly urge to hop in her car and drive all the way back to Maine, just to talk with Jessica. But if Jessica didn't want to talk to her, then why waste a trip going back there? Kay shrugged off the really bad feeling in her stomach and went to start dinner for her and Pearl.
Back in Harmony, Jessica was distressed as she washed her hands. Kay was in the park today with her and Reese, there was no way she could've driven back to New York in enough time. And Kay sounded like she had just ran into the apartment after classes, Jessica even heard the thump of her bag and books! So what was up with the Kay downstairs, snuggling with Reese? Her mother had mentioned something about Kay learning a lesson, but having to do something…Jessica splashed her face with water, fighting the headache that was coming on. "Jess, are you okay?" Charity asked through the door. Jessica, had to grab the sink to stead herself. Charity realized that the door was unlocked and entered into the bathroom. "Jess, are you okay?" she repeated again, with a little more concern. "Yes," Jessica snapped, before sinking to the floor and admitting, "No." Charity was out the bathroom door saying she would get Grace. "I want my father," Jessica whispered, now clutching her stomach. Grace was in the bathroom, feeling Jessica's forehead. "She's burning up! Sam call Eve, now!"
Jessica found herself in bed for the next week with the flu. Grace tended over Jessica like a mother hen, until Charity got the flu as well. The two cousins were stuck in the living room with Grace, fussing all over Charity. "Mom, can I have some more soup?" Jessica asked, as she watched Grace give Charity her third bowl. "After Charity eats her fill," Grace replied. Jessica half-expected Charity to sweetly tell Grace to give Jessica some soup, putting her own suffering behind Jess', but that didn't appear to be happening anytime soon. Charity was accepting Grace's fuss with arms wide open, though Jessica was sure Charity could go and get her own soup. Sam had carried Jessica down to the couch everyday, because the girl couldn't see straight. Charity was able to walk down the stairs, even without the banister to steady her. The only thing that kept Charity home was her fever.
Kay walked in to the house, carrying the mail. She put it down on the table, and addressed her sick relatives. "Kay, do you think you could get me a bowl of soup, please?" Jessica asked her sister.
"Bowl of soup? Did Charity have enough?" Kay asked. "Actually, I could have another bowl please," Charity replied. "Absolutely." Kay disappeared into the kitchen. Charity got up to run to the bathroom, leaving Jess alone. She sorted her mail, and found a letter to her father from her sister, with the address Pearl's New York apartment. Also, under the couch, Jessica found an old piece of paper and a picture of Kay. She hid them as Charity and Kay walked back in.
An hour later, while Charity was resting, Kay was out doing errands and Grace was out doing business in the Bed and Breakfast, Sam walked in to find his daughter on the couch. "Hey, Jess, how are you feeling?"
"A little better."
"Do you need anything?"
"Yes. I need a new mother," Jess said. "Why?"
"If you get me the second helping of soup I've been asking for all day, I'll tell you."
"No one got you another helping?"
"Charity needed to eat her fill. And she can get off the couch, I can't!" Jessica shot up in a coughing fit. "I'm going to call Eve and get you some soup. I think you've gotten worse."
"Great," Jess sighed. "By the way, you got a letter from Kay. In New York." Sam finished his call to Eve and took the letter from Jess's clammy hand. "New York?"
"She's still there. Last week, when I got sick, she picked up when I called Pearl. And she was down here too. I don't think, I mean, I know that's not Kay running around Harmony now." Sam read the letter, and then took the spell from Jess' hand. Eve came and checked out Jessica, while Sam read the spell and waited for his wife to come home.
Grace walked in, not liking the look on her husband's face. "Sam? What's wrong?" She didn't receive her response, for Eve told Sam to rush Jessica to the hospital, to be treated for pneumonia. Eve ripped into Grace for not taking care of Jessica better and left. "What was that for?"
"I think you needed to here that," Sam said. "We will discuss this on the way to the hospital."
In the car, Grace, under pressure, admitted to cloning Kay and changing her personality to be the daughter Grace always wanted. "I just wanted the perfect daughter," Grace cried. "I can't believe this Grace. I don't know you anymore. You can't make everyone Charity, she's not human. Understand? When you go home, you are getting rid of that clone and explaining to everyone what you did."
Grace destroyed the Kay clone, but offered another explanation, much to Sam's dismay. "Kay decided to retry college. She moved back to New York, and in two more years will decide if she wants to come back and fulfill everything she said while she was here with us. Sorry," Grace said. Sam shook his head. 'How you've changed Grace,' he thought. 'Why won't you tell anyone the truth? Now, I can't correct you because everyone already believes you.' Sam and Grace's relationship changed that day, and had not been the same after.
A/N: I am *so* sorry this took so long. I was just about to update when my laptop refused to turn on. A month and a week later, I finally have my laptop back! So, I'm back in business. My polls from the last chapter still hold. You have one more chapter before three of the questions are thrown out. Please answer the powers question—they come in the next chapter. Thanks! ~*Mac*~