"I was looking for aspirin and I found this!" Gaele said as she handed Gabby the box.

"A home pregnancy test?" Gabby asked quietly. "Whose is it?"

"Ah, I found it in my parent's bathroom. I suspect my mom thought she might be in the family way and bought it. Not sure why she didn't use it, though."

"Will this tell me if I'm....pregnant?"

"Yes, it's pretty dependable. You're well past your cycle by the sound of it so it should show something. If it comes up with a plus sign, then you are. If a negative, you can do the test again to make sure; they've included a second test strip."

"How do I...." Gabby asked.

"Basically, when you go to the restroom, you pee on the stick! The directions say it'll take up to five minutes for the results. You want to try it?" Gaele didn't want to force her cousin, but she hoped Gabby would comply.

"Yeah, guess I should. Your mom's making an appointment today for me. Probably for Monday. It would be better if I knew going in what was up with me, huh?" she smiled weakly. Just thinking about the doctor's visit and what it would entail gave her the shakes. "I've never had an exam before by a doctor, Gaele. "she said nervously. Gabby's insides started to churn again just thinking about it.

"Well, my mom will go every step of the way with you; don't worry about it for now. One step at a time, okay?!"

Gabby took the box and went into the bathroom and closed the door behind her.

Gaele waited anxiously outside, almost as if it she were the one having to take the test! "How's it going in there?" she asked, tapping her foot on the floor and drumming her fingers against her arm.

"Nothing yet." Gabby called out.

"Maybe we can just let it sit there. Get busy doing other things....."

"Wait, I see something." Gabby said, startled.

Gaele couldn't contain herself, "Can I come in?"

"Um, sure." Gabby said weakly.

"What'd it say?" her cousin asked as she came into the bathroom.

"I think I am pregnant - it's showing a plus sign." Gabby sighed.

"Do another one! Just to be sure. It' can't hurt." Gaele suggested. She left the room to give her cousin some privacy.

As with the first one, the second one came up positive. Gabby sunk to the floor of the bathroom and cried. Gaele heard her and came in to sit down next to her, holding her. "You're going to be alright, Gabby! You have us! It's not the first time someone in this family wasn't married when they got pregnant!"

"It's not that. It's just that.... oh, I don't know what I'm going to do!!" and she sobbed some more.

"It's Jason, isn't it?" Gaele asked softly.

Gabby just shuddered and cried all the harder.

"Did he make you, Gabby, because that's important? If Jason raped you, you need to tell someone!"

"H-he said he was ...g...going to sue your father and Don if I said anything. He was going to file a lawsuit against him because..... I broke his nose! He was going to make sure that everyone lost all their money." Gabby cried some more, continuing, "But, if I cooperated with him, he wouldn't follow through with it. Even Don told me that a lawsuit could happen." She finally had herself under control.

Gaele was quiet; shocked that even Jason could stoop so low. "This is one sticky situation, Gabs... I don't know what to do for you. You can't go into work Saturday, you just can't! Maybe Don can fly you back to New York for some 'tests' and Mike can tell the staff at the studio about it, like he's concerned."

"That would mean telling them! I can't do that, Gaele. I'm so embarrassed! I allowed Jason to do this! He'll make good on his threat and go to the police!" Gabby started crying again.

"But - you were coerced! Threatened!! I think you did a noble thing trying to protect Daddy and Don, but - believe me - Jason's going to need to do a whole lot more than that to see his wedding day! My father and Don will not hold this against you - and neither will Seth! I think if it can be proven that Jason raped you and the child is his, he won't have a leg to stand on – if he even has any legs left after my family gets through with him!"

Gabby was already crying and the mention of Seth had her balling her eyes out. The next thing she knew, she was heaving her insides into the toilet - again!



Gaele practically carried Gabby back to her bed. She made sure she was tucked in. "I promise not to say anything - yet. But, as I said yesterday, by Sunday you need to tell at least my mom! Okay?"

Gabby nodded. She was tired and desperately wanted to go to rest. Gaele stroked Gabby's hair and then told her good night. Shortly after that, Gabby fell asleep.

******

Friday promised to be as unsettling for Gabby as the previous days. She did her morning routine of getting sick. Then, after she started feeling better, she dressed and made it down to the kitchen in time for breakfast. She made sure her face was washed and her hair combed; no way was she going to draw attention to herself any sooner than necessary.

She was getting out of the habit of doing her Bible study and praying, but it couldn't be helped. Gabby missed it terribly but considering what she had been learning from Romans, she felt completely unworthy of even opening the book. "Why would God have anything more to do with me?" she lamented "After what I let Jason do, God probably hates me anyway." She felt very much alone with that thought. Gabby had started thinking about making a decision and then Jason ruined it all for her. It was as much a catalyst for her depression as the rape and pregnancy was.

She didn't seem to eat much, which worried Raph a lot. He was noticing that his daughter seemed thinner and that concerned him terribly. "You sure you don't want something more than just a few crackers, Gabs? Just doesn't seem like enough food to keep you goin'." He asked her.

"No, I'm fine. Just don't feel very hungry, s'all." Gabby replied softly. The thought of food made her ill anyway, so it was just as well she kept with the crackers and the herbal tea.

The professor wasn't there since he wasn't feeling up to walking the distance from the guest cottage to the main house. He opted for having his breakfast by himself, instead. Fortunately, one of the nurses that came in the morning was a decent cook. It helped that the professor thought her quite attractive, too. Gabby wasn't in the mood to talk, so it was just as well for her. Her whole concern was what to do about Jason.

Rahab watched her niece nibble at her breakfast and then she looked over at her daughter. There was an unspoken conversation passing between the two, undetected by Mike and the others. It was definitely a mother-daughter thing. Gaele looked back at Rahab and nodded ever so slightly, then rubbed the back of her neck with her right hand. Rahab sighed and went back to eating her breakfast.

"Someth'n wrong, Sweetheart?" Mike asked his wife.

"No, just tired. Didn't sleep as well as I would have is all!" she smiled.

"Can't blame me!" Mike sniggered.

"No, I can't. Didn't even hear you come to bed last night." Rahab said quietly as she went back to her breakfast.

"Been talking about things." he said and stuffed a fork-full of eggs in his mouth. He eyed Raph and there was another bit of subtle dialog going around. Despite all the 'conversations' that were happening, the breakfast table was a quiet as a graveyard.

Gabby felt listless and tired throughout the day. She wasn't as nauseas, but she certainly wasn't up to going to Carmel. Every time she thought about Jason, she became worse. She ended up staying in her room, crying and fearful about the next day. Early on, the only one allowed up was Gaele. But after a while, even Gaele was asked to leave!

"I'm sorry, Gaele, but I really just want to be left alone for a while. " Gabby said apologetically.

"Hey, no problemo, Cuz. You just rest up, okay? I'd rather you take it easy now so you can make the concert tonight!" Gaele said brightly.

Everyone else pretty much left her alone as Gabby had made it perfectly clear she didn't want to be disturbed. Rahab had tried to bring her some soup towards lunchtime, but was turned away.

All afternoon, Gabby kept feeling the panic rise up within her like it did when she first arrived at Mikes so many weeks ago. Gabby wanted desperately to run away! But, if she did, Jason would then go to the police and file a complaint against her. Then, the police would be looking for her while Jason went to his lawyer to file a petition for litigation. It was a bad bet all the way around.

She wondered what would happen if she died. That scared her like no other, yet, what could Jason do? She'd be dead, there'd be no use suing Mike or Don since the whole reason for it would have been because Jason had his nose punched in by their niece. It would make Jason look bad and he seemed to be very concerned about how others perceived him. Something had to be done to stop this endless cycle of abuse. Being pregnant and by someone she loathed, ashamed for cooperating and not really believing that Seth would be so understanding, Gabby then made her decision. Even in her desperation, she knew it was not the best one for her. Yet, she was convinced it was certainly the best one for everybody else!

*****

"Are you sure you don't want to go, Gabby?" Mike asked. "It's a lot of fun!! People from all over come to this."

"No, I'm really tired. I'll probably go to bed early tonight. Tell Cassandra hello from me, though!" Gabby said.

"Are you sure, Gabby?" Gaele had asked.

"Yes, I'm sure! Don't worry about me, I'll go out and visit with the professor for a while before retiring!" and then she smiled.

She watched as all of them left for town. Don had gone into San Jose that morning to meet with a friend of his. He was expected back that evening and had decided to meet the family at the theater in order to make the performance. Gabby was glad that he had left when he did. She was sure he would have sensed something amiss with her decision not to go into Carmel.

After everyone had left, Gabby went out to the professor's house.

"You look a bit pale, Gabby. Are you alright?" he asked her.

"Yes, it's just something I ate the other day. Still bugging me!" she replied.

"Don's tea should help!" the professor suggested.

"I've had my fill of it! I can taste it even now!!" and Gabby laughed.

They visited for a couple of hours. At around seven, she told him she was tired and wanted to go back to the main house to bed. "I'm sorry, Father, but I guess the past few weeks with all that I've been learning has finally caught up to me!" she apologized.

"Don't worry about it, my dear. I'm glad they've given you some time off! I've enjoyed visiting with you this week. I've so missed you while you've been down in the gym." he smiled.

Gabby hugged him and told him she loved him very much. She didn't want to leave; he looked so frail. She worried about how the news would affect him once he was told. She knew in her heart that he didn't have long to live. If he made it to December, he would be considered lucky. Gabby's knowledge of medicine based on what he had taught her showed her as much. She feared the news might take him sooner. But, she was determined to do this. The honor of the family was at stake!

She looked at herself in the full length mirror in her bedroom and felt somehow different. The image reflected back at her was disturbing, but she needed to look the part. It practically screamed ninja! Dressed all in black with matching gloves and shoes, Gabby's ski hood was the final touch she needed. With just a single slit for her eyes, it made her look lethal - and perfect for what she needed to do! The black mascara around her eyes concealed her green skin, but the sadness could not be so well hidden! Yet, there was a determined edge that was also evident! She felt ready!

However, Gabby didn't want to just walk into Carmel looking that way! She knew that anyone in her family would recognize her, even with her auburn hair stuffed into the ski hood. So, rummaging through her closet she found a long hooded cloak. It wasn't like her favorite, having slits along the side for her arms to go through rather than sleeves. But, with her black make-shift ninja outfit, it didn't matter. She only wanted it to conceal the most important item in her ensemble.

Gabby had spirited it out of the gymnasium right after returning to the main house from visiting the professor. She slid the knife out of its wooden holder. The handle was simple and nondescript, cut from mahogany. The blade was sharp and angled at the tip for precision. It gleamed in the lamplight, seemingly ready for whatever job it was asked to do. Gabby replaced it back into its sheath but then started to feel a familiar wave of nausea. Fighting it back down, she was determined not to be held back by morning sickness! She had a job to do and Gabby was going to follow through with it - no matter what!

Taking a black belt, she slipped one end through the slit in the knife's sheath, allowing it to be held up against the body. Then, she put the belt on and then the cloak. She was ready!



Gabby carefully made her way down the driveway. The concert started at nine and she had ninety minutes to be there. It would take her about that much time to make Carmel on foot. By car, it was only about twenty minutes away at a leisurely pace. If she ran the entire way, she could make it. She was quite confident that she had the stamina to do the distance; her laps in the pool had deepened her wind and certainly her training in the gym had helped as well.

The concert had been advertised as only being about an hour long. She was sure that Jason would be there along with his girl friend. When they were at the restaurant that one Saturday, he had talked about how much his mother enjoyed going to Cassandra's store. He also seemed rather smitten with the woman; commenting about how young she looked. It was pretty certain he would attend! Gabby's plan was to get Jason somewhere by himself, one way or another. She wasn't sure how. But, Gabby knew that what Jason was doing to her was not common knowledge to Melissa, it would be easy to bate him! She was going to make sure he was out of the way before she completed her task. There'd be no 'trace' of who had done the deed. By the time they would find her, the knife would be at the bottom of the Monterey Trench!

When she came to the front gate, she looked at the control panel and saw an emergency opener. It was set far enough into the property where someone coming in could not reach it to activate it. But, going out was another story!

Gabby stuck to the side of the road, ready to jump into the shadows if so much as a flashlight flicked her way! None came. As she jogged down the private road, she finally saw the main highway and turned right to follow along side it through the woods towards Carmel. At one point the trees thinned out and she found herself being forced to walk along the roadside. One thing she did not need was for some patrol officer to wonder why she was running. Dressed the way she was and having the knife would have caused any peace officer to become suspicious. When there wasn't any traffic and the trees thickened up again, she ran. Pacing herself, she made better time and expended less energy.

Finally reaching the outskirts of town and seeing people with their children in costumes, Gabby slowed down. She didn't know exactly where this theater was. That was the only glitch in her plans. As she neared the heart of town along Ocean Avenue, though, she saw signs in the windows of shops advertising the concert! Following the directions listed, she took Ocean Avenue west towards the beach. It was quite a walk, but it allowed her to get her breathing under control.

As she neared the theater, she could see crowds of people filing into the building. Gabby's heart pounded in anxiety, knowing that what she was planning on doing disgusted her. But, in her mind, she didn't have any other options! Despite what Gaele had said Gabby was convinced that Seth would reject her the same way she believed his God had. She had dishonored the family in so many ways and now getting pregnant had to be the final insult. Add to that Jason's threats which only confirmed what Don had told her and Gabby's decision was made. It was a done deal as far as she was concerned. Now, she had to find Jason.

Mindful of the fact that her family was probably nearby, Gabby kept to the shadows, her eyes sharp for their position.

Just before she started across the way to the theater, she saw them. Fortunately, she had been caught up in a small crowd of people. She fought the panic that threatened to overtake her. The memory of her being forced up on stage at the karaoke bar came back to her in an instant. But, she successfully controlled it and allowed the crowd to pull her along towards the building. Staying on the far side of her group, Gabby walked right by Mike and Rahab, going unnoticed by her family. Those in her group made quiet mention of the reptilian people, some talking about the great costumes they were wearing or asking each other if they were for real. The group was obviously from out of town. But fortunately they never stopped and continued on towards the theater.

As Gabby passed her father, though, Raph snap his head up and looked around expectantly. Gabby held her breath, realizing that he had sensed her! "Darn!" she seethed to herself. But, she went deep into calming her heart that was pounding furiously. She sensed him looking in the direction of the crowd she had concealed herself within and at that moment, Gabby was grateful these people were taller than she! They made a perfect screen to obscure her hooded form. In the next instant, she could feel Raph relax. He shook his head and chuckled. Gabby was just plain relieved.

Once in the auditorium, she found a seat in the very back right corner of the building. She wanted the best vantage point so if Jason came in, she'd know immediately. She looked around slowly, careful so as not to draw attention to herself. It was warm in the theater, but Gabby refused to take her cloak off. Her identity as a ninja would only be known to Jason, the moment before she would slice his throat.

Soon, she noticed her family. They were grouped tightly together as they made their way into the theater. People parted respectfully to allow them passage. Mike led the way with Raph on the outside edge with Devon bringing up the rear. He was as tall as his father and taller than his uncle. With his lizard tail, he pretty much kept people from getting too close behind them! Rahab and her kids were in the middle, protected from gawkers and rude commentators by the very presence of her husband and his brothers. Gabby wanted very much to be under their protection as well. But, she knew what she had to do would not go well with any of them! She remained mute!

*****

"Hey, there's seating up front!" Gaele exclaimed. She ran ahead and grabbed the two rows that were vacant. There was just enough seating for everyone in her group with a couple seats to spare.

"I don't like being so close to the stage." complained Rahab.

"Well, it's either that or the back row. I'd prefer sitting here; that way we can wave to Cassandra!" Gaele exclaimed. "She's really nice! Sure wish Gabby could have come."

Raph sniggered, " You know something, back there when we were outside, I swore I sensed her! It was really weird. "

Mike offered, "Yeah, me, too. But, there isn't any way she could walk it, not with how she's been feeling lately!"

Devon, Gaele, and Riahna were already sitting down and then the others followed suit.

"Did Don say he was coming?" Rahab asked Mike.

"He's picking someone up from the airport, but yeah - as soon as he can get here. He wants to meet Cassandra before he heads out to Europe day after tomorrow." he replied.

"Who's he picking up?" Raph asked.

"Dunno. Didn't say. Got the call earlier this morning. But, it looks like the show is about to start!" Mike commented.

The lights dimmed and a hush fell over the crowd. A deep fog started to settle on the stage, the lighting giving it an eerie affect. Then, music started to play; it was the theme from Phantom of the Opera. Some in the audience cheered, while others told them to hush, but eventually an expectant calm swept over the crowd.

A member of the theater troupe introduced the evening to the audience, promoting the starred attraction as a Broadway star from fifteen years before. He listed a long litany of plays and musicals she had performed in and acknowledged a quirk that she was well know for back then. Cassandra loved to improvise, often throwing in dance steps that hadn't been written into the productions.

Cassandra listened from off stage to the introduction and smiled. Thinking about her love for spontaneity, she knew it was that quirk which pretty much ended her career. "Just as well, though." She thought to herself.

Soon the introductions were over and it was now show time.

In costume, Cassandra appeared from the fog as if she had just materialized. She was playing the part of Christine. The program stated she would be showcasing popular songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber musicals and one surprise song at the end. Each song would entail a scene from the musicals, with other actors, if called for, complete with costumes and as much in props as could be concocted. A mini montage' of Broadway hits, as it was promoted.

Cassandra took center stage. The music began and soon she began singing the first part of song, The Phantom of the Opera, with professional finesse. Her voice filled the auditorium and kept the hooters and louder members at bay with her singing. Her compatriot came on at his appointed time and tried to match her quality. He was a little lack luster at first, but through some subtle encouragement from Cassandra, his confidence grew and finally he caught up with his stage partner.

Gaele was stunned, her expression of surprise and awe. "Wow, she's really good!" she whispered, not wanting to disturb the spell the singer had cast over the audience.

"She sounds just like Gabby!" Devon whispered back.

"Gabby can sing like this?!!" Gaele asked her eyes wide.

"Oh, man - yes! If not for this Clan thing, she'd be great on Broadway!!" he replied.

"If not for her green skin, too!" Gaele stated. Then, she quieted as Mike tapped her on the shoulder to hush.

Cassandra went through the first song, acting out the scene as it was suppose to be. She successfully portrayed the vexed Christine as she was controlled by the Phantom to sing. It was heart wrenching to watch the agony as she wailed out the last few arias, collapsing on the stage so realistically, it unnerved Gaele. "Is she alright?!" she whispered.

Rahab leaned over, "Part of the play, Gaele. SHHHH!!"

"Okay, need to get out of the lab more often, I guess!!" she said to herself, chuckling quietly.

The next number was also from the same play and it was a beautiful duet with yet another young actor. All I Ask of You brought tears to many, while couples held hands and those unattached seemed wistful - including Gaele. She clamped her mouth shut as she realized how unlikely it was that she would have such an experience. Gaele felt one tear roll down her cheek, wiping it away quickly.

Another young woman far in the back row, hidden by her hooded cape, had all she could do to keep from crying, as well!

At one point during the song, the two singers danced a waltz with a little Broadway twist. Near the end of the instrumental, Cassandra was thrown forward towards the front of the stage! It was one of her quirky improvisations that she was known for and it brought gasps from the crowd. She was light weight and an easy toss by the actor. The height she acquired was impressive, but the triple spin she managed was even more so. Landing lightly on her feet and perfectly balanced, she walked ballet like towards the middle of the stage where she met her partner, joining him for the remainder of the song. Gaele was thrilled, as were those seated around her! It was not part of the choreography of the well known play, but something extra to excite the crowd.

"Wow!" Devon whispered, "For an 'old maid', she sure can work, eh!" Another tap on the shoulder and he hushed.

Wishing You Were Here Again, another tear jerker, came next and that had Rahab on the verge. She thought of the professor and Gabby and wondered how her niece was doing. She sniffed a few times, which brought Mike's arm around her shoulders for comfort.

Unexpected Song and then Love Changes Everything followed, with Amigo Para Siempre to round out the first half of the program. The latter song joined Cassandra with one of the areas renowned operatic singers, who did a marvelous job with a Latin accent. During the instrumental part of the number, they did a mock tango. Cassandra laughed out loud at one point as her partner challenged her by speeding up the footwork. She kept pace and then sped it up even more, which seemed to tax her stage mate just a little. The crowd responded with hoots, hollers and laughter to show appreciation for the light-heartedness of the number. Then, the soloists went back to finish out the song.



Gabby watched the show from the back. She was transfixed with Cassandra. She had never thought her friend was this good and was amazed to watch her move through each number. As with Gaele, some of the songs caused her to tear up, especially Wishing You Were Here Again! She thought of the professor, she thought of what she was going to do. She thought of Melissa and wondered how much the girl would grieve for Jason. Gabby hated him, but she knew that, for whatever reason, Melissa loved him. They were going to be getting married. In that instant, Gabby realized she couldn't kill him! As much as she wanted to see Jason dead, killing him would only cause heartache for so many others. Shamed and mortified by her selfish intentions, Gabby couldn't stay for the remainder of the program. She quietly left her seat and slipped out a side door, just as Don, Leo, and Seth came in through the front! And along with them walked in another person, a friend of Don's who had helped to confirm Cassandra's identity!