Friday night, just as dinner was winding down, Gabby noticed Mike looking at her. As she caught him staring, he dropped his gaze quickly. Finally, he excused himself and left the table, disappearing outside.
Rahab sighed and looked down at her plate, then over to Gabby. She smiled sheepishly at her niece and then motioned for her to follow her.
Rahab led Gabby into the atrium across from the family room. She took her niece by the shoulders and said, "Mike is feeling really bad right now, Gabby. He knows he's treated you something awful. But, he doesn't know how to fix it. I've never seen him so beat up like this!"
Gabby still had some hard feelings about the way he had treated her, but she could also understand what Mike was going through. It wasn't too long ago when she herself had disappointed someone.
Despite the chill in the air, Mike was sitting down in the fire pit, moping. He was mulling over about how best to approach Gabby and to apologize to her when he felt a hand drape itself across his shoulders. It was Gabby.
"Oh, hi there, Gabs!" he said softly. "Didn't hear you approach."
Gabby shook her head, "And you're trying to train me to be a ninja? Really, Uncle, you need to do better than that!" and she hugged him. He smiled at her jest, receiving her hugs willingly. Mike held her for the longest moment, not wanting to let go.
She could sense the emotions that seemed almost too overpowering being in such close proximity to its source. Mike sniffed a little and it was then that Gabby realized he was crying. "Gabby girl," he choked out, "I'm so ashamed about the way I treated you. I should have seen the signs; should have been more open to what you had to say. I'm so sorry!" He shuddered against her, holding her tight as the dam burst forth.
"S'okay." Was all Gabby could spit out. She was feeling a bit weepy herself, but not because of her situation. It was because she had her uncle back and things were starting to look good again.
Later that same night, Gabby sat with the professor as he digested the news of her pregnancy. Seth sat next to her for support, his arm firm around her waist as she waited for her father's reaction. She was nervous and scared. What would this news do to him? She didn't know, but Gabby knew he had to be told; it would only be a matter of time before she started showing.
Perry was silent for a long while. Finally, taking her hand into his, he said gently but soberly to Gabby, "Regardless of the child's father, I hope that you will be wise in raising him or her in a way that would bring the most honor to your family! Never let the child feel unloved simply because of how they came into the world or their misfortune of having a biological father of poor character! They are not responsible for that and neither are you!" He paused for a moment, looking long and hard at Gabriella. His eyes welled up momentarily, but he fought back the overflow and stated, "I am saddened to know that you were so ill treated, Gabriella. I'm glad that he is out of the picture, but I hope that someday he will come to realize the error of his ways! I am so sorry, Gabby." The professor then wrapped his arms around her and hugged her as he gulped back the emotions that wanted escape.
Then, he pulled away and turned towards Seth, saying, "You will have the greatest challenge of all! Gabby will learn to love this child far sooner than you will. A mother's love is not determined by circumstances but by the very fact that she was created to love. Since this child is not yours, the fashion that it was conceived will act as a wedge between your heart and it. As I just told Gabriella, it is not the child's fault that it was conceived the way it was. The greatest good you can do to balance out what Jason did is to love this child with your whole heart. You will be its father and to you it will look for guidance. You will determine how it sees itself and the world around it. " Perry smiled and then clasped a hand on Seth's shoulder, "I can trust that Leo had trained you to always do the right thing! I am pleased that you have asked Gabby to marry you; but I think she would have married you even if she weren't with child!" He smiled broadly. But, his energies were taxed. The professor started to cough and the nurse that was caring for him quietly instructed Gabby and Seth that they needed to let him rest. He lay back down on his pillow as the nurse guided the two young people out of the bedroom.
Gabby was passed the crying stage of her situation. However, she did not know how much time she would have with her father and it was that thought which saddened her. Though the child within her was not from a union with Seth, it was still her child and, to the professor, a grandchild! She prayed silently that he would live long enough to witness the birth and be able to hold the baby in his arms!
Seth and Gabby set December twenty-fifth as their wedding date. It was far enough along in the calendar to plan things, but not so far along for Gabby's pregnancy. Gabby requested that day specifically since she had come to know the Lord and it was the day most people celebrated His birth. It was also her most favorite day of the year!
Seth wanted the union to be formalized in his church and so they met with the pastor on Sunday to explain the need for haste. Fortunately, he was a very caring man and understood Gabby's unique situation. With the ceremony only to be attended by family members and the few close friends that they had, there wasn't any need to bring the intended marriage before the board. Usually, such hasty marriages desiring a ceremony in the church had to be approved of by the elders. But in this case, the pastor was quite confident it wouldn't be necessary.
When they told her the news later on that same day, Cassandra offered to sing for them! She was ecstatic that Gabby was getting married to Seth, her joy for them was apparent.
"You will need a dress, Gabriella!" Cassandra exclaimed, "I have quite a few escapees from my days on Broadway that I have stored upstairs in that closet in the back bedroom. There are a few that are white and I think they might fit you. You and Seth are welcomed to go through them to see what would work for you."
Seth didn't want to dress shop, "Gabs, maybe when Gaele comes in to town the two of you can go through them? It's just not something that I can give an opinion on. Or, maybe my mom could help?"
"Actually, now that I think about it," Cassandra said, "I don't think the groom is allowed to see the wedding dress before the day of the wedding!"
Seth straightened up and asked rather defensively and somewhat surprised, "Why not?"
"Bad luck." She stated as a matter-of-factly.
"Bah, I don't believe in bad luck. How ridiculous" he decried, "What could possibly go wrong?"
"Well, it's just the way it is, but don't you want to be surprised when she walks down the aisle?" Cassandra asked.
"No." Seth said.
Gabby looked over at him and asked, "Why not?" She was getting to like this idea of his not seeing the dress.
"Well, for one thing, you don't need a fancy dress to surprise me. I'd marry you right now with what you have on. But, you want a wedding and so, that means a dress, too!" he explained casually.
"I thought you wanted the wedding? You made this big deal about having it in your church and that's fine with me, but if you're changing your mind and all…." Gabby was getting a little miffed trying to understand her fiancé'.
"No… I mean, yes I want it in the church. All I was trying to say is I love you and would marry you whether you had a fancy dress on or not. I'm not a clothes person, Gabby. In fact, I really don't have to wear clothes but I do so I fit in with the normal human population." Seth explained, a little miffed him self.
"Well," Gabby shot back defensively, "I need to wear cloths, so – I kind of like this idea of you not seeing the dress until I walk down the aisle."
"But, what if I don't like it?" he asked, his jaw stiffening.
Cassandra sat back and observed this rather amusing discussion going on before her. She smiled as she saw Gabby straighten her back in defense.
"I thought you just said you didn't care what I wore? What difference does it make if you like it or not. If I like it, that should be enough, don't you think?" Gabby said irritably, her voice rising just a little.
Seth didn't have a comeback. He just sat there transfixed by the rather lively conversation he was having with Gabby. He remembered back only a few weeks before when she took him to task on his question about how she felt being among non-humans. Finally, he smiled and reached for her. However, Gabby stood up and folded her arms in front of her.
"You didn't answer my question!" she stated angrily.
"What question?" Seth asked, perplexed by her sudden stance. He saw a look on Gabby's face that reminded him an awful lot of Raphael when he had his shell in a twist.
"Shouldn't it be enough that I like the dress if you don't care what I wear in the first place?" she asked, narrowing her eyes for emphasis.
"Oh, that question. " he acknowledged. "Hmmm…well….I guess so. I mean, last thing I'd want you to do is wear something you don't like. Wouldn't make any sense, now, would it?" Seth stood up and gently grabbed a very irked Gabriella. Forgetting that Cassandra was sitting just across from them in her tiny living room, Seth embraced his fiancé' and kissed her. Then he told her, "You pick out whatever dress suits your fancy. It really doesn't matter to me."
"Oh, so if I walked down the aisle in a paper sack and a pail on my head…..you wouldn't you care?" Gabby furrowed her brow a little, getting a bit more confused – as was Seth.
Seth couldn't help but smile at the word picture she just created for him. But, he saw that she noticed his mirth and he quickly became all serious, "Ah, Gabs, all I care about is you. So, what ever you want you can have. I just want you to be happy!" Seth explained, just a little exasperated. "You keep it a secret, okay? Whatever you want is fine with me."
Gabby worked the inside of her cheek as she thought about it. Finally, she smiled a little and then asked, "Did we just have our first argument?" She giggled a little, thinking about all that had just transpired. "I think we did."
Seth just shook his head and noticed that Cassandra had her hand over her mouth as she tried very hard to suppress her laughter. He looked back at Gabby and smiled broadly, "I think you're right." and laughed out loud himself, kissing her a second time..
*****
It was about one week before Thanksgiving and Gabby had gone into town with Seth. It was just a day to relax and spend some time together outside of Mike's place. The weather was a little cool so the two of them were bundled up in warm jackets, hugging each other for added warmth as they strolled along the pedestrian sidewalk.
Along the way, she talked Seth into visiting the Musical Note. "I've missed her! "She commented.
"It's only been a couple of days, Gabby!" Seth complained. "You see her nearly every week, sometimes twice a week."
"I know, but .... She's my friend and, besides, we get along really well!" she smiled. "I thought you liked her?"
"Yes, she's very nice and I do enjoy her company. She was very generous to sing for us and about you using one of her dresses. But I think its best you not get too close to her. We don't have very many human friends. I've found that most are just curious about us and not in it for the long haul. Remember Jason!" Seth corrected.
"Yes, how can I forget? Thanks for reminding me!" Gabby said irritably as she picked up the pace and moved ahead of Devon.
He skipped a bit to try to pace himself with her, begging, "I'm sorry, Gabs. But ... I'm really disappointed in him. I trusted Jas! Now....I don't think I can trust another human. " Seth followed Gabby's lead, speeding up his walk. But, then, he stopped her and held her tightly to him, "I love you! " he whispered, "What he did was abominable! Unforgivable for now. Maybe later I can, but ...." and he whispered into her ear, "If my father and uncles hadn't have been in that room, I would have killed Jason that day we confronted him. Devon and I actually had it all planned out." He looked at her more seriously than Gabby had ever seen.
Gabby's eyes grew slightly wider when she recognized the familiar expression. Seth was giving the same face as Don and Leo had when they were trying to make a point.
As Gabby pulled away from Seth she reprimanded hoarsly, "NO, don't you ever, ever do that! He's not worth the price you would have to pay! Let him live with the knowledge of what he did to me - and what you could have done to him! " She smiled anxiously and cupped his face with her hands, kissing him and said, " Time is his best punishment. "
Cassandra wasn't in the store part of the building, so Gabby called for her. No answer. She looked back at the placard in front and there was nothing to indicate she had taken an early lunch. So, Gabby asked Seth to go with her to the back. Her senses picked up in alarm.
The small living area was empty, so they carefully went up the stairs. "Cassandra? Are you there?" Gabby asked. Again, no answer. She reached the top of the stairs and looked into the bathroom that was just opposite. The door was opened, but the room was empty. Then, Gabby checked the main bedroom. She gasped! Casandra was lying on the floor up against her bureau, apparently unconscious.
Seth said, "Don't move her yet!" He checked to make sure she had a pulse and she was still breathing, which she was. They called Don on the phone that was in the room and asked him what they should do.
"Can you rouse her? Don asked through the phone.
Gabby gently stroked Casandra's face and talked to her. She moaned a little, but that was it.
"She's kind of in between, Don" Seth explained.
Don then told them to stay put and he'd be right over. Then, he told them that they ought to call the paramedics.
If she had been anyone in his family, he would have just handled the problem himself. But, Casandra was human and therefore needed human intervention.
By the time Don arrived with Leo, the paramedics were wheeling Casandra out on the gurney. It caused quite a bit of stir among the shop owners with people milling around trying to get a look at the commotion.
"What do the paramedics think happened?" Don asked Seth.
Gabby answered, "Her blood pressure was up, something like 200/120 and her pulse was over 150! Her eyes were dialated, so there seems to be pressure on the brain. They won't know for sure until they do a MRI and CAT scan. They're taking her to the Community Hospital in Monterey."
Don nodded and then asked his niece, "You want to go with her?"
Gabby was on the transport in a flash. The rest of them would follow along in Don's sedan.
It was the first time Gabby had ever ridden in an ambulence, especially with the sirens blaring! However, she could care less about all of that. She was more concerned about her friend. She watched as the paramedics hooked Casandra up to an IV and wrote on some paper attached to a clipboard. The vehicle drove quickly but safely through the weekday traffic, finally arriving at the emergency door of the hospital in short order.
Gabby was anxious while she sat in the waiting room. Seth, Don, and Leo arrived shortly after she had and were waiting there with her. They were starting to create a bit of a commotion, however, and it became a bit uncomfortable. It wasn't everyday that the people of Monterey saw them, so it was a unique experience for those that were lucky enough to be there!
"Well," Gabby commented quietly, "At the very least we're helping them to forget their pain and discomfort for a while!" and laughed.
Finally, a doctor came out and asked for them. Gabby asserted herself and took the lead, which amused Don to no end. But, she had a vested interest in Cassandra, more than any of them had.
"Hi, I'm Dr. Swaltsky. I checked your friend over and thought you'd like to know that Ms. Edwards is doing better. Seems her blood pressure went through the roof, nothing life threatening, though. That's what caused her to black out. We're running some blood tests, now, but I believe it's nothing serious. She'll have to be on meds to control it. However, Ms. Edwards did get a bump on her head - probably when she blacked out and fell. She has a slight concussion. I'm prescribing bedrest for a few days until the swelling goes down and some antibiotics, just to ward off any unforeseen infection. However..... there is one ...ah... thing that I may need to confer with you on." The doctor looked at Don. " I usually wait until I discuss with the patient about x-rays shown to non family members. But, in this case...I think you count as family. If you'll follow me to the x-ray room!"
"Can I go?" Gabby asked.
Dr. Swaltsky replied, "No, only one person please." and then led Don through a pair of double doors and down passed three rooms.
Once inside the fourth room, he switched on the x-ray viewer and took an exposed x-ray, slipping it up and under the clip. "You see this right here along her back - I couldn't for the life of me figure out what it was except - it looks like a...."
"Yes, I can see what it looks like!" Don said. He stared long and hard at this amazing discovery. "Are you sure this is from Cassandra?!" Don asked the doctor.
He replied, " I was wondering that myself! But upon a physical examination of her while she was unconcsious, I confirmed it!" Then, the doctor suggested, " I'd like to keep her overnight for observation and see if there is any...." the doctor started to say.
But Don interrupted him, "Is her condition life-threatening?"
Dr. Swaltsky replied, "No, I said earlier it wasn't, but..."
Don said, "Then I will bring her home with us!"
"There could be complications!" the doctor insisted.
"Seems the only complication will be me, Dr.! Ms. Edwards will be going home with us. Please sign her out! I will have my private ambulance retrieve her. Until they arrive, my niece and nephew will stay with her. Also, we'd like all x-rays that you have taken of Ms.Edwards"
"But...." Dr. Swaltsky started and then he saw Don's expression cloud over. Changing his attitude, the doctor said, "Right. I'll go and take them to her room." and the doctor went back out to to take Gabby and Seth to Casandra's room.
"Hi!" Gabby said as she walked over to Cassandra's bed, "How are you feeling?"
Cassandra was groggy, but coherent, "Fine, now. The doctor said I have high blood pressure! Ha! And I ate healthy, too! Who would have thought."
"Don is getting his private ambulance to take you to our place." Gabby explained.
Cassandra looked confused, "Your house? Why? It's just a high blood pressure problem. Medication will take care of it!"
Seth then added, "You also suffered a concussion and need bed rest."
"Phooey! I've had those before and never needed help. I'll do better at my place! "she insisted, trying to get comfortable on the hospital bed. Seth saw an extra pillow underneath where the linen was stored. He retrieved it and helped position it under Cassandra's head. "Thanks, Seth!" she gushed appreciatively.
"You don't know my uncle! He can be quite persuasive!" Gabby grinned.
"He doesn't know me! I can be QUITE stubborn!"
"Stubborn about what?" Don asked as he and Leo came into the room.
"About going back to my shop! Mr.Tello, I appreciate the offer of your home, but..." Casandra began.
"Actually, it is my brother's home and you will be coming with us, Ms. Edwards!" Don smiled, graciously persistant.
"Hmmm....I would prefer to go back to my home; I am more comfortable there and as you are well aware, the more comfortable a patient is, the faster their recovery!" Cassandra insisted, smiling as well.
The two looked at each other intently for a few minutes. Leo, Seth and Gabby watched the drama of wills unfold. Cassandra was not going to let up and, after a moment, Don realized that.
Finally, he relented, "Alright. But under one condition!"
"And...that would be?" she asked, relieved, since she really didn't want to get into an argument about it.
"That my niece takes care of you! I will not tolerate you being alone while you are recovering! Otherwise, you will come with us!" Don folded his arms across his chest in determination.
Cassandra smiled, " A much better deal all the way around, provided Gabriella is willing?!" and she looked over at her friend.
"Yes! Of course, I wouldn't mind at all!" she replied.
"And...that Leo can drop in on you now and then to make sure you are progressing!" Don added.
"Hmmm...anymore surprise conditons, Mr. Tello?" Casandra asked, looking at him with narrowed eyes.
"I'll see how things go and then let you know. But, right now we want you to rest. My ambulance will take you back as soon as it gets here!"
"Mr. Tello, I'm perfectly capable of sitting up in a car!" Casandra protested, trying to get up. Leo walked over and gently implored her to do otherwise. She scrowled good naturedly, but complied - smiling, "I can see you're going to be just as difficult as your brother!"
"What's done is done! The ambulance will be here in a moment and I will not argue about it!" Don's expression went flat, so Casandra conceded reluctantly.
They finally returned to the Musical Note and Cassandra was having an ongoing debate with Leo. This time about being carried up to her room. "The stairwell is not very wide, it would be easier for me to walk it!" she complained, " Last thing I need is to get my head banged up a second time!" She stood up out of the wheelchair and started walking towards the stairs.
Leo gave a displeased expression and, without so much as a word, grabbed her up. Seth and Gabby were quite amused by the entire ordeal, never having seen anyone go toe to toe with Leo the way this woman did.
"Ah! I told you I could do this!" she fussed as he took her up the stairs. " Okay, fine ...whatever kicks your fancy...just don't bang my head, okay!"
Don shook his head and smiled, commenting, "She sure has spunk!"
Once Leo had Casandra firmly tucked in, he told her, "NO getting out of bed unless you need to use the restroom. Then, you call someone!"
"Well, it's not going to be you, THAT'S for sure!" she said in mock irritation. Then, Cassandra laughed. "Thanks, Leo. I'm not used to being cared for, so I get rather obstinate!!"
"I'll be back with some tea!" he replied with a shadow of a smile. He was gone down the stairs in an instant.
"Tea! Yeah, that would be just lovely! " she said, resting her head back on the pillow. She realized right then that her concussion was worse than she had thought. Her head started to pound, so she called after him, " I'll need a couple of aspirin, too. Top shelf, just right of the sink, if you please!"
A short while later Gabby came up the stairs and sat down in the two-seater couch, "So, how do you feel, now that Leo has you tucked in?"
"Pampered - too m'ch!" she replied as her speech started to slur. She noticed that her eyes seemed heavy. Casandra was tired and wanted to sleep.
Gabby heard footsteps coming up the stairs and saw her Uncle Don poke his head into the bedroom, "You okay, Casandra?" he asked.
"Yep...tired s'all. Head hurts and I need sleep." and she began to doze off.
Don stepped over to the bed and sat down on the floor next to it, " Nope, need to stay awake long enough to have some of Leo's tea!" He took her hand and squeezed it. "Cassandra, please stay awake!"
Her eyes fluttered open and it took all her resolve to keep them that way. "My head aches!" she moaned.
"Yes, I know. Leo's tea will help." Don encouraged. "Hey, Leo, now would be a good time!" he called out towards the bedroom door.
Soon enough, his brother appeared with a cup of the tea. Seth stayed back while Gabby went over to help prop Casandra's head up while Leo carefully had her sip the liquid. It wasn't too warm and she was able to get most of it down. "I'll be back with more!" and he left quickly for the kitchen.
Don watched Cassandra and thought about the x-rays the doctor had shown him.
Back at the hospital, the doctor was not happy about releasing every last one of them, but when Don wrote a sizeable check out to the facility, the physician relented. Don then had Leo come into the x-ray room after Gabby and Seth went to visit Casandra.
"I can't believe it! It's.....her!" Leo gasped quietly as he stood before the lit up screen, his mouth agap. "How? It's too much of a coincidence for her to be here in the same community. What do you think?"
"I think, dear brother, that Cassandra is a Protector!" and Don's admiration for the woman grew considerably. "I'm going to have a little talk with the professor to see what he knows!"
Don was riveted back to the present as Leo came into the room with the teapot, the cup filled with a second helping of his brew. Casandra took down two more 'doses' and then they let her sleep, allowing the tea to do it's 'magic'.
Gabby refused to leave her friend, choosing to stay on the couch in the bedroom. Seth asked if she was going to be alright. "Yeah, I'll probably take the room across the hall. That's where I slept when I stayed here last time!" she answered. " But, I think we're going to need a sign out front to let people know that the shop will be closed for a while."
So, Seth went down stairs and wrote up a temporary sign, taping it to the inside of the front door so it would be easy to see. After that, he explored the shop a little, somewhat bored. He didn't feel comfortable with leaving Gabby there by herself with Casandra. He felt protective of both of them. He was listening to his father and uncle discuss something private, not quite catching all the words. They were in the kitchen/living area in the back and talking in typical low tones that were barely audible. "Ninja talk. Something must be up." He thought absentmindedly.
Sometimes, Seth thought, it was more telepathic than anything else. They never really had to say much to each other, but he could sense that a conversation was taking place. Seth figured that the years of living so closely together in the sewers of New York must have honed their senses to a razor sharp point. Survival instincts? It was always something he had wanted to discuss with them, but it was one of those topics that were hard to bring up.
He went around the cashier's counter and visually explored the back of it. Seth started getting uncomfortable, realizing that it might be construed as a bit intrusive. But, just as he was about to walk back around to the other side, a photo caught his attention. It was taped to the inside of the desk area, its position making it difficult to see by the undiscerining eye. He gently removed it, taking care not to break the tape.
Seth looked at the photo and tried to make sense of it. The picture showed a light-green girl, maybe around ten years old, with long auburn hair that was wild with curls. A much younger Professor Perry stood next to her. The two were standing in front of what looked like a cabin with mountains and pine trees in the background. "Gabby?!" he asked softly.
"What'd you find, Seth?" Don asked.
Seth nearly jumped out of his skin! He swore under his breath for being surprised, but then realized his uncle was glaring at him. "I, ah....found a picture of – Gabby….I think!" he explained softly.
"Let me see." Don asked as he reached out for the photo.
Seth handed the picture to his uncle. Don looked at it for a long time, then sighed. He said quietly, staring intently at his nephew, "Please do me a favor, Seth. One, do not say anything to Gabby about this! Two, please keep out of other people's personal affects!"
Don then tucked the photo inside his jacket, returning to the back room, leaving Seth red-faced and embarrased.
Rahab sighed and looked down at her plate, then over to Gabby. She smiled sheepishly at her niece and then motioned for her to follow her.
Rahab led Gabby into the atrium across from the family room. She took her niece by the shoulders and said, "Mike is feeling really bad right now, Gabby. He knows he's treated you something awful. But, he doesn't know how to fix it. I've never seen him so beat up like this!"
Gabby still had some hard feelings about the way he had treated her, but she could also understand what Mike was going through. It wasn't too long ago when she herself had disappointed someone.
Despite the chill in the air, Mike was sitting down in the fire pit, moping. He was mulling over about how best to approach Gabby and to apologize to her when he felt a hand drape itself across his shoulders. It was Gabby.
"Oh, hi there, Gabs!" he said softly. "Didn't hear you approach."
Gabby shook her head, "And you're trying to train me to be a ninja? Really, Uncle, you need to do better than that!" and she hugged him. He smiled at her jest, receiving her hugs willingly. Mike held her for the longest moment, not wanting to let go.
She could sense the emotions that seemed almost too overpowering being in such close proximity to its source. Mike sniffed a little and it was then that Gabby realized he was crying. "Gabby girl," he choked out, "I'm so ashamed about the way I treated you. I should have seen the signs; should have been more open to what you had to say. I'm so sorry!" He shuddered against her, holding her tight as the dam burst forth.
"S'okay." Was all Gabby could spit out. She was feeling a bit weepy herself, but not because of her situation. It was because she had her uncle back and things were starting to look good again.
Later that same night, Gabby sat with the professor as he digested the news of her pregnancy. Seth sat next to her for support, his arm firm around her waist as she waited for her father's reaction. She was nervous and scared. What would this news do to him? She didn't know, but Gabby knew he had to be told; it would only be a matter of time before she started showing.
Perry was silent for a long while. Finally, taking her hand into his, he said gently but soberly to Gabby, "Regardless of the child's father, I hope that you will be wise in raising him or her in a way that would bring the most honor to your family! Never let the child feel unloved simply because of how they came into the world or their misfortune of having a biological father of poor character! They are not responsible for that and neither are you!" He paused for a moment, looking long and hard at Gabriella. His eyes welled up momentarily, but he fought back the overflow and stated, "I am saddened to know that you were so ill treated, Gabriella. I'm glad that he is out of the picture, but I hope that someday he will come to realize the error of his ways! I am so sorry, Gabby." The professor then wrapped his arms around her and hugged her as he gulped back the emotions that wanted escape.
Then, he pulled away and turned towards Seth, saying, "You will have the greatest challenge of all! Gabby will learn to love this child far sooner than you will. A mother's love is not determined by circumstances but by the very fact that she was created to love. Since this child is not yours, the fashion that it was conceived will act as a wedge between your heart and it. As I just told Gabriella, it is not the child's fault that it was conceived the way it was. The greatest good you can do to balance out what Jason did is to love this child with your whole heart. You will be its father and to you it will look for guidance. You will determine how it sees itself and the world around it. " Perry smiled and then clasped a hand on Seth's shoulder, "I can trust that Leo had trained you to always do the right thing! I am pleased that you have asked Gabby to marry you; but I think she would have married you even if she weren't with child!" He smiled broadly. But, his energies were taxed. The professor started to cough and the nurse that was caring for him quietly instructed Gabby and Seth that they needed to let him rest. He lay back down on his pillow as the nurse guided the two young people out of the bedroom.
Gabby was passed the crying stage of her situation. However, she did not know how much time she would have with her father and it was that thought which saddened her. Though the child within her was not from a union with Seth, it was still her child and, to the professor, a grandchild! She prayed silently that he would live long enough to witness the birth and be able to hold the baby in his arms!
Seth and Gabby set December twenty-fifth as their wedding date. It was far enough along in the calendar to plan things, but not so far along for Gabby's pregnancy. Gabby requested that day specifically since she had come to know the Lord and it was the day most people celebrated His birth. It was also her most favorite day of the year!
Seth wanted the union to be formalized in his church and so they met with the pastor on Sunday to explain the need for haste. Fortunately, he was a very caring man and understood Gabby's unique situation. With the ceremony only to be attended by family members and the few close friends that they had, there wasn't any need to bring the intended marriage before the board. Usually, such hasty marriages desiring a ceremony in the church had to be approved of by the elders. But in this case, the pastor was quite confident it wouldn't be necessary.
When they told her the news later on that same day, Cassandra offered to sing for them! She was ecstatic that Gabby was getting married to Seth, her joy for them was apparent.
"You will need a dress, Gabriella!" Cassandra exclaimed, "I have quite a few escapees from my days on Broadway that I have stored upstairs in that closet in the back bedroom. There are a few that are white and I think they might fit you. You and Seth are welcomed to go through them to see what would work for you."
Seth didn't want to dress shop, "Gabs, maybe when Gaele comes in to town the two of you can go through them? It's just not something that I can give an opinion on. Or, maybe my mom could help?"
"Actually, now that I think about it," Cassandra said, "I don't think the groom is allowed to see the wedding dress before the day of the wedding!"
Seth straightened up and asked rather defensively and somewhat surprised, "Why not?"
"Bad luck." She stated as a matter-of-factly.
"Bah, I don't believe in bad luck. How ridiculous" he decried, "What could possibly go wrong?"
"Well, it's just the way it is, but don't you want to be surprised when she walks down the aisle?" Cassandra asked.
"No." Seth said.
Gabby looked over at him and asked, "Why not?" She was getting to like this idea of his not seeing the dress.
"Well, for one thing, you don't need a fancy dress to surprise me. I'd marry you right now with what you have on. But, you want a wedding and so, that means a dress, too!" he explained casually.
"I thought you wanted the wedding? You made this big deal about having it in your church and that's fine with me, but if you're changing your mind and all…." Gabby was getting a little miffed trying to understand her fiancé'.
"No… I mean, yes I want it in the church. All I was trying to say is I love you and would marry you whether you had a fancy dress on or not. I'm not a clothes person, Gabby. In fact, I really don't have to wear clothes but I do so I fit in with the normal human population." Seth explained, a little miffed him self.
"Well," Gabby shot back defensively, "I need to wear cloths, so – I kind of like this idea of you not seeing the dress until I walk down the aisle."
"But, what if I don't like it?" he asked, his jaw stiffening.
Cassandra sat back and observed this rather amusing discussion going on before her. She smiled as she saw Gabby straighten her back in defense.
"I thought you just said you didn't care what I wore? What difference does it make if you like it or not. If I like it, that should be enough, don't you think?" Gabby said irritably, her voice rising just a little.
Seth didn't have a comeback. He just sat there transfixed by the rather lively conversation he was having with Gabby. He remembered back only a few weeks before when she took him to task on his question about how she felt being among non-humans. Finally, he smiled and reached for her. However, Gabby stood up and folded her arms in front of her.
"You didn't answer my question!" she stated angrily.
"What question?" Seth asked, perplexed by her sudden stance. He saw a look on Gabby's face that reminded him an awful lot of Raphael when he had his shell in a twist.
"Shouldn't it be enough that I like the dress if you don't care what I wear in the first place?" she asked, narrowing her eyes for emphasis.
"Oh, that question. " he acknowledged. "Hmmm…well….I guess so. I mean, last thing I'd want you to do is wear something you don't like. Wouldn't make any sense, now, would it?" Seth stood up and gently grabbed a very irked Gabriella. Forgetting that Cassandra was sitting just across from them in her tiny living room, Seth embraced his fiancé' and kissed her. Then he told her, "You pick out whatever dress suits your fancy. It really doesn't matter to me."
"Oh, so if I walked down the aisle in a paper sack and a pail on my head…..you wouldn't you care?" Gabby furrowed her brow a little, getting a bit more confused – as was Seth.
Seth couldn't help but smile at the word picture she just created for him. But, he saw that she noticed his mirth and he quickly became all serious, "Ah, Gabs, all I care about is you. So, what ever you want you can have. I just want you to be happy!" Seth explained, just a little exasperated. "You keep it a secret, okay? Whatever you want is fine with me."
Gabby worked the inside of her cheek as she thought about it. Finally, she smiled a little and then asked, "Did we just have our first argument?" She giggled a little, thinking about all that had just transpired. "I think we did."
Seth just shook his head and noticed that Cassandra had her hand over her mouth as she tried very hard to suppress her laughter. He looked back at Gabby and smiled broadly, "I think you're right." and laughed out loud himself, kissing her a second time..
*****
It was about one week before Thanksgiving and Gabby had gone into town with Seth. It was just a day to relax and spend some time together outside of Mike's place. The weather was a little cool so the two of them were bundled up in warm jackets, hugging each other for added warmth as they strolled along the pedestrian sidewalk.
Along the way, she talked Seth into visiting the Musical Note. "I've missed her! "She commented.
"It's only been a couple of days, Gabby!" Seth complained. "You see her nearly every week, sometimes twice a week."
"I know, but .... She's my friend and, besides, we get along really well!" she smiled. "I thought you liked her?"
"Yes, she's very nice and I do enjoy her company. She was very generous to sing for us and about you using one of her dresses. But I think its best you not get too close to her. We don't have very many human friends. I've found that most are just curious about us and not in it for the long haul. Remember Jason!" Seth corrected.
"Yes, how can I forget? Thanks for reminding me!" Gabby said irritably as she picked up the pace and moved ahead of Devon.
He skipped a bit to try to pace himself with her, begging, "I'm sorry, Gabs. But ... I'm really disappointed in him. I trusted Jas! Now....I don't think I can trust another human. " Seth followed Gabby's lead, speeding up his walk. But, then, he stopped her and held her tightly to him, "I love you! " he whispered, "What he did was abominable! Unforgivable for now. Maybe later I can, but ...." and he whispered into her ear, "If my father and uncles hadn't have been in that room, I would have killed Jason that day we confronted him. Devon and I actually had it all planned out." He looked at her more seriously than Gabby had ever seen.
Gabby's eyes grew slightly wider when she recognized the familiar expression. Seth was giving the same face as Don and Leo had when they were trying to make a point.
As Gabby pulled away from Seth she reprimanded hoarsly, "NO, don't you ever, ever do that! He's not worth the price you would have to pay! Let him live with the knowledge of what he did to me - and what you could have done to him! " She smiled anxiously and cupped his face with her hands, kissing him and said, " Time is his best punishment. "
Cassandra wasn't in the store part of the building, so Gabby called for her. No answer. She looked back at the placard in front and there was nothing to indicate she had taken an early lunch. So, Gabby asked Seth to go with her to the back. Her senses picked up in alarm.
The small living area was empty, so they carefully went up the stairs. "Cassandra? Are you there?" Gabby asked. Again, no answer. She reached the top of the stairs and looked into the bathroom that was just opposite. The door was opened, but the room was empty. Then, Gabby checked the main bedroom. She gasped! Casandra was lying on the floor up against her bureau, apparently unconscious.
Seth said, "Don't move her yet!" He checked to make sure she had a pulse and she was still breathing, which she was. They called Don on the phone that was in the room and asked him what they should do.
"Can you rouse her? Don asked through the phone.
Gabby gently stroked Casandra's face and talked to her. She moaned a little, but that was it.
"She's kind of in between, Don" Seth explained.
Don then told them to stay put and he'd be right over. Then, he told them that they ought to call the paramedics.
If she had been anyone in his family, he would have just handled the problem himself. But, Casandra was human and therefore needed human intervention.
By the time Don arrived with Leo, the paramedics were wheeling Casandra out on the gurney. It caused quite a bit of stir among the shop owners with people milling around trying to get a look at the commotion.
"What do the paramedics think happened?" Don asked Seth.
Gabby answered, "Her blood pressure was up, something like 200/120 and her pulse was over 150! Her eyes were dialated, so there seems to be pressure on the brain. They won't know for sure until they do a MRI and CAT scan. They're taking her to the Community Hospital in Monterey."
Don nodded and then asked his niece, "You want to go with her?"
Gabby was on the transport in a flash. The rest of them would follow along in Don's sedan.
It was the first time Gabby had ever ridden in an ambulence, especially with the sirens blaring! However, she could care less about all of that. She was more concerned about her friend. She watched as the paramedics hooked Casandra up to an IV and wrote on some paper attached to a clipboard. The vehicle drove quickly but safely through the weekday traffic, finally arriving at the emergency door of the hospital in short order.
Gabby was anxious while she sat in the waiting room. Seth, Don, and Leo arrived shortly after she had and were waiting there with her. They were starting to create a bit of a commotion, however, and it became a bit uncomfortable. It wasn't everyday that the people of Monterey saw them, so it was a unique experience for those that were lucky enough to be there!
"Well," Gabby commented quietly, "At the very least we're helping them to forget their pain and discomfort for a while!" and laughed.
Finally, a doctor came out and asked for them. Gabby asserted herself and took the lead, which amused Don to no end. But, she had a vested interest in Cassandra, more than any of them had.
"Hi, I'm Dr. Swaltsky. I checked your friend over and thought you'd like to know that Ms. Edwards is doing better. Seems her blood pressure went through the roof, nothing life threatening, though. That's what caused her to black out. We're running some blood tests, now, but I believe it's nothing serious. She'll have to be on meds to control it. However, Ms. Edwards did get a bump on her head - probably when she blacked out and fell. She has a slight concussion. I'm prescribing bedrest for a few days until the swelling goes down and some antibiotics, just to ward off any unforeseen infection. However..... there is one ...ah... thing that I may need to confer with you on." The doctor looked at Don. " I usually wait until I discuss with the patient about x-rays shown to non family members. But, in this case...I think you count as family. If you'll follow me to the x-ray room!"
"Can I go?" Gabby asked.
Dr. Swaltsky replied, "No, only one person please." and then led Don through a pair of double doors and down passed three rooms.
Once inside the fourth room, he switched on the x-ray viewer and took an exposed x-ray, slipping it up and under the clip. "You see this right here along her back - I couldn't for the life of me figure out what it was except - it looks like a...."
"Yes, I can see what it looks like!" Don said. He stared long and hard at this amazing discovery. "Are you sure this is from Cassandra?!" Don asked the doctor.
He replied, " I was wondering that myself! But upon a physical examination of her while she was unconcsious, I confirmed it!" Then, the doctor suggested, " I'd like to keep her overnight for observation and see if there is any...." the doctor started to say.
But Don interrupted him, "Is her condition life-threatening?"
Dr. Swaltsky replied, "No, I said earlier it wasn't, but..."
Don said, "Then I will bring her home with us!"
"There could be complications!" the doctor insisted.
"Seems the only complication will be me, Dr.! Ms. Edwards will be going home with us. Please sign her out! I will have my private ambulance retrieve her. Until they arrive, my niece and nephew will stay with her. Also, we'd like all x-rays that you have taken of Ms.Edwards"
"But...." Dr. Swaltsky started and then he saw Don's expression cloud over. Changing his attitude, the doctor said, "Right. I'll go and take them to her room." and the doctor went back out to to take Gabby and Seth to Casandra's room.
"Hi!" Gabby said as she walked over to Cassandra's bed, "How are you feeling?"
Cassandra was groggy, but coherent, "Fine, now. The doctor said I have high blood pressure! Ha! And I ate healthy, too! Who would have thought."
"Don is getting his private ambulance to take you to our place." Gabby explained.
Cassandra looked confused, "Your house? Why? It's just a high blood pressure problem. Medication will take care of it!"
Seth then added, "You also suffered a concussion and need bed rest."
"Phooey! I've had those before and never needed help. I'll do better at my place! "she insisted, trying to get comfortable on the hospital bed. Seth saw an extra pillow underneath where the linen was stored. He retrieved it and helped position it under Cassandra's head. "Thanks, Seth!" she gushed appreciatively.
"You don't know my uncle! He can be quite persuasive!" Gabby grinned.
"He doesn't know me! I can be QUITE stubborn!"
"Stubborn about what?" Don asked as he and Leo came into the room.
"About going back to my shop! Mr.Tello, I appreciate the offer of your home, but..." Casandra began.
"Actually, it is my brother's home and you will be coming with us, Ms. Edwards!" Don smiled, graciously persistant.
"Hmmm....I would prefer to go back to my home; I am more comfortable there and as you are well aware, the more comfortable a patient is, the faster their recovery!" Cassandra insisted, smiling as well.
The two looked at each other intently for a few minutes. Leo, Seth and Gabby watched the drama of wills unfold. Cassandra was not going to let up and, after a moment, Don realized that.
Finally, he relented, "Alright. But under one condition!"
"And...that would be?" she asked, relieved, since she really didn't want to get into an argument about it.
"That my niece takes care of you! I will not tolerate you being alone while you are recovering! Otherwise, you will come with us!" Don folded his arms across his chest in determination.
Cassandra smiled, " A much better deal all the way around, provided Gabriella is willing?!" and she looked over at her friend.
"Yes! Of course, I wouldn't mind at all!" she replied.
"And...that Leo can drop in on you now and then to make sure you are progressing!" Don added.
"Hmmm...anymore surprise conditons, Mr. Tello?" Casandra asked, looking at him with narrowed eyes.
"I'll see how things go and then let you know. But, right now we want you to rest. My ambulance will take you back as soon as it gets here!"
"Mr. Tello, I'm perfectly capable of sitting up in a car!" Casandra protested, trying to get up. Leo walked over and gently implored her to do otherwise. She scrowled good naturedly, but complied - smiling, "I can see you're going to be just as difficult as your brother!"
"What's done is done! The ambulance will be here in a moment and I will not argue about it!" Don's expression went flat, so Casandra conceded reluctantly.
They finally returned to the Musical Note and Cassandra was having an ongoing debate with Leo. This time about being carried up to her room. "The stairwell is not very wide, it would be easier for me to walk it!" she complained, " Last thing I need is to get my head banged up a second time!" She stood up out of the wheelchair and started walking towards the stairs.
Leo gave a displeased expression and, without so much as a word, grabbed her up. Seth and Gabby were quite amused by the entire ordeal, never having seen anyone go toe to toe with Leo the way this woman did.
"Ah! I told you I could do this!" she fussed as he took her up the stairs. " Okay, fine ...whatever kicks your fancy...just don't bang my head, okay!"
Don shook his head and smiled, commenting, "She sure has spunk!"
Once Leo had Casandra firmly tucked in, he told her, "NO getting out of bed unless you need to use the restroom. Then, you call someone!"
"Well, it's not going to be you, THAT'S for sure!" she said in mock irritation. Then, Cassandra laughed. "Thanks, Leo. I'm not used to being cared for, so I get rather obstinate!!"
"I'll be back with some tea!" he replied with a shadow of a smile. He was gone down the stairs in an instant.
"Tea! Yeah, that would be just lovely! " she said, resting her head back on the pillow. She realized right then that her concussion was worse than she had thought. Her head started to pound, so she called after him, " I'll need a couple of aspirin, too. Top shelf, just right of the sink, if you please!"
A short while later Gabby came up the stairs and sat down in the two-seater couch, "So, how do you feel, now that Leo has you tucked in?"
"Pampered - too m'ch!" she replied as her speech started to slur. She noticed that her eyes seemed heavy. Casandra was tired and wanted to sleep.
Gabby heard footsteps coming up the stairs and saw her Uncle Don poke his head into the bedroom, "You okay, Casandra?" he asked.
"Yep...tired s'all. Head hurts and I need sleep." and she began to doze off.
Don stepped over to the bed and sat down on the floor next to it, " Nope, need to stay awake long enough to have some of Leo's tea!" He took her hand and squeezed it. "Cassandra, please stay awake!"
Her eyes fluttered open and it took all her resolve to keep them that way. "My head aches!" she moaned.
"Yes, I know. Leo's tea will help." Don encouraged. "Hey, Leo, now would be a good time!" he called out towards the bedroom door.
Soon enough, his brother appeared with a cup of the tea. Seth stayed back while Gabby went over to help prop Casandra's head up while Leo carefully had her sip the liquid. It wasn't too warm and she was able to get most of it down. "I'll be back with more!" and he left quickly for the kitchen.
Don watched Cassandra and thought about the x-rays the doctor had shown him.
Back at the hospital, the doctor was not happy about releasing every last one of them, but when Don wrote a sizeable check out to the facility, the physician relented. Don then had Leo come into the x-ray room after Gabby and Seth went to visit Casandra.
"I can't believe it! It's.....her!" Leo gasped quietly as he stood before the lit up screen, his mouth agap. "How? It's too much of a coincidence for her to be here in the same community. What do you think?"
"I think, dear brother, that Cassandra is a Protector!" and Don's admiration for the woman grew considerably. "I'm going to have a little talk with the professor to see what he knows!"
Don was riveted back to the present as Leo came into the room with the teapot, the cup filled with a second helping of his brew. Casandra took down two more 'doses' and then they let her sleep, allowing the tea to do it's 'magic'.
Gabby refused to leave her friend, choosing to stay on the couch in the bedroom. Seth asked if she was going to be alright. "Yeah, I'll probably take the room across the hall. That's where I slept when I stayed here last time!" she answered. " But, I think we're going to need a sign out front to let people know that the shop will be closed for a while."
So, Seth went down stairs and wrote up a temporary sign, taping it to the inside of the front door so it would be easy to see. After that, he explored the shop a little, somewhat bored. He didn't feel comfortable with leaving Gabby there by herself with Casandra. He felt protective of both of them. He was listening to his father and uncle discuss something private, not quite catching all the words. They were in the kitchen/living area in the back and talking in typical low tones that were barely audible. "Ninja talk. Something must be up." He thought absentmindedly.
Sometimes, Seth thought, it was more telepathic than anything else. They never really had to say much to each other, but he could sense that a conversation was taking place. Seth figured that the years of living so closely together in the sewers of New York must have honed their senses to a razor sharp point. Survival instincts? It was always something he had wanted to discuss with them, but it was one of those topics that were hard to bring up.
He went around the cashier's counter and visually explored the back of it. Seth started getting uncomfortable, realizing that it might be construed as a bit intrusive. But, just as he was about to walk back around to the other side, a photo caught his attention. It was taped to the inside of the desk area, its position making it difficult to see by the undiscerining eye. He gently removed it, taking care not to break the tape.
Seth looked at the photo and tried to make sense of it. The picture showed a light-green girl, maybe around ten years old, with long auburn hair that was wild with curls. A much younger Professor Perry stood next to her. The two were standing in front of what looked like a cabin with mountains and pine trees in the background. "Gabby?!" he asked softly.
"What'd you find, Seth?" Don asked.
Seth nearly jumped out of his skin! He swore under his breath for being surprised, but then realized his uncle was glaring at him. "I, ah....found a picture of – Gabby….I think!" he explained softly.
"Let me see." Don asked as he reached out for the photo.
Seth handed the picture to his uncle. Don looked at it for a long time, then sighed. He said quietly, staring intently at his nephew, "Please do me a favor, Seth. One, do not say anything to Gabby about this! Two, please keep out of other people's personal affects!"
Don then tucked the photo inside his jacket, returning to the back room, leaving Seth red-faced and embarrased.
