Stanley slowly walked towards the far side of the kitchen where
Emma stood. The way she looked at him. A look of desire, love,
longing...it was all there. She had no idea the power she had over him.
All of a sudden the figure in front of him began to blur. He felt dizzy
again. God, when was this going to end. He stopped and put his hand to
his head until it ceased when he refocused on Emma she was already at his
side, her arm around his waist to support him, a look of concern on her
face.
"Stanley, are you alright?"
"I just need to sit down for a bit." She helped him to the kitchen table where he sat down. She immediately went to the sink and got him a glass of water. He seemed fine again as she handed him the glass and pulled a chair closer to his. He took a sip and put the glass down, smiling. She didn't return the smile. This seemed much more serious than he was letting on.
"I'm okay." He placed his hand under her chin, and gently pulled it closer. He gently kissed her lips and a slight smile appeared on her face.
"You seem okay now." She still was not convinced."But for a minute there I thought you might pass out."
" I'm okay, really." he reassured her with the look in his eyes. She leaned towards him and gently ran her fingers through his hair, kissing him softly. Then she felt the bump on the back of his head and she pulled away from him. He was still the center of attention but she was more concerned with the back of his head than anything else. Stanley knew this was coming but was enjoying the attention she was lavishing on him, trying to put the inevitable off for as long as possible.
"Oh, my god what happened to you? Is this why you're dizzy? Do you want to lay down?" She started to overreact, fussing over him,her fingers gently rubbing over the bump.
"No...I don't want to lay down." His right hand went up to his head, and grabbed her hand. Their eyes met, he was clenching her hand tightly in his. "It's a bump...okay, just a bump."
"I'd feel better if you lay down." She started to help him up and he decided to let her have her way. She was going to make a big deal of this otherwise. He cooperated as she escorted him into her bedroom.
He couldn't help but laugh, "The couch would've been fine." she fluffed up the pillows and he laid down on the bed, smiling at her as she removed his shoes and then sat on the bed next to him, stroking his face. The attention was rather nice he had to admit. But how was she going to feel when he told her about what had happened.
"This is much better, don't you think?" she said it in all innocence, but Stanley was eying her.
"Much." He raised his eyebrows, as he managed to pull her on top of him.
"Stanley, you could have a concussion. You shouldn't overexert yourself." But she was smiling too. He began kissing her, "Stanley, I am serious." She tried pulling herself off him, but it was no use. So she relaxed in his arms. He held her close and ran his fingers through her hair. Knowing this couldn't go any farther. He needed to talk to her.
"We need to talk...About last night..."
Emma sighed as his touch sent shivers down her spine, "It doesn't matter" Her head nestled up against his neck. "You don't have to explain. It makes perfect sense now why you didn't make it. Of course, I can't say I wasn't dissapointed. " She outlined his earlobe with her finger, and he shivered slightly at her touch."I'd been so looking forward to last night and being with you again."
She wasn't making this easy. He was silent for a moment, collecting his thoughts. "But I need to explain...Kyle mentioned you were crying."
She felt a little embarrassed, "Oh, that was nothing." She hoped her son hadn't said anything else. Because that whole incident, crying out of the blue had been bizarre, and she didn't really understand it at all. "It was me being selfish. I just wanted to be with you."
"I don't like to hear you've been crying. And I felt terrible about dissapointing you last night. What happened..." he paused and took a deep breath, "was so unexpected" he seemed to be searching for a word, "so unnecessary, so ridiculous." His tone of voice changed as he continued, the hold he had on Emma tightened and he felt tense. She was very aware of this change, a slight concern came over her.
"Did this happen at work?" She rolled off him and perched herself by his side, now intent on hearing the story, she didn't take her eyes of his.
He nodded. He closed his eyes, how was he going to tell her this sex crazed woman attacked him in his backroom. And that it was a fellow teacher. Someone she knew. Closing his eyes, gave him away. Emma knew something was wrong. Something he didn't want to tell her.
"I stayed late at the shop last night to finish this one little problem. And I had a visitor." He stopped and didn't know how to proceed. "A visitor I wasn't prepared for. In fact, I thought it was you at first."
"I don't understand. This doesn't make any sense."
He sat up, and took hold of her hand, "Emma, there is no easy way to tell you this. Your friend, Meg, she was the unexpected visitor."
Now it was even making less sense, " And you thought it was me?" She had a hard time believing anyone could get them mixed up. Especially Stanley, after what the two of them shared together.
" She approached me from behind, like you did the other day. Took me totally off guard. I'm afraid I said some things to her, thinking it was you." He didn't take his eyes off her, squeezing her hand as he spoke. "Of course I realized it was her when I turned around. And I was a bit surprised. No, that's an understatement. Shocked is more like it."
Emma was silent. She wasn't expecting this. She was staring at him in disbelief.
He continued, "The boys probably let her in as they were leaving. She did have a computer to pick up. But I was completely unaware of her presence, so you can imagine what it was like when she touched me, and then tunning around...well she was looking at me...in a way I wasn't prepared for."
Emma was trying to comprehend everything she had just heard and she spoke softly, calmly at first..."In the shop? In the backroom? She was in the backroom with you?" Then her eyes widened and her voice became agitated, "She touched you like I did? Stanley, what are you trying to tell me?"
His hand went to his head fighting another headache, rubbing his temple. She was watching his every move. He had a hard time looking at her and averted her gaze. His body language told her more than she wanted to know.
"I don't think I want to hear any more." Emma thought she was going to cry and began to get off the bed. Stanley grabbed her arm pulling her back down. His grip was strong and firm. She tried wriggling it free but he wasn't going to let go.
"You are going to hear it all." his voice was commanding and firm. He was determined to get through this. He took a deep breath and reaverted his eyes to her. He saw the beginnings of tears. No, he wasn't going to let this happen. She meant too much to him. "And you're going to hear it from me. Because I don't want you to go to school tomorrow and Meg tell you fabrications about what happened."
"Something happened?" She was fighting back the tears. She felt she had no control. This was how it used to be with Gary. Crying over every little thing. But lately, the tears had subsided. Stanley had given her hope and self confidence. She was happy. Of course there was an explanation and she needed to stop jumping to conclusions and she couldn't cry.
The loving look in his eyes, that had not changed. "Emma, I love you."
But those words, they way he spoke them....Emma covered her mouth with her free hand, "Oh, no...please don't tell me...how could you Stanley?" Once again she struggled to set herself free. This time he grabbed her with both hands, on his knees towering over her, she felt trapped, there was no where to go. Looking up his face was inches from hers.
"Nothing happened. Emma you have to believe me. She kissed me, I pulled her off me and as I did I tripped and fell, knocking my head against the wall. I must have blacked out for a few minutes. I had visions and things seemed cloudy."
He just said Meg kissed him. She was sure she heard that right. Emma had spent so much time listening to Meg's fantasies and delusions Never once really thinking anything would come of it. And now it had.
She was starring off into space. Stan shook her slightly, "Emma...say something."
She blinked and then focused on Stanley once again. He saw the hurt in her eyes. An Emma he had seen before. An Emma who once again was feeling betrayed, uncertain, lost. The confidence that had been building seemed to be slipping away. He hated seeing her like this. Then she spoke, "Kyle..."
Was all she said, and Stanley knew where this was going. Kyle may not have said anything about the incident but he wasn't one to hide his feelings and Emma had noticed the tension this morning between them.
"He knows...that's why he's so upset with you." she finished her sentence.
"Kyle walked in."
"Walked in on what? You said nothing happened." She seemed to be slipping back and forth. One minute quiet, hurt...the next angry, upset. "I'm so confused, Stanley. None of this makes any sense."
Stanley took a deep breath, shut his eyes, but still holding on to her. He was stalling. She felt the anger building inside her and she flung both of her arms trying to lash out at him, "God damn you, Stanley, answer me....what did Kyle walk in on?"
His eyes flung open and he pulled her even closer to him, his hands held her head within inches of him, their eyes met, their noses nearly touched, Stanley wouldn't let her gaze leave his, everytime she tried to look away, his resistance was too strong, and she was drawn back to the intense expression on his face."I don't know. I'm sure that isn't what you want to hear." She stopped fighting him and the expression on her face changed to one of bewilderment. "I became violent apparently, throwing her across the room. My fly was undone, my shirt practically off me. You can make your own assumptions from that, just like Kyle has done." He let go of her out of frustration. "I hit my head. I don't even remember driving myself home, but I did. Everything is cloudy, a blur. No matter how unbelievable it sounds, it's the truth."
He relaxed more out of frustration, this was wearing him out. His headache was back. He sat back, closed his eyes. Images clouded his mind. Emma didn't move from his side. She stared at him perplexed by what she had just heard, trying to sort it all out in her mind. Wanting to believe him, beginning to believe him.
A flash crossed Stanley's mind...Helga undoing his pants, a gun being pointed to his head. It was like it happened yesterday. He heard the click, it was coming back to him. He was sure he had heard the click of the gun. But the woman wasn't Helga. The image changed to Meg. He had said no...but she had continued. What had he done to encourage this reaction from her? He opened his eyes and saw the look on Emma's face. She had watched him in amazement as his eyes had clenched, shaking his head. Something was coming back to him. Some kind of image.
"She came on to me. It's like she came to the shop with one thing on her mind. I have no idea what I did to encourage her."
Emily had settled down, she saw the distress he was experiencing. and knew to well, what Meg was capable of. If she wanted something bad enough she would go after it. And it was obvious he had hit his head, he probably blacked out, his vision was blurry, he would have been disoriented. But for some reason she couldn't drop it."You have been awfully nice to her. Maybe to nice." She was trying to be of some kind of help, but as she said it, she realized she sounded bitter.
"She's a paying customer, Emma." He sensed her jealousy and it agitated him slightly. She had nothing to be jealous of. "I'm nice to all my customers. And I don't have them attacking me in the backroom of my shop,"
"She made up that virus attacking her computer, Stanley. I knew it, that morning. Any excuse to come by the shop, any excuse to be with you. So was anything wrong with the computer?"
Emma was right. There had been nothing wrong with the computer. Meg did flirt with him, but she hadn't been the first woman to and he had put up with up. Was she doing this just to spite Emma? He had a hard time understanding why women did a lot of things. "No, nothing was wrong with it."
"She's wanted you since Christmas Eve. Pretending she couldn't play pool, come on, Stanley, that is the oldest trick in the book."
"Well, you could have told me.You have obviously known about her attentions all along."
"How could I tell you? You would have thought I was jealous, and being ridiculous. Would you have believed me if I told you Meg was after you?"
"Probably not." A smile appeared on his face. Thinking of Xmas Eve, he had left Meg with some of the old boys at the bar so he could check on Emma. "But then I wouldn't have believed I would have fallen in love with a woman who threw up all over me in the parking lot of Joe's." He started to laugh.
"That's not funny." She was trying to remain serious."and you're changing the subject."
"Some would say that drinking in accesss like you did, getting sick...getting me to drive you home...oh, better yet, to my home...well, that could be considered going to extremes to get what you wanted."
"I can't believe you would say that. I didn't ask you to take me home. You think I planned getting sick?" She was starting to get flustered.
"What did you want that night, Emma?" he teased. He scooted closer to her on the bed, and she tried to scuttle off, but he was quick. He managed to pin both of her hands back onto the bed, causing her to fall onto her back, he towered over her once again.
"Let me go." She began to fight him, kicking, flailing her arms. But a smile was breaking through, and the fighting was weak.
"A kiss maybe...did you want a kiss?" He started to bend towards her and stopped inches away from her lips, "No, you didn't want a kiss...New Years Eve I tried and you pushed me into the sand. So what else could you have wanted?"
"Nothing."
"Something, you definitely wanted something." He was being over dramatic. "Ah, I got it." he acted like a light bulb had just lit up over his head. "you wanted me to take advantage of you. I bet you had thoughts of me and you on my computer desk as far back as Christmas."
Emma smiled up at him, the computer desk. That morning on the computer desk hadn't left her thoughts for a moment in the past weeks. And he saw it in her eyes, "Is that what you want now?"
"There's no computer desk." He looked up around the room, and then leaned in towards her.
"I think we could make do." smiling wickedly. He let go of her hands and preceded to pull her Tshirt off. Emma then leaned forward trying to unzip her capri pants, just as Stanley was trying to remove her bra. They both got a bit tangled and Stanley was having a hell of a time reaching behind her and trying to undo the clasp. When was the last time he had removed a bra.? The retched things, he cursed underbreath as he continued struggling with the clasp. Emma started to laugh.
"Having difficulties?" She asked. Stanley started chuckling along with her. The whole situation was amusing. Nothing at all like their last encounter.
"In future, I'd prefer you braless."
She smiled, "I'll remember that." He felt a bit dizzy and instead of continuing the struggle rolled off her on to his back, closing his eyes as he felt it pass. He didn't want to dissapoint her, again.
Emma sat up, just as he opened his eyes. "You aren't giving up so easily are you, Stanley?" She was looking down at him as she undid the bra and let it fall into her lap. The sight before him gave him all the more reason to not let a little dizziness get to him. She unzipped her pants and slipped them and her underwear off with ease. There was no hesitation on his part, not with this desirable creature now towering over him. He quickly removed his jeans and boxers. He felt the jolt of excitement rush through him, and as he pulled his Tshirt over his head, it hit him again. The blood rushing to his head, the feeling of passing out, flinging the Tshirt aside, he then grabbed his head out of frustration, willing the lightheadedness to go away, clenching his teeth, closing his eyes, he fell back onto the bed. But instead of diminishing it only seemed to get worse. Emma watched in amazement. She reached over him stroking his cheek gently,
"This is not a good idea. You're not well." She gazed down at him lovingly, the stroking continued, as Stanley opened his eyes, blinking. His vision slightly blurred it took a few seconds to focus on her face.
"I'm sorry, Emma..." his speech slow, he seemed all of a sudden weary, "I've been pretty good at dissapointing you lately."
"You could never dissapoint me, Stanley. I'm just glad you're here. I enjoy being with you. But you need to rest now." Leaning over him she gently kissed his lips, he sighed. She pulled the sheet from under him and started to cover him, he let out a sigh and his eyelids began to droop.
She picked up her clothes, and was about to get off the bed when his hand reached over and took hold of hers. She turned to look at him, and he was smiling, "You look so beautiful...naked..."
"Thank-you." she blushed slightly.
"Will you let me hold you? I just want to feel you next to me. Give a guy a break, let him get some enjoyment of a beautiful naked woman, even though it's not quite the enjoyment he originally had in mind."
She chuckled slightly and lifted the sheet as he drew her towards him. She nestled up against him and his left arm encircled her. His hand slowly rubbed her shoulder, he kissed the top of her head, his eyelids drooped, he began to drift....within seconds he was asleep.
Laying next to him she felt an exhaustion come over her. It was weird for her in the middle of the afternoon to feel tired. The sound of the rain outside was soothing and relaxing, Stanley's warm body next to her, his steady breathing all added to the contentment she felt at the moment. She closed her eyes and let sleep take her.
As Kyle's car pulled around the corner, he noticed the Mercedes convertible, now with the top up due to the rain, parked a few doors away from his house. As he opened the garage door, he looked into the rear view mirror and could just make out the lights of the Mercedes turned on and the car zoomed off down the street. This seemed so odd to him. Maybe someone in the neighborhood owned such a car, but he highly doubted it. It was too much of a coincidence. That woman...who was she and why was she watching Stanley? The girls were busy chatting about the movie. Kyle had now learned to block it out.
They headed into the house through the garage door. It was exceptionally quiet. Both girls seemed oblivious to it and continued their menial banter. But Kyle was only to aware of the lack of noise. He walked straight past the girls and as he walked down the hall, he noticed his mom's bedroom door cracked open. He was not one to pry. What his mom and Stanley were doing in her bedroom was none of his business, but it was so quiet. He took a peek and saw feet peeking out from under a sheet. His mom's feet, and another one. Much larger, connected to hairy leg draped over his mom's. There was no movement, he slowly opened the door further seeing them wrapped in each others arms, his mom's blissful expression said everything. He closed his eyes, hoping that Stan had talked to her. He was unaware of his sister and Holly behind him.
"Where's mom?" He quickly shut the door and pushed her back. Melody gave him a dirty look, "What was that for?"
"Mom's asleep."
"That's weird in the middle of the afternoon." She tried to push past him, "She'd want to be woken up, Kyle. It will mess her up sleeping now."
"You're not waking her up. Come on, let's go make dinner." He didn't want her to see their mom with Stanley. And he was hoping they could avoid the subject but of course he was wrong. He grabbed her by the arm and pulled her into the kitchen, Holly following them.
"And where's Stanley?" Melody looked at Kyle, and he looked at Holly. He didn't answer and opened the cupboards.
"Spaghetti. Sounds good, doesn't it?"
There was silence. Both girls were looking at him. "Stop looking at me like that. They're sleeping together, okay...no big deal right?"
Holly took the pan on the stove and filled it with water. She didn't care that they were together. But Melody did. "That's sick."
"It's not sick, it's normal. Mom is a normal woman, Melody. Get a grip. I'm sure you knew they were together the night you spent with Rachel." he tried to keep his voice down, he felt uncomfortable talking about this in front of Holly.
She did know, but still wasn't excepting it. Especially not in her own house. She put a pout on and sat at the kitchen table. He shook his head, and went over to Holly who had gotten the water boiling. "I do this all the time, Kyle. Dad let's me." Why couldn't he have a sister like Holly. Oh,hell , what was he saying. It was pretty likely he would be, after his conversation with Stan yesterday about the house. Boy, was his sister going to have a cow if that happened.
The rain had gotten fairly heavy and their were rumblings of thunder and lightning. Stan stirred from the noise, feeling a little disoriented as he opened his eyes. It was dark out now and his eyes had to adjust to his surroundings. finding Emma naked lying at his side. He smiled as he gently stroked her hair. His stomach rumbled. He hadn't eaten since lunch yesterday and he had a vague recollection of most of that ending up in the toilet. There was a faint aroma of tomato sauce, coming from the kitchen, and this only stirred his appetite more.
Emma awoke suddenly, a loud noise startled her, Stanley was gazing at her looking extremely content. He pulled her closer to him, "Its just thunder." Gently kissing the top of her head. She relaxed in his arms, "This is perfect lying in bed during a thunder storm with a beautiful woman...and naked to boot. Could it get any better than this." His stomach let a loud rumble.
Emma stifled a giggle, "Thunder, eh?"
"I'm hungry...and I think it's spaghetti for dinner, if my nose isn't mistaken." Emma had almost forgotten about the kids, she sat up abruptly clutching the sheet to her naked body.
"The kids are home?"
"I think we can come to that assumption, since neither you or I has been anywhere near the kitchen. And that's definitely tomato sauce I smell...coming from your kitchen." Stanley was very calm. "and I for one am starving."
"Do you really think you are up to eating? I mean....you could have another dizzy spell. Maybe you should just stay in bed." He gave her a look.
"Stay in bed? I could be up to that, what did you have in mind?" He reached up and stroked her shoulder seductively. He was definitely feeling better.
Emma wasn't smiling, "The kids are here, Stanley."
"So?"
"You're naked in my bed."
He lifted up the sheets and smiled, "That I am. Very observant of you, Emma." he said teasing.
"I don't know how you can be so calm."
He reached up and gently pulled her down on top of him, he brushed her hair away from her face and gently smiled at her, "If we don't make a big deal out of it, they won't."
He was right. She was overreacting, she relaxed in his arms as he stroked her back, "I can tell you're feeling better."
"Still a little out of sorts, but I'm coming around. Although staying in bed with you sounds incredibly enticing, I think that eating at this time would be in my best interest."
"Well, then, I suppose we should get dressed and face the firing squad."
The kitchen door swung open and all 3 kids looked up as Stanley's towering frame entered the room. Emma slinking in behind him. Holly was standing at the stove stirring the sauce, Kyle was making a salad. Melody had been coerced into setting the table. It was a scene Emma was not used to and it touched her heart that they were all pulling together and making dinner.
Stanley headed over to his daughter and put a hand on her back, leaning over the boiling sauce, "Looks done to me." he took the spoon out of her hands and had a taste, raising his eyebrows and nodding in approval,. "Superb sauce, baby."
"It's from a jar, Dad."
"Ah, but there is an art to the stirring. Makes all the difference in the world." She smiled up at him and noticed he still was looking pale. He lifted the lid of the noodles and turned the stove off. Emma had joined his side and took the pan off the stove, taking it to the sink to drain the water. They exchanged a glance, then a smile. Stanley was glad she was getting on as normal.
"Are you okay, Dad? You still don't look very good." a look of concern crossed Holly's face.
He tousled her hair, "I'm going to be fine, I just need something in my stomach. This is going to do the trick, I'm sure." He tried reassuring her.
He turned to see Kyle and Melody just staring at him. Kyle quickly averted his glance and continued chopping the carrots for the salad, but Melody didn't take his eyes off him. He felt a bit awkward but took a seat at the table, didn't really feel up to being on his feet to long. Melody had just finished setting the table, her eyes still on him.
"So how was the movie?" He was hoping for a response from Melody but Holly chirped in. Emma had taken over the pan with the sauce and she joined her dad at the table,
"It was great! Really neat special effects."
He looked up at Melody, "Did you like it Melody?"
"It was okay." Was her very unemotional answer.
Holly giggled, "She liked the trailers best." Melody gave her an evil look.but Holly continued, "She got all excited about the Lord of the Rings movie coming out."
Melody interrupted, "For your information it's called the Two Towers."
"Really? I'm a bit dissapointed I missed the Fellowship of the Rings. They were my favorite books as a kid. In fact, I just started rereading them." Melody moved closer to him.
"You read the books? Really?"
"Of course. Why are you so surprised?"
"I just never thought you would like that kind of thing."
"You'd be surprised at what I like. Have you read the books too?" She nodded. "and your favorite part?" he added.
"I like it all..." she had now sat down on the other side of him. Holly leaned over towards Stanley.
"She likes Aragorn." She giggled. "She thinks he's hot."
She then leaned over, Stanley in the middle, "I do not. What do you know about being hot, anyhow?"
Stanley couldn't help but smile, "Aragorn is my favorite, I always fancied riding horseback around the countryside with a sword at my side...fighting against Orcs and defending Middle Earth from the evil Saruron." He said it with such expression, waving his arm as if he was holding a sword.
Holly rolled her eyes, "That's silly."
Emma began to serve the spaghetti, and whispered in Stanley's ear, "I quite fancy Aragorn myself....love a man with a sword." He blushed a bit. He then focused on the plate of spaghetti as Emma headed back to the counter smiling.
"This looks great." Kyle placed the plates of salad on the table, and then sat down across from Stanley. They exchanged glances briefly. Then both seemed to look at Emma who was struggling with a bottle of wine and a bottle opener.. Both Stanley and Kyle got up at the same time to help her, there was an awkward silence, and then Kyle scowled, his eyebrows creased.
"Let me you help you, Mom." Stanley sat back down and watched as Kyle headed over to his mom.
As he opened the bottle and Emma poured the glasses, he gave his mom a tender look, "you okay?"
She nodded, then whispered, "Stanley told me, Kyle...about yesterday in the shop."
"Good." He glanced over at the table where Stanley was now having a conversation with the girls about Lord of the Rings. Then turned back to his mom, "I don't want you to get hurt."
"I know." She placed a hand on his shoulder, "Stanley would never deliberately hurt me. I believe that."
He hesitated, "I do too."
"And the bump on the head is for real. He really should've gone to the doctor, but he's stubborn. And that nap did him some good, he does seem better." She glanced over at him, and he caught her look, then turned his attention back to the girls, "Earlier he was experiencing quite a bit of dizziness."
"He was like that last night too. I should have driven him to the hospital. I was so mad, that I left him there. He could have been in an accident driving home." Now Kyle was feeling bad. He cared deeply for Stanley, despite everything.
She put her arm around him, "But he didn't. He's going to be okay. You were protecting me...I know that."
Melody turned to see her mother and brother whispering at the counter, "It's rude to whisper, mom, you tell me that all that time...and besides dinner is getting cold."
Stanley turned and smiled at Emma, "And I'm starving, are you going to make me wait much longer?"
Kyle and Emma headed back to the table, Emma handed Stanley a glass of wine, "One glass, that's it for you." Their hands touched and his thumb caressed the back of her hand. Their eyes locked for a brief moment.
"Is that an order, Dr. Heyward?" He smiled up at her, and she was so glad he was there. She looked around the table, the kids had already started to eat, there was the usual dinner table chatter, something she hadn't heard for a long time. Stanley was only to aware of what she was feeling at that moment. Emma's desire for a family. He was feeling it too.
"Emma" their hands still holding the glass together.
She came out of her daze and looked down at him, "Yeah,"
"My glass"
She was a little embarrassed as she let go, he placed the glass on the table.. He couldn't resist reaching up, taking her chin and drawing her face to his, kissing her, "This is nice...being here with you, the kids."
She was thinking the same thing.
Stanley lasted a few hours, he relaxed on the couch. His head on Emma's lap as she joined in on a game of UNO with the kids. He didn't feel up to it, but enjoyed being there, joining in the conversation, helping Emma win. It was a wonderful evening. He ended up falling asleep while they watched TV, and it was Holly who mentioned it. Emma had been playing with his hair and hadn't realized he was sound asleep on her lap.
"My dad's asleep." Holly leaned over looking at his face. "How are we supposed to get home?" This was a dilemma. It was getting late, they had all lost track of time and the storm hadn't let up.
"Well," Emma noticed all eyes were on her, "I'll take you home."
"I don't think it's a good idea to go out in this mess at all, Mom." Kyle got up from his spot at the computer. "I'm sure Melody wouldn't mind sharing her room with Holly for the night." He gave his sister a persuasive look.
"Sure, I could do that." Emma was surprised that she was being so cooperative. But then again the whole evening had seemed so right.
Emma looked at Holly for the final say, "That's okay with me, but all my school stuff is at home and Scrap needs to be fed."
"No problem , I'll call Mary and have her go and feed Scrap. You're dad said she had a key. You can pick up your backpack in the morning on the way to school. "
Holly nodded, and Melody seemed pleased by this development for some reason. "Cool, a sleepover on a school night. Come on, I'll get you some pajamas to wear."
Emma waved a finger at her as they walked down the hallway, "Now wait a minute young lady, lights out at 9:30." They both giggled as she watched them dissapear into her bedroom. Kyle stood over his mom and Stanley.
"You might need help getting him to bed."
"He can sleep here on the couch. I would hate to disturb him now. Do you think you could get the blankets out of the cupboard." Kyle didn't budge. "What's wrong?"
"I know what you're doing, Mom. The whole couch thing. And it's ridiculous," he hesitated wanting to say that he and Melody were okay about them being together but instead said, "The guy isn't well, you can't make him sleep on the couch."
She smiled up at her son, knowing exactly what he meant, "Well, I guess you better help me then. He's like a dead weight."
Stanley woke as he felt Kyle's arms trying to lift him, "Hey, what's going on?"
Emma on the other side of him quietly spoke, "I think you'd be more comfortable in bed."
"In your bed?" He had a twinkle in his eye, even though they were barely open.
Kyle was a little embarrassed but joked it off, "And you better behave because there are kids in the house."
Stanley coherent enough to respond, "I think those are words for your mom, not me." Emma blushed as he leaned on her and kissed her neck. Kyle kind of laughed and Emma gave her a son the evil eye.
"Don't encourage him, Kyle."
Stanley seemed to be coming and going as they both helped him into the bedroom, and when they laid him on the bed he rubbed his eyes and smiled at Emma, and then closed them again, drifting off to sleep. Kyle stood a bit embarrassed, knowing his mom would have to undress him. " Well, ...I guess I'll start cleaning up the mess in the kitchen."
"Kyle, that can wait til tomorrow, I know you've been dying to call Amy..." She started to remove his socks, "Go on, but don't be too late."
The doorbell rang as Kyle began to dial, he went to the door, and was surprised to see his Dad there. "Hey, Dad, this is a surprise..." he was pretty sure this wasn't an announced visit.
He was getting wet standing out in the rain, "Are you going to let me in or am I going to get drenched out here?"
Kyle reluctantly opened the screendoor and let his Dad in, but as he did he realized what a mistake he had made. It was obvious his Dad had been drinking. "It's horrible out there, but I knew Melody would need her Math book. She left it at my place." He had noticed the Suburban parked in the driveway. He looked past Kyle down the hall , then turned and had a look into the family room. Not finding what he was looking for he turned back to Kyle, "Where's your mom?"
Emma had managed to get Stanley's jeans off with a little help from the semi conscious Stanley. when she overheard the voices coming from the hall... it was Gary. Great timing but for the first time in the past few years she didn't care. She could handle Gary. She smiled down at Stanley, who even in this dozy state managed a wicked smile.
"You've got me right where you want me." his words slightly slurred as she pulled the covers up over him.
She smiled at him, "That may be true, but tonight the only thing that will be happening in this bed is sleep."
"You don't sound very dissapointed."
She thought about the day, and how it had all turned out. It was nearly perfect, except for Stanley's concussion. She leaned over him kissing him gently, "It's been a wonderful day. Of course, making love to you would make it perfect."
He pulled her towards him, "I'm all yours, how can I go to sleep knowing I am the reason the day isn't perfect for you. I think I can make the sacrifice."
She smiled at him, "Not tonight."
"this isn't the Emma, I know and love."
Just then the girls ran down the hall screeching. Stanley clinched his eyes shut, the noise a bit much for his throbbing head. Emma noticed it, "I'll go get those two settled...I will be back. Close your eyes." She traced her fingers gently across his temple and then on his eyelids which shut as her fingers brushed over them. She then kissed his forehead, the bridge of his nose and softly brushed her lips across his, a slight smile appeared on his lips, as a sigh escaped.
Gary wasn't prepared of the sight of two girls running down the hall towards him. He stepped back slightly, as Melody abruptly stopped at his side, "Dad, what are doing here?"
Gary held up the book and as Melody took it from him, she noticed his eyes. Even she knew he was drunk.
"Thought you might need this." Melody's cheerful expression had now changed to one of despair and concern. She didn't want him here.
"That was nice of you,Dad."she said as she took the book from him. She went to the door and opened it, "You better get home before the storm gets worse." Gary could feel something and he wasn't sure what it was. His daughter was trying to get rid of him.
Emma's bedroom door opened, she stepped out and quietly closed the door behind her, not wanting to disturb Stanley.
"Do you think you two could make more noise?" She lowered her eyebrows at both girls but smiled as she said it.
Holly managed a smile, but Melody's expression didn't change,
Emma looked at Gary. A questioning look of why he was there.
"Dad, brought my book back. I left it at his house."
There was something different about Emma. She seemed so relaxed, content. For the first time in years, he saw an attraction that he hadn't felt since he had met her in college. When she had been confident and sexy. "That was nice of you, Gary. But you shouldnt have come out in this weather."
He was staring at her, Kyle was surprised there wasn't words between them. Usually his dad was full of remarks, to cut his mom down. And this was one reason Emma tried to keep her distance from him. Emma was feeling a little uncomfortable, as she quickly crossed her arms in front of her chest, covering the fact she was braless. The silence was broken by Holly politely asking, "Is it okay, if I go say goodnight to my Dad, Emma?"
Emma noticed Gary's reaction, but smiled down at Holly, "Of course." Gary watched as he noticed the girl quietly enter Emma's bedroom.
"You have company."
Emma bit her lip, and managed to say, "Yes, I do. You remember Stanley and that was his daughter, Holly."
"Ah, Stanley...so it's serious."
"Gary, it's late, and I need to get Melody and Holly to bed. And Stanley hasn't been well."
"but he's well enough to share your bed." He had no problem saying this type of thing in front of his children, and this infuriated Emma.
"That was un called for."
Gary took a deep breath, he really didn't want to fight tonight. In fact what he wanted was standing right in front of him. "I'm sorry, Emma, that was in bad taste."
Melody and Kyle exchanged glances. This was so not like their dad. Emma also was leary of Gary's new approach. He looked at his kids, "Do you think I could talk to your mom just for a minute alone."
Kyle didn't want to leave her, but Emma gave him a nod, letting him know it was okay. Kyle took Melody by the arm and they went into the kitchen.
They remained in the hallway, Emma waiting to hear what he had to say, but wasn't prepared when he took a few steps closer, to her, "I just wanted to tell you how beautiful you look. Something is different. I can't place it."
This talk made her slightly uncomfortable and she backed up, only managing to run into the wall, "Oh, Emma, you can't possibly be afraid of me. I mean Stanley is in the house. What kind of fool would put himself in a position, where the new boyfriend had every reason to beat the crap out of him." He began to laugh, Emma now how no doubt he was drunk.
"I just told you he wasn't well, you know he's in bed."
He moved closer to her, stroking her cheek, "It's the sex isn't it...that's what's different about you."
"You don't know what you're talking about." She felt proud of herself as she pulled away from him. His reactions slow, due to the drinking.
"He has transformed you. Do you know that? You are like you were when you were in college, but won't Stanley be surprised when the excitement dies for you."
"It's nothing like it was when I was in college. You never pleased me. I put up with it because I didn't know any better. You made me believe it was suppose to be one sided. I was there for your needs, no other reason." She felt confident and assured as she pushed him away from her and stepped away from him. She smiled thinking about Stanley. "What I have with Stanley is nothing like I had with you."
Gary didn't like her attitude and his anger was apparent, he raised his voice. "So this is how it is. You playing house with the gardener or whatever the hell he is. The perfect little family." he said sarcastically.
With Gary's voice raised Kyle darted back into the hall, Melody right behind him. He stood back as he watched his mom take control, "I think you need to leave, Gary. You are drunk."
"And you would send a drunk man out on a night like this? Maybe if I fell and sprained my ankle, you would give me the same treatment as your friend. I can just imagine your bed-side manner under the circumstance, must say it's turning me on just thinking about it."
"Never in a million years." He didn't notice his children behind him as he roughly grabbed Emma and forced her head towards his, kissing her, she felt disgusted, but thought quickly and bit his tongue as it forced it's way into her mouth.
Gary screamed in pain, stepped back and stumbled onto the floor, holding his hand to his mouth, a bit of Blood began to seep through his fingers.
Holly had been sitting on the bed next to her dad, just talking about the evening, when the scream was heard. Stanley sat up in bed abruptly feeling the wooziness, closing his eyes letting it pass, he then got out of bed, "What the hell is going on out there?"
When he opened the door, he saw Gary huddled on the floor a bit of blood on his hand. Emma looked towards Stanley, "Holly, get your Dad back to bed." She looked at him scornfully. "Everything is under control here."
Stanley stood in disbelief at Emma's commanding tone of voice. He wasn't about to go back to bed, but then he also understood she wanted to handle this on her own. He felt proud of her new found confidence, knowing he had been a major factor in helping her find it.
But Gary pulled himself up and saw the daunting figure of the man who was now sharing his ex wife's bed. And he was not happy. Gary hated the guy. He obviously was the reason Emma was confident and happy. She was supposed to suffer. She didn't deserve any happiness as far as he was concerned.
Kyle automatically went to his Dad, and helped him up, "You need to go, Dad."
"Tell him to go." He pointed at Stanley.
"No, I won't. He makes mom happy. He has every right here. You don't make anyone happy, especially when you're like this." As he stood him up, Gary reached for Melody, it frightened her. She didn't like the look in his eyes.
"You don't feel like your brother, do you , sweetheart? You love your Dad. You should come live with me, I promise that horse. You could ride every day." He was babbling on, and Melody started to cry. "You'd be so much happier with me. I don't think you really want to be sharing your mom with someone else. This man and his daughter....where would that leave you, Melody?"
Melody screamed, "Stop it. Stop this, Dad. I do feel like Kyle. I hate you. Stanley is more of a Dad to me, then you could ever be. " She pulled away from his touch and ran down the hall towards Stanley. This surprised Stanley but he reacted accordingly putting his arm around her, she buried her head into his chest and began to cry.
The look on Gary's face was one of devastation. Melody's words stung. He was silent. He looked at his daughter now being comforted by this strange man. His son disgusted by his behavior. Emma looking at him with pity. He couldn't bear it, he stormed out of the door and out into the night. Emma went to the door and watched as he started up his car.
"My god, I hope he makes it home in one piece." Kyle went over to his mom putting an arm around her.
"He'll be fine." She turned to her son, and he was smiling at her.proud of her for standing up to him. Emma glanced down the hall, to where Stanley was still comforting Melody. She lifted her head.
"Is he gone?"
Stanley nodded as she looked up at him, and she felt a bit embarrassed. She had actually run to him, she actually wanted him to protect her, comfort her. And he had. She pulled away from him, "I should be getting to bed." She gave her mom a glance, and then headed to her bedroom, Holly following slowly behind her.
Emma moved over to Stanley, "That's where you should be too."
Stanley still feeling a bit strange by the whole scene , looked down the hall where the girls had dissapeared, "What was that all about?"
She slipped her arm around him as they headed into the bedroom, "I think my daughter has warmed up to you." She smiled.
"I guess so, but the rest of it....Gary...why was he here and his mouth was bleeding, did you hit him?"
He got on the bed and leaned back on the pillows, Emma sat next to him smiling to herself, "I bit him. I bit his tongue."
"Ooh, Emma...that' nasty." Then Stanley made an assumption, to bite his tongue, he had to have been in incredibly close proximity to her. "Did he make a pass at you?"
She nodded, "But it won't happen again."
"You're so sure?"
"I won't let it. Just like you won't let Meg make another pass at you, right?"
It was ironic how all of this had come about in the last 24 hours. He nodded, "I can see why he did though."
"Really? Because I look so sexy in this old t shirt with tomato sauce stains down the front. OH, and my hair, that desirable 'hasn't been washed today' look. What man couldn't be attracted to that?" she said sarcastically.
HE smiled, "don't be so flip, you underestimate yourself. You exude confidence now,which is incredibly sexy. And whether you want to believe it or not,you are a different woman than when I met you. It's something that comes from inside. Nothing to do with your outer appearance. And everytime I'm in your presence, I feel it growing stronger." He pulled her down on top of him, "And it's an incredible turn on."
Emma blushed, "Stop it."
He began kissing her, and she was surprised Gary's visit hadn't spoiled the evening. She responded to his kissing, her hands went into his hair, gently fingering his scalp. Her torso rubbing up against his chest, his strong hands caressing her back. She wanted him desperately, but knew she had to be strong, she quickly pulled away.
Stanley sighed his hands went behind his head as he relaxed back onto the bed, "Sorry, I forgot...off limits tonight."
"I could sleep out on the couch."
"No....you'll sleep by my side." He stated firmly. Then tenderly looked up at her, "where you belong."
"I'm just going to check on the girls. See how Melody's doing." As she got off the bed, she then turned to him. He looked so relaxed lying there gazing up at her. Her thoughts to the moment Melody had ran to his arms, like a daughter would do. Stanley's reaction, one of surprise, but also of delight, finally being accepted. It had meant a lot to Emma.
"what are you thinking,...well, besides how bad you want to get into my pants." He joked.
She smiled, "Melody and you. It was very sweet."
"I was glad I could be of some assistance to someone. You obviously didn't need me." he put on a little pout, teasing her. He then added, "I'm crazy about your kids, Emma. You do know that, right?"
She nodded. She couldn't say anything. Tonight had confirmed a lot of things for her. Their relationship had taken another step. It was no longer just the attraction between two people. They were spending time together with their kids, they were becoming a family. And it felt so right. They were solving problems together, discussing things. She desperately wanted to believe there was a future with Stanley, but there had never been any talk of marriage. To speculate about such a thing seemed ludicrous at this point. But Emma felt that glimmer of hope, and it excited and scared her all at the same time.
As she walked down the hall towards her daughter's bedroom she could hear Kyle's voice coming from across the hall in his room. He was on the phone with Amy more than likely. She heard him laugh, and it made her smile. As she reached for the door knob she could hear the girls giggling. The sight of the two girls laying on Melody's bed throwing stuffed animals up in the air made her laugh. She moved towards the bed and Melody scooted over giving her room. She tossed a few in the air and they came down on Holly, who began to gigle uncontrollably.
Melody gave her Mom a hug, "I suppose it's time for lights out."
She nodded. "School tomorrow."
Holly got up off the bed and scurried to the bathroom, Melody looked up at her mom, "If you marry Stanley, what would happen to Dad?"
"Marry Stanley? Who said anything about marrying Stanley?"
"No one. I was just wondering."
"Your dad will always be your dad. No matter what happens."
"But could I call Stanley, Dad. I mean, could I pretend he was my real Dad? I know it sounds silly. But I like it like this. Holly and Stanley here. It feels really good. Even Dad showing up tonight, didn't ruin it." She was thinking about Stanley's arms around her. When was the last time she had felt so safe?
She gave her a squeeze, "It does feel pretty good, doesn't it? We'll just have to wait and see."
Holly came back into the room, and Melody crawled under the covers, Holly crawled in next to her. Emma leaned over and gave her daughter a kiss on the forhead. And without any hesitation she gave Holly a kiss too. Holly looked up at her a tear came to her eye. Emma noticed it.
"Holly, are you alright?"
She nodded. "This is kind of nice. It's kind of like having a mother." Now Emma felt a tear coming to her and she leaned over and gave Holly a proper hug, Holly's arms went around her.
"I'll always be here for you,Holly. I want you to know that."
"I wish it could always be like this."
"I wonder how you'll fee about it in the morning after a night with Melody's snoring." she smiled. Melody swung her floppy dog at Emma, and she dodged it. They both laughted. Holly managed a smile, but was still serious.
"Sometimes it's too quiet in my house. I don't think i'll mind."
"It's never quiet here." Emma pulled the covers up to Holly's chin, and gave her another kiss. Then she noticed the dog eared bunny sitting on the shelf above the window. She went to the window and reached up for it. Bringing it back to the bed. "So no, Mr. Buns tonight. I know, Peter probably won't be the same, but he helped me through many a night in my youth." Holly smiled as she took the bunny from Emma.
"My dad told you about Mr. Buns?"
Emma nodded.
"that's embarrassing."
Melody piped in, "Not as embarrassing as this...my mom slept with that thing after my Dad left."
"Sometimes we just need something comforting to get us through. And he did that for me. Just like Melody's floppy dog, and your Mr. Buns. "
"and you don't need it anymore, because you have my Dad."
Emma kind of blushed, "I guess it's something like that..yes." She started to leave and as she began to switch off the light, she saw Holly embrace the bunny and close her eyes. As she shut the door behind her she heard whispering from inside.
"If my dad marries your mom, will you share your stuffed animals with me?"
"I'll have to think about it, now go to sleep."
Emma stood in the darken hallway, closing her eyes smiling to herself. Yeah, what if?
"Stanley, are you alright?"
"I just need to sit down for a bit." She helped him to the kitchen table where he sat down. She immediately went to the sink and got him a glass of water. He seemed fine again as she handed him the glass and pulled a chair closer to his. He took a sip and put the glass down, smiling. She didn't return the smile. This seemed much more serious than he was letting on.
"I'm okay." He placed his hand under her chin, and gently pulled it closer. He gently kissed her lips and a slight smile appeared on her face.
"You seem okay now." She still was not convinced."But for a minute there I thought you might pass out."
" I'm okay, really." he reassured her with the look in his eyes. She leaned towards him and gently ran her fingers through his hair, kissing him softly. Then she felt the bump on the back of his head and she pulled away from him. He was still the center of attention but she was more concerned with the back of his head than anything else. Stanley knew this was coming but was enjoying the attention she was lavishing on him, trying to put the inevitable off for as long as possible.
"Oh, my god what happened to you? Is this why you're dizzy? Do you want to lay down?" She started to overreact, fussing over him,her fingers gently rubbing over the bump.
"No...I don't want to lay down." His right hand went up to his head, and grabbed her hand. Their eyes met, he was clenching her hand tightly in his. "It's a bump...okay, just a bump."
"I'd feel better if you lay down." She started to help him up and he decided to let her have her way. She was going to make a big deal of this otherwise. He cooperated as she escorted him into her bedroom.
He couldn't help but laugh, "The couch would've been fine." she fluffed up the pillows and he laid down on the bed, smiling at her as she removed his shoes and then sat on the bed next to him, stroking his face. The attention was rather nice he had to admit. But how was she going to feel when he told her about what had happened.
"This is much better, don't you think?" she said it in all innocence, but Stanley was eying her.
"Much." He raised his eyebrows, as he managed to pull her on top of him.
"Stanley, you could have a concussion. You shouldn't overexert yourself." But she was smiling too. He began kissing her, "Stanley, I am serious." She tried pulling herself off him, but it was no use. So she relaxed in his arms. He held her close and ran his fingers through her hair. Knowing this couldn't go any farther. He needed to talk to her.
"We need to talk...About last night..."
Emma sighed as his touch sent shivers down her spine, "It doesn't matter" Her head nestled up against his neck. "You don't have to explain. It makes perfect sense now why you didn't make it. Of course, I can't say I wasn't dissapointed. " She outlined his earlobe with her finger, and he shivered slightly at her touch."I'd been so looking forward to last night and being with you again."
She wasn't making this easy. He was silent for a moment, collecting his thoughts. "But I need to explain...Kyle mentioned you were crying."
She felt a little embarrassed, "Oh, that was nothing." She hoped her son hadn't said anything else. Because that whole incident, crying out of the blue had been bizarre, and she didn't really understand it at all. "It was me being selfish. I just wanted to be with you."
"I don't like to hear you've been crying. And I felt terrible about dissapointing you last night. What happened..." he paused and took a deep breath, "was so unexpected" he seemed to be searching for a word, "so unnecessary, so ridiculous." His tone of voice changed as he continued, the hold he had on Emma tightened and he felt tense. She was very aware of this change, a slight concern came over her.
"Did this happen at work?" She rolled off him and perched herself by his side, now intent on hearing the story, she didn't take her eyes of his.
He nodded. He closed his eyes, how was he going to tell her this sex crazed woman attacked him in his backroom. And that it was a fellow teacher. Someone she knew. Closing his eyes, gave him away. Emma knew something was wrong. Something he didn't want to tell her.
"I stayed late at the shop last night to finish this one little problem. And I had a visitor." He stopped and didn't know how to proceed. "A visitor I wasn't prepared for. In fact, I thought it was you at first."
"I don't understand. This doesn't make any sense."
He sat up, and took hold of her hand, "Emma, there is no easy way to tell you this. Your friend, Meg, she was the unexpected visitor."
Now it was even making less sense, " And you thought it was me?" She had a hard time believing anyone could get them mixed up. Especially Stanley, after what the two of them shared together.
" She approached me from behind, like you did the other day. Took me totally off guard. I'm afraid I said some things to her, thinking it was you." He didn't take his eyes off her, squeezing her hand as he spoke. "Of course I realized it was her when I turned around. And I was a bit surprised. No, that's an understatement. Shocked is more like it."
Emma was silent. She wasn't expecting this. She was staring at him in disbelief.
He continued, "The boys probably let her in as they were leaving. She did have a computer to pick up. But I was completely unaware of her presence, so you can imagine what it was like when she touched me, and then tunning around...well she was looking at me...in a way I wasn't prepared for."
Emma was trying to comprehend everything she had just heard and she spoke softly, calmly at first..."In the shop? In the backroom? She was in the backroom with you?" Then her eyes widened and her voice became agitated, "She touched you like I did? Stanley, what are you trying to tell me?"
His hand went to his head fighting another headache, rubbing his temple. She was watching his every move. He had a hard time looking at her and averted her gaze. His body language told her more than she wanted to know.
"I don't think I want to hear any more." Emma thought she was going to cry and began to get off the bed. Stanley grabbed her arm pulling her back down. His grip was strong and firm. She tried wriggling it free but he wasn't going to let go.
"You are going to hear it all." his voice was commanding and firm. He was determined to get through this. He took a deep breath and reaverted his eyes to her. He saw the beginnings of tears. No, he wasn't going to let this happen. She meant too much to him. "And you're going to hear it from me. Because I don't want you to go to school tomorrow and Meg tell you fabrications about what happened."
"Something happened?" She was fighting back the tears. She felt she had no control. This was how it used to be with Gary. Crying over every little thing. But lately, the tears had subsided. Stanley had given her hope and self confidence. She was happy. Of course there was an explanation and she needed to stop jumping to conclusions and she couldn't cry.
The loving look in his eyes, that had not changed. "Emma, I love you."
But those words, they way he spoke them....Emma covered her mouth with her free hand, "Oh, no...please don't tell me...how could you Stanley?" Once again she struggled to set herself free. This time he grabbed her with both hands, on his knees towering over her, she felt trapped, there was no where to go. Looking up his face was inches from hers.
"Nothing happened. Emma you have to believe me. She kissed me, I pulled her off me and as I did I tripped and fell, knocking my head against the wall. I must have blacked out for a few minutes. I had visions and things seemed cloudy."
He just said Meg kissed him. She was sure she heard that right. Emma had spent so much time listening to Meg's fantasies and delusions Never once really thinking anything would come of it. And now it had.
She was starring off into space. Stan shook her slightly, "Emma...say something."
She blinked and then focused on Stanley once again. He saw the hurt in her eyes. An Emma he had seen before. An Emma who once again was feeling betrayed, uncertain, lost. The confidence that had been building seemed to be slipping away. He hated seeing her like this. Then she spoke, "Kyle..."
Was all she said, and Stanley knew where this was going. Kyle may not have said anything about the incident but he wasn't one to hide his feelings and Emma had noticed the tension this morning between them.
"He knows...that's why he's so upset with you." she finished her sentence.
"Kyle walked in."
"Walked in on what? You said nothing happened." She seemed to be slipping back and forth. One minute quiet, hurt...the next angry, upset. "I'm so confused, Stanley. None of this makes any sense."
Stanley took a deep breath, shut his eyes, but still holding on to her. He was stalling. She felt the anger building inside her and she flung both of her arms trying to lash out at him, "God damn you, Stanley, answer me....what did Kyle walk in on?"
His eyes flung open and he pulled her even closer to him, his hands held her head within inches of him, their eyes met, their noses nearly touched, Stanley wouldn't let her gaze leave his, everytime she tried to look away, his resistance was too strong, and she was drawn back to the intense expression on his face."I don't know. I'm sure that isn't what you want to hear." She stopped fighting him and the expression on her face changed to one of bewilderment. "I became violent apparently, throwing her across the room. My fly was undone, my shirt practically off me. You can make your own assumptions from that, just like Kyle has done." He let go of her out of frustration. "I hit my head. I don't even remember driving myself home, but I did. Everything is cloudy, a blur. No matter how unbelievable it sounds, it's the truth."
He relaxed more out of frustration, this was wearing him out. His headache was back. He sat back, closed his eyes. Images clouded his mind. Emma didn't move from his side. She stared at him perplexed by what she had just heard, trying to sort it all out in her mind. Wanting to believe him, beginning to believe him.
A flash crossed Stanley's mind...Helga undoing his pants, a gun being pointed to his head. It was like it happened yesterday. He heard the click, it was coming back to him. He was sure he had heard the click of the gun. But the woman wasn't Helga. The image changed to Meg. He had said no...but she had continued. What had he done to encourage this reaction from her? He opened his eyes and saw the look on Emma's face. She had watched him in amazement as his eyes had clenched, shaking his head. Something was coming back to him. Some kind of image.
"She came on to me. It's like she came to the shop with one thing on her mind. I have no idea what I did to encourage her."
Emily had settled down, she saw the distress he was experiencing. and knew to well, what Meg was capable of. If she wanted something bad enough she would go after it. And it was obvious he had hit his head, he probably blacked out, his vision was blurry, he would have been disoriented. But for some reason she couldn't drop it."You have been awfully nice to her. Maybe to nice." She was trying to be of some kind of help, but as she said it, she realized she sounded bitter.
"She's a paying customer, Emma." He sensed her jealousy and it agitated him slightly. She had nothing to be jealous of. "I'm nice to all my customers. And I don't have them attacking me in the backroom of my shop,"
"She made up that virus attacking her computer, Stanley. I knew it, that morning. Any excuse to come by the shop, any excuse to be with you. So was anything wrong with the computer?"
Emma was right. There had been nothing wrong with the computer. Meg did flirt with him, but she hadn't been the first woman to and he had put up with up. Was she doing this just to spite Emma? He had a hard time understanding why women did a lot of things. "No, nothing was wrong with it."
"She's wanted you since Christmas Eve. Pretending she couldn't play pool, come on, Stanley, that is the oldest trick in the book."
"Well, you could have told me.You have obviously known about her attentions all along."
"How could I tell you? You would have thought I was jealous, and being ridiculous. Would you have believed me if I told you Meg was after you?"
"Probably not." A smile appeared on his face. Thinking of Xmas Eve, he had left Meg with some of the old boys at the bar so he could check on Emma. "But then I wouldn't have believed I would have fallen in love with a woman who threw up all over me in the parking lot of Joe's." He started to laugh.
"That's not funny." She was trying to remain serious."and you're changing the subject."
"Some would say that drinking in accesss like you did, getting sick...getting me to drive you home...oh, better yet, to my home...well, that could be considered going to extremes to get what you wanted."
"I can't believe you would say that. I didn't ask you to take me home. You think I planned getting sick?" She was starting to get flustered.
"What did you want that night, Emma?" he teased. He scooted closer to her on the bed, and she tried to scuttle off, but he was quick. He managed to pin both of her hands back onto the bed, causing her to fall onto her back, he towered over her once again.
"Let me go." She began to fight him, kicking, flailing her arms. But a smile was breaking through, and the fighting was weak.
"A kiss maybe...did you want a kiss?" He started to bend towards her and stopped inches away from her lips, "No, you didn't want a kiss...New Years Eve I tried and you pushed me into the sand. So what else could you have wanted?"
"Nothing."
"Something, you definitely wanted something." He was being over dramatic. "Ah, I got it." he acted like a light bulb had just lit up over his head. "you wanted me to take advantage of you. I bet you had thoughts of me and you on my computer desk as far back as Christmas."
Emma smiled up at him, the computer desk. That morning on the computer desk hadn't left her thoughts for a moment in the past weeks. And he saw it in her eyes, "Is that what you want now?"
"There's no computer desk." He looked up around the room, and then leaned in towards her.
"I think we could make do." smiling wickedly. He let go of her hands and preceded to pull her Tshirt off. Emma then leaned forward trying to unzip her capri pants, just as Stanley was trying to remove her bra. They both got a bit tangled and Stanley was having a hell of a time reaching behind her and trying to undo the clasp. When was the last time he had removed a bra.? The retched things, he cursed underbreath as he continued struggling with the clasp. Emma started to laugh.
"Having difficulties?" She asked. Stanley started chuckling along with her. The whole situation was amusing. Nothing at all like their last encounter.
"In future, I'd prefer you braless."
She smiled, "I'll remember that." He felt a bit dizzy and instead of continuing the struggle rolled off her on to his back, closing his eyes as he felt it pass. He didn't want to dissapoint her, again.
Emma sat up, just as he opened his eyes. "You aren't giving up so easily are you, Stanley?" She was looking down at him as she undid the bra and let it fall into her lap. The sight before him gave him all the more reason to not let a little dizziness get to him. She unzipped her pants and slipped them and her underwear off with ease. There was no hesitation on his part, not with this desirable creature now towering over him. He quickly removed his jeans and boxers. He felt the jolt of excitement rush through him, and as he pulled his Tshirt over his head, it hit him again. The blood rushing to his head, the feeling of passing out, flinging the Tshirt aside, he then grabbed his head out of frustration, willing the lightheadedness to go away, clenching his teeth, closing his eyes, he fell back onto the bed. But instead of diminishing it only seemed to get worse. Emma watched in amazement. She reached over him stroking his cheek gently,
"This is not a good idea. You're not well." She gazed down at him lovingly, the stroking continued, as Stanley opened his eyes, blinking. His vision slightly blurred it took a few seconds to focus on her face.
"I'm sorry, Emma..." his speech slow, he seemed all of a sudden weary, "I've been pretty good at dissapointing you lately."
"You could never dissapoint me, Stanley. I'm just glad you're here. I enjoy being with you. But you need to rest now." Leaning over him she gently kissed his lips, he sighed. She pulled the sheet from under him and started to cover him, he let out a sigh and his eyelids began to droop.
She picked up her clothes, and was about to get off the bed when his hand reached over and took hold of hers. She turned to look at him, and he was smiling, "You look so beautiful...naked..."
"Thank-you." she blushed slightly.
"Will you let me hold you? I just want to feel you next to me. Give a guy a break, let him get some enjoyment of a beautiful naked woman, even though it's not quite the enjoyment he originally had in mind."
She chuckled slightly and lifted the sheet as he drew her towards him. She nestled up against him and his left arm encircled her. His hand slowly rubbed her shoulder, he kissed the top of her head, his eyelids drooped, he began to drift....within seconds he was asleep.
Laying next to him she felt an exhaustion come over her. It was weird for her in the middle of the afternoon to feel tired. The sound of the rain outside was soothing and relaxing, Stanley's warm body next to her, his steady breathing all added to the contentment she felt at the moment. She closed her eyes and let sleep take her.
As Kyle's car pulled around the corner, he noticed the Mercedes convertible, now with the top up due to the rain, parked a few doors away from his house. As he opened the garage door, he looked into the rear view mirror and could just make out the lights of the Mercedes turned on and the car zoomed off down the street. This seemed so odd to him. Maybe someone in the neighborhood owned such a car, but he highly doubted it. It was too much of a coincidence. That woman...who was she and why was she watching Stanley? The girls were busy chatting about the movie. Kyle had now learned to block it out.
They headed into the house through the garage door. It was exceptionally quiet. Both girls seemed oblivious to it and continued their menial banter. But Kyle was only to aware of the lack of noise. He walked straight past the girls and as he walked down the hall, he noticed his mom's bedroom door cracked open. He was not one to pry. What his mom and Stanley were doing in her bedroom was none of his business, but it was so quiet. He took a peek and saw feet peeking out from under a sheet. His mom's feet, and another one. Much larger, connected to hairy leg draped over his mom's. There was no movement, he slowly opened the door further seeing them wrapped in each others arms, his mom's blissful expression said everything. He closed his eyes, hoping that Stan had talked to her. He was unaware of his sister and Holly behind him.
"Where's mom?" He quickly shut the door and pushed her back. Melody gave him a dirty look, "What was that for?"
"Mom's asleep."
"That's weird in the middle of the afternoon." She tried to push past him, "She'd want to be woken up, Kyle. It will mess her up sleeping now."
"You're not waking her up. Come on, let's go make dinner." He didn't want her to see their mom with Stanley. And he was hoping they could avoid the subject but of course he was wrong. He grabbed her by the arm and pulled her into the kitchen, Holly following them.
"And where's Stanley?" Melody looked at Kyle, and he looked at Holly. He didn't answer and opened the cupboards.
"Spaghetti. Sounds good, doesn't it?"
There was silence. Both girls were looking at him. "Stop looking at me like that. They're sleeping together, okay...no big deal right?"
Holly took the pan on the stove and filled it with water. She didn't care that they were together. But Melody did. "That's sick."
"It's not sick, it's normal. Mom is a normal woman, Melody. Get a grip. I'm sure you knew they were together the night you spent with Rachel." he tried to keep his voice down, he felt uncomfortable talking about this in front of Holly.
She did know, but still wasn't excepting it. Especially not in her own house. She put a pout on and sat at the kitchen table. He shook his head, and went over to Holly who had gotten the water boiling. "I do this all the time, Kyle. Dad let's me." Why couldn't he have a sister like Holly. Oh,hell , what was he saying. It was pretty likely he would be, after his conversation with Stan yesterday about the house. Boy, was his sister going to have a cow if that happened.
The rain had gotten fairly heavy and their were rumblings of thunder and lightning. Stan stirred from the noise, feeling a little disoriented as he opened his eyes. It was dark out now and his eyes had to adjust to his surroundings. finding Emma naked lying at his side. He smiled as he gently stroked her hair. His stomach rumbled. He hadn't eaten since lunch yesterday and he had a vague recollection of most of that ending up in the toilet. There was a faint aroma of tomato sauce, coming from the kitchen, and this only stirred his appetite more.
Emma awoke suddenly, a loud noise startled her, Stanley was gazing at her looking extremely content. He pulled her closer to him, "Its just thunder." Gently kissing the top of her head. She relaxed in his arms, "This is perfect lying in bed during a thunder storm with a beautiful woman...and naked to boot. Could it get any better than this." His stomach let a loud rumble.
Emma stifled a giggle, "Thunder, eh?"
"I'm hungry...and I think it's spaghetti for dinner, if my nose isn't mistaken." Emma had almost forgotten about the kids, she sat up abruptly clutching the sheet to her naked body.
"The kids are home?"
"I think we can come to that assumption, since neither you or I has been anywhere near the kitchen. And that's definitely tomato sauce I smell...coming from your kitchen." Stanley was very calm. "and I for one am starving."
"Do you really think you are up to eating? I mean....you could have another dizzy spell. Maybe you should just stay in bed." He gave her a look.
"Stay in bed? I could be up to that, what did you have in mind?" He reached up and stroked her shoulder seductively. He was definitely feeling better.
Emma wasn't smiling, "The kids are here, Stanley."
"So?"
"You're naked in my bed."
He lifted up the sheets and smiled, "That I am. Very observant of you, Emma." he said teasing.
"I don't know how you can be so calm."
He reached up and gently pulled her down on top of him, he brushed her hair away from her face and gently smiled at her, "If we don't make a big deal out of it, they won't."
He was right. She was overreacting, she relaxed in his arms as he stroked her back, "I can tell you're feeling better."
"Still a little out of sorts, but I'm coming around. Although staying in bed with you sounds incredibly enticing, I think that eating at this time would be in my best interest."
"Well, then, I suppose we should get dressed and face the firing squad."
The kitchen door swung open and all 3 kids looked up as Stanley's towering frame entered the room. Emma slinking in behind him. Holly was standing at the stove stirring the sauce, Kyle was making a salad. Melody had been coerced into setting the table. It was a scene Emma was not used to and it touched her heart that they were all pulling together and making dinner.
Stanley headed over to his daughter and put a hand on her back, leaning over the boiling sauce, "Looks done to me." he took the spoon out of her hands and had a taste, raising his eyebrows and nodding in approval,. "Superb sauce, baby."
"It's from a jar, Dad."
"Ah, but there is an art to the stirring. Makes all the difference in the world." She smiled up at him and noticed he still was looking pale. He lifted the lid of the noodles and turned the stove off. Emma had joined his side and took the pan off the stove, taking it to the sink to drain the water. They exchanged a glance, then a smile. Stanley was glad she was getting on as normal.
"Are you okay, Dad? You still don't look very good." a look of concern crossed Holly's face.
He tousled her hair, "I'm going to be fine, I just need something in my stomach. This is going to do the trick, I'm sure." He tried reassuring her.
He turned to see Kyle and Melody just staring at him. Kyle quickly averted his glance and continued chopping the carrots for the salad, but Melody didn't take his eyes off him. He felt a bit awkward but took a seat at the table, didn't really feel up to being on his feet to long. Melody had just finished setting the table, her eyes still on him.
"So how was the movie?" He was hoping for a response from Melody but Holly chirped in. Emma had taken over the pan with the sauce and she joined her dad at the table,
"It was great! Really neat special effects."
He looked up at Melody, "Did you like it Melody?"
"It was okay." Was her very unemotional answer.
Holly giggled, "She liked the trailers best." Melody gave her an evil look.but Holly continued, "She got all excited about the Lord of the Rings movie coming out."
Melody interrupted, "For your information it's called the Two Towers."
"Really? I'm a bit dissapointed I missed the Fellowship of the Rings. They were my favorite books as a kid. In fact, I just started rereading them." Melody moved closer to him.
"You read the books? Really?"
"Of course. Why are you so surprised?"
"I just never thought you would like that kind of thing."
"You'd be surprised at what I like. Have you read the books too?" She nodded. "and your favorite part?" he added.
"I like it all..." she had now sat down on the other side of him. Holly leaned over towards Stanley.
"She likes Aragorn." She giggled. "She thinks he's hot."
She then leaned over, Stanley in the middle, "I do not. What do you know about being hot, anyhow?"
Stanley couldn't help but smile, "Aragorn is my favorite, I always fancied riding horseback around the countryside with a sword at my side...fighting against Orcs and defending Middle Earth from the evil Saruron." He said it with such expression, waving his arm as if he was holding a sword.
Holly rolled her eyes, "That's silly."
Emma began to serve the spaghetti, and whispered in Stanley's ear, "I quite fancy Aragorn myself....love a man with a sword." He blushed a bit. He then focused on the plate of spaghetti as Emma headed back to the counter smiling.
"This looks great." Kyle placed the plates of salad on the table, and then sat down across from Stanley. They exchanged glances briefly. Then both seemed to look at Emma who was struggling with a bottle of wine and a bottle opener.. Both Stanley and Kyle got up at the same time to help her, there was an awkward silence, and then Kyle scowled, his eyebrows creased.
"Let me you help you, Mom." Stanley sat back down and watched as Kyle headed over to his mom.
As he opened the bottle and Emma poured the glasses, he gave his mom a tender look, "you okay?"
She nodded, then whispered, "Stanley told me, Kyle...about yesterday in the shop."
"Good." He glanced over at the table where Stanley was now having a conversation with the girls about Lord of the Rings. Then turned back to his mom, "I don't want you to get hurt."
"I know." She placed a hand on his shoulder, "Stanley would never deliberately hurt me. I believe that."
He hesitated, "I do too."
"And the bump on the head is for real. He really should've gone to the doctor, but he's stubborn. And that nap did him some good, he does seem better." She glanced over at him, and he caught her look, then turned his attention back to the girls, "Earlier he was experiencing quite a bit of dizziness."
"He was like that last night too. I should have driven him to the hospital. I was so mad, that I left him there. He could have been in an accident driving home." Now Kyle was feeling bad. He cared deeply for Stanley, despite everything.
She put her arm around him, "But he didn't. He's going to be okay. You were protecting me...I know that."
Melody turned to see her mother and brother whispering at the counter, "It's rude to whisper, mom, you tell me that all that time...and besides dinner is getting cold."
Stanley turned and smiled at Emma, "And I'm starving, are you going to make me wait much longer?"
Kyle and Emma headed back to the table, Emma handed Stanley a glass of wine, "One glass, that's it for you." Their hands touched and his thumb caressed the back of her hand. Their eyes locked for a brief moment.
"Is that an order, Dr. Heyward?" He smiled up at her, and she was so glad he was there. She looked around the table, the kids had already started to eat, there was the usual dinner table chatter, something she hadn't heard for a long time. Stanley was only to aware of what she was feeling at that moment. Emma's desire for a family. He was feeling it too.
"Emma" their hands still holding the glass together.
She came out of her daze and looked down at him, "Yeah,"
"My glass"
She was a little embarrassed as she let go, he placed the glass on the table.. He couldn't resist reaching up, taking her chin and drawing her face to his, kissing her, "This is nice...being here with you, the kids."
She was thinking the same thing.
Stanley lasted a few hours, he relaxed on the couch. His head on Emma's lap as she joined in on a game of UNO with the kids. He didn't feel up to it, but enjoyed being there, joining in the conversation, helping Emma win. It was a wonderful evening. He ended up falling asleep while they watched TV, and it was Holly who mentioned it. Emma had been playing with his hair and hadn't realized he was sound asleep on her lap.
"My dad's asleep." Holly leaned over looking at his face. "How are we supposed to get home?" This was a dilemma. It was getting late, they had all lost track of time and the storm hadn't let up.
"Well," Emma noticed all eyes were on her, "I'll take you home."
"I don't think it's a good idea to go out in this mess at all, Mom." Kyle got up from his spot at the computer. "I'm sure Melody wouldn't mind sharing her room with Holly for the night." He gave his sister a persuasive look.
"Sure, I could do that." Emma was surprised that she was being so cooperative. But then again the whole evening had seemed so right.
Emma looked at Holly for the final say, "That's okay with me, but all my school stuff is at home and Scrap needs to be fed."
"No problem , I'll call Mary and have her go and feed Scrap. You're dad said she had a key. You can pick up your backpack in the morning on the way to school. "
Holly nodded, and Melody seemed pleased by this development for some reason. "Cool, a sleepover on a school night. Come on, I'll get you some pajamas to wear."
Emma waved a finger at her as they walked down the hallway, "Now wait a minute young lady, lights out at 9:30." They both giggled as she watched them dissapear into her bedroom. Kyle stood over his mom and Stanley.
"You might need help getting him to bed."
"He can sleep here on the couch. I would hate to disturb him now. Do you think you could get the blankets out of the cupboard." Kyle didn't budge. "What's wrong?"
"I know what you're doing, Mom. The whole couch thing. And it's ridiculous," he hesitated wanting to say that he and Melody were okay about them being together but instead said, "The guy isn't well, you can't make him sleep on the couch."
She smiled up at her son, knowing exactly what he meant, "Well, I guess you better help me then. He's like a dead weight."
Stanley woke as he felt Kyle's arms trying to lift him, "Hey, what's going on?"
Emma on the other side of him quietly spoke, "I think you'd be more comfortable in bed."
"In your bed?" He had a twinkle in his eye, even though they were barely open.
Kyle was a little embarrassed but joked it off, "And you better behave because there are kids in the house."
Stanley coherent enough to respond, "I think those are words for your mom, not me." Emma blushed as he leaned on her and kissed her neck. Kyle kind of laughed and Emma gave her a son the evil eye.
"Don't encourage him, Kyle."
Stanley seemed to be coming and going as they both helped him into the bedroom, and when they laid him on the bed he rubbed his eyes and smiled at Emma, and then closed them again, drifting off to sleep. Kyle stood a bit embarrassed, knowing his mom would have to undress him. " Well, ...I guess I'll start cleaning up the mess in the kitchen."
"Kyle, that can wait til tomorrow, I know you've been dying to call Amy..." She started to remove his socks, "Go on, but don't be too late."
The doorbell rang as Kyle began to dial, he went to the door, and was surprised to see his Dad there. "Hey, Dad, this is a surprise..." he was pretty sure this wasn't an announced visit.
He was getting wet standing out in the rain, "Are you going to let me in or am I going to get drenched out here?"
Kyle reluctantly opened the screendoor and let his Dad in, but as he did he realized what a mistake he had made. It was obvious his Dad had been drinking. "It's horrible out there, but I knew Melody would need her Math book. She left it at my place." He had noticed the Suburban parked in the driveway. He looked past Kyle down the hall , then turned and had a look into the family room. Not finding what he was looking for he turned back to Kyle, "Where's your mom?"
Emma had managed to get Stanley's jeans off with a little help from the semi conscious Stanley. when she overheard the voices coming from the hall... it was Gary. Great timing but for the first time in the past few years she didn't care. She could handle Gary. She smiled down at Stanley, who even in this dozy state managed a wicked smile.
"You've got me right where you want me." his words slightly slurred as she pulled the covers up over him.
She smiled at him, "That may be true, but tonight the only thing that will be happening in this bed is sleep."
"You don't sound very dissapointed."
She thought about the day, and how it had all turned out. It was nearly perfect, except for Stanley's concussion. She leaned over him kissing him gently, "It's been a wonderful day. Of course, making love to you would make it perfect."
He pulled her towards him, "I'm all yours, how can I go to sleep knowing I am the reason the day isn't perfect for you. I think I can make the sacrifice."
She smiled at him, "Not tonight."
"this isn't the Emma, I know and love."
Just then the girls ran down the hall screeching. Stanley clinched his eyes shut, the noise a bit much for his throbbing head. Emma noticed it, "I'll go get those two settled...I will be back. Close your eyes." She traced her fingers gently across his temple and then on his eyelids which shut as her fingers brushed over them. She then kissed his forehead, the bridge of his nose and softly brushed her lips across his, a slight smile appeared on his lips, as a sigh escaped.
Gary wasn't prepared of the sight of two girls running down the hall towards him. He stepped back slightly, as Melody abruptly stopped at his side, "Dad, what are doing here?"
Gary held up the book and as Melody took it from him, she noticed his eyes. Even she knew he was drunk.
"Thought you might need this." Melody's cheerful expression had now changed to one of despair and concern. She didn't want him here.
"That was nice of you,Dad."she said as she took the book from him. She went to the door and opened it, "You better get home before the storm gets worse." Gary could feel something and he wasn't sure what it was. His daughter was trying to get rid of him.
Emma's bedroom door opened, she stepped out and quietly closed the door behind her, not wanting to disturb Stanley.
"Do you think you two could make more noise?" She lowered her eyebrows at both girls but smiled as she said it.
Holly managed a smile, but Melody's expression didn't change,
Emma looked at Gary. A questioning look of why he was there.
"Dad, brought my book back. I left it at his house."
There was something different about Emma. She seemed so relaxed, content. For the first time in years, he saw an attraction that he hadn't felt since he had met her in college. When she had been confident and sexy. "That was nice of you, Gary. But you shouldnt have come out in this weather."
He was staring at her, Kyle was surprised there wasn't words between them. Usually his dad was full of remarks, to cut his mom down. And this was one reason Emma tried to keep her distance from him. Emma was feeling a little uncomfortable, as she quickly crossed her arms in front of her chest, covering the fact she was braless. The silence was broken by Holly politely asking, "Is it okay, if I go say goodnight to my Dad, Emma?"
Emma noticed Gary's reaction, but smiled down at Holly, "Of course." Gary watched as he noticed the girl quietly enter Emma's bedroom.
"You have company."
Emma bit her lip, and managed to say, "Yes, I do. You remember Stanley and that was his daughter, Holly."
"Ah, Stanley...so it's serious."
"Gary, it's late, and I need to get Melody and Holly to bed. And Stanley hasn't been well."
"but he's well enough to share your bed." He had no problem saying this type of thing in front of his children, and this infuriated Emma.
"That was un called for."
Gary took a deep breath, he really didn't want to fight tonight. In fact what he wanted was standing right in front of him. "I'm sorry, Emma, that was in bad taste."
Melody and Kyle exchanged glances. This was so not like their dad. Emma also was leary of Gary's new approach. He looked at his kids, "Do you think I could talk to your mom just for a minute alone."
Kyle didn't want to leave her, but Emma gave him a nod, letting him know it was okay. Kyle took Melody by the arm and they went into the kitchen.
They remained in the hallway, Emma waiting to hear what he had to say, but wasn't prepared when he took a few steps closer, to her, "I just wanted to tell you how beautiful you look. Something is different. I can't place it."
This talk made her slightly uncomfortable and she backed up, only managing to run into the wall, "Oh, Emma, you can't possibly be afraid of me. I mean Stanley is in the house. What kind of fool would put himself in a position, where the new boyfriend had every reason to beat the crap out of him." He began to laugh, Emma now how no doubt he was drunk.
"I just told you he wasn't well, you know he's in bed."
He moved closer to her, stroking her cheek, "It's the sex isn't it...that's what's different about you."
"You don't know what you're talking about." She felt proud of herself as she pulled away from him. His reactions slow, due to the drinking.
"He has transformed you. Do you know that? You are like you were when you were in college, but won't Stanley be surprised when the excitement dies for you."
"It's nothing like it was when I was in college. You never pleased me. I put up with it because I didn't know any better. You made me believe it was suppose to be one sided. I was there for your needs, no other reason." She felt confident and assured as she pushed him away from her and stepped away from him. She smiled thinking about Stanley. "What I have with Stanley is nothing like I had with you."
Gary didn't like her attitude and his anger was apparent, he raised his voice. "So this is how it is. You playing house with the gardener or whatever the hell he is. The perfect little family." he said sarcastically.
With Gary's voice raised Kyle darted back into the hall, Melody right behind him. He stood back as he watched his mom take control, "I think you need to leave, Gary. You are drunk."
"And you would send a drunk man out on a night like this? Maybe if I fell and sprained my ankle, you would give me the same treatment as your friend. I can just imagine your bed-side manner under the circumstance, must say it's turning me on just thinking about it."
"Never in a million years." He didn't notice his children behind him as he roughly grabbed Emma and forced her head towards his, kissing her, she felt disgusted, but thought quickly and bit his tongue as it forced it's way into her mouth.
Gary screamed in pain, stepped back and stumbled onto the floor, holding his hand to his mouth, a bit of Blood began to seep through his fingers.
Holly had been sitting on the bed next to her dad, just talking about the evening, when the scream was heard. Stanley sat up in bed abruptly feeling the wooziness, closing his eyes letting it pass, he then got out of bed, "What the hell is going on out there?"
When he opened the door, he saw Gary huddled on the floor a bit of blood on his hand. Emma looked towards Stanley, "Holly, get your Dad back to bed." She looked at him scornfully. "Everything is under control here."
Stanley stood in disbelief at Emma's commanding tone of voice. He wasn't about to go back to bed, but then he also understood she wanted to handle this on her own. He felt proud of her new found confidence, knowing he had been a major factor in helping her find it.
But Gary pulled himself up and saw the daunting figure of the man who was now sharing his ex wife's bed. And he was not happy. Gary hated the guy. He obviously was the reason Emma was confident and happy. She was supposed to suffer. She didn't deserve any happiness as far as he was concerned.
Kyle automatically went to his Dad, and helped him up, "You need to go, Dad."
"Tell him to go." He pointed at Stanley.
"No, I won't. He makes mom happy. He has every right here. You don't make anyone happy, especially when you're like this." As he stood him up, Gary reached for Melody, it frightened her. She didn't like the look in his eyes.
"You don't feel like your brother, do you , sweetheart? You love your Dad. You should come live with me, I promise that horse. You could ride every day." He was babbling on, and Melody started to cry. "You'd be so much happier with me. I don't think you really want to be sharing your mom with someone else. This man and his daughter....where would that leave you, Melody?"
Melody screamed, "Stop it. Stop this, Dad. I do feel like Kyle. I hate you. Stanley is more of a Dad to me, then you could ever be. " She pulled away from his touch and ran down the hall towards Stanley. This surprised Stanley but he reacted accordingly putting his arm around her, she buried her head into his chest and began to cry.
The look on Gary's face was one of devastation. Melody's words stung. He was silent. He looked at his daughter now being comforted by this strange man. His son disgusted by his behavior. Emma looking at him with pity. He couldn't bear it, he stormed out of the door and out into the night. Emma went to the door and watched as he started up his car.
"My god, I hope he makes it home in one piece." Kyle went over to his mom putting an arm around her.
"He'll be fine." She turned to her son, and he was smiling at her.proud of her for standing up to him. Emma glanced down the hall, to where Stanley was still comforting Melody. She lifted her head.
"Is he gone?"
Stanley nodded as she looked up at him, and she felt a bit embarrassed. She had actually run to him, she actually wanted him to protect her, comfort her. And he had. She pulled away from him, "I should be getting to bed." She gave her mom a glance, and then headed to her bedroom, Holly following slowly behind her.
Emma moved over to Stanley, "That's where you should be too."
Stanley still feeling a bit strange by the whole scene , looked down the hall where the girls had dissapeared, "What was that all about?"
She slipped her arm around him as they headed into the bedroom, "I think my daughter has warmed up to you." She smiled.
"I guess so, but the rest of it....Gary...why was he here and his mouth was bleeding, did you hit him?"
He got on the bed and leaned back on the pillows, Emma sat next to him smiling to herself, "I bit him. I bit his tongue."
"Ooh, Emma...that' nasty." Then Stanley made an assumption, to bite his tongue, he had to have been in incredibly close proximity to her. "Did he make a pass at you?"
She nodded, "But it won't happen again."
"You're so sure?"
"I won't let it. Just like you won't let Meg make another pass at you, right?"
It was ironic how all of this had come about in the last 24 hours. He nodded, "I can see why he did though."
"Really? Because I look so sexy in this old t shirt with tomato sauce stains down the front. OH, and my hair, that desirable 'hasn't been washed today' look. What man couldn't be attracted to that?" she said sarcastically.
HE smiled, "don't be so flip, you underestimate yourself. You exude confidence now,which is incredibly sexy. And whether you want to believe it or not,you are a different woman than when I met you. It's something that comes from inside. Nothing to do with your outer appearance. And everytime I'm in your presence, I feel it growing stronger." He pulled her down on top of him, "And it's an incredible turn on."
Emma blushed, "Stop it."
He began kissing her, and she was surprised Gary's visit hadn't spoiled the evening. She responded to his kissing, her hands went into his hair, gently fingering his scalp. Her torso rubbing up against his chest, his strong hands caressing her back. She wanted him desperately, but knew she had to be strong, she quickly pulled away.
Stanley sighed his hands went behind his head as he relaxed back onto the bed, "Sorry, I forgot...off limits tonight."
"I could sleep out on the couch."
"No....you'll sleep by my side." He stated firmly. Then tenderly looked up at her, "where you belong."
"I'm just going to check on the girls. See how Melody's doing." As she got off the bed, she then turned to him. He looked so relaxed lying there gazing up at her. Her thoughts to the moment Melody had ran to his arms, like a daughter would do. Stanley's reaction, one of surprise, but also of delight, finally being accepted. It had meant a lot to Emma.
"what are you thinking,...well, besides how bad you want to get into my pants." He joked.
She smiled, "Melody and you. It was very sweet."
"I was glad I could be of some assistance to someone. You obviously didn't need me." he put on a little pout, teasing her. He then added, "I'm crazy about your kids, Emma. You do know that, right?"
She nodded. She couldn't say anything. Tonight had confirmed a lot of things for her. Their relationship had taken another step. It was no longer just the attraction between two people. They were spending time together with their kids, they were becoming a family. And it felt so right. They were solving problems together, discussing things. She desperately wanted to believe there was a future with Stanley, but there had never been any talk of marriage. To speculate about such a thing seemed ludicrous at this point. But Emma felt that glimmer of hope, and it excited and scared her all at the same time.
As she walked down the hall towards her daughter's bedroom she could hear Kyle's voice coming from across the hall in his room. He was on the phone with Amy more than likely. She heard him laugh, and it made her smile. As she reached for the door knob she could hear the girls giggling. The sight of the two girls laying on Melody's bed throwing stuffed animals up in the air made her laugh. She moved towards the bed and Melody scooted over giving her room. She tossed a few in the air and they came down on Holly, who began to gigle uncontrollably.
Melody gave her Mom a hug, "I suppose it's time for lights out."
She nodded. "School tomorrow."
Holly got up off the bed and scurried to the bathroom, Melody looked up at her mom, "If you marry Stanley, what would happen to Dad?"
"Marry Stanley? Who said anything about marrying Stanley?"
"No one. I was just wondering."
"Your dad will always be your dad. No matter what happens."
"But could I call Stanley, Dad. I mean, could I pretend he was my real Dad? I know it sounds silly. But I like it like this. Holly and Stanley here. It feels really good. Even Dad showing up tonight, didn't ruin it." She was thinking about Stanley's arms around her. When was the last time she had felt so safe?
She gave her a squeeze, "It does feel pretty good, doesn't it? We'll just have to wait and see."
Holly came back into the room, and Melody crawled under the covers, Holly crawled in next to her. Emma leaned over and gave her daughter a kiss on the forhead. And without any hesitation she gave Holly a kiss too. Holly looked up at her a tear came to her eye. Emma noticed it.
"Holly, are you alright?"
She nodded. "This is kind of nice. It's kind of like having a mother." Now Emma felt a tear coming to her and she leaned over and gave Holly a proper hug, Holly's arms went around her.
"I'll always be here for you,Holly. I want you to know that."
"I wish it could always be like this."
"I wonder how you'll fee about it in the morning after a night with Melody's snoring." she smiled. Melody swung her floppy dog at Emma, and she dodged it. They both laughted. Holly managed a smile, but was still serious.
"Sometimes it's too quiet in my house. I don't think i'll mind."
"It's never quiet here." Emma pulled the covers up to Holly's chin, and gave her another kiss. Then she noticed the dog eared bunny sitting on the shelf above the window. She went to the window and reached up for it. Bringing it back to the bed. "So no, Mr. Buns tonight. I know, Peter probably won't be the same, but he helped me through many a night in my youth." Holly smiled as she took the bunny from Emma.
"My dad told you about Mr. Buns?"
Emma nodded.
"that's embarrassing."
Melody piped in, "Not as embarrassing as this...my mom slept with that thing after my Dad left."
"Sometimes we just need something comforting to get us through. And he did that for me. Just like Melody's floppy dog, and your Mr. Buns. "
"and you don't need it anymore, because you have my Dad."
Emma kind of blushed, "I guess it's something like that..yes." She started to leave and as she began to switch off the light, she saw Holly embrace the bunny and close her eyes. As she shut the door behind her she heard whispering from inside.
"If my dad marries your mom, will you share your stuffed animals with me?"
"I'll have to think about it, now go to sleep."
Emma stood in the darken hallway, closing her eyes smiling to herself. Yeah, what if?