The Suburban with Hank at the wheel rounded the corner towards
Stanley's house, Holly sat in the back with her Dad. It was an
uncomfortable ride, and he was glad when they pulled in the driveway,
looking forward to his own bed, own food, and peace and quiet.
Emma was in the RAV4 behind them and her first thought as she pulled into the driveway next to them was the cars out front. Kyle's, Brent's, Rachel's....what was going on here.
Holly popped out of the car just as Emma did and they both heard the sound of the stereo blaring from the backyard. They both looked at each other in confusion. As Hank began to help Stanley out, they too were aware of the noise coming from the direction of the yard, now voices could be heard and the smells of Barbequeing drifting towards them.
Stanley turned to Emma, "Did you plan a party for me?"
"I'll get rid of them, I don't know what's going on." Her voice once again agitated. "This sounds like something Brent and Kyle planned."
As Stanley leaned on his Dad, he put an arm on Emma's shoulder, "It's okay." He was concerned with her mood swings.
"You need to rest, they can't stay, Stanley."
"don't be such a Louise." He smiled at her, hoping she would think it was amusing, but she turned away from him. "Of course they can stay. I can just as easily rest with them here. In fact, it's a nice change from the hospital environment."
Emma walked in ahead of them, trying to remain cool, Josh was in the kitchen getting a beer, "Hey, Em..." She stormed past him into the backyard. Josh looked a little confused and then headed over to help Hank with Stanley. He took over, Stanley now leaning up against him. "We already have the lounge chair out on the patio ready for you. Pillows, blankets, the works. But if you prefer bed....hey, we can all scram."
"No, that won't be necessary. The lounge chair sounds perfect."
"What about Emma?" He motioned towards the backdoor which had just slammed behind her.. "She doesn't seem to happy with this little soire."
The concerned look on Stanley's face was evident, "She doesn't seem to happy about much of anything lately. I guess I have my work cut out for me."
Josh and Hank got Stan situated out on the patio. He laid back in the lounge chair, propped up with pillows and soon the guests were hovering over him. It felt good being among the people he most cared about....Hank, Holly, Kyle, Amy, Melody, Chelsea and Brent, Josh and Rachel, Joe and Mary. And then there was Emma, standing solemnly near the bbq, flipping a burger here and there, but not paying much attention to what she was doing. He had never seen her like this, knowing that his accident was partly to blame, but it seemed like so much more. His dad's comment about Gail being an old flame stuck in his mind. Did she really believe that? He quickly came back to reality as Brent shouted, "Emma, what the hell are you doing? My burgers are burning...." Brent sprinted across the lawn to the BBQ and grabbed the spatula out of her hand. Emma looked surprised, and she looked up catching Stanley's eye.
His guests had dispersed, Melody and Holly were playing with Scrap....chasing him back and forth, and throwing a tennis ball for his amusement. Kyle was in deep conversation with Amy. Rachel, Josh, Mary, Joe, Hank and Chelsea all milled around the BBQ, wine and beer in hand enjoying the beautiful afternoon. Stanley motioned for Emma to join him. And she looked around thinking he meant someone else. She watched his lips move slowly, forming the word, 'please'. And she slowly made her way towards the patio.
He smiled and held out his hand as she approached, "Sit with me."
"I really should..."
He cut her off, "You need to relax. You're sitting with me. That lot planned this shebang, you don't have to do a thing." She reluctantly pulled up the other chair and sat on the edge, immediately averting his gaze. He wanted to say the right thing. Didn't want to upset her, but he wondered what the hell was going on with her. He decided to take the other approach, do what he seemed to be able to do best, and that was woo her. He squeezed her hand, "We could sneak into the bedroom, you and I...no one would notice."
"Stanley."
"I know, I'm not ready for anything so strenuous at this time, but you know we could do other things," he was painfully trying to get his hopes up. "the possibilities are endless."
She turned to him and smiled, "you don't give up do you?"
"I want you to be happy." She looked up into his eyes,and then drew his hand to her lips.
"I am happy. Just tired. And the kids leaving is very much on my mind." she could see how exhausted he looked. She brushed his hair away from his face, tracing a finger across his forehead and down his cheek, his eyes began to droop.
"That feels good." She continued, and he let out a sigh.
Stanley tried to stay awake, he was enjoying the afternoon, but Emma's touch was incredibly relaxing, and he was fighting sleep. His eyelids would shut and then he would quickly reopen them, only to hear Emma humming softly. He couldn't place the tune but he was sure it was a child's nursery rhyme. And before he could remember the lyrics, his eyelids would once again close.
Emma looked over at him. She could see activity under his eyelids, he was fighting it. She knew he was so glad to be home, among the people he loved.
Josh walked over quietly to the patio, holding a goblet, he whispered, "Emma, thought you might like a glass of wine."
Emma didn't take it, she immediately glanced down at her abdomen, and was about to graciously refuse, when Rachel rushed up to Josh's side grasping the glass out of his hand, nearly spilling all over both of them.
"What do you think you're doing, Josh? Emma can't have that."
Josh looked back at her confused and then Stanley opened his eyes wide, trying to sit up, hearing Rachel's sharp words. "What?"
Emma tried to get him to lay back down, not wanting this conversation to go any further. But Josh wasn't going to let it go, "It's Emma's favorite, Rachel. And now look what you've done...woken up Stanley."
"I really don't want it, Josh. But thanks anyhow."
Stanley had only gotten part of the conversation, but he was sure he had heard Rachel say Emma couldn't have it. Rachel leaned over and whispered into Emma's ear, "I'm glad to see you're thinking about the baby." Emma nearly freaked out as she said the word....she stood up abruptly, she looked down at Stanley briefly and he was once again surprised by her erratic behavior. She then glared at Rachel. But she felt trapped. Josh, Rachel and Stanley all staring at her.
"What's going on here?" Stanley looked at Emma and then at Rachel, "Rachel?"
Emma just glared at her. And Rachel began to stammer, "Well, you know, Stan....she has to drive back to La Mesa tonight with the kids and it really wouldn't be a good idea for a drink."
"Emma, you can have a glass of wine, it won't hurt you. "
"Maybe i don't want a glass of wine. I can think for myself, Stanley." She stormed off towards the kids.
Stanley looked at Rachel, as he very slowly leveled his self to an upright position and propped himself up on his good arm."You know something I don't. It's pretty obvious. What's going on with her?"
Rachel's attention was at the bottom of her wine glass, then back at Stan, "She's having a hard time, Stan. She has a lot on her mind."
After one eyebrow rose, "I can see that. But I never know when she's going to be the Emma I know and love, or the one that's going to storm off in a huff." he let out a sigh, and began to feel the exhaustion of asserting himself, " Maybe if I knew what was going on, I could understand better." He slowly lowered himself back down onto the pillows.
"You know it's probably just that time of the month, mood swings and everything. She gets really bitchy during that time." Would Stanley buy this story? She probably came awfully close to overstepping her friendship and was trying her best to smooth it over. But, damn it! Emma! All she'd been worrying about was her best friend's unexpected news and her decisions to do what was right! What's it going to take to get these two off on the right foot? If they would only get issues out in the open. She bit her lip and continued, "I think these few weeks....the two of you alone together, I think you are going to find out a lot about each other quirks." Well, she figured she might as well go for broke here, "It's bound to be an eye opening experience for you both." Rachel glared at Stanley, "you must know what I mean, dark pasts, secrets....lovers shouldn't have secrets," The glass came to her mouth for something to do before she realized it was still empty, causing her to pause, then looking over the rim toward her husband adding, "Don't you think so Josh?"
Josh had no clue what she was talking about. "Well, uh....sure....I mean we don't have any secrets, Rachel...as far as I'm aware of anyhow."
"I think she's referring to me and Emma" It looked like this was unavoidable, "so just blurt it out, Rachel...you're dying to."
"Do you really love her?"
"Well, I would think that's pretty obvious. Of course i do....and she knows that."
"Just keep reminding her...do me that favor Stan. Emma needs to be sure." Rachel thought about their conversation earlier in the week. About the baby, and Emma not wanting it. She had refused to speak of it in the last few days, like it didn't exist and today not excepting the wine was the first acknowledgment she had made of the life she was carrying inside her. She looked down at the empty wine glass, "Think I could use a glass of wine." She started to walk away and then turned, "And as for those secrets, Stan....don't let her hear about them from someone else." She then walked towards the backdoor.
Stanley's mind started to overcloud with thoughts of Gail coming to see Emma. Had something happened this week that he had not been aware of? It would explain her odd behavior that was for sure, and it fit in with what his Dad had said about Emma being jealous of Gail. Thinking she was an old flame. He felt his head starting to throb and he began to message his forehead. Maybe this party was a bad idea. He should have realized that the minute they pulled up in the driveway and Emma's immediate reaction.
"Hey, Stan, don't listen to her....she is just sprouting off. You know she's had a few drinks." He took a swig of beer as he helped prop a pillow for Stan, noticing his discomfort, "Women. We're not meant to understand them, So stop analyzing what just happened. I am sure Rachel is right, that time of the month is a real bitch. I've only lived with Rachel a month, but I've already experienced the full on pre-menstrual mood swings. Not pleasant. And if you think Emma is bad, just picture it ten times worse with Rachel."
Stanley managed a smile and then looked across the yard where Emma was throwing a tennis ball for Scrap. She would glance his way and then as their eyes met she would turn away. He knew she was hiding something. Holly skipped towards him, but his attention was totally on Emma.
"Dad, are you okay? You look so tired. You know you should probably be in bed. Should I get Grandpa?"
Stanley wasn't listening, and Holly followed his gaze to Emma, he had a sad concerned look in his eyes as he watched her. Holly skipped over to Emma and took hold of her hand.
Emma looked down at Holly's sweet face but saw a questioning look. "What is it Holly?"
"You and my dad. Is something wrong?"
"Of course not. Don't be silly."
She started to pull her, "Then come back and sit with him. He looks so tired and when you were sitting with him, he fell asleep. He likes you around him. He wants you around him, more than me."
"That's not true."
"I understand these things. I'm not a little girl. My dad wants to be with you. He's been so lonely and you make him smile. But something is different. I can't go away to Texas with Grandpa if somethings wrong. "
Emma looked deep into her eyes and wanted to cry. Of course it was obvious to Holly, children sensed things in adults. Holly had suffered way too much, she couldn't let her down. "Nothings wrong, come on..." She pulled Holly towards her dad, and Stanley was surprised as Emma pulled the chair closer to his, before meeting his gaze she took a deep breath, closed her eyes and focused. She once again whisked a straggling hair off his brow, and then kissed his forehead. Stanley was once again surprised with her behavior.
Emma patted the chair, and Holly sat next to her, Stanley looked back and forth between the two of them. He smiled sweetly at Holly and pushed her hair behind her ear, then wiped a smudge mark off her cheek. He then looked over at Emma. A quetioning look on his face, but he reached up and touched her cheek. "The two most beautiful women in the universe, and I happen to have the pleasure of both of their company. I must be the luckiest man on earth."
Holly smiled, then looked at her Dad seriously, and then back at Emma. "what's going on, sweetie." he asked.
"You and Emma, that's what. I'm not stupid." she said firmly, her brows furrowed, her arms crossed.
He smiled, "Of course you aren't...and yes, somethings going on with me and Emma, but as far I know that's not a secret." This was a little bit awkward.
"I don't mean that...., I think you need to talk. And if I come back from Texas and you haven't. I'm going to be upset. Because I want you to marry her, Dad. I want a real family, like all my other friends have, and Emma's the best thing that has ever happened to us."
Emma put her head down. Holly took her Dad's hand and then took Emma's hand and placed it inside his. Emma slowly looked up. "I'm going back to play with Melody. And you need to rest, Dad." then she turned to Emma, putting an arm around her awkwardly and giving her a kiss on the cheek, "My dad isn't good at this kind of thing. But he loves you, and so do I." She then skipped off, but turned back to see them both looking at each other, She smiled and then headed over to Melody and Scrap.
There was an awkward silence before Stanley spoke, "Well, I guess she told us."
"She's right." She was thinking about the talking bit, but wasn't ready for it. "about the rest. You need to rest, Stanley and that's why I thought this party wasn't a good thing."
"I have to probably agree with you on that one, but That's not all she's right about." Emma looked into his eyes, "You're the best thing that has happened to Holly and me. And I don't say it enough...I love you."
"You don't have to, I know."
"Sometimes I'm not sure if you do know." No matter how exhausted he was he wanted her to talk to him. "and whatever is going on with you, please talk to me."
She desperately wanted to change the subject. She felt on the verge of blurting out everything...from the pregnancy,to the woman on the cliff, to his past secrets. But this was not the time or place. The last night they would all be together for awhile. She leaned over him and kissed him gently on the lips. "The only thing that is going on right now, is you are going to rest. You're recovery is the most important thing. I want you well, and back on your feet." She pulled the blanket up over him.
"Ha, thought you were going to say flat on my back." One side of his mouth slid up.
She couldn't help but smile and tenderly kissed him again, this time his right hand stroked her cheek, she sighed as his touch became more sensuous and his kiss more hungry. "That too....sounds good." she mumbled.
He smiled tenderly at her, "you know what she said about us getting married. Of course, she's a kid..you know, things just come out." Stanley was still worried that the thought of marriage would scare her away, especially after this past week, when things had been so strained between them.
She could hardly contain herself by what she had just heard with a straight face. Did he have to ruin the moment with that comment So he had no intention of marriage. She felt a lump in her throat, but swallowed hard and smiled at him, echoing his sentence, "Of course. She's just a kid." She brushed her fingertips across his brow and down the side of his face, "Now do you think you could shut up and close your eyes."
"But I want to look at you. You'll be gone when I wake up, won't you?"
She nodded.
"Then I'd prefer to stay awake. To look at you."
"You'll have two weeks of nothing but me, Stanley. I don't think one evening is going to be that bad."
"Okay, but I want you to kiss me again..and not some timid little peck."
"Your face, is still bruised." She touched the purple splotch directly over the left side of his mouth.
"Believe me, I can take the pain, when I close my eyes, all I want to think about is you...kissing me, the way you kiss me when we make love."She began to blush, "And don't give me the kids as an excuse, they are oblivious to us at the moment, Kyle can't take his eyes off Amy and the girls are totally immersed in playing with Scrap." He shifted his body a little bit, so she could sit on the edge of his chair, "It might be more comfortable from here."
She got up and sat sideways facing him, his right hand brushed against her lips. This caused her to tremble and she leaned towards him, placing her right hand gently on his left cheek, which was now covered in black and blue marks. "You're not hurting me...." he encouraged her as her lips grew closer to his. The anticipation he felt was unbelievable. A kiss. Just a kiss, but he longed for her in anyway possible,and she manged to arouse him with just the slightest little thing.
Emma too felt something similar. He was all she could ever want, and knew only to well, where their kisses usually led to. The anticipation of exciting one another and making love, was always in the front of their minds. But she wanted to please him. And when their lips met, she felt the hunger and desire deepen. Stanley's good hand grabbed the back of her head, clenching a handful of her hair. Emma heard him stifle a moan, then wince slightly. But he begged for more as his tongue explored the inside of her mouth and caused her breath to quicken. It couldn't be possible she thought. She was definitely on the edge and sensed it in Stanley as well as he squirmed next to her. But neither one of them could stop, and within seconds both of them felt the jolt, and Emma quickly gasped for air as he pulled her down onto his chest burying his head into her hair, trying to regain composure.
Stanley let out a chuckle, "Well, it's good to know I haven't lost my touch."
Emma sighed and stroked the side of his face, exhausted Stanley was asleep in a matter of minutes.
* * * *
* *
An emotional and exhausting Saturday was upon them. The airport was packed and Emma got her kids tickets sorted when Gary popped up behind them, "All set then?" He was in high spirits, Emma observed. He leaned over kissing Melody on the cheek and she immediately wiped it with her sweatshirt sleeve. He handed Kyle a $10 bill, "Go get you and your sister a magazine and some candy, we have a few minutes till boarding."
Emma didn't like the thought of spending one minute alone with him let alone a few. And she knew he would be full of questions, "So...Kyle mentioned you're going to be nursemaiding the invalid while we're away."
"I'm staying with him, he can't get around very well on his own just yet."
"I thought you'd be thrilled to have two weeks with lover boy."
"You know, Gary, I'm not going to talk about this with you."
"Trouble in paradise, possibly?" He couldn't pass this opportunity up.
"No."
Gary couldn't leave it at that, pulling out of his hat another issue to exploit, "I am a bit concerned about Melody's recent fascination with him. Doesn't it strike you as a bid odd, when only a month ago she could hardly stand the guy?"
Emma paused, thinking carefully how she was going to answer him, "You know, Gary, I really don't think you have any cause to be analyzing the situation, when it's been fairly obvious that your children's needs have always come second to your own. Maybe she has found the father figure she never had in you."
"That was a low blow, Emma."
Kyle was standing at the counter waiting for Melody and kept his eye on his mom and dad. The last thing he wanted was his mom to have a run in with Dad just as they were leaving. It was all she needed. Melody was just getting her change, when Kyle noticed the change in his dad's expression. He quickly grabbed her arm, "Come on, Mom needs us."
They quickly reemerged on the scene, just as their dad was ready to throw out the verbal abuse once again, "I won't have this from you, Emma. I'll get a lawyer and that bastard won't be able to get near my daughter..is that understood!?"
Melody heard these last words and was not happy. "I'm not going." Gary had not seen her approach and turned abruptly. Her arms crossed over her chest, a pout appeared across her face, "You can't make me." she then glanced at her mother with a hurt expression Emma had thought was behind them, she spoke to her as if her father didn't even exist, " I hate him. He can't do that can he, Mom?"
Gary put a calming arm on his daughter and managed a forced smile, "Honey, I think you misunderstood."
She jerked her shoulder from him, "You hate him, and he's done nothing wrong, except make mom happy." Her voice began to escalate unintentionally, "And we're going to move in with him. And I'm happy about it. I won't let you take that away from me. "
This was news to Gary,and he turned to Emma. She was so concerned about Melody's behavior she didn't notice the glare coming from him. "Move in! You're moving in with him?"
Emma looked up at his bellowing image, and then dismissed it preferring to give her undivided attention to her daughter who was now in tears, Calmly she stated, "Possibly"
Melody gave her a look, "What do you mean possibly? It's going to happen. We've talked about it. It's what we all want."
"This isn't the time and place to talk about this." Their flight was called over the loudspeaker. Kyle looked at his watch, and then at his parents. Melody still being stubborn. Emma took Melody a few feet away from Gary, and faced her, "Your dad has made these plans and you're going to go. Stanley will be here when you get back and I won't allow Gary to interfere. You have to trust me on this one, Melody."
She was rubbing the backside of her sweatshirt sleeve across her cheek, trying to dry her tears, "Why doesn't he want us to be happy?"
"I can't answer that."
"And why don't you want to move in with him now? Is it because of the accident? The way he looks? I know he looks pretty horrible, but the bruises will go away, Mom. And it'll still be Stanley."
Emma smiled, "I know. Stanley will always be Stanley. But we have some things to work out. That I don't want you to worry about. I want you to have fun, and bring me back some English chocolate. And Stanley and I will be fine."
"I want to move in with him, Mom. I really do."
"I know." Gary called their names, "Look, you need to go."
"I'd rather be here with you."
"2 weeks, is nothing. And you'll have fun. Just make sure Kyle doesn't spend his whole holiday on the lap top." She smiled, and Emma gave her a hug.
Kyle was already up at the security check, and Melody caught up with him.
Emma turned to Gary, intending to get a few things straight with him. "You have her for two weeks. I don't think you want her to hate you so that means not talking bad about me or Stanley, or anything else that happens to make her happy." She continued on without him being able to draw a breath or get a word in edgewise, knowing he would jump right in with one of his wonderful admonitions. "It's been a hell of a year for us, Gary, and finally Melody is coming around and accepting the situation for what it is. She's blossoming and I'm so proud of her." It was oh so hard to keep from wagging her finger at his nose as she continued. "I don't want them to hate you, Gary, but I can't do anything. It's up to you. If you don't connect with them, they're going to turn to someone else. And that means Stanley. So think about that."
For once Gary had nothing to say as his jaw dropped open. Any comment was frozen in place. Where the hell did all that come from? His mouth closed, attempting to find something to say, opened again but nothing would come out. Finally, just shutting it, he stabbed a frustrated glare in her direction that seemed to have the desired results, he headed for the security gate, tossing his bag on the conveyor belt.
Emma sauntered slowly over to them, giving both her children hugs. Kyle smiled at her, "You're going to be okay, right? I mean, you call me. I can come hone early."
"I'll be fine. I'm going to be so busy with Stanley....you know, I'm not so sure I'm cut out for this nursemaid gig, but I'll give it my best shot."
"You'll have him eating out of the palm of your hand. The guy will do anything for you. And I think that's cool."
"Really?"
"It's about time you were in control, mom." He gave her a kiss and headed towards the others. Emma watched as Gary made an effort to converse with Melody. At least she wasn't crying. She was going to miss both of them. They knew nothing of her losing her job, or about the baby. She hadn't had the guts to tell them just as they were leaving. Just when things seemed to be going so good. Kyle had said she was in control. Boy, that seemed so far from the truth, right now.
* * * * * *
* * *
Emma took Hank and Holly to the airport that afternoon. Leaving Stanley with Mary, which wasn't easy. But he had just taken some medication and was so dopey, that Emma didn't think the trip to the airport was a good idea, and thought it best he slept.
Hank insisted she drop them off at the curb, so she could get back to Stanley. Emma gave Holly a hug, "I don't want you to worry about your Dad. I promise he'll call you everyday. And I won't let him get into trouble."
"I know he's in good hands." She smiled and quickly kissed her cheek before she stepped out onto the sidewalk.
Hank leaned into the car, "I want you to call me, if anything comes up, Emma. Anything Out of the ordinary."
"What do you mean?"
"I'm worried about him. Things just don't seem right." He didn't want to say anything else. It was up to Stanley to fill her in, and he was hoping he would and soon. "I'm sure I'm just being the overprotective father I've always been. And I'm sure I'm just imagining things. I feel relieved you're here with him. He'll behave with you around."
"I don't know about that"
Hank put his hand on her arm, "He loves you, Emma He might not always show it, but he does. And if he does anything to jeopardize this relationship, you let me know...because I will give him a piece of my mind."
She felt a tear coming to her eyes, she really liked him. She felt so much apart of this family. And she knew she was going to miss them both. Hank managed to give her a hug from the doorway of the Toyota, he chuffed her chin before he headed towards the terminal entrance, smiling at her. "He's one lucky man, you know."
Emma knew if she spoke she would cry. Her emotions had the best of her lately. This up and down roller coaster with her hormones was driving her crazy. She gave them both a slight wave and watched them walk towards the terminal. Closing her eyes she put the car in gear to head back to the house. Her hand went to her head, rubbing her temple. She had no idea what to expect out of the next few weeks, but it was going to be interesting, that was for sure.
* * * * * *
* * *
Emma entered the house and Mary was thumbing through a magazine on the sofa. She quietly stood up.
Emma had cried in the car coming back to the house and she tried to put on a smile, for Mary, "Everything okay?"
She whispered, "Sleeping like a baby. I don't envy you. He's a handful." As she put the magazine back on the coffee table, she looked and caught Emma in the early evening light making it's way through the blinds. She looked overly tired and pale, "And to be honest, Emma, you don't look well. Maybe this is too much for you to handle."
"Yeah, well....I'm sure we'll be fine"
As Mary walked towards the door,she turned, "I want you to call on me for anything. If you need to take a break, anything."
"Thanks,Mary. I will." Mary had walked out of the screen door, and Emma was walking away from the door, when Mary once again turned.
"Oh, Emma, I forgot to tell you. Someone called for Stanley. She didn't leave a message, but said she would call back." All Emma heard was 'she'....her face went blank, and Mary thought it was odd, "Are you okay?"
She put on a smile, "Yeah, fine....just an emotional day...my kids leaving, Hank and Holly."
"Now don't forget to call me."
After the door shut behind her, Emma tried to think rationally. The woman could have been anyone. But her imagination was running wild. She had bad feelings....the woman at the bar, the cliff, coming out of his hospital room, the mysterious flowers and now a phone call. They had to be connected and it wasn't in her mind. She wasn't imagining things anymore.
She took a deep breath and headed towards Stanley's room. Peering in she saw him sprawled out on his back, wearing a plain white v- neck t shirt and a faded pair of plaid boxers. Because of the restraint of the cast and splint, he was pretty much stuck with lying on his back, but his right leg was slightly bent and his right arm stretched out over his head. It looked uncomfortable, but his face looked so peaceful. Part of her was incredibly tempted to lay down beside him, cuddle up next to his warm body. She took a deep breath, and decided that was not a good idea. She knew he needed the rest, and with her in bed with him, well, that wasn't likely to happen. Quietly leaving the room., she headed down the hallway to Holly's room. Feeling drained and exhausted, she sat on the edge of the bed, managing to slip off her shoes. Then immediately collapsed onto the bed. A massive pile of stuffed animals surrounded her. Grabbing the closest at hand, she drew it to her chest, clutching it tightly and cried herself to sleep.
The cry for help seemed distant...her name being repeated over and over again. But she felt something holding her back. She couldn't get to Stanley. But why couldn't she? Realizing she was holding something....wrapped in a blanket, she pulled the blanket away and a beautiful baby was in her arms. It was like a baby on a Gerber jar . A round face and gurgling, perfect.....Emma smiled down at the child cradled in her arms and then heard laughing that wouldn't stop. Looking up to see that woman....the beautiful African-American woman, who had haunted Emma's sleep the last few nights was laughing at her and the baby. And Emma could still hear Stanley calling her name, frantically. She had to get to him. But the woman grabbed the child from her arms, and there was no longer the sound of Stanley's frantic yells, but a different sinister type of Stanley, who's arm was nestled around the woman and the child. He shook his head at Emma and laughed wickedly.
He resembled a mad man with dark circles under his eyes and an evil smile,as he spoke with meticulous punctuation. "You are such a fool. I never wanted you....the baby, yes...but never you." The two offbeat characters began to laugh, and Emma tried taking the baby away from them, but to no use. A hand went over her mouth and nose, she could hardly breath.... She let out a scream.....and with a jolt found herself swimming...buried under a pile of bears, horses and bunnies. She was sweating profusely, and her heart was racing. She tossed various stuffed animals off of her and onto the floor. It was only a dream. That was all. She took a deep breath and tried to relax when she heard her name being called in the distance, just like in her dream.
A little earlier, Stanley had woken and found himself alone. Expecting Emma at his side, the house seemed incredibly quiet. He called out her name a few times, and nothing happened. Where the hell was she? Wanting desperately to get up he maneuvered himself towards the edge of the bed. Pushing himself up with his right hand, he managed to sit up. Now getting himself to stand was another feet in itself. He couldn't tolerate this dependency. It frustrated him to no end. As he sat he felt his head throb, and the pain in his left leg was still intense. He looked towards the door. Wondering if he could make it. Didn't seem like that far really. He reached for the dresser to hold himself up and he wasn't sure what happened, but he miscalculated the distance and fell onto the floor with a thud, the pain intensified and he began cursing.
Emma jolted out of bed when she heard the racket, and sprinted down the hall to Stanley's room. He wasn't in bed, but the colorful language was coming from the other side of the bed, and Emma moved quickly to him.
"Stanley, what the hell were you thinking? Trying to get out of bed."
"Where were you? I've been calling for you." She knelt down next to him, gently pulling his arm to sit up, Stanley all the while grimacing in pain.
"I must have dozed off."
"On the couch? You know I wouldn't have minded you here with me. In fact I would have relished it." He raised his eyebrows and smiled at her.
"I was in Holly's bed actually. I didn't want to disturb you." She managed to get him up but it took a lot out of her, and when she finally got him back on the bed, she felt exhausted. She propped up the pillows and helped him lie back, sitting by his side. He was just staring at her, smiling. "What? Why are you looking at me that way?"
"I always look at you this way."
She felt a little awkward, knowing where these kind of looks lead and she abruptly got off the bed, "I better get you something to eat. Are you hungry?"
After she said it she realized she made a mistake and he started to chuckle, "Hungry yes, but not for food."
"Stanley, this has got to stop."
'What? My desire for you? You tell my raging hormones that, Emma. You walk into the room and all I want to do is....."
She cut him off, "The next two weeks are incredibly important to your recovery and there can't be any of this...." she waved her hands in the air frustrated trying to think of a word.
Stanley smiled, "lusting after your body, love making, fucking..."At least someone was getting some enjoyment out of this predicament.
Emma didn't find this amusing at all, "That's why I'm sleeping in Holly's room."
The smile on his face quickly turned, "Now wait a minute..."
"I'm here to take care of you. To make sure you rest."
"I think making love to me is taking care of me...and you can't do that in Holly's room, and me in here."
"The doctor said..."
"do you think I care what the doctor said. He doesn't know what's best for me. I want you in my bed, I want to feel you next to me....that's better medicine in my book anyday.."
"You can't always have what you want., Stanley. I'm sleeping in Holly's room and that's the end of the discussion."
His voice softly hesitated, "Emma what is going on with you?"
Emma felt herself perspiring, and uncomfortable. She knew he would see through her. She turned away from him and walked to the screen door looking out at the beautiful sunset. What could she say that would satisfy him. She collected her thoughts and turned slowly around, knowing his eyes were penetrating right through her.
"It's only temporary. I just think it's best. And you promised to behave, Stanley."
"What's your idea of temporary, one day...a week, two.....?"
"We'll see."
"Great." he seemed incredibly dissapointed. She moved closer to the bed, and leaned over him gently kissing his forehead, "Oh, and we're back to forehead kissing.....not a good sign."
"Stop feeling sorry for yourself. I'm here aren't I? Would you rather me get you a nurse? Because that's still a possibility."
"Is that what you want?"
She hesitated and then she shook her head. There was an awkward silence, and Emma was relieved when she heard whimpering coming from the screen door. Scrap's nose was pressed up against the glass. She moved over to the door and let him in, he barged into the room and went to the edge of the bed whining up at Stanley. Glad to see him. He put a paw up on the bedspread, and it was obvious he wanted up. Emma thought it was so cute.
"You can't get on this bed, Scrap....now scram...."
"Oh, Stanley, you're so mean. He just wants a little affection." Emma leaned over and scratched him behind the ears
"He's not the only one." He had that look, his eyebrows lowered, those eyes glaring at her. She moved closer to the bed and gave his hair a tousle.
"Oh, you poor thing. I wouldn't want you to feel neglected" She said sarcastically. "Would you like a scratch behind the ears as well?"
He grabbed her hand and pulled her closer to him, grinning at her being caught, "Very cute, Em. But I'm afraid that won't cut it." His right hand was incredibly strong and no matter how hard she tried to sidestep his moves, he had her right where he wanted her. Emma's inept attempts of getting away from him caused Scrap to get excited. He thought it was a game and began to bark, jumping up onto the bed, and licking both of their faces. They both began to laugh and Stanley was relieved that she had loosened up a bit. "you damn, dog, this one is mine...." he pushed Scrap off the bed only for him to jump right back up, and just as Stanley was close enough to kiss her, Scrap nosed in between them. Emma was now hysterically laughing and collapsed onto his chest, his right arm encircled her, stroking her back.
Scrap whimpered and Stanley looking over Emma, the dog perched directly over them. All he had to do was give him a scowl, amid the ever familiar voice command, "Scrap...beer." A word he associated with the refrigerator and food, always sent him to the kitchen. Scrap scampered off the bed and made his way out the door. Boy, he had the dog well trained.
Emma looked towards the door to see the dog paddling off, and then she looked into Stanley's eyes, "Beer?"
"Don't ask. It's just something he associates with food....it was a major staple in my life when I was training him."
"and still is."
"Ah, but something has taken it's place.....you." he began to nibble on her neck...just enough to cause her to feel a little light headed. It was amazing how comfortable she was now feeling. With his arm around her, a sense of contentment rushed over her. She missed him. There was no denying that.
He sensed her surrendering to him, and was not going to let this moment pass him by. She turned her head slightly, and his opportunity presented itself. She brushed her lips against his cheek and he turned his head so their lips would meet. It was sweet and loving, and Emma felt the sensation of yesterday in the lounge chair begin to take over....as Stanley grew hungrier.....intensifying...and so was a nuisance of ringing, that jolted them both back to reality.
Emma quickly sat up and Stanley tried to coax her back on top of him, with the brnnnng, brnnngg in his ear, the moment seemed to be fading as fast as it had arrived. Defeated for the moment, he reached for the phone realizing it wasn't going away all the while gazing lovingly into Emma's eyes.
"Hello." His attention still focused on Emma, watching her every move. The way she ran her hand through her hair and shifted position on the bed next to him. Whoever was on the other end of the line, was not of any importance to him whatsoever, not with Emma in such close proximity.
"Dad?" the voice responded. "You sound funny."
He felt a twinge of pain across his side as he repositioned himself against the pillow,but a smile appeared on his face. "Holly, baby....don't tell me you're already at the ranch...."
Emma watched his face light up at the sound of his daughter's voice and she also noticed the hard time he was having readjusting himself into a comfortable position. He was very limited in what he could do with one hand, although as far as Emma could see he had no problem a few minutes ago. She couldn't help but smile, as she moved closer to him and fluffed up the pillows behind him. Emma stood up to leave and with difficulty he covered the mouthpiece with his hand, that was also holding the receiver, "Don't go."
"I'll go tend to the dog, and get cracking on our dinner...you talk to Holly." She gently stroked his cheek.
He furrowed his brow, , "I think you enjoy this, turning a guy on...and then just leaving him hanging in the air." He couldn't take his eyes off her, something was different. He couldn't pinpoint it, but whatever it was, he liked it. His eyes traveled up her body slowly, before they reached her face. She stood smiling down at him coyly. For a few seconds he had forgotten Holly was on the other end of line. Till he heard the distant voice.
"Dad, are you there?"
"Sorry sweetie, I was just hassling Emma." he teased.
Emma turned and gave him a dirty look, with a smile before she headed out into the kitchen.
"You better not hassle her, Dad, because then she won't come and live with us and what we would do then?"
"Well.....I don't think I want to find that out, so you're right...I better stop hassling her."
"I just wanted to call and make sure everything was okay."
"It's only been a few hours and you're already checking up on me?"
"Somebody has to do it. And grandpa said Emma seemed so sad when we left."
"She's not sad now. So you tell your grandpa, not to worry, and you young lady, do the same. I want you to have fun." Stanley didn't want this to get serious. Holly was worried, he knew it. And the last thing he needed was her to be concerned about him and Emma. "So how many bags of peanuts did your grandpa let you devour in the 3 hour flight?"
She giggled, "4. He said I could have anything I wanted, and he's already said he'll take me shopping for a pair of cowboy boots tomorrow. Maria fixed up the guest room just for me, and it's really nice. She got me some dolls" She sounded a bit dissapointed, "She doesn't know I've outgrown them, but it was a nice thought. And the horse I get to ride is called Apache, he is a pinto and gorgeous, and I get to take care of him the whole time I'm here. I wish we could have a horse in PB. But I know we can't. A nd I put your picture right by my bed, so I can see you before I go to sleep and first thing when I wake up." She was talking so fast, he could hardly understand her.
He started to laugh, "Well, It sounds like you'll have no time to miss me."
"I'll always miss you."
"And I'll always miss you."
"But I bet you don't miss me as much with Emma there."
She was wise beyond her years, sometimes this bothered him. He always wondered if there was anything he could have done to given her a better childhood. Growing up in that horrible house in Malibu, with Melissa and Larry. Being subjected to porn films being filmed in her own living room. It made him sick.
Holly noticed the silence, "Dad, you're getting weird on me. I can tell."
"What do you mean you can tell? You can't even see my face."
The distinct sound of pots and pans crashing on the kitchen floor and then breaking glass, broke his concentration. Stanley shook his head, what was he thinking letting Emma loose in his kitchen on her own. "Holly, I need to go. Emma seems to be making a mess in the kitchen. I'll call you tomororw."
"I love you, Dad. Give Emma a hug from me and don't be to hard on her. Promise."
"I promise,love you." He set the phone back down in it's cradle, looked up to find Emma standing in the doorway, holding a cookbook, spaghetti sauce spilled down the front of her and looking a bit frustrated.
He patted the side of the bed and she slowly moved over to him, sitting on the edge, "What happened?"
"I made a mess, and I broke the spaghetti sauce jar, and Scrap is licking it up off the floor, and I just wanted to make you dinner and I am incapable of it." She put her head in her hands and began to cry.
Stanley tried not to laugh, but he did find it rather sweet...and she looked up at him between her fingers and caught the trace of a smile, "You think it's funny?"
"No.." he took a tissue and wiped her eyes,"I think it's sweet. You making me dinner. We can call for take out."
"I wanted to do this for you..." Stanley wanting to comfort her, felt a pain shoot across his back on the left side, and he groaned. Emma quickly forgot her dissapointment and moved back looking extremely concerned, "This is my fault, you should have been resting, and I have just made it worse."
"No, not your fault.". As he tried to shift his body with the added movement of Emma on the bed, his leg began to throb. Emma quickly got off the bed and reached for the pain medication.
As she held a pill out for him in the palm of her hand, he shook his head, not wanting to take it. "No....I can't cope with that stuff in my system, Emma. I can deal with the pain."
"Stop being so stubborn." She now was holding a glass of water in the other hand. Another sharp pain shot through him and this time he closed his eyes biting down on his lip hoping it would pass quickly. When it finally did, Emma was still standing in the same position, holding the pill and water glaring down at him.
"Okay, okay, I'll take the god damn pill." He took it out of her hand, and placed it towards the back of his tongue, then took a swig of water. She repostioned his pillows and he relaxed back onto them. "Call for Chinese. They'll deliver." He said quietly, he was beginning to feel incredibly exhausted. "uhh...my wallet, is....." he rubbed his forehead trying to think. But his head was beginning to hurt now as well.
"I'll find it. You close your eyes, rest....."
"Just for a bit, then we can eat...together and watch a movie...I had Dad pick some out at the local video store. Cary Grant, Clint Eastwood...i know you like all those rugged dashing Hollywood types." His eyes started to droop. She leaned down and kissed his forehead and he smiled,
"Forehead kissing bad sign..."
She then kissed him gently on the lips, "Is that better?"
He sighed, "Ummm."
She quietly left the room.
She called for Chinese and once it arrived, thought maybe Stanley would be awake, but as she peeked into his room, saw that he seemed to be out for the night. She headed back into the kitchen, dished out some chicken and rice, and plopped down on the sofa, Scrap jumped up next to her, and curled up by her side.
She passed on the selection of videos. They had been chosen with care by Hank, that was obvious. An Affair to Remember, Roman Holiday, Sabrina, the Philadelphia Story, Pillow Talk.....there were about 10 in all. But she wanted to share them with Stanley. So being alone she switched on the TV instead and channel surfed, looking for anything of some interest. The Lifetime channel, soppy made for TV movies with some kind of moral tale, they were predictable and more often than not badly written, normally she would pass them up for something with more substance but not tonight. A woman, an unwanted pregnancy....the father incarcerated for murder...Emma sat mesmerized watching the story unfold, of course in the end the man had been wrongly accused, and just as the woman was about to give the baby up for adoption, he showed up and proclaimed his undying love and how he was ready to turn over a new leaf. She clicked it off feeling let down....she just wasted the last 2 hours on a stupid movie that was completely unrealistic. That woman was stupid. The guy would never change his ways. Why was she getting so worked up about fictional characters. Now that was crazy. She gave Scrap a pat, and then turned the light off heading down the hall.
One quick glimpse in at Stanley, who was still asleep,she then headed Holly's room to get ready for bed.
Emma stood in front of the mirror in the bathroom after finishing brushing her teeth and looked at her reflection. Dressed in a fairly skimpy tank top and bikini underwear, she gazed upon her figure for the first time since she had been told the news. Her hands went directly to her abdomen, pulling up the tank top and caressing it gently. Of course she wasn't showing, but it felt different. Probably all psychological. She remembered when she found out about Kyle and had gotten a book out of the library, she knew every stage then....and followed it closely from the moment she had found out. She was deliberately avoiding the subject now, and part of her felt extremely guilty for neglecting herself and the child she was carrying. gazing into the mirror she realized the changes in her body were already taking place. Her hands moved up her stomach to her breasts. Where once the top hung fairly loose, on her, she now filled it out. Her breasts swollen enlarged, they ached slightly, as she pressed her hands against them. She met her own reflection eye to eye, "So what are you going to do now? You can't keep pretending this baby doesn't exist, because it does. " She didn't want to think about it now. She was tired and needed to sleep. She turned away from the mirror and slowly walked back down the hall to Holly's room where sleep would take her away from facing this situation for another day. * * * * * * *
He heard her scream, as they placed a knife against her throat, two men held him back and he struggled to get to her, but he couldn't. A laugh....just messing with you, Stanley....but he couldn't see a face, just a shadow in the dark. The shadowy figure paced the floor, stroked Emma's cheek....smiled and laughed again....She was tied up, they had Emma. His fears had come true, but the more he fought the stronger they held on to him, he couldn't move. The guy with the knife leaned up against her, the knife skimming her skin across her neck as the guy feeling her up with his free hand, Stanley screamed, "Get your fucking hands off her." But he continued and the shadowy figure walked around the room. Stanley could only hear his footsteps, and knew they were approaching him, creeping up behind Stanley leaning down whispering into his ear, "I have a lot of hungry men, who haven't seen any action in days.....she'd be just the thing....nice ass, nice legs..."
Stanley struggled shouting "no, no."
"You had your chance, Stan. This will show you not to mess with me again ever." He motioned to the other man with the knife and the guy picked her up.....carrying Emma into the shadows.....she was calling his name and it became fainter and fainter. It was no use....he couldn't save her. But with one last attempt to escape the thugs, he pushed hard and he heard a gun shot.....looking down at his chest, blood seeped through his t shirt.
Emma heard a crashing sound, that startled her out of her sleep. She rubbed her eyes and sat up, listening....then she heard the oddest sound coming from Stanley's room. She couldn't make it out, it was faint, but it didn' t sound human. She entered the room and found Stanley thrashing about in bed. The only words she could make out were 'no' as he repeated them over and over frantically. The lamp on his bedside table had fallen, that explained the crash. He was flinging his arms about like a mad man, ready to swipe at anything that got in his way. Scrap was already at the foot of the bed whining, worried about his master. And Emma gave him a quick pat before she treaded carefully across the huge bed on her knees to reach him. She quietly said his name, "Stanley." as she leaned over him and placed a comforting hand on his arm to stop the thrashing. "You're having a nightmare, wake up.":
His T shirt was drenched in sweat and his face wringing wet, his breathing heavy, but Emma felt his body relax at her touch, then suddenly his eyes opened wide, "He seemed surprised to find her face inches form his own, "Emma?" He questioned, confused about what he had just imagined. He tried to sit up and seemed surprised by the restraints holding him back. The pain that began to shoot across his back. He looked down at his leg in a splint, his arm in a cast, Emma leaning over him....he refocused on Emma, my god, that couldn't be Emma, he thought. His eyes level with her breasts in that skimpy little undershirt, well, actually the shirt was barely containing them. Emma was unaware of his interest, she was more concerned with the damage he could have caused with all the thrashing around.
Once she got him to lye back on the pillows, she went to the bathroom and returned with a washcloth for his face. As she approached the bed, his eyes were clenched tight, obviously he was experiencing some pain, but his breathing was becoming more steady.
She gently climbed back on the bed and wiped his face with the cool cloth. His eyes opened and looked a bit startled, "It's going to be okay. Just a bad dream. The doctor said you might have some effects from the medication. Just relax."
He closed his eyes again. He didn't want to talk about the nightmare, before the accident he felt for certain they were gone, but he had had a few rough nights in the hospital and the doctor had blamed the medication causing hallucinations of some kind. His heart had been racing so fast, and now the cloth across his brow was beginning to sooth him. Emma felt the clammy sticky wetness of his T shirt as she rubbed up against him and carefully got off the bed and went to his dresser.
Stanley watched her open the top drawer, his eyes focused on her bottom, her incredible sexy legs. The dream had been to real. His worries about her safety, had obviously triggered them. He was being ridiculous. She was here in the flesh, looking as tempting as ever. And he needed to wipe out the images of the nightmare, and focus back on the real thing....in front of him.
Emma pulled out a T shirt and was rambling on, she was extremely tired, "I think a clean shirt is a good idea, don't you?"
When she turned around she noticed Stanley was looking at her strangely. She ignored it and moved closer to him, she pulled up his arms to pull the t shirt over his head, and was careful of his injured left arm, he was quiet but she found his gaze intense. She tried to avoid eye contact as she slipped the shirt over his head and thew it on the floor. She took the cloth and wiped his chest, and he sighed as she stroked across his chest. Once the clean T shirt was slipped on, she helped him to lie back on the pillows.
"So......" he had that eager look in his eyes, but he hadn't made one move on her which was a surprise "you're all settled....now I can go get some sleep." She thought this was to easy as she began to get off the bed and his right hand seized her left.
"Stay....with me, please." he pleaded.
"Stanley, I'm exhausted, I need a good night sleep."
"And you'll have one by my side. I can be good..."
"Oh, I know you can.....but I don't think we have the same kind of good in mind."
"Just give me the benefit of the doubt. I don't want to be alone if that happens again." Emma thought he had to be feeding her a line to get her to stay, but when she looked into his eyes she saw a tinge of trepidation hidden there. "Please, stay." he added tenderly.
She was hesitant as she sat back and rubbed her head, and her eyes. She was so exhausted, she could barely keep herself in an upright position and felt a little off kiltered, starting to drift.
Stanley using his good hand gently helped her lie down next to him. And as her head touched the pillow, she rubbed her eyes, "I didn't say I would stay."
"I think your body has other ideas. You're sleeping here toinght...and the next, and the next....."
"don't push your luck, I'll be totally coherent tomorrow and you won't be able to take advantage of me. This is so unfair you know." her words began to slur and her eyes shut, She shuffled around to get comfortable, and Stanley repositioned himself so she was lying in the crook of his arm. He smiled as she let out a little sigh of contentment.
"I know, so unfair....me always getting my way." He looked down at her and she was already asleep, "You don't have me fooled, Emma Heyward, this is what you want too."
* * * *
* * *
Stanley felt a streak of light hit his face and he stirred, wincing over the achy feeling throughout his body. How the hell was he supposed to get a good night sleep with this damn splint on his leg? He fidgeted and then felt a hand brush over his chest. He turned his head to find Emma laying on her side, a smile across her lips. He could push the pain out of his mind by just the thought of her, but having her lying beside him so intcing....well, the aches and pains of the accident seemed non existent. He watched her chest rise and fall as she sighed deeply, her eyelids flickered and she fidgeted slightly. A dream...had to be, but much different than the kind he experienced.
He managed to push himself onto his side with a minimal amount of pain, reaching his right hand over to her. His finger tips gently caressed her bare skin above her breasts. The smile on Emma's face widened, and it only gave Stanley the encouragement he needed to carry on. A hand cupped over her right breast, and his fingers stroked and fondled her through her tank top. Pretty sure she'd wake up, which was his desired intention, he gently continued the fondly, enjoying her response.
She had never felt so content as she did at this moment, lying beside him, she felt the solid gold band on her ring finger and smiled, not one day went by without her thinking how lucky she was being married to this man and now having his child. Her hands went down to her abdomen stroking the large bump that now could not be concealed under her tank top. He leaned over her, and whispered into her ear, 'You are the most beautiful woman in the world.', then gently kissing her lips and neck, his hands caressing her as they slid down her neck and across her breasts, she signed with contentment, he knew how to excite her, he always had, but it surprised her that he had ever wanted anything to do with her in her 7 month of pregnancy. But it was obvious by his reactions tonight, that nothing had changed. She still managed to turn him on....something she could never do with Gary. He had been appalled by her size, Stanley whispered into her ear, 'I want to make love to the mother of my child....' his left hand covered hers, the other stroked her belly, he smiled at her, a twinkle in his eyes, ' You can't even imagine how sexy you are to me right now...' his right hand traveled up to her breast again and he lavished kisses onto her chest, his right hand sliding down below her belly finding an incredibly nice and warm place to explore.
Emma's breathing became erratic and Stanley was surprised from his slight touch that she was experiencing such pleasure and she remained asleep, but it made the episode all the more pleasurable.
She breathlessly whispered his name, "Oh, Stanley....you make me feel so beautiful" He watched her stroke her abdomen, intrigued by this incredibly erotic dream he was becoming a part of. Part of him felt he was intruding on something private, but the other part of him was enjoying every minute of it.
Emma let the wave take her to a higher place, and then relaxed back on the pillows. She felt such incredible pleasure, and she opened her eyes, finding Stanley smiling at her. Emma smiled back, reaching out and touching his cheek, it was then that she focused and realized his face was bruised, a few minutes ago, he had been the old Stanley. Reality sank in.
"Nice dream?" Stanley couldn't wipe the smile off his face as he gazed at her.
Emma looked down at her body, her stomach still as it had been....no bump at all. What the hell had just happened? She felt the wetness between her legs, and felt incredibly embarrassed. Stanley tried to maneuver himself closer to her, "The dream....Emma" her face was blank staring at him in disbelief...
"it was a dream, I can't even remember it." She felt her heart racing and she bolted upright, wondering how she was going to get out of this situation.
He reached for her hand before she could get out of the bed, "You said I made you feel beautiful."
She grimaced wondering what else he had witnessed, ' I did?" she put her hand over her face, then looked back at him, "Well, that's true."
" So the dream was about me?"
"I told you I don't remember." She felt extremely hot...she stammered, not being able to get away from his grasp, "I suppose...yes, It was about you." She tried pulling her hand away from his, but was unsuccessful. "please, Stanley...let go, I have to go to the bedroom."
He reluctantly let go and she immediately got out of bed, heading towards the bathroom door. Her back to him, she stretched He watched her every move with awe. He wasn't sure what he should say. She was extremely embarrassed, that was for sure. And once again running away from the situation. She was good at that. Why couldn't they both just lay the cards out right now. And get over this awkwardness. It was so pointless.
But he couldn't let it go, "Hey, I couldn't help but notice..."
Emma turned and looked at him oddly. He was grinning, one eyebrow raised as he once again admired the sight in front of him, "...something different about you."
"I don't know what you mean." she felt incredibly flustered.
"Oh, come on, Emma.I'm not imagining it." He made a motion with his hand around his chest area, "you know." Feeling a bit awkward mentioning her fuller figure. He wasn't sure but he had a feeling women tended to find it offensive, and after what he had just witnessed the last thing he wanted was her to be upset with him, he cleared his throat, "I find it very attractive."
She blushed and immediately crossed her arms across her chest, looking down at her feet as she spoke. "There's nothing different...the shirt...it..uh..must of shrunk in the wash. And what is it you are trying to say that whatever you imagined them to be like before....they weren't quite up to what you are used to."
"Don't you go and turn this on me. I never said that and you're putting words in my mouth. You're an extremely sexy woman to me either way..." he had to be careful in choosing his words "...they are just," he swallowed, "Incredibly enticing at this moment, and I'm finding it extremely difficult to contain my thoughts about what I'd like to do to you and them...here...right now....on this bed...."
After her little wet dream, she could hardly be cross with his chain of thoughts and her face flushed at least three shades of red, not able to hide how she felt in return. Could it be that he was like the Stanley in her dreams, that being pregnant didn't appall him, but instead turned him on. But he didn't know she was pregnant, it would be months before she really showed and then what? One of her main concerns about this child, was she wasn't willing to give up what she had just discovered in the last few months. Never in her wildest dreams would she have thought that she would find sex, incredibly high on her priorities list. But Stanley had awakened something in her, and she was in no way willing to lose that now. It was selfish, but it was how she felt.
Stanley hadn't stopped gazing at her. She knew she needed to get out of this situation but quick. His eyes penetrating right through her and if she went anywhere back near the bed, that would be it. "I'll go get the paper." She turned back towards the door.
This wasn't the reaction he was expecting from her, "No, Emma, don't run away from me."
"You said you would be good."
"I actually said I could be good, there's a difference."
She picked up the T shirt from last night on the floor, still damp from sweat and incredibly smelly. She then tossed it at him and it hit him in the face. He grimaced, "Ah, come on, give me a break."
"Stanley, you're acting like a horny teenager."
"I could say the same about you, having erotic dreams about me."
"That's not what it was." She was flustered, "I'm going to get the paper, and..." she tried to think of something else she needed to do..."feed Scrap..."
"And then what, play solitaire, a little needlepoint."
She gave him a dirty look and walked out of the room. He shouted after her, "You're stuck with me, and you can't run from me forever.That sexy sultry vixen inside you is just bubbling under the surface, waiting to be released. You can't hold her in forever." he smiled to himself, "I give you a week." He didn't think she heard him, but she then popped her head around the door.
"Is that a bet, Stanley? If so your on. I can last the week....but I don't think you can." She raised her eyebrows and smiled at him leaving him stupefied on the bed. Ah, well, he blew that one. Another week....well, he could do it. It wasn't an impossible feet by all means. But it was a feet he wasn't looking forward to.
Emma was in good spirits as she stepped out of the front door. Having the last word with Stanley was a major triumph. Still in her underwear she made sure the street was quiet as she walked halfway down the path to pick up the paper, Scrap trotted out after her and as she headed back towards the door, Scrap began to bark. Emma turned towards the street trying to see what had Scrap all riled up. Interesting enough a couple was walking hand in hand in the opposite direction across the street. That was odd, they weren't there a minute ago. Where had they come from? And the strangest thing was they weren't dressed like your typical Pacific Beach early morning risers. This was a beach community. People threw on sweatpants or jeans at this hour of the morning on a Sunday. She heard her name being called from inside, and shook her head. Stanley hadn't given up. When she turned back the couple were gone. Scrap had stopped barking and ran past her into the house. Emma looked around confused. This was extremely bizarre.
Gail quickly pulled Jake's arm and they made it around the corner where their car was waiting, "I am not playing this cat and mouse game any longer, Gail. I don't care about Stanley's perfect little existence in suburbia....the guy fucked with me. And obviously he's not as laid up as you claim. And don't give me some cock and bull story about that woman being his private nurse."
"He just got out of the hospital, Jake."
"I can't believe you still have some feeling for this guy. Look at this neighborhood, his house...I give him a hell of a lot of money, and look what he buys with it..a crappy little track house from the 50's...and he's fucking a schoolteacher." He shook his head, "Unbelievable, and then to top it off, he steals more from me. You explain that to me, Gail. What is he doing with my money?"
"I don't know. But I don't think it's right hitting him like this when he can't even defend himself. What's a week, Jake? Give him some time."
"Time for what?" as she slid into the car next to him, she moved closer to him, rubbing her hand across his leg.
"He'll give it all back." she started kissing his neck and then up the side of his face, "I promise you."
"I want that disc." Jake was trying not to respond to her.
"You'll get the disc. We can break into the shop, I'm sure that's where it is. It will explain a lot of things I'm sure." Gail didn't want him anywhere near Stanley. "I can have Bruce and Rod check the place over. I believe Stanley has made arrangements for the shop to be shut for the next couple of weeks. That would make our job a lot easier."
Jake turned and looked at her, not yet sold on this idea.
Gail continued, "It makes sense, Jake. You know it."
Tim was in the drivers seat and Jake taped him on the shoulder, "Get Bruce and Rod on the phone.I want their lazy asses out of bed. It's time we got some work done around here." He gave Gail a squeeze and she sighed....she was able to buy Stanley a little more time. Now it was up to her to get in contact with him and sort this thing out.
Emma was in the RAV4 behind them and her first thought as she pulled into the driveway next to them was the cars out front. Kyle's, Brent's, Rachel's....what was going on here.
Holly popped out of the car just as Emma did and they both heard the sound of the stereo blaring from the backyard. They both looked at each other in confusion. As Hank began to help Stanley out, they too were aware of the noise coming from the direction of the yard, now voices could be heard and the smells of Barbequeing drifting towards them.
Stanley turned to Emma, "Did you plan a party for me?"
"I'll get rid of them, I don't know what's going on." Her voice once again agitated. "This sounds like something Brent and Kyle planned."
As Stanley leaned on his Dad, he put an arm on Emma's shoulder, "It's okay." He was concerned with her mood swings.
"You need to rest, they can't stay, Stanley."
"don't be such a Louise." He smiled at her, hoping she would think it was amusing, but she turned away from him. "Of course they can stay. I can just as easily rest with them here. In fact, it's a nice change from the hospital environment."
Emma walked in ahead of them, trying to remain cool, Josh was in the kitchen getting a beer, "Hey, Em..." She stormed past him into the backyard. Josh looked a little confused and then headed over to help Hank with Stanley. He took over, Stanley now leaning up against him. "We already have the lounge chair out on the patio ready for you. Pillows, blankets, the works. But if you prefer bed....hey, we can all scram."
"No, that won't be necessary. The lounge chair sounds perfect."
"What about Emma?" He motioned towards the backdoor which had just slammed behind her.. "She doesn't seem to happy with this little soire."
The concerned look on Stanley's face was evident, "She doesn't seem to happy about much of anything lately. I guess I have my work cut out for me."
Josh and Hank got Stan situated out on the patio. He laid back in the lounge chair, propped up with pillows and soon the guests were hovering over him. It felt good being among the people he most cared about....Hank, Holly, Kyle, Amy, Melody, Chelsea and Brent, Josh and Rachel, Joe and Mary. And then there was Emma, standing solemnly near the bbq, flipping a burger here and there, but not paying much attention to what she was doing. He had never seen her like this, knowing that his accident was partly to blame, but it seemed like so much more. His dad's comment about Gail being an old flame stuck in his mind. Did she really believe that? He quickly came back to reality as Brent shouted, "Emma, what the hell are you doing? My burgers are burning...." Brent sprinted across the lawn to the BBQ and grabbed the spatula out of her hand. Emma looked surprised, and she looked up catching Stanley's eye.
His guests had dispersed, Melody and Holly were playing with Scrap....chasing him back and forth, and throwing a tennis ball for his amusement. Kyle was in deep conversation with Amy. Rachel, Josh, Mary, Joe, Hank and Chelsea all milled around the BBQ, wine and beer in hand enjoying the beautiful afternoon. Stanley motioned for Emma to join him. And she looked around thinking he meant someone else. She watched his lips move slowly, forming the word, 'please'. And she slowly made her way towards the patio.
He smiled and held out his hand as she approached, "Sit with me."
"I really should..."
He cut her off, "You need to relax. You're sitting with me. That lot planned this shebang, you don't have to do a thing." She reluctantly pulled up the other chair and sat on the edge, immediately averting his gaze. He wanted to say the right thing. Didn't want to upset her, but he wondered what the hell was going on with her. He decided to take the other approach, do what he seemed to be able to do best, and that was woo her. He squeezed her hand, "We could sneak into the bedroom, you and I...no one would notice."
"Stanley."
"I know, I'm not ready for anything so strenuous at this time, but you know we could do other things," he was painfully trying to get his hopes up. "the possibilities are endless."
She turned to him and smiled, "you don't give up do you?"
"I want you to be happy." She looked up into his eyes,and then drew his hand to her lips.
"I am happy. Just tired. And the kids leaving is very much on my mind." she could see how exhausted he looked. She brushed his hair away from his face, tracing a finger across his forehead and down his cheek, his eyes began to droop.
"That feels good." She continued, and he let out a sigh.
Stanley tried to stay awake, he was enjoying the afternoon, but Emma's touch was incredibly relaxing, and he was fighting sleep. His eyelids would shut and then he would quickly reopen them, only to hear Emma humming softly. He couldn't place the tune but he was sure it was a child's nursery rhyme. And before he could remember the lyrics, his eyelids would once again close.
Emma looked over at him. She could see activity under his eyelids, he was fighting it. She knew he was so glad to be home, among the people he loved.
Josh walked over quietly to the patio, holding a goblet, he whispered, "Emma, thought you might like a glass of wine."
Emma didn't take it, she immediately glanced down at her abdomen, and was about to graciously refuse, when Rachel rushed up to Josh's side grasping the glass out of his hand, nearly spilling all over both of them.
"What do you think you're doing, Josh? Emma can't have that."
Josh looked back at her confused and then Stanley opened his eyes wide, trying to sit up, hearing Rachel's sharp words. "What?"
Emma tried to get him to lay back down, not wanting this conversation to go any further. But Josh wasn't going to let it go, "It's Emma's favorite, Rachel. And now look what you've done...woken up Stanley."
"I really don't want it, Josh. But thanks anyhow."
Stanley had only gotten part of the conversation, but he was sure he had heard Rachel say Emma couldn't have it. Rachel leaned over and whispered into Emma's ear, "I'm glad to see you're thinking about the baby." Emma nearly freaked out as she said the word....she stood up abruptly, she looked down at Stanley briefly and he was once again surprised by her erratic behavior. She then glared at Rachel. But she felt trapped. Josh, Rachel and Stanley all staring at her.
"What's going on here?" Stanley looked at Emma and then at Rachel, "Rachel?"
Emma just glared at her. And Rachel began to stammer, "Well, you know, Stan....she has to drive back to La Mesa tonight with the kids and it really wouldn't be a good idea for a drink."
"Emma, you can have a glass of wine, it won't hurt you. "
"Maybe i don't want a glass of wine. I can think for myself, Stanley." She stormed off towards the kids.
Stanley looked at Rachel, as he very slowly leveled his self to an upright position and propped himself up on his good arm."You know something I don't. It's pretty obvious. What's going on with her?"
Rachel's attention was at the bottom of her wine glass, then back at Stan, "She's having a hard time, Stan. She has a lot on her mind."
After one eyebrow rose, "I can see that. But I never know when she's going to be the Emma I know and love, or the one that's going to storm off in a huff." he let out a sigh, and began to feel the exhaustion of asserting himself, " Maybe if I knew what was going on, I could understand better." He slowly lowered himself back down onto the pillows.
"You know it's probably just that time of the month, mood swings and everything. She gets really bitchy during that time." Would Stanley buy this story? She probably came awfully close to overstepping her friendship and was trying her best to smooth it over. But, damn it! Emma! All she'd been worrying about was her best friend's unexpected news and her decisions to do what was right! What's it going to take to get these two off on the right foot? If they would only get issues out in the open. She bit her lip and continued, "I think these few weeks....the two of you alone together, I think you are going to find out a lot about each other quirks." Well, she figured she might as well go for broke here, "It's bound to be an eye opening experience for you both." Rachel glared at Stanley, "you must know what I mean, dark pasts, secrets....lovers shouldn't have secrets," The glass came to her mouth for something to do before she realized it was still empty, causing her to pause, then looking over the rim toward her husband adding, "Don't you think so Josh?"
Josh had no clue what she was talking about. "Well, uh....sure....I mean we don't have any secrets, Rachel...as far as I'm aware of anyhow."
"I think she's referring to me and Emma" It looked like this was unavoidable, "so just blurt it out, Rachel...you're dying to."
"Do you really love her?"
"Well, I would think that's pretty obvious. Of course i do....and she knows that."
"Just keep reminding her...do me that favor Stan. Emma needs to be sure." Rachel thought about their conversation earlier in the week. About the baby, and Emma not wanting it. She had refused to speak of it in the last few days, like it didn't exist and today not excepting the wine was the first acknowledgment she had made of the life she was carrying inside her. She looked down at the empty wine glass, "Think I could use a glass of wine." She started to walk away and then turned, "And as for those secrets, Stan....don't let her hear about them from someone else." She then walked towards the backdoor.
Stanley's mind started to overcloud with thoughts of Gail coming to see Emma. Had something happened this week that he had not been aware of? It would explain her odd behavior that was for sure, and it fit in with what his Dad had said about Emma being jealous of Gail. Thinking she was an old flame. He felt his head starting to throb and he began to message his forehead. Maybe this party was a bad idea. He should have realized that the minute they pulled up in the driveway and Emma's immediate reaction.
"Hey, Stan, don't listen to her....she is just sprouting off. You know she's had a few drinks." He took a swig of beer as he helped prop a pillow for Stan, noticing his discomfort, "Women. We're not meant to understand them, So stop analyzing what just happened. I am sure Rachel is right, that time of the month is a real bitch. I've only lived with Rachel a month, but I've already experienced the full on pre-menstrual mood swings. Not pleasant. And if you think Emma is bad, just picture it ten times worse with Rachel."
Stanley managed a smile and then looked across the yard where Emma was throwing a tennis ball for Scrap. She would glance his way and then as their eyes met she would turn away. He knew she was hiding something. Holly skipped towards him, but his attention was totally on Emma.
"Dad, are you okay? You look so tired. You know you should probably be in bed. Should I get Grandpa?"
Stanley wasn't listening, and Holly followed his gaze to Emma, he had a sad concerned look in his eyes as he watched her. Holly skipped over to Emma and took hold of her hand.
Emma looked down at Holly's sweet face but saw a questioning look. "What is it Holly?"
"You and my dad. Is something wrong?"
"Of course not. Don't be silly."
She started to pull her, "Then come back and sit with him. He looks so tired and when you were sitting with him, he fell asleep. He likes you around him. He wants you around him, more than me."
"That's not true."
"I understand these things. I'm not a little girl. My dad wants to be with you. He's been so lonely and you make him smile. But something is different. I can't go away to Texas with Grandpa if somethings wrong. "
Emma looked deep into her eyes and wanted to cry. Of course it was obvious to Holly, children sensed things in adults. Holly had suffered way too much, she couldn't let her down. "Nothings wrong, come on..." She pulled Holly towards her dad, and Stanley was surprised as Emma pulled the chair closer to his, before meeting his gaze she took a deep breath, closed her eyes and focused. She once again whisked a straggling hair off his brow, and then kissed his forehead. Stanley was once again surprised with her behavior.
Emma patted the chair, and Holly sat next to her, Stanley looked back and forth between the two of them. He smiled sweetly at Holly and pushed her hair behind her ear, then wiped a smudge mark off her cheek. He then looked over at Emma. A quetioning look on his face, but he reached up and touched her cheek. "The two most beautiful women in the universe, and I happen to have the pleasure of both of their company. I must be the luckiest man on earth."
Holly smiled, then looked at her Dad seriously, and then back at Emma. "what's going on, sweetie." he asked.
"You and Emma, that's what. I'm not stupid." she said firmly, her brows furrowed, her arms crossed.
He smiled, "Of course you aren't...and yes, somethings going on with me and Emma, but as far I know that's not a secret." This was a little bit awkward.
"I don't mean that...., I think you need to talk. And if I come back from Texas and you haven't. I'm going to be upset. Because I want you to marry her, Dad. I want a real family, like all my other friends have, and Emma's the best thing that has ever happened to us."
Emma put her head down. Holly took her Dad's hand and then took Emma's hand and placed it inside his. Emma slowly looked up. "I'm going back to play with Melody. And you need to rest, Dad." then she turned to Emma, putting an arm around her awkwardly and giving her a kiss on the cheek, "My dad isn't good at this kind of thing. But he loves you, and so do I." She then skipped off, but turned back to see them both looking at each other, She smiled and then headed over to Melody and Scrap.
There was an awkward silence before Stanley spoke, "Well, I guess she told us."
"She's right." She was thinking about the talking bit, but wasn't ready for it. "about the rest. You need to rest, Stanley and that's why I thought this party wasn't a good thing."
"I have to probably agree with you on that one, but That's not all she's right about." Emma looked into his eyes, "You're the best thing that has happened to Holly and me. And I don't say it enough...I love you."
"You don't have to, I know."
"Sometimes I'm not sure if you do know." No matter how exhausted he was he wanted her to talk to him. "and whatever is going on with you, please talk to me."
She desperately wanted to change the subject. She felt on the verge of blurting out everything...from the pregnancy,to the woman on the cliff, to his past secrets. But this was not the time or place. The last night they would all be together for awhile. She leaned over him and kissed him gently on the lips. "The only thing that is going on right now, is you are going to rest. You're recovery is the most important thing. I want you well, and back on your feet." She pulled the blanket up over him.
"Ha, thought you were going to say flat on my back." One side of his mouth slid up.
She couldn't help but smile and tenderly kissed him again, this time his right hand stroked her cheek, she sighed as his touch became more sensuous and his kiss more hungry. "That too....sounds good." she mumbled.
He smiled tenderly at her, "you know what she said about us getting married. Of course, she's a kid..you know, things just come out." Stanley was still worried that the thought of marriage would scare her away, especially after this past week, when things had been so strained between them.
She could hardly contain herself by what she had just heard with a straight face. Did he have to ruin the moment with that comment So he had no intention of marriage. She felt a lump in her throat, but swallowed hard and smiled at him, echoing his sentence, "Of course. She's just a kid." She brushed her fingertips across his brow and down the side of his face, "Now do you think you could shut up and close your eyes."
"But I want to look at you. You'll be gone when I wake up, won't you?"
She nodded.
"Then I'd prefer to stay awake. To look at you."
"You'll have two weeks of nothing but me, Stanley. I don't think one evening is going to be that bad."
"Okay, but I want you to kiss me again..and not some timid little peck."
"Your face, is still bruised." She touched the purple splotch directly over the left side of his mouth.
"Believe me, I can take the pain, when I close my eyes, all I want to think about is you...kissing me, the way you kiss me when we make love."She began to blush, "And don't give me the kids as an excuse, they are oblivious to us at the moment, Kyle can't take his eyes off Amy and the girls are totally immersed in playing with Scrap." He shifted his body a little bit, so she could sit on the edge of his chair, "It might be more comfortable from here."
She got up and sat sideways facing him, his right hand brushed against her lips. This caused her to tremble and she leaned towards him, placing her right hand gently on his left cheek, which was now covered in black and blue marks. "You're not hurting me...." he encouraged her as her lips grew closer to his. The anticipation he felt was unbelievable. A kiss. Just a kiss, but he longed for her in anyway possible,and she manged to arouse him with just the slightest little thing.
Emma too felt something similar. He was all she could ever want, and knew only to well, where their kisses usually led to. The anticipation of exciting one another and making love, was always in the front of their minds. But she wanted to please him. And when their lips met, she felt the hunger and desire deepen. Stanley's good hand grabbed the back of her head, clenching a handful of her hair. Emma heard him stifle a moan, then wince slightly. But he begged for more as his tongue explored the inside of her mouth and caused her breath to quicken. It couldn't be possible she thought. She was definitely on the edge and sensed it in Stanley as well as he squirmed next to her. But neither one of them could stop, and within seconds both of them felt the jolt, and Emma quickly gasped for air as he pulled her down onto his chest burying his head into her hair, trying to regain composure.
Stanley let out a chuckle, "Well, it's good to know I haven't lost my touch."
Emma sighed and stroked the side of his face, exhausted Stanley was asleep in a matter of minutes.
* * * *
* *
An emotional and exhausting Saturday was upon them. The airport was packed and Emma got her kids tickets sorted when Gary popped up behind them, "All set then?" He was in high spirits, Emma observed. He leaned over kissing Melody on the cheek and she immediately wiped it with her sweatshirt sleeve. He handed Kyle a $10 bill, "Go get you and your sister a magazine and some candy, we have a few minutes till boarding."
Emma didn't like the thought of spending one minute alone with him let alone a few. And she knew he would be full of questions, "So...Kyle mentioned you're going to be nursemaiding the invalid while we're away."
"I'm staying with him, he can't get around very well on his own just yet."
"I thought you'd be thrilled to have two weeks with lover boy."
"You know, Gary, I'm not going to talk about this with you."
"Trouble in paradise, possibly?" He couldn't pass this opportunity up.
"No."
Gary couldn't leave it at that, pulling out of his hat another issue to exploit, "I am a bit concerned about Melody's recent fascination with him. Doesn't it strike you as a bid odd, when only a month ago she could hardly stand the guy?"
Emma paused, thinking carefully how she was going to answer him, "You know, Gary, I really don't think you have any cause to be analyzing the situation, when it's been fairly obvious that your children's needs have always come second to your own. Maybe she has found the father figure she never had in you."
"That was a low blow, Emma."
Kyle was standing at the counter waiting for Melody and kept his eye on his mom and dad. The last thing he wanted was his mom to have a run in with Dad just as they were leaving. It was all she needed. Melody was just getting her change, when Kyle noticed the change in his dad's expression. He quickly grabbed her arm, "Come on, Mom needs us."
They quickly reemerged on the scene, just as their dad was ready to throw out the verbal abuse once again, "I won't have this from you, Emma. I'll get a lawyer and that bastard won't be able to get near my daughter..is that understood!?"
Melody heard these last words and was not happy. "I'm not going." Gary had not seen her approach and turned abruptly. Her arms crossed over her chest, a pout appeared across her face, "You can't make me." she then glanced at her mother with a hurt expression Emma had thought was behind them, she spoke to her as if her father didn't even exist, " I hate him. He can't do that can he, Mom?"
Gary put a calming arm on his daughter and managed a forced smile, "Honey, I think you misunderstood."
She jerked her shoulder from him, "You hate him, and he's done nothing wrong, except make mom happy." Her voice began to escalate unintentionally, "And we're going to move in with him. And I'm happy about it. I won't let you take that away from me. "
This was news to Gary,and he turned to Emma. She was so concerned about Melody's behavior she didn't notice the glare coming from him. "Move in! You're moving in with him?"
Emma looked up at his bellowing image, and then dismissed it preferring to give her undivided attention to her daughter who was now in tears, Calmly she stated, "Possibly"
Melody gave her a look, "What do you mean possibly? It's going to happen. We've talked about it. It's what we all want."
"This isn't the time and place to talk about this." Their flight was called over the loudspeaker. Kyle looked at his watch, and then at his parents. Melody still being stubborn. Emma took Melody a few feet away from Gary, and faced her, "Your dad has made these plans and you're going to go. Stanley will be here when you get back and I won't allow Gary to interfere. You have to trust me on this one, Melody."
She was rubbing the backside of her sweatshirt sleeve across her cheek, trying to dry her tears, "Why doesn't he want us to be happy?"
"I can't answer that."
"And why don't you want to move in with him now? Is it because of the accident? The way he looks? I know he looks pretty horrible, but the bruises will go away, Mom. And it'll still be Stanley."
Emma smiled, "I know. Stanley will always be Stanley. But we have some things to work out. That I don't want you to worry about. I want you to have fun, and bring me back some English chocolate. And Stanley and I will be fine."
"I want to move in with him, Mom. I really do."
"I know." Gary called their names, "Look, you need to go."
"I'd rather be here with you."
"2 weeks, is nothing. And you'll have fun. Just make sure Kyle doesn't spend his whole holiday on the lap top." She smiled, and Emma gave her a hug.
Kyle was already up at the security check, and Melody caught up with him.
Emma turned to Gary, intending to get a few things straight with him. "You have her for two weeks. I don't think you want her to hate you so that means not talking bad about me or Stanley, or anything else that happens to make her happy." She continued on without him being able to draw a breath or get a word in edgewise, knowing he would jump right in with one of his wonderful admonitions. "It's been a hell of a year for us, Gary, and finally Melody is coming around and accepting the situation for what it is. She's blossoming and I'm so proud of her." It was oh so hard to keep from wagging her finger at his nose as she continued. "I don't want them to hate you, Gary, but I can't do anything. It's up to you. If you don't connect with them, they're going to turn to someone else. And that means Stanley. So think about that."
For once Gary had nothing to say as his jaw dropped open. Any comment was frozen in place. Where the hell did all that come from? His mouth closed, attempting to find something to say, opened again but nothing would come out. Finally, just shutting it, he stabbed a frustrated glare in her direction that seemed to have the desired results, he headed for the security gate, tossing his bag on the conveyor belt.
Emma sauntered slowly over to them, giving both her children hugs. Kyle smiled at her, "You're going to be okay, right? I mean, you call me. I can come hone early."
"I'll be fine. I'm going to be so busy with Stanley....you know, I'm not so sure I'm cut out for this nursemaid gig, but I'll give it my best shot."
"You'll have him eating out of the palm of your hand. The guy will do anything for you. And I think that's cool."
"Really?"
"It's about time you were in control, mom." He gave her a kiss and headed towards the others. Emma watched as Gary made an effort to converse with Melody. At least she wasn't crying. She was going to miss both of them. They knew nothing of her losing her job, or about the baby. She hadn't had the guts to tell them just as they were leaving. Just when things seemed to be going so good. Kyle had said she was in control. Boy, that seemed so far from the truth, right now.
* * * * * *
* * *
Emma took Hank and Holly to the airport that afternoon. Leaving Stanley with Mary, which wasn't easy. But he had just taken some medication and was so dopey, that Emma didn't think the trip to the airport was a good idea, and thought it best he slept.
Hank insisted she drop them off at the curb, so she could get back to Stanley. Emma gave Holly a hug, "I don't want you to worry about your Dad. I promise he'll call you everyday. And I won't let him get into trouble."
"I know he's in good hands." She smiled and quickly kissed her cheek before she stepped out onto the sidewalk.
Hank leaned into the car, "I want you to call me, if anything comes up, Emma. Anything Out of the ordinary."
"What do you mean?"
"I'm worried about him. Things just don't seem right." He didn't want to say anything else. It was up to Stanley to fill her in, and he was hoping he would and soon. "I'm sure I'm just being the overprotective father I've always been. And I'm sure I'm just imagining things. I feel relieved you're here with him. He'll behave with you around."
"I don't know about that"
Hank put his hand on her arm, "He loves you, Emma He might not always show it, but he does. And if he does anything to jeopardize this relationship, you let me know...because I will give him a piece of my mind."
She felt a tear coming to her eyes, she really liked him. She felt so much apart of this family. And she knew she was going to miss them both. Hank managed to give her a hug from the doorway of the Toyota, he chuffed her chin before he headed towards the terminal entrance, smiling at her. "He's one lucky man, you know."
Emma knew if she spoke she would cry. Her emotions had the best of her lately. This up and down roller coaster with her hormones was driving her crazy. She gave them both a slight wave and watched them walk towards the terminal. Closing her eyes she put the car in gear to head back to the house. Her hand went to her head, rubbing her temple. She had no idea what to expect out of the next few weeks, but it was going to be interesting, that was for sure.
* * * * * *
* * *
Emma entered the house and Mary was thumbing through a magazine on the sofa. She quietly stood up.
Emma had cried in the car coming back to the house and she tried to put on a smile, for Mary, "Everything okay?"
She whispered, "Sleeping like a baby. I don't envy you. He's a handful." As she put the magazine back on the coffee table, she looked and caught Emma in the early evening light making it's way through the blinds. She looked overly tired and pale, "And to be honest, Emma, you don't look well. Maybe this is too much for you to handle."
"Yeah, well....I'm sure we'll be fine"
As Mary walked towards the door,she turned, "I want you to call on me for anything. If you need to take a break, anything."
"Thanks,Mary. I will." Mary had walked out of the screen door, and Emma was walking away from the door, when Mary once again turned.
"Oh, Emma, I forgot to tell you. Someone called for Stanley. She didn't leave a message, but said she would call back." All Emma heard was 'she'....her face went blank, and Mary thought it was odd, "Are you okay?"
She put on a smile, "Yeah, fine....just an emotional day...my kids leaving, Hank and Holly."
"Now don't forget to call me."
After the door shut behind her, Emma tried to think rationally. The woman could have been anyone. But her imagination was running wild. She had bad feelings....the woman at the bar, the cliff, coming out of his hospital room, the mysterious flowers and now a phone call. They had to be connected and it wasn't in her mind. She wasn't imagining things anymore.
She took a deep breath and headed towards Stanley's room. Peering in she saw him sprawled out on his back, wearing a plain white v- neck t shirt and a faded pair of plaid boxers. Because of the restraint of the cast and splint, he was pretty much stuck with lying on his back, but his right leg was slightly bent and his right arm stretched out over his head. It looked uncomfortable, but his face looked so peaceful. Part of her was incredibly tempted to lay down beside him, cuddle up next to his warm body. She took a deep breath, and decided that was not a good idea. She knew he needed the rest, and with her in bed with him, well, that wasn't likely to happen. Quietly leaving the room., she headed down the hallway to Holly's room. Feeling drained and exhausted, she sat on the edge of the bed, managing to slip off her shoes. Then immediately collapsed onto the bed. A massive pile of stuffed animals surrounded her. Grabbing the closest at hand, she drew it to her chest, clutching it tightly and cried herself to sleep.
The cry for help seemed distant...her name being repeated over and over again. But she felt something holding her back. She couldn't get to Stanley. But why couldn't she? Realizing she was holding something....wrapped in a blanket, she pulled the blanket away and a beautiful baby was in her arms. It was like a baby on a Gerber jar . A round face and gurgling, perfect.....Emma smiled down at the child cradled in her arms and then heard laughing that wouldn't stop. Looking up to see that woman....the beautiful African-American woman, who had haunted Emma's sleep the last few nights was laughing at her and the baby. And Emma could still hear Stanley calling her name, frantically. She had to get to him. But the woman grabbed the child from her arms, and there was no longer the sound of Stanley's frantic yells, but a different sinister type of Stanley, who's arm was nestled around the woman and the child. He shook his head at Emma and laughed wickedly.
He resembled a mad man with dark circles under his eyes and an evil smile,as he spoke with meticulous punctuation. "You are such a fool. I never wanted you....the baby, yes...but never you." The two offbeat characters began to laugh, and Emma tried taking the baby away from them, but to no use. A hand went over her mouth and nose, she could hardly breath.... She let out a scream.....and with a jolt found herself swimming...buried under a pile of bears, horses and bunnies. She was sweating profusely, and her heart was racing. She tossed various stuffed animals off of her and onto the floor. It was only a dream. That was all. She took a deep breath and tried to relax when she heard her name being called in the distance, just like in her dream.
A little earlier, Stanley had woken and found himself alone. Expecting Emma at his side, the house seemed incredibly quiet. He called out her name a few times, and nothing happened. Where the hell was she? Wanting desperately to get up he maneuvered himself towards the edge of the bed. Pushing himself up with his right hand, he managed to sit up. Now getting himself to stand was another feet in itself. He couldn't tolerate this dependency. It frustrated him to no end. As he sat he felt his head throb, and the pain in his left leg was still intense. He looked towards the door. Wondering if he could make it. Didn't seem like that far really. He reached for the dresser to hold himself up and he wasn't sure what happened, but he miscalculated the distance and fell onto the floor with a thud, the pain intensified and he began cursing.
Emma jolted out of bed when she heard the racket, and sprinted down the hall to Stanley's room. He wasn't in bed, but the colorful language was coming from the other side of the bed, and Emma moved quickly to him.
"Stanley, what the hell were you thinking? Trying to get out of bed."
"Where were you? I've been calling for you." She knelt down next to him, gently pulling his arm to sit up, Stanley all the while grimacing in pain.
"I must have dozed off."
"On the couch? You know I wouldn't have minded you here with me. In fact I would have relished it." He raised his eyebrows and smiled at her.
"I was in Holly's bed actually. I didn't want to disturb you." She managed to get him up but it took a lot out of her, and when she finally got him back on the bed, she felt exhausted. She propped up the pillows and helped him lie back, sitting by his side. He was just staring at her, smiling. "What? Why are you looking at me that way?"
"I always look at you this way."
She felt a little awkward, knowing where these kind of looks lead and she abruptly got off the bed, "I better get you something to eat. Are you hungry?"
After she said it she realized she made a mistake and he started to chuckle, "Hungry yes, but not for food."
"Stanley, this has got to stop."
'What? My desire for you? You tell my raging hormones that, Emma. You walk into the room and all I want to do is....."
She cut him off, "The next two weeks are incredibly important to your recovery and there can't be any of this...." she waved her hands in the air frustrated trying to think of a word.
Stanley smiled, "lusting after your body, love making, fucking..."At least someone was getting some enjoyment out of this predicament.
Emma didn't find this amusing at all, "That's why I'm sleeping in Holly's room."
The smile on his face quickly turned, "Now wait a minute..."
"I'm here to take care of you. To make sure you rest."
"I think making love to me is taking care of me...and you can't do that in Holly's room, and me in here."
"The doctor said..."
"do you think I care what the doctor said. He doesn't know what's best for me. I want you in my bed, I want to feel you next to me....that's better medicine in my book anyday.."
"You can't always have what you want., Stanley. I'm sleeping in Holly's room and that's the end of the discussion."
His voice softly hesitated, "Emma what is going on with you?"
Emma felt herself perspiring, and uncomfortable. She knew he would see through her. She turned away from him and walked to the screen door looking out at the beautiful sunset. What could she say that would satisfy him. She collected her thoughts and turned slowly around, knowing his eyes were penetrating right through her.
"It's only temporary. I just think it's best. And you promised to behave, Stanley."
"What's your idea of temporary, one day...a week, two.....?"
"We'll see."
"Great." he seemed incredibly dissapointed. She moved closer to the bed, and leaned over him gently kissing his forehead, "Oh, and we're back to forehead kissing.....not a good sign."
"Stop feeling sorry for yourself. I'm here aren't I? Would you rather me get you a nurse? Because that's still a possibility."
"Is that what you want?"
She hesitated and then she shook her head. There was an awkward silence, and Emma was relieved when she heard whimpering coming from the screen door. Scrap's nose was pressed up against the glass. She moved over to the door and let him in, he barged into the room and went to the edge of the bed whining up at Stanley. Glad to see him. He put a paw up on the bedspread, and it was obvious he wanted up. Emma thought it was so cute.
"You can't get on this bed, Scrap....now scram...."
"Oh, Stanley, you're so mean. He just wants a little affection." Emma leaned over and scratched him behind the ears
"He's not the only one." He had that look, his eyebrows lowered, those eyes glaring at her. She moved closer to the bed and gave his hair a tousle.
"Oh, you poor thing. I wouldn't want you to feel neglected" She said sarcastically. "Would you like a scratch behind the ears as well?"
He grabbed her hand and pulled her closer to him, grinning at her being caught, "Very cute, Em. But I'm afraid that won't cut it." His right hand was incredibly strong and no matter how hard she tried to sidestep his moves, he had her right where he wanted her. Emma's inept attempts of getting away from him caused Scrap to get excited. He thought it was a game and began to bark, jumping up onto the bed, and licking both of their faces. They both began to laugh and Stanley was relieved that she had loosened up a bit. "you damn, dog, this one is mine...." he pushed Scrap off the bed only for him to jump right back up, and just as Stanley was close enough to kiss her, Scrap nosed in between them. Emma was now hysterically laughing and collapsed onto his chest, his right arm encircled her, stroking her back.
Scrap whimpered and Stanley looking over Emma, the dog perched directly over them. All he had to do was give him a scowl, amid the ever familiar voice command, "Scrap...beer." A word he associated with the refrigerator and food, always sent him to the kitchen. Scrap scampered off the bed and made his way out the door. Boy, he had the dog well trained.
Emma looked towards the door to see the dog paddling off, and then she looked into Stanley's eyes, "Beer?"
"Don't ask. It's just something he associates with food....it was a major staple in my life when I was training him."
"and still is."
"Ah, but something has taken it's place.....you." he began to nibble on her neck...just enough to cause her to feel a little light headed. It was amazing how comfortable she was now feeling. With his arm around her, a sense of contentment rushed over her. She missed him. There was no denying that.
He sensed her surrendering to him, and was not going to let this moment pass him by. She turned her head slightly, and his opportunity presented itself. She brushed her lips against his cheek and he turned his head so their lips would meet. It was sweet and loving, and Emma felt the sensation of yesterday in the lounge chair begin to take over....as Stanley grew hungrier.....intensifying...and so was a nuisance of ringing, that jolted them both back to reality.
Emma quickly sat up and Stanley tried to coax her back on top of him, with the brnnnng, brnnngg in his ear, the moment seemed to be fading as fast as it had arrived. Defeated for the moment, he reached for the phone realizing it wasn't going away all the while gazing lovingly into Emma's eyes.
"Hello." His attention still focused on Emma, watching her every move. The way she ran her hand through her hair and shifted position on the bed next to him. Whoever was on the other end of the line, was not of any importance to him whatsoever, not with Emma in such close proximity.
"Dad?" the voice responded. "You sound funny."
He felt a twinge of pain across his side as he repositioned himself against the pillow,but a smile appeared on his face. "Holly, baby....don't tell me you're already at the ranch...."
Emma watched his face light up at the sound of his daughter's voice and she also noticed the hard time he was having readjusting himself into a comfortable position. He was very limited in what he could do with one hand, although as far as Emma could see he had no problem a few minutes ago. She couldn't help but smile, as she moved closer to him and fluffed up the pillows behind him. Emma stood up to leave and with difficulty he covered the mouthpiece with his hand, that was also holding the receiver, "Don't go."
"I'll go tend to the dog, and get cracking on our dinner...you talk to Holly." She gently stroked his cheek.
He furrowed his brow, , "I think you enjoy this, turning a guy on...and then just leaving him hanging in the air." He couldn't take his eyes off her, something was different. He couldn't pinpoint it, but whatever it was, he liked it. His eyes traveled up her body slowly, before they reached her face. She stood smiling down at him coyly. For a few seconds he had forgotten Holly was on the other end of line. Till he heard the distant voice.
"Dad, are you there?"
"Sorry sweetie, I was just hassling Emma." he teased.
Emma turned and gave him a dirty look, with a smile before she headed out into the kitchen.
"You better not hassle her, Dad, because then she won't come and live with us and what we would do then?"
"Well.....I don't think I want to find that out, so you're right...I better stop hassling her."
"I just wanted to call and make sure everything was okay."
"It's only been a few hours and you're already checking up on me?"
"Somebody has to do it. And grandpa said Emma seemed so sad when we left."
"She's not sad now. So you tell your grandpa, not to worry, and you young lady, do the same. I want you to have fun." Stanley didn't want this to get serious. Holly was worried, he knew it. And the last thing he needed was her to be concerned about him and Emma. "So how many bags of peanuts did your grandpa let you devour in the 3 hour flight?"
She giggled, "4. He said I could have anything I wanted, and he's already said he'll take me shopping for a pair of cowboy boots tomorrow. Maria fixed up the guest room just for me, and it's really nice. She got me some dolls" She sounded a bit dissapointed, "She doesn't know I've outgrown them, but it was a nice thought. And the horse I get to ride is called Apache, he is a pinto and gorgeous, and I get to take care of him the whole time I'm here. I wish we could have a horse in PB. But I know we can't. A nd I put your picture right by my bed, so I can see you before I go to sleep and first thing when I wake up." She was talking so fast, he could hardly understand her.
He started to laugh, "Well, It sounds like you'll have no time to miss me."
"I'll always miss you."
"And I'll always miss you."
"But I bet you don't miss me as much with Emma there."
She was wise beyond her years, sometimes this bothered him. He always wondered if there was anything he could have done to given her a better childhood. Growing up in that horrible house in Malibu, with Melissa and Larry. Being subjected to porn films being filmed in her own living room. It made him sick.
Holly noticed the silence, "Dad, you're getting weird on me. I can tell."
"What do you mean you can tell? You can't even see my face."
The distinct sound of pots and pans crashing on the kitchen floor and then breaking glass, broke his concentration. Stanley shook his head, what was he thinking letting Emma loose in his kitchen on her own. "Holly, I need to go. Emma seems to be making a mess in the kitchen. I'll call you tomororw."
"I love you, Dad. Give Emma a hug from me and don't be to hard on her. Promise."
"I promise,love you." He set the phone back down in it's cradle, looked up to find Emma standing in the doorway, holding a cookbook, spaghetti sauce spilled down the front of her and looking a bit frustrated.
He patted the side of the bed and she slowly moved over to him, sitting on the edge, "What happened?"
"I made a mess, and I broke the spaghetti sauce jar, and Scrap is licking it up off the floor, and I just wanted to make you dinner and I am incapable of it." She put her head in her hands and began to cry.
Stanley tried not to laugh, but he did find it rather sweet...and she looked up at him between her fingers and caught the trace of a smile, "You think it's funny?"
"No.." he took a tissue and wiped her eyes,"I think it's sweet. You making me dinner. We can call for take out."
"I wanted to do this for you..." Stanley wanting to comfort her, felt a pain shoot across his back on the left side, and he groaned. Emma quickly forgot her dissapointment and moved back looking extremely concerned, "This is my fault, you should have been resting, and I have just made it worse."
"No, not your fault.". As he tried to shift his body with the added movement of Emma on the bed, his leg began to throb. Emma quickly got off the bed and reached for the pain medication.
As she held a pill out for him in the palm of her hand, he shook his head, not wanting to take it. "No....I can't cope with that stuff in my system, Emma. I can deal with the pain."
"Stop being so stubborn." She now was holding a glass of water in the other hand. Another sharp pain shot through him and this time he closed his eyes biting down on his lip hoping it would pass quickly. When it finally did, Emma was still standing in the same position, holding the pill and water glaring down at him.
"Okay, okay, I'll take the god damn pill." He took it out of her hand, and placed it towards the back of his tongue, then took a swig of water. She repostioned his pillows and he relaxed back onto them. "Call for Chinese. They'll deliver." He said quietly, he was beginning to feel incredibly exhausted. "uhh...my wallet, is....." he rubbed his forehead trying to think. But his head was beginning to hurt now as well.
"I'll find it. You close your eyes, rest....."
"Just for a bit, then we can eat...together and watch a movie...I had Dad pick some out at the local video store. Cary Grant, Clint Eastwood...i know you like all those rugged dashing Hollywood types." His eyes started to droop. She leaned down and kissed his forehead and he smiled,
"Forehead kissing bad sign..."
She then kissed him gently on the lips, "Is that better?"
He sighed, "Ummm."
She quietly left the room.
She called for Chinese and once it arrived, thought maybe Stanley would be awake, but as she peeked into his room, saw that he seemed to be out for the night. She headed back into the kitchen, dished out some chicken and rice, and plopped down on the sofa, Scrap jumped up next to her, and curled up by her side.
She passed on the selection of videos. They had been chosen with care by Hank, that was obvious. An Affair to Remember, Roman Holiday, Sabrina, the Philadelphia Story, Pillow Talk.....there were about 10 in all. But she wanted to share them with Stanley. So being alone she switched on the TV instead and channel surfed, looking for anything of some interest. The Lifetime channel, soppy made for TV movies with some kind of moral tale, they were predictable and more often than not badly written, normally she would pass them up for something with more substance but not tonight. A woman, an unwanted pregnancy....the father incarcerated for murder...Emma sat mesmerized watching the story unfold, of course in the end the man had been wrongly accused, and just as the woman was about to give the baby up for adoption, he showed up and proclaimed his undying love and how he was ready to turn over a new leaf. She clicked it off feeling let down....she just wasted the last 2 hours on a stupid movie that was completely unrealistic. That woman was stupid. The guy would never change his ways. Why was she getting so worked up about fictional characters. Now that was crazy. She gave Scrap a pat, and then turned the light off heading down the hall.
One quick glimpse in at Stanley, who was still asleep,she then headed Holly's room to get ready for bed.
Emma stood in front of the mirror in the bathroom after finishing brushing her teeth and looked at her reflection. Dressed in a fairly skimpy tank top and bikini underwear, she gazed upon her figure for the first time since she had been told the news. Her hands went directly to her abdomen, pulling up the tank top and caressing it gently. Of course she wasn't showing, but it felt different. Probably all psychological. She remembered when she found out about Kyle and had gotten a book out of the library, she knew every stage then....and followed it closely from the moment she had found out. She was deliberately avoiding the subject now, and part of her felt extremely guilty for neglecting herself and the child she was carrying. gazing into the mirror she realized the changes in her body were already taking place. Her hands moved up her stomach to her breasts. Where once the top hung fairly loose, on her, she now filled it out. Her breasts swollen enlarged, they ached slightly, as she pressed her hands against them. She met her own reflection eye to eye, "So what are you going to do now? You can't keep pretending this baby doesn't exist, because it does. " She didn't want to think about it now. She was tired and needed to sleep. She turned away from the mirror and slowly walked back down the hall to Holly's room where sleep would take her away from facing this situation for another day. * * * * * * *
He heard her scream, as they placed a knife against her throat, two men held him back and he struggled to get to her, but he couldn't. A laugh....just messing with you, Stanley....but he couldn't see a face, just a shadow in the dark. The shadowy figure paced the floor, stroked Emma's cheek....smiled and laughed again....She was tied up, they had Emma. His fears had come true, but the more he fought the stronger they held on to him, he couldn't move. The guy with the knife leaned up against her, the knife skimming her skin across her neck as the guy feeling her up with his free hand, Stanley screamed, "Get your fucking hands off her." But he continued and the shadowy figure walked around the room. Stanley could only hear his footsteps, and knew they were approaching him, creeping up behind Stanley leaning down whispering into his ear, "I have a lot of hungry men, who haven't seen any action in days.....she'd be just the thing....nice ass, nice legs..."
Stanley struggled shouting "no, no."
"You had your chance, Stan. This will show you not to mess with me again ever." He motioned to the other man with the knife and the guy picked her up.....carrying Emma into the shadows.....she was calling his name and it became fainter and fainter. It was no use....he couldn't save her. But with one last attempt to escape the thugs, he pushed hard and he heard a gun shot.....looking down at his chest, blood seeped through his t shirt.
Emma heard a crashing sound, that startled her out of her sleep. She rubbed her eyes and sat up, listening....then she heard the oddest sound coming from Stanley's room. She couldn't make it out, it was faint, but it didn' t sound human. She entered the room and found Stanley thrashing about in bed. The only words she could make out were 'no' as he repeated them over and over frantically. The lamp on his bedside table had fallen, that explained the crash. He was flinging his arms about like a mad man, ready to swipe at anything that got in his way. Scrap was already at the foot of the bed whining, worried about his master. And Emma gave him a quick pat before she treaded carefully across the huge bed on her knees to reach him. She quietly said his name, "Stanley." as she leaned over him and placed a comforting hand on his arm to stop the thrashing. "You're having a nightmare, wake up.":
His T shirt was drenched in sweat and his face wringing wet, his breathing heavy, but Emma felt his body relax at her touch, then suddenly his eyes opened wide, "He seemed surprised to find her face inches form his own, "Emma?" He questioned, confused about what he had just imagined. He tried to sit up and seemed surprised by the restraints holding him back. The pain that began to shoot across his back. He looked down at his leg in a splint, his arm in a cast, Emma leaning over him....he refocused on Emma, my god, that couldn't be Emma, he thought. His eyes level with her breasts in that skimpy little undershirt, well, actually the shirt was barely containing them. Emma was unaware of his interest, she was more concerned with the damage he could have caused with all the thrashing around.
Once she got him to lye back on the pillows, she went to the bathroom and returned with a washcloth for his face. As she approached the bed, his eyes were clenched tight, obviously he was experiencing some pain, but his breathing was becoming more steady.
She gently climbed back on the bed and wiped his face with the cool cloth. His eyes opened and looked a bit startled, "It's going to be okay. Just a bad dream. The doctor said you might have some effects from the medication. Just relax."
He closed his eyes again. He didn't want to talk about the nightmare, before the accident he felt for certain they were gone, but he had had a few rough nights in the hospital and the doctor had blamed the medication causing hallucinations of some kind. His heart had been racing so fast, and now the cloth across his brow was beginning to sooth him. Emma felt the clammy sticky wetness of his T shirt as she rubbed up against him and carefully got off the bed and went to his dresser.
Stanley watched her open the top drawer, his eyes focused on her bottom, her incredible sexy legs. The dream had been to real. His worries about her safety, had obviously triggered them. He was being ridiculous. She was here in the flesh, looking as tempting as ever. And he needed to wipe out the images of the nightmare, and focus back on the real thing....in front of him.
Emma pulled out a T shirt and was rambling on, she was extremely tired, "I think a clean shirt is a good idea, don't you?"
When she turned around she noticed Stanley was looking at her strangely. She ignored it and moved closer to him, she pulled up his arms to pull the t shirt over his head, and was careful of his injured left arm, he was quiet but she found his gaze intense. She tried to avoid eye contact as she slipped the shirt over his head and thew it on the floor. She took the cloth and wiped his chest, and he sighed as she stroked across his chest. Once the clean T shirt was slipped on, she helped him to lie back on the pillows.
"So......" he had that eager look in his eyes, but he hadn't made one move on her which was a surprise "you're all settled....now I can go get some sleep." She thought this was to easy as she began to get off the bed and his right hand seized her left.
"Stay....with me, please." he pleaded.
"Stanley, I'm exhausted, I need a good night sleep."
"And you'll have one by my side. I can be good..."
"Oh, I know you can.....but I don't think we have the same kind of good in mind."
"Just give me the benefit of the doubt. I don't want to be alone if that happens again." Emma thought he had to be feeding her a line to get her to stay, but when she looked into his eyes she saw a tinge of trepidation hidden there. "Please, stay." he added tenderly.
She was hesitant as she sat back and rubbed her head, and her eyes. She was so exhausted, she could barely keep herself in an upright position and felt a little off kiltered, starting to drift.
Stanley using his good hand gently helped her lie down next to him. And as her head touched the pillow, she rubbed her eyes, "I didn't say I would stay."
"I think your body has other ideas. You're sleeping here toinght...and the next, and the next....."
"don't push your luck, I'll be totally coherent tomorrow and you won't be able to take advantage of me. This is so unfair you know." her words began to slur and her eyes shut, She shuffled around to get comfortable, and Stanley repositioned himself so she was lying in the crook of his arm. He smiled as she let out a little sigh of contentment.
"I know, so unfair....me always getting my way." He looked down at her and she was already asleep, "You don't have me fooled, Emma Heyward, this is what you want too."
* * * *
* * *
Stanley felt a streak of light hit his face and he stirred, wincing over the achy feeling throughout his body. How the hell was he supposed to get a good night sleep with this damn splint on his leg? He fidgeted and then felt a hand brush over his chest. He turned his head to find Emma laying on her side, a smile across her lips. He could push the pain out of his mind by just the thought of her, but having her lying beside him so intcing....well, the aches and pains of the accident seemed non existent. He watched her chest rise and fall as she sighed deeply, her eyelids flickered and she fidgeted slightly. A dream...had to be, but much different than the kind he experienced.
He managed to push himself onto his side with a minimal amount of pain, reaching his right hand over to her. His finger tips gently caressed her bare skin above her breasts. The smile on Emma's face widened, and it only gave Stanley the encouragement he needed to carry on. A hand cupped over her right breast, and his fingers stroked and fondled her through her tank top. Pretty sure she'd wake up, which was his desired intention, he gently continued the fondly, enjoying her response.
She had never felt so content as she did at this moment, lying beside him, she felt the solid gold band on her ring finger and smiled, not one day went by without her thinking how lucky she was being married to this man and now having his child. Her hands went down to her abdomen stroking the large bump that now could not be concealed under her tank top. He leaned over her, and whispered into her ear, 'You are the most beautiful woman in the world.', then gently kissing her lips and neck, his hands caressing her as they slid down her neck and across her breasts, she signed with contentment, he knew how to excite her, he always had, but it surprised her that he had ever wanted anything to do with her in her 7 month of pregnancy. But it was obvious by his reactions tonight, that nothing had changed. She still managed to turn him on....something she could never do with Gary. He had been appalled by her size, Stanley whispered into her ear, 'I want to make love to the mother of my child....' his left hand covered hers, the other stroked her belly, he smiled at her, a twinkle in his eyes, ' You can't even imagine how sexy you are to me right now...' his right hand traveled up to her breast again and he lavished kisses onto her chest, his right hand sliding down below her belly finding an incredibly nice and warm place to explore.
Emma's breathing became erratic and Stanley was surprised from his slight touch that she was experiencing such pleasure and she remained asleep, but it made the episode all the more pleasurable.
She breathlessly whispered his name, "Oh, Stanley....you make me feel so beautiful" He watched her stroke her abdomen, intrigued by this incredibly erotic dream he was becoming a part of. Part of him felt he was intruding on something private, but the other part of him was enjoying every minute of it.
Emma let the wave take her to a higher place, and then relaxed back on the pillows. She felt such incredible pleasure, and she opened her eyes, finding Stanley smiling at her. Emma smiled back, reaching out and touching his cheek, it was then that she focused and realized his face was bruised, a few minutes ago, he had been the old Stanley. Reality sank in.
"Nice dream?" Stanley couldn't wipe the smile off his face as he gazed at her.
Emma looked down at her body, her stomach still as it had been....no bump at all. What the hell had just happened? She felt the wetness between her legs, and felt incredibly embarrassed. Stanley tried to maneuver himself closer to her, "The dream....Emma" her face was blank staring at him in disbelief...
"it was a dream, I can't even remember it." She felt her heart racing and she bolted upright, wondering how she was going to get out of this situation.
He reached for her hand before she could get out of the bed, "You said I made you feel beautiful."
She grimaced wondering what else he had witnessed, ' I did?" she put her hand over her face, then looked back at him, "Well, that's true."
" So the dream was about me?"
"I told you I don't remember." She felt extremely hot...she stammered, not being able to get away from his grasp, "I suppose...yes, It was about you." She tried pulling her hand away from his, but was unsuccessful. "please, Stanley...let go, I have to go to the bedroom."
He reluctantly let go and she immediately got out of bed, heading towards the bathroom door. Her back to him, she stretched He watched her every move with awe. He wasn't sure what he should say. She was extremely embarrassed, that was for sure. And once again running away from the situation. She was good at that. Why couldn't they both just lay the cards out right now. And get over this awkwardness. It was so pointless.
But he couldn't let it go, "Hey, I couldn't help but notice..."
Emma turned and looked at him oddly. He was grinning, one eyebrow raised as he once again admired the sight in front of him, "...something different about you."
"I don't know what you mean." she felt incredibly flustered.
"Oh, come on, Emma.I'm not imagining it." He made a motion with his hand around his chest area, "you know." Feeling a bit awkward mentioning her fuller figure. He wasn't sure but he had a feeling women tended to find it offensive, and after what he had just witnessed the last thing he wanted was her to be upset with him, he cleared his throat, "I find it very attractive."
She blushed and immediately crossed her arms across her chest, looking down at her feet as she spoke. "There's nothing different...the shirt...it..uh..must of shrunk in the wash. And what is it you are trying to say that whatever you imagined them to be like before....they weren't quite up to what you are used to."
"Don't you go and turn this on me. I never said that and you're putting words in my mouth. You're an extremely sexy woman to me either way..." he had to be careful in choosing his words "...they are just," he swallowed, "Incredibly enticing at this moment, and I'm finding it extremely difficult to contain my thoughts about what I'd like to do to you and them...here...right now....on this bed...."
After her little wet dream, she could hardly be cross with his chain of thoughts and her face flushed at least three shades of red, not able to hide how she felt in return. Could it be that he was like the Stanley in her dreams, that being pregnant didn't appall him, but instead turned him on. But he didn't know she was pregnant, it would be months before she really showed and then what? One of her main concerns about this child, was she wasn't willing to give up what she had just discovered in the last few months. Never in her wildest dreams would she have thought that she would find sex, incredibly high on her priorities list. But Stanley had awakened something in her, and she was in no way willing to lose that now. It was selfish, but it was how she felt.
Stanley hadn't stopped gazing at her. She knew she needed to get out of this situation but quick. His eyes penetrating right through her and if she went anywhere back near the bed, that would be it. "I'll go get the paper." She turned back towards the door.
This wasn't the reaction he was expecting from her, "No, Emma, don't run away from me."
"You said you would be good."
"I actually said I could be good, there's a difference."
She picked up the T shirt from last night on the floor, still damp from sweat and incredibly smelly. She then tossed it at him and it hit him in the face. He grimaced, "Ah, come on, give me a break."
"Stanley, you're acting like a horny teenager."
"I could say the same about you, having erotic dreams about me."
"That's not what it was." She was flustered, "I'm going to get the paper, and..." she tried to think of something else she needed to do..."feed Scrap..."
"And then what, play solitaire, a little needlepoint."
She gave him a dirty look and walked out of the room. He shouted after her, "You're stuck with me, and you can't run from me forever.That sexy sultry vixen inside you is just bubbling under the surface, waiting to be released. You can't hold her in forever." he smiled to himself, "I give you a week." He didn't think she heard him, but she then popped her head around the door.
"Is that a bet, Stanley? If so your on. I can last the week....but I don't think you can." She raised her eyebrows and smiled at him leaving him stupefied on the bed. Ah, well, he blew that one. Another week....well, he could do it. It wasn't an impossible feet by all means. But it was a feet he wasn't looking forward to.
Emma was in good spirits as she stepped out of the front door. Having the last word with Stanley was a major triumph. Still in her underwear she made sure the street was quiet as she walked halfway down the path to pick up the paper, Scrap trotted out after her and as she headed back towards the door, Scrap began to bark. Emma turned towards the street trying to see what had Scrap all riled up. Interesting enough a couple was walking hand in hand in the opposite direction across the street. That was odd, they weren't there a minute ago. Where had they come from? And the strangest thing was they weren't dressed like your typical Pacific Beach early morning risers. This was a beach community. People threw on sweatpants or jeans at this hour of the morning on a Sunday. She heard her name being called from inside, and shook her head. Stanley hadn't given up. When she turned back the couple were gone. Scrap had stopped barking and ran past her into the house. Emma looked around confused. This was extremely bizarre.
Gail quickly pulled Jake's arm and they made it around the corner where their car was waiting, "I am not playing this cat and mouse game any longer, Gail. I don't care about Stanley's perfect little existence in suburbia....the guy fucked with me. And obviously he's not as laid up as you claim. And don't give me some cock and bull story about that woman being his private nurse."
"He just got out of the hospital, Jake."
"I can't believe you still have some feeling for this guy. Look at this neighborhood, his house...I give him a hell of a lot of money, and look what he buys with it..a crappy little track house from the 50's...and he's fucking a schoolteacher." He shook his head, "Unbelievable, and then to top it off, he steals more from me. You explain that to me, Gail. What is he doing with my money?"
"I don't know. But I don't think it's right hitting him like this when he can't even defend himself. What's a week, Jake? Give him some time."
"Time for what?" as she slid into the car next to him, she moved closer to him, rubbing her hand across his leg.
"He'll give it all back." she started kissing his neck and then up the side of his face, "I promise you."
"I want that disc." Jake was trying not to respond to her.
"You'll get the disc. We can break into the shop, I'm sure that's where it is. It will explain a lot of things I'm sure." Gail didn't want him anywhere near Stanley. "I can have Bruce and Rod check the place over. I believe Stanley has made arrangements for the shop to be shut for the next couple of weeks. That would make our job a lot easier."
Jake turned and looked at her, not yet sold on this idea.
Gail continued, "It makes sense, Jake. You know it."
Tim was in the drivers seat and Jake taped him on the shoulder, "Get Bruce and Rod on the phone.I want their lazy asses out of bed. It's time we got some work done around here." He gave Gail a squeeze and she sighed....she was able to buy Stanley a little more time. Now it was up to her to get in contact with him and sort this thing out.