Cathartic Moments

This story is AU (Alternative Universe) from the "Experience is the Teacher". Basically think of it as an alternative ending if Mr. Zwick and Co. had the allotted 22 instead of 19 eps. Stupid ABC. For the purpose of the story, Karen is still in hospital. Everything remains intact from "Experience is the Teacher".

Disclaimer: This fic is designed for non-profit use only. I own nafink. NAAAAFINK. It's all Mr. Zwick and Co. and the good people at ABC who used to and abused the show mercilessly. Good work ABC, you fickle sods

It's been a long, long while between drinks, hasn't it? I'mSorry about that folks, truly, I am. The good news is here is a shiny new update and the end is seriously nigh.

Feedback is a writers bestest friend, so please, read and review. And, cheers to everyone who has already reviewed; I really appreciate it.

And, as usual, my greatest thanks go to my Beta, Karen. Cheers

Chapter Twelve

"Put a few more balloons over here, no not there Judy, to the far right," Lily snapped impatiently.

Judy glanced at Lily, obviously vexed. She was balancing precariously on a ladder as she reached over, steadying herself with one hand, and with the other stuck a balloon on the far side of the wall.

Decorations for Zoë's party had begun in earnest with Booklovers closed for a few hours to accommodate the gathering. Lily barged around the shop, giving orders and designating jobs.

"Jake!" Lily strode over to her ex-husband who was leaning over the stove. "Did you remember the cookies?"

"What cookies?" Jake asked innocently.

"Oh my god," Lily sniped angrily. "Her favorite cookies. The ones with the coconut icing. God Jake, can't you remember anything?"

Jake smirked at her and grabbed mittens off the shelves and gingerly removed the remaining food from the stove. To Lily's chagrin a batch of coconut cookies stared proudly at her.

"Oh," Lily muttered. She glared and smacked Jake on the arm. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"Because I always forget, remember," Jake grinned smarmily.

"Ugh," Lily sighed in exasperation. "I'm going to check on the party pies," she stormed off.

Jake continued to chuckle bemusedly when an annoyed Judy wandered over.

"Have you seen any tape, I need to put up more balloons," she muttered gloomily.

"Really?" Jake asked. "How many balloons does she want? This place is practically hydrogen central."

"Tell me about it," Judy complained. She noticed Jake's jovial demeanor. "You're jolly," she commented suspiciously. "Slept with the coffee girl already?"

"No!" Jake retorted. "You're grumpy, didn't get laid last night?"

Before Judy could walk off indignantly Jake held up his hand apologetically "no, can't a guy just be incredibly happy?" He smiled serenely as he placed the last batch of cookies on the counter.

"With you I just expect Armag- what's that on your hand?" Judy asked guardedly.

"What this?" Jake blustered, glancing down. "Well this is just, ah". He took a deep, calming breath. "Tiffany and I are getting married."

"What?" Judy gaped.

"You know, joined together in holy matrimony, sickness and health, that kind of stuff." Jake retorted nonchalantly.

Judy stood, flabbergasted, as her mouth gaped wordlessly. She struggled to complete the polite formalities.

"Well this is…congratulations!" she stuttered.

"Congratulations on what?" Lily demanded striding over and staring at Judy.

"Uh," Judy hedged.

"Congratulations for me. Tiffany and I are getting married." Jake said simply.

"What? Huh…Oh!" Lily spluttered.

"That's what I wanted to say," Judy muttered.

"Yeah I'm thinking of surprising Tiffany and announcing the great news to everyone today," Jake continued brightly. "I think Zoe will believe the whole thing was concocted as a special birthday gift to her!" he chuckled happily and ambled over to see how the rest of the food was progressing.

"Oh. My. God," Lily snorted incredulously. "I can't believe it? Do you believe this?"

"I'm hoping to wake up as we speak." Judy said dryly.

"Ugh," Lily followed Judy who walked over to a drawer near the corner and rummaged through it. "Since when is Jake the commitment type? I thought commitment gives him hives?" Lily complained.

"Well, what can I say 'Lil," Judy muttered, turning around and holding masking tape. "People change." Lily didn't look convinced so Judy decided to needle her a little. "Besides," she said coyly. "Jake isn't the only one with a tiny, leeeeeettle secret," Judy patted Lily's stomach then strode off.

"Judy!" Lily glared defensively at her.

Judy turned and grinned at her sister rakishly. "What?"

Lily rolled her eyes. "Just go and decorate, will you!"

Judy smirked devilishly and proceeded to do that. Lily ground her teeth and strode away, suitably distracted.

A while later Lily quietly opened the kitchen door and ducked inside the Manning Manor. Disposing her bag she decided to take a quick shower before taking Zoe to her party.

Before she could ascend the staircase she saw her daughter sprawled on the couch in her pajama's watching TV. Lily shook her head at the sight.

"Hey birthday girl," she said, coming around to sit next to Zoe on the couch. "What's this?"

"Simpsons DVD," Zoe muttered distractedly, not bothering to look at Lily. "Grace gave it to me. We were watching it before."

"Oh that's nice!" Lily enthused. She lightly swatted her daughter's feet. "Now come on! It's almost time for your party! You need to get dressed."

Zoe shrugged. "I'm not sure if I'm going."

"What!" Lily gasped, aghast. "But you have to go. It's your party."

"Mom. Stop." Zoe snapped. "I can do what I want." She added petulantly.

"Well I know," Lily said indulgently. "You're twelve years old so you feel like you can do anything. But the thing is, if you stay here and don't go all these people will be disappointed."

"So?" Zoe sulked. "They're only there because you invited them."

"What do you mean?" Lily asked in a hurt voice. "I asked if you wanted friends and you said no."

"Yeah I know," Zoe exclaimed, dramatically leaping off the couch. She scowled at Lily. "You asked me once over breakfast when you were so busy trying to talk to Grace that you barely heard my answer."

"Oh sweetie," Lily objected.

"I'm sick of being the youngest here!" Zoe continued angrily. "Everyone treats me like a little kid. If I invited friends you would treat them like little kids too." Zoe narrowed her eyes at her mother. "And anyway," she added, aware she was twisting the knife in Lily's gut. "It wouldn't matter how I feel because you never notice anyway."

"Zoe!" Lily objected hotly. "I do, I…"

Lily was struck dumb for a moment. She took a deep breath and let Zoë's words register. She looked hard at her daughter, taking in her determined glare. She looked so fierce and defiant but Lily knew how misleading appearances could be.

"I'm sorry honey," Lily said softly. "You have every right to feel that way. I have been so busy with my own stuff and I haven't been the world's greatest mom." She held out her arms to Zoe. "Come here," Zoe resisted. "Come here just for one minute," Lily pleaded.

Zoe reluctantly padded over and entered her mother's embrace. "No matter how silly I act," Lily whispered in Zoë's ear. "I'll always love you…just, SO much!" Lily cradled Zoe gently against her. "It's just scary for mommy to see how old you're getting .You're not a little baby anymore."

"So you promise not to treat me like one?" Zoe pouted.

Lily withdrew her head from Zoë's hair and looked into her eyes. "Yes," She promised. "But only babies don't go to their birthday parties. OK?"

Zoe looked a little abashed. "Ok," she agreed sheepishly. She smiled as Lily planted a kiss on her cheek. "I'm going to go upstairs to get changed now!"

"Ok," Lily smiled as Zoe hopped off her. Zoe took a few steps before turning to her mother with an anxious look on her face. "Has Dad made those cookies I like," she asked worriedly, "the ones with the coconut icing?"

"Of course he has! Your Dad wouldn't forget something like that!" Lily exclaimed.

"Yeah," Zoe grinned. She beamed at her mother then bounded up the stairs with youthful exuberance. Lily smiled happily, her heart expanding with pride.

"Oh my god!" Tiffany gasped, as she entered Booklovers. The whole place was decorated with balloons and streamers, with a large banner with "Happy Twelfth Birthday Zoe" hanging over the kitchen. "You guys did all this!" she gushed. In her stroller, Maddie gurgled her agreement.

"We certainly did," Jake sauntered over and planted a great big kiss on Tiffany's lips. When he stopped Tiffany reeled slightly, embarrassed by his unusual display of affection. "Here's my little girl!" he cooed at Maddie. He looked at Tiffany. "Can I take the stroller?"

"Sure," Tiffany agreed, unsettled. Jake grinned and wheeled Maddie off.

"I don't know what you've done to him, but he's Mr. Domestic," Judy's wry voice butted in. She smiled kindly at Tiffany.

"Yes," Tiffany mused uncomfortably. "Ever since the baby he's been very committed."

"I know," Judy said admiringly. "I've had a lot of complaints against Jake. The way he treated Lily, well, let's just say I was head of the Jake Manning is Eeeeeeevil society. But no one can ever fault his commitment as a father." Both women turned to Jake who was covertly feeding Maddie a cookie.

"I'm sure it's going to be even better when you're married."

"What!" Tiffany blanched and gaped at Judy with a stunned expression on her face.

"Oh, he's telling anyone who'd listen," Judy continued.

"Oh. So Zoë's going to love all this," Tiffany said quickly, her mouth dry.

"Yeah," Judy agreed. "Just waiting for the girl of the hour…and here she is!" Judy gushed as Zoe entered with Lily, Grace, Jessie and Katie in tow.

"Whoa!" Zoe gasped.

"Here's the birthday girl!" Jake boomed from the other side of the room. He wheeled Maddie over then stopped and picked Zoe up and hugged her exuberantly.

"Daddy!" Zoë's muffled voice protested when Jake put her down. She looked at him reproachfully. "I'm twelve now, ok? I'm too old for cuddles."

"Oh ok!" Jake nodded indulgently. He grinned at the others. "Who wants cookies?"

"I do!" Zoe exclaimed.

Jake beamed and took her hand. "Then let's go get some!"

Twenty minutes later the party was in full swing. Music was playing over the sound speakers as guests mingled and talked, as Zoe rushed from one group to another making sure that everyone had food and they were all having a good time.

Over in the corner, Jessie and Katie were lounging on some chairs.

"I'm sorry you were roped into this," Jessie said apologetically.

"Are you serious? I'm having a great time," Katie said a little too brightly. She cocked her head and listened. "I love Christina Aguilera."

"Really?" Jessie asked dubiously.

"More than a trip to the dentist that's for sure."

Jessie laughed as they both beamed at each other. Jessie then leaned over and looked mischievously into Katie's eyes. "But I'm glad you're here, bad music notwithstanding."

Katie smiled slightly and looked into Jessie's eyes with equal playfulness. "Me too." She smiled even wider when Jessie reached across and held her hand within her own. They enjoyed the sensation of warm skin on skin when they heard Rick approach.

"Hey," Rick smiled, noting their hands.

"Hello Mr. Sammler," Katie stuttered, instinctively trying to let go of Jessie. Jessie held her hand firmly, looking at her father defiantly.

Rick sat next to them, "great party!" he said, trying to diffuse the tension.

"Oh yeah!" Katie agreed enthusiastically. Jessie snickered.

Rick smiled tightly. "So Katie!" He said conversationally. "We haven't had much opportunity to talk. I think it would be great if we could get to know each other."

"Dad!" Jessie protested.

"Sure," Katie said weakly.

"Great!" Rick grinned. "So, you like school Katie?"

Jessie sighed and buried her head in her lap.

"What?" Rick asked, nonplussed.

Meanwhile, Lily wandered over to Judy who was sipping punch. "Hey there," Lily greeted. "I just wanted to thank you for this. It turned out wonderful."

"Thanks," Judy mumbled, scanning the crowd.

Lily took a sip of her drink and watched her sister shrewdly. "He hasn't shown up yet, has he?" she asked.

"Huh?" Judy jerked her attention to Lily. She sighed. "I asked him to be on time for once." She complained. "It's like he's physically unable."

"Well, it's not the first time Sam has let you down," Lily pointed out cautiously.

"I know," Judy muttered resignedly. "And as much as I want him, and as much as I love him, if he can't be here when I need him to be then it just have to be…" Judy closed her eyes painfully, "Over." She sighed.

Lily nodded eagerly, hoping her sister didn't see how appealing she believed that thought was. "It's really important for everyone that he comes today," she agreed a tad self-righteously. "And if lets you and everyone down…"

"Sam!" Judy cried excitedly when she saw him enter. He looked over and grinned at her. Judy thrust her drink at Lily. "Here take it!" she giggled. Judy hurried off leaving Lily carrying the drinks.

She watched Sam and Judy hug with a palpable sense of disapproval.

"Sam's here?" she asked rhetorically, "Oh great!"

Over at the couches Katie and Rick were continuing their conversation almost oblivious to a mortified Jessie.

"I love soccer too," Rick reminisced. "But back when I was at school not many kids would play."

"It hasn't improved that much!" Katie said. "There are a few teams at school but the popularity of the game nationwide is still far too low. Everyone is too obsessed with baseball. But the thing is you can get much more money playing second division in the English premiere league than loads of Major League players. But America has always been so obsessed with our own sports. I think it all stems back to our policy of splendid isolation."

"Oh so you do World War One in junior year?" Rick asked excitedly. "I always tried to get Jessie to read more on history but she's always been distracted by something else. So, would you say you guys go in depth about the causes of world war one?"

"Oh definitely!" Katie gushed. Jessie gaped at both of them and shook her head, believing she had entered the dreaded twilight zone.

Just past Rick, Katie and Jessie, Judy and Sam met at the door and hugged.

"Hey," Judy chastised mildly. "You're late mister!"

"Sorry," Sam said, penitent. "I got caught up with work."

Judy noticed a present he was carrying. "You bought a gift!" she gushed. She grabbed and inspected the rectangular box covered in floral pink wrapping. "You shouldn't have gone for something so big!"

"Yeah, I didn't know what to get for a girl," Sam admitted sheepishly. "So I asked one of the sales assistances who basically insisted I buy something large and expensive."

"Oh," Judy chuckled. "Well it's a good thing you only have a son!"

"Yeah, I wouldn't know the first thing to do with a daughter," Sam mused, wrapping an arm around Judy. "I guess I'd just be a total overbearing dad with her. I'd insist she spend the first eighteen years of her life at home to protect her from…"

"What?" Judy asked.

"From men like me," Sam said wryly.

Judy smirked and ran her fingers down the lining of his coat. "So, are you saying you're a bad, bad man?" she asked coyly.

"Maybe," Sam whispered salaciously. "But I'm trying to be better."

"What?" Jake asked disbelievingly as he paced back and forth in the small store room at the back of Booklovers.

"I'm sorry," Tiffany said softly.

"You're sorry?" Jake sneered indignantly. "I can't believe you're turning me down on my kid's birthday."

"I'm sorry about the timing Jake, I really am," Tiffany pleaded. "But I wanted to do it before Zoe finds out and gets all excited."

"I just- uh," Jake sighed heavily, clearly off put. He shook his head and tried in vain to construct sentences. "I don't understand," he said finally. "I thought you'd want to get married."

"It's not- it's not that I don't want you," Tiffany protested.

"Well, what more could you want from me?" Jake grilled, eyes flashing with anger. "I've given you everything you've ever wanted!"

"Jake," Tiffany pleaded. She held up a placating hand. Jake took a few deep, agitated breaths and sat down. "You have given me so much," Tiffany whispered. "And you are a wonderful father. You really are."

"Then what's the problem?" Jake protested.

"I just," Tiffany's voice wavered and she looked down at the ground, chastised. Jake took a deep calming breath, closing his eyes and forcing down his anger. Once his breath was steady he walked over and knelt before Tiffany, taking her hands softly between his.

"I know it's scary," he whispered gently. Tiffany opened her eyes cautiously as Jake brushed a blonde lock from her eyes. "But just think. You, me and Maddie can become a real family. We can all be together" He stroked her face, dragging his fingers lightly across her soft skin. A shiver of delight ran through Tiffany's body.

"Is that what you think?" she asked plaintively.

"Yeah," Jake answered, a hopeful smile forming on his lips.

"Is that what you think, that Maddie doesn't have a 'real' family?" Tiffany repeated, her voice showing signs of anger. Jake leant back, confusion and denial flashing on his face.

"Of course Maddie has a family!" Jake protested. "I'm just looking out for what's best for her. And us getting married is the best deal financially. Plus, we can be together, which I would," Jake swallowed hard, "love. A lot. I thought you would too."

"You think I wouldn't want to be with you?" Tiffany asked incredulously.

Jake angrily stood. "Well, you have just turned down my marri…"

"I love you Jake!" Tiffany interrupted dolefully. "And I love how much you care for all your daughters. You're supportive and kind and everything a man should be. You're everything I would want for Maddie." Tiffany stood also and choked back her own tears. "But I won't be patronized. I don't need to be taken care of. I don't need some kind of crazy 'financial security' to help raise my daughter. And I know for sure that Maddie doesn't need her parents to get married for her to be happy!"

"I know that!" Jake objected hotly, beginning to pace restlessly. "And I don't know where you're getting all these ideas from, because they are not true. I just want what's best for Maddie. And for you."

"I know you want what's best for us," Tiffany said resignedly. "I know you want what's best for Maddie because she's what? Equally the most important girl in your life, right?" Jake nodded resolutely. "And that's great. It's the way it should be. But Jake," Tiffany walked towards him sadly. "I can be your girlfriend and be the fifth or sixth most important person in your life but I cannot do that if I am your wife." Her voice hitched and her hands quivered as she slowly slid the ring off her finger. With supreme effort she stretched her hand out, opening her palm and displaying the ring. "I'm sorry."

Jake stared at her, his whole demeanor dejected. He ran a hand over his dismayed face, seemingly at a lost. He looked at Tiffany, her face a sea of regret, sadness and resolution. He wondered if he looked as pathetic as he felt, suddenly in awe of this person who grew from a girl to a woman without him noticing.

He reached out unsteadily and wrapped his fingers over the ring, his hand resting momentarily on Tiffany's palm. His breath quickened as he slowly withdrew, feeling the sharp coldness of the ring against his clammy palm.

"Oh," was all Jake could manage.

"I'm so sorry," Tiffany repeated mournfully. "Do you hate me now?"

Jake chuckled weakly. "No, not really." He swallowed. "I mean, I'm not exactly happy about this." He heaved a sigh and slumped into a chair.

"I know. And this isn't a no forever!" Tiffany assured. "I mean one day, I would love to get married to you."

"Now who's being patronizing?" Jake asked sardonically.

Tiffany blanched, then rolled her eyes and chuckled with him. She sat down next to Jake.

"You know, I've always believed marriage is a bad institution," she declared. "I could tell my parents weren't happy in theirs. Although obviously it was harder for us to tell with Dad, since he was in rehab and all." Jake barked out a laugh.

Tiffany sighed and regarded Jake affectionately. "You don't have to worry about me," she said. "I can do the single mother thing."

"Hey," Jake objected sternly, turning and looking her in the eye seriously. "You will not do the single mother thing because I am here. For both of you."

Tiffany squeezed his hands, her eyes shining with gratitude. "Then that's enough."

Jake nodded. Both of them leaned into the old wicker chairs and sat in resigned silence.

"Daddy?" it was Zoe who was banging on the door.

"It's open," Jake called.

Zoe entered holding Maddie. Maddie squealed in delight when she saw her parents. Jake jumped up and took Maddie from Zoë's arms.

"I was showing Maddie the store but I think she wants you guys," Zoë's face twisted distastefully. "And I think she did a…you know," she scrunched her nose.

"I'll change her," Jake laughed, ruffling Zoë's hair. He indicated for Tiffany to go out to the party and Tiffany sighed, infinitely grateful that this man was still in her life.

"Tiffany do you want to see the cake?" Zoe asked exuberantly.

Tiffany laughed, taking Zoë's eager hand. "I would love to," she smiled.