Laws of Motion – Book 1
Written by: Ms Maggs / Edited by: KJT
Chapter 28
September 2, 2005
IHMD, Inc Corporate Jet
7:25 p.m.
Sitting in a posh leather chair drinking faux-bubbly as the pilot prepped for take off, Sara turned to her husband and said, "As much as I enjoy scooping decomp out of a trunk…this is pretty fun too."
Gil clinked his champagne flute against his wife's. "But it's no trip to the body farm."
Tilting her head in a judgmental pose Sara replied, "You're really bugged I don't want to come along, aren't you?"
"Bugged…good one."
"I'm serious."
"I was bugged, but not after today's spontaneous vomit in the field." He pecked her cheek. "Now I think you should steer clear of body rot."
"Would you like some low-fat cheese and crackers?" the flight attendant asked in a cheery tone.
Sara watched her husband eagerly grab a snack and shook her head. "Yeah…nothing compliments a body rot discussion like a hearty slice of stinky cheese."
After anxiously swallowing his first bite Gil casually informed his wife, "The formation of polycultures and bacterias on the rind of stinky cheese is similar to the decomp process and the odor has similarities as well."
Watching Gil shove another square of smelly dairy into his mouth, Sara placed her palm over her gut as she turned green. "I think it's time we spoke about another temporary pregnancy-mandated restriction. Specifically the linkage of food and decaying flesh in the same thought. From here on out…we talk about corpses independent of food."
"You mean…" He shuddered slightly. "You want us to be a normal couple?"
"I think that's a stretch," she chuckled while breathing through the nausea-inducing thought. "We'll have to fake it. We'll ask ourselves…what would Nick and Carrie discuss while eating?"
University Trauma Center
7:55 p.m.
"That's such a difficult question," Carrie lamented while serving Chinese food on paper plates. After enjoying a trip down memory lane through photographs, Nick had finally expressed an interest in eating and she was happy to indulge him with egg rolls and frivolous conversation to keep his Shelly-burdened mind otherwise occupied.
"You didn't tell me they had to be easy questions," Nick replied as he eased his body into a patio chair. "Thanks for suggesting we bring everything outside. I'm gettin' real antsy being trapped in that confined space. Tomorrow can't come soon enough. I think I'll be able to cope with everything better once I'm on familiar turf."
"I know you will." Carrie slid over a plate. "I selected Lettuce Wraps and Lemon Chicken as entrees because I didn't want to get too spicy since you've been eating bland."
"Thanks, Darlin'." The appetite which had vanished earlier from the Shelly update, suddenly returned with a vengeance. "Now answer my question."
While fixing a lettuce wrap for herself Carrie pondered aloud, "It's tricky because…there are so many cool superhero powers to choose from and they all seem like they'd be great, but when you start to think about them…they could be a curse too. Take invisibility for example…being able to vanish seems like it would be awesome but, think about the problems it could cause."
"Like?" He bit into his eggroll and waited for the compelling reason he knew would follow.
"Think of all the things you'd accidentally hear!" She reached for the wrap sauce and shook her head. "It would be daunting."
"No…that's what would make it so cool," Nick countered. "You could hear criminals talking about crimes they didn't commit yet."
"A ha! You prove my point. You can't arrest someone for thinking. So what do you do now that you're burdened with the knowledge that something might happen?"
"Duh…you're invisible, Darlin'…you tail 'em."
"Oh yeah? Well…while you're tailing them waiting for something to maybe happen, a horrific crime really does happen across town and you miss it. Later you find out that someone died at the hands of the real bad guy, while the guy you were tailing was talking smack and never really intended to murder anyone. See?" Holding up her eggroll Carrie sighed, "That's why Invisibility would be a curse."
Sitting back in his chair Nick mourned the loss of his nearly childhood superpower fantasy. "Shit…I never thought of it that way."
After chomping her eggroll, Carrie lightened up, "And think of all the catty women out there. One minute I'd be standing there and they're nice to me to my face." She snapped her fingers. "But the second I'm invisible it's all…did you see those nubbin boobs? Girlfriend needs some implants ASAP."
"You don't need augmentation, Sweetheart." Reaching out he took her hand. "I don't feel worthy of you as is."
"Smoooooth Stokes." She winked. "They may have taken away five percent of your spleen but your charm is intact."
Chuckling he said, "I know exactly what it's like to be invisible and hear people talking about you."
"How's that?"
"Reading your girly chat transcript. Y'all were talking about Greggo, Gris and me like we weren't there, but when I saw a copy…I heard the brutal truth."
After choking on an eggroll bite Carrie informed him, "I can't believe you just said that, because Greg brought it up to Tawny today too! Ugh…you boys are so insecure."
"I'm insecure?" He chuckled hard. "Hell…you're the one who would turn down superhero invisibility for fear of hearing other women say you have nubbin' boobs! I wouldn't turn down a kick-ass crime fighting power because I might hear some woman saying my pecker isn't large enough." He immediately clarified, "Not that it isn't large enough." After clearing his throat Nick prodded, "Feel free to back me up on that at any time."
That's when Carrie heard two nurses giggling at the next table and smiled at them. "It's the medication talking…makes people say and do irrational things."
Becca's House
8:17 p.m.
Standing in the foyer of her home, Becca took the small vial of Liquid Ecstasy from her friend Shanna Clarkson and eyed it with a smirk. "This is one capful?"
"I kept the rest for myself," she winked. "Half with alcohol and he'll be in the zone."
"Perfect…half for him, half for me."
"My source is top notch. You won't be disappointed in the quality."
"Hoj is a trip when he's tripping on anything." Becca sauntered toward the kitchen to make cocktails. "Little Miss Amish won't know what hit him."
"Just remember, Becks," Shanna cautioned as she trailed behind, "…that shit only brings out your true emotions. It doesn't change what someone is thinking."
"That's exactly what I'm counting on, girlfriend." She opened the freezer to grab a chilled bottle of vodka. "Hoj is fronting…I know it. When he's rendered uninhibited, he'll let his true feelings slip. Sure he wants to marry the blonde with big breasts who lives and breathes to pump his ego…what guy doesn't? Tawny would make a terrific trophy wife. And you know Hojie…he's always been the joke around here. I can't blame him for finding the hottest babe and trying to make it work. His ego is fragile and he's very insecure…." Becca placed the vial of Liquid X which she planned on using to stealthily drug her reluctant boyfriend on the counter, "…people like that often resort to desperate measures."
Deciding it best not to point out Becca sounded like she was talking about herself, Shanna pulled out a barstool and took a seat. "So, what's your plan?"
Twisting open the Pearl Vodka bottle, Becca poured the chilly alcohol into a martini shaker and grabbed the Cosmo mix. "My plan is to get Hoj to admit what's really going on and then move in for the kill, pointing out that he needs to be with someone who can fill all his needs…not just look good on his arm" Done shaking her concoction she filled two glasses. "Then it's Auf Wiedersehen, Fraulein Tawny." Becca laughed, "It's for the best …she can return to her quaint people and they can stop shunning her." Raising her glass she cackled, "I love a happy ending."
"What if this Tawny chick is his beard and Sanders really is gay?" Shanna grabbed a Cosmo and sipped. "Then it will be a no win situation and you'll look like a fool."
"Trust me…" Becca raised her glass. "After feeling every rock solid inch of him the other night…he's either straight or the best damn actor on the planet."
DuPage County Jail
8:01 p.m.
Sitting in a conference room, while an armed guard stood outside the door, Shelly Travers sobbed in her husband's arms. "I can't believe they're accusing me of such horrible things."
"Don't worry, Honey," Phillip assured his innocent wife. "We'll get it all straightened out." Being a gentle and compassionate man who adored his spouse for all the volunteerism she did to help children, his heart broke for her. "I can't believe they would say you…"
"I feel so betrayed," she wept. "After everything I've done for Carson and his mother…for them to set me up like this. I know they were financially destroyed, but to ruin my life just so they could sue for damages…" Shelly gripped her husband's shoulders. "Why didn't they just ask us for money? Why this? And the lengths they went to…planting fake evidence. My god…how evil are these people? Do you think they got the idea from the Michael Jackson case?"
"Maybe." Tears streaming down his cheeks, he held her tighter. "The truth will prevail, Dear."
"How?" She frantically wiped her drenched face. "Reputable lawyers have declined my case because no one wants to be associated with a woman accused of touching little boys." She shuddered deeply. "Oh god…just saying it out loud makes me ill. How could they possibly think I could do such nastiness? And now I'll be stuck with a wet behind the ears Public Defender who doesn't know how to help."
"I found someone experienced," he excitedly relayed. "She was here asking about your case and if we have a top-notch defense team secured yet. I begged her to listen to what we have to say and she relented."
"Really?" Shelly perked up.
"She's waiting in the hall," Phillip informed his distraught wife. "I told her I wanted to see you first. I wanted you calm so she'd get a good first impression."
"Send her in!" Shelly demanded while wiping her tears. "I need some hope, Phillip."
"Okay." After a tender kiss to her cheek he crossed the room and opened the door. "My wife would like to meet with her prospective attorney," he announced to the guard.
At the conference table, Shelly took a deep breath and prepared to snow the lawyer.
"Sweetheart…" Phillip pointed to the woman who entered the room with him. "This is Jillian McGregor. She's a retired public defender and specializes in consultative work."
Shelly stared at the woman. "Do I…" She cocked her head. "…you look familiar."
Jillian stepped further into the room. "What a small world…yes…we have met. It's been twenty-five years though…and I look a bit different, so I'll give you a second to figure it out."
"Your accent…" Shelly's gaze narrowed on the woman's deep brown eyes. "Dallas for sure."
"That's right." Jillian approached the table and smiled. "Perhaps it's my name throwing you. I use my maiden name for business sometimes. You probably remember me as Jillian Stokes." When her son's abuser gasped Jillian's tone frosted. "What do you see that has you so scared, Mrs. Travers? Could it be the bigger picture?" While fighting the urge to strangle the pervert Jillian remained composed. "That's right…Carson Treymore was your last, but my son was your first…and you can be damn sure they'll find out what happened in between."
"Get her out of here," Shelly begged her husband as she clutched his arm.
Phillip approached his wife. "What is she talking about? Who is this woman?"
"Get her out!" she barked.
The officer guarding the room took his time, per orders, and pretended he was on his radio.
Jillian leaned over the table, glaring at the vile creature. "Plead guilty."
"You can't come in here and talk to me like this!" Shelly screamed. "You have no right to…
"Actually, I do. Your husband begged me to provide legal advice to the two of you," Jillian matter-of-factly informed her. "The poor man believes you're innocent."
"But she is innocent!" Phillip insisted while he shook from anxiety. "You must have her confused with…"
"I know this is coming as a shock to you, Mr. Travers…" Jillian caught his eyes. "…but I know she's guilty as sin because my son was her first victim. You'll know what I'm saying is true because there's a football trophy in evidence…a trophy with the name Nicholas Stokes on it. Your wife knows who he is and she knows exactly how that trophy came into her possession. Right now, only God and your wife know what else is on it besides my boy's name, but give the forensic lab time and we'll find out." Her anger ratcheting quickly, she glared at the liar before her. "From the look on your face, Mrs. Travers, I have a pretty good guess as to what they'll find on that trophy…your prints and fluids. My theory is that you never bothered to clean your toys after your trips to fantasyland because you never thought you'd get caught Am I right, Mrs. Travers?"
"I don't know what you're talking about," Shelly rasped while shooting daggers at the woman looming over her.
"Even so…" Jillian tightened her gaze and voice. "In my expert legal opinion, I feel compelled to tell you that it will be quite difficult to prop your bullshit set-up story if the crime lab finds those two things on fourteen pieces of evidence, each piece belonging to a different boy…boys that Carson Treymore and his mother couldn't possibly know."
The overwhelmed husband clutched the back of a chair. "What are you saying…are you saying…"
Jillian didn't mince words. "I'm saying…twenty five years ago, your wife came into my house as a babysitter for my nine year old son and left as a child rapist."
"She's lying, Phillip!" Shelly urged her husband to look at her. "Don't listen to her!"
Jillian countered, "Ask the detective to show you the trophy, Mr. Travers. Then ask yourself why the hell would I lie about something that happened twenty-five years ago when the criminal statute of limitations has expired…why I would want to invite this kind of attention on my family with my husband sitting on the Supreme Court of Texas…why would I want to embarrass my grown son with this when he has a respectable job and a fiancée? And if you're thinking it has to be about money, guess again…I've got money to spare and so does my boy. We don't want a dime." Watching the man's heart break Jillian switched to a soulful tone. "All we want justice, Mr. Travers, and since Nicky can't get it for himself, he'll get it vicariously through Carson and whoever else steps forward and has recourse. Right before I came in here I received confirmation that this story is going national as of nine p.m. We believe there are twelve more victims out there and this will be their chance to feel safe and tell their story."
"Shelly?" Phillip's tears poured down her cheeks. "Is this why you stopped getting physical with me after we were married for a while? Because you like…"
Shelly jumped up, ready to lunge at the woman who turned her husband against her. Get out!" The veins in her neck pulsated with anger. "Before I toss you out."
"Guard!" Jillian moved toward the door. "Mrs. Travers…" she spoke over the woman's curses. "…the prison system has a hierarchical culture. Women who rape innocent children aren't treated well by fellow inmates, many of whom have children of their own that were abused by despicable people like yourself. Plead guilty, make the best deal for protected status that you can, and may God have mercy on your soul." She nodded at Phillip who had sunk to the floor. "That's my advice, urge her to take it."
As the guard restrained her, Shelly shouted, "Do you know why Nicky was the easiest mark I ever had! Because he was more scared of what his parents would do to him than me!" She laughed uncontrollably. "He was terrified over you finding out that he ate too much chocolate, jumped on the couch and stayed up past his bedtime! Oooh, big time infractions!" She laughed harder. "He was so damn easy…all because of your brainwashing. So, thanks for your legal advice and for priming your son for me…because he wasn't only the first, he was the best time I ever had. And to answer your earlier question…oh yeah…you'll find plenty of evidence on that trophy because I like to close my eyes and think of your little Nicky all the time. I like to see him squirm and hear him scream, Mama, help me, over and over again just like he did that night. But you didn't help him, did you, bitch! You were too busy partying at a society wedding and when you came home you were too tipsy and self-absorbed to notice anything wrong with your precious little boy." Seething she spat, "I suggest you plead guilty to being a horrible mother, and may god have mercy on your soul!"
Jillian gripped the side of the doorway then hurried for the nearest bathroom to release the sickness building inside her.
University Trauma Center
8:32 p.m.
Sitting on his hospital bed with his cell pressed to his ear, Nick said, "My mom still isn't answering." He disconnected the call and tossed his phone on the side table. "Do you think she's okay?"
"Yes…she probably has it turned off while she's meeting with someone." Carrie crossed the room and kicked off her white and silver Sketcher slip-ons so she could join her man for a snuggle. "Let's pass the time waiting for her call with more philosophical questions."
Calling her by her chosen superpower, Nick patted the mattress. "Okay, Shape Changing Carrie, what's the next question?"
"You still haven't finalized your superpower," she reminded him while snuggling close.
"Because every time I pick one you point out why it's flawed." Staring at the ceiling above his bed for the millionth time that week, he sighed, "You made me paranoid about Invisibility…you freaked me out about Controlling All Molecules because one mistake and I doom the planet…I really thought I had it with Invulnerable to Injury until you told me the bad guys would work extra hard to get to me mentally and I wouldn't stand a chance…there's still Flying but, as you said that's fun and gets you there fast but, it doesn't give you much to work with once you're there."
"Wow…" Propping up on an elbow she stared at him. "I'm a real wet blanket sometimes, aren't I?"
"Yeah…that's why being a human torch won't work for me either," he teased. "I guess I'm goin' with Spider Webbing Power because it's versatile…it allows you to fly, to get somewhere fast, to disarm and restrain bad guys, to seal things shut, and to prevent disasters, like catching a runaway train in a web." Eyeing his fiancée he cautiously asked, "You got a problem with that one?"
"No…" Carrie flashed an approving grin. "I think it's a perfect fit." Every point dealt with controlling the world around him. "And I know you'd use it for all the right reasons."
"Unlike you, Miss Shape Changer…you just want to be able to give yourself big boobs."
"Ha!" Carrie leaned in and stole a kiss. "Mmm…you taste like fortune cookie. Or maybe lemon chicken? I should kiss you again and be sure."
Suddenly the door swung open and the night nurse, Amber, marched in. "The bed is only for the patient, thank you."
Carrie glanced over her shoulder and saw the nurse, a sexy blonde, scowling.
In his fiancée's ear Nick whispered, "That's Nurse Nasty…the one who freaked me out last night."
Posturing beside the bed the twenty-seven year old medical worker snapped, "Let me rephrase …no visitors in bed with the patient. This isn't a hotel, it's a hospital."
Slipping into litigious mode Carrie curtly asked, "Is that rule written somewhere? I'd like to see where it is written." When the woman didn't reply she said, "I'll be more than happy to move off the bed while you complete your assigned job responsibilities but once you're through, unless you can show me the hospital policy on bed infiltration by guests, then I'll be climbing back in." With that she hopped down, moved to a chair and sneered at the pushy nurse.
"I'll be back," Amber huffed, determined to find the necessary documentation and shove it in the bitchy woman's face.
Nick gushed a smile in his fiancée's direction. "Super Shape Changing Carrie just assumed the form of A Can of Whoop Ass and opened in Nurse Nasty's direction. Be prepared though, Baby…I've had enough firsthand exposure to bitchy women to know she's not goin' quietly."
San Marino Toyota Dealership
8:41 p.m.
While taking a final test drive with his father, Greg's cell phone rang. "Can you see who that is, Dad?" He didn't want to look irresponsible and answer the phone while driving a vehicle that didn't even belong to him.
Upon grabbing the phone, Scott enthusiastically remarked, "Surprise…surprise…it's Becca, the girl who you thought would be leaving you alone the rest of the weekend."
Hating that his father was right about something again he grumbled, "Will you answer for me?"
"Hello…" Scott purposely answered in a voice as close to his son's as possible.
"Hey, Hoj…I know I said I'd be invisible the rest of the weekend but…this guy, Parker Randolph, called and asked me to the party tonight and I'd really like to go if it's okay with you. Parker's a hottie and he's been after me for like…forever."
"Sweetheart…it's Scott. Greg's driving. I'll relay your question if you'd like."
"Oh…thanks, Mr. Sanders."
He pressed the hold button and rolled his eyes. "She wants to know if you would mind her attending the party tonight because she has a hot date with Parker Randolph…whoever he is…wouldn't surprise me if she's making him up." Then he cautioned, "You've read Vampire stuff, haven't you, Son?"
"Yeah." Greg laughed, not certain where his dad was going.
"She's asking you for permission to enter your good time…if you say yes, you'll be giving the vampiress power."
"Funny, Dad." Greg turned into the dealer lot, parked and held out his hand. "Phone, please."
Scott slapped it in his son's hand. "If I were you I wouldn't only bring a hostess gift to the party…I'd bring a wooden stake."
"Hey, Becks," Greg spoke into the phone while glaring at his father. "Of course I don't have a problem with you coming to the party with this Parker guy. It'll be great for Tawny to see you're over the shock and having a good time."
IHMD, Inc Corporate Jet
8:49 p.m.
As the two happily married couples returned to their seats to prepare for final approach, Ron asked, "So, what was so memorable about your last trip to San Fran that has the two of you so giddy?"
Gil turned to his wife and teased, "Being forced to have drinks with Sara's ex-boyfriend, Brian Anderson, and her instructing me to flirt with his wife."
Her cheeks firing to a blush Sara felt compelled to explain. "It was six months ago and I wasn't as secure back then. I bumped into my ex and found out he married the catty woman he cheated on me with, Miranda. They said they were expecting a baby and I got jealous. So, when they asked us out for drinks I wanted to feel as legitimate as Mrs. Anderson, so I said I was happily married with a baby on the way." Shaking her head she glanced over at her husband. "In hindsight it was a ridiculous and immature thing to do."
Gil slipped his arm around Sara's bare shoulders and gave her a squeeze. "But she offered such a handsome reward for being her accomplish, I forgave her." His thoughts quickly turned to the limo ride home that night and the appearance of Sara's first alter ego…Boom Boom. "So, Dad…after we celebrate will you have a limo bring Sara and me to the airport?"
Sara knew exactly how her randy husband made the segue. "And then will we be flying home alone, right?" she added.
Gil's thoughts shifted to his initiation into the mile high club on his return home from Tahoe with Sara. Since the limo ride and the flight will occur within three hours I know I can only go once. So, which do I choose? Sex in the limo or sex in the sky? Maybe foreplay in the limo and sex on the plane? "Decisions…decisions."
San Marino Toyota Dealership
8:56 p.m.
"Congratulations, Mr. Sanders," Brad Stern extended his hand. "You're the owner of a brand new Bluestone Metallic Toyota Sequoia. I'll think you'll be very happy. Your wife and twins will be very secure in there and…there's plenty of room for more kids in the future."
Scott slapped his son on the back. "But that's not going to happen for a loooong time?" Not that I can imagine you handling even two children. "You'll make sure of that, right, Son?"
"Ugh…can I just enjoy the moment here?" Greg droned while taking the keys from the salesman. "I promise you can lecture me later."
University Trauma Center
9:01 p.m.
When Amber returned to her patient's room she saw the snippy brunette was once again curled up in bed. "I have the proof you requested." She held up a document and pointed to number five. "It says here that hospital staff reserves the right to restrict visitation."
Nick adjusted his pillow in case he needed to bury his face in it and laugh.
Carrie calmly took the paper and scanned it. "It says when deemed medically necessary. What about Mr. Stokes's condition warrants this restriction?"
"His incision could be damaged during close contact," she rapidly replied, determined to win the argument.
Grinning, Carrie pulled out a copy of the Patient Bill of Rights from under the blanket. "I thought you would say that. Check this out… 'First and foremost, we at UTC believe in a holistic approach to care that includes attention to the spiritual as well as physical and emotional needs of each patient'." With a sparkle in her eye she presented her closing argument to the pissed off nurse, "Patient rights are first and foremost. Mr. Stokes, also known as 'the patient', believes in the spiritual and restorative power of human touch. I'm staying at his request."
"Not while I complete my job duties." The nurse exercised what was left of her authority. "Please wait outside."
"Yeah…I don't think so." Carrie cheerily pointed to bullet number seven on the Patient's Rights document. "The patient may request the presence of a family member, or a member of your own sex during exams or procedures performed by health professionals of the opposite sex. Let's ask the patient what he'd like to do, shall we?" Carrie hopped out of bed. "Patient?"
Nick cleared his throat and replied, "I'd like my fiancée to stay for all procedures. But…uh…I need to use the bathroom and I'll be a little while so, could you please come back in a ten, Nurse?"
Clenching her paper, Amber hustled out of the room.
"Is your stomach okay, Nicky? Suddenly she worried that the Chinese food had been too much.
"No," he chuckled while breathing deep. "I get such a rush when you go Alpha, I'm turned on, and I don't want Nurse Nasty to lift the sheets and sneak a peek at something that's for your eyes only, Darlin'."
The Sanders Home
9:18 p.m.
After waking from her wine-induced snooze, Bev busied herself tidying the house.
As she was strolling down the hall she saw Greg's old bedroom door open and remembered that the room had been used earlier that day.
Upon entering she burst out laughing because the mattress was bare except for a note.
Look who remembered to strip the bed so his Mommy wouldn't bust him! HA!
With a silly smile on her face Bev left the room to fetch new sheets for the bed from the linen closet.
The Blakes
9:31 p.m.
Staring at his bed, Sean cracked open a third can of Coca Cola.
With three cans in him, he knew he'd be up all night, and if he was up all night not dreaming, what his brother said would happen, couldn't possibly occur. By morning, he was certain the thoughts Ryan planted in his head about Lindsay and soiled sheets would be purged and it would be safe to sleep again.
Just to be sure, he retrieved the jumbo Hershey bar with Almonds he'd been saving since Easter from his desk drawer. Surely three cans of Coke and four servings of sugary chocolate would keep him wired all night.
Sticking to the adage, 'it's better to be safe than sorry', he removed The Shining DVD he had asked to borrow from Celine's family's home theater collection. Luckily, she had also been nice enough to loan him one of their portable DVD players so he wouldn't have to sneak out to the family room.
Armed with an abundance of caffeine, a ton of sugar, and the terrifying movie his uncle had told him about but then forbid him to watch, Sean knew his plan was infallible.
Becca's House
9:47 a.m.
Submerged in a tub of bubbles Becca ran through her scheme. First I'll have to alleviate his suspicion because if he doesn't let his guard down, I won't be able to get him a drink. I need to make sure he drinks it all quickly because if he catches on before finishing then he won't have enough in him.
Sinking a little deeper into the hot water she thought, a shot would work best. After he does the shot, it will only take fifteen minutes tops for the euphoria to kick in. Then I'll have about an hour before he starts fading. Plenty of time to make him remember the fun we had as friends and show him how great it would be if we built on that.
Staring at her smirk in the mirrored bathroom wall she assured her conscience, sure it's sneaky but I'm okay with using a little duplicity to preserve myself.
Fiore Restaurant – San Francisco
9:51 p.m.
As they stepped out of the limousine to join Ron and Lina who had hurried inside, Gil clasped Sara's hand. "This place looks…"
When her husband stopped in mid sentence Sara nudged him. "Looks what?"
"Uh…" He readied to shove her into the limo but it was too late, they had been spotted. "It looks like a vortex for karmic payback, Honey."
"Huh?" Sara gaped at him.
"Sara Sidle!" Miranda Anderson called out as she approached. "Unbelievable! We meet again! And what a coincidence because this if the first time we've gone out since out baby was born. It's our wedding anniversary."
"Oh god," Sara muttered under her breath as her hand raced to her un-burgeoning womb. "Gil…I should be eight months pregnant."
"Yep," was all he managed.
Clasping her husband's hand, Miranda gasped. "Oh no…you should be…oh…did you…I'm so sorry."
Brian glanced solemnly at Gil. "I'm really sorry for the two of you. You were so excited about having a baby when we bumped into you last time."
Fraught with guilt, Sara forced her head up and took a deep breath. "Thank you for your kind words but…there actually wasn't a baby."
Miranda and Brian exchanged puzzled looks while Gil stared at his wife and let her climb her way out of embarrassment solo.
"I uh…" Sara forced a smile. "This is going to sound really ridiculous and immature but…here goes…" She gripped Gil's hand. "I was still pissed at the two of you when we met at the opera and when you said you were married and having a baby I got…jealous." She cringed upon hearing her pathetic confession out loud. "I said I was married and pregnant because you were, Miranda. That's what I meant when I said there actually wasn't a baby. I'm sorry for lying to you…especially now that I see you were genuinely concerned over our loss."
Proud of his wife's candor Gil pulled her close. "But the good news is…since then we really did get married and really are expecting. That night, although quite duplicitous, actually ended up giving us an honest picture of what we wanted out of life, so for that…we thank you."
Sara nodded as her smile returned, "What he said. And I'm over the whole cheating on me thing too. It seems really irrelevant now because I couldn't be happier."
"Well…" Miranda stared at Sara and flipped her golden hair off her shoulders. "I suppose I can't blame you for being jealous of me because I really do have it all. I mean…who wouldn't want to be me?" She giggled. "I forgive you for being so catty."
Sara swallowed the urge to yell, You are calling me catty! But she took the high road and opted for, "Thanks. And congratulations on the birth of your child."
"Gil…" Miranda stared at the handsomely dressed man. "Was Sara also lying when she said you were one of the nation's leading Entomologists, a real-estate developer, a philanthropist and a patron of the arts?"
"No." He suavely adjusted his bowtie. "Every last bit of that is true."
A proud papa to an extreme, Brian pulled out his wallet. "Here are some pictures of our little Candace."
"Isn't she gorgeous! And she's the perfect baby." Miranda enthused. "I had the easiest time giving birth too. Only a few hours and two pushes and our little darling was out. Hopefully you'll have an easy time too, Sara…that is if you're really pregnant this time."
Sara and Gil gazed at the beautiful little girl in the photo and tried not to think of how bitchy she'd turn out with a mother like Miranda doing the parenting. Then Gil pointed to the restaurant. "I wish we could have drinks again but we're here with my father and his new bride celebrating their marriage, so if you'll excuse us."
"Good night!" Sara said a little too enthusiastically. "If you're ever in Vegas, be sure to look us up."
"Brian has a business trip coming up in Vegas," Miranda eagerly replied. "I'll be taking the baby and our nanny and spending the week relaxing at one of those resort hotels you have down there. Let's plan on meeting up for dinner."
In that moment, after she realized she shouldn't have said something she didn't mean, Sara knew her husband was right about the spot being a vortex for karmic retribution. "Great. I'm looking forward to it."
University Trauma Center
10:11 p.m.
When his cell phone finally rang, Nick lunged for it. "Ow." He grabbed his torso. "I forgot I can't do that yet." He checked the display. "Oh good…it's my mom."
Carrie sat up with him, anxious to see what news Jillian had this time.
"Hey, Mama…can I put you on speaker so Carrie can hear too?"
"Sure thing, Honey…"
He placed the phone on the bed and grabbed Carrie's hand. "Is everything okay? Are you okay?"
"I'm fine, Sweetheart." Jillian's tone was cautious. "Everything's going better than expected. I say that because…I have it on good authority, that she'll being pleading guilty tomorrow."
Carrie couldn't contain her shriek of relief. "Oh thank God…now there won't be a criminal trial and Carson can get justice and closure a lot faster." She kissed her tense man's cheek. "And you too, Nicky."
"Wow…" he breathed out as shock claimed him. "I didn't expect that. I was sure she'd…wow."
Jillian hurriedly explained, "Once she knew they had found her stash she was panicked, but it was when her husband realized she was guilty that she caved. Then someone pointed out to her that prison isn't easy for a convicted pedophile and she started looking for a deal."
Snapping back to the moment Nick nervously asked, "Mama, did you speak with her?"
"I…yes." She stammered for the first time, "It was difficult…but well worth it."
Carrie could feel Nick's hand trembling in hers and she placed her free one over it. "Keep breathing, Sweetie," she whispered.
"Was she um…" he swallowed hard, "remorseful?" Somehow he felt that would make it a little easier.
"Nicky…I'd rather speak of the details when I'm there with you. I'll be home tomorrow."
"That means no," he sadly replied. "Not that I was expecting it but…" Once again he clammed up.
"It's too soon." Carrie leaned over to speak into the phone. "The only thing she could be remorseful for after getting nailed out of the blue is getting caught. A person doesn't go from enjoyment to remorse just because they're busted. In time it may come." Her voice softened, "But it may not…" She smoothed her palm over Nick's back and gave a supportive smile. "…and that's something we'll be prepared for too."
"Nicky…" Jillian's voice perked slightly. "I have someone with me that would love to say something to you."
"Andy…" He gulped, trying to swallow the lump lingering in his throat. "About the trophy, right? Yeah, I figured he…"
"No, it's Mrs. Treymore…Carson's mother. She and I have been shedding tears and exchanging hugs for an hour now. She had asked to see me and little Carson is finally resting. A few minutes ago she asked me to check if you were up to speaking with her. No pressure, Honey."
Nick looked to Carrie for confirmation and when he saw her nod he agreed. "Yeah…sure…put her on."
In unison, the anxious couple took a deep breath.
"Mr. Stokes…" the woman's frail voice jittered.
"Please…call me Nick." Just hearing her shattered tone jumpstarted his emotions.
"Nick…I just wanted to say…" In between cries she relayed her message. "Thank you…from me and from Carson…if you hadn't exposed her…we don't know how long it would have…just…thank you."
Unclamping his lips, Nick gave a jagged reply. "You're welcome, and you tell Carson… it'll get better." He pulled Carrie close and kissed the top of her head. "Yeah…you tell him I said he's still got his whole life ahead of him and she can't take that away. It's difficult now but…it'll get better." While clinging to Carrie, he choked out the last part, "You tell him…the best part of his life is yet to come and if he ever needs proof of that, he can call me. You tell him…she can't hurt him anymore." When he felt Carrie's hot tears falling on his hand, Nick let his slip. "It's really over…yeah…it's finally over."
The Sanders Home
10:21 p.m.
"Finally!" Greg jubilated when he saw Tawny stirring. From his position on the guest bed next to her he grinned. "I've been impatiently waiting to show you our new vehicle."
In a dreamy voice she answered while her eyes fluttered open, "Mmm…I love how that sounds…our new vehicle. The vehicle that will carry our little babies." Her hand caressed her womb as she gazed into his eyes. "What time is it?"
"Late…and not that it takes you long but…" He tugged her to sitting. "…you need to get beautified for the big par-tee, because I know you want to be H-O-T for me." Greg laughed, "Because I've got ninety minutes of spoiling left and I'd love to be spoiled by you wearing that sinful dress I see you have picked out."
After a lion-size yawn she announced, "Surprise! I've extended your spoiling until two a.m."
"Bonus Spoiling! Yes!" Greg yanked her to her feet. "Garage first because I'm really psyched about my new wheels. I thought I'd be depressed trading in my five month old Z but no…I was totally stoked! Until my dad buzz killed the moment." He rolled his eyes. "But Scotty recovered nicely by taking me out for Sonic. A cherry-limeade and a chili dog always put me in a forgiving mood."
"By any chance is there a lot of sugar in cherry-limeade, Chuckles? Oooh…I just realized I'm starving," Tawny commented while hurrying out of the room and down the hall with her hyper man. "How about a kitchen pit stop first, then garage? That way, the babies and I can eat while you're showing me the surprise vehicle."
"Oh…speaking of surprises." Holding her hand, he led her downstairs. "Becca called and asked if it was okay for her to come to the party with her date."
Tawny rolled her eyes. "Baby, the only part that's surprising to me is that she asked you first. Good lord…she's acting so desperate, she makes those poor starving orphans covered in flies you see on TV look content. That reminds me…I used your credit card to give them twenty dollars last week. I hope that's okay."
"What's mine is yours, Princess." He kissed her hand and smiled, "Thanks for putting up with Becca's antics. I know she's pathetic but, she's harmless…except to her self-esteem."
A heavy groan later Tawny said, "You know she's hoping you'll get tanked and be too uninhibited to say no to her when she pounces. Ugh…if I wasn't pregnant I could just wrestle her to the ground, tell her to keep her hands off my man, and settle things once and for all."
After kissing Tawny's hand again he assured her, "I won't be getting tanked, and even if I was wasted I wouldn't lose my mind and suddenly be attracted to her. I'd just be more enthralled with you." At the base of the stairs he stole a deep kiss.
"Ugh." Tawny covered her mouth. "Did you stop at Starbucks after Sonic?"
"Yeah…triple espresso, Baby." He spun in a circle. "Guess who will be keeping up on the dance floor with you!" He ended by pointing at her and winking.
"Promise me you won't do that move at the party, Chuckles. Oh…" The coffee taste on her tongue churned her empty stomach. "Oh!" With her hand clamped over her mouth she dashed off.
When Scott saw Tawny running for the powder room to vomit he joked, "So…I see you told Tawny that Becca was going to the party."
"Good one! But that's not what got her sick," Greg informed it. "It was my kiss."
"Oh." Scott raised his brows and laughed. "And that's better because…?"
Greg pointed at his dad and winked. "It's better because you finally weren't right about something."
The Blakes
10:32 p.m.
An hour into The Shining, Sean understood why Nick wouldn't let him watch the horror film…he was right, it was horrifying!
Try as he might to shut it off thought, he couldn't. He was desperate to see the ending Nick had told him about…the clever little boy retracing his steps in the snow to escape the bad guy.
So, with sugar and caffeine mixing with adrenaline he continued to stare at the screen thinking…there's a good chance I'll be washing my sheets anyway, because this movie may scare the pee out of me.
Fiore Restaurant
10:35 p.m.
Feeling that familiar urge again, Sara kissed Gil and said, "If you'll excuse me for a moment."
"I'll go with you, Sara," Lina cheerily announced while grabbing her clutch.
Once the women were gone, Gil leaned over the table. "It would appear the fourth time's a charm."
"Marriages all look great on the wedding day," Ron cautioned. "Hell, even La Puta Flaca was happy at our wedding. The first milestone is the day after the honeymoon…after that, it's the first anniversary. If you can make it through those two, you're good for a while. Of course, a baby on the way makes things much harder that first year…oh."
"Sara and I aren't you and Mom," Gil assured him after sipping his ice water. "We're committed to open communication and won't be keeping any major secrets from one another. Our marriage is based on trust."
The Sanders Home
10:41 p.m.
Bev and Scott, along with Tawny, hurried to keep up with Greg as he led the way to the garage. "The salesman said it's the perfect family vehicle because it can hold six kids and a ton of soccer gear."
Scott quickly pointed out, "You played soccer once in your life, Son and you hated it because…and I quote…everyone kept kicking the ball away from me."
Tawny covered her freshly washed mouth to stifle her laugh.
"My wife will coach and I'll be the cheerleader," Greg replied without missing a beat. "We won't be raising our kids in a gender-stereotyped environment."
"Does that mean you'll be doing your fair share of the housework?" Bev inquired while winking at her future daughter-in-law.
"Yep…" He opened the door and flicked on the garage light. "Isn't it cool?"
"Wow!" Tawny eyed the shiny new SUV. "It's huge compared to your Z. I didn't think you'd go for something like this."
"Well…" He leaned against the front and folded his arms. "I asked myself…what would Nick 'Mr. Responsibility' Stokes pick for Carrie and his first kid? Answer…something safe, reliable and big, with room for expanding the brood. Voila! Turns out…I love it too."
Tawny gave her man a big squeeze. "It's perfect…like you."
Bev watched her boy through a tear-clouded gaze. "You kids better get ready for your last night of partying. This time next year you'll be too exhausted to bust-a-move. Greg…I bought you something special for your debut as a player. It's in your old room…on top of the freshly made bed, ya big prankster."
University Trauma Center
10:50 p.m.
As Carrie smoothed her hands over the crisp hospital sheet she had just placed on Nick's bed, she heard the bathroom door open and turned. "Looks like that shower did wonders."
"I wouldn't go that far but…it definitely helped. I just wish I wasn't stuck here another night. Let's ditch, go home, and sneak me back in the morning." When he reached her, Nick wrapped his arms around her tight. "Seriously…let's make a dummy out of pillows and…"
"Nicky…"
"Right…my health isn't something to joke about." With that he released her and climbed into bed. "I'm never gonna sleep tonight. There's so much shit in my head…even the drugs aren't helping."
Becca's House
10:54 p.m.
"Oh, yeah…" Becca stared approvingly at her reflection in the tight black bustier and fitted black lace skirt. "Dressed to sin. Only one accessory missing." With a smirk on her face she snatched the vial of Liquid X from her dresser and tucked it in her cleavage.
While applying another coat of lipstick she reviewed the memory she'd remind her old friend of first…
Approaching the scrawny brainiac teen sitting in the corner of the school cafeteria with his face buried in a chemistry text, Becca smirked. "So…we finally meet." She watched as his hands clenched the science book tighter. "Jesus…I'm not gonna bite."
"I've heard that before," he replied in a barely audible whisper.
"Do you have some sort of mental problem?" Becca asked while taking a seat at the table. "Because you look clinically depressed to me. I can spot 'em a mile away…my mom's a pro. She just got dumped by her second husband and is taking a nice long vacation in a mental hospital disguised as resort. I'm staying with my dad until she recovers."
"Why are you telling me this?" Greg asked while closing his book and bringing it to his chest.
"Oh." Becca put forth her best smile. "I've decided to befriend you and make you my special project this year. For the last two years I've picked a new kid…someone in dire need of coolness, and helped them. It boosts my karma to help the less fortunate. My dad's second wife is really into that karma stuff…she has these crystals all over the house."
"No, thanks." Opening his backpack Greg quickly shoved his notebooks inside.
"What's your problem?"
"I don't have a problem…you have a problem," he snapped while zipping the bag shut. "You're a bitch. I can spot 'em a mile away…I had a friend at my old school who was a pro."
Taken aback by his gruffness Becca remarked, "That's some pretty heavy baggage you're sporting, Hoj."
Tossing his backpack over a shoulder he froze. "What did you just call me?"
"Hoj…Hojem is your middle name, right?" Her smile returned. "I saw it on your homeroom records. "That's the first step in my plan…a cool nickname. Hoj...I love the sound of that and it will fit your new look." She opened her designer book bag. "I have some magazine pictures…hairstyles, some cool shoes that you'd be allowed to wear with your uniform and..."
"Who are you?" Greg asked while staring into the girl's piercing blue eyes.
"Sorry...how rude of me!" Becca tossed her hands in the air. "Rebecca Renee Turnbull," she extended her hand. "Fashion expert, style consultant, and the most popular girl in the seventh grade. But call me Becca…that's my cool nickname." She winked. "But if you turn out to be more than my freak project for the semester, I'll let you call me Becks. Only my best friends call me that."
"I appreciate the amount of effort you're putting into the set up but…" Greg's voice turned cold. "I'm not falling for the ruse."
"Ruse?"
"Yeah…I go to your house under the premise that you're helping me with my look and ten minutes after I get there, your jock guy friends and your bitchy girlfriends show up and have a blast tearing me apart. Thanks but…no, thanks. Find another sucker."
"Hey! Hoj!" She hurried after him. "You don't have to come to my house. We can go to yours!"
"You want to come to my house?" He laughed hysterically. "Right. Like the most popular girl in the seventh grade is going to hang out at the class geek's house? Right." He started walking again. "You're a piece of work."
"Well, it's not like people will think you're my boyfriend." She giggled. "They'll know you're my special project for the year…just like Karen Koors was and Tanya Melrose before her. You're my first guy. I'm switching to the opposite sex because after I helped Karen, she stole my boyfriend! You wanna talk bitch…she's your girl. But you, Hoj…I know you won't turn on me when I'm done making you cool. There's something in your eyes…" Her voice softened, "I know you'd never hurt me. And if you're my friend, you don't have to worry about anyone picking on you either."
After swallowing his fear, Greg said, "Fine…Friday, after school. My mom will be home the whole time so if you're planning on having someone follow us you can..."
"Great! Friday it is. And I'll be solo, I promise, because I don't like to share the spotlight." Bubbling with delight she started backing away. "I have great things in mind for you, Hoj! You'll see. You'll be my biggest success story to date."
Twisting her lipstick closed, Becca sighed, "You were my last special project, Hoj…because I knew I'd never find someone more special than you."
The Sanders Home
10:59 p.m.
While Tawny was in the guest bathroom dressing, Greg was standing in front of the bedroom mirror staring at the clothes his mother had purchased for his big night out. "Here's what I'm thinking…" he announced in the direction of the open bathroom door. "You stuff some of my old clothes in your purse and I'll run into McDonald's and change before hitting the party."
"That bad, huh?" Tawny giggled in the bathroom.
"No…the clothes are awesome." He glanced down at the price tag dangling from the black velvet jacket just to be sure it really was a thousand dollars. "This whole outfit set her back two grand. If we return it and get the cash I figure we'll be able to keep the twins in diapers for a while."
"Let me see…" Tawny stepped into the bedroom wearing Carrie's jeweled Manolos and her favorite body-hugging purple mini dress.
"Whoa…" He hadn't seen the sexed up version of her since the night they met at Tweeters and it stunned him.
"Too much?"
"For any other occasion…hell, yeah, but perfect for tonight." He watched with a twinkle in his eye as she strutted over. "You've still got it."
Patting her belly she giggled, "Soon I'll have way too much." Placing her hands on his velvet covered shoulders she urged, "Keep the clothes. I think it means as much to your mom as it does to you to fit in and have a blast tonight. And let's face it…we won't be invited to these happening parties once we're married with two kids and driving around in a Toyota Sequoia. It's our last hurrah"
"Very true." Running his hands down the back of her dress, he groaned. "Speaking of last hurrahs…I still have one more round in me before one a.m. Mmm…five times in twenty-four hours with the hottest babe on the planet…I couldn't think of a better way to end my bachelorhood."
"So…by this time tomorrow you'll be engaged."
"I didn't say that," he chuckled while pressing his body to hers. "Between Saturday morning and Sunday afternoon…late afternoon," he added just to taunt her.
"Ooh…you're a tease!" Knowing her man well she chided, "Speaking of being a tease…number five doesn't happen until we're at the party so, back off, Hoj."
"Leaving!" He grabbed her hand.
"Aww…you're playing your cute little one-word ending in 'ing' game with me instead of Becks." That'll really piss her off if you do it at the party. "Can we play all night?"
"Agreeing!" he joked. "Princess…I do everything with you now instead of Becca." Stopping at his parents' door he knocked then said, "In case they're getting it on."
"No, we're not getting it on, Gregory," Bev shouted.
When he opened the door Greg showed off his date. "What do you think of this babe I created in my secret Chem lab? Personally, I think I perfected the babe formula."
Scott's jaw dropped when he saw Tawny. "You don't look very Amish tonight, Sweetheart." If she looked that sexy when Greg met her, I can certainly understand how he lost control.
Teasing her future father-in-law she replied, "And I looked twice as sexy when Greg met me…now can you forgive him for losing control?"
"Gregory…" Scott made the sign of the cross in the air. "You're absolved."
"Don't drink and drive," Bev cautioned.
"Never do, Mom." Greg gave a thumbs up. "Party on Parental Units."
"Night," Tawny added while gripping her man's hand as he shut the door. "Party on Parental Units? Oh my god you're such a geek sometimes…I love that."
"But tonight, I'm not a geek…" He removed his sunglasses from his jacket. "…I'm Slick's cooler brother, Slicker."
"Slicker?" She burst out laughing. "That's what a waterproof jacket is called."
"It's also a shrewd stylish person."
"It is not!" She rolled her eyes. "You're so making that up."
"Here…" He tugged her into his dad's office. "He never logs off AOL. I'll look it up in After typing in the addy and then the word, he clicked the search button. "Check for yourself."
Tawny scrolled down past the definition for 'slick' and 'slicked' to get to 'slicker'. "Greg…" Concern filled her voice. "It says the secondary definition is 'a cheat'." She scrolled further. "Maybe we shouldn't go to the party."
"It's a dictionary, not a crystal ball." Chuckling he clicked the screen closed. "Going!"
"Panicking!" She clutched his hand and reluctantly followed him towards the door.
In the hall he surprised her with an amorous kiss. "Loving," he whispered while gazing into her beautiful brown eyes.
Her smile returning Tawny sighed, "Calming…and swooning."
"Proposing," he teased while initiating an Eskimo kiss. "Tomorrow."
Next chapter: Thursday morning
Thanks,
Maggs