Title: One Year Ago
Author: Ms. Quartermaine
Summary: Set in July 2005. It's been one year since Lila Q. died in her sleep. How does the family react? Lois has plans. Monica and Alan argue. Dillon makes a decision. Tracy and Brook Lynn bond. And more.
CHAPTERS 1 AND 2Chapter 1
The auburn haired woman stood quietly by the patio doors holding a glass of fresh orange juice in her right hand. She watched solemnly as the summer rain sharply hit the glass.
"Mother?" a voice said.
Tracy Quartermaine turned around. She was visibly upset.
"Is everything all right?"
Tracy swallowed and softly asked, "Do you know what day it is?"
Ned nodded. It has been one year since his grandmother, Tracy's mother, had passed away in her sleep.
"Do you want to talk?" he asked.
Tracy laughed haughtily.
"How am I supposed to respond to that?" he asked her.
"May I ask why you chose not to talk to me yesterday? Or the day before? Or last month?" she said, her voice turning harsh.
Ned didn't respond.
"But now," replied Tracy. "It's the anniversary of my mother's death, and everyone wants to talk to me! Aren't I so incredibly fortunate?"
She threw her hands up into the air.
"Everyone?" asked Ned.
"Your uncle Alan came down here earlier. And before that your grandfather. And oh look! There's your brother Dillon! Shouldn't you be on your little tub?"
Dillon wondered aloud, "What's going on?"
Tracy laughed, "I've said it once, and I won't hesitate to say it again."
"Say what?" Dillon asked. He was confused.
Tracy stated, "The hypocrisy in this family is ludicrous."
Dillon responded, "What are you talking about?"
Tracy scoffed, "My! Aren't you amusing? Let me ask you this. Why are you here?"
Dillon answered, "I came to see Ned."
"Oh, really? About what?"
"I have this, um…Well, L&B…there is this deal, and Brook, well, she wanted to um…Actually, Lois—"
"Woo! Dillon, you're a Quartermaine! I thought I taught you to lie better than that."
"Look, Mom, the truth is I came here to see you."
"I already know the truth, baby."
Dillon continued, "I know that grandmother Lila died a year ago today, and I wanted to check on you. I thought you would like that."
"What I would like is if you boys treated me like your mother 365 days a year. Not just on Christmas." She paused. "Not just on the anniversary of my mother's death."
Dillon saw that his mother was hurting. "I'm sorry," he said.
Ned remained silent.
Tracy cleared her throat. "Well, I have to get to the office."
"Mother, you should take the day off," Ned told her.
"Nonsense. The world doesn't stop because we want it to, dear."
Tracy faked a smile, as she handed Ned her glass of orange juice. She proceeded to walk out of the den into the foyer and to scan the entry area making sure it was empty. Then she placed her head on the door and cried.
Chapter 2"Spanky Buns?" Luke asked.
Tracy had not noticed Luke. She quickly wiped her eyes.
"Is everything all right?" he asked sincerely.
Tracy bit her lip. "Yes, very." She cleared her throat. "I thought you and Skye had plans for the…for the…you know, the…," she gestured with her hand as she stumbled over her words. She was obviously upset.
"Haunted Star?" Luke finished.
"Yes," Tracy said.
"I think my wife needs me today," he told her.
Tracy turned around. She couldn't bring herself to face Luke.
"I know this is a difficult time for you," he said politely. "Is there anything I can do?"
Tracy swallowed. She tried to speak, but the words would not come out.
"Tracy?" he asked.
Tracy swallowed again. This time she held up a finger to signify, "One moment."
"Take your time," Luke responded quietly.
Tracy turned around. "Luke," she began.
"What can I do for you?"
"You can go about your business like any other day."
"But Tracy—"
"Luke, I do not want to be treated differently. Not today."
"All right," Luke agreed. "Whatever you want."
"Good," smiled Tracy. "Now excuse me, I have to get to the office."
"The office?"
"Yes." Tracy's voice turned harsh, "As in my job…You know, the one you are supposed to help me solidify before Lorenzo Alcazar takes it over."
"Easy Tiger," he told her. "I am working on it."
"Work harder," Tracy responded before exiting the house.
Luke sighed. He knew Tracy was upset. He didn't know what to do about it.