Bang!

The man's body fell in mid-step and came to the ground in a bloody heap. Standing a good ten feet away was Aiyana, smoking pistol at her side. She was clad in a pair of khaki sandstorm shaded cargo pants, a lime green t-shirt that was decorated with 'red dots', and a pair of Nike sneakers.

"Goddamn, you don't need any fuckin' babysisters," the gruff voice of Budd said as he stepped over to the brunette after taking down the last target with good old fashioned hand to hand mixed with some kung fu; typical Bill teachings. It had been no less than two days and Bill had already sent the new girl off on an assignment with Budd and Vernita to tag along to baby-sit.

"Fuck, girl why are we even here?" Vernita added her own two cents as she sauntered up next to Budd. She was re-sheathing her combat knife; which before a quick cleaning, had been covered in thick blood.

She gave the brunette a wicked grin, "Yeah, Budd...I'd say she's got a pretty damn good idea about what she's doing." Sure, she and Budd had done their part, but it was mostly to give Aiyana some room to work and show off what she could do. Honestly, she could have taken on this whole gang of untalented idiots herself. Bill had told them to observe Aiyana, and from what they had seen, he was going to get a glowing report.

"That was pretty fucking badass," Vernita continued, folding her arms; which were covered partially in small flecks of blood, "I wish I could shoot like that...I mean, I'm decent, but shit...," she shook her braided head, "Well, let's blow this joint and get back. I'm looking forward to telling Bill about your serious goddamn skills Aiyana," she nodded at the new recruit; obviously impressed.

Within the next two hours the three killers were comfortably seated at the bar in a very typical 'retelling the assignment to Bill' fashion. Budd and Vernita took turns filling in the gaps as they retold the events of the assignment to their boss. Aiyana sat there quietly as if she was going through an evaluation. She had a small smile etched across her fresh features at the continued words of praise she was receiving on her expertise during the assignment.

"She's a fire ball with that fucking gun," Budd said with a more than flattering smile in Aiyana's direction. He crossed his arms on the counter and shifted his brown eyes to Bill. It was obvious Bill had Budd's approval on the new girl, even if it didn't matter, he had it.

Bill listened quietly and without any visible interruption to Budd and Vernita's retelling of events surrounding the assignment. Most of the retelling was very promising flattery towards Aiyana and her skills as an assassin. Bill wasn't all that surprised, but it was nice to hear that she had proved to perform as well as he'd thought. He knew that Budd and Vernita would tell him quite bluntly if they didn't like what they'd seen, so he knew...with such blatant compliments, she'd done one hell of a job.

"Well," he threw his hands up, giving Aiyana a typical half smile/smirk, "...what can I say Miss Espona? You've passed with flying colors thus far." He pointed a finger at her, still smiling, "You get brushed up on those sword skills and your going to be a real force to be reckoned with around here." Of course, Bill wasn't going to give a full ass kissing, but it was obvious that he was impressed.

Vernita was smiling as well, "Damn Bill, I mean...I think she's cool to go out on her own next assignment."

"Hrm, perhaps," Bill leveled a skeptical look at the brunette, weighing the idea.

Vernita only smiled wider. Bill was a hard ass, but she knew...he was very happy with the new recruit. It was at least nice to see him happy about something.

Beatrix was miserable…well…not technically. Tommy's parents, along with twenty some-odd other family members decided to pay the couple a surprise visit two days later. It seemed Tommy's mother was so ecstatic the musical bunny rabbit worked she couldn't wait to bring Beatrix the other gifts, as well as see the bunny in action. So she took the first flight down from Oklahoma. Numerous other members of Tommy's family such as; uncle, aunt, cousins, second cousins, and extended cousins came along as well. Okay, maybe Beatrix was exaggerating as there were only five people gathered in Tommy's back yard in the mid afternoon dry heat, but it felt like more.

The pregnant blonde lounged in one of the patio chairs surrounded by Tommy's family and numerous brightly colored gifts decorated with vibrant bows. Beatrix found the whole thing sweet and devastating. Perhaps she was just moody, but playing 'innocent angel' was becoming difficult that afternoon. Or perhaps it could have been the anxiety any person feels when meeting the family.

Everyone had been overly nice to Beatrix and she couldn't feel happier to know that she was being accepted. Well, if they didn't accept her, they sure as hell were accepting the baby. During the course of the afternoon she had been coaxed to open numerous baby gifts. This included; bright pink baby clothes, bottles, diapers, a crib, picture frames, photo albums, and toys. Hell, if the baby wanted to pop out right then…she'd be ready.

Finally the gifts winded down and lead into amiable chatting; which Beatrix preferred. So far she had chatted briefly with Tommy's second cousin, first cousin, Uncle, and step-father. She had yet to talk to Tommy's mother whom Bea speculated was keeping an unknown distance. Either way the mommy-to-be was reasonably enjoying herself.

Tommy was loving this, every second of it. Having his mother, step-father, aunt, uncle and his cousin Rob show up...rather unexpendedly had been a really pleasant surprise. They had pulled up, in his step-father's 'road trip van' laden with gifts and wide smiles.

Tommy swore he hadn't stopped smiling for two days straight. He even decided to close up the record store over the weekend, so he could fully enjoy the company of his family.

Tommy's step-father, Richard, was a tall man...almost as tall as his step-son. He had short trimmed silver hair and a neatly cropped beard. A pair of sparkling blue eyes were magnified by his glasses and he seemed just as fond of laughter as his step-son...although, he was somewhat more stoic all around; likely because of his age.

Tommy's uncle and aunt were smaller people. They were very pleasant and a little 'out there' at times, but they seemed to share Tommy's love of music and were pretty 'cool' for 'older' types.

All of them had spoken quite a bit with Tommy's new girlfriend...and as it turns out pregnant bride to be. None of them acted weird about the whole situation and seemed to get along with the tall blonde just fine. They were all fairly easy going people, that much was obvious.

Tommy's mother, Martha, was likewise easy going…even more so than her husband. She was a shorter woman, who obviously used to be a blonde, but now was dying her hair blonde to keep away the increasing grey. She was still fairly slim for her age and was pretty; with cool blue eyes and a nice smile. She dressed casually but nice. Yet, out of all of Tommy's family members she'd yet to really say much to his bride to be. They'd exchanged some small talk, but she'd yet to really connect to Arlene. Tommy had noticed this, but he wasn't he type to bring it up with this mother or Arlene; at least not until the company had left.

Now, as they were all sitting in the backyard of Tommy's small house, the present giving had thankfully died down to friendly casual conversation as they all lounged around amidst the opened baby presents and bright wrappings.

"I tried to get your sister to come," Martha was telling her son, sitting next to him in a lawn chair, an iced tea in her hand, "But you know how she is Tommy, all into her art...she had an opening this weekend and couldn't spare even a minute to get away. We even offered to take the long route and pick her up."

Tommy waved a hand, "Don't worry about it mom, I know how Claire is...I won't take it personally." He was currently sitting next to Arlene; their lawn chairs close to one another. Every now and then, Tommy would reach over and squeeze Arlene's slim hand. He was sweet like that.

"Oh hey Tommy," Rob his cousin, a younger brown haired man near Tommy's age spoke up, "...Jen was going to come...but she got the flu."

Tommy's aunt and uncle exchanged glances. Obviously Jen was a 'friend' of their son Rob's whom they were somewhat glad had fallen ill.

"Hey, no worries Rob," Tommy smiled.

"But, just look at you Tommy...your hair," Martha broke in, "...I don't know son...it's somewhat strange. Don't you think Richard?" She addressed her husband.

Richard just shrugged, "It's fine. Leave him alone Martha...he's not a boy anymore."

Martha pressed her lips together, "I don't know, Arlene...I'd make that son of mine cut that mop before you two get married..."

"Mom..." Tommy sighed, giving Arlene a side glance.

"Alright, alright," Martha threw up her hands. She stood up, "Well, I'm going to go make some more tea...Arlene, could you show me where the things are..."

Tommy started to get up, "Mom, let me show you...Arlene might no-"

"No….no," Martha waved him away, "Let Arlene help me...the poor thing has been stuck in that chair for hours. I remember what it's like to be pregnant...sometimes you need to get the blood flowing."

"It's fine, Tommy. We'll be right back." Beatrix gave a reassuring squeeze to Tommy's hand before hoisting herself up. She didn't so much need to get the blood flowing, but her ass felt as numb as hell and that had to go. Following Martha through the patio doors and into the kitchen helped that factor. Actually she was glad to get up and about, and this left her to 'bond' with Tommy's mother.

Upon entering the kitchen Beatrix went straight for the cupboard and took out the rather extravagant selection of teas. Tommy liked tea, and while Beatrix was partial to coffee the doctor told her to hold back on her intake; which was really fucking hard. "Pick what you'd like," the tall blonde motioned to the tray now set on the counter top "…and I'll put up a fresh pot of water."

So far Martha remained a mute as Beatrix turned the faucet on and began to fill up the tea pot with tap water.

Martha watched the tall blonde closely; a calm but not unfriendly expression on her face, as the young pregnant woman opened the cupboard. "Actually, my dear...I was hoping for iced tea," she shook her empty glass with its remainder of ice cubes at the bottom, "but," she smiled quickly, "….hot tea sounds quite nice."

Silently, she went about leafing through the tea packets, as Arlene was putting the water on the stove.

"You know...Arlene," Martha finally spoke up into the somewhat tense silence...she turned to look at the young woman, "...I've had two children, and my job as a social worker has allowed me to be around pregnant women quite often." She paused, obviously trying to pick her words carefully, "Tommy tells me you are about only eight weeks pregnant," her blue eyes flicked to Arlene's swelling stomach, "...but, my dear, you're at least three months...possibly more...I can just tell by looking at you." As she said this, her voice dropped to a more private tone.

She continued to gaze somewhat intensely at Arlene; her fingernails fiddling with the corner of tea packet in her hands. "My son is a sweet man, I don't think he has a mean spirited bone in his body," she nearly whispered now, and there was no missing the tone of threat in her voice as she continued, "...I would hope...that you are not planning on making a fool out of my boy Arlene. Because, being a mother, something you will understand quite soon, and seeing your child hurt is the last thing you would wish in this world." She took just the slightest step forward, as she met Arlene's gaze head on, "I don't want him hurt...nor lied to..."

Beatrix froze at her place near the stove. Somehow, deep down she knew that someone would notice; she had just been hoping no one would. She kept the older woman's gaze but it was far from intense. In such a situation Beatrix didn't feel she had to defend herself, because she knew what she was doing was right. She wasn't ashamed of it and she wasn't hurting anybody.

Her arms casually crossed over her chest and her demeanor remained docile. "Mrs. Plympton," the blonde began in a gently leveled tone. "I love and care very deeply for Tommy and the last thing I would want to do is make a fool out of him. I couldn't think of hurting him….but…in order to not subject him to pain I need to lie." Her tone took on a more ominous and equally serious tone, but her bright blue eyes held a softer composure as to not alarm the woman.

The tall blonde knew she'd have to elaborate and tell the truth if she wanted to keep the cat in the bag; so to speak. "You're right, your son is the sweetest man I have ever met, which…..is saying a lot when compared to the men I've been with." Her lips curved into an eerily amused twist. "Since we're going on a mother to mother basis, you'll have to understand that I'm doing this in the best interest of my daughter."

"By lying to my son?" Martha's voice raised a few octaves as she cut in, but she quickly gained control over herself and took a few steps back. She regarded the tall blonde for a few long seconds. "I don't like what your doing," she finally said, "…and I don't like that you're doing it to my son...out of all the men in the world you could have chosen to do this to...," she took a deep breath, "But, I can see you care for him...even if I completely disagree with what your doing. It's not my place to tell him," she pointed a parental finger, "...but, if I were you my dear, I'd tell him. He's a sweet man, but he's not a weak one...he can handle it. And lies within a marriage will only lead to trouble soon enough, mark my words."

She crossed her arms and shook her head, "I'm sorry Arlene, but my child takes precedence of your own in my mind. And...I don't know the story of where you really came from or…who this baby's real father is, nor do I want to know...but the way you speak...well," she took another shaky breath, "It makes me a little frightened for the safety of Tommy and I don't like that."

Martha then uncrossed her arms, a sense of finality in her gesture, "You're a grown woman Arlene, I'm not your mother...and it's not my place to tell you what to do. But, I want to make it clear that I will not be on your side on this. I will be friendly to you...because Tommy cares for you so, but I'm not going to be much more than that...knowing what you're doing to my son...I cannot help it." She lifted her chin, "And...this child...well, she will be no granddaughter of mine."

Martha moved over to the stove, lifting off the boiling pot of water and poured it into a mug, "And," she cast a look at Arlene, "...if you really loved my son, which I question, than you would tell him the truth...you owe him that much." With that, she picked up the tea bag she'd left on the counter and walked out of the kitchen.

Beatrix was horrified, she felt as if a knife stabbed through her heart and she knew from experience how shitty that felt. It could have been the fact that Beatrix had such a fucked up childhood and her mother had been far from caring; that made what Martha said hit so hard. Beatrix never had much luck when it came to mother-figures and after leaving her own mother she never sought out a replacement. Father-figures were a completely different area.

The tall blonde turned and blue eyes now void cast to watch as the steam began to steadily rise from the hole in the tea pot. She knew that lying to Tommy was wrong as much as it was right. She wasn't being selfish, she was protecting Tommy. No one seemed to understand her side of why she was doing this…it was protection from the harsh world she left. If anything happened…well…she was dead…you can't find the dead.

The water continued to boil and the steam that was rising gave off a high pitched whistle. Long white fingers wrapped around the handle and she set the tea pot onto the cooler burner. But as she was doing this task she surely wasn't paying attention or she wouldn't have burnt herself like she just had. "Fuck," she swore sharply but quietly to not alarm those outside. The tea pot hit the stove with a loud thud, but luckily didn't spill.

She immediately moved over to the sink and ran her wounded finger under a stream of cold water. It hurt like a bitch, a really bad bitch. Those blue eyes began to turn glossy. A fucking third degree burn shouldn't hurt so bad, but it obviously wasn't the burn that hurt the most. She couldn't tell Tommy the truth, she just couldn't. She was afraid of what he'd think, how'd he react, and what would happen to the future she was so hoping to achieve for her baby. She couldn't tell him the truth not just because she was a pathological liar, but also due to the fact it was dangerous. She'd have to explain about the real father, and that'd seep into her guarded past.

Her finger continued to throb and the prominent red mark was clashing with her ivory coated skin. She ripped her finger away from the water and turned the faucet off. Quick steps brought the tall blonde over to the freezer; which she opened. The cool gust of air hit her face causing eyes to squint. "Fuck it," she muttered and in a somewhat hostile manner stuck half her arm inside and settled it there. Her body leaned against the side and her pretty blonde head tilted to rest almost comfortably against the open freezer door. Her façade remained heartrending.

After having delivered that rather brutal little message to Arlene, Martha returned to the backyard smiling and acting like nothing had happened. But, inside, she was irate...and she kept glancing at her poor son; desperately wanting to tell him what she'd just discovered about his wife to be. Yet, she knew she wouldn't...as she'd said, it wasn't her place. Arlene and Tommy were two adults, and they needed to work it out between themselves; she just prayed to God her son did not get too hurt in the process.

Arlene had yet to emerge and when Tommy inquired to where she might be, Martha lightly told him she must be taking care of 'female matters', since they tripled when one was pregnant. That stopped Tommy's curiosity in its tracks. Even his step-father made a face.

"So, how's the store doing Tommy?" Rob asked as the family continued to chat in the dry afternoon sun.

"Just fine," Tommy replied, "Business is a little slow right now...but nothing I'm not used to. It goes through phases, great months...mediocre months...and a couple really bad ones. But," he shrugged, taking a sip from his beer, "...it all ends up evening out in the end."

"Are you carrying CD's yet?" Tommy's uncle asked with a little smirk.

"Not yet Uncle Joe," Tommy smiled back with amusement. This little joke had been running between the two of them for a number of years. Joe was horrified that Tommy only carried records; always reminding him what decade it currently was.

"Not even tapes?" Joe continued.

Tommy shook his blonde head, "Nope…..records only...some people actually enjoy the novelty of a record ya know, and it's well known that analog sound is far more pure than digital sound."

"Bah," Joe waved a hand, "I can't stick a record in my car deck now can I?"

Tommy shrugged, "Can't please 'em all Uncle Joe."

"Well, I think it's cool," young Rob piped up; doing anything to contradict his father, "Tommy even gave me a couple extra records he had laying around...Metallica's Ride The Lightning and...ACDC's Back in Black."

"Oh boy...," Aunt Cindy, Joe's wife, rolled her eyes in the direction of her frowning husband, "Can't wait to hear those blaring out from the basement."

"Those are classic," Tommy retorted.

"Not in our house," Joe shook his head, "Now...give my boy some Jefferson Airplane or Styx albums and I'd be ok with that.."

Rob looked horrified, "No way..."

Tommy just laughed, "Hey," he stood suddenly, "...I think I'm going to try to find Arlene." He wasn't sure why, but he just felt like he should go and find her. Climbing through the wrapping and mounds baby stuff, he entered the house through the sliding patio door.

"Arlene?" he called; turning towards the kitchen and blinking his eyes to adjust to the darker lighting of the house, "Everything all right honey?"

Upon hearing Tommy Beatrix jerked her arm out of the freezer and shut it. The last thing she needed to do was explain why she was lounging in front of the freezer with her arm concealed inside; at least she didn't have to stick her whole head in. A bitter chill ran up her spine as she hugged herself to warm up. Perhaps the freezer hadn't been the best choice, but it did help soothe her finger burn and the swelling would be hardly as bad now.

As she turned to meet Tommy her composure completely switched. Her façade took on a lighter tone, but it was hard to shake the distress in those blue eyes; especially with the red puffiness. When Tommy came over to her the tall blonde immediately came in and leaned against him, resting her head against his shoulder. "Everything's fine," she muttered not all that convincing. She cursed herself mentally for her futile attempt of switching tracks. But she knew how to cover it up without much suspicion.

She tilted her head up to him and put on a thin smile. "I'm not feeling that well….too much excitement for one day. I'm going to go lay down…Would you thank everyone again for the visit and gifts, for me?"

Tommy wasn't all that fooled...he could tell something was wrong with Arlene. He wasn't an expert at reading human emotions, but he knew people well enough to know when something was really bugging somebody and they tried to futilely cover it up.

He looked down at the blonde with a somewhat skeptical look. But, he wasn't going to try to ask her what was really wrong, she would talk to him about it later if she really felt like it. And maybe she was right...she did look a little pale and tired. It had been a hot day, and a long weekend.

"Ok," he said after a moment, in a soft tone, his hand rubbing her back, "...I'll let them know." He offered a sweet smile, "They all love you...I knew they would."

Lying his hands on her shoulders, he leaned forward and gave her a quick kiss on the forehead, "Go lay down...don't worry about anything, I'll take care of it." He pulled away, still giving her a tender look; a hint of skepticism still lingering, "I'll come in and check on you in awhile alright?"

Reluctantly, he walked away and strolled back out into the bright backyard sun.