HEARTS DIVIDED: Carnivale

by tarskeewee08

Llanfair was all a buzz. The big day was here and every child or person of familiarity was invited to celebrate the birthday of Kevin Buchanan Jr. The back of the estate was cleared because the carnival had come to town. There was a large yellow and red stripped big top circus tent. Inside were clowns, jugulars, elephants, ballerinas, and even a lion show.

Decorated men in purple, yellow, blues and reds walked around on 6 foot tall stilts spraying kids with confetti and blowing balloons. There were cotton candy machines, pop corn machines, and even ice cone machines.

Little KJ was a big fan of Bob the Builder and there was a monkey bar area with an intricate maze of blocks, hammer and nails for toddlers to run through. A seven foot tall Bob the Builder character was dancing out front enticing kids to come in and play.

On the other side of the estate was a band performing the greatest hits from the Wiggles. Kids and parents sang along with the performers acting out the skits with them. The big top show wasn't for another two hours. So most lined up for the Ferris wheel and the larger than life bounce house. There were lines around the corner to grab a hacky sack and slide down the 12 foot tall Crazy Willy slide. Or you could take that hacky sack and participate in the potato race to get a special prize during the show.

Evangeline stood at the window on the second floor of the mansion looking at the festival. Today was supposed to be so exciting but she felt like it was the end of her world. She would officially no longer being a single parent. Now there was a man in her life that had claim on her child. The doctors released her last night and told her to take it easy. They couldn't find anything wrong with her that caused her to black out. She was grateful for that. Her son needed her. She had to remain strong.

"Ma..."

Turning around she saw KJ. He waddled in wearing another pair of overalls and his Bob the Builder tool belt wrapped around his waist. His hard hat had I'm 2 years old carved in it.

Jessica finished dressing him and brought him into her suite for a final inspection. Evangeline knelt down. "Look at mama's big boy!"

KJ went to her and hugged her. She squeezed her baby and felt so much better. Letting him go she looked into his face. "Let mama see if you look different." She said lifting his chin to look into his crystal blue eyes and smooth light brown skin. KJ reached and pulled her hair as he always did and she kissed him on the lips.

"Evangeline…their here?"

Looking up to Jessica Evangeline's heart sank. "John is waiting for you in the parlor the rest of the family is out in the mix of the carnival. Blair brought her son. Dorian and momma are in separate corners. Now care to tell me why you brought them here of all days?"

Evangeline bends down and picks up her baby. "Today at the end of the party I will call the family together and explain the new arrangement between me and John McBain."

"Arrangement…" Jessica said frowning.
"Not now Jess today is KJ's day. Promise to be nice."
Jessica sighed "For you but I want you to explain it all, promise?"
Evangeline nodded. KJ reached down and grabbed the pacifier that was pinned to his shirt and popped it into his mouth sucking fiercely.

Jessica leaned over and kissed his fat cheek under the hard hat and walked out. Evangeline sucked in her breath and followed.

John paced impatiently wanting to see his son. Caitlyn went to her brother and touched his shoulder. "John please you are going to wear hole in the carpet."

John looked at her and laugh. "Do I look that nervous?"

"Yes you do." she said laughing. Then her eyes got big and she smiled even wider. John turned to see where she was looking and in walked Evangeline holding his boy. John looked at his son dressed overalls and a hard hat and knew that was the first thing he would learn about his son. He loved to build.

Evangeline spoke to Caitlyn and Eve who waited with John and walked over to John. KJ stared at John sucking on his pacifier.

"KJ I'd like you to meet John your dad." Evangeline said introducing their son.

KJ looked at John and then spit out his pacifier. He stretched his arms out to him. Evangeline heart stopped to see her son do that. John's eyes teared as he reached for his boy and Jessica sucked her teeth and rolled her eyes with her arms folded watching the scene while leaning on the inside frame of the door.

Caitlyn and Eve came around to KJ to get a good look He wrapped his chubby arms around John intimidated by the flood of attention. Evangeline bit her lip and reached for him out of instinct, but John calmed his fright tickling his side. KJ burst into laughter and relaxed.

John looked at Evangeline grateful "Why is he dressed in a construction uniform?"
KJ looked at his mother too with a yeah mommy why? look.

Evangeline laughed lightly. She went to her son and rubbed his arm. "It's called Bob the Builder and KJ is really found of it."

John nodded understanding.

Eve smiled at Evangeline. "You have a lovely home and I saw the festivities outside, it's really impressive."

Evangeline smiled back "Thank you…and you are?"

John realized he hadn't introduced his family "Oh sorry...This is my mother Eve McBain and my sister Caitlyn."

Evangeline smiled and shook their hands "Hello welcome to my home.."
Jessica walked into the room. "Well let's go guys…..KJ shouldn't be late to his own party because of us…" she said shooting John another one of her hateful looks.

KJ reached for his mother and she took him from John's hands. She saw the disappointment on John's face and lowered him to the ground so he could walk on his own. Jessica walked to the veranda door and KJ went after her in his bowlegged walk that made him strut like a penguin. John followed in hot pursuit and Evangeline walked behind sadly. Eve came along Evangeline's side and touched her arm.

"My son told me what you plan to do."
Evangeline looked at her and smiled. "He did?"
"Yes, and as a mother myself I think it's the bravest thing any woman can do for her child."

Evangeline saw the kindness in Eve's face and liked her immediately "That's very kind of you."

"Can I tell you something?"
Evangeline saw everyone leave and really wanted to be at her sons side. But Eve McBain had a real commanding presence so she stopped and listen. "Yes Ms. McBain"

"Call me Eve please. My son is a good boy. I'm not just saying that because he's my flesh and blood. He will be a good father to him. Try to remember that."

Evangeline softened "That's comforting to know Eve, thank you."
Eve hugged her "Now let's go celebrate."

Evangeline nodded and walked out. Going into the yard she was assaulted by the musical excitement of the carnival and mini concert. She smelled the warm buttery popcorn and sweet tangy flavored smell of blue and pink cotton candy. A 8 foot tall clown on stilts sprayed Evangeline and Eve with confetti and she shook he hair to get it off her. Scanning the crowd she didn't see her baby. Then she saw John's leather jacket as he helped in the bob the builder maze.

KJ clapped his hands and ran around in circles. Evangeline smiled at him having the time of his life. John held their sons hard hat as he watched over him crawling over the large blocks and peg holes. If KJ got to close to either edge he reached for him to steady him.

Evangeline walked toward them leaving Eve behind the confetti was still in her hair and she ran her hands through it several times trying to free it. John saw Evangeline approaching. She had on khaki form fitting Capri pants and a lilac colored button down short sleeved shirt. He took in her figure and saw how inviting her hips were and admired the swell of her breast in the shirt. Hearing his son squeal he dropped his gaze and looked at KJ who was clapping his hands and running away. Scooping him up and putting on his hard hat KJ kicked at first but when he lifted him to his shoulders he relaxed and grabbed first full of John's hair.

John walked out of the maze toward Evangeline "Hey mommy?"
Evangeline smirked at him. "Hello….I see you two are hitting it off"
John winced as KJ pulled back on his hair. "Yea you can say that."

"Well how about the bounce house now!" she said pulling on her son's foot. KJ let go of his dads hair and fished for his pacifier popping it back in. John lowered him from his shoulders and held him. He looked at the pacifier and pulled it out of KJ's mouth. KJ hit him in the face and popped it back in. Evangeline burst out laughing then covered her mouth stifling her giggles.

John shook his head "Isn't he too big for a pacifier?"
Evangeline narrowed her eyes on him "He wants it so he can have it!" she said putting her hands on his hips.

John looked at the way she was glaring at him. "Okay…okay.." he said.
Evangeline softened. "Sorry..."
"Hey no problem…I guess I will have to work my way into the dynamic duo slowly"

Mike and Marcie walked up. Mike came over to KJ and grabbed his hand. "Wow bro look at this kid?"

Evangeline looked at them confused and John caught the awkwardness. "Michael, Marcie let me introduce you to Evangeline Buchanan and my son Kevin Jr."

Marcie stuck her hand out to Evangeline "So nice to meet you, this carnival is really cool" she said in her squeaky voice.

"Nice to meet you Marcie."

John starts toward the bounce house and KJ wiggles in his arm wanting to get down. He puts him down and he turns and runs to Evangeline who picks him up. She knows her baby is getting overwhelmed by the volume of people around him. She rubs his back and he puts his head on her shoulder taking his short fingers and twirling them through her hair. John slows down and walks next to her.

Marcie and Michael holding hands walk toward the big tent. John looked at his son resting in his mothers arms. "Evangeline.."
"Yes" she said still rubbing his back.
"I want to thank you for working with me on this"
"No problem"

John could tell she is still very guarded around him and he understands. He looks toward the stage and see colorful men gyrating to a kids song and frowns. "Who are those bozos?" he ask frowning and pointing.

Evangeline laughs. "It's the Wiggles." She says.
"The what?"
"Really popular for toddlers, John you are going to have to do some toddler 101 soon."
He laughs. I guess you're right.

They walk to the bounce house and KJ refuses to get inside so they move over to a clown who paints his face and another clown makes him a balloon. John gets a hold of him and takes him to the stage and puts him on it. KJ stumps his feet and nods his head dancing with The Wiggles. Evangeline watches and John stands with his hands in his pockets watching his son shaking his head.

She can tell if they were an actual couple this is not the type of party he would throw for their son. He seems to be amused by the whole shindig.

"So you warming up to him hunh?" Jessica says coming up from behind her.

Evangeline turns around and looks at her sister in-law who looks angry. "I have no choice Jess."
"We always have a choice Van."
"Not always…."

Jessica looks at KJ twirling around on the stage acting out the song with the band and smiles. "Van, you have to be careful. You don't know this man. We are talking about KJ here you can't be so trusting."
Evangeline shakes her head. "I was going to tell you all together after the party but I think I should deliver the news to you now"
Jessica looks at her concerned. "What's going on?"
"Tonight I'm moving out, me and KJ are moving back into the house that Kevin built for me"

"My god Van, why? Why on earth would you do that?"
Evangeline looks up with tears in her eyes. "Because I've asked John McBain to marry me"

Jessica eyes grew big "What!"
"I had too. I can't be away from my son. Not even for these weekend visits"
"Van are you crazy?"
"Jess please…."
"No I won't let you do that!" Jessica grabs her sister's arms. "I know you're scared sweetie but don't give up without even fighting."

Evangeline looked at her with tears in her eyes. "I haven't even begun to fight!" she snaps.

Jessica blinks confused. "Van…." Before she can say more John appears with KJ smiling. "Isn't it time for the show to begin?" he asks

Evangeline looks at him and he sees the tears in her eyes and the angry red flushed look on her sister in-law's face. He knows she must have just told her the news. "Hey sorry to interrupt."

"No problem John….you're right lets go" she says wiping her eyes.
"Van please…" Jessica says trying to stop her. Evangeline keeps walking.
Jessica looks at John. "I won't let you hurt them" she hisses through her teeth.

John shakes his head sadly at her and lowers KJ holding his hand they walk in the direction of the tent not acknowledging the comment.

Jessica folds her arm and glares after him. She won't let him come in and destroy her family. It's time she stepped up her efforts to rid her sister in-law of this problem once and for all.

KJ watched the big top show, clapping and cheering. When the ringmaster reached for him he ran between John's legs and John had to get out there with him and hold him for the magic show. Once it was over they all went to the other tent and stood around a cake in the shape of the number 2.

Eve, Thomas, Caitlyn, Michael. Marcie, Dorian, Blair, Star, Jack, Vikki, Clint, Joey, John and Evangeline were at the front of the long table as everyone sang happy birthday. Instead of blowing out the candle he grabbed it with his fingers extinguishing it.

Evangeline thought he may have hurt himself but he kept sucking that pacifier like it didn't matter. John put him in his high chair and Evangeline put the small round cake in front of him. He stuck his hands in it and spit out his pacifier shoving fist fulls in his mouth. The photographer took pictures as everyone laughed and cheered him on.

As the party wound down and guest began to leave Evangeline noticed KJ was crying and whiney being passed from one arm to the next. She went and got her baby and headed to the house.

John sat back in the shadows and watched her leave.
"You really going to marry her dude?"
"Sure am?"
Mike shakes his head. "This is the best arrangement you two could come up with?"
John sighed "What do you suggest? We cut him in half?"
Mike grew quiet.
"Look, I know I've been a prick since Kelly died. I know I took my grief out on you and everyone else in the family. But KJ has changed me."
"How so…"
"Can't explain it. The possibility of raising him calms me somehow. I need to do this. Besides she's pretty hot don't you think?"

Mike burst into laughter "Hell yeah she's hot…but I doubt you get to tread those waters"
John raised his punch to his lip and smiled watching her sashay away "Watch me…"

Evangeline walks in and hands KJ to the nanny to lay down. She looks and finds Vikki, Clint, Joey and Jessica all waiting for her in the parlor like she asked. Taking a deep breath she goes to her family.

Vikki gets up and comes to her and kisses her cheek. "It was a great party sweetie. KJ loved it."

Evangeline smiles weakly "I have something to tell all of you."
Jessica sucks her teeth and stares out the window. Vikki notices Jessica's attitude and frowns. "What is it?"
"Tonight me and KJ are moving out"
"What!" Vikki explains.
Evangeline closes her eyes and tries to steady herself remembering what the doctors said. "We're moving back to Lakewood and John McBain is moving in with us."
Joey stood up concerned "Van you can't be serious."
Evangeline looks at Joey who looks just like Kevin and it breaks her heart. "I am Joey."
Jessica looks at her sister angrily "Joey you ain't heard the best part yet. Tell him Van!"

Vikki frowns. "Evangeline what's going on honey"
"Monday I plan to marry him."
Vikki clutches her chest. "My god!"
Evangeline sees the look of disbelief on everyone's face and blushes. She feels horrible. Then everyone starts yelling at her at one. "You can't!", "You don't know him!", "Why would you do this?", "We won't let you!"

Clint stands up "Silence! Everyone be quiet now!" he shouts
They all look at him shocked. "This is not our decision it's hers and as her family we need to support her. You saw what happened to her in that courtroom. If she thinks this is the way to save her son from being taking away then so be it! No more of this!"

Jessica storms out and Evangeline fights the urge to go after her. Joey shakes his head sadly and leaves the room.

The door opens from the veranda and the entire McBain and Cramer crew pour in. Dorian walks straight to Evangeline. "What's this I hear that you want to take Kelly's husband and move him into your dead husbands house!" she snaps rolling her neck with her hands on her hips.

"Back off Dorian!" Vikki yells.

Dorian turns around and glares at Vikki "You aren't fooling me Vikki! You and your corrupt family want to destroy my niece's husband by turning him into one of your drones to be used and tossed aside!"

"Far as I am concerned your niece husband can go back where he came from and leave my daughter in-law and her son alone. She doesn't need or want the likes of him!"

John walks over "Enough!"

Evangeline holds in her tears and watches him. Everyone in the parlor gets quiet.
"This is no ones business but mine and Evangeline's. We aren't looking for your consent. This is happening and I don't want this bickering around her or my son. She just got out of the hospital for Christ sake."

Evangeline smiles lightly at him showing concern. She appreciates it. He turns and looks at her. Now collect our child we're leaving.

Evangeline looks at Vikki and a tear does fall. She can't bare to leave but for the sake of her son and her sanity she turns and walks out. Everyone watches in silence.