Rise or Fall

by Heiress Mellie

First Class: Charles and Erik have accepted their roles as guardians and headmasters over the young mutants but there is still work to be done for the greater than typical family. This is a familial and discipline, including spanking, centered fiction.

222. Chapter 222 Bread Break

X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter Two Hundred Twenty Two

Author's Word: Hi, fam! Beyond glad to talk to you! This chapter was supposed to be up early yesterday, but the site was having an outage. Many writers were up in arms about it from what I saw. So, the big question. How was the first week of school? The big answer. Is it Labor Day yet? Though to be honest, it really is going okay so far. I even made A's on my first Literature presentation and Composition in-class essay. It's more of an adjustment with it, work, family, and of course this fam. A big thank you to everyone for the great feedback and words of encouragement. It all definitely helped me get through this last week and a half. Now, please enjoy and review! I have to focus on channeling a certain boychick we all know for Psychology tomorrow.

When her arrival in his doorway did nothing to stir the deeply pensive professor from his deadly staring contest with the telephone, the woman knew action had to be taken on her part.

It will never boil at this rate.

Only briefly startled by the normally welcome presence in his mind, Charles faced the entry of his study. There his wife in sheer-sleeved cocktail dress regarded him with her ever radiant features.

Why darling, Charles reached for her hand, you look lovely enough to make a man wicked.

So pleased to distract you. Emma settled in his lap and gripped the sides of his face to draw him into a lasting kiss. Now come, we have hosting duties.

A few minutes longer dear, Charles bargained, this call is very important.

Charles, it is Thanksgiving, Emma reminded. Even lawyers take time to dine. And I know how important this is, but so is this day.

Yes you're right, Charles knew.

A bright smile covered Emma's face as he hoisted her up to carry out of the study.

II

Raven proved quite grateful for her reflexes as Kayla rushed right by her to get to the overheated oven. Angel and Samantha each prepared dishes while standing at the island together.

Collecting the spices she needed, Raven peered over her mother-in-law's shoulder. "Those smell incredible, Mom."

"Thank you." Peeling off a piece of the cheddar biscuit, Edna fed it to Kiki, who she carried on one hip. "These were your daddy's favorites when he was small."

"Mmm," the recently turned four-year-old reacted favorably.

Strolling in, Frank greeted them with, "Hello, ladies. Just checking on the goods." He walked to one of the refrigerator's to peer in. "The lava monster is still holding strong."

Edna's features melted into amusement. "A lava monster, dear?"

Raven explained, "It's a special kosher gelatin Erik taught him how to make."

Frank further elaborated with, "I call it the lava monster because it's red and looks like a volcano."

Edna nodded with great approval. "A young man who knows his way around the kitchen. He will not be a bachelor for long."

Frank smiled a little. "That's what my mom's always saying." He went to one of the cabinets.

"Watch that you don't fill up," Kayla cautioned at his retrieval of the bag of tortilla chips.

"Don't worry, Kay. We X-Kids have room to spare," Frank reassured, giving the girls a wink.

Focused on her tuna mixture, Samantha sent a smile after the departing boy.

Maya came in shortly after him, wearing a blue and white dress with pleated skirt. "Do you need any help?"

"Always," Kayla said, handing her both a mixing spoon and spare apron. "You two just got back?"

"Mmhmm," Maya nodded. "Soup and leftover ice cream; the feast of champions."

"How is your mother, sweetheart?" Edna asked.

"She's doing really well, Mrs. McCoy," Maya replied, looking through Kayla's row of ingredients. "Sean and I had lunch over there. Outside of our relatives- most of them, anyway- she's never been in favor of crowds."

"That's more than understandable," Edna said. "Prolonged hospital visits are enough to make anyone desire solitude."

Receiving a flash directly in the eye, Raven waved a spatula her brother's way. "Charles Xavier!"

Snapping another picture, the cheeky professor said, "Simply trying to get into the holiday spirit, love."

"Charles!" Angel ducked under the island. "I can't be seen with flour all in my head. I don't even have my face on."

"You do so," Charles insisted, "and it's beautiful."

While Angel remained in hiding, Samantha waved at the camera for her photo.

Getting down from her grandmother, Kiki approached with a big smile. "Take my picture, Uncle Charles."

"There's my sweet girl." Charles got to one knee to better capture the adorable face. "You're a fine sport for your uncle, aren't you?" He took two more of her then brought her close to pick up. "Come. Let's see what the rest of the family is up to."

Kayla shook her head. "New year's resolution? Burn that camera."

II

With most of the household preoccupied elsewhere, only the sound of the girl's humming filled the Mag Cave. The tune swelled Scott with a great deal of familiarity yet puzzlement at the same time. Though he still tried to figure out whether it was A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes or Someday My Prince Will Come. He decided to lean towards the latter. Behind Erik's large desk, their equally thin frames made sharing the chair quite comfortable. Becky wore a long muted orange dress with black stockings. Scott himself hoped he looked alright in his tan pants and brown sweater over dress shirt.

They reached for the glue stick in a simultaneous motion. Each mouthed 'sorry' to the other and Scott withdrew his hand so that she could use it. Becky's eyes sparked her gratitude. Scott instead used his scissors to cut out the shape of a surfboard for Alex's place setting.

"What should we do for Todd and Mira?" Becky wondered. "I know they're too little to be at the table like Brian, but they deserve cards, too."

Scott considered it. "Maybe we could do a pink cross for Mira and a blue star for Todd."

Becky tilted her head at this. "Why a star?"

"Well, the Cross is a symbol of faith like Mira's middle name and remember that story Kayla told us before?" Scott mentioned. "Where the Indian boy found out the stars stood for hope? Like Todd's middle name."

"Oh, right," Becky recalled. "Great idea, Scott."

With quite the pleased smile, the boy pulled over some more construction paper. "I'm glad Erik wants us doing it. You know, us two. With the tradition meaning so much to him and all."

"Me, too," Becky agreed. "Joey might like cutting the paper, but the other boys won't understand how important the meanings are. They're not like you."

"Thanks, Rebecca." Scott eyed her for a second before getting back to worth.

Both with concentration elsewhere, neither noticed that one reached for the container of markers until their hands gingerly collided. With his over hers, Scott found himself pressing his palm down.

Becky looked at him expectedly. "Scott?"

"Oh, um," Scott used his fingers to dig through until he discovered the brown marker, "here's the one I needed."

Becky in turn quickly snatched up the purple one.

II

Long legs moving at a rapid pace, Sean leapt up to secure the flying pig skin out of the sky.

"Whoooo," going to run some more, the redhead taunted, "is that all you guys got?"

Alex darted after him, "Maybe we want to go easy on you."

With a coat and mitten adorned Kiki in tow, Charles stepped out to the backyard to observe the antics. "Sean, honestly? You couldn't change out of your good clothes first?"

Sean glanced over. "Why, I just have to get back in 'em. I'll hose off, promise."

When Leon went to intercept the ball, Hank thwarted his move.

"I'm afraid you'll have to do a little better than that." The scientist flung the ball. "Go for it, son."

Getting into sweaters, Edna and Raven arrived in the yard as well.

"I got it, Daddy!" Trav ran as hard as he could and just managed to catch it, tumbling onto his bottom as he did so. "I caught it, I caught it!"

"Yeah, Trav!" Raven cheered.

"Way to go, Bugsy," Alex commended.

Edna called across the yard, "Perhaps you've met your match at last, Henry."

Smiling over at her, Hank returned, "I certainly hope so, Mom."

Soon another competitor emerged from the bench. "Would you mind if I play through?"

"Yeah!" Trav jumped with glee. "Uncle Erik's on my team."

"Uh oh," Alex reacted.

"We've had it," Leon determined.

Hank sent Erik a cunning glower. "We will see."

Erik countered him with a shark smirk.

II

Reaching his loft, Victor discovered the seemingly disappeared woman. With red hair done up in a perfectly neat bun that showed of the neckline of her black dress quite well, she reviewed an extensive manila folder.

"Though you might end up in here." Bundle in his possession, Victor started towards her.

Adrienne spared him a glance, tapping her pen against one paper before her. "It amazes me how a house this size can be so insufferably boisterous."

"Oh yeah." Victor sat near her on the couch. "Three babies, a whole flock of other kids, family gatherin'- noise? Makes not a lick of sense."

Adrienne took notice of the squirm creature he held. "Your nephew seems to take after his mother. Small favors."

"Want to hold him?" Victor offered.

The woman shook her head. "I don't think he will take too kindly to the presence of a stranger."

"You're not a stranger," Victor stated. "Just a weirdo."

Giving him a cross look, Adrienne released a small sigh before putting her work to one side. Arms extended, she accepted the delicate and warm vessel into her own grasp. Eyes partly closed, Todd still tried to take her in. He lifted one bitty hand upwards.

Victor extended his pink for his nephew to clutch. "Looks smitten to me."

Finding herself unable to take her own eyes off the small one, Adrienne countered softly, "Five minutes with me should nullify that opinion." At his hand on her shoulder, she faced him.

Even brown eyes stared back at her. "I know what you feeling, baby. Every detail. Don't let it keep you from enjoyin' them. They're worth the time. They're worth just about everything."

Adrienne started to speak to him then felt Todd's tiny fingertip on her other arm and looked to him again. "You are the charmer, aren't you?"

At the light rocking motion he experienced in the lady's grasp, Todd's eyes slowly closed completely as sleep found him.

II

One piping mug in each hand, Logan approached the McCoy women seated together while watching the children, along with Erik and Hank, dart about.

"Apple cider, ladies?" the Veteran presented the cups. "From the Mrs' recipe."

"Oh thank you," Edna graciously accepted.

Raven took hers with a gloved hand. "Thanks, Logan." She sipped the welcomed drink and placed her head against Edna's shoulder.

Amongst one short pile of leaves, Kiki sat tucked between Cody and Joey. The small girl held Bounty while the boys took turns feeding him pieces of food.

"Um," Cody pondered, "I'm not sure, Kiki. Ask my dad."

Logan neared and squatted to the children. "Ask your dad what?"

Kiki faced him. "Puppy, do I have to nap anymore? 'Cause I'm four?" She held up the right amount of fingers for emphasis.

"'Fraid so, darlin'," Logan answered her, going to coil one of her loose pigtails around his finger. "You still got a little bit of growin' to do. Naps'll help take care of that."

Kiki made a face at that. "That's what Daddy says about veggies."

"Uncle Erik, too," said Joey. "But we have to nap, too, Kiki. When Dad or Uncle Erik say we need it. I used to get time-out naps a lot, but now I get sent to my room and can't touch my toys or even my art stuff. That's no fun."

Kiki stated, "I hate time-out naps."

Cody put forth, "I don't mind 'em. Beats gettin' your hide tanned any day."

Logan tossed at his son's thick, dark hair. "You'd know, wouldn't ya?"

Cody grinned and arched forward to try to nip the man's fingers. Logan toppled back so the child could properly attack him.

II

The lowering sun making an orange-gold canvas out of the clear moisture, the bitty pebble landing in the center of the body of water created multiple ripple rings.

Before he could fling another rock, the boy heard his name, as if a whisper from the wind itself. "Frank?"

Glancing back, he could not easily mask the contentment at the discovery of the girl in white pea coat with golden blonde curls flowing. "Must be real nice having super ears. You probably heard me with no problem."

"Actually," hands in the pockets of her coat, she came to stand at his side, "I smelled you with no problem."

Frank grew alarmed at that. "I swear I showered this morning."

An airy giggle echoed off Samantha's lips. "It's more like chips," she leaned in to better inhale near his mouth, "and chocolate."

Frank experienced a quickening in his pulse and he struggled for his words at first. "I snuck a couple cookies earlier." He gave her a little smirk. "Don't tell."

"I won't." She then wondered, "Why aren't you playing ball with the others?"

Frank lifted his shoulders in a shrug. "Not really in the mood for so many people I guess. With Hank and Raven so excited about his mom and her being so great and all… I really wish mine was here."

Samantha reacted with, "Oh… where is she?"

"With Linny. My older brother. He's doing this missionary thing," Frank explained. "Going all over, telling people about God. Then there's my dad, who's with my little brother Jeff. So basically, Dad's on one side of the world and Mom's on the other. And I'm here in the middle by myself. Story of my life."

The girl found this strange. "You're not by yourself, Frank."

"I know," he immediately agreed with a short ironic laugh. "I know I'm not. You want to talk alone? That's how my friend Collin feels most of the time. He's basically some tool around his house. But I'm here with Erik, Charles, training with Wolverine and Alex… I don't know what's wrong with me." He shook his head in an attempt to clear it. "I was all happy you were coming here and I've hardly acted like it."

"It's okay, Frank," she told him. "I love being here. Right here." Samantha gazed out at the water before looking at him again. "Talking with you. About… not little things, but things that are important."

"Sam, I've got to tell you," Frank spoke seriously, "if you keep talking that way, you're liable to make a guy want to…"

"Want to what?" Samantha urged.

Children, Emma's voice pierced throughout the grounds, dinner will be on the table in less than an hour. Time to clean and dress.

The young teenagers returned to the house in time to hear the monumental complaints from the smaller children.

"Alright, little ones," Charles herded, "that will be quite enough. Inside, take your baths."

"Comb your hair," Erik added, "and I expect to see you gents in ties. The ladies have been slaving in that kitchen. The least you can do is appear presentable."

"Yes, sir," Alex, Leon, and Sean chorused.

"Awwww, can't we go in later?" Cody moaned.

"Just a little longer?" beseeched Joey.

"Cut the belly achin'," Logan shot down.

"Joe, it's an order," Alex said firmly.

Leon simply spoke, "Cody," while Sean gave him a look.

Cody slouched his shoulders. "No fair. I get two of 'em."

Joey stroked Bounty as they started in.

"Come along, Cub." Hank picked up Trav.

"Come on, sweetie." Raven hugged her daughter close to her. "You get to put on the new dress Grandma got you."

Kiki completely beamed at this.

IIIIIII

Reclining in his seat, Jimmy exhaled in ecstasy. "I don't know the last time I ate this good."

"Last night," Melissa gazed across at him, "also known as the last time I cooked for you."

Jimmy reminded, "But this time you made it with love."

Fabian indicated the one who sat beside him. "Don't forget that she did have some assistance."

Cordelia waved that off with, "It was only a couple things."

Melissa looked her way. "And I appreciate it. Really."

Anne piped up, "I wish Papi was here. He would have loved everything."

Max propped his head up with his fist forlornly. "He sure would."

"Hey, look at it this way," Collin put forth. "Just wait until Marco hears how great we ate. It'll drive him nuts."

"We'll have the best feast ever when they return home," Melissa assured. "I promise."

Max brought up, "Now can we have dessert?"

Melissa shook her head in humor as she stood. "Bottomless pits. I'll grab some plates."

Cordelia collected a few dishes. "I'll get started on these."

Anne took some as well. "Me, too." When all three were in the kitchen, she approached the visitor at the dishwasher. "I'm really glad my brother likes you."

Cordelia regarded her in gratitude. "That goes double for me."

Anne left with the plates while Melissa carried the pair of pumpkin pies.

Entering the eatery right after them, Fabian watched the one near the sink. "The cleaning woman returns to duty in the morning."

Cordelia glanced back. "You couldn't give her the full holiday weekend?"

"Believe me, she's the definition of overpaid." Fabian came to stand next to her, reaching out to touch one of her rubber gloved wrists. "You've done enough." He began peeling off her gloves. "More than any guest should ever have to."

"I'm your girlfriend, not the queen straight off the throne," Cordelia reasoned. "You don't have to give me the fine china treatment."

Fabian took her by the waist to bring her near. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." Cordelia stared into his brown eyes. "Besides, my father and brother cannot be pried away from work right now. Being short another Frost won't terribly spoil the X-Men's Thanksgiving."

"For more than dinner," Fabian clarified. "I must admit, romantic relationships are not quite my forte." He dipped her suddenly. "Do I not hide it well?"

Cordelia wound arms around his neck securely. "Pulled the wool right over my eyes."

"But you have been utterly fantastico through all of this." He brought them both back up into full standing positions. "Today, everything with my father and Ignacio- it is all… I…"

"Fabian," Cordelia touched fingers to his cheek, "it's the same for me."

At the abrupt ringing, Fabian let go of her to answer the kitchen extension. "Feliz Dia de Gracias? Papi? Si, bueno Papi- Anne Marie!" He bellowed the name. "Es Papi en telefono!"

The little girl burst right into the room and her brother handed her the receiver. "Bueno, Papi?" She smiled wider. "Feliz Dia de Gracias!"

Cordelia quietly watched them with a developing glow.

IIIIIII

"Nukes flyin'!" Cody crashed the bottles of child safe shampoo and condition into the water, resulting in a monumental splash.

Joey laughed and sent water flying at him. "Duck for cover!"

"Charles Joseph," a knock on the door went along with the Professor's voice, "that had best be the sound of you lads getting clean behind your ears."

"Yes, Dad!" Joey called back and unplugged the tub.

As they climbed out and toweled off, Cody wondered, "Why're adults always fussin' over all the dumb spots? Neck, ears, pits- all the places nobody even looks at."

Joey responded, "Beats me," while trying to dry off his hair.

II

Angel paused from putting on ruby red lipstick at the younger one twirling through the room in a goldenrod number.

Eyeing her in the vanity mirror, Angel commented, "Cordelia would try to snatch that dress right off your back if she was here."

Samantha smiled in delight. "What are you wearing?"

Angel showed her the striped crimson and black peplum top with dark skirt. "But it's the holiday and I'm taking a break from the heels."

"Every woman's reprieve." Adrienne walked in to inspect the pair. "How are we coming along, ladies?"

"Mama?" Samantha held a necklace out to her.

Adrienne got the sun shaped pendant around the girl's neck then determined, "Oh dear, no." She began pulling back the front portion of Samantha's hair to get it away from her face. "It'll be much to troublesome to have it all over while trying to eat a big meal."

"I'm with you on that," Angel said, forming her dark strands into a half-up, half-down style.

II

Unable to keep still the moment she had the violet dress on, Kiki bounced in the middle of her parents' bed in her socks.

"Radiant, darling," Edna commented, "but I believe it would look all the better with these." She presented the small girl with the pair of mary-janes.

Kiki sat on the mattress so her grandmother could adorn her feet. "I like Mommy's, too."

Golden hair carefully pinned in an up-do, Raven looked away from the mirror with the long-sleeve article on. "What do you think, Mom? Too short?"

"Of course not," Edna replied. "Very tasteful." She stood to stand just behind Raven at the mirror. "And you know I adore you in blue."

Raven smiled somewhat secretively. "Yes, I know."

Heavy knuckles rapped on the door. "Are you ladies decent?"

"Dressed," Raven answered, "but we make no promises on decent."

Hank opened the door and Trav entered ahead of him with a collared shirt on under his sweater.

"Mommy, Grandma, you're beautiful," the little boy declared. "Kikiko's okay, too."

Kiki squeezed her cheeks together to make a face at him.

Edna laughed and said, "Thank you, sweetheart."

Hank requested, "May we have the pleasure of acting as your escorts?"

"Yes, you may," Raven accepted.

Trav raised his hand high. "I get Grandma!" He clamped onto her wrist with that.

"Son, trust me," Hank said, "she prefers you."

Edna smiled and tickled Trav's chin. "Am I that obvious?"

Hank picked up Kiki and spun with her for a full circle before extending a free arm to his wife.

II

On their way into the dining room, Leon noticed the gold cufflinks Alex fiddled with. "Those are nice."

"Thanks." The blonde then told him, "They're from Dad. Can you believe he managed to save them? These were his father's."

Leon's eyes widened at this. "His father's?... You know how they typically saved their valuables, right?"

Alex appeared puzzled. "What are you talking about, Lee?"

"Leon," Erik addressed forcefully, "let us discuss this at another time, far away from the meal table, please."

Leon promptly quieted and lowered into his chair while Alex still wore his confused expression.

With Scott and Becky's place settings and other arrangements decorating the table, the remainder of the household soon filed in. Frank helped wheel the food in.

Charles touched the article the boy wore. "Very handsome, though I didn't expect to see you in a tie."

Erik mentioned, "He is a young man now."

Frank hid his smile.

Charles spoke out to the rest of the room with, "Attention, everyone, attention." He faced the metal wielder. "Brother, I believe you have a turkey to carve."

To the telepath's surprise, Erik said, "Not this year, brother. Hank," he looked to the surprised young instructor, "would you care to pick up my slack this year?"

Rising to his feet, Hank replied, "I should be used to it by now," resulting in some laughter, then said, "It's an honor, Erik."

Going around to the enormous main course, he gripped the pair of utensils and cut the first slice. Hands went together in joyful clapping at the act and he returned to his chair.

"Well done, Henry." Taking the hand of the woman beside him, Charles went on with, "Now, I leave you with the words of my greater half."

After receiving a peck to the back of her hand from her husband, Emma regarded those seated at their table. "Since last year's Day of Thanks, we have suffered trials," she went to stand near Hank then moved over to Maya, "and losses," she squeezed the girl's shoulders and Maya touched her hand, "two things with which I am very familiar. There was a time when loss not only took what was most important away from me, but also made me lesser in the process. Now, with every loss, struggle, and setback, the urge to fight and hang onto the people in my life. Though I am aware I cannot save everyone, the outside forces will have to combat an iron grip should any attempt to separate us. But we are not to worry with such things today. No, today we give thanks for exactly what is in front of us." She walked back to her chair to raise her wine glass. "Happy Thanksgiving, everyone."

"Happy Thanksgiving," echoed throughout the room following that.

IIIIIII

Rocking at a gentle speed inside his swivel chair, Hank eased back comfortably with the sleeping Kiki sprawled out against his front. Closing his eyes, he left a soft kiss at the top of her head.

Gingerly stepping into the lab, Edna whispered, "Henry?"

Smiling at her voice, Hank used a hand to wave her over. "Mother." He rubbed at Kiki's back. "She practically passed out in her dessert."

"Oh," Edna bent to brush away some hair from the little girl's face, "my angel."

"They've enjoyed having you. We all have," Hank reinforced.

"Being with all of you this way has done me a world of good as well." Edna gripped his left hand between both her own. "Sweetheart, I dread bringing this up, but your father… the anniversary of the day is drawing near. I have to know if you're alright."

He stated, "I am, Mother. I know that's difficult for many to believe, but that anniversary is not shrouded in darkness alone. Through Dad's sacrifice, I have my son and daughter; the greatest gifts he could ever give me."

Edna reached up to stroke his hair. "And you've always been mine. I love you, son."

Hank smiled, easing further at her touch. "I love you, too, Mom."

IIIIIII

When the fifth rock against the window caused no reaction, the young man considered moving the stones up in size. He also wondered how to pull off such a feat without obliterating the glass in the process.

"You are so painfully high school."

Leon looked over at the female who approached him. "Would you have preferred the strings of a guitar coupled with recitation of old English?"

Melissa determined, "Pass."
"Good," Leon responded. "Because coming within proximity of Sean's guitar is the easiest way to lose a vital limb."

Melissa noticed the package he did have with him. "What is that?"

Leon lifted the container to eye level. "Pie."

"Pie?"

"For you to eat. Because launching it into my face wouldn't be ideal, but I'm sure many a professor has entertained the idea."

"Noted," she nodded. "And I appreciate the thought, but we had our pumpkin fill around here."

"But ah, this is an Edna McCoy, one-of-a-kind lemon meringue." He held it further out to her. "Breathe in the happy household goodness."

"Though that smell might shock my system," Melissa accepted the seal dessert, "thanks. But I have to admit it. This has been the best Thanksgiving I've had since… well, it's been good."

Leon nodded. "For me, too. And I should probably get back to it so…"

Melissa said, "I'll see you."

"See you." Leon turned to head in the direction he had parked but stopped shortly. "Melissa?" He looked back.

She turned away from staring at the pie. "Yeah?"

"Do you… really hate that the Christmas specials are starting already?"

"Extremely," she replied, "but I do have a soft spot for Miracle on 34th Street. Anne and I are watching it later."

"Ah. I'll probably catch it with Becky." He started to walk again.

Melissa remained in place then walked a few paces after him. "Leon?" He peered back. "Helmet. Even boys who ride the big bikes need them."

"I'll remember… today, anyway." Leon at last shifted away.

Melissa took in his burst before turning to re-enter the manor.

IIIIIII

Both in fall protection including gloves, the teenagers walked into the living room together. The two women situated in front of the television gazed up at them expectedly.

"Do you think we could go on a walk real quick?" Frank requested. "We won't go beyond the grounds."

"Promise," Samantha added.

Adrienne waved fingers for their dismissal. "Run along then."

"Not too long, Frank," Emma tacked on, shifting Brian in her lap.

"We know, thanks." Frank took the girl's hand as they headed for the rear of the house.

Upon her entry through the front way, Cordelia hung up her jacket and reacted to the familiar sounds.

"Faith is believing when common sense tells you not to. Don't you see? It's not just Kris that's on trial. It's everything he stands for. It's kindness and joy and love and all the other intangibles."

Going into the mostly darkened living room, she saw her sisters along with the screen. "Is this 34th Street?"

Adrienne said simply, "Emma's pick."

Emma inched down on the couch. "How was your day?"

"Perfecto." Taking her nephew from the blonde, Cordelia sat between the older females. Lightly resting her chin on top of his soft head, she held the baby close.