A/N: First of all, I'd like to thank everyone for the lovely and insightful reviews and messages. I am so glad to see that people are enjoying this story. I am super excited about this chapter because I introduce another original character who will also be present in different capacities in several future chapters. If his name sounds familiar to some of you, then it's probably because I've written him into one of my first MC fics about six years ago. But you don't need to go read that one, because he has a very different role in this fic, and it's absolutely stand-alone and isn't related to the other character with the same name I created eons ago. Anyway, I'd love to know how what you think of him.
Also, I would like to note blossom-of-snow's great contribution to this chapter, because the way I originally wrote was with a very dark twist that was just wrong for it, and she directed me towards other options that positively affected future chapters as well. I'm telling y'all, she's gonna be a really big editor someday! (she already is, but I mean professionally).
Sharon could feel Rainie's eyes on her as she examined her reflection in the mirror. She wore a floral black maxi dress with a halter neckline. Her hair cascaded over her shoulders in soft waves, and her makeup was already done. Her skin tingled in anticipation, and her only way to diffuse her tension was to make sure she looked her best.
"Don't you think it's a bit much for dinner at home?" Rainie asked.
"It's not just a dinner at home. We have a guest," Sharon replied and turned to look at Rainie. "Please don't tell me you're going to wear that to dinner." She motioned at Rainie's short jeans and T-shirt. "A dress would look nice on you." She walked out of her bedroom and into Rainie's and picked through the girl's closet.
"What's so special about him?" Rainie wondered, leaning against her doorframe.
"He's my best friend," Sharon replied. "How about this one?" She held out a brown dress with Aztec print embroidered in gold around the hem and sleeves.
"Then why are you dressed like you're going out on a date?" Rainie asked and took the dress from Sharon. She shed her clothes quickly and changed into the dress.
Sharon pulled a pair of matching shoes for Rainie from the bottom of her closet.
"Was he, like, your first boyfriend or something?"
"Alfie was my first everything," Sharon replied, and a dreamy expression spread across her face.
"Eww," Rainie made a face. "Why would you want to have him over here?"
"Because we've been friends since pre-school. We grew up together, we shared all our secrets, and believe me, he could have chosen to take any other girl to prom, but he chose me," Sharon said and fiddled with her fingers.
"That sounds like a lot of nostalgia," Rainie commented, and Sharon grinned. "If he's so special, then why did you marry Jack?"
"We went to college in different states, and we both met our spouses at school and stayed where we were," Sharon explained.
"So what changed? Why is he visiting now?" Rainie inquired.
"Nothing changed. Alfie comes to LA on business every once in a while, and the last couple of times, we didn't get to meet. It's been a year and a half since we last saw each other, so we're excited to meet again. That's all."
"His wife doesn't mind that he comes to visit you?" Sharon had not expected Rainie to be so curious about Alfie. Usually, she stayed out of Sharon's social life, even when Sharon hosted friends, but for some reason, Alfie piqued Rainie's curiosity.
"Alfie's wife battled eating disorders for many years. He tried to get her into a treatment center, and she refused, and unfortunately, at thirty years old, due to a chemical imbalance in her brain, she suffered a stroke that has left her in a vegetative state. Alfie has been taking care of her since then."
"That sucks," Rainie replied.
Sharon nodded. "Be nice to him, love. He's very important to me," she spoke softly. Rainie could sometimes be tactless with Sharon's guests, and while she knew it was unintentional, she still felt the need to ask the girl to be conscious of her words and their weight.
When the doorbell rang, Rainie followed giddy Sharon down the hall. Sharon smoothed her dress before she opened the door. Her dear childhood friend stood in front of her, looking dapper in a dark gray suit and an aubergine tie. His hair which used to be sandy blond was now peppered with gray, but the look suited him.
"Alfie," Sharon greeted him warmly when he handed her a bouquet of calla lilies – Sharon's favorite flower. He pecked her lips and smiled at her as he walked in. "It's so wonderful to see you again."
"You too, my darling," he said.
"Alfie, meet Rainie," Sharon introduced the girl who looked a bit overwhelmed by the soft kiss Sharon and Alfie shared.
"I'm pleased to meet you, Rainie. Sharon has told me a lot about you," Alfie offered his hand for her to shake and the girl took it. Sharon has told him that Rainie had a history of abuse and asked him to be considerate of that when approaching her, and she was happy he didn't opt for a kiss on Rainie's cheek, as he usually did with Emily and Ricky.
"It's nice to meet you too," Rainie replied and used the first chance she could to escape into the kitchen.
Sharon and Alfie exchanged pleasantries for several minutes before she ushered him towards the dinner table that was already set.
"Oh, Shay, dinner looks great," Alfie motioned towards the table that Sharon has spent hours decorating and arranging.
"Shay?" Rainie asked with a raised eyebrow as she took a seat at the table.
"Yes, we've been calling each other Shay and Alfie since kindergarten," Alfie replied proudly. "But no one else is allowed to call her that, right, Shay?" Sharon gave Rainie a radiant smile and shrugged.
"Can I offer you wine?" Sharon asked Alfie.
"Not tonight, Shay," Alfie declined politely. "But feel free to have some yourself."
During dinner, they carried a light and entertaining conversation around the table. Sharon couldn't help but notice that Rainie made several attempts to engage in conversation with Alfie. She could see the girl's jaw muscles straining and realized that Rainie has been mostly trying to be accommodating because Sharon asked her to be. The worried gaze in the girl's eyes and the way she tried to catch every nuance in Sharon and Alfie's interactions didn't go unnoticed.
Sharon didn't know why Rainie found this particular friendship interesting and could only assume it stemmed from the girl's need for reassurance that her environment would not change.
After dinner, Rainie helped Sharon clear the table. Alfie tried to help them, but Sharon insisted that he was a guest and that he didn't need to do any of that. She suggested that he go and open the balcony door to get some fresh air into the condo. All the excitement has made her feel a bit out of breath, and putting a little distance could be helpful. She watched Alfie as he stepped into the balcony and took in the view. She covered the casserole dish with tin foil when Rainie went into the kitchen carrying the salad bowl.
"Could you please boil some water for tea?" Sharon asked as she took the salad bowl from Rainie. The girl nodded as Sharon put the food away and took the dessert out of the fridge. "Alfie wondered if you would accept a gift from him."
"Why did he ask that?" Rainie asked.
"He didn't want to embarrass you, in case you don't feel comfortable with it," Sharon explained.
"I guess it's alright," Rainie mused with a shrug. "What is it?"
"I have no idea," Sharon admitted. "Why don't you go and keep him company on the balcony while I make us tea and cut the cake." She watched as Rainie unsurely walked into the balcony and stood next to Alfie. She wasn't sure what Alfie had for Rainie, but since he was a gemologist, she assumed he would give the girl a jewel of some kind. She wasn't wrong. As she lifted her gaze from the dessert she was cutting, she saw Alfie pulling a jewelry box from his pocket and handing it to Rainie. Sharon placed the desserts and hot beverages on a wooden tray and carried it to the balcony. Her gaze locked with Alfie's and he offered her a soft smile that instinctively made the corners of her mouth curl upwards.
"I just realized that Rainie's ears aren't pierced," he said to Sharon.
Rainie showed her Alfie's gift – two delicate diamond studs. Diamonds have always been Alfie's go-to gem. Although he also worked with other gems, he always said every lady needs to have a pair of diamond earrings.
"I guess I could pierce them, or something." Even in the darkness, Sharon could see the blush that spread across Rainie's cheeks.
"You don't have to do that. I can have these diamonds integrated into a different jewel for you," Alfie offered.
"No, I love these," Rainie insisted. "They're beautiful, thank you so much."
"We could go to get your ears pierced this weekend if you want to," Sharon offered.
"Sure, that would be great," Rainie's eyes lighted up. "Thank you again, Alfie. These earrings are beautiful."
"It's my pleasure, Rainie," Alfie said. "Do you remember the day you got your ears pierced, Shay?" he asked.
"Oh, God, don't remind me," Sharon groaned. "My mother pierced my ears at home with a sewing needle."
"That sounds extreme," Rainie commented.
"Shay was scared out of her mind," Alfie said.
"But Alfie held my hand, and it all turned out fine in the end," Sharon smiled and reached for his hand. He took it in his and gave it a small squeeze.
It was close to midnight when Alfie decided to call it a night. When he had said that he was not as young as he was and needed to sleep more, Sharon snorted. Alfie has never been the kind of person who stayed up late, and it was a joke he has been telling since they both turned forty and for some reason, it was still funny even after all these years.
"I'd like to take you out for dinner tomorrow evening if you're free," Alfie said as they stood at the door.
"I'd love that, Alfie," Sharon said. "I'll meet you at your hotel."
Alfie nodded and pressed his lips to hers before wishing her and Rainie a good night and leaving the condo. Sharon locked the door and then returned to the balcony to gather the teacups and dessert plates and carry them to the kitchen. Rainie joined her and helped her load the dishes from dinner and dessert into the dishwasher.
"So, what do you think?" Sharon asked as they stood together in the kitchen and cleaned.
"You two have a weird relationship," Rainie replied.
"That's not what I meant. I was talking about piercing your – weird relationship?" It took Sharon a moment to realize what Rainie said.
"Well, it's clear you two have a thing going," Rainie said as she put away a stack of unused napkins.
"We've been long-time friends, Rainie. We don't have –" Sharon was surprised when the girl cut her off.
"Emily and Ricky may be buying into that lie, but it's clear to me that Alfie is different than your other friends. You two did it, and I don't mean back in high school, but, like, more recently."
"Rainie, it's – " Sharon began, but Rainie cut her off again.
"None of my business, I know. But I'm not blind, Sharon. You and Alfie are friends with benefits," Rainie declared.
"For heaven's sake, I'm a married woman, Rainie," Sharon looked outraged, even though she was slowly realizing Rainie was too perceptive for her to continue hiding the truth.
"Oh, come on, Sharon. I've been honest and open with you about everything that ever happened to me in my life, including the really shameful stuff. Why are you never honest with me about your life?" Rainie raged.
"Okay, I'm sorry. You're right about Alfie and me," Sharon admitted. "After his wife had a stroke and Jack left, we found comfort in each other. It's not a romantic relationship. We're friends who occasionally get together and have sex, and that's all there is to tell about that."
"So tomorrow night is about that?" Rainie asked.
"I don't know, Rainie. Sometimes we just have a drink and talk," Sharon replied.
"I hate it that you never trust me with these things," Rainie said and threw a dish towel on the kitchen counter.
"That's not true, Rainie," Sharon argued, but it was too late. Rainie had already stormed off and stomped into her room, slamming the door behind her. Sharon sighed. She never imagined Rainie would pick up on the little arrangement between Alfie and her; Emily and Ricky never did. Maybe it was because, unlike Rainie, her children have been oblivious to the idea that she had a sexual relationship with anyone other than their father. She leaned against the kitchen counter and closed her eyes for a long moment. She didn't realize Rainie felt that Sharon wasn't sharing enough about herself with her. She wasn't sure what Rainie wanted to know, but it was clear that her introversion had hurt the girl's feelings. Keeping her personal life secret wasn't something she did on purpose; it was just who she was. Sharon turned the lights off and headed down the hall. She stopped in front of Rainie's room and knocked on the door.
"Honey, can I come in?"
"No," she heard Rainie's reply.
"Please?" she tried again.
"I don't wanna talk to you," Rainie insisted.
"Okay. If you change your mind, you can always come and talk to me," she said.
No response came from the other side of the door.
Sharon shook her head and went to her room. She hated the idea that Rainie decided to go to bed angry. Not going to sleep angry was something that she always taught Emily and Ricky, but Rainie wasn't her child, and it was always harder for her to control the way Rainie chose to react to situations she perceived as destabilizing. Rainie's refusal to open the door and talk to her was a clear request for space, and Sharon knew that she had to respect that.
Her heart was heavy when she went to bed. Sharon had hoped Rainie would change her mind and come out of her room, so they would be able to talk about the issue Rainie had with her secrecy. Having to go to bed with the knowledge that her foster daughter was unhappy weighed on her. After exhausting herself with thoughts of the evening's events, Sharon fell asleep.
The next day, Sharon was disappointed to discover that Rainie was still angry at her and refused to talk to her over breakfast. After grabbing a fruit from the fridge, Rainie grabbed her car keys and left the house before Sharon had a chance to try and handle the situation. She tried texting Rainie, but since St. Joseph's didn't allow students to use their mobile phones on school premises, she knew that Rainie wouldn't be able to answer. Sharon decided to push the situation out of her mind until she has a chance to talk to Rainie when she got home from school and straighten things out. She was off-duty for the day and decided to spend it on housework.
Sharon was just out of the shower when Rainie returned home. It was a late afternoon hour, and the girl made a beeline to her room and closed the door. Sharon was supposed to meet Alfie in an hour and a half, but she didn't want to leave the house without trying to talk to Rainie first. She tightened her bathrobe around her as she crossed the hall and knocked on Rainie's door.
"What do you want?" she heard the girl's frustrated voice.
"I wanna talk to you. Open the door," Sharon said in a tone that was stern enough to make Rainie do what she said and soft enough to make it clear that she was not there to fight. Rainie opened the door, and Sharon walked in.
"I have homework, so keep it short," Rainie demanded.
"I just wanted to tell you I'm sorry if I offended you last night," Sharon started. "I don't know what kind of personal experiences you want me to share with you. I share with you the important stuff, things that pertain to you and your safety. But I am also allowed to keep some things to myself."
"But you keep everything to yourself," Rainie whined.
"Sweetheart, I need you to believe me that I'm not keeping anything important from you," Sharon said.
"You didn't tell me about Jack's addiction. You made me feel like a fool for yelling at you the way I did," Rainie said. "And you didn't tell me about Alfie, and about the threatening letters you received from Wade Weller. These are important things." Tears filled Rainie's eyes, and Sharon wrapped her arms around the girl and pulled her into her arms.
"I didn't tell you about Jack and the letters because I didn't want to burden you with my troubles, and I didn't tell you about Alfie because I'm not proud of sleeping with a man who is not my husband. It's something that I prefer to keep to myself," Sharon explained. "I didn't mean to hurt you, honey. You know how much I love you, don't you?"
Rainie sniffled and pulled away from Sharon. "Are you still meeting Alfie tonight?" she asked.
"Yes, I need to get ready, but I didn't want to leave here before we talked."
"Say hi to him from me," Rainie requested.
"I will," Sharon promised.
"Are you gonna spend the night at his hotel?" Rainie wondered.
"No. I'll be home around midnight," Sharon replied and offered Rainie a soft smile. "If you want, we can go to get your ears pierced tomorrow."
"That sounds great," Rainie said. Sharon gave her a quick nod before leaving the room to get ready for her dinner with Alfie.
Sharon followed Alfie into his hotel room on the 15th floor. Alfie always returned to the same hotel, but this time, he was upgraded to one of the suites, which meant there was more space; he also received a complimentary fruit and snack basket. He mentioned it to Sharon and invited her to help herself to anything she wanted from the basket. Since they've already eaten dinner at a nearby fusion restaurant and were full, Sharon chose to pass.
They went out to the balcony where the summer breeze blew through Sharon's hair as she stared into the distance. She came here tonight expecting to reconnect with her childhood friend after almost two years apart, but instead, she had been thinking about the conversation she had with Rainie before she went out. Even though they have reached some sort of an agreement, Sharon could tell that Rainie was still upset. The girl had a lot to worry about. After Rainie refused to help her mother the previous week, Sharon Beck went off the grid. Rainie had hoped that she went back to rehab, but after checking with Signal Hill and a couple of other rehab centers in the area, it was clear that Sharon Beck went back to drugs. Rainie may have known that it was not her fault, but having to experience her mother's abandonment for the third time must have shaken her to her core. Considering the fact that she would turn 18 in only two months, the girl's worries couldn't have been bigger. Sharon and Rainie haven't discussed what would happen once Rainie was no longer a ward of the state. For all the girl knew, she could be homeless again in two months. Sharon could only assume that Rainie's desperation to learn more about her was an attempt to strengthen their bond in hopes that Sharon would allow her to stay longer. Sharon never even considered asking Rainie to leave. In fact, she was worried about Rainie's future, too. She wanted Rainie to remain a part of her life, but she was still considering different options for making it happen.
"Your mind is miles away from here," Alfie's voice drew her out of her musing.
"I'm sorry, I'm a bit distracted," Sharon acknowledged.
"What's bothering you?" he asked.
"Rainie and I fought last night after you left," Sharon started. "She figured out that you and I are a bit more than friends, and she got angry with me for not telling her. She said I've been hiding important things from her."
"Are you?" Alfie inquired.
"I did hide a few issues that I could have shared with her," Sharon admitted. "I only did it to protect her. I know she doesn't look this way, but Rainie is so vulnerable, and I worry so much about her. And she's been through hell and back; I just want to shelter her and give her a sense of stability."
"There are other ways to give her stability, you know," Alfie said.
"If you're talking about adoption, I've been considering it," Sharon replied.
"Do you think you'll follow through with it?" Alfie asked.
"I want to, but since she's turning 18 soon, things are a bit more complicated. Plus, there's Jack to think of here."
"Shay, you know what I think about Jack. This man has been standing in your way for so many years. And now there's a girl who needs you a lot more than Jack does. It seems like you're at the point where you have to remove one person from your family in order to add another one. You'll have to think which one of those people you want more of in your life." Alfie always said what he thought and never tried to gloss over the truth. Sharon admired this trait in him. She also knew that even when he criticized her choices, he did it out of genuine love and concern for her.
"I'll think about it, Alfie," she promised.
"I believe in you," he replied and pulled her into his arms. Sharon rested her head against his chest. She missed being close to him, and just having him around her, comforting and supporting her. His advice was always insightful, and Sharon couldn't believe that she hadn't thought about dissolving her marriage to Jack before Alfie suggested it. She still wasn't sure which course she would eventually decide to take in order to make Rainie a member of her family, but for now, she enjoyed the warmth and security in her best friend's arms. She closed her eyes and relaxed into his embrace, knowing that no matter what, she will always be able to lean on him.
-TBC-
As always, I'd love to know your thoughts about this chapter, so feel free to leave a review or send me a PM.