Author's notes: I want to thank everyone who reads and/or reviews this story and anything else I've written. I always appreciate it. LO:CI and its characters belong to Dick Wolf and company; I'm just taking them for a spin in my imagination for a while. Any and all mistakes made are my own. Read, review and enjoy. :o)
Wednesday, September 7, 1977
Hudson-Brooklyn High School
Mrs. Haynes' Room
After school
"Please tell me why I'm teaching hormone raging high school teenagers instead of pre-pubescent elementary school children," Miss Wells said. She was standing in the doorway of Mrs. Haynes' room. She looked up from her writing pad and shrugged. "Because you like to be tortured," she offered. Miss Wells laughed as she walked into the room and sat down directly in front of the teacher's desk. "Okay, smart aleck. I'll remember that wisecrack the next time you want to have a philosophical debate with someone over the age of 16," she said. It was Mrs. Haynes' turn to laugh. "You've got me there, Evie," she said. "What's going on?"
Among all of the teachers at Hudson-Brooklyn High School, Mrs. Haynes and Miss Wells were the most popular with the students and other teachers. The students always went to them first before going to the guidance counselors whether they needed advice or someone to listen to their problems. Both of them had been offered principal positions at various other high schools over the years, but they always turned them down. (Mrs. Haynes used to say "There is only so much ass I'm willing to kiss.") They loved teaching and interacting with their students too much to stop teaching.
Miss Wells said, "Jessica Newman and Tony Caldwell had the nerve to lie to me today." Mrs. Haynes frowned. "What? Why?" she asked. Miss Wells went into detail about Jessica's plan to be partners with Bobby. Mrs. Haynes shook her head in disbelief. "So, what's the punishment for this tall tale?" she asked. "2 hours of research on Shakespeare after school for 3 weeks." "Ouch! That's gonna cut into somebody's social life for a while." Miss Wells nodded her head and smiled. "I know. I'm such a meanie."
"Lonnie, have you seen Bobby Goren today?" Miss Wells asked. Mrs. Haynes shook her head. "Not since yesterday in homeroom," she said. Miss Wells sighed heavily before she said, "Well, Bobby's sporting a band-aid on his cheek. There looked to be some bruising under it." "I hadn't heard of any fights he's been in lately. Maybe he cut himself…shaving," Mrs. Haynes said as her voice trailed off. She rubbed her temples as she shook her head. "Oh, God. Please tell me that his father is not back in his life again."
"I don't know," Miss Wells said with a shrug. "I thought you might have heard something by now." Mrs. Haynes said, "No, I haven't heard anything. But I will call the Lewises to find out what's happening." Miss Wells fidgeted in her seat. "Are you ready for some more news?" By the tone of her voice, Mrs. Haynes knew she was about to hear something bad. "Tell me, Evie," she said with a sigh. "I'm guessing you didn't see the bandages and bruises on CeCe Harper's upper arms when she came to 4th period class today."
Mrs. Haynes sighed heavily. "No, I didn't. The kids were already seated when I got back from Mr. Hansen's room. She sat over by the door near the back, so she was one of the first ones outta here after class was over." "Don't feel bad, Lonnie," Miss Wells said. "I couldn't get her to say anything to me." Mrs. Haynes inhaled deeply, then exhaled. "I'm starting to feel like I'm too old to care about our students' futures any more," she said. Miss Wells frowned. She said, "Lonnie Mae Haynes, don't you dare give up on these kids. Because if you, my mentor and my rock, give up, I'll damn sure quit this shit for real."
Mrs. Haynes let out a wry chuckle. "Alright, Evelyn Christine Wells. If you won't quit, I won't quit, either," she said. Miss Wells smiled. She stood up and stretched. "Well, I'm having a meeting of the newspaper staff in my room in a few minutes. Maybe tomorrow we can find out what's going on with Bobby Goren and CeCe Harper," she said. Mrs. Haynes nodded her head. "Good idea. I'll let you know what I find out from the Lewises."
Wednesday, September 7, 1977
Liu's New and Used Bookstore
Late afternoon
A bell made a tinkling sound as CeCe opened the door to Mr. Liu's bookstore. "Hi, Mr. Liu," she said to the middle aged Asian man who was sitting on a stool behind the counter. He was reading the newspaper. "Hello, Cecelia," he said with a smile. "How was your day?" She shrugged. "It's was okay." He got off the stool, motioning for her to follow him. "Come with me. I'll show where you can put your things." Mr. Liu led CeCe to a room in the back that had a small kitchen area, a desk and a couple of chairs. The bathroom was off to the side.
"You can hang your satchel there if you like," Mr. Liu said, pointing the set of hooks on the wall. CeCe did just that. "Thanks for giving me the job, Mr. Liu," she said. "I really appreciate it." He laughed. "You're quite welcome, Cecelia. You sounded very excited on the phone." "This is my very first job. Plus, I like being around books anyway." "Let me show you around." Mr. Liu showed CeCe around the store, showed her how to use the cash register and told her what little chores she had to do, like stocking the shelves and some sweeping.
CeCe realized that the store was a lot bigger than it looked from the outside as she followed Mr. Liu to the back area that Mattie and Trish had mentioned. Sure enough, there were 2 pinball machines and both were being played by a couple of teenage boys. There was a couch, a couple of easy chairs and coffee table, the multicolored area rug underneath it was faded and frayed. One girl was sitting in one of the chairs, reading a book. 2 other girls where sitting on the couch, talking.
"That's my daughter, Tammy," Mr. Liu said. He pointed to the girl sitting in the chair. She looked up and smiled at the mention of her name. "Tammy, this is Cecelia Harper. She's going to be working here after school." Tammy raised her hand and said, "Hi." CeCe smiled and waved back. "Shouldn't you be heading off to class?" Mr. Liu asked. His daughter looked at her watch. "Thanks for reminding me, Pop," she said as she stood up and gathered her purse and books. She kissed her father on his cheek and walked away.
"May I use your phone, Mr. Liu?" CeCe asked once she and Mr. Liu had returned to the front of the store. He nodded and said, "Sure. Help yourself. I'm going to sweep out front." She walked to the room in the back, reaching inside of her satchel and pulling out a spiral notebook. She flipped it open to a couple of phone numbers. She went over to the desk and picked up the telephone receiver.
"Saint Joseph Hospital. How may I direct your call?" the nasally female voice on the other of the line said.
"Mental ward nurses' station, please" CeCe said.
"One moment, please." The phone went silent in CeCe's ear for a few seconds before a voice said, "Nurses' station. Nurse Harper speaking."
"Hi, Mama," CeCe said.
"Hey, Pumpkin. How are you? Are you at Mr. Liu's?"
"I'm fine. Yeah, I'm at Mr. Liu's already."
"Good. Make sure you do your homework, CeCe."
CeCe sighed and rolled her eyes. "Yes, Mama. Can I ask you something?" "Sure."
"Bobby Goren asked me to have dinner with him at his friend Lewis' house. Can I go."
Rosalie was silent for a full minute before she answered. "Are there going to be any other kids there?"
"2 girls, Mattie and Trisha, are going to be there, too," CeCe replied. "Lewis' parents will take me home."
Rosalie blew out a breath. "Okay. You can go. Make sure you're home by 9:00."
"I will, Mama. Thanks. I love you."
"I love you, too, sweetie. Bye."
CeCe told Rosalie goodbye, then hung up the phone. She picked up the receiver again, dialing another number.
"Lewis Automotive Shop," the rough male voice said.
"May I speak to Jedidiah Lewis, please?" CeCe asked.
"Yeah. Hold on a sec." The man moved the receiver away from his mouth and yelled, "Hey, Jed! There's a girl on the line for ya!"
CeCe laughed to herself as she heard Lewis grumbling in the background. "Hello," he said.
"Hi, Lewis. It's CeCe."
"Hey, CeCe. What's up? Your mom gonna let you have dinner with us?"
"Not much. She said yes. I have to be home by 9:00 though."
"No problem. What time do you get off from work?"
"I'm off at 5:00."
"Okay. My sister Cara is coming by here to pick me around that time so we can pick up Bobby from the hospital. We'll swing by and get you first, then head to the hospital."
"Okay. Thanks, Lewis. I'll see you when you get here."
"Bye, CeCe." "Bye, Lewis."
CeCe hung up the phone, then put her notebook back into her satchel. She headed out of the room to find Mr. Liu.
Wednesday, September 7, 1977
Saint Joseph Hospital
Mental Ward, Late afternoon
Bobby smiled at the lone nurse that was sitting at the nurses' station. She smiled back at him. As he passed her, he noticed that her nametag read 'Harper.' He stopped in the middle of the floor and sighed. Rosalie watched Bobby as he turned around and headed back towards her. When he reached the desk, he said, "Uh, Nurse Harper?" She nodded. "Can I help you?" she asked with a smile.
Rosalie could tell that Bobby was nervous as he looked down at the ground and started fidgeting. "Are-are-are you CeCe Harper's mom?" "Yes, I am," she replied. Bobby put his books down on the desk. He extended his hand out to her and said, "I-I-I'm Bobby Goren. I go to school with CeCe." She shook his hand. "I'm pleased to meet you, Bobby. CeCe showed me the picture she had drawn of you. She captured your handsomeness quite nicely."
A big smile broke out on Bobby's face. He ducked his head at the compliment. "Th-Th-thank you," he said. He opened and closed his mouth a couple of times, trying to figure out the best way to ask Rosalie if CeCe could come to dinner at Lewis' house. "Spit it out, Goren," he thought to himself. Rosalie smiled to herself. "He's probably trying to ask if CeCe can have dinner with him." She decided to spare him the agony of asking by saying, "CeCe just called a few minutes ago and asked if she could have dinner with you at your friend Lewis' house. I told her she could. She has to be home by 9:00."
Bobby let out a small sigh of relief. "I'll make sure she gets home on time." Rosalie chuckled. "I'm know you will," she said. "It-it was nice to meet you, Nurse Harper," he said as he picked up his books. "Same here, Bobby." He waved at her over his shoulder as he headed back towards his mother's room. Rosalie followed him with her eyes. She felt a little sorry for him as he stood and stared at the door of Frances' room. "Poor kid. He's too young to have the weight of the whole world on his shoulders."
"You've got to go in there eventually, you know," Bobby thought. He inhaled and exhaled deeply. He was trying to prepare himself for the sight of Frances in restraints. He took one more deep breath, then pushed the door open and walked inside. Instead when Bobby walked into the room, he found Frances sitting up in the bed and Doreen sitting in a chair next to the bed. "Hey, sweetie," Doreen said as she got up. She walked over and gave him a hug. Frances looked at them with a mixture of sadness and jealousy. "Why can't you ever be that way with me? Your own mother?!" she thought to herself.
Doreen took a step back. She reached up and turned Bobby's head to the side so that she could get a better look at his injury. "Did you change this band-aid?" she asked. Bobby nodded. He looked at Frances. "Hey, Mom," he said quietly. She didn't say anything. She just stared at him. Finally, she patted the bed and said, "Come here. Let me see your face." Bobby looked at Doreen, who smiled and nodded her head. "Go on," she said softly.
Frances crossed her arms over her chest when Bobby sat down on the bed, laying his books on the table. Doreen went back to sit in her chair. She had seen the little exchange between him and Doreen. "In case you've forgotten, Robert Oliver Goren, I'm still your mother," she said icily. He sighed and rolled his eyes. "Whatever," he mumbled as he looked over her head out the window. Frances balled her hand into a fist, preparing to slap Bobby in the face, but Doreen gripped her wrist tightly. Frances turned her head to look at her. Doreen shook her head. "Don't you dare do that, Frances," she said in a low but firm voice. "There has been enough violence for one day."
Frances relaxed as she took in Doreen's words. Bobby looked down, saw Doreen holding onto Frances's wrist. "Figures," he scoffed. As he began to get up, Frances caught him by his arm with her free hand. "Bobby, wait," she said. He looked down at her. "Ma, if you don't want me here, just say so. I'll stay away," he said. He plopped back down on the bed and stared at the floor, refusing to look at Frances any more. She touched his injured cheek lightly. "Of course, I want you here."
Bobby didn't say anything. He sat there scowling at the ground and chewing the inside of his cheek. He bit down so hard that he tasted blood. Frances sighed. She looked at her youngest son, waiting for his inevitable snide remark. Instead, he stood up, picked up the newspaper that was laying on the table and went to sit in the chair at the foot of the bed. He opened the paper, putting it up in front of his face. "Lewis is coming to get me in a couple of hours," he said. "Okay," Frances said. She looked at Doreen, who patted her hand and smiled. "Everything will be fine," she whispered. "Just give him some time."
Wednesday, September 7, 1977
Liu's New and Used Bookstore
Early evening
Mr. Liu was straightening some books on a shelf while CeCe was handing a male customer his change when Lewis walked into the store. He waited by the door. "Thank you for coming in," CeCe said as she put 3 books in a small paper bag. The male customer smiled at her, taking his bag and walked out. "Hey, Lewis," CeCe said with a smile. "Hey, CeCe. You ready?" he asked. "I gotta get my satchel. I'll be right back." CeCe walked away.
"How are you, Lewis?" Mr. Liu asked. "I'm okay, Mr. Liu," he replied. "You coming by the shop Saturday for the oil change special?" Mr. Liu nodded. "I will be the first one in line." Lewis laughed. "Not if Mrs. Capparelli decides to camp out overnight so that she can be the first one through the door." He and Mr. Liu both laughed because they both knew about Mrs. Capparelli's dogged determination to always having be the first customer at Lewis Automotive when it came time to get her car serviced. "I'm ready," CeCe said when she returned from the back room, her satchel hanging from her shoulder. "See ya Saturday, Mr. Liu," Lewis said as he headed towards the door, CeCe following right behind him. "I'll see you tomorrow, Mr. Liu," CeCe said over her shoulder. "Bye, you two," Mr. Liu said.
CeCe followed Lewis to a maroon 2 door 1977 Grand Prix. Sitting in the driver's seat was a 20 year old woman with long, light brown hair. She was wearing blue coveralls with a white t-shirt underneath. Lewis held the seat forward so that CeCe could get into the back. "Hi. I'm Cara, Lewis' sister," the driver said once CeCe had gotten settled. "Nice to meet you." She was looking in the rearview mirror at CeCe, who smiled at her. "I'm CeCe. Nice to meet you, too." Lewis got in and closed his door. Cara put the car into drive and headed towards the hospital.
"Lewis tells me you're new to Hudson-Brooklyn," Cara said. CeCe nodded and said, "Yeah. I am." "You like it?" CeCe shrugged. "It's okay so far." Cara laughed. "If you can stand hanging out with Jed here, you'll do just fine." "Hey! I'm sitting right here, ya know," Lewis said. "And quit calling me 'Jed.'" CeCe and Cara laughed. Cara turned on the radio as she talked to Lewis and CeCe.
Wednesday, September 7, 1977
Saint Joseph Hospital
Mental Ward, Early evening
Lewis and CeCe got off the elevator and walked down the hall towards Frances Goren's room. As they neared the nurses' station, CeCe nudged Lewis in the side. "That's my mama," she said, pointing to the nurse who had her head down. Lewis followed her to the desk. "Hi, Mama," CeCe said. Rosalie lifted her head, a little surprised to be hearing her daughter's voice. "Hey, Pumpkin," she said. "What are you doing here?" CeCe pointed at Lewis. "This is Bobby's friend, Lewis. We came to pick Bobby up." Rosalie turned her attention to Lewis. "Hi, Mrs. Harper," he said. She smiled at him. "Hello, Lewis."
Lewis turned to CeCe and said, "I'm gonna get Bobby. I'll be back." "I'll go with you," she said. "See you later, Mama." Rosalie nodded and smiled. "Later, sweetie," she said to CeCe's retreating back. She raised her eyes towards the sky. "Thank you for allowing my child to make new friends," she said aloud softly.
Bobby got up and placed the newspaper in the chair when Lewis and CeCe walked into the room. CeCe stood partially hidden behind Lewis. Bobby gave CeCe a big smile, which made her blush and look at the ground. Doreen and Frances both had surprised looks on their faces. "Hi, Lewis," Doreen said. "Who's your friend?" Lewis stepped aside so that they could look at CeCe. "This is CeCe Harper," he replied.
"Hello," CeCe said softly. "Hi, CeCe," Doreen said. "I'm Doreen. This is Frances, Bobby's mom." Frances sat there silently, arms folded across her chest. "Hmmph!" she grunted as she looked CeCe up and down. Bobby groaned. "Ma, don't," he said under his breath as he went to pick up his books. Frances glared at him. "I'll do what I damn well please," she hissed. She turned her attention back to CeCe. She grunted again. "Hmmph!"
CeCe looked down at the ground, fidgeting with her fingers. She started to feel nervous as she could see the fight that was brewing between Bobby and Frances. Bobby sighed heavily as he quickly kissed Frances' cheek. "I'll see you later, Doreen," he said. He walked out of the door as fast as he could. CeCe and Lewis practically ran to keep pace with him. They were feeling winded by the time they reached the elevator and got inside.
"Are you okay?" CeCe asked Bobby. He didn't say anything. He shook his head and stared straight ahead. She looked to Lewis for some help. He shrugged. When the elevator reached the first floor, Bobby and CeCe followed Lewis to the car. He and CeCe got in the back, Bobby in the front. "Hey, Bobby," Cara said cheerily. He gave her sideways glance and grunted. He turned his head to stare out of the window. "Okay," she said to herself, starting the car.
Wednesday, September 7, 1977
Home of Bill and Susannah Lewis
Dinner time
Mattie and Tricia were sitting on the steps when Cara pulled up. She, Lewis, Bobby and CeCe all got out of the car. Bobby had walked into the house without saying a word. "What's wrong with him?" Mattie asked. Lewis sighed and said, "Don't ask." "Mom, we're home," Cara said as she entered the house, followed by Lewis. Tricia, Mattie and CeCe brought up the rear. Susannah came out of the kitchen, drying her hands on a dish towel. "Hi, guys," she said. "Hi, Mattie. Hi, Tricia." She was a little surprised to see CeCe standing there. "Oh. Uh, hi. I'm Susannah Lewis. And you are?" CeCe held out her hand. "Hi. I'm CeCe Harper," she said nervously. Susannah smiled as she shook her hand. "Hi, CeCe. Glad to meet you."
"What's for dinner, Mom? I'm starving," Lewis said. "We're having pot roast. We'll eat as soon as your dad gets back with the lemons and sugar I asked for," Susannah replied. She pointed at the books that were on the table. "Where's Bobby?" she asked. "Probably in the basement," Lewis said. Susannah just nodded. "Cara, come help me in the kitchen. Lewis, you and your friends can hang out upstairs until Bill gets back."
Cara headed off to the kitchen. "Come on, guys," Lewis said. "Um, can I go check on Bobby? Make sure he's okay?" CeCe asked. "Sure, you can," Susannah said with a smile. She pointed at the door that led to the basement. "Just go through that door." "Thank you, Mrs. Lewis." "I'll take your satchel, CeCe," Mattie said. CeCe thanked her as she handed the satchel to her. Susannah headed back to the kitchen; Tricia and Mattie followed Lewis upstairs.
CeCe went down into the basement. When she reached the bottom of the stairs, she stood there, watching Bobby hit the punching bag. She quietly walked over to where he was and stood there. Bobby saw her out of the corner of his eye, but he didn't say anything. He hit the bag a few more times before he stopped. He turned to look at CeCe. "I'm sorry that my mom was rude to you," he said. CeCe shrugged. "It's okay. I probably shouldn't have been there anyway."
Bobby blew out a breath. "She was just being ruder than usual. She was just finding an excuse to pick a fight with me." He looked at the ground. "There are times I wish…I wish I didn't have a mother." CeCe stepped up to him, grabbing his wrist with both hands. "Don't say that, Bobby," she said. "Everybody has a mama that loves them." He scoffed. He looked her in the eye and said, "My mom doesn't love me. Hell, my dad doesn't even love me. They love my brother Frankie more than me. I'm the 'mistake' that shouldn't have even been born. I bet if I go and blow my brains out right this minute, they wouldn't even notice or care!"
CeCe looked at the ground, shaking her head. She sniffed as she wiped away a tear. "You shouldn't think like that," she said softly. "If you take your life, someone will always miss you. Your family, your friends, even your enemies and strangers will miss you." "Who told you that?" Bobby asked. "My granny," CeCe said between sniffs. Bobby looked at her, but she looked at the ground. "I-I-I didn't mean to upset you again. I'm sorry."
CeCe looked up at Bobby. "I'm fine. You didn't upset me," she said, giving him a small smile. He smiled at her. "Good. I'm glad," he said. CeCe and Bobby looked into each other's eyes for a long time. Before he knew what came over him, Bobby leaned down and kissed CeCe on the lips.