In the Grey's underground cities, Catalina had left the colonial warriors with Dr. Cheywhin and another Grey who was able to speak English and traveled to another city two hours away. Just after stepping off the rail-transport, she walked through the winding corridors and down five levels until she reached a classroom filled with twenty-five students between the ages of eighteen and twenty.
The wall that separated the corridor from the classroom and the classroom door were made of glass. Rummis, a Grey who had more human features than Grey, was lecturing the class and when he saw Catalina stopping near the door, he paused the lecture.
As Rummis was stepping into the corridor, he asked, "Catalina, is there anything wrong?"
Catalina grinned and said, "Everything's fine. How much longer until your lecture is over?"
"I still have twenty minutes," said Rummis.
"Meet me in the dining room when your get done," said Catalina.
Rummis looked at Catalina in a curious manner and asked, "What's going on?"
"An opportunity for me came up and I want you to be part of it," said Catalina.
"What kind of opportunity?" asked Rummis.
"You have a lecture to get back to and what I have to say can wait twenty minutes, so I'll see you in the dining room," said Catalina.
As Catalina was backing away, Rummis said, "I'll be there in ten minutes."
"Don't end the class early because of me," said Catalina. She then turned in the direction she was going. Rummis went back to his lecture.
Fifteen minutes later, in the dining room, Catalina was alone at a table for four and watching as the small to moderate size groups entering the dining room for their meal. Her eyes lit up when she saw Rummis entering the room. Rummis paused for a moment and gazed over the room. When he saw Catalina staring at him, he went over to her.
After Rummis sat down, he said, "Okay, you have my full attention."
"Before I ask you what I want to ask you, you should know that we have a small group of Humpurist visiting our cities," said Catalina. She then noticed that Rummis was looking at her in a concerned manner. "I'm speaking the truth so don't look at me as if I've gone mad."
"How can it be possible?" asked Rummis.
"Well, first off, these Humpurist are not from Earth," said Catalina. She then took the time to tell Rummis about the colonials, the seven genetic duplicates from Earth and the deal that Alchita had made Cmdr. Adama. Catalina finished up with, "I was examined by one of their doctors. Her name is Dr. Lucy Young. According to her, sterility isn't the reason why I can't get pregnant and that she can help me to get pregnant if I wanted to."
"You were told that you could get pregnant?" Rummis question.
"With medical assistance, I can," said Catalina. "Which brings me to why I'm here. I want to get pregnant and I want you to be the father."
Rummis looked at Catalina in a skeptical manner and said, "Before I answer that, I want to know how Dr. Lucy Young is going to help you."
"She told me that there were two possible ways for me to get pregnant," said Catalina. "The first way is by artificial insemination."
"What is that?" asked Rummis.
"It's where a donor's sperm, preferably your sperm, is inserted into me by Dr. Young while I'm in my ovulation cycle," said Catalina. "The second way is implantation. During implantation Dr. Young will harvest my eggs; fertilizing them outside my body and once they are fertilized, my eggs are put back."
"All that sounds complicated," said Rummis.
"Dr. Young says that she had helped a few women to get pregnant by both methods," said Catalina. "Rummis, will you help me to get pregnant?"
"How does it work for the males? I'm mean, how would the sperm be removed from me?" asked Rummis. Catalina gave Rummis a dubious smile. "Should I be worried?"
"Not at all," said Catalina. "All you have to do is ejaculate into a cup." Rummis just grinned and shook his head. "Will you do it?"
"After the artificial insemination or the implantation you will be pregnant?" asked Rummis.
"Dr. Young said it may take a few tries, but my potential to get pregnant is high," said Catalina. "So what do you say?"
"I would have to go back with you, wouldn't I?" asked Rummis.
"When you stop stalling and say yes, you will," said Catalina.
"I'm not stalling," said Rummis. Catalina just gave him an inquisitive look. "I just want to get all the information."
"Your part is simple if you agree to it," said Catalina. "All you have to do is come back with me long enough for Dr. Young to get your sperm and then you're done."
"If you do get pregnant then I wouldn't be done at all," said Rummis. "I would be a father to your child."
"Ten years ago, I remember us wishing for that," said Catalina. "It took ten years, but our wish is here. All you have to do is say yes."
Rummis grinned and said, "It's here, but things are different for us now. We have responsibilities."
"I still wish for us to have a baby together, so that hasn't changed for me," said Catalina. "And I can handle the added responsibility of caring for a baby, so I'm going to do this if you're the father or not."
"Okay, I'll be the father," said Rummis.
Catalina smiled and said, "Thank you."
"Well, before we go, I should tell the headmaster that I'll be away for a few days," said Rummis.
Catalina stood up and said, "Okay."
At the university hospital, Beth and Spence were finishing their meals when Beth's fellow intern, Alexandra stepped up while carrying a food tray.
When Alex stepped up, Beth asked, "What's up, Alex?"
"I thought that you might want to know that I treated David Stevenson for his bite wounds," Alex began. "He told me how kind you were to him and he wanted me to think you."
Beth grinned and asked, "How bad were his injuries?"
"It was superficial so I just cleaned them up and sent him home," said Alex.
"You didn't wait for the report on if the dog had rabies?" Beth questioned.
"The owner of the dog showed up with David's brother and provided proof that the dog was up-to-date with the vaccinations," said Alex.
"Oh that's good," said Beth. "The dog having rabies was my main concern."
"Well, I'll leave you two alone," said Alex.
"Spence and I are about done eating, but you're welcome to join us," said Beth.
"Thanks, but I'm actually meeting Carlos here," said Alex.
"You two have been spending a lot of lunches together here lately," said Beth.
"And that's all we're doing so don't go thinking that there's something going on between us when there's not," said Alex.
"I wasn't trying to imply anything," said Beth. "In fact, it wouldn't be any of my business if there was something going on between you and Carlos."
"You're not the only one to point that out to me, so I'm sorry if I'm touching of the subject," said Alex.
"That's quite all right," said Beth.
Alex gestured towards an empty table, "Anyway, I'm going over there."
"Before you go, Dr. Eisen wants all of us surgical interns in the gallery at two," said Beth.
"Okay, thanks," said Alex.
As Alex was walking away, Beth's beeper sounded. While Beth was looking at the number, Spence asked, "Do you have to leave?"
Beth politely grinned and said, "I do." Beth stood up and gave Spence a kiss that last for a few seconds. "Thanks for lunch. It was great."
Spence grinned and said, "You're welcome."
"Oh, I'll be getting off tonight at six, and like last night, I'll be on call," said Beth.
"Let's do something tonight," said Spence.
"I'd like that, but since I'm on call, I can't drink," said Beth.
"Are you interested in going see a movie?" asked Spence.
Beth grinned and said, "That's fine." She then gave Spence a quick kiss. "I have to go."
"I'll see you later," said Spence.
"See you," said Beth.
Spence watched Beth for a second as Beth walked towards the exit. He then got up and cleaned up the trash that was left.
The following morning in London, Number-Eight and the other Cylons were able to find a laboratory type vacant building. With Number-Eight funds from starring in a in a motion picture they began buying the items they're needed to build a resurrection facility.
In Egypt, Number-Three had taken a break from tying to translate what she had copied from the pyramid. She went outside for fresh air and was curious as to what a small crowd was formed for. As she made her way to the front the crowd, she saw an elderly man kneeling down to a ten-year-old boy. The boy had his hands on the man's shoulders.
"What the frak is this?" Number-Three blurted out louder than she meant to.
A local man who was able to speak English heard Number-Three and said, "The boy is blessed by Christ. Some even believe that he is the second coming of Christ."
"What do you mean?" asked Number-Three.
"The old man has severe arthritis, but he won't in a minute or two," said the man.
Number-Three looked at the man in confused manner, and before she was able to ask another question, the old man stood up and proved to the spectators that his arthritis was cured. When the crowd cheered, Number-Three gazed over the crowd in a skeptical manner.
The boy yelled something out in the local language for the crowd to hear. Seconds later, Number-Three watched as a blind teenaged woman was led up to the boy by her father.
The man got Number-Three's attention and said, "This young lady lost her sight few years ago from sickness. The boy is now going to restore her sight."
Number-Three watched in a focused manner as the teenager kneeled down at the boy. The boy covered the teenager's eyes with his hands. Number-Three saw the boy's eyes quiver as he used his healing powers. After a minute the teenager began screaming out in pain. The boy continued through the scream. After another a couple of minutes, the boy let go of the teenager and said something to her in his language.
The teenager never attempted to get up and gazed around as far as she was able to without standing. Abruptly the teenager jumped up and yelled something in her language with joy in her voice. She quickly kissed the boy's cheek and then ran up to each person she knew and gave each one a hug.
As Number-Three watched the teenager, she blurted out in a skeptical voice, "She can see. But how? The boy only touched her eyes with his hands."
The man grinned and said, "As I said, the boy is blessed by Christ."
Number-Three watched the boy as he healed six others. Each time he healed someone, Number-Three saw that the boy became more sickly looking. By the time the boy healed the last person, the boy looked as though he had been sick for weeks and was barely able to stand. When the boy's father yelled something out to the crowd, the man beside Number-Three translated for her to hear, "The boy can't heal anymore today. He'll be back next week to heal more people."
"The boy comes here once a week and heal people?" asked Number-Thee.
"Yes," said the man.
"For how long as the boy been doing that?" asked Number-Three
"Since he saved his grandmother from cancer three years ago," said the man. "If you'll excuse me, I need to reopen my shop."
"Nice meeting you and thanks for translating for me," said Number-Three. The man just nodded and walked away. Number-Three watched the boy as he was being helped away and mumbled, "There's nothing in the scriptures about a boy with the ability to heal by only a touch of his hand." She then went about her business.
Days later on December 24, at 2:30 P.M., Beth parked on the street near her mom's house. Spence was in the passenger seat and was more formally dressed than Beth was. The temperature was just below the freezing point and was dropping by a couple degrees each hour.
As they were getting out of the Jeep, Spence spotted Jeffrey and Jeremy getting presents from their parents' car. Spence gestured towards the boys and asked, "Someone in your family has identical twins?" When Beth slightly laughed, Spence gave Beth a confused look. "What's so funny?"
Beth was putting her purse over her shoulder as she stepped up to Spence and said, "I read before that identical twins don't run in families, and I'm not trying to scare you, honey, but it does in mine." Beth gestured towards the boys. "Jeffrey and Jeremy are my cousins. Other relatives who were born identical twins were my grandma, my grandma' grandma and two of my grandma's cousin. There're other identical twins farther back as well, but my grandma doesn't know who or what relationship they would be to us."
Spence grinned and said, "And here I was scared to tell you that Wyatt was born a twin."
Beth looked at Spence in a confused manner and said, "I thought that you had only one brother."
"I do, but I had a sister who was raped and killed," said Spence.
"I know," said Beth. Spence gave Beth a curious look. "You were telling me that seconds before I took a drink of that strawberry shake."
"Oh yeah, I remember," said Spence. "Anyway, Wyatt and my sister Wynona were born fraternal twins. And as far as I know twins don't run in my family."
Beth grinned and said, "I'm not wanting to have kids anytime soon, but I will someday, and when I do, the thought of having twins doesn't scare me."
Spence smiled and said, "I'm not scared of that either." He then gave Beth a passionate kiss.
Once the kiss ended she asked, "How can you not know if twins run in your family? I mean you should know if there are more sets of twins in your family."
"Not if your mom's mom and your dad were adopted," said Spence.
Beth looked at Spence in a sympathetic manner and asked, "Really?" Spence just grinned and nodded. "Wow, you would have no idea of your heritage."
"On the bright side, creating my family tree doesn't take very long," said Spence.
Beth grinned and shook her head before saying, "Well, we better get the gifts out." Spence nodded and walked to the back of the jeep for the presents. Beth was a step behind Spence. "Oh, ah, how do you feel about defense lawyers?"
Spence looked back at Beth in a curious manner and asked, "Why are you asking me that?"
As Beth was opening the back of her Jeep, she said, "Because your job is to arrest lawbreaking citizens and the defense lawyers' job is to prove those same citizens innocent."
"I know what each others' jobs are, but I am confused as to why you're asking me that," said Spence as Beth was picking up one of the two boxes of presents.
"Because three of my mom's sisters are married to defense lawyers," said Beth as she handed Spence the box. "By you being a cop, I'm kind of worried that you despise defense lawyers."
"Ah, don't worry," said Spence. "I have nothing against defense lawyers. After all, I do strongly believe that everyone is entitled to a fair trial and someone has to defend them in a court of law."
Beth gave Spence a passionate kiss that lasted a few seconds. After the kiss ended, Beth and Spence stared at each other in a pleasant manner. The stare only last for a brief moment before Beth broke the stare and said, "Well, we better get inside." Beth then picked up the last box and locked up the Jeep.
Valerie's five sisters, Valerie's five brother-in-laws, most of Beth's cousins, Joyce who was Beth's grandma, Keith, LeAnn, Brandon and Brandon's wife, Brandon's two sons and the seven kids between the ages of two and nine belonging to Beth's older cousins were all in the house. Alicia and Page were also there. Valerie, Melissa, Jennifer and Joyce were in the kitchen preparing the Christmas meal. The others were scattered throughout the house; however, most of them were gathered in the living room.
Beth was prepared to introduce Spence to everyone, but as soon as she walked in, she saw her Aunt Brittany and Brittany's husband, Robert. Instead of introducing Spence, Beth, with Spence two steps behind her, stepped up to Brittany and Robert, and said, "Oh my God. I didn't know you two were going to be here."
Brittany grinned and said, "We thought I surprise everyone and show up unannounced."
"Well, by you two being here makes my Christmas," said Beth as she put down the box that she was holding. She gave Brittany and then Robert a hug.
Spence set the box he had next to one Beth had put down. When the hug between Beth and Robert ended, Brittany asked, "Who's your cute friend?"
Beth took hold of Spence's hand and said loud enough for everyone to hear, "Everyone, this is Spence." Beth then took the time to point everyone out to Spence. Valerie, Joyce, Melissa and Jennifer heard Beth introducing her boyfriend to everyone and stepped out of the kitchen to see him.
When Beth finally got done, Brittany said, "In one hour, Spence, there will be a quiz later on who is who."
Spence smiled and said, "I couldn't pass that quiz now."
Brittany grinned and said, "At least you're honest."
Beth and Spence were removing their coats and before anyone else had a chance to speak, Keith made his announcement, "Since everyone's in the room and seems to be in high spirits, I have something to say to everyone. On the second Saturday in May, LeAnn and I are getting married."
Beth looked at her mom and saw that her mom was slightly annoyed of the news. Beth handed Spence her coat and purse while saying, "I have to talk to my mom. You can ask Brandon what to do with our coats and my purse."
Spence gave Beth a curious looked and as Beth was walking away, he said, "Okay."
Beth stepped up to Valerie and said, "Mom, LeAnn makes Keith happy, so be happy for him."
"What makes you think I'm not happy for him?" asked Valerie.
"Because when you heard Keith's news, your facial expression was as if you heard a funeral announcement and not a wedding announcement," said Beth.
"I'm happy for your brother, Kimberly," said Valerie. "In fact, I'll show you how happy I am." Beth gave her mom a curious look as her mom walked away. Beth was behind Valerie as Valerie stepped up to Keith and LeAnn. "I'm happy for you two and to show how happy I am, I insist that the reception be here and I'll cater the whole thing."
Keith looked at Valerie in a timid manner and said, "Ah, Mom, LeAnn and I have already asked Noah Walker to cater the reception. In fact, I have invited him, Katie and his new lady friend for dinner."
Before Keith was able to continue Beth stepped up and demanded to know, "What new lady friend?"
"I think her name is either Samantha or Sandra or…" Keith was able to get out.
"Do you mean Savannah?" Beth questioned.
"Savannah, that's it," said Keith. "I wish I had half your memory or at least I wish I could remember names."
Brandon stepped up and said, "I hope you're not referring to Savannah Hill."
Beth quickly blurted out, "Brandon." When Brandon faced Beth, Beth was giving him the cut signal.
Keith saw what Beth was doing and asked, "What's going on?"
"Nothing you need to be concerned about," said Beth.
"Sis, I'm a grown man and I don't need you trying to protect me anymore," said Keith. "So if there's something about Savannah that's a problem then I want you to tell me."
"There's nothing about Savannah that you need to know," said Beth. "Except, she does live in the same building as I do."
Keith faced Brandon and asked, "Why were you questioning me about who Savannah was?"
When Brandon looked at Beth, Keith stepped between Brandon and Beth to where Brandon couldn't see her. Brandon then said, "Beth, Spence and I met her the night of the plane crash and Beth gave her a ride to a church."
"That doesn't explain why you questioned me about her," said Keith.
"Keith, there's a room full of people who are staring at us and most likely they would like to shake your hand to congratulate you on your engagement to LeAnn," said Brandon.
Keith glanced around at his aunts, uncles and cousins for a second before saying, "I don't need protecting by you or Beth and I wish that the both of you would stop." He then walked away without waiting for a response.
As Spence, Alicia and Joyce were walking towards Beth and Brandon, Brandon motioned for Beth to come with him while saying, "Come with me so we can talk."
As Beth and Brandon walked into an empty room, Spence Alicia and Joyce were only a few steps behind.
Beth said just as the others were just about to enter the room, "Brandon, I know why you brought me in here and as long as Savannah remains oblivious of our knowledge of her, she's no threat to anyone here. So…" Beth ended what she was saying when she saw the others walking in.
"How is Savannah a threat to us, Beth?" asked Joyce.
"Everyone, this is a private conversation between me and Brandon," said Beth.
"I'm not your baby sibling, Beth, so don't you dare pretend to protect me," said Joyce.
Beth was about to say something when Alicia said, "The Cylons found Earth and Savannah is one of them."
As Spence looked at Alicia in a stunned manner for blurting that out for Joyce to hear, Beth said, "Alicia, you are a little bit too free with information."
"Your grandma already knows about Kimberly-Two and everything else, so she should know about Savannah."
"Well, no one else needs to know, so don't say a word to anyone else," Beth demanded.
"Keith knows about the twelve colonies of Kobol too so why not tell him?" asked Alicia.
"Lord knows I love my baby brother, but he's not one to be around Savannah while knowing the truth about her," said Beth.
"Why do you say that?" asked Spence.
"Keith is no actor," said Beth. "He would be too timid around her and that would spark Savannah's curiosity."
"Beth is right about Keith, so Keith can't find out," said Brandon. "However, I'm not as at ease with the thought of Savannah showing up here as you are, Beth. Spence, I need you to come with me."
Before Spence was able to react, Beth quickly asked, "Where are you two going?"
"I don't have any of my pistols with me and I doubt that Spence has his, so Spence and I are going back to my house to get two of them." Beth gave Brandon a distasteful look and was about to say something when Brandon continued in a demanding tone. "There's nothing you can say, Beth, to stop me from getting my weapon, so don't even bother verbalizing that thought."
Beth sighed and said, "Fine. Go get them, but just keep them hidden and don't be trigger happy."
"Do you have your stun gun, Beth?" asked Spence.
Beth asked in a slightly agitated tone, "You and Brandon will be concealing pistols so why in hell would I need a stun gun?" Spence was about ready to respond when Beth continued, "I'm sorry, Spence. I'm not mad at you. I'm just mad that this situation is being blown out of proportion, and yes, I have my stun gun. It stays in my purse."
Spence stepped up to Beth and gave her a kiss. When the kiss ended Beth gave him a heartfelt hug. Once Beth broke the hug, Spence smiled and said, "I'll be back when I can."
Beth just nodded. She then watched as Spence and Brandon were leaving the room.
Once Brandon and Spence were out of sight, Joyce asked, "Why don't you see Savannah as a threat?"
"Grandma, as long as Savannah doesn't see us as a threat, there's no reason for her to harm an individual," said Beth. "When the Cylons decide to put their plan into motion, the death toll will be world wide and instantaneous."
"You do bring up a good point, Beth, but I do have to go with Brandon with his decision to go and get his pistol," said Joyce.
"I also agree with Brandon," said Alicia.
"Well, this isn't the first time I stand alone in my opinion," said Beth. She then turned to leave the room.
Alicia shrugged at Joyce as Beth was walking out. Before Alicia and Joyce left the room, Alicia told Joyce of Beth's plan to persuade Savannah of what she was doing was wrong.
Beth barely got back into the living room when Brandon's wife stepped up to Beth and asked, "Beth, where is Brandon going?"
"He went back home for something, Kristi," said Beth. "Now I'm going into the kitchen to see if mom needs any help."
As Beth was walking away, Kristi asked, "What was he getting?"
Without slowing down or looking at Kristi she said, "You should ask him when he comes back."
Kristi watched Beth in a confused manner for a couple of seconds before commenting to herself, "Okay, something's going on." She then followed behind Beth.
Valerie, Melissa and Jennifer were having a conversation in the kitchen while preparing the food. Brandon's two sons Stephen and Michael and Melissa's two grandkids Gordon and Brad were also in the kitchen. Stephen was six, Michael was three, Gordon was five and Brad was eight. When Beth stepped into the kitchen the conversation ended. Valerie looked at Beth and said, "Please tell me that you won't announce your engagement to Spence."
Beth looked at Valerie in a curious manner before saying, "I promise it won't be tonight." Beth then gave her mom a cocky grin.
"Don't get smart with me, Kimberly," said Valerie.
"Then I suggest that you stay out of my personal life," said Beth.
"I don't want to fight with you, Kimberly," said Valerie. "I just don't want you marrying a policeman."
"Mom, your own son is a policeman," said Beth.
Valerie said as Kristi was walking in, "Yeah and I'm still waiting for that call from his captain to tell me that Brandon is dead."
Beth quickly glanced at Stephen and said, "What the hell's wrong with you, mom, to say that in front of your grandkids?"
Beth heard Kristi behind her and as Beth turned to look, Stephen said, "Awe, Aunt Beth said a bad word."
Kristi stared at Valerie in a serious manner and said, "In this case Aunt Beth was right to say it, Stephen."
"I'm sorry, Kristi," said Valerie. Melissa and Jennifer didn't know what to do, but to stand back and watch. "I shouldn't have said that in front of the kids, but I hate the fact that Brandon is a policeman. Kimberly, please don't get too serious with Spence unless he's willing to give up being a policeman."
"If dad would have followed in his dad's footsteps, I bet that you wouldn't have been with him, would you?" asked Beth.
"As you know I met your father in college and at the time he was planning to join the force, but I convinced him not to," said Valerie.
"You convinced him not to," Beth mocked. "Mom, he could have been a captain by now, but instead he took a job working for the chameleon and got thrown into prison for a crime he didn't do." Beth gave her mom the thumbs up sign. "Way to go mom. Nice move on your part."
"You listen here young lady," Valerie began. "I didn't know when I got your father his job…"
"Hold the phone," Beth blurted out. "Did I just hear you say that you got Dad his job working for that bastard who framed him?"
"I did and you have to understand…" Valerie was able to get out before Beth turned and stormed out of the kitchen with heavy tears forming in her eyes.
"Aunt Beth is upset," said Stephen.
"She's not the only one," Kristi said as she gave Valerie a cold stare.
"I'm sorry, Kristi," said Valerie. "That's just how I feel."
When Beth had stormed out of the Kitchen, Brittany had seen tears running down Beth's cheek. Joyce was standing next to Brittany and when Brittany was about to stepped towards Beth in a concerned manner, Joyce grabbed her arm and said, "Don't. Those are tears of anger and the only thing Beth wants right now is to be left alone."
Brittany watched for a second as Beth stormed towards the front door before saying, "I never seen Beth like that before."
"Valerie is the only one who can get Beth that angry," said Joyce as Beth jerked opened the front door. Everyone in the house heard as Beth slammed the door shut behind her. "I'm going to find out why Beth's that angry." She then began walking towards the kitchen.
Beth was sitting on the front stoop for a few minutes when Tammy, Beth's eighteen-year-old cousin and Gilford, Tammy's twenty-year-old boyfriend walked towards the house. Gilford was carrying a few gifts.
As Tammy and Gilford were approaching, Tammy saw that Beth had been crying and asked, "Are you okay, Beth?"
Beth politely grinned and nodded before saying, "I will be okay. I had to get some fresh air."
"You and Aunt Valerie got into it, didn't you?" asked Tammy.
When Beth grinned and nodded, Gilford said, "You'll freeze out here without a coat."
"Well, at the moment this cold air is feeling good to me." She then stuck out her hand for Gilford to shake and said. "I'm Beth by the way."
"Oh, I'm sorry," said Tammy as Gilford was reaching for Beth's hand.
Beth noticed a long and ugly scar on the back of Gilford's hand and just as they shook hands, Gilford said, "I'm Gilford."
Tammy saw that Beth had gotten a short vision while she was shaking Gilford's hand; however, Gilford didn't notice. When Tammy saw that Beth was out of her vision, she said, "Gilford is my college roommate's brother and we met just after the Thanks Giving holiday. He's a song writer."
"I'm trying to be a song writer," Gilford corrected. "So far I have nothing published, but I do have a few inquiries out for two of them. Meanwhile, I'm working in my uncle's garage as a mechanic."
"Were you working in your uncle's garage when you injured your hand?" asked Beth.
"I was," said Gilford. "I split my hand wide open about three years ago. I didn't have medical insurance and one of my uncle's friends was handy with needle and thread. In fact he's actually a survivalist. He sewed my hand right up for me."
"The next time you need stitches, Gilford, you should go to the university hospital and ask for Dr. O'Brian…" Beth was able to get out.
"I'm sure Dr. O'Brian is a good doctor, but every doctor I've met is arrogant, so I try to avoid hospitals as much as possible," said Gilford.
Beth grinned and said, "Yeah, I hate arrogant doctors too, but I still have to work with them."
"Oh, what do you do?" asked Gilford.
Tammy covered her mouth and watched in a leery manner as Beth said, "I'm Dr. O'Brian." Beth then gave him a cocky grin as if to say, "Surprise."
Gilford looked at Beth in a skeptical manner for a brief moment before he grinned and asked, "You're bullshitting me, aren't you?"
Beth shook her head with a grin on her face and said, "I'm not bullshitting you. I'm a surgical intern at the university hospital and according to several residents and the attendings, I'm not arrogant, but I am cocky. However, I've been cocky ever since I could walk and talk, so becoming a doctor never changed me."
"I'm sorry if I've insulted you," said Gilford.
"Oh, don't apologize," said Beth. "There are arrogant doctors out there and I try my best not to be one of them."
Beth saw Noah's car driving up, as Tammy said, "Well, Gilford and I should go in so I can introduce him to everyone."
Beth watched as Noah was parking his car and said, "I'm starting to feel the cold, so I'll be right behind you real shortly."
"Okay," said Tammy. She and Gilford went into the house.
Beth remained where she was at and watched as Noah, Number-Six and Katie walked away from the car. When Katie saw Beth sitting on the stoop she ran up to Beth and gave Beth a hug.
During the hug, Beth said, "Marry Christmas, cutie-pie."
"Marry Christmas, cutie-pie," Katie mocked as she and Beth were ending the hug.
Beth just grinned at Katie. As Noah and Number-Six were approaching Beth stood up. When Number-Six was a few steps away, she asked Beth, "Are you cold being out here with no coat?"
"I wasn't when I first came out here, but I'm getting cold now," said Beth.
"Is it hot in the house?" asked Noah.
Beth slightly laughed and said, "Not exactly. I was annoyed with my mom and I had to get away from her."
"Since you don't look surprise to see us, I'm presuming that Keith had told you that I'm catering his wedding and since I'm catering it, I'm seating you and your mother at separate tables," said Noah.
"You can seat us at separate ends of the room and that still wouldn't stop her from making her critical comments towards me," said Beth. "Anyway, we should get in there."
Valerie saw Beth leading Noah, Number-Six and Katie in the house. Valerie stepped up and introduced herself to Number-Six. She then greeted Noah and Katie with a hug and a kissed on the cheek. Once the greetings were over, Valerie told Katie where the other kids were.
As Katie was walking away, Valerie looked at Beth and said, "Kimberly, I understand that you're mad at me, but you should know that I had good intentions with your father."
Beth said barely loud enough for Noah and Number-Six to hear, "Mom, the road to hell is paved with good intentions, and because of you, Dad is living in a hell that you created for him."
Beth noticed from the corner of her eye that Number-Six was staring at her and was in deep thought as Valerie spouted out, "That's not fair, Kimberly."
"Fair?" Beth mocked. "Let's discuss fairness, mom."
"This is not the time or the place to get into that," said Valerie.
"It never is the time or the place to discuss that topic with you, mom, but I'm going to speak my mind anyway," said Beth.
"You always do, so why should this time be any different," said Valerie.
"Before Brandon was seven, he remembers Dad being a good father." Beth and her mom began to draw a small audience as Beth continued to say, "The father I know was a jerk… a lousy dad to me, Brandon and Keith. What had changed after Brandon had turned eight is that you got Dad a job working for the chameleon…"
"The chameleon is not his name," Valerie interrupted with.
"There are small kids around so I won't call him what I want to call him," Beth spouted back. Valerie just shook her head. "The fact is that Dad's parents and siblings warned you and Dad about the chameleon, but neither one of you would heed their warnings. Dad was in a shitty mood all the time while working for the chameleon and because he was in a shitting mood, he was a jerk to my brothers and me. And I'm willing to bet that he only took that job to appease you and your dad. Now at the end of it all, he's in a prison for a crime that the chameleon most likely committed and framed dad for. You tell me mom. Where in hell is the fairness in that?"
"Don't you dare blame me for your father being in prison or him being a poor father to you kids," Valerie exclaimed. "It was his choice to work for Gov…"
Beth didn't allowed Valerie to finish as she exclaimed, "You told dad what choice that he was allowed to have. You were the puppet master and dad was your puppet. To this day I haven't figured out why dad wouldn't stand up to you."
"You're the one with the great memory, Kimberly, and you can't remember running away to your grandmother's house in order to get away from the arguments that your dad and I would have when your dad stood up to me?" Valerie pointed out.
"You left out the part that Dad had to be totally drunk before he would even think about standing up to you," said Beth. "Also you would jump on dad first for coming home drunk and most likely it's because you knew that you lost the control over your puppet. So explain to me again as to why you're not to blame for what happen to dad."
"Fine, Kimberly, you're right." Valerie didn't see the stunned look that Beth had given her as she continued to say, "I know I've made bad choices in the past, but I can't turn back the clock to change them." Valerie finally noticed the looked she was getting from Beth. "What?"
Beth said in almost a skeptical tone. "You told me that I was right."
When Beth didn't say anything else, Valerie said, "Okay. Go ahead and finish your statement. Tell me how the worlds coming to an end or how…"
Beth interrupted with, "Mom, I wasn't even thinking of any kind of smart remark. You had never told me that before and meant it." Beth ginned. "I'm not saying this to be smart, but it's the best Christmas gift you could ever get me. Thanks."
Valerie grinned and said as a joke, "Oh, so I can take the gift I bought you back and get my money back."
Beth smiled, but before she was able to respond, everyone in the house heard as Gordon cried out in pain. When everyone looked into the direction of the cry, Gordon and the other kids were walking into the living room. Before any of the adults were able to ask anything, Brad said, "I didn't do it. He was climbing on the door and fell."
Michelle went to check on Gordon. Michelle was Gordon's mom and Melissa's daughter-in-law.
As Beth's relatives went about their business, Number-Six stepped up to Beth and commented, "Your mom calls you Kimberly."
"Well, my first and middle names are Kimberly Elizabeth," she said. "Beth is a variation of the name Elizabeth."
"Why doesn't everyone call you Kimberly?" asked Number-Six.
"Nine years ago everyone except for my grandma did… well, actually everyone called me Kim nine years ago except for my grandma," said Beth. "My grandma had always called me Beth since the day I was born."
"Did your grandma like the name Beth better than Kim?" asked Number-Six.
"No, actually she likes the name Kimberly better," said Beth.
"Then I'm confused," said Number-Six.
Beth grinned and said, "As I mention to you before, my grandma was born an identical twin and her twin was named Kimberly. My grandma and her twin were involved in a severe car accident when they were only twelve years old. In the accident Kimberly was killed instantly. My mom thought that she was honoring Kimberly's death by naming me Kimberly, but my grandma was already reminded too often of the day she lost her sister each time she looked into a mirror. She didn't want the added reminder of hearing her sister's name being said allowed every time I was around her. So she called me Beth. I became Beth to the world nine years ago when I left home and moved in with my grandma. And like you, nine years ago I was confused as to why my grandma refused to call me Kim. After living with her for a week she told me what I just told you. Now to everyone, except to my mom, I'm Beth."
Before anything else got said, Michelle, with Gordon by her side, tapped Beth on the shoulder and said, "Can you help me, Beth."
Beth looked at Michelle and when she saw Michelle holding an icepack she asked, "What do you need help with?"
"Gordon severely bruised his elbow," Michelle began. "I'm trying to get Gordon to put the icepack on his arm, but he refuses. He knows you're a doctor and he insisting for you to look at it."
"I have a marble under my skin," Gordon added. "Beth, you need to operate and take it out."
Beth noticed the slight amused grin on Number-Six's face. As Beth looked down at Gordon, Michelle corrected him, "It's not a marble, Honey. It's just a small lump where you've bruised it and if you just used this icepack it will feel a lot better."
Gilford was in hearing distance and heard Gordon when he insisted, "I need Beth to operate."
Beth kneeled down beside Gordon and said, "Okay, let's see if you need an operation." Beth took the time to examine Gordon's arm. She even had Gordon moving his arm so she could see his range of motion. "Sweetie, for now let's just try the icepack that your mom has and if your arm doesn't feel better in seven days, then we can talk more about that operation. Okay?"
Gordon grinned and as he nodded, he said, "Okay."
Beth gave Gordon a quick hug before standing up. Once she was back on her feet, she told Michelle, "After using the icepack for a little bit, you may want to wrap his arm with an ace bandage. My mom should have one that you can use."
Michelle nodded and said, "Okay. Thanks for indulging him."
"That's no problem," said Beth.
As Michelle and Gordon were walking away, Gilford stepped up to Beth and asked, "Do you treat all your patients like that?"
Gilford saw the slightly agitated looked in Beth's eyes as Beth asked, "Excuse me?"
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean for that to sound the way it did," Gilford quickly said. "I'd noticed that you didn't simply dismiss the boy's thoughts about needing an operation…"
"The boy's name is Gordon," said Beth.
"Well, all I'm trying to say is that I thought it was cool as to how you handled Gordon," said Gilford. "An arrogant doctor wouldn't have played along with Gordon."
"I don't dismiss what any patient is telling me," said Beth.
"That's a good quality to have and I hope you don't lose it," said Gilford.
"I don't foresee myself losing it, but I do appreciate the nice sentiment," said Beth. "Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go to the little girl's room."
"Oh, of course," said Gilford. "I'll go back over there with Tammy."
Beth politely grinned and nodded before walking away.
Number-Six walked up to Alicia and greeted her with, "Marry Christmas."
As Alicia was mocking Number-Six's greeting, Joyce stepped up and said, "I'm sorry to interrupt you two, but I felt that I should be polite and introduce myself to Savannah." Joyce saw the curious look that Number-Six had given her. "My granddaughter Beth and Alicia have told me a little about you. I'm Joyce."
"It's nice to meet you, Joyce," said Savannah. "Beth has told me a little about you."
"Oh, what kind of things have Beth told you?" asked Joyce.
"Just that you had a twin sister name Kimberly and that you don't call Beth by her first name, because of it being a painful reminder of how your sister had died," said Number-Six. "And that's it."
Joyce nodded before saying, "She might not have told you much about me, but what she did tell you is a sensitive topic for me."
"I understand, and I won't bring it up again," said Number-Six.
Joyce nodded and began a general conversation between Number-Six and Alicia.