A/N: It's a little sad. Thanks for the reviews.

I cannot believe how heavy my backpack is. Who knew 5 classes would equal 8 textbooks at roughly 10 pounds each? Well probably anyone who's been to college, but I didn't.

"Sam, hey can I get you anything?" Mike asks.

"I need a banana split like yesterday."

"Coming right up."

"Make it two Mike, my date's here." I smile as Kristina walks in proudly. I wave to Mrs. Daniels to let her know Krissy has been safely delivered.

"Sam did you get regulated for school?"

"I sure did…How's the big kindergarten girl?"

"I'm good. My teacher is Ms. Koll…Koklow…we can call her Ms. K. I have a cubby with my name on it and at recess we get to ride bikes and climb on a jungle gym. Can I go tell Granpa Mike about it?"

ll

September 9, 1985

I passed St. Mary's Academy on my way to court this morning. The kindergarten class was lined up outside. There was a little girl with straight black hair, her uniform just a little too big. She strayed from the class looking at something across the street. One of the sister's was sharp with her…I know it was because she was dangerously close to wandering into the road. She burst into tears…and so did I.

My wish for you today is that no harsh words will ever make you cry.

I love you M

ll

"And Matthew Tyler stuck a red crayon up his nose, just so nobody else could use it."

"Yuck."

"He's so gross…" She stops short and looks over my shoulder, her face clouds. "Daddy?"

I turn to see Ric smiling at Kristina. She looks at me with confusion. "How's my big school girl?"

"Fine." She answers shyly.

"Hey Kristina, I thought maybe I'd buy you a treat for your first day of school celebration. What'll it be a hot fudge sundae or…"

"I already had a treat." She indicates her banana split.

"Oh, okay, hows about we go to the park for a while just you and…"

"Ric, can I talk to you for a minute?"

"Sam, I'm trying to talk to my …"

"Outside…Krissy, honey Ric and I will be right back." I hustle Ric out to the patio and out of Kristina's line of vision. "Where the hell were you this morning? Krissy was almost hysterical."

"Something came up. If you don't mind I'm here to see my daughter."

"She loves you so much and you keep blowing her off. What the hell is wrong with you?"

"Oh, of course, there's something wrong with me…yeah, that's it."

"Alexis has all but gotten on her knees and begged you to stay involved the girls' lives, but you only care about Sonny."

"I'm not discussing this with you Sam."

"You promised Kristina you would take her to her first day of school. You didn't call or answer your cell. She thinks she did something wrong."

"If you didn't notice, I'm trying to make up for that. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm taking her to the park."

"You don't just get to drop in and out of their lives at your convenience Ric. Alexis is planning a special dinner tonight, you're welcome to call and ask if you can come, but you can't just take Kristina."

"Oh, wait…you are telling me I can't see my own daughter? That's classic."

"She's your step-daughter Ric. And not for much longer if you keep this up."

"Oh you'd love that wouldn't you? Alexis and I divorce and you get Mommy all to yourself."

"What?"

"That's what you've wanted from day 1. You come into our lives. We leave our home, move to some stupid island, Alexis spends every waking moment with you or at work trying to get Ruiz. The girls and I don't matter anymore. It's all about Sam." Ric spews each word like venom. "I had the perfect family till you came along Sam. You destroyed it piece by piece and now you're telling me when I can or can't see my kids. You are pathetic."

I back away from his verbal assault, unable to process the hatred.

"Don't you dare speak to my daughter like that. Sam, take Molly inside." Alexis appears behind me, rage radiating off her.

"Mom…"

"Take your sister and go inside. I need to speak to Ric." She hands off Molly and pushes me gently toward the door. "I'll be there in a minute."

Lulu is sitting with Krissy at the counter. I give her a grateful smile for distracting my sister. Kristina turns to me. "Is daddy gone?"

"No, he's talking to Mommy for a minute." I answer. "Why don't we see if there is something in the kitchen for Molly to snack on."

"There are bananas, she loves bananas." Krissy smiles, then glances toward the doors. "Are they really talking…or are they fighting? Sometimes Mommy says they are talking but they aren't, they are just quiet fighting."

"I'm not sure Krissy."

"Maybe I should have just let Daddy buy me another Sundae." Her eyes fill with unspilled tears.

Lulu moves to my side and eases Molly to her. I nod gratefully, gather Kristina up tightly. "It's not your fault Kristina. None of this is your fault."