Chapter 29- Steal My Sunshine
"So, what is so important that you drug us out here for Leila?" Casie said, yawning in the early morning light in a small café.
Cara, Casie and Leila sat around a small table in a quaint café in the heart of Chicago. With white iron tables and matching chairs, it was the perfect place to get away and talk.
"Yeah, I'm surprised you're up before the crack of noon," Cara said, smirking at her friend.
"Shut up," Leila said, trying to hide the smile on her face. A smile that had been permanently fixed on her face sense the night before. "I want to tell you something important… geesh!"
Casie knew Leila was dying to tell them something big, so she waved her on and kept her mouth shut. Leila went into great detail about the evening she had just spent with Pete. She started off explaining all the gifts he had given her that led up the ball night that he took her to. She then told about the actual ball and how they danced all night and drank champagne. She paused when she got the next part; the biggest part of her evening.
"What are you not telling us, Leila?" Cara said, smiling softly at her.
"The part where Pete and I… made love…" Leila whispered, a small blush creeping up her cheeks.
Both girls' jaws fell to the floor. They sat there staring at Leila, in shock.
"You mean you guys…?" Casie said quietly.
Leila simply nodded.
"Well, it was about time!" Cara blurted out.
"What?" Leila said, throwing her a look.
"Oh, c'mon! How many times had you guys gotten really close but never following through?" Cara explained.
Leila thought about it for a minute. Cara was right. They had almost gone there many times, but never actually doing it. The closest they ever came without backing out was in Clandestine; and they only quit because they were being watched. Casie was trying to hide her giggles behind her napkin while Cara was looking at her with a knowing look.
"Whatever," Leila said, waving away her looks.
"Well…. Details!" Casie said excitedly and the girls giggled while Leila blushed a deeper red.
oo
"So, how'd your night go with Leila last night?" Patrick asked, piling dishes in his and Cara's new kitchen cabinets.
Pete handed him another stack of plates, "It went great."
Patrick took the stack of plates from Pete and Joe came in the room with Andy following behind with more boxes marked fragile.
"How great?" he asked, smirking at his best friend.
"Patrick, why do you have so many plates, dude?" Pete said, avoiding Patrick's eyes.
"You're avoiding my question! You're not telling me everything… Spill," Patrick demanded, refusing to take another plate from him.
"Fine! It was awesome! Leila looked beautiful in her dress and she was practically glowing with excitement. We danced all night and then we came home… satisfied?" Pete rushed in one breathe.
"No," Patrick stated simply. "You look an absolute mess, but I have caught you smiling when you think no one is looking. Did something happen between you and Leila?"
Pete let out a soft yell in frustration, "We had sex, Patrick! Is that what you wanted to hear?"
Patrick smirked at Pete, "Well, you didn't have to tell me if you didn't want too."
Pete threw a murderous glance at Patrick and he threw up his hands. Pete couldn't help but think back on last night and felt a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth once more.
"It was about time, if you ask me," Joe said as a matter-of-factly. Pete furrowed his brow at him.
"What do you mean by that?" Pete asked, opening a new box for the kitchen.
"Don't play dumb, Pete. We saw the way you held her and looked at her. If it wasn't for the fact that you hadn't told us, we would have thought you two had already went that far," Joe said, unwrapping silverware. Pete just shrugged his shoulders.
"Well… tell us…" Andy said, plopping down on a bar stool.
oo
Days flew by and before they knew it, it was reaching Micah's fifth birthday. Patrick was really excited about it, because this was going to be the first one he has got to celebrate with him. Patrick was very hush hush about what he was doing to Micah's party, but he promised it would be one that Micah would never forget. Micah acted just as excited. He expressed the fact that he never really got to have a party with other little kids before. Just close family. Patrick got to thinking about his brother and his two kids; one being a year old than Micah and the other being a year younger than him. Also, his sister had three kids of the ages four, six and seven. He called them up and they agreed, with enthusiasm, that they were coming.
"Everything's better with you, daddy," Micah said one day while Patrick and Micah sat watching cartoons in their new house. Patrick felt his heart in his throat and didn't know what to say to that. Instead of talking, he just wrapped an arm tight around him, and felt Micah soon go to sleep, with one arm draped of Patrick's stomach.
"He's quite the little boy, isn't he?" Cara said softly, walking in the door wearing her hospital scrubs.
"Very much, and I can't stand thinking about how bad he was treated when he was with his mother," Patrick said with anger evident in his voice.
Cara's eyes darkened at the thought, "I know." Cara sat down next to Patrick and laid her head on his shoulder, putting a soft hand on Micah's back.
"What are we going to get the 'wild one' for his birthday?" Cara asked sleepily form her spot next to him.
oo
Casie walked into a tall building in downtown Chicago. She had followed the directions clearly that Andrew had left for her, and it led her here. She walked up to a lady sitting at a big round desk in the middle of the wide open lobby room.
"Excuse me," Casie said, clearing her throat, "but I'm looking for Andrew Wentz. Can you tell me what floor he's on?"
"Name?" the receptionist asked politely.
"Casie Depp."
"Ah, yes! There's a note here saying that you might stop by. It's the tenth floor up. Talk to the receptionist there and she can direct you," she said with a smile, "Have a great day."
"Thank you," Casie waved and walked to the big gold elevators at the end of the room. The doors slide open and she stepped inside. Looking at the large pad of numbered buttons, she pressed the one labeled "10" and the elevator took off. Casie relaxed on the elevator wall as it took her up floor by floor. It slowed fast and the metal doors opened and Casie walked out.
There was another big round desk that stood in front of a long hallway that held many doors. Casie walked up to the blonde curly headed receptionist, getting her attention.
"I am here to see Andrew Wentz," Casie said softly.
"And your name is?" she asked, and Casie gave her name and the woman looked down at a piece of paper and back to Casie with a smile.
"He's down the hall, second door on the left," she said. Casie smiled at her and headed down the hall way.
She got to the second door on the left and looked in the large window. She saw the back of Andrew's head sitting at a switchboard table with many different knobs and buttons. In front of him was another glass window that separated a small room with four men and instruments; they seemed to be in the middle of a take. Casie's heart jumped when she realized who was recording in the room. It was Panic At The Disco. Casie let out a small giggle at Andrew. He was engulfed in his work, but she couldn't help but think how cute he was looking so serious. Casie tore herself away from the window and walked to the door, knocking softly. Andrew looked up from his sheet music and to the window in the door. A wide smile crossed his face and he walked across the room.
"Hey Cas," Andrew said, kissing her softly as he opened the door.
"Hey there yourself," she giggled, kissing him back.
"I didn't know you were going to get to come by today," he said as he sat back down at the table.
"Well, you asked me too, didn't you?" she smiled at him, placing a warm hand on his shoulder.
Andrew turned his head to Casie's meeting her blue eyes. His heart grew more everyday for her.
"So, how's your day going?" Andrew asked her, rolling a chair next to him for her to sit down.
"Better now that I'm here… Traffic was awful out," Casie said, reaching for Andrew's hand. "And I'm starving," she exclaimed, holding a hand over her stomach. Andrew smirked at her antics.
"Yeah, me too. Let me wrap this up and we'll go get something, okay?" he said turning his head back to the band in the room. He reached up and pressed a red button.
"Guys, that was a good take. Let's get one more and head to lunch, that cool?" he said into the microphone. The guys nodded and began playing again.
Casie crossed her legs and sat back in her seat. She watched on as the recorded a new song that she never heard before. It was really cool to meet another band that she loved. Soon, she was tapping her toe and shaking her head to the beat. She never heard the door open behind her.
"Do you like it?" said a deep voice. Both Andrew and Casie turned to see the new arrival. Pete stood in front of the closed door, leaning up against it. Andrew smiled and turned back to the board of buttons and sheet music. Casie stood up and walked to stand next to him.
"Yeah, I really like it. I can't wait for it to be out on CD," Casie said propping on the door like Pete.
Pete went quiet, watching the band in the room playing. Casie looked over at his profile. A smile was faint on his lips. The conversation she had with Leila earlier that week popped in her head. She noticed that she really hadn't seen much of the couple in the past few days.
"So, what have you and Leila been up to lately? We haven't seen you guys that much this week…" Casie said nonchalantly.
Pete stiffened a little and Casie could see a little blush creep up his neck; which only made her laughter harder to fight.
"We've just been spending time together… you know… the usual," Pete rambled on.
"Just as long as I don't become an uncle anytime soon, I'm good," Andrew said loudly, making Pete turn beet red and punch him in the shoulder hard. Casie could no longer hold her laughter; she cupped her mouth, trying to at least stifle it.
"Damn, dude! That hurt," Andrew said, massaging his shoulder tenderly.
Pete threw him a look that said "You deserved it" and backed up against the wall again. Casie managed to suppress her laughter and turned back to Pete.
"Seriously though, Pete. Take good care of her. This is the first time she's ever been this serious about someone, so I can't tell you what to expect. Be safe too. Twenty-one is a tender age to become a mother, so just play it carefully," Casie said, shifting a little, sensing Pete's uncomfortable state. "I know I shouldn't have to say these things to you, but it's just my nature. I know you love her and you will take great care of her, whatever the circumstances are."
Casie closed the space between them and hugged him tight, "I'm happy for the both of you."
Pete felt Casie pull away from him, and looked at her and smiled, "Thanks Casie." He looked down at his watch and gasped, "Damn, I'm going to late meeting Lei… She's going to kill me!" and he rushed out of the room leaving an amused Casie and Andrew behind.
"Are you ready Cas?" Andrew asked, standing up from his seat.
"Yeah," she said, taking his hand in hers. Casie watched as the band walked out in front of her. They smiled and shook her hand as Andrew introduced her to them. They left the room and Casie and Andrew followed.
"I'm taking my lunch break Shannon," Andrew said to the curly blonde at the front desk. She waved at him and jotted something down on her notebook.
They rode the elevator down to the lobby, and he walked her out the door into the blinding sunlight. He hailed a taxi and told the driver where to go and they sat in a comforting silence until they reached their destination. Andrew paid the driver and got out of the car at Andrew's favorite lunch spot. They clutched the jackets tight around them as the cold Chicago wind whipped around them. The hurried inside to escape the bitter weather. It was turning winter fast, if the temperature was any indication. Hanging their coats on the back of their seats, they sat down as a short waitress approached them with menus. She took their drink orders and scurried away fast. Casie and Andrew began talking about his job and all the responsibilities he had at the moment. Casie listened intently, very interested his job.
"Wow, you sound really swamped. Are you sure you shouldn't be eating at work, and not hear with me?" Casie said concerned about his work load.
"Now, Casie. One, I have to eat, and two, there's no other person I'd rather eat with than you," he said, staring into her deep blue eyes.
Casie's heart burst with every sweet sentiment that he said. She reached across the table, clutching his hand. She felt three words on the tip of her tongue.
"I love you," she whispered.
Andrew's head snapped up to Casie's, not sure if he heard right. When Casie didn't break his eye contact, he knew he wasn't mistaken. He squeezed her hand back, smiling brightly at her.
oo
The day of Micah's fifth birthday party arrived in no time and Patrick was rushing around the house, trying to get everything set up. It was a Batman themed party, complete with streamers, party gifts for the kids, napkins, plates, cups and a cake all in the Batman area. Guests were beginning to arrive with Pete and Leila being among the first.
"We have his gift in the car," Pete whispered to Patrick as Leila handed his card to Cara.
Patrick's parents arrived next with a large tarp-covered mass in the back of a truck. Micah saw them and ran to them.
"Nannie! Paw!" he screamed, as he leapt in his grandfather's arms.
Casie, Andrew, Joe, Danielle, Andy and Heather arrived next. They all sat their gifts on the table in the living room and joined the group in the kitchen. The genders seemed to separate. By the time that Pete's parents showed up, the girls were grouped in one corner and the boys were sitting at the kitchen table.
The door bell rang and Patrick went to answer. He opened the door to his brother and sister standing there with their kids.
Patrick's brother, Steven, was a little taller than Patrick, but not much. His wife, Allie, was shorter than him with deep red hair. Their kids were standing in front of them. Mallory was a small four year old with her mother's hair and her daddy's blue eyes. Ryan was a taller six year old that was the spitting image of his father. Patrick's sister, Katrina, and her husband, Rick, were standing off to the side of Steven. Katrina had long dark blonde hair and piercing blue eyes and her husband was tall brunette with deep green eyes. Their three kids were a mixture of both of them. The youngest, Lizzie, had curly blonde hair that fell to her shoulders with her father's green eyes. The middle child, Carolyn, had straight dark brown hair and blue eyes. The oldest and only boy, Zach, had brown hair and dark green eyes.
"Hey guys," Patrick said, smiling, "I'm glad you could make it!"
"Wouldn't miss it… would we sis?" Steven said.
"Of course not. There's another Stump that we have to welcome to the family!" she giggled and ushered her kids inside.
"So, where is the little man?" Steven asked.
Just then, Micah ran into the room, trying to get away from Joe chasing him and stopped short seeing the new arrivals.
"That's Micah," Patrick said, smiling brightly.
He watched on as his brother and sister studied the little boy. From his strawberry blonde hair to the blue eyes that were a dead match to Patrick's, there was no doubt that this boy was a Stump.
"Hey there Micah," Katrina said, "I'm your Aunt Kat, and this is your Uncle Steve."
Micah's eyes lit up at the sound of her voice. Then his eyes moved to the kids in front of them.
"And these are your cousins: Ryan, Zach, Carolyn, Mallory and Lizzie," Steven said, pointing to each child, they gave a small wave as their name was called.
"I don't remember him mommy," Lizzie said to Katrina.
"That's because this is the first time you have ever seen him, baby," Katrina said, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"But why haven't I seen him before?" she asked again.
"Because my mommy wouldn't let me see my daddy until a while ago," Micah squeaked out.
"Well, why don't you kids go play in Micah's room," Katrina said, ending the conversation.
The kids ran off into the back of the house, yelling and laughing. Patrick led the way to the kitchen where the rest of the group was sitting around chatting and Cara was bustling about the kitchen, getting the party started. The group turned their heads to the doorway.
"Leila and Casie, this is my brother, Steven and my sister, Katrina," Patrick said, as they shook hands, "And this is Cara, my girlfriend."
Cara stopped what she was doing and turned to face Patrick and his siblings. She wiped her hands on a dish towel and stuck her hand out. She was always a little nervous about meeting some of his family, but this was his brother and sister, and she felt even more nervous.
"It's nice to meet you," she said, tucking a piece of stray hair behind her ear.
"You too," Steven and Katrina said at the same time.
All the guests had arrived and the party was ready to start. Cara gathered everybody in the living room as everyone had a plate of food and sitting around the living room, chatting and laughing; watching the kids have fun.
"Okay!" Cara said over the crowd. "It's cake time! Micah, come here sweetie."
Micah ran to Cara and sat in the front chair of the table. Cara disappeared in the kitchen and came back out with a large rectangle cake. It was completely yellow with a plastic black Batman symbol. Five black and white candles stood high above the cake. Cara sat down the cake in front of Micah and he gasped. Everyone gathered around the table and watched as Patrick lit the candles and Cara grabbed her camera. Pete flipped off the lights as the Patrick lit the last candle. Cara snapped pictures of Micah's face as the group began singing to him. As the last verse left the mouths of the guests, Micah blew out his candles and Cara snapped a picture of him again. Pete flipped the lights back on, and Cara cut the cake, giving Micah the first piece. She served the rest cake and got her a small piece and sat down next to Patrick and Micah.
Leila sat next to Pete and Casie, with Andrew on the other side. Joe sat on the floor in between the legs of Danielle. Andy and Heather were sharing a large chair in the corner.
"Do you want a glass of wine, Dani?" Joe asked, getting up to fetch him another beer.
"Oh, no thank you. My stomach feels upset as it is. I can't even eat this cake," Danielle groaned, setting her plate down on the coffee table.
"Are you okay?" he asked, running a hand through her hair.
"I'm fine. I had some seafood earlier today, and you know what that does to me," she laughed softly.
"Can we open presents?!" Micah said excitedly, clinging to Cara's arm.
"Yes!" Cara said, throwing her hands up in the air.
Micah ran over to the table filled with presents and bags and cards, surrounded by balloons. Cara handed him his first present, and grabbed her camera.
"This one is from Casie and Andrew," Cara said.
Micah tore open the paper, revealing a remote control Batman "Batmobile". Micah's eyes popped.
"Thank you!" Micah squeaked and reached for the next present. Cara snapped more pictures of a laughing Micah.
"Okay, now this one is from Joe and Danielle," Patrick said, watching Micah reach for it. Micah dug into the box. He pulled out the complete move collection of the Batman series.
"Thank you Uncle Joey!" Micah yelled across the room making Joe and Danielle laugh.
Before Cara could hand him another one, Micah snatched up another one, making the group laugh. Andy and Heather's gift bag held Batman action figures to go along with the Batmobile. Steven and his family had gotten him a baseball bat with two baseballs. Patrick sniggered when Cara whispered that she would have to show Micah how to play. Katrina and her family bought him a computer game called "The Sims2". Leila let out a small scream, and promised Micah that she would show him how to play, for she loved that game.
"Okay, our turn!" Pete yelled, and ran to the car outside. Micah waited beside Leila and watched the door as Pete walked back in, rolling a bicycle behind him. Micah screamed and ran towards Pete, jumping on the bike.
"Oh my gosh! Thanks Uncle Pete," he said.
"Thank Leila too. She helped," Pete said, pointing to Leila.
Micah ran to Leila, hugging her neck tight.
"Thanks Leila!"
"No problem, babe," Leila said smiling at him.
"Okay, Micah. Nannie and Paw's present is out back with ours," Cara said, leading the way to the back door. Micah was at Cara's heels the entire time. Cara slid the door back and Micah ran outside to his new swing set given to him by Cara and Patrick and a Batman cave playhouse. Micah didn't know what to play with first. He ran back and forth between the swing set and playhouse.
Patrick watched his son from the window, running around the back yard. A knock on the door startled him out of his stupor. He walked to the door slowly and cracked it open. He felt his heart stop beating as he stared in the eyes of his son's mother.
Marianna stood on the front step of the house. Patrick's mouth fell open. Thoughts ran through his head as he stared on at this woman.
Finding his voice, "What are you doing here?"
She flashed a fake smile at him, "It is our son's fifth birthday."
"How did you find us?" he spoke slowly.
"That's not the point, I want to see my son," she said, her sugary voice becoming cooler.
"I don't think that's such a good idea, Marianna," Patrick said, standing more in front of the door.
"You can't stop me from seeing my son, Patrick!" Marianna said loudly, causing heads to turn. Pete saw the red head from the door, and came to aid of his friend. Leila looked up in time to see the woman who put bruises on Micah. She growled and stood up in headed for the door. Casie shot form her seat and blocked Leila. Casie had also seen the woman at the door and heard her yelling outside. Casie grabbed Leila's shoulders and looked her in the eyes. The rest of the living room had eyes on Leila's red face. Casie was saying words of comfort as Cara, Patrick's parents and Micah came back inside to the tension filled room.
Cara looked around the room and noticed that Pete and Patrick were missing. She was about to open her mouth when she heard a yell come from out front. A woman's yell. Cara headed to the front door, looking at Leila in the corner with Casie. Her hand found the door knob and twisted it open. What she saw made her sick.
"What are you doing here?" Cara asked coldly.
"I came to see my son and to take him back with me. I miss him and want him back."
Cara saw red.
"There's no chance in hell that you're getting him back," Cara said and drug Pete and Patrick back inside, slamming the door in her face.
-note from the author-
Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed it!