Breaking the Threshold
Chapter 6
by moun-chan
(for Disclaimer see Chapter 1 please)
The next morning Fran woke up with a big smile on her face. She stretched, yawning. The only thing that spoiled her happiness was the fact that she was alone, but this was just a temporary status.
At the same time, in an apartment not a mile away, something very similar was happening. CC opened her eyes a bit reluctantly, wishing her flashy girlfriend was with her so they could watch the pretty sunrise together, just like yesterday. But of course she knew this wouldn't be possible everyday. Fran had her job, and kids needed a lot of care, also or especially on the weekends. So she got up, and decided to get some of the shopping done she'd procrastinated for far too long.
Later that day, Fran sat down in the living room, and picked up the phone, since she finally had a moment alone. She was a little disappointed that she heard the answering machine, but had to smile at the voice.
"This is CC Babcock. Please leave a message at the sound of the tone." It beeped.
"Hey honeeey..! Where have you gone? I sorta hoped I would catch you ... I miss you. How was your night? Thanks again for the great evening, by the way.. I can't wait to go out with you again.." Fran stopped when she realized that Niles had approached. "Call ya later, sweety. Love ya." She hung up.
"Ah, Miss Fine, been calling your mysterious boyfriend? Do you still want to keep him a secret?"
"Niles, will you stop spying on me?! I already told you, - none of your business. Have we got any cake left?"
"There's plenty in the fridge," he replied, and watched her leave for the kitchen. Should he..? Oh what the hell, he just would.
Niles picked up the phone and pressed the redial-button. Now he'd finally find out who this stranger was. Curiosity had overwhelmed him, and he wished it hadn't when he heard the answering machine.
"This is CC Babcock. Please leave a message-" He hung up before it could finish.
This couldn't be true. The phone must've got an error or something, or maybe he'd pressed the wrong button. He stood there without moving, his mind trying to find a rational explanation, but the only logical conclusion was that Fran Fine was dating CC Babcock, as impossible as it sounded.
Yet suddenly everything seemed to make sense – that was why Fran had left after the call two nights ago, that was why her and CC had both been late yesterday morning, and that was why CC had appeared here yesterday night, just while Fran was waiting for her date. She'd been her date.
He had to sit down on the couch. Well, this surely put things in a different light.... Not that he'd mind, no, as long as they were happy everything was fine. He was even happy himself as he realized how Miss Babcock being lesbian would give him an unexpected, great new level of teasing her.
With the sound of familiar steps behind him another person entered his thoughts. Mister Sheffield. He remembered their last talk, about trying it on with Miss Fine before it was too late.. he would not be too happy about the news..
"Niles? Are you alright?"
"Yes, sir, yes."
"Good, old man. I need your help."
"The plummer's on the way.."
"What? No, not that. It's about that secret boyfriend of Miss Fine's. I need you to find out whether he really exists."
"Pardon me?"
"I think it's just a trick to make me jealous – why else would she keep us from meeting him? She never hesitated to bring them here before."
"Well, Sir, maybe you should really respect her wishes and grant her that privacy..? I mean she has to have a reason for what she's doing."
"Niles, didn't you -just yesterday- tell me not to waste my chance and to act before it's too late?"
"Yes, but that was yesterday," he replied, thinking 'When I thought you still had a chance..'
Maxwell noticed the strange look in his eyes. "What's wrong, Niles? Do you -" A thought struck him. "Do you know more than I do? Has she told you? Talk to me, man!"
"Sir, all I can advise you to do is talk to her, and if she wants to tell you, she will."
"So you do know."
Niles left that uncommented, then he left the room to prepare lunch.
The day was almost over as Maxwell Sheffield thought of following Niles' strategy, talking. He'd spent the day in his office, preparing things for the castings next week, away from Miss Fine, and the evening in front of the TV, while she cared for the kids upstairs. Now they'd been brought to bed, and since Miss Fine was not down here with him, she had to be in her room. And that was where he went now.
Standing in front of the door, his hand already raised to knock, he suddenly heard her talking. He kept quiet and listened.
"Awww .. thank you. I am so happy ya're gonna work again tomorrow! Don't go out for lunch break, though... I'm planning on a little surprise..." She laughed. "Oh no, it's supposed to be a surprise! You know what's the point in those!" A pause. "Oh, don'tcha worry. They are damn curious, but I'm covering up well so far. - Yes, but I don't like it. I hope we can tell them soon."
Maxwell decided he'd heard enough, and returned to the living room. So, that boyfriend really existed. Great. He only hoped he was not one of these losers, although the comment about work had implied something like that. Heck, was he being mean – maybe the poor man had just been sick. But he couldn't deny that it was jealousy which caused these thoughts. He loved Miss Fine, and would not lose her to some moron- oh no. Maxwell Sheffield was ambitious and determined enough to achieve an aim once he'd set it.
AN: Oh my, it took way too long again! I'm sorry guys, but my creativity sucks lately, so I decided to publsih what I've got even though it's pretty short. Hope you like it anyway :) Please review.