The Thrill Of It All II:

What A Son Needs

Max woke up to the sound of muffled voices of a man and the other a woman. He went over to his sleeping master and licked his face to wake him up.

"No Max…" mumbled Daniel with his eyes still closed but then opened them at a thud sound. "Huh?"

The dog barked, hoping the sound from outside woke him up.

Daniel put on his housecoat before opening the door to see his father holding a large box.

"Sorry if I woke you, son. You can go back to sleep," Jacques said.

"Where's mama?" asked a curious Daniel.

"In the bedroom getting dressed," he answered, going down the stairs. "Now you and that mutt go back to your room."

"Where are you going?" he asked

"Work" was his father's response.

"When will you be back?" he asked.

Jacques ignored the boy as he headed out of the door.

"Daddy!" Daniel called for his father, rushing down the stairs. AS soon as he got to the foyer, the door closed shut. He reopened it and called for him again, "Daddy!"

Jacques turned around and glared at his son, clearly irritated, "Get back in the house! Now!"

The young boy poked out his bottom lip and said, "I love you, daddy…"

Jacques sighed, seeing the disappointment in his son's features. So he put down the large box into the car before getting in himself. "I love you too, Daniel. Now get back inside. It's chilly out." And closed the door before instructing his driver on where to go.

Suppressing his tears, Daniel closed the door and was greeted with the warm hands of his mother who could see the hurt in the boy's eyes.

"Are you all right, baby?" Tiana asked.

He nodded.

"You ready to eat? Florence is almost done with breakfast," she suggested.

But Daniel shook his head before running through the foyer and up the stairs, "I'm not hungry!"

Tiana witnessed the entire exchange from the moment she heard her son's voice and will confront Jacques on his mistreatment of their child later.

"A boy child should never have to feel neglected by his own daddy," Florence said from the living room.

Tiana closed her eyes. She couldn't agree more. For any child for that matter.

()()()()

"I absolutely hate it here!" Complained Naveen's fiance

"If you don't want to be here, Eliza then you can always go to New York. No one is stopping you!" Naveen was to the point that he no longer cared how she felt.

"I just may leave. Everyone here is fat, poor, disgusting and the food and that god awful music here is absolutely atrocious!" Eliza held her nose up.

Naveen knew that she was being difficult and could only hope that she would consider his offer on leaving.

"How about I buy you a ticket to New York on the best train ride, with the best service and assistance along with all the money for you to spend on yourself while soaking your feet and getting the best massages in the best hotel, penthouse or wherever you want to stay in?"

Eliza brightened up, "You'd do that for me?"

"Why not? You deserve the best," he smiled back, though not genuinely.

She threw her arms over his shoulders for an embrace, "Thank you!"

Naveen returned her the hug with a gentle pat, "I hate to see you so unhappy. And this could be an early birthday pres…," he stopped when he saw Jacques and a woman who looked nothing like Tiana walking down the street with him. He grew annoyed and made sure that it didn't show around his fiancee. "Um, why don't we get you ready?"

Eliza had other things in mind, "Why don't I give you something to think about when I'm gone?"

Naveen scratched the back of his head, "Really? Now? Can't that wait until later?"

"I'll be asleep later and besides…" she said with a seductive tone, "…I'm going to need for you to be hard as possible."

()()()()

Later in the day Tiana, Daniel and Max all left the house to visit her father and mother. Fortunately for Tiana, Eudora wasn't home but James was and happily greeted them with a hug and kiss.

"What a nice surprise!" James said with a grin. "My two favorite people. What brings y'all by?"

"Daniel kept asking about you and we had to see how you were doing," Tiana explained. "And we see mama all the time."

"Granddaddy you said that you will teach me how to make gumbo!" Daniel reminded him.

James laughed as he picked up the boy, "You didn't forget that?"

Daniel shook his head.

"Boy you've got a memory like an elephant," James said with a laugh.

"So you will teach me?" Daniel asked. "Daddy won't allow mama to cook and says cooking is for sissies."

James raised a brow at his daughter who couldn't lie her way out of this one. "He's still forbidding you from cooking?"

Tiana sighed. "Daddy you know how he is..."

"Even after he granted that prom…" He stopped himself and put Daniel down. "Why don't you and Max here go and—

"Play upstairs…" Daniel said. "I know, I know…" he and the dog left the living room.

James shook his head, "Just like you were when you were his age."

"Everyone says he looks exactly like Jacques," Tiana said.

"But Daniel got ya smile and heart." James put his hand under his daughter's chin so that she could look up at him. "I didn't raise you to look down at noone, Tiana."

Tiana sighed, "Daddy…"

"Jacques is no good, but you already knew that. He also knows that you're a strong young lady which is why he tries to always walk over you."

Tiana crossed her arms. "I only stayed for Daniel. He needs his daddy."

"Naveen would've made a better father for him and husband for you, babycakes," James said

"But he wouldn't be his by blood." Tiana looked up at her father. "And I had Jacques' life in my hands when he tried to kill himself after I left. I couldn't let him do that because of me."

"Excuses honey…" James said. "I thought I raised you better than this."

Tiana wiped away the single tear that escaped from her left eye, "If you were in my shoes you'd understand why I stayed."

"I understand…" James hated seeing his daughter so unhappy. "I only wish the son-of-a-bitch killed over!"

"Daddy!" Tiana exclaimed.

"I'm sorry babycakes but you deserve happiness. Ya mama doesn't understand and neither does those other gosspipin' women around here." He caressed her face, "I remember the look on my mother's face whenever my father hurt her. The best thing he's ever done for her was leave. She became a better woman and mother." He watched his daughter close her eyes but could still see the fire in them. "Now remember that there's always a light at the end of every tunnel. Jacques' shadow won't always cast over you."

"Thank you, daddy," her lips cracked a weak smile. "I needed that."

James smiled, "I miss seeing your beautiful smile. I don't believe I've seen you smile in so long." He wiped the tears from her cheeks. "There, there babycakes. It will all turn out fine for you and Daniel," he kissed her forehead. "I'll get lil Daniel" And went upstairs to get the young boy.

Tiana stayed behind to get herself together. She hated exposing her emotions to anyone and was disappointed when she cried in front of her father.

Looking down at her wedding ring was always hard for her to do. The beautiful ring symbolized love and commitment. Yet all it symbolized for her was pain and heartbreak.

"Mama! granddaddy is going to teach me how to make gumbo!" Daniel said from her father's shoulders.

Tiana raised her brow. "Daddy you know that you're not suppose to be holding that big boy on your shoulders like that."

"I'm fine babycakes. You worry just like your mother," James lowered the boy onto the floor and when he got back up. "Ooh my back!" he groaned with his hand on his lower back.

"You alright daddy?" Tiana asked, knowing how stubborn he could be.

"I'm just fine babycakes now let's get in that kitchen and show this young Montreuil how we throw down the best gumbo on this side of the Mississippi! " he and Daniel headed for the kitchen.

Tiana saw her father's hand on his lower back the whole time as he entered the kitchen and only shook her head before following behind.

()()()()

Later in the afternoon, Naveen walked down the Quarter with a huge weight lifted from his chest. With Eliza gone he could now focus on why he's really here and that's for charitable causes and…

"Tiana," he said, watching her and Daniel leaving a toy store.

"Mama I thought daddy was going to take me to the toy store today. He would've given me the race car instead of this stupid bear."

"He's busy with work, honey and the bear is cute," Tiana thought that spending time with her father would help her son. If only Jacques stayed true to his word when it came to the young boy.

Max's exciting bark broke the silence.

"Hey there, boy!" Tiana said while feeling the presence of someone nearing her. She looked up and gasped when she saw Naveen smiling down at her.

"Naveen…?" she rose up.

He nodded his head. "It's me." Truly hating himself for still loving her even after she made her decision to stay with her husband.

Daniel's eyes brightened at the stranger. "Hey, I remember you! You're the man with the two scoops!"

Naveen was confused, "Two scoops?"

Tiana closed her eyes and laughed. "He mentioned a man who had two scoops of ice cream the other day…."

"Oh!" Naveen remembered and laughed himself. "Yes, I always get two scoops. A man of my size can't have just one."

Daniel puffed out his own chest, "I'm almost three and need more ice-cream too."

Tiana shook her head, "Not until you're older."

Naveen couldn't help but to stare at her. She was still perfect, and motherhood did her well. Her hips were curvier, her skin looked as soft as the last time he touched her, and her lips looked like they haven't been properly kissed in a long time…he wondered if she still smell like vanilla?

"My dog really likes you," Daniel interrupted his thoughts.

"What? Oh…" he smiled at Tiana who blushed a little.

She could sensed that his feelings never stopped after she left. She also noticed the lack of ring on his finger, "So, how have you been?"

"Busy." Was his answer. "I came here to get away, you know? Relax. Aside from charity work."

"New Orleans can be laid back when it wants to be," she said.

"It can," Naveen agreed. "I got to eat at your restaurant. Everything was delicious." He smiled.

She nodded her head. "Thank you."

Daniel tugged at the king's hand. "Mister, what is your name?"

"You can call me Naveen," Naveen answered. "And what is your name?"

"Daniel...Daniel Montreuil. This is my dog Max and my mama," he introduced.

"I actually know who your beautiful mother is. She is an old friend of mine," Naveen smiled at her.

Daniel's eyes widen, "You know my mama?"

"We're old friends…" Tiana repeated while her eyes scanned around making sure Jacques or his goons weren't around. "…we should be heading back home."

Naveen wanted to ask if he could see her but knew that with Daniel around it would be inappropriate. So instead he asked, "How often do you visit your restaurant?"

"About two to three times a week just to see how things are for my employees," Tiana answered.

"Perhaps I'll see you there sometime?" he grinned while wiggling his brows, hoping she took his hint.

She did as his flirting demeanor made her stomach flutter. This man still got her heated. "I'm there Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays."

He nodded, "I'll see you then," and looked down at Daniel, who was petting by his dog "You seem like a very responsible young man. Caring for your dog. What's his name?"

"His name is Max! My daddy gave him to me as a gift after I did good in my reading lessons with Mrs. "You don't say?" Naveen said. "Well seeing that we just met and all...you want to be friends?" he extended his hand.

"Yes!" Daniel accepted the handshake.

"Friends," Naveen let go of his hand. "I don't want to hold you two any longer. You take care of your mother," he told boy.

"I will," Daniel was always serious about his mother.

Naveen took in Tiana once more. "You take care, Tiana," he hated having to leave.

"You too Naveen," Tiana wasn't ready to see him go.

But when he did leave, she sighed out loud, resting her hands over her stomach.

Daniel noticed, "Mama, are you all right?"

She shook her head from any inappropriate thoughts that were beginning to form in her mind. "We better be getting home." She quickly took Daniel's hand just as she heard Naveen speaking to a woman.

"No I insist," he handed her some money.

"Thank you sir. Now I can feed my family for the rest of the month," said the woman, who was holding a baby in her arms. "Bless you your heart."

Naveen smiled and nodded. "No problem madam."

Tiana remembered Naveen's concern for the less fortunate and with the economy being nearly nonexistent she wondered how much help could be offer alone? She always wanted to find a way to help but Jacques made sure that wouldn't happen.

"Mama?" Daniel called her name.

"Hmm?" Tiana broke from her trance. "Let's go on home."

()()()()

"Now do you promise to not tell daddy about the man we saw today okay?" Tiana asked her son.

Daniel nodded his head, aware of his father's jealousy of other men when around his mother. "And cooking with granddaddy too?"

"Yes, those are our secrets," Tiana said. "All right?"

"Yes mama," Daniel wanted to be sure that his mother was safe. Even if his father would never physically hurt her, a history he was completely oblivious of, he figured that the less his parents argued, the more his father would happily stay at home with them.

"I'm home!" Jacques called out.

Daniel's face lit up as he left his mother in the living room for his father who was still closing the door in the foyer, "Daddy!"

He lifted up his son with one arm. "I've got a surprise for you!"

"You do?" the young boy asked.

Jacques nodded his head and took out a box from behind his back.

Daniel gasped, taking the box and opening it. "Oh daddy! This is what I wanted."

Tiana rolled her eyes. Not surprised that her husband would purchase the expensive toy.

"And that's not all…" he opened the door to three men who began carrying boxes into the house.

Tiana frowned, "What's this about?"

"Hello to you too, darling," Jacques laughed. "Take those upstairs to the fourth room on the right!" he instructed the men. "I've decided to buy Daniel his own race car track. His nursery has plenty of space for the installment."

"I thought that we were slowing down on buying him new toys like these," Tiana said.

"Thank you, daddy!" Daniel jumped off his father's arms. "Come on Max!" They both followed the men.

Tiana shook her head as Jacques neared her, "I can't believe that you went along and did this. If I bought Daniel that set you would've been all over…"

Jacques pressed his lips onto her while pulling out a rectangular box, "I didn't forget about you."

Tiana took the box and saw the beautiful ruby and diamond necklace that was inside it, "It's…it's beautiful," she said softly.

He sensed her disappointment. "You sound disappointed."

She handed him back the box, "I don't feel right taking this stuff while so many families are struggling out there. That's all."

Jacques wrapped his arms around her waist, resting his chin on her shoulder, "Darling, you are married to the richest man in New Orleans. You and our son deserves the best."

"Everyone deserves the best, Jacques," Tiana pointed out.

He sighed, letting her go, "Nonsense, darling…" and intertwined her fingers with his. "Why don't we have dinner outside in the patio and forget this…modesty thinking."

Tiana decided to remain quiet. Jacques seemed to be in a really good mood, and if she wanted him to agree with her on donating any money she knew what to do for him. "Fine."

He kissed her on the cheek, "That's a good girl!" And headed straight outside, "Florence! We'll be having dinner outside…"

()()()()

Tiana sat at the large patio table with Naveen in mind. He was just as wealthy as Jacques but would never flash his money in people's faces. Then there was generosity. Naveen did it without complaining, he actually enjoyed it while Jacques made sure he made a profit out of it.

And yet she chose him over Naveen.

"Darling?"

Tiana broke from her trance. "Yes?"

"You're not eating your dessert," he said with a raised brow.

She looked down at her dinner plate. "I'm...not really hungry."

"Why not?" he asked, waiting for an answer.

Daniel watched his parents interaction while eating strawberry short cake.

Tiana hesitated before answering, "Because I'm not in the mood to eat anything-

"Did you enjoy your visit today Daniel?" Jacques interrupted.

"Hmm?" Daniel's mouth was full of cake.

"You and your mother went to see your grandfather today correct?" he asked.

Daniel's eyes widen as he looked over at his mother, waiting for her approval.

Jacques noticed the exchange. "Son, you don't need your mother to answer for you,"

"I...I..." Daniel looked down at his plate.

"Are you acting like a weak sissy on me?" Jacques asked aggressively.

"Don't talk to him like that!" Tiana couldn't take anymore of her husband's bullying behavior. "Yes, Daniel and myself visited my father."

Jacques gave his wife a threatening glare before asking, "And did he cook anything?"

When Tiana didn't answer he laughed.

"You really want my son to become a no count nigger just like his grandfather?"

"My father is a better man than...: she stopped and took a deep inhale. Throwing insults in front of their son was the last thing she wanted to do. So she stood up. "Come on Daniel."

Daniel was about to scoot back when he heard:

"You stay in that chair if you still want your new toys," Jacques warned.

"It's getting late and he needs his bath before he's too tired for it," Tiana said.

"Florence can take care of that," Jacques said.

Tiana extended her hand out to her son. "Come on Daniel."

But the young boy looked at his father. "No."

"Excuse me?" Tiana was taken aback by her son's behavior.

"You heard him. Now if you want to leave you can. I'll make sure that Florence takes...and here she is!"

The older woman frowned. "Is there anything y'all need?"

"My son needs his bath," Jacques said.

Tiana rolled her eyes as the woman took the younger boy's hand and walked him out of the room. "Really Jacques?"

He got up from his chair and stood behind her. "You really think you're smarter than me? To take our son to that bum's kitchen and cook with his rusty old pot and pans?"

"Would it have been better if they were pretty shiny pot and pans?" Tiana asked with sarcasm.

Jacques held back his anger and asked. "Answer my fucking question. Did you take our son to your father's kitchen?"

Tiana turned to face him. "Yes, I sure did. Because you know why? He wanted to see his grandparents. His only living grandparents. And he did cook because that's what he wanted to do with him!"

Jacques brought his hands around Tiana's arms, pulling her until her face looked right up to his. He felt her tense and smirked. "Don't take my son to that house if you know what's good for you."

"What are you going to do to me if I do Jacques?" she challenged, hoping not to regret her question.

"Don't put words in my mouth Tiana!" he warned.

Tiana's heart felt as if her heart was beating out of her chest as she continued. "He enjoys seeing his grandfather. If you weren't always taking your day-offs gambling with your buddies then he wouldn't need to..." She stopped when she felt him let her go and swiftly walked back into the house, leaving her alone.

Tiana exhaled deeply as her anger and disgust remained. It was moments later when she did enter the house and as she went upstairs she passed Florence, who was just leaving Daniel's nursery.

"I wanted to let you know that I didn't tell Jacques anything," the maid told her.

"Where's my son?" she asked, not believing her.

"In his room," Florence answered. "Playing with his new toy car set."

Tiana put her hand on the knob as Florence continued,

"He got upset after got in his room."

Tiana then opened the door to the young boy's room and saw him playing with his car. "Daniel?"

He stopped what he was doing and ran over to his mother for a hug. "I'm sorry mama."

Tiana returned the hug. "There's no need to baby."

"Daddy says that I'm a sissy."

"You're not a sissy," Tiana said, hating her husband for even insulting their son.`

Daniel's body trembled as tears left his eyes. "I'm sorry mama."

"Shh!" she rubbed his back. "You don't have to be sorry for anything. You did nothing wrong."

"Daddy hates us. I know he does. Like in my dreams."

"What dreams baby?" Tiana asked.

Daniel was hesitant and remained quiet.

"It's alright. You don't have to tell me right now,"

"He hits us mama!" He said suddenly. "He pushed me back and hits you until you stop moving."

Tiana closed her eyes at the grim story. It was only a dream and yet that same dream happened, but to her only three years ago. An incident that caused a sudden and heartbreaking miscarriage for her. "Your daddy will never hit you okay?" she felt Daniel nodding his head. "Now tonight we will have happy dreams. Like the little pirate who was scared to sail. Remember that story?"

Daniel nodded. "Can you tell me that story?"

"Alright." Tiana knew the story by heart and also knew that it would soothe the young boy. "There once was a little pirate named..."

()()()()

A/N: I'll try my best to post chapter 5 in a day and half or two.