The Violinist

by believer76

David Rossi meets Diana Reid after she has separated from her husband. He is a great pianist who is with the traveling orchestra. Dave notices and appreciates Spencer's talent and helps his adopted son become a great musician. This is their story.

The Violinist

Spencer played to his audience, ignoring them in favor of the music. The crowd was absolutely silent, silent in respect for the young violinist that was standing on stage playing his heart out. Finally, Spencer ran the bow over the strings one last time and the song ended. There were several beats of silence and then the stadium was field with clapping and cheering. Spencer blushed modestly and then bowed to his audience.

"That was well done son," Diana complimented Spencer ruffling his hair affectionately, once Spencer had come backstage.

"Thank you mom," Spencer said smiling kissing her cheek in affection.

"Your father will be pleased," Diana added. "He should be here soon."

Spencer had started playing as a young boy, when Diana had given him a beginner's violin, since he had shown talent in that area. Spencer had blossomed teaching himself to play by the time he was six. His father William Reid had complained about the noise more than once and had left before Spencer had truly mastered his beginner's violin. Finally, it was decided he needed a professional, someone to bring out the genius that Diana knew was inside her son. He had already taught himself to play very well, and could be a brilliant violinist once he was old enough if he got the proper instruction and she was going to make sure he did.

The problem was though, that Diana's job at the university didn't pay enough a hire a really good one, as they could charge a small fortune for lessons.

It was only a year or so later that Diana had met David Rossi. He was with the traveling orchestra and they were playing the Las Vegas Convention Center. It was one of the largest concert venues in the world. Diana had taken her son to see a concert, since he loved music and even managed to score a meeting with David Rossi. She had been offered a tour backstage and Spencer of course, had found it all endlessly fascinating.

She and Dave had fallen in love within a few months and had married when Spencer was eight.

Dave had appreciated Spencer's talent, unlike the man he had shared DNA with and made sure that he hired the best tutors, so that his adopted son would reach his full potential. This was only after they had moved back to New York where Dave lived. Spencer was actually glad to get out of Las Vegas and for more than one reason. Spencer had his first concert, when he was 12 and he was well received. Now he was 28 and he had been playing it bigger and bigger venues. He had refused to return to Las Vegas though, as he refused to go back to his hometown that had caused him so much pain, where the memories were bound to be sharper. His father leaving his family when Spencer had been so young had made Spencer believe that it was his fault, but Diana had gently explained that it wasn't his fault at all that his father just didn't appreciate his family. Some people did not appreciate what they had Diana had explained to her then seven-year-old son. It didn't have anything to do with his practicing on the beginner's violin that she had bought him.

"I'm glad you could be here mom," Spencer said as he hugged his mother tightly.

"I'll always be here when you play in New York, Spencer," Diana told that her son as she kissed his forehead. "I know that Dave and I can't always be there when you play in other cities."

"It's okay, mom, I know you're with me in spirit," Spencer said. "I know you're with me in my heart even if you can't be present."

"That's very grown-up of you, son," Diana said.

"I'm nearly 30 mom I have to be grown-up by now," Spencer told her smiling.

"You are," Diana acknowledged. "You were certainly always more grown up at six or seven years old than most others that age."

"That was partly my personality, partly William Reid's leaving," Spencer said. Spencer had refused to call William Reid his father ever since the man had left. Diana couldn't really blame her son for that considering how his father had treated him. Dave was a much better example to her oldest son and encouraged him to practice. Dave had hired tutors without complaining about the money, so that Spencer could become even better. Her son had learned so much on his own, but then he had always been intelligent and had immense talent. She had known that he needed some professional help, as that was the only way for him to become a great violinist. Her meeting David Rossi had been a very fortunate occurrence. They had fallen in love, but then, Dave was everything that her first husband was not. He was warm, kind, compassionate, understanding and appreciated talent when he saw it, something that her former husband did not. It was obvious to Dave that Spencer had a great talent that could be homed until he became one of the greatest violinist of his time, something Diana doubted would've happened if she had stayed with Will. Will hadn't appreciated the noise that Spencer made when he was first learning to play, he hadn't seen that Spencer had real talent. He had refused to hire tutors thinking that it was just a passing interest for his son so figured why waste the money. He had yelled at Diana for buying Spencer that beginner's violin in the first place. Diana had no doubt that Will was regretting his attitude now, as Spencer was quite famous and also quite wealthy. If only Will had seen his son for who he truly was then perhaps her son's relationship with him would have been more than nonexistent. Because of what Will had done Spencer had refused numerous offers to play in Las Vegas. He had played in various venues in Nevada, just not in his old hometown.

He had explained awhile back that going back to Las Vegas would bring up too many bad memories, because unfortunately her son's memory was eidetic. Basically, he could never forget what his father had done no matter how young he had been when it happened. Having such a memory was both a great and terrible gift.

It didn't matter that she was very happy with Dave. The fact that Dave had supported her son from another marriage, from the first moment they had met put him in her good books right away. Dave had recognized in her son the drive to succeed and become a great concert violinist, something Will had never done or even recognized.

Now, for all intents and purposes, Dave was Spencer's father in every way that mattered, other than DNA. Thanks to her marriage to Dave, Spencer had four siblings, two girls and two boys. This was a gift that Diana had never expected, as Will had refused to have another after Spencer had turned three. Diana had wanted at least a couple of more, to give Spencer some siblings and unfortunately, Spencer's father hadn't cooperated.

Still, things had worked out, and it had been clear from the beginning that Dave adored his children including Spencer, even though they were basically grown up now. There were still two children at home but the others were in college, and Spencer of course, had moved out into his own apartment long since.

"I know he really did a number on you," Diana sighed.

"It doesn't matter anymore mom," Spencer told Diana. "William Reid dug his own grave let him lie in it."

There was absolutely no sympathy in her son's voice and again Diana couldn't blame him. Will had really messed himself up when he had ignored his son or complained about him.

"Dave is my father as far as I'm concerned," Spencer added. "He did everything a father is supposed to do and it didn't matter to him that I was not his natural born son. He made sure I got tutors, so I became even better than when I was at seven and eight, as there is only so much you can learn on your own."

"I thought you were quite good and that age, son," Diana told him smiling.

"I was more than decent considering I had taught myself how to play," Spencer smiled slightly, as he remembered. "I got a lot better once dad took an interest in me."

This was true, Diana knew.

"You know I used to play a lot of wrong notes sometimes when William Reid was around, just to annoy him," Spencer admitted.

"I didn't know that, but I'm not surprised," Diana said. "He wasn't very nice to you, even before I got you that beginner's violin. I suppose it was your way to get revenge for his treatment. I doubt very much that Will ever realized that he was rather dense when it came to his son."

"He hasn't mattered in over 20 years mom, so let's just forget about him. I wouldn't have four siblings if you hadn't met Dave, so I will always be grateful for that reason that you did meet him. The fact, that he's the kind of man I wish William Reid had been is also a consideration. I always wanted a sibling you know that and the fact that I got more then one was really special."

"I understand son," Diana said simply. "I'll never regret my marriage to him, because it gave me you, but I'm also glad that it broke up when it did and that I met Dave not long afterwards."

Spencer nodded at this, glad that Dave was his father, something he would always be grateful for, for as long as he lived.

Dave came striding backstage just then and both wife and son greeted him.

"It's time to go home," Dave told his wife as he kissed her cheek.

It had been a lucky day for him when he had met the then Diana Reid. He had gained a son right away and had had four more children that shared his blood after he and Diana were married.

"Want to come over for a few minutes to our place?" Dave asked Spencer.

"That's okay, dad," Spencer said smiling. "I think you and mom deserve some time alone."
"You're always welcome to come over for a nightcap or for any other reason," Dave told Spencer.

"I know just not tonight. I have plans."

"A girlfriend?" Diana asked her son with interest.
Spencer blushed answering his mother's question without him having to say a word.

"It's about time you started dating again," Dave said.

Spencer hadn't dated in over a year, at least as far as either parent knew. On the other hand, he travelled a great deal and had a demanding concert schedule, so that was partly why. Any orchestra would take him he was that good and that popular, but he wasn't interested in settling in one place.

"I'm not going to date just anybody like some men do," Spencer said. "Some men will go out with a woman just because she's beautiful and has tits, that's not me."

This was true both Diana and Dave had to acknowledge. Their son was very selective in who he dated.

"So who is she?" Diana asked her son has asked that we have then walked out of the concert hall together.

"Just someone I like a lot," Spencer said. "We'll see where it goes."

"I suppose that we can't meet her," Diana said and Spencer shook his head.

"Not yet, as it is to new. There's no guarantees that our very new relationship will get to the stage where I introduce you," Spencer said.

"So how long have you been seeing her son?" Dave asked.

"Just a few weeks," Spencer answered. "With my demanding schedule that's really not very often."

"You could take a job here with the orchestra," Dave said. "They'd take you in a heartbeat."

"Maybe someday," Spencer said. "Perhaps if I ever get married and have children I might do that, as I'd want to be around for my kids."

"That's what I did," Dave said putting an arm around his son's shoulders. "I stopped traveling so much once your mother and I had kids. I wanted to be home with them as much as possible, as I'd never imagine that I'd find a woman I could love, have a family. Traveling is all well and good for a few years, but it does get tiring."

"I hope it works out for you son," Diana told Spencer kissing his cheek affectionately. "I would like grandchildren, but don't rush on my account. I made the wrong choice in my first husband and the only good thing that came out of such a disaster was you. Try not to make the same mistake I did."

"It's probably one of the reasons he's so selective in who he dates," Dave said. "His experiences in childhood would not allow him to be anything else. Spencer learns from past experiences and his memory doesn't help. Of course, it might also be partly his personality."

"That's a good point," Diana admitted. "I wish you could forget your father's treatment of you."

"So do I, but that's just not possible mom and you know it. On the other hand, it means I probably won't make the same mistake that you did, but we'll see. I'll see you sometime soon," Spencer said, as he bid his parents goodbye.

"Hopefully, this relationship will work out," Dave told Diana, as the two of them got in their car.

"I hope so," Diana said, as she buckled her seatbelt on the passenger side. "We both know that Spencer is a much better judge of character then I was at his age. I never would've married William Reid if I had seen through his charming façade, but on the other hand, I'll always be grateful, because it gave me Spencer."

Dave was nodding at this, because he could understand his wife's feelings very well. Diana adored her oldest son, how intelligent, kind and compassionate he was. She appreciated his brilliance and not just with the violin, but with other instruments as well, even if his son preferred the violin over every other. He was also brilliant when it came to academics and was very well read. He had gone to Juilliard right here in New York, and had done very well there. His instructors had been impressed and had told him in confidence that his son would go far when it came to his music.

Diana had told him, back when they had first met, that Spencer had inherited her grandfather's talent in music, a talent that unfortunately she didn't possess. She had passed on his great-grandfather's violin when Spencer had had his first concert at 12. Her son being a careful and meticulous young man took excellent care of it. It was nice to see her grandfather's legacy live on, in her son.

This was something that Dave appreciated and could understand quite well. So many parents didn't appreciate their children's innate talents. So many parents didn't pay attention to their children didn't hire tutors for what they were good at or send them to a special school, so their talent could be nurtured. They could be good at music like Spencer, or have a talent for math or science or be good with their hands in building things or even be a genius at mechanics.

Spencer was nothing like the man that he shared DNA with and Dave knew Diana was grateful for that. Dave was also well aware that he had also had an influence on Spencer, even if they weren't blood related. Dave had been happy to adopt Spencer, as his oldest son, even before his first child had come along, which had been a girl. Dave adored both his daughters, and Diana was happy to get at least one little girl to love.

Dave knew that his wife had wanted another with her first husband but that her ex-husband had refused to have anymore. He had a son to carry on the family name and that was more than enough for him. He hadn't considered his wife's feelings on the matter, as what William Reid wanted was set in stone as far as the other man was concerned and he hadn't cared about what his wife wanted.

It just went to show you that William Reid was a selfish man, as money hadn't exactly been a concern. If they hadn't been able to afford it when it came to having another child Dave could've understood the former husband's decision, but between his job as a lawyer and Diana's as a professor at a well known university in Vegas they had plenty to have another two or three if they had wanted.

It was just as well that that relationship hadn't lasted, Dave thought, because if it had he never would've been able to marry her or had his children, so it was just as well that William Reid was such a bastard.

~~~Spencer and Emily~~~

"This is really nice Spencer," Emily offered.

"Thank you," Spencer smiled.

"How in the world did you get a reservation so soon? It usually takes months to get one," Emily said.

"Famous violinist," Spencer said modestly. "It does come with a few perks. I don't abuse them and don't treat others with contempt or arrogance like some of the famous do. It helps that my father is also quite famous. He was a great musician, except he played the piano before he took over the position as conductor here in New York. He's retired now for the most part."

"That David Rossi," Emily said in Spencer nodded. "I've heard of him you're right, he's quite famous."

"Yes, he is," Spencer agreed, as he sipped his wine.

"I had no idea he was married," Emily said. "Of course, I haven't really kept up on all the gossip."

"Yes, he's been married for a long time now. About 20 years take a few months."
"But you're 28," Emily said.

"My mother was married before and my birth father was a bit of bastard. Dave adopted me as his son. I think my birth father said at the time, that he was glad to get rid of me, as I was nothing but a disappointment to him. I think he was happy to agree to let dad adopt me, so I could be a disappointment to someone else."

"How could any father think that about his child?" Emily said enraged shaking her head.

"I don't really care how he could," Spencer said firmly. "David Rossi is my father in every way that matters, other than DNA. My mother brought me a beginners violin when I was about five. She had noticed that I was always trying to make music. She was hoping that I had inherited her grandfather's talent. My great-grandfather was quite famous in his own right before he passed away. She met David Rossi soon, after my birth father walked out. I haven't seen my birth father since I was seven years old, and it's just as well."

"That is so sad but also so uplifting," Emily decided, as she took a bite of her dinner. The food of course was superb, but in this restaurant had a excellent reputation. It was also very exclusive. "I know very well that they a lot of man like your birth father in the world, but how any parent can treat their child so callously..."
"It doesn't matter, Emily," Spencer said wanting to get off the subject. "I have an excellent substitute in David Rossi and that's more than enough for me. He encouraged me to practice, hired tutors with no complaint about the cost and sent me to Juilliard at 16 on his own money, though I'm sure I could've gotten a scholarship. However, he insisted I save the scholarships for those students who weren't as well-off as my family was, as we weren't hurting for cash. I had a top flight education as I went to college afterwards and got several degrees."

This was an attitude Emily approved of and she was glad to see that Spencer's adoptive father had been everything a real father should be. This David Rossi she had heard so much about over the years, had encouraged his son's interest in music, when so many parents just ignored their children's obvious talent. Of course, sometimes it had to do with money, as not everybody was as well-off as Spencer's family, but there were different programs to help those that showed obvious talent in some field. A lot of parents never even thought about searching for special programs or scholarships for their children, which was very sad in Emily's opinion.

The two of them chatted as they enjoyed their dinners and Emily told Spencer some about her life.

"I would love to meet David Rossi he has always been one of my favorite musicians," Emily said. "I know he retired from playing sometime ago and I always wondered why, but now I understand it's because he met your mother and he wanted to be home with his family instead of traveling constantly."

"Yeah, he's the best," Spencer said with a soft smile.

"So any siblings? Emily asked.

"Four," Spencer answered smiling. "Having siblings was something I never expected as William Reid, my birth father, wasn't interested in having anymore. He had all the sensitivity of a slug and didn't care that my mother wanted at least one more, preferably two. He always said that having a son to carry on the family name was more than enough. He ignored my mother's desire, because I don't think he really cared about her feelings or maybe he just didn't notice how unhappy she was. I won't say he was self-absorbed exactly, but his opinions were set in stone and there was no changing his mind. I remember that part of my childhood very well and believe me I wish I didn't."

"How could you remember, you were so young," Emily said.

"Eidetic memory," Spencer explained briefly and Emily winced knowing what that was. "You know I often played the wrong notes on that violin my mother bought me just to annoy him. It was my form of revenge for his bad attitude. I doubt he ever realized that though, because he really didn't care about me or mom at all. It likely never even occurred to him that I was deliberately playing the wrong notes just to annoy him. I think subconsciously I was hoping to drive him out of the house permanently and he did walkaway not long afterwards. I'm actually surprised that he never tried to break my violin, though mom would've had something to say about that if he had. It's really not that hard to destroy one."

Emily deeply sympathized but she said nothing, as she knew that Spencer wouldn't want pity. She actually didn't pity him at all and in fact, respected the man he had grown into. One who was a genius on the violin, intelligent, personable and could converse on a variety of subjects. Emily had always liked music, but she had no talent in that area, so instead she had dated several musicians over the years, but none had worked out, though this time she was hoping it did. Their relationship had barely begun though so she was going to have to be patient.

Spencer was a cautious fellow, something that had struck her right away when she had met him and she couldn't blame him considering his past experiences. Having a father who basically ignored your existence could've turned Spencer against settling down himself, but his adoptive dad had apparently been a good enough influence that he was willing to at least try to find someone. If a couple's marriage was happy then that often translated into a child being happy and content with their own family once they were grown. A lot of people never settled down, because they didn't want to risk an unhappy marriage and Emily couldn't blame those people for that.

"Maybe your father knew that your mother would really give it to him if he did. Don't violins cost several hundred dollars at least?"

"The beginner ones can cost anywhere from 100 to 400," Spencer answered Emily. "Mom only wanted me to have the best, so mine is in the upper range. Now, of course, I have my great-grandfather's violin, as mom gave it to me for my first performance at 12. She said she knew I would take care of it."

"So who's the maker?" Emily asked interested.

"Amati, which means it's Italian made," Spencer said. "The Italian made ones are much more popular then other makers."

"Which means they can be quite valuable," Emily said.

"They can be, but I don't care about that, just that it belonged to my great-grandfather."

"So what happened to your first violin the one learned on," Emily asked.

"I'm saving it for when I have children. I'm hoping at least one of them displays musical talent, though I realize that if they do it might not be for the violin. Still, I can pass it on to my grandchildren or even my great-grandchildren, whichever one shows the talent."

"That's really sweet," Emily decided liking Spencer more and more. He obviously valued family despite his father being such a bastard. A man who valued his ancestors and his heritage was as rare as one who knew how to truly appreciate their family. She knew that Spencer could just buy an all new violin or any other instrument if a child showed an interest in a particular instrument, but he was saving his beginning instrument to be passed to the first child that showed the talent and was interested in learning. That showed Emily that Spencer had his priorities straight. He would be an excellent father one day, even if that wasn't with her.

Of course, that wasn't to say that more than one of his kids wouldn't show an interest in music, but since he could only pass on his first violin to one of his children he would have to buy a new one for the second child if they showed an interest.

The two of them finished their dinners and Spencer escorted Emily back to his car after paying the bill.

"I enjoyed myself tonight Spencer," Emily said.

"I did to," Spencer agreed, as he got into the driver's seat. "I hope you'll agree to another date."

"Of course, I will whenever you're free," Emily said. "I know you have a busy concert schedule. I would love to see you perform someplace other than in New York."

"That can probably be arranged," Spencer said. "You'd have to get a few days off work though. My next performance is in San Francisco. If you can take a week off I can show you the sites once I'm done with my concert. I won't have any time before then unless we go a few days early as I usually perform the day after I arrive. Sometimes, I have more than one performance in the same city, but usually different venues. I'll make all the arrangements if you can get the time off."

"That sounds great!" Emily said thrilled. "Just give me exact dates and how long we'll be gone. I certainly have some vacation time coming."

The two chatted excitedly about the possible upcoming trip and Spencer knew he was looking forward to it more than he usually did. He had never taken a girlfriend along, probably because he hadn't wanted the complication. Emily was different though, he had liked her from the first time he had met her and they had started chatting. She loved music and often attended concerts. They had a lot of the same musical taste. They also liked a lot of the same books. Spencer thought he was falling in love with Emily Prentiss, but he also wasn't one to rush into anything. He wasn't going to make the same mistake that his mother had with his father. He had certainly told Emily more of his past and he had any of his other dates, and she had sympathized without being pitying which he hated.

A lot of the females that he had told a portion of his past to had pitied him making him break up with them fairly quickly. Emily didn't pity him though, and in fact if he was reading her right she admired him for how he had dealt with it. For simply putting the past behind him and getting on with his life.

She was also intelligent and in no way an idiot like so many women who didn't seem to have anything between their ears but air or at least a lot of females acted that way even if they were intelligent. Spencer understood very well that hormones could hit someone particularly hard, but those women should've outgrown that stage by the time they were in their mid 20s. Spencer never dated anyone that wasn't at least 24 or 25 as four years age difference was enough and he wasn't about to date a kid. He mostly stuck to women about his age with only a year or two between them, but Emily was actually about three years older than he was at 31, which wasn't any worse then him dating a 24 or 25 year old, except in reverse.

"I'll text you the dates and times," Spencer promised. "I'll see you in a few days."

"Good night, Spencer I enjoyed myself very much. Give me at least a few days warning so I can arrange my leave."

"I will," Spencer promised smiling, as he rubbed his cheek after Emily got out of the car and shut her door gently.

Spencer smiled once he was sure Emily was inside her apartment building, then headed for his own place.

~~~Spencer and Emily~~~

"Spence!" came the voices of his two youngest siblings, as he entered his parents three level condo.

Hey! Colt, Em," Spencer said, accepting hugs from both his siblings remaining at home.

"We're so happy to see you," Em added, as she kissed he oldest brother's cheek in affection.

Colt and Em, were actually Colton and Emilia, which was kind of ironic and his sister's case as Emilia was just another version of Emily that he happened to be dating. Both his siblings were growing up as Colt was 16 and Emilia was 14. Spencer knew that his younger sister had been something of a surprise, as his parent had only been intending to have three. Still, that didn't mean she hadn't been a happy surprise, but his mother had made sure to have an operation so she wouldn't get pregnant again, as for one thing four was plenty and also his mother was getting on in years.

"Come in, Spencer, you're just in time for dinner," Diana said, as she came from one of the upstairs rooms.

"Why do you think I came at this time," Spencer said smiling making Diana smile back.

"Dinner is nearly ready folks," Dave's voice boomed. "Spencer would you mind setting the table please."

"Of course, dad," Spencer said.

Setting the table was a familiar duty until he had moved out. With him gone it became his two youngest siblings responsibility.

Spencer set the table and was done just in time for dinner to be delivered.

"Dig in everyone," Diana told her three children smiling. She was so happy that Spencer had decided to come to dinner, though he usually did that at least once a week. Her oldest son knew very well that his siblings wouldn't be children for much longer, so spent as much time with him as he could.

"So how did your date go son? Diana asked.

"It went fine mom," Spencer promised his eyes strayed to his siblings, which told Diana, Spencer didn't want to talk about it with his brother and sister present.

Diana fell silent but her look told her oldest son that he would not be getting out of talking about it after his siblings were in bed.

"Oh! Big brother is dating," Emilia said in a teasing tone.

Spencer winced but said nothing.

"So who is she?" Colton asked.

"What she is, is a secret," Spencer said. "No, I'm not going to tell you her name. We've only been dating a few weeks."

Spencer glared at his mother, as if to say 'see what you started.'

Dave said nothing, but hid an amused smile. This was the way it had always been since his oldest daughter had been born. Spencer was close all his siblings, but he also knew how to keep things to himself. Emilia especially could take it to far in her teasing, as she had not learned when to quit. Spencer never lost his temper with her or with Colton, but that didn't mean he couldn't get annoyed. It actually took quite a bit to annoy his oldest son, but if anybody knew where to get you where it hurt, it was family.

Spencer hated being teased about his girlfriends, even if it was harmlessly meant, so he never introduced him to his family until he had to and so far he and Diana had only met two of his former girlfriends, though those relationships hadn't worked out in the end.

Dave didn't know the reason they hadn't, but he suspected Spencer had found out something about both of them that had caused him to dump them. Perhaps they had just a tad possessive, as a lot of people male or female were like that, perhaps they were greedy...well they're were a multitude of reasons that Spencer wouldn't keep up the relationship, as he would never get himself in a situation to where some female tried to cut him off from his family or got jealous every time he even spoke to another woman, even if there was nothing between them. Spencer knew a lot of women, as least partly because of his profession, as many women were musical fans, and wanted to meet the musician. Dave knew that Spencer would never get involved with a woman that caused constant friction and discord, one that accused him of cheating at the drop of a hat.

Emilia, kept teasing Spencer about his girlfriend until finally Dave said, "Enough, Emilia. Spencer doesn't have to tell you anything and he'll only get more annoyed at you if you keep this up. Patience is a virtue and I'm sure he'll introduce her to the family eventually."

Emilia hung her head in shame, as she could see how annoyed her older brother had become, even though he said nothing. He never yelled or shouted or even lost his temper, but that didn't mean that he couldn't if she annoyed him enough. She knew she didn't know when to quit and that Spencer hated being teased about his girlfriends, which was probably the main reason she enjoyed doing it so much. She knew if she went to far Spencer wouldn't say a word to her whenever he came to visit and that always hurt her feelings, but she also knew, that she sometimes deserved his annoyance at her. Spencer didn't get mad or annoyed often, but there were certain subjects that could do it and teasing him about his relationships was one surefire way.

Spencer finished his dinner and then helped take the plates to the dishwasher without being asked ignoring his sister entirely.

"Don't you think you're being a little hard on your sister son, she didn't really mean anything by it," Diana suggested to Spencer gently.

"She knows not to tease me about that subject, mom, you and dad, have told her often enough. Since I don't want to shout at her, this is a way to let her know she did wrong, then ignore her for awhile, which will hopefully teach her a lesson about knowing when to quit. Yes, I know she's only 14, but she's got to learn sometime when to stop, before somebody who is not family gets annoyed at her. She knows perfectly well I don't enjoy being teased, particularly about that and it's one reason I don't bring my girlfriends around here often."

Diana sighed and knew Spencer was right her daughter needed to learn when to quit. Emilia was well aware that her oldest brother hated being teased about that subject, so she supposed the punishment was just. She knew that occasionally Spencer wanted to take his youngest sister over his knee, teach her a lesson, but that would be going to far for the crime. Diana knew that Spencer would make an excellent father someday.

"She will apologize before I start talking to her again," Spencer told his mother firmly. "Sincerely apologize and perhaps, she'll realize that there are some things you don't tease people about. Everybody's different, I know that and yes, I know she's young, but she has to learn when to quit sometime before she really gets hurt by somebody who doesn't care about her feelings. It's better if she learns that lesson at home then out in the big bad world. People will deliberately hurt you just because they are rude and have no manners and we can't protect her heart forever, as she'll be grown up soon enough. You know how sensitive she is."

Diana nodded, because Spencer was exactly right. Emilia had always been sensitive emotionally and could be hurt by peoples words and actions more easily. She had come home crying more than once after school because some of the students had been mean to her and said hurtful things in order to make her cry. It was just children being children but some never learned better.

"She will apologize eventually son," Diana said.

"I know she will, but she can also be stubborn," Spencer said smiling a little.

"Well, that just means she takes after me and your father both," Diana said smiling as well.

~~~Spencer and Emily~~~

Diana went to make sure that her daughter was in bed, after seeing her oldest son out.

"Why does Spencer get so upset about the teasing," Emilia asked a mother once Diana had tucked her in. "It's not like I mean anything by it."

"It doesn't matter if you mean anything by it or not Emilia," Diana told her daughter gently. "You know that your brother doesn't like to be teased about that subject and yet you took it to the point that you hurt his feelings."

"But why doesn't he like it?" Emilia asked confused,

"Everybody has different things that upset them, sweetie," Diana gently explained. "My ex-husband wasn't very nice to his son, so he has some serious hangups and his eidetic memory doesn't help. Spencer remembers every nasty thing his birth father said to him all untrue, but just like you, he was only a child. In fact, he was a lot younger than you are now, when his birth father said all those things to him. He was only seven when my ex-husband left and as a child, you believe what you're parents or any adult figure, tells you. Spencer may have been very intelligent for his age, there's no denying that, but he had not yet learned that human beings are flawed. His birth father really did a number on his self confidence and while he's overcome that, he had to see someone for a few years to help him get past it. If it wasn't for the psychologist that Dave and I made him see he might never have dated anyone at all. His birth father often told him he was worthless and that he'd never get married because no one would ever want him for any sort of permanent relationship."

"But that's not true," Emilia protested, "Spencer is one of the best guys I know."

"Of course, he is and he loves you, just because he's mad at you doesn't mean he doesn't, but you're going to have to learn sweetie, that the world is not a fair place. Just think of all those students at the school you go to and how those girls were deliberately nasty to you just to make you cry."

Emilia nodded, because those girls had hurt her feelings deliberately. She had always known she was sensitive and paid more attention to peoples words then she should. She got upset when people were so nasty to her, but it had never occurred to her that her older brother could have his feelings hurt, which was just stupid or at least naïve, because he was human after all just like she was.

"While I know you didn't mean your teasing maliciously, it doesn't mean that it doesn't affect your brother," Diana continued. "Spencer is very sensitive about that subject sweetie and you might turn him off dating completely if you don't stop. He might just decide to remain alone for the rest of his life, that dating isn't worth it or having a family. Your brother is trying to teach you a lesson about teasing someone no matter how it is meant. You go to far and you don't know when to quit, which is a problem you're going to have to solve or you're going to get your feelings hurt once you're out on your own by people who won't just ignore you, they will respond a lot of times nastily with the intention of hurting your feelings. In his own way, he's trying to teach you that lesson now, before you're out in the real world and realize what a cruel place it is. Those girls that deliberately said untrue things are just an example sweetie, and mostly that's due to their immaturity, something they will likely grow out of, though there are no guarantees."

"I didn't mean to hurt his feelings. I never do mean too," Emilia said quietly.

"I know you didn't and so does your brother," Diana told her. "But you have to realize that everybody has something that will upset them and a lot of times they will react with violence at the one that did so. Spencer is trying to teach you that teasing someone about something, especially keeping it up when someone starts to get annoyed or angry is not the way to go. You just kept poking at him about his girlfriend until he blocked you out entirely. You've got to learn when to let it go, as a lot of people would have reacted very differently then Spencer did. Spencer would never hurt you deliberately, never yell or hit you, but that does not mean that others would not, whether that's with words on some other way."

"What can I do to fix this?" Emilia asked her mother.

"You know what you have to do sweetie," Dianna told her daughter. "It's what you have to do every time this happens."

"Apologize," Emilia said resignedly. She hated to apologize to anyone, even her brother, but she had hurt his feelings deliberately or not, so Spencer deserved to hear an I'm sorry from her.

"And also promise him that you won't tease him ever again about that subject," Diana told her daughter firmly. "You know he doesn't like being teased about his girlfriends, so you will either quit doing so or he'll only get annoyed with you again. It's also partly my fault for questioning him about his girlfriend over the dinner table. I should've brought it up after you and your brother were in bed. It was my mistake that caused Spencer to be annoyed at you, as I know what you are like when it comes to that subject. I know better, I just wasn't thinking, I just need to have more patience. I would like to see him settle down with a good wife, have a family, but most people aren't married by his age. I was several years older myself when I met Spencer's father and I think we're both well aware how that turned out. I suppose, I rushed into marriage, but at least I was luckier the second time. I know very well he has to be careful, because a lot of women would like to marry him for his money, not because they love him."

"Okay," Emilia whispered, feeling really guilty now that she had hurt Spencer's feelings. "I'll apologize next time I see him."

"And promise never to tease him again about his girlfriends," Diana reminded her daughter.

Emilia sighed, but knew it was fair, no matter how much she wanted to protest. She had hurt her older brother's feelings and had done so every time she teased him about his girlfriends, so it was not the first time. She was getting older though, so Spencer wasn't just going to continue to forgive her, as that would teach her nothing. She had teased him about his personal business and Spencer didn't really appreciate that, but then, nobody probably did. Emilia was well aware that her oldest brother was a very private person and didn't like to have his personal business discussed, even in front of his family, particularly his siblings who teased him mercilessly. Growing up was so hard Emilia thought aggrieved.

"Growing up is hard," Emilia told her mother.

"It's meant to be sweetie, it's how we learn," Diana told her daughter with a gentle smile. "Childhood is supposed to be difficult, particularly the teenage years. Now go to sleep, you know your brother will forgive you, as he's not one to hold a grudge."

Emilia closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep just a few seconds later.

Diana turned and saw Dave in the doorway. He had heard at least part of the conversation with their daughter.

"That was well done," Dave said quietly.

Diana walked to him and the two left their daughter's room together closing the door gently behind them.

"Spencer is right, she's got to learn not to tease people, not even her brother," Dave added once they were down in the living area. "Spencer loves her, so he would never harm her, but someone else might, even if that's just with words."

"I know," Diana said. "It's all about growing up, learning how to act to not offend people, even accidentally. We know that her teasing was not maliciously meant, but she also needs to learn when to stop. Part of the problem is Emilia doesn't know Spencer's whole history and I'm not sure she would understand it if she did know. She's intelligent certainly, but she is only 14 and fairly innocent. She's going learn soon enough that the world is not a fair place. We can tell her that it isn't all we want, but in some things you have to experience it for yourself."

"She's already had a small taste of the world not being a fair place," Dave said, remembering when his daughter had come home in tears, because of some of the girls of the school had deliberately been cruel towards her, said untrue things. Emilia had always been a sensitive child, but almost any child would have believed their words, because they weren't yet confident enough in themselves not to.

"Yeah, she has and that's only a small example of the cruelty of the world. We won't always be around to protect her from it, so she has to learn to deal with it and to watch what she says," Diana said.

"She's intelligent, she'll learn," Dave said. "And it's better if she learns it here at home instead of out in the big bad world, just as Spencer told you in the kitchen."

Diana was not surprised that Dave had heard at least part of the conversation she had with her son, as he had his finger on the pulse of his family. He was an excellent father and husband, certainly better then William Reid ever had been. He actually cared about his family instead of just himself and Diana knew she had been very lucky when she had met Dave when she had taken her son to that concert in Las Vegas.

"Yes, she will and hopefully, she learned a lesson tonight," Diana agreed. "We'll have to see how it goes."

"Well that can wait until tomorrow at least," Dave said. "It's time for bed."

Diana did not argue, as she already knew what Dave had on his mind and she wasn't about to object. She and Dave might be older now, but that didn't mean they stopped making love before going to sleep.

~~~Spencer and Emily~~~

"This is really nice, Spencer," Emily told her boyfriend. The two of them were having dinner at one of the best restaurants in San Francisco. Emily had watched Spencer perform from backstage just getting lost in the music. Spencer was very good on that violin and was probably considered a genius when it came to music. She could listen to him play for the rest of her life. She was actually beginning to think about having children with him and hopefully, at least one of them would get Spencer's musical talent. Emily didn't want to say anything though, because it only been dating a short time, just a couple of months which really wasn't all that long at all, especially considering Spencer travelled a great deal.

"I'm glad you think so," Spencer said smiling.

"Of course I do," Emily said. "I could listen to you play all night. I've always really loved music in general, but I really like how you play."

"I'm glad you do," was all Spencer said.

Spencer believed he was falling in love with the lovely Emily Prentiss, but it was much too soon to say anything. Still, he had never offered to take any of his girlfriends to one of his concerts that was out of New York, so that ought to tell Emily that he really liked her, as she was an intelligent lady. It was a good thing she was, because Spencer couldn't put up with an airhead for the rest of his life. He knew very well that a lot of men took trophy wives and that sometimes they had the brains of peas, but he couldn't put up with someone like that for very long at all. Someone who could hold an intelligent conversation was a big plus with him. The fact that she loved music in general also resonated with him. He didn't necessarily have to marry anyone who loved music, but it would be a big plus, Spencer thought. He would be able to practice without his wife complaining that she should be spending the time with her.

The two chatted, as they ate their dinners

Spencer mentioned his sister and Emily listened, as her date told her what a his sister had done.

"Learning how to quit is just part of growing up, Spencer," Emily said. "I know she hurt your feelings and everything..."

"It's not so much that, not really," Spencer said. "Emilia, has always been a sensitive child, and she takes others words to heart. She's going to have to learn that the world is not a fair place and that it can often be cruel and heartless. I'd rather have her learn that lesson at home then out in the big bad world. By me ignoring her instead of yelling at her or losing my temper she will hopefully, learn a lesson about not teasing people, even if she doesn't deliberately mean to hurt their feelings. Everybody has different things that upset them, makes them mad or sad or happy. Not everybody is just going to ignore her when she teases somebody about something that will cause them to react, whether with anger, or disgust or sadness and at best say something very nasty to her, which will then, hurt her feelings. She's always been very sensitive emotionally, but she also has to be prepared for the consequences, if she pokes at someone until they react."

"I see," Emily said better understanding why Spencer had done what he had.

"I know I hurt her feelings when I ignore her, but then, she apologizes and things are better. She's been told often enough that teasing me about my girlfriends only upsets and angers me and even Colton has learned that lesson now. Yes, she is young, but she will eventually grow up, go to college, start a career and really, that day is not that far off, less than four years."

"She's just immature," Emily said and Spencer nodded in agreement.

"Yes, she is and hopefully, she'll grow out of the stage where she pokes at someone until they react, even if that someone in her family. I don't mind most teasing, but that's subject is off limits and Emilia knows that."

"It's partly mother's fault for bringing up me at the dinner table," Emily said. "She had to know how your sister would react when she found out you had a girlfriend."

"Yes, it is and she admitted that to me, that she should've waited until both Colton and Emilia were in bed, before bringing the subject up. She is not one that can't admit her mistakes. While I can understand mom's motivation for bringing it up, she should've waited. She wants me to settle down and give her grandchildren, but I'm only 31, so I have plenty of time. She admits that she fell for William Reid and that they should've dated longer then they did. William Reid walked away less than eight years later, which ought to tell you he was lousy father material. I'm not under the same time constraint that a woman is, because I can't give birth to a child, and a man's junk is always viable."

"Your mother only wants you to be happy, though I won't say you giving her grandchildren isn't a consideration," Emily said.

"I know that very well, but I'm not going to be rushed. I will not repeat my mother's mistake. I am much more careful and meticulous then mom was when she was younger. You can thank my experience as a young child for that. I don't want to go through the same experience my mother went through and see my marriage break up when there's nothing I can do to prevent it, because the woman in question isn't willing to cooperate and just wants to be difficult. That is one reason I'm so careful about who I date."
"I've had some of the same problems," Emily said understandingly. "Men can be so demanding."

"And so can woman," Spencer agreed. "I want something like mom and dad have. They have a very harmonious relationship. I won't say they don't argue at all, but they hardly ever do."

"That's what I want," Emily said wistfully. "Someone that isn't going to argue with me over pointless things. I don't want someone that is going complain about not having dinner on the table or someone that wants to know where you are all the time."

"Yeah, it would be very unpleasant be married to someone like that," Spencer said. "Men can be just as difficult even if in different ways. If the woman I marry ever starts pulling that kind of crap, well, they'll be divorce forthcoming, if they don't immediately straighten up. I'm not going to put up with the same kind of crap that my mother did when she was married to my birth father. You know William Reid had me convinced that I'd never get married or have a family because I was too weird or to boring or to plain. I was only a kid though and that you automatically love your parents no matter how crappy they may be didn't help."

"I'm glad your mother got away from him them," Emily snorted. "He really does sound like a bit of a bastard."

"Oh, he was and I'm sure he still is. He might have even convinced another woman to marry him. I might even have a half sibling for all I know, though I don't see him having more than one so long, as it's a son of course. I don't really care, though I pity any child that grows up with William Reid as their father, as I very much doubt he would pay them anymore attention than he paid me, which is probably a good thing come to think of it."

Emily tactfully changed the subject and she and Spencer talked about anything, except Spencer's birth father William Reid. William Reid was best regulated to the past where he belonged, as he had given up any rights to his firstborn son decades ago, just by being a dick.

~~~Spencer and Emily~~~

"It's nice to meet you Emily," Diana said shaking the young woman's hand.

Emily and Spencer had been dating for six months now and Spencer had just proposed. Spencer had known for some time that he loved Emily Prentiss, but since he wanted to make absolutely sure, they had dated for awhile longer.

Spencer was now 32 years old as his birthday had been last month and they had celebrated by making love. Spencer and Emily had then gone to have dinner with his parents at a restaurant. Now though Spencer introduced Emily to where he had grown up from the time he was eight.

"Welcome to the family," Dave added as kissed the back of Emily's hand.

Emily blushed quite deeply. Emily and his parents had already officially met, even if he hadn't officially proposed at that time.

"She's also a fan of yours dad," Spencer told his father smiling.

"It's always nice to meet a fan," Dave said. "So many people don't appreciate music, at least not the classical kind."

"I've always loved music, but particularly classical," Emily said, "but really, I'll listen to about anything except rap music and hard rock."

"So do you need help planning the wedding?" Diana asked once the four of them had settled in the living room.

"I could probably use the help," Emily said. "It'll take me longer if I do it all myself."

"No female relatives to help you out," Dave asked.

"I do have a sister but she doesn't live in New York," Emily said. "I suppose she could help out long distance."

"I'll be happy to help," Diana beamed. "I've been wanting Spencer to get married for years."

"Boy, do I know it," Spencer said rolling his eyes. "Where are Colton and Emilia?"

"This is Saturday, where do you think they are," Dave asked his son.

"Oh, right," Spencer said embarrassed. "They always spend Saturday with their friends at some fun location, a theme park, the zoo, a museum. They'll be home around dinnertime."

"Too bad I can't meet them, especially since your sister's name is so similar to my own," Emily said.

"Emilia is just another version of Emily," Diana said. "We might have named her something different if we knew one day our son was going to marry someone with a very similar name."

"I don't think we would have, because I've always loved the name," Dave said. "It was my choice, as Diana got to name our oldest daughter.

"That's true, it was only fair. Since we had an equal number of each we each got to name one boy and one girl, even if Emilia was a rather unexpected surprise.

"A happy surprise," Dave said smiling.

"We'd only planned on three," Diana explained to Emily. "I was in my 30s when we met and we figured that's all we had time to have. We thought four was plenty if you counted Spencer."

"Yeah, we had to turn the guestroom into a nursery," Dave remembered smiling. "I certainly didn't mind."

The two women started to excitedly discuss wedding planning and Spencer and his father left, leaving the two women to it.

"This is a very happy occasion for your mother and I," Dave said, once they got to Dave's study.

"I know it is," Spencer said. "I've known Emily was the one for sometime, but I was still taking things slow just to make sure, as I could've been wrong."

"I can't blame you for that," Dave said, "Even if I know your mother would disagree."

"That's just being a mother," Spencer said smiling sappily. "She wants all her children to be happy, to get married and have families and I am the oldest son."

Dave poured both of them drinks and handed Spencer his.

"Here's to a happy marriage Spencer. I hope you are as happy with Emily, as I am with your mother."

"I plan on it dad," Spencer said, as he clinked glasses with his father.

"So how many children are you planning on having son?" Dave asked curiously.

"I don't really know dad," Spencer said as he took a sip of his drink. "That's something I know Emily wants, but we never discussed the number. I'd like at least two, but I wouldn't object to more."

"Don't let your mom convince you to have more than you want too," Dave said. "She loves children, so she wants all her children to give her many grandchildren."

"She won't," Spencer said. "Emily will listen to her advice, but she will never be forced into doing anything she doesn't want to and neither will I."

"I don't really believe your mother would try to convince you to have more than you want but I know she loves children," Dave said. "I know she wanted another one with her ex-husband."

"I know, dad," Spencer said taking a sip of his drink pensively. "I'm glad that man is out of my life and I'm glad he disowned me, so that you could adopt me. As far as I'm concerned you're my father not the man I share DNA with."

Dave knew this, so nodded solemnly. He was very proud of his son, and he didn't give a damn that he wasn't related by blood.

"So how long do you think they'll be talking about wedding planning?" Spencer asked his father.

"Well, considering you're the first of our children to get married, they'll probably be at it for hours."

"That's what I thought," Spencer said. "It makes Emily happy, so it's not like I can really object."

"We'll just let the women decide on all the details and say yes dear, whenever they ask us something," Dave said, winking at his son conspiratorially.

"That sounds fine to me," Spencer smiled. "It's women who love to plan weddings, not the men."

Father and son laughed quietly because it was very true, as most men didn't care about the decorations, the food or the number of guests invited. Weddings were mainly for women, and the men just said I do when the time came.

~~~Spencer and Emily~~~

Part 2

Dave rushed into the police station. "I'm looking for Spencer Rossi I was told he was brought here after a mugging.

"He's sitting in the Captain's office Mr.?"

"David Rossi, I'm his father."

The Sgt. at the desk pointed the way and Dave thanked him. It wasn't long before he was knocking on the office door and hearing a voice to tell him to come in.

"Dad," Spencer said in relief.

Dave immediately noticed that his son had a black eye and he had no doubt that Spencer had numerous bumps and bruises under his clothes.

"Are you okay son?"

"Physically I'm fine but my violin..."

"Sir, there was an alternation," Began a new voice and Dave turned towards it. "I'm Capt. Feeney."

"David Rossi," Dave said shaking the captain's hand. "Spencer is my son."

"As I said there was an alternation," Feeney said. "Your son was mugged by two young boys who then proceeded to beat him up and take whatever valuables he had on him including your son's violin, which they then proceeded to damage. A beat cop came along and stop them from totally destroying it, but I don't know if it can be fixed."

"It had better be able to be fixed or those two boys will pay for every cent of said repairs," Dave growled. "I can have my lawyer here in half an hour. They better hope it can be repaired."

The captain looked at him and Spencer explained, "Is it antique captain, very valuable and was owned by my great-grandfather, whose father gave it to him and so forth. It's been in the Stenberg family for quite sometime. It's worth over $50,000."

The captain whistled appreciatively at that, as he had no idea that the violin was so valuable. He couldn't really blame Spencer or his father for being so upset at the damage those muggers had caused. He doubted those muggers had known how valuable it was or they would've tried to sell it on the black market he was sure.

"My mother gave it to me for my first performance at 12, as I had what is known as a beginner's violin until then. I was playing at a really young age."

"He's an absolute genius on just about any instrument, but the violin is his favorite. He can play the piano like a maestro, the flute, the harp, a lute and so many more. Talent like his doesn't come along very often."

Capt. Feeney doubted it was about the money at all when it came to the damaged violin. It was a family heirloom, which probably meant it was special to the family in question as they apparently valued their heritage. He had a feeling those muggers were in for a world of hurt, and being young wouldn't necessarily protect them. The captain suspected they would either pay for what they had done or he had had no doubt that the father at least would hem them in so many lawsuits that they would wish that they had left his son alone or not gone into a life of crime in the first place. On the other hand they might have had no choice but to do what they did if they wanted to keep eating.

"The muggers are young Mr. Rossi. The older one doesn't look more than 16 or 17 tops and the younger one no more then 14 or 15, which means that they are underage, so you can't legally sue them. Also, they've been living on the street for awhile."

"Then they should've gotten honest jobs," Spencer said looking near tears, which he was struggling to contain. "I've never hurt anyone in my life captain, so why they chose to attack me..."

"You looked like an easy target son," Capt. Feeney said gently.

"Why didn't you take a cab after your performance," Dave asked his son.

"My apartment isn't that far away and it was a nice night, I thought I would walk it. It's only a couple of blocks. I thought I might stop by that all night diner and get me a piece of their pie, as I was hungry after the performance."

"Next time take a cab, son especially if it's late at night," Capt. Feeney advised. "If you'd taken that cab this would not have happened."

"It wasn't really that late only about 9:30," Spencer protested. Still, he saw the logic in the Captain's suggestion.

"Still, that's way after dark and such people are more likely to attack someone whose alone," Dave said. "I'll call our lawyer son and have him here in a few minutes. They can either pay to have your violin repaired and let's hope it can be repaired or they can pay $50,000."

"I can tell you right now they don't have that kind of money," the captain snorted. "They wouldn't be living on the street if they did and also as I said a minute ago, they are underage."

"Then they better hope it can be repaired, as that will be a lot cheaper. I don't care if it takes them the rest of their miserable lives. They will pay every single cent. They damaged a work of art made by one of the most famous violin makers of his time. Amati was well known in the time he was born for his violins, just like Stradivarius was in his. There are no new one's being made, because the family has died out or at least have stopped making violins, which makes any of them by that maker very valuable. If those muggers had only known it, then they could've sold it on the black market for at least triple what it's worth, maybe more."

"That's a lot of moolah," Capt. Feeney said with a whistle.

"Yes, it is," Spencer agreed, having controlled his tears with an iron will. "It's enough to live the rest of your life on so long as you're careful. It's not about the money though, it's the fact that it was a family heirloom that has been in my family for centuries. That is what those men did, destroyed my heritage."

"Let's not say it's destroyed yet son. Hopefully, it can be fixed," Dave said patting his son on the shoulder. "Those men have no appreciation for other people things or they never would've attacked you in the first place. I'm only glad you weren't hurt worse or they didn't give you any broken bones."

"It's never had to have any major repairs in all the centuries my mother's family has owned it," Spencer said. "Other then replacing the strings, the bow and the pegs have had to be replaced a couple of times as they wore out."

"Can I talk to those men?" Dave asked the captain.

"So long as you let one of my cops in there with you," The captain said and Dave nodded.

"Okay," Dave said agreeably. "I can understand hunger and desperation for food captain. I might be willing to take them on, but I want to talk to them first. The least I can do is get some people I know to take them in maybe give them jobs, unless of course, they have a sheet. Of course, they'll realize that there are strings attached to such generosity if they're not stupid. It will also give them a way to pay back the damage they did to my son's violin."

"No, this is a first offense for both of them I think they've been on the street at least a year, possibly longer, eating what they can find out of trashcans. I still don't know if they're family threw them out or if they died. I suppose they also could have run away," Capt. Feeney said. "We are still checking into their backgrounds."

"I wouldn't be surprised if they have mugged other people," Spencer said. "I cannot be the first if they've really been on the street for at least a year and as you suggested, likely longer. I, to understand, the desperation for food and shelter as those are a basic needs, that everybody deserves, but don't always get. Yes, those two went about it in the wrong way, but not everyone knows what to do when they're tossed out by their family or they died and a lot of times the neighbors don't care or notice. There are plenty of children who slip through the cracks of the system."

"They were never reported or at least never identified if that's the case," Capt. Feeney said. "Not that I disagree with you. The only thing stopping me from filing an official report is they are not yet 18 and you have agreed to drop the charges despite what they did. If they have a sheet they might not be able to get a job, if an employer checks into their background, but if this happens again, especially for a violent crime I'll have to make it official."

"I'm only glad I protected my hands," Spencer said quietly in his hands folded in his lap.

"A musician that plays a stringed instrument, really any instrument, can lose feeling in his hands if they are too damaged and the bones broken or in some cases pulverised," Dave explained to the captain who nodded soberly. "In severe cases, they are never able to not only never perform, but never play again, not with the dexterity that is needed. Oh, bones can be healed, but there is only so much medical science can do, even with the best surgeon in the world. The feelings in a musician's hands, their dexterity it's part of what makes them so genius at their craft. Of course, there is more to it, like learning how to play in the first place, but still a musician needs their hands in good working order. If they just sprain a finger or wrist or something there are exercises they can do to strengthen the bone and if they only break a finger than that probably won't stop them from playing, but there are some types of injuries that never fully heal at least not enough to ever allow them to play professionally again. It would have been tragic if that had happened to my son, as he has many more years of performing before he retires."

Capt. Feeney knew that David Rossi and his son had the money to push this the way they wanted to go if they had the proper motivation. Those boys were in a whole lot of trouble if they didn't cooperate.

"Arthritis can also develop or where the bones ache in certain types of weather and bones can also stiffen up particularly in winter, which can make a musician unable to play," Spencer added. "At the very least that musician would never be a professional again, even if they played for themselves or at hospitals or weddings and the like.

"I'm glad you weren't hurt then, since music is your livelihood," the captain said and Spencer nodded his thanks. "I'll have someone escort you to interview A."

"Thank you Capt.," Dave said. "His mother had a late meeting at Columbia, so she doesn't know her son has been hurt, which is a good thing."

"Yes, it is and she's going to be rather upset about what happened," Spencer said smiling.

"That's an understatement, Spencer," Dave told his son. "You know how protective your mother is of her children, especially of you and you know the reason why."

"Yes, I do," Spencer sighed. "She's going to be rather mad and upset that we didn't contact her and so is Emily for that matter. That's my fiancé," he added to the captain.

"It's what all mother should be," Capt. Feeney suggested smiling.

"Now, that's the truth," Spencer and Dave agreed at the same time.

~~~Spencer and Emily~~~

Several hours later

Dave entered the interview room along with a uniformed cop.

Dave took one of the chairs in front of the scarred iron table on the opposite side from the two men, boys really, while the cop stood by the door. "My name is David Rossi and the man you attacked is my son. You will listen to me gentleman and listen well. I have the money and the connections to make your lives, even more miserable than they are currently, if you don't cooperate."

The two young men quaked at the look on the face of this man with black hair braided with gray. "You nearly ruined my son's livelihood. Your damaged his violin, an antique that has been passed down in his mother's family for generations. You better pray to whatever God you believe in that it can be fixed and you will pay for the repairs, every single cent. If it can't be you're going to owe Spencer $50,000, as that's how much it's worth."
"No crap instruments is worth that much," the older of the boys said bravely and Dave shot him a look that had him shutting his mouth with a snap.

"That crap instrument, as you put it was made by one of the most famous violin makers of his time several hundred years ago. There are very few still in existence, which makes them very valuable. A violin, a Stradivarius, sold at auctions just recently for $50 million. You just didn't just damage a valuable antique, you damaged a family heirloom, that's been in my wife's family for at least the last 400 years. We have the documentation to prove its authentic."

The two boys quaked at the look on the man's face. This David Rossi wasn't just pissed he was bloody furious and not only on the attack on his son, but for the damage of a valuable instrument.

"You better be very glad that that beat cop came along and stopped you, when he did or I'd be hitting you with so many lawsuits you'd never pay them all off considering that you've been living on the streets. I'll be looking at my son's violin next and see if it can't be repaired and you better pray it can be, as fixing it will be far cheaper than trying to find him another comparable instrument. The bill will probably still be hefty but certainly easier to pay off then having to replace the instrument entirely. Thank goodness Spencer protected his hands."

"Why does that matter?" asked the other boy and Dave glared at him, causing the younger boy to look down at the table.

"A musicians hands along with their instrument are their livelihood. In other words, it's how they make their living. Do you imagine that once the bones in the fingers have been broken and heal that they'll be exactly the same as they were before they were broken in the first place? A lot of times dexterity is lost, which you need to be a great musician. Even the best surgeon in the world or multiple surgeries can't always fix somebody's hands or any other body part to where they are as good as new. There is also arthritis to consider, as after a bad injury a musician can't exactly play if there's severe pain in his hands now can they? So not only did you damage a very valuable instrument boys you hurt my son, nearly destroyed his livelihood. You could have just robbed him and run off. I know very well you didn't know how valuable that violin was, not many people do, but that doesn't excuse your actions. I understand hunger very well and desperation, but what you did went way beyond good sense. What made you attack him? Was he rude to you? Run into you and not apologize? Did he try to bully you? Insult you? Don't lie to me because, I'll know if you do. I know my son and he would've done none of these things. He's one of the politest young men I've ever met."

The two boys hung their heads in shame. Not only had they damaged an apparently very valuable instrument, not that they had known that, they had attacked the man and not just out of hunger, though that was part of it certainly. They would never admit they had done so, because they felt he had looked weird in his tuxedo with his bowtie, with his hair all slicked back, as if he was just coming from some fancy event, which was no reason to attack someone and beat them up. The man, this Spencer Rossi, had tried to talk them out of such an action, even though the older one had a switchblade pointed at him, which only made them angrier or at least the older one. He had offered his wallet and other valuables but had kept his arms tightly around his violin case and when the older of the two had demanded he hand it over he had refused. The violin case had been wretched from his arms and the case opened and the the older of the two had started to damage it by cutting the strings, since he had a switchblade. The man had watched horrified and then tried to stop them, which is what I had gone him beaten up in the first place. The violin was more valuable to him then his life. If only they had known how valuable it was they would've run off and sold it for a considerable fee. It never even occurred to the older one it wasn't right to steal from some stranger who had never done anything to him or his brother. He had been alone, walking somewhere, late at night and that had been enough. He and his brother had to eat after all. Now, their excuses were seeming feeble, also Spencer's desperation to stop them from destroying his violin ought to have told them something, but then, the older one was only 16 and his brother was only 14, so really what did they know how valuable something was.

"You should also be very glad that my wife had a meeting at the University or she'd be here and you would regret ever being born. She would take such an attack on one of her children like a piranha looking for it's next meal."

Those boys knew they were in a lot of trouble and became even more scared, so were really glad that David Rossi's wife was busy.

"That doesn't even account for what his fiancée would do," Dave added with a malicious look in his eyes. "They just got engaged fairly recently and wedding plans are still in the works."

There was a knock at the door of the interview room and the uniform opened it. "Mr. Rossi, your lawyer is here.

"Now, since you are both underage according the background check that the cops have run and you have no other close family, here's the deal," Dave said, as his lawyer sat down in the other chair.

~~~Spencer and Emily~~~

"Were you serious about the value of your son's violin," This officer Garfield asked as soon as he and Dave had exited the interview room.

"Yes, I was, as I have no reason to lie to those boys, Officer Garfield," Dave said. "Those brothers could've taken my son's money, his expensive wrist unit and everything else and left him with his violin. They would've had plenty to hock to get food and would've eaten well for sometime if they were clever. Spencer would've turned over all his valuables with no trouble, but not his violin. The violin belonged to his great-grandfather, who was the last musician in the family. His mother didn't inherit the gift and neither did her brother. Diana, Spencer's mother, has the certificate of authenticity, as we had it appraised years ago, by a well known appraiser. It's not even really about the monetary value, it's the fact that it belonged to a member of his family he never had a chance to meet, since he died before Spencer was born. Before it belonged to his great-grandfather, it belonged to several other people in his mother's family that showed strong musical talent and they all took care of it and kept it in excellent condition. Spencer unlike so many young people values his history, especially family history. The fact, that it was a made by Amati, one of the most famous violin makers of his time makes it even more valuable."

"I've never heard of this Amati," Garfield said.

"I admit that the family isn't as well-known as Stradivarius is," Dave admitted.

"Now them I've heard of," Garfield said.

"I'm not surprised, as they even more famous, then Amati. Not many people have heard of Amati, not unless you're a musician, a serious one or an appraiser."

"Those boys are in a whole lot of trouble they'll never pay back that kind of money, not even if they worked their whole lives until they were old and gray. Really, you have to consider they are underage, so you can't really hem them in lawsuits when the oldest one isn't even 18 yet."

"I know it," Dave said simply. "But by keeping the threat hanging over their heads it will get them to obey, at least for the time being. I doubt they know that they can't be legally held responsible, because they aren't old enough. Of course, if I was to push this, I could at least take the older one to court and have him tried as an adult, as 16 year olds have been tried in the past, though I know that's usually for much more serious charges, then a mugging and destruction of property. That's one of the reasons I'm willing to help them out, though I won't have them in my home, as I have two children still not of age. I have some friends that will at least see that they're fed and give them house room, as no one so young should be on the street. I can understand stealing to put food in the belly, when you don't have any other choice in the matter, but beating up my son was going to far. If they had broken his fingers then he might never have been able to play again. It really would have depended on how bad the damage was. I'm rather surprised that Johnny didn't try to use his switchblade on my son, which is a good thing or the charges would've been much more serious."

"That's pretty devious," Garfield said admiringly. "You figured they didn't know anything about the law, and since they were underage they are therefore, not really responsible. There are no adults in their lives, since their parents are dead and so is their uncle who was named primary guardian to pay off their debts.

"I'm surprised the parents didn't name someone else just in case. That's what Diana and I did just in case something happens to either one of us. They would go to their brother first of all, but if something happened to Spencer, we named a secondary guardian and even a third choice just in case. That's likely not going to be necessary for Colton is 16 and Emilia is 14, so it really won't be long before they're of age. Spencer would never allow them to struggle along on their own though and they will always have rooms in his home if anything should happen to either Diana or I. Also, they have two more of age siblings, but they're not in a position to take them in as they are still in college. He's also been named executer of our will. It's not money that is an issue, as we've made sure there is plenty to look after any child of ours that is underage and made sure it's available to anybody who is guardian."

"That's a lot of responsibility," Garfield suggested.

"Spencer is more than up too it and could have handled it, even if he had only been 18 when we passed. I don't expect we'll die for at least another decade or two, but it's better to be prepared just in case, since bad things happen all the time."

Garfield nodded at this for it was the responsible thing to do. People didn't always die by natural causes. They could be killed in an accident, they could be murdered, they could be in the wrong place at the wrong time or they could die in a car crash. There were hundreds of ways to die other than natural causes.

"They would've gone into a foster home if they've been picked up by a CPS," Garfield mentioned and Dave nodded.

"I know it, but those foster homes are not always good ones, even if they pass all the checks and balances in place to prevent potential abuse. I lost my parents when I was just a wee lad of five and I ended up in a foster home. Some of them weren't to bad, while others were. I would never wish that experience on any child, even if I know it happens. Not having roots, as you're shuffled from home to home every couple of years. I was lucky that the last one I was in, the couple actually cared about me. They were an older couple who couldn't have children. They finally signed up for the fostering program. They're the first ones that noticed my talent on the piano that they had in the living room and hired me a tutor. I got a scholarship to Juilliard when I was 18 and the rest they say is history."

Officer Garfield understood better exactly why David Rossi was willing to help the two brothers reach their potential. They were orphans and at one time Rossi had been an orphan himself, which led to a certain empathy, for the brothers situation. Most people would have immediately labeled them as bad seeds and just ignored the situation, they wouldn't have dug underneath to find out the boys actual situation. Mugging was often an act of desperation, to have money for food and other basic needs. Of course, this was not always true as some did it just because they could.

"Now, it's time to check out my son's violin, see what the damage is. I don't want Spencer to see it, until I know if it can be repaired or not. I'm not sure he'll ever get over the loss of his great-grandfather's violin if it is too damaged to be fixed," Dave said.

"Let's hope that's not the case then," Garfield said and Dave nodded soberly

"I hope it's not," Dave said. "Musicians can become attached to the instruments they play, as it's like a lover or an old friend. This is particularly true for those who spend their lives making music."

Garfield was nodding at this as he understood. People could get attached to a whole lot of things, and they got upset when they were damaged or lost. Garfield took Dave to where the violin was, which was the evidence room.

Garfield came back with the case and Dave opened it on one the desks that the cops used.

Garfield saw Dave subtly wince at the damage. The strings were broken, as if cut, Garfield noticed, the handle or whatever that was called, was partly broken as well, though it was still hanging on by a piece of wood, a couple of the pegs were also missing entirely.

"I think it can be repaired," Dave said at last. "It might not sound exactly the same once it is, but it should be playable, though whether Spencer will be able to use it professionally again is the question. I know some good luthiers, that can repair the damage. The neck is the worse as the pegs and the strings can be replaced and have been in the past. I'm going to insist that Spencer put steel strings on it instead of using synthetic ones like he was. Steel strings won't break, like synthetic will, nor can they be cut with something like a pocket knife. That's the way most musicians string their instruments with nowadays. It looks like that beat cop came along just in time to prevent more serious damage. Spencer will be pleased."

Garfield suspected that that Rossi's son would be ecstatic that his violin could be repaired and it also meant the two brothers got off more lightly than they deserved when it came to payment.

Of course, being underage meant the brothers couldn't really be held responsible for any bills until they reached 18. Garfield had watched as the Rossi lawyer had worked out a deal with the two brothers, with the child representative present since neither was 18. The child representative had arrived shortly after the lawyer had. Really, the entire incident hadn't taken more than a few hours. The child representative had agreed to place the two boys in the care of Dave's friends once a background check was performed to make sure they were suitable guardians and Dave's friend had agreed to take them in and provide them with new clothes, food and so forth. In exchange though, the boys would work at whatever jobs they could get after school in order, to pay for the repairs on the violin. They were told they would be very lucky if the violin could be repaired as that was far less expensive than having to replace it. It might still be several thousand dollars but that was better than 50,000.

Both boys agreed, all their arrogance gone when presented with the consequences of their actions, thankful that they were not going to have to pay 50,000 as there was no way they would make that in all their lives. It was only because they were so young that they were getting off more lightly, particularly the younger brother, who was only 14 and following his older brother's lead. At the very least the older of the two could've ended up in Juvie Hall while his brother was put into foster care. Johnny, who was the older of the two, was grateful for his brother at least, grateful that neither he or Clint would have an official sheet though a report would be filed if only because the man they had a beat up had agreed to drop the charges. It was only because of their age they were getting off so lightly and they knew it

He was only glad that this particular incident had ended so happily, as so many of them didn't.

~~~Spencer and Emily~~~

"You are very lucky boys," the child's service representative told Johnny and Clint. "Lucky that Mr. Rossi agreed to talk to one of his friends about taking you in. They'll have to have a background check of course, but Mr. Rossi is an outstanding member of the community with an excellent reputation, so I'm sure anyone he wants to place you with is the same. And this was after you attacked his son and damaged his violin. You should be thankful for his compassion and his understanding and that his son agreed to go along with what his father wanted and drop the charges. It could've been much worse."

"Yes, I know I could've ended up in juvie hall," Johnny said. Juvie hall something he had heard bad things about and someplace he never wanted to end up.

"And your brother to," The CPS representative told Johnny. "It's very hard to come back from that, not that its not possible. A lot of employers run a background check on whoever they hire and refuse to hire anyone with any kind of record. The way things have been arranged means that you will not have an official record, but this is a one time free pass, since it's your first offense, as next time will be official, so make sure you don't ruin it. Mr. Rossi, one of those rare people that is very caring and compassionate and this is after you attacked his son and nearly destroyed a very valuable instrument."

"Did we know it was valuable," Clint asked sarcastically and Johnny shot him a look and the younger boy fell silent.

"I suppose you didn't," the CPS representative admitted. "If you had known I'm sure you would've tried to sell it on the black market. I understood you were hungry but you could've just stolen Mr. Rossi's other valuables and runoff and instead when he refused to give you his violin case you wretched it from his arms and started to destroy it. That's certainly shows a certain disregard for somebody's feelings and possessions if nothing else. It doesn't really matter about the value boys, destroying another's person's possession no matter how valuable they may be is wrong and next time it will get you in serious trouble. Not everyone is as compassionate and understanding as Mr. Rossi or his son. The only reason he's willing to help you is he's an orphan himself and he understands about hunger very well. He also said he knows what the foster care system is like and sometimes you get somebody good that will look after you and not just for the money, but other times you're not so lucky. He told me that young people make mistakes and they don't have a lot of choice when it comes to filling their bellies depending on the situation.

"Yes, I understand we're lucky," Johnny said a little testily and the representative shot him a look.

Johnny hated being grateful to anyone, as he has been taking care of himself and his brother for a long time. He knew he had to pay for the damage he had done, though in less than two years he would be free to do what he wanted. His 17th birthday was only a couple months away. Hopefully, the debt would paid off by the time he hit 18, so he could escape.

But he couldn't leave his brother behind, Johnny thought. And he wouldn't have the money to look after him properly. Clint had nearly another four years before he would be 18. He might have to stick around until his brother was of age, Johnny thought resigned, sure he was going to hate whoever the CPS people placed him with, on David Rossi's recommendation.

Johnny had no idea that he would come to love the Roydons, by the time he was 18. They would teach him to care about people other than his brother.

~~~Spencer and Emily~~~

"I'm so glad you alright son," Diana said giving Spencer a hug.
"I'm fine mom, just a few bruises. My violin on the other hand..." Spencer said.

"It's hardly your fault son that you were attacked on your way home," Diana told her son knowing he felt guilty for the damage to his great-grandfather's violin.

"I should've taken a cab I know that now, but it was such a nice night. I thought it would be good to walk, clear my head. I don't think I'll be doing that again anytime soon."

"I told you that it's possible to repair your violin son," Dave told Spencer.

"I know dad, but it probably won't sound the same," Spencer said with a sigh. "It had all the original parts, except the strings and the pegs. I know the Abernathy brothers are still young and I understand that hunger drives people to do bad things, but there were so many other options they could've taken, even though I know most teenagers aren't known for thinking of consequences. Most young people unlike me don't know how to think things through and attack people, even if that's only verbally, just because they're personality's to different, different enough to be considered an oddball. I know very well that some people just don't fit into others definition of normal. To the Abernathys I probably looked weird to them dressed up in a fancy tuxedo with a bowtie and my hair all slicked back with gel. Most young people their age don't appreciate classical music and don't even think about the people that do. The brothers probably have never seen anyone dressed so fancy so too them I, of course, I would've looked weird."

"That's a good point, Spencer," Diana said impressed with her son's logic just like always. "So many people don't appreciate those that are different and this is especially true of the young, though older people are not totally innocent when that kind of scenario pops up."

"I know I should be grateful that I came out of the incident with no broken bones, especially my hands, but that violin meant the world to me and they went out of their way to try destroy it, just because I wouldn't hand it over to them. I'm grateful that that beat cop showed up before they damaged it to the point it couldn't be fixed at all, but it doesn't take away the pain of seeing it damaged in the first place. It's not even about the monetary value."

"No, it's not," Dave said. "You value your history unlike most young people. Such a fine instrument would have been nearly impossible to replace. You might've found one at an auction house like Christie's or some other one and it might or might not have been as good as the one that was destroyed depending."

"While I understand why you did what you did, dad, getting them somewhere where they'll get three squares a day and have someone that actually cares about them, I don't think I'll ever be able to be in their presence again without wanting to at least punch the older one in the nose and that's at a minimum. You know I don't usually get my temper control me, but that violin, is not only my livelihood, its my heritage as well. I gave him my watch and my money with no argument, but I kept hold of the violin case and they went out of their way to snatch it from me, as if I offended them by not obeying immediately. My protesting about it's destruction is what got me beat up."

"These emotions will pass son," Diana said.

"I know mom, eventually they will, but I'll never be able to forget what they did. The memories won't ever fade like for those that don't have my perfect recall," Spencer said.

Both parents winced at this, because it was very true, to never have the memory fade, like memories did naturally over time. Their son's eidetic memory would never allow him to forget about what happened. Spencer would remember with perfect clarity about being confronted by the Abernathy brothers, about their demands to hand over his valuables and about Johnny wrenching his violin case out of his arms when he refused to hand it over.

Spencer remembered with perfect clarity watching horrified as they had opened the case and started cutting the strings, manhandling the delicate instrument, wrenching out the pegs breaking the bridge. Spencer had been sure that his violin was never going to be able to be fixed, so he had tried to intervene. The brothers, again mostly Johnny had started to beat him up for his trouble and he had instinctively protected his hands, as they were his livelihood. Thanks to that beat cop that had been on patrol, he had stopped worse from being done and Spencer would always be grateful to that officer.

If dad had his way the Abernathy brothers, mostly Johnny would learn about respecting other peoples possessions, but then again, hunger could drive you to do things you normally wouldn't. Living on the streets was rough and Spencer was well aware of this, not that it excused what they had done, but at least it was a reason

"Try your best to put it behind you Spencer," Dave said. "Work on forgiveness and yes, I know how hard that will be, but that kind of thing is supposed to be hard. You must remember that they're not adults, which is why they got off so lightly and didn't end up with a sheet. They will pay every cent for the repairs, even if it takes them the next 10 years. The people I convinced child services to place them with will be a good influence on them, they'll discipline them when appropriate, buy them new clothes, make sure they get fed. I might have taken them in myself, but not with Colton and Emilia still living with us."

"And also not with Spencer visiting on a regular basis," Diana reminded Dave who nodded.

"That was another consideration. I knew it was likely that Spencer would not want to see them for a long time, if ever and that he had the urge to commit violence against them ought to tell you how upset he really is."

"It does," Diana agreed, as her son never lost his temper. He was always patient even with idiots that would try the patience of almost anybody.

"I would never visit so long as they were here," Spencer said. "I don't ever want to see their faces again, especially Johnny's, even if I know that's unrealistic. I'll work on forgiveness, dad, but I make no promises. It's best if they stay away from me and me from them for at least the next few months until my feelings aren't so strong."

"That's all you can do, son," Dave said patting his arm gently. He was always proud of his son, but he was even more proud of him now. Forgiving someone that had done such a thing to you wasn't easy and if Spencer didn't manage it at least he had tried, which many people refused to do. Dave could understand very well where Spencer was coming from. A valuable instrument had nearly been destroyed by a couple of teenagers who had no idea of it's value and he didn't necessarily mean monetary wise. The Abernathy brothers had deliberately started cutting the strings and wrenching out the pegs and had done so in front of its owner just to see his horrified expression. Dave well knew that every human was capable of cruelty if given the right circumstances and for his son that was the deliberate destruction of a cherished musical instrument that had been in his family forever. Spencer had taken care of that violin ever, since Diana had given it to him at 12 years old for his first official performance, he had cherished it and made sure it was in good working order, detuning the strings when not in use.

To see such a valuable instrument destroyed, one with a long, lustrous history would've distressed any serious musician, much less ones like Spencer who loved making music and did so for thousands of people to enjoy at once.

Spencer could have gone against his advice and pressed charges, but what would that have done really? Johnny would've ended up and Juvie Hall at the very least and the younger brother would've ended up in foster care, which was not necessarily a good thing. At least the couple Dave had recommended would look after the boys just like any parent would and give them appropriate rules and appropriate punishment for bad behavior. Dave was sure that Johnny was planning to escape with his brother as soon as possible, but would soon find that was not as easy as he believed. The couple he had asked to do him this favor would be watching out for that kind of thing. Johnny would eventually learn that escaping back onto the street wasn't as easy as it looked.

"Johnny isn't stupid and he'll know that this is his only chance to not only make amends for his actions, but to escape the streets without a record. Many prospective employers check backgrounds, and while they might not go deep enough to find something that is say 10 years old that doesn't mean that it can't happen. Of course, some might take a chance if it's something that happens to you before you hit 18 depending on the nature of the crime, but Johnny, especially would have an assault hanging over his head for the rest of his life and it would prevent him from getting many opportunities that're otherwise available for someone that comes from a good family."

"Well, hopefully, he's smart enough to realize that," Diana said.

"He's not stupid Diana and neither is Clint for that matter," Dave told his wife. "Johnny might very well resent the fact that he has reason to be grateful to us, but then, most teenagers particularly the boys would be. However, he'll eventually realize that we got him and Clint into a situation, where they'll be loved and cared for, where they are allowed to eat as much as they want, with no strings attached other then they obey the rules their guardian set out for them."

"Let's hope that Johnny, especially accepts the opportunity, for his brother if nothing else. Clint certainly deserves a decent home and family not living on the street, eating what he can find out of trashcans," Spencer said. "I know very well the teenage years can be tough and some people have it tougher than most, but it's always easier to get through when you have people that genuinely care about your welfare."

Both Dave and Diana readily agreed with that.

~~~Spencer and Emily~~~

Several weeks later

Dave and Emily stood in the living room or the Rydons home.

"Thanks for this Mike," Dave told his friend one of the guardians of the Abernathy brothers. "We just want to have a quick word with Johnny."

"I understand that you're still pissed Dave I can't really blame you," Mike said.

"I got over being pissed sometime ago, Emily on the other hand is..."

"Still pissed off enough, that I want to strangle them," Emily answered. "Or at least Johnny. Spencer will never get over what happened not even if he lives to 90 years old. He'll never be able to forget that they deliberately started to destroy his violin right in front of him and Johnny deliberately did so because he wanted to see the horrified look on my fiancé's face. Spencer never cries, and he has spent several nights recently crying on my shoulder."

"Emily's right, I've never seen my son cry, not even when he broke his arm when he was 11. He's not one to burst into tears at drop of a hat. His emotions are more internal than external, it's always been that way."

Mike was nodding at this, as he had used to play the drums in a band and he understood how attached to an instrument someone could become. He still had his old drums in storage and would pass to my own to any grandchildren that showed an interest. The fact that the instrument was a family heirloom just added to Spencer's emotions.

"I understand, as I'm pretty attached to my drums myself and plan on passing them onto whichever grandchild that shows a talent and wants to pursue it as a career. Unfortunately, none of my children wanted to take up music."

"We'd just like a few words with Johnny and we can leave Clint out of it," Emily said, "as I understand he was mostly following his brother's lead and that he has started to feel guilty for what he did. This at least shows remorse while Johnny has not yet reached that stage. I just want to give him a friendly little warning."
"I'll go get him," Mike sighed. "I won't say he doesn't deserve it as he's only 15 months from being 18. I understand your feelings very well. You love him and you and Spencer are preparing for your wedding. I would probably do the same in a similar situation if my wife or my child had a favored instrument that was nearly destroyed by two bullies who had no idea of its true value. Even if it wasn't valuable moneywise that didn't give Johnny the right to destroy it right in front of Spencer's eyes. That's a good way to make an enemy that you have to watch your back for the rest of your life. This is not something that Johnny yet understands or at least he hasn't admitted to it, but then, most 17-year-old boys have a lot of pride. All I'm asking is there is no physical touching you can yell, you can swear at him, but beating him up like he did Spencer will teach him nothing."

"Alright," Emily readily agreed. "That wasn't my intent anyway, but I promise you he'll wish he had left Spencer alone by the time I'm done and I won't have to touch him to get my point across. I think I'll just threaten to burn his balls off right in front of him if he ever does something like that again. Once he's 18 that means he's an adult and under no one's legal guardianship. He can complain to the authorities all he wants, but he won't if he doesn't want me to do worse."

Both Dave and Mike winced at that threat, imagining in their own balls being burned right in front of them, which meant they would never be able to reproduce, though in their case they had already had their children, but that wasn't true for Johnny who wasn't yet old enough to get married and have a family. It also meant they'd never be able to have sex again because a man's balls were essential to the process.

"Not to mention his previous assault would come to light as there is still a report on it, even if he has no official record," Dave said. "That would count against him if he did report Emily for supposedly assaulting him."

Mike quietly left before Spencer's fiancé got any ideas about his own balls. Emily Prentiss was apparently a spitfire, and willing to protect her man with everything she had. This was something that he could definitely appreciate and respect, but that didn't mean that he wanted to lose such an essential part of what made him male. Luckily, he didn't think Emily would do it to him or her future father-in-law, only to Johnny if he didn't straighten up and do it fast.

~~Spencer and Emily~~~

"You wanted to see me," Came the voice of Johnny from the doorway of the living room.

"Why yes, I did," Emily said pleasantly, though her expression was nearly feral. "You will listen to me, Johnny Abernathy. I am Emily Prentiss, fiancé to the man you assaulted."

Johnny gulped at Emily's expression and felt fear. Here was a woman that was willing to do him serious harm for what he had done to her fiancé.

"This is the only warning you will going to get. Dave here, has already made sure that you're going to pay back every cent of the repairs my fiancé's violin, which is several thousand dollars. But you will also sincerely apologize for your actions."

"Why?" Johnny asked.

"You want to know why?" Emily roared causing Johnny to take several steps back suddenly afraid of this Emily Prentiss. "What you did was callous and cruel destroying someone's treasured possessions right in front of them. I surely hope when your parents were alive they taught you better."

Johnny winced at that, because his parents had tried to teach him better, to respect other people and their property.

"You will sincerely apologize and if you don't I will twist your balls off and burn them right in front of you, so that your prospect of having children one day is down to zero. Spencer is the nicest, kindest, gentlest soul I have ever known. What you did to him just because he didn't hand over his violin to you was evil. Do you really want to go down such a path where you can't have a decent job, where you assault people, where people want nothing to do with you, because you're known as a bully who steps over others and laughs.

"I'm assuming you want to one day get married and have a family and no woman in the world will ever have someone who does something so callous and cruel, not unless she's either incredibly naïve or dumb as a bag of stones. If you do convince some woman to marry you she would divorce your ass, if you treated her the same way you treated my fiancé. The only reason you got off so lightly is because you're not yet of age, something I know you're aware of. While I can understand Dave's motives it doesn't mean I agree with them, as I would've sent you straight to Juvie Hall and your brother to, where you would have either learned your lesson and done anything to never go back there or the next step would have been prison. I do understand Clint is still young and following his older brother's lead, but that doesn't excuse him from not trying to stop you, from beating up Spencer. How could any caring brother lead his younger sibling into a life of crime, a life were he cares about no one except himself and perhaps, his brother? I know living on the streets is hard, but what you did is just one slippery step down from murder you've already shown a complete disregard for other peoples feelings and possessions and that you're willing and able to beat someone to a pulp when they don't do as you order. I'm actually surprised you didn't use your switchblade on him since you had one, though if you had you would being a great deal more trouble, as that would've upped the charges to assault with a deadly."

Johnny hung his head as Emily Prentiss was completely correct. Stealing was one thing, but beating up the guy just for trying to protect his violin had been to far and the fact, that he had enjoyed it had scared him. Johnny had started a cut the strings in front of his target just to see his horrified expression and he had gotten great enjoyment from his fear and desperation. Was this really who he wanted to be? Someone who stepped on others, destroying their possessions and then sat back and laughed about it all. Someone who felt no guilt for doing so.

"The only reason I'm not holding you by the ear, is Dave's friend made me promise no physical violence, but believe me, I want to strangle you with my bare hands for what you did, as if robbing Spencer wasn't enough, you took it a step farther and threw your good sense out the window if you ever had any in the first place, which I doubt. What has he ever done to you other than exist? I understand that physical violence would teach you nothing about how to treat people and would just start a vicious cycle, which is a good reason not to do it, not that that lessens my feelings," Emily said.

Johnny's eyes went wide in fear, as he thought Emily would really do what she said, as she was certainly mad enough.

"Spencer will never be able to forget your assault, never. His memories won't fade like normal one's do, because he has perfect recall. He literally can never forget what you did to such a precious family heirloom, which he cares about more than his own injuries. He's had nightmares about it ever since it happened and he might have nightmares about it for the rest of his life. He wakes up terrified, in a cold sweat at least 3 or 4 times a week, so sure that his violin has been destroyed that he refuses to listen to reason, until logic reinserts itself and he calms down. This is what you did, because of your cruelty, your callousness, your thoughtlessness, your arrogance and your anger at being disobeyed like he should have listened to a child, when he was over 10 years your senior, even one with a switchblade. Spencer's certainly kind, compassionate and considerate, something I doubt you'll ever be. Yes, you're only 17 now and were only 16 when it happened, but in my opinion you should've gotten what you deserved, instead of this cushy life where you might never learn a harsh lesson in reality. Spencer never wants to see your face again and he actually said he wanted to break your nose and violence isn't like him at all. I've seen him time and time again deal with idiots where I would have put them down on the ground after they annoyed me and never once did he lose his temper, though I won't say he wasn't irritated."

Johnny gulped, because if there was anything he had learned in the last few weeks was that the man he'd attacked Spencer Rossi was pretty mild-mannered most of the time, so if someone with such a mild manner wanted to break his nose then he had really messed up. It was likely that his victim would hate him for the rest of his life and would never be able to forgive him for what he had done. As it was he and Clint were going to be paying $5000 for the repairs and while that was a lot of money it was better than 50,000. It was possible to pay off 5000, though it might take him the next 10 years. Since he was the main one that had started cutting the strings of the violin, he was mainly responsible for paying for the repairs, though his brother disagreed.

"You had better start thinking Johnny Abernathy you need to start thinking about setting a good example for your brother or he'll follow you directly down the same path, probably too a sticky end. You need to think long and hard about what kind of person you want to be, though personally, I think you're a lost cause," Emily told him still looking pissed.

"No, I'm not," Johnny protested.

"Then prove me wrong," Emily challenged him with fire in her eyes making Johnny gulp again. "Your brother might have a chance in turning out decently, but I don't hold out much hope for you, not when you can beat up an innocent man who's just minding his own damn business and destroy his possessions. Spencer was only heading home after playing for an audience of thousands. Yes, he should've taken a cab and avoided walking, but he wanted to do something different and it was a nice night. That was his mistake, one he will never make again. You wrecked it for him, because of your idiocy, your thoughtlessness, your arrogance. He'll never be able to walk back to his apartment on a nice, cool night ever again.

"Also, tell me something, how would you feel if somebody came up on you snatched something out of your arms or stole something out of your backpack and then started to destroy it right in front of you? What if it was something you valued? A family heirloom or just something you loved? How would you feel if somebody did that to you? It's not the cash value necessarily that matters, it matters because it's a piece of his family's history. You nearly destroyed something rare and precious, something the family has carefully taken care of for the last 400 years. You think about that before you destroy somebody else's possessions just because you were piqued that my fiancé didn't obey your stupid, arrogant, high-handed order and order from a child. An order you had no damn right to give."

Emily turned away and walked out of the room her lecture apparently over or maybe she left before she actually did hit him Johnny realized suddenly. He would deserve it to, because she was right how would he feel if somebody stole something he or Clint valued, whether that was for sentimental reasons or because it belonged to his family. As she had said it wasn't necessarily the cash value of something, but sentimental ones.

"You had know this was coming," Dave told Johnny calmly. "I told you that Emily could be ferocious and she loves my son, so you had to at least suspect you were going to get a taste of her temper at some point. The only reason she didn't touch you is because she promised your guardian. Everyone deserves a second chance to change, particularly the young. I suggest you don't waste it. Oh and I suggest, that for right now, that you avoid my son at all cost, he hates you. If you encounter each other he's likely to give you that broken nose and probably destroy something you value just like you did for him, as it will teach you a lesson about respecting others things. You really messed up my son and I don't think Emily will ever be able to forgive you or Spencer either."

Dave then walked away saying nothing else.

Johnny sat there stunned at being yelled at, but deep down he knew he deserved it. As Spencer's fiancé had already said what he had done was cruel, arrogant, callous and thoughtless. Just because he was so angry at the world was no reason for beating up someone who had not attacked him first. He hadn't cared at the time, but now he knew, that was a good way to make enemies that might go so far as to try to kill him or his brother, because he had said or done something to someone, someone who thought that revenge was the way to go.

He could get his brother killed one day just for beating someone who had done nothing to him, and beating someone could easily lead to murdering them, even if that was on accident, just because they possessed something he wanted or because they made him mad. He had only been 16 at the time of the incident a few weeks previously and as Spencer's fiancé had pointed out why should his victim obey a kid when he was over 10 years older and who had never hurt anyone in all of his life? Even one with a switchblade?

That the man he had beat up felt like breaking his nose at least told him that he had better watch out. He had a switchblade sure, but unless he hit somewhere vital it likely wouldn't have done any permanent damage. Still, it was possible to kill with one, if you knew what you were doing.

It was then Johnny Abernathy began to change realizing that this was not the way he wanted his life to be and definitely not Clint's. His brother deserved a decent life, a decent job and shouldn't have to pay for his mistakes.

~~Spencer and Emily~~~

"Feel better," Dave asked his soon-to-be daughter-in-law.

"Some," Emily said shortly.

"I understand your feelings very well, as I have felt the same. I wanted to wring Johnny's neck, but I also have to consider that they are young and he and his brother had to survive someway. The young are often thoughtless and heedless of others feelings. I can understand robbing somebody to put food in your belly, as sometimes you have no other option, but as I told them at the police station beating up my son and deliberately destroying his violin was going to far," Dave said. "I've gotten over my first reaction now, but that doesn't mean that I have forgiven Johnny. Johnny and Clint are going to have to work to pay off the price for the repairs and $5000 is nothing to sneeze at. It was mainly Johnny that attacked my son while Clint was just there following his brother, though I won't claim he's completely blameless."

That Dave had felt the same initially, made Emily feel better.

"I know Spencer is old enough to handle his own affairs, but he needed me to support him after it happened. He could've called you or even his mother, but he chose me instead."

"I'm glad you were there," Emily said. "You helped steady him and I appreciate you being there for him."

"He's my son, I'll always be there when he needs me. So will his mother and his siblings. We are family, it's as simple as that," Dave answered simply.

"You are miles ahead of William Reid," Emily snorted her contempt for her fiancé's blood father obvious in her tone of voice.

"I doubt that Spencer's birth father really understands what he lost," Dave said. "He did not appreciate his son's talent and probably thinks it makes him a poofter."

"Like being a musician makes you gay," Emily chuckled sardonically.

"I'm just telling you how a certain type of people think," Dave said. "I'm not positive that's what Spencer's birth father thinks, since I've never met him, but I wouldn't be surprised. According to Diana she was yelled at for buying Spencer that violin in the first place, like a musical instrument automatically meant you were going to turn out to like your own sex. A lot of different people think that if you're a musician, especially one that plays professionally then you must be gay, which is a stupid way to think but..."

"People have opinions and you're not going to change them so why bother," Emily finished.

"Of course, this also includes people like painters. A lot of artists are seen as gay, even though that's not even close to being true. I won't say there aren't some gay painters out there or some gay musicians or some gay writers for that matter, but the majority of them are not gay simply because they're artistic," Dave said. "Of course, it might very well have been the noise of him practicing that annoyed William Reid, instead of him thinking of his son as gay."

"So many parents have expectations for their children that just never happens," Emily murmured.

"I know it," Dave said. "Not all my children want to be musicians, which is fine. Colton wants to play professional sports, which is certainly a dream worth pursuing. He's really not that far away from starting college."

"They grow up so fast," Emily said, "or least that's what I've heard."

"They do. It doesn't seem like 20 years, since I married Diana, but it has been. It's been the best 20 years of my life and I wouldn't change a thing," Dave agreed smiling.

"I hope I achieve that kind of harmony with Spencer," Emily said wistfully.

"You will, it just takes time, patience and understanding," Dave said. "You just have to remember at the end of the day that you love each other, as a lot of couples forget that after awhile, which of course, eventually leads to constant arguments and divorce."

Emily was nodding at this knowing that from her own parents.

"Feel better now?" Dave said and Emily nodded realizing she did.

"Yeah, I do," Emily said in surprise.

"So you know longer you feel like you want to strangle Johnny?" Dave asked.

"Not at the moment, though I won't promise it's the last time I'll feel like strangling that kid," Emily said. "I wasn't kidding when I told Johnny that Spencer wakes up three or four nights a week absolutely terrified. It takes at least half an hour to calm him down again, sometimes longer. He's like an animal backed into a corner. It doesn't help that his violin is still at the repair shop, even though it's been weeks. Yes, he knew it wouldn't be a fast process, but if he could actually touch it and play a few notes and that might make him see reason sooner."

"He's always found peace in his music," Dave said and Emily nodded in understanding. "He had a few nightmares as a child but they weren't consistent or anything."

"I think every child has a few nightmares, just not ones that are consistent and that replay over and over," Emily said. "I wouldn't call these nightmares exactly I would call them night terrors, which is totally different from your normal nightmares."

"His violin should be finished being repaired soon as the luthier is taking extra care with it at my request. He knows me and in fact we've been friends for a long time. He's excellent at his profession I promise you, as I only took it to the best. The violin wasn't as damaged as it could've been. It needs a new bridge and he's also going to put steel strings on it at my request instead of the sympathetic ones that Spencer was using. It'll change the sound of the music he makes I know, but steel strings can't be cut and they're harder to tear away from the pegs. Somebody won't be able to do it without cutting their own hands if their bare without any type of gloves. They would have to be relatively thick gloves and not thin ones like the plastic surgical ones. The neck was the worse and will have to be carefully glued back together, some of the wood replaced. Everything else was just cosmetic really."

"Well, hopefully, Spencer night terrors will start to dissipate once he's able to see that his violin is whole, even if it's not quite the same as it was before," Emily said hopefully. "I won't abandon him just because he's going through a tough time in his life and I know Spencer expects me to. He expects me to abandon him, because he's not perfect, but nobody is and this is the point I tried to get across to him, and it's one reason I wanted so badly to strangle that kid."

"Believe me, I understand and sympathize," Dave said. "But you also have to realize that Johnny's really only a kid himself, one that hasn't had a proper adult authority figure for awhile. Johnny and Clint were living on the street, because the parents died and nobody realized it for a few days. Johnny and his brother had already disappeared by that time, as I have no doubt they feared going into foster care."

"Rumors can circulate about how bad it can be," Emily agreed.

"Oh, there is a lot of decent foster parents out there, but landing with one is more down to luck than anything else," Dave said knowing this from experience.

Emily said nothing and the two of them walked to Dave's vehicle in silence.

~~Spencer and Emily~~~

Epilogue

Spencer played a few notes on his repaired violin. The luthier had done an excellent job. His great-grandfather's violin didn't sound quite the same, but then he hadn't expected it to really. Really, it was like his great-grandfather's violin had been reborn after such a vicious attack. His dad had insisted that he use steel strings, as they were a lot harder to damage and they gave the violin a different sound.

Spencer got lost in the music, as he played for the first time since his violin had been damaged that night and it felt freeing. Like he had been reborn, just like his violin.

He finished the song and realized he had an audience other than his fiancé.

"That was really good son," Diana told Spencer smiling.

"When did you get here mom?" Spencer asked.

"Oh, only a minute ago," Diana said. "I wanted to give you this."

Diana handed over an envelope.

"It was delivered to our address," Diana explained.

Spencer took the envelope and fingered it, before ripping open the top.

He took out the letter that was inside and read it rapidly.

"It's from Johnny Abernathy," Spencer said once he had finished reading the letter. "He apologizes for what he did and says he realize is that what happened was cruel and callous. He says he realized that what is the same thing could gave happened to him and someone could have tried to destroy something he valued. He explains he was angry at the world and when I refused to hand over my violin case he took it out on me, which was wrong of him.

He goes on to explain that his new guardians have been really kind to him and to Clint, but have made it clear that such behavior will not be accepted. He understands that I may hate him and that I have every right to considering, but he's hoping someday I'll be able to forgive him, but especially forgive Clint."

"It's the least he could do," Emily snorted, "other then paying your father for the repairs on the violin a little at a time. What he did to you was inhumane and yes, I know that all of us have it within us to be so cruel and callous. I've been told that he's young and that might be true, but it doesn't mean I'll forgive him for the way he hurt you deliberately."

"I'm not sure I can never forgive him either," Diana told Emily and Spencer. "I know he's only a teenager nearly an adult, but still... He hurt my son and though, I've never met either one of them that doesn't mean I don't hold some residual anger at them, particularly Johnny."

"You deserve to be angry mom, but sending them to Juvie Hall, or at least Johnny, would have done nothing and perhaps made him a real criminal once he was released. At least with the family that dad placed them with they have a chance at a real home and real life, something that they hadn't had in awhile. They now have a chance to learn better. It's up to Johnny to set a good example for his brother and Juvie Hall is only one slippery step up from prison and would teach Johnny nothing but to be resentful. Johnny knows that this is a one time only free pass because I didn't press charges. If he messes up again particular after he hits 18..."

"Then it's his fault alone," Diana said.

"Exactly," Spencer agreed. "While I can understand his reasons I don't know that I'll ever be able to forgive him, even though I have my violin back in working order. Yes, Johnny didn't know how precious it was to me, but it was still my possession and he went out of his way to destroy it and did it in front of it's owner. That's not the kind of thing you can forget, even if my perfect recall didn't come into play."

"Now, that your violin is repaired, perhaps your night terrors will stop," Emily said.

"We'll see," Spencer said cautiously. "I hope they will because I know they bother you."

"Don't worry about me," Emily told him firmly. "Worry about yourself for a change. Think about the fact that our wedding is coming up and I'm looking forward to having your children."

"So how many children do you want?" Diana asked

"I don't know," Emily said. "At least a couple. I never really thought about the number."

"I wouldn't say no, to four or so," Spencer said, "but we'll see how it goes. It's Emily's decision as well after all."

"I don't think we need to worry about that right now. We're not even married yet," Emily said.

"You will be soon, as the wedding is only a few weeks away," Diana said. "I'm really looking forward to it. Spencer is the first of my children to tie the knot, but since he's the oldest by a considerable amount that makes sense."

"So how do you like the new sound from your violin, son?" Diana asked.

"I'm not sure yet," Spencer said truthfully. "I'll need to practice on it more, get used to the deeper vibrations, the richer sound. I always strung it with the synthetic strings because that's the way my great-grandfather did it and it was a way to honor his memory, but dad is also right. Johnny would've had a harder time trying to break steel strings and probably would've cut his hands badly unless he was wearing reasonably thick gloves. He might've ended up smashing it, so it couldn't be repaired if he got frustrated enough with it if it'd had steel strings at the time, so it's likely just as well that it didn't."

"Well, let's be glad that didn't happen," Emily said.

"Believe me I am," Spencer said. "I dream nearly every night of Johnny smashing it on the ground to where it's nothing more than splinters. It's a very vivid dream and you know it always takes awhile for me to calm down again."

"Yes, I know," Emily said as she stepped into his arms. "It's hardly your fault you have these dreams. Johnny really did a number on your psyche. Anybody who had been through what you did would've had nightmares or night terrors like you have, because they're much too intense to just to be nightmares."

"I'm so sorry that happened do you, son," Diana said, as she kissed her son's cheek.

"Thank you, but you couldn't've done anything about it and in fact, he might have hurt you to if you had been with me. I doubt it would've mattered to Johnny at the time that you were just an old woman. Now, Johnny is hopefully, learning better, learning how to treat people with respect, which means he'll also treat their possessions with respect."

"Dave wouldn't have placed them with the Rydons if he didn't think that they would teach the Abernathy brothers about respecting others. The Rydons are good people, as I've met them a few times, but tough enough to handle whatever crap Johnny throws at them. Dave believes that Johnny's really a good boy down underneath, but that since he and Clint had been living on the street for awhile, well you have to be tough or you get taken advantage of, especially someone young. You have to prove that you're the biggest bully in the neighborhood if you don't want people to try to take advantage of you."

"Or at least you need to prove that you're tough," Spencer said. "There are many dangers on the street I understand that. Both he and his brother survived, so I think that proves that they're the small percentage that are tough enough to survive in such an environment."

"I suppose so," Emily said reluctantly in agreement.

"Let's not discuss the Abernathy brothers anymore," Spencer suggested, as he knew Emily was still rather pissed off at them for what they had done. This was not something that he could blame Emily for really, as someone she cared for had been hurt, but Spencer could also understand the circumstances behind such an attack by the two teenagers.

"I hope your nightmares will fade now, son," Diana said.

"I'll see," Spencer said repeated his earlier statement.

"I suppose it doesn't do to get your hopes up until you don't have them for at least a month running," Diana admitted. "Not with your picture perfect memory."

The matter of Spencer's nightmares as well as Abernathy's were dropped, as the three of them went to the living room to just carry on a conversation about normal things instead of more serious matters.

Spencer was looking forward to marrying Emily in a few weeks I knew they would have as harmonious a marriage as his parents did, though they would have to work towards that goal. Anything worth achieving was worth working for Spencer knew, as his mother had always told him and his siblings as much. He would happily settle down with the most beautiful woman he had ever met and have a family in a few years time, something he was really looking forward to.

The attack by the Abernathy brothers and his nightmares were put to the back of his mind, as he talked about normal things with two people he loved more than anything in the world.

Now that his violin was as good as new, better then good, he would get used to how it sounded and continue performing, though he would probably take a position here in New York instead of traveling, so he could see his children grow, just as his father had done once he had met his mother.

Intense nightmares and muggers were not going to stop him from living his life. He was made of sterner stuff then that. The bruises he had received from his beating had also healed which made him feel better, as did the letter from Johnny Abernathy. He would see how that played out he decided. See, if Johnny was sincere in his apology. If Johnny started living his life with honesty and integrity and turned over a new leaf he might actually be able to forgive him for what he had done, but he'd see how it went. He wasn't one to just forgive someone for such a personal affront, particularly since Johnny had deliberately tried to destroy his violin, just because he hadn't handed it over.

Spencer sat silently for the most part just listening to his mother and fiancée chat and felt contentment sweep through him. This is what he looked forward to, a life with the woman he loved surrounded by his family, with children that would come eventually. This was what everyone deserved.

Perhaps the emotional wounds he had received that night might finally begin to heal as well, just as the physical ones already had, now that he had his great-grandfather's violin back as good as new, better then new really. He would just have to see, but he felt hope that his life could now get back to something approaching normal for the first time since Johnny Abernathy had started destroying his precious violin.

At the moment life was just perfect and hopefully, it would remain so.