This is a short story based on characters that I do not own and references to established works.
"The Forgotten Father"
"A penny for your thoughts," Spencer whispered in Trina's ear, as she laid her head on his chest. That had become her place of comfort in the midst of all that she had been going through over the last few months. As if Greenland hadn't been enough of an emotional upheaval, Trina had dealt with learning that her father wasn't really her father, having to share her boyfriend with her drugger, and now seeing her new father paralyzed and trying to learn how to adjust to a whole new way of life. "Whatever happened to summer fun?" she often thought when it was just her and those thoughts.
"Trina?" Spencer asked, after she had failed to answer him. This time she did hear him. But, rather than respond with words, Trina just grabbed on to Spencer as tight as she could. He could also hear her start to whimper. Knowing that all she needed in that moment was for him to be there was enough for Spencer. He would take his cues from her on how to proceed. When she felt ready, she released him and sat up. It pained him so to see her like that, but still, he waited. He waited for his Trina.
"Spencer, I need you to help me right a wrong," Trina finally said, as she looked at Spencer with her still watery eyes.
As a single tear began to fall, Spencer gently wiped it away and responded to his girlfriend's request. "You know that I'll do anything for you, Trina. But, I can't imagine what wrong you've done," he said softly.
Trina managed a little smile. "How do you always manage to find just the right thing to say?" Trina asked.
Spencer chuckled, "I come from a long line of smooth talkers, don't you know?"
That line, given in jest, elicited an even wider smile, as well as a slight giggle from Trina.
"Seriously though, there is something that I need to fix and I don't think that I can do it alone," Trina said.
"Anything for you, Trina," Spencer replied, as he took her hands in his. That had become his best way of reassuring her when she needed him. It was a way that they could connect to each other, instantly and without words.
"I've been so wrapped up in being there for my mom as she wondered and worried about, not only Curtis's shooting and paralysis but, how he would adjust to coming home. On top of that, I've been trying to connect with Curtis, on a closer level, like a father, you know?" Trina responded, as Spencer nodded, realizing that that's all that was needed from him at the moment.
"But, while I was positioning myself to be the best daughter to my mom and Curtis, I was actually failing my dad, my dad Taggert. I can't remember the last time that I saw him face-to-face. We've talked a few times on the phone, but it's been very quick and nothing really substantial. I mean, how thoughtless was that? I not only gained a new father, but I also gained a new family. And at the same time, my dad "lost" his only daughter because I've been so wrapped up in myself," Trina responded guiltily. "I mean he always says that he's fine, but I need to know for sure, Spencer. So, would you go with me to see my dad, the one who's been there for me my whole life? I have to see him. No, no. I need to see him, Spencer."
"Say less. Let's go," Spencer responded without hesitation. Even though he did not know how Taggert might respond to seeing him show up at his door. Spencer knew that Trina needed him more than she ever had before. And while he had definitely let her down this summer when he prioritized Ace, and by extension Esme, over her- Spencer was determined to be there for Trina now.
When they arrived, Trina knocked on the door. There was no answer, so she knocked again. Since she had called the station to see if he was there and was told that he wasn't, Trina assumed that he must be at home.
"Do you have a key?" Spencer asked.
"You see. That's why I needed you with me," Trina responded, as she took out her keys and began to slowly unlock the door.
"Dad, it's me, Trina, and Spencer's with me," Trina said before going straight in. She knew better than to just go in a cop's house without announcing herself.
However, when they entered, they saw why there had been no response and why Trina's announcement was unneeded. Spencer's immediate reaction was to pull Trina back from walking forward towards Taggert. But, she pushed him away and continued walking to her father. The father who had always been the picture of strength and control was now anything but. Rather, the man that she saw was foreign to her. Taggert was leaned back in a recliner, holding a near empty bottle of vodka in both hands, close to his chest-as if it was his most prized possession that needed protecting. His mouth was open and his snoring could match the sound of a baby grizzly. As Trina got closer, she looked around the room. It was a mess. There were empty bottles and flasks, newspapers, and take-out food containers everywhere.
"My God, Spencer. Look at what I've done!" Trina exclaimed, as she just stood there and started to cry. Realizing that he needed to comfort her, Spencer made his way over to Trina and just rocked her in his arms until she was ready for what had to be done.
"Dad. Dad. It's time to wake up," Trina said as calmly as she could, as not to alarm him. She gently shook one of his shoulders, at which time he started to stir around in his chair.
"Dad, it's me, Trina," she said.
Taggert's eyes started to open slightly and a crooked smile formed on his unshaven face. "Baby...baby girl is that you?" he responded, clearly intoxicated. He sat up and threw his arms around Trina and gave her a big, drunken kiss on her cheek. Neither that embrace or kiss were familiar to her. Trina remembered gentle, teddy bear hugs full of love, along with sweet pecks on the cheek. That made her sad. Yet, she accepted the only affection that her father could give her at the moment.
When he finally released her, Taggert said, "Trina, I've missed you, but I'm so glad you're here now. But, but what's Cassadine doing here?" Taggert's eyes were now fully open, and despite being very drunk-he definitely was not blind. Spencer felt it was best that he follow Trina's lead.
"Spencer's here to help, Dad," Trina said.
"He is? What's he going to help with?" Taggert asked, as he got up from his chair and promptly started to fall. Luckily, Spencer had been keeping an eye on Taggert, so he was able to catch him before he fell. Trina's hand went over her mouth in shock and fear.
"I've got him, baby. He's fine. I'm going to take him and get him in the shower, if you'll point me in the right direction. And you can get a pot of coffee started because he's really going to need it," Spencer said gently. After getting the directions, Spencer took Taggert to the bathroom and helped him out of everthing, except his undergarments. Then, he helped him into the shower and turned it on. It didn't take long for Taggert to feel the effects to the point where he could steady himself and lean on the shower wall. However, Spencer did not venture far, in case of slipping.
When Taggert seemed coherent enough, Spencer helped him out of the shower and helped him into a chair, where he instructed him to get out of his wet undergarments while Spencer went to retrieve some dry clothes for him. When Spencer reached in to hand him the clothes, an embarassed, yet thankful Taggert replied, "Thank you, Cassadine, not only for this, but for being here for Trina. And, unfortunately after this, she's going to need you even more."
From the other side of the door, Spencer replied, " Sir, Trina's always going to have me. You can count on that."
"I'm going to. No question about it. I'm counting on you to be the anchor for Trina that I can't be right now," Taggert replied regretfully.
"I will be that anchor, you have my word," Spencer replied, as his mind began to focus on Trina and what she had just seen.
Meanwhile, as Trina started the coffee, she realized that she and Spencer would need more help, so she took out her phone and made a call. "Hello, Jordan. It's Trina. My dad, Taggert, he needs our help."