A/N: Franco starts to show his dark side at the end and moving forward. We'll see how it goes. Thank you to arcoiris0502, trini12180, starhine, Teresa Rountree, starlight guardian, guest, and notenoughlove for taking the time to review. I appreciate those that do. Last regular update as I go back to work tomorrow (Tuesday).
Title: Rewrite the Stars
Chapter 23
(Jason takes Cameron, Jake, and Aiden to eat at Kelly's after school. After taking off their coats and hanging them on their chairs, they sit down)
Jason: "How are things going for you?"
Cameron: (raises his eyebrows) "Do you want the truth?"
(Jason is caught off-guard by his son's questions. Jason looks at all the boys, who seem kind of serious, as well. Jason nods at Cameron's questions and speaks)
Jason: "Of course I do, son. Tell me what's wrong."
Cameron: (sighs) "Are you ready for this? Not only is Franco having issues at work…you know, not many clients…but he gets mad whenever your name is brought up." (scoffs slightly) "Mom has to calm him down."
Jake: "He always used to love talking with us. You know, share conversations with me. Now?" (shakes his head) "I don't remember the last time he did that."
Aiden: (shrugs) "We used to have so much fun baking together. We haven't done that in so long."
(Aiden sadly shakes his head as he continued)
Aiden: "I miss doing that with Franco."
Cameron: "Dad, Jake and Aiden feel more comfortable coming to ME than Franco when it comes to expressing themselves."
Jason: (nods) "What does your mother think about this?"
Cameron: "She suggested we talk to a therapist or Kevin Collins, since we know him if it'll help us out."
Jason: "How do you feel about that? Going to Kevin Collins to talk about what's going on?"
(Cameron tilts his head and raises his eyebrows after a few moments of thinking about it)
Cameron: "Honestly? Right now, I'm thinking 'What's it going to accomplish?' In my opinion, Franco doesn't seem to want to change."
Jake: "Franco doesn't want your help, Dad, even though I DO want it."
Aiden: "Franco doesn't seem to want to do anything with me anymore. I used to love hanging out with Franco. But, now? Not so much."
Cameron: "Dad, what do you think we should do? What should Jake, Aiden, and I do? I honestly don't know."
(Jason looks at all three of his boys and offers a gentle hand massage as a way of comfort before speaking)
Jason: "Follow your heart, son. Your heart never lies. What do your instincts tell you? Do you want to talk to Kevin? Who would you feel more comfortable talking to?"
Cameron: "Truthfully? I'd rather talk to you. I feel more comfortable talking to you. But, I don't want to make anyone mad."
Jake: (nods) "I feel the same, dad. I'd rather talk to you. But I don't want to get in trouble for saying that."
Aiden: "Me, either."
Jason: "I want to make something clear to all of you. I would NEVER get mad at you if you would prefer to talk to me over Kevin. I always want you to be honest with me. You would never hurt my feelings. I love you guys. Cameron and Aiden, you may not be mine biologically, but you know what? You are mine in my heart." (points to his heart) "That's ALL I care about. I hope you know that."
Cameron: (smiles & nods) "I know, Dad. You're my dad in every way."
Aiden: (smiles) "I love you, too, daddy."
Jason: "Another thing. I know you three have never spent the night at my place together before. If you ever want to, I wouldn't mind that at all. We'll just make sure it's on the weekend, so it doesn't interfere with school for you."
Cameron: (smiles) "I like that idea."
Jake: (grins) "Me, too."
Aiden: "Can we do that this weekend?"
Cameron: "Maybe Friday night?"
Jason: (laughs) "Friday sounds good. It's Wednesday now. Cameron, text your mom to make sure she's okay with it."
Cameron: "No problem."
Jake: (cheerfully) "Yay, Friday night!"
Aiden: (happily) "Sleepover at Daddy's!"
***GH***
(Franco talks to Monica in her office as she's Chief-of-Staff. Franco shuts the door behind him and sits down across from her)
Monica: (polite smile) "What can I do for you, Franco?"
Franco: "I wanted to talk to you about having a second job tutoring kids as they're painting. I do it already, but I'd like to do it on the side." (excitedly) "I think I'd be really good at it."
Monica: (puzzled look) "Is there a reason why you want to do this?"
Franco: (sighs deeply) "I admit that I don't have as many patients as I used to have. Therefore, I don't make much of an income. So, I was hoping that tutoring kids on the side as a 2nd job would help."
(Monica felt remorseful for Franco and he could tell she was about to give him some news he wasn't going to like)
Franco: "Okay, I'm not going to enjoy what you're about to say, am I?"
Monica: (shakes her head) "No, you're not. Franco, I would love nothing more than to help you."
(Franco lowers his head a bit as he spoke)
Franco: "But?"
Monica: "There's just no room in the budget for extra kids right now. In fact, the board wanted to shut down the art program completely. I turned them down flat. The reason for that? You helped my grandson Jake over the years and I want you to know that won't go unnoticed." (sighs sadly) "I'm sorry, Franco. But there's nothing more that I can do."
(Franco offers a polite smile before leaving Monica's office. He has an angry look before walking away)
***The Park***
(Elizabeth is alone talking to herself, wondering what to do. She loves Franco, but admitted to herself that she's reaching her breaking point with him. She doesn't want to leave him, but would choose her boys over him in a heartbeat. She remembered Monica's advice. Elizabeth asks for a sign, any sign on what to do. She receives a text from Cameron, asking if Cameron, Jake, and Aiden can stay at dad's Friday night. Jason says it was fine as long as she okayed it. Elizabeth smiles and replies back 'no problem'. She had a smile on her face that in many ways, Jason was always there to rescue her)
Chapter 23 Done
Thank you for reading. Can't wait to read your thoughts. See you this weekend.
