Chapter 661: 10:00
Sunday, March 13th, Late Morning
(Roasters Coffee Shop)
The three young women drove clear across Tree Hill, further down the river towards Fort Fisher, by the Scott Building to a quaint coffee shop named Roasters. Brett walked in behind her friend, with Baylee in the lead. The scene of freshly ground coffee filled Brett's nose as she entered the door.
Baylee stopped, with Avril standing behind her, and Brett took a space next to Baylee. Looking around the room, Brett was looking for someone. Looking over to Baylee, Brett's friend waved to a woman in her late thirties.
"She's here," Baylee chirped, then took off. Avril and Brett looked at each other, shrugged, and followed Baylee. Brett sat next to Baylee and looked at the woman, Baylee's Aunt Gretchen Bailey. Brett had met Aunt Gretchen before, and Brett always found it amazing how much Baylee looked like Aunt Gretchen. Aunt Gretchen is Baylee's dad, Sean's sister.
"Hey, Auntie Gretchen," Baylee said.
"Hello, Baylee, Avril, Brett," Gretchen said.
"How are you doing?" Baylee said.
"I'm good, and how are you, Baylee," Gretchen said.
"I'm good; we just won the state championship," Baylee said.
"I was there," Gretchen said.
"Why didn't you see us after?" Baylee asked.
"It was time for you and your dads," Gretchen said.
"But you're part of the family," Baylee said.
"It's your dads' time," Gretchen said, "So, what's up, Baylee?"
"Well, Aunt Gretchen, we want to throw a victory party tonight," Baylee said.
"You should; you deserve it; y'all worked hard," Gretchen said.
"Well, we need some help in that, Aunt Gretchen," Baylee said.
"You need me to provide the refreshments," Gretchen said coldly.
Baylee nodded, "Yeah, we kind of do," she said.
Gretchen nodded and put something down on the table. She looked over the three young women. "I'll have to say no. I promised your dads I wouldn't do that for you," Gretchen said, "I'm going to take my leave; good luck." Gretchen left, Baylee looked dejected to Avril, then Brett. Finally, Baylee reached for what Gretchen had left, opened it, and smiled.
(Beaulieu Manor)
There is a media room that Sawyer took over to stream. When her dad allowed her and built her setup, there was one rule, Sawyer couldn't show her face on stream until she was eighteen. So, it was something else that Sawyer agreed to.
This morning found Sawyer sitting at one of her computers. She was editing some of her games to post to YouTube. Once she had it down to where she would post it, she'd do her voice-over. Leaning back, she looked at the video as it replayed. Taking a moment, she looked over her shoulder to the veteran sofa and Keni sitting on it on her phone.
"Whatcha looking at?" Sawyer asked.
"Tattoo ideas," Keni said.
"That again?" Sawyer asked.
"Yeah," Keni said.
"Why do you want that?" Sawyer asked.
"Because I do," Keni said, but she shrugged, "You don't want ink?"
"No, even Keith had his removed," Sawyer said.
"What do you want?" Keni asked.
"I don't; maybe piercings," Sawyer said.
"Hmmm, like Candi," Keni said.
Sawyer shrugged, "Maybe," she said.
"Hmm," Keni said and shook her head. That was when her phone dinged; a moment later, Sawyer's phone did again. Sawyer reached over and picked up her phone.
"It's from Shannon," Sawyer said.
"Interesting," Keni said and looked over a message.
"A party tonight, at the beach house, Deb Lee's beach house; I wonder how that happened?" Sawyer said.
"I don't know, but well, I know what we're doing tonight," Keni said.
"I guess so," Sawyer said, shrugged, and put her phone down. She turned back to the computer to check her edit.
(Mourn Residence)
After stretching out, Alexis Mourn started her jog around the block. Even though cheer season was over, Alexis wanted to stay in shape; there is always next season. Alexis would be a senior, but most of her friends are graduating, which would make her alone.
The music blasted in her earbuds, keeping the pain or at least keeping her mind off the pain. Alexis wasn't the most gifted cheerleader. But she worked the hardest. Sawyer always made Alexis gasp at how simple things came to her. This made Alexis work harder.
About half to three-quarters of her course, she heard her phone ding, a text message. Alexis shook her head and kept pushing. Whatever it was, it could wait until her run was over. What she didn't expect was the other text message. This changed things, but Alexis kept pushing.
Pushing hard, Alexis reached her house and kept moving to cool down. As she breathed to keep her heart rate down and clear her limbs from pain, she went for her smartphone in her armband.
She opened up the app and looked at the conversation.
Shannon: Party! Scott Beach House Tonight! Details to follow.
Alexis smiled and replied.
Alexis: Cya there!
Shaking her head, she scrolled through her contacts and pressed call.
"Shep! You heard, from parker, oh really! Want to go? All right, she you there," Alexis said and smiled. She put her phone back in her armband and headed inside.
(Gatina Cabin)
After entering the cabin, Nathan noticed the kids were packed, and their bags were waiting. Rachel leads Nathan out back to the porch. Nathan stood at the rail and watched the three grandkids playing.
Nathan looked over to Rachel. This was usual for them; Rachel would talk to him about her life every month. Nathan suspected this was one of the few times Rachel could speak to a peer about her life.
"How are you handling this movie?" Rachel asked.
Nathan shrugged, "Okay, I guess it will be what it will be," he said.
"She invited me to Tree Hill to view the movie tomorrow," Rachel said.
"Yeah, so did we; we're going," Nathan said.
Rachel shook her head, "They want me to come off the mountain," she said.
Nathan nodded, "People would be glad to see, especially Brooke," he said.
"But not Haley," Rachel said.
"No, not Haley," Nathan said, "Too much water over the dam."
Rachel nodded, "Yeah, that's why I am here," she said.
"I know," Nathan said.
"I don't want to leave the mountain," Rachel said.
"So, don't," Nathan said.
"But she wants me to sign off on the movie," Rachel said.
"Have her come here to show you the damn thing," Nathan said.
"You have a point," Rachel said.
Nathan looked at his watch. "I have to get going," he said.
"Okay, I understand," Rachel said.
"Thank you," Nathan said, "Kids, time to get going!"
"You're welcome," Rachel said as she watched Nathan start collecting the grandkids.
(Beaulieu Manor)
They walked through the door from the gardens into the North Range. Fallon led Grant along the indoor tennis court viewing gallery; they paused, looking through the viewing windows. Grant looked through the windows and took in the beautifully maintained court.
"Indoor tennis court?" Grant asked.
"Yeah, it's nice to have," Fallon said.
"Do you play?" Grant asked.
"Tennis? Yes, used to play all the time, with Chase, Izzy, some with Trin, mostly with Candi," Fallon said.
"Do you still play?" Grant asked.
"I do, usually high-end client meetings, but not for fun as I did in high school," Fallon said.
"Poor little rich girl?" Grant asked.
Fallon took a deep breath, "It's a gilded cage; with the money comes power, and with power comes responsibility," she said.
"Very Peter Parker of you," Grant said.
"Yeah, it is, something my dad told me about and what I had to do," Fallon said.
"Was it what you have to do or what you think you have to do?" Grant asked.
"Both, I guess," Fallon said, leading Grant off the tennis court. They passed through a set of doors. The air became heavy with humidity, and the smell of chlorine hit their noses.
"So, an indoor pool?" Grant asked.
Fallon nodded, "This one has doors that open to one of the outdoor pools," Fallon said.
"This is luxurious," Grant said.
"This is showing off," Fallon said.
Grant tilted his head, "You seem down about this place, but you call it home," he said.
"It's the people, not the buildings," Fallon said, looking around, "Or things."
Grant nodded and looked at Fallon. The two nodded and moved on.
(Beaulieu Manor)
A series of parlors are on the ground floor of Beaulieu Manor's East Range. One of them, the closest to the billiard's room, the so-called lady parlor, had become Brooke's casual office. Usually, on the weekends, after breakfast, Brooke would retreat to the lady parlor and work on stuff for her business.
Izzy walked into the lady parlor to see Brooke on a couch with files spread out and her tablet sitting on her lap. Izzy sighed, stepped through the door, and closed it behind her. Brooke looked up from her tablet at Izzy.
"Izzy, how can I help you?" Brooke asked.
"Can we talk?" Izzy asked.
Brooke nodded, "Sure, please, sit down," she said.
Izzy came in and sat down across from Brooke. Izzy looked across the coffee table at her mom. Brooke put the tablet on the coffee table and studied Izzy.
"What's on your mind?" Brooke asked.
"Keith," Izzy said.
Brooke nodded, "What about Keith?" she asked.
"Remembered the soldier that was killed and was brought home?" Izzy asked.
Brooke nodded, "Vaguely," she said.
"He, the soldier, was Keith's tank commander," Izzy said.
Brooke nodded, "I didn't know that; I'm sorry, Izzy; I'm sure Keith is fine," she said.
"I'm sure Keith is physically fine, but I'm not sure he's mentally or emotionally fine," Izzy said.
"We don't know until he comes home," Brooke said.
"But I've heard stories about men coming home," Izzy said.
"Izzy," Brooke said. She shook her head and looked at her second daughter. Izzy was almost in tears. Brooke knew Izzy rarely showed emotions. Brooke got up, crossed the room, sat beside Izzy, and embraced her distraught daughter.
(Fire and Ice Café)
Opening the door, the bells alerted the staff that someone had entered the café. The late twenties, early thirties curly-haired blonde woman walked across the café to sit at the counter. Eilish looked at the woman and placed a mug in front of her.
Ellie looked at Eilish and nodded. Eilish poured regular black coffee into the mug. Ellie nodded again and reached out for the mug. She grasped the mug into her head, holding the ceramic mug navy style.
"Can't get enough of my coffee," Eilish said.
"It's a nostalgic thing," Ellie said.
"Hmm," Eilish said, "How so?"
Ellis shrugged, "My grandma used to own a café like this," she said.
"Ah, I see," Eilish said.
"Yeah," Ellie said.
"You look tired," Eilish said.
"I had a long night," Ellie said.
"I've seen that many times, done it a few times myself," Eilish said with a laugh.
"Been there when I was in college," Ellie said.
"Hmm," Eilish said, "What college did you go to?"
"Chapel Hill," Ellie said, "And you?"
"Wilmington," Eilish said.
"It's a good school," Ellie said.
"Yeah, I guess," Eilish said, "If you want to do Marine Biology."
"Everywhere has its specialty," Ellie said.
"Why Chapel Hill?" Eilish asked.
"My brother was there, and my parents went there," Ellie said.
"Family tradition," Eilish said.
"Here's to family traditions," Ellie said, held up her mug, and took a sip.
(Roasters Coffee Shop)
The door opened before she could reach for it. Shay walked into Roasters Coffee Shop, headed to the counter, and looked at the barista.
"Welcome to Roasters; how may I help you?" the barista asked.
"Yeah, I like a Grande, Colombian, Black," Shay said.
"Can I get a name?" the barista asked.
"Shay," Shay said and paid. She walked over to a table. Taking a seat and waiting, Shay watched the door. Finally, the person Shay was waiting for stepped in. The teenage boy walked over to the counter and ordered a coffee. Once finished, he walked over and sat down across from Shay.
"Cousin Shay," Noah said.
"Noah," Shay said.
"Thanks for coming," Noah said.
"You're welcome," Shay said.
"I needed someone to talk to, Shay," Noah said.
"Okay, what's wrong?" Shay asked.
Noah sighed, "My dad is getting worse," he said.
"Worse? How?" Shay asked.
"He didn't know he had a son and keeps calling me Chasi," Noah said.
Shay nodded, "He's confusing you with your sister," she said.
"Which sister?" Noah asked.
"Chase, your oldest sister, I can see why," Shay said.
"Why?' Noah asked.
"You both look like your dad," Shay said.
Noah nodded; Shay could see that Noah didn't try to put two and two together. The gears in his head are turning.
"I think my dad wants to see Chase, his favorite," Noah said.
"Noah, are you sure about this?" Shay asked.
"Yeah," Noah said.
"Shay!" the barista called.
"Keep that thought," Shay said, getting her coffee.
(Hargrove Manor)
After breakfast and showering, Angela dressed and picked up her smartphone. She slipped on a pair of Keds and walked through the house. What Angela was about to do was she wanted privacy, and not in the way the Prince of Canada and his wife did.
Angela found herself on the screened porch on the side of the house. She sat in one of the wicker chairs and put her feet on the wicker ottoman. Angela reached into her pocket for her smartphone. Angela scrolled through her contacts and finally hit the call button.
The phone rang once, twice, and on the third ring, the person answered. "Hi, Mom," Jessica "Jess" Scott, Angela's ten-year-old daughter, said.
"Hi, Jess," Angela said, "How are things going?"
"Going well, Trisha and I are going out in a few," Jess said.
"Nice, what are you doing?" Angela asked.
"You know, the usual movie and probably going to get a smoothie, the usual," Jess said.
"Oh, nice; what are you going to see?" Angela asked.
"I don't know, Trish picked it," Jess said.
"Oh, yeah," Angela said.
"So, y'all be back Tuesday," Jess said.
"Yes, I'm staying for that preview of the Brian Scott movie," Angela said, "I'm not looking forward to it."
"Yeah, well, I want to sleep in my bed," Jess said.
"Me too," Angela said.
"Well, when you get back, Mom, I'm going to beat you at Horse," Jess said.
"You think?" Angela asked.
"I know," Jess said.
"Right," Angela said and laughed.
"Sorry, Mom, Trisha is staring and me and tapping her foot. It's time to go," Jess said.
"Okay, I'll talk to you later," Angela said.
"Talk to you later, Mom," Jess said.
"See you Tuesday," Angela said as Jess disconnected the call, "I love you."
(Beaulieu Manor)
After moving her stuff to Opa's, she kissed him and told him she'd return for dinner. Alix entered her long-suffering car and drove across Tree Hill to Beaulieu Manor. Alix inched her rattling, smoking, leaking car over the bridge at Beaulieu. Carefully, Alix steered her car over toward the parking area of the East Range.
Alix got out of her car and walked over to a side door of Beaulieu. Unlocking the door with a key that Tucker gave her, Alix stepped in and headed through the ground floor towards the Clock Tower Range.
Walking up one of the side staircases, Alix avoided the grand entrance stairs. On the first floor, Alix headed towards the entrance to the Clock Tower Range. There was a gallery she had to cross before coming to the music room and the stairs to the Clock Tower Apartment.
"Alix," Brooke said as she turned the corner in the gallery.
"Brooke," Alix said.
"I didn't expect to see you here so soon," Brooke said.
"Well, I promised to help Tucker with the editing," Alix said.
Brooke nodded, "Right, editing," she said.
"Yeah," Alix said.
"How is your Opa?" Brooke asked.
"He's good, looking tired, but, well, I don't know," Alix said.
"You should spend time with him before it's too late; once it's gone, you can never get it back," Brooke said.
Alix nodded, "I'm having dinner with him and staying home after," she said.
"That's to be seen," Brooke said.
"Well, nice to talk to you, Brooke; I have to help Tucker," Alix said and walked away.
Brooke shook her head and went on with her business.