Bruce was sitting in his father's, no, his office at Patman Investment Financial. He was writing down his reports for the big meeting with the Japanese investors when his phone rang.

"Bruce Patman." Usually all calls go through his secretary, but she was getting things ready for the big meeting that was about to begin.

"Hey Cuz!" Bruce smiles at the friendly voice.

"Hey Reggie." He was glad Reggie was up and about. He was depressed for a long time since the accident, not about losing his ability to walk, but the fact that he still blamed himself for his aunt and uncle dying. Luckily the lawsuit against him was dropped, especially since DiPalma's accident wasn't a accident, but Bruce made sure to make a few donations for drug and alcohol counseling at SVH and SVU. "What's up?"

"Just checking. How's work?"

"Busy." He checked the time. He had only a few minutes. Patman oil was thinking of expanding to South America, and needed a lot of foreign investors. The Japanese businessmen were very interested, this was guaranteed to make Patman Oil millions. "Why are you asking?"

"Well, I was thinking. I'm getting bored at home, and I know you're worried about Lila and your movie company, and I was thinking about returning to work."

Bruce's eyebrows raised.

"Are you sure you're ready?" Reggie knew the ends and outs of his uncle's company, his father, Reginald Patman II was on the Board of Directors. He was considered number two in the company after his brother; he usually was the one that flew out of the country since he liked traveling. He was training his son Reggie to take over before his retirement, but had to back out due to the accident.

"Cuz, I been working for Patman Oil for how long? I know the in and outs as much as you do. I may be in a chair, but my brains still work. Besides, I know you want to be with Lila."

Lila. Bruce missed her. She had her parents in Los Angeles, but she needed her friends. Jessica was there, but she lived in Malibu. Plus she was pregnant with their child. She needed Bruce.

"Well, if you are sure...''

"Positive. Besides, I need to make a good expression for the ladies. No one wants to date a bum."

"Beach Bum." Bruce corrected. Sweet Valley's beaches were Reggie's home away from home. Reggie was taking things slowly, he was even thinking of going back to surfing. He was taking classes at the rehab place for paralyzed people. They offered body surf classes.

"A beach bum/businessman. Whataya say?"

"Better be ready at nine am sharp." Once Bruce and Reggie hang up, Bruce gets up to go to his meeting.

Bruce was reading the article about Clay DiPalma later that day. Yes he was a druggie, but he had a troubled upbringing. Both parents were addicts, he was in and out of foster care since he was twelve. Guy didn't have a chance. Then the thing with Steve Riveria.

Bruce wondered. The system was flawed, it was too late for Clay, but he remembered his old girlfriend, Regina Morrow.

Bruce sighed. Its been years, but he never forgotten about her. Sixteen. That's all she had before she was taken away. He and all of SVH blamed her friends, Molly Hecht and Justin Belson for bringing her at that party, that's where Regina had her accident.

That incident caused SVH to start a mandatory drug and counseling program, his old classmate Amy Sutton worked on the student hotline to help others. But Bruce always wondered if it was his fault. He shook his head. Regina was gone, and he knew she'll be pissed that he was brooding over the past.

But there was others. Like Cara who was caught up with the wrong man. Her ex fiancé is about to be convicted. Then Jessica's friend, Isabella that accidentally jumped out the window at SVU. His money wouldn't be enough, there needed to be more. He called his secretary.

"Molly?"

"Yes sir?"

"Get me my analyst."

"Right away."

He had to talk to Reggie. Maybe start a foundation in Regina's memory, or even a college scholarship. His parents were always donating to various charities. He called Nicolas Morrow to ask for permission.

He read the poem Lila gave him after his parents died, he always read that whenever he was depressed.

There was no time to say goodbye.

But this I ask - please do not cry.

Remember me as you think best.

Remember the happy times, but forget the rest.

Look for me and I'll be there,

And you will find me everywhere:

In the gentle touch of the breeze

That cools the skin or swirls the leaves.

In the scent and color of flowers

That gave me such happy hours.

On sunny days, under sunny skies of blue,

Just think of me, I'll be with you.

In winter when there's cloud or mist,

The rain will give to you my kiss.

As wood smoke lingers in the air,

Look for me and I'll be there.

Where seagulls cry above the sea

And surf rolls in so endlessly.

Among towering trees that soar above,

In all these things that I once loved.

Look for me and I'll be there.

You'll feel my presence EVERYWHERE!

Notes:

Poem "Everywhere"

copyrighted to Tara L. Collacchi

Originally found on familyfriends website - poem/everywhere