Collision Course, Chapter 27
 

Eve walked into her house. It was quiet at first, and then she heard pots clanging in the kitchen. She went inside to find Simone trying to choose a pot.

" Simone, what are you doing?"

" Hi Mom. I put on the roast for you. It's been on for an hour. And, now, I was trying to find a pot for the mashed potatoes." Eve looked over where the potatoes had been peeled and diced. " The broccoli is last, right?"

" Um, yes."

" I know it was Whitney's turn to cook, but we switched days. Daddy called - he'll be a little bit late, and said for us to start without him."

" Do you need any help, Honey?"

" No, Mom. Once I put the potatoes on, I'll be fine."

" Looks like you have everything under control. I'm going to  go upstairs and rest for a bit."

Simone looked at her mother with concern. " Maybe you should. You look tired Mom."

" I'll be fine. But, I need some rest."

" Ok."

Eve left the kitchen and went upstairs to her bedroom. She looked at all the family photos, and wound up pulling out Whitney and Simone's baby books. TC had always teased her because whenever he looked up, Eve was dressing up the kids to go to the photographers. Eve never told him that the reason behind it was because the one thing she wanted more than anything was a picture of her 'dead' son. She didn't even have that when she came home from the hospital. She literally had nothing but the clothes she brought to the hospital to remember him by, which was why she kept them all these years. Eve sat in her ottoman, pulled a blanket over her, and held the baby books close as she drifted off for a short nap.
 

" Theresa, I don't know how I'm going to do it.", Chad said, opening the door to his apartment. He put the shoebox on his desk. " How am I going to break it to Whitney?"

" You have to be honest. You have to do it tonight, if you can. Chad…she's your.."

" I know what she is, Theresa. I can't believe it."

" You can't afford not to. "

" I don't even think that I can face her."

" Sure you can. And, tonight is the time to start. I have to go home for dinner. But, call me later. I can meet you anywhere you want."

" Thanks. The Russells should be having dinner soon too."

" So, you go."

" Theresa…."

" No, Chad. You go. Walk me out, and then go to dinner."

Chad walked Theresa out, and wound up in the Russell kitchen.

" Hi Chad."

" Hey Simone."

Chad looked at Simone. For the first time, she was his sister. He smiled. He was glad of this. Simone was one of the best people he knew. Simone caught him smiling.

" So, what's got you in such a good mood?"

" Oh, nothing. I was just thinking.."

" About what?"

" How cool you are. And, I'm glad that we're friends, Simone. I'm sorry if I hurt you…"

Simone held up her hand for him to stop. " Chad, it's ok. It's not your fault, and I'm glad we got things out in the open. I like us as friends, Chad. You're good people."

" Thanks. May I help?"

" Um….sure. Take the salad out and put it on the table. Then, if you can put the soup bowls out, I'd appreciate it."

" Sure. "

While Chad was in the dining room, Whitney came in from practice.

" Hey, Simone. It smells great. Thanks for taking tonight for me."

" No problem.  How did practice go?"

" Really well. Need any help?"

" Sure. Take this plate with the dinner rolls on it."

Whitney did as she was told and ran into Chad in the dining room.

" Hi ", Whitney said smiling.

Chad felt punched in the stomach. Part of him still had those romantic feelings, but, the other part knew that he had to stop it. And, he had to break Whitney's heart tonight. Theresa was correct; better sooner than later.

Chad finally spoke up, " Would you like to take a walk later on tonight?"

Whitney smiled at Chad. " I'd love it."

Chad could see what Whitney had on her mind, and it tore at his heart even more to do this to her, but, it had to be done.  Simone walked through the door with the soup tureen.

" Will one of you call Mom down for dinner?"

Whitney went to the steps and called for Eve. When she didn't come, she went to the room where she found a sleeping Eve.

" Mom?"

Eve opened her eyes slowly. " Yes, Whitney?"

" It's time."

" Time for what?"

" Dinner."

" Ok. I'll be down in a minute."

Whitney left, and Eve went to splash some water on her face. When she got to the dining room, she stopped dead in her tracks.

Simone and Whitney looked at their mother.

" Mom? Is something wrong?", Simone asked, concerned.

Eve tried, but the tears formed in her eyes. She made it to her seat. Seeing their mother cry, Simone and Whitney went over to her.
" Mom?", Whitney asked.

Eve shook her head. " I'm sorry, Honey. I…I don't mean to alarm you. I've had a rough day. The kind of day that makes you appreciate being surrounded by your children. All your children. " Eve kissed both her daughters, but, never took her eyes off of Chad.

They all began dinner, and discussing their days. Chad knew that Eve was barely keeping her eyes off of him, but, he pretended like he didn't notice. Just then, Simone spoke up,

" So, Chad, what happened with you today?"

Chad looked up in surprise at Simone. " Um….well, your Dad offered to pay for me to go to college."

" Really?", Whitney said, looking at Chad.

" Daddy did that?", Simone asked. " Mom?"

" It was your father's idea, and yes, he did. Your father thinks Chad is a wonderful investment. And, I agree."

" Chad, I think that's great. You'll be able to get back to your music.", Whitney said.

" I have to pass the basics, but, I think I'm going to study business. I know what I need in music. What I didn't know was how to protect myself businesswise, and that's why the guy was able to steal from me. Nobody will ever do me like that again.", Chad said bitterly.

" Chad, I'm sure TC has friends that will be able to help you with legal issues when you begin working on your music in earnest.", Eve commented.

Simone smiled. " Wow. Did you ever think this would happen? Remember when you first hit town, Chad? And, you got into the argument with Daddy right away? And, we all know how bad things were between you and Mom. Who would have thought that we would be this close? You're practically a member of the family. You're our brother."

Eve nearly choked on her soup, but put her hand up to indicate that she's ok. TC had come in on Simone's comments, and went over to Eve to make sure that she was ok.

" You alright, Baby?"

Eve nodded, and TC took his seat.

" Sugarbear, you're exactly right. Chad HAS become a member of this family. And, I couldn't be happier."

TC went on and discussed tennis with Whitney, and then gave Chad a couple of people to call at Castleton College regarding his enrollment.

For Eve, though, she said nothing. She only observed. Her heart was jumping for joy. She was sitting around a table with her three children and the man she loved. She never thought it would happen. She didn't think it could happen. But, she was living it. Any doubts she had about not telling Julian were fading away.