A Museum Paying Homage to Things Past
by SIPort
 
 

He opened his eyes. The alarm clock had said 10:35. He looked at the empty space beside him, and saw that though she was gone, she had left a message for him.

‘ Have things to do. Have a good day. Love you.’
 

Always signed with a smiley face. He sat up in the bed and thought about what chores he would do before going to pick up the gourmet dinner that he always had waiting for her on Saturdays. He had thought of it in order to try and show her that she was loved and appreciated, and because he knew Saturday was the hardest day of the week for her. He understood why, but she wouldn’t change it, so he felt he had to support her. He was on his way to the bathroom, when his private line rang.

” Yes, Melody.”

” Mr. Durke, I just wanted to tell you that the Singapore situation has been settled.”

” Good. Now, you go enjoy the weekend.”

” I will, Sir, just after I finish a little work.”

“ Bye.”

Going into the shower, he thought about how her day was going.
 

She sat there, reading a book. She glanced at the clock.10:50. Only 10 minutes to go. She had finished one difficult task for today,and was continuing on with another weekly ritual.

Her life had become about rituals, and nothing was more sacred than her Saturdays. She didn’t think people understood why she would do the same thing, week after week, but, she had to.

Her book was about the power of redemption. She had to believe in redemption, otherwise, she would go mad. Sink into a deep depression. Hell, who was she kidding. She fought depression everyday, but, she couldn’t let it win. She had to take a pro-active stand and fight. That’s why she had become a lawyer. She needed it. She needed to fight people everyday.Didn’t matter who. She wanted to fight and help others who couldn’t fight for themselves.

The same fight that she had for her clients, she had for her family. Which is why she was here. The clock said 10:55, which is when they began to line up. She wanted to be the first in line, as usual. She had to behere. They all watched the clock as it clicked closer to 11:00. When it struck eleven, there was a loud bell, and the door opened, and they all rushed in. She took the table next to the one underneath the window, for it had the most sunlight,and she could pretend that they were at the park, spending a nice Saturday together.

She watched the door finally open and they began to file in.She looked for him, and finally she saw him. He walked over to her and gave her a hug.  He sat across the table from her.

” Sugarbear, you look good.”

” Daddy, you look good too. I brought you some books.” Simone slid the pile of books across the table. “ There’s a mix in there. A new book by Henry Gates,one by Doris Kearns, a new mystery by Walter Moseley”

” I read the review in the paper.”

” It’s good.”

“ I told you that they’ve made me the librarian here. I’ve been trying to get some of the younger guys to read.”

” Sounds good.”

” Simone, did you do as I said? No more appeals?”

” Daddy..”

” Simone. I can’t have you wasting money on this. Every dollar you spend on me, is a dollar away from your future. Honey, the case is over. It’s done. I’ve made my peace with it. You have to, also.”

” But..”

” Sugarbear.”

” How do you expect me to deal with the fact that my father’s in jail on a life sentence?”

“ Because I am. Simone, I killed a man, and now I have to face the punishment.”

” Daddy, I miss you.”, Simone said, tears brimming in her eyes.

” I miss you too. My entire week consists of waiting to see you. Thank you for remembering me.”

” Daddy, how could I forget you?”

” Well, it happens. Guys in here who’ve not had a visit in years. Simone….how’s Whitney?”

Simone looks away from her father. “ She’s doing ok. She just says it’s too painful to come see you like this..that…that’s why she hasn’t been here. But, she sends her best, of course.”

” Of course.”

” Daddy, are you doing ok? Ok in here?”

” Simone, you act as if I’m new here. It’s been a few years, sweetheart.”

Simone’s heart sank. “ Yes, I know. It’s just…well, I’ve watched Oz.”

” Oz. “ TC laughs. “ Well, it’s not too far off.”

Simone’s eyes brim with more tears. TC takes her hand. “Simone, don’t worry about me. It was tough, but, once you make them see that you won’t take their shit and that you’ll fight, things work out. Now, tell me about Harmony.”

” Well, Chief Bennett and Mrs. Bennett are doing ok.”

” I know. Grace writes and sends things. She even comes to visit, every 2 –3months. I think Sam is still hurt. I’ve written to him, telling him that he was only doing his job, but, I don’t know if he believes me.”

” I think he does. We’ve talked about it. Kay and Miguel are going to have their second child in 5 months. Their son is entering kindergarten soon. You read about the success of the track team?”

TC nods. “ Yep. Tops in state.”

” And Willie Johnson is going to be trying out for the Olympics. Can you believe you coached him?”

” I know. I was so proud when I read that. So, Simone..what about YOU? How are you doing?”

” Daddy, my life is fine. My practice is busy. There are always people who need a good lawyer.”

” I’m not talking about your professional life. I know that you are a success at whatever you do. I’m talking about privately. When am I going to hear thatyou’re getting married.”

” Daddy…”

” Has he not asked?”

” Daddy, our relationship is going just fine. We’re both busy people. I have my law practice and he has his business.”

” It’s going well. I read about it in the Wall Street Journal all the time.”

” Yes. Well, our relationship is where we want it to be. We’re not rushing things.”

” Ok..Ok…I just think that you need to have something for yourself, Simone. A family of your own.”

” It could never replace our family!”

” Simone, it’s totally different things. A family of your own would help heal the pain.”

” Who says that I’m in pain.”

” Please. Who do you think you’re talking to?”

” Daddy, I’m fine. I’m live and well, and I’m ok. Now, can we change the subject?”

TC kissed her hand. “ You have to live, Simone. You have to go on.”

Simone nodded to her father, but, told him with her eyes that she wanted to discuss something else. He took the hint, and they discussed the last set of books that she had brought him. They talked about the books,politics, and sports. Anything and everything. Before she knew it, the bell hadrung. It was almost three o’clock. The end of visiting hours. As per their ritual. TC held his daughter’s hands in his, and they kept on talking. Whileshe was the first to arrive, Simone was very often the last to leave. As theguards came over to her and told her to go, Simone reluctantly let go of her father’s hands. She walked towards the door, but, never let her eyes leave her father’s until the door closed, and she could no longer see him.
 

Simone had refused most of Reese’s attempts to give her extravagant gifts. The one exception was the Mercedes Convertible. She relished driving it with the top down, wind blowing through her braids. She could relax and think. Usually on Saturdays, her thinking consisted of two people: her mother and father.

She thought about this morning and the trek to see her mother.

[[FLASHBACK]]

“ Well, Hi Mom. I’m doing ok.  I thought I’d bring you calla lilies today. Ithink they’ll fit perfectly in this vase, don’t you think?”

There was no answer, as Simone took her mini-broom and swept away the leaves and grass that covered the tombstone.  Simone took her seat next to the tombstone,which read
 
 

Simone took a deep breath and sighed out hard.

“ It’s a beautiful day, Mom. One that you would absolutely love. I was reading some Willa Cather and I thought it would be terrific fortoday.”

Simone began to read the poetry. She brought something toread aloud – a book, or poetry. It was something Eve had liked to do when was alive, so Simone thought she’d continue it. She felt closer to Eve when she did it. Simone missed her mother. In a way, she blamed herself for her mother’s death. If she hadn’t of been so angry, she would have seen all the signs.

The truth had come out about Chad a few months after he and Whitney had announced that they would be having a baby. . Once TC had found outabout Chad, he killed Julian in a blind rage and was soon arrested.

Whitney miscarried soon after, in her second trimester, and was told that she could never carry a baby to term. She was never the sameagain, and couldn’t deal with the blows that life had given her. She went into a deep depression, and following one drug after another, had found heroin,which soon became her life. Whitney wound up on the streets, and during TC’s trial, she had been arrested for the first time, for prostitution.

The day TC had been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, Whitney was arrested again. Eve went to bail her out of jail again, and found herself at the end of a blistering tirade by Whitney, who told her mother that she would be better off dead.

Eve agreed. She went to the hospital, signed in for her shift, went to the rooftop and promptly threw herself off of it. She lingered in a coma for four days, but when they told Simone that there was no brain activity, she agreed to turn off the life support machines.

Whitney had showed up for the funeral, and proceeded to rob the mourners of cash to feed her habit.

Simone turned off at a certain exit. It was time for another Saturday ritual.
 

“ Daddy, Daddy, Eve won’t stop following me.”, Julian Crane said, with his little sister following him immediately.

” Now, Buddy”, Chad said, picking up the young man and putting him on his lap,“ Don’t you know that you are her idol?” Eve Crane pulled herself up on the couch and snuggled up next to her father.

” But, Daddy, it sucks. I’m a big boy!”

” Yes, all of six you are. That’s practically grown.”, Theresa Crane said with a hint of sarcasm in her voice. She sits on the couch, next to Chad, picking up her daughter and putting her in her lap. “ How about, the four of us go on a picnic? We can play Frisbee and fly kites. The cook has already packed lunch.”

” You’ll play football with me, Daddy?”

” I..I have an important call I’m waiting for.”

Julian’s face fell, and Theresa’s grew more stern. “ The phone call can wait. This is the first weekend in 2 months that you’ve been home! WE’RE going on a picnic!”

” Ok ok….picnic it is.”

The four of them went to one of the lakes on the Crane Estate, and they pulled out a couple of blankets for themselves. The staff had taken care of everything. But then, they usually did. Julian took Eve by the hand, and had a half-loaf of bread to feed the ducks. Though he had complained about his younger sister, he was very protective of her as he taught her how to feed the ducks properly.

“ We have three charity events this week.”

” I know. Plus, the State Dinner on Friday. I thought we’d stay overnight inWashington.”

” Ok. Architecture Digest wants to do a spread on the Mansion. Should I accept?”

” Do whatever you want.”, Chad said dismissively.

” Dammit, Chad. I want to do what WE want! Or, is there a WE anymore?”

Chad looked at his wife. “ I’m sorry, T. This merger has me stressed out. It’s important to the old man. I….I’m just tired, T.”

Theresa looked at her husband with sympathy. “ I know. I’m sorry. “ She snuggled up close to Chad, who held her in his arms.

Theresa looked at her children, Julian Crane, Jr., and Eve Pilar Crane. She thought about that she was living her girlhood dream, but,that is was oh so far from what she thought it would be.

[[[FLASHBACK]]]
 

When Julian was killed, Theresa saw it as her chance. To leave the Cranes. After all, Ethan had forgiven her, and asked her to leave town with him. They would start anew, but it would have to be somewhere far away. They could have people visit them, but he never wanted to return to Harmony again. Theresa thought it was a fabulous idea. Ethan had gotten a job in Phoenix, and he was going ahead, getting the apartment, so that everything would be ready once she and the baby got there.

But of course, it wasn’t meant to be.

She had packed the baby’s things, when the nanny came in.

” What are you doing, Mrs. Crane?”

” I’m packing the baby’s things.”

” I don’t think that Mr. Crane would appreciate that.”

” Well, Mr. Crane is dead. I’m his mother. We’re leaving.”

She left, and a few minutes later, Harper was in the nursery door.

” Theresa..”

” Harper? What are you doing here?”

” I…I have to give you these.”

Theresa took the envelope from Harper. She began reading the papers. “ This can’t be! It’s not right! This is wrong!”

” Sorry, Theresa. It’s true. Alistair has custody of the baby. If you want to leave, you’re free to go. But, the child stays here.”

Theresa looked up and saw that there were guards  in the hallway. There was no way that she could leave with the baby. She pushed past Harper and the guards. “ There’s no way that he’s keeping my baby!”

Theresa rushed down the stairs to the Library, where Alistair was sitting at the desk.

” What the fuck is the meaning of THIS!?”, Theresa said, slamming down the papers on the desk.

” I think it’s self-explanatory, my dear. You want to leave, I can’t stop you. But, my grandson stays here. With me.”

” The hell I will leave my son with you. I don’t think so.”

” You really have no choice, Theresa. Well….you do have a choice. The thing is,do you want to take it?”

” What choice. “

“ It should be coming just about now.”, Alistair said, as Chad entered the room.

” Why the fuck am I here?”, Chad said.

Alistair winced. “ You two really will have to learn to clean up your language.”

” Look Old Man, I want out of here and this town. I never should have come here.”

” Well, that’s something that we can agree on, but, you did, and we all have to l ive with the consequences. Sit down.” When Theresa and Chad remained standing.“ I said SIT DOWN!” They sat in the chairs across the desk.

” Now, you two aren’t my first choice. Or my second. But, it seems, you are all I have. So, I will make do with you. Theresa, you want to keep your son. It’s simple. Your son is a Crane. He will be raised as a Crane, by the Cranes. “

” You? I don’t think so.”

” I said by a Crane. I’m not the only Crane in the room.”

Theresa looked at Chad, who was like, “ What are you talking about?”

” Theresa has a problem. She wants to leave this house.”

” Problem? That’s divine intervention. Anyone who wants to get the hell out of this house is smart as a whip. You go, girl.”

” Yes, well, Theresa is free to go. It’s her son that will stay.”

” He has custody of Julian.”

” How can that be? YOU’RE his mother!”

” I’m Alistair Crane. So, I thought I’d offer Theresa an option. She can leave her son, and go off with Ethan. Or, she can stay here, raise her son, and be married to a Crane.”

” Who? Me?”, Chad said incredulously, looking at Alistair.

” Yes.”

” You are out of your mind. I am SO outta here.” Chad gets up and goes to the door. Just them Alistair spoke,

” I got a call from the District Attorney, an OLD friend of mine. He wanted to know how I felt about two matters. The first was whether or not he should seek the death penalty against TC Russell. And, the second was what level of charges should he seek against Whitney Russell, who has been arrested for possession of drugs. The kinds of drugs that carry mandatory minimums with them. I think he said the minimum, if convicted, for Whitney, would be 12 years. By the time she gets out, they should be ready to stick the needle into TC. It could be her welcome home from jail party.”

Chad looked at Alistair. He shook his head. “ You are a monster.”

Alistair laughed. “ You’re not the first to say it, and won’t be the last.  So, now, do I have your attention? I hope so. I am feeling generous today. So, I’m going to provide you with solutions to your problems. Theresa will be able to be a loving mother to her son, and Chad, you’ll be able to keep Whitney out of jail and TC off of death row, if you do what I want.”

“ Which is?…..”, Chad asked.

” You two get married and live here. I can train you in business, and with teaching, the two of you won’t be embarrassing me. I can see that my heir,Julian, is raised properly. It’s a win-win situation all the way around. Well,I’ll leave you two to think. I’ll be back in 15 minutes. You have until then.”Alistair lit up his famous cigar and walked out of the room.

Theresa looked at Chad. “ Ethan’s waiting for me.”

” I was on my way out of town.”

” Ethan’s waiting for me. He forgave me. He wants to love us both.”

” Ethan’s a good man.”

” Chad..I can’t leave my son.”

” Maybe, he’s bluffing.”

” Chad, Alistair NEVER bluffs. He always has all the cards. He doesn’t need to bluff.”

” Theresa, I can’t see Whitney in jail.”

” I know.”

” What are we going to do?”

” We’re going to get married.”, Theresa said sadly.

Chad looked at her and she nodded to him. He understood then.

When Alistair returned, they were standing together.

” Well? What is your answer?”

” We’ll get married.”, Chad said. “ But, you have to make the phone call to the District Attorney first.”

Alistair looked at Chad. “ Think I’ll double cross you?”

” I wouldn’t be surprised.”

Alistair picked up the phone and dialed it. Putting it on speakerphone.

” Ronald, it’s Alistair. “

” Yes, Alistair. What can I do for you?”

” Those matters with the Russell family.”

” Yes…you’ve figured out what you want?”

” Yes. In the case against the father, NO death penalty.”

” None it is, then.”

” And, find a way for the charges against the daughter to disappear.”

” Consider it done. “

” I’ll see you later.”

” Goodbye, Alistair.”

Alistair hung up on the phone. “ Well, I kept up my end of the bargain. Now, it’s time for you to do yours. “ Alistair picked up the phone and buzzed it. Next thing Theresa and Chad see a gentlemen coming in the door.

” Theresa, Chad, this is Judge William Shaw. He’s going to marry you.”

” Here? Now?”, Theresa asked.

” Here. Now. I kept up my end of the deal. Now, it’s time for you.”

“ Well, you two are the lucky couple. Shall we begin?”

[[[END OF FLASHBACK]]]
 

The ceremony was over in a whirl. Alistair had even provided a Crane family ring for the occasion. She and Chad exchanged vows and were man and wife. Theresa knew that there was no way to explain it to Ethan, so she just never showed up. When he called the Crane Mansion looking for her, the staff had been put on alert that none of his calls were to come through. She found out through Ethan’s Uncle Hank when Ethan had finally married – a woman from Phoenix.

Chad moved into the Crane Mansion, and bit-by-bit, he began taking lessons about the company. At first, they used to sneak into the basement, where Chad had used some of his newfound wealth to build a state-of-the-art music studio. They would be down there, and fantasize about Chad building a record label all of his own, and Theresa would help him promote the acts.  Within a few years, he didn’t go into the studio anymore. He didn’t have any time. He was a natural at business, but Theresa could see what being the good corporate executive was doing to his soul. About the same thing as heading all the charities and being a ‘good Crane Wife’ was doing to her. The only bright spot in their lives was Julian. Chad truly doted on the boy, and tried to provide a balance with regards to Alistair. Theresa was happy when she got pregnant. She didn’t want Julian to be an only child, plus, babies gave her something to do.  And here came little Eve Pilar Crane. Chad adored her, and when he was home, he showed the kids lots of love.

Their marriage wasn’t a deep love match. They loved one another; as best friends would. But, they were partners in all of this. She knew Chad didn’t cheat on her, but that this is definitely NOT the path he would have chosen for himself. They had children to raise, and be each other’s support. Chad didn’t have a fully supportive relationship with Simone. The tragedies that had befallen their family stood between them. Chad always paid for Whitney’s rehab if Simone could talk her into going, and he had worked out an arrangement with a local attorney to always represent Whitney when she got into trouble.

Theresa and Chad both laughed as their daughter began to imitate the ducks. They had their family, if nothing else.
 

Simone drove to the park. She sat on her usual bench and took out a book. She was there for a few minutes when she showed up.

” Hey, Simone.”

Simone looked up at her. “ Whitney.” Simone looked at her sister. She fought back the tears. Whitney had always been thin. But, now, she was skeletal. Her eyes were drawn.

“ How’s it going?”

” Fine. I went to see Daddy today. He asked about you.”

” He did? Well, I guess he’s ok. “

” He is. But, he’d want to see you.”

” I will…I will. I’ll go see him.”

” When, Whitney? When?”

” When I’m damn good and ready. Come on, Simone. Why are you going to do this to me? You know I don’t want to go to a prison? They depress me.”

” Oh, and the way that you look. You don’t think that would depress Daddy?”

” I didn’t come here for a lecture.”

“ What did you come here for, Whitney?”

” Come on, Simone. You know…a little money for groceries.”

” Groceries? Do you think I’m a fool, Whitney? I know that porcelain jewelry box is missing.”

” What jewelry box?”

” Don’t play me for a fool, Whitney! Just so you know. I’ve changed the locks.”

” Well, I don’t care. Simone, come on…grocery money?”

” Whitney, I’ve been looking up drug rehab places in the internet. There’s this new one in Colorado, and they said that they could take you..”

“I don’t need any rehab We’ve been there, done that. How many times, Simone? Not gonna work.”

” It could work if you want it to.”

” Simone, I love ya. But, no more. Are you going to give me some grocery money?”

” I thought we could go shopping together. Once we’re finished, I’ll drive you back home with them.”

“ Nope, I can shop for myself. I have select tastes.”

Simone sadly opened up her purse and gave the money to Whitney.

” Thanks, Simone.”

“ Bye Whitney.”
 

By the time Simone opens the door to the house, she can smell the food.
 

“ Reese?”

Reese comes out of the kitchen. “ Ah, you’re back. Right on time.”

” I need a hug.”

” Come here.”, Reese said, hugging her tight. “ Everything’s ready for dinner.”

” I’ll go take a quick shower.”

Simone went and took her shower. By the time she arrived inthe dining room, the lights were low, the candles were lit, and a beautiful salad was in front of her. Diving into the food, she ate like a starving man.

” This is great.”

” Glad you think so.”

Simone liked to eat the meal in peace. Little was said between the two of them. They enjoyed one another’s company. After dinner, they would eat dessert and cuddle under a blanket, while the watched a movie together.Only after the movie, did Reese find that Simone began to relax and release the tension of the day. She didn’t want to be asked about her day, so their conversation would be about what HE had done that day, and what they planned to do after church on Sunday.

They usually cuddled on Saturday night. Simone didn’t feel like making love, but, she wanted Reese close. To feel his arms around her.

They had lived together for 3 years. Over this time, he had asked her to marry him at least a half-dozen times. She had declined each time.Reese knew that it had nothing to do with Simone loving him. She did. He knew it was her fear. She had grown up believing in love, and it was all based on lies. Reese knew that Simone doubted her feelings. Not that she had them, butif they were enough for them to build a life upon right now. He knew he wouldn’t give up on her. She was the woman for him; he just had to have patience.

Reese had asked if they could move, and never forgot her response: she began to shake violently, and to sob uncontrollably. She couldn’t give up the house. It was all she had left that was real. It was the only sliver of HER foundation that was left. Reese knew that she was working on her issues with the therapist, who had told Reese that Simone wasn’t ready to give up the home. That she remembers so much happiness there, she can’t leave it.

Happy memories or not, Reese thought it would be good for Simone to have a new house. In his eyes, the house was nothing but a museum paying homage to things past.