Simone's New Start ~Chapter 20 ~Lingering Questions~
by Mademoiselle Butterfly


It’s a bright, slightly chilly Saturday November morning in Harmony. As we glance around the town today, we arrived at the infamous local hang out spot the Book café once more. There sat Kay and Simone enjoying morning lattes, talking. The two were huddled up in a corner of the shop as Simone plays Kay a portion of her interview with her father, TC.

She stops her tape recorder and looks up facing Kay. “Can you believe it?” Simone asked.

“Wow, that’s some heavy stuff.” Kay replied taking small sip of her latte.

“I know.” Simone said with a nod.

“So, you got all of that from one interview?” Kay asked amazed.

“Yeah, I did.” “I mean, I just can’t believe all the things my Dad said, all of the things he had to suffer though.” “He’s always been so strong to me, now I know why.” Simone told her softly.

“Hmm.”

“He’s been through so much, Kay.” Simone continued on. “His father dying so suddenly and my grandmother, then sending his only sister away to live with relatives.” “It must have been so hard on him.”

“Man, that’s a lot to deal with.” Kay admits shaking her head.

“I know.” “So, how’s your report coming?” Simone questioned sipping her coffee.

“Alright, I guess.” “I went to visit my Uncle Hank the other day, I got some pictures and stuff of my Dad as a teenager.” “Hey, did you know that my Dad was a life guard?” Kay expressed.

“What?” “No, he was.” Simone said surprised.

“Yeah, Uncle Hank told me, that along with a lot of other stuff.”

“Cool.”

“Yeah, but I’m still looking for a lot more details.” Kay admits. “That’s why I’m going to see my Dad today, were having breakfast together.” “A real Daddy, daughter day.” “No Charity or Jessica in sight.” She gushed.

“That should be fun.” “You and your Dad rarely spend time together.” Simone notes.

“Yeah, but he said he wanted to talk so.” “Hey so, what are you going to do today?” “Getting into more trouble with Gabe perhaps?” Kay asked playfully.

“Kay, that’s not funny.” Simone replies in a serious tone.

Kay giggles, “Sorry, but I couldn’t help myself.” “After that story you told me, I’m still in shock.” “I can’t believe that I wasn’t there.” “I can only imagine Dr. Russell busting into our room like that.”

“Well, it actually happened.” “And speaking of my Mom today she’s going to help me shop for my Homecoming dress.” Simone said in an excited tone.

“Oh.”

“Yeah, she actually took the whole day off from the hospital to help me.” Simone expresses with a smile.

“That was nice.”

“Yup.” Simone said nodding.

“Hey, what time is it?” Kay asked looking at Simone’s watch.

“About nine-thirty.”

“Oh, I’ve got to go then.” Kay said standing up. “I’m meeting my Dad at the station.” “I’ll see you later.”

“Okay, have fun.” Simone said pulling out her laptop.

Kay left and Simone hooked onto the Internet. She sat overlooking her history report thus far now that she had more of TC’s family history all she needed now was Eve’s. So, she decided to check though some research she had collected on a special website.

“Hello, Simone.” Someone said next to her.

Simone looked up from the computer screen. “Oh, hi Liz.”

“Another refill?” Liz asked pouring her another cup of coffee into her mug.

“Thank you.”

“So, what are you so into over here?” Liz questioned. “What, checking up on your weekly soaps?”

“No.” Simone replied shaking her head. “Actually, it’s a website my friend Gabe helped me find.” “It’s a missing relatives site based in Boston.” “I’m hoping it will lead to some clues to uncover some of my Mom’s roots.” Simone told her nonchalantly.

“Oh, that sounds interesting.” “Any leads yet?” Liz asked.

“No, not yet.” “But I’m still checking.”

“Hmm.”

Just then Simone’s cell phone starts to ring, “Oh, excuse me Liz.” She said before answering it.

“Oh, sure.” Liz replies eyeing her computer screen intensely.

“Hello?” Simone said getting up, moving over to a corner for better reception.

Hi, sweetheart.” She heard on the other line.

“Oh, hi Mom.” “Are you ready for today?” Simone asks in a excited tone.

“Yes, I am honey.” “But listen I just have to do some last minute errands okay.” Eve explained getting into her car.

“What?” Simone trying to hear her. “Last minute, errands…Oh, okay well I’ll meet you at the Mall then.” “Just come by my job, I’ll meet you there.”

“Okay, I’ll be there soon.”

“Alright.”

“I love you, sweetheart.” Eve told her.

“I love you too.”

“Oh, and Simone wait…”

“Oh, huh.” “Yes, Mom.” Simone replied.

“Listen, remember to be safe going to your next destination.” “And carefully look both ways before crossing intersections.” Eve warned.

“Yes, of course, I’ll be safe going.” “I promise.” “Bye.”

“Bye.”

Click!

While Simone chatted with Eve, the sneaky Liz Sandboure took it upon herself to snoop through Eve’s past. She examined the screen of the laptop seeing Eve’s birth date, her maiden name and where actually she grew up in Boston. Taking out a napkin she quickly scribbled down the information, before Simone turned around again to face her.

“Liz?” She said. “What, are you doing?” She asked seeing her hover over her computer screen with such nosiness.

“Oh, Simone.” Liz said surprised. “I…I‘m… just taking a peek at one of those, those annoying pop up ads on the computer. “ “See, here take a look.”

Simone walked over to the table and eyed the screen. “Oh.” She said softly seeing yet another bothersome pop up ad, dancing across her computer screen.

“Animated, isn’t it?” Liz asked smiling at her, sweetly.

“Yeah, it is.” Simone said quietly with a nod.


“Anything, else Chief Bennett?” A waitress asked, pouring coffee.

Sam Bennett looked up from the table, “No, thank you.” He said shaking his head looking at his refill of coffee.

He glanced over to his daughter “Honey, how is your food?” he asked.

“It’s great, Daddy.” Kay exclaimed munching on a piece of toast. She sat enjoying every bit of her food, appearing in a relaxed pair of jeans and a simple light green sweater that highlighted her beautiful reddish-brown hair and amazing baby blues.

“I’m happy, you like it.” Sam said eating hash browns.

“Well, thanks for all of this.” “It’s funny we haven’t been here since I was a little kid.” Kay says glancing around at the quaint diner a little a ways out of town.

“I know, but I thought we should visit it again.” “This use to be one of you’re favorite places when you were little.” He tells her sipping his coffee.

“Really?” Kay asked surprised sipping some orange juice.

“Yeah, you said when you were about eight, that this place had the best pancakes in the world next to your Mom’s.” Sam told her.

“I said, that.” Kay said grinning brightly.

“Yes, you did.” Sam told her.

“That’s funny, I don’t even remember that.” Kay expressed finishing her food.

“Ah, but I do.” “You know, Kay no matter how old you get your always going to be my little girl.” Sam says.

“I know that, Daddy.” “I have your eyes remember.” Kay noted with a smile.

“Yes, you do.” “But besides that, I think that that’s all the reason why we should make an effort to do this more often.” “We need some time for us, just you and me.” Sam replied placing down his coffee cup.

“Yeah.” Kay agreed with a nod.

Sam wipes his mouth with a napkin. “Actually, Kay honey.” “I have to confess something, I have another reason and motive for spending time with you today.”

“And what’s that, Daddy?” Kay questioned eating the last of her eggs.

“Well, the other day your mother and I had a talk about you and how you’re doing in school and in general.” He told her.

“Yeah, so.”

“So, Kay you’ve got us a little worried.” “I went and talked to some of your professors at the University the other day and they say you haven’t been focusing on your work too much.” Sam says looking at her.

“But, Daddy.” Kay starts.

“Honey, I’m not finished.” Sam said. “Now, first of all we want you to pick up your grades Kay.” “That’s a must.”

“And secondly we want you to stop all of these games you’re playing, and all this unnecessary friction you’re causing between your cousin Charity and Miguel.” “And yes, I heard about the youth center dance incident.” Sam continued on.

“Now, Kay what’s going on?” He asked.

“Daddy, its nothing.” Kay says turning towards the window.

“Well not from the way I see it, your grades are dropping and it seems like you’re going out of your way to hurt your cousin.” “Why, Kay?” “What’s going on?” he asked again.

Kay sighed deeply.

“Kay, come on talk to me.” Sam pressured on.

“Daddy, listen about my grades.” “Okay, I’ve been messing up I know.” “I’m sorry, I’ll try harder.” Kay told him.

“You bet you will, your Mom and I expect you to do well.” “Not just you but all your siblings Noah and Jess included.” “They’re doing well in school, why aren’t you?” “And I know it can’t be lack of motivation because we see Jessica studying hard and it’s her first semester at the University.”

“I know that.” Kay says.

“Well, Kay this is your second term there and we expect more out of you.” “You know your way around the campus, the teachers, what’s the problem?”

“Daddy...” Kay says.

“Look, at Noah Kay.” “He’s a prime example, now he’s been gone for a while now but he’s getting his education.” “Now, he’s traveling aboard over in Europe getting extra credits starting to pick up his Ph.D.” “Kay we want those same things for you, it may not be getting on the Dean’s list, or higher degrees but you need to do your part.” Sam lectured.

“I know, Daddy.” Kay mumbles.

“So, tell me what’s going on then?” “Kay, right now you seem to have no direction in life.” “What do you want to do?” “What’s going to be your major?” He asked.

“I don’t know yet.” Kay replied with a slight shrug.

“Well, don’t you think you should think about it?”

“Yes, I guess.” Kay said in a small voice.

Sam sat back in his chair, “Kay, honey tell me exactly what it is that you would like to do most with your life?” he asked her point blank.

Kay thought about his question, “Marry Miguel.” Her mind muttered. “Daddy, I don’t know.” She answered.

Sam scratched his head. “Kay, how can you be failing classes?” He questioned. “You’re even failing you’re Philosophy class.”

“Daddy, look uh you can’t really count that Philosophy class.” “I mean who really needs to take Philosophy anyway.” “I mean what is it, really?” She shrugs off.

Sam shook his head. “Maybe, if you would pay attention in class you would know Kay.”

Kay rolled her eyes at his comments.

“So, what’s going on with this thing with Charity?” “Why are you going out of your way to hurt her?” he asks.

“Daddy, it’s not like that.” “I’m the one who’s hurting, not Charity.” Kay tells pushing her plate of food away. “It’s her, she’s hurting me.” “Miguel, and I were close before she came to live with us and now...” She railed off.

“And now, things have changed, right?” Sam says.

“Yes.” “A lot.” Kay said in a snubbed tone.

“Kay, honey that’s called growing up.” “Miguel’s in love with your cousin and despite a lot of changes.” “Things between you two, your relationship has changed its evolved.”

“No, Daddy.” Kay replied looking up taking a deep breathe. “It hasn’t evolved, it just sucks!”

“What?”

“Daddy, I love Miguel, I always have.” “And when Charity showed up in our lives that’s when things changed.” “He’s supposed to be with me.” Kay told him.

Sam looked at his oldest daughter, seeing the love and confusion in her eyes.

“Kay, look I can understand how you feel but you need to let this go.” “I love you despite anything Kay, the world, everything.” “And I’m telling you as your father, that I don’t want you hurt.” “Broken hearted or otherwise, you or Charity.” “I’ve seen what was the outcome of you and Miguel being intimate with one another.” “And as much, as I wanted to physically hurt him, I didn’t for yours and Charity’s sakes.”

“I know.” “But, Daddy.”

“Look, Kay.” “I think I’m a pretty good judge of character, I know Miguel he’s got a caring heart.” “But, Kay sweetie your my daughter, my child and I’m telling you this now I will not stand by again.” “And watch you get hurt because you can’t seem to let go of this infatuation you have for a childhood friend.”

Kay glanced up at him, showing off her father’s intense deep blue eyes.

“Daddy, look don’t worry I’m not going to get hurt again, okay.” “I’m a strong person and I believe that Miguel does have feelings for me.” “He’s just confused right now, thinking that the world begins and ends with his precious Charity.” “But deep down inside, his heart’s with me.” “I know it, trust me.” Kay told him softly.

Sam took a deep breath, hearing her words. He then reached over for her hands, cupping them within his own.

Looking up at her, quietly he spoke. “Kay, its time for a change.” “Your strong, tough, beautiful and independent but still a little girl in so many ways.” “I love you, and I just know that you’ve still got a lot of growing up to do.”

“So, I’m going to leave you with this advice.” He starts.

“First, you can do and be anything.” “Second, you’re young the world is at your finger tips but time isn’t.” “You need and are going to get an education and on Graduation day.” “You’re Mom and I will proudly watch you walk across that stage and get your degree.” “Till then Kay Bennett, you will follow our rules, and you will pick up your grades in all of your classes.” “And as well, I am demanding that you go and see Coach Vann Monday afternoon.”

“What?” Kay asked confused breaking free from his grip.

“Yes, Coach Vann.” “He came to me wanting to see if you would join the Colleges‘ track and field team.” “He saw how well you did at Harmony high and thought that you would be a good asset to the team.” “And seeing you today, hearing you and all of your disbelief.” “I realize that it’s the right step.” “Kay, you need an distraction from Miguel.” “So, you are going to join the College’s field and track team.” Sam informed her.

“But, Daddy...” Kay hesitates.

“No, Kay end of discussion.” “You’re joining the team and picking up your grades.” “That’s it!” “And you’re going to get Miguel out of your system.” Sam told her.

“But, Daddy, you just don’t understand.” Kay whined.

“I know it’s going to be hard, but it’s for the best.” “Kay, I know about heartache alright.” “Even before I met your mother I knew what love lost felt like okay.” “It’s not that hard for me to relate to.” He tells.

“Oh, you mean that thing with Ivy Crane.” Kay notes.

“Yes.” Sam said with a nod.

“But, Daddy that was like ages ago.” “This is now and Miguel does love me, I know it.”

“Kay, stop it.” “Move on, sweetheart.” “It’s time, it’s really time.” He said picking up his coffee cup.

Kay looked at him, beginning to sulk she rolled her eyes. Sitting back in her chair, she folded up her arms tightly and began to pout.



Right now, at the Mall Simone stood at her job a hot, trendy store called the “New York Strip” where she works part-time. At the moment, she was overlooking the recent dresses that had just come in recent sale shipments.

“Simone, check out this one.” Adam said holding up a slinky, sleeveless, tapered black dress.

Simone looked up, and shook her head no. “Adam, this is a formal dance remember?” “Not some trashy night club, I don’t want to walk in there looking like Paris Hilton.”

“Sorry, Monie I just thought it was hot.”

“Well, my Mother wouldn’t.” “She would never let me out of the house in that thing.” She told him appearing in some blue jeans, paired with a chocolate colored scoop neck shirt and waist length crochet white sweater with a sparkly flower pin for embellishment.

“Speaking, of your Mom.” “Where is she?” Adam asked.

“On her way, she had some last minute errands to run.” Simone told him.

Just then, in the background Madonna’s eighties hit “Holiday, Celebrate” song goes off and a classic Motown’s Supremes hit song comes on.

“Ah, Simone its our song.” “Can’t hurry love.” Adam expressed.

Simone looks up from the rack, laughing at him dancing around the store moving in her direction.

“Come on.” “Come, dance with me.” He begged.

“No.” Simone said playfully.

“Come on.” He said moving closer to her intimidating Diana Ross. “Were one, Supreme short but that’s okay.” “I’ll be Diana, Ms. Ross.” He told her.

“Of course, you will.” Simone said shaking her head with a laugh, smiling.

The song played on, and soon Simone joined in on his silliness pretending to be a Supreme. Shyly, she sang and danced along with him, only to turn around and see a newly arrived Eve standing before her.

Oh, Mom?” “Oh, hey.” Simone said embarrassed.

“Hi, sweetheart.” Eve replied.

“Hello, Mrs. Russell.” Adam said with a grin.

“Oh, Mom.” “You remember Adam, don’t you?” “From my birthday party?”

“Yes, I do.” “Nice, you see you again Adam.” Eve said with a nod.

“We were just being the Supremes.” Simone expressed shyly.

“Yeah, this one’s got a sweet voice too.” Adam said playfully hitting Simone’s shoulder.

Simone blushed, “Come on, Mom.” “Let’s go.” “Adam, we’ll see you later okay.”

“Alright.” He replies getting back to work.

“He’s a very colorful character, isn’t he?” Eve asked as they left, arm in arm.

“Yes, he is.” Simone said with a nod and big smile.

Eve and Simone then head out further through the Mall in search of the perfect dress and matching shoes for the upcoming Homecoming 1920s dance. After hours of searching from shop to shop, and from boutique to boutique they stumble onto the perfect dress or as Simone calls it her fancy dress, at first glance her eyes lit up in the most excited way. Eve had to laugh, seeing her face it reminded her of Simone as a baby and that huge sweet inner spirit she always possessed watching her grab up the cocktailed styled fancy dress, with the soft, shiny satin exterior.

Simone tried it on she looked beautiful in it, Eve took one glance at her in it and said yes that’s the one. Examining the dress, Eve noticed that it would need to be hemmed a bit in the front. But that was a minor imperfection, later they found the perfect shoes and cute flowery-laced ribbons accessories to place in Simone’s hair for the big night. Eve told her she would let her borrow one of her satin shawls too. Soon, the two arrived at the food court, getting a couple of cold drinks they sat down Eve wanted to have a talk with her daughter.

She glanced at her quietly for a bit admiring her youthfulness.

She then speaks up, “Simone, sweetheart I want to discuss something with you.” She said.

“Oh.”

“Yes, something very important.” Eve told her.

“Alright.” Simone said feeling a bit tense as she put down the smoothie she was drinking.

“Simone, honey you know that I don’t like lying to your father.” Eve starts out.

“I know.” Simone replies nodding.

“But, however under the circumstances from the other day.” “If I hadn’t and TC would have found that young man in your room.” “Well, I shudder to think what might have happened.” Eve admits.

“Me too, Mom.”

“So, look I want you to be honest with me okay.” Eve says.

“Sure, Mom about what?” Simone asks.

“That young man, Gabriel is it.” “What’s your relationship with him?” “Are you two seeing one another?” Eve questions.

Simone looked at her mother. “What?” she asked embarrassed.

“I’m serious, Simone.” “If there’s something going on or happening between you two, then as your mother I have the right to know.” Eve told her seriously.

“Mom.”

“Yes.”

“Look, it’s not like that.” Simone tried to explain.

“What isn’t, Simone?” “Are you seeing this boy or not?” “Because if you are than we need to discussion his intentions and whether or not they’re good.” Eve replied in protective mother mode.

“Look, Mom there’s no need to worry here okay.” “Gabe and I are just friends, that’s it.” Simone tells her. “And, as for the other day and why he was in my room.” “I told you before, we were just studying that’s all.”

“Really?” Eve asked questionably.

“Yes, really.” “Gabe’s just my history partner, he’s my friend.” “Nothing else.”

“Okay, Simone.” “I trust you and I’m sorry for overacting about things before.” “Yet, I just did not like finding you and him in that kind of situation.”

“Situation, Mom?”

“Yes, you’re being in bed together.” Eve said with a nod.

“Oh, I’m sorry.” Simone said quietly.

“Simone.” Eve said with a sigh. “Listen, honey as a mother I worry.” “I worry about you and Whitney all the time especially now with you being at the dorms.”

“You don’t have to, Mom.” “I’m okay.” Simone assured her.

Eve sighed and sat back in her chair. “ Simone, listen I know that you’re excited about finally being on your own and having all this new inhibited freedom.” she says.

“Yeah.” Simone said with a happy nod.

“But, Simone you have to use sound judgment.” “I cannot express that enough.” “And I don’t think it’s appropriate for you to be having a young man in your dorm room after hours.” “Especially, alone.” Eve scolded.

“But, Mom.” “I told you we weren’t doing anything but studying.” “Why, don’t you trust me?” Simone whined.

“Oh, Simone.” “I trust you, of course I do sweetheart.” “I’m just trying to warn you of hidden pitfalls you might encounter.” “I want you to be safe, Simone.” “To use sound judgment, and always to be a good girl.” “Decent and respectful like I raised you to be.” Eve notes.

Simone looked at her mother, quietly.

“Simone, what have I always taught you and Whitney, to be good, be truthful, be honest, and be the right kind of woman.” “Baby, I know it’s hard for you to understand things such as this sometimes because you’re so young.” “But, sweetie if it seems like I’m being hard on you its only because I care about you.” Eve told her.

“I know, Mom.” “But you can trust me, honestly.” “I wouldn’t intentionally put myself in harms way.” Simone told her.

“I know you wouldn’t, sweetheart.”

“Than why all of the questioning then?” Simone asked confused folding up her arms.

Eve paused.

“I mean Mom, sometimes you and Daddy and everyone just treat me like I’m such a baby.” “And I’m not anymore, I’m nineteen.” “Yet you guys think I can’t do anything for myself.” She protested.

“Oh, well…” Eve hesitated. “Simone, you’re age doesn’t matter to me.” “See, because you are my baby, you are.” ”And you will always be.”

“Well, I’m not five anymore Mom.” “Really.” “I’m an adult, with my own mind okay.” Simone whined.

Eve paused in thought, looking at her.

There was a moment of silence between them while Simone sipped on her smoothie as Eve wondered another way to get through to her.

Oh, Mom look!” Simone said directing Eve’s attention to a little boy about three in an half years old.

He was with his mother, carrying a big Spiderman logo book bag on his back almost three times bigger than he was and a big plastic green frog in his hands.

“Isn’t he cute?” Simone remarks, smiling.

“Yes, he is.” Eve said with a smile, thinking to herself.

“Come on along, Jeffery.” The little boy’s mother said holding his hand.

While Eve sat thinking about her own baby boy, she’d lost. She’d missed him. He represented so much in her heart. Unfulfilled chances, she thought. But, with her girls she was going to make up for that. She turned towards Simone again.

“Simone.” “Honey, listen I want you to understand that you, Whitney and your father are my life.” “My whole life.” Eve said reaching out her hand.

“I know.” Simone mutters in a soft tone.

“Sweetie, I’m just trying to watch out for you that’s all.” “That’s my job as your mother, to always look out for you.” She said with a sweet kind smile.

Simone nodded quietly.

“I don’t want you to get mixed up with the wrong people Simone, because if you did…I’m afraid of what the outcome may be.” “Do you understand?” Eve asks softly.

“Yes, I do.” “But, Mommy don’t worry.” “Hey, I’m a big girl now.” “I can take care of myself, really I can.” “I’m much more stronger than everyone gives me credit for.” Simone said.

“Well, I hope so.” Eve replied.

“And, Mom look there’s no need to worry about Gabe either.” Simone assured her.

“Really?” Eve asked with an arched eyebrow.

“Yes.” “He’s just a good, new friend of mine.” “He’s sweet and he’s not going to hurt me as much as say I don’t know, Drew would.” Simone says with a shrug.

“Hmm.” “Well, I sure hope not because you are way too precious to me.” Eve says reaching over to cup Simone’s face in the palm of her hand.

“Well, moving on to happier things.” “I’m really happy about finding a dress.” Simone said with a huge grin.

“Yes, I am too.” “You’re going to look beautiful, baby.” Eve expressed.

“Thanks, I hope Drew thinks so.” “Hey, Mom did I tell you?” “Singer, Vivian Green’s going to be performing at the dance.”

“Really.”

“Uh, huh.” Simone replied as she sipped her smoothie. “It’s going to be a great night, I can’t wait.”


Later on that same very day, we see Gabriel Carrington appearing in his grandfather Edward’s study at the old Carrington estate looking into the huge gold leaf book he had seen before.

He was very right on his assumptions this one book held tons of information on his family’s history, some of it went all the way back to the early 17th century when most Carrington men progressed deep into society life. There were tons of high profile figures, along the family line from governors and senators to top world travelers for the White House.

Heavily engrossed in his recent history lesson Gabe hadn’t noticed it when Edward entered the room.

“Ahem.” He cleared his throat.

Gabe looks up a bit startled. “Oh, hi Grandfather.”

“Hello, Gabriel.” “And what pleasure do I owe this visit, I didn’t call for you.” Edward said sternly.

“Oh, well I know.” “I just decided to drop by.” “Sorry I didn’t call.” “Thomas let me in.” Gabe told him a bit taken back at his grandfather’s tone.

“Oh, I see.” “So, what are you up to?” Edward asked fixing himself a drink.

“Just a little research really.”

“Research?” Edward repeats.

“Yeah, for school and my own curiosity.” Gabe tells him with a book in his lap.

“Hmm, well then go on read away, my boy.” “I won’t disturb you.” Edward said.

“Thanks.” “I’m just amazed at everything in this book.” Gabe tells. “All of the great things people have achieved and accomplished.” “Wow, it’s all amazing!” He said flipping through pages.

“Really?”

“Oh, yeah I mean take your own father for example.” “It says here, that his name was Grant.” Gabe said reading.

“Yes.” Edward nodded.

“Well, he was the town’s first lawmen, right.”

“True, true he was.”

“And just you too, you’re like a legacy Grandfather.” “Man, now that’s something to try and live up to you’ve set some pretty high standards here.” Gabe said still engrossed in the reading of the book.

“Gabriel, you pride me too much.” Edward gushed.

“Well its true, Grandfather.” “I’m just being honest, I mean you’re a Judge that’s big.” “You make these huge ruling everyday that affect and change lives heavily.” “That’s commendable.” Gabe notes.

“Hmm, well I guess it’s a respectable profession.” Edward says.

“You, guess?” “Come on, Grandfather, its more than that.” Gabe said. “You and your father and his father before him and even Dad have lived real lives.” “That’s just amazing to me.”

“Oh, Gabriel my boy you really can’t include your father in on our accomplishments.” Edward said.

“What, why not?” Gabe asked quietly.

“Why not, because your father wasted his potential, Gabriel.” Edward says.

“What?” “Grandfather, what are you talking about?”

Edward turned and cleared his throat. ”Let me put it to you, plainly.” “My boy, in life you are going to have two choices.” “Two different paths to lead and follow.” “The first path to follow is a path that is successful and thriving.” “And the second path, if you chose to follow it is a path that leads to nowhere.” “It’s unthriving, unsuccessful and mediocre!”

“What’s all that suppose to mean?” Gabe asked.

“My, my you are young, aren’t you?” Edward asked himself. “Gabe, look around, take in your surroundings for a moment.” “And tell me, what do you see?”

Gabe glances around. “Just stuff.”

“Not just stuff, my boy a lifestyle.” “A lifestyle of wealth, power and success that’s what you see.” “Listen, I raised your father surrounded by all of this, I spoiled him.” “Everything was all his for the taking and do you know what path he chose in the end?” “Which direction his life went in?” Edward asked.

“I guess, the road less taken.” Gabe answers with a shrug.

“Exactly.” “Exactly, the road less taken and in doing so he has wasted all of his potential.” ”All of his talent and all of his ability!” “All that was given to him to become mediocre.” Edward tells bitterly.

Gabe pondered his Grandfather’s words “Had his father really wasted his potential?” He wondered, quietly he shook off his thoughts.

“You know, Grandfather I don’t know a lot about why you and Dad aren’t that close.” “But, even still I don’t think he’s wasted his potential, his life or anything.” Gabriel shares.

“Hmm.” “Well, then I guess were looking at things from two different sides of the same spectrum.”

“I guess so.” Gabe said quietly.

There was an awkward pause in the room for a while, while Gabe’s thoughts wondered and Edward fixed himself another rather large, drink of scotch.

“Well, anyhow Grandfather I wanted to ask you more about our family’s roots.”

“Well, then ask away.” Edward told him drinking his scotch.

“Okay, well about this…” Gabe started.



While, in the back of a darken coffee shop café sits a devious Liz Sandboure. She had just closed up the café for the night and said a quick goodbye to her business partner Beth Wallace. Leaving out the door, Beth wondered quietly to herself why was Liz staying around so late.

Unknown to an unsuspecting Beth, Liz was on a mission tonight. A mission to destroy the lives of those she felt had wronged her and ruined her long awaited happiness.

It was officially payback time, Liz’s mind muttered. In the dead of silence surrounded by empty tables and chairs Liz sat transfixed on the computer screen before her hooking onto the world wide web, she then began pulling out the spare napkins from earlier that morning. She remembered her scribbling from before when she encountered the young, Simone Russell.

Liz glanced down at the information written on the crumbled napkins, filled with Dr. Eve Russell’s personal information, her birth date, place of birth and maiden name. Tapping her fingers on the table, Liz Sandboure pondered the website Simone was on earlier that morning. “What was it, what was it?” She asked herself silently.

Suddenly she remembered something about a missing relatives site, it intrigued Liz greatly.

She was bound on finding more dirt to taunt Eve with, possibly even making the beautiful doctor come face to face with her seedy mistake of a past. Soon vengeance would be all Liz’s for the taking she felt as well as the handsome, TC Russell and his and Eve’s darling girls, she thought. So, tonight Liz sat doing her own investigation hoping it would soon lead her on her way towards ultimate payback to just one of her many enemies…


Chapter Twenty ~ Lingering questions


Chapter 21
Chapter 19
Site Index