Stepping Stones-Interlude Chad/Kay...TC/EVE..Sam/Hank/Jess...Reese
 by WillowsAngel
 

Stepping Stones-Interlude 1

“Eve, what are you thinking?” TC had just begun his tirade for the second time that evening. Eve swallowed back words that she knew she would regret later. She had to remember that she loved this man, remember how much he loved her.

“I just want our family together under one roof TC, Whitney, Simone and us. They can bring Noah and Ethan.” Eve noticed how TC looked away when she mentioned Simone. Simone had not forgiven her father for the harsh words he had spoken to Eve the night the Russell’s world fell apart.

“Whitney won’t speak to you, Simone won’t speak to me. Besides you know Ethan and Noah have their own issues.” TC was trying his hardest to disuade his wife from this idea. The wounds were too fresh, for everyone. He couldn’t stand the ache in Whitney’s eyes.

“TC, honey, Simone will get over it. She’s her father’s daughter.” Eve winced at her mishap, but it was true. Simone had inherited her father’s stubborn nature and slow burning, dangerous temper.

“That’s what I’m afraid of.” Abruptly TC stood. “I’ll be out in the shed.”

Eve felt the tears begin as she lost another piece of her crumbling marriage.
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“Daddy?” Sam looked up from his magazine at his youngest daughter’s query.

He held back the tears that threatened everytime he looked at her. It hadn’t hit, until she was gone, how much Jessica looked like Kay.

“Yes, sweetheart.” Hank’s ears perked up also and he was trying and failing to seem as if he wasn’t eavesdropping.

“Do you um, do you think Kay will ever come back?” Jessica’s words came out in a strangled whisper. Even though she knew that Grace and Charity were outshopping, she still worried. Kay’s name was forbidden in the Bennett household.

Hank met Sam’s startled gaze. How was he supposed to anwser that when he didn’t know the answer himself.

Was he supposed to tell her that he prayed over and over for her safety. Was he supposed to tell her that her searched for Kay through law enforcement agencies every day. That every time he heard about a young brunette jane doe his heart stopped.

Should he tell her that he had to make himself believe that his little girl could take care of herself, just so he wouldn't break down.

“I don’t know baby, I hope so. But I thought that you never wanted to see her again?” Jess looked down ashamed at her words.

“Well, I was, I was really mad daddy, but she’s my sister and I’m worried abouther. I know we fight, but I still love her, really. What if something bad happens to her.” Anything else she might have said was drowned out by her sobs. Sam just lifted her into his arms and held onto her as she cried.

He watched as Hank scowled at his paper. He knew exactly how his brother was feeling. The gut wrenching fear for his daughter, the consuming helplessness of knowing Kay was in over her head, the ever present rage at Grace for making her go.

All three Bennetts heard the car pull up in the driveway, announcing that Grace and Charity were back. Jess immediately straightened up wiping away all traces of her tears. She was upstairs before Grace walked in.

“So did you miss me.” Sam faked a smile at his wife.

“Of course, honey.”
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Reese grimaced as he saw Simone and Noah walk into the book café hand in hand.

Just what he needed, another reminder of Kay and the fool she played him for. Reese seethed with anger at all the times Kay had used him to get to Miguel.

Well Kay Bennett was going to pay. He was going to make her understand the pain she had caused him.

“Hey Reese”

“Hey Simone, Noah”

Reese narrowed his eyes as Jessica walked into the Book Café alone. He gave her a once over and a smile of purely male appreciation slid over his features. He knew exactly how he was going to make Kay pay.