Simone's New Start ~Chapter 16 ~Second Dates & Chances~
by Mademoiselle Butterfly


Chapter Sixteen

Within our grand focus is a moving sight. There are images scattering all around in every direction. The images soon become clearer, the once scattered objects are people and the place at hand is the Harmony local Mall. Now, we begin to hear a voice in the distance the first was that of Simone Russell’s, “Man, that was a really bad movie.” She says walking out of a movie theater.

“I know, the plot was horrible and the acting.” “You would think that the director could have found someone who could actually act and cry at the same time.” Drew replied walking beside her throwing away an empty tub of popcorn.

“You’re telling me.” Simone mutters.

“I know.” “But, I guess there’s one bright side to seeing a very bad movie though.” Drew said turning towards her.

“Really, what’s that?” Simone asks as they walk towards the food court.

“Well, I got to see it with you of course.” Drew said with a kind smile.

“Oh, thanks.” Simone said as she began to blush.

She almost couldn’t halfway believe that she was there on an actual second date with Drew. Her mother’s and father’s previous blind date, but there she was out with him again. Earlier in the week he had called her up asking if she would enjoy another evening out together one of course that her parents’ hadn’t set up, something low key, she had suggested possibly a movie and here we are…

Soon the pair arrived at the Food court and came upon, the Cinnabon stand.

“So, what would you like you do now?” He asks.
Simone stares at the freshly made hot, gooey confections that were being made with extremely hungry eyes.
“Hmm, I don’t know but those cinnamon buns look really good.”
“Oh, you want one?” Drew asked seeing her stare.
“No, you know what I better not, if I eat one it will go straight to my hips.” Simone protested.
“Oh, come on live a little.” Drew replies.
Simone hesitates and begins to frown trying to decide whether or not to indulge in her sudden hunger.
“Hey, how about this, we’ll share one okay.” Drew said pulling out his wallet.
“Okay.” Simone responds shyly.

He then orders up one with extra sweet icing and gets two forks and a soda for them to share. Simone smiled seeing him order her sugary treat, the two then walk over to a little table on the side and get settled.

“So, what do you think of our second date thus far?” Drew asks taking a sip from the soda.
“Well, it’s going good.” Simone says with a nod.
“Good.” “You know it’s funny because if I hadn’t seen you the other night at the youth center’s party.” “I don’t think that I would have gotten another date.” Drew announces.
“Well, I wouldn’t say that.” “But I’ll admit it was a shock to me to see you there.” “And dressed in your doctor’s outfit no less.” Simone replied digging into the cinnamon bun.
He smiled at her. “Well, it’s what I aspire to be.”
“Well, you looked nice.” Simone adds.
“Thanks, I’m glad you approved of it.” “And might I add you looked especially beautiful that night.” “And tonight as well.” He compliments.

“Thank you.” Simone said. “So, you volunteer at the youth center a lot?”

“Sometimes, mainly on the weekends though.” “Well, when I’m not studying for the MCATs.” He tells her.
“Hey, this is good.” he says chewing on a piece of roll.
“Okay, well now you seem to good to be true.” Simone says suddenly.
“What?” Drew asked staring at her.
“You, you’re too perfect for words.” “You volunteer and you’re becoming a doctor.” Simone said impressed.
“Gee, thanks I’ve never been called perfect before.” Drew said with a smile.
“Well, all I know is that you could definitely give my sister a run for her money!”

Drew laughs, at her comments. “You’re cute, you know that?” he says reaching out for her hand.

Simone smiled quietly, looking downward towards the table.
“You know, Simone I really like you.” he admits.
“Really.” Simone says looking up at him while he still holds onto her hand.
“Yeah, you just seem really pure and innocent to me, I like that.” “It’s almost like you could be an angel or saint or something you’re so sweet.” Drew told her.
“I’m no saint.” Simone said blushing for the second time that night.
“Well, you are very close to it to me.” He says caressing her hand.
“So, when can we do this again?” he asks staring at her with a deep expression.

“Another date?” she asked naively.
“Yes, I enjoy your company.” Drew says rubbing her palm.
“Well, I don’t know.” Simone said nervously pulling away her hand from his grasp.
Drew stared at her.
“Um, well there’s this dance coming up at the school.” She mentions.
“Really, another costume ball where I can dress up as a Doctor again.” He asks with a smile.
Simone laughed, “No, actually it’s called a 1920’s dance.”
“Oh well, that sounds like fun.”
“Yeah, it is.” “It’s a Homecoming event at school and everyone gets all dressed up.”
“Well, just let me know when to be there and I’ll be there right by your side.” “Tell you what I’ll make it official, I’ll bring you a corsage also.”

“Okay.” Simone says nodding.

The two then got quiet and began looking about people watching and chewing on pieces of the warm, gooey, and rich cinnamon bun. Until Drew notices Simone’s shyness start to loom and begins to start up the conversation again. He looks at her and says, “You’re getting quiet again.”
“I am.”
“Yeah.” “So, what’s on your mind?” He asks. “What, the bad movie.”
Simone laughs, “No, Drew.” “I guess, I just don’t feel like talking that’s all.”
“Oh, okay.” “Well, then I will.” Drew replies wiping off his face with a napkin.
“So, about you calling me perfect before.” He hints.
“Uh, huh.” Simone says sipping from the soda.
“Well, you know even perfect people have their secrets.” He says with a sly smile.
“Secrets?”
“Yeah, something that they keep only to themselves.”
“Okay, so.” Simone says.
“So, like you for instance right now.” he says.
“What?”
“I think that you’re hiding something from me, Simone.” He tells.
“Really, like what?” she asked perplexed.
“Well, your true feelings for one.” He shares.
“About what?” Simone questioned eyeing him.

“I don’t know.” Drew said with a roll of his eyes, glancing around the table. “Just things.” “Like the fact, that you probably like me a lot more than you’re leading on.”

“Drew.” Simone says softly.
“I’m right aren’t I?” He says eyeing her. “I’m growing on you Simone Russell and you’re just too scare to admit it.”
“Drew...” Simone starts up again.
“No, you don’t have to answer me.” “I know the truth, I can see it written on your face.” He continues. “Look, don’t be afraid Simone.” “I’m not here to hurt you, I just want to get to know you that’s all.”
He reaches out for her hand again, “The real you, Simone.” “Not just Dr. Russell’s daughter but the real woman that you are.” “That’s who I want to get to know.” He says rubbing her palm.
Simone took a deep breath. “Drew it’s just that...”
“What?” he asks. “Look, I know you have some reservations about getting involved with me.” “I mean, you’re folks setting us up must have thrown you for a loop.” He says.
“Yes, it did.” Simone admits.
“But, I’m just telling you that I’m not a bad guy Simone.” “So, you can trust me.” “Let down that guard surrounding your heart.” He said smoothly.

Simone sat taking in what he was saying. She just stared at him listening intently to his every word. She was stunned to see a guy so real and truthful about his feelings. She felt like he was actually being honest towards her, she definitely hadn’t had this experience before. He stared at her admirably trying to see into her soul.

“Simone.” he said softly.

“Yes.”

“You know that I really don’t mean to come off too strongly.” “But being around you, ever since that first night we met I find that I can’t help myself.” He expressed. “After our first meeting, I just I don’t know…” “I feel this connection to you, like you’re inner spirit and beauty combined seem utterly irresistible.” He shares quietly.

He pauses taking a deep breath and continues, “You know, I get this feeling of resistance from you sometimes.” “And I know that you’re going through things, like your issues with your ex.” “But you need to know that I’m not going to hurt you.” “I just like you, a lot.” “And if you would just let loose a little bit I’ve got a feeling that we could grow into something, something mature and real.” “Isn’t that what you want?” He questions.

“I guess so.” Simone replied quietly.

“Well I do, so just be honest with me.” “And Simone, don’t...” “Don’t fight your attraction towards me.” “Because, I won’t.” “So, before this dance at your school how about you and me having another couple dates.” “You know just to see if we both can move on with our lives together?”

“Alright.” She replies growing silent taking in the words that he spoke.

He stared at her, with a puppy dog expression. “Great.” “Now tell me if I’m starting to freak you out here okay?” “Really, I want to know how you feel.” He said.

“Okay, well Drew.” Simone starts to say flickering a strand of loose hair over her ear.

“I’m really surprised by this.” She said in a quiet tone. “You’re being so honest with me from the start.” “I admire that, really I do.” “That kind of brutal honestly I didn’t have that in my last relationship.” “So, I need that right now.” “Thank you.” She expressed in a soft tone.

“Uh, huh.” He replied.

“And I’ll admit it that on top of you’re being kind, smart and really funny.” “That the whole thing, you’re truly being so real and truthful and completely honest with me is very attractive.” “I like it, I like you.” She told him with a bashful smile.

Drew chuckled at her shyness.

“And despite the fact, that you’re working for my Mom and you’re a bit older than me.” “You seem to like me, just me.” “So, I think that the next couple of dates should be really a lot of fun.” Simone says sweetly smiling up at him.
Drew smiled back and reaches out for her hand, flashing her his signature bright hazel eyes and a dazzling smile.

The pair sat in silence now, wondering what is to be, as Simone blushed for the third time that night...

~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~
We now turn our attention to Kay Bennett as she appeared in her dorm room watching recent episodes of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. She sat deeply engrossed in the program as Carson worked his magic on some poorly dressed, uncleaned slob with the rest of the fab five. She sat painting her toenails in a sassy red color, wondering to herself if she should give her sister, Jessica the number to the Fab five’s show and enter her goofy and dorky boyfriend, Reese as a candidate. Soon, she heard Simone’s footsteps coming towards the door.

“Hi,” she says entering with a huge smile. “Hey, why does it smell like paint thinner in here?” Simone asks sniffing around.

Kay then reaches over and puts the show on mute and turns around towards her friend. “Well, it could be because I’m painting my nails.” she replies fanning her toes.
“Okay.” Simone says with a shrug. “So, what’s going on with you?” She asked taking off her coat.
“Nothing, I’m just trying to think that’s all.” Kay said putting on another coat of nail polish.
“Oh, don’t tell me another plot to get Miguel away from Charity again.” Simone stated in an annoyed tone.
“No, Simone instead I’m going after Reese this time.” Kay says sarcastically. “Duh, of course Miguel he’s the reason why I get up in the morning.” “Now, quiet I’m trying to relax.”

Simone grabs a bottle of water from the mini-fridge and then takes a seat nearby.

“By painting your nails?” she asks questionably.
“Yes, it just happens that it relaxes me okay.” Kay answered.
“Man, I knew that living with you would be a trip.” Simone says with a laugh.
“Funny, so how was your date?” Kay asks. “You’re home early, is that a good sign.”
“I called it an early night.” Simone admitted.
“Well, how was it?” Kay asked blowing air to her sparkly colorful toes.
“It was nice.” Simone replied nodding.
“Nice.” Kay repeated.

“Yes, Kay you know that thing that you’re never to Charity.” “Nice.”

Kay rolled her eyes, “Look what are you Bambi?” “I want all the juicy details, Simone.” “Like where did you go?” “What, did you do?” “That kind of thing.”
“Okay, okay.” “Well we went to the movies to see that new George Clooney flick.”
“Who picked out the movie?” Kay questioned.
“I did.” Simone said proudly.
“Good, good he gave you the advantage.” Kay said nodding her head.
“Well, afterwards we shared a cinnamon bun and just talked.”
“Really.” Kay said with a smile. “About what?”
“This and that, you know just stuff.” “He’s really sweet, Kay.” “He’s actually taking me to the 1920’s dance too.” Simone shares.
“Really, huh.” “So, you’ve got a date for Homecoming.”
“Yup.” Simone replies.

“So, did you get any lip action tonight?” Kay asked with her eyebrows raised.

Simone got quiet, “Kay...” she said in a shy tone.
“What, I’m just asking.” “So, was there any?” She questions again.
“A girl never kisses and tells.” Simone said taking a sip of her water.
“Oh come on, Simone I’m your best friend.”
“Nope, not telling.” Simone said playfully.
“But, my toes are almost dry.” “I need more details.” Kay begged.
“I’m not saying a word.” Simone replied coy.
“Come on, Simone if I were out with Miguel tonight I would tell you if something happened.”
“Yeah, like that would happen.” Simone said getting up.
“Oh, harsh Simone.” Kay said surprised at her friend’s comment.

“I learned from the best, you.” Simone said smiling as she went to take off her make-up.

***********~~~~~~~*************
At the moment, we glanced over to the Russell house as Eve stirred the contents of a recently hot cup of peach flavored tea. She took a sip and felt the hot liquid move through her body warming her up. It was a cold night tonight; she wondered how everything was with her youngest daughter. She thought that if Simone had gone out tonight, if she remembered to carry a heavy coat with her. It had been a while since she and Simone had talked, especially ever since the last confrontation Eve tried to intervene between her daughters. Just the last image of seeing her daughter’s eyes filled with such inner sadness hurt Eve down to the very soul of her heart.

Soon, Eve took her cup of tea into the living room with her and sat by the fireplace. TC was long asleep by now and usually around this time of night when she got off from a rough late shift at the hospital she wouldn’t be able to sleep. So, during these times she was left to herself in silence thinking about this and that. Eve nestled in a chair and began to stare at the roaring fire in front of her. Just then, as her mind was beginning to slip away she heard a noise.

It startled her, “TC, honey?” “Is that you?” she asked looking within the shadows.

“No, it’s me Mom.” A small voice said coming into view.
“Oh Whitney, sweetheart.” Eve said seeing her appear. “Honey, what are you doing up?” she asked.
Whitney shrugged, “I couldn’t sleep.”
“Oh, well come and sit down with me.” “So, what’s keeping you up tonight?” Eve asked.
“I don’t know, maybe this next big tournament that’s coming up.” “I know that Daddy wants me to do well.” Whitney said taking a seat beside her mother.
“Oh, honey you’ll do fine.” “And don’t worry, just do your best your father doesn’t expect you to win every match that you have.” Eve assured her, stroking her hair.
“Well, I don’t know about that Mom.” “I mean, Daddy’s breed me to be a winner, you know.” “And I do want to make him happy.” Whitney said softly.
“I know.” “But your happiness is important as well sweetheart.” Eve told her.
“Yeah.” “Well, my serve is getting better and my speed on the court but I guess its just nerves.” “I’ll get over it.” Whitney said flipping her hair over her ear.
“So, you just want me to be happy Mom?” she asked quietly.

“Of course, honey that’s all I want for both my girls is to be truly happy.” Eve says.

Whitney listened to her mother’s words about both her daughters being happy, she wondered if Simone’s separation from her made her truly happy. Whitney started to daze off pondering if she really was as horrible as Simone said. It made her ears still ring hearing the pain in Simone’s voice when she confronted her, it broke Whitney’s heart. She knew that her sister was hurt but still didn’t realize how deep their circle of trust and mutual respect had been broken. She wondered if her loving Chad had completely destroyed her relationship with her sister forever and if they both could be truly happy without the other.

“Hey Mom, have you talked to Simone lately?” Whitney asked looking down.
“No, honey I haven’t.” “I guess your sister’s probably mad at me as well now.” Eve said staring into her cup.
“Well, I just hope that soon she’ll come to her senses.” Whitney said.
Eve sipped on her tea, “Me too, sweetie.”
“I just wish there was someway to get through to Simone, you know.” “And let her know how much we care about her and miss her.” Whitney says softly.

“Well, Whitney you know how strong minded your sister is.” “She is truly a Russell in that aspect.” Eve replied looking into the fire.

“Yeah, but I’m getting tired of all this tension between us.” Whitney admits.
“I know, baby.” “Look, just don’t give up on her okay, promise me that.” Eve says touching her shoulder.
“I won’t, Mom.” “I promise.” Whitney replied.
“Good, because family is everything and Simone’s bitterness won’t last forever.”
“Well, it sure doesn’t feel that way.” Whitney mutters to herself.
“It’s just you know how your sister is, Whitney.” “She feels everything first, she’s very sensitive about everything.” “And honey, your being with Chad has just made her feel very rejected by you.” “That must be extremely hard on her, Whitney.” “She’s always looked up to you.” Eve explains.
“I know Mom, but I didn’t mean to hurt her.”
“Oh, sweetheart, I know.” “Yet sometimes we never know how one bad judgment is going to affect our lives.” “Whitney, she’s just hurt much more than we imagined I guess.” “Give her time to sort through all that’s she’s feeling.” Eve requested.
“I will.”

Silence fills the room and both on their minds wonder off. Whitney stared into the bright flames of the warm fire, pondering thoughts through her head. Soon, she speaks up, turning to Eve. “Hey Mom, I just had a thought.” “At the school, um Homecoming is coming up, in the next couple of weeks.” She said suddenly.
“Okay.” Eve said sipping her tea.
“Well, Mom it’s the first game of the season you know and Parent’s visiting day falls on the same day.” “Afterwards, there’s this brunch where all the families get together and then the big game.” “So…” Whitney explained.
“Yes, Whitney.”
“So, I was just thinking that you and Daddy could go well stop by and see Simone at the dorms.” “And then possibly we could all have brunch together, like a family.” She said playing with her fingers.
“That’s a good idea sweetheart but...” Eve hesitates.
“But what?” “Mom, we just want to see her right?” Whitney asked looking at her mother.
“Yes, honey.” “We, do want to see your sister but I don’t want to upset or scare her away again.” Eve admits.
“I know, Mom I don’t either.” “But I mean, can’t we just try to make some kind of contact with her.” “Please.” Whitney begs in a tiny tone.
“Okay, Whitney I’ll talk to your father and we’ll see how Simone feels and if she’s up for Parent’s day.” “But I cannot guarantee a miracle.” Eve said.
“Great, Mom.” “Thanks, I know this will work out, I can feel it.” “It’s going to happen.” Whitney says reaching out to hug Eve.

As Eve let out a deep sigh, she could only hope that Simone would give them all a second chance to make amends.

*******~~~********~~~*******~~~********
The next evening, Simone goes to work at her part time job in the local Harmony mall. At the moment she’s found folding up a table full of sweaters while chatting with her crazy, sweet and funny co-worker Adam Vega. Just then, in walks Jessica Bennett, Kay’s younger sister with a bright smile, beautiful blue eyes, and her long brown hair cascading down over her shoulders.

She proceeded over to the pair, “Hey, Simone.” she says. “Adam.”

“Hi, Jess.” “What are you doing here?” Simone asked surprised to see her.
“Do you even have to ask?” “This is one of hottest places to pick out clothes now.” Jessica tells her.
“It’s true.” Adam chimes in with a nod, reaching out to hug Jessica.
“Well, actually I have appointment today.” Jessica says.
“Appointment?” Simone repeats.
“Yeah, Adam’s helping me transform my look from high school to new college freshmen coed as he says.” She said happily.
“Oh, really. “ Simone said eyeing him.
“Yep.” Adam said. “Hey Jess hold on, I’ve got some clothes on hold in the back that I wanted you to see.” He tells.
“Okay.” Jessica replied. “You know, he’s even getting me to almost consider asking Reese to get a makeover too and start wearing eye contacts.” She whispered to Simone.
“Oh, really now.” “That’s interesting.”

While they waited for Adam’s return, Jessica and Simone started to chat about their classes, school and so on. Being mutual friends, and living around one another all their lives, the two had always been good friends and closely linked and all. So, while they chatted, looking about at the newest arrived items, from hats, to shades, to flashy dresses, jeans and cute tops. Jessica shared some of her troubles with her recent term papers and Biology class course work. “Well, you’re a freshmen Jess.” “And college classes are way different than the ones in Harmony high.” Simone told her.

“Yeah, you’re right.” “Hey, I like this outfit.” Jessica replied holding up a very cute dress.
Adam soon pokes his head up from the back, walking over with a handful of clothes in his arms.
“Hmm, it’s not your color.” “It’s too bland, you’re going to look like a farm girl in that.” “It’s looks like something you’re sister would wear though.”
“Oh.” Jessica said in a surprised tone.
“Adam, leave Kay alone alright.” Simone commanded.
“Fine, I’m just trying to help her out and give her sister something to aspire to.” Adam replied.
“Yeah, sure you are.” Simone told him.
“Here, Jess.” “I want you to look over these items.” Adam said holding out hanger after hanger of clothes.
Jessica turns seeing all of the items. “Whoa, Adam talk about trying to make me over.”
“Only the best.” He replies.
“Hey, Jess I just had a thought since your having problems in Biology class.” “Why don’t you just get Reese to help you?” “You know that things like that have always come easy to him.” Simone suggests.
“Yes, that is true my snuggle bunny is brilliant.” “I’ll admit that, but when he’s around I really can’t seem study.” “He’s distracting, he’s so adorable.” Jessica replies.
“Well, now you really sound like you need help then.” Simone told her with a smile.
“Speaking of needing help, can you believe Kay at that dance?!” “Putting the moves on Miguel like that in front of everyone, I tell you my sister’s horrible.” “I just knew she was up to something that night, I could feel it.” Jessica says.

“Jess, what are you saying?” “You sound like you could sense Kay plotting or something?” Simone asks her.

“Yes, exactly Simone.” Jessica said. “I could feel it in my bones that she was up to no good.”
Adam starts to laugh, “Simone, what is she talking about?” he asked.
“I..don’t know.” Simone said with a shrug.
“Jess, you’re sounding like you’re saying you can read minds or something.” “What, do you have the sixth sense now too?” Adam asks.
“No, Adam I’m not saying that.” She said shaking her head. “It’s just that I had this feeling, this sense of some kind that Kay was busy being Kay as usual.” Jessica tells.
“Hmm.” Simone mutters with a furred brow.
“And you know what’s really bad is that now Charity’s still barely speaking to Miguel because of all her scheming.” Jessica remarks.
“Well, Kay knows what she wants.” Simone told her.
“Yeah, and I just wish it wasn’t Miguel.” Jessica said. “She needs to give it a rest, Simone.”

“I know.” “Trust me, I know.” Simone says with a heavy sigh.

*~~~~~~*~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~*
Now, we move over to the old Carrington estate, as Edward had just called up his son Lane for a late night chat.
“Hello?” Lane said answering the phone.
“Lane.”
“Father.”
“Listen, the reason I’m calling is that I’ve gotten word that you’ve contacted your siblings recently.” Edward said into the phone receiver.
“Yes.”
“Well, it was a bold move on your part Lane.” “Especially since I do not remember ever once giving to their numbers.” Edward tells.
“Yes, well father it is the Carrington way right?” “Being bold and demanding, fearless if you will.” Lane replied.

“Hmm, you’ve upset them.”
“Who?”
“Leigh and Logan.” “I told you not to bother them didn’t I?” “I warned you not to upset they’re lives, but you wouldn’t listen.” Edward says getting upset.
“Father, I’m their brother.” Lane responds.
“Yes, the brother who left them.” “You abandoned them, Lane.” Edward remarks.
“It was a mistake, but I’m trying to make up for that now.” Lane responds.
“Make up, for it?” “Damn it Lane.” “I told you not to bother them, they didn’t want to hear from you.” Edward says becoming extremely irritated.
“Look, sorry but I had to.”
“Why, to soothe your own bad conscience for leaving in the first place?” Edward questions.
“No, because I wanted to hear from them.” “I wanted to see how they were doing.” Lane tells. “Is that a crime?” he questioned.
“Well, son let me tell you that you’re welcoming hand wasn’t returned.” “I just spend the last two hours trying to calm Logan down.” “He’s tired of the phone messages you’ve been sending.”

“What, two messages?!” Lane asked.

“Two, too many.” “And Leigh, informed me of your conversation as well.” Edward notes sipping his brandy.
“I was trying to make amends Father, you can’t fault me for that.” Lane said.
“No, but they can.” “Logan especially doesn’t want to hear from you.”
Lane takes a deep sigh. “Don’t I get a choice in this?” he asks.
“A choice?” “Lane you made you choice over nearly twenty years ago.” “You just didn’t realize that your brother and sister would be apart of that compromise.” Edward tells.

“I didn’t think I was hurting them.” “I left for me.” Lane responds upset.

“Well, you have to look at yourself in the mirror over that mistake.”
“Mistake?” “Father, my breaking away from that prison you called the great life of the rich and famous wasn’t a mistake.” “I’m proud of what I’ve achieved, I worked hard to get to where I am today.” “So, keep your snide remarks to yourself!” Lane shouts.
“And you my boy, my son you stay away from them.” “I mean it.” “Stop trying to infiltrate they’re lives or you’ll have to answer to me.” Edward said bitterly.

“But…” Lane starts to say, when her hears the sound of the dial tone.

Click!

After hanging up with Lane, Edward stood up standing over the mantled fireplace, smoking his cigar quietly collecting his thoughts. Soon he hears someone approaching the door to his private study; he turns watching the doorknob opened slowly. Looking up, he sees his grandson, the young Gabriel walk in.

“Okay, Grandfather.” “Here are more fresh ice cubes as requested.” He said with an ice bucket in his hands.

“Oh, thank you Gabriel.” Edward said putting down his cigar.
“No problem.” “So, how was your phone call?” he asks.
“Uneventful.” Edward mutters.
“Oh, sorry.”
“It’s nothing, so tell me about school and your studies.” “How is everything?” Edward asks walking over to his bar set.
“Well, it’s going pretty good.” “The semester seems to be going by fast though.” Gabe said.
“Yes, it will.” Edward told him, refreshing their drinks.
“But other than that, I can handle it.” Gabe said.
“Good, because son this is a very important time in your young life.” “ It’s a time when you can grow, and learn become a man.” “It’s a very important time so take note.” Edward said passing him his drink.
“I will.” Gabe said with a nod.
“Good, and I’ll work on the rest.” Edward said sipping his scotch.
“The rest?” “The rest of what, Grandfather?” Gabe questions eyeing him.
“Of showing you the foundation of your empire Gabriel.” “The ins and outs of becoming a true distinguished Carrington man.” Edward shared.

“Okay.” Gabe said cautiously. “Man, Grandfather I tell you.” “You always keep me wondering.” He admits.

Edward chuckles lighting another cigar. “It’s the only way to be, my boy.” “The only way.”
Gabe smiles, looking around he notices something in the room.
“Oh, hey you’ve got a chess set.”
“Oh, you play?” Edward asks surprised.
“Of course.” Gabe says setting up the chess pieces.
“Well then, let’s have a game.” “I haven’t played against a worthy opponent in years.” Edward said happily sitting down.

Soon the two sit down for a few games, chatting away about Gabriel’s studies and some of Edward’s most famous cases he presided over the years. Yes, it was time to do some male bonding Carrington style with a glass full of rum or brandy in one hand and a Cuban cigar in the other, while trading tons of witty banter back and forth in between trying to capture someone else’s Queen...

*****~****~*****~****~*****~****
It is now a bright early Tuesday morning, as we find Kay and Simone in their dorm room. Simone had just finished making her bed and now sat at the top of it sitted in a yoga stance, doing her morning breathing exercises. Taking in deep breaths trying to stay focused while she waited for Kay to come out of the shower. She was taking much longer than Simone had expected. Just then, the phone begins to ring and Simone’s once closed eyes now peaked open disturbed by the early morning call. She reached for the phone over the many piles of papers and clothes on the floor. Of course, they all were Kay’s who was beginning to become a slob.

“Hello?” Simone answered.
To her surprise it was her mother Eve calling out of the blue. A smile quietly came across Simone’s face hearing her mother’s voice she had missed her.
“Oh, hi Mom.”
“Hello, sweetheart.” Eve cheerfully replied. “How have you been?”
“I’m good.”
“Good, I missed hearing from you honey.” Eve admitted.
“I missed talking to you too.” Simone said softly. “So, what’s up?”
“Nothing, I just wanted to give you a call.” Eve said.
“Oh.”

There was an awkward silence through the receiver.

“Mom how’s Daddy?” Simone asked.
“He’s doing well, Simone.”
“Good.”
“Honey, did I wake you?” Eve asked. “I know it’s early.”
“No, Mom you didn’t.” “I was already up.” “I’ve got a nine-thirty class.”
“Oh, okay good.” “Well, I wanted to talk to you about something sweetheart.” “And only if you’re up to this, there’s no pressure.” Eve expressed.

She then went into the news about the upcoming Homecoming activities and how she and TC would love to join Simone in some of the activities as a family. Simone listened and agreed, that they needed to get together. She actually had missed her family in her time away at the dorms. She missed their closeness, but was afraid of being forced to reconnect with Whitney. That she felt she just wasn’t ready for right now and didn’t want to pressure of being forced together again. But, yet she still agreed to Eve’s meeting on Parents’ day and sitting down to a family brunch before the big game.

Soon, it was time for Simone’s chance to announce her news about Drew and the dance.

“Hey, Mom I’m going to the 1920s dance.” She told her.
“Oh well, honey that’s good to hear.” “Whom are you going with?”
“Drew.” “He’s taking me to the dance, it’s all planned out.” Simone replied.
“Well, this is a surprise.” Eve says happily.
“I know.”
“Baby, I’m very happy to see you decided to take my advice, I think that Drew is a fine young man.” Eve approved.
“Yeah.” “Hey, Mom...” Simone starts.
“Yes, sweetheart.”
“I still need to find a dress.” Simone responds.

“Oh well, of course.” “We’ll start looking right away.” Eve said with a smile.

“Okay, well I have to...” Simone began.
“Wait, Simone I wanted to talk to you about your sister now.” Eve replied.
“Mom please, I really don’t want to talk about her.” “As far as I’m concerned she doesn’t exist in my world.”
“Simone.” Eve scolds.
“Mom, come on...”
“No, listen to me young lady.” “Now look you may not want to talk about your sister anytime soon but sweetheart you cannot ignore this issue forever.” Eve said in a stern tone.
“She’s always an issue.” Simone mumbles under her breath.
“Whitney is your sister and you are hers.” “You will always be family Simone and honey family is everything.” “You know that.” Eve continued to preach on.
“I know, Mom.” “I know.” Simone began to whine.
“Simone, honey look don’t be upset with me for what I did before.” “I just did it out of love, I just...” Eve hesitates.
“You’re sick of us fighting, right.”
“Yes, I am.” “Sweetheart, I love you and Whitney so much.” “Just try to at least talk things out with her alright, for both your sakes?” Eve asked.

“Maybe, Mom.” “Maybe, well I have to go.”

“Simone, listen look I don’t want your anger towards Whitney to eat you up inside sweetheart.” “I’m very worried about you.” “You seem to be holding in things way too much, it’s not healthy.” “So, please try to work things out with your sister, okay.” Eve pleaded.
Simone listened quietly, “Mom, my feelings towards her, won’t eat me up alright.” “I just don’t want to be bothered with her right now.” “That’s all, I just want my space.”
“Alright, Simone.” “Then I won’t push you but please hear what I say.” Eve told her.
“Fine.”

“Oh, Simone.” “Baby, I getting so afraid for you lately.” “I want you to get pass this issue with Whitney.” “I really do.” Eve starts again.

“Alright, Mom you just said that you wouldn’t push me.” Simone notes.
“Okay, you’re right.” “I won’t, I promise.” Eve replies.
“Well, I guess I’ll see you at Parent’s day then.” Simone said.
“Okay, honey.”
“I love you, Mom.” Simone said softly.
“I love you, too Simone.” “Very much.” Eve replied.
“Alright, well bye.”
“Good bye, sweetheart.” Eve said.

Click!

After hanging up with Eve, Simone glanced around at the tiny little space and all of Kay’s mess. She took a deep breath and then glancing over at the clock noticed she didn’t have too much time to waste before her first class.

“Kay!” she yelled jumping off her bed.

“Oh man.” “Kay, I’m going to be late.” “Kay!” Simone continued to yell.
“What?” Kay shouted from behind the door.
“Kay, come on.” “I’ve got a nine thirty class today.” “And you’ve been in there way too long.”
“Simone, chill out.” “We’ve still got plenty of time.” Kay told her turning up the radio in the bathroom, as it played a very loud Avril Lavigne’s song.

“No, you’ve got time Kay.” “I don’t.” “Can you hurry up?”
“Look, just wait I still have to blow dry my hair.” Kay said.
“Hurry up, in there.” Simone replied banging on the bathroom door.
“I’m almost done.” Kay yelled back drying her wet hair.

“Well, good.” “I would like to take a shower sometime this century, you know.” Simone said grabbing her towel and robe tapping her foot repeatly waiting outside the door...

Chapter 17

Chapter 15

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