Saturday, September 27, 2008

Part 32 - Chapter 5 - Secrets Brewing

"Hello," Lawrence waved as he walked into the Townsends' living room where the family was sitting around, talking.

"Hello, Lawrence. It's good to see you," Veronica replied. "Eileen told us the news. Congratulations. We're happy for you both."

"Eileen tells us you're planning to have the wedding right away," Arthur continued. "That's probably the best way to go. Keep it simple and don't drag things out."

Lawrence turned to Eileen, confused. He wanted to ask her what was going on, but a subtle shake of her head made him keep quiet.

"Have a seat, son," Arthur said, oblivious to the silent exchange between the young couple. "Tell me all about what's been going on at the office while I was away."

"This could take awhile," Veronica said to Eileen. "Why don't you help me with dinner and we can talk about the wedding?"


Cassie looked down at the sidewalk in front of her as she walked back to the house. She'd spent the majority of the day walking around town, thinking over what had happened and wondering what that meant for her future with Blaine. She was so angry with Zara for telling Blaine how she really felt about him that she nearly cried. Her sister had no right to tell him that. That he found out now and in that way could ruin any chance she had of ever being with him. After some time to think and feel sorry for herself, she was ready to come back home and Zara a piece of her mind.

"You're back."

Cassie looked up and was surprised to see Blaine standing right in front of her. "You're still here? I thought for sure you'd be long gone by now."


"I wanted to talk to you, but you ran off so fast that you were gone by the time I came outside."

"After hearing what Zara said to you I didn't want to be here . . . God, I'm so embarrassed."

"Don't be. It's alright," he said. "I've been thinking a lot about what Zara was saying to me before you came into the room and maybe she's right. Maybe I have been turning to you too often when I needed someone to talk to. I'm sorry if I've been taking advantage of our friendship. I never meant to lead you on. I didn't realize I was doing anything to make you think of me as more than just a friend."

"You didn't. I've always thought of you that way, from the first second I saw you. From the first time you showed up at my door I felt a strong connection to you. You didn't have to do anything."


"Wow, I don't know what to say," Blaine said. Cassie's admission had left him speechless. "I'm flattered that someone like you would be interested in me, but I don't think I can even think about starting a new relationship right now."

"Does that mean you would have thought about it at least, if you hadn't just broken up with Reese?" Cassandra asked hopefully. "Maybe someday?"

"I couldn't say. I can't even think about it right now. I think you're a great girl though and I don't want you to miss out on anything because you're waiting for me to sort out my feelings."

"I won't be missing out, because I already know that there is no one else for me. I'll wait as long as it takes because I know otherwise I'll just be alone."


"You look a lot like your daddy. Yes you do, baby boy," Vanessa cooed at the baby. "You've got his chin, but you've definitely got your mama's eyes, sweetheart. You're just so precious."

"Hi," Amanda said as she walked into Alma's living room to find Vanessa holding the baby and her sister seated on the couch. Both women looked up when she spoke.

"Hi," Vanessa replied cheerfully. "I'm glad you made it. Do you want to hold your nephew?"

"Sure," Amanda said as she stepped forward to take the baby. "How are you, Alma?"

"Exhausted. I haven't been able to get any sleep."


"I could tell when I came in that the little guy has you overrun," Vanessa said. "But don't you worry. We're here now to help out. Why don't you go get some rest while Amanda and I cook dinner and look after the little one. I'm sure we can manage it, right?"

When Vanessa looked at her, Amanda nodded, before looking down lovingly at the baby in her arms.

"Are you sure?" Alma asked. She wasn't used to other people taking care of her, but she was too tired to protest.

"Of course. We won't take no for an answer. You just gave birth, you need some rest and relaxation, some time to recover. You deserve to pampered at least a little bit. Let us know if you need anything and we'll call you when dinner's ready."

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