Part 21 - Chapter 1 - Love Gone Wrong

Reese awoke in the morning thinking about the evening before. Parts of it seemed like a bad dream, but the rest of it seemed like a dream come true. Whichever side she chose to focus on, one thing was certain . . . a lot had happened in a very short time.

Hearing a noise in the kitchen, she sat up and looked around. The place on the bed next to her was empty and unmade. She got out of bed, dressed and went into the kitchen to see what Blaine was up to.

Blaine looked up from the stove as Reese emerged from the bedroom. "Good morning. I didn't wake you, did I?"

"No . . . what are you doing?" she asked.

"Making breakfast for us. I hope that's ok."

"Of course," she replied, unsurely. "This is your home now too."

"Then you haven't changed your mind? You're sure you want me to move in with you?"

For a long time Reese had been afraid of letting anyone into her life. She had been independent for so long, because she had to be, that she had learned to value her freedom and her space. But she had to admit that having him there was nice and she hated the idea of him going back to live with Cassie and Serena.

"Yes, I'm sure. I really do want you here."

"I'm glad," he said, crossing the room to take her in his arms. "I don't want to rush things, but I can really see us having a future together."

As they drove home from their honeymoon, Alma stared out the window quietly. She still found it difficult to believe that she was a married woman and that she had a husband. It was all so strange, sharing a life with this man. In a way, it didn't seem real.

She was jarred out of her thoughts by Edward's voice.

"Alma, there's something important that we haven't talked about yet and I think we should."

She turned to him in alarm. "What?"

"We haven't discussed where we're going to live until our house is built."

Alma relaxed a moment, relieved that he wasn't about to reveal some deep, dark secret. "No, we haven't."

"I think the easiest thing would be for one of us to stay where we're currently living and for the other one to move in. Before we decide, I should warn you that my apartment is a bachelor's apartment. I've spent so much time at the office that I never bothered to furnish with more than the bare necessities. I'm not opposed to moving or staying, but I was thinking you might be more comfortable if I moved in with you. That is, if Bernice doesn't mind. It will only be temporary either way."

"Then move in with us." Alma shrugged. She wasn't sure if she'd feel comfortable anywhere, at least until she got used to the idea of being married. "I don't think Bernice will have a problem with it."

Lucy sat on the floor, playing with Stuart. When the phone rang, she gently set him down on his baby blanket and went to answer it.

"Hello?"

"Lucy, finally," Craig's exasperated voice replied. "I called several times last night, but you weren't home. Where were you, babe?"

Lucy looked confused. That wasn't Craig's usual kind of greeting. "I was out with Chloe. Didn't the nanny tell you?"

"Yes . . . but I shouldn't have to hear about my wife's plans from the nanny. You should have told me you were going out last night. Why didn't you mention it to me?"

"It was a last minute decision . . . The last I knew I was a grown woman capable of making my own choices without needing to ask anyone's permission." Instead of trying to defend herself, she wondered where this was coming from. "Is something wrong? Are you alright?"

"I just wanted to talk to you last night, to hear my wife's voice before I went to sleep. I call home and you aren't even here."

"I'm sorry, but I can't be by the phone all the time. I have a life too."

"And it seems like less and less of it includes me . . . Why don't you take some time away and come be with me. I miss you. I want you to be here with me."

"Craig, I can't . . ."

"I know, you have too much going on. You don't have to go through the list with me again. I know it by heart. Don't tell me any of that is so important that you can't drop it and come be with me. You could, but you just don't want to."

Lucy sighed heavily into the phone. "If I were to come there, what would I do with myself while you're busy working? My entire life is here."

"Really? I guess I don't count then. Because my entire life is with you."

"Craig, that's not fair. Being away from you has been hard on me too and right now you aren't making it any easier."

"We don't have to be away from each other at all. It's your decision to be apart."

"That's not what I decided. I just . . . I can't go away right now . . . Is there anything else you have to say to me? Because I don't want to argue with you, I have other things to do."

"You know, never mind. I don't want to interrupt your busy life."

The line went dead and Lucy stood a moment staring at the receiver in her hands, before hanging up. As soon as she turned away, the phone started ringing again. This time she ignored it, collected Stuart and decided to go out for a walk.

Part 21 - Chapter 2 - Love Gone Wrong

Cassandra sat in her room staring out the window. She'd spent most of the night lying awake in bed because Blaine hadn't come home and even now she felt sick over it. She wasn't worried about his safety, she knew he was alright, but she also knew that he was with Reese. Something significant had happened, that much she was certain about, and she was overcome with a overwhelming feeling of loss.

She turned her head as she heard the front door open and barely picked up the sound of Blaine and Reese's cheerful voices downstairs.

Part of her wanted to run downstairs and confront them, but knowing she had no grounds to complain, she went with her other impulse and stayed hidden in her room. She hoped they would come and go without her having to see them at all.

She listened as footsteps came up the stairs. She expected them to go directly into Blaine's room, but instead there was a knock on her bedroom door. Reluctantly she got up to open it and found Blaine standing on the other side with Reese waiting behind him.

"Hey, Cassie. I've got some news."

Her eyes flitted from Blaine to Reese and back, but she said nothing. She knew whatever he was going to say next was going to be bad news for her.

"I just told your mom on the way in, I'm moving out sooner than I expected. Reese asked me to move in with her."

"Oh," Cassandra said stoically.

"Thanks for letting me stay here though. I really appreciate it and I had a lot of fun living here with you and your mom."

"Yeah, it was nice having you here."

Blaine frowned. He hated seeing her so disappointed about the news. "We'll have to keep hanging out though. If you ever feel like having another movie night call me and we'll come over."

When he said "we," Cassie glanced quickly at Reese, who seemed as unhappy about the suggestion as she was.

"I'll do that . . ." Cassie said. She looked at Reese as she spoke, her confidence starting to return. "And if you ever need a place to stay again, you're always welcome here."

"Thanks," he said, offering her a friendly hug.

Cassie sighed. Feeling him next to her, that instant connection she felt for him came across even stronger. As he let go and backed away from her, she knew she couldn't give up on him.

"We're just going to get my stuff," he said.

Cassie watched as he turned to Reese with a gentle, intimate smile, took her hand and walked with her down the hall to his bedroom.

After a brief moment of hesitation, Cassie bolted down the stairs and headed for the kitchen.

Zara hesitated a moment before entering the kitchen. Thomas and Sheila were seated at the kitchen table engaged in what looked like an intense conversation. Of course, with Thomas everything seemed intense. Even now, from a distance, Zara noticed the penetrating stare he focused on Sheila as they spoke and the decisive hand gestures he used to emphasize his point. She could tell without even hearing his words that he was speaking intelligently and passionately about his beliefs as he tried to convince Sheila of his point of view.

Sheila's body language, as she leaned towards Thomas, nodding enthusiastically and batting her eyelashes, said to Zara that she was more interested in the color of Thomas' eyes than the passion in them or the shape of his lips, rather than the words they were trying to convey. Disgusted, Zara no longer worried about interrupting and walked through the room to get a drink out of the fridge.

Sheila didn't even look up as Zara entered, still staring into Thomas' eyes. "I think you're so sweet for caring so much for all the cute little animals."

Zara rolled her eyes and tried to stifle a groan as she turned her back on them and opened her can of juice.

"It's not just the cute ones that matter," Thomas replied. "We have a duty to protect all living organisms in our ecosystem, by any means necessary. I have some pamphlets that might help you understand the importance of what I'm talking about."

He moved so suddenly that Sheila, who had been leaning towards him, was nearly thrown off balance.

"But you explain things so well," she called after him, too late. His quick purposeful strides had already taken him out of the room.

Sheila watched after him with a dreamy sigh before standing up and walking towards Zara.

"Thomas is hot, don't you think?"

Zara tried hard not to grimace. Was that all she thought about? He was certainly attractive, but that wasn't his best quality. More than that, he was intelligent, dedicated, passionate. It was those qualities about him that impressed Zara, not his looks.

Sheila continued talking, not noticing that Zara hadn't answered her question. "I wonder if he likes me."

With an exasperated look, Zara said nothing and walked away.

Part 21 - Chapter 3 - Love Gone Wrong

Bernice looked up from her book as Edward's car pulled into the driveway. She set the book aside and stood up to meet them at the door.

"Hi, Bernice. How are you?"

"Fine," she answered abruptly. "What's going on?"

"We're dropping off Alma's luggage and then we're going to go to my place." He glanced at Alma, before turning back to Bernice. "On the way over, we were talking about where we're going to live and we were wondering if it would be alright with you if I moved in here temporarily until our house is finished."

"No, it's not alright," Bernice replied firmly. "I'm not having a man living in my house."

"But we're married," Alma objected.

"That wasn't our agreement. I agreed to let you rent my upstairs room because you were a single woman. I don't want any men living here or any possible children."

"It won't be for that long. It's only temporary, a few months at the most."

Bernice shook her head. "Pack your things and go. I don't want you staying here another night." Before either of them could object, she retreated to her bedroom and locked the door behind her.

Ed turned to Alma and put his arm around her shoulder. "Let's go upstairs and get your things."

Cassandra pulled open the cabinet drawer and grabbed the vial of potion. She removed the cap and was about to drink it down when suddenly she got a very bad feeling. When the doorbell rang she lowered the bottle and stared at it a moment. This wasn't going to work. It was all wrong.

She walked into the living room to answer the door, not realizing she still had the bottle in her hand until she reached for the doorknob. She turned around, set the vial on the end table and answered the door, intending to get rid of whoever was there, quickly.

"James," she said, her voice still high and tense from the sudden adrenaline rush. "Hi, what are you doing here?"

"I just stopped by to give you this," he said handing her an album as he let himself into the house. "I wanted you to have one of the first copies of my album, since you've always been one of my most supportive fans and a great friend too."

"Oh," she said, her panic finally subsiding and everything seeming normal again. "It's finally out? That's great, James, thanks."

"Once we finally got the legal stuff straightened out, it didn't take long to finish."

"I'm glad. Well, thanks for stopping by to share this with me, James," she said, ushering him towards the door.

"Are you busy? I was hoping I could hang around awhile. We could listen to the album and you could tell me what you think. I'd really like to get your opinion."

"Maybe some other time. I'm not in the mood right now."

"Something wrong?"

Before Cassandra could urge James out, Reese and Blaine came down the steps carrying boxes. Reese nearly stopped in her tracks seeing James, but decided to ignore him and walk on.

"What's going on here?" James asked. "Is somebody moving?"

"I am," Blaine said. "I'm moving out."

"I didn't realize you lived here."

"Cassie was good enough to offer me a place to stay when I needed it, but it was only temporary."

As Blaine and Reese walked out to the car, James watched Cassie stand in the doorway watching them. "You're really into that guy aren't you?" Noticing her look of shock, he added. "Hey, you think you're the only one who's perceptive?"

Cassie backed out the door. "I'm going to see if they need any help."

Part 21 - Chapter 4 - Love Gone Wrong

Lucy walked quickly through the park, pushing Stuart in his stroller in front of her. She wasn't in the mood to take in the scenery around her. She just wanted to get out of the house for awhile, but, unfortunately, getting out didn't help her get away from her thoughts of Craig. It was frustrating enough to be apart from him without him getting on her case about it.

She slowed her step as she recognized Justin standing in front of the hot dog stand. She wondered what the odds were of running into him now, just when she needed someone to talk to.

She was about to walk over to him when she saw him turn to the woman standing next to him with a smile. Realizing they must be together, Lucy turned and walked away before he could see her.

"Can I have everyone's attention?" Thomas called out, putting an abrupt stop to all other conversation in the room. Everyone gathered around him.

"I've just learned some information. A big building proposal to put up a housing edition around Autumn Lake has been submitted to the building commission. If this project goes through, it's going to disturb acres of pristine wildlife.

"The men behind it seem to be very influential in the community, so it looks like this is going to go through without any opposition unless we take up this cause and make it known to the public what is really happening."

"There's no time to hesitate on this one, so we're all going to have to get to work on this right away. We need to do research on the area, find out what native fauna and flora are and if this project will put any endangered species in danger. We really need to find aspects that will appeal to the public, like photographs of the area, signs, fliers, and we'll have to contact the media."

He paused to take a breath. "This is going to take a lot of organization to divide up the work. I'm going to need someone to help me with the organization, who will be working closely with me."

Sheila held her breath and stepped forward hoping to attract his attention as he scanned the room, but he seemed to look past her as his eyes settled on a spot just over her shoulder.

"Zara. Would you help me?"

Vanessa sat down on a park bench next to Justin. She breathed in the autumn scent of fallen leaves before taking a bite of her hot dog. It didn't get much better than this, especially since she had someone to enjoy the day with.

Earlier that day she had taken notice of the beautiful weather and thought it a shame to spend a lovely day like this alone. Then she remembered Justin Jordan and thought maybe she wouldn't have to be alone.

They had met at the country club after her play. As they started talking, they realized they had a lot in common. They both knew some of the same people, she through her family's connections and he through his work. Most importantly, they were both lonely, but Vanessa didn't think there was any reason why they had to be.

Vanessa turned to Justin and smiled. He still seemed wary of the idea of buying hot dogs from an outdoor stand in the park, but he was too polite to say anything negative. He was being a good sport and at least giving her idea of lunch in the park a chance.

"How are things going at the country club, Justin?" Vanessa asked, trying to strike up a conversation. When they had met at Pheasant Run, he had mentioned taking over organizing the events from Mrs. Burgess.

"Everything is going well. It's been quiet since the play closed, but the dining room is reserved this weekend for a presentation dinner. There are plenty of details to prepare."

"Do you like your work there or did you prefer working in an individual household?"

"I've enjoyed both. The country club is more exciting, because there is always something going on that needs organizing. Working in a private household gives a better glimpse into a lifestyle I couldn't afford on my own."

Vanessa smiled. "That's a clever way to do it. Not everyone can be fortunate enough to marry or be born into wealth, or in my case, adopted into it. Even fewer are innovative or lucky enough to earn it on their own . . . I suppose you would know, as well as anyone, that it isn't always as wonderful as it seems."

"Yes, that I have seen . . ." He paused, hoping his next question wasn't too personal. "Do you really consider yourself fortunate?"

"Of course, hun. I grew up in a nice home, with parents who did care for me, even if they haven't found it in their hearts to support everything I've done . . . and maybe in some cases rightly so. But considering all of the other possible paths my life could have taken, I consider myself to be very fortunate."

"I hope you don't take offense, but I'm a little surprised. I've always heard of you as something of a rebel, given your choice of husband and career."

"No, not at all . . . All I've ever done is try to follow my heart . . . unfortunately my heart hasn't always led me in the right direction."

"Sometimes it doesn't . . ." He looked away for a moment and cleared his throat. Realizing how depressing this conversation was becoming, he changed the subject. "After meeting you, I can't imagine how anyone would doubt your motives."

She laughed lightly. "That's sweet of you to say . . . How is it a charming catch like yourself isn't already taken?"

"I seem to have a talent for falling for the wrong women . . . I would like to get married someday and start a family." When she only nodded, he asked. "Do you have any children? Do you think you would be interested in remarrying someday?"

Vanessa hesitated. "I did want to have children, but after my last marriage, I don't think I could ever remarry again." She shook the dark thoughts of the past out of her mind and turned to more brighter things. "I will just have to be happy with my stepdaughters and my future nieces and nephews. I can see myself being a fabulous aunt someday."

"You've completely given up on the idea?"

"Yes, completely. Being married isn't everything. I value good friends and family even more."

Part 21 - Chapter 5 - Love Gone Wrong

Cassandra followed Blaine and Reese outside on the pretense of helping, but her offer seemed pointless considering they had already loaded his boxes onto the truck. Still she lingered outside waiting for them to start back towards the house before going back inside herself. She just wasn't in the mood to discuss her feelings for Blaine at the moment, especially with James.

Cassandra walked into the house with Blaine and Reese just in time to see James lift the bottle of potion to his mouth.

"James, don't!" she shouted out, but he already had the bottle to his lips and drank. She gasped in horror before darting back out of the house. This wasn't good.

Zara followed Thomas back to his office where they could talk in private about their plans for stopping the proposed building project.

"Thanks for agreeing to help me out with this, Zara. It means a lot to me that you're so dedicated to the cause."

"You're welcome," she replied, already overwhelmed that he would think to single her out. "I'm glad to do whatever I can. I'm just not sure why you chose me out of everyone"

"You aren't?" he replied, giving her a curious look. "I thought it would be obvious. I've seen the work you've done. You're smart, efficient, dedicated. You really should start taking on more leadership roles in the organization."

"I'm honored that you think so," she replied, then quickly changed the subject before she started blushing or acting like one of those ditzy, eyelash batting girls that she found so annoying. "So how can I help?"

"I'm sure everyone else can handle the site research and getting the word out. We need to work on a back up plan in case the usual methods don't get the job done."

"What sort of back up plan?" Zara asked, as Thomas picked up a file folder from his desk.

"We're going to look for some dirt on the big shots behind this project. If our campaign doesn't work, then the right piece of information might be just the leverage we need to make them back off."

"Isn't that . . . dishonest?"

Thomas shrugged. "Maybe, but sometimes the end justifies the means." He turned away from Zara and looked at the file folder. "Besides, these guys are corporate, I'm sure they're used to playing dirty. One works at a big hospital, the other is a big shot president of some company. I'm sure this housing they're planning is exclusive, only for their rich friends . . . But if you aren't up to this job, Zara, I can find someone else to do it."

Zara sighed. "Who are they?"

Thomas consulted his notes, "Edward Wilton and Lawrence Arrendale."

Cassie closed her eyes tightly and kept her back to the front door as she heard it open. She hoped it wasn't James coming outside. She couldn't fall in love with James.

"Are you ok?"

She breathed a sigh of relief to hear Blaine's voice. She ventured to open her eyes, but didn't turn around. "Yeah, I'm fine."

"Then what's wrong? Why did you freak out?"

"He wasn't supposed to drink that?"

"Why not? What's wrong with it?" he asked with concern.

Cassie hesitated, trying to think of a reasonable lie. "Nothing's wrong with it. It - it's just been a stressful day."

"I'm sorry. I guess springing this move on you suddenly hasn't helped."

She sighed and looked away, not wanting to admit that it had everything to do with him.

"But you know, once I'm out of here, I'm sure having one less person in the house will make things easier."

"No, not at all," she protested. "I've really liked having you here. It's been kind of difficult adjusting to Dad and Vanessa leaving and then my mom coming back home. Having you around kind of helped."

"I'm glad I could help. We can still hang out sometimes if you need someone to talk to, but things have just started getting serious between me and Reese and I'm really excited about seeing where this goes."

Cassie suddenly looked up. "Where is Reese?"

"Inside."

"With James?"

Blaine shrugged. "Yeah, I guess so . . . are you sure nothing's wrong?"

"I'm sure," she said, considering this turn of events. "I think everything's going to be fine."

Part 21 - Chapter 6 - Love Gone Wrong

When she and Blaine went back inside, Cassandra was surprised to see that everything seemed normal. Reese seemed a little bit nervous, but clearly relieved to see Blaine, while James just looked confused. She wasn't sure what she expected to see, but this wasn't it. They hadn't fallen into each other's arms and there didn't seem to be even a remotely longing looks between them.

She saw James take the potion. How was it that nothing had happened?

She was still trying to figure it out as Reese and Blaine left with the last of his belongings and James said goodbye a few minutes later, finally taking the hint that she wasn't in the mood for company. Left alone in the living room, she could only wonder, "What now?"

"You've been kind of quiet," Blaine said as he and Reese walked up the steps to her front door.

Reese set down the suitcase she was carrying and focused on unlocking the front door. "I don't have a lot to say."

"That reminds me, we'll have to get a key made, so I can let myself in.

"I'm sorry. I didn't even think about that."

"It's ok. We don't have to worry about it tonight. This is going to take a little bit of adjustment, but I'm sure we'll get everything sorted out." When Reese nodded wearily, Blaine said. "Why don't you take a break? I can get the rest of it myself."

"Are you sure? I'm not too tired to help."

"Yeah, I'm sure. If you want to help, you can start thinking about where we're going to put all of my stuff, but I personally wouldn't mind leaving that for tomorrow."

As Blaine went out, Reese sat down on the couch. She was trying to cope as well as she could, but the news about her parents and huge leap her relationship with Blaine had taken was leaving her feeling unsettled and the feeling had only gotten worse since they left Cassie's.

Was it always going to be like this or would everything start to seem like normal again? She wondered how many other things, bigger things than having an extra key made, she hadn't considered. She hoped this huge step wasn't a huge mistake.

By the time Lucy returned home in the evening, she was feeling guilty about not answering the phone. She had no doubt that it was Craig calling back to apologize for hanging up on her. Even though he was miles away and he had been the one to hang up first, she felt like she had been the one to storm out on him in the middle of an argument.

After making sure the baby was taken care of, she picked up the phone to call Craig back and apologize. There had to be someway to work things out.

When a woman's voice answered, she was almost too startled to speak. "Oh, I'm sorry. I must have misdialed. Is Craig there?"

"Yes, he is. Just a minute, I'll get him."

Lucy didn't wait. She hung up immediately and backed away from the phone.