Chapter Four-Hundred-Fifteen
“Daddy come play in the sand with me, pleeeease?” Spencer pleaded after a long while of trying to find ways to entertain himself. He happened to glance over at his mother and father and saw him standing suddenly, fearing maybe harsh words were spoken and he was about to storm off. He won’t let that happen. It is a rare occasion for him to get his parents together in the same place without anyone around to interrupt them and he’s going to soak it up for all its worth.
“In a little while buddy, I promise. I’m not done talking to your mother yet though, okay?”
“Kay,” Spencer beamed. That is fine by him, he can continue to summon up ways to entertain himself the whole time if it means there will be real communication between his parents. He’s been doing so his whole five years of life, it shouldn’t be hard now. Scott continued to walk around the table until he was on the other side with Kori and he settled himself so he sat in front of her with one leg on either side of the bench. She turned all the way around so she was facing him in return and she brought her legs up close to her chest and hugged them. She rested her chin on her knee and sat there gazing at him in silence.
“He seems so bored…doesn’t he have any friends in this town at all?” Scott asked in a low undertone so that only Kori would hear. He took her hand into his and gently caressed the back of it with his finger. She gazed into his eyes and saw genuine concern for his son in them.
“His first ever real friends were Dakota, Sarah, Ellie, Josh and Chris. Before we were told to stay in Florida until Sean is caught he mostly hung around the diner. Either he played with his toys or sometimes he would insist on helping me out. I always let him, though I was sad for him…sometimes Wi, Chris, or Isabel would take pity on him and bring him here to play, and if not them then I did. His best friends were Wiley and Chris for a long time…”
“Why?” Scott demanded. “I’ve seen plenty of children around here. Why wasn’t he ever out playing with them?”
“Part of that was my fault,” Kori admitted sadly. “I was hiding out from Sean…it made me paranoid about letting him out of my sight…so I may have sheltered him a little bit. But when he did get a chance, he had a really hard time…the kids around here are brats. They were wary of him and didn’t really accept him.”
“That’s ridiculous…my boy is a great kid, why wouldn’t they want to play with him?”
“Because this is a small town…some of the women who have lived here since they were kids like to talk…and they influence their kids too. I was the talk of the town for the first couple of months that I moved here and sometimes people still talk five years later. I was the pregnant teenage runaway…a disgrace. I managed to make a really good circle of friends…but I still ruined it for Spencer,” Kori explained with utmost regret in her eyes, and Scott noticed a tear escape from them. He reached out and wiped it away automatically.
“Don’t do that to yourself, its not your fault” Scott insisted gently and he pushed some of her hair to the side in attempt of keeping it from forming a curtain over her one eye. He tucked it behind her ear as he did so. “You can’t control close minded small town people…they’re always going to talk. Its what they live for, they’ve got nothing else better to do in a small town such as this.”
“I’m just really thankful that having to live in Florida gave him a chance to make some real true friends. He’s a lot happier now.”
“What are you going to do about that when the time comes where you have to bring him back here? You can avoid that all you want, but you know that’s not going to keep him from being miserable. Spencer doesn’t normally throw tantrums…you’ve trained him well but I can see him throwing one over this.”
“We’ll deal with that when the time comes…” Kori insisted while avoiding eye contact with him. “The great thing is, Ashley and I will keep contact this time…I’m not leaving her the way I did before – not this time. She can bring the girls up to visit him on a regular basis.”
“If you think that’s what’s best…” Scott sighed, deciding he won’t argue with her. He is enjoying this moment all too much. It’s been so long since they’ve sat and had a real conversation without arguing. She looked away from him for a long time in attempt to hide her emotions from him. After a long while, she finally looked back at him.
“Are you ever going to tell me what you and Spencer did in that thirty minutes that you were gone earlier?” She asked softly.
“I told you already,” Scott chuckled. “It’s not my fault you won’t believe me. We really did go to the mall Kori.”
“Prove it then,” Kori insisted after a moment, as she gazed up at him with playful narrowed eyes. Scott looked at her for a long moment, and deciding that now is a better time as any, he nodded.
“Okay, fine” He replied, before reaching over at his backpack as he watched her arch eyebrow curiously. Clearly she hadn’t expected him to have proof. He unzipped it, eyed her warily for a few seconds, and then he reached into his backpack and pulled out – much to Kori’s surprise, a teddy bear. Not just any teddy bear, but a teddy bear that he made himself from the Build A Bear Shop. She eyed it for a long moment, and then looked up at Scott in complete surprise.
“I wanted to make up for my stupidity last night…” He told her softly as he held her gaze. “You were genuinely upset with me about not giving you the teddy bear…you don’t know how bad I felt. I was up all night because all I could picture was the hurt in your eyes just before we…well…you know.” The teddy bear is a brown bear and he is dressed in a My Chemical Romance t-shirt, little black Tripp Jeans with chains attached to them, and red converse shoes. As he watched her face waiting for her reaction, he noticed her eyes watering up. She sat there in silence as she felt that familiar wave of emotion that she’s been experiencing ever since they made love the night before. “Scott…I….”
“If you don’t want it I’ll understand…” Scott told her quietly but he couldn’t hide the hurt in his eyes no matter how hard he tries and Kori noticed it.
“No…I do. Scott please give it to me. Please…” She knows she shouldn’t take it. She knows this is betraying Wiley even further, but she also knows that she wants the teddy bear more then anything – this one even more then she thought she wanted the one last night at the fair. Because this one was actually made by him…and that makes it all the more special. And as for Wiley…well she’s already betrayed him…she might as well go all the way and take the teddy bear. Scott held it out to her and she took it from him before instantly hugging it close to her and despite how much he is feeling self-conscious right now, it still feels good to see her hug the teddy bear that he made for her close. She sat and held it to her in a long silence and Scott sat there waiting for her to say something. Anything would be good, so long as it doesn’t remain quiet like this. He is too nervous for silence. He hasn’t experienced butterflies since he was a teenage boy – of course Kori had been the one to give them to him as no one else had that power over him back then and no one else but her does now either. But he thinks he might be feeling something like that again – after so many years later and as an adult too. Is that even possible? Its not a very familiar feeling – it’s new, and he doesn’t know what to make of it.
“I…guess…I’ll go play with Spencer now…” he whispered when he assumed she wasn’t going to say anything and that maybe she wants to sit there alone with her teddy bear and her thoughts. He started to get up then, when she quickly reached out and cupped his face in her one hand before pulling his lips down onto hers and claiming them for her own in such an exhilarating kiss that it took Scott’s breath way. He had paused in mid position of getting up when she had grabbed his face so that he was standing and in the process of lifting his leg over the bench so he could go. He sat back down then with that one leg tucked underneath him and he cradled her face in his own two hands as he gladly kissed her back. Neither of them realizing or caring that there is a five year old not too far away from them watching with wide and excited eyes. When she pulled back a long moment later, she slid her arms around his neck, pulled him closer, and he leaned forward and rested his forehead against hers as he brought his arms down and around her waist comfortably where he knows in his heart they belong. He gazed at her in silence still dazed by that unexpected kiss. She gazed back into his captivating eyes and as she did, in that moment, she knew that there is no place she would rather be.
“I love my teddy bear Scott…” she whispered.
“I’m glad,” Scott managed to reply back and sound coherent as he did amazing enough and she lightly caressed his face with her hand. “I love you,” He told her in a whisper and just as he knew she wouldn’t, she didn’t tell him she loves him too. But he doesn’t need to be told he knows that she does and he holds onto that like a lifeline.
“Lets go play with Spencer,” She told him after a long while and she got up while taking his hand into hers and lightly tugged him in the direction of their son who still sat in the sand playing. Though he’d been too busy watching them then digging any holes or building any sand castles. The two of them instantly began to play with Spencer, all of them looking like one happy family reunited at last, and neither of them noticing that Chris had been watching it all from a distance.
~*~*~*~*~
Meanwhile, when Trevor left the house that he and Sean were currently taking refuge in, he headed for the woods while letting Diego lead the way on leash. When he reached the entrance to it though he paused briefly, eventually causing Diego to have to do so as well and he glanced back at their home warily. The thought of leaving his baby behind by himself scares the living day lights out of him. He’s never ever left him alone – not once since the moment he entered his life. Please Sean…don’t do anything stupid while I am gone… he thought inwardly to himself. Sighing heavily, he turned back around to see Diego standing there looking up at him patiently.
“Well come on Diego…I guess we’re just going to have to trust him,” He spoke gently to the dog that was just slowly learning to trust Trevor, let alone the ever foreboding man that he’s begun to recognize as Sean. He won’t go near him unless it’s absolutely necessary – not that Sean has ever done or said anything to make Diego stay clear of him – intentionally, but Diego can sense his emotions. Anger, resentment, and even a small amount of fear whenever he is in the same room. Of course the anger and resentment have nothing to do with Diego, but that doesn’t mean he can’t feel it and isn’t afraid of it.
Trevor sighed heavily as he contemplated what he was going to do about him. He knows whatever Sean is planning is getting closer. He just knows it. He’s been more distant and withdrawn from him then he’s ever been before and he won’t share anything with him unless it’s absolutely necessary. Really, what does he think I’m gonna do? Sit at home while he runs off on a killing spree? Well, he has another thing coming to him that’s for sure. He has an aching feeling inside of him that whatever his lover has planned, it has something to do with this ever growing storm. He’s been watching weather reports a lot lately. Trevor glanced up at the dark gray sky that has only gotten darker as the weeks passed. He’s also noticed that it’s become quite windier than usual too. Trevor felt his hair blowing slightly as a big gush of wind swooshed by him as if to answer his thoughts.
He heaved another heavy sigh and fought back his emotions with all his might. He won’t let himself waste precious time wallowing in self-pity. He has better things to do like think of a way to save Sean’s stupid ass – despite the fact that he isn’t being clued in on anything. He could always handcuff him, throw him into the car and force him to skip the country with him…there’s always that idea. The idea would be great, if he thought that he would ever have a chance of getting away with it. Though him and Sean are equally strong and completely made for each other in every way…Sean is smarter in most ways. Impulsive…but smarter. And quicker whereas Trevor likes to take his time and think things through carefully. He has to think of something though. What if this ends badly? Ellie would be heartbroken after she’s been promised he would take care of himself. And Diego…who would take Diego? Did he save the dog he’s beginning to love like it were his child for nothing? He can’t let him be forced back out onto the streets again. He looked down at Diego in silence as they walked aimlessly in the woods and he thought desperately for a plan.
The only stops that were made during their walk were when Diego stopped to sniff something or go potty, and Trevor would reluctantly pick it up and throw it in a near by trash can…and then when they finally arrived somewhere without Trevor even realizing they were going there. He heard familiar happy giggles and squeals then, arched his eyebrow, and peered through a well-secluded bush. As soon as he had, he nearly staggered back upon seeing the very little girl he was thinking about earlier. After taking a moment to recompose himself, he knelt down quietly, slid his arms around Diego, and hugged him close to him as he continued to peer out through the bush. Good thing Sean didn’t come after all… he thought inwardly to himself. The kid would’ve sensed him and caused trouble for them. That is the last thing he wants to deal with right now.
He glanced over at Kevin who sat not too far from her with a woman he didn’t recognize and he arched his eyebrow in curiosity. That doesn’t look like the woman he’s been seeing since New Years…so, who is this one? And what happened to the other one? Trevor shook his head, deciding he shouldn’t be all too surprised at this. He remembers the boys had a different girl lined up for them a lot when he was working undercover as their fellow employee in the Orphanage. Especially Nick. That is…until he met Ashley – the line is still there of course, but Nick stopped paying attention to it. But seriously who is this new woman who is not only in Kevin’s life, but his lover’s former little girl’s life too? He’ll have to do a secret little investigation on her…just so he knows…to take care of Sean. Yes, that is what he will do, he’s decided and he nodded at his thought quietly as if it made it a promise.
“Daddy” he heard Ellie’s familiar voice then and he looked away from Diego and at her to listen. If he didn’t know better, he would say she sounds so natural calling Kevin daddy – like she has been calling him that her whole life.
“Yeah Princess?” Kevin asked while looking up at her, and Trevor couldn’t help noticing he was struggling to come back from whatever world he was in at the moment. Obviously he was thinking about something very important…
“How come we didnts bring Lil’ Rok?” She complained.
“Who is Lil’ Rok?” The little girl beside her asked curiously, and Trevor arched his eyebrow, just noticing the other children for the first time. Who are these kids? They don’t look like Dakota, or Josh…have Sean and I really been out of the loop for that long?
“My bestest friend in the whole world, after Dakota. He’s my puppy.”
“What kind of puppy?” The little boy asked interestedly.
“A pug,” Ellie smiled, and she turned her attention back on Kevin, the pout resuming its place on her face.
“I’m sorry honey, I didn’t think about it. I guess I just expected you to bring him anyway like you always do.”
“He’s probably lonely withouts me…”
“Nah, I don’t think so” Kristin reassured. “I’m sure Jerald is keeping him company for you. He seems to love you very much and like to make you happy.”
“He woulda hads fun here at our picnic though,” Ellie pointed out.
“Maybe we will stop at home and get him and take him for a walk to the Orphanage. I thought maybe we could take Kristin there to hang out later…would that be okay baby?” Ellie smiled happily then upon hearing that there would be more time with Kristin later and she nodded. Kevin smiled too and held his arms out to her.
“Come her sweetie…its getting kind of windy out and you have a cold already. You need to put your hoodie on.” Ellie hurried over to him then allowing him to carefully pull her into an affectionate hug, though she wore a wary look on her face at the thought of him helping her put her hoodie on. It always hurts when he touches her arms, her bruises – though they’re slowly beginning to finally fade protest to it. After hugging her for awhile, he picked up her pink hoodie and he held it for her as he let her put her arms in it on her own. When she finished she gazed at him gratefully and he brought her closer to him and kissed her cheek lovingly.
“I love you pretty girl.”
“I love you too daddy,” She told him sweetly and then turned and hurried off to play with her friends. Trevor sat there in silence as he watched her play with the two kids that he isn’t familiar with at all and his mind lingered on Lil’ Rok since he was mentioned. Ellie loves that puppy almost more then anything else, he knows that for sure. He distinctly remembers her running out into the middle of the street for him after all, and Sean going ballistic at the news. He also knows – from Max’s observation that she likes to play with the other puppies just as much. She is a huge dog person. He looked down at Diego then, gently petting him as he lets his thoughts wander. Kevin has to be a dog person too. Hell, they all had better be with all of those puppies running around and everything…and as much as Ellie seems to have a firm hold on his finger…he probably would buy her another one in a heartbeat with a lot of begging. He stared at Diego for a long moment, and when he noticed for the first time how eager the dog seemed to get out and play with the kids, he arched his eyebrow. He’s never seen him so excited to be near people before, he’s normally wary. So he wants to play with the kids huh? Well…why not? He suddenly wants to see how he responds to Ellie and vise versa. He suddenly has a very strong urge. But he can’t blow his cover either…that would be very bad. He thought this through for a few moments more, and then suddenly had an idea.
But how is he going to do it without blowing his cover? She wouldn’t dare tell on him…would she? Of course she wouldn’t…no. He knows perfectly well that she is all for protecting her biological father. And since Dakota and Sarah aren’t there to watch over her…it should be piece of cake for her. But what about those other kids? How would they react? Deciding that he would take on Sean’s impulsive behavior just this once…relying on the fact that Ellie is Sean’s offspring after all and knows how to use stealth like a pro, he gave into his desire. He reached into the pocket of his hoodie, pulled something out of it and he attached it to Diego’s collar.
“Okay buddy…” He whispered. “Okay…I need you to do me a huge favor all right?” he whispered to him, and Diego listened to him curiously. He detached him from his collar and then continued. “Go play,” he told him gently, and he motioned toward Ellie. Diego looked up at him slightly confused.
“Go on, its okay. Go play…” he urged. When Diego didn’t budge, he sighed. He looked at him for a couple of seconds, and then reached into his pocket for the little blue tennis ball that he’s been teaching Diego how to play fetch with ever since he was able to walk again. Diego eyed it anxiously now.
“You wanna play boy? Do you?” he whispered in a playful tone, and Diego got into the ready position. Trevor wound his arm back, and threw it out into the park causing it to bounce off the slide and into the sand. Diego hurried after it the best he could considering all things, barking happily as he did so and he grinned before quietly moving where no one would see him, but Diego would. He knows he’ll come back to him once he quietly calls. He trusts that he will. He knows Trevor is his safe haven and he knows he’s the one who has all his food and things he needs. Ellie squealed happily.
“DOGGY!” She exclaimed, and she bounded over and instantly hugged the slightly playful – but wary dog and as soon as she pulled back, her eyes widened upon seeing just exactly what was attached to his collar. She eyed her new friends carefully and Kevin and Kristin as they watched in surprise for a moment.
“Awww! He’s so sweet!” Jesse exclaimed and she and her cousin ran over to say hello to him too but not before Ellie could secretly pull what Trevor had stuck in Diego’s collar out and stuff it into her pocket. She played with Diego with her friends for a few moments, though Kevin and Kristin watched slightly protectively. But when they saw that the dog was friendly, they exchanged smiles and then went back to talking. When she saw that they were perfectly content and Nathan and Jesse were too she crawled away from them a little ways so she was sitting underneath the slide. When she was sure no one was watching her and it felt safe, she reached back into her pocket and pulled what she had hidden in it out. She looked at them all to see that she was holding all of the pictures that Trevor had taken of her and Sean on their last day together as father and daughter. She gazed at the pictures in silence for a long moment as tears welled up in her eyes and she looked toward the bushes where Diego came bounding out from. As she did, she saw Trevor move into her view but only so she would see him and he mouthed for you to keep and she mouthed back, is daddy with you? Though she knows he couldn’t possibly be, otherwise she would’ve felt him. Trevor shook his head knowing exactly what she asked. Be safe Ellie he mouthed to her, and then stepped out of view again. Ellie looked down at the pictures in her hands then, and she looked them all through as tears of happiness rolled down her face. She will treasure these pictures…always. He watched her as she stuck the pictures safely in her pocket so she could look at them later and allow herself to really feel what she’s feeling inside. He then watched her as she went over and hugged Diego for all it’s worth and kiss the top of his head. After a long moment of watching the two of them together, and the other two kids play with him, and Diego having a blast, he whistled and called out in a disguised enough voice that Kevin wouldn’t recognize it, but not so disguised that Diego wouldn’t either.
“DIEGO! HERE BOY! BRING THE BALL BACK, YOU SILLY GOOSE YOU KNOW THE RULES!” Diego with the ball in his mouth turned and bounded back – but with great care and Ellie watched him as he disappeared into the bushes and secluded trees.
Author's Chapter Notes:
Here's the next chapter
Enjoy =)
Enjoy =)
