Jamie and JR

      

      Jamie rushes into the men's shop apologizing as he walks. 
       "Man I'm so sorry I'm late! I got held up at the clinic and then the hospital then Kathy and Jenny were late!" He says with a roll of his eye as he pushes out of his jacket and tosses it on the chair behind him. JR smiles opening his arms and embracing him in a bear hug. 
       "Don't worry about it!` I'm just glad you're here! The boys are in the dressing room getting changed." 
    "Enjoy Monsieur!" the Tailors assistant say handing him a glass of champagne then offering him an hors d'oeuvres from the platter. Jamie places his glass on the table then takes a few on a napkin eating them quickly while JR talks. 
    "Besides I'm still waiting for my in laws and brother in-law Lenka." JR mumbles over the canape he'd stuffed in his cheek. Jamie rolls his eyes as he picks up his drink.
     "Yeah I forgot all about that. I suppose Rego is going to be here too?" 
      "Of course he's Rebeka cousin. But if it will ease your mind he was here and left. Cassandra called and he had to go."
      "Good!"Jamie says the vehemence in his voice peaking Jr's curiosity.  
      "I don't understand all the animosity you got the girl." JR jokes as he stuffs another canape in his mouth. 
       "This way sir." Couturier says to Jamie then points to the dressing rooms beckoning him to follow him JR continuing to talk as they walk. 
      "Seriously James I think you're being kind of ridiculous. I've seen you and Francessca together she's crazy about you. I don't see where you have anything to worry about." He says leaning against the wall watching as Jamie steps into his pants and his sons come running out of the dressing room towards him. 
       "Dad! Endre and I still don't understand why we can't just wear one of our Sunday suits these things feel like cardboard!" Jr and Jamie both laugh nodding their heads in agreement. 
     "Look guys we agree with you but your mother wants us in tuxedos so we're wearing tuxedos okay?" Both kids groan rolling their eyes skyward. Making JR laugh harder.
     "I'll make a deal with you, I promise as soon as we get introduced at the reception and we do the dance you guys can change into your black suit pants. You'll have to keep on your tuxedo shirts but you can also put on your tennis shoes." Both AJ and Endre nodding in agreement. 
      "Now I want you guys go stand on the podium so the man can check your suits okay and no wriggling around." He says looking from one to the other as both nod in agreement then run and stand on the podium as JR turns back to Jamie. 
       "So what gives?Why are you so suddenly insecure? Looks like to me Rego's moved on. He and Cassandra are having a baby. You and I both know he's given up a lot to be with her. I'd say he's pretty devoted."
      "Yeah but for how long?" He grimaces as the couturier pulls at the legs of his pants then helps him into the jacket before standing back to inspect his work. JR looks at his brother and shrugs.
       "I don't know James he seemed pretty happy when I was talking to him. Maybe it's not Rego you're worried about. Hold on a second!" He says over his shoulder as he walks quickly to where the boys were being fitted to give the couturier his finally okay.  
       Jamie watches him walk away a moment then stares back at his reflection in the mirror losing himself in thoughts. His mind going back to that moment he'd caught between his wife and Rego. He couldn't get the image of him kissing her out of his head. It gnawed at him and he couldn't explain why. Francessca hadn't changed not in any way she was exactly the same as she always was with him. She was loving and attentive. Cheerful and funny all the things he'd always loved about her. The only thing that had changed in their lives was the inclusion of Rego and her feelings towards him. That's what had changed. The other thing was Rego had changed and that's what also gnawed at him. It wasn't jealousy despite what Cess thought. It was that Rego had become the man Cess thought he was when they were engaged. He was afraid she would tell him about Logan and he'd be in their lives as Logan's father and not just his annoying uncle. He couldn't tell that to JR. He couldn't truly explain his feelings to anyone with exposing the truth about his son. 
       "So are you going to talk to me about what's going on with you and Cess or what?" JR asked hoping his brother would finally open up about what was bothering him. 
       "You know what JR can we talk about something else please?"
       "Well bro I'm just saying I'm here when and if you want to talk. Anyway how's work?" Jr says as he watches his brother turn in the mirror inspecting his tuxedo. 
       "Pretty good. I was able to hire a permanent physician for the clinic with a salary." Jamie says smiling with pride. 
       "Wow! That's great I'm really proud of you. All your hard work is really starting to pay off. Congratulations." 
        "Yeah it's great to finally stop operating in the red for a change. And the new doctor I hired? She's great! She's funny, smart, experienced." Jamie gushes as he steps from the podium and removes his pants handing them back to the couturier making JR smile slyly.
         "Is she pretty?" He asks making Jamie smile as he remembers watching her walk to her car as they existed that afternoon. 
          "Very. I enjoyed talking to her during our interview and I really enjoyed working with her today. I think the two of us are going to get along great." He says the smile curling his brothers lips and reminiscent tone giving him a momentary pause to wonder exactly what position his new doctor had actually been hired for. 
       "So who is this marvel of modern medicine?" He ask trying to sound more casual then he felt as he watched the expression on his brothers face change as he  reminisced about his encounter. 
     "Ivy is pretty terrific she from Chicago. She worked in a clinic there so she's familiar with the general in and out of the operation. She's pretty, funny, friendly, smart and I think she'll be a real asset."
      "Emphasis on the pretty?" JR slides in smoothly watching carefully for Jamie's reaction the later stares back at him his mouth twisted in distaste.
      "No, and don't even joke like that. I love my wife and son as well as I'm happily married man. Second I'm human and I'm not dead." He says stepping down from the podium and removing his jacket and trousers. "Besides Cess's got this major crush on that Vin Diesel guy." He says with a laugh.
      "Yeah but she's not working side by side with him every day." JR warns as Jamie stares back at him one brow raised. 
        "Where the hell is this coming from JR? All I said was she was pretty." 
        "I don't know Bro you tell me. If I didn't know any better I would say you're a little smitten with her." Jamie chuckles.
         "Are you really serious with this man? I just met the woman and she impressed me nothing more. Is that okay with you?" Jamie asks shoving one leg into his pant leg then the other as JR shrugs. 
         "It's fine with me. Just take a little advice from someone who's been there just be careful." 
         "Be careful of what?"
         "You got a lot going on right now Jamie and it can get really easy to lose sight of what's important really quickly. Just promise me you'll keep your focus on what really matters and don't let yourself get distracted."
          "I really don't know where the hell this is coming from." JR smiles then laughs as he throws up his hand silencing him
          'Look just do a nervous soon to be married man a favor and promise me okay?"
          'Okay, okay I promise." Jamie concedes with a laugh and a roll of his eyes. JR nods satisfied then adds his tone becoming serious again
         'Oh and another thing no matter what happens remember you can always come to me."
         "I don't know what's wrong with you but okay I promise I'll come to you."
         "And there's nothing wrong with me! You're my little brother and I love you Jamie! I just want to you to continue to be as happy as I am." He laughs as he reaches over and grabs Jamie by the neck and gives him a playful noogie on the top of his head.
          "What the hell JR?" Jamie yells and tries to pull away as his nephews run roaring from the dressing rooms and grab on to his ankles making them all laugh as they tumble to the fitting room floor in a mass of giggling bodies.


Jamie and Zach
Jamie and Ivy
Jamie and Francessca
Jamie, Francessca Rego and Ivy


*Copyright Takeitish Pine Valley Chronicles 2019

     
      

Cassandra and Rego

           

         
            Cassandra nervously paces the living room in a vein effort to get her fear under control. She was so frightened after seeing Devereaux that she'd called Rego almost in tears demanding he come home. Now she wasn't sure what she was going to tell him when he got there. She couldn't tell him about Devereaux and with all the progress she'd made she couldn't act like a shrew. Besides, she didn't want to. She was enjoying the closeness that was forming between them.
           He also seemed to be a little more trusting of her. Even with the progress she'd made with Rego so far. She wasn't sure how she was going to get what Devereaux wanted without making Rego suspicious of her or even how to get it. Rego was very careful with his work rarely leaving it out of his sight when working at home and when he wasn't working on it, it was locked in his briefcase. How in the world was she supposed to do that? How? More to her immediate problem what was she going to tell Rego when he came through that door?
             Rego channeled his annoyance with his wife impatiently tapping the steering wheel with his thumbs as he waits for the light to change. She'd called him in the midst of his fitting with JR demanding that he return home immediately. Why, she couldn't say other than she needed him home. He'd started to stay where he was just to let her know she wasn't at her beck and call. On the other hand she was pregnant with his child and it may be important. Knowing Cassandra it was probably as trivial as her quest for morning attire but, he couldn't be sure. Besides lately she's been more reasonable one could almost say loving, almost. Rego was no ones fool. He knew that leopards don't change their spots. Especially someone like Cassandra but he had to admit she'd been better of late. Then there was also also something in her voice that sent a prickle up his spine. That's why he had to give her the benefit of the doubt and why he felt the odd sense of urgency.  He thought his impatiens and annoyance festering as he began tapping rhythmically on the steering wheel again.
          Cassandra checks her reflection in the mirror after deciding on her story. She'd felt terribly ill after her appointment and it had really frightened her. Until she remembered she'd forgotten to eat. If nothing else she was a true depiction of her lie. She looked awful. Her skin was pale and drawn. Her eyes were puffy and swollen. Her stomach felt as if it was roiled and at any moment would churn over again. All of it thanks to Devereaux! Well least their encounter was good for something was her last thought before she heard the sound of Rego's car in the drive.
         "Cassandra!" Rego calls as he races into the living room. While moments before the object of his urgency laid down on the sofa finally deciding at the last second on an alignment.
         "Cassandra!" He calls again coming quickly and kneeling by he side the later feigning sleep.
         "Rego?" She says sitting up on the sofa and looking about the room as if confused before her eyes settled on Rego.
         "Are you all right? Shall I call for the doctor?" He asks panic beginning to edge his voice as Cassandra rubs at her eyes groggily.
         "I'm fine now." She smiles her hand reaching out to caress his cheek before sliding back down to her lap as Rego pulls instinctively away then immediately regrets it as a the hurt flashed across her eyes and takes her retreating hand in his. 
         "What happened? When you called you sounded urgent?" His voice sounding more concerned and less urgent than it had moments before giving Cassandra the reassurance she needed.
         "I'm okay and I'm sorry I frightened you." Her voice demure almost cheerful as if his previous words had not touched her. If he didn't know better he would say she was contrite but he knew better than that something still didn't feel right to him.
         "What happened to get you so worked you?" He asked. His eyes probing her expression for the slightest change or telling signs of her lies as she spoke.
         "It's really silly now and completely my fault. I was so busy running errands this morning I completely forgot to eat. By the time I actually did it all made me so sick."
          " I told you this would happen if you weren't careful!" He chides a small smile of relief and satisfaction of being right twinging his lips. Making her smile her own secret satisfaction.
          "You're right I should have listened. And I'm sorry I completely spazzed and totally panicked." She says with a little laugh. Rego chuckles as he pats his chest and sighs.
          "You nearly gave me a heart attack!" Cassandra schools her expression to display proper amount of guilt and sorrow to match her contrite tone.
          " I'm so sorry I scared you like that. I promise I won't scare you like that again."
          "It's alright as long as you and the baby are okay." He says patting her hand and smiling back at her. Cassandra laughs as she rubs her swollen belly with her free hand.
          "We're fine really you can stop worrying."
          "I'll stop worrying when you stop being so foolish." He teases making them both laugh.
          "I promise I'll be more responsible."
          "Thank you. Now that I know you're okay is there anything I can get you?"
          " No, really I'm fine but if you don,t mind maybe you could just sit here with me and maybe we could just talk for a little while, I mean if you're not too busy." She asks patting the place next to her. Rego smiles as he slides onto the cushion next to her.
           "I'd love to."
           "Devereaux reads over the last paragraph of the documents he'd had his lawyer draw up before signing his name on the bottom with a flourish and satisfied grin. That was the last of them he thought as he closed them in the manila envelope and locked them in his desk drawer. Tomorrow morning he'd have them sent by messenger in to his lawyers office. Everything was in place he'd secured his child's financial future and he was ready to secure his own. All he had to do now was wait for Cassandra to bring him what he wanted and if she was smart she'd get it to him sooner rather than later. Perhaps he'd make it crystal clear to her that time was definitely of the essences.



Jaime and Cassandra
Cassandra and Rego
Devereaux
Cassandra and Devereaux

*Copyright Takeitish "Pine Valley Chronicles" 2019

          

Erica, Corbin and Gavin

     

       Gavin looks down at the legal pad in front of him and checks off an item from his list before moving on to what he was sure would be today's dynamite. He looks up at Corbin who was whispering to Molly who was furiously writing on her pad. Then to Erica who seemed to be distracted some goings on on her phone. Well he may as well wade into the deep water he thought as he cleared his throat.
          "All right everyone should have the final changes for the premier episode of "New Beginnings" there's nothing added to the script just updated sponsor sheet. Now moving on." Gavin says as he reaches behind him and pulls the scripts from the table then places them in front of Corbin.
          "I've gone over the first scripts for "Raising Fire" and I would like to commend each and every one of you on the tremendous work you've done. I've been both moved and captivated by what you've written so far. However I will reiterate any reference to the rape by Robert Grassland will always be just that. The character of Jerica will never be portrayed as a seductress in any way shape or suggestion. At this point we are talking about a child and brutality done against her and the repercussions there after. With that said I want the scripts I've given to Corbin reviewed and any suggestion to the contrary within them corrected to reflect what I've said." Corbin looks at Erica who sits with a satisfied grin on her face staring up at Gavin before turning her smug grin towards him. If her co-hosts had run in the room with a rail he'd be the first in line to hoist her up on it.
        "Gavin, do you realise how much work that's going to intaile and how much man hours that's going to take? This was just going to put us further behind." His frustration punctuating each word. All to accommodate one woman's ego he thought knowing better than to speak it aloud.
         "Yes I do. My suggestion is that you and your staff clear your schedules and get started." Gavin stated firmly hoping his tone would be the end of the argument but knowing full well it wouldn't be.
         "Come on Gavin this is ridiculous. Jerica isn't Erica she's a character! I thought we were all in agreement that everything doesn't have to be exact!" Corbin argues back his eye catching Erica's and locking. Hers never wavering challenging him to say more.
         Erica smiled to herself she'd known since breakfast how this meeting would go. Not that she would ever use her rape or what had happened between her and Gavin last night as a tool to get what she wanted. It was more of a silent understanding they'd reached during their conversation over breakfast. She'd luckily avoided any conversation after the storm had passed. She'd been exhausted after and had lain down on the bed while she waited for Gavin to return. She must have fallen asleep while he'd gone down to the kitchen. She had awakened once hours later to find him sitting in the chair across from her reading quietly. He'd smiled and told her to go back to sleep and she had.
        She'd been awakened by his maid and told where to find him her clothes cleaned and pressed. She'd dressed quickly and hurriedly gone down to the dinning room to join him her emotion pinballing between curiosity and trepidation.
         "Good Morning Erica."
         "Good Morning. I hope you slept well."
         "Yes I did thank you."
         "How long have you suffered from your storm terror?" He asked. Erica glanced up at him over the rim of her cup. His question was simple enough and there was no sign of mocking in his voice or expression. If anything his eyes showed empathy. He wasn't asking why or when just how long giving her a suspicion that he already knew the answer. Besides after what had happened between them she owed him something of an explanation she just hoped she wouldn't have to explain further.
        "Since I was thirteen." Her expression reminiscent of the one she'd had last night after the storm had passed he noted. He nodded in understanding changing the topic to some triviality concerning "New Beginnings" effectively closing the previous subject. That's when she knew she'd won him over.
        Corbin watched Erica practically preening as she gazed at Gavin adoringly. What the hell had happened between the two of them? He thought only half listening to Gavin's response as he let his mind wander through the possible scenarios wondering what trick Erica had used fromm her arsenal to bring Gavin over to the darkside.
         "We are but in this case I want to be clear in the portrayal of the character. She had nothing to do with perpetuating what happened nor was she a willing participant. I want to make sure that is perfectly clear to the audience." Gavin explained knowing Corbin barley heard a word he'd said. He and Erica were too busy having a silent battle of wills he thought. He watched the emotion play over Corbin's face then braced himself for the question he knew was causing the twitch in his lip.
           "Excuse me Gavin?"
           "Yes Corbin"
          "If you don't mind what bought all this on so suddenly? I mean I thought we were all in agreement about the characters role in this?" Gavin takes a moment his thoughts flashing back to last night and Erica curled up on the floor in hysterics.He knew this question would come and he was prepared for it without giving Erica away or showing any alliance with her.
          "It's really quite simply. After going through the scripts and having more time to think on the subject. I decided that we are a new show and I don't want us to tarnish our brand right out of the gate by being accused of contributing to rape culture. I want the audience to see Jericho Lane and Robert Grassland for the monsters they really are. Perhaps you could seed the scene with more of that aspect. That should satisfy the audiences titillation needs." Corbin nods in agreement.
        "Yeah that should work." Gavin looks around the table at the nodding heads as Corbin whispers to Molly and the later scribbling hastily desperately trying to keep up with whatever he was saying.
        "All right next item...." Gavin starts but Erica didn't hear a word of it she was too overwhelmed by her delight in Gavin's decision to side with her. She was sure she wore it like a beacon judging from the expression on Corbin's face.
         "Ha!" She thought she hoped he choked on his anger. He was so smug when he'd come to her dressing room. He thought he knew her so well because of all his research. She'd admit he'd come closer than most. She'd also have to admit some of what he'd said earlier was spot on and somewhat helpful. But now Corbin thought he knew her  inside and out. With that knew found knowledge he also thought he knew how to "handle" her.  Fool! No man really knew who she was deep down inside. A few had come close But in the end  none really knew her. Least of all Corbin! He could do what he pleased with any other aspect of her book and her life but there were some things she would never allow him to play with and this was definitely one of them.
         Right now she could tell Corbin was furious and confused. Right now he was trying to figure out how he lost Gavin's support on this. The later would be too chivalrous to ever tell him the real reason he'd changed his mind. Right now Erica Kane had both the men in her life exactly where she wanted them and she couldn't be happier.


Erica,Corbin Jack and Tea
Erica and Corbin
Erica and Gavin
             

Kendall, Zach and Erica

         

         Kendall stares up at the stage checking the set against her design and putting on the final touches. Tomorrow would be the first taping of "New Beginnings" premiere episode and she needed to complete it today so she could start the construction of the permanent stage at the studio. She was looking forward to the quiet of the studio after spending the past week trapped at the casino with her mother and her castmates. It had been the week from hell and she was looking forward to handing her referee whistle back to Corbin and Gavin. Five more hours she thought as Erica shrieked her name from the back of the theater.
           "Kendall!" Erica yelled as she came down the aisle towards her daughter. She needed to speak to someone about her evening with a Gavin and talking to Opal was completely out of the question. If she didn't feel so disturbed by the encounter she'd keep it to herself but she needed to confide in someone.
            "Good Morning Mother." She says over her shoulder as she continues to review her work.
            "Kendall I must speak with you."
            "Can't it wait Mother? I really need to finish this."
            "No it can't wait I need to speak with you now, please?" Erica says her voice becoming shrill with the effort grabbing Kendall's full attention.
             "Mom are you okay?" she asks true concern edging her voice.
             "No, I'm not alright! I'm not sure if I'll ever be all right again!"
             "My God Mother! What happened?"
             "Just everything is all!" Erica hisses shaking her chestnut tresses back from her face.
             "Come here a second and sit down." Kendall says calmly as she leads her mother over to a row of empty seats.
            "Now, what's going on and what do you mean by "Everything"?"
            "Exactly what I said Kendall! Am I not speaking english?"
            "No need to snap at me Mother! I'm just trying to help you."
            "I'm sorry honey really. I didn't mean to snap at you. I just haven't been myself since the other night when I was out to dinner with with Corbin."
             "Did something happen with Corbin?"
             "Oh Kendall please keep up it hasn't anything to do with Corbin at all and everything to do with one Jackson Montgomery and his sudden interest in that viper Tea DelGado! You should have seen it. They were all over each other like cats in heat! He doesn't even know I'm alive anymore!"
              "Face it Mom he hasn't known you were alive for sometime now."
              "Well  thank you Kendall for your support!"
              "Mom, I'm not trying to be cruel at all but I really think it's time for you to just move on."
              "Just move on? You think I should just move on? Tell me Kendall how do you move on from your soulmate? If it were Zach would you just "move on"? In fact if I remember correctly you fought like a wild cat to hold on to Zach!"
              "Yes I did Mother but unlike you I didn't have a string of "true loves" while proclaiming Zach was my soulmate!"
               "Kendall I never realized a child of mine could be so...so heartless and cruel."
               "Well if your expecting me to apologize I'm not! You had everything you said you ever wanted with Jack and you decided the lifestyle wasn't for you. Jack didn't leave you! You left him remember? What did you expect him to do? Sit around waiting for you decided you want him this month because there wasn't anyone else? Jack wanted someone with hm that wanted the same things he wanted. A home a wife a family. The same domestic doldrum you ran from. Face it you don't really want Jack you don't want anyone else to have him. You really should be tired of this game you play with yourself. It can't possibly be healthY. That's why I think you should move on."
             "Well thank you Dr. Kendall for your unsolicited advice. I'll be sure not to make an appointment in the future!"
              "Mom!..... Mom!.... Don't ru.....I didn't mean....." She calls after her Mother's retreating back.
              "Ugh!" She groans wishing she wasn't so tired and her patients weren't so short. She also wished she'd kept her thoughts to herself. She knew better than to be logical when her mother was in one of theses moods. She just couldn't help herself Jack had always been good to her and it hurt her to see him alone and defeated for so long he deserved to be happy. If this Tea DelGado made him happy then she was glad even if it meant for the moment her mother would be unhappy she supposed. Judging by what she was witnessing between her Gavin and Corbin, she thought as she smiled to herself knowing her mother it wouldn't be for long.
         "Hey! What's going on? I just saw Erica come flying out of here like the place was on fire." Zach chuckles as he comes towards his wife and embraces her.
          "Ugh! She's annoyed with me I'll tell you about it later. What's up?" She asks as Zach shrugs.
          "Nothing really. I just had a rough afternoon I never got to eat lunch and thought if you weren't busy you'd like to join me?"
          "Lunch? What time is it?"
          "One o'clock"
          "I Would love to!" She says before turning and yelling at the stage. " Frank let's break. Have everyone back by two and ready to tape!"
           "You got it Mrs.S! That's break everyone two o'clock be ready to shine!" He calls walking towards the back of the stage as the other men follow.
           "I'll take that as yes?" He says pulling her to him and nuzzling her neck making her giggle.
           "You betcha! Let's get out of here I could really use some fresh air."
           "Come on I know just the spot!" He smiles pulling gently on her arm and leading her up the aisle.
            "Hey! Kendall I'm glad I Caught you! Hey Uncle Zach!" Francessca says tipping up and quickly kissing his cheek.
            "Hey! Why don't you join us?"
            "I Can't I have to get over to the hospital to see Tad. I just wanted to tell you the photos for the cast are complete for 'Tempo" I'll send Gavin an email in the morning with the proofs. I gotta go. I'll see you both later." She say trotting back up the aisle.
            "Oh and don't forget I'm picking up my boys friday after school."She calls behind her.
            "As if they'd let us forget!" Kendall yells back making Zach laugh.
            " That's all they've talked about all week!"
            "Well it will be nice you and me an entire weekend alone in an empty house." He says wriggling his brow.
             "Yeah an entire weekend alone. with nothing but you and me and time on our hands."
             "What do you think we should do with all our free time." He says pulling her into his arms and nuzzling her neck.
              "I think you and I should get a bottle of wine," she murmurs as she nibbles gently on his ear.
"Mm Hmm." He groans as she continues her assault on his senses.
              "Order dinner from the chateau..." She says kissing him.
              "Mmm hmm." He moans in between kisses.
             " And when were all done we finally clean out that hall closet." She laughs running half heartedly up the aisle as Zach pursues her catching up to her quickly and pulling her into his arms.
          "I have a better idea come on." He grins seductively as they walk arm and arm out the theater.
          All of their playful banter playing out in front of their unseen visitor. Much to his amusement. Although he'd learned one thing. The big man was going to be away for the weekend. That meant this weekend would be the best time for him to make as much money as he could. He'd need it if he was going to put the rest of his plan in motion. He thought rising from his secluded spot and heading toward his room. He needed to rest up before he went to work this evening.



* Copyright Takeitish "Pine Valley Chronicles" 2019*

Erica and Corbin - Jack and Tea
Erica and Corbin
Erica and Gavin






                

Cassandra and Devereaux

 

      "Oh my God" Cassandra yelps.
      "Good to see you too pet." Deveraux smiles pulling her toward the far end of the empty corridor pushing past the plastic partition into the unfinished portion of the new construction.
      "Now don't make a scene I'm not going to hurt you I only want to talk and you're going to want to hear what I have to say." He says a wicked smile curling his lips.
       "I don't have to do a damn thing!" She snaps tugging at her arm in his iron like grip to no relief.
       "You do if you want to keep up the farce you have going with Sherrigain or would you rather he know the truth?" Cassandra pulls her arm from his grasp and steps back putting a few feet between them as she tries stuff down the panic that threatened to overwhelm her.
        "I've already told Rego everything I don't have any more secrets." She bluffs hoping her voice sounded more assured than she felt at the sound of Devereaux's bitter laugh.
         " I assume you're referring to that ridiculous restraining order accompanied by that even more ridiculous paternity test." He laughs again as Cassandra tries to calm her shaking and meet his cutting gaze with one of her own.
          "There's nothing ridiculous about it! Rego Sherrigan is the father of the child I'm carrying!" She bluffs only to be met by a laugh that burgeoned on hysteria.
          "If nothing else my love you were always entertaining! The way you can tell a bold face lie with a straight face." He say wiping a tear from his eye as his words chilled her to the bone.
           "You and I both know I'm the father of the child you're carrying and I have two paternity test to prove it. " He says pulling an envelope from his pocket and handing it to her. Cassandra opens them with shaking hands and reads them quickly her mind racing. Devereaux grins manically enjoying the expression of shock and fear etch her face. He had her exactly where he wanted her and she knew it.
         "The real results that you had young Joseph run and the one I had done at a well respected DNA pathology lab. The child you're carrying is mine and if you want that information to remain our little secret you'll do exactly what I tell you." He says before he snatches them back.
         "So what! You have a paternity test saying what you want it to say. Who cares Rego would never believe you" She scoffs calling his bluff.
         "Maybe not. But you know who would believe me? His father Oliver Sherrigan. He'd believe every word of it was true. Putting doubts in Rego's mind. Forcing him to re-run those tests. Maybe even running some of his own without you ever knowing it. What do you think would happen if Rego had those test re-run? What do you think they'd show? More to the point what do you think your knight will do then? When he finds his lady has made a fool of him again?"
         "Whatever he does it will never top the things you've done to me! Go ahead and tell him! I don't care! In fact you have more to lose than I do once word gets out you finally have a vulnerability. I should charge you for keeping it a secret from them!"
          "Touche! You were always good on your feet and you're right. I have a lot of enemies that would love that juicy bit of information. all the more reason you would want to keep it a secret. But that's besides the point. You forget exactly who I am don't you?"
           "I have the scars to show exactly who and what you are! Do what you want! As I sad before  don't care!"
          "Oh my love you should care. You should care a great deal. There are laws against falsifying medical records so there criminal charges and possible lawsuits. Then there's fraud and extortion charges not to mention grand theft. All of which I'm going to have you charged with." He says pausing for effect enjoying her growing fear and panic as her mind searched every corner for an exist where there was none.
       "And my favorite prostitution! Although I'm sure it's your Mommy and Daddy's least favorite! The best part I'll have my son and revenge. I won't have to deal with you well, not at least until our son is well into his twenties. By then he'll have no idea who you are. You won't even be a memory." He pauses and watches as the tears begin to scroll there way down Cassandra's cheeks.
       She'd lost. All her plans and sacrifices and she was still as trapped as she ever was. The voice in her head screamed as he marched on unperturbed by her tears. Each word hit her like a slap.
       "Lets see no rich husband, no mansion, no money and a very long stretch in prison. Or, you could do something for me and I'll keep your secret. It's all up to you Pet." He finishes sounding expectant and bored at the same time.
         Cassandra glares at him in silence trying to stomp down the overwhelming feeling of panic and foreboding. The felt like a caged animal with no chance of escape. No matter what decision she made she'd be back under Devereaux's control. Still, it was preferable to prison. At least working for him again she would be free and she'd have a chance at future freedom from Devereaux. There was also the baby to think about. Despite who his father was she loved her son. No child should be left in the hands of a man like him. She wasn't about to let that happen to her child not ever. Even if it cost her everything she would never let get his hands on her son.
          "What do you want me to do?" Despite the defiant tilt of her chin defeat edged her voice causing a satisfied grin to curl his lips.
            "There she is." He smirks

Devereaux
Jesse and Griff, Cassandra and Angie

*Copyright Takeitish Pine Valley Chronicles 2019

Jamie, Francessca Rego and Ivy

         

          Ivy sits back in Jamie's chair thinking about how much she'd enjoyed working with him all morning. He was an excellent doctor. He was caring and attentive. Giving each of his patients as much time as they needed. He took extra time to explain to them their various conditions and how he was going to treat them and how they could help themselves. He'd even treated some homeless guys dog's wound. He gave him the number of a local vet for a free follow up that he called and paid for ahead of time. He really loved his job and cared about each and every person who came through his door and his patients seemed to love him.
       He was smart, funny and seemed to be well liked by his peers and staff. She was also sure that being good looking, witty and utterly charming didn't hurt at all. She'd found him easy to confer with about patients and talk with casually. He was also a very  good listener. She'd found herself telling him things she really hadn't meant to. Luckily she'd caught herself before she'd told him anything too personal.
       She found him intriguing. That was it. He intrigued her more now in person then when she'd done her research on him and his clinic. His history had fascinated her. The more she found the more she wanted to learn. She'd started her search at the beginning high school or college if she remembered correctly to his affair with his brother JR's girlfriend causing his brother to leave town for a time. Then when his brother returned Jamie had a brief affair with his wife. Then came a custody battle over his brother's son. He'd been responsible for finding his imposter stepmother alive. Then off to doctors without borders for a few years before returning back to America and building this clinic. The last bit of it with the present wife and the new step brother read like something from one of her torrid romance novel her last roommate had teased her about.
          It would be fun watching all that drama play out in real time right before her eyes. The beautiful wife, the jilted lover , the jealous husband and beautiful new doctor? She mused while thinking back to their interactions over the course of the morning. There had been a little playful banter while treating a patient. If she didn't know better she could even call it flirting. Made her wonder where she fit in to it all.
         Francessca walks into the clinic stopping at the reception counter to say hello to the women behind it before heading back toward Jamie's office talking as she opens the door.
        "Hey honey! You don't have to pick up Logan from your Grandma Ruth's. Amanda said she'd drop him off to my grandmother on her way home" She finishes closing the door behind her startled when she turns and sees Ivy sitting in the chair behind Jaime's desk.
         "Hi! Francessca isn't it? Very nice to finally meet you! Jamie's talked about you so much I feel as if I already know you!"
           "Hi, I'm sorry you are?" Francessca looks back at her confused not sure who the woman in front of her was or why she acted as if they were old friends. 
           "Oh, sorry I'm Ivy McClellan. I'm the new physician here." She says with a laugh. 
           " Oh yeah," Francessca half smiles hesitating for moment not sure she was comfortable with Ivy's instantaneous familiarity. "Hi, I'm Francessca Martin but you already know that. How are you. How do you like Pine Valley so far?" Francessca asks.
           "It's a pretty little town a lot more active than I thought it would be. I was expecting sleepy little town tucked away among the pine trees." Ivy says making them both chuckle. 
          "How did the adjustment go for you? Jamie was saying you're from Las Vegas? Must have been a huge change for you." she said sounding slightly awestruck to Francessca's ears making her wonder exactly what she and Jaime had been talking about all morning.  
         "Wasn't that dramatic really, I went to college here in the North East so I was pretty much used to the climate." Francessca shrugs and smiles as Ivy nods in acknowledgement.  
          "I'm still getting a feel for it. I'm used to a little more of a night life." Ivy shrugs as she rises then sits on the edge of the desk in front of Francessca the later smiling back as she shakes her head. 
           "Pine Valley isn't as sleepy as you think. There's a couple of great bars in town."Confusion" can be cool then "McKays" and a couple of others. If you're really bored there's always "Llanview" the next town over things are always hopping over there." 
             "I'll have to check it out. But you know how it is single girl alone in a bar. It's just kind of weird going out by myself especially in a new town."
             "Yeah I understand. I was lucky enough to have some family already in town when I moved here." 
             "Oh yeah Jamie was telling me. You're Michael Cambius's daughter now Slater right? I read about the drug he finished for Dr. Hayward and the lung transplant where they used Dr. Hayward's new drug to slow your father's heart. Absolutely amazing." Ivy says sounding awestruck again but, who could blame her? It was pretty amazing even now and she was probably just new and nervous. Francessca could understand that. Still something about her. 
               "Yeah it was all pretty incredible. Jamie and I are both pretty busy in the next few weeks but maybe sometime when we go out you can come with." Francessca says cautiously.           
             " Oh thank you! That would be great. Jamie was telling me you have his brother's wedding and you're working on "Founder's Day" event. Plus your career and an infant. Your father in-law is in the hospital. You take turns taking care of Jamie's sisters. I don't know how you can juggle it all and find time for yourselves." 
              "It's tough but we manage and we always find time for what's important. Besides Jamie has a huge extended family so everyone pitches in. It also helps when your boss is your mother in-law." She says with a wink and then laughs.
               "Wow, that is really nice.Oh! speaking of extended family I saw you and Jamie's stepbrother on TV last night."
               "Oh yeah, you mean that impromptu promotion Rego and I got caught in yesterday. I'd almost forgotten about it." Francessca says with a laugh and a wave of her hand dismissing the entire thing.
             "Wow, you're just so blazaise at it all. If it were me I don't know if I could handle reporters constantly hounding me over my exploits with my ex-lover. I sure as heck wouldn't want my ex hanging around!" She says with a laugh her eyes wide with surprise. Her statement striking a sour note with Francessca.
            "Yeah well it's kind of hard when your ex is also your brother in-law. As they say haters gonna hate. Anyway, is Jamie with a patient?" Francessca asks dismissing the topic.
            " Oh, no he just stepped out a moment to grab us some lunch." So Jaime was now running her errands? What was she thinking. Of course he did she would have no way of knowing where to go.
            "Okay," Francessca's  patients with a Jamie's new hire worn just about has thin as the conversation between them' She checks her watch then reaches for the pen and sticky-note pad on the desktop and begins writing. She pulls the sheet off leaving it stuck to her finger her instincts telling her not to leave it on his desk.
           " Listen it was nice meeting you but I have a meeting to get to so I'll see you soon." Francessca smiles.
         "Nice meeting you too. Have a great day" Ivy waves as she leans back against Jamie's desk giving Francessca a feeling that she was being dismissed. She reaches for the door knob just as Jamie enters.
           "Oh! Hey Babe." Jaime says hugging his wife with his free hand and kissing her. Ivy watches the two from her vantage point at the the desk wondering if they were really as happy as they looked.
           "What are you doing here." Jamie asks as he places his bags down on the desktop.
           "I have the meeting about "Founders Day" with board of the "Miranda Center" and I wanted to tell you Amanda's going to take Logan to my Grandmother so you won't have to pick him up."
           "Oh great!"
           "Hello! Hello!" Rego calls from the door.
           "Hey Rego." Jamie says sounding friendlier than he felt as he stamped down his instant annoyance.
           "Dr. Ivy McClellan I'd like to introduce you to my step brother Rego Sherrigan. Rego, this is Dr. Ivy McClellan she our new resident physician."
           "Enchante Dr. McClellan pleasure to make your acquaintance."
           "The pleasure is all mine." Ivy practically gushes.
           " I hope you'll be happy here"
           " Oh I'm sure I will." She says looking over at Jamie then back to Rego.
           "Sorry if I interrupted your lunch." Rego says turning towards Jamie and Francessca. The later standing and watching with a slight twist of annoyance to her smile.
           "They're having lunch I'm on my way to the meeting."
            "Oh good a friendly face to break up the doldrums." He says making them both laugh and Jamie not Ivy observed.
            "Rego, what brings you by." Jamie interrupts his tone in direct contrast to the smile on his lips or the white knuckle grip he had on the desk. None of it escaping Ivy who watches the interaction between the three intently.
           "As I said before I was on my way to a meeting and thought I'd drop off the donation check." He say as he reaches in his billfold and hands him the check. "I included some extra money so you could replace that x ray machine of yours and maybe some extra tongue depressors." He says with a laugh.
          "Thanks." Jamie say then looks down at the amount and smiles in earnest.   "This is so generous of you thank you."
          "You're very welcome. Spend it on good health!" He jokes making them all laugh. "I'd better get going." Rego says as he moves toward the door as Francessca chimes in
          "Yeah me too, otherwise it will be just another thing I'm late for this week."
           "Come on I'll walk up with you." Rego smiles holding the door open.
           "Sure. Honey I'll meet you at home. Love you!" She say then kisses him quickly.
           "Love you too. Bye!" He says his brow furrowing as he watches his wife and brother laugh and talk as they exit. Ivy watches the entire interaction coming to the conclusion to her prior thought.
           "Your step brother is handsome, very generous and very charming ." She states casually watching the emotion roll across Jamie's face as he speaks.
            "He sure is. He's one of the most charming men I know." He says shredding through his sandwich with vehemence as he glared out the door. She takes the chair across from him unwrapping her sandwich as she speaks watching him covertly through her lashes.
             "I take it there's no love lost between you and your stepbrother?"
            "There's no love at all! Want a napkin?" Jamie grumbles slamming the drawers of his desk as he searches then slapping a small pile of napkins on the desktop. Ivy watches him filing the entire transaction away to be examined later. She quickly changes the subject bringing back the carefree Jaime she'd been enjoying all morning before the wife and her ex dropped in. Perhaps this little hamlet wasn't going to be as boring as she thought after all.


Jamie and Ivy
Jamie and Francessca

*Copyright Takeitish Pine Valley Chronicles






        

Jesse and Griff, Cassandra and Angie

   

         Jesse closes the door firmly behind him as he walks into Frankie and Randy's home. It had been a long day and he was glad it was over. Spending the day with the crazies running up and down the streets of Pine Valley and the idiots they vote into office constantly calling him him to bitch and moan about one thing or the other can ware a man down. When it wasn't his beloved citizenry then it was the district attorney or his annoying new assistant district attorney breathing down his neck. What he needed right now was his grandkids and some good news.
      "Hey anyone home?" He calls out as he walks into the living room and hears Griff call out to him.
       "Yo! Jesse back here!" He says calling him back into the family room.
       "There they are! This is what Pop-Pop was waiting for!" He growls making the babies giggle as he scoops up one in each arm cooing and snuggling both then putting them down.
       "Rough day?" Griff asks watching Jesse grimace as he eases himself down into the chair.
       "Yeah brother and then some." He sighs leaning his head back against the cushions.
       " You want a beer?" Griff asks rising from the sofa and walking towards the kitchen as he talks.
       "Nah, watching my grand babies is all I need. Besides I have to drive home from here and the way I'm feeling today one ain't going to cut it!" Jesse says with a laugh as he reaches down and pulls his granddaughter into his lap.
       "Yeah all Pop-Pop needs is his family and everything's good!" He's says snuggling her close then putting her down as Griff comes back in the room.
        "Yeah these two make it all better don't they?" He laughs stepping around the twins as they laugh and play.
        "I never thought I'd have this. Beautiful daughter, two beautiful grand kids wonderful son in-law. Sometimes it all feels so unreal. Nah, I never saw this day." He smiles the joy of the moment lighting his face as he watched the children play. Jesse smiles knowing the feeling well.
        "I feel you bro, I feel you. So how are Krystal and Carmen?" Griff laughs and shrugs.
        " I wish I knew. Ever since they started this TV show thing I only catch them on the fly." He says with a chuckle. "Been kind of nice though quiet." He says making them both laugh. "One other nice thing with both of them gone so much I've been promoted to manager with a nice fat raise!"
       "Well all right now! That's what I'm talking about! Congratulations man!" Jesse whoops as stands and shakes Griff's hand.
       'Yeah boy! I can finally get out of Ryan's." Griff sighs happily. Jesse looks at him brows knitted in concern.
       "Something wrong there?" Jesse asks. Griff shakes his head.
       " No, things have been great. I just need a place of my own. Some place where the Grandkids can play maybe have a social life other than work and home."  Jesse nods in agreement.
       "Can't blame you there. Where are you thinking about moving to?" Jesse asks as he reaches out and grabs the hair brush from Spencer's hand as he passes and places it on the shelf behind him.
        " Not sure yet some place close." He says turning his head at the sound of the door rattling then squeaking open.
       "We're home!" Randi calls as she and Frankie walk into the den to the squeals of their children running towards her. Both children grasping at her knees as she walks in.
        "Hey sweet-peas!" She says kneeling down and kissing them both as Frankie walks to his father and hugs him.
        "Hey! What's up Dad?"
        "Nothing really Pop-pop just needed his fix."
        "Aren't you two lucky both your Grandpa's are here. How are you Jesse?" She says turning toward Jesse.
         "I'm okay how are you what did the doctor say?" Griff asks unable to wait any longer.
         "The doctor said I'm fine the cancer is still in remission." She says proudly as the men in the room cheer.
          "Does your mother know?" Jesse asks knowing it had been weighing on her mind the last few days. Frankie smiles lifting the look of concern from his father's face as he speaks.
          "We made sure to tell her before we left the hospital. We figured with everything else going on she could really use some good news."
          "That she can son, that she can."
         Angie walks towards the doctors locker room to shower and change. She wanted to get home to Jesse and the kids to celebrate their good news. She'd already ordered dinner from the "Serving Spoon" and if she hurried she could get to Frankie's about the same time it arrived. She turns down the hall taking the shortcut through the Providers offices passing one as the door opens and Cassandra steps directly in her path.
         "Oh excuse me." She says before looking up and seeing her mother in front of her the smile on her face becoming an instant frown.
         "Cassandra! Hi baby." Angie says reaching out and hugging a stiff Cassandra her swollen belly brushing against Angie.  "Oh my looks at you! You're absolutely beautiful! I guess the baby will be coming soon? You and Rego must be so excited!"
         "Yes Mother we are but we have a few more months before the big day." Cassandra retorts wishing the entire ordeal was over as her mother stares back at her confused.
         "From the look of you sweetie I'd say another two or so." Angie smiles feeling Cassandra's tummy the later swiping at her hand.
         "Perhaps you need your eyes checked." Cassandra snipes back ignoring the hurt expression on her mother's face. The last thing she needed was her mother digging around she could be more harm than hurt feelings. Angie looks back at her daughter inspecting her expression and knew instantly she was hiding something.
         "Cassandra what is going on? What aren't you telling me?" Cassandra narrows her eyes instantly on the defensive.
          "Why do I have to always be up to something Mother? Rego and I are married, we just bought a beautiful new home and were expecting a baby in a few months! Why can't any of you just be happy for me? Why do you always think I have some scheme going?" Angie stares back at her mouth a gape unable to fathom what she had said or done to evoke such a venom filled response.
           "I am happy for you honey! Really I am."
           'I really have to go!" Cassandra states flatly turning and walking away leaving Angie to stare after her bewildered. What had she done to make Cassandra so angry? She thought absently rubbing the pain in her left arm.
       Cassandra walks to the elevator thoughts of her mother's words "I'd say two or so." She'd almost forgotten about the time frame. She'd need to solidify her plan as far as that was concerned.
      "What to do, what to do?" She murmured. Her thoughts now distracting her from all else as she steps toward the back of the car absorbed in them. It stops at the mezzanine as a few passengers disembark leaving her with just the two interns in front of her as it descend.
         "Excuse me please!" She says attempting to move in front of the interns to exit. Neither moving both blocking her exist as the door opens and quickly closes.
       "Sorry." One murmurs and shrugs smiling shyly as he continues to talk to his companion.
       "Idiots!" She yelps pushing past them to the front and pressing the lobby button again. Then gasping in horror as the doors open and she is pushed out only to be caught in Deveraux's arms.
      "You and I have a few things to discuss."

Lola and Adam, Devereaux and Joe
Cassandra and Rego