LIFE GOES ON Pt. 6

Email: luvleopard2@yahoo.com

RATED:  R. Adult Language and Situations

 

AUTHOR:  Bobbie S. 

 

AUTHOR’S NOTE:  Life Goes on is about relationships, old and new, and
tying up loose ends.  This story begins the evening that “Antarctica”
ended. Too many loose ends were left undone; the old relationships
involving Nick, Lulu, and Burton.  How did the arrival of Baby Anne
affect each of their lives?  Whatever happened to Jake and Kate?  In the
effort to tie up some of those dangling loose ends, I borrowed some
familiar characters and situations from episodes from all three seasons
of TG.  All other characters are fictional, as well as a geographic
location or two.

 

--+--

 

Sunday Night, Thanksgiving Weekend 2004

 

Burton retired to bed feeling troubled and somewhat confused.  He
couldn't understand why, until it dawned on him that he felt fine until
Lulu unexpectedly arrived to pick up Anne.  He himself was planning to
take the baby home at 9:00 as he had done for months.  Nevertheless, he
enjoyed her visit since it was the first time she had spent any real
time in his home since a few weeks after Anne was born.  He made a snack
for the two of them and they chatted while Anne slept.  It was not long
after Lulu arrived that Burton realized that she had no knowledge of
Mona.  How Nicholas was able to keep that a secret was beyond him. 
Maybe Nicholas was correct when he stated that Lulu paid no attention to
anything he did or said unless it suited her agenda.  Burton thought
"Well, by golly, she certainly has an agenda now, and that would be
getting Nicholas back into her life."  Over and over, during the entire
course of her visit, she mentioned how excited she was about
experiencing Anne's first Christmas in their new house.  She and Nick
were going to have so much fun preparing for their daughter's holiday. 
"Shopping for her toys and gifts, decorating the house, and preparing
the holiday meal.  Of course, Anne will be having a bottle," she giggled.

 

 Burton smiled to himself,  'Not if Nicholas has anything to do with
it.  He's been feeding that baby anything she can gum and swallow since
she was only a few months old, and I don't mean baby food."  One of Mona
and my biggest jokes at our Sunday dinners is seeing what kind of
concoction he is going to puree' for Anne. Mashed potatoes with gravy
and ice cream are her favorites.  Lulu would kill him if she knew her
baby ate better than she did.'

 

Burton witnessed firsthand what Lulu's wrath was like. One Sunday after
they'd had dinner, Lulu lit into Nick because he was not holding the
baby correctly, or at least not the way she thought he should have. 
Burton and Nick both knew her bad attitude had nothing to do with the
way Nick positioned Anne in his arm.  It was because Lulu really did not
want to be there with Nicholas, nor did she want him to have anything to
do with the baby.  Her cutting words made Burton tremble.  He felt so
sorry for his son when Lulu practically snatched Anne from his arms and
put her into her baby carrier.  Nicholas never uttered a word.  He just
quietly went into the kitchen and proceeded to wash dishes.  Needless to
say they left early that evening.  That was Lulu's last Sunday dinner at
his house. 

 

Each time Lulu mentioned Nicholas, it made Burton feel uneasy.  He
understood what Nicholas meant when he made a comment about "tip-toeing
on eggshells" around Lulu, so as not to do or say anything that would
upset her.  Perhaps that is why he has not pushed her for more
visitation privileges.  The time he spends with Anne on Sundays is still
all that she allows him.

 

As he continued to ponder the evening's events, he noted how differently
he felt when Nicholas arrived only moments after Lulu left.  Although
Mona did not come with him, he could feel her presence through
Nicholas.  His son's face was actually glowing.  He and Mona had a very
successful, fun-filled trip with the added blessing of getting a good
flight home without problems or delays.  Burton chuckled the whole time
Nick told him funny stories about his friend Bud and Mona's antics; this
being her first time visiting New York.  Burton had never witnessed Nick
this talkative and exuberant before he met Mona.  She was definitely
good for him.  On Sunday afternoons when Nicolas and Mona come over, the
house is filled with peace and laughter.  No egg-shells. Mona kicks off
her shoes and tells silly stories, Nicholas romps on the floor with his
daughter, and Burton thanks God for his happy family.  Baby Anne
chatters, laughs, and claps her chubby little hands at all the attention
she receives from Daddy, Mo-Mo (Mona), and Grandpa.

 

Burton noticed that when Lulu arrived, she kissed Anne on the cheek and
checked her diaper, but she never picked her up. Anne did not clap her
hands and chatter like she does when Nicholas or Mona enters the room. 
Anne rocked herself back and forth until she fell asleep.  (Umm, an
interesting observation.)  He then realized why he felt so troubled and
restless. It had to do with Lulu's plans to spend the holiday with
Nicholas.  Burton suspected that Lulu was going to use whatever means
she could to make that happen.  That would be Anne, sex, or both.  He
did not know whether he should warn Nicholas or let him handle it in his
own way.  'But I no longer want Lulu as my daughter-in-law.  I don't
want Nicholas choosing her over Mona, even for Anne's sake.  Lulu broke
him up with that cop girl he was smitten with.  What's her name?  Kim. 
Yes, she will try to do the same thing with Mona.  Well, I won't have
it!  After all of these years.  It is time I sit down with my son and
have a serious man to man talk with him.  And, by golly, he is going to
listen!'  With that out of his system, Burton could finally drift off to
sleep.

 

****

 

The next morning Burton called Nick's office to set up a lunch
engagement.  Nick asked for a rain-check, stating he would be working
through his lunch hour as well as a couple overtime hours that evening. 
He did, however agree to come over to Burton's house immediately after
work.  The stress in his father's voice concerned him, even though,
Burton tried to reassured him the issue he needed to discuss could wait
until then.

 

Nick couldn't imagine what on earth Burton wanted to talk about that
sounded so urgent.  He couldn't think of anything he had done wrong. 
His dad seemed happy enough when he announced he was taking Mona to New
York for the holiday.  He loved the souvenirs and pastries he and Mona
brought him.  "What in the world does he need to talk to me about?"  He
asked himself over and over.

 

"Have a seat, Son, we need to talk."  That was Burton's greeting as he
reached for Nick's coat.  That made Nick feel very uncomfortable.  He
felt like a teenager getting ready to face his punishment for some
misdeed his father disapproved.

 

'What the hell have I done?'  Nick thought as he tried to read his
father's face.  The wrinkles in Burton's forehead showed worry and
concern, not the usual wrath and fury.  'Well at least he does not seem
to be angry.'  Nick tried to make himself comfortable on the leather
sofa.  He decided to just let his father have his say and respond to
that.  Whatever happened, Nick made up his mind he would not get angry
and lose his temper.  They had come too far with their new relationship
to let a few angry words ruin it.

 

Burton picked up his glass of scotch and lit a cigarette.  "How was you
day, Son?"

 

"Busy.  How was yours?"

 

"Not so busy.  You know, I am just riding out my time."  Burton laughed
nervously, for no apparent reason.  Then a gap of silence fell upon the
two.  "Oh, have you had dinner?  I could make you a sandwich.  I've got
leftover turkey and…"

 

"I am not hungry, Dad, but thank you."  Another gap of silence fell upon
them.

It occurred to Nick that Burton was nervous and utterly miserable.  Nick
nearly laughed out loud as he realized they had switched places.  In the
past, it was always he who was miserable while waiting for Burton to
chew him out.  "Maybe I should give the old man a break, just this once."

 

"Dad," he said softly, "What is it that you want to say?"

 

"Whew!  I really don't know how to put this, Nicholas, but I am very
concerned for you, and I don't want to say something that is going to
make you angry."

 

"Just say it."

 

"I've never liked to interfere with your personal business?"

 

"Oh, really?"  Nick sarcastically raised his eyebrow.

 

"I mean since you've been an adult.  I, I uh, it's just that."

 

"It's just that what, Dad?  What are you so concerned about?  Just say it."

 

"Nicholas, I love Mona like a daughter, you know that.  Nick nodded his
head in affirmation. "I want you to marry her, soon I hope.  I've just
got this gut feeling that Lulu is going to try to break you two up and
she will use whatever means necessary to do it.  Don't let that happen
Son.!  Don't let that happen."

 

"What happened? Why do you think that?"

 

Burton told him about Lulu's visit the previous evening and the tone of
her conversation, including Nick in all of her and Anne's holiday
plans.  She spoke as if nothing had ever come between the two of them. 
Nick allowed him to have his say, without interruption.  Burton paused
every now and then, expecting Nick to get angry and storm out the door. 
Especially, when Burton warned him not to sleep with Lulu.

"Well Son, that's all I have to say.  I can't tell you what to do, you
are an adult.  But I could not sleep another night without telling you
what I know to be a fact."

 

"Thank you, Dad, I appreciate your concern.  Knowing what you have told
me, I will be very careful and continue to avoid her as much as
possible.  But, you really don't have anything to worry about, I am
going to marry Mona, you can count on it."

 

/Early December, 2004/

 

Nick continued to avoid Lulu, unless it involved professional matters
concerning his few remaining LSP clients with his pro bono work.  After
much begging from Lulu, he finally broke down and agreed to set up her
Christmas tree and some outdoor lights, but only after Mona told him to
go ahead and do it; if only for Anne's sake.  Burton did not approve, so
he volunteered to help Nick.  After all, Nick needed to borrow his tall
ladder for the outdoors.  This was not what Lulu had on her agenda.  She
had planned on Nick coming alone and spending the entire afternoon,
evening, and night.  It was remarkable how quickly the two men finished
all the work she had laid out.  Just to be courteous, Nick and Burton
played with Anne until she was ready for a nap.  As Nick went to the
closet to retrieve their jackets, Lulu followed him and suggested they
go Christmas shopping later that evening. 

 

“No, Lulu, I am tired and I brought some work home that I need to finish
before Monday.”

 

“Well, we don’t have to stay out long.  Let’s just go out a little while
and shop for Anne.  After all, it is her first Christmas and, well I am
very excited about it.  Aren’t you?

 

“I have already bought her gifts.”

 

“Really, what did you get?  Maybe Anne and I could go over to your place
and, well I will wrap your gifts for you while you work.  Have you
decorated yet?  I could fix up your place, you know set out your candles
and knick-knacks.  I know.  Anne and I will bake cookies while you work.
 Now you know you love hot baked cookies and milk.”

 

“Yes, I do.  But not this weekend Lulu, I have a lot of work to do.  The
end of the year is approaching and, well you know how that is.”

 

“Is Burton cooking dinner tomorrow?”

 

“You'll have to ask him.”

 

"Ask me what?  Burton asked, startling Lulu, as she did not know whether
he'd heard her conversation with Nick."

 

"Oh I was just wondering if you still cooked on Sundays?"

 

"Yeah, Nicholas would starve if I didn't.  We never have anything fancy,
just a meal because we have to eat.  And since Sunday afternoons is the
only time either of us gets to see Anne, he just comes over and we share
her and eat together."

 

“Oh, well I will see you tomorrow when you come to pick up Anne.” Lulu
said sounding disappointed.

 

“Yeah, well, we've gotta go, Nicholas has work he has to do, if he
intends to stay employed, right son."

 

"You betcha."  Nick grinned.

 

“Thank you guys, I appreciate you helping me out with the decorations.”

 

“Sure, it is Anne’s first Christmas, Burton smiled."

 

"Thank you for helping me out, Dad." Nick smiled at his father when they
got outside.

 

"Anytime, son, anytime."

 

In Lulu’s mind, she planned to spend the entire day with Nick.  First
she wanted to give him breakfast before he went outside to hang her
outdoor Christmas lights.  But of course Nick was over an hour late
arriving, and when he did, he had already eaten.  Worse than that, he
brought Burton with him and she could never find a free moment to talk
to him alone.  At 1:30 she served the two of them her homemade vegetable
beef soup.  Only Burton complimented her on how good it tasted.  Burton
and Nick assembled and put the lights on the 7 1/2 ft tree artificial
tree within minutes.  All Lulu had to do was decorate it as she wished. 
That was what she envisioned herself and Nick doing together, then later
going Christmas shopping and having a picture made of Anne on Santa’s
lap.  They would bring dinner home, because it was easier that way with
baby.  She would light the Christmas tree and the candles in the living
room and they would have their meal sitting on the floor around the
coffee table.  She would play the new Christmas CD’s she purchased right
after Thanksgiving.  After dinner, they would make on the sofa until
Nick picked her up and carried her upstairs to her bedroom, like they
used to do before she moved in with him.  That was before he betrayed
her; before Anne was born; before she told him she did not want him in
her life or her baby’s.

 

“That was before, this is now.” She thought.  “I know Nick still loves
me, and even if he doesn't he loves Anne.  We belong together.  All it
is going to take is one opportunity to make him see that I made a
mistake, the same as the many mistakes that he has made.  All it is
going to take is to get him back into my bedroom once, and he will be
mine again.  That is the way it should be.  We belong together.”

 

On Monday morning, Barbara told Lulu that she had seen Nick Saturday
night at the mall with some strange dark haired woman.  When Lulu seemed
disinterested, Barbara followed Lulu to her office.

 

“I thought you said you and he were getting back together?”

 

“I said I was working on it.  We’ve been through a lot and it is going
to take some time.  Was she pretty?”

 

“Was who pretty?”  Barbara teased.

 

“Barbara, unless you want to get fired, you will sit down and give me a
detailed report right now!”

 

“Oh, was /she/ pretty?  That’s what you meant.  Barbara closed Lulu’s
door and pulled her seat up in front of Lulu’s desk.”

 

“Well, as much as I hate to admit this, she was.  But she is short and
sort of squatty, you know, could stand to lose a little weight in the
hips and boobs. But no body said she is a romantic interest, she may
have been a co-worker that he ran into and they just shared a cup of
coffee or something.”

 

“Well did they have packages, did it appear they had been shopping. 
Nick said he had already bought Anne’s gifts.”

 

“Anne is not the only person Nick has to shop for.  There is Dad, his
housekeeper, maybe people he works with.  There is you.  You are Anne’s
mother.  You are going to be in his life for as long as Anne lives. 
Didn’t he just come from your place earlier Saturday afternoon?  Well,
you got him all in the Christmas mood, and he realized he needs to do
some shopping, and you need to be on his list.”

 

“Oh, Barbara, you are such a dreamer.”

 

“All I know is, whoever that woman was is not important.  What is
important is his daughter, her mother, and Christmas is coming and the
three of you need to be together.  Is there anything I can do to help?”

 

“No, you have just helped me more than you will know.”

 

Lulu felt threatened for the first time, that Nick may be interested in
someone else other than her.  She had to find out who that dark haired
woman was and what she meant to her Nick.

 

That very evening, Lulu began stalking Nick.  She drove by his place of
business, circling the parking garage until she spotted his parking
space.  She would then park across the street until he left the garage
and follow him.  Four nights straight, he worked until 9:30 pm and drove
straight home, alone. She decided that was his norm so it would be a
waste of her time to sit those long cold hours with the baby in the
car.  It would make more sense to just park around 9:15 and then follow
him.  On the fifth night, a Friday, she circled the parking garage at
6:00 pm, and decided he may have plans so she would sit one more time in
case he left early.  If he was seeing someone, a Friday night would
probably be the time.  Nick's car never left the garage, even at 10:45
that night.  She went to his house and there was no indication that he
was home.  She parked down the street where she had a clear view of him
arriving home, without her being noticed.  He never came home.  She
called his office and only got his recorder.

 

Saturday morning, Lulu entered Nick's parking garage and his car was
still parked in the same spot.  Lulu was puzzled.  Did Nick work all
night?  He was a workaholic.  She called his cell phone and he
answered.  She hung up.

 

"Was that her, Honey?  Mona asked.

 

"It was her, Nick grinned, and kissed her on the cheek."

 

"You are wicked.  How long are you going to play this silly game with Lulu?"

 

"Until she stops stalking me.  Now, how about some desert before
breakfast, my little pop tart?"

 

*****

 

Lulu was not the only person who had a Christmas agenda.  Early in the
month, Shannon wrote Burton a long letter, stating how sorry she was
that she had hurt him.  She knew she did not deserve his forgiveness,
but that was all she wanted for Christmas, was for him to like her
again.  She went on to say that she was a fool for putting her trust in
her dad, Roy.  He never writes or calls her any more.  She is doing
better in school, but not as well as when she lived at his house and was
tutored.  She also wanted Nick to like her, she always thought of him as
a big brother.  It was her fault that the two of them did not get
along.  After all, you are his real father.  It was just that she had
never had anyone in her life that really cared about her the way Burton
had.  She knew it was too late, that she had ruined her chances of ever
being adopted by Burton or anyone else.  That was just something she
would have to live with.  But she just wanted him to know how sorry she
was for everything she had done and she wanted to thank him for all he
had done for her.  She signed it Merry Christmas, Shannon.

 

There were many grammar and punctuation errors, which told Burton that
Shannon was not doing as well in school as she wanted him to believe. 
Unbeknown to Shannon, Burton had kept in touch with Laurie Solt about
her.   Off the record, Laurie would give him reports, that Shannon had
been to three foster homes since she left his house and she was always
sent back to she shelter.  Laurie sadly admitted that the chances of
Shannon ever being adopted or living in a permanent foster home were
slim to none.  Also, off the record, Burton saw to it that her needs
were met and she always had a little extra spending cash for things
teenage girls felt they had to have.

 

He was very happy to receive the letter and he called Shannon to tell
her so.  At first she was sweet and insisted she was very sorry.  Later,
she wanted him to visit her.  Then she wanted to visit him.  Burton did
not think that was such a good idea and told her so.  He did agree to
take her Christmas shopping just before Christmas.  Shannon later told
him that she did not want anything for Christmas, but she would really
like to visit him during the holiday, instead.

 

Burton figured, what harm would it do.  After all, his sister Ruth was
coming for a visit.  An older female in the house might be good for
Shannon.  After talking with Laurie Solt, it was agreed that Shannon
would come for her visit on the Thursday before the holiday when Burton
would be serving his traditional Christmas dinner.  Since Nick and Mona
were going to spend Christmas Eve through the day after Christmas with
Mona's family, Thursday evening would have to serve as their family
meal.  Burton had to remember to make arrangements to pick up Anne. 
Since he was off work, he would babysit her all day, since Ruth wanted
to do all the cooking.

 

Thursday December 23, 2004

 

Lulu dropped the baby off early that morning since she had to work all
day and Laurie dropped Shannon off around 10:00 that morning.  She would
join them for dinner later that evening, and then take Shannon back to
the shelter.  At that point, it would be up to Burton on a day to day
basis to decide if Shannon could come back Christmas Eve and the rest of
the weekend.  Shannon was full of sugar and spice and acted as excited
about Christmas as a little girl, when she saw her name on several
Christmas packages under the tree.

 

Ruth was not impressed.  Neither was Nick when Burton told him that
Shannon would be joining them for dinner.  Nick called Mona to ask her
to suggest a suitable gift for Shannon because he neither had the time
nor the desire to deal with it.  Mona told him she would take care of it
and pick up a little gift for herself to give Shannon..

 

Nick and Mona arrived at Burton’s a little after 5:30 They both had left
their jobs early during the day so Mona could be with Nick when he
delivered Christmas presents to his juvenile clients.  He and Mona had
planned to spend as much time as they could with Burton, Anne, and
Nick's Aunt Ruth, whom Nick had not seen since he was a child. Shannon's
unexpected visit put a damper on their evening plans, as they were going
to get an early start on their drive to see Mona’s family in Bliss, Pa. 
Mona promised Nick a special little something-something for Christmas if
he behaved himself, for Burton's sake.  Every time Nick said something
ornery about Shannon, Mona reminded him that Santa did not like ugly and
he had to behave if he did not want a lump of coal in his stocking. 

 

"I am used to getting coal for Christmas."  He replied.  "What is Santa
going to give me if I do decide to be good?"

 

"My Christmas special for good boys only."

 

"And that would be?"

 

"Me in a Santa Clause cap and a bow."

 

"I want my present now.  I can't wait until Christmas."

 

"You'll be nice to Shannon?"

 

"You betcha!"

 

Mona gave Nick a long passionate kiss.  "That will have to do for now. 
You'll get the rest later after you've proven that you can behave
yourself.  Although I have never met this girl, I don't understand why
she makes you so crazy?  I mean Burton likes her.  Surely you can find
some good in her, if you really tried."

 

"Okay if you insist.  The one good thing I like about Shannon is that I
do not have to deal with her on a daily basis."

 

"Nick, you can do better than that."

 

"No I can't.  You've never met her, or her mother, or her grandmother. 
All three of them were witches and had Dad bamboozled.  Well he never
met the mother before she died.  I only met her long enough to get my
ass thown in jail for no reason.  But, you want to meet Shannon, okay,
now is your chance.  And you will see what I've been talking about."

 

Mona kissed Nick one more time after they parked in Burton's driveway. 
"I love you Nick, I don't know why, but I do."  She laughed.  Well get
through this evening just fine. And then when we arrive on Sunday
evening, we can pick up where we left off with Burton and your Aunt Ruth."

 

"Okay, you're laughing now, but you'll see."

 

"When Shannon gets on your nerves, just give me a glance and I'll try to
change the subject or do something to get your mind off of being rude to
her.  You see, I want you to receive your special little Christmas gift
as much as I want to give it to you."  Nick answered her with his
seductive grin.

     

Shannon greeted them at the door, holding a piece of mistletoe over her
head.  Nick bent down and kissed her on the jaw, then he introduced her
to Mona. 

 

“Hey,” Shannon said dryly, as she ignored Mona’s outstretched hand.  She
just went about jabbering to Nick about how she helped Aunt Ruth bake
cookies and how she had taken care of Anne most of the day.  She acted
as if she and Nick were close.  “What’s in the bags?”  She asked.

 

“You will see later.  Will you put them under the tree for me, please,
and don’t snoop.”

 

“She took the shopping bags and skipped merrily away, like a little girl
five years younger.”

 

“She don’t like me, very much.”  Mona said when Shannon could not hear her.

 

“Oh really?  If it is any consolation she doesn’t like me at all.”

 

“You’re kidding, she treated you like a big brother she hadn’t seen for
a while.”

 

“It is Christmas, Mona, and she wants lots of presents, so naturally she
is going to be on good behavior.  Well, for a while, anyway.  You just
wait." Nick warned.

 

“Don't be like that.  This evening will be fine."

 

"I still don’t know what Dad was thinking.  I don’t know why he invited
her over for dinner this evening.  He said it was just going to be a
quiet family gathering, since we won’t be here for the holiday.

 

“Because it’s Christmas Nick, it is Christmas.  Nick hung up Mona’s coat
and pretended to hold a piece of mistletoe over her head and kissed
her.  Just then Shannon entered the foyer, clearing her throat. 

 

“Hump, Humph.  Burton said there will be none of that before dinner. 
Then she took Nick’s hand and led him through the house, still ignoring
Mona.  Burton said for you to come back to the kitchen.

 

Nick went straight to Anne and picked her up out of her high chair. 
“How’s Daddy’s little Munchkin?  He nibbled on her chubby cheeks.  You
look just like a little fairy princess and you smell good too.  When he
handed the baby to Mona, Shannon said, I dressed her and did her hair. 
Do you like it?”

 

“Yes, Shannon, you did a really good job.  Thank you.”

 

“This is the outfit that Burton bought her for Christmas.  He wanted you
to see it since you woul0dn’t see her on Christmas Day.  Shannon was
referring to a red velvet dress with the appearance of a jumper with
white sheer sleeves. It had matching velvet panties and she wore lace
trimmed anklets with her new red velvet slippers.  Nick and Burton both
liked Anne in anklets instead of tights because she had such cute chubby
legs.

 

“She looks beautiful, Shannon, do you have any little brothers or
sisters?”  Mona asked, trying to break the ice.

 

“No.  Hey, Nick, you want to taste the cookies I baked?"

 

"Sure why not.  She got a platter of assorted cookies from the counter
and pointed to the chocolate chip cookies.  These here.  Just then, Aunt
Ruth came into the kitchen. And smacked Nick’s hand.  No cookies young
man, not until you’ve eaten your dinner and I mean every crumb.  She
winked at Mona and hugged her.  "How are you sweetheart?"

 

“I am fine Ruth.  I see you and Shannon have been busy today.  Well,
Burton did most of it.  Shannon and I baked a few cookies and ate most
of them as we went.  If it weren’t for all the sweets that Burton’s
neighbors and clients sent him, we would not have enough cookies left
for dessert to fill a saucer." 

 

“Nick ignored his aunt and took a bite out of a cookie anyway.  He broke
off a tiny piece for Anne to suck on and gave the rest to Mona.”

 

“These are delicious Shannon," Mona said, still trying to make friends.”

 

“I know, she said triumphantly.”

 

Burton finally came downstairs.  “Hey kids, I didn’t hear you come in.” 

 

“I let them in while you and Aunt Ruth were upstairs getting dressed. 
What time is Lulu coming?"  Shannon asked innocently?

 

“Oh just about anytime, I suppose, Burton chuckled, I told her dinner
was at 7:00.”

 

Suddenly Nick lost his appetite, He grabbed Burton by the arm and pulled
him to the side where he could talk without anyone hearing the
conversation.  “Lulu is coming here tonight?  When did this happen?” 
Disappointment was evident in his voice.

 

“Yes, Son, I tried to call you, at your office, but you had left.  You
must have had your cell phone turned off because I couldn’t reach you
all afternoon.”  Nick reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out his
cell phone, clicking it back on.  He had forgotten to turn it back on
after he left the detention center, the first place he and Mona visited
that afternoon.  Burton continued.  Lulu called me this afternoon,
asking me what she could bring.  She said that I told Shannon she could
invite someone and she chose her because they were close and I wanted my
sister to meet Anne’s mother.  What could I tell her?"

 

“Couldn’t she come over tomorrow or Christmas, after I have left town?”

 

"That’s just it, Son, Lulu said she was going out of town, also.  I was
between a rock and a hard place, I couldn’t tell her no.  I invited
Laurie is coming to dinner since she will be picking up Shannon and
taking her back to the shelter tonight.  Shannon and Lulu will both be
on good behavior to impress Laurie, I assure you.

"I wonder if Shannon mentioned to Lulu who I would be bringing
tonight".  Nick stated sarcastically.

 

Mona squeezed Nick’s hand and whispered, “It’s okay, it is only for a
few hours and you did bring her a gift from Anne, so now Burton don’t
have to deliver it for you.”  Then she gave Nick one of her, if you
behave yourself now, I’ll make it up to you later looks.

 

A few moments later the doorbell rang and Laurie and Lulu arrived, each
carrying packages.  Shannon answered the door, and directed them into
the living room while she hung up their coats.

 

+++

 

The table was elaborately set with a hunter green table cloth, Burton
and Anne’s good wedding china, stemware, and stainless.  There were red
napkins at each plate and a fresh floral holiday centerpiece placed
between two long red tapered candles.  As Burton carved the leg of lamb,
he joked that everyone would get their fill of turkey and ham later
during the weekend so he wanted to serve something a little different. 
He took credit for the broccoli casserole, a recipe of Nicholas’ mother,
and also the mint jelly.  He chuckled when he explained how skillfully
he opened the jar.  Ruth made the dinner rolls from scratch, the glazed
carrots, pearl onions and gravy, and the sweet potato pie they were
having for dessert later.  Lulu brought store-bought cranberry salad,
and Shannon peeled and whipped the rich buttery potatoes.  Laurie took
credit for the dinner wine for the adults and sparkling cider for Shannon.

 

“What did you and her bring, Nick?” Shannon pointed her fork at Mona as
though she was an object.

 

“Our appetites Shannon."  He said flatly as he avoided Lulu’s
disapproving stare as he fed Anne a half

spoonful of mashed potatoes and gravy.”

 

“Can she cook?”

 

“Ask her.”

 

Shannon stared at Mona for a couple of seconds and was about to ask Mona
something when Lulu could hold her peace no longer.  “Nick, you really
should not be feeding Anne food from the table, she is too young.  And
she should be in her high chair, not on your lap.”

 

“Why?”  Nick asked defiantly.

 

“Because, she needs to get used to sitting in her high chair.  If you
hold her in your lap, she will be expecting it all the time.”

 

“She always sits in my lap, and it is okay because I don’t get to see
her that often.”

 

“Well, just don’t feed her from the table, it will make her sick and I
will be up with her all night.”

 

“Then allow me to take her with me, and then you won’t have to bother.”

 

“Look at Anne.  She seems to be enjoying Nick’s dinner very much.” 
Laurie broke the tension, by calling attention to Anne who had rammed
her little hand into Nick’s mashed potatoes and had them smeared all
over her face, as she tried to feed herself. 

 

“Mona reached over and wiped Anne’s face with her napkin, as she cooed
baby-talk.  “Daddy wasn’t feeding the baby fast enough, was he Sweetie.” 

Lulu and Shannon shot each other a glance.  Then Shannon picked up where
she left off.  “How long have you and Nick known each other?"

 

Mona, looked up from her plate, surprised; it was the first time Shannon
had said anything to her directly all evening. “Oh, I don’t know, seven,
nearly eight months, I don’t know.”

 

“Anne is seven months old.  Did you know Nick before Anne was born?”

 

“No, I met him a few days afterwards”.

 

Rage came across Shannon’s face.  "You mean…"

 

“Shannon, that is none of your business.  Now eat your dinner!”  Laurie
scolded.

 

“How’s the roast?”  Burton asked to no one in particular.

 

Shannon ignored him and Laurie as she brazenly asked, “So, you broke up
Nick and Lulu even though they had just had a baby?”

 

Burton, Mona, Ruth, and Laurie felt the heat rise up in Nick. 
“Shannon,” he said through clenched teeth.  Mona rubbed his knee, and
Burton shot him a glance, both signaling him, to be still, it was not
worth addressing.

 

Laurie on the other hand did not feel the same way.  “Shannon, you are a
guest in this house.  It was your idea and persistent begging that
awarded you this invitation here tonight.  So, I am warning you and I
will not tell you again to behave yourself or I will take you right back
to the shelter.  Do you understand?"

 

“Yes.  I’m sorry, I was just curious that’s all, I mean I never met her
and I was just trying to get to know her, that’s all.”  She addressed Mona.

 

Mona half-smiled and continued to eat her dinner. 

 

All through the meal, Burton, Ruth, and Laurie told stories about
Christmases past and how much things has changed from their day to the
present.  Nick and Mona said very little and Shannon and Lulu chimed in
here and there.  When Ruth needed the butter passed towards the end of
the meal, Shannon noticed the ring on Mona’s left finger. 

 

“Is that an engagement ring?”

 

“Yes it is.  Mona smiled.

 

“You mean that you and Nick are engaged?”

 

“Yes, we are.”  Nick added, smiling proudly at Mona.”

 

“Are you pregnant?  Shannon asked, avoiding Laurie’s impatient gaze.  I
don’t mean anything, I'm just curious because when Lulu was pregnant
Nick didn’t marry her. And…

 

“Shannon that is enough.  Get your coat right now!"

 

“Laurie," Mona pleaded.  "It is okay.  Let her stay she is doing no
harm.  No, Shannon, I am not pregnant.  Whatever happened between Nick
and Lulu prior to me knowing either of them is their business and I
respect that."

 

Lulu added, “Shannon, Nick and my relationship did not work out and it
is okay with both of us.  We will always be Anne’s parents, so we will
always be friends.  Nick did ask me to marry him and he offered me the
ring Mona is wearing right now.  I turned him down, and that was okay. 
Like I said we are Anne’s parents and we are friends.”

 

Mona rubbed Nick’s knee again as she felt him tense up at Lulu’s
statement about Mona wearing the ring he had first offered her.

 

Shannon addressed Mona, "You mean you are wearing a used engagement
ring?  Nick is too cheap to buy you a new one?"

 

"I am sure you heard the expression, 'one woman’s trash is another
woman’ treasure."  Mona stated.

 

“Excuse me?”  Nick asked pretending to be hurt.

 

“You know what I mean, Darling.  I am honored to wear your mother’s
engagement ring because she and this ring meant so much to you.  You and
this ring are my treasures and I love you very much.  She put the tip of
a glazed carrot between her teeth, silently inviting Nick to play a game
they played often.  He bent down and chewed the other end of the carrot
until they had chewed it all away and was locked in a kiss. 

 

“Humph! Humph!  Burton playfully cleared his throat, I’ll have none of
that porno at my table.  Nick  took Mona's hand and passionately kissed
it, nibbling each finger, as he playfully rolled his eyes at his
father.  Little Anne clapped her hands as if she knew her daddy had just
scored a point.  Everyone laughed at the baby's jabbering.

 

“Evidently, Anne has seen this play before.  Have another carrot,"
Laurie laughed. 

 

"Here have the whole platter."  Ruth added.  Both Ruth and Laurie were
fed up with Shannon's and Lulu’s rudeness.

 

After dinner Mona volunteered to clear the table while Nick set up the
DVD player for the Christmas movies.  Shannon immediately stated that
she and Lulu would help her. Lulu handed Anne over to Burton and the
three ladies stacked dished in silence.  When everyone had left the
dining room.  Shannon lit into Mona.  "So, you think Nick is going to
marry you?  Well he isn't.  He is in love with Lulu, he always was and
he always will be.  He is just using you to make Lulu jealous.  He and
Lulu would be married right now if he hadn't cheated on her.  And he
will cheat on you, too, because that's the way he is. Isn't that right
Lulu?"

 

"I, uh, I had better check on Anne."  An embarrassed Lulu sat the dirty
dishes on the counter and turned to leave the room.   She stood far
enough away where she could still hear what was being said in the
kitchen.  She was very pleased that Shannon was doing what she did not
have the nerve to do. After all, she was very disappointed that she had
to learn that Nick was engaged to someone else on the night she had
planned to rekindle their relationship.

 

Mona scrapped dishes and started loading them into the dish washer with
Shannon on her heels. Shannon, being taller than Mona, aggressively
stood behind her with one hand on her hip as she waved her other hand
with an air of attitude, as venom rolled off her tongue.  "If Nick loved
you, he would have bought you a new ring.  It isn't like he is poor.  If
you are as smart as you are dumb-looking, you will stop breaking up
Nick's family and leave him alone."

 

"I fail to see where my relationship with Nick is any of your business."
 Mona continued to work.

 

"He is using you, just like he used Lulu and my mother."

 

"Your mother?"

 

"Yes, he did horrible things to her and he gave her drugs and forced her
to do horrible things to him.  That is why he got arrested.  He hates me
because I wouldn't lie for him when he went to jail." 

 

Mona slowly turned around and placed her finger beside her nose, as if
in deep thought.  "Let me get this straight.  You are upset with me
because you think I broke up Nick and Lulu's relationship.  Now, you say
they would be married, if I had not come into the picture.  Then you say
that Nick is a really horrible person who does horrible things to women
and force them to do horrible things to him.  What I don't understand is
why would you want a horrible person like Nick to marry a sweet little
girl like Lulu?  I thought you loved her?"

 

When Shannon realized, Mona had caught her in a lie, she shouted, "Shut
up!  You are twisting my words around!"

 

Mona triumphantly hummed to herself, which agitated Shannon.  Out of the
blue, Shannon hauled off and slapped Mona across the cheek.  I said shut
up you bitch!"

 

Mona impulsively grabbed a fork and pointed it up at Shannon's throat. 
You listen to me, little girl. Nobody slaps me and gets away with it. 
So, unless you want Burton to mop your tonsils up off his kitchen floor,
you will get out of my face right now!  Do you understand me?"  Mona
spoke through clenched teeth.

 

Shannon was stunned, she did not say anything because she could not
speak.  When she got her voice back, she tried to bluff Mona.  "Is that
a threat?"

 

Mona grabbed her in the collar, spun her around and bent her over the
counter, holding both of her arms behind her back.  Shannon could not
move, she could only gasp. 

 

At that time, Burton brushed past Lulu, with Nick, Laurie and Ruth on
his heels.  He entered the kitchen, shouting, "What's going on?  Mona,
let her go!"  It frightened Burton when he saw that Mona held a fork
very close to Shannon's throat.

 

"I don't think so."  She said, her teeth still clenched."

 

"Let her go baby, let her go, she isn't worth it."  Nick said as he
entered the room.  Mona handed Nick the fork and he held Mona in his
arms.  “You okay, baby?”

 

“I’m fine.” She tried to sound brave, but her voice told Nick that she
was shaken by what had just happened. 

 

“What happened?”  Burton asked again.

 

“She attacked me Burton.  Lulu will tell you.  She attacked me with that
fork.  She said I embarrassed her at the dinner table and she was going
to get even with me.  I didn’t mean any harm at dinner.  I told her that."

 

“Shut up!  Shut the hell up, you little lying bitch!” Nick shouted.  He
could no longer contain his anger.

 

“Nicholas!" 

 

“Don’t Nicholas me, Dad.  You need to put her in her place.  She never
should have been here this evening in the first place; or you either.” 
He pointed to Lulu, who looked as if she had seen a ghost.

 

“Nicholas, that is enough!  Now everyone go into the living room and
we’ll deal with this later.”

 

“No, we’ll deal with it now!  I’ve had it with these two conniving
witches.  You need to ask Mona what happened.  She is the only one who
is going to tell you the truth.”

 

“Nicholas, please!  Let me handle this, my way.”

 

“Fine.  You handle it your way.  In the meanwhile, Mona and I are out of
here.”  Nick grabbed Mona’s hand and practically drug her behind her. 
Burton was on their heels.

 

“Son, please stay.  It’s Christmas.  This is the only time I will have
with you and Mona for the holiday.  I know you are upset and we will
work this out, but now is not the time.”

 

“Honey? ”  Mona looked at Nick pleadingly, as if to say, for your
father’s sake.  Nick proceeded to put on his coat.

 

“We still have gifts to exchange.  What do you say, son?”

 

“That reminds me.”  Nick turned and went into the living room and
rummaged under the tree until he found the shopping bag that had
Shannon’s gifts from him and Mona.  He pulled out the two packages.

 

“What are you doing,?” Ruth asked, him puzzled.” 

 

At that time, Shannon was back in the living room, sitting on the floor
with Anne in her lap.  Nick waved the packages in her face as he brushed
past her.  “This one was from Mona, which is something far better than
anything you deserve.  And this one was from me.  It is a cell phone
with 5000 pre-paid minutes.”  He stormed out the living room and brushed
past Burton as he beaconed for Mona to follow him.  Mona turned to
Burton, saying she was sorry, then exited the foyer behind Nick.”

 

Burton’s silent prayer was.  “Dear Lord, please get me through the rest
of this evening.”

 

/ /

/Christmas Eve Morning, 1:00 A.M./

 

Burton picked up his phone after the second ring.  "Hello."

 

"Dad, did I waken you?"

 

"No, I'm still up."

 

"Did everyone leave okay?"

 

"Of course they did, it is after 1:00 am, Nicholas.  What do you want?" 
Burton asked impatiently.

 

"Well, uh, I didn't get a chance to wish you Merry Christmas and I
didn't want to leave town without doing that."

 

"Merry Christmas Nicholas.  Is there anything else?"  Nick knew Burton
was waiting for an apology for him leaving the party early in such a
rage.  After all, his father did beg him and Mona to stay.  But hell
would freeze over before he gave him one.

 

"Yes there is.  I overheard Shannon tell Lulu that you still had plans
to adopt her.  Is this true?"

 

"Son, why should that matter to you one way or another?"

 

"Then it is true."

 

"I did not say that.  Shannon had been hinting around about it all day,
but I never gave her an answer one way of the other."

 

"So there is still a possibility?"

 

"What if there is?  What is that to you?"

 

"What is that to me?”  Nick suddenly became furious. “I don’t believe
you.  You saw what happened tonight.  Shannon started trouble from the
time Mona and I shadowed your doorway." 

 

“I am not excusing Shannon and her behavior, but I cannot understand why
you hate her so.  She is just a child, Nicholas.  A troubled little girl
who needs help.  She needs someone to care about her.”

 

“You may see her as a child, but I see her for what she really is; a
lying scheming little bitch who is going to take you for everything you
have and eventually kill you.”

 

“Is that what it is?  You are afraid Shannon will take away part of your
inheritance?”

 

“Dad,” Nick sighed deeply. “You just don’t get it.  I don’t want an
inheritance or any of your money or whatever.  I can earn my own.  But
you are the only father I have and I can see you going to an early grave
trying to do good for that girl.  I wish you could just see things the
way I see them.”  Burton was silent, so Nick continued.  I just, well,
my life is just beginning, so to speak, and , well, I don’t want to lose
you before I can really get to know you.”

“That doesn’t make any sense, Nicholas.  What are you saying?”

 

“I don’t know.  I, well, our relationship is going great and I don’t
want to lose that.”

 

“What does me adopting Shannon got to do with our relationship?  I am
always going to be your father and you are always going to be my son.  I
am very tired Nicholas.  Is there some point you are trying to make?”

 

“Well, uh, maybe we should just try to be friends and forget about a
father-son relationship.”

 

“Have you been drinking?  You are making no sense what so ever.”

 

“No I have not been drinking.  All I wanted was to try to enjoy a nice
holiday with you and my Aunt, whom I barely know and. . .okay, let’s put
it this way.”  Nick’s voice was beginning to sound angry and

frustrated.  “Just do whatever the hell you want; you always do.  But,
if Shannon becomes your daughter, don’t expect me, Mona, or our children
to spend holidays or Sunday dinners with the two of you.  I hope the two
of you have a wonderful life together.  Oh, yes, Merry Christmas, Dad. 
Nick hung up the phone without saying goodbye.

~~~~~

 

Ruth Fallin Walker, Burton’s sister,older by two years, started up the
stairs to retire for bed when Burton answered the phone.  She had no
idea what Nick was saying on the other side of the line but the
agitation in Burton’s voice worried her.  She wondered if her brother
was losing his mind in his old age.  She and Burton had always been
close, even as kids.  Even though they lost touch with each other as
adults, Ruth always knew she could depend on Burton in a time of need. 
He was always very generous and caring.  At one time or another he had
come to the aid of all his family members, even though some of them
resented his wealth and success.  Those are the ones who claims that his
son Nicholas is his payback for him trying to be so much better than
every one else.  Having lived in California most of her life, Ruth had
met Nick only a few times when he was a little boy.  That was usually at
someone’s funeral, the last time being his mother Anne’s.  She felt so
sorry for him.  He seemed like such a sweet little kid and it was
evident that he really loved his mother very much.  Ruth was very
concerned about Nick, and Burton adjusting to his new role as a single
parent.  She called Burton often to give him support.  Once she
suggested that he send Nick to spend his summer vacation with her
family.  It was time he got to know his cousins, even though, they were
older than Nick.  She was shocked when Burton told her Nick was in
boarding school and it was the best thing for both of them.  After that
the subject of Burton’s methods of parenting his son was closed.

 

"Was that Nick?"  Ruth asked Burton as he headed up the stairs behind her."

 

"Yeah.  He'd never admit it, but he's feeling guilty for leaving like he
did.  Poor Mona didn't have a choice but to follow him."

 

"I don't blame either one of them.  You should have thrown Shannon out
with Lulu right behind her.

I can't stand either one of them.   I felt sorry for poor Mona and
Laurie." 

 

"They were guests in this home. Nick should have stayed for the sake of
good breeding if nothing else.

He is so worried that I might adopt Shannon.  That is what he called
here at one in the morning to ask me."

 

"Are you going to adopt her?"

 

"Are you kidding me?  After what happened here tonight.  I can't have
her and Mona at each other's throats every Sunday.  Burton chuckled.
"It's the very same thing that Nicholas said.  He gave me an ultimatum;
him or Shannon.  He said if I adopt Shannon, I would never see him and
Mona on Sundays and holidays again.

 

"Then why didn't you tell him what you just told me?  Why would you
allow your son to leave town and possibly spoil his Christmas holiday
thinking that you may adopt that little piece of work?  You know how
much Shannon upsets him."

 

"I just don't like him trying to tell me what to do.  That is not the
first time he has ever given me threats."  He does that when he can't
have his way about something.  He even left the firm once because I
refused to make him a partner."

 

"Perhaps you should have listened to him."

 

"Why?  He was just acting like a spoiled brat."

 

"Burton, why do you make your only child take such drastic measures to
get your attention.  If you had listened to him and made him a partner,
maybe you would still have your own law firm."  With that said, Ruth
turned and walked defiantly away without saying goodnight."

 

 

TO BE CONTINUED……..