Ripped from the Phoenix Fire Series. The missing pages of the epic! Set years after The Long Summer and before the The Long Road Back. This is my gift to Mel, Clau and Cheryl! Merry Christmas!

Neglect Becomes Our Ally

by

Ceniana Aka CourtneyHawk
(Ceniana@gmail.com)

**BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP ***

Niles groaned shifting in his bed trying to force the dream back into focus. "I'm sorry..." The female voice sitting next to him said with a small sigh, turning off his alarm clock. "Your fever is still high." Katherine smiled as Niles opened his eyes to look into her soft green eyes. "That was some dream! Was I any good?"

"Yes." Niles purred, feeling guilty for the lie. 'She' was invading his dreams again. For a summer that didn't happen she had annoying habit of 'haunting' him. "Something we could try later."

"It's not healthy for a man with pneumonia to have those thoughts!" She let out a giggle and handed him a small glass of water. "I have to go make breakfast for everyone."

"Is.... Is it still happening today?" Niles felt rather guilty even after the dream. The woman had always been a rather 'sore' subject for Katherine.

"Mister and Mrs. Sheffield are still expecting her." Katherine’s eyes turned towards Niles. "If you told them what happened... I'm sure Mister Sheffield...." She stopped as Niles raised up his hand. He never wanted to talk about it. He never wanted to talk about 'her.'

"It doesn't matter. I have you now." Niles sat up and smiled as Katherine left the room. Closing his eyes tight he tried once again to summon his heart to fight off the dreams of the past. "It was nothing more than a long summer..... No more ... no less... It never happened. I am shocked, she worked a few years as an intern for Mister Sheffield, but never manage to make it to this household expect for a few rare appearances." Niles felt his lower lip tremble thinking about her stepping in the front door today.

Katherine walked down stairs and let out a shocked gasp. "Mrs. Sheffield there is no need!" She reached out taking the cooking pan from Sarah's hands. "I can fix breakfast today."

"It has been so long since I've last seen her." Sarah's eyes lit up like a small child at Christmas. "C.C.'s been away for far too long."

‘Too many affairs? Not enough time?' Katherine let out a sharp snarl shaking her head. "Witch should have stayed away."

"What Katherine?" Sarah turned her head and Katherine blushed.

"Why did she stay away?" She reached out putting the pan down and hissed.

"She has been working for several production companies." Sarah whistled handing Katherine the butter. "I can't believe Maxwell finally hired her."

"Yes." Katherine shook her head and started to count the months from her wedding. "When was the last time you saw Miss Babcock?"

"What's wrong, Katherine?" Sarah put her hands on her hips, eyeing the maid. "Are you coming down with Niles’ cold?"

"In a matter of speaking." Katherine reached out twisting her engagement ring. She noticed the time and shook her head. She was not about to hide from C.C. Babcock.

"You can stay upstairs with him and I'll serve breakfast." Sarah watched as Katherine shivered at the idea. "I'm not THAT bad at it."

"Niles needs his rest anyway." Katherine quickly stirred the pan and let out a sigh. "I'll let you know when it's ready."

The cold room wasn't helping his mood as Niles tried once more to close his eyes. "Hire? Miss Babcock?" Niles reflected on his own surprise at hearing Maxwell talk to Sarah about his desire for help.

"Is something wrong old boy?" Maxwell's words made his head pound as he reached out for another waiting aspirin.

"Everything." Niles grumbled trying to get up out of his bed, but the wait of his body made him sink once more. "Bloody hell..." He groaned whimpering and reaching for the covers yet again. He closed his eyes once more letting a dream over take him yet again.

** "You have such thick walls, Claire Morgan…. I would love a chance for you to let me in." Niles was mumbling softly in her ear as his hands danced along her back teasingly. ***

***"Thick walls keep you safe." Claire now found her hands undoing a few of his shirt’s buttons. She felt the heat coming off his body and lightly touched his bare skin, watching his skin harden with desire. She found her own body cry out for something more.**

"Niles?" Sarah stuck her head inside his bedroom hearing the soft moans echoing. "Are you alright?" She whispered and gave his shoulder a small shake.

"Mrs. Sheffield?" Niles blinked back away and frowned looking at the time.

"You okay?" She touched his forehead. "Your fever is coming down. I'll make sure Katherine brings you up a plate once breakfast is over." Niles noticed the joyful look on her face. "I'll be sure to tell C.C. hello for you."

"You are really glad to have her back?" Niles lowered his eyes, feeling a pain of guilt.

"I missed her." Sarah flashed a playful smile shutting Niles's door.

He felt his heart start to pound for just a moment. It was a strange mix of desire, hate and heartache. "I missed her too." He mumbled quietly, shutting his eyes once more praying for a dreamless rest.

Katherine felt like her mind was preparing for battle as she smiled at Maxwell Sheffield's entrance into the dinning room. "You won't have to worry about answering the door for C.C." Maxwell sat down and Katherine placed his egg and toast in front of him. "I gave her a key during lunch yesterday." Maxwell gazed towards the maid. "Not you too!"

"What?" Katherine blinked trying to wipe all feeling out of her face.

"Last time Miss Babcock was here Niles was horrid to her." Maxwell groaned at the memory. "Can you and Niles keep yourselves under control?"

"It's not me... I'm worried about." Katherine let out a mutter as the two eldest Sheffield children came hurrying inside the room. Katherine stepped back inside the kitchen as Maxwell exchanged a look with his wife.

"I know Niles isn't feeling well, but what's gotten into her." Maxwell groaned, putting down his coffee as Sarah took a set next to him helping Brighton and Maggie. "Gracie still sniffling?"

"Poor little thing." Sarah eyed the other two children who both were strangely quiet. "Maybe it's not a good idea for..."

"Hello, hello!" C.C. walked inside the dinning room with a bright smile on her face. She, of course, was dressed in a navy blue business suit. "Why the long faces?" Sarah stood up as C.C. sat down.

"Three sick children, and one sick butler." Sarah put the plate down and kissed her best friend's cheek. "Glad your here?"

"Why is Niles sick?" C.C. grumbled looking down at her foot. "Isn't he around toilet bowel cleaner enough to be..." C.C. stopped as Katherine cleared her throat before C.C. was able to finish.

"Can I get you something, Miss Babcock?" Katherine quickly poured a huge cup of coffee into C.C.'s empty cup.

"Yes, thanks." She smirked as the maid took Niles's place next to Maxwell's side.

"Daddy..." Maggie's eyes looked up towards her father. "I'm going back to bed." She sniffled hoping down.

Katherine studied C.C. Babcock, looking at the woman who had such a strange hold over Niles. "You know, if ya take a picture it would last longer." C.C. snarled towards the maid who quickly shifted her eyes away.

"Gram is living down stairs from you?" Sarah tilted her head as C.C. let out a soft whimper. "How did you manage that?"

"Well someone has to take care of her." C.C. moved her eyes away from her friend looking down at her plate.

"She has Nick." Sarah shook her head and let out a soft giggle. "Who would have thought you would be soft."

"I am 'hardly' soft, Sarah." C.C. placed the fork in her mouth and watched as Katherine picked up the children's dishes. The small little diamond was sparkling and C.C. felt her stomach twist at the sight of it.

"Katherine! Come here!" Sarah reached out, taking the maid's hand and flashing Katherine’s new piece of jewelry towards C.C. "We are going to be planning a wedding soon!" Sarah's face was bright, but she noticed C.C.'s cool expression.

"You two going to produce a few mini dust busters?" C.C. snarled and Sarah rolled her eyes.

"It's okay Katherine..." She pushed the maid out of the room and turned towards her oldest friend. "C.C.!"

"What?" C.C. snarled as Maxwell opened up his paper a little wider. "Maxwell don't we have some 'work' to do?"

Maxwell lowered his paper, letting out a groan. "I have to make a phone call, you can join me in a few moments."

"Okay what's with...."

"It's just an act." C.C. winked reaching out, stealing a piece of bacon from Sarah's plate.

Sarah reached out, waving her friend's hand away. "Your making excuses, but I'll let it drop for now. Do you want to stay for dinner?"

"I can't." C.C. felt her heart pound in her chest.

"Date?" Sarah let out a soft giggle, and C.C. blushed.

"You can say that." C.C. took another bite, and flashed a bright smile. "I better get to work. After all, your husband is paying me." C.C. made her way inside Maxwell's office and smiled at the paperwork he had set on the green coach.

Katherine let out a huge sigh, closing Niles's door. "That woman has some nerve..." She shook her head.

"So the devil is here?" Niles mumbled with his eyes half closed. "Did she try and steal your soul yet?"

Katherine reached out touching his forehead. "You poor baby." Katherine let out a small yelp as Niles wrapped his arms around her body.

"Come and keep me warm woman, and forget about witches, and daemons." Niles purred as Katherine let out a girlish giggle. "See, this is much better."

"You should still tell them... about..." Katherine’s lower lip trembled and Niles reached out quieting her.

"No... and promise me you will never speak of it outside this room." Niles's eyes became a deep blue looking into her's. "Please."

"You have my word."

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"Your word young man." Gram raised her cane toward the young boy. "You can't cause trouble at school today!"

"They make fun of me." The boy ran his hands down his sides, straightening his school uniform. "Why do I have to go so outside of town?"

Nick let out a chuckle as Gram grumbled toward her driver. "You aren't helping, Nick."

"Is mommy going to come and pick me up today?" Lucas looked toward the older woman with hope in his eyes. "Please?"

"We both know she has to work." Gram hated having this same talk with the young man every day. "Lucas...."

"Yes?" The boy's lower lip trembled, but he got his emotions under control quickly.

"There is no shame in getting upset, but you must give me your word on something." Gram knelt down straightened the boy's jacket. "You can't cause trouble, and you can't tell them anything beyond what your mother and I taught you."

The boy shifted from one leg to another. "My word." He whimpered and turned towards the school. "You'll come right? You are Nick?"

"Of course." Nick smiled, tipping his driver's hat towards the young man who quickly ran off towards the school building. "He's becoming more of a handful."

"What do you expect? The boy has questions, and ... "

"You gave your word to, C.C." Nick shook his head, opening up the limo door. "Miss Babcock can I speak freely?"

"Like that has ever stopped you before young man." Gram let out a giggle as Nick closed the door and hopped into the driver's seat.

"He deserves to know the truth." Nick turned his head. "I know he's just a child."

"I know, but my word is all I have. I have this feeling, in time everything will work itself out." Gram rubbed her chin and Nick let out a groan.

"What did you do?" Nick chuckled as he pulled the limo out of the school's driveway.

"I worked a little magic with Sarah! Don't give me that look she still has no idea about young Lucas." Gram shook her head. "Things will work out."

"Things will either work out or you'll give them a little push." Nick mumbled under his breath.

"I don't push!" Gram reached out with her cane, playfully poking the driver. "I just move pieces and allow events to happen where they may."

"Yes, Miss Babcock."

"My eyes are wide open, and my hearing is perfect. It's what people don't say, and the lies they tell that have always interested me. A gentle push never hurt anyone."

"Depends on the push." Nick chuckled, shaking his head and eyeing his employer.

"You are learning quickly, Nick!"

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Niles opened his eyes once more feeling the gentle hand touching his burning forehead. "Don't try to move." C.C. manage a weak smile reaching for the cup of water. "Everyone else is out of the house for a moment."

"I'm..." Niles mumbled, closing his eyes again and opening them. "Are you the good witch, or the bad witch?"

C.C. felt her lower lip tremble slightly as she went towards Niles's bedroom, wetting a rag with cold water and placing it on his head. "You'll forget about this in a few moments anyway." Her hand tenderly touched his cheek. "Sleep..."

Niles could do nothing but obey her command.

C.C. grumbled turning around in the doorway looking at his face. "I missed you." She shook her head trying to recall the last time they had spent more than a few moments in each other's company.

**"Did you find the wrong corner?" Niles snickered pulling out his garden hose, watching C.C. wait for Sarah. "There is a perfectly good corner a few doors down."**

C.C. groaned recalling her own comments and Katherine's face. "Who cares?" C.C. rolled her eyes having the strange urge to strangle the maid's neck. She walked downstairs to see Katherine enter the doorway. "Can I get a drink?"

"I'm sure it's five o'clock somewhere." Katherine walked towards the bar pouring C.C.'s gin and tonic. "Here you go, Miss Babcock."

"Listen chickie!" C.C. was getting annoyed at Katherine's glare. "You don't know me so back off a bit."

"I know you better than you think, Miss Babcock! I have heard the rumors of your family's life style, and if you hurt the Sheffield’s or Niles..." Katherine stopped as Sarah opened up the front door, shuffling sniffling children inside.

"Good! Your back." Sarah smiled, and then frowned noticing the cold looks in the room. "Is something wrong?"

"Come on children." Katherine took Gracie from Sarah's arms and shuffled the children upstairs.

"I have to get to Broadway." C.C. stepped forward as Sarah handed over her coat. "I just love saying that."

"Thanks to you it's happening." Sarah let out a sigh. "Are you sure everything is alright?"

"Nothing that a hammer can't take care of." C.C. reached for her purse and Sarah pulled gently on her arm. "It's alright... I am on my best behavior."

"I know." Sarah sighed and shook her head. "Tell Bort I said hello." Sarah let out a playful giggle and C.C. winked towards her friend.

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"Hello, hello..." C.C. walked into the office sitting down on Bort's couch. "I have an hour!" She looked at her watch and noticed Bort's face. "What?"

"How was your first day at work? How is everything?" Bort lowered her eyes. "How is Lucas?"

"Causing problems like normal." C.C. shifted letting out a huge sigh.

"Have you thought about what we talked about?" Bort tapped on her desk as C.C. let out a long slow snarl.

"You always have to get back to that summer." C.C. rolled her eyes. "You know what my ten year old was reading last night?"

"Why don't you tell me?" Bort lowered her glasses as C.C. shook her head.

"Homer." C.C. shook her head again. "That's how my life has been... A tale written by Homer."

"Homer wrote quite a few tales." Bort stood up and poured C.C. a huge glass of water. "Did you at least see him today?"

"Why?" C.C. let out a sharp hiss.

"Just wondering." Bort went back to her chair and leaned back. "What is going on with Lucas?"

"One moment he is the brightest little boy, and the next he is... he is..."

"A child?" Bort let out a small giggle as C.C. groaned, covering her face with a pillow from the couch. "Or Niles's son?"

C.C. let out another rather large groan. "I... I can't... "

"Let's talk about that summer again."

"Bort, you have a one track mind."

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Niles reached out, touching his own cheek as Katherine shut the door to his room. "C.C.?" He mumbled and Katherine froze. "Katherine?" He opened his eyes as Katherine put down his dinner tray. "I'm sorry."

"Are you alright?" Katherine moved by his bedside touching his forehead. "Your fever's down." She smiled and helped Niles sit up. "Having another nightmare?"

"No." Niles reached out, pulling her close to him. "How was today?"

"She kept her distance, and the children are feeling better this evening." She reached out brushing the hair out of his eyes. "Your color is trying to come back."

"It was strange, I felt like someone...with just a small touch washed the cold away." Niles reached out taking her hand, kissing the palm. "It's too bad we can't sleep in the same room." Niles let out a husky whisper.

Katherine blushed and Niles pulled back just a bit. "It's not proper! We must set a good example for the children."

"Well." Niles let out a troubled groan, releasing Katherine. "The sooner we are married the better off we'll be."

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"A fight with an actor, director, and a few stage hands." C.C. grumbled quietly to herself as she opened the door. The door itself was made to look like a closet room door, but opening it up C.C. felt herself one step closer to some peace. She let out a soft giggle noticing Lucas had his toy soldiers spread out over his room. He wasn't allowed to make a mess anywhere else in the condo. "Well, well, well little man. Hello, Hello!"

"Roger, roger!" Lucas answered back with a smile, running towards her waiting arms. "Hiya mommy how was work?"

"Work was work! Are we storming the castle? Slaying dragons?"

"Are we slaying your dragons tonight?" The boy let out a laugh as C.C. shook her head. "I know I'm too old for games."

"Games are another part of life." C.C. put on a playful smile and joined Lucas on the floor. "Did you start any fights at school today?"

Lucas blushed, trying to hide himself by playing with a toy tank.

"Lucas..." C.C. narrowed her eyes.

"Mom... they where talking about how I don't have a mom...or even a father who comes to my games." Lucas waved his hand towards his baseball uniform. "Can you please just come to one game?" He looked into his mother's eyes and could see the doubt reflected back.

"I don't know." C.C. felt her lower lip tremble, thinking about the business meetings and things she would have to do this week to keep up with the two Broadway shows.

"It's okee." Lucas lowered his eyes and C.C. felt her own heart melt.

"One game?" She held out her finger and Lucas nodded madly. "Remember what my name is?"

"Claire Morgan." Lucas felt his heart pound inside his chest. "So you'll really come to a game? You promise you'll come! Give me your word!"

"Lucas." C.C. narrowed her eyes towards the boy. "Alright one game... my word."

The boy reached out brushing back his mother's hair." What about..."

"Lucas..." C.C. narrowed her eyes. "Don't push your luck for tonight."

"I wasn't trying." Lucas grumbled as C.C. stood up, taking the boy's back pack. "Mom, ya know most mothers don't ..."

"I'm not most mothers." C.C. turned around, shaking her head. "What do you want for dinner tonight?"

"O man! Nick isn't cooking?" Lucas's face twisted in pain.

"Lucas...." C.C. groaned looking at Lucas's homework list. "We'll order out."

"Roger, roger!" Lucas breathed in a sigh of relief as C.C. left his room grumbling.

"What?" She turned to see Gram sitting in her living room watching TV. "I don't suppose you put him up to asking about the baseball game?"

"No." Gram shifted on the couch. "So how was it today?"

"Fine." C.C. walked into the kitchen pulling out a list of take out places. "What's that look for? Nothing happened."

"C.C." Gram narrowed her eyes and C.C. raised her hand towards her ageing grandmother.

"He's getting married."

"Is he now?" Gram chewed on her lower lip.

"Remember the summer didn't happen." C.C. dialed the phone shaking her head. "You promised to stay out of this."

"I'm keeping my word. I just like to be informed, that's all." Gram chuckled as C.C. left the room to place her order.

"Keeping your word?" Nick snickered and Gram shot him a look. "I'm sorry, Miss."

"It's all in the 'way' you keep your word, and besides..." Gram shifted on the couch. "We both know they still have a spark of 'something'"

"A flaming heat." Nick shook his head and quieted as C.C. entered the room.

"Are you two staying or something?" C.C. snickered and Nick shook his head.

"I have a dinner date with my wife." Nick smiled and C.C. glanced toward a smiling Gram.

"I would love to stay." She poked C.C. with her cane. "I thought you would never ask."

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

"Did you seem the looks Katherine and C.C. were giving one another today?" Sarah shook her head sliding next to her husband. "I know C.C. made a habit of bugging them last time she was here."

"Please darling, I'm still trying to burn the mental image of Niles and C.C. throwing my contracts around here when she was interning for me." Maxwell sat up letting out a small groan. "Maybe I should just have C.C. work out of..."

"Max." Sarah glared at her husband. "You need her here."

"I know, I know!" Maxwell leaned back on the pillow shaking his head. "If they would only learn to behave."

"Just wait until Niles is back on his feet." Sarah watched as Maxwell let out a rather loud groan. "I think they are rather entertaining." Sarah tapped her chin.

"What is it darling?" Maxwell titled his head watching Sarah carefully.

"It's just something in the way Niles and C.C...... move... act..... "

"You mean they act like bloody children." Maxwell pulled the covers tightly around him and reached out to snuggle his wife.

"I think it's something more." Sarah mumbled and let out a giggle as Maxwell started to nuzzle her ear.

"Darling we should let it all go."

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C.C. stood in the door way of her son's room watching him sleep. "Does this ever get old?" She titled her head toward her smiling grandmother. "Watching him sleep?"

"Wait until he's twenty, and he's getting married." Gram let out a soft chuckle as C.C. closed the door. "What was that face for?"

"It's bad enough Niles is getting married to some....maid." C.C. felt her heart pound in her chest.

"One word and you could change all that." Gram hissed and C.C. let out a groan. "I know.. that summer never happened."

"I still have to figure out what game I'm going to." C.C. looked at Lucas's list of home games and let out a groan. "I can't go to any of these!"

"Call in sick!" Gram reached out, taking the paper from C.C.'s hand. "He's only going to be young once."

C.C. picked up Lucas's paper. "I want to be a knight." She smiled and walked into her living room, sitting down on the couch. "A knight is born to honor." She read quietly for a moment, and looked up into Gram's eyes.

"What is it child?" Gram moved forward, touching C.C.'s shoulder.

"A knight does what ever is in their power to make sure their mother has found true happiness." C.C. felt her eyes start to water and Gram let out a soft chuckle.

"Call in sick one time. The boy is one hell of a hitter." Gram leaned down kissing C.C. on the cheek. "Good night dear."

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"I feel like... like." Niles couldn't put his finger on it as his hand moved over her silken skin. "I've died and gone to heaven in your arms!"

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Niles rolled in his bed hearing his alarm ring out once more. He stood up slowly and walked into his bathroom. He still felt his cold hovering. He looked in the mirror to see the small scar on his neck and let out a sigh. He washed his face, trying wash away his feelings. He felt his mind reach out for his armor against those blue eyes, and that sexy form. "God give me strength." Niles mumbled as his private telephone line started to ring. "Hello?" He answered it quickly and noticed he still had ten minutes before he had to be downstairs fixing breakfast.

"How are you feeling?" Marie Butler's voice was soft and soothing.

"A lot better today." Niles reached for another wash cloth wiping his face with a free hand. "The children handled their colds a lot better than me."

"Children can over come anything." Marie let out a chuckle. "Tell Katherine I got her letter and I approve of all the changes to the wedding. I really still wish you were having it in London."

"Mother." Niles let out a groan pulling on his slacks. "We have talked about this before."

"I know!" Marie let out a soft giggle. "You can't blame a mother for trying. Niles is something else going on?"

Niles wasn't sure how to tell her about C.C. "It's nothing really important."

"A mother can always tell when her son is lying." Marie snickered and Niles let out a groan. "Robert has the same tone of voice."

"Mother... I can handle it." Niles reached out putting on some socks.

"It's not Katherine or the wedding?" Marie tried to force her worried tone out of her voice. "Tell me please."

"Just a rat who managed to get back inside the house." Niles snickered looking back up at the clock. "Mother I have to go."

"Give my love to Katherine." Marie hung up the telephone with growing unease. If Niles won't tell her what was going on it would make its way across the ocean soon enough via the servant's grapevine.

Niles walked downstairs to find his kitchen in disorder. "Katherine." He mumbled, noting that Katherine always had a 'special' way of doing things. "Annoying is more like it." He moved a few of his pots and pans back into what he thought were their proper places.

"Morning Niles." Sarah came downstairs with Gracie giggling in her arms. "How are you feeling today?" Sarah placed a hand on his forehead smiling.

"I am well enough to cook breakfast today, Mrs. Sheffield." Niles pulled out a few more items from the sub-zero. "Can I interest you in anything special?"

"Just the normal." Sarah watched Niles's face for just a moment. "C.C. will be here early this morning. She called Max last night about leaving a few hours early."

"That's nice. Did her John call with an appointment?"

"Niles!" Sarah groaned and let out a giggle. "You two really need to stop it! C.C. is a rather charming person if you get to know her."

Niles felt his gut twist and forced out the image of the blonde sleeping with Lord Charles. "I'm sure she's well known in her own little 'circles.'"

"Just remember Niles." Sarah shook her head letting out a soft giggle. "I travel in those same 'circles.'"

Niles let out a sigh as Sarah left the room and eyed his wedding annocument. "It won't matter much six months from now." Niles was sure once he took his wedding vows with Katherine the image of C.C. Babcock that had haunted him for years would no longer matter.

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C.C. climbed out of the cab letting out a snarl. "What? You expect a tip?" She tossed a twenty at the taxi driver and froze at Niles's grinning face.

Niles looked down at his feet, and then back up into her snarling face. "Dammit! I forgot to put down those roach hotels last night... no wonder you came back!"

"Did you think of that remark while washing Maxwell's underwear? Sarah's bra's perhaps?" C.C. snickered as she shook her head. "I don't have time for you today."

"Here..." Niles lifted up a waiting broom. "If you swing that around and chant your spells you can 'make' the time."

C.C. let out a grumble and headed towards the dinning room.

"You don't have time for games, but always time for food?" Niles eyed her figure letting out a snarl. "You better rework your proprieties"

C.C. walked inside the dinning room greeted by Maxwell's and Sarah's smiling faces. "The children are better?" She noticed that all three chairs were empty.

"Mom took them for the day." Sarah let out a giggle as Maxwell shook his head. "For some reason their colds started to clear up."

"Your parents spoil them." Maxwell shook his head, turning the page of his paper.

C.C. snickered quietly thinking about Lucas and how her parents would treat him. "Maxwell, maybe I can take Sarah along this afternoon?"

Sarah sat up smiling. "Don't you have that appointment later this afternoon?" Maxwell tilted his head and C.C. quietly nodded.

"Your John has you doing house calls now?" Niles snickered in C.C.'s ear quietly.

"So Niles, how is that college degree working out for you?" C.C. kicked him sharply.

"C.C.!" Maxwell grumbled as Sarah let out another soft giggle.

"You two really need to stop it." Sarah stood up shaking her head. "You really want me to tag along today?" Sarah tilted her head towards C.C.

"Sure!" C.C. stood up after only having taken a few bites from her plate.

"Careful sir... Once they go to that corner... they rarely come back." Niles smirked as Maxwell rolled his eyes and rubbed his temples.

"Niles..." Maxwell turned his head to find both women gone. "Would you watch it with the comments?"

"It's like a hobby for me, sir." Niles let out a sigh picking up the plates off the table. "She shows up and it... it just starts." Niles felt his stomach twist in answer. It was his body's way of letting him know it was more than just a 'hobby.'

"Well I want you to watch yourself around the children at least."

"They might get a proper education on how to deal with...."

"Niles!" Maxwell let out a whimper and Niles couldn't hide his smile. "Just remember to watch it in front of them."

"Mister Sheffield, I have a few questions about this list you gave me last night." Katherine walked in the room smiling. She flashed Niles a playful wink.

Niles closed his eyes for just a moment. "What?" He blinked back awake as Katherine pinched his arm.

"Who called you this morning?" Katherine giggled as Niles rubbed his eyes.

"Mother, and she got your letter." Niles kissed her hand.

"O gods! Does no one work around here?" C.C. snickered walking back inside the door.

"Your work is normally on your back." Niles snickered as Katherine quickly left the room. "What's wrong? Did your pimp forget to call?"

"You would know about the work I do on my back, Niles." C.C. mumbled grabbing the folder she had left on the table. "Have fun playing house and scrubbing toilets."

C.C. jumped back inside the taxi as Sarah gave her a harsh look. "Can you go easy on Niles?" Sarah shook her head as C.C. opened her mouth.

"I could, but I won't." C.C. snickered as she opened up the folder. "We have a lunch appointment with this new actor Maxwell wants to hire."

"C.C." Sarah pulled the paperwork out of C.C.'s hands. "Come on, he's getting married in a few months."

"Don't remind me. I'll be sure to buy him...."

"C.C.!" Sarah reached out playfully hitting her with the paperwork. "Well is this actor at least cute?"

"O yes!" C.C. laughed and let out a sigh noticing a car. "They are following me again."

"Who?" Sarah tilted her head up and C.C. let out a snarl.

"The press... of course mother is off in France causing more problems."

"When does your mother 'not' cause problems?" Sarah leaned back and watched as C.C. looked forward with the same snarl on her face. "I was wondering something last night."

"What?" C.C. glanced at a piece of paper, and then put it back inside her pocket.

"You didn't contact me for a while after you finished studying in London." Sarah reached out touching her friend's shoulder. "You act all bitchy towards Niles." Sarah notice something as CC’s face quickly turned away.

"He's just a servant." C.C. clicked her tongue against her teeth for just a moment. "Come on, we are here."

Sarah stood still in the taxi for just a moment as C.C. quickly jumped out, forgetting to pay. "You can't escape forever."

C.C. looked around at the tables and let out a soft groan. "Mac." She reached towards a table where a well built man was sitting. "I never thought I’d see you around again." She reached out and the man took her hand.

"C.C.!" Sarah let out a giggle as the man stood up, squeezing her friend tightly. His Australian accent was so thick. "It's nice to see you again, lass! Well hello!" Mac reached out kissing Sarah's hand.

"Watch it she's married." C.C. smirked as Mac let out a laugh.

"She's always so pleasant... So C.C. how is..."

"My grandmother is fine." C.C. cut him off quickly. "We have a meeting to attend to."

"I know... I'm here on behalf of my client." Mac smiled as C.C. let out a groan.

"What's wrong?" Sarah whispered quietly.

"Mac, are you going to start calling me names like you did last time we had dealings with one another?" C.C. tilted her head and Mac let out a roaring laugh.

"I called you the bitch of studio 25!" Mac smiled turning towards Sarah. "Course that won't do here and now."

"Mac had a few clients on the soap." C.C. shivered recalling her years after working as Maxwell's intern. "Needless to say..."

"You could twist any man into knots." Mac smirked and C.C. handed over the contract. "You know that William still has to work something out with this soap."

"Then should I tell Maxwell to forget about it?" C.C. reached for the contract and Mac pulled it out of her reach. "Work something out by the end of the day tomorrow Mac." C.C. glanced at her watch. "I'll be right back. I have to call this stupid director."

Mac leaned over. "So…"

"C.C. forgets her manners sometimes. I'm Sarah Sheffield." Sarah smiled as Mac flashed a boyish smile.

"So how long have you known Babcock?" Mac leaned back as Sarah let out a sigh.

"Since grade school. I lost touch with her a few years ago, but ran into her again when she went to intern for Maxwell." Sarah frowned looking down at the table. "It was mainly my own fault. Maxwell was trying to get his business started, and well, I had the children."

"Sometimes it's not wise to leave a wolf so… neglected." Mac winked as C.C. walked back to the table.

"I have to go." C.C. groaned looking at her watch again.

"Problems?" Sarah frowned.

"I just have a big one." C.C. glared at a chuckling Mac. "Sarah... I have to take off earlier than..."

"Go! I'll let Maxwell know!" Sarah waved her hand as Mac let out another chuckle. "I'll just enjoy talking to your friend here." C.C. looked back over her shoulder with an uneasy feeling.

"Don't cause any trouble." C.C. rush back pulling on Mac's ear causing him to yelp in pain. "She's married, remember that!"

Mac let out a grumble. "I'll give you a call later on." They both watched as C.C. left. "She still is something."

"So Mac... Tell me, how well do you know C.C.?" Sarah leaned back and Mac felt his cheeks blush.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

"What the hell are you thinking?" C.C. grumbled as Lucas walked inside the apartment, throwing down his baseball gear and book back. "Fighting in school, Lucas?"

Lucas kept his head down trying to hide his black eye.

C.C. sighed walking into the kitchen and coming back moments later with an ice pack. "Are you at least going to tell me what the fight was about?" She mumbled and Lucas shook his head.

"You'll keep your promise right?" Lucas's lower lip trembled and C.C. felt her heart pound. "Are you coming to a game?"

"I was hopping to attend today's game, but since you’re suspended from the team for five games." C.C. groaned and touched the boy's arm. "You’re grounded..." C.C. froze for a moment as she heard the ringer.

Lucas knew the drill and jumped off the couch, grabbing his book bag and his gear, heading towards his bedroom. C.C. glanced over at her 'perfect' apartment again before opening the door. "What do you want, bell boy?" Niles stood in the doorway with a grumpy look on his face.

He lifted up the folder in his hand. "Mister Sheffield would like for you to sign these so I can take it back to him." Niles stepped inside and C.C. felt her heart stop for just a moment. She had made sure long ago that any traces of Lucas were not to be found, at least in her front living room. She let out a hiss and managed to walk forward, kicking a baseball glove that had fallen off of Lucas's bag.

"You know, next time you could call first. I could have had company." C.C. signed another page and Niles let out a hiss.

"Why call? I might find you in an interesting position." Niles smirked as C.C. thrust the paperwork back in his arms. "Have a good evening, Miss Babcock." Niles shook his head as C.C. slammed the door in his face.

C.C. bent over, reaching for the glove she had carelessly kicked under a chair. She had to urge to walk toward Lucas's room, but looked down at Lucas's glove. The letters M-O-R-G-A-N were in clear black ink. C.C. let out a huge sigh and hugged the glove. She walked toward his room, knocking on the door.

Lucas was sitting at a table holding onto one of his wooden knights. "Is the person gone yet?"

"He's gone." C.C. closed the door and leaned against it. "What's wrong? Please tell me. Why where you fighting?"

"Do you love me?" The boy looked up into his mother's eyes.

"Course I do!" C.C. knelt down touching the boy's knee.

"Why hide me? I can't tell anyone my real name. I can't have friends over expect when I'm at Gram's country house. I can't do this... I can't do that." Lucas kicked at his desk letting out his own anger.

"Are the other boys making fun of you?" C.C. shivered, recalling the countless sports she and her siblings had been involved in. She also recalled how her parents never made it to one game.

"I see them… You know, other parents." Lucas was looking down, his voice was soft. "Why can't we be like that? I'll be Lucas Morgan if you want me to forever! I don't have to be a 'Babcock’." Lucas shook his head. "Just please!"

"Lucas....You know the reasons why I can't."

"Not good enough." Lucas eyed his mother and made a pouting face that reminded her of Niles.

"When you are older." C.C. lowered her eyes. "I'll tell you everything, but I can't handle it right now."

"So I have to keep on hiding when people come to visit? Mommy you had me trained to rush into a room when I was four."

"Three." C.C. managed a playful smile for a moment as Lucas laughed back.

"I want to know why still. What are you afraid of?"

"It's hard for a little boy to understand." C.C. reached out touching a huge red dragon. "All that I am is a dragon. My problems are all dragons that have come to take me down. I just have to be a meaner, more powerful dragon! I don't want to see you get hurt because of me, or something I did wrong."

"What happens when a knight tries to slay you?" Lucas's eyes went wide with fear.

"A knight tried that once." C.C. closed her eyes thinking of Niles's face. His smile and the way he used to hold her tight back in England.

"What happened to him?" Lucas's eyes went big looking at his mother.

"I'm still here aren't I?" C.C. reached out touching the boy's noise. "Lucas, I promise this won't be forever."

"Yeah, it just feels like it." Lucas lowered his head and felt his mother's arms around him. "You can't keep me 'safe' forever."

"I can damn well try." C.C. mumbled quietly.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

"He was cute! How did you let that one slip away?" Sarah giggled as C.C. looked up towards a grumpy looking Niles.

"What?" Niles stood there quietly with his hands behind his back.

"Aren't you going to make a comment?" C.C. smirked putting a spoonful of oatmeal inside her mouth.

"Why? Are you not charging enough?" Niles smirked, taking Brighton's dish and walking inside the kitchen. He reached for his aching chest wondering if it was his cold still bugging him or his heart. 'It's nothing.' Niles grumbled to himself as Katherine walked in the room and sat down at their little table.

"Are you feeling alright?" Katherine reached his side and Niles quietly nodded his response.

"It's nothing that a few hours alone tonight with you can't fix." Niles touched her cheek.

C.C. stood in the doorway watching Niles touch Katherine. "Is something wrong?" Sarah noticed and stood up, walking behind her old friend. "They are fairly cute together."

"Yeah cute." C.C. closed the door. "Why was I getting up?" She tried her best to wipe her lost look off her face. "Maxwell, I'll be waiting for you in the office when you are ready." C.C. wandered out of the room leaving Sarah with a confused look on her face.

"Strange." Sarah walked back to her seat as Katherine came back into the dinning room.

"Come children!" The maid flashed her playful smile and took Gracie into her arms. "Will either of you be need anything else from me today?"

"No." Sarah shook her head and glanced towards Max. "Have a good day in the park." Sarah leaned down, tickling Gracie’s cheek causing the little girl to let out a giggle. Sarah looked up at her husband. "Max."

"Yes darling?" Maxwell lowered his paper to look into his wife's eyes.

"Do you get the feeling something more is going on with C.C. than either of us know?" Sarah tapped her fingers on the table, letting out a huge sigh.

"C.C. has always been fairly distant." Maxwell lifted up the paper.

"Not always, and at least not with me." Sarah looked down at her plate.

"Will there be anything else, sir?" Niles came up from behind Sarah. He tilted his head towards Mrs. Sheffield's gaze. "Miss?"

"No, that will be all." Maxwell watch as Niles and Sarah had some sort of stare down contest. "Sarah would you spit it out!" Maxwell groaned as Sarah waved Niles away.

"What?" Sarah giggled standing up. "It's nothing darling." She walked out of the dinning room, leaving Maxwell alone with his paper.

C.C. rolled her eyes at the ringing phone in Maxwell's office. She buried her head once more in the facts and figures on the page. She quickly stood up as the phone kept on ringing. "Maxwell Sheffield's office!" She let out in a husky snarl.

"Well, well you sound like you’re in a lovely mood." Mac let out one of his roaring laughs. "What's wrong? Did you find no small children to run over today?"

"You know Mac... you better have some good news before I reach my fist inside this phone and..." C.C. stopped for a moment hearing Maxwell walk inside the office. "Give you a big old hug."

"Sheffield, just walked in his office?" Mac chuckled as C.C. handed Maxwell the phone.

"Mac! How are you? Do we have a deal?" Maxwell sat down as C.C. returned to her green couch. "Really? I don't know if we can do that."

"That actor is not getting a cent more!" C.C. reached for the phone jerking it out of Maxwell's hand. "You hear me, Mac?"

"As I was telling Sheffield." Mac let out something of a girlish giggle this time. "I won't deliver the actor unless you have dinner with me tonight."

"Mac... erm.." C.C. looked towards a grumbling Maxwell. "I have plans."

"Good! Bring Lucas along." Mac hung up the phone leaving C.C. to look at her boss.

"Well? C.C.? Do we have the bloody actor or not?" Maxwell let out a whimper rubbing his temples again. "C.C.!" He pushed her playfully as C.C. came back to planet earth.

"Yeah we'll get him alright." C.C. returned to sitting on her couch.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Niles walked up towards Katherine. "Are you behaving yourself young lady?" He put down his shopping bags, joining her on the bench. "Katherine?"

"Look at them." Katherine was glowing watching the young Sheffield children play in the park. "Don't you want a few children?"

"We talked about this before." Niles chuckled, turning his head to watch Brighton swing higher and higher. "Having a child would tie us together more than any marriage vow." He reached out kissing her hand. "Course we must have that proper wedding first."

Katherine leaned against him as Niles wrapped his arm around her. "Just think of how much fun it's going to be when we decide to start having little ones."

"Fun." Niles shook his head remembering the late nights he had with Maxwell's children. "You do recall..."

"All the late nights with Maggie, Gracie and Brighton?"

"Yes." Niles glanced at his watch and then back at Katherine.

"I would do them all over again, because this time the child would be our child." Katherine flashed a bright smile.

Niles blinked for a moment as his mind pictured C.C.'s smiling face looking back at him. "We have enough time to talk about children later." Niles stood up. "I'll see you for dinner tonight." Niles winked heading off towards home.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

"MACCCCCCCCCCC!" Lucas came running into the living room smiling.

"Wow kiddo!" Mac stood still looking down at the young man. "You've grown! What's that on your eye?" He pointed towards Lucas's black eye.

"He was fighting at school." C.C. let out a grumble as she reached for Mac's red roses he had brought for her.

"Did you win?" Mac leaned down and Lucas let out a laugh.

"You should see the other kid."

"Lucas!" C.C. growled and turned towards her guest. "Stop trying to twist my son into..."

"A boy?" Mac glanced over. C.C. was wearing a tight fitting shirt from the 'Gap' and a pair of designer blue jeans. "Are you two ready to go?"

"Where we going?" Lucas reached out grabbing his baseball cap.

"To a baseball game! Where else would we go?" Mac tilted his head and noticed the terror in C.C.'s eyes about being seen with Lucas. "Your mom needs to lighten up kid. The limo is downstairs... Tell Lawrence to get you a coke will ya?" He smiled as Lucas ran out of the condo. He tilted his head back towards a grumbling C.C. "Come on you can't lock this kid up here forever!"

"I can damn well try… If it keeps him away from my parents." C.C. put her hands on her hips. "I..."

"Don't say you can't go to a game." Mac held out his hand. "Come on, C.C. Live a little."

"You are going to make me regret this." C.C. took his hand.

"Come on, and I'll try to explain to you how the game is played. "Mac let out a cough and C.C. stopped him. "I'm alright, it's just dust."

"Yeah right." C.C. grumbled pushing the elevator button.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

"What do you think young man?" Mac sat down inside the box handing Lucas a hot dog. "I know you would have preferred to sit among the crowd." He leaned over and Lucas flashed a smile.

"This is fine." Lucas got up, walking toward the glass looking down at the field.

"Sam."Mac turned around to the waiting attendant. "Would you mind talking Lucas here to the club house?"

"Can I, mom?" He turned his head towards C.C. who nodded. Moments later Lucas was gone and they were at last alone.

"You look good, Babcock... I wanted to tell you that sooner but I was fearful it would get rather 'R' rated." Mac wiggled his eyebrows and C.C. choked on her soda.

"Why are you back in my life?" C.C. groaned putting down the cup.

"I could blackmail you." Mac shifted in the seat. "Why don't we call up Stuart now?" He put on his best teasing voice. He watched as C.C.'s face went pale. "Damn it C.C., they still don't know about him? So you are still keeping him a 'secret.'"

"Do you still have the 'heart' problem?" C.C. snickered trying to put back on her 'Babcock' armor.

"Every time I look at you, and know … That I can't have you." Mac reached out touching her cheek. "The walls you put up, woman, can run any man off. It doesn't help that the only reason I know about your son is because HE walked in on us kissing."

"We aren't going to have this fight again?" C.C. groaned. "I fight with Gram about this… I fight with Bort about this. I don't want him involved with my parent's and I don't want him…"

"What? You don't want is to share him?" Mac narrowed his eyes. "What did his father do to you, woman?"

*Niles's words echoed in her ears. "This summer never happened!" *

"Long story." C.C. looked down at her empty soda cup. "You got anything a little stronger?"

"Still the same old, Babcock." Mac took the cup letting out a growl. "Come on, C.C. Are we friends at least? You need someone to talk to. Why the hell doesn't your oldest friend know about your son?"

C.C. felt her heart pound with guilt, seeing Sarah's face. "I can't."

"You know... if you don't tell her... sooner or later that kid of yours will." Mac watched as C.C.'s eyes reflected her panic.

"I...I... can we not talk about this?" C.C. grumbled as Mac handed her back a coke mixed with rum. "Thank you this is much better."

"What about his father?"

"MAC! Geeze are we going to talk about everything tonight?" C.C. shifted in her seat, hating his glare. "Who in the hell put you up to this?"

"No one... You have this wall around you. The very image of Lucas's father stands between you and anyone who might get close to you. It's like a strange pull that you can't escape." Mac watched as C.C. did her best to control her temper. "I want to be your friend C.C.... in fact, I could use a few friends right now." Mac let out another groan and C.C. reached out touching his rough chin.

"Are you alright?" C.C. looked into his green eyes.

"If only, woman, you would let go of that ghost." Mac mumbled touching her hand with his. "Under that hard thick bitchy skin..."

"You’re digging yourself into a hole here Mac."

"…is one hell of a woman." Mac smiled letting out a sigh. "Come on; let me explain this game to you, because your son says you have no clue."

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

"What do you think about this?" Katherine put up another wedding book in front of Niles. "Niles, are you listening to me?"

"What ever you want." Niles mumbled as his eyes glanced around the page.

"Is something wrong?" She playfully pushed on Niles' shoulder. "You look pale."

"I feel like a change is coming." Niles shook his head. "My mother calls it foresight, but something...."

"Well you have been more distant since Miss Babcock started working for Mister Sheffield." Katherine closed the book and Niles shook his head.

"I have not!" He twisted his face and pouted. He reached out, grabbing for Katherine's waist. "Come to my room tonight, and keep the bad dreams away." Niles leaned over kissing her neck.

"We can't!" Katherine jumped up out of his arms letting out a girlish giggle.

Niles shook his head and watched Katherine for a moment. "You’re right." He ran a hand in his hair. "Tell me again about the patterns?" Niles blinked as Maggie came running downstairs.

"Niles! Your phone is ringing!"

"Pardon me a moment, love!" Niles kissed Katherine's hand, rushing upstairs to his own private line. "Hello?"

"Well hello there!" Robert's voice was full of good cheer. "How are you doing?"

"Robert!" Niles sat down on his bed. "It's always good to hear form you. How are things going? Is dad still bugging you about the business?"

"Like always." Robert's voice took on a different tone. "I heard something today from James."

"Here it comes." Niles grumbled knowing James was a servant for Maxwell's father. "What did you hear?"

"C.C. Babcock is working for Maxwell now?" Robert let out a sigh after Niles didn't answer him. "She is... "

"Do dad and mom know yet?" Niles twisted the phone cord in his right hand, trying to picture his father's face.

"No... Should I break the news to them?"

"No!" Niles let out a groan and shifted on the bed. "It doesn't matter anyway."

"You know what mother ...."

"Robert, she doesn't matter to me anymore. She is nothing but Mister Sheffield's employee." Niles felt his heart twist as he tried to deny his feelings.

Robert eyed his wife who was giving him a knowing look. "I don't believe you, and I have never believed this event you....."

"I saw it Robert... She is nothing to me. Don't bring her up again!" Niles reached out grabbing at the sheets.

"Niles..... You’re being a fool." Robert's tone was soft. "Please listen to reason. You didn't listen to me back then, but listen to me now." Robert had rarely spoken to his brother about C.C. Babcock, but as the time came closer to his brother's wedding he felt a sense of duty grow.

"Give Anna, Mother and Father my love." Niles hung up on his brother, not wanting to hear another word. He, his father and brother had had their disagreements about C.C. Babcock before. Robert didn't see what he saw. "Bloody hell." Niles stood up closing his eyes.

*"You’re awfully hard headed when you think your right." C.C.'s faint words echoed in his head. He could feel her soft small hands touching his chest. *

"Niles?" Katherine walked inside his room and Niles blinked back into the present. "Is everything alright with your brother?"

"He's just being a pill." Niles stood up taking her in his arms. "So... change your mind?"

"Niles!" Katherine blushed and made her escape leaving Niles alone and flustered.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

"You really shouldn't be carrying him." C.C. whispered as Mac walked in the door carrying the sleeping boy. "Mac!"

"I got him..." Mac managed to open the door to Lucas's room. "Go fix us a night cap, woman! I'll put him to bed." Mac placed Lucas on the bed and the young boy opened his eyes as Mac put the signed baseball bat down.

"Mac." Lucas's voice was faint. "Can I ask you a few questions?"

"Sure, but you don't have long." Mac took his glove and ball, putting the covers over the boy.

"Are you my dad?" Lucas's words broke with emotion.

"No..." Mac felt like something had hit his chest.

"Would you tell me if you knew?" Lucas's lip trembled as Mac nodded. "You think she will ever tell me?"

"You can find out before she says one word to you. Open your ears... Open your eyes... People give out clues to the truth all the time." Mac touched his cheek. "I'm not your father, but I am your friend... Listen to the way she speaks Lucas... You'll find the answers."

Mac soon walked out of Lucas's room to find C.C. waiting. "He was out like a light." He took the glass C.C. offered him. "What?"

"How is your ex-wife?" C.C. snickered as Mac let out a soft chuckle. "Is she still trying to punish you over..."

"My mistakes?" Mac let out a groan. "You would have to bring up my ex."

"Turn about is fair play." C.C. smiled as Mac shook his head. "It was more than just a little mistake." C.C. turned her head and Mac nodded.

"I paid for them." Mac shook his head. "God, and I'm still paying for them."

"Megan's death wasn't your fault." C.C. let out a sigh. "I can't even dream of what it's like to loose a child." C.C. touched his face letting out a huge sigh.

"She blames me for giving her the heart defect that ... that..." Mac closed his eyes for just a moment.

"That is killing you as well." C.C. moved in closer. "How long?"

"We are all going to die, Babcock...." Mac touched her cheek as his lips moved in closer. "I don't want to fight for space in your heart."

"I....I..." C.C. couldn't finish her comment as Mac pulled her into a deep kiss.

<><><><><<><><><><><><><><><><><><>

"Stop looking at me." C.C. grumbled at Gram. "You’re giving me that look." She poked her grandmother who chuckled.

"I like the man, but ... C.C...." Gram's lip trembled. "Do you really need the heartache?" Gram turned her head watching Lucas toss a baseball around. "Why aren't you working today?"

"I called in sick. I might even call in sick tomorrow." C.C. blushed with pleasure and waved towards a smiling Lucas. "What?" She turned.

"Aren't you the one who told me... that Babcock's don't call in sick?" Gram reached out touching C.C.'s hand. "Well?"

"For once I'm going to live life... well at least for today." C.C. let out a sigh as another parent brushed her arm. "Hey watch it..."

"I'm sorry." The woman blushed sitting next to C.C. and Gram. "Oh! Your Lucas's mother?" She tilted her head towards C.C. who nodded. "We were so disappointed when he had to sit out those games."

"So was he." C.C. snickered, turning her head not wanting to engage in small talk.

"Are you going to the parent meeting night?" The woman pressed onward as C.C. turned her head towards a laughing Gram.

"Maybe if you keep quiet it will go away." C.C. Mumbled quietly as Gram lifted up her cane at the woman. They both let out a playful giggle as the woman moved away fairly quickly. "You need to stop doing that."

"It's alright, your father already thinks I'm crazy."

"Daddy used to think mother was sane." C.C. lifted up her head to eye Lucas once more. "I don't pay attention to anything daddy says anymore."

"If that were true...." Gram let out a snicker and was quickly quieted as Lucas hit a home run.

C.C. sat back down eyeing her grandmother. "If that were true what?"

"Never mind." Gram shook her head as C.C. returned her attention back to the game. "Are you going to see him again?"

"I kinda have too... well at least until this play is over with." C.C. shook her head recalling how protective Mac was of his clients.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

"She's called in again?" Sarah stood still shocked. "Maybe I should go over there today."

"Her pimp overworked her." Niles snickered quietly and Maggie let out a laugh. "Sorry sir." Niles quickly turned his head toward a grumbling Maxwell.

"She must have caught a cold from the children." Maxwell shook his head. "She's still taking care of our backers from home. I had a call last night from Mrs. Williams."

"To thank her for taking care of Mister Williams?" Niles grumbled as Sarah shot him a look.

"Niles could you fix up some soup?" Sarah stood up looking at Maxwell. "I want to deliver it." She watched as Niles made a face. "Is something wrong?"

"Nothing." Niles picked up a plate off the table, walking inside the kitchen. Niles pulled out a huge pot, letting out a sigh as he closed his eyes for a moment, thinking back.

*"He let out a laugh watching her face. "You’ll need your strength soon enough. We have a paper to finish!"

"Soup!" Katherine smiled, walking in the kitchen. "Is someone sick?" She blinked as Niles started to toss in ingredients. "Niles?" She poked his arm. "Are you alright?"

"Fine." Niles reached out grabbing a few more items. "Isn't today your day off, love?"

"Yes, and I'm leaving to attend my meeting." She walked up kissing Niles on the cheek. "Love you."

Niles watched her leave and felt his body shiver. "What the bloody hell is wrong with me?"

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

C.C. shifted in her bed letting out a cough. "You should go to school." Lucas was standing over her and she felt his small hand on her forehead.

"Silly." Lucas let out a laugh putting down a glass of juice. "You already called them last night, because you wanted to play hooky today."

"I never thought I would really HAVE a cold." C.C. sniffled and let out a cough. "Remind me to thank Maxwell and Sarah's rug rats." She lifted up her head and noticed Lucas's smile. "Where is Gram?"

"She's out today." Lucas rocked back and forward on his heels. "Nick's not around either and either is Tish." He waited for just a moment.

C.C. closed her eyes, waving him away. "I'll call you if I need you then." Shivering in her covers, C.C. had no will to fight with the boy.

"Mom, are you going to be okay?" Lucas felt his heart pound. "Do I need to call someone?"

"NO!" C.C. blinked awake, sitting up in bed. She felt panic enter her heart and Lucas's small hands trying to get her to lay back down. "I'm fine baby."

"Okay, mommy." Lucas went towards C.C.'s bedroom door and stood there for just a moment. He froze hearing someone knocking softly at the door. "Mommy?" He turned around and noticed C.C. sleeping softly.

"I know your there C.C.!" Sarah called out letting out a groan. "I have soup and it’s hot. Come on and open up! Come on I can hear you pacing." Sarah let out a groan and shook the door knob. Sarah let out a shocked gasp as the door opened and she was face to face with a young boy.

"Hello there..... " His voice was quivering. "I am going to get in trouble for doing this, but can you help her?"

Sarah felt a lot of thoughts race into her mind, all fighting to come out of her mouth. She looked into the boy's blue eyes. "Help who, sweetie?" She knelt down, putting the package on the ground. "Who are you?"

"Gram's not home and Nick isn't home." The boy looked around, panicked. "She's not feeling well, and the last time I came out and showed myself she was really upset."

"It's alright, look at me." Sarah let out a sigh. "I'm Sarah, and you are?"

"Lucas." The boy's voice was barely a whisper.

"Lucas... who is not feeling well?" She felt the boy pull on her hand. Sarah did a double take seeing C.C. Babcock laying on her bed sound asleep. "C.C.?" She looked down at the young man who nodded.

Sarah touched C.C.'s burning forehead and let out a sigh. "Can you get me a phone, Lucas?"

"Is she going to be okay?" Lucas obeyed the adult and Sarah nodded quickly to reassure the child.

"She's just got a nasty cold." Sarah smiled and let out a sigh. "Hello doctor would you mind coming by for a house call?" Sarah turned back, watching the boy hold C.C.'s hand. "Thank you." Sarah quickly told them C.C.'s address.

Sarah turned around to find the boy missing. She quickly turned to see her friend's eyes open up slowly. "Sarah?" C.C.'s voice was soft but Sarah could see the strange panic in her friend's eyes. "What are you...?" C.C. let out a small cough.

"Just rest." Sarah smiled standing up. "I'll be back to check in on you soon." Sarah quickly shut C.C.'s door. She looked around her friend's tidy condo for the young boy, and started to open doors. She found herself, at last, face to face with the last door. She turned the handle to what she thought was a storage closet, but was shocked to find a room. "Hello?" She whispered softly and found the boy lying on his bed with his head buried in pillows. "Lucas?"

"You aren't going to tell them, are you?" Lucas lifted his head up.

Sarah didn't have much time to take in the room. She saw pictures of mid-evil knights and baseball players painted on the walls. Then a small wall that looked like it held family pictures. "Tell who what sweetie?"

"They don't know about me." Lucas's lower lip trembled with fear as Sarah walked over, shocked to see C.C. Babcock holding a toddler in her arms. The picture was small but framed in gold. Other pictures showed the small boy with C.C.'s grandmother, Nick, and even one with C.C.'s friend Mac. She looked back at Lucas and then at the picture. "Please, promise you won't tell anyone." Lucas's was begging now.

"I won't tell anyone." Sarah reached the boy's bedside. "Lucas..... Babcock?" She touched the young man's forehead, brushing the hair out of his eyes.

"Yes... I mean... no... I mean..." Lucas let out a whimper. "Promise you won't tell?"

"I promise." Sarah made a movement with her hands. "Cross my heart."

"Lucas... Babcock." The boy felt odd putting those two names together.

'C.C. has a son? She never told me... She ...' Sarah felt a strange pain enter her heart looking at the frightened boy. "Is this your room?"

"Yeah!" The boy jumped up showing her his newest toy. "This is the red dragon, but mommy says it's like her."

Sarah was on the floor moments later, playing with the young boy, when she heard the door. "Lucas... I'll." Sarah turned around to see that Lucas had disappeared. She walked out into the hall expecting to see the young boy. "Doctor?" She opened the door as the elder man let out a chuckle.

"How are you doing Sarah?" He reached out taking her hand and walking inside. Sarah led him into the bedroom hoping to see the young man but noticed he was no where to be found. The doctor sat down on C.C.'s bed.

"Well, good morning, Miss Babcock." The doctor let out a chuckle as C.C. woke up for a moment. "How are you feeling?" The doctor reached out touching her neck and C.C. let out another large groan. "That good?" He then turned to Sarah who let out a huge sigh looking around the room once more.

"Give me a moment." The doctor waved Sarah off for a moment. Sarah found herself outside C.C.'s room and wandering around her friend's condo. There were no signs of the boy.

"I wasn't dreaming." Sarah grumbled turning toward the strange door. "Hello?" She noticed it was opened up just a tad.

"She okay?" Lucas opened the door up just a little more.

"Why don't you come out...."Sarah didn't have a chance to finish as the doctor came out of C.C.'s room. She turned to find Lucas had shut his bedroom door. Sarah let out a sigh and turned toward the doctor. "Is she alright?"

"She will be... Just a small infection." The doctor let out a huge sigh. "She threatened to rip out my eyes if I touched her again."

"Some things never change." Sarah mumbled and led the doctor to the door.

"I'll have someone deliver the medicine later today, Mrs. Sheffield." He waved walking out the door.

"Lucas?" Sarah turned and found the boy waiting for her. "Hello." She smiled and the boy looked downward.

"So.....I guess you and mom are going to have a long 'talk' soon." Lucas blushed as Sarah responded in with a slow nod.

"A 'talk' is putting it mildly." Sarah shook her head, looking for a phone. "I need to call Maxwell and let him know I'll be a while longer."

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"What's wrong sir?" Niles looked up and noticed his employer grumbling. "Did Miss Babcock forget to call her pimp again?"

"No! Sarah is staying a while longer at C.C.'s." Maxwell grumbled, looking at Niles." For a moment I have to wonder if you are worried about her." He watched Niles' face.

"Just wondering if it's too late to change the rat traps." Niles shifted picking up his silver tray. "I am to remind you about the appointment...."

"I have…" Maxwell raised up his hand and looked once more at his old friend. "Do you want to talk about what's troubling you, old man?"

"Me sir?" Niles blinked wondering how best to make good his escape.

"Yes you." Maxwell stood up and closed the door. "You should be all excited about your wedding. Is everything alright?"

"Perfect." Niles held the empty tray tighter to his chest. "My life is what it should be."

"What does that mean?" Maxwell couldn't hide his lost expression. "Your life is what it should be?" He tilted his head looking toward his butler.

"I'm marrying a wonderful woman... why are we having this talk again, sir?" Niles blinked and Maxwell shrugged his shoulders.

"Sarah just has a feeling something isn't quite right." Maxwell walked back behind his desk and sat down. "So is there anything you want to tell me old man?"

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"So is there anything you want to tell me?" Sarah smirked watching C.C. stir awake. "You know any little detail?"

C.C. blinked awake, trying to clear the cob webs out of her brain, looking at her oldest friend. "Sarah?" She blinked feeling her own forehead. She glanced around noticing a pill bottle on the bedside table along with something for her cough. C.C. felt her heart starting to pound recalling Lucas was in her bedroom this morning. "What are you…?"

"Doing here?" Sarah moved closer feeling her friend's forehead. "Your fever is gone. Are you feeling better?"

"Some." C.C. blinked and then felt a hard slap across her cheek. She blinked looking up into Sarah's hurt expression. Sarah hadn't slapped anyone since they were children. She recalled how she hit D.D. across the face one time when she made a hurtful comment towards C.C. "What was that FOR?" C.C. held her red cheek. She had to fight her urge to strike back at Sarah. She was C.C. Babcock after all and no one messes.....

"Mommy!" Lucas's voice echoed in the room, and C.C. found herself at last understanding why Sarah had slapped her.

"Why don't you go play?" Sarah looked toward Lucas, but the young boy pulled on her arm.

"Come with me!" Lucas smiled and C.C. settled back under the covers, hiding her red cheek. She waited there for the longest time trying to gather her thoughts. Sarah's hurtful expression haunted her as she gathered her energy to travel toward his room. She watched as Sarah was on the floor with Lucas playing around with his toys.

"Sarah.... I..." C.C. Blushed as Sara knelt down next to the boy. She touched his cheek tenderly, and he let out a playful laugh.

"Lucas, how old are you?" Sarah sat down next to the young boy.

"Five!" He smiled building his castle, and C.C. let out a husky laugh that ended up in a fit of coughing. "Well not really." Lucas let out a laugh and then turned, worried about his mother's cough.

"I see...." Sarah took the knight that was sitting on a castle wall and looked up at C.C. "Chastity...Why didn't you tell me?" Sarah could no longer hold back her tears.

"Did I do something wrong?" Lucas's looked up. "If I did..."

"It's alright sweetie." C.C. reached down messing up his hair. "I need to borrow, Aunt Sarah for a moment or two." C.C. let out another cough dragging Sarah into her room again. "You didn't have to hit me."

Sarah started to open her mouth again, but words escaped her. She let out a long sigh, shaking her head. "You wouldn't even hold any of my children when they were born! You can't even remember their names." Sarah tapped her foot. "Can you at least remember your own?"

"Lucas." C.C. leaned back looking into Sarah's eyes. "I... I..."

"Why didn't you tell me? Why on earth didn't you tell me?" Sarah put her hands on her hips backing her sick friend against the wall.

"You saw what mother and daddy did to D.D." C.C. let out a whimper. "I didn't want to end up in some loveless marriage."

"That's a good one, but we both know you have a better reason that than for NOT telling me." Sarah frowned and C.C. let out another cough. "Okay... I'm going to let you off the hook for now." Sarah blinked, thinking a moment, and looked back at C.C. "Who else knows?"

"Gram, Nick, Tish and Mac." C.C. blushed. "Sarah, you can't tell anyone. Not even Maxwell."

"How the Hell did you keep him a secret?" Sarah already knew the answer. C.C. didn't have a lot of close friends. The way Lucas had pulled his disappearing act gave her a clue the boy was trained to keep away from anyone who couldn't be totally trusted with his secret. Sarah let out a long sigh and watched as C.C. climbed back in bed. "He's not a dog you’re trying to keep quiet about. He's a child! Do you allow him to see other children?"

"Well I..." C.C. blushed and pulled the covers tightly around her.

Sarah closed her eyes trying to picture what Lucas was like as a baby. Sarah then opened up her eyes, also remembering how she had lost touch with C.C. for about two years after giving birth to Brighton and Maggie. "I'm going home." Sarah shook her head. "Will you be alright?"

C.C. glanced over at a clock and nodded. "Gram and Nick should be getting back soon." She shivered and watched her friend. "Sarah."

"Yes?" Sarah turned around in the door way, waiting.

"I'm sorry… I should have told you." C.C. closed her eyes and heard Sarah shut the door.

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"You look awful, darling." Maxwell ran up taking Sarah's coat before Niles could. "Is C.C. alright?" He hung it up quickly and Niles shook his head leaving the room.

"Remind me to send flowers to my parents tomorrow." Sarah walked over toward Brighton, who was coloring in a robot coloring book. "At least I turned out somewhat normal." She giggled at Maxwell's blank expression. "She's fine."

"How do I look?" Maggie walked inside the living room dressed as a flower girl. She turned around in her dress and was soon joined by Gracie. "How do WE look?" Maggie giggled along with Gracie.

Maxwell tilted his head toward his wife. He couldn't hide his growing smile, looking at his young daughters. "Darling?"

"You look wonderful." Sarah shook her head and headed upstairs. "I'm going to take a hot bath."

"Is mom okay?" Brighton's voice was strangely quiet, looking up at his father.

"She's fine." Maxwell walked upstairs following Sarah. He jiggled the door knob hearing the water running. "Sweetheart? Are you really alright?" Maxwell could swear he heard sniffling and jiggled the door handle even more.

"Just getting a cold." Sarah felt her heart pound with guilt, trying to wipe away all her hurt feelings.

"If you don't open up this door... I'm coming in there." Maxwell groaned as Sarah quickly opened the door. Sarah stood in the doorway, red face and in her cloth robe. "Darling?" Maxwell closed the doorway behind him, taking his wife in his arms. "Are you not feeling well?"

"I think C.C. gave me her cold." Sarah said sniffling trying her best to burry her face into Maxwell's chest.

"Come on, darling." Maxwell smiled guiding his wife toward the steaming bath tub. "I'll take care of you tonight! Katherine and Niles can watch over our children." He helped Sarah slip off her robe and kissed her neck softly.

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

C.C. grumbled looking over toward Sarah then back towards Maxwell. "What are you looking at? Her eyes drifted toward Niles, and C.C. let out a soft cough.

Niles glanced back at Sarah then back at C.C. with a mixture of worry and fear. "Your pimp didn't hire Mrs. Sheffield last night did he?"

Sarah managed a weak laugh looking up towards C.C.'s pale face. "Now Niles." Sarah stood up and then glanced at C.C. "Go easy on her." Sarah leaned in, whispering in Niles's ear. "For me."

Niles let out a groan reaching for C.C.'s plate. "Can I get you anything else, Miss Babcock?" Niles tilted his head and C.C. shook her head slowly.

"I'll be waiting for you in the office." Maxwell stood up flashing a smile. Niles and Maxwell both left Sarah and C.C. alone in the dinning room.

"Sarah... I..." C.C. lifted her head up looking toward her friend.

"We will have our talk." Sarah gave her a soft smile. "How is he today?"

C.C. looked around wondering if Niles was listening. "He's fine." She felt her heart pound shaking her head at Sarah. "Let's not talk about this here."

"Maxwell doesn't have anything big planned for you today." Sarah chewed on her lower lip. "Why don't we meet up at your place and have that nice long talk." Sarah sighed and sipped at her coffee. "If you are feeling up to it?"

"I'll try." C.C. felt her heart race wondering what tonight would bring.

Niles looked at his intercom. Something had indeed happened between Sarah and C.C. "What the devil is going on?" He grumbled, turning it off as Katherine entered the room. "Well, hello there!" Niles reached for her kissing her tenderly on the cheek. "You look lovely this morning."

Katherine flashed a smile turning around. "You think so?"

"I know so." Niles let out a sigh, holding her tight. "I was thinking about something you said. How soon would you like to have children?" Niles wiggled his eyebrows teasing her neck.

"Niles!" Katherine jumped up letting out a laugh. "I have to wonder about you." Katherine winked putting down a few bags. "Something the children need to take to school today. They are giving away old toys to...." Katherine watched as Niles looked inside the bags. "What's wrong?"

"You forgot to pack, Miss Babcock." Niles let out a husky chuckle as Katherine hissed her disapproval.

"I am starting to agree with Mrs. Sheffield." Katherine put the bags aside next to Brighton and Maggie's lunches. "The jokes are getting rather old."

"I can find some new ones." Niles put on his best pouting face. "Mrs. Sheffield!" Niles hadn't noticed her before, standing in the doorway studying him. "What's wrong?"

"Make that face again." Sarah stood next to Katherine, watching Niles's expression. "Please, just one more time."

"His father has the same look." Katherine let out a girlish giggle, but stopped at Sarah's pale face look. "Mrs. Sheffield?"

"I have seen that expression on someone else before." Sarah's mouth twisted in deep thought.

**"Yes... I mean… no... I mean..." Lucas let out a whimper. "Promise you won't tell?"**

Sarah looked down walking away. "Maybe I should see to her." Katherine stepped forward but Niles reached out taking her hand.

"If there is one thing I know about Sarah Sheffield." Niles let out a huge sigh. "She will tell us what's going on when she's ready."

"Did you see the looks she and Miss Babcock were giving one another?" Katherine's face looked strangely joyful. "I think ..."

"Katherine...." Niles narrowed his eyes.

"Come on Niles... We both want to see her gone." Katherine reached inside the sub-zero for a soda. "It would be a lot easier if she didn't have Mrs. Sheffield protecting her."

"For all her faults...." Niles let out a grumble. "She is fairly talented, Katherine."

"In more than one way." Katherine mumbled under her breath and noticed the time. "I have to get going. The children will be late for school if I don't hurry... Love you!" Katherine reached out kissing his cheek.

"See you soon." Niles walked back to his intercom, hoping for more clues to the coldness between Mrs. Sheffield and C.C. Babcock.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

"You really should allow me to bring the children over sometime." Sarah watched C.C. "I was thinking about Lucas, and how he could use the company of other children." Sarah tilted her head with thousands of questions entering her mind. Sarah noticed as C.C. quickly shook her head. "Why? Why not? The way you keep your own son away from everyone..." Sarah let out a long sigh. "I have a thousand questions running around in my brain right now."

C.C. paced up and down her living room floor as Sarah sat down on the couch. C.C. closed her eyes, feeling Sarah's glare on the back of her neck. "What do you want to know?" C.C. finally got up the courage to turn around and face her old friend.

"The truth... I'm not your mother, sister, brother or father." Sarah shifted on the couch. "I want the whole truth, and not one lie!" Sarah lifted up her finger toward her friend.

"You remember my studies at Oxford?" C.C. felt her cheeks flush.

"I remember how you rarely left your dorm room." Sarah shook her head. Then she froze doing the math and pointing toward Lucas's empty room. "While in London? Who is the father?" Sarah leaned back and watched as C.C. started to twist her hands.

"Niles...." C.C.'s voice was barely a whisper and she watched Sarah's face.

"Pardon?" Sarah's eyes grew wide. "What did you say?"

"Niles is Lucas's father." C.C. waited for the full impact to hit Sarah.

Sarah closed her eyes as the last pieces of this tangled puzzle started to make some sense. Niles’ comments about C.C. and her comments back. The ‘longing’ looks they shared. Sarah even saw Katherine’s annoyed face when Maxwell said that C.C. would have a ‘daily’ presence in their lives. "Bloody hell…" Sarah mumbled Maxwell’s favorite expression.

C.C. turned as her condo door opened slowly. Lucas had the habit of coming in quiet like a mouse in case C.C. had company. "It's okay, Lucas." The boy walked in smiling.

"Hello, Aunt Sarah." The boy smiled and reached inside his pocket handing Sarah a piece of paper. "This is for you."

Sarah opened the drawing letting a soft smile show. She ran her hands across the watercolor knight. "It's every pretty." She touched the young boy's hair seeing Niles in him for the first time. "Why don't you go play in your room for a while?" Sarah waited as Lucas wandered off.

"You have got to tell them." Sarah's eyes started to fill with tears.

"I can't." C.C. reached out touching her friend's shoulder. "You don't understand."

"What I understand ... Is that Niles has a son he doesn’t know about." Sarah felt her heart pound. "God... He's getting married in a few months as well..."

"You can't say… anything..." C.C.'s voice was a low snarl.

"C.C.!" Sarah let out a snarl back toward her friend. "I can't lie to him! Why? ... Give me one reason not to tell Niles about his son?"

"This summer never happened." C.C. recalled Niles's parting words to her. "He won't even admit to our 'affair.'"

"I think a product of it is in the other room." Sarah waved her hand toward Lucas's room, trying to control the volume of her voice. "I can't see Niles rejecting his own son."

"Sarah you didn't see his face." C.C. closed her eyes trying to get the image of Niles' eyes out of her mind. "No...."

"I'm going to tell him...." Sarah picked up her purse. "You can't hide the truth."

"I'm not hiding the truth. I can stand everything in the world but the look of hurt in that boy's face. If you tell Niles...." C.C. reached out turning Sarah around to face her. "We will both disappear and no one will see us in New York again!"

"I'm not going to look into Niles' face, and say nothing...." Sarah's eyes looked torn. "You would have me go against everything I believe in."

"You tell him... and we are gone!" C.C. could no longer hold back the snarl. "I will not see him reject that boy... I don't care how I feel about the man."

"I'm telling him, and if you are any kind of a 'Babcock'." Sarah reached out removing C.C.'s hand from her shoulder. "You'll face up to this."

"I thought you were my friend." C.C. groaned.

"I am C.C... I always have a habit of protecting you, but that means sometimes I have to protect you from yourself."

"Lucas and I leaving isn't a threat, Sarah." C.C. yelled out and noticed Sarah had gone into the hallway. She needed a drink. C.C. reached out toward her wet bar, grabbing the first hard liquor she could find.

Sarah opened up Lucas's door slowly. "Lucas?" She looked inside, smiling at the boy doing his homework. "Hi"

"Is something wrong?" The boy looked up worried. "I heard a lot of loud voices."

"Grown up stuff." Sarah sat down next to him.

"Are you going to come back?" Lucas put his books away, studying Sarah's red face. "You seem upset."

"I'll be back... I promise! Every day until I fix this mess." Sarah reached out touching the boy's hair.

"What is it?" Lucas's lower lip trembled. "You seem sad."

"I'm sad because you’re a bright boy. Never forget, Lucas, that sometimes grownups can do rather stupid things." Sarah placed a kiss on the boy's forehead. "I'll see you soon."

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Niles stood in the kitchen staring at the clock and then looked back again at the giggling children. "Niles?" Katherine reached out touching his arm. "What's wrong?"

"Just a rather strange feeling."

"Second one this week." Katherine shook her head. "Reminds me of when you pushed the wedding back."

"Are we going to have this disagreement again?" Niles let out a huge sigh. "Your parents couldn't come, and I wasn't about to marry their daughter without them." Niles tired his best to push away his own doubts which came up during their first wedding attempt. The doubts that still hovered every time he would think of C.C. Babcock.

Katherine shook her head slowly. "Daddy and Mommy told you... Never mind." Katherine put up her hands and walked over to hold him. "Mrs. Sheffield should be home any moment."

"We could steal a few moments in the closet." Niles flashed a smile but Katherine groaned. "It's nice and dark." He reached out touching her cheek. "Come on!"

Katherine let out a giggle, relaxing in his arms for just a moment as Niles teased her neck. "We are both in for trouble if you keep doing that."

"GOD! I hope so." Niles let out a laugh as the phone rang. "Hold that thought, woman!" He released Katherine for just a moment to reach for the telephone. "Sheffield residen….." Niles face twisted for just a moment before finishing his greeting. "This is he."

"I'll go get the children..." Katherine stopped feeling Niles's tight hold on her arm. "Niles?" She looked up into his blue eyes to find them a tad darker.

"I'll... be there shortly." Niles release Katherine once more, putting the phone up. "Mrs. Sheffield has been in an accident." Niles felt his own voice starting to tremble.

"Is she alright?" Katherine stood frozen.

"No..." Niles could hardly speak. "Gather up the children... Please Katherine." Niles pulled himself together trying to picture the state Maxwell Sheffield was in waiting around the hospital. "Call... Miss Babcock as well…"

"I don't think...." Katherine froze looking into Niles' face. "I'll do it now."

"Thank you." Niles walked out of the kitchen, leaving Katherine alone. *'How the hell did a bloody car hit her?' * Niles felt his heart pounding, recalling what the doctor had told him. He didn't tell Niles much, just that Sarah had been hit and he should join his employer.

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"Stop that look." Gram shook her head toward Nick. "I haven't done anything yet, young man, to have earned that look." She reached out poking him with her cane. "What's wrong with you?" She tilted her head, watching Nick gather up his courage to speak.

"Tish..." Nick look toward his wife who was cooking in the kitchen. "Have you seen C.C. today?" Nick's voice trembled and he glanced back toward Gram, then at his wife. "This is important."

"What's wrong?" Gram reached out touching Nick's shoulder. "You have gone pale."

"Sarah Sheffield is in the hospital." Nick's lip trembled again. "Tish?" He turned to his wife, begging her for the answer. "Where are they?"

"She went to take Lucas to the batting cages this afternoon." Tish blinked as her husband disappeared leaving her alone with Gram. "Lucy?" Tish turned toward Gram. "What should we do?"

"Pray..." Gram frowned closing her eyes. "…that everything will be alright."

C.C. had dragged Lucas to his favorite batting cages, of course buying out the whole area so they could have some time alone. "Are you sure I hit it like this?" She needed to think about something else other than what Sarah could be doing. She moved the bat around and listened to her son's laughter. "Are you going to teach me or not?"

"I'm sorry, mommy." Lucas let out another laugh, trying to fix the way she was standing. "Watch the ball!"

"What?" C.C. blinked as another ball came out of no where, nearly hitting her. "WATCH IT BUDDY!" C.C. snarled towards the machine, and Lucas let out another roaring laugh.

"You can't fire a machine, mommy." Lucas walked up taking his turn at bat.

"What?" C.C. turned to see a man standing in the doorway. "I paid you freaks for two whole hours!"

"NICK!" Lucas ran up towards the driver. "Did ya come to see me hit another home road?"

"What is it?" C.C. blinked noticing Nick's fatherly look.

"Lucas... would you mind going to play a few video games for a bit while I talk to your mom?" Nick knelt down to look the boy in the eyes. "Come back in about ten minutes?"

"Okay!" Lucas took the tokens Nick had offered him and ran toward the building that housed the video games.

"I haven't seen that look from you since...." C.C. felt her lip start to tremble. "She told Niles didn't she?"

"C.C...." Nick reached out touching her shoulder. "Sarah was....."

"Was what?" C.C. blinked noticing the tears in Nick's eyes. "What?"

"She was hit by a car today." Nick reached out as C.C. did her best to move past him. "C.C..."

"No.... No... Don’t say it." C.C. blinked as the hot wet tears started to form. "Don't say it."

"She's gone...."Nick felt C.C. crumble in his arms. C.C. didn't weight much to start with but it felt like a ton of bricks hit him at full force.

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"Awful..." Lucy 'Gram' Babcock looked down at her sleeping Great Grandson. "She shouldn't be sending Lucas... or me away." Gram turned her head toward a nodding Tish and then looked at the driver. "Are you at least going back tonight?"

"Yes…" Nick let out a sigh. "You know how Babcock’s feel about showing any..…"

"No one should be ashamed to cry!" Gram pounded her cane down on the limo floor as Lucas began to stir. "I'm sorry dear boy..." Gram reached out touching his forehead. "Go back to sleep. We will be there soon."

Lucas let out a grumble and pulled his cover over his body once more. "Is mom coming later this weekend?"

Nick closed his eyes for just a moment while at the red light. "Tish, can you make sure the boys know where you are?" Nick glanced in the mirror towards his wife who nodded. Nick knew all the Babcock children had trouble expressing loss. That trouble also lead to a great deal of drinking, and him pulling someone out of a bar somewhere in New York.

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Niles had always hated the color black. Sarah Sheffield would no doubt have had a fit about them all dressed up in it. The day was bright and sunny. 'A perfect day for the park!' He could hear Sarah's chipper voice.

"Not a day for a funeral." Niles grumbled. He had been reduced to just waiting around as Katherine took care of the children, and Sarah parents took control of Maxwell. For the first time in years Niles was at a loss on what to do. He looked out in the crowd feeling his heart starting to pound. He hadn't seen her since Sarah's death. "C.C..." He mumbled finally seeing her pale face.

C.C. felt the bitterness strangle her. She had drank all the liquor in her condo last night after sending Lucas off with Gram. C.C. tried to push the grief away. She felt her insides shake while looking at all of Sarah's friends. She turned to shake a few hands of people she went to school with. She couldn't recall their names but Sarah always could. "I thought you were my friend." C.C. groaned.

C.C. closed her eyes wishing she could make good her escape. "Happy with yourself?" The Sheffield maid's voice whispered softly in her ears.

C.C. narrowed her eyes trying to focus them, and did her best to summon her 'Babcock' armor but her world was in pieces. The armor that had protected her was no where to be found. "Go away..." She felt her voice tremble, and Katherine saw her opening.

"Why don't you do us all a favor?" Katherine's voice was full of hate. "Fade away... Run away again like you did in London. You made Niles miserable, and Mrs. Sheffield's last days a living hell."

C.C. closed her eyes trying to picture her friends face. She wanted to summon up something to deal with this smart ass servant. "A Babcock... never forgets." She managed to spit out with some effort. "A word, and ..." C.C. stopped herself. She was about to say 'A word and I could destroy you.' She could see Sarah's face in her mind frowning.

"C.C." Niles had managed to reach her side, and glance toward Katherine. "Katherine."

"We were just having a small talk." Katherine's mouth twisted as C.C. faded into the crowd. "I have to attend to the children." She reached out and kissed Niles' cheek.

Niles turned around to find C.C. Babcock had disappeared on him. "Dearly....." The priest started out, but Niles didn't hear him, seeking C.C. Babcock in the huge crowd of Sarah's friends.

Nick had a strange feeling looking into C.C.'s eyes as she walked back toward the waiting limo. "Miss..."

"Stuff it Nick..." She raised her hand, letting out a soft whimper. "Take me to Zane's."

"Is that wise?" Nick let out a groan of disapproval.

"Does my grandmother pay you for advice? " C.C. let out a snarl then took it back. She was too wounded to be fighting with one of the few servants she respected. "I'm...."

"Sorry?" Nick reached out holding the door open. "I'll take you to Zane's. Would you like me to tell anyone else where you are..."

"Going? No..." C.C. glanced back toward the wake, letting out a whimper.

Niles was annoyed pushing past a few more people to reach the outside. He was sure he had seen C.C. slip away. "Think.... "Niles let out a groan, rubbing his head. 'Why am I hunting down the woman who betrayed me?' Niles glanced back toward the gathered group and let out a sigh.

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"Boss lady!" Zane was a rough looking man. He handed over a twenty year bottle of whiskey. "For you. Been saving it all day." He winked with his one good eye and adjusted the patch over his missing eye. "How was it?"

C.C. looked around the small bar to find is fairly empty. "Not in the mood... "She managed a small mumble pointing over toward a booth. "Keep them coming." She took a shot glass from behind the bar. C.C. rested herself in the corner booth, pouring the bottle into the shot glass.

"No one lives forever." C.C. lifted up the shot glass gulping it quickly and refilling it.

Nick had learned many years ago when to let nature take its course. He had learned the fine art from Lucy Babcock. 'There is a time to protect someone from doing something stupid, and there are times you should just let it happen.' He tilted his head, standing by the limo, and noticed Niles climbing out of the taxi. He wondered if the butler would be missed at the service but recalled Sarah's parents handling things.

"Nick!" Niles called out. "Where is she?"

"How well do you know her?" Nick hid his smile and pointed toward the small bar. "Sarah and she would meet there every few weeks."

Niles nodded recalling the countless times Maxwell or he would have to gather Sarah from an outing with C.C. "So I recall..." Niles turned around leaving Nick alone.

"Like a phoenix to a flame." Nick shook his head leaning against the limo.

Niles glanced around the place. If he wanted to hide out from high society this would be the place. "Hey bubby what can I get ya?" The biker man called out in a rather grumpy voice. "I know it's fairly early...."

Niles turned his head. "Something hard..." He took the glass from the man feeling the liquor burn down his throat while he looked around the darkened bar.

"Go away..." C.C. mumbled quietly and Niles sat down beside her. "I don't need your pity right now, servant."

"That's a rather big bottle." Niles put down his empty glass, and C.C. of course refilled it out of habit. "We both should be elsewhere."

"Should we?" C.C.'s eyes started to get hazy, and Niles noticed that half the bottle was already gone. "No.... I stay."

"Babcock..." Niles reached out but C.C. jerked herself away. He remembered seeing her face after he had told her the summer never happened. Her wounded and pained look had haunted him. "Let me..."

"Drink…" C.C. poured again causing an overflow of the brownish liquor to hit the table. "ZANE! Keep them coming!"

"Okay boss lady!" The man walked over placing two more bottles of unnamed liquor on the table. "He with you?" He pointed toward Niles, and C.C. nodded.

"Talk to me." He watched her, and took a sip of the liquor. "Please say something... Anything?"

"More!" C.C. opened up another bottle, filling his shot glass.

Niles reached out touching her hand. "Can we just talk?"

"Like we did in London?" C.C. flashed a smirk her eyes were wild. "We hardly talked back then Niles."

"We never had anything in London." Niles felt his back stiffen. "This is hardly the time to talk about such things that never..."

"Happened?" C.C. smirked, taking one of the bottles as Niles nursed on his drink.

"We shouldn't be talking about this anyway. What happened between you and Mrs. Sheffield?" Niles watched as C.C. let out a soft quiet whimper. "C.C...." Niles reached out trying to stop her. "Let down your walls for just this moment."

"No..." C.C. felt her lower lip starting to tremble and then something surprising. She liquor started to unleash something wild inside. "I want something else." She reached out touching Niles' cheek, but felt him back away from her touch.

"C.C." Niles felt his insides shake. "Miss Babcock… I have come to take you home." He took another gulp unaware of how much he was drinking.

"Nick is right outside." C.C. moved closer. She watched as Niles took a huge gulp from her bottle trying to clear his mind. "Does your maid know… everything about you?" C.C. couldn't fight her own desires for any longer as she touched his tailored shirt. "Does she know how your toes curl when a woman touches you?" C.C. reached out, her hand teasing his thigh.

"You’re drunk..." Niles started to feel his heart hammer like a jack rabbit.

"Does she? Do you think of me ever, Niles?" C.C. was moving closer as her hand came up to touch his chest, pulling at his jacket. "Do you ever think of those times?"

Niles felt his head pounding. The past few days had been hellish on everyone. The children's sobbing had echoed around in the Sheffield household. Maxwell's soul crushing face when the doctor's had told him the news about Sarah. Niles reached out for the bottle, and didn't feel his shirt buttons being unbuttoned. "Talk..." Niles grasped her hand stopping her.

"Do you want me?" C.C. narrowed her eyes and watched as Niles leaned back taking another sip.

"God… yes..." Niles felt as if cold water had been splashed in his face. He narrowed his eyes noticing C.C. tight fitting black shirt. She had more curves than he remembered.

"Zane… close the bar, and go home early." C.C. waited for a few moments, listening to Zane force out a few customers. Her hand reached out under the table to tease him. "See... she doesn't know you."

"I'm getting married… "Niles let out a groan, trying to fight her off. "What kind of liquor is this?" He reached out trying his best not to touch C.C. and took another huge gulp.

"Zane calls it Firewater." C.C. stood up walking over toward the bar. "Here..." She placed a few hundred dollars in Zane's hands. "To make up for some of the lost business."

"Thanks, and Miss Babcock ... A real shame about Mrs. Sheffield." Zane touched C.C. shoulder before walking away.

C.C. felt her knees start to give away, remembering her lost friend. She fought off a sob fighting to break free and felt his strong arms around her. "Let it go..." Niles whispered in her ear. He hadn't bothered to button his shirt and felt C.C.'s hands reach out to touch his bare skin.

"Fire..." Niles mumbled as his lips burned into hers.

She no longer cared about Oxford and all her hurt feelings. She just wanted to feel something other than utter grief for tonight. They held one another tightly as Zane locked the door from the outside. "Niles..." She blinked as he ended the kiss.

"I can't do this..." Niles pulled away just for a moment, but felt her painful grasp as she stole another kiss from his lips. Niles felt so light headed he became unaware of his surroundings. The only thing that mattered to him was releasing this pent up desire for her.

C.C. had managed to toss his jacket aside, and felt his hands around her waist, putting her up on the bar. She watched as Niles went back to the table grabbing the bottles and taking a huge gulp. He offered her the bottle and C.C. helped herself to a huge gulp, letting it drip down her neck. "Clean me up." She mumbled and Niles obeyed, his other hand quickly undoing the ties on her shirt.

Nick tilted his head and could make out what was going on past the blinds. He felt like he was watching one of his own children. The events made his stomach twist and he had a strange desire to find something to scrub out his eyes. 'What is it that Lucy always says? If you can't control events then you use events?' Nick couldn't hide his growing smirk. 'If I return in just an hour... with my guest things should be underway.'

Niles narrowed his eyes looking down at her cruves. He felt like a timid child reaching out to touch. "C.C..." He moved in closer as C.C. trace her hands down his bare back.

"Make me… forget...." C.C. mumbled in his ear. She wrapped on leg around his waist causing her black skirt to rise up. She jumped just a moment feeling Niles release his own desires.

C.C. felt the fire water course in her veins. . She became aware of her fingernails clawing into his back leaving bright red marks and small trails of blood

His hands cradled her with gentle hands. His eyes found hers and Niles tasted her lips once more.

"What?" Katherine was annoyed at Nick. She had known he was Lucy Babcock's strong man, but when he had mentioned Niles' name she gave in. She narrowed her eyes trying to look past the blinds to see what he was talking about. She saw... Niles.... his arms around someone as his face was flushed in desire. She turned to look at Nick and then went to the door, wiggling the locked handle. Nick reached out forcing the woman to look again.

"You can't stop desire, and you can't stop love." Nick mumbled in Katherine's ear as Nick held her still. "Do you think... for a moment this is the end?"

"He's drunk..." Katherine's eyes started to tear up. "He's not aware."

"Go… away....fade...away..." Nick mumbled watching the maid step back.

Niles hovered above her watching her for just a moment. He did his best to try and focus and felt the bottle touch his mouth as another gulp of fire water hit his stomach like a ton of bricks. He bent down to taste of her sweet flesh again pulling at her blonde locks.

"Can’t stop… Dear god…" Niles let out a gasp as he poured out his soul into her body.

C.C. glanced around trying clear her mind yet again, but felt his strong arms around her waist and a hand offering her the bottle. She glanced up into his blue eyes and saw his pity.

"Drink…" Niles managed to speak. He watched as C.C. gulped it down. "Dreaming."

"God, I hope we are." C.C. touched his bare chest, and felt Niles cradle her in his arms like she was an infant. "What’s that look for?"

"Why… why did you …. In London… why did you…" Niles looked into her eyes. "I have never loved another woman the way I love you…" He touched her cheek.

"You hate me." C.C. felt her whole body shiver. "We are more than just a little drunk, bell boy." C.C. fought to keep from slurring her words.

"I know… how I feel…" Niles’s hand traced her curves for just a moment.

"I love you." C.C. couldn’t bear to look at him. "I will always love you, and it’s been painful…" She was unable to finish has his lips brushed hers tenderly at first. She could taste the desire, liquor, and sweat.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

C.C. blinked hearing the loud pounding of her alarm clock. She shifted in the silken sheets trying to force her eyes into focus. She knew only two things… she had a head, and it was pounding. "Nick?" She lifted her head up knowing he was there.

"Here." Nick sat down handing her a cup of something steaming. "This will help."

"Got something a little stronger?" C.C. looked around wondering how she came to rest in her bed. The only memory that was completely clear was the fact she had been at Zane’s drinking. "How did I get here?"

"You really have to ask?" Nick flashed a smile.

C.C. closed her eyes trying to force the memories back. The feel of warm hands touching her skin. The erotic push and pull of lovemaking. She glanced up toward Nick and blushed. She knew he would never do anything like that, but what kind of state did he find her in? "Nick did I do anything rather stupid last night?"

"I don’t know… did you?" Nick tilted his head waiting for her to answer.

"I know …how I feel..." C.C. opened her mouth letting out a soft sob. Did she dream that Niles said that? Did she drag some random man into a steamy affair for the night? It sure the hell sounded like Niles. "I did… I think… Was someone with me?"

Nick’s eyes darkened for just a moment. "Miss Babcock…. C.C." He placed a fatherly hand on her. "Let it go for now…. With all that’s happened… let it go."

She felt her shoulders sag and the weight of Sarah’s death hit her all over again. "I… I threatened to leave… I …"

"She knew you cared about her, C.C." Nick knelt down next to her bedside, waiting for her to release her grief. "You know, you’re the same age as Thomas." He touched her cheek. "Let it go..." He watched as C.C. let out a soft sob that started the storm of grief she had been suppressing for far too long.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Niles shifted in his bed, feeling the throbbing in his head. "C.C.?" He sat up, for some reason expecting her there, but was rather disappointed to find himself alone. He blinked and groaned as his alarm signaled the start of a new day. He had expected to see Katherine walk inside his room to greet him, but was shocked after a few moments. Niles started to put out his shaving supplies. "Bloody awful." He mumbled quietly noticing his red eyes and pale cheeks. He then noticed one long mark on his shoulder. Quickly turning around he noticed quite a few on his back. "Did I wrestle with a bloody cat?" Niles closed his eyes trying to push the throbbing away to focus on the events of last night.

"Good morning!" Katherine’s voice sounded chipper and Niles quickly reached for a shirt to cover the marks up and down his back. "How are you feeling?" She placed a hot cup of coffee in his hand.

"Like hell… What time is it?" He glanced for his watch forgetting he hadn’t put it on yet.

"You have ten minutes to be down stairs." Katherine turned around.

"Katherine…" Niles mumbled quietly and she stopped in the doorway. "Is everything alright?"

"Fine..." Katherine quickly left the room and Niles turned once more to face his mirror.

"What’s wrong with me?" He looked down at his hand and once again pushed the shirt off his shoulder to study the cat scratches. He could recall the fact that yesterday was indeed Sarah’s wake. He had seen that C.C. left and, of course, he went after her.

"I love you." C.C. couldn’t bear to look at him.

Niles blinked hearing the words pound away at his skull. What had she put in those drinks last night? What had happened? "Bloody hell…" Niles felt his lower lip tremble. He would wait and see if C.C. did anything about the events from last night. He rubbed at his temples. "A gentleman never tells…" He groaned trying to push the image of Katherine’s smiling face from his mind. He was at least happy they didn’t loose control at the house. If Katherine would have seen him with C.C… Niles tried his best to force the images of C.C. out of his mind. The way she looked at him while he made their bodies one. This was the woman who had cheated on him while in England. This was the woman….. "This is my enemy." Niles groaned shaking his head. He started to try once more to force the feelings of desire, love, and longing from his heart.

"Niles, are you coming?" Katherine called out and Niles picked up his razor to prepare himself for the day.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Nick had driven C.C. to the estate in Maine for a weekend get away. He had expected Lucy to be delighted with his report on Niles and C.C. but wasn’t expecting her cane lashing against his skull.

"What was that for?! God damn it Lucy!" Nick rubbed the growing knot and let out a rather large childlike whimper. "I thought you would be pleased?"

"You should have left them! They should have woken up in that bar in the state you found them in!" Gram waved her cane around toward her driver. "Now they can push that event away like it never happened."

"I don’t think you could push away passion like that." Nick bent down holding his head. "Why did you have to hit me so hard?"

"Nick, you have to learn to use that brain of yours. Niles was able to push C.C. away years ago for some odd reason." Gram chewed on her lower lip. "They both have been able to control their feelings, but the moment they get carried away… You come in and clean up the mess."

"I didn’t stop it from happening." Nick offered his arm, and Gram took it. "It was rather… graphic to see." Nick made a face trying to get the image of C.C. out of his mind. "I think of Stuart’s children like my own."

"I know you do." Gram’s face softened a bit. "It’s just all my hopes that C.C. might at last tell Niles the truth have faded for now." They both reached a fence where they could see C.C. and Lucas ridding horses. "That blasted wedding might still take place and all C.C. has to say is three little words to end it!"

"Here’s your son?" Nick smirked and noticed Gram nod slowly.

"I think, in truth, that hope died with, Sarah." She mumbled not really paying attention to Nick’s remark. Gram looked down at the ground kicking at a pile of dirt. She glanced up into Nick’s eyes. "There is still one hope left."

"Lucas?" Nick let go of Gram’s arm and leaned on the fence.

"Now your thinking boy!" Gram held onto the fence tightly. "If Niles marries this Katherine though…" Gram shook her head slowly recalling what she knew about Niles’s family. "C.C. will have missed her chance."

"That wedding won’t take place." Nick couldn’t hide his growing smile.

"How can you be so sure?" Gram narrowed her eyes. "What are you leaving out?"

"Katherine will stop this wedding… or Niles will." Nick pointed toward Lucas. "You can’t stop fate."

"They sure as hell have done a good job of knocking fate around." Gram once more poked Nick with her cane. "Did you do what I asked?"

"Yes….It wasn’t easy to set up those jobs, but they should fall into Robert’s hands in about a week."

"Good… We will see if Niles can leave, and if he does… maybe he’s not the man for C.C. after all."

Lucas smirked turning his horse around to see the two figures in the distance. "Mommy…" He looked back as C.C. stopped her horse. Lucas pointed toward Gram and Nick. "Are they… ‘plotting’?"

"They are always plotting." C.C. shook her head still trying to shake out the cob webs.

"I’m sorry about Aunt Sarah." Lucas looked down touching the horse’s neck. "She seemed like a really nice lady."

C.C. felt her lower lip tremble as she pushed her horse onward. "She was the best." C.C. felt her head throb as to remind her of her behavior after Sarah’s wake.

"Are you mad at me?" Lucas stopped his horse, and C.C. felt her heart skip a beat.

"Why would you think….?" C.C. let out a huge sigh and raised her hand. "Lucas… I just didn’t want for you to see me…"

"Upset?" Lucas glanced away. "Gram says Babcock’s think that crying is a sign of weakness."

C.C. was about to say, ‘It is’ but stopped herself. "I just didn’t want you to see me that way."

"Is that why you sometimes cry in your room?" Lucas looked up, his eyes wide. "Why are you so unhappy?"

‘Because your mother is an idiot in love with a servant?’ C.C. fought back her own remarks and let out a huge sigh. "I’m not very good at relationships."

"You’re good with me." Lucas flashed a boyish grin that reminded her of Niles.

"You’re different." C.C. reached out toward the boy. She felt her soul cry out wishing Niles was here with them. "You’re my son." She played with the boy’s blonde hair, and could see Lucas’s face flush with pleasure. She might never have Niles, but she would always have his son.

"I love you too mommy." The boy let out a chuckle as C.C. tickled his ear. "One day I’ll be a real knight, and slay anyone who harms you!" The boy’s face wrinkled up in a determined gesture.

"Remember Lucas…." C.C. lowered her voice and felt her heart ache in pain. "Sometimes dreams are impossible." C.C. felt her mind racing thinking about Katherine and Niles’ wedding.

"A knight can do anything!" Lucas lifted his hand up, pretending to have a sword.

"Anything?" C.C. managed a smile. "Can you race me back to the stables?" She let out a husky laugh as Lucas took off before she could finish. "He is my son after all." She kicked at her horse following him.

Lucas was pushing his horse hard toward the stable. He felt the impact of his foolishness come out of no where as the horse lost control. The young boy had been around horses all his life, but nothing prepares you to go flying up in the air. The hard ground left him shaken.

C.C. felt her heart burst in terror. Her mind went wild with thoughts of loosing him as she jumped off her own horse to find the boy on the ground fighting back tears.

"Babcock’s don’t cry…" Lucas was fighting his tears while holding his arm. C.C. could see the growing blue and purple mark and reached out to her son. "Babcock’s don’t cry." He mumbled again.

"Crying heals the soul." C.C. reached out holding her boy. "Your mother should cry more often." She touched the boy’s arm and Lucas’s face twisted in pain. C.C. tilted her head to notice Nick running at full speed toward them. "Hang on… help is coming."

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Niles glanced again at the red marks. He had found himself in his room after lunch, haunted by images that he swore… "It couldn’t have happened?"

"Niles?" The door opened up and Niles turned around to see Maxwell Sheffield’s dark face. "I’m sorry old man, is everything alright?" Maxwell’s face twisted in pain.

"I should be asking you that sir." Niles pulled back on his shirt. "Mrs. Sheffield’s parents finally gone?" He tilted his head.

"Yes…" Maxwell pulled out a chair, and glanced around Niles’s room. "I don’t think I’ve ever been in here."

Niles let out a snicker sitting on the bed. "Sir….Maxwell…" Niles dropped his duty for just a moment. "I don’t know what to say to you." He reached out touching his friend’s shoulder.

"I feel… like my heart has stopped beating." Maxwell looked down at the ground. "Does this feeling last forever?"

Niles’s own soul started to shake. He had felt his heart stop that day when he had seen her wrapped around Lord Charles. He had felt as if his world had fallen apart, but why… why was it still aching so? "It only feels like it lasts forever."

Maxwell closed his eyes trying to fight off the pain once more. "I have to get ready for tomorrow." Maxwell stood up, and Niles could swear he saw something dying inside Maxwell Sheffield. "Broadway shuts down all too soon for the season."

Niles mumbled quietly that the Broadway season still had months to go yet. "That’s months away…" He watched as Maxwell shut the door. Niles felt his whole body shake with fear. Niles turned around toward his ringing telephone. "Hello?"

"How are you?" Robert’s voice was soft. "How is Maxwell?"

"Not good." Niles lowered his head. "My whole world has turned upside down, and a good woman is gone."

"Something happen?" Robert could sense an edge to Niles’s voice. "You sound different, and it’s more than just Sarah’s death."

"It’s that and other things." Niles shifted, wondering if he should tell Robert about C.C. "I don’t think anything is going to be the same."

"How could it?" Robert’s voice took on an even softer tone. "You should enjoy every moment on this earth."

Niles was fairly annoyed thinking about how all their conversations drifted toward C.C. Babcock. "Why are you pushing me?"

"I’m not pushing you." Robert’s soft voice turned annoyed. "Katherine isn’t your soul mate. She isn’t your match."

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"We don’t have to do this today." C.C. narrowed her eyes at Maxwell who was reading from a list. "If you want to do something else." She lowered the folder as Maxwell went on with the list of scripts.

"We have to be prepared for next season." Maxwell growled. "I want to win that Tony!"

"Will there be anything else, Sir?" Niles had walked in placing the silver tray down with two tea cups. C.C. hadn’t even noticed him enter the room, and felt her stomach twist into knots remembering flashes in the bar. "Cookies, sugar? Disinfectant?" Niles snickered toward C.C. who lifted up her head.

"Go play patty cake with your little maid, bell boy." C.C. let out a loud hiss. ‘So it never happened? Alright Niles… then two can play that game/’. C.C. felt her mind push away the images of Niles in the bar and the passion they had shared.

"Sir?" Niles stood still for a moment waiting on Maxwell.

"That will be all, Niles." Maxwell let out a grumble watching Niles walk out of the room. "So what will you be doing during off-season break?"

C.C. twisted a blonde lock around her finger, wondering if she should finally break down and get that hair cut. "A vacation I guess."

"Good, because Mac is blackmailing us again." Maxwell waited, hearing C.C. release a loud groan.

"Doesn’t that man have other people to blackmail?" C.C. shook her head glancing back down at the script. "We have months to do this Maxwell."

"Well the star we want for our next show is under Mac’s control." Maxwell pulled off his glasses drumming his fingers on the desk. "C.C…. you don’t have to."

"Mac and I have played these games before." C.C. tapped her chin letting out a soft laugh. "I think he means well enough, but if he doesn’t he’ll pay."

"Will he pay the same price as your other Johns?" Niles had come back in snickering. He felt his heart twist in pain hearing how C.C.’s friend wanted her. He wanted her… he… Niles pushed the images away once more.

"Mac never has to ‘pay’ for that." C.C. snickered as Niles let out a soft whimper.

"Niles! Don’t you have a wedding to plan or something?"

"That’s months away…. Like your break." Niles groaned leaving the room.

"He’s in a mood today." C.C. closed the script unable to focus a moment longer on the drama. "Where’s your little maid today?"

"Katherine’s been in the wine cellar cleaning." Maxwell returned to reading as C.C. stood up. "Is something wrong?"

"No… I’ll be back in a bit." C.C. walked into the kitchen. She noticed the door to Maxwell’s wine cellar had been left open, and couldn’t hide her growing smile. "You know if you would only wear the skirt a little shorter." C.C.’s voice was thick and full of spite. "Niles might be running after you today rather than using his duster in Brighton’s room."

Katherine leaned up and faced her foe. "Don’t you have a rock to crawl under, Miss Babcock?"

"Not yet." C.C. let out a snarl. "Just to remind you… I’m not going anywhere… I’m going to be under foot for a long time… Years…. Decades…." C.C. stood in the doorway putting her hands on her hips. "Years of taunting and teasing… and insulting him."

Katherine felt her heart skip a beat. "You’ll be nothing to him soon."

"Is that what you think?" C.C. tossed her hair around, and Katherine couldn’t help but remember what she had witnessed in the bar. "Do you really think your wedding would end things?" C.C. knew Niles well enough to know he would never cheat on Katherine once they were married, but she was betting that Katherine wasn’t so sure.

"Go back to your rock… Miss Babcock." Katherine turned back toward her duty, and heard the husky laugh that made her skin crawl.

"Why don’t you take a time out and think about that for a few hours." C.C. shut the door knowing full well that Katherine couldn’t get out.

"That… woman!" Katherine let out an angry growl beating against the wine cellar door.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

"Stop giving me that look, Babcock." Mac leaned back in his chair and waved toward the waiter. "If I didn’t blackmail you ... You would never get out of that condo."

C.C. glared into Mac’s eyes. "What do you want from me, Mackenzie Forest?"

"I have to go back to the ranch during break." Mac started to play with his cup of coffee. "I want you, Lucas and Gram to come with me."

"To Australia?" C.C. blinked thinking about Lucas’s passport. "I don’t know if that’s a good…"

"C.C…. " Mac reached out touching her hand. "I know you don’t want to be in town during that time, and I could use the support waiting… I’m on the list for a new heart back home."

C.C. twisted in her seat. "What are you chances?" She felt her heart harden at the thought of losing another friend.

"Same as anyone else." Mac crossed his arms. "I thought it might be good for the lad to learn something about the outside world. Just think of it, you can walk around and not have to worry about your parents for once. You can also escape other events happening during the break." Mac narrowed his eyes trying to read C.C.’s face.

"What other events?" C.C. stared into his green eyes and saw Mac quietly laugh. "I have no idea what you’re talking about, Mac."

"C.C… you don’t have to tell me, but I know you." Mac reached out taking her hand. "I know that wounded look…. Sarah called me before that blasted car hit her."

C.C. shifted in her chair. "What did Sarah tell you?"

"Enough for me to fill in some blanks." Mac shook his head. "She didn’t come right out and tell me that Niles Butler is Lucas’s father, but… I know…"

C.C. felt her veins turn to ice. "What are you going to do?"

"Nothing…" Mac gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "It is not my place to tell him. I don’t even know Niles." Mac reached out kissing her hand gently. "I know that no one can drive him from your heart, but … dear God I wish I could…. I am beaten before I even start."

"I don’t know if I can go…with you…" C.C. looked down playing with her lunch.

"Would you rather stay locked up in your condo?" Mac smirked letting go of her hand. "Come on Babcock! I have no other family to turn to…. It would do this old man some good to have you, Lucas and Lucy around."

"Why the devil are you inviting Gram?" C.C. blinked looking up into his eyes. "You know how she feels about you."

"She’s right." Mac smirked watching C.C. smile. "I’m not the one for you, but that doesn’t mean friends can’t comfort one another."

"What kind of comfort?" C.C. managed her best teasing voice, but Mac shook his head.

Mac let out a roaring laugh. "Well we can start with the G-rated and work our way from there, but… your heart really isn’t in it."

"You know, I hated you for filling Lucas’s head with all those tales of knights." C.C. narrowed her eyes coldly. "He’s out to save the world because of you. All those tales of Camelot, and King Arthur."

"I think he’s just out to save you, but that’s just me." Mac took a huge gulp of his coffee. "A boy needs to dream of something greater, C.C." Mac ran a hand in his graying hair. "You want him to be a different kind of Babcock... Then he needs those stories."

"I don’t want him to be a ‘Babcock’." C.C. shook her head.

"A few words could change all that." Mac lifted up his hand. "I don’t know what pain this man caused you, but damn it… you wear it under such steel."

"Are you trying to fight with me?"

"No…Come with me… just say yes and escape for just a while." Mac playfully kicked C.C.’s foot. "You know you need this…"

"It’s months away…" C.C. groaned rubbing her temples. "Maxwell still hasn’t gotten over Sarah’s death… and…."

"Maxwell’s grief is not your problem. The man will need time to recover, and you can’t speed that up. You have to let things go, and open up that heart of yours to something more." Mac watched her for just a moment. "If he loves you the way you love him… When you come home that wedding won’t take place."

"Alright!" C.C. groaned shaking her head. "I’ll go…"

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Katherine shook her head. "I don’t think that church will do." She couldn’t push away her own doubt that was clouding her judgment. "I just want the perfect church to marry you in."

"I know." Niles held onto her hand. His mind was a million miles away.

"What’s wrong, darling?" Katherine held his hand even tighter. "Are you feeling alright?"

"My parents are coming into town in a few weeks." Niles couldn’t remember the last time he had seen his father. His mother, of course, had made the trip a few years ago leaving her husband behind when Sarah gave birth to little Gracie. "They are rather worried about Maxwell, and are shocked that we didn’t put off the wedding again."

Katherine couldn’t hide her pleasure just thinking about how Maxwell defended their right to go on with the wedding. "Mister Sheffield was right… Sarah would want us to go on with the wedding."

"Yes." Niles closed his eyes trying to picture Sarah Sheffield once more.

"Your brother and Anna are coming to the wedding?" Katherine glanced down at her list and then back up at Niles. "They haven’t called and I don’t have any flight information yet for them."

Niles felt mind start to race thinking about Robert. "My brother just wants to cause problems."

"Robert loves you." Katherine glanced back. "I shall have a word with your mother. I would love to see him and his daughters."

Niles already knew the answer to that. Robert had told him months ago that he had no intention of bringing them to Niles’ wedding. "I think they are still far too young." Niles reached out to hold her and blinked as an image of C.C. Babcock slipped into his mind.

"What’s wrong?" Katherine blinked watching Niles’s face twist in pain.

"Nothing." Niles blinked back as his mind once again showed him Katherine. "I am just dreaming of your beauty."

* ‘Dreaming of my beauty? Or dreaming of C.C. Babcock?’ * Katherine could no longer hide her look of doubt. Her mind started to race thinking about what happened between Niles and C.C.

"Katherine?" Niles felt his insides shake.

"It doesn’t matter I’m just thinking about something."

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

"C.C." Gram shook her head. "I’m not sure about this."

"Come on!" C.C. groaned and glanced toward Lucas who was nodding madly. "It will be an adventure."

"Lucas…." Gram turned looking at the young boy. "Can you give us just a moment?"

C.C. shivered watching her grandmother look her over. "I hate it when you give me that look."

"I have loved you from the moment your mother gave you birth." Gram touched C.C.’s face. "Your sister and brother…." Gram let out a long sigh. "I have wished for one of your to find real happiness… for the love of God, please tell him."

"You remember when I came to you." C.C. let out a long sigh. "I can’t handle his eyes… Those terrible eyes." C.C. closed her eyes for just a moment. "My heart has been breaking ever since, but I refuse to let him see that."

"Lucas?" Gram smirked knowing the real answer. "Or Niles?"

"Come with us… Mac invited you... In fact, he requested you." C.C. snickered as Gram let out a laugh. "You can at least ‘guard’ my honor."

"Alright." Gram rolled her eyes. "I just wish…"

"It’s not up to me to stop this wedding, Gram." C.C. narrowed her eyes. "It was his choice in London…" C.C. stood up to go find her son.

"Yes, but why did he make that choice is something… I don’t understand."

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

"Mother…" Robert Butler let out a large groan eyeing his adopted mother. "I have a gift for Niles and Katherine, what more should I do?" He had called Katherine days before with a simple idea. He could hear the doubt in Katherine’s voice and finally decided it was time to tell his would-be sister in-law about. "I called Katherine last night."

"He would want you to be there, and that’s more important." Marie couldn’t understand why her oldest child was having a hard time with Niles’ wedding. "Don’t you want him to be happy?"

Anna pushed him playfully and Robert let out a groan. "We have Rachael to worry about now." He eyed his wife who shook her head.

"The girls will be fine for two weeks. We have to make these plans now, Robert." Anna’s voice was barely a whisper. "Do you want to go to his wedding or not?"

Robert covered his phone mumbling back toward his wife. "It’s the wrong wedding, and I think Katherine is starting to realize that."

"What was that Robert?" Marie could hear the faint mumbling over the phone. "Come on! This is a time for the whole family."

"Alright mother… both Anna and I will be there." Robert put down the phone moments later looking toward his wife.

"Robert…" Anna shook her head. "Are you willing to loose your brother just because you might be right?"

"Bloody hell… I guess we are heading to America in two months." Robert shook his head again. "This isn’t going to be pretty, Anna." He narrowed his eyes toward his wife. "Niles is wrong and everyone but him knows it."

"Everyone but him and your father." Anna folded up a few towels walking over toward her husband.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

C.C. felt trapped in Maxwell’s house while working. Her friend was still pushing back Sarah’s death like it never happened. He was starting to drown himself in work. C.C. also noticed how Niles started to insult her even more now that he had Katherine to hide behind. She was ready for the season to end, and her escape. "Maxwell…. Are we done yet?" Niles’s parents had been their for weeks, and C.C. felt Edward’s stare burn into her soul.

"Just a moment… When are you coming back again?" Maxwell pulled off his glasses looking up into the blonde’s face.

"Too soon." C.C. snickered as Edward offered her a cup of tea. "You didn’t put poison in this, did you?"

Edward smirked and C.C. put down the cup.

"Never mind." C.C. shifted looking at her folder again. Her mind went over a quick list of things she still had left to do before escaping New York. "Where is bell boy this afternoon?" She really didn’t want to know the answer, but noticed Edward Butler was more than willing to tell her.

"He’s getting fitted for his tux, Miss Babcock." Edward’s smile grew watching C.C. twist in pain.

"They sell tuxes at the Five ‘n Dime store?" C.C. rolled her eyes. She won’t allow this man to get the better of her. "When is the disaster ... I mean the wedding happening?"

"C.C… We have had an invite on the sub-zero for months." Maxwell rolled his eyes, leaning back. "That will be all, Edward."

"Well?" C.C. waited as Maxwell let out a whimper.

"A week … Don’t you have a plane tomorrow?"

"I do." C.C. stood up, her back aching, or was that something else. She walked into the living room to face Katherine. The smiling little maid was enough to cause her stomach to twist in pain. "Servant…"

"I hope you enjoy your break, Miss Babcock." Katherine reached out, touching C.C.’s arm. "You’ll be coming back to a far different household." She smiled, enjoying rubbing it in. "Niles and I have already started talking about having a family."

*’Niles HAS a family.’* C.C. felt her mouth twist and eyed the maid looking down at her arm. "You move that or you’ll be sorry."

"Why?"

C.C. couldn’t help her own desires any longer. She managed to reach for a glass form the wet bar, hitting Katherine with the liquid. She let out a husky chuckle, noticing the maid had let her arm go. She was determined to make her escape but felt her hair being pulled as Katherine and C.C. took a tumble over the Sheffield couch. C.C. had learned long ago that if you are going to be in a fight… you need to win it! She managed to reach out slapping Katherine in jaw and tearing the woman’s uniform.

"Harlot!" Katherine hissed.

The fight came to a stop as Maggie Sheffield let out a gasp seeing the two adult women on the floor. "Katherine? Miss Babcock?"

C.C. stood up, pleased to note that her clothes were in working order. She had managed to damage Katherine. "See you after break, Marsha." She walked out limping.

"What happened?" Maggie reached out helping the maid to her feet.

"We tripped." Katherine held her jaw and limped upstairs, hoping she could hide any marks left by C.C. Babcock.

C.C. walked inside her condo to the gasp of her son. "Don’t say anything!" She waved her hand trying to push away her own hurt feelings. "I don’t want to hear it young man."

"Did you at least win?" Lucas let out a boyish laugh and watched his mother slam the door to her room.

"Was that your mother?" Nick felt his jaw drop looking back at Lucas who was busy picking out a few toys to take along.

"Yup, and it looks like she’s been in a fight." Lucas chuckled to himself picturing what a girl fight must be like. He had seen them before at school, but a fight between adults must be no different. "Girls…" He rolled his eyes at a worried Nick.

"C.C.?" Nick walked down the long hallway, and opened the door slowly. He found her sitting on the floor whimpering to herself. He knelt down beside her, taking the woman’s hand.

"He’s really going to do it… He’s really going to marry that woman!" C.C. curled up in a ball letting out a soft sob.

"Remember what I told you that day when you were ten?" Nick brushed C.C.’s hair out of her face. "When you came to Lucy’s after your parent separated for the first time?"

C.C. rubbed her eyes against her knees looking up into the driver’s eyes. "Things happen for a reason."

"I know only this… Go… Have fun this month with Mac." Nick pulled the woman into his arms. "You must remember that Niles’ family has always stood by the lines of class that bind us all."

"What do you mean?" C.C. sniffled.

"Do you really think he loves Katherine?" Nick flashed a playful smile. "Something caused him to push you away, but the man is clearly fighting his feelings… as are you."

C.C. leaned her head against his chest. "He’s going to marry her…"

"It is the allies you can’t see who will aid you and Lucas…" Nick closed his eyes. "He still loves you."

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

"She loves him so don’t go messing that up, Mac!" Gram eyed the grinning man. "You ruin my granddaughter and her son, and I’ll…"

"…Ruin you." Mac shook his head finishing Lucy’s sentence. "You could at least wait until they get here." Mac tilted his head as C.C. pulled up in her sports car. Mac let out a yelp of delight as Lucas came running out of the car to embrace his friend.

"Mac!" Lucas held onto the man smiling. "Thanks for taking me."

"My pleasure. Now go in the cockpit and see Andrew." Mac watched as Gram walked up behind her grandson after whispering a few words to a departing Nick. "Geeze, Babcock what did you do?" He noticed the scratches on her neck.

"I ran into a maid." C.C. let out a groan as another man took her bags. "I was about five seconds from calling you and…"

"No backing out now." Mac waved her onward. "Come on, you’ll have fun."

"Is it really going to take that long to get to Australia?" Lucas came back into the private plane’s cabin, sitting down in a set next to this great-grandmother.

"Yes." Mac rubbed his chin feeling his growing stubble. He let out a soft purring sound as C.C. reached up to touch his unshaved chin. "There is an old woman and small child here Babcock."

Lucy let out a soft groan, shaking her head. "Mac!" She raised up her cane and Mac let out a playful roar back.

"I wish this was a happier trip." C.C. mumbled into Mac’s ear. "You look pale."

"Hearts can heal, Babcock… Trust me... You’ll have to deal with me for years to come." Mac reached out and did his seat buckle. "You might call yourself a phoenix, but I’m an old lizard…" He winked as C.C. let out a husky chuckle. "You cut something off but I will always come back."

"Alright… let’s go scandalize Australia!" C.C. put on her best fake smile trying to seem more cheerful.

"Nice effort, but … by the time this trip is over for you…" Mac let out a soft sigh taking her hand in his. "You’ll smile, and have that Babcock armor back in working order again."

Lucy let out a soft mumble shaking her head. "I wish she would let that armor drop forever." Lucy picked up her book, opening it to the first page.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Niles hated parties that he himself didn’t work. He watched as other waiters walked around the room filled with forty of his friends. Most of the people here were servants for the upper class of New York. He was shocked to see Lucy Babcock’s driver had been invited, but quickly remembered that the man’s wife was a distant friend of Katherine’s. Niles eyed his father who glanced back at him. ‘Damn he was right. I should have glanced over that guest list.’ His mind started to race wondering what kinds of problems Nick could cause.

"It’s like watching a train wreck about to happen. Katherine should have ripped Niles apart a long time ago... Instead she’s into this fantasy that he’ll give it all up for her." Tish mumbled toward her husband.

"Relax, and enjoy the night." Nick sipped on his drink.

"Here comes the first train now." Tish smiled as Niles walked up offering her hand toward the butler. "Niles! You look wonderful!"

"Thank you." Niles blushed with pleasure and pulled on Nick’s arm. "Mind if I borrow your husband?" He moved Nick away after Tish nodded. "I’m not looking for trouble here, Nick."

"Who says I’m here to cause trouble?" Nick rubbed his chin watching Niles for just a moment. "Miss Babcock is away, so is Gram." Nick fought to hide his smile as Niles’ cheeks flushed with something Nick could have sworn was jealousy.

"Good… no tricks tonight." Niles waved his finger toward him and Nick offered his hand.

"No tricks." Nick smiled; shaking the butler’s hand and watching him walk away. "Yes my dear?" He titled his head toward a smirking Tish.

"You told him no tricks?" She reached out brushing her husband’s cheek.

"Well… I didn’t say the tricks were coming from me tonight, did I?" Nick turned his head toward the dance floor. "Come on, before the dinner starts let’s enjoy our night out."

Robert closed his eyes trying to picture another party. "Take two?" Anna walked up, taking his arm. "What’s wrong love?"

"I’m trying to picture something that doesn’t have this ending badly." Robert glanced down at his drink.

"Robert!" Maxwell reached out smiling. "How are you old man?!"

"I could ask the same of you, Mister Sheffield." Robert let out a sigh. "I was sorry to hear about Mrs. Sheffield." Robert noticed the pained look on Maxwell Sheffield’s face, which he quickly pushed away.

"I’d better find Niles." Maxwell quickly moved away.

"Well, that could have gone better."

"Are you still worried?" Anna took her husband’s arm. "You look rather pale."

"I remember one of the few things my mother said to me before she died." Robert mumbled quietly. "Doing the right thing for someone is never easy."

"Just remember... The girls love you, and so do I." Anna reached for Robert’s hand. "Now let’s go dance."

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

C.C. let out a huge grumble. Lucas was having the time of his life, but as the days went on back home, she was all to aware of Niles’s wedding. She noticed the bright smile on Mac’s face as she walked out of her bedroom. He had a wonderful home. The house was over twenty rooms, and C.C. wondered why he kept it, Since he spent so much time in the states. "What?" She glared. "Are we twelve hours behind New York?" C.C. glanced up at the clock.

"Stop thinking about it, Babcock." Mac was working in his kitchen. "Your son and grandmother have the whole day planned. They are already out and about."

"What?" C.C. blinked, noticing two empty plates and let out a growl. "You should have woken me."

"I have our whole day planed." He walked up putting down a stack of pancakes in front of her. "Go ahead and try it."

C.C. glanced up into the man’s eyes and took a small bite. "Whoa… that’s good."

"I have many talents." Mac walked over sitting down, and pulled out a mountain of medication.

"Mac… are you…" C.C. felt her mind drift from Niles in New York back toward her friend. "Going to be alright?"

"Eat up Babcock... I have hundreds of things for us to do today, and not much time." Mac winked, taking a huge gulp of orange juice and putting the first pill in his mouth.

"Not unless you tell me what is going on." C.C. stopped, folding her arms. "I have this strange feeling that you don’t plan on coming back to New York."

Mac let out a hacking cough, and felt C.C. glare at him. "How the devil did you know that?"

"Mac…" C.C. rolled her eyes, putting down her fork.

"I’m not dying, Babcock, so get over it… I won’t have pout over my cold grave." Mac stood up letting out a large hiss. "I plan to live a long life, and to see you happy, woman."

"Happy… "C.C. muttered the word, letting out a sigh. "That word sounds so strange to me."

"Well, finish up and get dressed for the day… something .. Sexy…" Mac let out a purring sound that caused C.C. to break out into a husky laugh. "Something that might make a man with a bad heart swear he’s died and gone to heaven."

‘Fate has a way of working against those who desire happiness the most. Time isn’t a friend to those who hold onto the dream that never was. ‘

Niles sat down, taking Katherine’s hand, but notice something in her eye. "What’s wrong love?" He reached out to touch her cheek, trying to read her mind.

"Robert…" Katherine turned her head toward her future brother in-law, who blushed. He was talking to a nodding Maxwell. "I think you have something to talk to us about?"

Robert felt his heart pound as he moved in between Katherine and Niles. "I have a present for you, little brother."

‘The wheels turn and fate demands a price for our own foolishness. We learn that sometimes even a broke heart can start to heal.’

C.C. blinked as Mac opened the door. "Can I take off the blind fold now?" She was annoyed, it was early in the morning and Mac was dragging her around. "This is rather silly. I can tell we are outside!" C.C. recalled her earlier comment about Mac’s homeland being nothing but a desert at times.

"Give me a moment." The man moved around quickly and placed C.C. on the ground.

‘Justice linked with fate can make an evil combination.’

"I contacted a friend the other day… or, should I say, that friend contacted me." Robert blushed reaching inside his coat pocket. "I seemed to recall your desire at one time to receive a royal appointment." He placed the sealed envelope in Niles’ hand. Robert waited, watching Niles’s eyes.

"I’ve already accepted mine." Katherine leaned over whispering in Niles’s ear.

"You did WHAT?" Niles did a double take looking at his bride to be.

"So the game starts." Nick watched from his table, letting out a huge sigh. "We will see what kind of man Niles Butler is now."

"Is something wrong, son?" Edward walked over toward his sons and noticed Niles glancing at Katherine face.

"Give me a moment, dad." Niles stood up, waving for Katherine to follow.

He pulled her into a corner room being used by the wait staff. "Niles…." She could no longer hide her doubt. "Accept the appointment… prove to me I’m wrong."

"Wrong about what? Do you realize what Maxwell… and his children are going through?"

"Choose… Her or me." Katherine’s eyes sparked with a fire he had never seen before. "Come with me back home, or stay here with Mister Sheffield…"

"Choose WHO?" Niles rubbed his temples. "What are you talking about? We are supposed to be getting married in three days?"

"I saw you." Katherine’s voice grew faint. "I saw you with her."

Niles’s eyes grew wide as he felt his heart break. "You… How?"

"It’s either C.C. or me." Katherine waited as Niles looked around lost. "That’s the choice you have."

‘Two souls can find comfort in the middle of a storm while the rest of their lives are thrown into chaos.’

"That’s the choice. You either stay still Babcock or I’m going to spank you!" Mac let out a growl and C.C. could no longer suppress her laughter.

"I thought we agreed that your heart couldn’t take me." C.C. purred, feeling the blanket she had been placed on.

"Okay woman, you can take off the blindfold." Mac let out a huge sigh watching C.C. take off the blindfold. She took in the area around her and let out a gasp of surprise. Mac had a band standing by and the men waved toward the blonde.

"What is all this?" C.C. blinked looking around the garden. She heard a small creek next to them. "Mac?"

"Dance with me." Mac held out his hand, smiling as the band started to warm up.

"Here?"

"Here!" He twirled her around, letting out a laugh.

The band started up as Mac held C.C. close at first breathing in her channel 5. ‘I think you better cut all that hair off ,throw it out the window, Climb down from that tower, Give the wicked witch the finger/’

Niles blinked as Katherine waited on his answer.

‘Ain’t no used to wait for him to get you. He’s out chasing his own demons. Not like you can really blame him. You’ve got demons of your own.’ Mac let out a laugh as the song started to speed up, and C.C. giggled like a school girl hearing the song’s lyrics for the first time.

"Well?" Katherine folded her arms.

‘And I hate to be the one to tell you. Cause it don’t seem so romantic but that’s the way it really goes now you knoooooooooooooooooooow!’ The singer couldn’t help but let out a laugh watching the pair giggle like school children.

"No…" Niles felt his heart shiver as he let go. "I can’t."

‘You’re gonna have to be your own prince charming, Gonna have to ride your own stallion. Gonnna have to find your own castle. Gonna have to raise your own sail. And there’s gonna be a happy ending but that’s only the beginning this ain’t no fairy tale!’ The saxophone player lifted his head up and patted the back of the lead singer as the couple danced in the garden.

"I’m not staying." Katherine turned around leaving Niles shocked.

‘It’s true! It’s real! It’s you!" Someone stepped forward holding a violin, playing soft sweet tones as C.C. closed her eyes being held by her friend.

Katherine walked out of the back room, leaving her own party. Niles could feel the color drain from his own face as Robert reached out, touching his brother’s shoulder. "Are you alright?"

‘Cinderella stepped out of her glass slippers. Threw down that new apron. Put on a pair of old Doc Martens. Stomped right out the door.’

Niles felt his hands ball into fists, turning to face his older brother. "You had to get involved! You couldn’t just stay out of it!"

‘The prince was still chewing on his bacon. As he hit the open road. Said life is full of enough of disappointments. To go kissing any toad.’

"I just want what’s best for you." Robert backed way from his brother as the party was now at a stand still.

C.C. let out a happy sigh feeling her armor being restored and Mac’s arms around her waist. ‘And somewhere a band was playing. To-ra-loo-ra-loo-ra. You go out and see the world girl. Have yourself a ball.’

"What’s going on darling?" Marie walked up as Anna stood beside her husband, trying to protect him from the angry glare of his brother. "I saw Katherine storm out of here."

‘You’re gonna have to be your own prince charming. Gonna have to ride your own stallion. Gonna have to find your own castle. Gonna have to raise your own sail. And there’s gonna be a happy ending. But that’s only the beginning. This ain’t no fairy tale.’

Niles managed to reach out grabbing Robert, tossing him aside. "I have no brother." He stormed out of the room leaving Maxwell to follow his butler and friend.

‘You’re gonna have to be your own prince charming. Gonna have to ride your own stallion. Gonna have to find your own castle. Gonna have to raise your own sword. And there’s gonna be a happy ending. And there’s gonna be a happy ending. And there is gonna be a happy ending… It’s true! It’s reaaaaaaaaaaal! It’s you!’ C.C. leaned her forehead against Mac’s, letting out a soft sigh.

"Promise me… You’ll be alright." C.C.’s voice was soft and full of worry.

"You’ll see me again, and besides… woman, expect me to write and call every chance I get." His hand brushed away her blonde locks. "Just remember, if you ever need a port in a storm…I’m here."

"It’s good to know some people never change."

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Lucy ‘Gram’ Babcock let out a huge sigh noticing the time. She had explored every inch of the ranch with Lucas. She was now worried about the hour. "Hello?" She answered the phone, annoyed with the fact it wasn’t going to be C.C.

"It’s off, Lucy." Nick felt his heart soar with this small victory.

"Now we wait." Gram let out a husky chuckle. "Neglect will become our new ally, Nick." Gram twisted the phone cord. "They will return to their hard headed ways, but one day they will have to face that long road."

"Indeed… Indeed."

Epilogue<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

"FIVE MINUTES!" The stage director let out a roar. "Lucas? Mister Morgan?" The teacher walked up, finding Lucas dressed in the costume. "Good, you’re ready! Five minutes. Places everyone!"

Lucas shifted his muscular form and blushed as one of his female classmates waved in his direction. "What’s wrong, Morgan!" A male classmate pushed him playfully, letting out a laugh. "With that voice and your home runs... You know you could be scoring off the field, and stage."

"No thanks." Lucas shifted, winking toward the girl and standing up. "Are we ready?"

Gram glared at C.C.’s wig. "You look silly."

C.C. had spent the past few years wearing wigs to any of Lucas’s school functions. She found herself being attacked in the press, and growing fame as the plays she produced with Maxwell became hits. "SO?"

Gram shook her head, shifting in her set. "Are you going to wear that tomorrow at your son’s graduation?"

"I might if you keep bugging me about it." C.C. winked as curtain was lifted up. She had helped out Maxwell’s children with their plays before, and was shocked at the poor production of this high school senior play. She closed her eyes, trying her best to forget her fight with Lucas.

"Are you still fighting with the lad?" Nick leaned over and the group was shush, but C.C. quietly nodded.

C.C. glanced as Lucas delivered his lines. She closed her eyes and could hear Niles’s voice as the young man started his song.

"To dream the impossible dream" Lucas’s voice called out and he managed to tilt his head towards his mother. ‘To fight the unbeatable foe. To bear with unbearable sorrow…. To run where the brave dare not go! To right the unrightable wrong!"

C.C. felt her mind racing back to her fight with Lucas. *"He and I loving one another isn’t possible anymore, Lucas. We have done so many wrong things, and no longer can reach one another."* C.C. closed her eyes trying focus on the play in front of her.

"To love, pure and chaste from afar, To try when your arms are too weary, To reach the UNREACHABLE star!" Lucas lifted up his sword and with purpose pointed toward his seated mother.

C.C. felt her heart stop. "Lucas, is delivering me a message." C.C. mumbled to herself quietly.

"This is my quest to follow that star, No matter how hopeless, no matter how far, To fight for the RIGHT, Without question or pause, To be willing to march into hell, For a heavenly cause!" Lucas quickly put the sword back in the belt, turning toward the other student on the stage with him.

"The boy sounds like his father." Gram watched C.C. for a moment, touching her cheek.

"And I know, if I’ll only be true! To this glorious Quest, That my heart will lie peaceful and calm. When I’m laid to my rest." Lucas placed a hand on his heart and lowered his eyes for just a moment.

"He does." C.C. felt her lower lip tremble, but quickly got herself under control.

"And the world will be better for this! That one man, scorned and covered with scars, still stove with his last ounce of courage, To reach the unreachable stars!" Lucas felt his heart pound as the crowd unleashed a loud roar of approval at his performance. Lucas finished the play feeling drained by just one song, but he hoped it carried a message to his mother. Lucas sat in front of the mirror taking off the makeup that made him look much older.

"Shadows….. Phoenixes…. Broken." She turned her head toward the young man with tears in her eyes. "Help… please…..please, Noel… Grandmamma?"

Lucas closed his eyes trying to drive away his mother’s voice for just a moment.

"That was rather impressive young man." The thick Australian accent gave him away as Lucas turned around.

"MAC! Does mom know you’re in town? She’ll be back stage in about fifteen minutes." Lucas took the man’s hand looking him over. He was no longer pale and skinny. He was still very much the bright soul that he and his mother had written to all these years.

"I can’t stay… I have a present for you." Mac flashed an envelope. "Use it wisely… I had to blackmail your great-grandmother to get it." Mac gave him a quick wink, and like a ghost he was gone. Lucas quickly tore at the paper and let out a huge sigh. "The Shadow Phoenix, by Claire Morgan and Niles Butler."

"Lucas!… LUCAS!" C.C. let out an annoyed roar, walking backstage past the other students being picked up. "Are you ready to go?"

"Yes…" Lucas quickly put the paper in his jacket to follow his mother. He followed them out into the parking lot as Gram let out a soft laugh.

"Are you ready for our trip now young man?" Gram eyed Lucas with a knowing look.

"I wish you were taking him anywhere but England!" C.C. rolled her eyes trying to fix her wig.

"We go where the road takes us, mother." Lucas blushed as C.C. glared at him. "A knight never forgets his promises." Lucas mumbled under his breath, feeling the report, and the answers to all his questions within reach.

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