a pick up from page 7

""lulu i'm sorry about all of this, i never wanted to hurt you or make you feel as if your not important to me"said robin as they were driving back

"i just feel kinda washed up and im sick of charles and his shit, dont you wanna press charges, he almost killed you"screamed lulu

"i know that but what about thr twins?"he asked

"they will be better with cassie or the sutton's if she continues to run after charles"said lulu

"i think they're done she took off her ring and where do you wanna go to clear your head?"he asked a little more clam

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"Anywhere but here.  I just need to clear my head." said Lulu.

"Okay we hangout at the beach." said Robin.

"I can't!!!! I will see that beachhouse and it's a wreck." said Lulu.

"Lulu this whole town is a wreck because of the quake." said Robin.

"I know!!! This is no way to spend our last day here." said Lulu.

"I know!!!" said Robin holding Lulu.

I just don't what has gotten into Charles?  What possessed him to do something like that?" asked Lulu.

"I don't know!!! That dude need serious help big time.  I don't like the guy but I don't go around killing people." said Robin.

"I still think you should've press charges." said Lulu.

"And have the twins grow up without a father no way. One good thing about Charles is that he does take care of his kids." said Robin.

"I guess you're right. But must you come to Cassie's defense all the time?" annoyed Lulu.

"Lulu, Cassie is my friend and I want to be there for her." said Robin.

"Cassie is my friend too.  But I am also your girlfriend Robin and I want you remember that." said Lulu.

"Lulu I already told you!!! You are very important to me right now.  I do think you need to talk to Cassie and apologize." said Robin.

'What!!!" shocked Lulu.

"Come on Lulu she your best friends. At this point we are the only friends Cassie got right now." said Robin.

"Alright I will talk to her." said Lulu.

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Meanwhile back at the hospital, Charles' hand is bandaged and splinted and he's ready to leave.  His mother signs all of the insurance forms and the two of them join up with Cassie, Lizzie and the twins to go home.  When the twins spot Charles they both take off running towards him and Marla away from Lizzie and Cassie.

"Daddy, daddy, daddy!!!" Kalie screams, piercing everyone's eardrums.

"Hey Kalie!" he greets her, smiling and trying not to show that he's in pain.

"Pick us up!!" she demanded.

Charles laughed a little.  "Daddy has a boo-boo, see?  I can't pick you both up at the same time," he explained, only picking her up and giving her a kiss.

"I love you, Daddy," she responded giving him a kiss back.

He put Kalie down and turned his attention to her brother.

"Ready to go home, guy?" he asked Colin who walked along side of him.

"Yay!!!!" Colin replied jumping and skipping.

The two kids started running down the long corridor towards the exit, and Marla and Lizzie took off after them, leaving Charles and Cassie together alone.
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"Cassie please let me explain." said Charles as he tried to reach out to Cassie.

"Don't touch me Charles!!!  Just don't touch me you no good bastard." snapped Cassie.

"Cassie please I'm sorry!!!" whined Charles.

"That's all you have to say to me is sorry?  You tried to kill Robin." said Cassie angrily.

"I'm sorry I just can't stand you being with him all the time instead of me." said hurt Charles.

"Well I can't stand Sage but I don't go around stealing your mother's gun and shoot her." said Cassie.

"No but you, Lulu and your little sister went out and beat her almost to death." said Charles.

"But the difference is we didn't intend of murdering people.  You went too far this time Charles.  I thought you say you trust me." cried Cassie.

"I do trust you beautiful but I also say I don't trust Robin." said Charles.

"You told me you would tried to change but it seems like you are getting worst and worst. I can't take it anymore." said Cassie.

"Cassie I am sorry I just wasn't thinking straight.  I didn't know what came over me.  I would never hurt you beautiful." said Charles.

"You there are times that I don't know who you are anymore Charles.  Sometimes I think you are the same guy I fell in love with." said Cassie.

"Cassie I am the same guy." said Charles.

"Are you Charles?  You are so lucky that Robin didn't go and press charges against you." said Cassie.

"Pressing Charges?" confused Charles.

"Officer Powell was here and asked us question about this incident.  I didn't want to lie but Robin insisted that we bend the truth." said Cassie.

"Why?" asked Charles.

"Because he doesn't want our children growing up seeing their daddy behind bars." said Cassie.

"Wow I don't know what to say." said Charles.

"Just don't say anything to me anymore Charles." said Cassie as she walked away.

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Charles was speechless as Cassie walked down the hall. He was also confused about Robin's actions to save him from prision.

"What's wrong with you Charles? What a monster have you become? You are losing the love of your life and watching you world crumble all around you", said Charles as he started to open his eyes, "You have to change Charles or you will lose your family, your kids, and Cassie".

Suddenly Charles ran to Cassie. "I am going to be a changed man when I get back. I just want you to know that I love you and will always love you", said Charles kissing her. He kissed the twins and his mom and ran out the door.

"Charles!!! What the hell?! Cassie were is he going?!!", asked Marla.

"To change his life", said Cassie wih a glimmer of hope.
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As they arrived home Cassie got a call from Lulu.

"Hey" answered Lulu.

"Hey I was just going to call you.  Where have you and Robin run off to?" asked Cassie.

"We just hanged out in the park talking and thinking." said Lulu.

"Yeah what a way to spend your last day huh?" asked Cassie.

"Yeah." sigh Lulu.

"Look I'm real sorry." said Cassie & Lulu apologizing to eachother.

"No I shouldn't overreacted." said Cassie.

"No I shouldn't got trashed Charles." said Lulu

"Lulu you're my girl!!! I'll be lost without you." said Cassie.

"I'll be lost without you too." said Lulu.

"Let's promise never to fight like that." said Cassie.

"Yeah our friendship is too important.  So what is up with Charles?  Are you two finally finished?" asked Lulu.

"I don't know Lulu but Charles says is going to be a change man this time." said Cassie.

"He said that many of times Cassie." said Lulu.

"I know but I really think he meant it this time." said Cassie.

"I hope you're right Cassie and I hope Robin did the right thing by letting Charles off the hook." said Lulu.

"I think Charles finally learned his lesson." said Cassie.

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"I've gotta get off this phone and get packed, Cassie, but Robin wants to say goodbye so hold on," Lulu told her as she handed the phone to Robin.

"Hey, you okay?" Robin asked.

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"I'm fine thanks!!!!  How about you?  Are you going to be alright?" aked Robin.

"Sure I'll alright!!!  I'm really sorry this whole day turned into a complete disaster Robin." said Cassie.

"Hey it's not your fault Cassie.  So whatsup with you and Charles now?" asked Robin.

"I don't know but he told me he's going to change for good this time." said Cassie.

"Yeah I'll believe it when I see it." said Robin.

"I really wish you didn't have to leave so soon Robin." sadden Cassie.

"Cassie I have to go back.  Anyway my semester is almost over and I'll be home soon enough." said Robin.

"It just it seems so long.  Whenever I'm with you I feel comfortable with you." said Cassie.

"I like being with you too Cassie. I will be home soon.  I promise." said Robin.

"Promise?" asked Cassie.

"Promise just hang in there.  And as soon as I return I want to try to help fix up Lincoln Heights if not at least your home." said Robin.

"I think my mom and dad hae that cover." said Cassie

"Look I have to finished packing you can come with us to the airport tomorrow okay?  You can even bring Lizzie along." said Robin.

"Yeah she'll love that.  Thanks again for not pressing charges against Charles.  Charles really isn;t a bad person.  He just had rough life.  That's why he's the way he is." said Cassie.

"Yeah I know!  Believe it or not I actually feel sorry for the jackass." said Robin.

"Well I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt." said Cassie.

"Personally I really don't know what you see in him Cassie.  I really don't.  You deserve better." said Robin.

"Thanks Robin!!!  But like I said Charles really is a good person." said Cassie.

"Well I go to go.  See you tomorrow." said Robin.

"Bye Robin." said Cassie hanging up.

As Cassie hung up she started to feel sad because Robin and Lulu was leaving tomorrow.  Soon Jenn came in and she saw a tear rollin' down Cassie
s face.

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Jenn put her arms around Cassie.  "Worried about Charles, honey?" she asked quietly.

"Yeah, sort of," Cassie admitted.  "And other stuff too....."

"Well, I'm always hear for you, ready and willing to listen," Jenn assured her as she sat on the bed.

"I know, Mom," Cassie nodded and sniffed.  "Thanks."

"Do you have any idea where Charles ran off to?" Jenn asked, curious.

"Nope, but I hope he doesn't do anything else crazy!"

Jenn sighed.  "Give the guy a break, Cassie.  ANYONE can get hurt playing paintball."

Cassie stayed quiet, realizing that Jenn was never told about the gunshot wound.

"HELLO???" Jenn tried breaking the silence. 

"Mom, I don't know how to tell you this but......"

"You can tell me anything, you KNOW that."

Cassie took a deep breath, looking up at the ceiling.  "Charles brought a gun to the paint ball field and pointed it at Robin but it backfired and that's how his hand got hurt," she blurted out.

Jenn's head felt like it was spinning.  'Stay calm' she thought to herself as she looked at her daughter.
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"Did Charles intentionaly tried to kill Robin?" asked Robin.

Cassie wanted to say yes but she doesn't want Charles to go to jail.

"No he was just trying to scare Robin and he must've hit the trigger and the gun backfire on him." lied Cassie.

"My God what was Charles thinking?  He could've killed Robin or himself.  Do you realize how much trouble Charles could've been in?" sighed Jenn.

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"Yes, but his Mom shouldn't have been bragging to us that she had a gun in the first place," Cassie said, trying to defend him.

"Bragging about having a gun???? What in the world are you talking about?" Jenn asked, totally confused.

So Cassie told her what happened between Marla and Mike at Monica's the night before.

Jenn shook her head, not knowing what to say.  "I cant believe the craziness that took place on Thanksgiving at Monica's house.  She'll probably never want to see any of us again!"

"I doubt that, Mom," Cassie said, trying to put Jenn at ease.  "Robin and his mother are very much alike, and I know Robin would NEVER turn on his friends, so his mother probably wouldn't either."

"And I guess Charles and Marla are very much alike, aren't they? Jenn asked.

"Unfortunately," Cassie replied.  "But deep down, they're both good too, Mom," she assured her.

"I guess you're right about that.  Afterall, they're letting us live here, right?" Jenn asked getting up from the bed to leave.

"Mom, before you go, do I have permission to go to the airport tomorrow with Robin & Lulu?" Cassie asked crossing her fingers.

"Your father told me you're grounded, but I guess we can make an exception in this case."

"Thanks mom!  I love you!"  Cassie said relieved as she gave her mother a big hug before Jenn left the bedroom. 

Jenn went to find Marla to discuss the gun situation.
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Jenn spotted Marla fixing some hot coffee.

"Thought I find you here." said Jenn.

"Hey want some coffee?" asked Marla.

"Yeah sure." said Jenn as she grabbed a cup.

"Are you alright?" asked Marla.

"Yeah I just had a talk with Cassie.  I don't know maybe Eddie and I should've signed her up for Sea School." said Jenn.

"Nah your daughter doesn't need Sea School besides it's too expensive.  Cassie will be fine." said Marla.

"I hope so.  Tell me what is going on with Charles?  How and why did he get a hold of your gun?  And why would you carried a gun in the first place?" asked Jenn.

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Marla sighed and looked partly sad, partly embarrassed.  "So you found out....."

"Did you think I wouldn't?"

"I was HOPING you wouldn't, but that was dumb."

The two women sat at the table with their coffee and Jenn waited for Marla to continue.

"Jenn, I come from a rough background to say the least," she admitted.  "Raising Charles alone was hard, but I wasn't always alone.  His dad was in the mob and exposed me to alot of things I never should have been exposed to as a young woman.  Fortunately when Charles came on the scene I had sense enough to keep that bad element away from him.  But some of it is ingrained in me, I guess for good.

After I won the lottery and got this big house and the car and the clothes I became a target, so I needed a gun to protect myself.  And then Robin's dad and I were dating and that turned sour and I don't know what his mentality is but I've got a pretty good idea seeing how he tried to beat me and all, so that's another reason I keep it with me. 

But believe me, Jenn, I did NOT give that gun to Charles, and as soon as he gets back home, I'm talking to him about going through my pocketbook and stealing it from me!"

"Please do," Jenn replied.
Candygwen

Meanwhile Cassie was getting ready to go to bed she got a text message from Charles saying meet him at the beach.  Cassie was confused so she got her jacket and snuck out of the house to meet up with Charles.  When she arrived at the beach she saw trail of rose pedals.  She followed the trail of pedals until she saw a huge heart shape drawn saying I love you.  Please forgive me.

"Hey beautiful." said Charles.

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Cassie was speechless as she stood and stared at what Charles had done.  This was the last thing she had ever expected.

Slowly he came closer to her until they stood toe to toe.  He lifted her chin up and after gazing into her eyes kissed her softly.  Then he held her for a long time and neither of them said a word as they listened to the ocean and thought about their life together, past, present and future.

Finally, Cassie was ready to talk, stepping back so that she could see his face in the moonlight.

"Charles, I forgive you.  And I love you too."

He looked relieved.  "Thanks, Cassie."'

"But I need you to do something," she continued in a serious tone.

"Anything," he replied, wanting to please her.

"Tomorrow I'm going to the airport to say goodbye to Lulu and Robin and I want you to come with me and apologize to them both.  If you do that, then I'll know you're sincerely sorry," she explained.

Charles thought awhile.
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"Alright anything to make you happy." said Charles.

"Thank you that really means alot Charles." said Cassie.

"Well since we are alone maybe we can do it." said Charles with a gin.

"Let's not Charles.  Everytime we have sex or try to have sex something goes wrong.  Let just wait at a decent time,  Beside there is more to this relationship other than sex." said Cassie.

"I suppose you right.  Can I atleast kiss you?" asked Charles.

"Sure." said Cassie.

The two of them kiss in the middle of the beach.

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Then they get ready to go back home in their separate cars.

"I hope we can sneak back in without getting caught, Charles.  I'm grounded you know...." she warned.

"Don't worry, beautiful.  I've got you covered," he assured her.

Meanwhile, back at the Antoni house, Jenn wakes up because the twins are crying their heads off -- both feverish.  Then she wakes up Eddie. 

"Why isn't Charles or Cassie responding?" Jenn asked him.  "If I can hear those kids crying, surely one of them can hear too!"

"You're a nurse, Jenn.  You're trained for stuff like this," Eddie said, groggily making excuses.

"Well Cassie's been a mom long enough for her instincts to have kicked in!"

"So are we just gonna lie here and listen to them scream or are YOU gonna get up?" Eddie asked, annoyed.

"I'm gonna get up and get CASSIE up," Jenn announced as she put on her slippers and left the room.

When she reached Cassie's room, she was shocked to find her daughter's bed empty.
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"Don't tell me that girl has snuck out the house again?" wondered Eddie.

Soon Cassie rush quickly back in the house and took off her jacket and rush up to her room.  She soon saw her father.

"Cassandra where have you been?" asked Eddie.

"Downstairs getting some warm milk." lied Cassie.

"Don't you hear your kids crying?" asked Eddie.

"Sorry I have so much on my mind." said Cassie.

"Cassie you have to do better than this.  You're a mother now.  You got responsibilities now. These kids are not dolls you have as a kid they are real." said Eddie.

"I know I would try to do better this time." said Cassie.

"Don't try just do it. Your mother and I won't always be around taking care of the twins." said Eddie.

"Okay Dad." said Cassie as she went to check on the twins.

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Meanwhile Charles went to talk to his mother.

"Mom. We need to talk", said Charles opening her door.

"Charles! Oh my goodness. Where have you been?!", said Marla.

"Don't worry, that's not important anyway. I want you to know hat his gun is to much of a trouble. For both of us", said Charles showing her his hand, "we need to learn from our mistakes and get out of these bad situations mom. They're not healthly for anyone".

Marla took her son's hand in hers, rubing her son's hand tenderly.

"I know, and I'm so sorry for causing you all these misery. I haven't been the greatest mom or role model, and I hate myself every minute for it", said Marla tearing.
Robertadamsonlover

Charles hugged his mother.  "So you'll get rid of the gun?" he asked.

"No, I'm not getting rid of it, but I will lock it up out of the way for safe keeping," she bargained.

Charles sighed a bit disappointed.  "I guess that's fair....."

"Honey, you don't understand.  Now that I'm a millionaire, I've REALLY gotta watch my back and protect my family and possessions.  And as an American, I've got the right to have a gun, Charles," she explained.

"Oh, no, Mom," Charles replied a bit amused, "don't get patriotic on me."

"Oh you!!!" she said, slapping him playfully.

Just then Cassie came rushing into the room.

"Mrs. A!  Charles!  Come quick!  The twins are burning up!!!" she shouted, frantic.

The three of them ran into the nursery to Colin and Kalie.  Marla felt their foreheads as they cried.

"You're not kidding, they're burning up alright!" she agreed.  "Where's Jenn?"

"She's calling the doctor now," Cassie replied nervously.

"Maybe they picked up a germ when we were in the Emergency Room waiting for Charles," Marla thought out loud.

Charles looked worried and guilty as he picked up his son and held him close, trying to console him.
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Soon Jenn came in the nursery.

"The doctor is on his way to check on the twins.  Have you give them any medicine?" asked Jenn.

"I tried but they won't take it.   What are we going to do by my babies are going to die." cried Cassie.

"Cassie calm down.  The twins will be alright.  Hopefully this ain't nothing major." said Jenn consoling her.

Soon the doctor showed up.

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After giving the twins a thorough examination, Dr. Chang  was ready to break the news.  Looking very somber, he asked everyone to sit down in the nursery.

"Oh God!  What is it?" Cassie asked, feeling weak in the knees.

Charles stayed right by her side and helped her sit down.  "It'll be okay.  Just let the doctor talk, Cassie," he suggested calmly.

But on the inside, Charles was just as worried as Cassie.

"Okay, well, it seems that the children have contracted a strain of the flu virus. If an adult had contracted this, it wouldn't be too serious but since they're young, it's taking a big toll on them, which is why they're crying so much.  They're experiencing body aches, fever, nausea(sp?) and it's hard for them.  The good news is after 24 hours of suffering, they'll get through this and be back to normal.  But the next 24 hours will be quite difficult and they're going to need round-the-clock care.  Here's a prescription for a children's antibiotic," he said handing it to Charles. 

"Get it filled immediately and start giving them the medicine.  Make sure they stay hydrated--plenty of liquids.  And when you change them make sure you wash your hands--otherwise you'll be transmitting germs back and forth between them and the rest of the household.  Understand?" he asked.

Charles and Cassie nodded, while their parents stayed quiet in the background.

"Thank you for coming out, Dr. Chang," Charles said shaking his hand.

"It's my pleasure.  Jenn and I go way back," he said smiling.  "Don't we, Jenn?"

"That's right," she agreed.  "But thank you just the same."

"Yes, thank you," Cassie managed to say, pulling herself together.  "I'm not leaving their side."

After the doctor left and their parents went back to bed, Charles asked,  "Cassie, what about the airport?"

"I'm not leaving Kalie and Colin for a minute," Cassie told him.  "Will you get the prescription filled, Charles?"

"Sure I will, but--"

"My kids come first, Charles.  As much as I want to see my friends off, I'm not going to the airport.  But you still owe them an apology," she reminded him in a serious tone.

Charles didn't say anything more to her after that.  He just got ready and went to the drugstore for the medicine, and she spent the rest of the night in the nursery with the twins.
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The next day Robin and Lulu was all packed and ready to go the airport.

"This whole weekend went by so fast." cried Monica.

"Yeah I know!!!  But we have to head back to finish the semester." said Robin.

"Anyway we'll be back for the Christmas Holidays." said Lulu.

"I hope so.  I'm sorry this weekend didn't turned out as you two wanted." said Monica.

"That's alright at least we got a chance to spend time with Cassie and her folks." said Robin.

"Not to mention Tay, Lizzie, the twins, Mrs. A, & Dana." said Lulu.

"Hey speaking of Cassie what's taking her so long?" asked Robin.

"Yeah it's not like her to be late." said Lulu.

Then the two saw Charles' car pull up and Charles came out of the car but no Cassie.

Charles walked in Robin and Lulu was shocked to see Charles after what happened yesterday.

"Hey." said Charles.

"Hey." Lulu responded.

"I'm surprised to see you here." said Robin.

"That makes two of us." said Charles.

"Where's Cassie?" asked Lulu.

"Cassie can't be here because she's at home with the twins.  The twins 24 hours flu." said Charles.

"Oh my God!!!" shocked Lulu.

"You wouldn't be making this up?" wondered Robin.

"I would never lied about my own kids Robin." said Charles.

"Are they going to be alright?" asked Lulu.

"Yeah they just need some rest and some medicine.  Cassie sent her apologies.  And I also want to apologize you two especially you Robin about what happened yestereday.  I was wrong and I was out of line." said Charles.

"Why did you do it Charles?  That was uncall for man." said Robin.

"As you notice I'm not like you two.  I came from a broken home.  I really didn't have nobody.  Cassie is my only reason she makes me feel alive. She means the whole world to me.  Without her I have nothing.  And when I see her with someone else and especially you I just go crazy I always feel she going to leave me." said Charles.

Robin and Lulu look at eachother and they both looked at Charles silencely.  Feeling sorry for him.

"This isn't easy for me Charles.  You tried to kill Robin." said Lulu.

"I know and I will never do soemthing like that again." said Charles.

"(Sigh) I forgive you however I really think you need to talk to someone." said Lulu.

"What about you Robin?" asked Charles.

"I don't know...I guess...I really need to thin about this.  I mean this issue between should've been us squashed longtime ago. I'm not going to forget what you did." said Robin.

"I understand.  Here Cassie want me to give this to you." said Charles.

Robin opened it and it was the device for video phone that Charles used when Cassie was at Camp.

"She really want you to keep in contact with her until you return home." said Charles.

"Thanks." said Robin.

"You guys ready?" asked Charles.

"Yeah let me say good-bye to my mom." said Robin.

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