Lincoln Heights Fanfiction~Blog~Message Board

pick up from pg. 10

Charles paid for the pizzas and brought them into the kitchen where everyone was anxiously waiting except for the twins and Natalie.  As they all took their slices, Marla stood next to her son and whispered, "Charles, do you know how to salsa?"

"Salsa?  Who eats salsa on pizza?" he asked, confused.

"No, Charles, I said do you KNOW HOW to salsa," she repeated.

Charles laughed.  "Oh!  No, I don't--why?"

"Nevermind," she said walking away to get herself a slice.

Charles followed her, his curiosity getting the best of him.  "You're not getting off the hook that easy, Mom," he teased her.  "What's the deal?"

Marla sighed, annoyed that he was pressing the issue.  "I just wanted a quick salsa lesson for my date tomorrow," she told him reluctantly.

"DATE?"

"Shhh!!!  Tell the whole world why don't you?"

"Are you sure you're ready to date, Mom?  I mean, after your beef with Mike and all?" Charles asked, concerned.

"That happened over the summer Charles.  I haven't been on a date in about six months!  I think I'm ready, don't you?"

"I'm just afraid you're gonna get tied up with another loser," he admitted.

Marla crossed her fingers.  "Please don't let Bill be another loser!"

"Hey, maybe Mr. Sutton or Nate can salsa--why don't you ask?" he suggested.

"I dunno......" she said a bit unsure.

Before she could stop him, Charles had gone to the middle of the room.  "Listen up!  My mom needs to learn how to salsa by tomorrow.  Can anyone help her out?!"

The room got quiet, and all eyes were suddenly on Marla.

"Gee, THANKS, Charles!" she said sarcastically.

Cassie walked up to Charles and took his hand.  "Come on, Charles, we'll show your mom how to salsa."

"What?!  I don't know how to salsa!" Charles objected.

"Well, I do.  Just follow me," she told him as she pulled him out of the kitchen.

Everyone followed them into the livingroom and Cassie put on a CD.

"What music is this?" Marla asked.

"It's called Reggaeton.  Like it?" Cassie asked as she moved her hips to the beat.

"It's different," Marla replied, intrigued.

"Cassie, why don't you and my mom dance together and leave me out of it?" Charles advised as he plopped onto the couch.

"Oh alright you party pooper!" Cassie said, disappointed.  "Come on, Mrs. A, I'll show you how to salsa," she said, grabbing Marla's hand.

Everyone watched as Cassie did the salsa by herself, and then started to teach Marla a few basic steps.

"Where did our daughter learn to do THAT?" Eddie asked Jenn.

"The BRADSHAWS are excellent dancers," Jenn boasted, smiling proudly at her daughter.
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Everybody was cheering for Cassie.

"Mrs. A you're going to do fine tomorrow. Just follow my league." said Cassie.

"I hope I don't emabarass him or myself." said Marla.

"You won't." said Cassie.

"I hope you're right." said Marla.

"Man all this dancin' is making me hungry." said Tay.

"Me too." said Jeron.

"lets get our grub on." said Tay.

"Hey you two save some slices for us, Natalie and the twins." said Jenn.

"Hey Eddie wanna dance?" asked Dana.

"I don't Dana I haven't dance in awhile." said Eddie.

"Oh you still have it.  Let show them how we used do it back in the day." said Dana.

The two started dancing.

"Wow Dad I didn't know you can dance like that." said Lizzie.

"There's alot you don't know." said Eddie.

Everyone was impress with Eddie and Dana dancing.  Then Jenn spotted saw them andshe stood there quietly.

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Nate noticed that Jenn wasn't very happy with his mother and father dancing together so he decided he should distract her.

Pulling her by the hand, he brought her out into the middle of Marla's huge livingroom.  "Come on, Jennifer.  I heard you say the Bradshaws can dance, so I'm calling your bluff," he told her smiling devilishly as he started to dance.

"Oh, Nate, I'm really not in the mood," she whined as she stood lifeless, watching him dance.

"Come on!  Don't let those two show you up!" he said, referring to Dana and Eddie.  "Show 'em what you got, girl!  Shake that money maker!" he encouraged her.

Jenn felt a little embarrassed and giggled.  "Well, alright, Nate.......if you say so!" she agreed as she started to dance with him.

Nate was surprised at how well she kept up with him.  "Hey, you weren't lying when you said the Bradshaws could dance!" he praised her.

Jenn was beaming.

"Hey everybody!  Look at Mom and Nate!" Lizzie shouted, pointing in amazement.

Eddie was pleasantly surprised to see his wife and son dancing together, and without realizing it he left Dana dancing by herself as he moved closer to Nate and Jenn so he could watch them.

"Go Jenn!  Go Jenn!" he shouted proudly, egging her on.

Jenn looked over her shoulder and smiled, relieved to see that he was no longer dancing with Dana.
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"Come on we better head to the kitchen before the pizza gets too cold." said Marla.

"I wouldn't worry about the pizza being cold lets worry Tay & Jeron eating all the pizza up." said Jenn.

"You're right." said Marla.

"Is everything alright Dana?" wondered Cassie.

"Everything is fine.  Go eat with the othes." said Dana.

"Okay." said Cassie going to the kitchen.

Meanwhile on the ship.

"Thanks again for helping me with my poem." said Lulu.

"Anytime I'm always here to help." said Robin.

"I am so going to ACE class to tomorrow." said Lulu.

"Yeah me too." said Robin.

"Hey Robin let me hear your poem." said Lulu.

"Nah you don't want to hear my poem." said RObin.

"Robin you always let me hear your poems." said Lulu.

"This is kinda lame you don't hear that seriously." said Robin as he doesn't want Lulu to know that the poem is about Cassie.

"Tell you what you can read some my other poems I've working on instead.  They are way better than the one I have." said Robin.

"Hmm okay." said Lulu.

"Lets get something to eat." said Robin.

"Yeah I'm starve." said Lulu.

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Before leaving the room to go eat, Robin wanted to use the rest room.  As Lulu sat patiently waiting for him, she spotted his poetry notebook sticking out from under his mattress. 

Should I or shouldn't I? she thought to herself.  He said I could read his poems......

Before she realized it, she'd gotten up, grabbed the book and was thumbing through it.  She couldn't believe her eyes when she saw the title of the last poem in the notebook -- "Love of a Lifetime."  Her heart was pounding excitedly as she started reading it, thinking that it was about her.  Wow!  This is good!  My Boo is SO TALENTED! she thought as she read. 

Before she could finish reading the poem, she heard Robin flush the toilet.
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"Now I'm ready to eat." said Robin.

Lulu quickly to put the poem back in Robin's notebook.

"Well did you get that?" shocked Robin.

"Umm it fell out of your bed." lied Lulu.

"Yeah right, I'll relieved you of that if you don't mind." said Robin taking the notebook out of Lulu's hand.

"Robin's what's the big deal?" wondered Lulu.

"I told you it's personal ad some it pretty lame." said Robin.

"It's not lame to me." said Lulu.

"I'll be out with you in a minute." said Robin as he looked for a new place to hide his poems.

"Okay whatever." giggled Lulu as left and she still thinks that poem he written was about her.

"I hope Lulu didn't read the whole thing.  Otherwise I'll never hear the end of it." said Robin.

Then Robin found place for it.  He put his poems in his drawers underneath his socks and underwear.

"Perfect." said Robin o himself.

"Robin are you comin?  I'm starving." said Lulu.

Robin finally came out of the suite.

"I'm all ready to eat." said Robin as he kissed Lulu.

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They walked hand-in-hand to the ship elevators on their way to the dining room.

"What do you have a taste for?" Lulu asked.

"Mmmmmm.........chicken!  No--Wait.  Shrimp!  Or......maybe a nice thick pork chop!" he answered, practically salivating.

Lulu laughed.  "You really ARE hungry, Boo!  I think I'd like some steak, myself."

"Is Tawanna gonna join us?"

"No, poor thing.  She's still working on her poem.  I guess rhyming doesn't come natural to her," Lulu commented as they stepped into the elevator.

"Poetry is more than rhyming, Lu," Robin said frowning.

"Well Tawanna wants her poem to rhyme--you know--like a rap.  But she's having a hard time," she sighed.

"She'll work it out," Robin replied, unconcerned.

They got out of the elevator on the dining room floor, walked hand-in-hand to their table, and started to study the menu.  Lulu's cell phone rang and when she checked and saw who it was, she squealed happily.

"Ooooo!  It's my girl, it's my girl!  Hi Cassie!" she answered anxiously.
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"HEY CASSIE!!" shouted Lulu.

"Hey girl!! answered Cassie.

"It's about time your called me." said Lulu.

"Sorry things been so busy around here." said Cassie.

"So busy to call me?" laughed Lulu.

"You know I've always have time to call you Lulu. So what's going on?" asked Cassie.

"Robin and I getting ready to have dinner." said Lulu.

"Oh I didn't know I caught you two at a bad time.  Want me to call you back?" asked Cassie.

"Uh Uh there is no way you are going hang out and have me worry about all night again." said Lulu.

"Okay." laughed Cassie.

"Oh Robin I'm going to the lobby I'll be right back." said Lulu.

"Alright but don't take too long.  The waiter will be here to take our order soon." said Robin as he kissed Lulu.

"Okay Boo." said Lulu.

"So what's been going on?" asked Cassie.

"Robin wrote me a poem for English class." said Lulu.

"Really?!?" curious Cassie.

"Yeah isn't that romantic?" asked Lulu.

"Yeah very romantic." muttered Cassie.

"I'll tell Robin really out did himself this time." said Lulu.

"So how's Tawanna doing?" asked Cassie changing the subject.

"She still working on her poem.  What's been going on back at the Heights.  I heard that you may be moving back into your house soon." said Lulu.

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"Yeah, Lulu, things are crazy here, but GOOD crazy for a change.  It's like money has been pouring in from EVERYWHERE all of a sudden and now we can afford to fix up our house--like--YESTERDAY!" Cassie bragged.

"I'm happy for you girl!  Now I know I'll have a place to stay when I get back!" she laughed.  "And how are my babies?"

"They're as good as knew, crazy kids!  They had the flu and scared us half to death!"

"Thank God they're okay, Cassie......"

"I know.  If anything every happened to them......"

"Don't talk like that!" Lulu stopped her.  "NOTHING is EVER gonna happen to them--not MY godtwins!"

"You're right, girl.  I don't know what I was thinking," Cassie apologized.

"I just hope everything gets back to NORMAL back in Lincoln Heights for you guys.  You've been through enough already!" Lulu complained.

"Yeah, well, at least Charles and I are getting along better.  He was nice to you and Robin when he saw you off, right?"  Cassie asked, making sure.

"Yeah, yeah, a real charmer," Lulu said lacking enthusiasm.  "But at least he was nice enough to give us the video phone so we can SEE YOU when we talk to you."

"That's right.  See?  He's not so bad...." she said trying to convince her friend.

"Give him my love.  Charles needs alot of love!"

"And give my love to Robin.  I'll talk to you guys soon!"

"Will do.  Bye Cassie!"

Lulu returned to the table just in time to place her steak order.

"Cassie sends her love, Boo," she said cheerfully.

"Thanks," Robin replied quietly.
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Meanwhile back at Marla's house...

"Hmm I'll better give Robin a call tomorrow night when everyone asleep." said Cassie to herself.

"Hey beautiful!!" said Charles walking in.

"Hey Charle whatsup." said Cassie.

"I just got the perfect plan for tomorrow.  Now hear me out one of my friends from the auto shop is working overtime and gave me the keys to his apartment." said Charles.

"Why?" wondered Cassie.

"I promise him I'll clean the place up." said Charles.

"Okay but what's the point?" asked Cassie.

"Hello we can finally spend some alone time together without anything going wrong." said Charles.

"God Charles is that all you can think about is sex?" annoyed Cassie.

"Baby I'm horny and don't deserve a treat after I found the money?" begged Charles.

"Charles what about the twins?" asked Cassie.

"We'll let Dana watched them." said Charles.

"But have you forgotten that I am grounded?" asked Cassie.

"You can tell them that we're shopping for the twins new clothes." said Charles.

"Charles I'm not going to lie." said Cassie.

"You're not going to lie to your parents Cassie. I'll lie for you." said Charles.

"I don't know Charles." said Cassie.

"Come on Cassie don't you like it when get inside you and bone you real hard." said Charle as he lick Cassie's face.

"Uggh come on Charles." said Cassie jumping away.

"Cassie what with you?" laughed Charles.

"What you just said is disgusting." said Cassie.

"You didn't say that when we did it before." said Charles.

"Charles what we did was passionate and love.  Not something out of a porn movie." said Cassie.

"You're right but I really do miss being alone with you.  And I want you so bad. So how about it?" asked Charles.

"I'll think about it." said Cassie as she smile alittle.

"Is that a smile?" asked Charles.

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Meanwhile, Marla was in her bedroom in front of her full-length mirror practicing the dance steps Cassie showed her earlier.  Dana was with her, sitting on the side of the bed, watching and giggling.

"You must really like this fool to be going to all of this trouble, Marla," Dana remarked, amused.

"He's a doll, Dana....." Marla said, mesmerized at the thought of Bill.  "Mike can't hold a candle to Bill--believe me!"

"Oh I believe you, I believe you," Dana assured her.

Dana got up from the bed and took Marla's hands in hers.  "Here, THIS is how you do it," she instructed as she did the step with Marla.

"You mean you knew how to Salsa all along and didn't tell me?" Marla asked, a bit outdone.

"Noooooooooooooooo... I didn't know how to Salsa all along.  I watched Cassie doing it with you, and I'm a fast learner when it comes to dancing," she explained.  "Now loosen up Marla, GOD, you're so STIFF!"

"I'm sorry!  I can't help it!" Marla said, frustrated.

"Why don't you take a break?" Dana suggested.  "You're too uptight."

She went over to Marla's closet and opened it.  "What are you wearing tomorrow night on this hot date of yours?"

"Pick something out for me," Marla told her as she continued dancing with herself in the mirror.

Dana took her time and went through each piece of clothing one at a time in Marla's huge, wall-to-wall, walk in closet.

"Girl, you are SO LUCKY," she remarked, admiring all of the expensive clothes.  "Why couldn't I hit the lottery?"

Marla laughed.  "Keep hope alive!"

"No, YOU keep hope alive--you better HOPE you don't trip over those two left feet of yours tomorrow night."

"Dana!  Be nice......" Marla whined, frustrated.
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"I'm going take a shower and head off to bed." said Dana.

"Alright sleep well." said Marla.

"Okay and good luck tomorrow night because you're going to need it." said Dana

"Girl you are so bad." laughed Marla.

Later that evening  Eddie was getting to take shower himself.  As he got into the bathroom he took off his shirt.

"Hmm who left the shower water running?" wondered Eddie.

"As soon as he opened the shower curtains he saw Dana.

"EDDIE!!!" shocked Dana.

"Whoa!!!" suprised Eddie.

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Dana angrily snatched the shower curtain around her naked body.  "Do you ALWAYS just BARGE IN on people when they're in the shower??!!"

"Shh!!!  Keep your voice down--someone will hear us," he urged.

"Eddie, get out NOW!" she demanded.

"Dana, I'm sorry!  I thought someone left the water running!  I wouldn't intentionally embarrass you like this!" he explained in a hurry.

"Alright, alright!  JUST GET OUT!" she repeated.

But for some reason Eddie couldn't move.
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"HELLO...EARTH TO EDDIE!!!." snapped Dana.

"Oops sorry my mind is on something else." said Eddie.

"I hope your mind is on your wife instead of me in the showers now will go." embarrassed Dana.

"Okay Okay... Oh and just to let you know after all these years you still have a sexy body." said Eddie with a grin.

"Will you get out of here." said Dana as she threw a towl at him.

As Eddie left Dana giggle a little bit.

As Eddie return to the bedroom.

"Eddie I thought you were going to take a shower." confused Jenn.

"I change my mind." said Eddie.

"What made you change your mind?" confused Jenn.

"I figured I just don't need it." said Eddie as he turn off the lights.

Meanwhile Cassie was in here thinking whether or not to take Charles offer.

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Cassie was lying on her bed, looking up at the ceiling, deep in thought.  She thought about the disgusting comments Charles made to her as he tried to get her to agree with his plan. 

Why would Charles talk that way to me, disrespect me that way, and then laugh about it? she wondered. 

Robin would never say anything like that to me......

Maybe Charles doesn't really love me.....  Maybe it's just lust....

Oh, I'm so confused......I don't want to lose Charles, but I don't want him treating me like a hoochie either. 

If I don't go along with him, he'll be mad at me, but if I do go along with him, I'll be mad at myself......

A knock on her bedroom door snapped her back to reality.  The door opened just enough for Charles to stick his head in.  "I just wanted to say goodnight, Beautiful," he said quietly.  "I love you.  Sweet dreams."

Cassie was totally caught off guard.  "I---I---love you--too," she stammered as he closed the door and left her alone.

That night, she had anything but sweet dreams.  She tossed and turned all night and woke up the next morning exhausted.
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Cassie heard a knock on the door and it was Dana.

"Cassie rise and shine everyone downstairs for breakfast." said  Dana.

"I not hungry." said Cassie.

"Girl you better eat or you'll end up super skinny like your friend Sage." said Dana.

"Sage is no friend of mine." said Cassie.

"Cassie are you alright?  Did you sleep well?" wondered Dana.

"Not really." said Cassie.

"Let me guess you missed Robin and Lulu.  Their six month Sea School is almost up.  They'll be home soon." said Dana.

"Yeah it's part of it but that's not the real problem." said Cassie.

"Then what is it then?" asked Dana.

"I really don't want to talk about it." said Cassie.

"Come on Cassie it's me you talking to now.  Now what is it?" asked Dana.

"Please don't tell anyone especially Mrs. A and my parents.  They will have a fit." said Cassie.

"I promise." said Dana.

"Charles want to have sex with me." said Cassie.

"That's nothing new." said Dana.

"You don't understand I'm trying hard to focus on our relationship & the twins and lately he has sex on the brain.  He's going around making sexual & inappropriate comments that makes feel uncomfortable." said Cassie.

"Like what?" wondered Dana.

Then Cassie whispered in Dana's ear and Dana's mouth dropped opened.

"He said that!?!?!" shocked Dana.

"Yes." said Cassie.

"If I was that boy's mom right now I take my belt and beat his butt till it is red as an apple." said Dana.

Cassie laugh a little.

"There's something else he want to spend some alone time with me.  He found a place so we can be alone and to you know." said Cassie.

"Uh Uh like hell.  Charles knows better than that.  I thought he have better class than that." said Dana.

"Yeah and I just don't know what to do.  Sometimes I feel he just want to have sex with and he doesn't really love me anymore." said Cassie.

"Oh Cassie.  I'm sure Charles loves you alo.  He just being a guy.  But he needs to respect you and you shouldn't have to do something you don't want to do." said Dana.

"What should I do then?" asked Cassie.

"Talk to him." said Dana.

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So later that day when no one was around, Cassie took Dana's advice and got Charles alone so they could talk.

"What's on your mind, Beautiful?" he asked as they sat on the couch together.

"Charles, it's about yesterday when you were asking me if I wanted to go to your friend's place," she began.

"Cool!  I've been waiting for you to get back to me on that," he said anxiously.

"Well, what you said to me........I didn't think that was cool.  I didn't like the way you were coming on to me, Charles," she admitted.

"What?  You're kidding--right?" he asked, baffled.

Cassie took his hands in hers, wanting to soften the blow. 

"No, I'm not kidding, Charles.  I hardly got any sleep last night!  So many thoughts were going through my mind about you--about us--our relationship.  Talking dirty like that to me, well, it makes me feel dirty and cheap and like a slut.  Is that all I am to you, Charles?" she asked as she looked into his eyes.
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"Of course not Beautiful.  I wouldn't be with you if I thought of you in that way." said Charles.

"Serious?" asked Cassie.

"Of course anyway I thought you like it when I talk dirty to you." said Charles.

"Well it just that like I really want to make this relationship work and its seems like all you think about is sex and there's more to that Charles." said Cassie.

"Wow I'm sorry you feel this way.  It just that we haven't any alone time in awhile and when we do have alone time someone always interrupts and spoil the moment.  I love you Cassie and I just want to show you how much more that I really love you.  That is why I have  the apartment for the day.  I want to be the man for you and I want to show you that today." said Charles.

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Cassie let out a big yawn.  "Oh!  Excuse me," she apologized, embarrassed.

Charles frowned.  "I guess I'm boring you?"

"No, Charles, come on......don't be like that.  I told you I hardly got any sleep last night.  I'm exhausted!  I think I'm gonna take a nap while the twins are down, okay?" she asked getting up from the couch.

"Sure, go on.  That way you'll be alert for our date," he said smiling.

He got up and gave her a kiss before she went upstairs.
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"Looks like the date is still on." said excited Charles.

"What date?" asked Eddie as he came through.

"Uh umm I meant my mom's date.  I'm glad she's started dating again Mr. Sutton.' said Charles.

"Boy you ain't foolin' nobody." said Eddie.

"What do you mean sir?" confused Charles as he thought Eddie knew about his plan.

"Just because your mother is going out tonight doesn't mean you can fool around with my daughter.  Me and Jenn will still be here and I keeping a very close eye on you boy." said Eddie pointing at Charles.

"You got me there sir.  There's no getting past by you." relieved Charles.

"I warning you Charles...no games and no trying to get into my daughters pants." warned Eddie.

"I promise." lied Charles.

"Come on I need you to help wash my car." said Eddie.

"But why can't Tay or Jeron or Nate do it?" asked Charles.

"Nate took them to the movies.  Anyway I need you to keep you occupied buy." said Eddie.

"Dammit." dissapointed Charles.

Meanwhile upstairs Cassie was dreaming about Robin.

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Cassie's dream was so realistic and made her feel so good that when she woke up from her nap she just had to call Robin on the videophone.

"Hey!"  he answered surprised.

"Is this a bad time?" she asked a bit apprehensive.

He gave her a look of disapproval.  "What did I tell you before, Cassie?  I've ALWAYS got time for you--period."

"Robin, I miss you already....." she confessed.

"I know how you feel," he replied.

"I don't think you do," she said sadly.

"Cassie, I KNOW HOW YOU FEEL," he insisted, staring at her.

She looked puzzled.  "You--you do???"

"I miss you so much I wrote a poem about you," he revealed.

"But you wrote one for Lulu too," she said.

"No, she thinks it's  for her, Cassie.  I couldn't tell her the truth and hurt her like that, but the poem is about you--and me."

"Where's Lulu now?" Cassie asked, worried.

"In her suite with Tawanna."

"Do you want to read the poem to me?" she asked feeling nervous and excited at the same time.
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"Well I can't right now because Lulu can pop in anytime and if she see me reading the poem to you she'll have a fit.  I'll read it to you later on tonight if you are still up." said Robin.

"I'll still be up and you promise you'll read it to me? excited Cassie.

"Promise.  Anyway what's going on with you & Charles?" asked Robin.

"I don't want to talk about Charles right now." said Cassie.

"Don't tell you two had another fight?" shocked Robin.

"No, I just don't bring him up for while.  I want to talk about us." said Cassie.

"Us?" surprised Robin.

"You know how much we miss each other & keeping in touch with eachother." said Cassie.

"Oh so what going on back home?" asked Robin.

"Well Mrs. A finally got a date with that Bill guy. " said Cassie.

"Who's Bill?" asked Robin.

"You know that guy from the modeling agency." said Cassie.

"The one who's been taking picture of Natalie for the children magazine." said Robin.

"Yeah." said Cassie.

"Oh no I better get to my English class." said Robin.

"Do you have leave so soon?  Can't you stay online just a few more minutes?" disappointed Cassie.

"I have to if I'm going to Ace this English.  As soon as I get back I'll call you.  We'll talk the rest of the evening." said Robin.

"Oh alright.  You better call me back." said Cassie.

"Don't worry I will." said Robin hanging up.

Cassie was relieved and happy.

"Robin actually wrote a poem about me wow.  Why am I feeling this way?  I got to stick with Charles for the twins sake." said Cassie.

Meanwhile Eddie saw Dana alone and wanted to speak with about what happened last night.

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Eddie came into Marla's dressing room where Dana was alone ironing Marla's outfit for her date with Bill.

"Hey Eddie.  What's up?" Dana asked as she ironed.

"Dana, about last night.....I--"

"Don't sweat it, Eddie.  Stuff happens and I'm over it.  You?"

"Well that's just it, Dana.  I--I can't stop thinking about you," he confessed quietly.

Dana propped the iron up so that she wouldn't burn Marla's outfit.

"Snap out of it, Eddie!" she ordered him.

"That's easier said than done," he said as he came closer.

"So what are you suggesting, Eddie?  That we take things a step further?  Under your WIFE'S nose?  With MY KID in the house and YOUR KIDS in the house?" she asked in angry disbelief.

"Of course not.  I love Jenn.  I just had to clear the air and let you know how I've been feeling lately."

"Well thanks for the warning, Eddie. Good thing you guys will be leaving here soon and going back to Lincoln Heights.  But in the meantime,  I'll try to stay out of your way.  How's that?" she asked.

"You seem upset, Dana.  I'm not trying to upset you," he explained.

"Eddie, of course I'm upset!.  You come in here--it's just you and me--and you bring up an embarrassing situation and then make it even MORE EMBARRASSING by telling me you're still thinking about it!  Meanwhile, you've got a wife and I've got NOBODY.  Don't you think I want someone in MY LIFE to love ME?  Not to mention, you're the father of one of my sons!  So how do you think all of this makes me feel?  We had a connection at one time Eddie, it ended, and now it seems like you're trying to re-connect!  But I can't let that happen, cuz when the smoke clears, I'll end up being the homewrecker.  Everybody'll feel all sorry for Jenn cuz mean ol' Dana stole her husband!  Well I ain't goin down that road, Eddie.  You hear?  So let's just put last night behind us and stay out of each other's way--deal?"

"I hear what you're saying, and I know what you're saying is right, but...."  Eddie felt confused and frustrated as he took another step closer.

"There's no BUTS about it, Eddie!  Now, PLEASE--I've gotta finish ironing for Marla," she said trying to dismiss him.

But Eddie wouldn't leave.
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"Hey is my dress ready yet?" asked Marla walking in.

"Almost just give me a few minutes." said Dana.

"Hey Eddie what's going on?" asked Marla.

"Nothing just Dana & I just having a little talk." said Eddie.

"And he was getting ready to leave right now." said Dana with an angry look on her face.

"Yeah I have to get ready to wash my car anyway." said Eddie leaving.

"What's that all about?" asked Marla.

"Nothing." upsetted Dana.

"You're sure you looked upset." said Marla.

"Well I'm not just past me the starch so I can finish ironing." said Dana in denial.

Meanwhile Charles was waiting for Eddie outside so he can help wash his car.

"I really hope this doesn't take too long.  The day is the day Cassie and I spend some alone time together." said Charles.

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Lizzie came out of the house and saw Charles in the driveway.

"Hey Chuck, what's going on?" she asked cheerfully.

"I'm waiting on Mr. Sutton so we can wash his car together," he replied, less than thrilled.

"Oh how sweet!  Bonding with your future father-in-law," she giggled.

"Where you headed?" he asked annoyed with her wise crack.

She held up the envelope with Devin's letter inside.  "I'm going to mail a letter."

"When you get back maybe you can help us out with the car?" he suggested hopefully.

Lizzie chuckled.  "Good one, Chuck!  See ya, wouldn't wanna be ya!" she said as she walked away.
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Eddie came back with a bucket of water & soap.

"Alright are you ready?" asked Eddie.

"Yeah I guess." said Charles unenthused (sp)

"Alright not only want you to wash the outside I also want you to wash the inside as well.  And Charles used soap.  Oh Charles I almost forgot I told Jenn, Dana, & your mother that you'll be washing their cars as well." said Eddie.

"WHAT!!!!  That will take all day." shocked Charles.

"Then you better get busy if you want to get stuff done in the meantime I'm going to listen to the radio." said Eddie.

"You're not going to help me?" stunned Charles.

"Of course I'm going to help.  I'm going to supervise to make sure you do a good job.  Now get to work." said Eddie.

Charles was disappointed that his day was about to be ruined.

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Meanwhile, Cassie was upstairs in her room looking out of the window and saw what was going on in the driveway.  The twins were still sleeping so she decided she'd go downstairs and help Charles wash the cars.

This could be fun, she thought to herself as she quickly changed into some old jeans and t-shirt.

Charles was pleasantly surprised when she came out of the house with a big smile.

"Hey Beautiful!  What's with the old clothes?" he asked, puzzled.

"I don't want to get my good clothes messed up.  I'm gonna help you out," she informed him.

"Oh Cassie...." he replied relieved, ".....what a god send you are!"

She giggled.  "I know.  I saw you out the window and I felt sorry for you.  My Dad can be a real slavedriver when he wants to be," she said as she picked up a sponge.

"Well, I'm still doing the bulk of the work, Cassie.  I don't want you knocking yourself out--know what I mean?" he asked, winking.

"Yesssss..... I know what you mean, Charles....but......"

"But what?"

"But this could be FUN!" she said as she splashed water on him, laughing.

"Hey!" Charles laughed, jumping back but not fast enough.  "So you wanna play like THAT huh?" he asked, scheming.

Before Cassie new it, Charles had picked up the water hose and sprayed her with it.

"Charles!  My shirt!" she complained, soaking wet.

"Mmmm....sexy..." he commented, staring at her wet t-shirt.

"Okay, okay, enough!" Cassie surrendered out of breath.  "Let's just do this," she said, picking up her sponge again.

"You started it, Beautiful," he reminded her.

Then Eddie came out of the house with his radio.
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"Hey Cassie...why are you & Charles soaking wet?" puzzled Eddie.

"I was helping Charles washing the cars." said Cassie.

"Look like you both miss." said Eddie.

"We sort of have a little water fight but it was just for fun." said Charles.

"For fun huh?  Well playtime's over get back to work & Cassie if you want to help out Charles go back & put on some dry clothes on before you catch cold." said Eddie.

"Yes Dad!!" said Cassie going back into the house.

"I'll go with you beautiful & change too." said Charles.

"Oh no you don't you stay right and finish working on the cars." said Eddie.

"But sir I'm soaking wet too." said Charles.

"The sun will dry you off.  I going to keep a very close eye on you." said Eddie.

Meanwhile after Lizzie mailed off the letter she met up with Tay, Jeron & Nate at the movie.

"So what are we going to see?" asked Lizzie.

"Notorious.  It's movie about Biggie Smalls." said Nate.

"Awesome." said Lizzie

"I've been wanting to this movie for a long time." said Tay.

"Me too." said Jeron.

So they got the tickets and went in...

"I'll get the refreshments." said Tay.

"Let me help my treat." said Nate.

"Okay." said Tay.

As soon as they got the refreshment Tay spotted Sage with her boyfriend.

"Tay are you alright?" asked Nate.

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"Yeah, Nate, I'm cool.  I just see an old friend I want to holla at.  Go on ahead--I'll catch up," Tay said nonchalantly.

"No prob, but hurry up," Nate replied walking away with Lizzie and Jeron.

Tay slowly approached Sage and Danny, who spotted him before Sage did. 

"Hey--you're Cassie's kid brother, right?  How's your sister doing?" he asked as Tay came and stood with them.

"Tay!" Sage said, startled.  "Yeah, how's everybody doing?" she asked awkwardly.

"We're fine, Sage, but I've been worried about you--how's your health holding up?" he asked concerned.

Sage made a face and waved her hand.  "I'm just fine--you don't have to worry about me.  I take my meds like a good little girl and Danny here takes good care of me.  I don't know what I'd do without him.  He's been so good to me and my Dad," she bragged as she stared dreamily at her boyfriend.

"I thought you and I were friends, Sage," Tay said.

Sage sucked her teeth.  "We ARE friends, silly!  What are you talking about?"

"Well you haven't been in touch," Tay complained.

"And neither have you--so we're even aren't we? she snapped.

Danny felt the tension rising.  "Uh, we'd better get inside before the show starts," he said tugging on Sage's arm.

"I'm not finished," Tay said as they started to walked away.

"Little man, leave it alone," Danny warned.

"Who you callin little man?" Tay asked angrily as he got up in Danny's face.

"You don't want to do this....." Danny warned again.

"Try me!" Tay said as he shoved Danny.

"Tay, step off!" Sage yelled as she tried to get between Tay and Danny.

Unfortunately, she got caught in the cross fire and the next thing everyone knew, Sage was laying flat out on the floor.  She saw stars for a few seconds and then moaned, "Who hit me?"
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"Sorry Babe." said embarrass Danny.

"You hit me?" shocked Sage.

"I meant to hit that runt but you got in the way." said Danny.

"You need quit calling me a runt & give Sage some breathing air." said Tay as she tried give Sage a cup of water.

"Give me that!!!" said Danny snatching the water from Tay.

"Hey man I was suppose to give her that!!!." snapped Tay.

"Tay what's taking you so long with the snacks the show is about to start any....what the hell happened?" stunned Nate.

"This fool is moving in on my girl." snapped Tay.

"Excuse me but I am not your girl." snapped Sage.

"Since when?" stunned Tay.

"Since never." said Sage.

"But we thought we both have something I thought you liked me." said Tay.

"Tay come on this isn't worth it." said Nate.

"But." said Tay.

"Trust it's not worth it." said Nate.

Nate took Tay inside the theater to watch the movie.  Sage felt terrible for the way she treated Tay.

"The nerve of that little boy trying to get in my face like that." said Danny.

"Yeah." said concerned Sage.

"You that boy have a quite imagination he actually think you have feelings for him isn't that funny." laughed Danny.

Sage wasn't paying any attention.

"Wait a minute you actually like this guy?" wondered Danny.

"Of course not.  I want do I want with Cassie little brother?  Ewwwww.  That's ridiculous." lied Sage.

"Come on baby we're going to missed the movie." said Danny.

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Meanwhile back on the ship Lulu went into Robin's room to grab her purse.

"Robin left his poems. One litle peek won't hurt anybody", thought Lulu.

She started where she lef and noticed the poem didn't resemble her in anyway.

"He's talking about Cassie", said Lulu busting into tears.

Suddenly she found the last video chat Robin had with Cassie. One she wached it she was furious and hearbroken.
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Robin walked in.

"Hey Lulu whatsup!!!." said Robin.

"Don't hey Lulu me you...you...LIAR!!!" said heartbroken Lulu.

"Lulu what are you talking about & what's with the tears?" confused Robin.

"You think I'm don't you Robin?  I read the rest of your poem." said Lulu.

"Lulu I can explain everything.  This is not what you think." said Robin.

"LIAR!!!" screamed Lulu.

"Lulu calm down." said Robin.

"Don't tell me to calm down you you jerk. I also saw your little video chat You just like your father.  You're a liar & a coward." screamed Lulu as start to throw things at Robin.

Lulu was throwing vase, lamps, school books, etc at Robin.

"Lulu chill don't throw anything else." said Robin.

Then suddenly Lulu pulled out a new knife.

"Hey Lulu put that knife away." said RObin.

"Robin you hurt me for the last time." said Lulu.

"Lulu for real put that knife away." said scared Robin.

Just as soon as Lulu getting ready to stab Robin...Robin woke and found out it was a just a bad dream.

"Dammit I gotta stop eating my own cooking." said Robin.

Robin was relieved it was a dreamed.  Robin also looked for the poems in his new hiding place.

"Whew it's still here in one peace." said Robin.

"I gotta write a poem for Lulu.  And keep her away from my laptop computer." said Robin.

Robin started writing another poem.

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Robin was almost finished his poem for Lulu when his room phone rang.

"Yes?" he answered it.

"We have a call from Monica for you, Robin," the operator told him.

Robin's face lit up.  "That's my mom--put her through," he agreed.

"Go ahead," the operator said as she connected the call.

"Robin, honey?" Monica started with a shaky voice.

"Mom?  You don't sound too good....." he responded cautiously.

"No, I'm not too good, baby," she admitted.

"Well what's wrong?"

Monica sighed and paused for quite awhile.

"Come on, Mom, tell me," he urged her nervously.

"Oh Robin......" she said tearfully, "your father had a massive heart attack.  He's dead!" she cried.
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"You're kidding right?!?" stunned Robin.

"I wish I were." said Monica.

"When did this happened?" asked Robin.

"Last night." said Robin.

"Robin I'm sorry you have to hear this." cried Monica.

"Yeah me too." said Robin quietly.

"Are you going to be alright?" asked Monica.

"I don't know." said Robin.

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"Are you gonna be alright, Mom?" he asked, concerned.

She sniffed and tried to get herself under control.  "I don't know either--there's so much I've got to do now!  We're the only family Mike has, and even though I'm his ex, I've got to step up to the plate and get his affairs in order.  But I'll be a whole lot better as soon as you get back to help me with the arrangements.  I can't do it alone, Robin--I just can't."

"You want me to come back?  NOW?" he asked, stunned.

"Robin!  We're talking about YOUR FATHER.  Now I know the two of you weren't on the best of terms, but he's STILL YOUR FATHER and you have a certain obligation to be here for his funeral," she said sternly.

"Yes ma'am," he replied respectfully.

"I'm calling the headmaster of your Sea School to arrange for you to get off of the ship as soon as possible," she informed him.

"Yes ma'am," he said again.

Monica sighed one more time and again there was a long silence.  "I'm sorry, Robin.  I know how much you were looking forward to this semester.  And don't worry, you'll be back on the ship sooner than you think," she tried to console him.

"I'm cool.  Life happens, Mom," he replied sadly as he hung up.
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Then Lulu walked in.

"Hey Boo I want you to try this new chocoalate cake I've baked for you." said Lulu.

"I'm not really in the mood for cake Lulu." said Robin.

"What's wrong?  I just got some bad from my mom a few minutes ago." said Robin.

"What is it?" asked Lulu.

"That my Dad has fucked up my whole semester." said Robin.

"I don't understand." said Lulu.

"He died Lulu!!!  He had himself heartattack & died." said Robin.

"Oh my God!!! I'm so sorry to hear that Robin." said Lulu.

"Now I have to go back to help make funeral arrangements." said Robin.

"Do you have to Robin?" disappointed Lulu.

"I have no other choice." said Robin.

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Lulu put the cake down and sat next to Robin on the side of the bed, rubbing his back sympathetically.

"Oh well....... you won't be gone forever, Robin," she said trying to make him feel better.  "I mean, how long does it take to plan a funeral?  Not long.  You'll be back in no time!"

Robin's head hung low.  "Man!  Why'd this have to happen NOW?!!" he fussed outloud.

"Take it easy, Boo......" Lulu said feeling uneasy.  "Everyone at school will understand--this is something beyond your control," she said as she continued to rub his back.

Robin moved away from Lulu's reach. 

"I need to be alone," he said not looking at her.

"Oh.  Okay," she replied softly.

Lulu sighed, got up and left Robin alone in his room.
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Meanwhile back at Mrs. Antoni's house...

"Finished the last car." said exhausted Charles.

"Who ever knew washing cars could be so tiring." said Cassie.

"Umm you missed a spot Charles.

Charles getting to turn red.

"Watch it Charles that's my dad." said Cassie trying to stop Charles.

"Alright FINE!!!" said Charles holding his anger.

"Perfect I love it.  You two did a good job.  I'm proud of you.  You two can do whatever you want." said Eddie.

"Anything we want." said excited Charles.

"Anything but sex." said Eddie heading back into the house.

"Come on Cassie now here our chance." said Charles.

"Charles what time is it?" asked Cassie.

"7pm...why?" asked Charles.

"Isn't your friend suppose to be back from work by now?" asked Cassie.

"Oh no you're right!!!! DAMMIT." said disappointed Charles.

"Oh well there will be another time." said Cassie heading into the house.

"DAMMIT I can't believe this is happening to me." said Charles disappointed.

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While Charles was taking a cold shower, Cassie got a phone call from Lulu.

"Hey girl!  What's going on?" Cassie asked happily.

"I had to call you and let you know about Robin," Lulu explained sadly.

"Let me know WHAT about Robin?" Cassie asked, not liking the sadness in her friend's voice.

"His father passed.  He had a heart attack.  We just found out from Monica."

"Oh no..........." Cassie moaned.  "How's he taking it?"

"He made me leave him alone in his room, and he was pretty pissed.  Not sad, just pissed."

"That's odd," Cassie remarked, puzzled.

"Well, it's because now he's gotta go back to the States for the funeral and all.  He doesn't want to miss his classes," Lulu explained.

"Oh.....right......." Cassie replied, understanding.  "I think I'll give Miss Monica a call and see how she's doing."

"That's a good idea," Lulu agreed.

"Thanks for telling me, Lu.  I'll give Robin a call a little later, k?"

"Yeah, maybe he'll talk to you, Cassie," Lulu replied sadly.  "Bye girl."

Cassie hung up, and even though she had just received bad news, she felt excited and happy because all she could think about was Robin's return.
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Meanwhile went over to Lulu suite cabin.

"Hey." said Robin.

"Hi." said Lulu.

"Look I want to apologize if I sounded a bit harsh earlier." said Robin.

"No that's okay Robin.  I understand it's pretty hard.  I know you & your dad weren't on the best terms lately." said Lulu.

"Yeah & you weren't exactly his favorite either." said Robin.

"But he is still your father.  You got some sort of grief." said Lulu.

"Right now I'm just confused right now.  I don't know how I feel." said Robin.

"I'm here if you need me okay Boo." said Lulu as she kissed Robin.

"Thanks I really needs one of those right now." said Robin.

Meanwhile back at Antoni's house Nate, Tay, Lizzie & Jeron returned from the movie.

"So how was the movie?" asked Jenn.

"I don't want to talk about it." said Tay as he stormed upstairs.

"What's with him?" asked Jenn.

"Was the movie that bad?" asked Eddie

"Let just say he has women problems." said Nate.

"More like a Sage problem." laughed Lizzie.

"What does he see in thatHo anyway?  SHe trash." said Jeron.

"Jeron you don't call women that.  Sage is not trash." said Jenn.

"But she's HIV positive." said Jeron.

"That still doesn't give you the right to call her names." said Jenn.

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As Tay was on his way to his room, Charles, done with his shower, was leaving the bathroom, and the two of them almost collided.

"YO...........whats the rush, Tay?" Charles asked, slightly amused.

"Sorry, Charles," Tay muttered, regaining his balance.  "You'll never guess who I saw at the movies."

"So you gonna tell me or make me guess anyway?"

"SAGE!" Tay answered.

"Wow....haven't heard from or seen her in awhile," Charles remarked. "How's she doin?"

"You mean WHO'S she doin.  She was with that creep Danny."

"Well, that's her business, Tay, who she wants to be with," Charles tried to reason with him.  "You're not jealous, are you?"

Tay didn't like where the conversation with Charles was going.  "I just wanted to tell you -- that's all," he said as he went around Charles and continued down the hall to his room, slamming the door behind him.

In his room, Tay pulled out his music equipment and decided to write a song about how he felt.
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"What's going on?" asked Cassie coming out of her room.

"It's your brother!!!  He's jelous because Sage is with Danny now." said Charles.

"You mean she's screwing Danny." said Cassie.

"Well for his sake he's better be using his raincoat.  Anyway Tay will get over it.  He's young." said Charles.

"A raincoat Charles?" wondered Cassie.

"It's another word for condom." said Charles.

Then suddenly Marla came wearing a sexy dress on.

"MOM!!!!" shocked Charles.

"Wow you look stunning." said Cassie.

"Thanks I'm so neverous right now." said Marla.

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"You look ravishing Mrs. Antoni", said Cassie.

"Thanks you guys. I jus hope I won't make a fool of myself. I havn't feel like this since I wnt to my prom", said Marla.

"Don' worry mom. I know you can do this. You can get through anything", said Charles kissing his mother to her cheeks.

"So where are you two going o do. You can' be cooped up in his house. You need o have some fun, go party", said Marla talking to Charles and Cassie.

Charles looked a Casie in a hopeful manner.
Robertadamsonlover

"Why don't we double date?" Marla asked anxiously.

Cassie smiled.  "Oh Mrs. A........you're just nervous!  You'll be fine!  I'm sure everything will go great with you and Bill tonight.  Do you remember any of the salsa?"

"Please!  Don't even mention that word to me, Cassie," Marla replied nervously.

"Mom, Bill will teach you, I'm sure.  He'll be THRILLED to teach you in THAT DRESS," Charles assured her.

Marla touched herself, worried.  "Is the dress too much?" she asked, worried.

Charles raised his eyebrow.  "Too much???  Doesn't look like much is there to begin with," he commented.

Cassie hit him.  "Charles!  Don't say that, she's nervous enough!" she scolded him.  "Mrs. A, the dress if FINE--not too much and not too little--HONEST."

Marla let out a sigh of relief.  "Whew!  Okay, if you're sure......."

"I am, I am," Cassie said pushing her gently.  "Now go before Bill thinks you're standing him up!" she urged.

Marla left the two of them and went downstairs where Bill waited for her patiently in the livingroom.
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"Wow Marla you look radiant!!." said Bill.

"Thank you Bill." said Marla.

"You look like you about to pop out of the dress any minute." said Jeron.

"Boy go to your room." said Dana.

"But mom I just saying." said Jeron.

"Just go upstairs and stay out of Lizzie's room." said Marla.

"Now you two don't stay out too long." teased Charles.

"Have her home by 9pm." said Charles.

"Charles leave you mother alone." said Eddie.

As they left Cassie and Charles were what are they going to do.

"So beautiful what are you want to do?" said Charles as he put his arms around Cassie.

"You can get your hands off my daughter for one thing." said Eddie.

"Eddie leave them alone." said Jenn.

"Well I'm going into the kitchen and get some icecream." said Cassie.

"Hmm I'll wait for you beautiful." said Charles.

"You know Charles while you are waiting you can help me wash some of my clothes.  Jenn would do it but she has to finish her shift tonight." said Eddie.

"Umm I think I better join Cassie in the kitchen." said Charles as he tried to escape from Eddie.

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But Eddie caught him by his shirt collar.

"Hold on there, lover boy--not so fast!" Eddie warned, jerking him back.

Charles was so exasperated he felt like crying.  "Mr. Sutton......" he whined.  "With all do respect, Sir--"

"Yes," Eddie said cutting him off, "I want you to respect Cassie.  That's EXACTLY what I want."

"But I DO respect your daughter--and I love her VERY much.  I'd never do anything to hurt her," he assured Eddie.

"Charles, you seem to forget that I was a young buck myself once," Eddie started.

Charles rolled his eyes and sighed.  "Here we go......" he moaned.
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"What was that?"  asked Eddie.

"Nothing sir." said Charles.

"You've may fooled Jenn but you are not fooling me.  I'm on to you Charles." said Eddie.

"Mr. Sutton why do you insist on sweating me?" asked Charles.

"Because as I said before I was a young buck myself.  I would do anything to a woman alone just to score.  That is my daughter in there.  It's bad enough you had sex with her and ended up having twins.  You just proven yourself already that you can't be trusted.  Now if you're going to still see my daughter you are going to do things my way or no way.  Do I make myself clear?" asked Eddie.

"Yes sir." muttered Charles.

"Hey Charles I made you a bowl icecream." said Cassie.

"Now you remember what I just said." said Eddie.

"Yeah whatever." said Charles.

Eddie left the room.

"What was that all about?" asked Cassie.

"Nothing Cassie.  Lets just say that I can't wait to turned eighteen and graduate highschool." said Charles.

Meanwhile Tay was in his with his headphones on playing his keyboard.  While playing  the phone rang and rang.  And it was Sage.  Then Sage sent him a text message saying we need to talk.

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Jeron opened Tay's bedroom door and barged in as Tay was reading the text and startled him.

"Tay, yo, let's go out back and shoot some hoops before it gets too dark," he suggested.

"Daaaaang....now I know why  Lizzie and Cassie always yell at me for not knocking!" Tay said, annoyed as he attempted to put his phone out of sight.

"My bad, yo, but let's go and shoot some hoops!  I been dying to go out back in Mrs. Antoni's court!" Jeron insisted.

"I'm kinda in the middle of something," Tay stalled.

Jeron pointed at the phone behind Tay's back. "You holdin out on me, yo?  Who you talkin to?"

When he saw that Tay didn't want to reveal anything, Jeron became even more curious.  He tried to get the phone from Tay and the two boys wound up wrestling on the floor, but Jeron was no match for Tay.

"A'ight Tay, be like that," Jeron said, out of breath.  "We gonna shoot hoops or not?" he asked as he got up from the floor and brushed himself off.

"I'll meet you out back," Tay promised him. 

"FIVE MINUTES, yo," Jeron said leaving the room.  "And don't let me come back up here for you," he threatened.

Tay laughed, amused at the thought of Jeron overpowering him.  "Whatever, man."

After Jeron closed the door behind him, Tay called Sage.
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"Hello." answered Sage.

"Hey it's me Tay."  Tay responded.

"Hey." said Sage quietly.

"I got your message few minutes ago." said Tay.

"Oh yes.  I think we really need to talk about what happened.  Tay why did you act like that today?" said hurt Sage.

"Act like what?" asked Tay.

"Like a complete jerk." said Sage.

"Why messin' around him for?  I thought you like me." said Tay.

"Tay I do like you.  I like you alot." said Sage.

"What I'm not good enough for you anymore?  I'm just some summer fling?" snapped Tay.

"No Tay, you sweet but you are too young for me." said Sage.

"It didn't matter to you that past summer." said Tay.

"Tay I needed a friend. I'm in highschool & you still in junior high don't you think it'll be kinda akward?" asked Sage.

"Sage I'll be in highschool in a couple of years." said Tay.

"Tay I'll be out of highschool by then." said Sage.

"It doesn't matter I care about you." said Tay.

"Tay you need to be with people your own age." said Sage.

"I thought we have something together.  Don't you have feelings for me?" asked Tay.

"Tay I need a friend.  I really need you to be my friend." said Sage.

"You haven't answer my question do you have feelings for me?" asked Tay.

Sage wanted to say yes but she is too ashamed to answered.

"Look I have to go.  I need to go check on my father at the hospital." said Sage.

"Just answer the question Sage geez."  frustrated Tay.

"Tay please I have to go." said Sage hanging up.

Tay was getting his feelings.  Meanwhile Sage in the house feeling ashame.

"This is isn't right.  Why shouldn't be feelin' this way about Tay." said Sage.

Then Sage called Danny to come over so she can have sex with him.

"It the only way I can keep my off of Tay." said Sage to herself.

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Meanwhile, Marla and Bill are getting to know each other better at the Salsa Club.
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"So you been in this business for how long?" asked Marla.

"I've been doing this since I was in the 12th grade.  I just fell in love with photography." said Bill.

"Wow that's wonderful." said Marla.

"Yeah and it pays the bills.   So what's your story." said Bill.

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Marla wasn't expecting such a blunt question so quickly and it showed in the color of her face.

"I'm sorry, Marla.  I didn't mean to put you on the spot," Bill apologized.

Marla smiled a little, embarrassed, and shook her head.  "No, no, it's okay.  You just caught me off guard.  I was expecting to hear more about the glamorous modeling industry," she explained.

"It's glamorous on the surface, but it's dirty behind the scenes," Bill answered.

"So then I guess it's no place for Kalie or Natalie," Marla remarked.

"It's fine for them because they've got level-headed adults behind them.  It gets dirtier the older the girls get.  But Kalie's got you as a grandma and I can tell you don't take any mess, so she'll be just fine," Bill assured her.

Marla smiled, flattered.

"Now, back to the $64,000 question," Bill continued.  "What's your story?" he asked again.

Marla took a deep breath before starting. 

"I was raised as a mafia princess, believe it or not.  My father was a made man.  But I fell in love with one of his soldiers, Johnny Antoni, and got pregnant and so he and I had to make a run for it because my father was very old fashioned and would have killed us both.  We managed to disappear--left New York and moved out to the west.  And for awhile we were happy.  I had Charles and everything was normal for awhile.  But then Johnny got back in with the mob after my father died and he wasn't like my father in the way he handled business.  My father protected me and my mom and kept us away from the dirty end of the business.  But not Johnny.  He taught me so many bad things and I saw so many horrible things that I can't ever talk about....."

Bill's eyes were as big as saucers as he stared at her in amazement.

Marla, so caught up in telling her story, didn't notice and just continued:

"Finally, it got to be too much and I took Charles and split.  I raised him on my own, basically.  Johnny helped us out financially sometimes and if I ever had any trouble he'd handle it--no questions asked.  But we couldn't stay together."

"So where's Johnny now?" Bill asked, intrigued.

"He's incarcerated, and you'll never beleive why."

"Do tell," he said, fascinated.

"He tried to kill Eddie Sutton--Cassie's dad.  He wound up missing and shooting Cassie instead.  It's a miracle she and the babies survived."

"She was pregnant and got shot?"

"By Johnny Antoni--my ex.  So now he's in prison for attempted murder, among other things."

"Wow......." Bill replied, taking a drink.
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"I think I have heard everything." said Bill as he took a drink.

"I get the feelling I told too much." said Marla.

"No no no.  At least you were honest with me.  Most women would lied and hide their past. " said Bill.

"I guess you don't to have nothing to do with me huh?" asked Marla.

"If that was the case I would've took you home right now." said Bill.

"Care to dance?" asked Marla.

"Of course I've been waiting for this all night." said Bill.

"I have to warn you I'm not a very good dancer." said Marla.

"Don't worry just follow my league & relax." said Bill.

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When they got on the dance floor and when Bill took her hand, everything Cassie had shown her the night before came back to Marla.

"Wow!  You may not have lied about your past, but you sure did lie about not knowing how to dance!" Bill complimented her.

"I just feel so---so---so RIGHT with you," she admitted as she continued following his lead.

"Now that's what I like to hear," he said in her ear as he pulled her closer to him.  "I'm glad you feel that way, Marla,"
he told her right before he dipped her.
Candygwen

Meanwhile back at Atoni's house Tay & Jeron were shooting hoops.

"I tell youyou, you need to give it up.  Sage is really into this dude.  Besides her & your sister Cassie can't stand each other." said Jeron as he made a shot.

"I know but I actually thought we made a connection over the summer." said Tay.

""Dude that's long time ago.  Beside isn't she the same girl who punked you into wearing that hotdog outfit and you collaspe?" asked Jeron.

"Yeah but that's a long time ago.  Sage isn't really a bad person.  She just misguided." said Tay as her took the ball from Jeron.

"Well seriously dawg you need to look for someone else.  You don't need to be tied down by no older woman.  Especially if she got HIV." said Jeron.

"(Sigh) I guess you're right.  But I'm not going to stop being her friend." said Tay as made his shot.

"Hey Momma Taylor always told me a tiger doesn't always changes their stripes." said Jeron.