Pick up from pg. 11

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.

"Can we talk about something else?" frustrated Tay.

"Alright cool lets change the subject what do you think the whole deal with Nate?" asked Jeron.

"I don't know man.  I decide to cut him some slack and to get along with him but I still can't accept him as my brother." said Tay.

"That makes two of us." said Jeron.

"What do you mean?" wonder Tay.

"Don't you get it.  This could ruin things for me and Lizzie.  If your Dad is really Nate's father then Lizzie and I might be related." said Jeron.

"Damn that is messed up." said Tay.

"What are you two talking about?" asked Lizzie coming outside.

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"SAGE!" Jeron answered quickly, not wanting her to know.

"Ewwww....." Lizzie replied as she sat on the edge of the brick wall and watched them.  "She sure got what was coming to her at the movies--didn't she?"

"What's THAT supposed to mean?" Tay asked, defensively, walking with the ball.

"Yo, play, will you?" Jeron complained.

"Why you always downing Sage?" Tay asked Lizzie, ignoring Jeron.

"I'm not ALWAYS DOWNING her," Lizzie argued.  "We helped her big time when she was drunk--remember?  We all went to her house and sobered her up with Granddad--remember?  But what did she do in return, Tay?  She had sex in our attic with Cassie's boss!  Some thanks we got!"

Tay threw the ball hard at his sister, but with her quick reflexes she was able to catch it instead of getting hurt.

"Hey!" she complained angrily.

Tay stormed away towards the house.

"Yo!  We didn't finish!" Jeron yelled. 

Tay kept walking.

"Then you forfeit!  I WIN!" Jeron yelled louder.  "Punk....." he muttered.

"I'll play you, Jeron," Lizzie said standing up and bouncing the ball,  "a little one on one--let's do this."

"A'ight, but I ain't goin easy on you just cuz you're a female," he warned.

"OH PUHLEEEEZE, BOY!" Lizzie replied, shooting the ball and making her shot.

Meanwhile, Tay stormed back into the house through the back door, into the kitchen where his mother was fixing dinner.  As soon as Jenn saw him, she knew something was wrong.

"Taylor?  Don't slam that door like that!  What's wrong with you?" she demanded.
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"Nothing is wrong...sorry." said Tay as he walked away.

"No something is wrong Tay;  You've been like this since you got back from the movies." said Jenn.

"Nothing is wrong shoot can I go?" irritated Tay.

"What's going on?  Did you have another fight with Nate?" asked Jenn.

"No it's not Nate.  I just don't want to talk about it.  Just drop it." said Tay.

"Not with that tone." said Jenn.

"Tay I'm your mother.  Please I can help you.  I want to help you but I can't help if you keep acting like this." said Jenn.

"Mom I'm not baby anymore it's no big deal." said Tay.

"You sure?" concerned Jenn.

"I'm sure. Can I go upstairs now?" asked Tay.

"Alright but hurry back downstairs.  Dinner will be ready in a few minutes." said Jenn.

Then Nate came downstairs.

"Hey Nate can I asked you something?" asked Jenn.

"Go ahead shoot." said Nate.

"What's going on with Tay?  Earlier he's cheerful but now he's moody all of sudden.  There are times that I don't think I know own son anymore." said Jenn.

"Let just say he's having women problems." said Nate.

"Oh really do you know who's the special lady?" wondered Jenn.

"Who Mrs. Sutton I don't get into other people personal business.  Anyway I'm sure that Tay can handle the situation on his own." said Nate.

"Do you know who she is?" asked Jenn.

"I don't know who she is but it seem Tay has a thing for that skinny white girl.  She's about Cassie's age.  Personally I think the boy is way out of his league here.  But it still none of my business." said Nate.

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"Is Eddie around?" Jenn asked Nate.

"Yeah he's snoozing in the den."

"Do me a favor and stir this sauce, please?  Eddie needs to talk to his son," she said handing Nate the wooden spoon.

"Who--me?" Nate asked, confused.

Jenn looked at him, feeling awkward.  "No--I--I'm talking about TAY," she clarified.

"Oh--my bad....." Nate apologized feeling humiliated.

"Stir the sauce?" Jenn asked, changing the subject.

"Oh--yeah, yeah--I'll stir the sauce, Jenn.  Take your time with Eddie," Nate agreed.

Jenn left the kitchen and went to the den to wake up Eddie.
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When Jenn went to the den she saw Eddie sound asleep.

"Eddie...Eddie wake up>" said Jenn shaking Eddie.

"What what is it?" said Eddie waking up.

"You need to talk to your son." said Jenn.

"Jenn I'm spending as much time with Nate the best way I can." said Eddie.

"I'm talking about your other son....Your real son...the one and only son." said Jenn.

"Jenn, Nate my son too." said Eddie.

"But Tay our child and he needs you right now." said Jenn.

"What did that boy do this time?" annoyed Eddie.

"I think him and Sage are dating." said Jenn.

"Ha Tay & Sage...I think you have been working at the clinic way too long." laughed Eddie.

"I didn't want to believe it but I think Tay has been seeing Sage during the summer." said Jenn.

"Jenn, Sage is way too old for Tay." said Eddie.

"So is Stacy but you let Tay go with her to her junior prom anyway." said Eddie.

"Jenn, Sage is seeing this Danny guy, and I'm sure you this so called relationship that Tay has with Sage is strictly friendship." said Eddie as he tried to go back to sleep.

"Eddie I'm worried I don't want my son getting hurt." said Jenn.

"Jenn I've already discussed this Sage business with him that past summer." said Eddie.

"I don't think he gets it." said Jenn.


"Jenn you are worrying over nothing, if it bothers you that much I'll go talk to the boy." said Eddie.

"Thank you." frustrated Jenn.

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Eddie reluctantly got up from the recliner and slowly walked up the winding staircase, trying to think of what to say to Tay about Sage.  On his way to Tay's room, he got an idea.

Tay's door was shut, so Eddie knocked politely.  "Tay, my man, it's your father," he announced as he opened the door slowly.

"Hey, Dad," Tay responded as Eddie came in.

"What you doing?" Eddie asked, trying to seem nonchalant.

Tay sighed and looked annoyed.  "I'm writing a song--or at least TRYING."

"Oh--I'm disturbing you.  Is that it?" Eddie asked, still being polite.

"Kinda," Tay agreed.  "Is there something?"

Eddie smiled.  "I was just thinking--I haven't seen your grandfather in awhile and neither have you.  How 'bout we take a ride out to his house and visit him and Vera--and Hercules?"

Tay's face lit up as he remembered how Spencer had tried to teach him and Johnny how to be player, and he smiled a little.

"Is that a yes?" Eddie asked hopefully.

Tay didn't want to seem too anxious even though he was very happy with Eddie's suggestion.  "Sure, Dad, if you want," he agreed as he stood up and put his equipment and everything aside.

"That's my boy!" Eddie said, pleased.  "Let's get a move on," he urged his son.

"Should we call first?" Tay asked as the headed down the stairs.

"We're family, Tay.  We don't have to call," Eddie remarked.

"What if they're not home?" Tay asked.

"They'll be home," Eddie assured him as they got into the car.
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Meanwhile Cassie was in her room thinking about Robin coming home.

"This is going to be so great." said excited Cassie.

Then she heard a knocked on the door and it was Dana.

"Hey Cassie can I come in?" asked Dana.

"Sure" said Cassie.

"You suddenly in a good mood." said Dana.

"I just got the news that Robin is coming home." said Cassie.

"What?!?!? But the semseter isn't even over.  Did he get himself into trouble or something?" asked Dana.

"No...well it's not all good news.  You see Lulu just called and told me that Robin's father had a heart attack & died." said Cassie.

"Oh my God!!! That's terrible Cassie.  I know his father was a complete jerk but he didn't deserved to die like that.  Robin devastated." said Dana.

"Lulu mention he's kinda' upset but the best news is that Robin is coming home isn't that wonderful?" said excited Cassie.

"I'm happy too but I don't think Robin wants to celebrate when he comes back.  I mean I know that him and his father don't really get along but that's still his father.  I think the last thing on his mind is to hang out." said Dana.

"I know that and I feel bad too.  I really want to be there for him.  He is my friend." said Cassie.

"Alright but tried to be understanding and supportive.  Be his friend.  Be there for him.  He may be hurting." said Dana.

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"Thanks for the advice, Dana.  Soooooo......was there something you wanted?" Cassie asked, wondering why Dana asked to come into her room in the first place.
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"Oh girl I almost forgot dinner will be ready in a few minutes.  So have the twins ready & bring Charles' lazy ass over here." joked Dana.

"Now Dana you know tha Charles has been working his butt off especially today." said Cassie.

"Does he still have sex on the brain?" asked Dana.

"I think so because he's been in the shower for the past 20 minutes." laughed Cassie.

Then Charles came in.

"You girls talking about me?" asked Charles.

"Charles you're dripping wet." said Cassie.

"Yeah and I'm still horny beautiful." said Charles.

"Boy, go to your room and put some clothes on.  Show some diginity for Christ sakes." said Dana.

"Alright mommy dear." joked Charles.

"Boy if I was your momma I'll tear your behind up so hard until my hands turns red and use the other one for making it hurt so bad." said Dana.

"Alright I'll leave you girls alone" said Charles.

"You see what I'm talking about?  All he ever think about is sex." annoyed Cassie.

"Oh Cassie he was just joking with you.  I'm sure that Charles respect if he don't he has me to deal with." said Dana.

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So as soon as Charles was dressed, he and Cassie brought the twins downstairs for dinner where Jenn, Lizzie, Natalie, Dana, Jeron and Nate were waiting patiently.

"What's for dinner, Mom?" Cassie asked as she put Kalie in her high chair at the table.

"Yeah, I'm STARVED!" Charles added as he took care of Colin's high chair.

"I made spaghetti and meat sauce with ground turkey, of course," Jenn replied.  "Nate helped me stir the sauce."

"Awwww......why so helpful all of a sudden, Nate?" Lizzie teased him.

"Your mom wanted to talk to Dad," Nate explained, "and he was in the den."

"Heeeey......" Jenn interrupted, "where IS Eddie???  AND TAY???" she asked realizing they were missing.

Meanwhile, Eddie and Tay were in the car on their way to Spencer's house.
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Eddie soon realize it was dinner time so he called Jenn on his cell.

"Hello." answered Jenn.

"Hey Jenn it's me." said Eddie.

"Hey me!!!  Where are you & Tay?  Dinner is ready." wondered Jenn.

"Start dinner without us.  Tay & I are going to visit my dad." said Eddie.

"Why the sudden interest in you father?" asked Jenn.

"Let's just say we're going to spend a little guy time together.  The three Sutton men." said Eddie.

"I see!!! Well don't stay out too late." said Jenn.

"I won't." said Eddie.

"And make sure Tay takes his insulin." said Jenn.

"Jenn I got this alright." said Eddie.

"Okay love you." said Jenn hanging up.

"Love you too." said Eddie.

They soon arrived over at Spencer & Vera place.

"Hey Eddie & my boy Tay.  How's favorite grandson doing?" asked Spencer.

"What you're not going to asked how I'm doing?" asked Eddie.

"Well it's not like you ever called son." said Spencer.

Then Eddie rolled his eyes.

"So what brings you two over here this evening?" asked Spencer.

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"Well, you're right--I haven't been in touch lately, so I thought Tay and I could catch you up on things," Eddie began as he sat on the couch.

"How nice of you," Spencer replied sarcastically.

"Looks like we'll be back in our home alot faster than expected," Eddie informed him proudly.

"Is that so?" Spencer replied, his interest aroused.

"Yeah, Grandpa, we got mad money now!" Tay bragged.

"Well how'd that happen?" Spencer asked, even more intrigued.

So they explained about the money that Charles found and the money that Natalie was advanced by the modeling agency.

"Well, son, congratulations, and use the money wisely," Spencer advised.

"No doubt, Pops.  In fact, I was thinking maybe you, me, Tay, Nate and Charles could do some of the work ourselves on the house--you know--a family project," Eddie explained.

"Since when is CHARLES family?" Spencer asked annoyed.

"Like it or not, our blood and his blood run through Colin and Kalie, so that makes us family.  And if we get this little project going, it'll keep Taylor here out of trouble."

Spencer looked at Tay.  "You been getting into trouble, boy?"

"No!" Tay responded quickly, offended.

Eddie cleared his throat.  "I'd say a fight at the movie theater is trouble," he remarked.

"Well what were you fighting about, Tay?" Spencer pryed.

Tay made a face, realizing he was outnumbered and would have to come clean eventually.  "Sage," he admitted.
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'Sage?!?!?  You mean your girlfriend Sage?" shocked Spencer.

"Girlfriend?!?  Since when Sage is your girlfriend?" stunned Eddie.

"She's not my girlfriend dad.  We just friends." said Tay.

"Oh Tay don't be shy around your old man.  You know you got the hots for her even though she's sick.  But my boy was there for her.  That's what I called love.  I taught myTay how to a player and everything." said Spencer.

"Excuse me?" surprised Eddie.

"Hey I made some porkchops enough for everyone.  So dinner is ready." said Vera.

"Good I'm starved." said Tay trying to avoid the subject.

"Oh no you have got some explaining to do young man." said Eddie.

"Eddie leave the boy alone and eat.  Tay is a growing boy." said Spencer.

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"Tay, go upstairs and wash your hands first," Vera told him, trying to get him out of the room.

When Tay was gone, Vera started in on Eddie.  "Now what's this about you having lipstick all over your face?" she asked bluntly.

"Huh?" he asked caught off-guard.

"The last time I spoke to Jenn was on Thanksgiving.  She called me in tears because she said you had someone's lipstick all over your face.  Of course, Spencer and I covered for you and assured her that you'd never do anything to hurt her, blah, blah, blah, but now I want to know the REAL DEAL, EDDIE.  You're over here talking about Tay's little love life, but I want to know what's going on with YOUR love life," Vera told him.

"Vera---I didn't come here for this.  I didn't come here to be interrogated--understand?  I wanted Tay to get some WISDOM from his grandfather, but it sounds to me like instead of wisdom, the only thing over here is an old fool!"

"Eddie!  Don't insult your father like that!" Vera scolded.

But Eddie wouldn't back down.  "Look, if the shoe fits, he's gotta wear it."
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"Dad what's the idea of encouraging my son to win Sage over.  You know she's too old for him." said Eddie.

"Eddie you have let the boy grow up.  Tay is at the age now." said Spencer.

"But Sage is seeing someone and Tay got jealous & that's how the fight broke out." said Eddie.

"Did Tay give it to him good?" asked Spencer.

"Dad I can't believe you.  What kind of morals are you teaching." said Eddie.

"Oh Eddie lighten up.  You need to stop babying that boy." said Spencer.

"This is my son and I don't want to see him get hurt." said Eddie.

"Eddie, Tay is becoming a young man now.  You have to start letting him make his own mistakes.  It's part of life." said Spencer.

"Well so far he haven't made the right ones as of late." said Eddie.

"You missing the point.  Tay needs to learn about life.  You can't protect him forever.  The point is if he makes a mistakes at least he'll learned from it so he won't make the same one.  And if seeing Sage is a mistake then that is on him.  You as parent need to be there for him." said Spencer.

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Tay was finished upstairs washing his hands and came back down, so the four of them had Vera's pork chops together.

Meanwhile, on the ship, Robin is packing in preparation for his return to Lincoln Heights.
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"Hey." said Lulu.

"Hey whatsup?" said Robin.

"I made some sandwiches for the trip back home." said Lulu.

"Thanks." said Rbin silencely.

"Robin I'm really sorry about all this." said Lulu.

"Yeah me too." said Robin.

"It won't be too bad.  The semester is almost over anyway." said Lulu.

"But I will still missed out on everything." said Robin.

"Do you have everything packed up?" asked Lulu.

"Yeah." said Robin.

"I wish I can go home with you." said Lulu.

"Lulu this is more of a family issue.  Anyway you need to stay in class." said Robin.

Then Headmaster showed.

"Robin the ship will be at shore in fifteen minutes.  Are you ready?" asked The Headmaster.

"I guess so." said Robin.

"Robin I'm really sorry about your father.  You have my condolences.  Anyway shouldn't to need to worry about falling behind because  you have done so well this semester.  You have all A in each classes.  You got highest GPA any student have.  And we'll be so happy to have you back next semester if you decide to comeback." said the Headmaster.

"Thank you sir." said Robin.

"Any news for me on how I'm doing?" asked Lulu.

"No not really." said The Headmaster.

"Whatever." offended Lulu.

"You have minutes to say your goodbyes Robin." said Headmaster.

"Take care Robin.  I'll call you when you get back." said Lulu.

"Thanks Lulu. you take care as well." said Robin as they both kissed

The two kiss for a while until Tawanna showed.

""Uhuh you better stop holding these people up.  Some of us want to get back out on sea as well." said Tawanna.

"Take care Tawanna." said Robin.

"You too Poet Boy." said Tawanna as she hugged Robin.

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After reaching the shore, the Sea School had arranged for one of their private jets to take Robin the rest of the way home.  He was impressed, as he boarded the plane, looking around at everything.  A beautiful flight attendant welcomed him aboard, smiling, and told him to fasten his seatbelt.

"Wow.....talk about pimp my ride....." he remarked, whistling.  "I'm gonna like this!"

Monica was waiting for him at the airport when he got off of the plane.  They both spotted each other and waved as Robin hurried over to where she was.  As he got closer, he could see what a toll his father's sudden death had taken on his mother.  She didn't look good at all.  She looked thinner than usual, had no make up on, her eyes were red and puffy and her hair was just pulled back in a pony tail.

Robin dropped his bag and gave his mother a big hug.

"Thanks, I needed that," she told him.

"You look like you need some rest, Mom.  Have you been sleeping alright?" he asked concerned as he picked up his bag and they started towards the car.

She flashed a phony smile.  "Now that you're back, I'll be okay," she replied, avoiding the question.

"Don't play me, Mom," he responded.

"Did you have breakfast?" she asked as they got into the car.

"I did.  Did you?" he asked.

"I can't eat.  I'm too upset," she admitted as she pulled out into traffic.

"You've gotta take cae of yourself, Mom, especially at a time like this.  You're gonna need your strength for all of the running around you've gotta do."

"I know, I know," she agreed sadly.

Robin sighed, realizing she was just agreeing to keep him quiet.  "So where are we headed first?" he asked, changing the subject.  "Home?"

"No.  We've got to go to your father's house and pick out some clothes for him to be buried in," she told him.

"We've gotta do that NOW?" he asked, horrified at the thought.

Monica reached across him, opened the glove compartment, took out a pad and dropped it in his lap.  "I wrote down all the stuff that has to be done," she told him.

When he read it, Robin couldn't believe how long the list was.  "Jesus, Mom, all this???"

"Yes, so there's not time to waste," she explained.

He pulled out his cell phone and started dialing.

"Who are you calling?" she asked.

"I want to let Cassie know what's going on," he told her.

"Cassie?!  Robin, didn't we talk about Cassie before you left?  About keeping your distance?" she asked, concerned.

Before Robin could respond to his mother's questions, Cassie had picked up on the other end of the call.
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"Hey Robin!!" Cassie answered.

"Hey." said Robin as he responded.

"You made it to shore yet?" she asked.

"Yeah, but we have alot of things to do.  And our stop is my Dad's house so we can get his things." said Robin.

"Oh my God I know this isn't going be easy for you." said Cassie.

"I know!!! Tell me about it." said Robin.

"Want me to come and help?" asked Cassie.

Robin saw his mother paled and annoyed.

"I don't think this is a very good idea Cassie.  My mom is too upset right now.  Plus she doesn't looked too healthy right now.  She looks like she haven't eaten in days. And if you show up I'm afraid she'll take it out on her.  Look I'll give you a call later on this evening." said Robin.

"Okay I understand Robin.  Let me know what's going on." said Cassie.

"Will do." said Robin hanging up.

Monica was staring at Robin.

"Mom, I know what you're thinking but it's not even like that all.  We are just friends trying to keep in touch.  It's not like she flew over to the ship so she can sleep with me." said Robin.

"I just don't trust her Robin." said Monica.

"Cassie is just being a friend & she wants to be at the funeral." said Robin.

"OUT OF THE QUESTION!!! After what has happened Thanksgiving dinner NO WAY!!!." snapped Monica.

"Mom you're not thinking straight.  I promise you Cassie will not be any trouble." said Robin.

"I don't know about this Robin." said Monica.

"Nothing is going to happened between Me and Cassie alright.  Anyway w have stop at resturant and get you something to eat before you pass out." said Robin.

"Robin I'm fine." frustrated Monica.

Mom we have plenty of time to clean out Dad's house your health is more important." said Robin.

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But Monica didn't listen.  Instead, she drove to Mike's house and she and Robin went in and started going through his closet.

Every piece of MIke's clothing seemed to bring back memories for Monica, and she would stop and tell Robin a funny little story.

After an hour passed and they still hadn't made a selection for the funeral, Robin felt he had sto say something.

"Mom, at this rate, we're gonna be here ALL DAY."

"Robin, I'm sorry.....I can't help it," she whined.

"But you're acting like everything was so rosey between you two, and it wasn't!" he pointed out.

"I know.  But right now, I'd just like to focus on the good times."

"I'm starting to get hungry, Mom.  What about you?" he asked, hoping she'd finally agree to eat.

"No, I'm fine, honey."

Just then, the doorbell rang.

"I wonder who that could be...." Monica remarked.

"Don't worry, I'll get it," Robin volunteered as he went downstairs.

He answered the door and it was a delivery from the Florist.

"Delivery for Monica and Robin from Cassie Sutton," the man informed Robin.

"Thanks," Robin said as he accepted the fruit basket and gave the man a tip.

He ran back upstairs with it and showed Monica.

"Oh how beautiful and thoughtful!" his mother remarked. "Who's it from?"

"Read the card," he suggested.

When she saw that it was from Cassie, she looked at Robin, not knowing what to say.

"This came just in time, Mom.  Now you can EAT," he said as he unwrapped the basket and handed her an apple. 

"But--"

"MOM!  My father just died.  The last thing I need is to lose my mother, don't you think?"

"Oh, Robin....." she said taking the apple.  "I didn't realize.....I'm sorry, honey." 

She started eating the apple.  "Mmmm....it's good," she told him.  "Have one," she suggested.

"I need more than an apple," he told her.  "I just remembered Lulu packed some sandwiches for me."

"How sweet!"

Robin went back downstairs, got a sandwich from his bag, brought it back up and ate with Monica.

"This is nice, honey--you and me together again," Monica said softly.

"Yeah.  Too bad it's for a funeral...." he replied.
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Meanwhile back Mrs. Antoni's House...

"Did you get to contact Robin?" asked Dana.

"Yeah he arrived an half hour ago." said Cassie.

"How's he holding up?" asked Dana.

"Robin is pretty strong person, but his mother not so good.  I hope they get the flowers I sent them." said Cassie.

"I'm sure they will." said Dana.

"Thanks again for helping me chip in for the flowers." said Cassie.

"No problem!!! Anything for you kids." said Dana.

"I really want to help Robin...I don't think he can handle it on his own.  I have to be there at the funeral." said Cassie.

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"I wonder how Marla's gonna handle the news about Mike's death," Dana remarked.

"Good question.  She pulled a gun on him at the Thanksgiving dinner."

"Say what?  Where was I?" Dana asked, stunned.

"I dunno.......But that's what she did.  Mike came by and she made him leave."

Dana shook her head in disbelief.  "Marla Antoni does not cease to amaze me!"

"I know what you mean," Cassie agreed.  "I wonder how her date went with Bill."

"Well, judging from the fact that she's STILL sound asleep and it's almost lunch time, it must have gone quite well," Dana observed.

"Yeah, she's knocked out alright.  What time did she get in last night?" Cassie asked, being nosey.

"You mean THIS MORNING," Dana corrected her.  "It was just about time for me to get up when she got in."

"Are you two talking about me?" Marla asked as she walked into the kitchen, rubbing her eyes and yawning.
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"We were wondering how your night with Bill went?" said Dana.

"Let's just say it was magic and romantic.  It was a night to remember." said Marla.

"You mean did you actually have..Cassie asked then Marla interuppted No way  you can still be romantic not have sex Cassie.  That's the problem with young people today///always thinking that sex is romance.  Sex and Romance is two differnet things  Bill is wonderful man.

"So you actually had a great time last night?" asked Dana.

"The best." said Marla.

"So is there a second date?" asked Cassie.

"I hope so.  Unlike Mike, Bill is a real man." said Marla.

Then Dana & Cassie was quiet.

"Hey why are you two so quiet all of the sudden?" asked Marla.

"Marla there's something you need to know about Mike." said Dana.

"Please I don't want to talk about that indiviual." said Marla.

"I think you do need to hear this.  You see Robin is back in town." said Cassie.

"Wait a minute the semester over already?" confused Marla.

"Not exactly." said Cassie.

"What does Robin have to do with his father?"  asked Marla confused.

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"Well, usually R obin doesn't want to have anything to do with his father, but this is an exception," Cassie began.

"Continue," Marla told her, curious.

"Robin's dad had a heart attack and--"

"Good for him!" Marla interrupted before Cassie could finish her sentence.  "I hope he's in the worse hospital in the State!" she said bitterly.

"Mrs. A, you didn't let me finish," Cassie objected quietly, sad.

Marla looked at her strangely.

"His dad had a heart attack and died," Cassie repeated.

Marla didn't respond at all, and Cassie and Dana exchanged glances, wondering what to do next.

"Marla, did you hear what Cassie just said?" Dana asked.

Finally, Marla nodded yes.

Dana put her arm around Marla's shoulder.  "You gonna be alright?"

Marla nodded again.

"How come you're not saying anything?" Dana asked.

Marla sighed.  "I just had to let it sink in, that's all.  I was thinking -- it's a good thing our relationship didn't work out -- otherwise, I'd be devastated right about now.  My boyfriend would be dead, and I'd be devastated.  But now, I've got a NEW boyfriend, Mike is gone -- good riddance -- and life is wonderful," Marla explained with a smile.

"Well, I feel kinda bad for the guy myself," Dana remarked.  "Mike was still a young guy."

"He was an awful person," Marla replied.  "He mistreated me, and he even hit Cassie once -- didn't he Cassie?" she asked.

Cassie nodded.  "I forgot about that incidednt," she admitted.  "But I still want to go to the funeral--for Robin's sake."

"How do you think Charles will like that?" Marla asked.

"He'll probably hate it.  That's why I'm not telling him," Cassie replied.
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"And what about your parents?" asked Dana.

"I don't know about Dad but I know mom would understand.  Dana can you talk to them for me?" asked Cassie.

"I don't know Cassie.  Your & I don't always see eye to eye on things." said Dana.

"I'll talk to them." said Marla.

"Thanks Mrs. A." said Cassie as she hugged Marla.

"You just make sure that you're going there for Robin's sake.  Not to fool around behind my son back." said Marla.

"Mrs. A you know I love Charles with all my heart." said Cassie.

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"Doesn't always seem like it", said Marla walking to get a up of Joe.

Cassie was speechless afer Marla said that.

"Don't get offended Cassie. Its probably he wine still talking. ust ignore me", said Marla.

"Is okay Ms. Anoni. I think I'm going to go talk to Charles", said Cassie still unable to respone entierly.

Cassie went up the stairs knowing Marla was telling the truth.
Robertadamsonlover

Meanwhile Eddie went to wake Tay up so he can talk to him about last night.

"Morning Tay." said Eddie as he woke him up.

"Hey morning." said Tay.

"I think we really need to talk about this Sage business." said Eddie.

"It doesn't matter Dad she's in love her boss." said Tay.

"I know but I think we really need to about this." said Eddie.

"What am I in trouble again?" sked Tay.

"No you not in trouble...I just have my concerned.  It's time we have this father/son talk." said Eddie.

"Sage & I are just friends nothing else." said Tay.

"How do you really feel about Sage?" asked Eddie.

"I don't know.  My feelings are really mixed right now." said Tay.

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"Yeah, I know what you mean," Eddie sympathized.

"You do?" Tay asked, surprised.

Eddie nodded as he sat down on the bed next to Tay.  "Waaaaaaaay back when I was a teenager, I was attracted to a beautiful PYT."

"PYT?  What's that?"

"Pretty Young Thing, Ta,y."

"Oh."

"ANYWAY, I had mixed feelings, but I let the WRONG feelings get the best of me and--well--you know...."

Tay looked baffled.  "I do?"

Eddie let out a deep sigh.  "You're not gonna make this easy on me are you?"

"What dad?"

"We ended up doing more than we should have been doing!" Eddie blurted out, exasperated.

"Oh.  You mean you had sex with her.  Big deal."

"Big deal??  Is THAT how you feel about it?" Eddie asked, disappointed in his son.

Tay shrugged.  "Dad, what's this all about?  Aids?  HIV? What?"

"Tay, it's about doing something that could possibly ruin the rest of YOUR life AND someone else's.  Let me explain something to you, Tay.  Straight out.  Dana is the PYT I'm talking about, and I got her pregnant and never knew it til a few months ago.  Do you know how that made me feel?  And can you imagine how it made HER feel to have to give up her son and pretend he was her COUSIN all of these years.  And can you imagine how NATE has felt all of these years--not knowing his father--not being with his mother?  And all of this could have been avoided, if we had just waited and made sure of what we were feeling.  I don't want the same thing to happen to you, son.  That's all.  Just think about what I'm telling you before you do anything you end up regretting," Eddie said sadly before he got up and left Tay in the room alone.
Candygwen

Meanwhile Cassie was still thinking rather or not she should tell Charles about her going to Robin's dad funeral.

"Hey Beautiful good morning to you." said Charles as he kissed Cassie.

"Morning Charles." said Cassie.

"How about I make some french toast for you this morning?" Charles offered.

"Oh Charles you don't have to do that." said Cassie.

"But I insist.  I love treating my special girl." said Charles.

Cassie saw the happy look on Charles.  She just couldn't tell him, but Cassie wanted to go the funeral because she is worried about Robin.

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"Well, okay, then," she agreed, "if it'll make you happy.  Sure, I'd love some french toast, Charles."

Charles gave her a big smile.  "That's my girl!" he said with approval as he started to get the ingredients together.

Cassie sat at the table.  "I'll stay right here and watch," she volunteered, feeling guilty.

"Cool!  I love for you to watch me!" he said excitedly.

"I know you do, Charles.  And believe me,  I love watching you," she lied.

Meanwhile upstairs in her bedroom, Cassie's cell phone was on her nightstand ringing.  It was Robin, wanting to let her know the details about the upcoming wake and funeral, so he left her voicemail:

"Hey Cassie, it's me, Robin.  I hope you get this message.  My dad's wake is tonight and the funeral is tomorrow morning at 11.  It's gonna be at the funeral parlor right down the street from my Mom's apartment--you know the one.  So anyway, if you can't make it, don't worry.  But I'll keep an eye out for you just in case.  I'm sorry I missed you.  Bye."
Candygwen

Meanwhile Lizzie woke to go on her to check her emails.  She had gotten a message from Devin with an attachment.  Lizzie opened the email there's was a picture of Devin with a heart say I miss you Lizard.  Lizzie was touched that Devin got her message.

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Well rested and in a good mood, Lizzie took a quick shower, got dressed and went downstairs for breakfastt where she found Cassie and Charles eating french toast.

"Mmmm..... something smells DEEEE-LIIIIISH!" she announced cheerfully.

"Yeah, Charles made us french toast," Cassie told her.

"Us?  You mean the whole-family us, or you-and-Charles us?" she asked.

"Me and Charles, dummy!  He's not making breakfast for the WHOLE FAMILY," Cassie answered with an attitude.

"Come on, Cassie, be nice," Charles coaxed her.  "Lizzie, if you want some I'll whip some more up for you right now," Charles offered as he started to get up from the table.

"You will?" she asked, delighted.

"Sure I will!  Anything for the auntie of my twins," he said, winking at her playfully.

"I love you, Chuck!" Lizzie teased back. 

"Oh brother......" Cassie moaned.
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"You know Cassie you should learn a thing or two from your boyfriend." said Lizzie.

"Whatever Lizzie." said Cassie.

Meanwhile back at Monica's.

"Is everything ready & set?" asked Robin.

"Everything is on schedule." saod Monica.

"What are we going to do with Dad's clothes?" asked Robin.

"Don't know probably give them away guess...You know you can keep some of his clothes.  It'll fit nicely on you.  And you will look adorable on you." said Monica.

"Yuck!!!  I don't want nothing from that man." said Robin.

"Robin please be a little more respectful.  He's still your father" said Monica.

"I'll try." said Robin.

"Heard from Cassie?" asked Monica.

"No but I left a voice message about tonight." said Robin.

"Robin don't gets your hopes up on this girl.  I don't want you to get hurt by that girl." said Monica.

"Not to worry Cassie is a friend she'll come & if not it's understandable." said Robin.

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Monica gave Robin a hug.  "Oh Robin.....you're SO DIFFERENT from Mike.  You're SO understanding.  SO sweet.  You're the best thing that came from my marriage to that man," she gushed.

"Thanks, Mom.  Everything good about me is because of you," he told her.

Robin's cell phone started vibrating in his pocket and they both felt it and laughed.  He took it out and saw that it was Lulu.

"Excuse me, Mom," he told her as he walked away for some privacy.
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"Hey Lulu whatsup!!!" answered Robin.

"Hey Boo I just want what's been going on.  Haven't heard from you last night." said Lulu.

"Sorry I spent the whole yesterday collecting all of my dad's belonging.  Plus I have to look after my mom she's haven't ate in the past few days.  Good thing you brought those sandwiches otherwise I would never get my mom to eat." said Robin.

"Wow she must be taking it really hard huh?" wondered Lulu.

"Bigtime what's been going on at sea school?" asked Robin.

"Oh our English teacher is tripping.  She gave us a surprise quiz and the whole class has failed then she got us doing a 100 word essay about the sea." said Lulu.

"Wow it's guess it is a good I got sent home early." said Robin.

"I'll say Tawanna is still cursing up a storm.  It took me forever to calm her down.  Have you heard from Cassie?" asked Lulu.

"Not yet?  I talked to her last night.  She said she wants to come for my sakes." said Robin.

"That's good.  I can alway count on my girl." said Lulu.

"Well I better go. Cassie would probably call me back." said Robin.

"Hang in there Robin and stay strong.  I wish I was there with you." said Lulu.

"Yeah me too but this is more of a family thing and you need to concentrate on your studies." said Robin.

"Yeah I know.  Take to you later.  Love you Boo." said Lulu.

"Love you too." said Robin hanging up.

Meanwhile Marla saw the Eddie & Jenn playing with Natalie and decided to them about Cassie going to Robin's dad wake.

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"Hey guys, how's it going?" she asked the couple.  "And how's our little famous fashion model doing?" she asked as she bent over and pinched Natalie's cheek and made funny faces at her.

"Nevermind how we're doing," Eddie replied.  "How's the Salsa Queen doing?" he teased.  "Did Cassie's lessons do you any justice on your date last night?"

"I love that daughter of yours," Marla replied.  "Everything she taught me came back to me right in the nick of time and Bill was VERY impressed with my skills," Marla bragged.

"Really?" Jenn asked, excited.

"I'm not kidding," Marla assured them both.

"Well congratulations.  You sure worked hard enough," Eddie acknowledged, amused.

"And you were really working that dress, Marla," Jenn complimented her.

"Thank you both," Marla said sincerely.  "Bill's a nice guy--really nice.  Not like the last jerk I dated!"

"That's the guy I arrested right?  What was it--Mike?" Eddie asked.

"That's the one," Marla agreed.  "Funny you mentioned him, Eddie, because--well--his funeral is tomorrow."

"Say what?" Eddie asked.

Marla nodded.  "You heard right.  He had a heart attack and died."

"How did you find that out?" Jenn asked.

"Don't forget, he's Robin's father.  So........"

"Oh, okay.......Robin told Cassie," Jenn figured out.

"Yes.  In fact, Robin's back in town," Marla said nonchalantly.

"Oh???" Eddie responded, curious.

"Well of course he'd come back for his father's funeral, Eddie," Jenn remarked.

"And of course, Cassie wants to go to the funeral," Marla added cautiously.

"Of course," Eddie replied sarcastically.

"And that means world war three between Cassie and Charles," Jenn added.

"Exactly," Marla agreed.  "So Cassie's not telling Charles she's going."

"Cassie hasn't even told US she's going," Eddie said, annoyed.

"That's why I'm here," Marla explained "to soften the blow," she said, grinning.

"Oh, so now our daughter can't talk to us directly?  She needs you to do her dirty work?" Eddie asked, more annoyed.

"Come on, Eddie.  You know how it is between parent and child," Marla reasoned.

Eddie thought awhile about his own father and their recent visit and chuckled a little.  "Don't I know!" he agreed.

"So we're all on the same page then?" Marla asked.

"Just to make sure, spell it out," Jenn suggested.

"Cassie's going to the funeral tomorrow and we've got to cover for her so that my PIGHEADED son doesn't give her any grief about it," Marla explained.

"And you're alright with this?" Eddie asked her, surprised.

"Let's just say after my night out with Bill, Cassie caught me in a good mood," Marla admitted.

"Okay, well you can count on me," Jenn agreed.  "I'm tired of Cassie and Charles fighting all the time.  Anything to keep the peace!"

"Eddie?" Marla asked.

"I'm only agreeing because I like Robin," he replied reluctantly.

"Great.  I'll go tell Cassie," Marla said smiling.

"No, Marla.  I'll tell my own daughter," Eddie said sternly as he left her and Jenn and went to find Cassie.
Candygwen

Meanwhile Cassie is in the nursery putting the twins to sleep until Eddie & Jenn.

"Hey Cassie do you have a minute?" asked Eddie.

"Of course...why Dad?" asked Cassie.

"We really need to talk Cassie." said Jenn.

"Mrs. Antoni told us what has happened to Robin's dad." said Eddie.

"And you want to go to the funeral." said Jenn.

"I can explain." said Cassie as she think what her parents might say.

"No we need to talk & you need to listen Cassandra.  First of all I do not appreciate you sending someone to ask us permisson to you to go out & two we are your parents not Mrs Antoni or Dana.  Why can't you come to us and asked?" said concerned Eddie.

"Because I knew that you two wouldn't let me go." said Cassie.

"Cassie we wouldn't let you go if we didn't think it's alright." said Jenn.

"So you not letting me go right?  I knew it. This is why I can't tell you guys.  You'll never understand.  You are so ruining my life." said annoyed Cassie.

"You haven't let us finished yet.  We talked it over and I since you & Robin are good friends we think it's okay for you to go.  Robin really needs you at this point." said Jenn.

"Really?  That's great!!!  But what about Charles?" asked Cassie.

"(Sigh) This is going against my judgement but we decided to not to anything to Charles.  We have enough drama from you two and you both are stressing us out." said Eddie.

"Sorry but I thank mom, thanks dad this really means alot to me." said Cassie.

"Just promise us one thing Cassie.  We are your parents you can always come to us.  We are here for you so don't ever think that you cannot come to us because we don't understand.  We can always work this out alright?"  said Jenn.

"Alright." said Cassie.

"And Cassie we are actually proud of you that you being there for Robin.  He could really used a friend. said Eddie.

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Cassie hugged her father.  "Thanks Dad.  It means alot to me to hear you say that."

"Cassie, there's just one thing," Jenn said.

"What's that Mom?"

"How do you plan on getting to the funeral?"

"Well,  know I'm still grounded butI thought I could drive--I mean this is an exception and all--right?" she asked, worried.

"It is honey, but I don't know if I want you driving to Lincoln Heights all by yourself.  Things are still pretty tense over there because of the quake and the looting.  It's dangerous!" Jenn objected.

"Your mother DEFINITELY has a point," Eddie agreed.  "You'll need someone to go with you, and I know JUST the person," he told her with confidence.

"WHO Dad???" Cassie asked, not liking the sound of his voice.

Eddie gave her a big smile.  "Me, Myself and I," he informed her.

"Oh  Eddie, that's a GREAT idea!" Jenn replied relieved.

"There's nothing like a police escort," Eddie said.

"But Dad you're suspended!"

"Doesn't matter.  I've got the know-how and that's what counts."

Cassie looked disturbed, not liking the idea of her father tagging along with her.

"Look Cassie, it's the only way you're gonna get to go.  So take it or leave it," Eddie advised.

Cassie sighed.  "Looks like I have no choice.  I'll take it," she agreed reluctantly.