CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED and FIFTEEN
(part six)

Thursday afternoon —9:30 P.M. PDT
Hollywood, CA

“And that’s a wrap!” the Director said. “A round of applause for the best cast and crew any Director could hope for.”

While champagne bottled burst open, the cast and crew applauded each other’s work. For a moment, Valerie was in a crush of hugs and pats on the back. Mike’s height and bulk moved easily through the sea of people that wanted to touch Valerie. He stood near her while she finished talking to the other actors and crew. When the crowd thinned, he took her arm and helped her toward the door. They were stopped near the door by the Producer. The Director and Assistant Director came over to talk with them.

“We’ll see you very soon!” the Director said.

Valerie waved and Mike made it to the door. He helped her into the SUV where she collapsed into the seat. She was asleep when he got in the driver’s seat. He drove through the Hollywood traffic to the Chateau Marmot. She roused when he carried her into their little cottage. He stripped off her clothes and settled her into bed. After using the bathroom, he got in bed beside her.

“I didn’t shower,” Valerie mumbled.

“You’re just fine.”

“I smell,” she mumbled.

“You’re perfect.”

With a smile on her face, she fell asleep. Mike turned on his side to watch her sleep.

She’d worked her butt off on this movie. The cast and crew loved her. The Director already hired her to do the voice in an animated feature when she was pregnant. The producer cast her in another movie for next year. According to her agent, she was the hottest property in Hollywood.

Mike felt like he was in the eye of the hurricane.

Hottest property or no, for the next few months, he wouldn’t have to share her with the world. She would put the same work ethic into making their daughter the best she could be. They would live and love at the Castle.

He felt a little sad that the ‘becoming a star’ phase of their life was over. His mind reviewed the years of work and the disaster that had been their relationship. He sighed.

“What is it?” she asked.

“Life is changing,” he whispered.

“Not us?” she asked. Her large hazel eyes opened then closed. Puzzling, she opened her eyes again to see him.

“No, not us,” he whispered. “Just life.”

“Oh good,” she said. “The way you sighed, I thought something was wrong.”

Mike smiled at a typical Val sentiment. As long as her relationships were good, Valerie could take on anything. He opened his mouth to say something but she was asleep again.

Smiling, he joined her.

Denver Cereal continues on Monday…

Thursday afternoon —4:02 P.M.

“There’s no mistake?” MJ asked the doctor.

They were standing next to the nurses’ station.

“No, Sergeant,” the doctor said.

“But last time…” MJ started.

“This isn’t last time,” the doctor said. “You must think positive thoughts. Your thoughts make the biggest difference.”

“You’re sure,” MJ said again.

“There’s no mistake, Sergeant.” The doctor looked up as Honey wheeled out toward them.  “We’ll see you in a month?”

“Yes, sir,” MJ said.

Taking the handles, MJ wheeled Honey to the front desk where they made their next appointment. He helped her into the passenger seat of his SUV then went around the back to get in.

“I told you so,” Honey said. “We’re going to have a baby.”

“We’re going to have a baby,” MJ said.  “You’re sure you want to have a baby with me? I travel a lot and…”

“It’s a little to late for that,” Honey smiled. “Everything is set up. We can do this.”

Laughing, MJ started the car.

Denver Cereal continues tomorrow…

CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED and FIFTEEN
(part four)

“Everyone?” Sissy’s hands went to her face in horror. She began to shake.

“Come on, Sissy,” Charlie said. “They are really nice. They want to meet you. Plus…”

Shaking her head back and forth, Sissy’s eyes spoke her horror.

“God Sis, I hate this,” Charlie said.

Charlie’s impatience with his sister was palpable. He grabbed her arm and tried to pull her along. She was too scared to move. Hearing footsteps, he turned to see Noelle running out of the SUV. Noelle threw her arms around Sissy.

“I’m so excited to meet you,” Noelle said. “We’ve been waiting and waiting and waiting. We bugged Charlie but he couldn’t get here. And then Teddy’s Dad has us this afternoon because Daddy and Mom… Sandy, she’s my Mom now… They are meeting with Social Services to finalize having you come live with us. And we’re staying with Teddy. And Charlie asked if you could come. To lunch. And Teddy’s Dad said he’d like to meet you. And Nash is really excited too. See, he’s waiting by the car. That’s my brother. Teddy’s inside. He’s Nash’s best friend. He’s my boyfriend or sort of my boyfriend.”

“They haven’t been on a date yet,” Charlie said. “Dating rules.”

Sissy started crying again.

“Please come with us,” Noelle said. “I prayed and wished and hoped for a sister and here you are! You’re perfect and we want you to be our sister. Look, there’s Nash.”

Nash ran over to them. Not sure of how he could help, his hands moved like helicopters over the hugging girls. Charlie put his arms around Noelle and Sissy. Nash hugged the girls from the other side. They heard the doors of the SUV close. Teddy and his Dad came over to the children.

“We’d love it if you came to lunch with us,” Teddy’s Dad, Zack Jakkman, said.

“How will I pay for it?” Sissy said.

“It’s all taken care of,” Teddy’s Dad said.

The children shifted back so Sissy could speak with Teddy’s Dad. Sissy eyes took in the handsome man. Blue eyes. Dark hair. Nice smile. Fit, healthy, with an air of ‘can do.’ She blushed and pulled on her dress.

“You’re Sandy’s pilot,” Sissy said.

“I am,” Teddy’s Dad smiled. “Nice to finally meet you.”

“What about Mom?” Sissy asked. “If I live with Charlie, what will Mom do?”

Teddy stepped toward the girl.

“My mom’s a mess. Nash’s too,” Teddy said. “Dad just tells me to love her. That’s my job. And that’s what I do.”

“I do that too,” Nash said. “Even if my mom can’t love me, I can love her.”

“I love you, Sissy,” Noelle hugged her again. “You can share my room.”

“Let the adults work out what happens with your mother,” Teddy’s Dad said. “We adults are slow at getting it done, but we eventually get there. My understanding is that Social Services was already planning to place you in foster care. Staying with Sandy and Aden is a much better option.”

Trying to understand, Sissy held the man’s eyes. The man smiled.

“I’m pretty new to Denver,” Teddy’s Dad said. “Nash read a review of Encore Restaurant. I guess they have the best burgers in town. The kids wanted to try it.”

“It’s across the street from East High School,” Charlie said.

“And lots of cute girls,” Nash said.

Sissy nodded and Noelle let go.

“The boys always want to be around cute girls,” Noelle said.

“I know I do,” Teddy said. Noelle smiled at him and he blushed. “Well just one.”

“Please come to lunch,” Teddy’s Dad said.

Sissy nodded again. With a little more encouragement from Noelle, Sissy walked to the SUV. Nash and Charlie sat in the back so Sissy could sit with Noelle and Teddy.

“Off we go,” Teddy’s Dad said. “Anyone have a problem if I listen to country music?”

The kids groaned.

Denver Cereal continues tomorrow…

CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED and FIFTEEN
(part three)

Thursday afternoon —3:02 P.M.

“MITZI!” Charlie yelled.

He jumped out of the back of the SUV and ran toward the tall, rail thin girl walking along the sidewalk. Defensive, she flipped around.

“Don’t call me that… CHARLIE!” Sissy said.

Charlie picked his sister up off the sidewalk in a hug. She was crying so hard he didn’t dare let her go. He held her tight.

“Charlie, I thought you were dead,” she said. “I thought you were dead. I… Oh Charlie.”

In a typical sister reversal, she shrugged him off her.

“Where have you BEEN?” Sissy punched him in the chest. “I’ve been crazy with worry!”

In a classic brother move, he gave her a sheepish look and shrugged. Shaking her head, she continued walking. Charlie fell in beside her. She stopped walking when Charlie began to cough from the excitement.

“You need a doctor!” Sissy said.

“I… have… one,” Charlie said between coughing. “I got beat up… was in the hospital… for a… week… have pneumonia… Hepatitis…”

With Sissy banging on his back, Charlie coughed until he stopped. She held out her water bottle for him.

“I came to get you.” Charlie took a long drink from Sissy’s water bottle.

“I can’t go anywhere, Charlie,” Sissy said. “I have to go home. Mom will kill me if I’m not there when she gets home.”

“She doesn’t get home until five twenty three,” Charlie said. “We’re going for burgers and I wanted you to meet everyone.”

“You and your friends?” Sissy put her painfully thin arms on her thin hips. “Burgers and fries? You mean you want me to buy you and your friend’s lunch.”

“Me and our family,” Charlie said. “I’ve been staying with Sandy and her husband.”

“Sandy!” Sissy’s face brightened. For a moment, a beautiful young girl shone through her almost skeletal features. She repeated, “Sandy!”

“Come on,” Charlie pointed toward the SUV. “We can get burgers and fries and get you back before Mom comes home. Or at least that’s what Teddy’s Dad said.”

Sissy pulled a fist full of bills from her pocket.

“I’ve been saving all my food money for you,” Sissy held the money out to Charlie.

“It’s all paid for,” Charlie pushed her hand back to her. “You don’t have to save for me anymore. I’m going to take care of you for a while.”

With her hand still extended, Sissy shook her head at him.

“How?” she whispered.

“We’re going to live with Sandy,” Charlie said. “I have it all arranged with her husband, Aden. You’ll like him and the kids. Come on. Everyone is waiting for us.”

Charlie started walking toward the car.

“Everyone?” Sissy’s hands went to her face in horror. She began to shake.

Denver Cereal continues tomorrow…

CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED and FIFTEEN
(part two)

“Will you ask, Bambi?” the controller said.

Sandy braced herself for whatever might come.

“We were wondering if you’d do our hair,” Bambi said.

“Your hair?” Sandy laughed.

“Well, yeah,” another woman said. “It’s the only reason I came.”

“Me too,” the controller said.

The other women nodded.

“Really?”

“Of course,” Bambi said. “Why do you think these women keep looking over here?”

“Just call me,” Laughing at herself, Sandy said. “I’ll fit you in.”

“She’s the best hair cutter in the city,” Noelle said.

Noelle grabbed Sandy’s purse and passed out her card. Once the cards came out, women began approaching the table. One after another, they asked about getting their hair done. When Sandy ran out of cards, Noelle started writing the number on napkins.

Stuffed full of cake, the girls went back to finish their school day. Sandy walked Noelle to her class then followed Bambi to the parking lot. Bambi gave Sandy a big hug. After promises for hair appointments and play dates, Sandy got into Aden’s SAAB. She sat for a moment, then started the car. She wasn’t out of the Marlowe School parking lot before her cell phone rang.

“Sandy, I…” Aden started.

But Sandy laughed.

“Some people are just awful,” Sandy said. “I think this goes with being the boss’s wife.”

“You’re all right?” Aden asked. “I can come home or meet you or…”

“I’m all right,” Sandy said. “Grateful for Bambi. Did she call?”

“She did,” Aden said. “I’m so sorry. I… Did they really say you were a prostitute?”

“I was a prostitute,” Sandy said. “The Denver Post broke that story. 9News had a field day with it for weeks.”

His silence relayed his overwhelming guilt. Finally, he spoke.

“Sandy, I…”

“It’s okay,” Sandy said. “Noelle had a fabulous time. To me, that’s all that matters.”

“You’re amazing,” Aden said. “I owe you one.”

“Just one?”

Aden laughed.

“Flowers? Candy? Or Diamonds?” Aden asked.

“How about dinner – just you and me – our house after we put the kids to bed,” Sandy said.

“You’re on,” Aden said. “I’ll make Chinese Food.”

“My favorite,” Sandy said. “Pete’s or Dragon Café.”

“My culinary skills are vast,” Aden laughed.

“Remember we’re meeting Social Services at five tonight,” Sandy said.

“I’ll be there,” Aden said. “Love you.”

“Yeah, me too,” Sandy said.

Setting down the phone, Sandy drove to her shop. Pete met her at the door with a pint of her favorite ice cream to check to see if she was ‘really and truly okay.’ They laughed and ate the ice cream together. A few minutes later, the bell rang. A client was waiting and it was time to work. Straightening her maternity top, she smiled at herself in the mirror. Today was a good day.

Denver Cereal continues tomorrow…

CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED and FIFTEEN
(part one)

“You’re a prostitute right?” the only brunette at the table said.

“No, she was a prostitute,” the platinum blonde woman said. “Remember?”

“We certainly can see how you tricked Aden into marrying you,” the first woman nodded to Sandy’s belly.

“Tricked Aden? What are you talking about?” Sandy asked. “I met Aden…”

“As a prostitute. Yes we know,” the brunette woman said. “Can’t blame a single man for seeking a little company.”

“Aden’s never seen a prostitute.” Sandy jumped to her feet. “What the hell are you talking about?”

“It’s alright. We’re very liberal here,” the platinum blonde woman said. “We just don’t want your… values to influence our daughters.”

“Maybe you should speak with your daughters and not me.” Sandy turned away from the table and said, “I think…”

“Sandy!” Bambi, Honey’s boss, gave Sandy a hug. “I’m so glad to see you. I don’t know a soul. My goodness, you’re shaking like a leaf.”

Bambi looked toward the table.

“What did you do?” Bambi asked the platinum blonde woman. “This is Aden’s wife, the mother of his children.”

“We know what she is,” the brunette said.

“Oh my God,” Bambi said. “You haven’t gotten over it. Have you?”

“Gotten over what?”

“She has a terrible crush on Aden,” Bambi said. “Tell Sandy why nothing happened.”

Bambi stretched up to her entire six feet. The woman wouldn’t look at her.

“Fine,” Bambi said. “I’ll tell her. Aden told her what he’s told every woman for the last six or seven years. He was in love with someone else. Remember. That’s what he told you.”

The woman glared at Bambi.

“That was Sandy,” Bambi said. “Aden’s been crazy about Sandy since my Ally was two or three. And you know they met at the gym.”

The brunette looked away. Bambi glared at the other women.

”You disgust me. I’m stunned you would believe the poison spewed by this harpie,” Bambi said to the women. “Come on, Sandy. There are plenty of free tables.”

Bambi grabbed Sandy’s arm and pulled her over to another table.

“Noelle?” Bambi waved to Noelle. “We’re over here.”

Noelle’s smile brightened when she saw Bambi. Bambi found an empty table and sat Sandy in a chair. Noelle set down Sandy’s plate of food in front of her then ran back to the buffet. Bambi’s daughter brought her a plate of food and ran after Noelle.

“They said I was a prostitute,” Sandy said when she caught her breath.  “I tricked Aden into marrying me.”

“They’re just jealous,” Bambi said.

“Of what?”

“You’re the boss’s wife,” Bambi said. “Their husbands are lowly site managers. You know, not everyone was thrilled when Jake elevated Aden to CEO. Those hornets thought their husband’s should have the position. You watch. They’re going to try to make that happen at the owner’s meetings.”

“I thought…”

“It was about you,” Bambi said. “No, it’s about Aden. They see how much the kids love you, how happy Aden is and they’re jealous. Plus, they know Aden beat up your father.”

“They said my influence made their daughters over sexual,” Sandy whispered.

Shaking her head, Bambi laughed.

“Those girls are as bad as their mothers,” Bambi said. “Whores. All of them. You think their husband’s can afford all those diamonds? Each one of them has some side action. They’re disgusting and the girls aren’t much better. Why did you sit there?”

“Noelle wants to be just like them,” Sandy said.

“Don’t blame her. She doesn’t know any better,” Bambi said. “Give her time. Now that she has a mom to talk to, I bet she’ll want to be something else. Do more with her life than shop and sleep around. Certainly, we love having Noelle around our house. Ally and Noelle enjoy each other. Why don’t we set up some time over the summer?”

Sandy looked up to see Noelle and Ally chatting and walking back with full plates. For the first time, she looked around the room. There were at least a hundred women there with their daughters. She waved to a few of her clients. Turning back to Bambi, she smiled.

“Thanks for the rescue,” Sandy said.

“Anytime. I’m sure you’d do it for me,” Bambi said.

“In a heart beat,” Sandy said.

“If I’d known that was going to happen, I would have been on time,” Bambi said. “Between you and me? I dread these things.”

“Why?”

“A lot of these women don’t work,” Bambi said. “They aren’t fond of the women who work with their husbands. Celia Marlowe would roll over in her grave.”

Sandy smiled.

“It’s nice to have a little solidarity here,” Bambi said. “This is the first one any of the Lipson women have come to. Look, there’s another woman site manager. Have you met the controller? She’s here with her daughter. Let’s wave them over.”

Sandy watched Bambi wave a few women over to their table. Their smiling faces put Sandy at ease. These women made a big fuss over Sandy’s big pregnant belly. They even seemed glad to see her. Bambi relayed what happened to Sandy and the women looked horror struck.

“One thing is for sure,” Bambi said. “I’m going to tell their husbands.”

“If you don’t, I will,” the other site manager said.

They clammed up the moment Noelle and Ally returned. Looking up, the controller waved another woman and her daughter over to the table. Soon the table was filled with laughing women and their daughters. Sandy let down her guard and joined in the conversation.

Noelle seemed to be in seventh heaven. Her eye’s big, she watched the women talk back and forth with each other. When the women laughed, Noelle laughed to. When they started the program, Noelle reached for Sandy’s hand. Sandy moved her between her legs so they could snuggle in the dark.

But when the lights came up, Sandy could see something had transpired between the other women at the table. When Noelle took their empty plates to the tub, Sandy asked what was going on.

“Will you ask, Bambi?” the controller said.

Sandy braced herself for whatever might come.

Denver Cereal continues tomorrow…

CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED and FOURTEEN
(part six)

Thursday afternoon —12:02 P.M.

Wearing the special dresses they’d bought for the Mother-Daughter tea, Sandy and Noelle entered the Marlowe School auditorium. The auditorium was set up with round white tables. Men and women in black tuxes moved through the tables serving drinks. Lunch was set up in a buffet at the front.

Sandy looked around to see if there was anyone she knew. Jill was in Mexico. Heather was frantically trying to find a liver for Blane. Plus, Mack was still a baby, and a boy. She reached for Noelle’s hand to keep her close. As they approached the tables, she heard a ripple go through the women.

“That’s the woman,” the whisper went.

Sandy blushed.

“Let’s sit over here,” Noelle tugged on Sandy’s hand.

“Of course,” Sandy gulped back her anxiety.

Noelle made a beeline for the noxious popular girls’ table. The tiny, perfect girls sat with their perfect mothers. Even though she could never stand these kinds of women, Sandy put on her best smile. The women wore similar smiles. At least the girls were nice to Noelle.

After an uncomfortable period of chit chat, there was an announcement that the girls could get plates for their mothers. Giggling, Noelle and the other girls ran up to the front. Sandy watched Noelle to make sure she was all right.

“Sandy,” one of the extra blonde women said. “That’s your name, right?”

“Hi,” Sandy said.

“We wanted to speak to you,” the woman continued. “Our daughters have become very sexual in the last six months.”

“We feel your influence is responsible,” a platinum blonde woman said.

“How could I influence your children?” Sandy almost laughed that the idea. “I’ve never seen them before.”

“You’re a prostitute right?” the only brunette at the table said.

“No, she was a prostitute,” the platinum blonde woman said. “Remember?”

“We certainly can see how you tricked Aden into marrying you,” the first woman nodded to Sandy’s belly.

“Tricked Aden? What are you talking about?” Sandy asked. “I met Aden…”

“As a prostitute. Yes we know,” the brunette woman said. “Can’t blame a single man for seeking a little company.”

“Aden’s never seen a prostitute,” Sandy said. “What the hell are you talking about?”

Denver Cereal continues on Monday…

CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED and FOURTEEN
(part five)

The elevator doors groaned. They made an effort to open then stopped. Perses pressed the open button and the doors opened.

“How did you…?” Steve started.

“I’ve been on my share of crappy elevators,” Perses said.

“Over the last year, Jake has moved most of the residents to reconditioned apartments on the first floor,” Honey said. “The elevator is slated to be fixed this summer.”

Steve and Perses went out onto the third floor. MJ pushed Honey behind them. The floor was stripped to the subflooring and the walls were down to the studs. Jacob had even taken down the ceiling. They could look straight into the rafters of the roof.

“New roof?” Perses asked.

“Yes,” Honey said. “Everything on this floor has either been replaced or will be replaced. Jake has the contact at building department who is helping us figure out what we need to make this hospital grade electricity, water, gas, etc.”

“Sounds expensive,” Perses said.

“Jake’s a contractor,” Steve said. “He’s putting in the building and his company. That’s his portion. We just need money to…”

Perses gave Steve a broad smile. Steve gave him a sheepish look. Honey watched the older man’s obvious love for Steve and Steve’s unfamiliarity with it.

“I have to tell you,” Perses said. “I’m excited. Did I say that before?”

“No sir,” MJ said.

“When I look at the bones of this building, the work that’s being done,” Perses said. “I’m delighted Steve’s getting involved in this project. Now tell me, what’s the ownership look like?”

“The financial partners are Jake and… well, you,” Honey said.

“You mean Steve,” Perses said. “This is Steve’s money. He either gets it now or when I die. I’d much rather him have it now.”

Steve’s eyes went wide with surprise.

“That’s why you wouldn’t sign the papers?” Steve asked.

“Yes son,” Perses said. “This isn’t my project. It’s yours. You and Jake should be equal partners. Unless Honey and MJ are partners as well.”

“Yes sir,” Honey said. “The four of us will be equal partners.”

“I can’t think of better people to be in partnership with,” Perses said. “Let’s look at the plans again.”

For the next half hour, they went through the construction plans. They walked the top floor imagining what their new business would look like. There would be ten apartments a floor with an apartment for a caregiver or nurse. The apartments would be a hundred percent wheelchair access. A crew of nurses would arrive in the morning and at night to help people. Otherwise, it would be an apartment building.

After learning he was a full partner, Steve joined the conversation. By the time they were standing at the elevator landing, Steve, Honey and MJ were as excited as Perses. Honey wondered if Perses was in fact some kind of God.

“I have to get back to work,” Honey said as she rolled out of the elevator. “My boss is at some mother–daughter thing at her daughter’s school.”

Perses took her hand and kissed it.

“Thank you for including us,” Perses said. “When does Jake get back?”

“Saturday,” Honey said. “We’re meeting with the lawyers on Monday.”

“I wouldn’t miss it,” Perses said. “Shall we men get some lunch?”

MJ looked at Honey and she nodded to encourage him to go.

“Sure,” MJ said.

MJ helped her into the van. He kissed her good-bye. She was pulling out of the parking lot when she saw him walk toward Steve and Perses. She nodded to herself. She couldn’t think of better partners either.

Denver Cereal continues tomorrow…

CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED and FOURTEEN
(part four)

Thursday mid-day — 12:02 A.M.

Honey waved to MJ as she pulled into the parking lot. They were meeting at Jill’s old apartment building to talk over the plans with Steve Roper’s step-father. From the driver’s seat of her van, Honey saw MJ laugh at something Steve’s step-father said. She watched them talk back and forth for a minute and realized MJ knew Steve’s step-father.

Ah the secret life of MJ.

As if he’d heard her, MJ turned to look. She was setting her wheelchair outside the side door when he appeared. With his usual exuberance, he lifted her into his arms. He nuzzled her neck then helped her into her chair.

“Shall I?” MJ asked.

“Sure,” Honey said.

MJ pushed her sport wheel chair to where Steve and his step-father stood. Watching the two men, she saw Steve’s nervousness and the older man’s calm. Trim and muscular, Steve’s step-father had an air of competence about him. Honey wondered if he was a military person. Knowing MJ would never tell her, she smiled her way through introductions.

Steve’s father went by the name Perses. The Titan God of Destruction? Seeing her look, Perses laughed and said it was a family name. Honey nodded because she should, not because she believed him.

“She’s smart,” Perses said to MJ. His accent was British with something mixed in.

“A lot smarter than I am,” MJ said.

Honey smiled. With MJ pushing, she rolled into the building.

“Steve and I discussed the deal, but I wondered if we could go over it while I’m here,” Perses said. “It will help me cement the details into my mind.”

“The building is owned by Honey’s brother Jacob Marlowe,” MJ said.

“He’s the man you live with?” Perses asked.

“We live at the Castle,” Honey said. “The Castle is owned by Delphie.”

“I met a Delphie at my daughter Jillian’s wedding,” Perses said. “Powerful psychic?”

“That’s her,” MJ said. “Jake’s mom bought the building for her so that she would always have a place to live. We all live there.”

“How is that?” Perses looked from one to the other.

“Wonderful,” Honey said.

Perses held the door for them.

“Psychics,” Perses said. He let the door go and joined them at the elevator landing. “There are so many people who say they have a gift. A true psychic is a rare commodity. I’ve traveled the world, speak many languages, and still I’ve only met a few real psychics in my entire life. Delphie is the only one I’ve met with that much… power.”

Stepping onto the elevator, he added, “This elevator is horrible.”

“The building was pretty beaten up when Jake bought it,” MJ said. “This is a vast improvement.”

“He bought it so Jill and Katy wouldn’t have to move after Trevor left,” Honey said. “Jake’s tried to fix it up without displacing the original tenants. For many of them, this is the only place they’ve lived. Our goal is to allow the tenants to live out their lives here.”

Perses nodded. They followed Honey and MJ on to the elevator. Honey looked up at Steve. Steve seemed completely shut down. She smiled at him and he nodded. He was shut down but still present. The elevator jerked to a stop at the third floor.

“I’d forgotten Jillian lived here,” Perses said.

Denver Cereal continues tomorrow…

CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED and FOURTEEN
(part three)

“How am I going to pay for all of this?” Charlie asked.

Aden set his fork down and looked at Charlie. He chuckled.

“I’m not kidding,” Charlie said. “Sissy’s still stuck at Mom’s and…”

“We need to get your sister,” Aden said. “We will.”

“How am I going to pay for this?” Charlie asked. “Even if I work, I can’t…”

“Okay, okay.” Aden raised his hands to quell Charlie’s rising anxiety. “I laughed because you truly are Sandy’s brother. She’s just like that.”

“Is that bad?”

“No, it’s just not how a lot of people are,” Aden said. “First, you are family. You feel like you belong here. We feel like you belong here. I think Noelle would be devastated if you left. She’s been telling everyone about her new brother.”

“She’s really great,” Charlie blushed.

“So are you,” Aden said. “I know Sandy always feels better if there’s something she can do. So let’s make a deal.”

“What do I have to do?” Charlie asked.

“You’ve been doing our laundry,” Aden said. “Why don’t you continue that as  your household task? You will participate one hundred percent in rehab.”

“Oh man,” Charlie groaned.

“No drugs, no alcohol, no exceptions, period.”

“But…” Charlie started.

“No buts,” Aden said. “You asked me how you could pay for everything. I’m giving you the list so you can make a choice.”

“Fine,” Charlie crossed his arms. In this moment, he was every bit the sixteen year old boy. “Go on.”

“You’ll get caught up in school. No matter what it takes,” Aden said. “You will follow the household rules to the best of your abilities.”

“What are those?”

“Brush your teeth, shower, eat meals, be polite, try to get along with Noelle and Nash,” Aden said. “Help Sandy and me when asked. Respect us. And whatever else I’m forgetting.”

“What do I get for all of that?”

“A home,” Aden said. “Food, clothing, medical help for your Hepatitis…”

“You know about that?”

“Yes. You still have pneumonia,” Aden said. “Cracked bones. Broken teeth. We will give you everything you need, love you and welcome you into our family.”

“Noelle and Nash don’t have to do this stuff,” Charlie said.

“Yes, they do,” Aden said.

Charlie sat in sullen silence.

“I have to get to work,” Aden said.

Charlie didn’t move while Aden picked up their plates and took them into the kitchen.

“I know it’s a lot to think about,” Aden said. “We ask a lot of you. And we give a lot. You can let me know later.”

Charlie looked up at Aden.

“I’ll do it,” Charlie said. “I’m not going to be perfect.”

“No one is,” Aden said.

“I like it here,” Charlie said. “I want to stay here so I’ll do it.”

“Great,” Aden said. “I’ll talk to Jake about moving into a bigger space. Jake says there’s plenty of room.”

Flushing, Charlie nodded. Aden ruffled Charlie’s hair again. He was almost to the door when Charlie stood.

“What do I call you?” Charlie asked.

“Aden?”

“Too weird,” Charlie said. “You feel like family… like a Dad but not my Dad.”

“I have a friend who’s very close with his mother’s brother, his maternal uncle,” Aden said. “He calls him ‘shi-dai’.”

“What’s that mean?,” Charlie said.

“Little father or something like that,” Aden said. “It’s Navajo.”

“Shi-dai.” Charlie tried out the foreign word. “That’s weird but somehow right.”

“Like found family?”

Charlie smiled. Aden ruffled his hair and turned toward the door.

“What about Sissy?”

Aden turned back to face him.

“We’re meeting with Social Services this evening,” Aden said. “Sissy is on our agenda.”

Charlie nodded.

“Go back to bed, Charlie,” Aden said. “You need the rest.”

“Yes… Shi-dai,” Charlie said.

Aden gave the boy a tight hug. Stepping back, he waved and went out the door. Charlie watched the place where Aden stood then went back to bed. Laying on his futon, he replayed their conversation. He liked the way Aden treated him like a real person, not a stupid child. He liked having a choice to make and something he could do. And it was pretty great to have a real family. Smiling, he fell asleep.

Denver Cereal continues tomorrow…