9 comments/ 15147 views/ 19 favorites I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 02 By: kalamazoo707 No one spoke as Kenji drove to where Joel said he was staying. Each of them was wondering what was going to happen next and each of them afraid for different reasons. Joel was afraid for himself, it had been lucky thing that Andrew had broken his left hand as opposed to his right, he wouldn't be able to take notes or do class work otherwise. Patricia as worried about Kenji, she knew that although he was at heart a gentle spirit that he wouldn't hesitate to come to her defense no matter the cost. She said her prayers that nothing happened that he would need to defend her. They weren't worried about the name-calling, but if Andrew Kelley or anyone else touched her ..... Kenji was afraid not for himself but for Patricia and Joel, he didn't know how he could protect both of them but Patricia was the priority. Joel had to learn how to stand up for himself; he had to learn how to defend himself against the likes of Andrew Kelley. "You can let me out here." Joel said after telling Kenji to make a right hand turn. Kenji and Patricia looked around and then at each other. "Where is your home?" Kenji asked. "Not far from here." Joel replied, "I can walk from here." "We can take you to your home." Kenji said, "It is no trouble." "No thank you." Joel replied softly as he picked up his bag grimacing when he bumped his left hand. "Thank you for helping me." Kenji watched Joel as he got out of the car and walked away, he was struck at how lonely Joel looked and at the defeated set of his shoulders. He wondered who had beaten him down so badly. ******* "What is it kirei?" Kenji asked after they were back on the road. "I want you to promise me something." Patricia replied. "If it is a promise that I can keep." Kenji replied already knowing what the promise was. "Promise me that you won't get into a physical fight with Andrew Kelley no matter what he does." "I cannot and will not promise you that." Kenji replied. "I can and will promise you that I will try to avoid altercations with him of any kind." "Kenji...." "I know what you are thinking but if he harms or physically threatens you in any way then I will address the issue." "What about Joel?" she asked. "I will help him as much as I can but you are my priority." "I understand that but I don't want our chances of graduating blown to bits because of Andrew and his friends." "Understood but Kirei, what kind of man and husband would I be if I allowed something to happen to you just so that I could meet my goals?" Kenji asked, "I would rather work as a servant than have you harmed in any way. You and the children will always come before anything else." Patricia didn't argue any further, she heard the resolve in his voice and knew that it was pointless. ******* Joel waited until he was sure that Kenji had pulled away before beginning his walk home. He had lied when he told them that he lived close to where they dropped him off, he actually lived more than ten city blocks away. He bit back a groan as he tried to put his bag into his left hand, tears of shame ran down his face as he remembered crying and begging like a baby not to be hurt. Why did he think that once he became an adult that things would change? He began walking and ended up in front of an abandoned store. After looking around, Joel slipped to the back of the building and into the back door. He had to get moving, it would soon be too dark for him to read. He took the lunch leftovers from his bag and divided it into thirds, he had enough for three meals only and if he had to he would spend a little of his money to supplement his meager rations. The store had belonged to his parents and now belonged to him. He knew that if he sold it his life would be so much easier but this was the one place where he had always felt safe and loved. When his parents died, they left him enough money that it paid for school and books but little else hence no electricity. He only left the water on out of necessity... he had to bathe and wash his clothes. After dividing the food up Joel decided that he couldn't study, his hand throbbed so badly that he wouldn't have been able to concentrate anyway. He put the food away and went to his "room" where he undressed being careful not to bump his hand. He lay on the mattress and closed his eyes trying to rest but Kenji and Patricia kept coming to mind. Tears started again as he thought about his humiliation and the thought that he would never find the kind of love and respect that Kenji and Patricia clearly had for each other. ****** They were late and Niko was almost beside himself with panic as he gripped the handkerchief that he was keeping safe for his papa. Uncle Ralph told him that they would be home soon but that seemed like such a long time ago and the sun had already gone down. "Come on Niko and eat." Abby encouraged, "They'll be here soon." He wasn't convinced; he could tell that Aunt Abby and Uncle Ralph were getting worried although they were trying not to show it. The only one who seemed oblivious to the worry was Marie who happily ate her dinner as she chattered about whatever came to mind. As soon as he heard the car pull into the garage Niko took off at a run and ran right into Patricia. He couldn't help it; he started to cry as she wrapped his arms around her legs. Patricia picked him up and hugged him, "It's alright, we're home now." she soothed grateful that it was the weekend. Kenji left their bags in the car and went to them, "Niko, all is well, and we are here now." Niko reached for Kenji and hugged him. Kenji returned the hug and wondered why Niko was still so fearful of their leaving. It was something that he planned to find out and address over the weekend but not now, Niko was much too upset. "Here papa." Niko said holding out the handkerchief. "Thank you Niko, would you do me the honor of holding it for a while longer?" Kenji asked. "Yes papa." Niko replied now visibly calmer. "Papa!" Marie screamed when she saw Kenji, she had already greeted Patricia in like manner. "Hello pretty one." Kenji said putting Niko down and picking Marie up. Now that his parents were home, Niko was more than ready for dinner. By mutual unspoken agreement, Kenji and Patricia agreed to spend the evening and the next day with Niko and Marie. It was early in the semester and they wouldn't always be able to set their studies aside. "What would you like to do this evening?" Kenji asked Niko. "Will you read with me?" Niko asked. "Of course, go pick out a book." Kenji said with a smile. Niko grinned happily; he loved reading with his papa and mama. He took Marie's hand and led her out of the kitchen. When they were gone, Kenji gave Patricia a smile that made her blush and release a spurt of moisture between her legs. "Come here kirei." Kenji said patting his lap when he was sitting. Patricia had long given up on trying to convince Kenji that she was too heavy to sit in his lap and besides she liked the feel of being in his lap especially when he was hard, as she knew that he was now. She got out of her chair and made her way over to him, sat in his lap and wriggled her bottom to tease him. He was hard as she knew that he would be and smiled at his soft moan as she teased him knowing that he loved the tease as much as she loved teasing him. Kenji kissed her softly and held her still in his lap but not really wanting to. He loved these moments with her and was looking forward to many, many more such moments as they and she kept him focused. They sat quietly until Niko came back into the kitchen carrying a book. "What happened to the car?" Ralph asked when he came in from taking out the trash. "Niko please wait for us in the living room." Kenji said with a reassuring smile. When he was out of earshot, Kenji told Ralph what happened. "Shit!" Ralph swore, "I saw that most of the slurs were directed at you." he said. "That is fine as it keeps the attention on me and not Patricia." Kenji replied. "I understand." Ralph replied "but you know that it's only a matter of time until they drag Patty into it." Kenji was way ahead of him, he had already thought about that and would deal with it when and if it happened. But in the meantime, he would do everything humanly possible to avoid any confrontations with Andrew Kelley. ****** Andrew was angry and intrigued at the same time. The "Jap" as he had taken to calling him hadn't reacted in the way that he would have had it been his car. He would have hunted whoever it was down and beaten them within an inch of his life. However, he didn't sense any real anger coming from the "Jap" instead he remained calm, checked out the car before allowing his wife and the Jew get in. He began to wonder just how far he could push before Kenji pushed back and what would it take to break him. One sure way was to fuck with his woman but even he drew the line there. He might make comments to and about her but touch her? Hell no and it had nothing to do with the color of her skin but everything to do with the fact that black or not she was a woman. Andrew peeked in the living room to check on his father who actually looked better than he had since his return. He wasn't staring off into space and absently rubbing the knee of the missing limb. His eyes were actually bright, clear and focused as he read the paper. The change hadn't occurred suddenly but over a period of days, starting with him asking for the paper and then it had progressed from there. He was now eating everything on his plate without coaxing and was actually talking about getting a job of some kind. "There's gotta be something that a fella with one leg can do." Harlan said as he ate his dinner of meatloaf and mashed potatoes that his wife Evelyn brought home from the diner. At first, both Andrew and Evelyn were concerned about what seemed to be a rapid change in attitude but in thinking about it, it really hadn't been that rapid. It started with Harlan asking for the newspaper and progressed from there. Andrew wanted to know the reason for the change but had been too afraid to ask. Now tonight, Harlan Kelley was bright eyed, bushy tailed and reading the classifieds. He was tired of sitting around on his ass and feeling sorry for himself. He was also tired of Evelyn having to work to support them, it was time for him to man up and take care of his family. There was something else on his mind- Andrew. He didn't like the anger and hatred that he felt coming from his only child. Tonight they were going to talk; Harlan wanted to tell Andrew about hate and what it could do to a man. He knew that Andrew would be surprised to know that he didn't hate the Japanese for the loss of his leg, it was war, he himself had maimed, and killed god knew how many sons, fathers and husbands. There was nothing personal to it, he didn't know them, they didn't know him and all of them were fighting for what they believed to be right. "Here's dinner." Andrew said as he sat the plate of warmed food on the tray in front of Harlan. "Thanks son." Harlan said as he dug in, "aren't you eating?" he asked. "I'll eat later." Andrew replied. "Pop? What happened? I mean you're so much better." Harlan took another bite of his dinner and laid the fork down. "Andy, there comes a time when a man's gotta stop wallowing in self pity and get moving and for me that time is here and long past. I've been sitting on my ass watching your mom work her fingers to the bone trying to support us and it isn't right. This isn't the life that I promised her...." "That's because of the damned Japs!" Andrew blurted out, "They took your leg and almost killed you!" "Andrew...." "And now they're here going to college! I have one in my class! It isn't right they should all be sent back to where they belong!" Harlan knew that Andrew was angry but until now, he didn't know just angry he was. "Andy that was war. There was nothing personal; I was shooting at them too." "You don't hate them?" "No I don't hate them." Harlan replied, "I don't know them to hate them any more than they know me. Do I wish that I had my leg back? Damned straight I do but I take pride in that I lost it in the service to my country. The war is over; it's time to go back to living." Andrew wasn't buying it; he didn't understand how his father could have what he considered to be a cavalier attitude. "Andy, they weren't the only ones killing. I maimed and took lives too, we all did and I would do it again to serve this country but son, you have to let go of that anger before it eats you alive." Andrew wasn't listening. All he could think of was the months of hardship and of not knowing whether his father was dead or alive, if he was in one of those camps where the prisoners had been treated as something less than human while the Japs here were fed and sheltered and now were occupying classroom space that white Americans should have. "Son?" Andrew forced a smile and patted his father on the arm, "I understand." he said softly. Harlan relaxed glad that he and Andrew had talked. First thing Monday morning he was going to start looking for a job. ******** Sally looked over at Will as he helped the children with their schoolwork. She liked him even though he had been the one to send Lawrence to prison. His renting a room from her saved her from having to look for work outside of the home, which in turn saved her from having to find someone to stay with Dianne and Eli. They had all gotten used to Ralph's very unorthodox family and to some degree Sally had begun to think of them as family as well. The lines of what had kept them separated were blurring and no longer mattered. As time went on, she thought less and less about Lawrence coming home and more and more of a life without him. She knew that his views wouldn't have changed and if anything they would have become stronger. At some point, she was going to have to make some decisions but not now, Lawrence had at least another three years in prison. She looked at Will again and wondered why he wasn't married. He was tall, good looking... a woman could do much worse than a man like him. Will looked up, caught her looking at him, and smiled at her which made Sally blush, she hadn't meant for him to see her watching him. Will decided that Nick was right; he had to tell Sally about Lawrence. There was always the chance that he could be released early or as Nick suggested escape. He turned his attention back to helping Dianne and Eli with their homework; he would talk to Sally once the children were in bed for the night. It wasn't a conversation that he was looking forward to but it had to be done. ******* Lawrence Goodman frowned as the man next to him lit up another cigarette oblivious to the fact that smoking wasn't allowed. He was a new member to Lawrence's rapidly growing prison group who hadn't been advised of the rules yet one of which was no smoking. He had incorporated the "your body is a temple" teaching into his program. What was even more amazing was that some of the members of his group had been amongst the worst troublemakers and were now model prisoners. It wasn't something that was missed by the prison officials; it was one of the reasons for his probable early release. However, another issue occupied Lawrence's mind as he waited for the group to show up... there was a traitor amongst them. He didn't know who it was yet but he would find out and the man would be swiftly dealt with and would be used as an example to show what would happen to traitors. The thought of traitors made Lawrence think of his wife Sally. She hadn't responded to any letters or phone calls and according to her mother, she hadn't called her either. Kenny had been right about her Lawrence thought to himself. He had tried to warn him but Lawrence hadn't listened, "I'm listening now." Lawrence murmured. "You say something?" the man smoking asked. "Yes, I said put your cigarette out." Lawrence replied firmly, "we do not smoke or drink in this group so put it out." The man hesitated and then put the cigarette out cursing under his breath. ********* Friday evening passed quickly with the bedtime stories and baths. Kenji and Patricia let the children stay up thirty minutes past bedtime and then planned to spend the rest of the evening alone. It had been a long time since everyone had been together and Patricia wanted to have dinner the next evening. While Kenji had been giving baths, she got on the phone and called everyone. When that was finished, she combed and then braided Marie's hair that now fell to her shoulders. After a final bedtime story, Niko and Marie were tucked into bed, the light turned off and the door closed. Kenji followed Patricia into their room and began to undress, he had been waiting for this time all day and it was finally here. His light brown eyes shone with love and desire as he watched Patricia move around the room as she undressed. He was well aware that she thought herself too heavy even though she was at ease with him and herself but there wasn't anything that he would change about her. When Patricia was finally undressed, she stood in front of him, looked up at him and smiled her eyes full of mischief and desire, a combination that Kenji found potent. He glanced over to the bed and saw the little box that held the diaphragm and hardened even more. They had incorporated putting the device in to their love making so that it was easy to forget what its purpose was. Kenji took a breast in each hand and thumbed the nipples until they were hard. Patricia moved closer, reached down between them and gave his cock the lightest of touches, giggling when he jumped. "It has been too long since I have felt you in my mouth." Kenji murmured as he moved her toward the bed, "I have missed you and this." he added as he bent down to kiss her. Patricia wrapped her arms around his waist and pressed closer; she had missed him too and told him so. Kenji eased her back onto the bed and knelt on the floor between her legs. He inhaled deeply as her scent and heat hit him, he loved this smell more than any other because it was just for him. He kissed the inside of each thigh with butterfly kisses that mad her gasp and moan. When he reached her mound, he stopped and then very slowly opened her lips with his fingers before placing his mouth over as much of her as he could. Patricia cried out, ground herself against his probing tongue, the first orgasm was never long in coming, and this time was no exception. She came with a scream that she muffled with a pillow over her face as Kenji continued his assault on her clit. When he finally relented he was about to explode and needed time to calm himself. When Patricia reached for his swollen cock head he stopped her, a touch was all that it would take and he didn't want to release like that, he wanted to come buried deep inside of her. He reached over and grabbed the little box containing the instrument that would allow him to remain inside of Patricia as he came and put it in place. Without saying anything, Kenji lay on his back so that his cock pointed toward the ceiling. Patricia on top had become one of his favorite positions as he could play with her breasts and her clit as she rode him. Like her, his orgasm hit him hard and fast taking Patricia along with him, afterwards, Patricia clung to Kenji and shivered as the cool air dried her sweat-slicked skin. Kenji reached down and covered them both, stroking her back until she slept. Sleep didn't come easily to him, his mind was on Andrew Kelley, he knew that the graffiti on the car was only the beginning. He forced the problem out of his mind, he wanted to enjoy his time with his family, he would think about Andrew Kelley another time. I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 02 ******* "What bothers you?" Hana asked Nick after they had finished making love. "I'm fine." Nick replied as he toyed with Hana's long dark hair that now had random strands of gray running through it. "Something troubles you." Hana insisted as she laid a hand on Nick's chest, "Tell me." Reluctantly, Nick told her about Lawrence Goodman's probable early release. "When he's free, he's coming here, I can feel it and I need to know how to protect all of you. I haven't mentioned anything to Ralph or the others because I don't want anyone to worry just yet...." "But yet you worry." Hana interrupted. "I'm a natural worrier, didn't you know that?" Nick teased. "We should be worrying with you." Hana replied. "To what end?" Nick asked, "I'm content worrying about all of us if everyone is happy and Hana, for the first time in a long time all of us are finally happy and I'm not ready to spoil it." Hana went silent; the subject was closed as far as Nick was concerned. She had to agree with him on the fact that everyone was happy, even Hiroshi and Kenji's relationship had improved to the point where they were almost as comfortable with each other in the way that they had been before the issues with Patricia happened. It wasn't totally the same and never would be but they were both aware of that. However, deep down in her stomach, a little feeling of disquiet began to grow. She snuggled into Nick who had already drifted off to sleep and closed her eyes, she would be up early preparing for the party at Kenji and Patricia's house as it was now known. ******* Ralph hung up the phone in disgust. He had been monitoring what was happening with Lawrence and was appalled that he would serve only three years for the eight known deaths in which he had actively participated. "Three years!" he exclaimed to Abby, "Three years for eight lives and there were probably more!" "I know Ralph, but what can we do?" she asked. "I know that we can't do anything but Jesus Abby!" he exclaimed, "and I'll tell you something else, he's coming back here when he's out." "He wouldn't! Nick..." "Is one of the reasons that he'll be back." Ralph interrupted, "and Sally and the kids won't be far from his mind either. The only good thing is that he doesn't know about Kenji, Patricia and the kids." "Do you think that he'll come after you?" Abby asked. "Probably but it's not me that I'm worried about." He replied, "It's the rest of you." ****** The kids were finally in bed and William decided that there was no time like the present. "Sally, we need to talk." Sally stopped what she was doing and looked up at Will, "something wrong? Am I charging too much for the room?" "No Sally the rent is fine." Will said, "It's about Lawrence." "Lawrence? What about him?" Sally asked nervously. "I'm not going to sugarcoat this." Will said. "Is he dead?" Sally asked. "No, he isn't dead but Sally, he'll be out in three years instead of four." Will waited for the news to sink in. "Three years? He'll come back here won't he?" she asked. "I'm afraid so." Will confirmed. "We just have to be ready...." "He wants to kill me doesn't he?" "According to my sources, not just you. The only ones not on the list are the kids, Kenji, Patricia, Hana and the kids and once he finds out their connection to Ralph and Nick...." "What are we going to do?" Sally asked. "I have friends that are keeping tabs on him and will alert me to any developments regarding his release and escape if that should happen." "Escape?" "It's possible." Will said, "I don't see it happening but as Nick pointed out, Lawrence has a lot of people who are willing to help him." Sally sat down and wrung her hands wishing that she could be rid of Lawrence Goodman and start over with someone like Will. ******* Lawrence watched the face of each man to see if he could determine who the traitor was. So far, no one stuck out but he knew.... He knew that he and the group were being betrayed. His first thought was his right hand man Carl Tucker but it didn't make sense. Carl was a good ole boy from his neck of the woods; in fact, Lawrence served with Carl's cousin just before he lost his arm. For that reason alone, he discounted Carl and set his sights on other potential traitors. He looked over at one of the newest recruits, Samuel Murphy. He didn't like the man even though he was a model recruit. He didn't drink or smoke and did anything and everything required of him, in other words he was too perfect and bore watching. Lawrence's gaze moved to the next new recruit, a clearly uneducated man who would make a good foot soldier in that he did what he was told without question but that didn't make him exempt him from suspicion. It was Lawrence's experience that people weren't always what they seemed; Doc and Sally were prime examples of that so Ezra Jones was added to the list. Carl Tucker made sure to do nothing that would cause Lawrence to call his loyalty into question. He didn't have enough information on the group or Lawrence's plan yet to leave the prison but what he did know was terrifying. The plan of this group was far more radical than any Klan group that he knew of and as soon as he found out what he wanted to know, he was getting the hell out. He had already passed on the list of people that Lawrence wanted killed and was surprised to hear sally Goodman was on the list but he didn't question it, he simply passed it on. It had become clear that Lawrence wasn't planning to escape; he wanted to leave the prison a free man and then go back to California. Of the people on the list only one had been killed, the man called Doc. The problem was there was nothing to link Lawrence to the murder although anyone with brains knew that he had a part in it. When Carl volunteered to go undercover in the prison, everyone thought that he had lost his mine but he had his reasons that remained unspoken. To be honest, he wished that Lawrence would try to escape; he wanted to kill the murdering son of a bitch himself. Like Lawrence, Carl scanned the rapidly filling cell and tried to decide which o the men he would implicate as the traitor. That the man would die was of no concern to him, as far as he was concerned, anyone who belonged to such a group was scum. ****** By the end of October 1945, the United States invades Japanese held Korea, Hideki Tojo who was PM of Japan during most of WWII attempts suicide rather than face war crimes, Vidkun Quisling is sentenced to death for collaborating with the Nazis, 1000 whites walk out of Gary, Indiana schools in protest of integration, German rocket engineers begin to work in the United States. Heavy weight champ Joe Louis is discharged from the army, Elvis Presley makes his first public appearance at the age of ten, "meet the press" premiers on radio, Hollywood Black Friday in which a strike by set designers turns into a bloody riot occurs, Juan Peron becomes President of Argentina, the Nazi war crime trial begins in Nuremberg, Paul Robeson wins the Spingarn Medal for singing and acting, French women are allowed to vote for the first time, Jackie Robinson signs a contract with the Montreal Royals, the first ball point pen goes on sale 57 years after it was patented and the US government ends shoe rationing. ******* After Andrew and his friends broke Joel's hand things at school seemed to have settled down although Kenji remained on guard and encouraged Joel and Patricia to do the same thing. The car had long been cleaned of the racial slurs that had covered it and the back window had been repaired. From the time of the attack, Kenji and Patricia insisted on taking Joel home insisting that it was no trouble. Joel's broken hand still wasn't completely healed and he found himself grateful that he wasn't going into surgery as a career choice. Andrew for the most part seemed to ignore Kenji not even speaking to him. "It is the calm before the storm." Kenji told Patricia one evening after they dropped Paul off. "Maybe he's forgotten about you and Joel." Patricia replied hopefully. "I think that he is waiting to catch me unawares." Kenji said, "Just remember t keep your eyes and ears open and always wait for me." "I will but Kenji, I'm worried about Joel." Patricia said, "His hand isn't healing right and I don't think that he really eats other than what we bring for lunch." "What would you like to do Kirei?" Kenji asked. "I don't know... maybe have him over for dinner or something. He just seems so alone; do you notice that he never talks about family?" "We can ask but I doubt that he will come." Kenji replied. "How about Friday? He could spend the weekend and we could study together! I'll make chicken or something that isn't pork what do you think?" Patricia asked excitedly. "It is fine by me if he will agree to it." Kenji replied. What he didn't say was that he was worried for Joel too; if he agreed to come home with them maybe, he could get their introverted friend to talk to him. ******* Andrew watched Kenji covertly, as much as he hated him he was intrigued by his calm demeanor. He and his friends hadn't done anything to either him or the Jew since they broke the Jew's hand and spray painted the Jap's car. In retrospect, he wished that he hadn't broken the Jew's hand. It was a spur of the moment thing, but something that he would never apologize for even if a gun were put to his head. He not only watched Kenji, he watched Patricia too. Not always personally, but through friends that were taking the same classes as she was. Apparently, she was quite the smart cookie passing every quiz and test with nothing less than a 95%. He watched Patricia a few times himself and found her attractive even though she was black and for now, she was off limits. Just because he wouldn't touch her didn't mean that one of his friends wouldn't but that would be a last resort if all else failed. "You ready to go?" Brian his friend and classmate asked. "Ready." Andrew replied. "Come on then, the meeting starts in fifteen minutes." That meeting had been a month ago, it was also the first time that Andrew had been with other people who felt as he did. It was because of this group that he backed off harassing Kenji and Joel. Somehow it helped being able to verbalize what he was feeling without repercussions. It didn't change the inevitable that was going to happen between him and Kenji. It just postponed it. The leader of the group none other than Patricia's first class teacher urged caution. "You do not want to get yourselves kicked out of school because of this; any and all activities need to take place outside of school. In fact, this will be our last meeting on school grounds, nothing is to be mentioned about this group and if you find someone who wants to join, you have to vouch for them and they are not to be brought to the meeting place. Any questions?" "Dr. Hathaway?" a voice from the back called. "Yes?" "When and where is the next meeting?" "I don't know yet but you will receive word when I decide. Now go home and don't do anything that will draw attention to yourselves, any questions as to what I mean by that?" he asked looking at Andrew and his friends. "No sir!" the young men said in unison. ******* The week flew quickly by and to the surprise and delight of Kenji and Patricia; Joel agreed to spend the weekend at their house. Patricia got the room in the basement ready complete with a washbasin and soap, she was considering Joel their first houseguest ever. Kenji smiled at her and stayed out of her way by tending to the children while she cleaned and baked. When the time came, Joel tried to back out and Patricia put her foot down. "You promised so you're coming! She said "and not only that, I've cooked and baked up a storm and I've got your room ready for you." "I just don't want to be any trouble." Joel replied. "We invited you did we not?" Kenji asked. "Yes but you were being nice." "Joel, we weren't being nice." Patricia said, "You're our friend and we want you to come spend the weekend with us." Joel reluctantly changed his mind and brought his luggage with him that Friday. After classes, the trio walked to the car each of them aware that they were being watched. Of the three of them, only Joel was nervous although he tried not to show it. His eyes widened when he saw the house, "You live here?" he asked. "It actually belongs to a friend of ours." Patricia explained, "She and her .... Husband live in another house and we stay here. Joel couldn't suppress a smile when Niko came running out of the house screaming, "Mama! Papa!" At the top of his lungs followed by a much quieter Marie. "Hello Niko and pretty one!" Kenji greeted the children as he picked up one and then the other before handing them off to Patricia. Joel swallowed a lump in his throat; the scene that he had just witnessed brought back memories of a much happier time. He looked at the small family and wondered it something like that was in the cards for him but then realized that no woman would want a man who couldn't defend her as Kenji could obviously defend Patricia. "Joel, this is our son Niko and our daughter Marie." Kenji said, "And children, this is your Uncle Joel, he will be spending the weekend with us." Niko and Marie both gave Joel a small bow of welcome that brought tears to his eyes. He hadn't felt welcome anywhere in such a long time. "Come in!" Patricia said, "My mom and dad are baby sitting today so you'll get to meet them." Joel grabbed his and Patricia's bags and followed her in. The smell of roasting chicken and biscuits hit his nose as soon as the door to the kitchen was open. Immediately, he began to salivate and his stomach began to rumble, he couldn't remember the last home cooked meal that he had. Hattie was the first to greet him, "You must be Joel, I Hattie Patricia's mama and that is her daddy John." Joel's mouth went dry when John stood up; he thought that Andrew and Kenji were big! John dwarfed them not in height but in sheer mass. "Nice to meet ya, hope you hungry. Hattie here done cooked up a storm." "Th.... Thank you sir." Joel said shyly. "Ain't no sir here! You just call me John and my wife Hattie." Joel nodded as he glanced around him, this, he realized was a home, something that he wanted. "Well come on in and make yourself at home!" Patricia said as she handed Marie to Kenji so she could help Hattie finish getting dinner ready. It wasn't long before dinner was on the table and they were all sitting. "We say grace here." Hattie said, "Kenji says his own prayer but sometimes he says ours, you can do whatever you like." They all closed their eyes and bowed their heads each saying their own blessings for the meal before them. Joel didn't know where to start so Hattie helped him, filling his plate to the rim with chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans and two biscuits." "Eat up, there's plenty" she encouraged her heart going out to the thin white man who radiated fear. Joel didn't take his first bite until everyone had their food and that included the children but when he did, he almost wept with pleasure. No one commented as he wolfed his food down and asked for seconds and thirds, finishing the mashed potatoes and gravy. "You got room for dessert?" Patricia asked. "Dessert too?" Joel asked. "Yep, Hattie's apple pie." John announced proudly. That night, Joel went to bed completely full and had the first dreamless, hunger free night that he had in months. ******* Andrew and his friends sat in the diner where Andrew's mother worked shooting the breeze. Andrew's mind wasn't on the conversation; it was on Kenjiro Takeda and how soon he could start his own personal war against him. "I wonder where he lives?" I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 03 The house was abuzz on Saturday with the preparation of the evening meal. The activity brought back sweet but painful memories for Joel, he missed his family many of whom had died in the concentration camps. He watched the ease in which Kenji and Patricia interacted with each other, their children and family. It occurred to him that it was quite a mixture, Japanese, white and black and some of the whites were from the south but yet, here in this house, none of that mattered. It didn't take him long to realize that they weren't pretending, these people really loved each other and would die protecting each other. A tear slipped down his thin, pale white face, in that moment, he had never felt so alone. A tugging on his baggy pants distracted him. He looked down to see Marie tugging on his pant leg with one hand and holding a book in the other. "Read?" she asked with a smile that lit up her plump little face. Joel stooped down, picked the little girl up and carried her outside. A few minutes later, he was reading to her changing his voice for the different characters and making her laugh. It wasn't long before Niko was sitting with them with a stack of books and the three of them were lost in their own make believe world. Patricia stood at the window and watched with a smile on her face. She was glad that they convinced Joel to come for the weekend; he needed a respite from whatever it was that was hurting him on the inside. Kenji came up behind her, put his arms around her and watched with her. Before the weekend was out, he was going to have a talk with Joel; he wanted to find out what happened to make him so timid and fearful. By ten, everyone was gone and the children in bed sound asleep leaving Kenji, Patricia and Joel alone. "I want to thank you for everything." Joel said softly. "You're welcome here anytime." Patricia said, "You're our friend." Joel swallowed a lump in his throat and coughed to clear it. The thought that he had only one more day of heaven before returning to his own private hell weighed heavily on his mind. "I'm going to make some tea," Patricia announced, "anyone care for any?" "Yes, thank you kirei." Kenji replied, "Joel?" "If it isn't any trouble...." "No trouble." Patricia replied as she kissed Kenji on the cheek and headed for the kitchen. "Do you realize how lucky you are?" Joel asked as he watched Patricia head to the kitchen. "I have been blessed." Kenji replied softly, "Joel, where is your family?" "Many of them are dead at the hands of the Nazis." "Your parents?" Kenji asked. "We had been here in the states for about fifteen years when the war broke out. My mother died four years ago and my father died shortly afterwards." "I am sorry for your loss." Kenji said softly, "It is difficult to lose loved ones no matter the manner of their death." Patricia came in with the tea and served each man beginning with Joel. "Where's yours?" Joel asked alarmed thinking that he had taken the last of the tea. "I changed my mind." Patricia said with a smile, "I think I'm going to take the opportunity to read something other than my school books and leave you two to talk about whatever it is guys your age talk about." Kenji gave her an appreciative smile, her intuition to the needs of others never ceased to amaze him. Paul set his cup of tea down and stood when Kenji did, "You don't have to leave." He said. "I know but I have this book that I've been dying to get started on so I'll see you in the morning." Patricia replied, "Sleep well Joel." "Thank you Patricia and I mean for everything." Joel replied. "Joel, "Kenji replied, "Will you excuse me for a moment?" When they were alone in their room Kenji hugged Patricia tight, he wanted nothing more than to be going to bed with her but he and Joel needed to talk. "Thank you kirei." he breathed as he kissed her. "You're welcome and if I'm asleep when you come to bed wake me up." "I promise. I will see you later." Kenji said kissing her again before he went back down the stairs. Joel was staring off into space when Kenji got to the living room. Joel jerked to attention and gave Kenji a weak smile. When Kenji was sitting and sipping on his now comfortably warm tea Joel hesitated and then asked a question. "How do a Japanese man and a black woman find each other and make a life together?" He listened as Kenji gave him the condensed version of his and Patricia's time together leaving out the escape from the camp. "You survived all of that and yet you still love each other? Didn't you ever want to leave her because of the difficulty?" "I will admit that there was a time or two that I thought about it but not for my benefit but for hers," Kenji said, "the thoughts didn't last but a few seconds and it is because of her that I survived." "But your lives would have been so much easier had you not gotten married." Joel said. "Perhaps in some ways but not in others." Kenji replied, "Both of us had very difficult choices to make and what it came down to was what was right for us. In the end we decided that we were going to fight for what was our right and that was for us to be together as husband and wife." "If you had to do it again knowing what you do, would you?" Joel asked. "I would." Kenji replied without hesitation "as would Patricia. Joel, sometimes you have to fight for what you want and I wanted Patricia. What is it that you want?" Joel sat down his teacup and looked away, "what do I want?" he asked himself. "I... I want to be strong and confident like you and Patricia are, I want to know what its like to not to be afraid of my own shadow, I want a wife who loves me the way that Patricia loves you and I want children." Joel stopped himself realizing that this was the first time that he had verbalized any of his wants. "Who made you so unsure of yourself?" Kenji asked, "Where did all of this fear come from?" Kenji listened as Joel talked about his life, his childhood and the loss of his parents. "You have always been persecuted." Kenji stated. "Yes but I was encouraged to turn the other cheek." Joel replied, "And of course being the smallest kid in school didn't help any." "Your father, he didn't teach you how to defend yourself?" "No, he said that the teasing was the way of children and that it would get better as I grew but it didn't, if anything it was even worse." "Did you not get angry?" Kenji asked. Niko as small as he was could defend himself against those much bigger than he if he had to but he also knew that violence was a last resort. Kenji looked at Joel, a grown man who in many ways was more defenseless than Marie whose training would start soon. "Of course I did!" Joel snapped and then became contrite, "I'm sorry...." "Don't be." Kenji said, "Anger is not always a negative emotion. Joel, would you like me to teach you some basic defensive moves? I can also teach you meditation exercises that will help promote relaxation and build confidence." "You would do that?" Joel asked interested and surprised. "Of course." Kenji replied, "We can start in the morning if you like." That night when Joel went to bed, he felt something that he hadn't felt in years.... Hope that his life could be better. ******* Andrew sat staring off into space thinking about Kenji and Patricia Takeda, he still had no plans to hurt Patricia but he wasn't opposed to using her to get to "the Jap". Joel no longer interested him for the time being as he presented no challenge to him but Kenji on the other hand.... That cool demeanor both intrigued and angered him, how he could be with a black woman also intrigued him but not necessarily angered him. "What are you thinking about?" Mark one of Andrews closest friends asked. "Nothing." Andrew replied lying, he wanted "the Jap" all to himself and would only include someone else if he had to. For the moment, "the Jap's" wife was off limits therefore eliminating the need for any one else to know his thoughts. For that matter, "the Jap" and "the Jew" were off limits too, he would watch them but wouldn't bother them. None of his friends would bother them either; they would take their cues from him. Not for the first time, Andrew wondered why his hatred centered on Kenji. After all, he wasn't the only Japanese on campus but he was the only one that got under his skin without even trying. "Why is that?" he wondered as he tuned out the conversation around him, "What is it about him that makes me see red?" Andrew didn't fool himself, he hated all things Japanese, they attacked this country, and almost killed his father and now they were taking over the classroom. That his father harbored no ill will toward them didn't matter, that it was war didn't matter, that he could have continued to leave Kenji alone wasn't taken into consideration. There was one thing that Andrew could admit to himself, he was jealous of Kenji, jealous of the self-control and cool demeanor that he displayed, jealous that Kenji would make a far better doctor than he could ever dream of being. He was jealous of.... "Hey baby!" Becca Cartwright said as she slid into the booth and sidled up to him. Andrew looked over at her and gave her a small smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. Becca was beautiful, a tall blonde-haired woman with sparkling blue eyes and full luscious lips that Andrew's anatomy knew intimately. "Hey yourself." he greeted with false cheerfulness. He wasn't in the mood for her tonight, in fact, he wasn't in the mood for anything. "Are we going for a drive later?" she asked. The question was her code for, "am I going to get to suck your cock?" Surprisingly, he wasn't even in the mood for that. When she slid her hand under the table and rested it on a cock that would have been hard as soon as she asked the question, Andrew stopped her. "Not tonight, I want to spend the evening with my dad." he lied smoothly. "We don't have to be gone long." she insisted. "Tomorrow, how's that?" he asked saying anything to get her to forget about the ride tonight. "I'll pack a lunch, what time?" "One, I'll see you then." Andrew said and gave her a peck on the cheek. As he left, he heard someone mention Kenji's name and suddenly he wasn't so sure that he could trust his friends to leave Kenji alone. He doubled back to the table and waited until they were all looking at him. "Leave the Jap and his woman alone, if any of you do anything to either of them without my say so, I will kick your ass so hard you won't be able to sit for a week." "What about Jew boy?" someone asked. "Leave him alone." Andrew replied. "What's with you?" Mark asked, "You changing your mind about them?" His voice held a note of challenge that set Andrew on edge. "You don't get to ask me what I'm thinking or feeling is that clear?" Andrew hissed, "I want them left alone until I say otherwise, got it?" "I got it," Mark said backing down, "just calm down will ya?" Andrew stared at each face at the booth for several seconds before leaving the diner, he was confident that he had made his point. ******* William hung up the phone and sighed, he had just spoken with his contact at the federal prison where Lawrence was still an inmate. "We found an inmate dead." the contact said, "from what we can tell, the man was a part of Goodman's group and had somehow been labeled as a traitor." "Let me guess," William said, "You don't have any proof that Goodman or any of his group was involved." "You got it.," the contact said. "I'm confused though, how did you find out about the traitor thing?" William asked. "A note." "A note? From who?" William asked. "We don't know, it didn't say much except that the man was supposedly a traitor and to look at Goodman." "How was he killed?" William asked. "The poor bastard was found hanging in the showers." "Does this poor bastard have a name?" William asked. "Yeah... Dwayne something or another. Why?" "Just curious." William replied letting out a sigh of relief that it wasn't their undercover agent. "Do me a favor, keep me posted and if you hear anything about Goodman being released, call me and I don't care if it's the middle of the night and if you can't reach me, call Nick Alexander." "I can do that but the word is that Goodman will be here for the next two years, nine months." William hung up after making sure that the man had Nick's telephone number. An uneasy feeling settled in the pit of his stomach. Lawrence Goodman was coming back to California and more than likely, there would be a trail of bodies behind him. He looked at the time and decided that it wasn't too late to give Nick a call. They would have just gotten home from the party at Kenji and Patricia's house and would still be up. Nick answered on the first ring and listened carefully as William told him about the death of the inmate. "Will, you've got to get your man out of there before Goodman realizes that he's the real informant." "You're right." Will said, "I'll call the FBI office on Monday and let them know." ******** Lawrence looked around the prison yard; his group was growing to the point where he could afford to be more selective about who he let in. He had begun interviewing anyone who showed an interest choosing those who were educated and had skills that he thought would be useful and of course he chose a fair number of those that he called foot soldiers. They were necessary to any war and they had to be willing to obey any order without question, for that reason, he chose those whom he considered to be inferior. He stole a look at the man that he was grooming to replace him and felt unease. Something about Carl had been nagging him for weeks but he hadn't been able to pinpoint it. He was as attentive to detail as he always was, made sure that anyone joining the group understood the rules and their roles but still, something wasn't right. Carl looked up, saw Lawrence looking at him and nodded in greeting. Lawrence returned the greeting and turned toward the inmate sitting next to him. "Watch him and don't get caught doing it." Lawrence said as he stole another glance at his second in command. ****** Carl knew that his time was getting short, he had known it for weeks but he wanted just a little more time. He knew his time was up when he caught Lawrence watching him. He only had to make it until Monday, one more day and he could leave this hellhole. He knew that he had to watch his back and wondered which inmate Lawrence had assigned to watch him. He mentally ran over his options to get what information that he had to the outside. Up until now, he hadn't written anything down deeming it too dangerous but now it looked as if he might not have a choice in the matter. After he finished interviewing the latest recruit before sending him over to Lawrence, he excused himself to his cell watching to see if he was being followed. As soon as he reached his cell, he looked behind him and pulled a notebook from a slit in the mattress and as quickly as he could began to write the names of Lawrence's known targets, the addresses to the safe houses as well as any other pertinent information while keeping an eye out on prying eyes. When he was finished, he slipped the notebook back into its hiding place and left the cell. On the way back to the yards, he stopped by the warden's office which in and of itself wasn't unusual. He often stopped in to smooze with the man to help keep things easy for Lawrence. This time however, he gave the warden a small piece of paper. "If anything happens to me, call that number," was all he said. "What is this about?" the warden asked. "I have a notebook that I want my family to have if something happens to me." Carl said, "That number will reach my attorney, make sure that he checks for all of my belongings." Having done all that he could do, Carl left the warden's office and headed back to the yards fully aware that he was being followed. ******** Sunday morning Joel was up bright and early. The glimmer of hope that he had fallen asleep with had grown into a bright light. Part of it was the sense of well being that he felt at having friends and part of it was the resolve that he was going to start standing up for himself. He had no doubts that he would get his ass kicked but it wouldn't matter, the only thing that would matter was that he stood up for himself. His stomach rumbled as he smelled breakfast cooking. He had eaten more in the last three days than he had in a month and he felt better. As he dressed, he thought about the store and his attachment to it, maybe it was time to let that go as well. The money that he would get from selling it would allow him to rent a room somewhere and would allow him to eat better. He couldn't deny the correlation between a full stomach and his mood, decision made. He would sell the store. After breakfast, Kenji took the children and Joel out into the back yard. He paired Niko with Marie and he partnered with Joel. "We will start with meditation." he said and began to teach Joel basic meditation, "Do not worry if your mind wanders, it takes time and practice." While not very successful with the first lesson, Joel thoroughly enjoyed himself and couldn't wait to try it on is own. While Patricia and Kenji played with the children, Joel made a phone call. By the end of it, he had sold the store. After class on Monday, he was meeting the buyer of the store and would find a cheap hotel close to school. For the first time in years, he felt good and more importantly, he felt as if he was in control. ***** Monday morning came quickly; Abby and Ralph were on baby sitting duty. "Watch your back's." Ralph admonished as they kissed the children goodbye and headed out of the door. Kenji walked Patricia to her first class and then went to his own. He was pleased to see that Joel wasn't sitting in the back of the class but had occupied a seat next to where he usually sat. When Andrew and his friends came in, Joel tensed and then forced himself to relax. His left hand still hadn't completely healed and throbbed at the sound of Andrew's voice. He resisted the urge to look over at Kenji and kept his eyes facing forward, for just a moment, he thought that they were going to be accosted and experienced a strange mixture of relief and trepidation when they weren't. Kenji didn't react at all; he sat in his seat completely at ease although he knew that they were being watched. Kenji was as surprised as Joel was when Andrew and his friends didn't so much as speak to them. When the class ended, Andrew and his friends left, they didn't even spare Kenji or Joel a second glance. "What do you suppose is happening?" Joel asked. "Trouble." Kenji replied softly, "this is the calm before the storm." "Maybe not," Joel said his voice filled with hope, "Maybe they're done with us." "I do not think so." Kenji replied as he gathered his books and stood up. "I must go meet Patricia; you are welcome to join me." "Thank you but I have a couple of things to do before next class, I'll meet you there." Joel replied as he lifted his bag with his right hand. Kenji watched as Joel walked away. He had the thought to ask if he needed someone to go with him and thought better of it, he had to learn to rely on himself and coddling him wasn't going to do that. ****** Professor Hathaway looked at Patricia with disdain as he checked the answers to yet another pop quiz. It galled him that she passed every single quiz and with flying colors. He couldn't accuse her of cheating because she was one of fifteen or so that passed the quiz and then there was the fact that he didn't make up the quiz until the day of class. I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 03 There was another issue as well; she had some staunch supporters including the dean and Paul Mynt. The fact of the matter was that he couldn't do anything that would get her put out of school without it looking suspicious. There were too many people on the faculty who were aware of his politics and it would come back to bite him in the ass if anything happened to her academically in his class. From what he heard, she was doing equally as well in the English Comp class she was taking therefore eliminating any chance of getting rid of her. He had to consider her a necessary evil that he had to use to his advantage but in the meantime, he would pretend to make amends, if anything happened; they couldn't accuse him of racism. He swallowed his bile and plastered a fake smile on his face when Patricia looked up at him. "Well done Mrs. Takeda!" he exclaimed. "You've passed yet again with flying colors." Patricia looked at him warily and said a polite "thank you". She watched him teach the rest of the class and wondered what was happening. She did not trust him. Her experiences taught her that change didn't occur that quickly and that Professor Hathaway really hadn't changed his opinion of her. After class, he approached her. "I would really like to know how you manage to pass my quizzes." "I pretend that I'm you." Patricia replied. "When I read, I ask myself, if I were Professor Hathaway, what would I ask?" In spite of himself, Hathaway was impressed. "What do you really want?" Patricia asked suddenly, "for weeks you deliberately mispronounce my last name, you glare at me when you think no one is watching and suddenly that's changed." He was unprepared for Patricia's bluntness. No one, not even his wife spoke to him the way that Patricia had just spoken to him. He jammed his hands in his pockets so that he wouldn't slap her as he wanted to. Instead, he kept his tone light. "I must apologize for my earlier behavior." He said, "I'm afraid that I was caught up in the whole post war mentality of having the enemy in our midst." "You consider me the enemy?" Patricia asked. "What I meant was the Japanese; your last name surprised me..." Patricia remembered Kenji's advice to choose her battle carefully and let it go even though she didn't believe a word of what Hathaway was saying. "I'm glad that you've gotten over your post war mentality." Patricia said with a slight smile, "if you will excuse me, my husband is waiting for me." As soon as he was gone from the classroom, Professor Hathaway swore, "black bitch!" ****** "You are late." Kenji said as soon as he saw Patricia. "I know, I'm sorry but Professor Hathaway kept me after class." "Why?" Kenji asked concerned. "Some hogwash about getting over the post war mentality of having the enemy living amongst us." she replied. "You do not believe him." Kenji stated. "Not one single word of it," she replied, "how was your class?" Patricia listened silently as Kenji gave her his impressions on what was happening. "I would like for you to join Niko, Marie and I for the self defense lessons, you may not be able to defeat an attacker but you will be able to provide more time to escape." he told her. "Do you really think that it's necessary?" "Yes kirei, I do." ****** Joel met Kenji in time for the next class looking quite pleased with himself. He had sold the store and put the money into his bank account. The only thing left to do was to go pick up his meager belongings from the store and to find a cheap hotel close to the school. Joel sprang his news on them during lunch. "You owned a store?" Patricia asked. " I used to." Joel replied, "I sold it this afternoon." "And you were living there without electricity? Why?" "It's a long story but basically, it belonged to my parents and it was the last place that I had good memories of and felt safe." Joel replied. "Where will you live?" Kenji asked. "I'll stay at a hotel close to school until I find a room to rent." Joel replied. Patricia and Kenji looked at each other and then at Joel. "Joel," Kenji said, "come stay with us, you can keep the room in the basement." "I can't do that!" Joel exclaimed. "Why not?" Patricia replied, "We have room and we'll have you fattened up in no time." By the end of lunch, it was decided. Joel would move in with them under the condition that he paid rent and contributed to the food budget. ****** Andrew watched the trio as they shared lunch and talked. What it was about that scene that made him add Joel back to his list he didn't know and he really didn't care. Maybe it was the fact that Joel had lost a little of the perpetual fear that was usually on his face, but whatever it was, he would pay for it. ****** By the end of December 1945, John H. Johnson published the first issue of the magazine 'Ebony', Charles De Gaulle is elected head of the provisional French Government, Harry S. Truman, Clement Atlee and Mackenzie King call for a U.N. Atomic Energy Commission, the United States imports 88 German scientist to help in the production of rocket technology, the movie 'The lost weekend' starring Ray Milland is released , the Nuremburg Trials begin- 24 Nazi war criminals are tried, the Socialist Republic of Yugoslavia is declared and General George S. Patton dies from injuries sustained from a car accident. ****** Kenji and Patricia's household adjusted quickly to Joel's moving in. Niko and Marie loved having him there because he was another adult that would read to them and didn't mind playing with them if he had time. All of them, children included were looking forward to the Christmas break. There would still be things to do for school but there wouldn't be the drive back and forth and the days spent away from home. Patricia looked out of the kitchen window watching Joel, Kenji and the children play with a ball. She noted with satisfaction that between eating good meals and working out with Kenji that Joel had begun to fill out. She thought him rather handsome with his dark hair and dark expressive eyes. He was shorter than Kenji by a good six inches and would always be slight of build but one day he was going to catch some woman's eye. The other thing that she noticed was that little by little, the haunted look and reticent demeanor was disappearing and a more fun loving, confident man was appearing. Every one was noticing and commented on the change making Joel blush furiously. Kenji looked up and saw Patricia watching them, smiled and then waved at her before motioning for her to come out to join them. Patricia waved back, shut off the oven that was preheating for the sugar cookies that she was baking to be decorated and packaged as Christmas gifts and went outside. Kenji, she realized several weeks before was very concerned about Andrew Kelley and his friends and was serious about the self-defense classes. She remembered quite a bit from the lessons that he gave her a few years ago and like then, found that she really did enjoy the lessons. As she walked toward them, Kenji's heart sped up. Coming toward him was the woman who had been to hell and back with him, his lover, his wife, the mother of his children; his kirei. Even after all of this time, his mouth went dry when he saw her, he almost felt like that tongue-tied man who first saw her in 1939. Had six years passed already? He thought as Patricia closed the distance between them. He walked toward her forgetting that Joel was watching them, for just a few moments it was as if no one or anything else existed. He had experienced the sensation before and loved it every time it came. When they met, Kenji pulled Patricia into is arms, bent down and kissed her deeply. He experienced one of those times when love wasn't a strong enough word for what he felt for her but was the best word that he could come up with. "What was that for?" Patricia asked when he broke the kiss. "For no other reason than I love you." Kenji replied and kissed her again before releasing her. "I love you too." Patricia replied, "But I think we'd better pay attention to our children and housemate." Kenji turned to look behind him and saw Niko, Marie and Joel watching them. Without the slightest hint of embarrassment, he took Patricia's hand and led her back to the waiting group. ****** As Joel watched Patricia and Kenji, he felt a pain in his heart. His parents had loved each other in the same way that Kenji and Patricia loved each other and like them, they weren't afraid to show it. His fondest dream, other than being a doctor was to have a marriage like that. He could only hope that now that he had filled out and didn't look so... frightened and lost that he would become more attractive to the opposite sex. In his heart of hearts, he found himself hoping that she-whoever she was would be like Patricia, a woman full of grace, courage and intelligence. He was also aware that if he wasn't careful, he could fall in love with his best friend's wife. As far as he was concerned, it would be the ultimate betrayal and one that he wouldn't allow to happen under any circumstances. She was the wife of his best friend and his friend as well and that is where it ended. ****** Harlon was growing more and more concerned about Andrew. He acted as if he understood about hate and the uselessness of it but Harlon was no longer sure that he did. He couldn't quite put his finger on it but Andrew was changing and it wasn't for the better. Even Evelyn noticed and commented on it but neither of them said anything to him. Harlon looked across the lunch table at Andrew, trying to understand where the hate that he knew his only child was harboring came from. He himself didn't consider himself a bigot although he had used racial epithets freely while at the same time preaching respect for all people especially women. It hadn't struck him until then how contradictory he had been. He had used the "N" word freely as well as the names used for the Hispanics and the Orientals not thinking about how it would sound to a child. To Andrew, it probably did sound like hatred and then Pearl Harbor happened and Harlon like every other enraged American ranted against the Japanese and at one point had joined in on the vandalizing of Japanese owned businesses. "What's up pop?" Andrew asked when he caught Harlon looking at him. "Nothing son," Harlon replied having decided that he had no room or the right to preach to Andrew about hatred. "You sure?" Andrew asked, "You look like you got something on your mind." "I'm sure... hey, I was thinking, it's been awhile since we cooked out back, what about tonight?" Andrew hesitated but then agreed, it had been awhile since he and his father spent an evening together. ******* Carl Tucker wheeled himself across his office in his wheelchair. He had barely made it out of the federal prison of South Carolina with his life. It would have been of no consequence if he had died as long as the information he gathered on Lawrence Goodman and his merry band of followers reached the right people. He only had hours to go before he was going to walk out but somehow, Lawrence figured out who and what he was. It had to be someone from within the agency, there was no other explanation but who? He wondered. It was a mystery that he planned to solve no matter how long it took. The thing that galled Carl the most was that even with all of the information that he had, they couldn't pin any of the murders that happened in the prison on Lawrence. he always took great pains to distance himself and Carl never once heard him say anything that could be even remotely construed as an order to kill or hurt someone other than the names of the people that he said that he wanted to "visit" after he got out of prison. It didn't take a genius to know what he meant by "visit" but there was no way to prove that he meant other than what he said. Carl consoled himself with the fact that he had managed to gather as much information as he had and the safe houses were under surveillance. As of yet, none of them had been infiltrated by agents which was probably a prudent move. Since he had been discovered, everyone who showed an interest in joining the group was carefully scrutinized and to ensure loyalty, the names and addresses of family members were taken, the threat unspoken. Carl rubbed his now useless legs as he looked out of the window. As of yet, no one knew why he risked his life to go into the prison and it was going to stay that way until the day he died and he hoped that day came after Lawrence Goodman had taken his last breath. ******** Sally was making cookies when the phone rang. She quickly wiped the flour from her hands and answered the phone. "How are you darlin?" a deep voice resonated in her ear. Sally froze. Her mouth had gone dry. "You still there darlin?" Lawrence asked his voice filled with amusement at the reaction that he knew he as getting. "Lawrence?" Sally whispered. "It's me.," he said cheerfully, "how are you and the babies?" "Fine... how are you?" Sally asked not knowing what else to say. "Good and looking forward to seeing you and my kids in a couple of years." Lawrence replied. Sally felt her stomach drop; she read between the lines and knew what he meant. He had just threatened her but covertly, she would never be able to prove anything. "How is it that you can call me?" she asked. "I've been a good boy, staying out of trouble and all." he replied, "Calling you is a little gift from my friend the warden. Merry Christmas darlin'" he said and hung up. ******* Lawrence hung up and chuckled. He had enjoyed his little game with the cheating bitch known as his wife. He knew all about the man that lived with her, it was none other than the man who had put him prison. He didn't know if she was fucking him or not but it didn't matter, she was giving food and comfort to the enemy. He almost told her that he knew about the man but decided to save it for another time; it would give him something to look forward to the next time he called her. It saddened him that he had to consider the mother of his children a traitor and that she would have to die a traitor's death. However, it was war and he had to rescue his children from the type of thinking that was threatening the country. He only hoped that he wouldn't be too late, "I should have listened to you Kenny." he murmured as he walked back to his cell. ******** William found Sally still gripping the phone and shaking. "Sally? What's wrong?" he asked. "La.... Lawrence, he just called. He wants to kill me." "Did he say that?" William asked. "No... he just said that he was looking forward to visiting me." William took the phone out of Sally's hand and placed it on its cradle. "Sally, listen to me," he said softly, "I won't let anything happen to you or the kids, and you have my word on that." She nodded and wiped the tears from her cheeks with her hands. "I'm scared." Sally confessed as she felt William's arms go around her. After she had gone to bed, William called Nick. It was time to be proactive. ******** Abby looked over at Ralph, he just didn't look quite right to her although he insisted that he was fine. She offered to take him to the doctor and wasn't surprised when he refused. "I'm not taking no for an answer you stubborn old coot!" she snapped, "Now get your jacket and lets go!" "Abby, I'm...." That was all he got out before he stumbled and fell to the floor. "Ralph!" Abby screamed. He looked up at her with panic in his eyes and tried to speak but all that came out was gibberish, the left side of his face had a marked droop to it. Abby tried to help him up by grabbing his left arm and was horrified to find it completely flaccid. Not knowing what else to do, she called Kenji and hysterically tried to tell him what happened. "Abby, calm down and tell me what is happening." Kenji said. As soon as he had the whole story, he calmly assured Abby that he and Joel would be right over. "Keep him comfortable until we get there." A few minutes later, Kenji and Joel were at the house and examining Ralph. "He had a stroke," Kenji said, "We have to take him to the hospital." Between the two of them, they got Ralph to the car and laid him in the back seat. Kenji laid a hand on Ralph's right arm and gave a gentle squeeze before getting into the driver's seat and taking off. Abby made several quick phone calls before getting into her own car and following. "Don you dare die on me you old fool!" she whispered as she drove off. ******* Nick and Hana went to Kenji and Patricia's house to wait with Patricia and the children. By the time they got there, Patricia was a basket case. Ralph was like another father to her, she didn't want to lose him, and as much as she wanted to be at the hospital, she knew that the children shouldn't go and forced herself to wait for word from Kenji. "He's a tough old man, he'll be fine." Nick assured her. Patricia wasn't so sure about that. She looked in Kenji's medical books and read that if Ralph didn't die, he could suffer permanent damages from the stroke. Knowing Ralph as she did, she knew that he would rather die than have someone take care of him or live as an invalid. She offered up a silent prayer for him that if he lived, the damage would be minimal and if the damage was severe, that god be kind and give Ralph what he would want. ****** Paul Mynt met them at the hospital and was able to expedite things by getting Ralph seen immediately and into a room. He confirmed Kenji's diagnosis. "He's had a massive stroke, how much damage will be permanent? It's too soon to tell but there will be some damage of that I'm sure." Kenji put an arm around Abby, he was thinking the same thing that Patricia was thinking and the same thing that Abby was thinking, Ralph would sooner die than be dependent on someone for his care. That all of them would gladly take care of him wouldn't matter. "Can we see him?" Abby asked. "Sure but don't stay too long, he needs to rest." Paul said gently. Abby, Kenji and Joel went into the room to find Ralph already asleep. Each of the men touched Ralph's arm lightly and then left Abby alone with him. She bent down and kissed his right cheek, her tears wetting it, "Come on you old fool, fight this... I... we love you." As soon as she left the room, Ralph opened his right eye and let the tears fall freely, "I love you too," he thought not wanting to hear the garbled version of the words and then he closed his eyes. I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 04 I would like to take a moment to thank all of you who have been following the lives of Patricia, Kenji and the rest of their family. I thank you for continuing follow them on their journey. I would also like to thank you all for your encouragement and kind comments and emails; they are all very much appreciated. Thank you to Donalde for reading not just this story but also all of my others and pointing out the "holes" and to Iread2relax for her support. Once again, thanks to all of you, all of you are awesome! ********************** Kenji drove Abby home while Joel followed them in the other car. Abby was in a fog, she had known that there was something wrong with Ralph but hadn't pushed. Tears ran down her face as she thought about him lying in the hospital bed so helpless. She also knew that when she kissed him goodnight and spoke to him that he was awake and chose not to respond. "Abby, you could not have known." Kenji said softly. "I knew that something was wrong, I felt it." Abby replied tearfully, "I should have made him go to the doctor or called one to the house." "It wouldn't have made a difference." Kenji replied gently. He was right and Abby knew it but she still believed that there was something that she could have done. "Would you like for me to stay with you?" Kenji asked already knowing the answer. "No, you go home to Patricia and the children, I'll be fine." she replied. "You should not be here alone, Nick and my mother would be happy to come over." Kenji offered. "I'll think about it." Abby replied. The fact of the matter was she wanted to be alone. When she kissed Ralph and told him that she loved him, she didn't know exactly how she meant it and she had to deal with the possibility that he could very well die. She had to wonder if it was possible to change one's sexual preference and it was what it meant for her and Ralph if he survived. She wiped the tears away; there would be time to sort out her feelings for Ralph later, once they got him back home. She looked at Kenji and knew that if she didn't call Nick, he would. "I'll call Nick." she said softly. "Good because I was going to." Kenji replied as he pulled into the driveway. He got out of the car, helped Abby out and held his hand out for the house keys. "You don't...." and then she stopped herself, this was Kenji and he wouldn't leave until he knew that she was safely inside. She handed him the keys and followed him in. She sat her purse on the table, headed for the phone, and called Nick. When she was ended the call, she turned to Kenji, "they're coming, why don't you go home? Patricia has got to be getting worried." "I'll wait." Kenji replied and headed to the telephone. Abby heard him talking to Patricia in the soft tones that he used whenever she was upset, she was taking the news hard. "May I come in?" Joel asked. "Of Course you may!" Abby exclaimed ashamed of herself that she had forgotten about him. Joel stood by the door unsure of what to say. Ralph wasn't dead yet so he couldn't give condolences, he didn't know her well enough to give her a hug or to give assurances so he said nothing as he listened to Kenji talk to Patricia. "Would you like a cup of tea?" Abby asked. "Kenji is staying until Nick and Hana get here." Here was something that he could do, "Please allow me to make the tea, just tell me where things are." Joel said. "Thank you but I need to be busy, but why don't you help?" Abby asked. Kenji came back into the kitchen, "Patricia is upset but she is fine with me waiting with you until Nick and my mother get here." "I can stay." Joel said, "That way you can go home and be with Patricia and the children." "Good idea." Abby said. "He can sleep on the couch or in the extra room if Nick and Hana don't use it." A few minutes later, Kenji was gone leaving Abby alone with Joel. ******** On the way back to the house, Kenji stopped at Hattie and John's house to give them the news. "How's Patricia?" John asked. "She is upset but otherwise fine, you can come back with me if you wish." Kenji replied. "Give us a minute." Hattie said before John could speak. "Well have a seat." John said, "It'll take her a few minutes to get herself around. John looked at the man that at one time he hated simply because of his race. He found it hard to believe that he had changed his mind about him, this man he now considered a son. That he loved and protected his baby girl and their children went a long way toward changing his mind about him. He couldn't have picked a better man for his baby himself. He was about to tell Kenji that when Hattie called down, "John pack up the eggs and whatever else we might need for breakfast and lunch!" "Allow me to help you." Kenji said as he stood up. "Kenji, I know we had a bad start and all but I want to let you know that I think you a good man and I'm glad that you and my baby are together." Kenji didn't know what to say. While he knew that Patricia's father had accepted him and their marriage, he never expected to hear him say it. "Thank you." Kenji said with a bow. "I am pleased and honored to be considered a member of your family." "You're welcome but we'd better get those things packed up before Hattie gets down those stairs." ********* The children were in bed by the time Kenji made it back with Patricia's parents and she was cried out or so she thought. As soon as she saw Kenji walk through the door, she ran to him, wrapped her arms around him and cried. She thought that she was ready to let Ralph go if that is what he wanted. Now she wasn't so sure. "How was he?" she asked even though Kenji had already told her on the phone. "He is doing as well as can be expected." Kenji replied, "And Abby is doing the same." "He's going to die isn't he?" "I don't know how to answer that." Kenji replied, "Part of his survival is in his hands and if he does survive the chances are good that he will not be able to walk or talk. He will need total care." "He won't want to live like that." Patricia murmured, "He would rather die first." Kenji didn't reply, what Patricia said was true. She stepped out of Kenji's embrace to hug her parents. "You can have our room and we'll go downstairs." she told Hattie as she hugged her and then her father. The thought about which of her parents would die first crossed her mind as she hugged her father and she shoved it away. She didn't want to think about how much that would hurt. Losing Ralph was painful enough. Later when the food was put away, John and Hattie were in their room, Kenji, and Patricia sat on the sofa. Kenji had his arms around Patricia holding her tight against him, this wasn't the first time that he had lost a loved one. Several had died when the bombs fell on Hiroshima and Nagasaki and those deaths included friends. This was a first for her; he knew that Ralph was going to die. Patricia was right; he wouldn't want to live as an invalid. He kissed her forehead and closed his eyes to rest. Eventually they fell into an exhausted sleep. ******* Ralph laid awake his mind sifting through memories, some good and some bad. The bad ones he pushed away the good ones he lingered on. Among those that he lingered on was the first time that he met Kenji. That one day changed his life in ways that he had never imagined and then there was Patty and then the babies. He had become a part of the most unorthodox family that he could think of and he loved each one of them with the exception of Kenji's father. He would never forget what had almost happened to Patricia because of him, that he didn't know Patricia then didn't matter. However, He knew her now and she had become like a daughter to him and she had been threatened. He wondered if he could make himself forgive Hiroshi Takeda, it would make Patricia happy if he did but if he died, how would she know? His mind wandered to Abby, she was one hell of a woman and he meant it when he said that he loved her and not as a friend. "Your timing is off." he chastised himself. He wondered why he had never told her how he felt about her and now here he was too helpless to take care of his own basic needs. The smell of urine his nostrils before it registered that it was his urine that he smelled. With his good eye, he watched the wetness spread through the thin blanket and then felt it as it hit his right leg. Tears of shame ran down his face as he felt the urine soak his gown. He wanted to die; he couldn't and wouldn't live like this. He couldn't live with having to have someone feed him or having to clean his dirty ass when he shit or clean him up when he pissed. It didn't matter that all of them were and would be willing to care for him, he simply couldn't let them live like that. "Hello Mr. Goodman." The male aide said greeting him. "I see that you've made a mess, we'll get you cleaned up right away." As the aide cleaned him and changed the linens and his gown, Ralph wondered how he could make himself die. ********* Sally took the news hard. She and Ralph had their moments but she had come to love and respect the old man. The children had come to love him as well and it fell to her to tell them that he could possibly die. The next question was did she call the prison to tell Lawrence. She was almost certain that he wouldn't care but still he deserved to know. She told the children first and was surprised that they took it as well as they did. The next thing she did was to call the prison. She hoped that they would just take a message; she had no desire to hear Lawrence's voice again. "This is Sally Goodman." she said when someone answered the phone, "Could you get a message to Lawrence Goodman?" "Hold please." A few minutes later, Lawrence's voice filled her ear. "Hello Darlin' couldn't wait until I called you again?" he asked clearly amused. "Your father had a stroke." she blurted out wanting the phone call to end. There was a moment of silence before Lawrence replied. "Well isn't that just too bad." he said without a trace of sorrow or worry in his voice. "He could die! Don't you care?" Sally asked. "I could lie to you and say that I did but I won't do that." Lawrence said. "This is your father!" Sally exclaimed. "Is that supposed to mean something?" Lawrence asked, "And he stopped being my father when he chose the Japs and the niggers over his own flesh and blood." Sally couldn't believe the callousness that she heard in Lawrence's voice. She had been married to the man that voice belonged to; she had loved him enough to follow him even though she didn't hold to all of his beliefs, and she had borne him three children.... "He's partly responsible for what happened to Kenny." Lawrence was saying. "No he wasn't." Sally said interrupting him. "We were. You and I are what killed Kenny! It was my fault because I could see what was happening and did nothing to stop it! I knew what Doc was teaching him but I looked the other way. You killed him too, you and your precious Klan! Your father tried to help him and Kenny was going to kill him! Do you understand that we and no one else are responsible for what happened to Kenny?" She was screaming into the phone not realizing that Lawrence had hung up. ******* Lawrence hung up as soon as Sally began to accuse him and the Klan of being responsible for Kenny's death. He conveniently forgot that Sally also took part of the blame. He hadn't lied when he said that it was too bad that the old man was dying, it was... he had wanted to be the one to kill him. It would have been the one time that he wouldn't have minded getting his hands dirty. For just a brief moment, he felt sadness that things had turned out the way they had but the moment was gone before it took root. Mentally, he crossed his father off his list of people to visit. Even if the old man lived, Lawrence no longer considered him worthy of his time and effort. ******* Sally placed the phone back in its cradle and sat down. She had to decide what she was going to do. At some point, she was going to have to start thinking about the future. Home was out of the question and she had no doubts that if Lawrence wanted to find her, he would no matter where she went. The only option that she had left was to stay where she was and to trust that Nick and the others would keep their word and try to protect her and the children. ******* Abby was at the hospital early with a bouquet of freshly cut flowers. She found Ralph propped up in bed being fed by a male attendant. "Open wide Mr. Goodman." the attendant crooned as if he were talking to a two year old as opposed to an adult. "Just who do you think you're talking to?" Abby snapped. "He's not two he's a grown man! If you talked to me like that I wouldn't eat either!" she added as she approached the bed, set the flowers on the table and physically pushed the attendant out of the way. "You can't...." "I can and I will! This man happens to be my husband and I'll take care of feeding him now go baby talk someone else!" she snapped. "Look...." "I wouldn't argue with her if I were you." A voice said from the doorway. "Paul!" Abby exclaimed. "Good morning Abby, I thought I'd stop in and check on Ralph." The attendant waited for another moment before disappearing while cursing under his breath. He hated this job with a passion but it was a job, he had hungry mouths to feed. Abby sat on the bed next to Ralph and offered him a spoonful of what looked like thin oatmeal. Ralph clamped his mouth shut and refused to eat it. "Come on you old coot! Stop being so damned stubborn!" Abby said as she tried to feed him. "No! Damn it!" Ralph screamed in his mind willing Abby to understand that he wasn't going to eat now or later. Paul watched and knew what was happening; Ralph didn't want to live and would refuse food to starve himself to death. "Abby, let it go for now." he said gently. "But he hasn't eaten anything!" "I know, you can try later." Paul replied not missing the grateful look in Ralph's right eye. "Alright, you win this time." Abby said to Ralph, "but you will eat lunch." she added. Ralph didn't respond one way or another as he closed his eyes. "And don't think that you're fooling me with that possum act either!" she snapped making Ralph's one good eye snap open. "Abby, could I have a moment with him?" Paul asked. When Abby was gone, Paul sat in the chair next to the bed and looked at Ralph. The left facial droop didn't seem to be as pronounced which was a good thing. He took Ralph's left hand in his and gave it a gentle squeeze. "Squeeze." he commanded. Ralph looked at him and looked away; he didn't even want to try. "Come on Ralph, try!" Paul said. "N...no." Ralph whispered. ******* Hattie agreed to watch the children so that Kenji and Patricia could go see Ralph. "Give him our love and tell him that we're thinking bout him." Hattie said as they headed out of the door. When they were in the car, Patricia asked the question that had kept her awake. "Kenji, Ralph doesn't want to live does he?" "I would have to say at this point that he does not want to live but that could change. It is as I said last night, it is up to him." Patricia didn't reply for several minutes before she spoke, "I don't want him to die, if need be, I'll quit school to help take care of him." "Kirei that is the last thing that he would want you to do so don't even think about it." Kenji said gently. "I know." Patricia conceded, "It's just that he's done so much for us and this isn't fair! Why couldn't it have been Lawrence?" she asked suddenly angry. "He spreads hatred while Ralph.... " "Ralph is not dead yet." Kenji reminded her, "and if he chooses to live, we will work out a way to care for him but giving up school is not an option." They found Ralph still in bed with Abby at his side trying to get him to eat. "Good morning!" Patricia said with a smile while her heart was breaking on the inside. "Thank god you're here!" Abby exclaimed, "The old fool won't eat!" "Let me try." Patricia said as she approached the cot and kidded Ralph on the cheek when she reached him. She looked at the food and crinkled her nose. "No wonder you don't want to eat." she said as she swirled a spoon through what looked like watery mashed potatoes. "How about we ask the doctor if it's alright if we bring food from home?" Patricia asked. "No." Ralph said softly. "No? What do you mean no?" Patricia asked "No...ood. Die!" Ralph said softly his right eye begging her to understand. Abby looked as if she had been slapped, she had never taken into account that Ralph would want to die. Patricia put the tray aside and took Ralph's hands in hers. "We love you, you know that don't you?" she asked. "U...uv oo t... too." Ralph said slowly as tears ran down his face. "Then don't leave us! Stay with us to so that you can watch Kenji graduate and then me." she begged "Kirei," Kenji said from behind her and put his hands on her shoulders. Ralph pulled his good hand from Patricia's and raised it to gently cup her cheek, it was his way of telling her that he had made up his mind. Of the three of them present, only Kenji saw the resolve in Ralph's eyes. For just a moment, his eyes met Ralph's and he nodded. Ralph nodded back relieved that someone understood. Patricia finally saw it too although she fought it. Before they left, she hugged Ralph as tightly as she could, "I love you papa Ralph." she whispered in his ear. She was rewarded with a tight one-armed hug. She fought not to argue with him and to beg him to reconsider. She wasn't ready to let him go. The day was spent with all of them taking turns visiting him. Paul got permission for the children to see Ralph for just a few minutes providing that none of them were ill. That finalized it for all of them. Ralph wasn't coming home. Niko sat with Ralph first and said nothing. After several minutes, he stretched out next to Ralph and laid his head on Ralph's shoulder staying there until Kenji took him away. Marie was next. She sat on the bed and did her favorite thing, playing with Ralph's fingers. She would touch a finger but another would pop up or jerk making her squeal and then jump. All of them watched the scene with tears in their eyes and wondered if Marie understood on some level what was happening. No one doubted that Niko did, he had the intuition of both of his parents and he remembered the morning when he found his parents saddened. This felt much like that. "I'm sorry but you all have to go now." A nurse said. "Please, just a few more minutes?" Abby asked. The nurse nodded and walked away before they saw the tears in her eyes. That she might get into trouble for extending the visiting hours didn't bother her. In her opinion, family should be allowed to stay with a dying family member as long as they wanted and Mr. Goodman was dying. They all took turns saying good night starting with Kenji and Patricia, then Hattie and John who were both openly crying. It occurred to John that he had never cried over a white man before but then, he had stopped thinking of Ralph as a white man a long time ago. Nick and Hana were next with Nick understanding as Kenji did that Ralph wanted to die. He wouldn't want Hana to have to care for him if he were in Ralph's shoes. He would want her to find someone else to make her happy. Joel was next, his hands shook as he lightly touched the old man who sometimes intimidated him but was a hell of a chess player. "Good bye sir." Joel said and walked away. Sally and the children were crying softly while William stood back. He had only met Ralph a handful of times and felt like an intruder, he only came to support Sally, the children and his friends. I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 04 The last person was Abby. There was no denying what Ralph wanted but that didn't stop her from trying to get him to rally. "Come on you old coot! We're supposed to watch those two kids graduate! They've finally gotten a break and you want to leave?" she asked sobbing. It dawned on her then that she did love him; it was a deep friendship kind of love but something deeper as well. They had been happy together all that had been missing was the physical part of it. Ralph Goodman was her husband. They had shared more than couples married for years and only now could she admit that she loved him. "Ralph, I love you, don't leave us." Ralph touched her face with a shaking hand and struggled to make his mouth say the words that he was thinking. "I.... lo... love.. You." The right side of his face lifted in a smile as he touched the face that he had longed to touch for a long time. Abby grabbed his hand, kissed it, and then kissed his cheek. 'I'm sorry." the nurse said, "but you really have to go." Abby pulled away but not before kissing Ralph again, "fight you stubborn old man." she whispered in his ear. Ralph patted her back and then watched as she walked away. At two am Ralph lay awake waiting for someone to come. When the attendant finally came, Ralph was relieved to see that it wasn't the one from the night before. This one actually seemed to care about the people in his charge. He tried to tell the young man that he wanted to shave and ended up using his good hand to pantomime what he wanted. "Oh!" the attendant exclaimed happily, "A shave!" Ralph sagged back in relief. "Sure! I have time to do that, I'll be right back." Thirty minutes later, Ralph was shaved, clean and dry. He grabbed the attendant's arm with his good hand and gave it a hard squeeze of thanks. "You're welcome." the attendant replied patting Ralph's hand. After he was gone, Ralph closed his eyes and thought about his family. Not his son Lawrence but the all of the people that were closer to him than any blood family could ever be. He drifted off to sleep thinking about Abby wishing he had told her how he felt about her before now. He fell asleep, his soft snores indicating that he was at peace. The attendant made his rounds an hour later and found that Ralph Elmer Goodman had slipped away in his sleep. ********** The call came around four am. Everyone was at Patricia and Kenji's house all of them wide awake with the exception of the children who were asleep on the floor in the living room. Patricia began to cry softly, the rest of the family soon joined her. "What now?" Patricia asked. "There is no point to going to the hospital unless we wish to see him once more." Kenji said. "And we need to make arrangements, Abby, has he spoken to you about his wishes?" Kenji asked. "Yes... he told me and if you don't mind, I would like to see him again." Abby replied. "Of course, I will take you." Kenji replied, "Nick will you call the hospital and tell them that we are coming?" A few minutes later, Abby was standing by the bed that held Ralph's lifeless body. She kissed him gently on his cheek, patted his hand and walked away. Hana and Hattie were in the kitchen making fresh coffee and tea for those who wanted when Abby and Kenji returned. Joel was setting out a plate of freshly made toast for people to nibble on; no one had an appetite for anything more. "Would you like me to take care of the arrangements?" Nick asked hugging Abby. "He was my husband so I'll do it. If I need help I'll ask." she replied. By the end of the day, the arrangements had been made. It didn't take long, there was no other family to notify other than Lawrence and Abby refused to call him. The services were set for December 22 at a funeral home not far from where Ralph and Abby lived. There would be no programs or anything fancy, Ralph would have wanted it that way and the only ones in attendance would be them. December 22 had arrived faster than they thought possible. Joel stayed at the house with Abby to keep her company and to do any errands that she needed done. The repast was going to be held at Abby's house at her insistence even though Patricia begged to have it at their house. "I need and want to have it here." Abby replied. "What do you want us to bring?" Patricia asked. "Nothing and before you say anything, I'm sure." The service was short, to the point and over in an hour. It was how Ralph would have wanted it. Each of them, Joel included told of some remembrance that they had of their time with Ralph. Some of the stories were humorous, some of them not but to anyone who would have been listening, they would have known that Ralph was loved and was going to be sorely missed. The repast meal consisted of all of Ralph's favorite foods prepared by Abby with Joel's help. After the meal, they sat around and talked about Ralph sometimes laughing and sometimes crying until late into the night. Patricia, Hanna and Hattie offered to come back to help Abby pack up Ralph's things. "I would like that." she replied. "Why don't you stay with us?" Hana asked, "Paul is leaving for San Diego in the morning ...." "Thank you but no, I'll be alright and if I need anything I'll call." That night when everyone was gone, Abby sat on Ralph's bed and cried. Twice she had lost love, the first one, Lorena; she knew that she loved, the second one, Ralph; she realized that she loved him too late. She jumped when there was a tap on the door. Cautiously she went to the door and peeked through the curtains to see Joel standing on the porch. "Joel? What's wrong? Why are you here?" "After my parents died, I was alone and I would have given my right arm to have had someone stay with me." he explained. "And I know that you said that you would be alright and I believe you but I just don't think that anyone should be alone after the loss of a loved one." "How did you get here?" Abby asked ready to send him home if he drove. "I walked." "Did Kenji send you?" Joel's hesitation told her what she needed to know. "It was my idea too." he replied. "He wanted to come but I volunteered, Patricia needs him." "Well, come on in." Abby said as she walked away from the door. It wasn't long before she found herself glad that he had come back. Between the two of them, they packed up Ralph's things that were going to be given charity. The only things that she kept were the chessboard and pieces and a photograph of a very young Ralph with a mischievous grin on his face. Abby touched the picture with her fingertips and whispered a final farewell. ********* Kenji and Patricia tucked two exhausted children into bed and went to their own room. "I can't believe he's gone." Patricia said softly as Kenji held her. "He is not gone Kirei." Kenji said kissing the top of her head, "he lives in our hearts and in our memories." "My parents aren't so young anymore, they could die too." "Yes Kirei this is true, but they are still here with us and we need to enjoy that time." Patricia nodded and blinked back tears, there had to have been a way to know that something was wrong with Ralph other than vague suspicions and there had to have been a way to stop it. What that way was, she didn't know but she was going to find out. Kenji felt her stiffen and then relax as if she had come to some kind of decision, he would ask about it later right now they needed to comfort each other. He reached for the zipper of her dress and slowly eased it down watching as the dress slid off her shoulders. He loved the contrast of the white bra against her dark skin combined his lightly yellow tinged skin against hers. Patricia pulled his shirt out from his slacks, slid her hands underneath and massaged his muscled back starting at his waist and moving up as far as she could go before his shirt got in the way. Kenji stepped back long enough to remove his shirt and immediately pulled Patricia back into him and held her so tightly that she could hardly move. She turned her head so that her ear lay over Kenji's rapidly beating heart listening to it trying not to imagine what it would be like not to ever hear it's normally slow, steady rhythm again. She squeezed her eyes shut and forced the thought out of her mind as she hugged Kenji even closer. They stood like that for a long time, each of them trying not to think about the unthinkable, life without the other and saying a private good bye to a man that had meant so much to them. "I love you kirei, I will always love you in this life and in the next." Kenji said his voice choked with emotion as he gently pushed her back so that he could look at her. "I love you too," Patricia said softly and stood on her tiptoes so that she could kiss his chin. "Make love with me." she whispered as tears ran down her face. She needed to feel his warm body naked against hers and feel his warm breath blowing into her mouth as they kissed. Kenji didn't need to be asked twice, he was already moving them toward the bed undressing as they went even before she had completed the request. By the time they reached the bed, they were naked; their clothes lay on the floor where they fell. Kenji eased Patricia onto the bed and positioned himself between her legs and was about to enter her when she stopped him. For just a second, he didn't understand why and then he realized that they hadn't inserted the device to prevent pregnancy. As quickly as he could, he inserted the device and was soon buried deep within the warmth of her body. Within moments, it was over and both of them fell into a physically and emotionally exhausted sleep. ********* Christmas was celebrated at Abby's house per her request. Joel for the moment had moved in with her, keeping her company and helping with the meal preparations. "You're a nice young man." Abby said as they made the final changes on the decorations, "Why don't you have a girlfriend?" Joel didn't know how to respond and blushed. "Joel, may I speak frankly?" Abby asked when he didn't reply. "Of course." "I don't quite know how to say this so I'm just going to say it, Kenji and Patricia love each other with a love that the poets write about...." "I know that." Joel replied. "Let me finish." Abby said. "I also know that you have feelings for her and don't bother denying it, I'm not blind and neither is Kenji." Joel blushed but kept his silence. "He hasn't said anything because he's very secure in Patricia's love for him and to some degree he understands how you could have feelings for her. What man wouldn't want someone like her? She's beautiful, intelligent and compassionate but Joel, she's very married and she loves her husband." "I know....." "So I'm going to make a suggestion." Abby said interrupting him. "When you get back to school, you start looking for a woman who's available. I'm not telling you to settle for the first one that comes along but I am telling you that there is a woman out there that will see you for who and what you are, a good man with much to offer." Joel was silent for a moment, had he been that obvious? He wondered. "I would never do anything to come between Kenji and Patricia." he said softly. "They became my friends when I had none and made me family when they didn't have to and I wouldn't do anything to jeopardize that no matter what my feelings for Patricia are." "Glad to hear it." Abby replied, "Because if I had sensed anything else you would be gone. Now, hand me those silver ornaments will you?" ******* The days after Ralph's service were difficult for everyone especially Niko. He missed his Uncle Ralph so deeply that on Christmas morning he made an announcement. Patricia had just finished making breakfast when Niko came into the kitchen followed by Kenji and Marie. "Niko, did you wash your hands?" Patricia asked. "Yes mama and my name isn't Niko." Kenji and Patricia looked at each other and then at Niko. "It isn't?" Patricia asked confused. "No." "Ummm okay, then what is it?" she asked. "Ralph." Niko replied. "That is a fine name." Kenji said without missing a beat, "you honor your uncle." From that day forward, Niko was called Ralph quickly but politely correcting anyone who called him Niko. ******** Everyone including Sally, the children, William, Hiroshi, Dai and baby Hiro was at Abby's house by noon. Christmas music was playing softly and the smell of roasted turkey filled the air. It was quiet at first until Abby had had enough. "I miss him too!" she exclaimed, "but he wouldn't want us to sit around like sad sacks. He would want us to laugh and have a good time in his memory so please...." "Do you remember when Ralph tried to create this dish made from.....?" someone asked. The mood lightened as they realized that Abby was right. The announcement that Niko now wanted to be called Ralph brought tears of happiness to Abby's eyes. "He would have loved that!" Abby exclaimed as she hugged Niko and kissed his cheek. After dinner, as they cleaned up the dishes, Patricia pulled Abby aside. "How are you holding up?" she asked. "As well as can be expected I guess, I'm glad that Joel was here which reminds me, I need to thank Kenji for sending him." "We didn't want you to be alone and we knew that you would have tried to make Kenji come home and Joel volunteered." Patricia replied. Abby looked at Patricia and wondered if she knew how Joel felt about her and decided that she didn't. It was either that or she was choosing not to acknowledge it but it really didn't matter either way Abby decided, Kenji and Patricia's marriage was strong enough to weather any storm. ***** Joel watched Kenji and Patricia together and decided that Abby was right; he needed to start looking at someone other than the wife of his best friend. He could only hope that when he found someone that she had just an iota of the qualities that Patricia did. ******* Andrew was bored. All of his friends were busy with their own families leaving him with much too much time to think. As per usual, his thoughts were about Kenji and Patricia Takeda and the Jew. As of yet he hadn't planned anything specific and hadn't found out where they lived. Part of the reason being that he hadn't looked into it was that he was afraid that he wouldn't be able to stop himself from doing anything rash. He tried to get ahead on his reading for school but couldn't concentrate. For some reason he couldn't get the little group out of his mind. He wondered what it would be like to have real friends, not friends like he had... they weren't' really friends. They hung with him because of his father and because they were afraid of him. Would they lay themselves on the line for him like the Jap did for the Jew? Hell no! and he knew it. Maybe that was part of it. The more he thought about it, the more he realized that while he hated the Japanese and Jews in general, half of what he was feeling was jealousy. Then there was the Jap's wife... He stopped his line of thinking, it could only lead to trouble that he wasn't prepared to deal with. He slammed the book shut and thought about calling Becca but changed his mind. He wasn't in the mood for her and hadn't been for quite some time. He ran through his options and soon figured out that he really didn't have any except for Becca who he knew would drop whatever she was doing to go for a "ride". He went downstairs to the kitchen, picked up the phone and dialed her number. "Fifteen minutes." was all he said and hung up. ******* Becca's heart began to race as soon as she heard Andrew's deep voice on the phone. She was actually beginning to wonder about him and their relationship. Clearly, something was bothering him and although he hadn't said anything, she thought she knew what it was... the Jap and she reluctantly admitted, his wife. She saw the way he looked at the black woman when he thought no one was looking. It wasn't lust or even desire really but more a curiosity. The curiosity she could understand as long as it didn't go beyond that and interfere with her goal of making Andrew fall so in love with her and marry her. "Becca Kelley" was written in a notebook that she kept under her bed. The notebook was her wedding planner and contained everything from the wedding date and the guest list that she updated weekly. Part of her plan included being available whenever Andrew called and giving him the best blowjobs that he ever had. But lately, he hadn't been interested and deep in her gut she knew that Patricia Takeda was the reason. As far as Becca could tell, Patricia didn't know that Andrew existed. Whenever she saw her, she was either studying or having lunch with that handsome husband of hers. Even so, she was jealous. Patricia Takeda was a threat to her and Andrew's future whether she was aware of it or not. "Shit!" she cursed when she realized that five of the fifteen minutes had passed. She ran up the stairs to her room, stripped and quickly but thoroughly washed under her arms and between her legs making sure to reach all of the nooks and crannies in case Andrew decided to eat her out. She frowned as she tried to remember the last time that he had done that... it had been weeks but maybe tonight that would change she thought as she dried herself off and sprayed a little perfume on her mound. She rummaged through her closet and picked a dress that she could get off and on easily forgoing the bra and panties. She had just finished dressing when she heard the impatient beep of Andrew's car horn. She grabbed her jacket and ran down the stairs without saying anything to her parents. Andrew drove to their usual spot and parked. Without hesitating, Becca was out of her dress and reaching for Andrew's flaccid cock, which by now would normally be rock hard and throbbing in anticipation of her mouth. "What's the matter baby?" she cooed as she tried to coax his cock into becoming hard by massaging it through his jeans. When that failed, she unzipped his jeans, reached in and pulled it out. Without asking, she took Andrew's still soft member into her mouth and began to suck and lick at it until finally, it began to respond. When he was finally hard, she began to nurse on him in earnest. Within minutes, Andrew came with a loud groan as he filled her mouth. "How was it baby?" she asked as she wiped the corners of her mouth with her discarded dress. "It was good, thanks." Andrew replied. "Just good?" she teased. "What is it that you want to hear?" Andrew asked sarcastically, "That is was fantastic?" "No, I was...." "Get dressed." Andrew snapped as he tucked his now flaccid cock back into his jeans and started the car. When Becca hesitated, he looked at her, "Well? What are you waiting for?" As he drove her home, Becca wondered what was wrong with him. Patricia Takeda's name popped into her head and she quickly discarded it. Andrew hated anyone who wasn't white and some of the races who looked white as well. When he was in a better mood, she would ask him what was bothering him. Until then, she would just have to bide her time. ******** By the end of January 1946, Emperor Hirohito announced to his subjects that he was not descended from the Shinto Sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami and that the emperor was not a living god, George Woolf the Jockey who rode both Seabiscuit and Bold Venture to victory was thrown off a horse at the Santa Anita Park during a race- he died the following day at the age of 35. General Douglas MacArthur, Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers began a purge of the Japanese government. Over a two and a half year period, 210,287 people were either barred or removed from public office, Robby Krieger-American rock musician and songwriter for the group 'The Doors' is born, The United Nations General Assembly meets for the first time, 22 year old Malcolm Little was arrested in Boston for breaking and entering. While in prison, he joined the Nation of Islam and changed his name to Malcolm X. I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 04 The "two-way wrist radio" was first introduced in the comic strip Dick Tracy, fourteen coal miners were killed in an explosion in Havaco, West Virginia, Charles De Gaulle resigned as President of France, the United Steel Workers of America staged a nationwide walkout- it was the largest strike in American history, 750, 000 workers walked out and the "Roosevelt dime" was introduced on the birthday of the late President Franklin D. Roosevelt replacing the "mercury dime" ******** Slowly everyone began to adjust to Ralph's absence although he was still missed and always would be. Kenji, Patricia and Joel began to prepare for returning to school and its challenges. They spent extra time with "Ralph" making sure that he understood that they would be returning home at the end of the day. "It is time for us to begin school again." Kenji explained. "I know papa." Ralph replied. "It is no different than before." Kenji continued as he handed the embroidered handkerchief to him. Ralph took the handkerchief, clutched it tightly in his hands, and tried to be stoic. "What frightens you?" Kenji asked. "What if you and mama don't come back?" he asked. "Do you mean like Uncle Ralph?" Kenji asked. "Yes." Ralph said softly looking away. "Niko," Kenji said softly forgetting to use the boy's chosen name, "Death is a part of life and cannot be predicted. I cannot promise you with one hundred percent certainty that nothing will happen that will keep us from returning home to you and your sister but I can promise you that we will do everything possible to be here." Ralph looked up at Kenji with tears in his eyes and hugged him. "And," Kenji continued, "If something should happen, know that you and Marie will be loved from wherever our souls go just as Uncle Ralph still loves you and is watching us as we speak. Do you understand?" Ralph frowned and then his face lit up. "Yes papa." "You do?" Kenji asked surprised. "Yes papa." Ralph replied. If asked he couldn't have verbalized what he understood but all he knew was that he felt better. ******** Abby took baby-sitting duty that week. "I need to hear the laughter of children." she said when she volunteered. After the usual admonishments to behave and to help with Marie, the trio headed for the car and to school. Kenji parked the car, helped Patricia out and grabbed their bags. As they walked to class, he had a slight sense of foreboding and felt led to caution Patricia. "Kirei, please be careful and wait for me to come for you." "Alright but do you really think that there's going to be a problem?" she asked. "I do not know but I would rather be overly cautious than not cautious enough." Kenji replied. He left Patricia in her classroom with a smile and a touch of her hand before going to his own class. Joel was already seated and to his credit looked relatively calm although Andrew and his friends were already there and staring at him. The feeling of unease in Kenji's stomach grew slightly and then diminished as the class began. Instead of feeling relieved, he was more on guard. He glanced over at Joel who glanced back and nodded before facing forward again, he was on guard too. Whatever was happening with Andrew, both men knew that it wasn't going to be good. The class passed without incident and without a word from Andrew or his friends increasing the feeling that something wasn't right. Joel and Kenji stayed seated for a few minutes after the class was over. Patricia had a few minutes of class left so there was no rush. "What are you thinking?" Joel asked. "I don't know." Kenji replied, "but Andrew Kelley isn't done with us." he added. ******** Patricia doodled in her notebook while she waited for class to begin. She knew that someone was staring at her and she even knew who it was. Becca Cartwright. Why, she had no idea and she didn't particularly care but this was a new thing. Until a several weeks ago, Becca had ignored her and Patricia had to wonder what had changed. She knew that Becca and Andrew were supposedly an item but from what she saw, it looked one sided with the side tilted toward Becca. Patricia forgot about Becca when Professor Hathaway walked in. She noticed that he was back to what she considered normal as he glanced at her and then looked away, when he called roll; he was back to using the deliberate mispronunciation of her name. "Surprise quiz!" he announced ignoring the groans and exclamations of how it wasn't fair. "It isn't my fault if you didn't prepare!" he snapped. As per usual, he gave Patricia her quiz last but this time he had a nasty sneer on his face as he slapped the paper down on her desk. He walked up to the front of the class, sat down and said "Begin!" Patricia scanned the quiz and then looked up to see Professor Hathaway looking at her with a smug look on his face. "Bastard!" she hissed under her breath as she picked up her pencil and began to take the quiz. Usually she was one of the first to complete a quiz but not this time. She finished the quiz just before the allotted time was up. She felt all eyes on her as she took her quiz up front to be graded. "Well Mrs. Takeeda, how did you do?" "I don't know but I suppose you'll tell me." Patricia said her tone terse. Hathaway glared at her and then started to grade her quiz. Patricia waited anxiously, she knew that she hadn't gotten her usual one hundred percent but she was almost sure that she had passed. "Fail!" Hathaway exclaimed, his joy evident. "What?" Patricia asked shocked. "Which ones did I miss?" "It doesn't matter, you failed." Hathaway replied. "The hell it doesn't! Which ones did I miss?" she demanded. "Sit down." Hathaway said firmly. "Not until you tell me which questions I missed and what the correct answers are." Patricia replied. She knew that she should let it go but she couldn't. One failed quiz wouldn't matter to her overall grade but it was a matter of principal. If he could altar one quiz grade, what else would he do? "I said...." "Excuse me?" a male voice said from the back of the room, "But I would also like to know which questions I missed." Another voice soon followed until several of the students were asking. Hathaway was furious at the turn of events. He really hadn't expected to challenged. By the end of class, Patricia and some of the others had actually passed the quiz. Patricia got the feeling that Hathaway didn't care that the others passed, but he definitely cared that she did. She didn't miss the murderous glances that he gave her when he thought that she wasn't looking. As soon as class was over, she gathered her things and headed for the door. On her way out, the first student to side with her stopped her. "You're one gutsy lady but be careful... he isn't someone that you want to fuck with." "What do you mean?" Patricia asked. "Just be careful okay?" the student whose name she didn't know said and walked away. ******* Kenji was waiting for Patricia outside of her classroom. "Kirei? What happened?" "Who says anything did?" she asked. "Being married to you for a few years does." Kenji replied, "tell me." By the time she finished telling him what happened, Kenji was concerned. "Kirei, listen to me, you must be careful. If this man requests that you stay after class, do not do it no matter the reason that he gives." "You don't have to tell me twice." she replied as she laid her head on his shoulder. ******** Andrew and his friends were sitting across from Kenji and Patricia, a fact not missed by Becca. She watched Andrew as he tried to pretend that he wasn't paying any attention to them. In an attempt to direct his attention to her, she leaned into him and nibbled on his ear. "Damn it Becca!" Andrew swore as he moved away from her. Becca gasped at the outburst, looked at Andrew confused and then looked over at Patricia who was paying them no mind but was talking with Kenji. "Bitch!" Becca thought as she watched Patricia lean over and kiss Kenji on the cheek noting that instead of pulling away as Andrew had done, he leaned into Patricia to accept the kiss. "Bitch." she murmured under her breath and began to plan. I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 05 By the end of April 1946, the kingdom of Hungary becomes a republic, 400 coal miners are killed during an explosion in Germany, Juan Peron is elected President of Argentina, Ho Chi Mihn signs an agreement with France that recognizes Vietnam as an autonomous state, the League of Nations disbands and transfers its missions to the United Nations. For the first time in Japan, women are allowed to vote and Masahharu Homma is executed for leading the Bataan Death March that resulted in the deaths of thousands of prisoners. ******************************** Civil Rights events In Morgan v Virginia, the Supreme Court rules that a Virginia law requiring segregated seating in interstate busses is an "unconstitutional burden on interstate commerce." President Truman appoints a presidential committee on civil rights in response to a wave of violence against African Americans living in the south; Ebony Magazine publishes the profiles of six Negro Newsman of White Dailies. Included are Earl Brown of Life, Ted Poston of the New York Post and William A. Brower of the Toledo Blade. The print media in the United States at this time is almost but not completely segregated. Only a handful of African Americans are employed as journalists. ******************************** In Music A revised and streamlined version of Showboat opens on Broadway, Buddy Ebson is one of the stars, Al Jolson records his old hits for his Columbia biopic "The Al Jolson Story", B. B. King begins working as a professional musician in Memphis, Tennessee and Chet Atkins makes his first appearance at the "Grand Ole Opry" ******************************** The week passed quickly with no mishaps but Kenji still maintained that they were still experiencing a time of temporary calm. The beginning of the storm didn't show itself until the following Monday when Patricia went to class fully expecting to bump heads with Professor Hathaway. As always, Kenji walked her to class and left her with a light caress of her hand. Patricia sat in her seat and prepared for the surprise quiz that was no longer a surprise. She ignored the sound of the students coming in and only looked up when she felt someone standing next to her. "How are you doing?" A male voice asked rather nervously. It was the student who from the week before who had warned her about Hathaway. "Hello." Patricia replied politely. She wondered what he wanted and why someone was actually talking to her after weeks of ignoring her. She stared at him when he sat in the empty seat next to her. She was about to ask him what he was doing when and instructor walked in and cleared his throat. "My name is Professor Clarence Books." he said and looked around the room, his eyes resting on Patricia a tad longer than they had on anyone else's. "I will be teaching this class for the duration of the semester and I want to make a few things clear." Patricia settled in for the same spiel that Hathaway had delivered several weeks before but was surprised. "One of the first things that I want to clarify is this, I don't give a damn about whether you're white, black, purple or green, I expect the work to be done. At the risk of getting myself into a bit of trouble I also want to say this, it is most unfortunate that Professor Hathaway allowed his personal beliefs to interfere with his responsibility as an educator. I'm quite sure that you are well aware of what I'm talking about so I don't need to expound in it. Rest assured that nothing like what happened will occur in this room as long as I am the instructor. Everyone and I do mean everyone is entitled to an education so having said that please open your text...." Patricia stole a glance around wondering if everyone else was a shocked as she was. Her next thought was about who would have turned Hathaway in and if he would somehow hold her responsible for it even though she hadn't said anything to anyone about her problems with him except Kenji and Joel. The last person she looked at was the man sitting beside her. "Was it him?" she wondered as she looked away before he caught her looking at him. As she looked forward to listen to the instructor, she had to admit that the class had a different feel to it than the weeks before. It didn't feel as oppressive and she found that she actually enjoyed it. After class was over the mystery student introduced himself. "I'm Bernard Hammond." "It's nice to meet you, I'm Patricia Takeda." "I know who you are." Bernard replied with a smile, "And it's nice to finally officially meet you." "I don't mean to be rude but why now?" Patricia asked. "Excuse me?" Bernard asked not sure about what Patricia meant. "This class started weeks ago so why are you just now speaking to me?" she asked trying hard not to sound abrupt but she really wanted to know. Bernard caught off guard by the question became flustered. He was told that all he had to do was introduce himself and that was even more than he wanted to do. As far as he was concerned, he had done his duty by telling someone about Hathaway and to sit next to her in class had been a very stupid move on his part. "Oh... hey I've got to get going! My next class starts in a few minutes." he said avoiding the question. Before Patricia could say anything more, he grabbed his books and took off. She didn't notice that someone sitting in the far back corner of the classroom was watching her. ******* Kenji was waiting for her when she came out. He was actually about to go in after her when she walked out. "Kirei? Is everything alright?" "I'm fine but you're not going to believe this." she said as they walked outside. "So he is gone?" Kenji asked when Patricia told him about Hathaway. "Supposed to be." Patricia replied as she played with his long fingers. "Still you must be careful." Kenji said catching her fingers in his without looking. "I know and how do you do that?" Patricia asked. "You make the same pattern every time." Kenji replied chuckling, "But Kirei, I mean it, be careful just because he is not here doesn't mean that he still can't harm you." Patricia looked at him, "You're thinking that he'll think that I'm the one who complained." "Yes and even though you weren't, he will hold you responsible." "I've already thought about that." Patricia replied. "I almost forgot, one of the other students sat beside me today and introduced himself." Kenji's reaction was much the same as hers had been. "After all of this time? Who was it?" he asked. "Bernard Hammond and I don't know anything about him." Patricia replied. "I think our time of peace is coming to an end." Kenji said more to himself than to Patricia, "and Kirei be careful of this Bernard Hammond until we know more about him." "I will and I really hope your wrong about our time of peace ending. How was your class?" she asked. "The same as always." Kenji replied. "Andrew Kelley and his friends still haven't spoken to us or accosted us but I think that it will change soon. Remember not to go anywhere alone." ********* He walked Patricia to her next class and met Joel at theirs. He immediately noticed the grim expression on Joel's face. "What is it?" Kenji asked concerned. Joel lifted his bag from the desk to reveal a Star of David that was large enough to cover the desk drawn in yellow paint. Kenji looked down at his own desk and saw written in English, "Jap go home." Kenji looked around to see if anyone looked suspicious, his eyes resting on Andrew who for the first time in weeks spoke to him. "What are you looking at?" Andrew snapped. "I am wondering why you have broken the uneasy peace between us." Kenji replied. "We have not spoken or crossed paths in weeks and now this?" Andrew looked at Kenji with a confused expression. "What in the hell are you talking about?" he asked. "Come see." Kenji replied, a challenge in his voice. Curious, Andrew left his seat and walked over to Joel and Kenji's desk. His eyes widened when he saw the Star of David drawn on Joel's desk and the message written on Kenji's desk. He hadn't authorized this; the order not to bother any of what he called the melting pot was still in effect. "Wh....." Andrew stopped himself, he wasn't about to air his dirty laundry in front of Kenji and Joel. Without saying a word, he turned, walked away and headed back to his seat while he scanned the faces of what he considered his inner circle. Of the four of them, only one, Ernie Powell looked guilty and couldn't meet his direct stare. He would be dealt with later. Andrew sat in his seat furious that someone would disobey him. The thing that really surprised him was the one who had done it. Ernie was a follower through and through and wouldn't disobey an order of his own volition without being pushed into it which meant one of the others had put him up to it. But who was it? Whoever it was ruined his plans, he was actually in the process of planning something but it now had to wait. The Jap was back on full alert as was the Jew and the Jap would warn his woman as well. Andrew couldn't wait to get his hands on whomever it was that had gotten Ernie to disobey him. The objects of his obsession had just gotten a reprieve. ******* After the last class of the day, Andrew and his crew went to the diner to kill some time. There was a meeting with the rest of the group scheduled for later in the evening and he wanted the mess with Ernie taken care of before then. Andrew had already cleared his schedule with his parents and so he wasn't expected to be home early. He really didn't have to clear things with them but it made them feel good and it avoided any problems. But that wasn't it, he genuinely loved and respected his parents and it was their home. While they waited for their orders to be taken, Andrew decided that it was time to find out who the culprit of the graffiti was. He looked around the booth at each man before speaking. "You know," he said, "I never rescinded the order about the Jap and his buddy." He watched as they looked at each other and noticed again that only Ernie gave any indication that he had been the one to go against a direct order. The question was why. Just as he was about to ask, Andrew heard Becca come into the diner. "There he is!" she said to whomever she had come in with, "I'll talk to you later." A moment later she was sitting next to Andrew with her hand high up on his thigh and moving it up toward his crotch. Andrew happened to look at Ernie and saw a look that he had never seen before- jealousy. Ernie, he realized had a thing for Becca. He had to wonder just how long Ernie had felt that way and if Becca knew. "So baby, we got time for a ride?" she asked her hand now over his cock and rubbing it until it was hard. "Sure baby." Andrew replied looking at Ernie who was looking away but his jaw was twitching. Becca's hand stopped moving. She was surprised by the quickness of Andrew's response; it had been weeks since he had responded so quickly. She also knew that Ernie was pissed, she had given him a blowjob... not even one of her special ones for doing a favor for her and now he thought that she belonged to him. That she kind of implied that she was breaking up with Andrew might have contributed to that belief didn't matter. She had no plans of doing so and if Ernie was stupid enough to believe it then too bad for him but she had to keep him quiet even if it meant giving him more blowjobs. She found herself kicking herself for her rashness and wondered how long it take Ernie to spill the beans. "Let's go." Andrew said as she pushed her out of the booth and then made her stand still. Although he was sure that everyone knew what happened between him and Becca, he was still a gentleman. He used her body as a shield to hide his hard on. Like Becca he wondered about the quick reaction and wondered if it wasn't because he knew that someone else wanted her even if he didn't. He drove them to the parking lot of an abandoned store, parked in the back, unzipped his pants and waited for Becca to get comfortable. He groaned when her hot mouth covered the head of his cock and sucked. He knew that he should have felt guilty about using her like this but he didn't, he simply didn't care. He was well aware of the fact that Becca was in love with him but there wasn't a chance in hell that he was ever going to marry her. For now, he would enjoy the offerings of her lips and mouth. He tangled his fingers in her blond hair as her head bobbed up and down on his pole with varying degrees of pressure and speed. This was the one thing that he was going to miss about her and he hoped that his future wife would be as talented as Becca when it came to sucking cock. "God!" he cried out when she did that little thing with her tongue signaling that she was going to make him come. He pressed her head down into his lap and held it there for a few seconds before letting her up for air. That was his way of telling her to slow it down. Becca caught her breath and went back the task of pleasing Andrew. It wasn't long before she was flicking her tongue across the underside of his cock where the shaft met the head and then sucked on it. The feeling was incredible and Andrew often wondered where she had learned it. He was going to come and this time he wasn't going to stop it. He held Becca's head still so that the only part of her mouth she could move was her talented tongue and began to pump into her mouth. Every so often he would stop long enough for her tongue to dance across that sensitive spot before thrusting in as far as he could go without actually making her gag. "Fuck!" he screamed as he finally emptied into Becca's waiting mouth. Even though he was empty, he kept thrusting so that just the head of his cock slid in and out of her mouth. He loved the feeling of having the head of his sensitive cock sucked after he came. Finally spent, Andrew rested his head against the headrest of the car. He knew that Becca was expecting something in return and be fair; it had been a long time since he took care of her. "Strip." he said as he began to stroke his cock that was already beginning to recover. Becca didn't need to further encouragement. Her Andrew was back. She had managed to make him forget about the black woman although she didn't know how she had managed it. She stripped to her bra and panties, straddled Andrew's lap and began a slow grind against him. "I love you baby." she moaned when Andrew lifted the cups of her bra to expose her breasts and took a rose-colored nipple into his mouth and sucked. Andrew froze, knowing that she loved him and hearing it were two entirely different things. "Get off!" he said shoving her off from his lap. "Wha...." "Get dressed, we're done here." he said gruffly interrupting her. "I don't....." "Get dressed!" he snapped. Becca dressed as tears ran down her face. She couldn't imagine what had happened, all she had said was... It hit her like a ton of bricks, Andrew didn't love her, had never loved her and he saw her as nothing but a whore to be used for his pleasure. Her face burned as she realized that everyone with the exception of her knew this, even her so-called friends knew it but hadn't said anything. The tears flowed faster as she imagined the whispered conversations that were taking place behind her back even as she dressed very humiliated. She forced the tears to stop, finished dressing and jumped out of the car. Without looking back, Becca started walking. Several minutes later, she was home, in her room and ripping the notebook containing her wedding plans to shreds. By the time she was done, the pages of the notebook littered her room. She sat on the bed and began to cry but not out of sadness but anger. Andrew was going to pay for this. ******* Andrew drove straight to the meeting place even though he was early. He didn't want to face the questioning looks he would have gotten if he had gone back to the diner. In retrospect, he realized that he had handled Becca's revelation wrong, he should have continued as he had been, made her come and taken her home. "The talk" would have occurred a few days later. "Too late." he thought to himself. He would just have to deal with whatever she told people and move on. He pushed Becca out of his mind and thought about Professor Hathaway. Everyone in their group had heard about what happened to him and all of them were angry. All of them, Andrew included saw what happened as Patricia's fault and there had been some talk of retaliation. "Not yet." Andrew had advised, "if we make a move now the school will know that it had something to do with Hathaway and he was already being watched and let's face it, targeting the woman was a mistake on his part. It was only a matter of time before she or someone else said something." Reluctantly, the others in his group agreed. "And if you see the others, tell them the same thing." he added. "They are not to be touched until I say so. Is that understood?" He had no doubts that he wouldn't be disobeyed a second time once word about Ernie spread. Hathaway had made him his second in command of the small but growing group; he would be the one leading tonight as Hathaway had another meeting to attend. It wouldn't be too long before they would need to start delegating or they would have to begin accepting nominations for officers. That time hadn't come yet but if the group continued to grow at the rate that it was, by the time spring break came they would have to consider it. There was still plenty of time before the big group meeting but he went into the small garage anyway and began to set up the folding chairs. ******* Hathaway glared Marji his wife of fifteen years and didn't like what he saw. She was an attractive blonde-haired woman with cornflower blue eyes and a petite build. At one time, he had considered her perfect, his soul mate and the future mother of his children. Now all he saw was a stinking filthy Jew. As far as he was concerned, she had lied to him when she told him that she was pure. It didn't matter that she thought that he was asking if she was a virgin and if he had asked about her family, she would have told him. In his mind, she still lied. He still remembered the day that he found out. They had just moved and he was unpacking the box that contained family heirlooms. He came across her family bible that he had never looked at partly because he never thought about it and partly because he wasn't interested. The real interest in genealogy wouldn't come until after he made his discovery. He opened the bible and began to look at the names. When he saw the first Jewish last name, he flinched but then relaxed when he saw it was from the 1700's. He almost put the bible away but he kept reading and saw with mounting horror that there were several Jewish last names in her line with the last being as recent as December 1935, after that there were no more entries because he wouldn't allow it. The name was written in Marji's neat handwriting. "Naomi Lynn Goldstein, born December 10, 1935" he saw red but forced himself to calm down. Part of this was his fault, he should have checked her family out before he married her but her last name had been Johnson at the time... how could he have known? In addition, her parents hadn't looked Jewish in any way. They were blond haired and blue eyes as Marji was, in other words they were perfect. By the time he met them, he and Marji had already married and were living in California. It was during that visit that he found out that his sweet Marji was worth quite a bit of money. That was the only reason why he was still with her and why although angry, he didn't care that he lost his job. The discovery about Marji's lineage happened a short ten years almost eleven years ago. When he confronted her with his newly discovered knowledge, she didn't see the issue and told him so. I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 05 "So what?" She asked and shrugged her shoulders, "I don't care." she added. "You don't what?" he screamed at her as he approached her, his hands in tight fists at his sides. He remembered the fear that had been in her eyes as he got closer to her. Up until that day, he had never laid hands on a woman and had to force himself to walk away after that first punch. He looked over at her again and wished that he could get rid of her without losing the money but it was impossible because of the way her father had set up the trust fund. If she died, he wouldn't see a penny of it, part of it would go to her father's college alma mater, part of it to some charity that Marji supported and the rest of it to the Jewish Hospital. Those little pieces of information she divulged after he tried to force her to sign her money over to him. Over the years whenever Marji talked about leaving him, all he had to do was hit her a few times and mention Naomi. "She's how old now?" he would ask and Marji would fall into line like a good little Jew. He wasn't worried about her telling anyone, she would be too afraid and ashamed to admit that her husband hit her and was an anti-Semite amongst other things... his secret was safe with her. Marji fixed his plate, sat it in front of him and hurried away. She didn't want to give him any reason to call her names or to hit her. She knew that he was going to one of his meetings and entertained the idea of leaving him for what had to be the thousandth time over the past ten years. She never did simply because she knew that he would have someone kill her niece. She had actually considered suicide and had planned it out until he informed her that if she left him in any manner, he would kill Naomi and whatever family members that he could find... Then there was the matter of the money, he made her add his name to the account. If she took any extra money out, he would know. In order to have just a little money in case the opportunity came or she became brave enough to tell her family, she began to cut back on her personal expenses. Instead of going to the hairdressers every week, she went three times a month and so far, he hadn't noticed. She started buying the least expensive bath oils and soaps and that escaped him as well. Had they been sleeping together he might have noticed but for now, at least she was safe. Hiding the money became another issue. If he caught her with it, he would beat her and take the money to use on the whores that she knew he slept with or he would add it to the money that he was steadily taking from the accounts. The only place that she could think of was the chest that was given to her years ago. One night when he was gone to one of his meetings, she emptied the chest and put the money in the bottom in a small purse that had once belonged to the same grandmother who had given her the chest. She wasn't sure of how much money she actually had because she would always just grab for the purse, put the money in and lock the chest back up. An hour later, he was gone and Marji let out a sigh of relief and prayed that he wouldn't come back. ******* The drive home was quiet. Each of them was glad that the day was over and Patricia was glad that she had a few days before she had to return to school. All of them were looking forward to spring break especially Kenji and Joel. Their schoolwork had almost doubled and both of them were looking forward not only to the break but also for a chance to get ahead in their studies. Of the two of them, Kenji was by far in better shape mainly because of all of the reading that he had done over the years and so far, everything had been little more than a review. One of the things that Kenji wanted to do was to take Patricia and the children up to Manzanar, the other thing was to teach her how to drive. As of yet he hadn't mentioned either thing to her figuring he would wait until spring break to say anything. All he wanted to do now was to get home, see their children, have dinner and make love to Patricia after the children were in bed. Unfortunately, he had to study first but the good thing was that Patricia didn't have to be up early the next morning and he could do with just a few hours of sleep. Kenji reached over and took the hand closest to him, gave it a gentle squeeze and a caress to make his wants and needs known. Patricia looked over at him, smiled and returned the squeeze as she wondered just how late he and Joel would have to be up. She squirmed in her seat as she envisioned being in bed with Kenji and of the things that he would do to her. Patricia glanced back at Joel and smiled at him. He was such a sweet man and deserved to be happy with someone. She only hoped that whoever it was, that she would appreciate him for what he was and be deserving of him. Joel caught her looking at him and smiled back, Kenji was one lucky man. ********* Abby had dinner almost ready when they got home. Ralph and Marie rushed to the door to greet them with Ralph taking Joel's bag as soon as he saw them. "I want a son." he thought to himself as he watched Ralph take his bag to the library. He picked Marie up after she greeted her parents and kissed her cheek, "I want one of you too." He murmured as he hugged her. It was possible he realized. He could become a husband, a father and a physician. He was becoming someone that a woman could be proud to say that he was her husband. Joel set Marie on her feet and went to help Abby finish dinner so that Kenji and Patricia could have a few minutes alone with each other and the children. He wondered for not the first time if he was in the way and decided to talk to Kenji about it later but in the meantime, he would continue to enjoy the feeling of belonging. Dinner was a noisy affair with Marie repeating the alphabet taught to her by none other than her big brother. She was a pretty little girl who would grow up to be a beautiful woman. Her dark almond shaped eyes sparkled as she recited the alphabet with a few mistakes that Ralph gently and quietly corrected. She stood up and took a bow when everyone applauded, her curly pigtails almost touching the floor because she bowed so low. "Well done pretty one!" Kenji complimented before he turned to Ralph, and well done to you too, you are a good and patient teacher." "Thank you papa." they replied in unison. "Yes," Patricia agreed, "very well done! In addition, because you both did such a good job, you can stay up fifteen minutes later. Ralph grinned in excitement. These times didn't happen often but when they did, it made him very happy. An extra fifteen minutes meant an extra bedtime story or two if he chose the right ones and it also meant more time with his papa. Patricia knew this and wasn't hurt by it. It was only fair that Ralph would want the extra time with Kenji, so would Marie for that matter. She would use the time to get their bedclothes and bathes ready and then get ready for Kenji. She helped Abby clean up the dishes while Joel and Kenji read to the children. "How are you doing?" she asked as Abby put away the leftovers. "I miss him." she replied softly. Patricia stopped what she was doing and hugged her. They all still missed the sometimes-grouchy older man and always would. She was glad that Joel was still spending some time at the house even though Abby said that she didn't need him to. "What can we do to help?" Patricia asked. "Exactly what you're doing." Abby replied as she wiped the tears away from her eyes. "Just keep moving forward with your goals and don't let anything or anyone stop you. It's what Ralph would want." "I promise." Patricia replied. As of yet she still hadn't told Kenji that she wanted to study neurology as opposed to obstetrics. What she didn't know was if the change in study was even a possibility. Why she hadn't said anything yet, she didn't know except that she knew that he was looking forward to them practicing together and she didn't want to disappoint him. The other issue was that more schooling would be involved and she wanted another baby, something else that they hadn't talked about mainly because Kenji had another three and a half years of school to complete and then he had his residency and then he had to get his practice started.... "I have something for you, it's from Ralph." Abby was saying. "I'll give it to you before I leave." "Ok," Patricia replied wondering what it could be. Abby left soon after the kitchen was cleaned, kissing Patricia, the children and Kenji and bid Joel goodnight before leaving "I can come over later." Joel said hugging her. "I'm fine! So stay here and I promise to call you if I need anything." Abby replied. Nothing that Joel said could change her mind. On her way out, she took a large envelope out of her purse and laid it on the living room table. "That's for you and Patricia" she said to Kenji before she walked out. That envelope was a reminder to her that she needed to make sure that her own affairs were in order. For the most part, she felt fine and she intended to watch Kenji and then Patricia graduate from college. She might have to be carried in but damn it! She was going to be there not just for herself but for Ralph as well. ******* The children were in bed leaving the three adults alone. "Joel, why don't we get started on our studies?" Kenji asked. That was Patricia's cue to start getting ready. The envelope lay forgotten on the living room table as Kenji, Joel headed toward the library, and Patricia went upstairs to take a shower and to insert the diaphragm. Afterwards she would read some more of the novel that she had been slowly making her way through. Both men watched Patricia walk up the stairs before they went to the library. "There is someone for you." Kenji said as they sat down. "What?" Joel asked his heart pounding. "There is someone for you and you will be as happy with her as I am with my kirei." Joel realized what had just happened. Kenji in a very non-threatening way had just told him that he was very aware of his feelings for Patricia and he had not missed the "my Kirei." This seemed to be as good a time as any to talk about the possibility of his moving out. "I think that you're right." Joel replied letting Kenji know that he was not a threat to his and Patricia's marriage. "I was actually thinking about the possibility that I might find someone and have children of my own." he added. Kenji smiled at him, the smile reaching his eyes. He was glad that Joel caught his meaning without him having to be blunt. "I was also thinking about something else." Joel said. "What is that?" Kenji asked. "I was thinking about finding my own place or renting a room from Abby if she'd let me." Kenji didn't say anything as Joel continued. "You, Patricia and everyone else have been so good to me but I think that you and Patricia want and need your privacy back." Now that Joel understood about Patricia, Kenji didn't see a real need for Joel to leave but he understood. The only real issue that he saw was that the children had come to love Joel and would miss him horribly. They hadn't quite gotten over the loss of Ralph and if Joel left.... "Joel, I understand and respect your decision but could I ask a favor of you?" "Anything!" Joel exclaimed happy to be able to do something for Kenji. "Could you wait to move until the semester is over? It will give us time to acclimate the children to the idea and it will give you some time to find a suitable place if Abby declines your offer." Joel gave it some thought. "I can do that and I'll talk to Abby about renting from her in a few days." he replied. ******** It was just past ten when Kenji decided that he had studied enough. He bid Joel a goodnight, went to the kitchen and filled two glasses with water to take upstairs with him. As he walked through the living room, he saw the envelope that Abby left and wondered about it. It would wait he decided as he climbed the stairs where Patricia was waiting for him. The door to their room opened as soon as he reached it telling Kenji that Patricia had been waiting for him. He sat the glasses of water on the dresser and reached for her. He inhaled the scent of the only perfume that she ever used although she had others. This one was the scent of the very first bottle of perfume that he bought for her and whenever she wore it, he remembered the day that she first wore it. It smelled of flowers and as if it had been created just for her. 'Kirei...." "Talk later." she interrupted as she pulled him further into the room by the buckle of his belt. Kenji looked down at her, smiled and took a heavy breast in each hand gently kneading it as he allowed himself to be led toward the bed. Patricia had the belt undone by the time they reached the bed, his slacks were unbuttoned, unzipped and down over his hips by the time she had him turned around and sitting on the bed. His cock jerked in anticipation of what was about to happen. It had been several weeks since he had the pleasure of feeling her mouth on him and since he had last tasted her. It was a reminder that they had to take care of each other and not fall into the pattern of making love quickly and falling asleep. No matter what else was happening around them, they couldn't ignore the physical part of their lives any more than they could afford to ignore the emotional part of it, to do so would only invite trouble and plenty of that was coming without them adding to it. Kenji gasped as Patricia took the head of his cock into her mouth and swirled her tongue around it. His hips involuntarily jerked forward in an attempt to push his member further into her mouth. Instead of teasing him, Patricia took more of him in which surprised him because part of the pleasure for her was hearing him say her name as he begged her to end it and then in the next breath beg her to slow down because he wanted the torture to last. "Kirei... not... yet... please..." he begged as he felt the telltale signs of his impending release start at his toes and begin to make their way up his feet. If she stopped now.... "Kirei!" he called out again wanting but not wanting her to stop. Patricia knew by the way his cock was throbbing that they were approaching the point of no return and stopped much to Kenji's relief and frustration. She waited several minutes until his breathing slowed before starting again but this time she didn't stop even though he begged her to. It had been far too long since she cared for him like this and she vowed that it wouldn't be so long the next time. She felt his hands on her head and felt him gently hold it still as he gently but firmly slid in and out of her mouth speaking in Japanese between the moans of pleasure. She had missed this, missed hearing those words that she knew were words of love mixed in with words of pleasure. She had never asked him what the words meant because it didn't matter and they added something to their lovemaking. She moaned when the first taste of him touched her tongue. Kenji had released her head allowing her to take him as deep into her mouth as she could without gagging. His hands however hadn't left her face. He cupped her cheeks and stroked them with his thumbs while still murmuring softly in Japanese. Patricia sucked and licked until he was dry and whimpering for her. Without hesitating, she stripped off her nightgown and got onto the bed with him. This was one of her favorite parts. The closeness that they always experienced after making love had always been a high point for her. As soon as she was close enough, Kenji grabbed her and kissed her not caring that he had just come in her mouth. He moved his lips all over her face, kissing her eyes, nose and cheeks until he found her lips again taking in her breath as he kissed her. Gently he took her arms, raised them over her head, and held them in place as he looked into her dark eyes. "You are my kirei forever." he murmured as he kissed her again and kissed her chest. For a brief second Patricia wondered what happened that he said that, in all of the times that they made love, he had never said anything like it. "I know." she replied and then moaned as he took a nipple into his mouth and began to suck with the strong pulls that made the fluid that was accumulating between her legs run out of her and onto the bed. Kenji released her arms and kissed his way down her body stopping to worship the belly that had carried their two children. As of yet he hadn't touched the part of her that he wanted so desperately to taste. He could smell her and knew how wet she was. All thoughts of teasing her as she had teased him flew out of his head the second he took his first taste of her in weeks. He could hear her crying between the moans of pleasure, she had missed this part of their lovemaking too. Unable to hold off any longer, Kenji lapped at Patricia until he was sated and then latched onto her clit and began to suck, nibble and lick until she came crying out for him. As her orgasm waned, he stayed where he was, his tongue still pressed against her clit which was throbbing like a heart beat. He gave it a soft kiss, got to his knees, positioned his now erect cock at her vaginal entrance and slid in. Once in as far as he could go, Kenji paused and closed his eyes before beginning to pump slowly and deliberately in and out of her. He opened his eyes to see Patricia staring up at him with a questioning look in her eyes. He smiled down at her and began to pump in earnest. A minute later, he collapsed on top of her crushing her to him with an intensity that startled her. "Kenji?" she asked when they caught their breaths and she was securely in his arms, "what's going on and don't say nothing." "Kirei...." "No you don't, talk to me." she urged. She listened without interrupting as he told her about his concerns about her safety and finally Joel and his feelings for her. "Joel? Me?" she asked shocked not addressing the safety issue. "Why are you so surprised?" Kenji asked, "You are beautiful, intelligent, compassionate and a woman that any man would be proud to have by his side as I am." "But... I didn't know... you have to know that I love you and wouldn't dream of doing anything like that with anyone and I don't care who it is!" "I know that Kirei and what happened a little while ago was just a little insecurity on my part." Kenji replied. "Insecure? You?" Kenji gave her a small smile, "Yes kirei I do have insecurities." "I don't know what to say to that except that if they're regarding me and another man you have nothing to worry about." she replied kissing his chest. "Patricia, something is going to happen. I don't know when, how or who but that is where most of my insecurity lies, I am afraid that something is going to happen to you." The fact that he called her by her given name frightened her more than anything else that he could have said. It meant that he was frightened for her. "Like what?" she asked. "I don't know but please be careful." They talked for the rest of the night about anything and everything. It reminded them of the days before they had children and before they started school. They found that talking went a long way toward alleviating but not erasing any anxieties about her safety. "I vote that we do this once a week." Patricia said as she snuggled closer into Kenji's body. "I would like to make an amendment to that." he replied as he kissed her head. "I think that we need to take thirty minutes out of each evening to talk and once a week we spend at least one evening a week in bed just as we did last evening. That issue decided, they slept for an hour before Kenji had to be up to get ready for school. Patricia was going to have a relatively easy day because her parents were coming over to spend the day with her and the children. She still hadn't told Kenji about the possible change in her plans but decided that it could wait until another time. I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 05 ********** While he showered and got ready for the day, Patricia packed lunch for him and Joel and made breakfast. When Joel appeared, she greeted him as she always did. "Good morning!" Joel looked at her trying to decide if Kenji had said anything to her about their discussion about his feelings toward her. He let out a sigh of relief when she greeted him as she normally did and saw the lunches sitting on the counter. "Did Kenji mention that I might be moving?" he asked. "Yes he did but you know that you're welcome to stay here don't you?" Patricia asked. "I know and thank you but you and Kenji need your space and privacy, I'm going to talk to Abby about moving in with her." Joel said. "You know, I think that's a great idea! I worry about her over there all alone." Patricia said. "Then it's settled provided Abby agrees." Joel replied feeling oddly relieved, "oh, did Kenji also mention that I would stay until classes are over?" "Yes and its fine." Patricia replied. ******** It was the weekend before they knew it. Patricia was much happier with her first period class and Bernard had started to speak to her even outside of class but had continued to decline the offers of an introduction to Kenji and Joel. She shrugged it off and went to meet Kenji for their break. They were in the middle of making plans for the weekend when there was a commotion about a hundred yards to their left. ******** Joel was coming out of the building and went in the direction of the school's bookstore when he heard someone crying. He looked around to see if he could pinpoint where the sobs were coming from and headed toward the sound that was coming from around the corner of the building. "You bitch!" he heard a male voice say, "You said that you were breaking up with him!" "I... I'm going to but I haven't had a chance!" the female voice replied. "Yeah? Well what did you do when he took you for a ride?" the male voice asked angrily, "Why didn't you do it then?" Joel was about tot walk away deciding that it was a lover's quarrel when he heard the sound of flesh hitting flesh and the agonized cry of the woman. Before he could stop himself, he walked around the wall to see one of Andrew's friends hitting a woman who he knew to be Andrew's girlfriend. "Hey!" he called out. Ernie and Becca both looked at Joel in shock. Of all the people to interfere, he had been the last person that either of them would have expected. "Get out of here Jew boy!" Ernie hissed not releasing his grip on Becca. "I.... I can't." Joel said softly. What he really wanted to do was to run as fast as he could but he couldn't. Not if he wanted to be worthy of someone, not if he wanted to start standing on his own two feet. Ernie shoved Becca away from him and walked up toward Joel, "Get the fuck out of here before I break your other hand." Joel swallowed hard but held his ground. "I... I don't think that A...Andrew would..." "Andrew?" Ernie sneered. He grabbed Joel by his shirt and threw him to the ground. "What I want to know is why a fucking Jew is defending a cockwhore!" Ernie exclaimed. "A what......" "This bitch sucks cock for fun and to bribe guys! Did she suck yours so that you'd help her? What did you promise to do for her?" Ernie asked as he kicked Joel in his side. "She should have chosen better!" he exclaimed as he kicked again. Joel rolled out of the way and ended up in full view of several students. Suddenly students all of whom were shouting and cheering whenever Ernie got another kick in surrounded him and Ernie. "Stand up you Jew bastard!" Ernie screamed. Joel lay on the ground not moving hoping that Ernie would just walk away. As he lay there, he began to think about one of the things that Kenji told him. "You cannot allow people to treat you this way." It was now or never. Slowly Joel got to his feet. The crowd went wild as Ernie gave Joel a dismissive smile and then changed his mind; he was going to kick this Jew's ass. ******* "What's happening?" Patricia asked. "I don't know." Kenji replied as he stood up. "Come on, let's go see." he said offering Patricia his hand. By the time they got to the crowd, they couldn't see but knew that there was a fight. Uninterested, Kenji turned to pull Patricia away from the crowd when he heard someone say, "Come on Jew boy!" A feeling of dread filled his stomach; he knew that it had to be Joel. He looked down at Patricia, he didn't want to leave her in the crowd alone but he had to know that it was Joel. Not knowing what else to do, he pulled Patricia through the crowd until he could see who was fighting hoping that he was wrong. "Oh my god." Patricia whispered as she looked at a bloody heap lying on the ground. ******** Joel got in one good hit before Ernie began to beat him landing blows wherever he could. All he could do was drop to the ground, curl up in a ball, cover his head and pray for it to be over. He could hear the crowd screaming for him to get up and he wanted to, he wanted walk away under his own steam. "What's wrong Jew?" Ernie taunted as he started to kick him again. Joel braced himself for the kick that never came. The crowd had gone silent and he wondered why. He risked a peek through his arms and saw Kenji standing face to face with Ernie who was no longer looking so brave. The next thing that happened was that he heard Patricia calling his name. He didn't reply because as much pain as he was in, he wanted to see how Kenji handled Ernie. "So now we have the Jap!" Ernie said loudly, "You suck his cock too?" he shouted back at Becca who had the grace to turn beet red as she realized that if everyone didn't know about her, they did now. He turned back to face Kenji who hadn't moved. "You want your ass kicked too?" he asked. ******** Joel started to get up but Patricia stopped him. "What are you doing?" she asked as she pushed him back down. "I... I have to get up." he whispered. He knew that if he didn't, that he would never stand up for himself again. "Joel...." He rolled away from her, slowly got to his knees holding on to his sides. When Patricia offered to help, he waved her away. Finally, he was on his feet swaying from side to side as if he was drunk. He fastened his gaze on Kenji's back and slowly stumbled toward him only vaguely hearing the roar of the crowd. He took one agonizing step after another until he stood next to Kenji who was still regarding Ernie with something that Joel had never seen him display before-anger. Ernie was about to say something when Andrew's voice rang out. "What in the hell is going on here?" He looked over at Ernie, then Kenji before finally looking at Joel. "Get the fuck out of here." he said. "No, I'm not going." Joel said standing as tall as his aching body would allow. "Joel, you have made your point, it is time to go." Kenji said softly and placed a hand on his shoulder. "But...." "It is over for now." Kenji said, "You have made your stand." Reluctantly Joel turned and walked away under his own strength. It was important that people see that he didn't need Kenji or Patricia's help. The crowd parted as they walked through but no one touched or spoke to them as they passed. Patricia went ahead, gathered her and Kenji's things, and headed for the car. "Class." Joel whispered. "Missing one class will not hurt anything." Kenji said. "Class." Joel said and headed in the direction of the building where their classroom was. "Kenji?" Patricia asked worriedly. "I'll stay with him and when your class is over meet us in front of our classroom." Kenji replied. "Shouldn't we take him to see Paul?" she asked. "Yes but he will not go." "Make him!" Patricia demanded crying. "Kirei, today Joel stood up and faced difficult odds. He wants to send a message and that message includes that he is no longer afraid and that he will not hide." "That's just stupid!" Patricia replied angrily. "We will take him to Paul as soon as class is over." Kenji assured her as he watched Joel walk unsteadily into the building. ******** Andrew watched as Kenji, Joel and Patricia walked away and wondered what happened that made the Jewish man grow a set. He looked over at Ernie and walked over to him noting that he was swallowing nervously. He also noticed Becca standing off to the side looking equally as nervous. "What happened?" he asked Ernie when he reached him. "I.... I don't know... he butted in on me and Becca's conversations and...." "He touched me!" Becca called out "and Ernie stopped him." she added. "Is that true?" Andrew asked not believing it. Ernie's face had gone a brilliant red, one of the sure signs that he was lying. "Sure, that's what happened." he replied. Andrew looked at Ernie and smiled at him, "Thanks for looking after my girl." He said. Later when Becca wasn't around he was going to find out the truth but for now, he needed to maintain control. "Listen up!" he said to the group surrounding him, "Leave them the fuck alone! If I find out that they've been touched there's going to be hell to pay is that understood?" Satisfied that his orders would be obeyed, Andrew headed toward class. It wouldn't look right if all of them missed. He was surprised to admit that he felt a little respect for the Jew; he had taken one of them on knowing that he would get his ass kicked. Joel and Kenji were in the room when Andrew and his crew came in. To his credit, Joel didn't even flinch when he heard the voice of the one who beat him. Kenji kept one eye on Joel ready to move if he began to have trouble and kept his ears tuned toward Andrew and his group. He missed most of the lecture but wasn't worried about it. From what little he heard it was on a subject matter that he was familiar with and knew well. After class, Kenji packed up their books and waited as Joel got to his feet. "I did it, I got my ass whipped but Kenji, I did it! I didn't run!" "But you didn't lose." Kenji replied. "Of course I did!" Joel replied, "Look at me!" "You may have lost the physical battle but Joel; you won a much more important one, a personal one. We are proud of you." "Why is it that as much as I hurt, I feel so damned good?" Joel asked. "It is because you stood up for yourself." Kenji replied, "We need to go, Patricia is waiting for us and I promised her that we would take you to see Paul." ******** "Jesus Christ son!" Paul exclaimed when he examined Joel. "And I suppose you don't know who did it?" he asked. "I... yes sir I do but I'm not saying." Joel replied as Paul palpated his rib area and sides. "Doesn't matter, I already know who did it." Paul said as he sat back. "You're lucky. The ribs are bruised but not broken and you're going to look and feel as if you've gone a few rounds with a heavyweight fighter but you're going to be all right. Just take it easy for the next few days and go to the hospital if you have any trouble breathing." "Yes sir!" Joel replied wincing as he stood up. "You three watch yourselves." Paul said as he helped Joel with his shirt. He had been the one to report Hathaway after slipping in and observing his class not once but twice. He had also been hearing things from other faculty members of which only one agreed to go to the dean with him. Paul watched as the three of them walked away and looked at his watch. He had a meeting with one Bernard Hammond who was the son of a friend who happened to be taking the same classes as Patricia. It was actually he that told Paul what was going on. There was only one concern that Paul had about Hathaway losing his job and that was that he would blame Patricia for it and find a way to go after her. "Shit." he cursed as he realized that he might have just inadvertently placed Patricia in danger. After the meeting with Bernard, he would call and talk to Kenji. ********* The walk to the car was agonizingly slow. Kenji wanted to run ahead and get the car but he didn't want to leave Patricia and Joel alone. The parking lot was deserted when they got there and much to Kenji's pleasure and surprise, the car hadn't been touched. Just to be safe, Kenji examined the tires of the car. Deeming them untouched, him and Patricia helped Joel into the back seat. ********* Andrew watched the trio as they made their way to the car. Once again, he was reminded of the fact that none of his supposed friends would stand up for him as the Jap had stood up for the Jew, which reminded him, he and Ernie had to have a little chat. He waited until they drove off before heading to his own car, Ernie and the gang was waiting for him. ******** John and Hattie were waiting for them when they got home worried but not quite panicked but getting close. Hattie took one look at Joel and went into full mother mode. "My lord! You poor baby!" she exclaimed as she grabbed a washcloth. John rolled his eyes and let her finish fussing before he asked what happened. "Hurt like hell but feels good don't it?" he asked when Joel finished telling him what happened. "I knew there was a backbone in there!" he added. "It sure does feel good." Joel agreed although he hoped that he never went through anything like that again. "I got an idea." John said, "Why don't me and Kenji there teach you a thing or two? I used to be a boxer and Kenji can teach you some more of that stuff he does." Joel felt a surge of excitement, his pain temporarily forgotten as he considered John's offer. "I accept!" Kenji and John looked at each other and nodded, this is what they had been waiting for. ********* Ernie sat between Brad Monk and Dean Elderman. His stomach churned with nerves, he knew that Andrew hadn't believed Becca when she said that the Jew had tried to touch her. In retrospect, he realized that it was a stupid lie and that they would have done better if they had stuck to some semblance of the truth if not the truth itself. There was no way in hell that the Jew would have gone anywhere near Becca if he hadn't been trying to help her, Andrew and everyone else knew it. One thing was for sure, he wasn't taking all the blame for this and he sure as hell wasn't about to be disciplined on Becca's behalf, the bitch had lied to him. She had no real intentions of leaving Andrew, she had used him in order to get him to write and draw on the desks of the Jew and the Jap and if he was punished, he was going to take it out of her hide. ******** Ernie wasn't the only one who knew that Andrew didn't believe the lie. Becca had no plans of saying what she did, it just slipped out and now that impromptu lie was going to come back and bite her in the ass. She could only imagine what was going to happen, Andrew would talk to Ernie and the fool would tell the truth in hopes of saving his own ass. It occurred to her that between the Jew and Ernie, the Jew was the one who showed true strength but not only that, he had come to her defense. Something that no one not even Andrew had ever done for her but that was beside the point, he was still a Jew. If she was sorry about the lie, it was only because she hadn't gotten away with it. The question was what would Andrew do once Ernie told him the truth? Would he accept that she did it because she loved him so much and had been hurt? No, she decided, he would not buy it because he would not care. Maybe now would be a good time to go visit those relatives down south. She would drop out of school, she was failing anyway and had been biding her time until Andrew proposed to her and leave town. She might have thought about staying if there was even the slightest chance of that Andrew could love her. But that wasn't going to happen her ill thought out plan assured it. She practiced in her head how she was going to tell her parents that she was wasting their money by dropping out of school and that she was in fact failing all but one class. After several minutes she concluded that there was no way that she could tell them that they wouldn't go nuts. The next question was, did she do it now or wait to see what happened with Ernie? She debated for over an hour before deciding to wait. ******** "Care to tell me what really happened today?" Andrew asked Ernie as he sat down across from him. "It's like Becca said, the Jew tried to touch her and I helped." Andrew looked at Ernie and shook his head. "I'm not buying it." he said. "You and I both know that that Jew boy was afraid of his own shadow. There's no way in hell that he would have touched something that he knows is mine so I'm going to ask you again, what in the hell happened that got the Jew riled enough that he confronted you?" Ernie's face turned bright red as he realized that he had to tell the truth. "I... we were arguing." Ernie said quietly, "and I guess he heard us." "He picked a fight with you because he heard you and Becca arguing? That must have been one hell of an argument, what was it about?" "A misunderstanding." Ernie replied already anticipating the next question. "About what?" Andrew asked. "Ummm it, private." Ernie replied. Andrew nodded his head and a few seconds later, he and Ernie were alone. "Is this private enough?" he asked as he scooted closer. Ernie nodded his head and spilled his guts without being asked another question. "It was you who did the star and graffiti?" Andrew asked. "Yes." "And for a blowjob from my girl?" Andrew asked his tone icy. "S... she said that she was going to break up with you and...." "Is that what the misunderstanding was about? And don't lie." Andrew warned. "I... I got really mad and I hit her." Andrew's eyes hardened. That he had already dumped Becca was of no consequence. It wasn't officially over until he said so and he hadn't said so. That Ernie had done something that even he wouldn't do fueled his anger further but that he and Becca had screwed up the time table for the Jap and the Jew was the final straw. He stood up, went to the door and called the other two men back in. "It seems that Ernie here thought it was more important to have his cock sucked rather than obey a direct order." Andrew said. "Not only that, it was Becca who he let suck his cock. And that was like a slap in the face. Their little session just set us back in how soon we dealt with the melting pot." "I'm sorry, I won't do it again!" Ernie said regretting that he had allowed himself to be used by Becca. "Yeah well, here's the problem, you didn't come to me when she came to you." Andrew said as he walked over to Ernie and punched him in the face. "You ruined any plans that I had for them for a fucking blow job!" he punched Ernie again in the face. Hs shook his hand, looked at the to men, nodded and walked out confident that they wouldn't go overboard but would make sure that he got the message and would get Ernie home. His next stop was to see Becca. ******* Becca's anxiety level rose with each passing moment. She jumped when she heard the doorbell and Andrew's voice as he amiably chatted with her parents before asking to speak with her. She ran a brush through her hair, touched up her lipstick and went down the stairs with a fake smile plastered on her face. Andrew greeted her with a fake smile of his own. "Are you available for a ride?" he asked. "Sure... let me grab a sweater." Several minutes later, they were at the same vacant lot where Becca had made her feelings for Andrew known. "Do you know what I hate?" he asked as he shut off the engine. "Liars and cheaters." Becca said softly. She didn't offer to suck his cock or make apologies or promises. He wouldn't listen to her. "Right, liars and cheaters." he replied, "is there something that you want to tell me?" I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 05 Becca started to say no and then decided on the truth as she saw it. "Admit it! You're jealous of that Jap and his black bitch! I see how you look at her when you think no one's looking!" Andrew fought to keep his expression neutral. "You haven't been interested in me since you first saw her! Last night, did you come because you were thinking about her?" "Shut up Becca." Andrew said not liking how close to the truth she had gotten. "Why? Is that the reason?" she asked crying and too angry to care that she was treading on thin ice. "And you know what? Yes, I sucked Ernie off and yes I asked him to mess with the Jap and the Jew and do you know why? You're too goddamned afraid to! You walk around talking about how your father was a war hero and maybe he is but you Andrew Kelley are a wannabe! You talk a good talk but that black bitch is still here along with her mongrels! I loved you! All you had to do was at least pretend that you cared just a little... oh but wait! The great Andrew Kelley hates liars but which of us is really lying? Which of us is afraid of doing what needs to be done? But you know what I think?" Becca asked, "I think that you want the bitch for yourself but you won't admit it. I think that the only reason that they're off limits is because of her! What will your so called friends think when I tell them that you have a thing for the Jap's wife? What will Hathaway say? Hmmm? I bet by the end of tomorrow that there'll be another leader. Good bye Andrew, I hope that the bitch is worth it." She started to get out of the car but Andrew stopped her. "You've had your say now I'm going to have mine." he said holding her arm in a viselike grip. "Your new boyfriend told me everything and it's to his credit that he did although he did try to lie about it. In one afternoon, you and he managed to blow what plans I had to hell and back. Ernie won't be back at school for a few days because... well if you go to see him you'll know why." Becca's mouth went dry; she could only imagine what happened to him. "As you know, I don't believe in hurting women so this is what's going to happen, you're going to stay the fuck away from me and anyone in my group and that includes Hathaway. If anything happens to anyone in that little melting pot, I'll hold you personally responsible and I'll have no compunction about sending someone who doesn't mind hurting women to you for a visit. If I hear one little rumor about anything, I'll know that that it came from you... Am I clear or do I need to prove my point?" Becca tried to pull free so that she could get out of the car but Andrew held on to her. "You didn't answer the question." Andrew said calmly. "Fuck you and your ....." Andrew whistled and waited. After a few moments, Brad and Dean appeared at the far end of the back parking lot. It was at that moment that Becca realized that Andrew meant what he said, he really could and would have her hurt and that he wouldn't feel remorse. He would justify dealing with her being hurt by saying that he wasn't the one who did it. She also wondered for the first time why she had been so attracted to him. Part of it was his looks, part of it was because he was popular but mainly it was because of his politics and that she thought that he would go far. He was a coward who was afraid of more than he would or could ever admit to. "One more time." Andrew said, "Do you understand what will happen if you interfere with us in anyway?" "Y...Yes." "Do you understand that the Takeda's and the Jew are off limits to you and anyone else who you're thinking about involving?" "Y...yes." "Do you understand what will happen if I hear one rumor about me or anyone in my group?" "Good, I'll take you home and remember what I told you. One more thing, stay away from Hathaway got it?" Becca nodded, this was an unfamiliar Andrew and he scared her. "I got it." she said softly. Andrew nodded at the two men, started his car and drove Becca home without saying another word to her. Becca got out of the car and didn't look back. If Andrew thought that he had seen the last of her, he was sadly mistaken. This one time taught her a lesson; she couldn't afford to be impulsive. She would do as she planned and head south to visit relatives, she simply couldn't face the stares and whispers that would plague her until someone or something else came along. ********* After his meeting with Bernard, Paul swung by Kenji and Patricia's house. He had talked with Bernard who finally admitted that he wasn't comfortable with sitting with Patricia in class. "You weren't supposed to that!" Paul snapped and then backed off. "All you were supposed to do was introduce yourself to her." A few minutes later, Bernard left feeling better that he didn't have to sit with Patricia but was all right with just saying "hello." Paul sat at his desk for a few minutes before leaving to go to see Kenji and Patricia. They had just tucked the children in when he showed up. After declining the offer of refreshments, Paul told them about Hathaway and Bernard, "So the only reason Bernard talked to me was because of you." Patricia said softly. "Yes." Paul said, "but if it counts for anything, he really does like you he just...." "I get it." Patricia said wearily. "He doesn't want to be seen with us because of Andrew and his friends." "That's the gist of it." Paul said sadly, "but I want you to be careful. I've been hearing rumblings about Hathaway and his extracurricular activities." "Kenji thinks that he might blame me because he lost his job." Patricia said. "That is a very real possibility and one that I hadn't thought about when me and another faculty member went to the dean." Paul admitted. "My concern at the time was that he would flunk you out of his class. Patricia I'm sorry if I made things worse." "You didn't and thank you for your help because you and I both know that Hathaway would have succeeded if you hadn't stepped in." Patricia replied. "You're welcome and let me reiterate, please be careful. How's Joel?" Paul asked changing the subject. "He is still in considerable pain but quite proud of himself." Kenji replied as he looked at Patricia out of the corner of his eye. "Kenji, you be careful too." Paul said as he stood to leave. "One more thing," he said before he walked away, "there are people who are on your side, they're just afraid to say and show it." Patricia knew that Paul meant for the statement to be comforting but it wasn't. It was like someone saying that there was water or food available but then there was no way to get it. She didn't convey her thoughts to Paul because she didn't want to hurt his feelings but also because she knew that he understood. "Paul thank you for coming and for your continued friendship and support of us." Kenji said offering his hand. "Yes, thank you." Patricia said as she walked up to Paul and hugged him. After Paul was gone, Kenji looked at Patricia. There was very little of the sparkle that he loved seeing in her eyes. The beating that Joel took was part of it, the constant stress of never knowing what was going to happen was the rest of it. What she needed Kenji decided, was to be cared for. "Come Kirei, let me care for you," Kenji said holding out his hand to her. He led her to the bathroom, turned on the shower and helped her undress. "In you go." he said, "take your time, I will care for the children." As soon as Kenji closed the bathroom door, Patricia began to cry. She almost missed the days when they had to hide in the house in some ways; it was so much easier than now. At least they knew whom they were hiding from and could take precautions. And poor Joel... She cried through the shower but by the time she got out, her resolve was back. "We can do this!" she said as she dried off and put on her nightgown. She kept talking to herself as she brushed her hair and then her teeth reminding herself of all that they had been through together and that they had always prevailed. "And we will this time too." she murmured. "Better?" Kenji asked from the bathroom door. "Better." she replied. "Where are the children?" she asked. "They are at Abby's house along with Joel." Kenji replied. "What? What are they doing there?" she asked surprised. "It has been too long since we have had the house to ourselves and while you were in the shower, I called Abby to see if she could care for them for two nights and Joel volunteered to help her." Kenji replied. "Two nights? But Joel...." "It is done." Kenji said, "We need this and we need to sleep." In spite of her protestations that she wasn't tired, Patricia was asleep almost as soon as her head hit the pillow and Kenji wasn't too far behind her. The two days were gone before they knew it but it was what they needed. The sparkle was back in Patricia's eyes and they were both well rested and anxious to see Ralph and Marie. Abby brought them back on Sunday afternoon, stayed for lunch and fixed a plate for Joel who was still in a lot of pain but was still proud of himself. "And he should be." Abby said after updating them on Joel. ********* The weeks following the fight between Joel and Ernie were quiet. Ernie wouldn't even glance in Kenji and Joel's direction. The only evidence of the beating that he received courtesy of Andrew and the crew was his nose. It had been aquiline and perfectly shaped, now it was bent slightly to the left. Joel now stood taller and walked with more confidence. The boxing lessons from John and martial arts lessons from Kenji went a long way toward building his self-confidence as well as the fact that he was bulking up because of the exercise and good food. What no one missed was that Becca was gone. Just as she feared would happen, her name was all over the campus and the whisperings weren't kind. Even the girls who were supposedly her best friends were giggling and sharing secrets that they swore to keep. Becca was unaware of all of this; she was long gone visiting family in the south for the summer. Unfortunately, for her, her parents didn't take the news of her not returning to school well but overrode her decision. "You will come back here and finish!" her father snapped, "end of discussion!" Becca was on a train a few days later headed to South Carolina. The only two people that her leaving mattered to was Ernie, as he hadn't collected on what he thought she owed him and Andrew. For him her leaving meant that she wouldn't be here to spread what he convinced himself to be lies. He didn't want Patricia Takeda and she wasn't the reason why he hadn't moved on the Jap and the Jew. ********** Finally, spring break had arrived much to the relief of Kenji, Patricia and Joel. Several days of relaxing was what all of them needed. Joel for all practical purposes had already moved to Abby's house but spent some nights at Kenji and Patricia's house when their study sessions went too late. By the time he finally moved, Ralph and Marie had gotten used to the idea and the fact that Joel sometimes spent the night helped. By mutual agreement, Kenji and Patricia decided that they wouldn't as much as look at their books. They would spend those days relaxing and spending time with their children and family. As of yet Kenji hadn't mentioned the trip to Manzanar or teaching Patricia how to drive, He was hesitant to start filling up their precious free days although they would be good things to do. Of the two activities, it was the trip to Manzanar that Kenji dreaded but he wanted his children to know the history of the place, he wanted them to know this of his Patricia's history. "What are you thinking about?" Patricia asked as she out a cookie sheet full of freshly baked cookie sheets on the counter. "I was thinking that it is time that you learned how to drive." Kenji replied as he took a hot cookie from the sheet. "Really?" Patricia asked excitedly. "Yes Kirei, really." Kenji replied smiling at her. "When? Now?" Patricia asked. Kenji laughed at her enthusiasm; it remained one of the things that he loved most about her. "Will tomorrow be soon enough?" he asked taking another cookie. "Yes!" Patricia squealed and hugged him. "Tomorrow is perfect!" ****** Sunday morning came and Patricia was up early anxious to have her first driving lesson. "Kirei, it is only six, Nick and mother will not be here until ten, come back to bed; I miss you." 'I'll go make breakfast!" she replied as she threw on her house robe. Kenji got up, looked down at his erection and shrugged before getting dressed for the day. He could have stayed in bed but there was no real point to it if Patricia wasn't in bed with him. He could hear her puttering around the kitchen getting ready to make what he considered the best breakfast, eggs cooked over easy, pancakes and fried potatoes with tea. He peeked in on the children before heading to the bathroom. Satisfied that they would sleep for a while longer, he hurried to the bathroom and then down the stairs for one of his guilty pleasures. Patricia had a habit of singing while she cooked, and as soon as the meal was prepared, she stopped singing. The thing was she only did this in the morning when she thought that she was alone. Kenji closed his eyes and listened to her soft but melodic voice as she sang a rendition of Nat King Coles's "I love you for sentimental reasons" sometimes it would be "let it snow, let it snow" and it would be July. He never knew what song that she would be singing and it didn't matter, he loved it. He never let her know that he was listening because he knew that she would stop. As soon as she stopped singing, he knew that breakfast was ready. "It smells good." he said walking into the kitchen and hugging her. "You could have stayed in bed." Patricia replied already knowing that he wouldn't have. "I missed you, sit and let me serve you." Kenji said taking the plate from her with a kiss. Patricia sat down and waited with one ear listening for Marie who was always awake before her big brother. She was surprised that they managed to get through breakfast before they heard little footsteps coming down the stairs. "Mama?" "In the kitchen baby." Patricia called while smiling at Kenji. "Why can't it always be normal like this?" Patricia wondered as she thought about Andrew Kelley, Hathaway and Lawrence Goodman. She stopped herself from thinking any more about them deciding that she wasn't going to let them ruin these moments. It was the moments of normalcy that had gotten them through the war and it was moments like these that would get them through whatever was coming next. "Come pretty one." Kenji said gently, "I will fix your plate." Marie gave Patricia a hug before going over to Kenji to be picked up for her morning hug and kiss. By the time Kenji finished fixing her a plate Ralph had appeared. He kissed and hugged Patricia, then Marie before bowing to Kenji and then hugging and kissing him. He was growing into a tall handsome boy looking very much like his father but more like his mother in personality. Patricia watched him and already knew what the future held, an endless number of girls chasing him and him driving them to a distraction because he could be aloof. In that way he was very much like his father but then like his father, he was affectionate and those he loved knew that they were loved. Catching her looking at him, Ralph smiled at her revealing a little of the rarely seen mischievous side of him and the dimples that would become more pronounced as he grew up. Patricia sighed as she looked at Marie and almost felt sorry for the young men that would come to court her of whom she was sure would be many. A very protective father and mother as well as an older brother would carefully scrutinize each of them. Patricia could already see what Marie would look like as an adult, she would be beautiful with her Japanese ancestry giving her an exotic look. With a start of pleasure, Patricia realized that she was thinking of the future in a positive way. Things were going to get better. I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 06 The morning seemed to slow down the closer the time for Nick and Hana to arrive got. Patricia was peeking outside every five minutes because she thought that she heard a car door opening. Kenji didn't stop her but watched her with an amused expression on his face. "Papa?" Ralph called as he watched Patricia make another trip to the window, "Why does mama keep looking outside?" "She is very excited." Kenji replied, "I am going to teach her how to drive." Ralph looked suitably impressed at the revelation and then looked back at Patricia who was once again back at the window. "They're here!" she called excitedly as she ran to grab her purse. Ralph, Marie and Kenji met them at the door. Kenji took one look at Nick's face and knew that he was bothered about something. "Grampa Nick! Gramma Hana!" Ralph cried out. "Hello Ralph, how are you?" Nick asked. "Fine, papa is going to teach mama how to drive!" "I know." Nick replied. "That's why me and your grandmother are here." "Hello Ralph," Hana said with a smile. Marie was in her arms and playing with Hana's long hair. "We brought new reading books for you." she added. Patricia's pending driving lesson was forgotten as Ralph took the bag containing the books from Nick's hands and carried them to the couch. "Where is Patricia?" Hana asked looking around. "She is getting ready for our lesson." Kenji replied still watching Nick. He waited until Hana had gone up the stairs before speaking to Nick. "What is it?" "Nothing to worry about just yet but there's talk of Lawrence getting out of prison even sooner than we thought." Nick replied. "How is this possible?" Kenji asked shocked. Nick shrugged, "apparently he's made some friends that are in high places." "What are you thinking?" Kenji asked. "I don't know yet but Kenji, watch your back. Paul's been keeping me updated on what's happening at school. There are groups like the one led by Andrew Kelley popping up all over the place but they aren't calling themselves t Klan although their beliefs are the same." The conversation quieted when the men heard Hana and Patricia come into the room. "Does mother know?" Kenji asked. "Yes and so does Abby and Sally." Nick replied, "I'm leaving it up to you to tell Patricia." "I'm ready!" Patricia said her voice filled with anxiety and excitement. "I will talk to her about this soon." Kenji said as Patricia reached him. "Talk to me about what?" Patricia asked. "Nothing that needs our attention right now." Kenji replied as he put his arm around her to guide her to the door. "Take you time." Nick told them as they walked out, "we plan to be here all day." After thanking them, Kenji helped Patricia into the car and drove them to an empty parking lot, parked, got out and helped Patricia out of the passenger side and into the driver's seat. When she was settled in, the lesson began. "Alright Kirei." Kenji said, "You already know how to start a car and to some extent on how to drive it but what you lack is the practical experience...." "Yes." Patricia said, "I can't drive, we know that." she added anxious to get on with the lesson. Before Kenji could say anything, Patricia had started the car and was trying to get it into gear. "Kirei...." Patricia tried to remember what she had seen Kenji do with his feet and got nowhere. "Why am I not moving?" she asked exasperated. "Kirei," Kenji said softly, "the brake is on and you are stalling the engine." "What?" "The brake is on and you are stalling the engine." Kenji repeated patiently. It was a full hour before Patricia made any progress in getting from a stand still to moving a few feet before jerking to a stop. "Kirei..." "I can do this!" Patricia exclaimed becoming increasingly frustrated that she couldn't do something that had looked so easy. "Kirei stop." Kenji said softly as he placed a hand on top of hers. Patricia stopped, the patient tone of his voice having more of an effect than the touch of his hand on hers. "Give me your hand." He commanded holding his hand out to her. Patricia held out her hand to him closing her eyes as he began a slow massage of her hands that could have become sensual if the circumstances had been right. "Close your eyes." "Kenji...." "Kirei, please close your eyes." he repeated. When she complied, he led her through a series of breathing exercises. The lesson didn't begin again until Kenji was sure that she had calmed enough to listen. "You are just beginning and it will take you some time to learn this but you will learn." "I know. I just wanted to be able to do it right away." Patricia replied, "It's harder than it looks." They spent the afternoon in the parking lot practicing and by the time they left, Patricia could slowly drive around the parking lot without jerking around so much. When she was tempted to go to fast Kenji slowed her down. "Patience Kirei, the speed will come soon enough." Hana and Nick had supper made when they came in; the house smelled of baking fish and steamed rice. "Can you drive now?" Ralph asked. "A little." Patricia replied. "She did very well." Kenji said as he picked Marie up. While Patricia and Hana finished dinner, Kenji and Nick talked. "I think that it's a good idea that you're teaching Patricia how to drive." Nick said, "I've been thinking that I should teach Hana to drive as well." "I think that is wise." Kenji agreed, "I want them to be able to get away if anything should happen but what of Sally? Maybe she should be taught as well." "Will just bought a car and is already teaching her... Kenji I'm wondering if we should think about moving closer together. I know that we have at least another two years before Lawrence is released but I don't want to wait until he's free to pull something together, we need to have a plan in place." "He will come back." Kenji murmured. "I believe so and Sally and the children will be his first targets simply because he knows where they live." Nick replied. "Dinner!" Patricia called from the kitchen interrupting any further conversation. ******** Becca looked out of her bedroom window regretting her decision to leave LA. She had been at her uncle and aunt's house for less than a week and was bored beyond belief. The only thing that buoyed her spirits was seeing that everyone- meaning everyone not white seemed to know their place. Aside from that, there was nothing to do except reading and church. She called her father after three days and begged him to let her come home. "No, you stay where you're at, you've cost me enough money and when you get back here....' Becca tuned him out, she had heard that particular speech several times before she left and had counted her blessings that her parents didn't know about what had happened at school and the rumors about her. It would kill them to know that their sweet girl was anything but. "Becca! Come on!" her cousin Nancy called, "we're going to be late!" Becca groaned. She had no desire to go to the church social. She wanted to stay in her room and brood about Andrew. Like it or not, she still loved him and if he called right now and told her to get back to LA, she'd be on the next bus home no questions asked. However, that phone call wasn't going to come, not now, not ever. That she had lost him to another woman would have hurt but it was to what her relatives politely called a "darkie" who happened to be very married. "Becca!" "Coming!" Becca called back as she fixed her lipstick and grabbed a sweater even though she was almost sure that she wouldn't need it. The weather was already warm and humid making her usually full-bodied blonde hair look limp. Tired of fussing with it, Becca tied it back with a brightly colored scarf and left the room. "It's about time!" Nancy said, "If we're late we'll have to sit with mama and daddy." Becca didn't ask what would be so bad about that, she didn't care. The only thing that she cared about was that she had nine more weeks to spend with her cousin and that she had to rely on the mail for any real news of what was happening at home. They arrived at the park, located the table where Nancy's parents' were, help set out the food and took off. Nancy it seemed was a social butterfly, she seemed to know everyone and everyone seemed to know and love her. She made a real effort of introducing Becca to everyone including the men that she found attractive. For Becca, the whole thing was a boring affair until she turned around to see a pair of blue eyes staring at her. "Nancy! Who is that?" Becca asked. "Him?" she asked dreamily, "is Robert Cole and don't waste your time. Every girl here has tried to get close to him and so far no one's managed anything more than a polite hello." "Then why is he staring at me like that?" Becca asked. "I dunno, maybe it's because he knows you came in from California." Nancy replied not liking the way that Robert was looking at Becca. "He's cute." Becca said as she flashed a smile over at him. "Yeah well...." "Nancy! Do you like him?" Becca asked finally understanding her cousin's reaction. "Sure me and every unattached girl here." Nancy replied glancing wistfully at Robert who was talking to someone. "Does he know?" "NO! And don't you dare say anything!" Nancy exclaimed. "Why on earth not?" Becca asked. "I don't know how things are done in California," Nancy said, "but here if a girl approaches a boy, she's considered fast if you know what I mean." "Well I think that's stupid." Becca said stealing another glance at Robert. "Alright everyone, gather around, its dinner time!" Nancy's father Bert called, "Robbie you want to say the blessing?" he asked. "Robbie" turned out to be none other than Robert the object of Nancy's and now Becca's desire. "Sure Bert!" Robert called back as he bowed his head to pray. Becca bowed her head but watched Robert through half open eyes and decided that maybe her coming to South Carolina wasn't such a bad thing after all. ********* Lawrence had a new right hand man. This one he had checked out before giving him the position. Duke Lewis was smart but not as smart as the last right hand man had been. He would be incapable of doing what Carl had done and Duke would follow orders. It still galled Lawrence that Carl had managed to escape with not only his life but with a notebook containing everything that they had discussed. His only consolation was nothing to link him to any of the murders that he sanctioned. They were suspicious but there was no proof of his involvement. The list that Carl had was only a list of people that Lawrence wanted to visit when his term was up. He had never used the words kill, hurt or murder but even so, anyone with half a brain knew exactly what he meant. It was time to start planning for day he walked out of the prison as a free man, two years would pass quickly and he wanted to be ready. He had more than enough places to stay while in the south, California was going to be the problem. There was no way in hell that Sally would let him stay with her but that was alright, he was going to visit her anyway. The last time he had spoken to her was when she called to let him know that his father had died. If she was expecting him to express any kind of remorse or sympathy then she got a rude awakening when he told her "good riddance, one less to visit." He chuckled at her shock and the sudden hang up. When made his visit to her, maybe he would screw her first. It wouldn't be fornication; she was still his wife until he signed the divorce papers that lay in an envelope under his mattress. When he first received the papers, he had been furious and then he calmed down. There was no way in hell he was signing those papers. , he would tell her that in person when he was finished with her. The way he saw it, Nick Alexander was going to be his biggest problem and if there was any way to eliminate him before parole he would do it but Nick was too high profile and besides and he wanted to do it himself. Lawrence smiled to himself as he imagined Nick begging and pleading for his life as his blood ran from him. However, there was another issue, the lawyer that put him away was living with Sally. Lawrence found that out from Doc before he met his demise. He was going to receive a visit too, maybe he would make him watch the visit with Sally and of course, there were the kids to consider. He wondered how hard it would be to get them back onto the straight and narrow. Lawrence mentally ran through the list of inmates that he knew were going to be soon paroled and wondered which of them he could trust to be his eyes and ears in California. The issue was going to be getting him there and then finding a place for him to live as well as providing the money for him to live on. He tucked it away as something that needed further thought and headed for what he called bible study which wasn't a lie as far as he was concerned. They read the scripture, said a beginning and closing prayer and even sang a hymn or two. "Lawrence, you ready to start?" Duke asked. "Give me a minute will you? As a matter of fact, why don't you get started with the opening prayer?" Lawrence asked knowing that it would make the big man happy. "You got it! And Erwin is looking for you." "Huh... I wonder what he wants." Lawrence muttered to himself. Out of all of the guards, Erwin J. Little was the one who could help him the most because he had family in California. Of all of the guards, he was also the one who was able to resist the charms of Lawrence Goodman no matter how much Lawrence and his men kissed his ass. "Where is he?" Lawrence asked. "By the laundry and he says for you to come alone." "Alright, go on and start the meeting." Lawrence said, "And if I'm not there in twenty minutes send someone to see what's going on." Five minutes later, Lawrence was on his way to the laundry to meet Erwin. He found the man leaning against the wall smoking a cigarette. "Bout time you got your sorry ass here." Erwin said. "My apologies..." "Shut the fuck up Goodman!" Erwin growled, "Your high and mighty manners don't work with me. I know who and what you are and I also know what you want from me." Lawrence held his tongue; he needed Little's help and tried to smooth things over. "Little...." 'Close your fucking mouth and listen up." Erwin said blowing smoke into Lawrence's face. "I don't like you." he said. "You hide behind your phony act instead of being what you are, a crazy son of a bitch but I like the way you think." "Now wait a god damned minute!" Lawrence snarled. "Ah there he is!" Erwin drawled as he took another puff of his cigarette, "the real Lawrence Goodman appears." "What do you want?" Lawrence asked. "The same thing you do." Erwin replied, "to save the white race from the niggers, homos and Jews but my question to you is this, what are you willing to do to meet that goal?" "What do you mean?" Lawrence asked. "I'm not the only one who feels as you do." Erwin replied, "But we're not ass kissers." "I don't..." "The hell you don't but then again its how you've managed to keep your little group going isn't it?" Erwin asked "Again, I ask what do you want?" Lawrence repeated. "Nothing really, I just wanted to let you know that I'm on to you and that I have the warden's ear." "Are you threatening me?" Lawrence asked. Erwin smiled but didn't answer as he put out his cigarette. "I happen to know that you ordered that government man to be killed." Erwin replied still smiling. "I even know who beat him. All I have to do is go to the warden. Don't get me wrong, he agrees with your politics to a degree but believe me when I say, you'll hang if I tell him everything that I know." The longer the conversation went on, the more Lawrence understood what was happening. In spite of his having the same views, Erwin Little was planning to blackmail him. Rage built up in Lawrence, to him, Ernie Little was no better than the very people he was trying to save the white race from. "So it's blackmail." Lawrence said softly. "Don't even bother to hand me that bullshit about you not having any money," Erwin said, "I know for a fact that all of the men in your group give you any cash that they get from home." "How do you know all of this?" Lawrence asked as he tried to decide on what to do. Giving Erwin money was out of the question. He would need every penny that he could get his hands on for his visit to California. "Don't matter how I know." Erwin replied, "I want ten dollars a week..." Lawrence laughed, "Are you serious?" Whatever Erwin thought that Lawrence's reaction was going to be, amusement wasn't it. "Ten... dollars a... week?" Lawrence asked still laughing as he calculated how much of the twenty minutes he had left. "What's so fucking funny?" Erwin asked. "That you really thought that I would agree to your stupid demand." Lawrence replied as in one quick move, he slipped a knife down his sleeve and stabbed Erwin J. Little in the chest. "You're no better than they are." he hissed as he pushed the blade in deeper. Five minutes later, Duke himself came looking for him his eyes widening as he saw the dead body of the guard lying on the ground. "Is he dead?" "Yes he's dead." Lawrence calmly replied, "Now go get a couple of the others and we'll carry him over to the colored's barracks." An hour later, the body of Erwin J. Little was lying behind the cellblocks where one certain black man who Lawrence despised lived. The man had done nothing to earn Lawrence's hate other than being black but there was more to it. Lawrence hated the confidence with which the man walked around the yard and the way he met his gaze unafraid. He also hated the way the man tried to encourage the inmates who could read and write to teach those who couldn't. But most of all, he hated hearing the man say that things were going to change for the better and they had to be ready. "Be ready to hang!" Lawrence muttered under his breath as they made their way back to their own cellblock. A black inmate discovered Little's body and immediately reported it. Because of where the body was located and because Little had been very vocal about his views and had on more than one occasion punished a black inmate unfairly or for no reason at all, suspicion immediately went to the blacks. Unfortunately for Lawrence, that while the warden shared some of his views, he also believed in separate but equal hence the investigation. It was then that Lawrence realized that Erwin had lied about how close he was to the warden. Inadvertently, Erwin had made Lawrence dirty his hands long before he was ready to. Lawrence thought about having one of his men bear false witness against the blacks but decided against it, he had already acted rashly once and had no desire to compound the problem. Now all he could really hope for was that the warden would let it go. Later that morning, Lawrence looked up to see the black prisoner that he hated openly staring at him. The stare was a challenge of sorts, it seemed to be saying, "Come and get me you son of a bitch!" the man smiled and then nodded at Lawrence before going on his way. Lawrence didn't know what the man's name was and up until now, he hadn't cared. "Duke, find out that nigger's name." "I already know what it is." Duke replied. "Well?" Lawrence asked. "Jacob Lincoln, he used to be a preacher and a teacher." Duke replied. "Used to be?" Lawrence asked. "Yeah." Duke replied, "He's here because he murdered one of the men who set fire to his house, his wife and kids were still inside." "How is it that you know so much about him?" Lawrence asked. I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 06 Duke shrugged, "I hear things." "What else have you heard?" Lawrence asked. "That we're getting a new warden....." "What?" Lawrence asked alarmed. "Yessir, I heard that Warden Simmons is being transferred to a minimum security prison." "Who's taking his place?" Lawrence asked his mind racing. "Dunno." Duke replied. "When is this supposed to happen?" " Duke replied. " Word is that the warden doesn't want to leave but he was given no say in the matter." "What else do you know?" Lawrence asked. "Nothing, but I'll keep an ear out." "Fuck!" Lawrence swore forgetting his no cursing rule for the second time in a few hours. Depending on who Simmons' replacement was everything that he had done here could be blown to hell. Escape had never been a part of his plan but it was now something worth considering. Simmons had been easy to fool and manipulate but whoever was replacing him might not be that easy but on the other hand, the replacement could be someone that he could work with. It was time to begin planning his escape but he would wait to activate the plan until he saw who the new warden was and what he was like. *********** Spring break came and went faster than anyone could imagine. Andrew and Hathaway's group had grown in numbers and as Andrew had suspected, they needed to elect officers. Andrew could feel Ernie's stare on his back and knew that he had made an enemy. Ernie stayed in the group because it was the only group like it and they were the only friends that he had. Not once did Becca cross Andrew's mind, he was glad that she was gone and suspected that her leaving was a part of Ernie's anger. No man no matter how weak he was liked knowing that he had been used and it had been a bitter pill for Ernie to swallow. Andrew also knew that Ernie was waiting for Becca to come back. That he would at the very least beat her ass didn't concern him, as far as he was concerned, she deserved it. What he couldn't forget was what she said about him having a thing for the Jap's wife. The accusation was one that he hadn't examined to closely out of fear that it was true. Could Becca be right? He asked himself for the umpteenth time. Was it because of her that he made no moves on the little group? Maybe, but he didn't think so. The timing wasn't right and Hathaway was right, they had to exercise caution. ******** Andrew was in his room when Hathaway arrived. He hadn't told his parents anything about him other than to say that he was a friend from school. Whether they believed him or not he didn't know although he couldn't think of a reason for why they wouldn't. He could hear his mother asking Hathaway to wait while she called for him. "Andrew! You have a guest!" she called up the steps. "Ok mom, send him up!" Andrew called back. A moment later, Professor Michael Hathaway was sitting in the chair at Andrew's desk. "Nice house." he commented as he looked around. "Thanks but is it wise for you to be here?" Andrew asked. Hathaway smiled at him, pleased that the boy and that was how he thought of him, was thinking. "It's fine and we need to talk." Hathaway replied. Andrew felt a nervous fluttering in his stomach, had Becca said something after all? "As you are well aware, our group is growing." Hathaway said. "And you've been doing a good job of leading it but you need assistance that I can't give you. I can advise you but I can't be seen meeting with the group, if that happened then we would have to disband and reform." "I understand." Andrew said. "Pick assistants and make sure that they are people that you can trust. Now tell me what is happening with the black woman and her husband. Hathaway listened without interrupting and then agreed with Andrew's decision to leave them be for the time being. "Let them become complacent and when you do begin to act, make sure that it is covertly. You want them to know that it's you but not be able to prove it. Start with the Jew as he seems to be their weakest link." "I'm not so sure about that anymore." Andrew replied and filled Hathaway in on the fight. "I heard about that but he still remains their weakest link. Tell me, how did you handle the disobeying of your order?" Hathaway asked. He already knew, he wasn't without his resources but he wanted to hear what Andrew had to say. Andrew took a deep breath and answered the question honestly. "What are the chances that he will disobey you again?" "Slim to none." Andrew replied confidently. Hathaway wasn't convinced especially since there was a woman involved. "And what of the lovely Becca Cartwright?" Hathaway asked. "What about her?" Andrew asked nervously. He now understood that Hathaway was telling him that he knew everything. "Wasn't she the reason that your order was disobeyed? So in essence, the disobedience began with her, am I correct?" "Yes but...." "So how was she disciplined?" Hathaway asked leaning forward in the chair expectantly. "I....." "Did you discipline her?" "No.... I warned her but she got the message and..." "Took a train to visit relatives in South Carolina I believe." Hathaway interrupted. "So you discipline the males for disobedience but the females get away with it?" that hardly seems fair. "But she....." "Was the one who initially disobeyed the order not to touch the... what is it that you call them? Oh yes the melting pot. She must be very talented with her mouth in order to get one of your most trusted friends to do as she asked." Hathaway paused to give Andrew time to think about what he was hearing. "I understand." Andrew replied. "Do you?" Hathaway asked staring into Andrew's face. "I got it; I should have punished her as well." Andrew replied. "Yes but its too late now but in the future... Well I see that you get my point so there's no need to belabor it. I'll contact you in a week to find out who you have selected as officers." Andrew stood when Hathaway did relived when there was nothing more said about Patricia. "Thank you for coming Professor." "You're welcome and please, call me Michael. I am no longer your instructor in the traditional sense." Andrew walked Hathaway down the stairs and out to his car, when he went back into the house, his father was waiting for him. "You got a minute?" Harlan asked in a tone that told Andrew that he had better make the time. "Sure pop." Andrew replied. He waited until his father sat down before sitting down himself. "How's work going?" Andrew asked. "Fine but that isn't why I want to talk to you." Harlan said. "I want to know what you're into and before you say nothing, I know better. Who was that man that was just here?" "Michael? He's a friend from school and I'm not into anything." "Did you knock that girl up? Is that why she left?" "Girl? What girl?" Andrew asked and realized that his father was talking about Becca. "No, we're not together anymore and she's spending the summer in one of the Carolinas visiting family." "What about these friends of yours, why haven't we met them? And the one that was just here seemed a little off. Andrew, you're into something, I can tell. I seen guys in my unit act the same way when they're doing something that they shouldn't be...." "Pop, I'm fine!" Andrew said ending the discussion. Once again, Harlan didn't press the issue after all, who was he to talk? ************ "Are you ready?" Kenji called to Patricia. The one day that he was dreading had arrived. The trip to Manzanar. The memory of the day that he left for the camp was etched deep in his memory; it was one of the most painful days of his life. Even as he thought about it, tears formed in his eyes. If it had been painful for him, it had to have been hell for her. They had talked about many things but never that day and he thought he knew why, it was just too painful but if they wanted their children to know about that time, they needed to talk about it. In many ways, this day was much like that one. It was beautiful out, the sun was shining and he was waiting for Patricia to come down the stairs. That day... "I'm ready!" Patricia said coming up from behind him and wrapping her arms around his waist. She didn't really want to go but like Kenji, she believed that it was important. Kenji turned around and hugged her tight. It took him a few minutes to convince himself that he wouldn't be staying at the camp and that he would be returning home with her and the children. Patricia hugged him just as tightly but she was crying, that day was the most painful day in her life with her father disowning her and losing Ralph almost rivaling it. "Kirei, we don't have to go." "Yes we do, I want Ralph and Marie to know what happened to you, to us." she replied. Kenji nodded and kissed her before calling for the children. Three hours later, they were at the gates of Manzanar. Patricia and Kenji were holding hands so tightly that it was to the point of pain. "What is this place papa?" Ralph asked. "This place is a place where many of us who are Japanese lived." Kenji replied. "You didn't live with mama?" "For a few months, no and it was not because I didn't want to be with her." "I don't understand." Ralph said. "Before you and your sister were born...." "They put you here because they were afraid of you." Ralph said when Kenji finished his explanation. Kenji had never really thought about like that, he knew that the government was calling it national security but it was as Ralph had said, it was simply fear. Kenji drover through the gates, his stomach churning as he remembered the first time he entered the camp. The view of the surrounding mountains was just as breathtaking as it had been then but the buildings ruined the effect. The buildings were still the same; the hospital where he had met Paul was still there as was the orphanage. After a few minutes, he helped Patricia out of the car and then the children. Ralph looked around him and took Marie's hand as Patricia took her other one and Kenji took hers. Patricia cried when she saw the barracks where Kenji and Hana had lived for months and then understood why he hadn't wanted her to go with him. He had been right; this was no place in which to raise a baby. "How did you survive this?" she asked as she looked around the small dust caked room taking note of the cracks in the walls. The pieces of cloth that that Kenji and Hana used to try to block the dust out were still crammed in he cracks "It is only because of you that I did." Kenji replied. "No one should ever have to live like this." she murmured as tears ran down her face. "You are right." Kenji agreed as he took out a handkerchief and dried her eyes. Ralph's eyes were wide as he looked at the small hard cots, "Gramma Hana lived here too?" he asked. "Yes as well as many others." Kenji replied as he led them from the barracks to the orphanage and then to the hospital as he told them about his life at the camp. Kenji was carrying Marie, already tired from the walk while Ralph held on to Patricia's hand. "Papa? Were you scared?" Ralph asked. "Yes." Kenji replied. "I was very scared but not for myself but for your grandmother. However, I was scared for your mama. She had you in her belly and I was so far away from her and I had to rely on others to keep you and her safe." "Why didn't you just leave?' Ralph asked not understanding the gravity of the situation. "I wanted to." Kenji replied, "But it would not have been the best thing for you or your mother. Sometimes we have to do things that we don't want to because of those we love. I stayed because I love you and your mother, do you understand?" Kenji could see by Ralph's expression that he didn't really understand. "Sometimes when you are told to watch after your sister, you do not like it, is that true?" Kenji asked. Ralph blushed but answered honestly, "Yes papa." "But you do it anyway, why?" "Because I don't want anything bad to happen to her." Ralph replied as he began to understand. "If I had left as I wanted to, I might have gotten hurt or caught and that would have hurt your mama and you so I stayed." Kenji said. Two hours after they got there, they on their way back down the mountain. They hadn't been on the road for more than thirty minutes when both Ralph and Marie were sound asleep. Patricia looked back at them and smiled, they were their babies. "Kirei we have never talked about that day." "I know, sometimes I still dream about it." Patricia replied. "It always seems so real, like I'm right there watching it happen again and sometimes if I wake up and you're not there...." "I know kirei; it is the same for me." Kenji replied. "I will never, ever forget that day." Patricia laid her head on his shoulder and listened to him as he sang the song about the soldier who left for war and came back to his true love. ********** The first day of class after spring break came too fast to suit anyone. "In a few more weeks we'll be off for the summer!" Patricia said excitedly as she packed lunches for her, Joel and Kenji for the following day. "Any big plans?" Abby asked. "We haven't talked about it but I'm thinking about a big end of the semester party." Patricia replied. "Sounds like fun." Abby replied. "Patricia did you and Kenji ever open that envelope that I gave you a few weeks ago?" Patricia stopped what she was doing. She had forgotten all about the envelope and apparently so had Kenji. "No, I am so sorry!" "Don't be sorry but make sure that you open it." Abby said. *********** Later when the Ralph and Marie were in bed, Patricia got the envelope and took it to Kenji. "Abby asked me if we looked at this yet." she said as she sat on the sofa next to him. "I had forgotten all about it." Kenji confessed, "Why don't we open it now?" He put an arm around Patricia as she opened the envelope, "It's awfully big for just a letter." Patricia said as she pulled out a stack of papers. The top sheet was a letter written in Ralph's spidery handwriting. Patricia looked at the date and gasped, Ralph had written the letter shortly after she and Kenji had gotten married. "Dear Kenji and Patty, If you are reading this then I've met my maker. I know that you've noticed the date and seeing as I'm dead, I don't know when you're reading this. I just wanted you to know that you two kids have brought much happiness to a lonely old man not just you but Abby too. I just wanted to thank you for that. I also wanted to leave you something and you can do whatever you want with it but the house in South Carolina is yours. It's bought and paid for and the papers for it should be somewhere in the stack that one of you, probably Patty is holding in your hands. The second thing is this, I have a little bit of money and it's yours too. It isn't much but I hope that you can find some use for it whether it is for college or whatever you need. But this is what I would like you to use if for, you two have never had a honeymoon and god knows that you deserve it so if you can and there's nothing else pressing, take a nice trip just the two of you. The account numbers are in the paperwork somewhere and all you have to do is go to the bank. If there are any problems Abby can help you, we used the same attorney and the same bank. I know that you're wondering why I'm leaving all of my earthly possessions to you instead of looking for my sons. I don't know how to answer that except to say that you two have become like my children and in many ways, you are like the children that my birth children never were to me. Kenji, take good care of my Patty as you always have. Keep her safe and love her- she deserves it and boy, you had better get your ass in medical school as soon as this war shit is over! I know that I've said it before but I'm going to say it again, you're going to be one hell of a doctor. Patty, girl you were like a ray of sunshine to this lonely soul and one hell of a cook. I know how headstrong you can be but you let your man take care of you in the ways that he knows how and you take care of him too. You make sure that you go to college too; you've got the head for it and can be anything that you want. I love you both even if I didn't say it, Ralph Goodman" Patricia held the letter with shaking hands. Neither of them had had any idea of how much Ralph had cared for them even then. Patricia laid her head on Kenji's shoulder none of them speaking. After several minutes Kenji spoke. "I think that we should honor Ralph's request for the use of the money. We will let it sit where it is until such time we can go on a honeymoon." "He loved us." Patricia said softly. "Yes Kirei, he did." Kenji agreed. ***************** Monday morning the first day of class after spring break, Andrew got to class just after Kenji and Joel did. He looked over at them and didn't like what happened next. Instead of glancing away at him with fear in his eyes, Joel met his gaze and didn't look away. That Joel looked away first didn't occur to Andrew, it was the fact that Joel was even looking at him at all. Andrew took a good look at Joel and noticed for the first time how he was filling out, bulking up and exuding an air of confidence and then he looked at Kenji who was as cool as ever. The urge to throw something at both of them rose and was gone, he couldn't afford to act rashly but neither could he afford to continue to let them slide by untouched. Maybe he would give them a little parting gift on the last day of class. ********** Ernie glared at Andrew when he wasn't watching. Surprisingly, it wasn't the "melting pot" that he was angry with; it was Andrew and that bitch Becca. He was further angered when he wasn't chosen as one of what Andrew called his "cabinet". For weeks after the fiasco with Becca, he was harassed without mercy and had become an outcast of sorts. It wasn't until a week or two ago that the teasing was over with but no one was telling him anything. He was now an outsider looking in and all because of one blowjob. He couldn't wait for Becca to get her ass back home; he would make her give him so many blowjobs that the thought of them would make her ill. He felt his cock stir at the thought and quickly squashed it when he saw Andrew turn around to face him. "Something on your mind?" Andrew asked him. "Not a thing." Ernie replied with a smile that didn't reach his pale blue eyes. ********************** One night after the children were in bed and Kenji was studying, Patricia pulled out all of the notebooks that she and Kenji had exchanged while he was in the camp and began reading. It wasn't long before she was crying as she read about those first weeks that they had been apart. "Kirei?" Kenji called softly. She hadn't heard him come in. "That day.... That day I felt like my heart was being slowly yanked out of my chest. That is how badly it hurt. It was all that I could do not to run to that bus and get on it, it was all I could do not to call your name because if I had, you wouldn't have gotten on and they would have taken you to prison, that was the only thing that stopped me. I waited until the bus was out of sight before.... I wanted you to be proud of me; I didn't want those people to see me fall apart. I... I never want to feel anything like that ever again." Kenji held and rocked her as she talked and cried. "I know Kirei, I felt the same way. I even questioned the decision no to have you come with me but it wouldn't have been the right or safe thing to do. I kept telling myself that you were only two-hundred miles away from me but Kirei; it might as well have been the moon. It was weeks before I could sleep and then when I found out that you carried our child... if Nick hadn't been there, I would have left." I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 06 Kenji didn't study that night, they didn't even make love in the physical sense but made love in the emotional sense. They spent the evening and a majority of the night talking about the hardest time of their lives and eased the emotional pain of that one horrible day. It wasn't until that night that they realized how deeply that one day affected them and would continue to affect them for the rest of their lives. The next morning, Kenji offered to stay home from school. His emotions were still raw and he knew that hers had to be as well. "I'll be alright." she assured him, "Just be safe and hurry home." They held each other a little longer than usual and the good-bye kiss was longer and more tender than usual as well. "Kirei...." "Get going." Patricia said as she reluctantly pulled away, "then you can be home sooner." That day was the longest day that either of them could remember having. *********** Finals were over and the knowledge that classes were over gave the campus a festive feel to it. Everywhere people were promising to write or call and arranging for visits. Some of the students in their happiness spoke to Patricia. "Have a good summer!" A few of them called out. "You too!" Patricia replied even though she knew that the same people would probably go back to not speaking to her in the fall but for now the impromptu greetings were nice. It was yet another "normal" moment for her to remember when things got hard. She looked around for Kenji smiling when she saw him heading her way from the building where their classes where held. She could see the relief on his face as he got closer to her. He was as glad that school was over for the summer as she was but he had something to tell her but it could wait. As soon as he reached her, he bent down and kissed her on the forehead. "Kenji?" she asked surprised because he had never kissed her at school before. "I am fine Kirei, I am just happy to see you. Where is Joel?" he asked looking around. "He'll be back; he said something about paying for the next semester." Patricia replied. "Kirei, I was presented with an opportunity and I wanted to talk to you about it." "Alright, what is it?" Patricia asked. "There is an accelerated summer program, if I do this, I will have one less semester of school." "What did you tell them?" "That I wanted to discuss it with you first. I know how much you have been looking forward to the summer with ...." "Do it." Patricia said cutting him off. "Kirei you must understand that I will be here at school three days a week and our summer plans will be put on hold." "Kenji, do you want to do this?" she asked. "Yes but you and the children are more important than anything that I might want." "This isn't a want." Patricia said, "It's a need. You are so far ahead of the others that you're bored. You need this so I'm saying yes. So who do you need to talk to?" "I don't know what to say." Kenji replied. "How about Kirei, I love you and thank you?" Patricia teased. "Thank you and Kirei? I do love you." Kenji said hugging her. "That will do, so when does this start?" She asked. "Two weeks but I can register now since we are here." Kenji replied. "Let's go then." Patricia said taking his hand. "Hey! Wait up!" Joel called. "Where are you headed? The car's that way." Kenji explained the summer program to Joel who was excited for him. "That's great! I'm happy for you! Mind if I tag along?" *********** Andrew watched the entire exchange between Patricia and Kenji with a mixture of disgust and curiosity. That the Jew had become part of their happy family added to that curiosity, he just didn't get it. He had heard about the summer program that could cut off a semester and had hoped for a spot even though he knew that his grades weren't near good enough. The fact was he was hoping that the fact that his father was a war hero would guarantee him a spot and he was disappointed when it didn't happen. It seemed to Andrew that the fact that his father was a war hero was beginning to matter less and less. It was also clear that if he wanted to graduate and get into a good residency program that he had to get his ass in gear. When he heard that Kenji was given a spot and the Jew was on the waiting list, jealousy reared its ugly head. It didn't matter that he knew that there was no way he could have succeeded in the program. He deliberately overlooked the fact that Kenji had passed every test with excellence and that he was near if not at the top of their class. It galled him that a man whose country had attacked this one had taken his spot. Now as he watched the three of them walk away, his anger grew. He threw down his cigarette, gave the trio one last scorching glare and walked away. It was time to make some concrete plans beginning with finding out where they lived and anything else that he could find out. ********** Patricia, Kenji and Joel went to the registrar's office so that Kenji could register for the summer program. The young woman behind the desk looked up at them and gave them a sincere smile. "Hello, can I help you?" Kenji explained to her what he wanted. "Oh yes, Dr. Nichols said that you might be stopping by or calling in the next few days. He'll be excited to know that you're signing up. Is this your wife?" "Yes this is Patricia and this is our friend Joel." "It's nice to meet you all. My name is Penny short for Penelope." The three of them stared at her. It had been a while since they had been spoken to in what they considered normal and it was refreshing. "It's nice to meet you too." Patricia said recovering first. "So, here's the class schedule and as you know it starts in two weeks. The week before Dr. Nichols wants to have a cook out at his house for the people in the class and of course all of you are invited." Penny said her eyes on Joel who had turned beet red under her gaze. "How many others are there?" Kenji asked. "Six counting you and me." Penny replied turning her gaze onto Kenji. "The cookout is a week from Saturday and bring a dish to share. The address and time is written in the schedule and the books are already at the book store." Patricia looked back at Joel and smiled, he was flustered and Penny was very obviously interested in him. "My phone number is on the schedule too, I'm the contact person for the class. Any questions?" Penny asked her dark eyes fastened onto Joel's face. "When does this need to be paid for?" Kenji asked. "The day of class is fine unless you want to do it now." "I will take care of it now and then will go to get the books." Kenji said, "I have an account with the school so if you will give me the paperwork, I will sign for it." "Great!" Penny said as she reached into the drawer and pulled out a stack of papers for Kenji to read and sign. "You can use that desk over there if you want." Patricia liked Penny, she liked her bubbly personality that she sensed wasn't fake. She had the sense that had they all been rainbow colored that she wouldn't have cared. "Why don't you grab a chair?" she asked Patricia, "I have a feeling that we're going to get to know each other rather well. You too Joel." Penny added with a warm smile. Joel almost tripped over his feet in his haste to get chairs for him and Patricia. "So Joel," Penny said when they were sitting, "what specialty will you be going into?" "I .... I... I don't know yet." he stammered. "That's alright, you have some time yet. What about you Patricia?" "Obstetrics so that Kenji and I can practice together when I'm done. What about you?" "Well, like Joel, I'm not sure but I'm thinking pediatrics." "Isn't that what you were thinking about too?" Patricia asked Joel trying to help him out a little. "Y.... yes but I don't know yet." "I wonder....." Penny said more to herself than them. "I'll be right back." "She's pretty isn't she?" Patricia asked. "Very." Joel replied absently as he looked in the direction that Penny had gone. Kenji looked up from his paper work and smiled, Joel was going be all right. Penny swept back into the office and handed Joel a stack of papers. "What's this?" he asked. "Paperwork, I just talked to Dr. Nichols and he agreed that there's room for one more." "I... I can't, I mean I..." "Relax, you were one of the ones that he was considering but he had to make the cutoff somewhere so are you in?" Penny asked. Joel couldn't speak but bobbed his head up and down. "Great!" Penny exclaimed with a smile that made her already deep dimples deeper. That she wasn't fashion model thin didn't bother Joel in the least, what mattered was that he liked the warm sunshiny dark haired woman who treated them as people and with respect. He wondered if she would consider going on a date with him. ********* Becca got ready for her date with Robbie. She didn't feel bad about it, after all, she had warned Nancy that if she wasn't going to go after him she was and gave her a week to think about it. When Nancy made no moves, Becca took things into her own hands and approached him. He was unprepared for her forthright manner but he adjusted. Tonight was their third date and much to Becca's chagrin, he hadn't so much as touched her although she made it clear to him that she wouldn't reject any advances that he might want to make. Instead of taking her up on the offer, he smiled at her and acted as if she hadn't said anything forward. She could feel Nancy's glare on her back but ignored it. They had already discussed the subject as much as Becca had intended to. She had finally accepted the fact that her hair would be limp because of the humidity and pulled it back into a ponytail tied with a blue scarf. Although it was early evening, she was sweating and the cotton sundress clung to her prompting Nancy to make a comment about her virtue. Oddly, the comment stung but Becca brushed it off attributing it to jealousy. She was ready just as Robbie knocked on the door. Becca didn't speak to her cousin as she left the room that they shared and she had no doubt that when she came back that Nancy wouldn't talk to her. "Oh well" she muttered as she ran down the stairs. *********** The new warden arrived three weeks after Lawrence found out about him. Duke tried to find out information that could be useful but for the most part was unsuccessful. The guard who had been his source was transferred out as well as a number of other guards who came to see some of the prisoners as friends often bringing them food from home. There were other changes coming as well and none of them in Lawrence's favor. "Goodman! The new warden wants to see you!" a guard that Lawrence had never seen before snapped. Lawrence's stomach clenched with nerves, he had allowed himself to get too comfortable. It hadn't occurred to him that things could drastically change. As he stepped out of his cell, a guard flanked him on either side while the one who summoned him put handcuffs on him. "There's no need for that." Lawrence said. "This here is a maximum security prison in case you've forgotten." the guard said, "and this is what we call protocol which seems to have been forgotten amongst other things." He added. "But...." "Quiet! And keep your eyes forward." *********** Warden Theodore Elliot stood in front of the window of his new office. He had one hell of a mess to clean up. Simmons had let the prison go to hell and the prisoners both black and white had forgotten that they were prisoners and nothing more. However, the prisoner who held his interest was on his way to his office. That he held some of the same beliefs that Lawrence did was of no consequence. Lawrence had crossed the line when he had Doc killed, and now Little and there were others, he was sure of it. To Elliot, certain people were off limits and that included elected and government officials including agents of the government, women and children with the exception of those that threatened the survival of the white race. He could have cared less about the eight blacks that Lawrence killed or ordered killed but he had a prison to run and personal politics weren't a part of it. What he was going to do with Goodman he hadn't decided, but one thing was for sure, this prison was going to be run as it should have been. If he did find a way to prove Lawrence's' guilt in the murder of Doc and several other members of the Klan... then he would be dealt with. There were ways of getting rid of troublemakers that looked legal. Elliot either deliberately or really didn't see the contradiction in his thinking. A tap on the door told him that they had come with Lawrence. "Come in!" he boomed his bass voice resonating off the walls. Lawrence soon found himself standing in front of one of the biggest white men that he had ever seen. He had to look up to see the new warden's face. He swallowed hard as he looked into slate gray eyes that held no warmth in them whatsoever. Elliot didn't speak for several minutes and then decided to lay the cards on the table. "I know who and what you are you murdering son of a bitch and I'm not talking about the eight darkies that you were convicted of killing. I'm talking about Doc and Little just to name two and for the record, I know that you can't be directly linked to either of those murders but let me tell you something, when I find the proof you will face justice." Lawrence waited, there was more to come. "From now on, this place will be run as a maximum security prison is supposed to be run, there will be no unscheduled meetings, there will be no fraternizing with the guards and all curfew hours are to be observed by everyone and that includes you and your group of whatever in the hell you call yourselves. While you are here, it is separate but equal do you understand me? That means if you or any of your men break the rules, then you will be disciplined like any other prisoner. Questions?" Elliot asked. "Why do you have it in for me?" Lawrence asked, "We're supposed to be on the same side." "Let me explain something to you." Elliot said as if he was speaking to a small child. "The Klan isn't going to get anywhere if idiots like you go around killing people haphazardly. As I mentioned, I don't give a fuck about the murders you're in here for but I do care about the murders of fellow Klansmen. You're helping the other side and not us but not only that, there are people that I consider to be off limits and that includes white women and children, government officials including the FBI and other Klansmen. It's time that we become more than men wearing sheets at night and burning crosses, it we are to control things, it has to be in politics where we can legally make a difference and not guerrilla warfare although that does have its place. Now, go back to your cell and if another body turns up white or black, I'll kill you myself and I'll get away with it. From this moment on, we are not to talk about our politics, you are nothing more than a prisoner, now get the hell out of my office!" On the way back to his cell, Lawrence replayed the meeting with the warden in his head. No matter what the man said, this was personal, it had to be but what had he done to anger the man? He wondered. There was more to it than the deaths of Doc and Little. As they passed the building that housed the black prisoners, a voice that Lawrence recognized and hated called out. "What's the matter Lawrence? Trouble in paradise?" Lawrence tensed but kept walking, ignoring the sounds of laughter at the remark. He had just made two decisions, one, Jacob Lincoln was going to die and two, and he was going to escape. Elliot watched Lawrence walk flanked by the guards walking back to his cell. "Go ahead you murdering bastard, try and escape... I dare you." ***************************** By the end of June 1946, six prisoners make an unsuccessful attempt to escape Alcatraz prison, a 14-meter high tsunami hits Hilo and Laupahoehoe on the Big Island of Hawaii, thousands are injured, 173 die. The Basketball Association of America is formed in New York City, Lawrence Olivier's "Henry V" opens in the U.S., it is the first Shakespeare film shown in color and the War Relocation Authority is abolished. ***************************** I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 07 Kenji, Patricia and Joel left the office in high spirits. Joel had heard about the program but never thought that he would be able to participate. He wasn't at all surprised that Kenji was selected to participate. In his opinion, Kenji was brilliant but unlike many brilliant people, he knew how to interact with others. That he had been asked to join the group was a pleasant but welcome surprise and that a pretty dark-haired, dark-eyed medical student was in the group made it even better. They found the books at the bookstore without a problem and were walking back out into the warm May sunshine in less than fifteen minutes. Patricia glanced over at Kenji and smiled, he was happy which made her happy. She then looked over at Joel, he was happy too. The thin frightened man that they had met at the beginning of the semester was rapidly disappearing and a more confident one was taking his place. He now walked with his head held high and with a spring in his step. Patricia realized that in many ways, Joel had always been brave even if he didn't realize it. Just the fact that he hadn't cared whether he was seen with them even though it brought him under even more scrutiny by Andrew and his friends spoke volumes. Now there was Miss Penelope Erikson who obviously liked him enough to get Dr. Nichols to take an additional student into the small group. She reached over and took Kenji's free hand in hers enjoying the feeling of well being. Kenji looked at her, smiled and gave her hand a gentle squeeze. He was feeling it too. Joel looked over at the friends that he now considered family and wondered how Penelope would fit into their group. He stopped and reminded himself that it was much too premature to be thinking along those lines. Other than her name, he knew nothing about her other than the fact that he liked her and her bubbly personality. A small part of him urged caution, she didn't know anything about him either and he didn't know how she would feel about going out with a Jewish man. The drive home was a happy one with Joel and Kenji planning how they were going to prepare for the classes. Patricia already knew what Kenji would do. He would start reading the textbooks and class schedule as soon as he had a free minute. He wouldn't take time away from her and the family but by the time class had started, he would have quite a bit of the reading done. She listened to them as they planned and smiled. The feeling of well being grew. They were all going to be all right. ********* Nick tapped his fingers on his desk as he listened to Will. "They have a new warden down there and from what I hear that while he agrees with Goodman to some degree, he's not in his pocket so to speak." "What happened to the last warden?" Nick asked. "Apparently he was in Goodman's pocket." Will replied. "Goodman was allowed to have what he called bible study meetings whenever he wanted and the protocols for a maximum security prison were waived for him and anyone in his little group." "What prompted the change though?" Nick asked his mind working. "It wasn't a sudden change if that's what you're asking." Will replied, "But what sped it up was the murder of a guard. Even though the body was found behind the cellblock of the black prisoners, the thinking is that Lawrence Goodman either killed the man himself or had someone do it for him. The problem is there's no apparent motive." "What do you know about the new warden?" Nick asked. "His name is Theodore Ellis and he's a hard ass." Will replied. "He's Klan all the way but he's a smart one. He believes that the way to control things is through legal channels and not through guerilla warfare although he concedes that it does have its place. Nick, this man is the most dangerous form of the Klan. He'll make them look reasonable and people will buy it. The Lawrence Goodman's of the world are visible; we see them for what they are but Theodore Ellis blends in. His kind is like a virus and if we're not careful every elected office will be infected with his kind." "How do you think he'll handle Goodman?" "Here's the thing about Ellis, he believes that there are certain people who are off limits from the Klan. Fellow Klansmen, government officials whether they be elected or not and women and children as long as they're white are on that list. My guess is that he's going to make Goodman's life hell and I'll tell you why, he knows even though he can't prove it that Lawrence is responsible for several deaths including Doc Reynolds and the security guard. He'll see Lawrence as a threat to the Klan and therefore a wildcard. The way I see it, he's going to do one of two things. Either he'll try to bring Lawrence into the fold and control him or he'll try to find a way to get rid of him... legally of course. If he got rid of him, it would solve a few problems." "He hasn't signed the divorce papers." Nick commented. "No he hasn't and it's all about control. He doesn't want Sally but he doesn't want anyone else to have her either." Will replied. "Maybe you're right, maybe Ellis will take care of the problem for us." Nick said. "How do you know so much about Ellis?" There was a long awkward silence as William squirmed uncomfortably in his chair. "He's my cousin on my father's side." Nick blew out a breath, "you're kidding." "I wish I were." Will said. "Haven't you noticed that I don't talk about my family?" he asked. "Yes but I just thought that you were a private person so I didn't ask." Nick replied. "I never talk about them because we don't really speak. Let's just call it a difference of opinion and politics." "I'm sorry." Nick said. "Don't be, it was a conscious choice on my part and I don't regret the choices that I've made any more than you regret the choices that you've made. At any rate, I agree with you in that we need to have a plan in place in case Lawrence shows up at our doorstep." "I talked to Kenji a couple of weeks ago so he's aware of the situation." Nick said and then paused. He was missing Ralph and his lets not fuck around attitude. "I think there's a party at Kenji and Patricia's house on Saturday, we'll talk then." *********** Lawrence stared in the direction of the warden's office. Ever since his arrival, the warden had made Lawrence's life hell. The bible studies had all but stopped and none other than the warden himself attended the ones that he did have. Mail and packages were scrutinized for weapons before being doled out to the prisoners and no one was allowed out after curfew no matter the reason. Wanting to find out if the warden meant what he said; Lawrence had one of his men commit a minor infraction and made sure that the man was seen doing it. Within minutes after the infraction was discovered, the man was dragged from his cell and disciplined in front of the entire prison population. What got Lawrence's attention was that the punishment exceeded the crime of sneaking food out of the dining room. It wasn't even a lot of food, it was a measly piece of fruit that the man had snuck out and he was sentenced to a day without food in addition to the other punishment. Lawrence started to speak up for the man but when the warden fixed his cold gray eyes on him, Lawrence kept his peace. He was quickly learning that he had to choose his battles carefully and that he had to be ready for anything. He tore his gaze from the warden's office and turned it toward the cellblock where the blacks lived. He could see Jacob Lincoln sitting next to another black inmate talking about who knew what. He stared at the man with hatred in his eyes and his heart and wished him dead. As if he knew that he was being watched, Jacob looked up at Lawrence, smiled and then waved at him. "How are you this fine day?" he shouted across the yard and then turned his attention back to the inmate that he had been talking with. He knew that Lawrence wouldn't respond with anything except a glare and he simply didn't care, he wanted to make his presence known. He wanted Lawrence Goodman off balance, angry and afraid. ******** Jacob Lincoln couldn't believe it. The man that he held responsible for the deaths of his wife and children was in the same prison! His family was just three more victims that no one had cared about simply because they were black and Lawrence hadn't faced justice for their deaths because he was white and no one could link him to the deaths. He only knew of Lawrence's involvement because he found one of the men involved, captured him and tortured him until he told him the names of everyone involved. Whenever he closed his eyes, he could still hear the screams of his wife and children as the house burned with them inside of it. Whenever he felt guilty about the torture of the man and the subsequent murders that he committed to avenge his family, he remembered their screams and the guilt vanished. He could remember with unerring clarity the night that they died so horribly. the strong smell of smoke is what hit him first and then seconds later the screams of panic, terror and pain that grew in volume and intensity the closer he got to home. He was too late. The screams had gone silent and the small wooden house was nothing more than charred ruins. He remembered trying to convince himself that it wasn't real. That he was in the midst of some horrible nightmare so he blinked once, twice, three times before he understood that he was awake and that the scene before him was real and not a dream. He went through a period where he blamed himself. If he hadn't started that school, if he hadn't openly urged the people of his race to become as educated as they possibly could, if only he hadn't.....the list went on and on. He even remembered the day that the blame shifted from him to the guilty party. That release from guilt came from a very unlikely source. A child. After the fire, Jacob moved in with his brother Elijah who along with others helped him find the charred bodies of his family and bury them. Rage tore through him as he listened to the prayer for their souls and their passage into heaven. The rage grew as the soloist sang "It is well with my soul" and then "His eye is on the sparrow" both of which were his wife Alice's favorite songs. "It isn't well with my soul!" he thought angrily as the song ended, "And you weren't watching, you couldn't have been! He silently screamed. Hate that he had never felt in his forty years of life filled him as the tears flowing from his eyes dried up. He knew that to feel such hate was wrong but he didn't care. He would deal with god later. Three days after the service, Jacob was walking down the street lost in thought and not paying attention to where he was going. "Hey nigger! Watch where you're going!" a small voice yelled at him. Jacob stopped and looked down to see Jimmy Hardin looking at him with undisguised hatred and disgust. "I'm sorry, I didn't see you." Jacob said and continued on his way. "My daddy said that your nigger family squealed like pigs." the boy called out. Jacob stopped and then kept walking. That boast removed the blame for the death of his family from him to Joseph Hardin, but he hadn't been alone. In fact, it was Joseph Hardin who was squealing like a pig by the time Jacob was done with him. By the time the law caught up with him, Jacob had killed three of the seven men who had been at his home that night. What surprised him and many others was that he wasn't sentenced to hang but had received a sentence of life without the possibility of parole. After giving it careful thought, he decided that there was a reason for why he didn't to die. He didn't know what that reason was but he could wait, he had nothing but time on his hands. Like everywhere else in the country, Lawrence's trial was big news at the prison. Everyone, whether they were black or white followed the trial with interest. Bets were being taken on the verdict but the consensus was that Lawrence would walk away a free man. Everyone at the prison was shocked when the jury came back with a verdict of guilty and everyone was even more shocked when the location where Lawrence would serve his term was announced. When he heard the verdict; Jacob didn't react. When he heard where Lawrence was going to serve his time, a big smile broke out on his handsome face. The reason that he was still alive would be arriving soon. For several months after Lawrence arrived, Jacob laid low, but not because of fear. He wanted to watch Lawrence. He wanted to see how the murderer of his family carried himself and what he saw angered and disgusted him. What he saw was a man who had other people do his dirty work while he watched. What he saw was a man who was afraid to say and show what he really was even though he supposedly believed that what he was saying was right. In Jacob's eyes, Lawrence Goodman was nothing but a coward who knew how to bullshit people. Gradually, Jacob began to make himself more visible, he wanted Lawrence to see him and become curious about him. And from what he could see, it was working. That he could and probably would die in his attempt to kill Lawrence didn't matter. If he was going to die, he couldn't think of a better reason than the avenging of his family. ********* Sally checked the mail, looking through it twice for the envelope that she was almost sure wouldn't be there. Lawrence had to have received the divorce papers by now and had more than enough time to sign and send them back. With each passing day, the certainty that Lawrence wasn't going to sign the papers grew. She threw the stack of envelopes on the table and sat down undecided about what she should do. She glanced at the phone and thought about calling him but Will had vetoed the idea when she brought it up a week ago. "No." He said his tone firm. "I don't want you talking to him and besides you may not be able to anyway. There's a new warden and he's cracking down. "What are we supposed to do?" Sally asked. Will knew what he wanted to do but didn't say it. He was ready to say the hell with it and take her to bed but he knew that Sally wouldn't go for it. For now, he had to settle for an occasional touch and an even rarer kiss. Everyday he hoped to hear word that the son of a bitch had died in prison therefore freeing Sally to marry him. Tears of frustration and anger rolled down Sally's cheeks as she wished that Lawrence would just do them all a favor and die. A prayer for forgiveness that was only half-sincere promptly followed that wish. She loved Will but not enough to break her wedding vows any more than she already had. The fact that she was in love with another man and had kissed him was already almost more than she could handle. Once again, she prayed for Lawrence's death and prayed for forgiveness for wishing for it. Suddenly angry, Sally stormed over to the phone and called the prison. Immediately her call was transferred to the warden's office. "Warden Ellis, may I help you?" Sally faltered and was about to hang up when he spoke again. "Hello? Mrs. Goodman?" "Y...Yes, never mind, I'm sorry to have disturbed you." "You didn't disturb me, how can I be of assistance?" Ellis asked in his best accommodating voice. "I was wondering if it was possible for me to speak with my husband." she replied. "That depends, is there an emergency of some sort?" "No, I just wanted to know if he got the letter that I sent, it isn't important." Sally replied regretting that she had called. "It must be important if you called, when did you send the letter?" "A month ago... as I said..." "I'll check into it." Ellis said interrupting her. "Thank you." Sally said and hung up. ********** Ellis hung up, stood up and headed to the door of his office. It had been a few days since he'd spoken with Lawrence and reminded him who was boss. Moreover, he was curious about the letter that was so important that his wife called about it. On the way out, he motioned to a couple of guards to follow him. He loved the unannounced visits; it kept everyone the guards included off balance. He already had two guards transferred out when he caught them chatting with the prisoners and sharing food from home and another fired for taking money for favors. It had finally sunk in that this was his castle and that he was the king and that anyone who disobeyed him was in deep shit. Ellis strode through the yard and to the cellblock where Lawrence lived intent on intimidating him. The guards stood straighter, not one of them announced his arrival, and that was how he wanted it. Within minutes, he was standing in front of Lawrence's cell that now looked like any other cell. The writing desk was gone along with the lamp and chair plus he now had a cellmate. "Good evening Goodman." Ellis said amiably. "Good evening." Lawrence replied warily as he wondered what prompted this unexpected visit. "I got a rather concerned phone call from your wife." Ellis said. "It seems that you haven't replied to a letter that she sent you." "I just haven't taken the time to reply." Lawrence replied wondering why Ellis was concerned about a letter that was none of his business. "She said that she sent it a month ago, that's more than an adequate amount of time to reply even though it came from California." Ellis replied. Lawrence bit his tongue; he was being baited. "Show me the letter." Ellis demanded. "Why? It's personal." Lawrence said knowing that he was stepping onto thin ice. "This is prison and nothing is personal." Ellis said in an icy tone. "The letter." Lawrence thought to object but thought better of it, after all, what could Ellis do? Make him sign the papers? In addition, he would have his cell searched until he found it anyway. It was easier to give Ellis what he wanted and hoped that he would go on his way. Lawrence dug the envelope from under the thin mattress and handed it to Ellis who looked at it curiously before opening it. "A petition for divorce." he said after reading all of the pages of the document including the letter from Sally. "No wonder you haven't responded but I see her point and even agree with her when she says that you have no marriage. Sign the papers and put her out of her misery." Lawrence stared, "You can't be serious! You can't make me do this! This is a private matter!" Ellis raised his eyebrows but said nothing for several seconds. "You will sign the papers and relieve your wife of the burden of claiming you as her husband. You have disgraced her enough now sign the papers or do you need help?" Lawrence looked around and saw that he and the warden were alone; he hadn't seen his cellmate or the guards leave. There would be no witnesses to the conversation or the thinly veiled threat and even if there were who would talk? With a shaking hand, he took the offered pen and signed the document. "Good." Ellis said taking his pen back. "I'm sure that Mrs. Goodman will be relieved to have heard from you." Without saying anything further, Ellis left the cell. Lawrence watched him leave still not quite believing what had just happened. Later when he had recovered from his shock, he added Theodore Ellis to his list of people that he wanted to visit. In fact, his death would take precedence over the death of the nigger. Maybe if he played his cards right, he could pin it on the black man. Maybe he could make it look like the nigger did it. Another thing had become clear to him; he had to escape. He didn't have everything planned out but he would just have to improvise but before he left... two were going to die. He would have Duke find out which of his men was going on parole first and then send that man to California to pave the way for his visit. ******** Nancy was still angry with Becca and hadn't spoken to her in almost a week. If her uncle and aunt noticed, they didn't comment on it but then again, they were so involved in their ministry. I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 07 "Just imagine all of the men we could save while they're incarcerated!" her aunt Rhoda gushed that morning at breakfast. "Yes Lord!" her uncle Leroy exclaimed. "Are you set for the first bible study?" Rhoda asked as she poured Leroy and then herself another cup of coffee. Becca only half listened, the only thing that she cared about was that she didn't have to go. She kept staring at the clock; Robbie was due to pick her up in an hour for a picnic. "Maybe today." she thought to herself. She couldn't remember the last time that she had gone so long without a cock. She tried to pleasure herself but sharing a bedroom made it almost impossible and there was usually someone around. As soon as breakfast was over, Becca packed a picnic lunch with the help of her aunt Rhoda who took it upon herself to step into the role of mother. "I'm so glad that you're making friends and that Robbie is such a nice boy! But be careful. This isn't California...." "So everyone keeps reminding me." Becca said cutting her aunt off. "I'm just saying that you have to be careful of ...." "Aunt Rhoda, I get it, can we just drop it?" Rhoda huffed but let the subject drop. She knew all about Becca's type, years ago she had been Becca. It took being saved and the love of a good man to turn her around. It was her hope that the same thing would happen to Becca and just maybe Robbie would be the one to bring her around and into the church. Rhoda was well aware of Nancy's feelings toward Robbie but truth be told, she never thought them a good match. Whenever Nancy mooned over him, she had just listened with a sympathetic ear and made suggestions about other boys that she considered more Nancy's type. She also noticed the tension between the cousins but hadn't intervened choosing to let them work it out between themselves. But it had been about a week and the girls still weren't talking. She decided to give it a few more days and if they hadn't resolved their differences, she would intervene. Becca heard the knock on the door and knew that Robbie had arrived. She ignored Nancy's glare and ran down the stairs not wanting to keep him waiting. She heard her telling her aunt that they would be going to the creek just behind the church for the picnic. "That sounds so nice!" Rhoda gushed making Becca roll her eyes. "Hi Robbie!" she said interrupting any further conversation between her aunt and Robbie. "Hi Becca, don't you look nice?" Robbie said when he saw her. "Are you ready to go?" Fifteen minutes later they were parked at the church and sitting by the creek. It occurred to Becca that she hadn't thought about home and Andrew for several days instead thinking about the next time she would see Robbie. After lunch, she sat by the creek with her toes skimming the water. Robbie was sitting next to her with his feet completely immersed in the cool water neither of them speaking. "Becca?" "Yes?" she replied hoping that he was going to ask her for permission to kiss her. "Why do you think you have to act like a slut?" "Wh...what?" she asked shocked. "You're a very beautiful woman and you don't have to act like that." he said. "I don't...." "I've wanted to talk to you about it but didn't know you well enough to say anything so I've been trying to get to know you." Becca was speechless. This wasn't a conversation that she thought that she'd ever have with a man. All she could do was stare at him shocked and listen as he talked. "We've been out three times and each time you make some comment about what you can do for me. I don't know...." "If you're going to say that this isn't California save it!" Becca snapped as she stood up. "Becca wait... I wasn't trying to hurt your feelings." Robbie said. "I'm surprised that you even want to be seen with the slut!" She retorted. "I didn't say that you were a slut, I said that you act like one." Robbie said standing next to her and touching her arm in a purely platonic way. He looked at her and then moved his hand as if he understood for the first time that Becca had feelings for him, feelings that he didn't return. His sole interest in her was friendship and he could easily see how she would have thought otherwise. "Becca, I'm sorry." "Take me home." Becca said and walked to the car. She understood. Robbie had used her to get another star in his crown for saving a heathen. Robbie threw the remainder of their lunch into the basket and ran to his car where Becca sat waiting with her arms crossed over her chest and looking out of the window not looking at him when he called her name. She had nothing to say to him. When they arrived at the house, Becca jumped out of the car and ran into the house without a backwards glance. A feeling of déjà vu hit her as she slammed the door shut behind her. The last time she had seen Andrew it was like this with the big difference being Robbie hadn't threatened her with bodily harm. "Shit!" she swore as the door banged shut. She didn't want anyone to know that she was home. It was a minute or two before she realized that no one was home. She ran up the stairs, into the bedroom and slammed the door shut behind her. Tears ran down her face as she pulled her suitcase out and began to pack. She was going home no matter what her father said. Facing the people at home was preferable to having to face Robbie and again and having to come up with an explanation for Nancy as to why she and Robbie were no longer seeing each other. She counted the money in her wallet pleased to see that she had more than enough money to get her home if she took the bus as opposed to the train although the bus would take her longer. She called a cab, wrote a note explaining where she was going and waited for the taxi to arrive. ******************* The day of the cook out had finally arrived. Patricia was both anxious and excited. This outing would be the first time that she and Kenji were invited anywhere socially as a couple or separately. She stirred the bowl of homemade potato salad that consisted of a recipe that she and Ralph had concocted together, covered it and put it in the refrigerator to chill. She backed up into Kenji and yelped. "How do you do that?" she asked laughing. "There is no secret." Kenji replied hugging her, "you were so intent on what you were doing and didn't hear me." he replied. "Are you nervous?" "Yes." she replied, "Are you?" A small smile played on his lips as he admitted that he was. He had been thinking the same thing that she had been. "Kirei do you realize that this is our first social invitation?" he asked hugging her tighter. "I realize that, why do you think I'm so nervous?" she replied returning the hug. "I'm really proud of you." "Thank you kirei and I am proud of you." "Patricia?" Hattie called from the living room, "we're here!" "We're in the kitchen mama!" Patricia called back. Hattie went into the kitchen followed by John and hugged both her and Kenji. "Where are the babies?" she asked. Patricia smiled; proud of the way her parents were coming in their studies. She had started teaching them to read and write months ago. John had been resistant at first but Hattie had joined the cause and seemed to enjoy it so he joined in. "They're in the back yard with Joel." Patricia replied. Hattie and John went to the back yard to see Joel and the children. Kenji and Patricia went to the window to watch the children greet their grandparents. She watched as her father picked Marie up, kiss, hug her, and then do the same with Ralph. She noticed with sadness that neither of her parents moved as quickly as they used to and neither did Abby for that matter. She said a silent prayer that all three of them would live long enough to see her, Kenji and Joel graduate from college and then medical school. Taking her hand, Kenji led her out to the back yard. The neighbors now used to seeing them usually spoke if they saw them. That the conversations didn't go beyond hello didn't matter, saying 'hello' was a start. "You be good for gramma and grampa." Patricia said when it was time for them to leave. Kenji got the bowl of potato salad and reiterated the instructions that they were to behave. The instructions were meant more for Marie than Ralph, as she was becoming stronger willed and prone to do as she wanted. When Patricia mentioned that to Kenji smiled at her. "What?" Patricia demanded not seeing the humor. "Kirei, she is her mother's daughter." Kenji replied still smiling at her. "I am not... Oh." Patricia replied when she saw Kenji's raised eyebrow. At last moment, Kenji sat the bowl of potato salad down and called Marie to him. "Come here pretty one." he said softly taking her hand when she reached him. He bent down to eye level and pulled the girl into his arms. "Will you do something for me?" he asked. "Yes papa." "Will you help gramma Hattie by being a good girl?" "Yes papa." Marie replied solemnly. "Good." Kenji replied kissing her on her cheek. Ralph stood back watching and approached only when he knew that Kenji was done with Marie. "I'll be good too." he said quietly. "Thank you Ralph." Kenji said hugging the boy. "Is there something else?" Kenji asked. "Will I go to school too?" "Yes you will and soon." Kenji replied wondering what had prompted the question. Ralph's schooling was a topic that had come up several times but they had yet to make a decision on whether to go with home schooling or sending him to school although both of them were leaning toward sending him to school. "He will need the contact with other children." Kenji told Patricia during one of their last conversations. Patricia agreed but was worried about how Ralph's treatment by not just the students but also the teachers. "We will deal with that if and when it happens." Kenji told her. "We will talk about school soon but for now, will you please help care for your sister?" "Yes papa." Ralph replied. "Thank you Ralph." Kenji said hugging him. ********** Patricia twisted her hands anxiously. Her anxiety grew the closer to Dr. Nichols' house they got. "Kirei, it will be fine." Kenji replied not showing any of the nervousness that he showed earlier. "I hope that you're right." she replied and looked back at Joel who was looking as nervous as she was. "There it is." Kenji said as he pulled up to the address on written on a slip of paper. He parked in front of a large home that had palm trees in the front yard and looked at the house. They sat there for a few minutes not wanting to be the first ones to arrive but Kenji's innate hatred of lateness prevailed. Penny answered the doorbell and ushered them in. "Good! You're the first ones here and you passed the first test.," she said as she took the bowl of potato salad from Joel. "Excuse me?" Joel asked. "Dr. Nichols hates lateness and this was your first test. If you're going to be late you'd better have a damned good reason for it." Penny said. "Come on, the kitchen is this way." A short round man who could have been anywhere in age from forty to sixty was at the kitchen sink cutting up fruit when they got to the kitchen. He washed and dried his hands before turning to greet them. "Welcome all of you!" He said shaking Patricia's hand first, then Kenji and Joel's. "I am so pleased that you came and that you're going to be a part of my summer group. Joel, I hope that you don't feel like an afterthought, I'm sure that Penny told you that you were on the list but I could only take six or so I thought and as it turned out, one of the original six dropped the program already." "Thank you for giving me the opportunity to join the class." Joel replied. He turned to Patricia and gave her a warm sunny smile. "I hear that you're an excellent student as well, maybe in a few years you'll be going through my class too." "I hope so." Patricia replied her nervousness disappearing. "And you young man." Nichols said turning to Kenji, "I have heard great things about you. Paul Mynt swears by you and he is a hard man to please but your grades alone made you a prime candidate for this program and I am very pleased that you accepted the invitation." "Thank you for inviting me." Kenji replied with a slight bow. "Can I help you with something?" Patricia asked. "Oh no my dear, it's finished. All we need is for everyone else to come with their dishes." Nichols replied with a cheerful grin. However, Patricia could tell that he was indeed irked that no one else had arrived. "Let's go out back shall we?" He said as he picked up the bowl of fresh fruit. "I'll stay here and get the door." Penny said. "I'll wait with you." Patricia said. She had the feeling that Nichols wanted to talk to Kenji and Joel alone. The next guest arrived fifteen minutes later with a cake. Patricia was surprised that Penny didn't say anything about the lateness but then surmised that it would be addressed on the first day of class. After handing Penny the cake, the student handed his jacket to Patricia. "Hang that up will you?" he said without really looking at her. "Excuse me." Penny said her tone terse. "But she isn't a servant but a guest. This is Patricia Takeda wife of one of our classmates and you are?" "Oh shit... I mean... I'm sorry." the student stammered. "I'm Barry Lavender and I am so sorry!" he said taking his jacket back from Patricia, his face a bright red. One more student made the same mistake, one didn't acknowledge Patricia at all and the remaining one spoke to her before Penny had a chance to introduce her. "Their all finally here." Penny said taking Patricia by the arm. "Can you grab the potato salad while I grab the lemonade?" Penny asked. Only the student who wouldn't acknowledge Patricia showed any displeasure at her presence but later in the evening she would find out that it just wasn't her presence but Penny's as well that had him scowling. Penny and Patricia both heard the comments made by Russell Cook. "What in the hell is this world coming to?" he grumbled to Clark Wilson the student who had introduced himself to Patricia. "I'm sorry but is there a problem?" Clark asked. "You don't see the problem?" Russell asked. "I'm sorry but I don't." "First of all, there's a black woman here or do they prefer to be called Negroes? Then there's a woman occupying a spot that should have gone to a man! What in the fuck is that all about?" Russell asked. Clark didn't know how to respond so he said nothing at first. "And then we have a Jap taking another spot that should have gone to one of ours." Russell continued. "By one of ours I'm assuming that you mean a medical student? Because if that's what you meant then Mr. Takeda is exactly where he belongs. A word of advice if I may." Clark said. "I would advise you to keep your views to yourself. I'm sure that you heard about the professor who lost his job for some of the views that you've just expressed and for the record, I think it's great that women are getting into the medical field as doctors and it's about time we put aside our prejudices." "You sound as if you approve of all of this." Russell said. "It sounds that way because I do approve now, if you will excuse me." Clark said and walked away. He wanted nothing to do with the likes of Russell Cook. Russell stared after him, turned around and saw Patricia and Penny looking at him. With a sinking heart, he realized that they had probably heard the entire conversation with the other student. He wanted to make a smart assed reply but bit his tongue and walked away. He spent the rest of the evening wondering whether he was going to be asked to leave the home and the program. By the end of the evening, he decided that Clark was right. He had to keep his views to himself at least until he was done with school. ******** Joel kept watching Penny hoping for a chance to catch her alone. His chance didn't come until the evening was almost over. "Hello." he said shyly. "Hi! Did you have a good time?" "Yes," Joel replied, "and thank you for talking to Dr. Nichols about allowing me to join the group." he added. "You're welcome; I'm glad that it worked out." Penny replied as she walked around picking up dirty dishes. Joel swallowed hard, his mouth dry, "would you... I mean could I take you to lunch or dinner sometime?" He waited for what seemed to be forever before she answered. "I would like that." she replied with a sunny smile that made Joel's heart skip a beat. "You have my number call me." "Ok, Penny? You know that I'm Jewish right?" "Yes I know is that a problem?" she asked not really seeing why he brought it up. "No! I mean no." he replied. "I just know that some people...." "Joel I'm not most people and if you change your mind about wanting to have lunch with me that's fine but it won't be fine if you think it's because I care about your religious beliefs. I don't care about that any more than I care that Kenji is Japanese and Patricia is black." "Thank you." Joel said softly. "Is tomorrow too soon?" Penny laughed at his eagerness, "Tomorrow is fine. I'll write down my address when I get into the house." An hour later, they were on the way home. Patricia debated whether to say anything to Kenji about his classmate and decided to wait. The afternoon and evening had been so pleasant that she didn't want to ruin it by talking about something unpleasant. Instead, she turned to Joel. "So what were you and Penny talking about?" Joel told them about his conversation with Penny. "So we're going to have lunch tomorrow." "Joel that's wonderful!" Patricia exclaimed, "We're not going anywhere so you can use the car if you want." "Thanks." "Congratulations Joel, both Patricia and I like her." Kenji said. Later that night when they were in bed, Kenji cuddled Patricia close. "It is really happening." he said kissing her head. "In less than four years I will be a physician and you will be starting medical school." Patricia hesitated and then spoke. "I've been thinking about Ralph and what happened to him." "I miss him too." Kenji replied. "Kenji, I want to know if there was anything more that we could have done to help him. I want to know what caused the stroke and if there's anyway to prevent them. I don't know if it's possible but I think that I want to go into neurology." Kenji waited for her to finish. "I know that you've been planning on us practicing together and its not that I don't want that but... do you understand?" she asked exasperated that she wasn't stating her position clearly. "Kirei you know that I want you to do whatever makes you happy." he said. "And yes I would love to work with you and maybe we still can. Children have neurological issues too so why not do both? The question is whether it is possible and if it isn't now, it may be later." "You don't mind?" Patricia asked her voice filled with excitement. "Kirei, if you told me that you wanted to be a brain surgeon, you would have my support." Kenji replied. Patricia kissed his cheek and then his lips as her hand slid under the sheet to stroke his cock, which hardened as soon as she touched it. Kenji moaned into her mouth and pulled her tighter against him. He skimmed her back with his fingertips lingering on the sensitive spots like the base of her spine until she wiggled against him. Then in one smooth move, his body was covering hers and he was looking down at her. "You are so kirei- beautiful." he murmured as she kissed her and slid inside of her. Patricia gasped and then moaned at the painstakingly slow way that he moved inside of her. She closed her eyes and forced herself not to move. They could last a long time if she could keep still and if Kenji didn't kiss her neck. As if reading her mind, he did just that and then gently nipped at the spot that he had just kissed. I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 07 "Kenji." she breathed, "if you keep that up I won't.... " Kenji ignored her and kissed her neck again as he moved faster within her. Patricia began to move against him hurrying the orgasm that a few minutes ago had been on the horizon. Kenji sealed his lips to her neck and gently sucked sending Patricia screaming over the edge with him not far behind. Afterwards, they held each other tightly and fell asleep confident that they were well on their way. ********* The next morning Joel showered, washed his hair until it squeaked, shaved and changed his clothes three times. Abby listened to him muttering to himself and laughed. Whoever this girl was, she had to be something special. She had never seen Joel as animated as he was when he came home the night before. She loved the smile on his face and realized that it had been far too long in coming. Finally, he came out of his room, stood in front of Abby and asked her opinion. "I think that you look very handsome!" she exclaimed with a smile. "Are you sure that I look alright?" Joel asked nervously. "Would the blue shirt be better?" "Relax! You look fine." Abby assured him. "Are you sure that it's alright if I use your car? I can take the bus or..." "Joel," Abby interrupted "it's fine and if I need anything Patricia and Kenji are home and Nick and Hana are coming over later. Now get going before you're late and have a good time." Joel gave Abby a nervous smile and then went over to her, hugged her and kissed her on the cheek. "Thank you." he whispered against her ear. "Your welcome." Abby replied patting his back. She had come to love Joel as she had come to love Kenji and Patricia; he was now one of her children. When he left, she took out a pen and paper and wrote a letter that included additional instructions to her attorney. She still felt relatively healthy, but after Ralph, she was taking no chances. She could plan all she wanted to attend the graduations of her three children but she knew that things didn't always work out as planned. She looked at the clock; Nick and Hana were due in about an hour. She wondered what was happening; she heard the underlying worry in Nick's otherwise cheerful voice. When Lawrence Goodman's name popped into her head, she involuntarily shuddered. ********************* Joel made it to Penny's house with ten minutes to spare. In his nervousness, he had gotten lost and had to ask for directions to get himself back on track. He sat outside in the car for the full ten minutes before going to her door and ringing the doorbell. Someone who wasn't Penny opened the door, looked him up and down before inviting him in. "I'm Sandra one of Penny's roommates and best friend, she'll be ready in just a minute, care to sit down?" Joel sat on the sofa and placed his hands in his lap as Sandra assessed him. "So you're the one that she's so excited about." she commented as she lit a cigarette. "She hasn't shut up about you since she met you." The revelation both pleased and surprised Joel and made him blush. "Hi Joel!" Penny said as she walked into the living room. "I see that you met my best friend and roommate Sandra." "He's cute." Sandra said as she got up, "I like him." Joel then understood what happened, he had to meet the roommate first and get her approval. "I guess you passed." Penny said confirming his suspicions. "Where to?" They went to a coffee shop that sold sandwiches as well as pastries, found a quiet corner and settled in to talk. Joel found out that Penny was the youngest of four and that she was the only girl. Her mother was a homemaker and her father a librarian. Two of her brothers served in the armed forces in the Pacific and both had come back unscathed. "That was a really scary time for us." she said. "I can't imagine what it would have felt like if one or both of them had been killed." He also found out that she had always wanted to be a doctor. It surprised him to learn that she didn't have the support of her mother but the full support of her father. The more she talked the more enthralled Joel became with her. "What about you?" she asked. "Where is your family?" "There isn't much to tell." Joel replied. "I was an only child and we came here years before the war. My parent's owned a deli/grocery store that I sold several months after they died. Like you, I have always wanted to be a doctor but my parents had other plans for me. They thought that I would run the store and it took a while before they realized that I wasn't interested." "Did you.... Did you lose people in those camps?" Penny asked. Joel's hands trembled as he picked up his cup of coffee. Word of the first of his family to die in Auschwitz had been the beginning of the end for his parents. He had memories of his parents trying to get family to come to the states long before the war started and being unsuccessful. When Hitler began his rise to power, they tried again and failed. By the time his parents died, many of his relatives were gone. If there were any left, he didn't know but he hoped to go back to Germany someday and find out. "Joel, I'm so sorry." Penny said softly. "Thanks." Joel replied. Until now, he had never talked about his losses not even to Kenji and Patricia. He knew that they would have listened but they had so much going on in their own lives that he didn't want to bother them. Then there was the fact that Kenji had lost people during the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Abby had just lost Ralph and was still grieving although she was better and Nick and Hana he didn't know well enough to talk about something so personal. "You've never talked about it have you?" Penny asked. "Oh god, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to pry. You hardly know me and I'm asking for your life story." "It's alright." Joel replied. "No it isn't." she said, "I really am sorry. I don't always think before I talk." "Penny, really, it's alright." Joel assured her. "Have you thought about a field yet?" Penny asked changing the subject. "I'm leaning toward obstetrics." Joel replied, "What about you?" "I'm thinking either pediatrics or obstetrics... can I ask you another question? And please feel free to tell me that it's none of my business." "Sure." Joel replied. "How did you, Patricia and Kenji get to be friends?" "What you really want to know is how a Jew, a black woman and a Japanese man managed to form such a close friendship." Joel said. "That's a crass way of putting it but yes." Joel told Penny about the first time he met Kenji and how the friendship progressed. An hour later, he was finished. "They are more than my friends, they're my family and I would do anything for them." "I can see that and I think that they feel the same way about you... were you in love with her? Patricia I mean." Joel's face burned telling Penny all that she needed to know. "Don't be embarrassed." she told Joel taking his hand in hers. "What's not to love? She's kind, compassionate, smart and let's not forget very pretty." "So are you." Joel blurted out. "And I won't lie and tell you that I didn't have feelings for her but I don't now at least not the romantic kind. And even if I did, I would never act on them, she's the wife of my best friend and I would never do anything to jeopardize that friendship." "Joel, I know that and apparently so does Kenji. But even if you had tried to come between them, I have the feeling that it wouldn't have worked. God, the way they look at each other....I forgot to mention that I'm a hopeless romantic." she said with an uncharacteristic embarrassed grin. "I happen to like romantics" Joel replied as he realized that he was still holding onto Penny's hand. He took her home and walked her to the door not sure of what was supposed to happen next. "I had a really nice time today." Penny said. "I ... I did too, could we do it again sometime?" Joel asked his hands in his pockets with the fingers crossed. "I didn't scare you off?" Penny teased. "No you didn't scare me off and I would like to see you again." Joel said feeling a little more confident. "I would like that." Penny replied. They stood on the steps looking at each other until Penny stood on her tiptoes and kissed Joel on the cheek. "Goodnight Joel and thank you." she said before she went into the house. Joel touched the cheek that had Penny kissed and wondered if he hadn't just fallen in love. ********* Becca slumped in the bus seat; she was hot and sweaty. She would have killed for a shower. She had several more hours before she reached L.A. and she still hadn't called her parents to let them know that she was on her way home. She was certain that they already knew; she had included where she was going in the note that she left for her aunt and uncle. She had a variety of seat mates on the long trip back some bothersome and some not. The nicest one was a man who was from South Carolina who was toward L.A. The man still sat next to her and began to act as her protector whenever she was propositioned at the rest stops. It wasn't too long before they were on a first name basis and sharing meals. He made Becca feel so safe that she began sharing information about herself and her family that was better not shared. "So your daddy, he owns his own business?" Tyrone Morgan asked. "Yes, he's an accountant." Becca replied missing the cold calculating gleam in Tyrone's eyes. "That's good money I hear." he replied still not quite believing his luck when he found out that Becca was headed to L.A. and actually lived there. "I guess... I wouldn't know." 'I mean you're going to college and it's all paid for, that means he must be doing pretty well." Tyrone said as he tried to figure out how to get a job with Becca's father. "Do you know if he needs any help? I'm not an accountant but I know how to enter numbers." Then he waited hoping that she would take the bait. When she didn't, he did the one thing that he hadn't done yet, he appealed to her vanity. "You never did tell me why a beautiful woman such as yourself is traveling alone." "I left South Carolina suddenly." Becca replied not offering any explanations. Tyrone let the topic drop and changed subjects only to return to one about her. "I suppose that you have a boyfriend?" "Not any more." Becca replied looking into dark brown eyes. "Now I don't believe that!" Tyrone exclaimed. "It's true, no boyfriend," Becca replied. "Well then, I guess I can ask you out for dinner once I get settled and find a job." Tyrone said throwing the bait again. "You're coming all the way to California with no job?" Becca asked. Tyrone bit his tongue, what he wanted to say was "You stupid bitch why do you think I asked if your old man needed help?" but instead he said. "Foolish I know but I've always wanted to come west but that was why I was asking if your father needed help in his office, hell, I'll even take out the trash and mops the floors." Something about the dark eyed, dark haired man attracted Becca. That he was a good ten years older than she was didn't matter but there was an air of intrigue and danger about him and he in no way reminded her of Andrew and Robbie. She thought that she was looking at a real man and not a boy. "I can ask him when I get home, but how will I reach you?" she asked. "Give me your number and I'll call you in a couple of days." Tyrone replied. He grinned as Becca scrounged around in her purse for a pencil and a piece of paper. This had gone so much better than he thought it would. Meeting the bitch sitting next to him had been a stroke of good luck. All that he had to do was to ingratiate himself with her family. He stole a look at Becca's breasts and licked his lips, he had been without a woman for far too long and if he played his cards right, Miss. Becca Cartwright would end that dry spell. ********** Monday afternoon Sally went to the mailbox as usual. It had been an almost a week since she spoke to the warden at the prison and she decided not to tell Will about it. All that telling him would do was make him angry and she really didn't care to hear it... She took the stack of envelopes out of the mailbox and started sifting through them as she walked up to the house. She stopped when she got to the one with the return address of the prison. She rushed into the house, threw the other envelopes on the couch and sat down still holding the envelope from the prison in her shaking hands. Finally, she carefully opened the envelope, took the contents out and closed her eyes. She knew what they were but the question was; were they signed? Sally slowly opened her eyes and looked through the papers until she came to the one that should have had Lawrence's signature on it. "Please God." Sally murmured as her gaze went to the bottom of the page. Her eyes filled with tears as she saw Lawrence's neat strong handwriting at the bottom of the page. Tear drops fell on the pages as she cried tears of relief. She was no longer married to a man who taught hate and murder. She was still sitting on the couch when Will came home. "Sally? Honey what's wrong?" he asked. She handed him the papers without speaking and remained silent as he read the forms. While he was happy, he wondered what had prompted Lawrence to sign the papers after all of this time. "I wonder why he changed his mind." Will asked sitting down next to her. "Will, I did something that you asked me not to." Sally said not looking at him. Will stopped looking at the papers and looked at her, waiting for her to continue. "I called the prison and asked to talk to Lawrence. I wanted to know why he wouldn't sign the papers and I was going to beg him to do it if I had to." "Did you talk to him?" Will asked. "No but I spoke with the warden. He said that he would call me back but he never did so I thought that he just said it to be nice." "You talked to Warden Ellis?" Will asked. "Yes, he seemed very nice." "Theodore Ellis is many things and nice isn't one of them unless he wants something. Did he ask you for any favors or imply that you owed him something?" Will asked. "No... Will what's wrong?" Sally asked. "Sally, Theodore Ellis is my cousin and a Klansman. He got Lawrence to sign these papers I'm sure of it, the question is why." "Call him and ask him." Sally suggested. "I haven't spoken to him in years." Will replied. "As a matter of fact, I haven't spoken to anyone from my family in quite some time because of our differences in politics." "Does it matter why he did it?" Sally asked. "We can get married...." "I have to find out what he wants." Will said. "He does nothing out of the goodness of his heart and I can guarantee you that he knows about us." Will stood up, went to the phone and dialed the number of the federal prison of South Carolina. After several minutes, he was talking to his uncle for the first time in years. "Will! How the fuck are you? Still enjoying the palm trees?" That one sentence was Will's confirmation that his cousin knew about him and Sally. "What do you want?" Will asked skipping the niceties. "I'm sorry? What do you mean?" Ellis asked sounding hurt that Will was so abrupt but Will knew better. "You know exactly what I mean, why did you make Goodman sign the divorce papers?" "Who says that I did?" "Don't patronize me! I know that you made him sign the papers; my question is why? And spare me the you were always my favorite cousin shit." Will listened to Ellis' explanation and so far it matched what Sally said happened but he still didn't trust Ellis and said as much. "I don't know what you're hoping to gain from this but I want your word that you won't involve us in whatever it is. I also want your word that you won't call asking for a favor because if you do, the answer will be no." There was several seconds of silence and then Ellis' deep laughter filled Will's head. "You know son, you were and are still my favorite cousin. You've got balls and I like that but at any rate, you won't be hearing from me again and for the record? No matter how much you deny it, we are family. Give the ex Mrs. Goodman my best wishes." Ellis terminated the phone call and cursed. How could he not have known that the woman that his nephew was living with was Goodman's wife? "Because." he muttered, "it was so damned unlikely." The one thing that he prided himself on was that he was a man of his word and he would honor his agreement with his nephew. He wouldn't contact them again. He looked at the missed opportunity philosophically, it just wasn't meant to happen and other opportunities would present themselves. Will hung up and walked back to Sally who was wringing her hands. "It's alright." Will told her, "at least for now but if you receive any phone calls or letters from someone asking for a favor, you have to tell me right away." "I promise." Sally replied. "Good." Will replied as he got down on his knees in front of her. "Sally, will you do me the honor of being my wife?" ************************************************************************************************* By the end of September 1946, an atomic bomb was detonated for the fourth time in human history at the Bikini Atoll; the Luce-Celler Act of 1946 is signed into law. The act gives all Philippine citizens living in the United states the right to become U.S. citizens, Manuel Roxas is inaugurated as the first president of the Philippines, Micheline Bernardini was the first woman to wear a two-piece swimsuit named the bikini in honor of the atomic bomb released earlier in the week at Bikini Atoll. The first drive in theater opened in Canada, seven American Marines were taken prisoner in China's Hebei Provence by communist forces but were rescued eleven days later. The social Security Administration is established to replace the Social Security board, which had been in existence since 1935, The "Report of the Joint Committee on the Investigation of the Pearl Harbor Attack" was released. The last German prisoners of war in the U.S. are released- there had been 375,000 German prisoners in the U.S. during the war. Two African-American couples, George and Mae Dorsey and Roger and Dorothy Malcolm are lynched after their car was stopped near Monroe, Georgia. No one was ever prosecuted for the murders. Martin Luther King Jr. a 17-year-old Junior at Morehouse College began a lifelong crusade against racial prejudice with a letter that was published in the 'Atlanta Constitution' in response to an editorial. 'Santa Claus Land' located in Santa Claus, Indiana is credited as being the first theme park, the B-36 peacemaker designed to carry the atomic bomb is flown for the first time by the United States Air force. The body of African -American Veteran John C. Jones was found in a bayou near Minden, Louisiana, the NAACP performed an investigation. John Hersey's article "Hiroshima" is published in The New Yorker, the article that featured the stories of six survivors of the blast would later be published as a best selling book. President Harry S. Truman approves "Project Paperclip". The goal of the project was to bring German scientist to the U.S. Mass production of television sets began. RCA produced the first new TV since WWII, the first Cannes Film Festival is held. African-American actor Canada Lee impressed audiences at Boston's Shubert Theater by portraying Daniel de Bosola in a production of The Duchess of Malfi, opening a new field for black actors today by donning white make-up and portraying a white character. The Nuremberg War Crimes Tribunal announces its verdict on twenty-one members of the Nazi Regime. Walter F. White, Executive Director of the NAACP and 5 other Civil rights activists met with President Truman at the White House to ask for help in ending the violence against African-Americans. I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 07 ************************************************************************************************* Sports In the 1946 Major League All-Star game in Boston, Ted Williams helped the American League defeat the Nationals 12-0, on the same day in the Negro League, Josh Gibson hit a 600 -foot home run in a game between his team the Homestead Grays and the Cleveland Buckeyes The Pittsburgh Pirates voted against joining a labor union. The owners of the National League and the American League teams secretly met and voted 15-1 to retain the ban against African-Americans stating that integration would be harmful to the Negro Leagues The All American Football Conference held its first game. The Cleveland Browns hosted the Miami Seahawks. The Boston Red Sox win the American League Pennant. The St. Louis Cardinals and the Brooklyn Dodgers lost their final scheduled games in the National League forcing the first tiebreaker playoff in Major League Baseball history. The Network Eagles won against the Kansas City Monarchs 3-2 to win game seven of the Negro League World Series. ************************************************************************************************* Music The top number one Songs included 'The Gypsy' by the Ink Spots, 'Surrender' by Perry Como, 'To Each His Own' by Eddy Howard and 'Five Minutes More' by Frank Sinatra. ************************************************************************************************ The summer flew by faster than anyone could have imagined. Kenji, Joel and Penny excelled in the accelerated summer classes and studied together almost every night. It was obvious that Joel was in love with Penny even though he hadn't admitted it not even to her. That the sentiment was returned was just as obvious and Kenji and Patricia both wondered when they would admit to it. Joel was happier than he could ever remember being and it showed. Being with Penny drew him out a bit more revealing a more relaxed fun side of him that no one suspected existed. One night, the small group had finished studying early and was sitting around talking. "Anyone want something to eat?" Patricia asked. "Sure." Joel replied having long outgrown his embarrassment about how much he could really eat. "I'll help." Penny said as she stood up and followed Patricia to the kitchen. "You love him don't you?" Patricia asked as she got out the supplies to make sandwiches. "Is it that obvious?" Penny asked. "It is. Have you told him?" "No... not yet, Patricia?" "Hmmm?" "Did you know that Joel was in love with you?" "I believe that he thought he was." Patricia replied. "What does that have to do with anything? He loves you." "I... nothing." Penny said. "Penny, there was never anything between Joel and me except friendship. I think that you know that so what's the real issue?" Patricia asked looking at her intently. "Nothing, just nerves I guess." Penny replied. "We'd better get these sandwiches made." ******** Joel took Penny home an hour later. She was unusually quiet which made him nervous. They parked in front of her house for several minutes not speaking. Penny took a deep breath and spoke. "Joel, I love you. I know that the man is supposed to start these conversations but I had to let you know...." "Penny....." "I'm sorry if I'm being too forward and all but...." "I love you too...." "And.... You do?" she asked. "I do and I think I have for a while." he replied. They sat in silence for several minutes before Penny spoke. "Would you like to come in?" Penny asked. She had asked him that question many times over the summer but now it sounded different. He thought he detected a hint of a promise in her voice. While they had kissed and touched each other through their clothes, they had resisted going any further than that. He had to wonder if that was going to change. Intercourse he knew was out of the question, they couldn't take the chance that they could get pregnant. "Joel?" Penny called again. "Sure." he replied and jumped out of the car to open the door for her. Once inside the house, Joel took the initiative, pulled Penny into his arms, and kissed her. Penny broke the kiss first, took Joel by the hand and led him to the one of the rooms of the house that he had never seen- her bedroom. He was surprised at the décor... it was more girly than he would have thought with the walls painted pink with the bed spread and curtains a darker matching shade of pink. Penny stood in front of him looking up at him as he looked down at her. In that moment he realized that he had never really been in love with Patricia but with what she symbolized. Penny, he loved and he wanted to explain that to her. "Shhh, it doesn't matter." she whispered as she pulled him down to her and kissed him as she began to unbutton his shirt. "Your roommates....." "Gone until tomorrow." She replied as he kissed his chest through his tee shirt. Joel's heart hammered so hard that he was sure that she could hear it. Penny stopped and looked up at him, "I love you Joel." she said as she took one of his nipples into her mouth and sucked it through the tee shirt. Joel felt his knees go weak as his breath quickened and his cock hardened. Penny took a step back and unbuttoned her blouse revealing a white bra that contained her large breasts. Joel's mouth went dry as she watched her remove her blouse and toss it aside. Taking his hand, she led him to the single bed and sat down on it pulling him down beside her. He looked into her eyes for several seconds before easing her back onto the bed and kissing her. Hesitantly, he let his hand wander across her stomach and up to her bra clad breast and pausing as if he was waiting for permission. "It's alright." Penny assured him. Joel gently squeezed the breast that he had in his hand becoming more aroused as he felt the nipple harden. He had the desire to know what it would feel like in his mouth but was too nervous to ask. Once again, Penny assured him that it was all right to touch her. Slowly Joel slid the bra strap off her shoulder and pulled the cup of the bra down until the breast was in plain view. He looked up at Penny who was watching him silently urging him to do what he wanted to do, what she wanted him to do. Joel's gaze went from Penny's face to the turgid pink nipple that seemed to be calling to him. He moved closer, stuck his tongue out and touched it with just the tip of his tongue. He heard Penny's sharp intake of breath and did it again but this time, he licked it flicking his tongue across the tip of the nipple. Penny moaned and pushed against him willing him to take the nipple into his mouth and to suck on it. Joel took Penny's nipple into his mouth and gently sucked on it as she worked his cock out of his slacks. He almost came with the first touch of her warm hand on the bare skin of his cock. Penny's skirt rode up and she opened her legs in invitation. Joel didn't hesitate in accepting the invitation and for the first time in his life touched the most secret part of a woman. He slid his fingers into the side of the crotch and stopped. That first touch took his breath away, when he felt her wetness, tears formed. He moaned at the softness of her damp pubic hair as he ran his fingers through it. Penny put her hand on top of his and gently guided it where it needed to be. Then using her hand to guide his, she began moving it back and forth between the lips of her pussy and then concentrating on her nub. When he was moving his hand on his own, Penny took his cock back into her hand and stroked him in time with his strokes on her clit. Joel sucked even harder on her nipple as he rubbed her clit harder even she stroked his throbbing cock even faster. He felt his balls tighten against him as felt his sperm begin their journey to the tip of his cock where it shot out landing on Penny's stomach, skirt and thighs. He cried out in pleasure as Penny began to convulse, her orgasm beginning just as his ended. They lay on the bed holding each other until well after midnight. He didn't want to leave her but knew that he had to, it wouldn't do for him to be there when her roommates returned home. After kissing her goodbye, Joel drove away with a much better understanding of how his parents, Kenji, and Patricia felt about each other. ******** Will and Sally's wedding was scheduled for the third Saturday in September although they wanted it to happen weeks before. Will didn't trust his uncle and thought it prudent that they wait to see if anything happened. When they heard nothing from him, Will decided that it was safe. The wedding was going to be in Kenji and Patricia's back yard and after the wedding; the children would spend Saturday and Sunday night with Abby. Joel would spend those nights with Kenji and Patricia giving them a chance to plan for the semester. Patricia was happy for Sally and pleased when Sally asked her to stand with her. This she realized, was another happy memory to be tucked away for a rainy day. ********* Tyrone Morgan now had Becca Cartwright where he wanted her, in his bed and on her knees and he had a job at her father's office. He knew that Becca was in love with him or thought she was but to be truthful, he cared for her but love was much too strong a word to describe what he felt. He took the cigar box from under the bed and counted the cash he had hidden there. Some of the money was from his wages and some of it was money that he had stolen from Becca's father. A portion of it also came from Becca's allowance that she gave so willingly. He was pleased with the way things were going and he knew that Lawrence would be too. The plan was that he would continue to stay in the small room that he was renting at a cheap hotel until he got word that Lawrence was going to be released. At that point, he would start looking for a small house to rent but in the meantime, he had other things he to attend to such as watching Lawrence's ex-wife and finding out everything he could about Nick Alexander. Now that he was set up, he could begin those things. Things were going very well indeed. ********** Becca woke up not feeling very well and wondered if she was coming down with a cold. She sat up, looked at the clock and went back to sleep. She was too tired to go to school to pick up her books for classes. A few minutes later, she was in the bathroom and dry heaving. She washed her face, went back to bed and fell back to sleep. ********* Lawrence looked at his cellmate with open disdain and disgust. It seemed that Ellis had searched the prison until he found the dirtiest, smelliest and most uneducated convict that he could find and tossed him in the cell with him. When the man started to speak, Lawrence silenced him with a glare and turned his back on him. He wondered how his man Tyrone was faring as it had been two weeks since he had last gotten word. All he knew was that things were going well and the man had gotten a job with an accountant. Lawrence had instructed the man to write at least once a month and under the false name of a minister but to keep details to a minimum but to say enough so that he had a general idea of how things were going. He still had to decide when he was going to make his escape and take care of Jacob Lincoln and the warden. There was a real possibility that neither thing wouldn't happen until after his escape and as much as that irked him, he'd get over it. He looked over at the dirty prisoner who was his roommate and the beginnings of a plan began to form. "Hey boy! What did you say your name was?" I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 08 The house buzzed with activity in preparation for Will and Sally's wedding which was scheduled to take place in a few days. Everyone, the children included helped with decorating the house and the backyard with flowers. Dianna helped in the kitchen while Eli, Ralph and Marie put flowers in the vases. Kenji, Joel, Nick and John carried the table, chairs outside, and covered them with old sheets and blankets. The only people not working were the bride and groom and it wasn't because they didn't want to, no one would let them. "This is your wedding." Abby said as she shooed Sally out of the kitchen for the third time. "Go spend time with your groom." Will wasn't faring much better. He tried to help carry chairs out to the yard but John stopped him. "What do you think you doing?" "I was just going to carry out a few chairs." Will replied. "No you're not" John said taking the chair away from Will. "Why don't you take Sally for a walk or something?" Finally, Will and Sally gave up and went for a walk. As they walked, Will put his arm around Sally and pulled her tight against him. For some inexplicable reason, Lawrence Goodman and his cousin the warden crossed his mind. Even though they hadn't heard from Ellis and they had received no word that Lawrence was dead or was going to be released, he was nervous. Sally on the other hand was ecstatic. She couldn't wait to change her last name from Goodman to Mahoney. They talked to Dianne and Eli who both decided not to change their last names although Will was going to adopt them. Sally was disappointed but understood their decision. Lawrence did love them and they didn't know about the threats or the depths of his Klan activities. She and Will had argued about whether they should be told about their father but Sally didn't want to destroy the good memories that they had of him. "Sally, they need to be told." Will told her during one of their conversations. "The man is dangerous and he's planning to come here looking for you and he'll take them with him when he leaves." "He wouldn't hurt them, he loves them." she protested. "Like he loved Kenny?" Will asked fully aware that he was hurting her but she needed to see the danger. "That isn't fair!" Sally exclaimed. "Maybe not," Will conceded, "but neither is letting those kids believe that their father is anything other than what he is. What do you think he's planning to do with them if he gets his hands on them?" he asked. Sally was crying but he pressed on. "He is going to make them into good little Klan soldiers like he did with Kenny and that's after he kills us. They need to know about him, they have to know that they need to stay away from him." "Kill us? Why would he kill us?" Sally asked. "You know better than any of us what he's like." Will replied. "You've even admitted that he scares you and you can't tell me that the idea that he could and would kill you hasn't crossed your mind. He's coming to California as soon as he's released or he escapes whichever happens first and we need to be ready." In the end, they agreed to tell Dianne and Eli the truth about their father if only for the sake of safety. The talk they decided could wait until after the wedding and short honeymoon. That last conversation took place not long after Sally had received the signed petition for divorce and after thinking about it, she knew that Will was right. Dianne and Eli needed to know the truth about everything and that included how Kenny had really died. I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 08 In the end, he admitted to himself that she held a certain fascination for him. He went as far as to admit that he found her attractive and that in another place and time... maybe. However, it wasn't another place and time, it was the here and now and she, her husband and the Jew were enemies and had to be treated as such. He now knew where they lived and had even driven by a few times and even sat in his car watching it one day. It angered him that they lived in a house bigger and much nicer than he and his family did. Then he saw Ralph and Marie in the front yard. His initial reaction was that they were beautiful children; the second one was that it was too bad that they had been born into a world like this and his last thought was that he had to do what he had to do. There would be casualties and unfortunately, those casualties would include children on both sides. Without realizing it, he had just crossed a line that it wasn't too late to go back over. He looked at the house again and got angry again. It was the realization that the Jap and his wife were living better than he was that made his anger grow. As he stared at the house, he was unaware that Ralph was staring at him wondering who he was and why he was watching the house. Andrew shook himself back to attention, saw Ralph staring at him, cursed and took off. He could only hope that the boy would forget about seeing him. I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 08 "Kenji what are you going to do?" she asked again. "I am going to do nothing more than talk to him." Kenji replied. Patricia wanted to tell him not to confront Andrew but didn't. It wouldn't have done any good but she could caution him. "Kenji, please be careful. He wants you to get angry." "I already know this." Kenji replied, "He has been trying to find the best way to get me to react and now he has my full attention." "Kenji...." "Let's go to bed, I would like to take the children to the zoo tomorrow." Patricia wanted to say more but didn't. She would try again in the morning but she already knew that she would fail. I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 08 "Someone's coming!" Duke who was standing by the podium said urgently. Kenji and Joel had just walked out of the door when whomever it was that Duke thought was coming walked into the room by. Even though he acted angry about it, Andrew was relieved. He had figured something out about Kenji. In his own way, he was dangerous and that if anything happened to his woman or children; he would kill no matter the cost to himself. What no one noticed was that there was an observer way in the back. Paul Mynt sat in the back-watching ready to intervene if things got out of hand and to serve as a witness if anything happened. As always, he admired Kenji's restraint and had a healthy dose of respect for Joel. It was hard to believe that he was the same fragile man whose hand had been broken by the same group that he now faced with Kenji. Paul sincerely believed that Kenji would not have attacked if Patricia wasn't involved and quickly came to the same conclusion that Andrew did; Kenji was dangerous when anyone he cared about was threatened. He hoped that Andrew would realize that and back off. I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 08 "No!" Patricia replied, "Do you?" "No Kirei, when I say that I will love you forever that is what I mean." He said kissing her. "Wait here." Patricia watched as Kenji slipped out of the room and came back a few minutes later with a plate filled with fresh fruit and a glass of water. "I checked on Ralph and Marie on my way to the kitchen." Kenji said as he sat the plate of fruit and glass of water in the table by the bed. "It is time to care for you." Patricia watched him undress and neatly lay his clothes over the chair of the vanity table. One of her favorite things watch the muscles of his ass flex as he moved, it was something that she never told him about, it was her little secret. It wasn't because she thought that he would stop, it was better because he wasn't aware that he was doing it. When he turned to face her, his cock was hard and seemed to be pointing at her. "Sit on the bed and lay back." Kenji told her as he approached her. Patricia did as he asked and waited for him to reach her. When he did, he went to his knees, spread her legs open and began to lick at her careful to avoid her clit. Patricia moaned and then jerked moving her hips trying to get his tongue to touch her clit. Kenji toyed with her until she began to beg and then he latched onto her and flicked his tongue over her clit until she cried out her release. In one fluid movement, he was buried deep inside of her pumping slowly in and out until Patricia came a second time. After her second orgasm, he allowed himself to release inside of her. After she rested, he made her drink the water and eat some of the fruit. "You will need it." he told her when she objected. Two hours later, Patricia was sleeping the sleep of the well sated and Kenji wasn't far behind. His last waking thought was the hope that he wouldn't have to hurt anyone. I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 09 Milt's body wasn't discovered until late the next morning. A homeless man looking for a place to spend the day found the body and went to get the police. The man was questioned and then released after his whereabouts for the evening before and that morning were verified. News of the body spread like wildfire and it wasn't long before the area surrounding the crime scene was crowded with people wanting a glimpse of the body. "Oh my god!" a woman from the crowd cried out, "That's Milton Vaughn!" From that point, things went down hill as people pressed closer to the car trying to verify what the woman had shouted out. Two hours later, the body was gone and the car towed away. Mr. and Mrs. Vaughn had been given the news and their grieving began. By evening, it was all over the campus and the grieving there began as well. Even Kenji, Patricia, Joel and Penny grieved when they heard the news. None of them had cared for the man but they hadn't wished him any harm either. "Who would have done such a thing?" Penny asked shocked. Joel and Kenji looked at each other. They knew who had done it as soon as they heard the news and it was a sobering reminder of how dangerous Andrew really was. If he killed one of his own, what else was he capable of doing? "What do you think we should do?" Joel asked. "The police won't believe us and we have no proof." "I know this." Kenji said softly, "but we still have to try." "Andrew? You think that Andrew did this?" Penny asked. Patricia didn't believe it either, "He wouldn't kill one of his own, I just don't see it." "Kirei, his whole identity is that group. He is now aware that the others know of his weakness and that his position is going to be challenged. The only way for him to maintain his position was to remove the threat. Milt Vaughn was a threat to his position of authority so yes, I believe him capable of murder." They sat looking at each other thinking the same thing but not saying it. If Andrew was willing and capable of killing one of his own, then he would kill one of them without batting an eye. "Kirei, I want you to stay home from school..." "No." 'It isn't safe..." "I said no." Patricia said softly bur firmly. "We've waited and struggled too hard to get to this point but I want to say something, I don't think that we should call the police. What could we tell them? And they might think that you were the one who did it." "She's right." Joel said, "And what could we tell them? We have no proof." "We must do something." Kenji said quietly. "Kenji, think about this." Patricia said. "We all know that you didn't do it but if the policed ask people at school, how many of them would back you? What about Andrew and his friends? If anything, they would say that you did it" Tears filled her eyes as she envisioned Kenji being taken away from them. He put an arm around her and hugged her. He couldn't deny that she had made some valid points. "I'll call Nick and see what he says." Kenji said after several minutes of silence. Patricia relaxed but only slightly. She knew her husband and knew that he would do what he felt was right no matter what else happened. "Call him." she said quietly. He would listen to Nick if he listened to anyone. She heard him talking to Nick and then the soft click as he hung up the phone. "He's coming over." Kenji said as he sat down. "Kirei, I want your word that you will abide by his advice." "Only if you do." Patricia replied. "Kirei...." "I mean it Kenji." Patricia said, "I think that he's more likely to shoot you than me." "I think she's right Kenji." Joel chimed in. "I can bring you any assignments and..." "No." Kenji said firmly, "he will only come here." "So you're going to go where you know he can find you?" Patricia asked, "I'm sorry but that's just plain stupid." "Patricia..." "Don't you Patricia me!" she replied pulling away from him. "Kirei, come here." Kenji soothed as he moved closer to her. He glanced over to see that Joel and Penny had slipped away to give them privacy. When he was beside her, he wrapped his arms around her and hugged her. "Alright Kirei, I will do as Nick suggests but we cannot stay here. Andrew knows this house." "I don't care where we go I just don't want you hurt." she replied. Nick was at the house fifteen minutes later with Hana in tow carrying new books for the children. "They're in the back with Penny and Joel." Patricia said after greeting them with a hug and a kiss. "Tell me what you know." Nick said as he sat in the chair across from them. When Kenji was finished, he spoke. "I agree with both of you." he said. "Kenji, I agree that Patricia needs to stay away from school but so do you. Andrew Kelley is holding you responsible for his problems and if given a chance, he'll kill you and not lose any sleep over it. I know that you're concerned about school so I've already talked with Paul; he's working on that end of it. Now, about the police, I agree that we need to do something but I'm not sure what. I agree with Patricia that if you go to them, no one will vouch for you if for no other reason than they're afraid. "But I have to tell someone!" Kenji insisted, "If I remain silent, they will also think that I have something to hide." "That's also true." Nick agreed. "Alright, here's what we'll do, we'll call the police and then my friend Charles at the office. We'll meet here, you'll tell them what you know and suspect. That way we'll cover two bases, federal and local. If they should show up, call me and don't say a word until I get here, if they take you to the jail, don't panic. Patricia you call me and then Will in that order. If we don't answer, keep calling and call Abby and tell her to start calling too. Next, I want you out of this house. My house isn't an option, its being watched but I don't know by who which leaves Sally and Will's or Abby's house. My preference would be Abby's only because Lawrence Goodman doesn't know about that house." "When do you want us to move?" Patricia asked. "Tonight but when its time to talk to the authorities, we'll do it here." Nick replied. "I'll call Abby while you get the kids ready to go and I'll call Charles and Will too." "Go on Kirei, I will come to help you shortly." Kenji said. He waited until she was gone to finish his conversation with Nick. "She has been through so much and she is so frightened but tries not to show it." "Both of you have been through a lot and you've always gotten through it." Nick said, "And you'll get through this too." "I need to go check on Patricia." Kenji said. "Go ahead; I need to make those phone calls." Nick replied. Kenji found Patricia in the children's room. He could tell by the way that she held herself that she was crying but trying to hold her tears back. When she heard him at the door, he watched as she quickly wiped her face and continued packing. "Kirei...." "Why is it that for every step forward, we take three back?" she asked. "Kirei..." "All I want is for us to be left alone so that we can go to school and raise our children, am I asking for so much? And now Andrew Kelley wants to kill you...Kenji, when will this stop?" "You aren't asking for too much." he assured her as she turned her so that she was facing him. "I am not afraid of Andrew Kelley..." "But I am! He can take you away from us." "Kirei, that isn't going to happen, he will be stopped before he hurts another person." Patricia laid her forehead on Kenji's chest and prayed that he was right. ******** Andrew stayed in his room once the gun was cleaned and put away. He jumped every time the phone rang or if someone came to the door. He didn't begin to relax until early afternoon. Once the anxiety was gone, he was filled with a sense of exhilaration. He had done it! He had retaken control of his group! None of them would dare question or betray him again. It was dinnertime before he slipped out of his room and down the stairs. He could smell the meatloaf baking in the oven and the potatoes that would be mashed cooking on the stove. What amazed him was that he was hungry and that he had been able to push Milt Vaughn out of his mind so easily. His father was in the living room reading the paper when he went downstairs to help with dinner. "They found a body over at that old abandoned grocery store." "Yeah? Whose?" Andrew asked hoping that he sounded casual. "College kid... Milton Vaughn, you know him?" Andrew debated as to whether he should lie or tell the truth and went for a mixture of the two. "I know who he is; he was in one of my classes." "Not a friend huh?" His father asked. "No, not a friend." Andrew confirmed and that hadn't been a lie. He didn't consider any of the men in his group friends. "Too bad that he died though, what happened to him?" "Says here a gunshot wound to the head, he didn't stand a chance." "That's too bad...is there any mention of a service?" Andrew asked really not caring. "Nope." Andrew looked at his father and knew that he wanted to say something more but didn't know if he should. "I'll go see if mom needs any help." Andrew said and left before his father decided to ask whatever it was that he was thinking. He thought about the gun in his room and wondered if he shouldn't get rid of it and opted not to, no one knew that he had it, not even his gang. The only thing that they could do was suspect him and they couldn't go to the police with suspicions. He mashed the potatoes and licked the masher clean. For as long as he could remember, that had been his favorite part of making mashed potatoes. When dinner was ready, he ate heartily, savoring every bite of the delicious dinner set before him. After dinner, he even washed the dishes, shooing his mother out of the kitchen when she tried to help. "What's gotten into you?" she asked as he took the stack of dirty dishes from her hands. "Can't a son help his mother?" He asked, "Now go and put your feet up." Andrew made quick work of the dishes, said good night to his parents and went to his room under the guise of studying. Once the door was closed, he knew that he wouldn't be disturbed unless it was something urgent. The thought that he should dispose of the gun crossed his mind again but it would mean that he would have to sneak out of the house with it again and then find a place to hide it. Then the issue was what he would tell his father if he asked to see it. That question was the deciding factor, the gun stayed where it was. He really wished that there were a way that he could blame Milt's death on the 'melting pot' but that would involve planting the gun and that brought up the same old issues plus a few new ones. Around nine, he opened the door of his bedroom and listened for any signs that someone was still awake. The door to his parents' bedroom was closed and there wasn't the tell tale strip of light indicating that anyone was up. He looked in the opposite direction relieved to see that the bathroom door was open and the light off. He slipped back into his room, shut off the lights and tiptoed down the stairs avoiding the step that had squeaked from the time they moved into the house. For the third time, the thought to get rid of the gun crossed his mind but he was already out of the house and halfway down the block when the thought came. He kept walking until he reached his destination, Michael Hathaway's house. He hadn't heard from the group's leader for quite some time and wanted to talk with him. He had no idea if the man was home or not and if he wasn't, he would excuse himself and leave. The kitchen lights were on when he got there and he could see a pretty blond-haired woman moving around the kitchen. Hathaway's wife he thought and then wondered why he had never mentioned her. Andrew crossed the street, went up to the front door; rang the doorbell and waited. ****** Marji jumped at the sound of the doorbell. It was after nine and she couldn't imagine who could be at her door at such a late hour. For a second, she thought that it might be Michael but Meyer told her that he was in South Carolina stirring up trouble down there. She peeked through the curtains and saw a handsome blond haired young man patiently waiting for the door to be answered. She cracked the door open wide enough so that she could speak to the man on her porch. "Can I help you?" she asked warily. "Yes ma'am, I'm looking for Professor Hathaway." Andrew said politely. "He isn't here." "I see... do you know when he'll be back?" "If there is a god, never!" Marji replied and slammed the door closed. Andrew stood at the door wondering what she meant by her statement. He was about to ring the doorbell again when a voice stopped him. "Hey kid." Andrew turned around to see the biggest man he had ever seen in his life staring at him. Not only was he huge, he was Jewish. "Hathaway doesn't live here anymore now move on." "Where is he? What did you Jew bastards do to him?" Andrew demanded. The man stared at Andrew unfazed by the insults. He took out a cigarette, lit it and took a long draw from it before answering. "We broke his fingers and told him that if he ever came around here again that we'd kill him. Obviously you're one of his kind so let me give you fair warning, if I ever see your ass around here again, I'll break your fingers, you come back after that... you're dead now beat it before I kick your skinny ass." Andrew opened his mouth to say something but clamped it shut when the big man took a step toward him. The man didn't move making Andrew step around him, when Andrew passed in front of him, the man blew a stream of cigarette smoke in his face. Andrew could hear the man laughing as he hurried away. He wondered if what the man said was true; if it was... then he was now the highest-ranking member of the group. Once he realized that, all concern for Michael Hathaway vanished. He headed back home whistling a happy tune not at all concerned about Milt Vaughn's family, the gun or his mentor. Things were as they should be for the moment, the melting pot would be dealt with in the not too distant future but first, the commotion about Milt had to die down. Marji stepped out onto the porch after Andrew left and offered the big man a cup of coffee. "Thank you." she whispered looking up at him. "Taint no trouble." he replied, "Meyer is like a brother to me." "I made some cookies, would you care for some with your coffee?" "That would be nice... my Anna used to make the best sugar cookies." "Used to?" Marji asked. "Yeah... She died sometime back having a baby... he died too." Marji heard the note of loneliness in Malachi's voice and it triggered her own feelings of loneliness. "Wait here; I'll go get those cookies." As she put a dozen of the freshly baked cookies on a plate and poured herself a cup of coffee, she wondered if it was possible for her to be happy with someone again. ******** Becca rubbed her growing stomach and in spite of herself began to love the baby growing there. As time passed, she thought less and less of getting rid of it but more and more of how to protect it from its father. Each passing week brought out a new facet of Ty's personality. The only thing that he hadn't done was hit her and she had no doubt that it would happen eventually. Her friend Susan warned her that it would happen and tried to get her to leave with her. "And go where?" Becca asked, "And besides, as long as dinner is ready and I suck his cock, he's happy. He won't hit me, he wants this baby." "What about after the baby comes?" Susan asked, "What happens when he starts complaining that his food isn't right or that you're not sucking his cock right? Becca, you have got to get out of here before it's too late!" But she hadn't listened. The very things that Susan had warned about were already happening, the eggs were too done or not done enough, the meat was too tough or too salty, she sucked his dick too hard or not hard enough, the bottom line was; the only thing that she had done right was to get pregnant. Becca jumped when she heard the car door slam shut, he was angry about something and it more than likely had something to do with her father. She was honest with herself, the only reason that Ty still had a job was because of her and the baby and he knew it. Ty only put up with her father because it was a means to an end. She had stopped defending her father weeks ago; it only turned Ty's attention on her. Becca rushed to the oven, took the chicken and potato casserole out and set it on the counter for his inspection. She braced herself for the string of questions that he would ask as soon as he was in the door. "That bitch been here?" "No." "You talk to her on the phone?" "No, you told me not to." "You talk to anybody today?" "My mother, she wants to take me shopping for baby things and then lunch." "Who else is going?" "No one, just us." "What did you do today?" And on the list went finally ending with, "Do what you do best." as he unzipped his trousers right there in the kitchen. Today was no different except that the answers to the questions varied and out of consideration for her, he sat in a chair for his twice-daily blowjob. "What's wrong with you today? Suck it like you mean it!" he demanded and for the first time, he hit her. It wasn't a hard hit but a hit nonetheless. It surprised her but yet it didn't and she increased her efforts to bring him off as quickly as she could. Afterwards, he helped her to her feet, kissed her cheek and apologized for the slap. "I'm sorry darlin' it was a rough day at work with that pain in the ass father of yours. What's for dinner?" She could tell that he wasn't happy with it but he didn't complain until afterwards. "The potatoes weren't done but other than that, it was good." "Thank you and I'll do better with the potatoes." While Ty read the paper, Becca cleaned up the kitchen and reluctantly got ready for bed. She hated bedtime almost as much as she hated the time of day when Ty came home. He seemed obsessed with her larger more sensitive breast and insisted on sucking the nipples until she came. In the past, she had loved having her nipples sucked but not anymore. She had come to hate his touch and wished to god that she had lived her life differently and that included her involvement with Andrew Kelley. When she heard about Milt, she knew who killed him even if she had no proof. On some level, she still loved him but she also still considered him a coward because he was too afraid to admit to the truth about the black woman and that he was too afraid to do what she thought needed to be done. Becca had changed her thinking about the small group that had earned Andrew's hatred. The fact of the matter was she didn't hate anyone. The only exception was her husband. She only supported Andrew because she thought that she loved him. What she would have said had Andrew admitted his attraction to the black woman, she didn't know and it no longer mattered. All she knew was that she was trapped in a marriage with a man who hated her parents and who was going to move another man into their home. "How do you know this man?" She asked not two weeks before. She had been horrified to find out that Ty had just been released from prison when she met him and that his crimes had included robbery, assault and battery and a murder that he had never been tried for. What amazed her was the pride in which he spoke of his crimes and the crimes of the man who would be coming to live with them. "I bet you're wondering why I told you all of that." he said, "it's because no one's going to believe the college slut and you'll be too ashamed to tell mommy and daddy." I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 09 The sad part about it was that he was right or so she believed. Becca washed her face, brushed her teeth and crawled into the bed nude as Ty liked her. "I want to feel and see those titties bounce." he told her once. Becca blinked back tears as she heard Ty's footsteps approach the bedroom. God how she hated him. ********* Kenji, Patricia, Will and Nick sat in the living room waiting for the local police and Charles to come to the house for the interview. Patricia held onto both of Kenji's hands as if she was ready to pull him away from anyone who wanted to take him away from her. "Kenji, take Patricia to the library for a few minutes." Will said when he saw the local police car pull up. "We'll come get you when we're ready for you." "Why? What's wrong?" Patricia asked. "Nothing." Nick assured her, "We just want to make sure that everyone is on the same page." "Come Kirei." Kenji said as he stood. Patricia hesitated and then followed Kenji into the library leaving the door open. ******* Detective Oscar Briscoe drove up to the house and wondered how a Japanese man could afford a house nicer than the one he lived in. He also wondered why he was at the home. From what he understood, the young Japanese man that he was interviewing hadn't witnessed the shooting but was going to have two attorneys with him. His curiosity grew when he found out that there was going to be a federal government agent there as well. He parked the car, looked around and walked up to the front door that was opened before he had a chance to ring the doorbell. "Detective Briscoe, come in." Nick said stepping back to let the man into the living room. "The federal agent isn't here yet but should be arriving shortly." Nick introduced Will and offered refreshments. "No thanks but I am curious as to why there are two lawyers plus a government agent present for this interview especially if the young man has nothing to hide." "Let's just say that we're covering our bases." Will replied. "Southern boy?" Briscoe asked. "South Carolina." Will replied. "Beautiful state. I've passed through there a time or two." Briscoe replied. "Charles is here." Nick announced and went to the door. The two men shook hands and joined Briscoe and Will in the living room. Once again, introductions were made. "Now that we've officially met." Nick said, "Let's make sure that we all understand what's happening here and the ground rules. We are all aware of the murder that took place at the vacant grocery store. We are also aware that there are no suspects. Kenjiro Takeda is able to give you a viable suspect but it's up to you to prove it. What that means is that at no time is Mr. Takeda to be taken into police or government custody nor is he to be interviewed without either Will or myself present. If for some reason, you need him either at the government building or at the police station, either Will or I have to be contacted first. Are we in agreement?" Nick asked. "One more thing, " Will said, "If by some chance he is taken to either place before we get there, he is to be placed in a secured room and not with the general population, every one of his civil rights had better be honored, are we in agreement?" "Just one question," Briscoe said, "who is this man that he has not one but two lawyers? "Someone whose rights have been violated just because of his nationality." Nick replied, "Do we have an agreement?" "From a government standpoint you do." Charles said. "Oh hell... deal." Briscoe said his curiosity getting the better of him. "Before I bring them out." Nick said, "I want you to understand something, if anything happens to them or if you renege on our agreement in anyway, you will answer to me." The statement although made in front of Charles, was meant for the detective. "I understand." Briscoe said. "I'll go get them." Will said. A few minutes later, Kenji and Patricia were sitting side-by-side holding hands as Kenji told them everything that he knew and had experienced. "Ok, so he doesn't play nice." Briscoe said, "That doesn't mean that he's a murderer. Have you ever seen him with a gun?" "No." Kenji replied. "What makes you believe that he did it?" Charles asked. "Andrew Kelley is at heart a coward. On the day of our last confrontation, a member of his group... the man that was found dead in his car, challenged him. The moment that challenge was issued, Andrew knew that he was losing control of the group. He had to make a decision as to how he was going to regain his control and keep it. Killing Milton Vaughn was the only solution." Kenji replied. "Do you own a gun Mr. Takeda?" Briscoe asked. "No, I do not. I hate guns and we have small children in the house." "So if I asked to search your home and property, you wouldn't object?" "Now wait...." "I have no objections as long as you do not destroy anything." Kenji replied cutting Nick off. "When would you like to do this search?" "How about now?" Briscoe asked watching Kenji's reaction. "If you wish." Kenji replied, "I have nothing to hide." Thirty minutes later, the house was swarming with police who were for the most part respectful of the house and its contents. Two hours later, the search was over and they turned up nothing. Briscoe kept an eye on Kenji as the house was searched and had mixed feelings about what he saw. While he liked and even admired the calm demeanor that Kenji displayed, he also didn't like it. He got the feeling that Kenji could lie through his teeth and no one would know the difference. He also got the feeling that while for the most part he was a peaceful man, if his wife, children or anyone close to him was harmed, he would be extremely dangerous. At one point during the search, a crash came from the kitchen. Briscoe noticed that Kenji didn't respond to the crash but responded to his wife who was extremely nervous. In an effort to put her at ease, Briscoe went to the kitchen and reminded the searchers to be more careful. When he went back to the living room, Kenji had his arm around Patricia who was trying hard not to cry. "It wasn't the tea set was it?" she asked. "No ma'am, it was a casserole dish." Briscoe replied. "I did see the tea set, it's beautiful..." "Can I go get it?" Patricia asked. "Sure, I'll go with you." Briscoe offered. Nick didn't trust him and went with them to the kitchen where an officer was mumbling something about the "Japs and niggers living better than us." as he reached for the blue tea set that Hana had given Patricia several years before. "Donnelly!" Briscoe snapped, "Get out!" The officer had the sense to look embarrassed when he turned around to see Briscoe, Patricia and Nick standing behind him. "I was just saying..." "We heard what you were just saying," Briscoe interrupted, "now get out." He waited until the officer was gone, apologized to Patricia and began to make excuses. "He's a good man but came home from the war with nothing...." "My husband s family had everything taken from them during the war." Patricia said, "he went to one of those camps so don't tell me how hard it was. That's no excuse for what he just said." "You're right and again, I apologize." Briscoe said Nick took the tea set down and handed it to Patricia who took it from him with reverence and walked away. Briscoe watched her and understood why she had been so afraid; she thought that they were going take her husband away from her again. Unfortunately, he couldn't promise her that they wouldn't but he would keep his word and protect him as much as they could if he were to be arrested. Now that the house was empty of police searching the house, Briscoe turned to Kenji. "Thank you and I apologize for the broken dish." Kenji didn't reply but gave a slight nod of his head, his light brown eyes fastened onto Briscoe's dark ones. Briscoe returned the look but blinked first and then quickly looked away before speaking. "I think that we can rule Mr. Takeda out provided that his alibis check out." "What alibi?" Patricia asked, "I told you that he was here with me and the children." "I know and I understand." Briscoe replied, "But it's expected that the wife would speak in the defense of her husband. I'm not saying that you're lying, I'm just saying that wives aren't considered to be good alibis." "He was with us!" Patricia replied panicked again. "Kirei, it's alright." Kenji soothed, "I understand and see his point." he added. "Did anyone see you here?" Briscoe asked. "I do not know for certain." Kenji replied. "What about your neighbors? Did you talk to any of them?" "We are not close with our neighbors." Kenji replied. A tap at the front door and the sound of someone coming in interrupted any further conversation. "Detective, we found someone who saw him here the night of the shooting." Donnelley said. "Who is it?" Briscoe asked inwardly glad. "The old guy next door, he says that Mr. Takeda here and he talked about plants and about the Takeda's boy helping him with a little light yard work." "Is that true?" Briscoe asked Kenji. "That would be Mr. Morelli and yes we did talk that evening about those things." "Why didn't you say something?" Briscoe asked. "Would you have still searched our home?" Kenji asked. Briscoe blushed. "And you would have found out that I was here as my wife told you." he added. "Are you satisfied?" Will asked Briscoe and Charles. Both men indicated that they were and left the house after exchanging phone numbers. Nick peeked out of the window to make sure that the local police had really gone and sat down across from Kenji and Patricia. "I know that you don't want to miss classes but I really think that you should stay at Abby's with the kids. Paul will take care of the school end of things but I also think that Joel and Penny should stay away from school too. If Kelley doesn't see you, he may go after them to draw you out." Kenji closed his eyes and nodded, so many lives were being affected by the hatred that Andrew Kelley had for him. "I will talk to Joel and Penny." he said, "It is because of me that they are in danger." "No it isn't." Patricia said, "It's because of Andrew Kelley that they're in danger. If it wasn't us, then it would have been someone else that he would have made his targets." "You are right." Kenji conceded as he stood up to call Penny. ********** Twenty-one year old Isadora Waters looked out of the train window with a mixture of fear, anxiety and excitement. She was the first of her family to leave Greenville, Mississippi and the first of her family to graduate and to go to college. She held the small bag containing food in her lap and patted her pockets to make sure that the ten dollars that her family had managed to scrape together for emergencies was still there. College was something that had always been a dream that she hadn't thought would come true but her she was on her way to California to attend UCLA. Isadora still couldn't believe how it came to be that she was leaving the state of Mississippi. The way that it had happened had convinced her that the hand of god had been at work. She had been cleaning the office of one of the attorney's when a client from California came in and caught her looking at the law books. What surprised her was that the client was a tall, handsome, elegant looking older black man. His clothes and hair were impeccable and of the style of day. She quickly put the book away and proceeded to continue cleaning hoping that the man wouldn't say anything to Mr. Whitman. "Do you know how to read girl?" The man asked in a clipped voice. "Of course I do!" Isadora snapped irritated that he would assume that she was illiterate. "So you can read those books?" he asked. Isadora's face flushed with anger, "I said I could read didn't I?" she snapped. "Good, then prove it." the man said as he walked past her and took the first book he saw down from the shelf, opened it and handed it to her. "Read." he said. Isadora took the law book and began to read the paragraph. When she reached the end of it, she handed the book back to the man with a triumphant smile on her face. "Impressive, but what does it mean?" he asked. Isadora hesitated for just a moment and gave him her interpretation of what the paragraph said. He didn't respond immediately but assessed her. He took down another book and opened it. "Read." he commanded. She read the paragraph and gave him her interpretation of it without him asking. "Do you enjoy learning?" he asked. "Yes sir." Isadora replied remembering her manners. "If you could be anything, what would it be?" Isadora didn't have to think about it, "a lawyer." "Really?" he asked, "what kind of law?" "Criminal law." she replied again without hesitation. "That's very interesting." he mused almost speaking to himself, "why that area of the law?" he asked looking at her intently with dark brown eyes. "I want our people to have representation in court and I want the Klan to be held accountable for their actions." she replied. "Did they do something to you?" he asked. Isadora didn't answer, she didn't want anyone to know of the shame and humiliation that she had suffered at the hands of several white boys from town and she hadn't been the only one. She also knew who had killed the Johnson's son Tyler but being where they were and the sentiment about blacks, no one had spoken up even anonymously. She was saved from telling the man none of his business by the return of Mr. Whitman. "Noah Jackson! Why didn't you let me know you were coming?" he said shaking the black man's hand and pulling him into an embrace. "I know how you enjoy surprises." Noah replied laughing. "Where are you staying?" Mr. Whitman asked. "I don't know yet, I just arrived." Noah replied. "Then you'll stay with us!" "George, I can't do that and you know why." "If you're talking about Alice, she'll get over it." "George...." "My mind's made up... by the way, how long are you in town for?" "A few days, I have a legal issue that I would appreciate your help with." Noah replied. "Care to tell me what this is about?" George asked. Noah looked over at Isadora and then back st George. "I think that this is best discussed in private." Noah replied. George gave Noah a curious look and then turned his attention to Isadora. "Noah, have you met Isadora?" "Yes, we've been chatting." Noah said with a small smile. "Isadora, "George said, "Why don't you take the rest of the afternoon off and don't worry, you'll get your full pay." "Yes sir." Isadora said. She put away her cleaning supplies and headed out of the office looking around to make sure that she wasn't being followed. She made her way home without incident calling out that she was home when she entered the house. "Package here for you." she called out when he heard Isadora come in. "For me?" Isadora asked frowning. "You name's on it." Betty replied as she came into the living room, "Why you home so early?" "Mr. Whitman had a visitor and sent me home early." Isadora replied as she reached for the package. "There's no postage on it." she said frowning. "It was left on the porch. I found it when I went outside." Betty said. Isadora lifted the heavy package, sat it down again and looked at it. "Ain't you gonna open it?' Betty asked her curiosity getting the better of her. Isadora sat next to the package and opened it gasping in surprise. The package contained several law reference books that she recognized from Mr. Whitman's office. A sealed envelope was lying on top of the stack of books. She recognized the strong handwriting as Mr. Whitman's. "Isadora, I am getting new reference books and thought that you might like these. I wish that there were some way that I could help you more in your education for you are a remarkable and very intelligent young woman. However, as it stands, all that I can do at the moment is give you the books that I no longer have use for. George Whitman ESQ." Isadora ran her hands over the books not knowing what to think or say. Apparently, he knew that she had been reading his books even though she had been careful to put them back in the exact same place that she found them in. As she touched the books, she realized that the books were probably as close to college as she was going to get. Betty looked down at her daughter and wished that they could help her fulfill her dream but didn't say anything. What was there to say? Isadora knew and accepted the way things were and never complained about it. Betty saw the books as a mixed blessing. They obviously pleased Isadora but they were also a reminder of what she couldn't have. "Want me to make the biscuits?" Isadora asked tearing her eyes away from the books. "Don't you want to read your book?" Betty asked surprised. "I can read later and besides, I still can't get my biscuits to come out like yours do." Isadora replied. Betty smiled at her. Of all of her six children, Isadora was the one who loved to cook with her even when she was busy with school and work. The others, four boys and a girl still lived at home but were busy with their own pursuits with furthering their educations being the furthest thing from their minds. Isadora had always been different in that she was never truly interested in the opposite sex and what little interest she had dropped to zero after that night. She never said what really happened to her but Betty had a good idea of what happened and had stopped trying to get Isadora to talk about it. "You just work the dough too hard." she said patting Isadora's shoulder. That conversation seemed like it had happened years ago instead of a few months ago and it was barely two months ago when she found out that she was going to college courtesy of Mr. Noah Jackson and Mr. George Whitman. The train sped through towns and cities that she had heard of but had never been to. She kept her eyes peeled to the window and watched the landscape as it raced by. It wasn't until the conductor walked through announcing the next state that it really hit her. She was leaving home. A fit of profound homesickness hit her so hard that tears sprang to her eyes and she could hardly catch her breath. The temptation to get off at the next stop and to catch the first train headed back home almost overwhelmed her until she remembered why she was leaving and her goals. One face in particular popped into her memory. It was the face of the boy who would have been... "Ticket!" the conductor snapped glaring at her as if he had been waiting all day instead if just arriving at her seat. Isadora held out the ticket by the edges not wanting to touch him any more than he wanted to touch her. After he was gone, she settled back into her seat and looked out of the window until it was too dark to see. ****** Lawrence was pleased with the way things were going in California and if things continued to go as planned, he would be there in a matter of weeks. He had stopped sharing his escape plans with anyone, his cellmate included. He couldn't take the chance of something going wrong and this was going to be his one and only chance. If he failed, he was dead. He knew this with a certainty that he couldn't shake. He even knew who would kill him, Jacob Lincoln and he even knew why. The one thing that he never told anyone was that he didn't know that the family was inside the house when it was torched. By the time he found out about it, it was too late and he wasn't even sure that he would have cared even if he had known about it beforehand. He never said anything because it gave him credibility and made him look strong and willing to do whatever it took to get the job done. That silence had now come back to bite him on the ass. I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 09 He rarely went anywhere alone and for all practical purposes turned the leadership of the group over to Duke. He still had the final say in any decisions but for the most part, he remained low key and out of sight biding his time. His cellmate 'junior' as Lawrence had taken to calling him had been watching him for several weeks not speaking unless he was spoken to first. He knew that Lawrence was up to something and wanted to know what it was not only because he was curious but also because whatever he found out would help him get out of prison early. The warden had made him that promise the day that he moved him into the cell with Lawrence. Junior, aka Saul had really come to like Lawrence and felt guilty for his deception but he and his family came first. He had to get home so that he could help his family. As it was, they were barely surviving and the younger boys needed a man in the house. He hadn't anything to report to the warden in a few weeks and he was getting nervous. How he was getting information to the warden was ingenious, he worked for the warden doing odd and ends jobs. Lawrence, seeing the advantage of it encouraged it and pumped him for information each time he returned to the cell. That Lawrence never accused him of telling the warden anything was surprising but he really didn't know anything important and he kept up his role of being the grateful kid who needed a friend. Every once in a while, Lawrence would call him Kenny to which he always responded which seemed to endear him to Lawrence even more but not enough that he was forthcoming with any useful information. If anything, Lawrence had become more secretive. Saul stood up, stretched and left the cell for his daily stroll around the yard. He no longer needed Lawrence or anyone else to go with him; everyone knew that to touch him was signing his death warrant. He walked outside, scanned the yard looking for someone in particular, and kept walking when he didn't see him. It didn't matter, he had no more information for him than he did the warden. After walking the yard several times, Saul sat down and waited for the lunch bell. All he could do was wait and hope that Lawrence let something useful slip. ******* Jacob saw Saul walking the yard but didn't make himself known. He knew that the boy had nothing to tell him and saw no point in jeopardizing the boy's life any more than he needed to. He went back into his cell and began to finalize his plan for revenge and for his death. Over the past weeks, he had begun reading the bible again and begging god to understand why he had to do what he was planning to do. "You understand don't you? Wasn't it you that taught an eye for an eye?" he prayed one night as his cellmate snored above him. "He's got to pay for what he did and if see fit to deny me access to you and heaven then so be it." After that prayer, he fell asleep satisfied that he was doing the right thing. The weeks passed slowly and he was getting impatient. He had found the perfect spot for his vengeance and even if they were interrupted, it would be too late for either of them. Each day that he walked, he carried a little of what he needed to the designated spot. The small pile of flammables steadily grew and in a few more weeks, he would have more than enough for what he intended to do. He wanted to hear Lawrence Goodman squeal like a stuck pig and beg for mercy. Nothing else would do. ****** The warden watched Lawrence, knew that he was up to something, and wished that he would just do it and get it over with so that he could be rid of his ass. He also knew that Jacob Lincoln was up to something as well and had finally figured out what it was-he was planning to kill Lawrence Goodman. For several weeks after he figured it out, Ellis pondered over what he should do with his knowledge and decided to use it to his advantage. He had given orders not to disturb Jacob Lincoln, only to keep an eye on him. Ellis found himself to be every bit as nervous as he imagined Lincoln to be as he planned the murder of Lawrence Goodman. When all was said and done, he would be rid of Goodman and he hoped that the subtle message that he was sending out would be received. ******* Penny and Joel took the news about not going back to school much better than Kenji had anticipated. He apologized repeatedly for the inconvenience and for inadvertently placing them in danger. Joel had finally had enough and spoke up. "I think that you're wrong about that." he said. "If I remember correctly, the problem really began when you stood up for me. If you had kept going instead of stopping, we might not be here so if you have to lay the blame somewhere, lay it here." "Joel, this isn't your fault." Kenji said. "And it isn't yours." Joel retorted, "So stop acting like it is and put the blame where it belongs and that's with Andrew Kelley and those who think like him. The important thing right now is making sure that everyone remains safe and if I have to miss some classes in order for that to happen, then I will. Penny and I have talked about this and we think that we all need to stay together. The only place that's big enough and will give us all some privacy is Penny's place." "What about your roommates?" Patricia asked. "Well as you know two of them are out of the country and the other one is gone for a few weeks." Penny replied. Patricia looked at Kenji who was looking at Penny. "How many people know where you live?" he asked trying to make a point. "I don't know.... I see what you're getting at so what are you suggesting?" she asked. "That we take the children to Nick and my mother and that we stay here." Kenji replied. "What?" three voices said in unison. "Think about it, we can take turns keeping watch and we can continue our studies." Kenji said. "I don't know about this." Patricia said, "We don't know how long this is going to continue and the children will get homesick." "Then you will go with them." Kenji replied calmly. "No!" Patricia shouted. "I won't do it! I don't know what the answer is but I know that isn't it." The debate went on late into the night with Kenji and Joel taking turns keeping watch for suspicious vehicles. Finally, Kenji made the decision. "The children will stay with mother and Nick until this is resolved one way or another and you Kirei will stay with them." "No..." "Yes kirei, they will need one of us so that they won't be frightened." "They might not be frightened but what about me?" she asked. "We will talk everyday and I will see you as much as I can without endangering you. Penny can stay there as well." "Kenji please, there has to be another way." Patricia said her voice tight. "I'm sorry kirei but there isn't." "Umm excuse me." Penny said quietly, "but could you explain to us why you can't or won't come with us? I'm missing something here." "It is me that he is after." Kenji replied. "He will not come after you if I am not with you." "Kenji, what if he takes one of the children?" Patricia asked, "Please think about this! In addition, what about Ralph? He's perceptive and he would know that something is wrong." After arguing for another hour, it was decided. They would all go to Nick and Hana's house. It would be tight but doable. Patricia almost cried with relief and silently thanked Penny for pushing the subject. The next thing was to call Nick and see if it was possible for them to stay there. None of them remembered that his house was being watched as well as Will and Sally's house. Nick reminded them of that fact when they called early the next evening. "I still don't know whose watching the house but I do agree that you all need to stay together." he said. "Stay put for now and I'll call you back." Kenji hugged Patricia as tight as he could without hurting her. "I am sorry that I upset you." he murmured. "It isn't you, it's the whole situation." She replied. "I just want it to be over with." "As do I." he replied and then had a thought. There was one place that he hadn't thought about going to. He released Patricia with a kiss and excused himself to the kitchen to make a phone call. The time had come for his father to prove what he said about accepting Patricia and the children. ****** Hiroshi played with his son while Dai made dinner in the kitchen of their new home. It was much too big for them but the price had been right and he figured that they could close off the part of the house that wasn't being used. As of yet, Kenji, Patricia and the children hadn't been to the house and it wasn't because he didn't want them there. The business had done so well that Hiroshi paid off his employer who had originally bought the business simply because he was bored, bought it from him and had opened another nursery. The holidays were coming and he was especially busy making sure that he was ready for the season. Dai kept after him to invite everyone over but he was just too busy. Tonight was a rare night that he was home early enough to play with the baby before he was tucked into bed for the night. The smells coming from the kitchen made his stomach grumble noisily. Having worked through lunch, he was hungry and hoped that dinner would be ready sooner as opposed to later. He could hear Dai's soft soprano as she sang a song in Japanese as she made their meal of fish, rice and steamed vegetables. There was a break in her singing when she came to the living room and spoke to him. "Why do you not call your son while I finish making our dinner?" she asked quietly. "I will as soon as dinner is over." he replied. "After which you will sit in your chair and fall asleep." she half teased. "Dinner will be ready in fifteen minutes, which is plenty of time for you to speak with your son and the brother to our child." "You are right." Hiroshi conceded as he got to his feet and headed to the small room that he decided would serve as his office. The phone rang just as he reached the door. He frowned and hoped that there wasn't a problem at one of the nurseries. "Hiroshi Takeda." he said crisply trying not to sound impatient. "Father?" Kenji said. "Kenjiro? I was just about to call you! It has been far too long! How are my daughter and grandchildren doing?" he asked. "They are well." Kenji replied, "How are Dai and my little brother?" "They are well," Hiroshi replied. "Your classes are going well?" "Yes, Patricia, Joel, Penny and I are doing well and school is part of the reason that I am calling." "What is it? Do you need money?" Hiroshi asked. "No but we need something else." Hiroshi forgot about dinner as Kenji told him about the group at school, how he knew the murdered student and ending with Andrew Kelley. "You must come here." Hiroshi said before Kenji could ask the question. "And Joel and Penny must come too." he added grateful that he could do something to help improve the relationship with his son. "Are you certain?" Kenji asked. "I have no idea of how long this will continue." "I am sure and you are welcome to stay for as long as you need to. The only thing is that there are no beds in the other rooms but we will figure something out." Hiroshi said already thinking. "I don't know how to thank you." Kenji said the relief evident in his voice. "It is I who should be thanking you." Hiroshi replied. "I have not been the best of fathers and I am pleased that you are giving me a chance to help. When will you arrive?" "Is tonight too soon?" Kenji asked. Hiroshi hung up feeling exhilarated. He was finally doing something to earn back some of the honor that he had lost in the eyes of his oldest son. He practically ran to the kitchen to give Dai the news. She smiled at him when he told her that Kenji, Patricia, the children and their friends were coming to stay with them. "Then we had better eat and get the rooms ready." she said secretly relieved that they were coming. She was becoming concerned about Hiroshi and worried that he was slipping back into his old mindset. Kenji's phone call had just prevented that and for that, she would be eternally grateful to him. ***** Kenji went back to the living room and announced that they were all going to his father's house. "Is he alright with this?" Patricia asked. "He offered before I could ask him." Kenji replied. "Joel, how long will it take you to take Penny home and get back here?" "Two hours tops and that includes stopping at Abby's for my things." Joel replied. Kenji nodded, "That gives us plenty of time to get the children ready and ourselves as well. I don't need to remind you to exercise caution." he said. "No you don't and we'll be back in two hours." Joel said taking Penny's hand and leading her toward the door. After they were gone, Kenji called Nick and told him where they were going. "Good thinking although I have to confess that I'm surprised that he offered. When you call John, Hattie and Abby don't give them an exact location. It'll be safer for them that way." Nick paused and continued speaking, "I know that this seems like overkill but I would rather be overly cautious than not cautious enough." Kenji didn't disagree with him and said so. After he hung up, he helped Patricia gather their things and the children and waited for Joel and Penny to come back. ****** Ernie sat at the dinner table and picked at his food. His stomach churned as he thought about his role in the whole 'melting pot' issue. That could have been him that Andrew murdered. He found that even though he had no friends per se, he was glad that he was out of the group. He also realized that in a round about way, Becca had saved his life. The desire and need to hurt her had long passed and he hoped that she was doing well. He pushed the peas around on his plate not noticing the concerned looks that his parents exchanged. "Ernie, what's bothering you?" his father Jack asked after a long silence and a supportive nod from his wife Nora. He was going top say nothing but changed his mind. He needed to talk to someone even if it was his parents. He knew that they would be disappointed if not angry but then he could move on. Two hours later, they knew the entire story. He left nothing out and by the end of it, he was crying. "That could have been me!" he exclaimed, "Andrew could have killed me for disobeying him! I guess I got off easy compared to Milt Vaughn." "Alright son, slow down." Jack said gripping Ernie's arm. "Tell us why you joined this group." he said softly. There was no trace of anger in his voice, which almost made it worse as far as Ernie was concerned but he tried to answer the question. "I... I guess I wanted to belong somewhere." he said looking down. "I guess I thought that Andrew was it. At first it was just talk, I mean we never hurt anyone other than some name-calling and then things started to change. The thing with Becca Cartwright was the thing that essentially got me kicked out of the group and as odd as it seems, I'm glad that it happened." "What about the student whose hand you helped break?" his mother asked, "is he alright?" "Yes, he's fine... I still can't believe that I did that to him." Ernie replied. "What are you going to do about this?" his father asked. "I know what I should do but how do I face them after what I've done to them?" "That's for you to work out." His father replied. "But Ernie, we're disappointed. This isn't what we taught you." The pain of hearing the disappointment in his father's voice was worse than a physical slap. "I know and I'm sorry." Ernie replied. "I appreciate that but we're not the ones that you need to apologize to. You've already started to make things right by going to someone and telling them what happened but I don't think you'll be at peace until you talk to this group that you call the melting pot." his father said. "I know... do you think that I should tell the police about Andrew?" Ernie asked already knowing the answer. "I think that you should tell someone." his father replied. While his mother cleared the dishes, Ernie called the police station. ******* Detective Briscoe was about to head home for the day when his phone rang. "So much for an early night." he growled as he picked up the phone. "Briscoe." he snapped. "Who is this?" he asked. "I'll be there in twenty minutes." He hung up the phone, grabbed his jacket and headed for the home of the latest person who believed that Andrew Kelley was the one who murdered Milton Vaughn. The first question that came to his mind was whether Nick Alexander or the FBI agent had paid the young man a visit. He hadn't missed the familiarity between the two men even though he hadn't said anything. He also knew that the relationship between Kenjiro Takeda and Nick was much more than it appeared and wondered about it. He didn't get the feeling that it was a homosexual thing and the way that the Japanese touched his wife didn't support that theory but still... Twenty minutes later, he was parking his car in front of the home of another person who thought that Andrew Kelley was capable of murder. ******** Andrew cleaned the gun and angrily put it back in the box. He had gone back to Hathaway's house hoping to run into the Jew bastard that had humiliated him by sending him packing like a child. It was a big risk but one that he thought worth taking. The difference between this time and when he killed Milt was this time he hadn't been afraid. However, he knew that he needed the element of surprise but he had been the one who had been surprised. He took his time getting to the house on constant lookout for his target; he touched the gun in his pocket relishing its weight and the feel of the cool metal against his fingers. He was almost to the house when he heard a voice behind him. "Hey kid, you don't listen so good do you?" Andrew froze, touched the gun in his pocket and turned to face the man who was smoking a cigarette as if he didn't have a care in the world. "Get out of here." the man growled as he blew cigarette smoke in Andrew's face. Andrew pulled the gun out of his pocket and aimed it at the man who didn't even blink but continued to smoke his cigarette as he watched Andrew. "That's one of those Japanese pistols isn't it?" he asked flicking his cigarette ashes to the ground. Andrew didn't answer as he raised the pistol aiming at the man's heart. Still the man didn't react. He continued smoking his cigarette while keeping his eyes on the gun. "You know," The man said as he took another puff of his cigarette, dropped on the ground and stomped on it, "you just lost your opportunity to kill me." Before Andrew knew what was happening, the man had moved and was holding the pistol in his hand. He removed the bullets, put them in his pocket and handed the gun back to a stunned Andrew. "Shooting a man unawares is the work of a coward." He said and walked away leaving a very angry Andrew staring at his back. Andrew stood there for several minutes angry and humiliated before he walked home. He looked at the shoebox that contained the gun and tried to figure out what to do. The only bullets that he had left were in the pocket of the Jew and he had no idea of where he could get more. As he sat on the floor of his room, Andrew realized something; he was impulsive. Everything that he had done was done without giving any thought to the ramifications. Confronting the Jew was a case in point. He had gone in search of the man without a real plan; all he had cared about was the result. It was time for that to change. ************** Two weeks had passed since Milt Vaughn's murder. There had been a massive turn out for the funeral that included Andrew and the rest of his gang, Kenji, Patricia, Penny and Joel. The two factions sat on opposite sides at the church each keenly aware of but not acknowledging each other. Ernie sat with his parents staring straight ahead. The thought that it could have been him in the casket beat at him as warm tears ran down his face. He and Milt hadn't been real friends but he had been an ok guy. I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 09 It had been Ernie's hope that Andrew wouldn't be at the funeral because he didn't want to show his face or because he had been arrested. But there he sat dressed in a dark suit and supposedly mourning along with everyone else. Ernie's mom took his hand in hers like she used to do when he was a child and upset about something. His father put an arm around him and gave him a gentle squeeze. He caught sight of Kenji and Patricia sitting off to his right. He still hadn't apologized to them because they hadn't been at school and he didn't know where they lived. As soon as the service was over, Ernie rushed over to Kenji and Patricia. "Please, could I talk to you?" he asked nervously. "What do you want?" Joel asked. "I need to ... can we go outside?" Ernie asked. "I want to say something to all of you." Kenji looked at Ernie for several long seconds before he nodded his consent. A few minutes later, they were standing in the back of the church out of sight and hearing range of the other mourners. "I..." Ernie's face burned and his heart thudded but he kept going. "I know that I did and said some horrible things to you and I just wanted to say that I'm sorry. I know that it doesn't mean much but I really do feel badly about ... everything." "Did Andrew send you?" Patricia asked. "No, I'm not a part of that group anymore. I should have never been a part of it... I understand if you don't believe me but I just wanted to apologize." "You are aware that Andrew saw you talking to us aren't you?" Penny asked. "I know." Ernie replied, "And it doesn't matter." Kenji finally spoke after a brief silence. "Thank you for your apologies but you must forgive us if we are cautious in accepting it." Ernie didn't know what to expect but he expected more of a reaction than he was receiving but he understood. "Thanks." he said and walked away. One week after the funeral, Ernie got a visitor. He was studying for an exam when his mother called up to him. "Ernie! You've got company!" Ernie frowned; he had no idea of who would be coming to see him since he had no real friends at school. "Send them up!" he called back. A few seconds later, Andrew Kelley was standing in Ernie's bedroom. "How you doing?" he asked as he looked around Ernie's bedroom. "What do you want?" Ernie asked ignoring the question. "As you know, we're down a man because Ernie was murdered... want back in?" Andrew asked. If Andrew had asked him the same question a few months ago, the answer would have been a resounding yes but now.... "No thanks." Ernie said not giving an explanation. Andrew was actually surprised by Ernie's answer. While he hadn't expected him to say yes right away, he hadn't expected him to say no either. "Why not?" he asked. Ernie decided to be frank with him. "I initially joined your group out of a need to belong somewhere. I never believed that shit you peddle but you're the son of a war hero and it felt good to be accepted. But you know what I finally figured out? You're a friend to no one but yourself and you know what else? Milt was right; you're a coward who hides behind other people. Did you warn Milt that you were going to shoot him? Or did you just walk up to him and do it?" Ernie asked. Andrew took a step back, coming here had been a mistake. Once again, he had acted rashly but then again it made him realize something. If Ernie knew that he killed Milt, so did other people other than his group and even they weren't sure. Then the question was, had anyone spoken to the police? He was almost certain that none of his remaining group did, they were too afraid of him but Ernie.... "Did you tell anyone that you think that I killed Milt?" There was something in Andrew's voice that alarmed Ernie so he lied. "Do you think I'm nuts?" he asked. "Of course not! Just because I don't want to be a part of your group doesn't mean that I'm a snitch!" Andrew gave Ernie a long, hard look before breaking the gaze. He wasn't sure that he believed him but he had no proof that he was lying. "I didn't do it." Andrew said softly. "Alright." Ernie replied but said no more. They stood facing each other for several more minutes before Andrew walked out without looking back or saying another word. Ernie sat on his bed relived that Andrew was gone; it would be too soon if he never saw him again. ******* Detective Briscoe sat in the chair across from Captain Marshall's desk. Nick, Charles and will were also in the small cramped office that was not only hot, but also reeked of cigar smoke. "What's going on?" Briscoe asked. Captain Marshall leaned back in his chair, picked up a half smoked cigar, looked at it and put it back in the ashtray. "Tell us what you know about Andrew Kelley." he said. Briscoe shrugged, "His name keeps popping up in the same sentence as Milt Vaughn but I haven't been able to prove anything. Why?" "Andrew Kelley is the leader of a group that's based on the teachings of the Klan." Captain Marshall replied. "Yeah and?" Briscoe asked not seeing the point. "Vaughn was in the same group." Nick replied. "We all know that in and of itself that it means nothing but maybe we can get to another member of his group." "What we need is someone who saw him with the damned gun in his hand!" Captain Marshall exclaimed. "All we've got is the word of two people who say that he did it but have no proof and let's consider this... both of them have a beef with Andrew Kelley... Mr. Takeda because Kelly has tried to make his life hell and his group was after him and the other guy Ernie whatever his name is was kicked out of the group for disobeying a direct order. So... what I want to know is why the government and two lawyers are sitting in my office and why you're so interested in this case. Charles spoke. "I don't know if you're aware of this or not but the President has initiated a commission to investigate the lynching of black people in the south. I happen to be part of a task force that is keeping an eye on things here in the west coast. For the moment, the Klan doesn't have a strong hold out here but it isn't for the lack of trying. Andrew Kelley is the head of a Klan like group. If he killed Milt Vaughn, how soon do you think it will be before he either kills again or has his group do it? We're not here to try to tell you how to run your investigation, we're here to help you catch this kid and I think that the best way to do that is to see if we can talk to someone from his group. Now, are you going to work with us on this or do I need to make a phone call?" Captain Marshall bristled at the threat and almost told Charles to make the call but bit his tongue. "Hold on." he said. "There's no need for that. I was just stating the facts as I see them and you have to admit that I made some valid points." "No one is denying that," Nick said, "but we have to keep this kid under surveillance... is there anyone in your squad that can pass as a college kid?" Charles spoke up again before Captain Marshall could say anything. "Good idea and I've got someone on the way. There's too much of a chance that someone will recognize someone from here. He should be arriving any day now." The meeting lasted for a few more minutes with the captain agreeing to having an unmarked car watching Hiroshi Takeda's house. As they walked out of the office, Briscoe stopped Nick. "The next time you decide to go to my captain, come to me first, is that clear?" "Sure." Nick replied and walked away. ********** It was time. Jacob Lincoln made one last check of his supplies and talked with his accomplices all of who had nothing to lose or gain by helping other than they hated the white man. Jacob knelt before his cot and prayed one last prayer asking God and his family to understand what he was doing. The last thing he did before leaving his cell for the last time was to pick up the bible, caress it lovingly and lay it on the cot of his cellmate a convict that he had taught to read. He left the cell without speaking to anyone; he had already said his goodbyes and started on what seemed to be his usual walk. He took his time getting to his destination and once there, double-checked the small building that had been an outhouse to make sure that there was no way that Lawrence Goodman could escape. Taking no chances, he had covered the wooden toilet seat with a piece of wood and nailed it down. After a final inspection, he took the gasoline that had been so carefully stolen and hidden and poured it over the wooden building. Now all he had to do was wait. ******** Saul watched Lawrence through hooded eyes. He still didn't know exactly what Lawrence was planning only that whatever it was, it was going to happen soon. He also knew that the black inmate was waiting for something too but when he asked about it, the response was always the same. "It's better that you don't know." Jacob had been the only one kind to Saul when he first arrived. While he wasn't overly friendly toward him, he always spoke to him and tried to teach him how to survive in prison. He hadn't even gotten mad when he found out that he would be sharing a cell with Lawrence and it hadn't taken him long to figure out why- he wanted information. "I've been good to you haven't I?" he asked. "Yes." "It's time for you to return the favor." Jacob told him. "What do you want me to do?" he asked. "Nothing more than keep your eyes and ears open and tell me what you see." Jacob replied. "That's it?" Saul asked not sure of what he was expecting. "That's it but I don't want you risking your life, find me only when you have something to tell." Finally, after weeks of nothing, Saul had something to tell Jacob. Lawrence was going to be taking a walk along the west side of the prison-alone. That struck Saul as odd because Lawrence rarely went anywhere alone and if he did, it was always to the west side of the prison. Saul only knew where Lawrence was going because he followed him once out of curiosity and because he was hoping to have something to report to Jacob and the warden. He even went back once to see what was so special about the place. It didn't take him long to realize that it was where Lawrence sent and received messages from the outside. He not only shared that little tidbit with the warden, he shared it with Jacob as well. "Tell me when you know he's going to take that walk again." Jacob told him, but what Saul didn't understand was why the warden hadn't said the same thing. He didn't ask about it, it was none of his business as long as it didn't interfere with the warden's promise. Saul watched as Lawrence left the cell. The thought to warn him that something was going to happen never crossed his mind. He stretched out on his cot and thought about his family who he was sure had to be starving. ******** Lawrence ignored Saul. He had more important things on his mind. If things continued to go as planned, he would be leaving the prison in a few days. He had made that he did absolutely nothing to draw the attention of the warden and he was too close to his goal to screw it up now. As he prepared to go for his walk, he thought about the people that he was going to visit. Sally was at the top of his list and then her new husband and then Nick Alexander and the Jap he had living with him. He also did a mental calculation of how much cash he had, one-hundred and fifty dollars. It wasn't much but it would get him to California to that nice new house that Tyrone had managed to get by getting married. As he left the cell, he glanced over at Saul. He wished that he could take him with him, the boy had taken the edge off his missing Kenny so much but it was impossible. Saul had to stay but he would make sure that Duke continued to look after the boy. Lawrence nodded curtly at the guards as he passed them. He took his time, taking great pains to look casual when he wanted to run. The ten-minute walk seemed to take twice as long but he was finally at the wall. He looked around to make sure that no one was watching him although for as long as he had been coming here, he had never seen another soul. He reached into the overgrowth searching for the smooth rock that didn't belong there. His hand had just touched it when he heard someone behind him and then felt the hard crack on his head. ********* Jacob waited patiently for his friends to bring Lawrence to him. He didn't turn around when he heard footsteps approaching from behind him. "We got him." a voice said. "Where you want him?" "In the building." Jacob replied. He watched as the two men sat Lawrence on the covered toilet seat inside of the outhouse. Jacob walked over to him and slapped him hard across the face. "Wake up you miserable son of a bitch, its time for judgment." Lawrence slowly opened his eyes, shook his head and finally focused on Jacob. "What do you think you're doing?" he snapped as he tried to stand up. "It's time that you paid for your sins." Jacob replied. "Look you stupid nigger..." A blow to his stomach delivered by Jacob silenced Lawrence. Lawrence bent over gasping for breath and sat back on the toilet seat. Suddenly, he sniffed the air and smelled the distinctive odor of gasoline. He looked at Jacob, slowly understanding what was about to happen. "Wait!" he yelled out. "Did you laugh when you heard that my family screamed like stuck pigs?" Jacob asked ignoring Lawrence's pleas that he listen to him. "Did my family beg for your men to listen as they doused the house with gasoline?" he asked as he picked up a gas can. Lawrence ran out of the outhouse and right into the arms of one of Jacob's men. "Where are you goin?" he asked as he manhandled Lawrence back into the outhouse. "I didn't know!" Lawrence screamed. "I didn't know until afterwards!" "You shouldn't have sent your men there at all, it was me you wanted." Jacob said as he doused the contents of the gasoline can over Lawrence's head. "Sweet Jesus don't do this!" Lawrence pleaded. "I imagine that my family prayed and begged too. Funny, you don't seem so brave now." Jacob said as he backed away from the outhouse. "You'll hang for this! Let me go and no one will know... I swear." "Do you really think that I care if I live or not?" Jacob asked, "I died the day that your men killed my family." Lawrence watched horrified as Jacob closed the door to the outhouse, screamed when he heard the chains going around it to lock him in, begged for mercy as he heard tree branches and anything that would burn being stacked up against what was to become his funeral pyre. Seconds later, he smelled smoke and heard the crackling of the flames as they ate the dried wood and moved closer to the wooden building in the center. "Please! Help me!" Lawrence screamed at the top of his lungs. "Oh God! I'm sorry! Let me out!" His screams resonated through the air, intensifying as the flames licked at the sides of the building. Jacob sent his accomplices away and sat on a tree stump listening to Lawrence's screams for mercy turn into screams of pain and horror. He was oblivious to the sickening sweet smell of burning human flesh and to the fact that Lawrence had gone silent. He sat not moving from the stump long after the screams stopped. It was over; his family was avenged. He stood up, took a last look at what used to be an outhouse and walked away not looking back. It was time to own up to what he had done. What surprised him was that he actually felt guilty. This wasn't what his wife would have wanted him to do. On the other side of that guilt was satisfaction. He could die in peace knowing that Lawrence Goodman was no more. ******************* By the end of June 1947- U.S. Congress proceedings are televised for the first time. Percival Prattis becomes the first African -American new correspondent to be allowed into the United Sates of Representative and Senate press galleries. Edwin Land demonstrates the first instant camera-The Polaroid Land camera in New York City. Jackie Robinson is the first African-American professional baseball player. He signs a contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers and was the first African-American to play Major League Baseball. Seaman Harold Dahl says that he saw six UFOs near Maury Island in Puget Sound, Washington. The first widely reported Kenneth Arnold near Mount Rainier, Washington makes UFO sighting. ******************* Music Top records: "Across The Alley from the Alamo" - The Mills Brothers "All of me"- Frankie Lane "Always"- Frank Sinatra "The Anniversary Song"- Al Jolson and numerous others ********************* Civil Rights The Fellowship of Reconciliation organizes the "Journey of Reconciliation". Integrated groups rode interstate busses in Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee and Kentucky. The goal was to test compliance with the Morgan decision. Jackie Robinson played his first game with the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15. He was the first African-American to play Major League Baseball since the 1880s The Presidential Committee submits its report on October 29, 1947. Among its recommendations are ending segregation in the armed forces and federal legislation making lynching punishable. I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 10 Jacob walked from the site of Lawrence's death with slow but deliberate steps to the warden's building. He knew that he was still there because he could see him looking out of the window as he approached the building. He felt no fear as he approached the building. He had been granted the only thing that he had wanted since his family died- the death of the men responsible. He walked up to the guard at the door and spoke softly. "I need to see the warden." To his surprise, the guard didn't question him but led him to the warden's office where Ellis was waiting for him. "You can wait outside." Ellis said to the guard when he went to take his post by the door. "But sir..." "I said wait outside. I don't believe that Mr. Lincoln is going to be a problem... are you?" Ellis asked. "No sir." The guard stood by the door unsure of what to do but then left the office closing the door behind him. "You got something to tell me?" Ellis asked after a few seconds passed. "Yes sir, I do." Jacob replied. "I'm turning myself in." "What did you do?" Ellis asked. "I burned that son of a bitch Lawrence Goodman to death. I'm confessing so that the other black prisoners aren't penalized for it." Jacob said. There wasn't a tremor or even a hint of remorse in his voice as he said it. Only the calm acceptance that he was going to die showed on his face as he waited for the warden's response. The sounds of men shouting interrupted the quietness of the prison. Ellis stood up, walked to the window and swore. Somehow, the word of Goodman's demise had already gotten out. If he didn't do something fast, there would be a riot on his hands and that wouldn't help his political ambitions. "Guard!" he yelled, as he looked Jacob in the eyes. "Yes sir!" "Shackle this man." he said as he picked up the phone and called for two more guards. "Yes Sir!" the guard replied. Ellis took his gun from the top drawer of his desk, loaded it and put it in his shoulder holster. He looked at Jacob and couldn't help but admire and respect the way in which he was accepting what was going to happen. When the two extra guards reached the office, Jacob spoke. "Warden, if you please, I would like to say something before I die." He was going to refuse the request but thought better of it. Allowing Jacob to speak would accomplish two things. One, it would calm things down if the whites knew that Goodman's killer was in custody and two, it would give the illusion of fairness. "You get one minute." Ellis snapped. Ellis followed the guards and Jacob to the balcony from where he addressed the prisoners. The guards already had the prisoners under control and lined up in preparation for him. The guards pulled Jacob off to the side to allow Ellis to pass by and held onto him in case he tried to escape by jumping over the balcony. Ellis stood out on the balcony and looked over the sea of faces for several seconds before speaking. "It has come to my attention that Lawrence Goodman is dead..." "A nigger killed him!" someone shouted out. Ellis continued talking as if there had been no interruption. "The man who did it has confessed...." "Where is he?" someone else shouted, "Bring his ass down here!" "You know that I can't do that but he will be dealt with accordingly. You are also aware that I'm a fair man and that I believe that everyone should be allowed to say a few words before they die. I'm giving Jacob Lincoln one minute to say what he wants to say. I don't care if you listen or not, but you will keep your mouths shut. Am I clear?" A moment later, Jacob Lincoln was standing where the warden had just been. He looked over the crowd; his eyes lingered on Saul's for just a second before moving on. "I'm not going to stand here and tell you why I killed a man who was a friend to some and evil personified to others. I am standing here to take full responsibility for my actions because I am not ashamed of what I did. I also want to say that many of you will be meeting your friend again in hell and you know who you are. The rest of you, get right so that when you leave here you can help our people in this time of inequality. The warden here thinks that I don't know that he's using me for his own ends. My friends..." Jacob was yanked back before he could say any thing more. Ellis was incensed but he realized his error. He had underestimated Jacob Lincoln. Jacob Lincoln had used him as much as he had been used. Saul blinked back tears and then let them fall freely. Duke put an arm around him to comfort him believing his tears to be for Lawrence when they weren't. They were for Jacob Lincoln. Saul decided that when he was released, he would take Jacob's words to heart. He was going to get right and help people whether they were black or white. ******* No one moved for several minutes after Jacob was taken away and the warden went back inside. Ellis fumed at his mistake and debated as to what he should do about it. Lincoln had to die and hanging him would accomplish that but it would be without a trial. The best-case scenario would be for him to try to escape but that wasn't going to happen. The man wanted to die in front of the prisoners; in essence, he had made himself a martyr. "Damn it all to hell!" Ellis muttered under his breath and decided to stick with his decision to hang Jacob Lincoln. No one would believe the blacks and the whites were screaming for his blood. As far as he was concerned, it was a win-win situation. He went into his office confident that he had made the right decision. ****** "Come on boy." Duke said leading Saul back into the barracks. "I got something for you, it's from Lawrence, he loved you like a son." The something turned out to be Lawrence's bible. In the very back was a slip of paper with an address and money. There was a note on the back of the paper. "Kenny, when you get out of here make your way to California. The address is on the paper. Use the money wisely, because it's all that I can spare. May god grant you a safe journey. LG" Saul looked at the note, counted the money already knowing how he was going to use it. All he needed was for the warden to keep his word. The next morning, the inmates were taken to the far end of the yard where the gallows waited. The sun was shining and a light breeze blew across the yard. The day seemed more appropriate for a picnic than it did a hanging. Jacob Lincoln walked out proud with his head held high. As he turned to face the crowd, he smiled, nodded at his friends and stepped forward. He kept his eyes open as the noose was placed around his neck and began to hum softly, 'It is well with my soul'. Ten minutes later, it was over. All of the black prisoners mourned his death and none of the whites save one. Later that day, Saul was called into the warden's office. "Well son, you did good." Ellis said. "Not only am I fair but I'm a man of my word. Get ready to go home." "Today?" Saul asked. "Today." Ellis confirmed as he picked up the phone and arranged for Saul's ride. "I don't need to tell you that this is your one chance. Don't fuck it up. Now get out of my prison." Saul practically ran out of the door giving the guard a run for his money. Once outside, he sprinted for the barracks and to his cell. He quickly packed making sure to grab the bible containing the money and the note. He spoke to no one as he left, his mind on one thing- getting home. Ellis watched Saul leave and wondered if he should let him reach home. If Saul didn't have a family to feed, he would have decided otherwise but he couldn't take away the family's only viable breadwinner and not feel guilty about it Not only that, he had sanctioned one murder and had committed another. It waIt was a calculated risk but he let it go believing that Saul would be so grateful that he would keep his mouth shut. For his part, Saul thanked god and planned to make good on his promise to Jacob. He just didn't know how he was going to do it. ******** News of Lawrence's death didn't reach California until two weeks after it happened. Tyrone had Becca cleaning the house and baking all of the things that he knew Lawrence liked. He seemed to have little regard for her growing stomach and difficulty in getting around. To make matters worse, his demands for sex hadn't decreased but seemed to be increasing. Whenever Becca complained about it, he gave her a warning glance and out of supposed deference to her, made her sit in a chair while he stood in front of her. "Do what you do best." he said. Becca didn't bother to object. Ty had been in a good mood lately and it had everything to do with the arrival of his friend and fellow felon. This day had been no different with the exception that Ty was almost considerate. He was home early with sandwiches from the deli. Becca was in the extra bedroom getting it ready for her unwanted guest. She groaned and got to her feet ready to apologize for not having dinner started. "Hiya darlin'" he greeted. "Ty... you're home early, what happened?" she asked. "Nothing, can't a man come home early to his beautiful wife?" Becca didn't answer, it sounded too much like one of his trick questions. "I brought sandwiches at the deli that way you don't have to cook... sit down! You look tired." Becca sat down and got ready to do her duty as she now called it. She was surprised when instead of unzipping his trousers; Ty set the table. She watched him as he moved around the kitchen whistling and wondered what was happening. She found out after dinner. "My friend will be here in about a week and I expect you to be the perfect hostess." "Next week?" Becca asked. "Is there a problem with that?" Ty asked his good mood diminishing. "No, I mean ... no. Next week is fine." Becca said softly. "Good, just make sure that the room is ready." he said as he cleared the dishes. "Go on upstairs and get some rest, I'm going out for the evening." Becca knew better than to ask him where he was going, he wouldn't have told her anyway. Part of her hoped that he was doing something illegal so that he could be arrested for and thrown into jail. She steeled herself not to cringe when he bent down, kissed her cheek and rubbed her stomach. "Take care of Ty Junior." he said as he patted her stomach. "I will." she replied wishing that he would hurry up and leave. "I'll be late so don't worry" Ty said and waited for the appropriate response. "I won't, wake me when you come in." Becca said with as much feeling as she could muster. As soon as he was gone, Becca let out a sigh of relief. The oppressive feeling that was always in the air when Ty was home departed with him. She got up from her chair and looked outside puzzled as to why he didn't take the car. It occurred to her that she could take the car and leave but the issue remained of where she could go. She thought about her friend Susan and wondered if she meant it when she said that she could help. Then there was the issue of money. Ty kept a close watch on the money and gave her only what she needed to prepare for Lawrence's arrival. Tears of frustration ran down her face as she absently rubbed her stomach. The only real way out of this was the path that she should have taken a long time ago- her parents. Before she could change her mind, she grabbed her sweater, ran outside and got into the car before she realized that he had the only key. She also realized that he was teasing her by leaving the car. She got out of the car, started to go back into the house and stopped. She looked in the direction where her parents lived and then in the direction where Susan lived trying to decide who lived closer. Susan lived closer by a few blocks but her parents would protect her-she hoped, she took a deep breath and to walk toward her parent's home and safety. ********** Ty was as excited as he had been when Lawrence assigned him the task of finding him a place to live in Los Angeles. That he ended up with a wife and a baby on the way didn't faze him. He had completed his mission and it had gone much better than anyone could have anticipated. He knew that Becca both hated and feared him and as far as he was concerned, that's how it was supposed to be. His father had ruled their home with an iron hand and he would rule his in the same manner. One more week and Lawrence would be a guest in his home. He ran over details in his head down to the dinner that he would help Becca make for him. She was a fair cook but he wanted more than fair for Lawrence. He was even going to go to the store with her to make sure that she got the best of everything. "So Ty, how soon will we meet Brother Goodman after his arrival?" Otis Clemens asked. Ty looked over at the big man and forced a smile. The man asked him the same question every time he saw him. "He has some people that he wants to catch up with first so it will be sometime after that." Ty said barely concealing the impatience in his voice. The only reason that Otis was even around was because he was a good lap dog and he had contacts that Ty didn't. Fortunately, it didn't take much to make him feel important. He had been beside himself with excitement when Ty asked him to pick him up at the house. The other thing that Ty didn't like was the way the man looked at Becca. After that first time he saw the greedy look in his eyes, Otis wasn't allowed to come into the house. Ty lied when he told Becca that he would be home late. He hadn't entirely believed her when she said that she hadn't seen or talked to that bitch Susan. He was hoping to catch her in a lie. What he would do if he did, he didn't know. He would deal with it when and if it happened. "One more week." he murmured as he looked out of the window of the slowly moving car. ******** Will was sitting at his desk going through some briefs when the phone rang. Thinking that it might be Sally, he answered it. "Hi honey...." "Why Will! What a nice greeting for family!" Ellis said laughing. "What do you want?" Will asked. "I liked the other greeting better." He said not at all bothered by Will's change of attitude. "I called to give you some news that you might find interesting." "What's that?" Will asked. "And what do you want in exchange for this news?" "Nothing." Ellis replied. "Will, we don't agree on a lot of things especially on the race issue, but you're still family. Now, do you want the news or not?" Will hesitated and then remembered that Ellis had never lied when asked a direct question. "Tell me." "Our mutual friend Lawrence Goodman is dead." Ellis said and then waited for Will's response. "Dead? When?" "Two weeks ago. One of the n....black inmates had an axe to grind with him and killed him." "How could that have happened?" Will asked. "When there's a will, there's a way." Ellis replied. "How did he kill him?" "Killed him the same way his family was killed, he burned him to a crisp." Ellis said. "Burned him? Teddy, where did he get the supplies? Did you have something to do with this?" Will asked, his heart pounding. "I thought that you would like to know." Ellis replied and hung up. Will struggled with mixed emotions. He was glad that Goodman was dead but he didn't want him murdered. In his shock, he hadn't asked about the black man who killed Goodman. He reached for the phone and then sat back. He already knew the answer. The man was dead. He put his briefs away and called Nick who was still in his office. "Can you come in here?" he asked. Nick came in a few minutes later. "Shut the door." Will said. "What's going on?" Nick asked as he closed the door and then sat down. "Lawrence Goodman is dead." "What? How do you know?" Nick asked. Will told him about the conversation with Ellis. "Wait." Nick said. "A black inmate managed to get enough material to burn a man alive? How?" "I asked the same question and I got no answer. Nick, I think that the inmate had some help." Will said. "Are you saying that your cousin had a hand in this?" Nick asked. "That's exactly what I'm saying but you and I both know that there's no way that we'll ever be able to prove it." "No, not unless there are witnesses. Do we know what happened to the inmate who killed him?" Nick asked. "My guess is that he's already been hanged." Will replied. "I don't know what I should be feeling. I mean, I wanted him out of our lives but I didn't want him killed either." "I understand but Will, as much as I hate to say this, I think that his death was the only way that we would truly be safe. Personally, I'm glad that the son of a bitch is dead. He's one less issue to deal with." Will considered Nick's words. "You're right but you know we may not be out of the woods yet." "I agree." Nick said. "He has a contact here and I believe that's whose been watching our houses. My question is this; does he know that Lawrence is dead? I haven't seen any strange vehicles in the past couple of days, have you?" "No but maybe he's busy planning something else." "Possible... I know that you don't want anything to do with your cousin, but do you think that he could tell you what Goodman was up to?" Nick asked. "He could, but it would be at a price." Will asked. "Why don't we have the police pick up the man watching our houses? If nothing else, we would have a name for him and Charles could check him out." "Sounds like a plan." Nick said. "Good, where are we on Andrew Kelley?" Will asked. "No where." Nick replied. "We have people who think that he's capable of murder but none of them have ever seen him with a gun." "Has anyone spoken to his folks?" Will asked. "Not that I'm aware of which surprises me since he's a person of interest. It's late but I'll call Detective Briscoe and Charles in the morning. ******** Andrew held the gun in his hands and stroked it before putting it back in its box. He had been looking for bullets for it but was having no luck. Finally, he concluded that he needed another gun whose ammunition wouldn't be as hard to come by. The new issue was they type of gun and the amount of money needed to obtain it. The second problem was where he could get it. What really surprised him was that no one had come looking for him yet but he considered that a good thing. It meant that no one had gone to the police. But what if they had? There was no proof that he had anything to do with Milt's death. He put the box containing the gun under the bed when he heard his mother calling him for dinner. "Be right there!" he called back. He stopped in the bathroom to wash his hands. He gave a fleeting thought to the "melting pot" and swallowed his anger. They would be dealt with soon enough and now there was Ernie who seemed to have joined their ranks. "Damn it!" he swore as he saw the error in not allowing Ernie back into the group sooner. But he didn't think that he would go running to the "melting pot" either. Something that Ernie said occurred to him. Ernie told him that the only reason he was apart of the group was because of him-Andrew and that he had never really believed what the group had believed. He had to wonder how many of the others were false believers. Then the question was what to do about those who were. If half of them were, it would still leave him with approximately thirty men. "Andrew!" His mother called. "Dinner!" He quickly rewashed his hands and headed down the stairs with thoughts of his group on his mind. ********* "Nick and Will want to come over." Kenji told Patricia as they finished washing the dishes from dinner. "What's happened now?" Patricia asked. "I don't know." Kenji replied softly. Patricia stopped what she was doing and looked up at him. She was worried about him. He missed school, all of them did but it was harder on him than the rest of them. She looked out of the kitchen window and saw that the other adults of the house were entertaining Ralph and Marie. It had been almost a week since they had moved in with Hiroshi and Dai and longer than that since they had had any real time alone. I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 10 "Kenji, come with me." she said and held out her hand. Kenji took her hand and allowed her to lead him to their room at the far end of the house. Once inside, Patricia closed the door and led Kenji to the small bed in the corner of the room. She turned so that his knees were against the side of the bed and began to unbuckle his belt. When he tried to help her, she pushed his hands away and unzipped him. Kenji took a sharp breath when he felt her hand go around his rapidly hardening cock. It had been far too long since they had made love in any form. Having to share their room with the children hadn't helped. Earlier that week they found out just how light of a sleeper was and hadn't tried again. "Kirei..." Patricia heard the combination of pain, misery and desire in his voice and wanted to kill Andrew Kelley herself. She stroked the length of him lightly and then unbuttoned his slacks allowing them to fall to the floor. "Sit down and lie back." she commanded helping him by pushing on his chest. Kenji wasted no time in complying and began to steel himself against coming too soon. Who knew when they would be alone again? As soon as he was in position, Patricia knelt, took the head of his cock into her mouth and sucked on it. Instinctively, Kenji's hips thrust forward in an attempt to get her to take more of him into her mouth. As she loved him, Kenji allowed the anger that he felt toward Andrew Kelley to be transformed into the love that he felt for the woman who was bringing him pleasure and for his family and friends. His thrusts into her mouth became firmer and faster but not hard. By the time he felt the first twinge of his pending orgasm, Andrew Kelley was forgotten. "I love you Kirei!" he groaned as his seed filled her mouth. Patricia knew that it wouldn't take long for Kenji to release so she took her time wanting him to last as long as possible. In spite of her best efforts, he came quickly. He had barely finished emptying when he yanked her up onto the bed and he was kneeling in front of her. Her dress was pulled up past her hips and Kenji had her panties off. Without saying a word, he buried his face between her legs, parted her nether lips with his tongue and slipped it inside of her. He used the thumb of one hand to move her clit from side to side and then flicking it. Patricia wanted to scream but couldn't. She grabbed a pillow and covered her face as Kenji removed his tongue from inside of her and latched onto her pounding clit. She bucked against his mouth urging him on. Kenji gave a long hard suck and then pressed his tongue against her and wiggled it. Patricia came with a sob and a moan that was muffled by the pillow covering her face. Afterwards, Kenji gently removed the pillow and took her into his arms. "Thank you Kirei." he said as he kissed her. "You're welcome." Patricia replied. "Are you ready to talk to me now?" she asked. "I will be fine." Kenji replied. "I was experiencing a period of self pity and self doubt and... hatred." Patricia waited for him to finish. "I keep thinking that if only Andrew Kelley would die our lives would be so much easier but Kirei, that isn't right. I don't want anyone to die so that our lives will be easier because there will always be someone to replace him whether we know them or not. Then when will the wishing for someone's death stop? When we were making love, the anger I felt for him became the love that I felt for you, our family and our friends. You do that for me." Patricia breathed a sigh of relief. Her Kenji was back. "I understand." she said. "I actually wanted to kill him myself. But Kenji, we'll get through this as we've gotten through everything else-together. I also know that you miss going to classes, we all do but at least we're not at a standstill thanks to Paul. And you're right; there will always be people like Andrew Kelley just as there will always be people like Abby, Nick and Ralph. All we can do is find those people and prepare our children for both kinds of people." "You are right." Kenji replied pulling her closer and wishing that they didn't have to leave the room so soon. They had just dozed off when there was a tap on the door. "Mama? Grampa Nick is here." Ralph called in. "Thank you Ralph, we'll be there in a minute." Patricia replied. They took a minute to exchange a lingering kiss before getting out of bed. As they dressed, Patricia made a suggestion. "Maybe we could talk to Joel and Penny about watching Ralph and Marie once a week or so." "I think that is a good idea." Kenji replied. "I think that part of my melancholy is because I miss you even though you are here with me." he added. "I miss you too." Patricia replied. ****** Everyone was waiting patiently in the living room when Kenji and Patricia got downstairs. "What happened?" Patricia asked as she hugged her parents and then greeted everyone else. "Dianne, why don't you and Eli take Ralph and Marie out back?" Will said phrasing it as a question when it was really a command. "Ok." Dianne said as she took Marie's hand and left the room followed by the boys. When they were gone, Nick took the floor. "Will received a phone call this afternoon that concerns all of us. It seems that Lawrence Goodman is no longer a threat. He was killed two weeks ago by a fellow inmate." The room was silent as he continued. "The inmate who killed him was a black man and we believe him to be dead already but Will brought up an interesting point. Lawrence has a contact here and he could be every bit as dangerous as Lawrence was. In fact, we now believe that's who's been periodically watching our houses. "Do you think that he knows about Lawrence?" Abby asked. "We don't know." Will replied, "But we plan to find out. The next time he's at one of our homes, we'll confront him." "What if he has a gun?" John asked. "You gonna just walk up to him and ask who he is?" Will's silence told him that's exactly what he had planned on doing. "I got a better idea." John said. "You never know when he gonna show up, is that right?" "That's true." Nick replied. "When was the last time you see him?" "Three nights ago." Nick replied wondering where John was going with his questions. "That would have been Monday if memory serves me." He turned to Will. "When you see him last?" "Sunday... I'll be a son of a bitch! I get it...he should be at Nick's house tomorrow night!" John smiled, "Yes sir and what we gonna do is this..." Patricia listened to her father with pride and remembered something that Ralph had said about him. "You're one hell of a strategist!" A few minutes later, the plan was formed and Nick had moved on to the next subject. Andrew Kelley. "We still have no proof that he killed Milton Vaughn so he remains a threat. I know that the four of you are missing school but it can't be helped. Paul will make sure that you get your assignments and when this is over, Kenji, Joel and Penny can make up any lab work. Paul will be calling you tomorrow to set up a time when he can come over and proctor your exams..." "I am tired of this hiding." Kenji said suddenly. "I understand but..." "Forgive me Nick but I don't believe that you do. People like Andrew Kelley need to be faced and not hidden from. What happens when another one of his kind threatens us? Do we run and hide? I am returning to school." "Kenji! We talked about this!" Patricia said. "Kirei, as long as I hide, he won't act. He will never be held accountable for the murder of Milton unless he kills again." "What are you suggesting?" Nick asked. "I am suggesting that I go back to school. I don't believe that he will do anything in public. He is too much of a coward for that..." "But he has friends who aren't!" Patricia yelled pulling away from him. "Kirei, by hiding we are giving him too much power. It is time to end this." "I'm with Patricia on this one." Penny said. "Why put yourself in danger? You know that he's looking for you." All of the women sided with Patricia while none of the men said anything until the women had gone silent. Hiroshi listened and watched Kenji with a father's pride. He wondered how he could have ever questioned his honor and integrity. His son was willing to die for his family. He felt a pang of remorse for his past actions and pushed them away. It was the past he reminded himself. What was important was that he and Kenji had reconciled and that Kenji and his family needed his help. Nick hated to admit it but Kenji was right but he also agreed with Patricia and the other women. "What if we were to have an agent go to classes with Kenji?" he asked. "Then I'm going back to school too!" Patricia exclaimed. "Kirei..." "Patricia, listen to me." Nick said gently. "Your going to school would actually increase the odds that Andrew would try something. You said it yourself. While Andrew may not be willing to do some things, he has friends who will. All that he would need would be to catch you alone and he would have Kenji where he wants him. You can't go to school. The same goes for Penny and Joel." "I'm going with him." Joel said his voice firm. "Joel..." Penny started. "Penny listen, most of my life I've been afraid and like Kenji, I'm tired of hiding. It's time to stand up and face these bastards. I'm not going to tell you that I'm not scared about what could happen because I am but we've got to start somewhere. I'm going back to school and you will stay with Patricia and the kids." "Kenji think about this." Patricia begged. "I have thought of little else." Kenji replied taking her hand in his. "And if you think about it, you'll know that I am right." She did know but that didn't mean that she had to like it. She squared her shoulders, tightened her grip on his hands and looked at Nick. "I'm trusting you to keep him safe." "We will." Nick said to both Penny and Patricia. He looked at the clock and wondered if Charles and Detective Briscoe were still up. "It's late; I'll call Charles and Detective Briscoe in the morning." Nick said. "I'll call you after I talk to them. I know that you're scared but we'll keep them safe. I promise." Before they left, Nick pulled John aside. "I'll pick you up on the way home from the office. Why don't you bring Hattie with you? It's been a while since she and Hana really had a chance to visit." "She would like that." John replied. "I bet she'll make one of her apple pies to bring along." "Sounds good." Nick replied. "John? You are one hell of a strategist." "Thank you." John replied and then hesitated. "You know, if someone would have said John Middleton, one day you gonna have a Japanese as a son and white people as friends and family, I would have laughed and called them touched in the head. But here we are in the same house trying to keep our family safe. I want to thank you for taking care of my Patty when I was too stubborn to do it." "John, you never stopped loving her and you did keep her safe. It just took you awhile to come around." Nick replied "Still, I owe you my thanks." he insisted. "It's been my pleasure." Nick replied offering his hand to John who took it and pulled him into a bear hug. ********* Becca walked for what seemed like hours before she turned onto the street where her parents lived. Her feet and back hurt but she was almost there. She quickened her step hoping that they were home and that they would help her. She breathed a sigh of relief when she saw the living room lights on. Her fast walk became a trot that had her winded by the time she reached the front door. Her hands shook as she rang the doorbell and waited for someone to answer. She heard her mother's heavy footsteps as she approached the door and opened it. "Becca? What on earth? Where's Ty?" her mother asked looking around. "I... I don't know." Becca replied. "Can I come in? I need help." Her mother snapped out of her surprise and looked at Becca as if she was just seeing her. "Oh my! Yes come in." she said holding out her hand. A few minutes later, Becca was sitting on the couch drinking a glass of water while her parents watched. "Robert, maybe we should call the doctor." her mother Millie said. "Mom I'm fine, I just need a minute." Becca said. "You said that you needed help." her father said, "what kind of help? Is it money?" It was time for the hard part. She had to tell her parents everything if she expected any kind of help. They sat shocked as she told them about Andrew and the group that he ran and that she participated in and then moved on to Ty, how he treated her and the man who was supposed to come live with them. "Becca!" her mother exclaimed. "I know!" Becca said as tears ran down her face. "I was stupid and I know that you didn't teach me that way but... I thought that I loved Andrew and the things that I did were because of that. And Ty was a horrible mistake. I thought that he loved me but all he wanted was to find a place for his prison friend." "What was he in for?" her father asked. "Robbery among other things but he told me that he killed someone and got away with it." Her parents looked at each other and then back at her. "Who is this friend?" her father asked. "I don't know, he never said what his name was only that he's coming sometime next week and that he's a part of some supremacist group. Mom, dad, I know that I married him and I know that I messed up but please don't make me go back to him. I'll do whatever you want, go wherever you say but not back to him." "Robert..." "Shush Millie. Becca, why didn't you come to us sooner?" "I.... he... told me that you wouldn't believe me because I... I was the school slut." Becca said softly. "I see and this baby, is it really his?" her father asked. "Y..." "Does it really matter?" Millie broke. "Becca is our daughter and that's our grandchild no matter who the father is. We never should have let her marry him and you know it! We both had a bad feeling about him and you even complained about some of the conversations that he had on the phone." Robert Cartwright looked from his wife to his daughter before speaking. "You're staying here for the time being until we get this cleared up but Becca; this had better not be a ploy to get out of a marriage because you don't like being married." "Daddy it isn't! I swear it" Her father gave her a long appraising look before he spoke next. "I'm going to call the police and you're going to tell them everything that you know about this murder and this group and we'll go from there." Becca cried tears of relief. It would have been well within their rights to send her back to Ty. Her mother moved to her side, put her arms around her, and began to rock her. "It's alright." she crooned. "It's alright." Thirty minutes later, a detective was at the door and sitting in the living room and Becca repeated the story about the murder and the supremacist group. "Well, the group I can't do anything about unless they're doing something illegal and it doesn't sound like they are. The murder is another issue but the problem is this, you have no name, location or any other pertinent details." "But he told me about it!" Becca protested. "I'm not saying that I don't believe you." The detective said, "But you haven't given me anything to go on. For instance, when did this happen? Was it a male or a female?" "I don't know!" Becca said frustrated. "He said that he only told me because no one would believe me and that I couldn't testify against him. But I think it happened in South Carolina where he's from." The detective blew out a breath. "The best that I can do is call down there but if he got away with it chances are either the body hasn't been found or no one is talking." He left a few minutes later after promising to keep them updated. A few minutes after that, Becca was in the shower. She rubbed her large belly and vowed that Ty would never see the baby if she had anything to say about it. When she finally made it to bed, she was asleep almost as soon as her head hit the pillow. . ****** The meeting went longer than Ty thought it would. He was anxious to see what Becca was up to. He hadn't believed her when she said that she hadn't spoken to her friend. Finally, the meeting was over and he had to drag Otis away. "I need to get home big guy." he said using the nickname that further endeared him to the big man. "Sure thing!" Otis replied as he headed for the door. On the way home, Ty realized that he was almost out of cigarettes and made Otis stop. By the time Ty got home, it was dark. He frowned when he didn't see the living room light on. On the way in to the house, he checked the mail smiling because Becca was finally learning that he was the only one to touch the mail. He turned on the light, thought about calling to her but changed his mind when he saw the letter from the prison. In his haste to read it, he didn't notice that the name on the return address was different. He ripped the envelope open and began to read. "Dear Brother Ty, I hope that this letter finds you and your bride healthy and happy. It is with great sorrow that I inform you of the passing of our dear brother Lawrence two weeks ago. Unfortunately, I am unable to give the details of his passing but know that the murderer now burns in hell. This has been a most difficult time for us all and all we can do is mourn and continue in his work. I am certain that at this point in time that Brother Lawrence would have no objections if you were to visit his friends on his behalf. One more thing, there is a young man by the name of Saul who our dear brother took under his wing. He may show up on your doorstep and if he does, treat him with the utmost kindness and respect. Brother Duke" Ty read the letter several times not believing what he had just read. "Dead? How can he be dead?" he asked himself as tears began to flow down his face. He sat in the chair until morning completely forgetting about Becca. It occurred to him that he hadn't heard her going to the bathroom and that she was usually up long before now. He stood up, stretched and called for her. "Becca! Get your lazy ass down here!" When she didn't answer, he called again and went up the stairs checking the bathroom first and then the bedroom. "What the fuck?" he muttered and then decided to check the room that Lawrence was supposed to use before he got upset. When he found that room empty, he knew that she could only have gone to one of two places and both of those places would be a long walk for someone in her condition, which meant someone had come to get her. Enraged, Lawrence ran to the car, got in and drove to Susan's house not believing that she would go to her parents' home. As he drove, he thought about the ass whipping that she was going to get for leaving the house and for not being there in his time of need. He pulled up in front of Susan's house, jumped out of the car and ran up to the door. He began banging on it not caring who was watching. Finally, the door cracked open. "Help you?" "Where is she?" Ty demanded. "Who are you looking for?" an old woman asked. "My wife, a pretty blonde who's pregnant." "Ain't no one like that here, you got the wrong house." she replied and started to shut the door. Ty held the door ajar with his hand. "Listen you old bitch! I know she's here because she's friends with that cunt Susan who lives here, now send her out here!" "I told you...." "I'll take care of it gramma, thanks." Susan said from behind the old woman. "My grandmother told you the truth. Becca isn't here and if she were do you think I'd let her go home with you?" I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 10 "This is none of your concern, now send her out here." "I told you that she isn't here but I hope that wherever she is, that she'll be happy now get off of my porch if you don't want to be arrested for trespassing." "Trespassing?" Ty snorted as he pushed at the door. "The sign's over there but go ahead and force your way in... I dare you." Ty stopped. The last thing that he wanted or needed was the police. He still had work to do for Lawrence and if he were in jail, it wouldn't be done. He slowly backed away but not before giving Susan a warning. "If I find out that she was here...." He stopped when he heard the cocking of a shotgun. "Get off my porch!" It was the old woman. He held his hands up, continued backing away, got into the car and drove in the direction of Becca's parents' house. He parked across the street and planned what he was going to say. When he thought that he would be convincing enough, he got out of the car and walked up to the door. He rang the doorbell and waited. ******** Becca woke up from the most peaceful sleep she had in weeks. She could almost convince herself that it had all been a bad dream if it weren't for her belly. She tried to go back to sleep but the smell coming from the kitchen wouldn't let her. She crawled out of bed and made her way to the bathroom. She was brushing her hair when the doorbell rang. She froze. She knew who it was and was actually surprised that he hadn't come during the night. She could hear Ty's angry voice and her father's quieter by stern one. "She doesn't care to see you." "I don't give a damn! She's my wife! Now bring her down here!" "I can't do that." Her father replied. "I went against my better judgment when I allowed her to marry you. I had my suspicions which as it turned out were right." "What are you talking about?" Ty asked. "Becca told us about the murder and that you are a felon. We've already contacted the police." "You believed her? I made that up!" "What about the man in prison whose supposed to move into the house with you? Did she make that up as well?" Robert asked. "She misunderstood, "Ty said scrambling for lies. "I said that he was a prison minister." "I see and I suppose she misunderstood about the supremacist group as well? Don't forget that I've heard some of your conversations." Ty had no response. "There is a way that we can settle the issue." Robert said. "We can call the police back and you can discuss it with them." "You can't stop me from talking to my wife." Ty said sidestepping the police issue. "I can keep you from entering my home and let's not forget that Becca was my daughter before she was your wife. If she chooses to talk to you that's one thing but you will not come to my home and make demands. Did you hit her?" "Did she say that I did?" Ty asked. "Yes she did- is that another lie?" Robert asked. "Yes it is." Ty said. "I never laid a hand on her." "I see but you never answered my question, shall I call the police?" Ty stood there numb, everything that he had worked for was going down the drain and all because he had underestimated his wife and Lawrence was dead. He wanted to strangle Becca and her father but Lawrence came first. He gave Robert a chilly smile and turned to walk away. "Just a moment." Robert said. "I expect you to be out of the house by the end of the week and if there should be any accidents such as a fire I'll know who to send the police to. The same applies if anything should happen to any of us as well. In fact, I wrote a letter to the police after they left and after you leave, I'll be adding to it. Now please leave." Ty stood staring at the door as it slammed in his face. He shook with anger at the most recent turn of events. Maybe it was time for him to leave. The thought that if he left, he wouldn't see his baby crossed his mind but he decided that he didn't care. "Probably a fucking girl anyway." he growled as he left the porch. He pushed Becca and the baby out of his mind deeming them lost causes and focused on visiting people. Tonight was the night that he would sit outside of the house with the Jap in it. He couldn't believe that he hadn't been spotted but he didn't question it. He didn't know if anyone would die yet but it wasn't out of the realm of possibility. ********* Becca watched Ty leave and breathed a sigh of relief. If she never saw him again, it would be too soon. "He's gone and I don't think that he'll be back." her father said from behind her. "Thank-you daddy." "Now we have to figure out how to get this marriage ended. I already called the bank and put a hold on all of your accounts with the exception of about three-hundred dollars. That's enough money for him to get out of town." Becca nodded. She knew that Ty had money hidden although she didn't know where. It galled her to think that he was going to get anymore of hers. "Daddy, he has money and I don't want him to take money that I'll need for the baby." "Understood." Robert said as he picked up the phone to call the bank back. "What about the house?" Millie asked. "We'll keep it and rent it out." Robert replied. "The money can go into Becca's account for the baby." Becca listened to the conversation between her parents and felt guilty for the things that she had done and for bringing Ty into their midst. She had just learned a valuable lesson the hard way. She realized how easily it could have turned out badly not just for her but also for the baby. Unable to speak, she hugged her mother and then her father and made a silent vow to never forget the lesson that she had just learned. ********** Isadora watched the California landscape with growing nervousness and excitement. It had been a long ride and her behind was sore. She hoped that her ride would be waiting for her and that she hadn't come all this way for nothing. Her next question was how would she know who her ride was? She took a deep breath to calm her nerves and wondered how much longer it would be until they reached LA. She wanted to ask but the same surly conductor was still on duty and his mood hadn't improved. Four hours later, she heard the announcement that she had been waiting to heat. "Los Angeles in one hour!" Her heart pounded with excitement and she wished that she could see the city as they approached it. It seemed that once the announcement was made, the train slowed down to a snails pace. Finally the train stopped. The announcement that they had reached Los Angeles thundered over the loudspeaker. Isadora sat in her seat and waited. There was no point in rushing to get off as much as she wanted to. The compartment became chaotic as people scrambled to get their things and to hurry off the train. Only when the compartment was almost empty did she move. She picked up her small bag that had been between her feet on the floor and slowly made her way to the exit. She carefully stepped off the train and looked around for anyone who looked like they might be there for her. As she turned to her right, she saw a man holding up a sign with her name on it. She ran over to him. "I'm Isadora Waters." She said. "I'm Leonard Gray. Mr. Jackson sent me to get you. Is that all of your luggage?" Suddenly, Isadora felt embarrassed. "Yes sir." "Just call me Lenny." he said as he took her bag and smiled at her. "Thank you, you can call me Isadora or Izzy if you like." "I like Isadora, it's a nice name." Lenny replied. "So where are we going?" Isadora asked. "My house." Lenny replied as he held the car door open for her. "Your house?" Isadora asked alarmed. "Don't worry." Lenny said seeing her distress. "My wife Bella and our three children live there as well." Isadora relaxed slightly. She was beginning to wonder if she should be going anywhere with this man no matter how nice he seemed. "What's the matter?" Lenny asked. "How do I know that you're who you say you are?" she asked. He looked at her shocked and then grinned at her. "Mr. Jackson was right about you." he said as he pulled out a tattered wallet and handed it to her. "Other than Mr. Jackson, do you know anyone else here?" he asked. "No. why?" Isadora asked as she read a piece of paper that had his name on it. "How did I know who to look for?" he asked amused. "Oh! I'm sorry I just...." "It's alright and no offense was taken. That really was a wise move on your part." Lenny said. "We'd better get going. Bella is making dinner and I don't know about you but I'm hungry." Isadora's stomach growled at the thought of food. She had made her meager sack lunch last as long as she could not wanting to touch the money in her pocket. When the food ran out, she reluctantly bought two apples and nibbled on those. She had finished the last apple in the early morning hours and now that food was coming, she was reminded of how hungry she was. She got into the car and took her first real look around. "There sure are a lot of people here." she said almost to herself. "There are but they're like people everywhere, some good and some bad." Lenny replied. "Will I see Mr. Jackson today?" She asked. "He's coming for dinner and I think he plans to take you over to the school tomorrow afternoon." Lenny replied. It wasn't too long before they pulled up in front of a small but well kept house. Isadora's eyes widened when she saw the orange and lemon trees in front of the house. "Are those edible?" she asked her mouth watering. Oranges were her favorite fruit. "They sure are and help yourself." Lenny replied as he got out of the car. The smell of food wafted through the air making Isadora's stomach growl. The scent grew stronger the closer to the house they got. She felt faint when they were finally in the house. The smell of the food made her dizzy and her mouth watered. "Bella! I'm home!" Lenny called from the living room. "Daddy! Three voices called out. Three children, all girls ran out of a room somewhere in the back of the house. Lenny knelt down, held his arms open embracing the girls when they reached him. "What have you been doing?" he asked. "School work." They said in unison. "Good. Girls I want you to meet Miss Isadora. Miss Isadora, this is Mary the oldest, Naomi the middle one and last but not least Deborah." Isadora watched the greeting and felt a twinge of guilt as her hand drifted toward her belly. "Hello Miss Isadora." the girls said pulling her away from the painful memory. "Hello, it's nice to meet you all." Isadora said kneeling in front of the girls. "Hello." A soft voice said. Isadora looked up at who had spoken. "Isadora, this is my wife Bella." "Hello and thank you for letting me stay with you and I hope that it isn't an imposition." Isadora replied. "It isn't an imposition and we enjoy houseguests don't we girls?" Bella asked with a smile. "You must be exhausted! Mary, please show Miss Isadora where the bathroom is. After that, you can show her to her room. Dinner won't be for another hour so you can rest if you like." "I would like that. Thank you." Isadora followed Mary down a hallway and realized that the house was bigger than it had appeared on the outside. Mary waited for her while she washed her face and smoothed back her hair from her face. "This is your room." Mary said proudly. "I helped paint it." Isadora looked around the small bright yellow room. There was a small bed in one corner, a dresser against a wall and a small desk with a chair. On the other side of the room was a small closet. A real one and not a clothesline like the one she used at home to hang her clothes up. "This is lovely! Thank you." Isadora said. "You're welcome. I'll come get you when supper is ready." Mary said as she left and closed the door behind her. Isadora kicked off her shoes, sat down on the bed and looked around the room. To her, if felt as though she was in a palace. Instead of taking a nap, she unpacked her few belongings and changed into clean underclothes and into one of the three dresses that she owned. She had just finished changing when there was a tap on her door. "Isadora? Supper in fifteen." Lenny called in. "Thank you!" she replied. She looked at the empty desk and wished that she had brought her law books but she had no idea of what the living arrangements would be like. With nothing to do in her room, she went to the kitchen to see if she could help. "We're just about ready." Bella said as she sat a plate of biscuits on the table. "We're waiting on Mr. Jackson to get here." she added. "How do you know him?" Isadora asked. "He found us the same way that he found you." Bella said with a smile. "Only Lenny couldn't read. Mr. Jackson saw something in him and so did I but what could we do? We had no money for school So Mr. Jackson brought us out here, hired someone to teach both of us how to read and sent us to college. Both of us have our teaching degrees." "Why does he do this? How can he afford it?" Isadora asked. "All that I can tell you is that he came into some money years ago and I don't know how. I never asked. The why is because he wants us and by us I mean our people to get ahead and to be ready when the change comes so that we can help others." "Does he want to be paid back?" Isadora asked anxiously. "No." Bella replied. "The only thing that he's going to ask of you is that you help our people in any way that you can." Isadora nodded although she didn't completely understand how one man could pay for the education of so many. She turned when she heard Lenny greeting someone. "That's Mr. Jackson." Bella said as she opened the oven and brought out a huge platter of baked chicken. "She's in the kitchen with Bella." she heard Lenny say. A moment later, Jonah Jackson was in the kitchen. "Isadora! I'm so glad that you made it! How was your trip?" he asked. "Long but I made it." Isadora replied. "Good, after supper, we'll talk about tomorrow." Jonah said. "It won't take long and I'm sure that you're more than ready for a good night's sleep." When they were all sitting, Lenny said grace. Isadora was all for saying grace but it seemed as if Lenny included every one in the world in on his thanks. She thought that she would go mad if he added one more person to the prayer, which was supposed to be thanks for the meal. A few minutes later, Isadora took her first bite of real food since early morning. She closed her eyes and savored the taste and texture of the biscuit as it seemed to melt on her tongue. It was every bit as good if not better than her mother's. She felt a little traitorous for thinking it but it was the truth. An hour later and after a huge slice of pound cake, Isadora was full and sleepy. Her offer to help clean up was declined. "Another time." Bella said. "Mr. Jackson wants to talk to you." Jonah was sitting in the back yard smoking a cigarette. "What do you think of California so far?" he asked putting the cigarette out when she reached him. "It's beautiful." she replied as she sat across from him. "That it is but you need to understand something." he said. "It may be easier out here for people of color but there is still racism. They may not call themselves the Klan but the politics and rhetoric is still the same so watch yourself. If you have any concerns come to me and I'll see that it's taken care of." "What kind of concerns?" Isadora asked. "Anything and that include instructors who grade you unfairly and there are those who will do that simply because you're black and you're a woman." "I understand." Isadora said. "Good. Now about tomorrow, Lenny will bring you over to my office and from there I'll take you on a tour of the school and we'll get your supplies. After that, Bella will take you shopping for clothes and whatever else young ladies need." Isadora was shocked. "I can't let you buy me clothes!" she stammered. Jonah gave her a stern look that made her refrain from saying anything else. "As I was saying, Bella will take you to buy new clothes and whatever else you need. This isn't Greenville, Mississippi where what you're wearing is acceptable. Changing people's minds about our race is about more than just going to school; it's about appearance as well. If it makes you feel any better, consider it a loan. When you graduate you can pay it back but you will get new clothing." The thought that she could pay it back was a relief to Isadora. Other than her father, no man had ever bought her clothes or personal items before. "Good night Isadora and I will see you in my office at nine am." "Goodnight." Isadora said as he stood, nodded his head, turned and walked away. As he walked away, Isadora noticed a slight limp and wondered how he had gotten it. She also had the feeling that there was more to Jonah Jackson than met the eye. She stayed in the yard for a few more minutes before going into the house. On the way in, she pulled an orange from a low hanging branch and although she was full, bit into it, spit out the rind and squeezed the juice into her open mouth. She moaned with pleasure as the sweet juice from the orange ran down her throat. Bella was waiting for her in the kitchen when she came in. "I put a towel and washcloth on your bed. Do you need anything else?" "No and Bella, thank you. Dinner was wonderful." Thirty minutes later, Isadora was in bed. A few minutes after that, she was sound asleep. ******** Andrew pondered the gun situation. He alternated between trying to find ammunition for the gun that he had or to buy another gun. He counted the money in his wallet. Five dollars. He didn't know how much a gun would cost but he was sure that it would be more than five dollars. Then there was the question of where he could get a gun. Mail order was out because of the cost and the package would come to the house. His parents would see it and wonder what it was. He had some money in the bank but that was for school supplies. It was his private account so his parents wouldn't know unless they ran into someone from the bank. After thinking about it for several minutes, Andrew decided to wait until he found a gun. That way he would know exactly how much money he needed for the gun and ammunition both. As he sat on the floor thinking about things, he had a horrifying thought. What if his father asked to see the gun? How would he explain the missing clip and ammunition? It was almost as bad as not having the gun at all. After panicking for a few minutes, he calmed down. His father hadn't asked to see the gun after all of this time, why would he ask to see it now? His next plan of action he decided would be to start looking for guns and then to find a place where he could practice undetected. Once that was decided, he felt himself settle. He was tempted to plan beyond buying the gun and practicing but he had learned that to do so made it harder to control his impulsiveness and he couldn't afford to be impulsive. He had already made too many mistakes. He only left his room when his mother called him for dinner. ******** "I don't want you to do this." Patricia said for the hundredth time. "Kirei listen to me." Kenji said patiently. "One threat is gone now we must deal with this one. Nick....." "Nick isn't the one that Andrew wants to kill!" Patricia interrupted. "Nick isn't going to be the one raising our babies alone!" Kenji waited until she was quiet before he approached her and put his arms around her. "No he isn't." Kenji conceded. "But this has to end. We cannot stay here forever and you know this. How do we teach our children to stand up for what is right if we don't?" "L...Let someone else do it." Patricia said softly. I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 10 "Kirei look at me." Kenji said softly. "What would have happened had I not done the right thing and helped you that day? What would have happened if we had given in to our parents and not fought for our right to be together? Don't you see? We have been fighting all along. The difference is this time; we can put a name and a face to our enemy." Patricia was silent. She knew that he was right but that didn't take away her fear. "You have my word that I will not go looking for him and that I will come home to you and our children every night." Out of arguments, Patricia agreed. Later that night as the children slept, Kenji lay behind her with both arms around her hugging her tight against him. He hummed the song that he had sung to her before he was taken away to the camp. By the end of the song, she was crying. "When I first sang that song to you I made you a promise and I kept it." he murmured against her ear. "I am making that same promise; I will come back to you." Patricia didn't reply but pushed back into him tugging at his arms for him to hold her tighter. She fell asleep with Kenji whispering in her ear about the places that he wanted to show her and the children. ******** Ty fixed himself a sandwich still reeling about the turn of events that had landed him back at what he considered square one. He still couldn't believe it. Lawrence was dead and his bitch of a wife was gone. It wouldn't have been so bad if he could have kept the house but her father had put it in her name. The sandwich was almost to his mouth when a thought occurred to him. The money in the bank. Becca had given him access to it but he could only take out a certain amount at a time-again something that her father had set up. It wasn't a lot but it was more than enough for him to meet whatever needs Lawrence might have. His plan was to coerce Becca into talking her father into upping the limit but that wasn't going to happen. He had no doubt that her father had already called the bank manager at home and gave instructions that were to be initiated immediately. That meant that the only money that he had was the money that he had saved and while it was a good amount, it wouldn't last long if he had to rent a room. He threw the uneaten sandwich in the trash and began to pace. He had less than a week to get out of the house and as much as he wanted to trash it, he didn't dare. He couldn't take the chance of police involvement. He ran down his list of options and came up with a few, he could just go back to South Carolina, he could rent a room and find a job or... Otis. Otis was a confirmed bachelor who lived in a small house that his parents had left him. "Can I put up with his incessant chatter?" Ty asked himself. "I have to." he muttered. Then he changed his mind. He would rent a cheap room because he needed privacy and Otis' house would be his safe house. The best part was all he would have to do is call him and Otis would come running. Ty wished that he hadn't thrown the sandwich in the trash and started to retrieve it. "Fuck that." he muttered and made himself another one as he planned for the evening. As he ate his sandwich, he realized that he needed a contingency plan that included a way out of town... Otis. Things were definitely looking up. Another issue solved, he began to think about the people that Lawrence wanted to visit. He knew that there was a chance that he couldn't see all of them so he asked himself who Lawrence would want him to visit first. That bitch of a wife and her man. He didn't stop to think about the children, his mind was now set on Will and Sally. He finished his sandwich, washed his hands and went to the bedroom. Out of habit, he looked around to see if Becca was anywhere in sight and laughed at himself when he realized what he was doing. He pulled out his old beat up suitcase, opened it and took out a small bundle. He carefully opened it and took out the .45 caliber pistol that he bought through a private seller. The man had thrown in the ammunition as well as the cleaning supplies for free since he had no use for it. Ty hadn't cleaned the gun yet although he knew that it worked. He had insisted on firing the weapon before he purchased it. He carried the gun and cleaning supplies to the bed and laid them down not caring whether he got oil on the bed or not. He took his time cleaning the gun and putting it back together. When he was finished, he lay down for a nap. ********* Nick, John and Will went over their plan for the evening once more. "I'm going to be the one to approach him since it's my house." Nick said. "John you'll be on the other side of the car and Will, you be ready with the door open.... John?" "I was just thinking... what if he got a gun? Nick, you would be in his line of fire." "I've already thought about that." Nick replied. "I won't be approaching from his side but from behind and I won't be unarmed." "Good." John said relieved. "Do you suppose we should call your friend Charles?" he asked as an after thought. "That's not a bad idea." Will said. Nick gave it a moment's thought and nodded. A few minutes later, he was back. "He's on his way over." By the time they finished planning, Hana and Hattie was calling them for an early dinner. ********** 8 PM: Ty sat in the car outside of the house. He knew that they were home because the lights were on and he could see their silhouettes in the window whenever they passed by. But he waited. It was too early and people were still out. Occasionally, someone would walk by the car, glance at him and keep going. He only had to wait. ****************** By the end of October 1947, SAAB produces its first automobile. President Harry S. Truman's veto of the Taft-Hartley act is overridden. Stanton T. Friedman writes about a supposedly downed extraterrestrial spacecraft. The Exodus leaves France to take 4,500 Jewish Holocaust survivors to Palestine. It is captured by British troops at the port of Haifa and refused entry. The National Security Act of 1947 is signed creating the Central Intelligence Agency, the Department of Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the National Security Council. Thor Heyerdahl's raft made of balsa wood smashes into the reef in the Tuamotu Islands after a 101 day, 4,300-mile trip across the Eastern Pacific Ocean. The trip proved that pre-historic peoples could have traveled from South America to the Central Pacific Islands. A riot ensues in Verdun and Le Mans, France when the government lowers the bread ration to 200 grams. The communists take control of Hungary. President Truman gives the first televised White House address about the world food crisis. Captain Chuck Yeager, a United States Air Force test pilot flies the Bell X-1 faster than the speed of sound- the first time this has been done. ************************ Civil Rights October 29, 1947: The Presidential committee on civil rights submits its report and makes it recommendations. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. becomes a minister at the age of 18. He delivered his first sermon at his father's church the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia. ************************* I would like to take a moment to thank all of you for reading this story. It has been one of my greatest pleasures since I started way back when with part 1. I would also like to give thanks to my beta readers Anjel54 and Donalde for taking time out of their schedules to read and make suggestions. Thanks to Donalde for help on the guns... I had no clue. Thanks again. Kal I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 11 Ty sat outside of the house and waited. His heart raced at the thought of what he was about to do. Murder wasn't new to him, but his victim had been an adult. He was only just realizing that he hadn't thought about the children. He was certain that Lawrence wouldn't have wanted them hurt, but what was he supposed to do with them? The idea of taking them back to South Carolina with him crossed his mind and was quickly discarded. It presented too many problems. For one, it would draw too much attention. A single man with two children would be remembered. Secondly, they wouldn't go with him willingly. "Damn it!" he swore disgusted that he hadn't planned better. He had let the news of Lawrence's death and Becca's leaving cloud his judgment. After several more minutes of self-debate, he decided to leave and let someone else deal with Sally and the children. Ty started the car, put it into gear and drove away. Several seconds later, a black sedan pulled out from the driveway and began to follow Ty's car. ********** "Dinner was delicious!" Charles exclaimed as he leaned back in his chair and patted his full stomach. "You are welcome." Hana replied with a smile. "Hattie is responsible for the apple pie." "All of it was delicious." Charles replied. "Miss Hattie, do you think that I could have the recipe for that pie?" "I spose I could give it to you." Hattie said reluctantly. "It's a recipe that me and Ralph came up with... I've never given the recipe out." "I understand." Charles replied. "If you should decide to share, I would love to have the recipe." Nick stood up to clear the table. "We'll do it." Hattie said stopping him. "You men have things to talk about." The men went to Nick's office and shut the door. "I wish that you had called me sooner." Charles said. "I was lucky to get a car over to Will's house." "You're right." Nick conceded, "But he's supposed to be here tonight." "You're making an assumption." Charles countered. "You're assuming that he's going to keep to his routine." "Why would he change?" Will asked. "Think about it," Charles replied, "If we know that Goodman is dead, maybe he does too. He may not be thinking or acting rationally. He could also be planning to complete Goodman's mission." No one said anything for several seconds. "As I said," Charles continued, "There's a car at Will's house. If your man shows up or makes any moves, he'll be stopped. If he leaves, he'll be followed." Nick looked at the clock and then back at Charles. "He could be here already if we were to follow your logic." He said. "This is why our good friend Briscoe is sitting in a car a few houses down." Charles said. "Briscoe?" Nick asked. "How'd you pull that off?" "I called him after I talked to you and he volunteered." Charles replied, "But let's go over this plan of yours." ********* Ty circled around the block at a normal speed and then again driving slower. He took note of Nick's car in the garage and thought it odd. The car was usually in the garage with the door down. After thinking about it, he decided that Nick was probably going out again. If that were the case, it would make things easier in some ways, but more difficult in others. He had intended to kill the Jap woman too; but it looked as if that wasn't going to happen. He would kill Nick, get away and take stock of things. There was still a chance that he could visit Lawrence's ex-wife and her new husband although the children remained a problem. As he waited, Ty checked his gun and began to plan his trip back to South Carolina just in case he had to leave California. As soon as he killed Nick, he would go to a cheap hotel and lay low. His suitcase was in the back seat of the car and the money that he saved in anticipation of Lawrence's arrival was securely in his wallet. All he had to do was bide his time. ******* Will was the first one to see the car sitting across the street from the house. "He's here, but where's Briscoe?" he asked. "I told him to stay put unless our man tried something." Charles replied. "Are you ready to do this?" Charles and Nick left the house via the kitchen. They cut through the neighbor's yard and circled around to the street. They could see Ty's head silhouetted in the street lamp. Charles and Nick nodded at each other, and made their way down the street; their guns in their hands. They were almost to the car when Ty caught sight of Nick in his side view mirror. Panicked, he tried to start the car. Finally, it started. He shifted it into gear and was about to pull off when the passenger door opened. "Turn the engine off." Charles said his voice calm. "And keep your hands where I can see them." He pressed the barrel of his gun against Ty's head. "Do it." "You heard him." Nick said, his gun also aimed at Ty's head. Ty moved his hands to the steering wheel as he silently cursed. "Get out of the car." Nick said stepping back. "Look fellas..." Ty started to say. "Get out of the car." Charles said repeating Nick's order. John came up from behind the car and stood next to Nick. "Everything alright?" he asked as he returned Ty's glare. "We've got it under control.' Nick replied not taking his eyes off Ty. "Our friend is going to get out of the car so that we can have a nice chat about what he's doing here." "I have a better idea." Charles said. "Why don't we take him to the office? Briscoe can follow us over; John can stay here with Hana and Hattie and Will can go home." "Good idea." Nick said as he opened the car door. "I wonder what goodies he's got." He added. "I got it." Charles replied smiling." "Look fellas," Ty said, "I think that we have a misunderstanding here." "I don't think so." Charles replied, "But we can clear it up at the office." Briscoe pulled up behind them and got out of the car. "What's the plan?" he asked as he peered into the car at Ty and Charles. Nick explained the plan, to which Briscoe gave a ringing endorsement, "I've always wanted to see the inside of that building." ******** Ty thought about making a run for it, but changed his mind. He wouldn't make it and he wasn't that much of a believer that he was willing to die. He sat with his hands on the steering wheel and waited for further instructions. He had no illusions about his future and wondered what he could do to change it. Before long, he was sitting in the back seat with Nick on one side and Charles on the other. Briscoe drove the car leaving his car in front of Nick's house. Ty stared at the back of Briscoe's head wishing that he could blow it off. As he watched the palm trees speed by, he thought about Becca. It was just as well that he was rid of her and the brat. He had a feeling that it wouldn't have ended well for any of them. He hadn't lied to Becca when he told her that he had gotten away with murder. As far as he knew, the body had never been found. Even if it had been, there would have been no proof that he had been the one to kill her. The her had been his wife Ellen London. She had been a pretty, petite blonde whose family while not poor; was far from rich. The money didn't matter; he would have loved her even if she was as poor as he was. No matter how bad his day had been, all she had to do was smile at him and the worries of the day disappeared. He had once told her that she was the love of his life and he had meant it. Even now, it seemed impossible that he had been angry enough to kill her. If only he had taken the time to listen to her explanations she wouldn't be dead. Ty closed his eyes and allowed the memory to wash over him. 888888 "Hey Ty!" Caleb Greene called out to him. "What's Ellen doin in the nigger part of town?" Ty ignored the question. He had no use for Caleb who seemed to delight in causing trouble. He knew that Ellen went down there sometimes to do charity work, but it wasn't Caleb's business. Every day Caleb asked the same question except for one day, he added something. "I heard that your missus goes down there to see a Negro... what's the problem? You can't..." That was all Caleb got out before Ty had him pinned against the wall. "Shut your fucking mouth! You don't know what you're talking about!" Ty screamed into the man's face. It had taken three men to pull Ty off Caleb who had dropped to the floor gasping for breath. As the weeks passed, there was more talk about Ellen and the unknown Negro male. Instead of asking for an explanation, Ty tried to trap Ellen in a lie. He remembered that day as if it was yesterday. June 6, 1944. He had gone home in a mood. The whispers about Ellen and her alleged Negro lover had spread through the workplace. Part of him knew that it wasn't true, but the seeds of doubt had been planted. Whenever he asked Ellen about her day, she told him about it without hesitation. "So who's the nigger male you been seeing?" he asked her point blank. Ellen had paled slightly, but answered the question. "That would be Norman, Why do you ask?" "Are you fucking him?" Ty asked. His voice was deceptively calm as he asked the question. "What? Of course I'm not sleeping with him!" Ellen protested appalled at what Ty was suggesting. "Where would you get such an idea?" she asked. "Why haven't you mentioned him before if there's nothing going on?" Ty demanded. "You and that nigger are the talk of the damned town." "Ty, you don't...." "I don't what? Understand? Explain it to me." Ty said losing his temper. "It isn't what you think." Ellen replied trying to remain calm. She knew that Ty had a temper, but she had never experienced it before. "I'm not sleeping with Norman or anyone else with the exception being you." Ty wanted to believe her. She had never lied to him before, but there was another issue. Ellen had been seen with a black girl who was obviously mixed. People were speculating that the girl was Ellen's daughter and that the nigger was the father. He had actually made a point of going to see the girl. The resemblance was unmistakable. The girl looked to be around five years old which meant that Ellen hadn't been unfaithful, but she had fucked a black man and in his mind, that was worse than being unfaithful. "Who's the kid?" he demanded. Ellen's face went deathly white as Ty took another step toward her. Before she could say anything, Ty backhanded her sending her sprawling to the floor. Blood ran from the side of her mouth as she scooted backwards trying to get away from him. "Ty let me explain!" "There's nothing to explain." He replied. "You spread your legs for a nigger and had his brat! Did you think that I wouldn't find out?" "NO! Listen to me!" Ellen begged even as Ty began to kick her using every ounce of his considerable strength. He kicked her until he got tired. He then picked her up by her hair and began to pummel her in the face with his free fist. When he finally stopped, he dropped her to the floor, kicked her again and poured himself a glass of water. He looked Ellen as he drained the glass and frowned. He sat the glass down, stared at her for a few more seconds and walked over to her. "Get up!" he said as he kicked her foot. When she didn't move her harder and called her name. Then he realized that she wasn't breathing. He hadn't meant to kill her but there she was lying on the floor dead. "Fuck!" he hissed. He sat at the table debating what he should do. It wouldn't be long before her family began to wonder about her. But first, he had to get rid of the body before anyone showed up. He ran down to the cellar, grabbed a tarp and some twine and sprinted back up the stairs. As quickly as he could, he wrapped Ellen's body in the tarp, tied the tarp with twine and laid it against the wall. When it was dark enough, he carried the bundle to the car and unceremoniously dumped it into the back seat. He drove far out of town, past the last farm and parked just outside of the dense woods. After dimming the lights of the car, he got out, grabbed hold of the tarp holding Ellen's body and yanked it out. He looked around, hefted the bundle over his shoulder and walked deep into the woods. He froze when he thought he heard someone. After listening for a minute, he dropped Ellen's body to the ground and walked away. He had mixed feelings about what he had done. He felt sorrow, anger and a little remorse and wondered if maybe he shouldn't have given her a chance to explain. "Too late for that." he muttered. By the time he got home, he had come up with a story good enough to at least buy him enough time to make some decisions. He went to work the next day and tried to keep out of trouble. It wasn't to be. Caleb taunted him until once again; they had to be pulled apart. Ty wouldn't find out the truth until weeks later, but by then, it didn't matter. He had reconciled himself to the fact that he had killed the love of his life. Ironically, the truth had come from none other than Caleb. Ellen's family was still looking for her; the police had questioned him and finally let him go. The one person who hadn't left him off the hook was Ellen's brother Dean. He had been injured in the Pacific arena and had been honorably discharged. Dean had never liked Ty and didn't care who knew it including Ellen. Dean had wasted no time in finding Ty and letting him know what he thought. "I know that you did something to her. She wouldn't have left like that!" "Maybe you didn't know your sister as well as you thought you did." Ty retorted. "I happen to know that she liked dark meat." "Liked?" Dean asked. "What do you mean liked?" Ty silently cursed at the small slip, but recovered. "She isn't here is she? Let me fill you in on a few things. Your sister was fucking a nigger before I met her and she had his brat. I saw it myself." "What in the hell are you talking about?" Dean asked. "The girl..." "Melanie? What about her?" Dean asked. "You know about this?" Dean suddenly became secretive and changed the subject back to Ellen. "If I find out that you've hurt her, I'll hunt you down and kill you." The two men exchanged a few more words before Dean left. The day after the confrontation, Ty went back to work. As always, Caleb was waiting for him, but not to taunt him as usual. "We have to talk." Caleb said. "It seems that I owe you an apology." Ty didn't want to hear anything that Caleb had to say, but the man had been insistent. He hounded Ty until he gave in. "What do you want?" Ty snapped. Caleb hesitated, looked around to see if anyone was within earshot; and began to tell Ty what he knew. "That kid wasn't hers. It belongs to her brother Dean. She was helping the girl's mother while Dean was away." "How do you know?" Ty asked as a sickening feeling settled in his stomach. The sickening feeling gave way to full blown nausea as Ty listened to Caleb talk. "I heard it from Darlene Miller. She was engaged to Dean, but broke it off when she caught him with Carolyn Percy; the girl's mother. She forgave him, but he was caught again. Dean finally admitted to Darlene that he was in love with Carolyn and that he was going to take her north." "Why did she tell you this?" Ty asked. "Let's just call it pillow talk and leave it at that." Caleb replied. "Anyway, the war started and Dean enlisted. It interrupted his plans to take Carolyn away. By this time, Carolyn is knocked up with his kid. He asked Ellen to help Carolyn with the baby until he got back." "How does Darlene know this?" Ty asked. "She watched, listened and remained friends with the family. Especially Ellen. They were friends before Dean and she became an item. Ellen knew how she felt about the Negroes but thought that their friendship would supersede the politics between them. Ty, Ellen didn't sleep with that black man. The man is the kid's uncle." Ty was speechless. He had killed his wife for nothing and it was Caleb's fault. Just as he raised his hands to grab Caleb, someone walked in saving Caleb's life. The rest of the shift passed in a blur as Ty tried to deal with what he had done. It was time to leave South Carolina before Dean made good on his threat. He left work, went home, packed and walked away leaving the house unlocked. 8888888 He found it hard to believe that a mere two years had passed since he killed Ellen. After he left South Carolina, he became involved in a variety of illegal activities including armed robbery. It was in prison that he met Lawrence and became a loyal follower. In retrospect, he realized that he should have left and come back another time. There had been no rush to kill anyone. Once again he wondered what he could offer the agents that captured him. He decided to tell them everything in exchange for being sent to a minimum security prison. ********* Patricia sat in the back yard of Hiroshi and Dai's home enjoying the fresh air and longing for home. There was only one thing that she wanted more than going home and that was for the issue with Andrew Kelly to be resolved. She understood what Kenji was saying and even agreed, but she didn't want him to be the one in harm's way. They had talked of little else since he decided to return to school with an agent posing as a med student. She still tried to talk him out of it even though she knew that it was pointless. His mind was made up. The agent who was going to accompany Kenji and Joel had already come to the house and introduced himself. "My name is Peter Frain. I'll be attending classes with you and Joel until we apprehend Andrew Kelly." "I don't mean to be rude." Patricia said, "But these are medical students, won't you stick out?" "That's a good question." Peter said not in the least bit put out. "I am a medical student that got a little sidetracked by the war. I'll actually be getting college credit for doing this. I want you to know that the safety of your husband and Joel is my first priority." Patricia did have to admit that she felt a little better after meeting the agent, but she was still afraid. She wondered how things were going as far as capturing the man who had been watching Will and Nick. She worried for all of them, but especially her father. He wasn't as young as he used to be and in Patricia's opinion, he sometimes forgot that not so insignificant fact. Neither her or her mother had tried to talk him out of it; he wouldn't have listened and would have gone anyway. She closed her eyes and listened to the sounds of the night and wished for more peaceful times. In her mind, she, Kenji and the children were in another place and time where they could be exactly what they were. A family that deeply cared for and loved each other without worrying about being in danger. She was so deep in her thoughts that she didn't hear Kenji come into the yard. She didn't know he was there until he touched her. ******** Kenji finished reading to Ralph and Marie and went in search of Patricia. He knew that she was afraid, but he couldn't back away from this. If he did, Andrew Kelly would always remain a threat. He knew that there would be others, but Andrew was the only one who had openly dared to threaten his family. He was glad that Peter had stopped by; it made all of them feel better. Peter planned to stop by the following day to go over plans for class. "I want Patricia and Penny here as well." He said. "I want them to hear the plans. It may put them at ease and they may have some ideas." Kenji stood in the doorway and watched Patricia for several minutes before going to her. She was every bit as beautiful as the day that he first saw her if not more so. Her courage and grace never ceased to amaze him even after all of this time. As he walked toward her, he decided that they wouldn't talk about Andrew Kelly. It had been a long time since they had talked about the places that they wanted to visit when they were done with school. It was something that made both of them feel better and had gotten them through some hard times. I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 11 "Kirei." He called softly as he touched her shoulder making her jump. "Have you started our trip without me?" Patricia smiled at him and moved over on the blanket so that he could sit down beside her. When he was settled, she laid her head in his lap and closed her eyes. "Where is our first destination?" Kenji asked stroking her arm. They sat outside for hours making tentative plans for their first trip together. They finally decided to take a long overdue honeymoon with the money that Ralph had left for them. Just making those plans helped Patricia more than she would have thought possible. When they finally went to bed, she felt more at peace than she had since Kenji made his decision. ********** Andrew made dinner for him and his father since his mother was at work. Even though his father was working, his mother kept her job at the diner. She no longer minded since she could quit when she wanted and she liked the extra money. Andrew was glad when she made the decision to keep her job as it allowed periods of time when he would be alone in the house. He made the meat and cheese sandwiches, cut up two apples and poured two glasses of lemonade. His father hobbled in on his crutches in just as he sat the food on the table. "Hey dad." Andrew greeted when Harlan came in. "I made some supper, it isn't much, but we won't starve." "Thanks son." Harlan said as he washed his hands at the kitchen sink. "How are things?" Andrew looked at his father trying to decide if he was being asked a trick question. "I'm good, why do you ask?" "No reason. I was just making conversation." Harlan replied as he sat at the table. Andrew didn't believe him. He knew when Harlan had something on his mind and wondered what it was. As curious as he was, he decided not to tempt fate. "I'm anxious for classes to start." Andrew said. "Three more years of med school and then I begin my residency." "We're proud of you son." Harlan said. "Any idea of where you might go?" "I would like to stay close to home, but I'll go where there's an opening." Andrew replied. What he didn't say was that unless he hauled ass and improved his grades, he wouldn't be going anywhere. Andrew had come to realize that he had to learn balance. The melting pot had consumed him to the point where his grades suffered and that couldn't be allowed to continue. He still had plans for them, but he needed to graduate too. He was slowly coming to realize that he had to be able to support himself and that if he didn't graduate, he would bring shame to his family. "I know that your mother would like it if you stayed close by, but a man's gotta make his own way. Say, whatever happened to that girl you was seeing? What was her name?" Harlan asked. "Becca." Andrew replied. "I heard that she got married and has a baby on the way." "Well, you can't win them all can you?" Harlan asked taking a bite of his sandwich. "I guess not, but you know; she wasn't the one." Andrew said. "I want a marriage like you and mom have." It was the right thing to say. Whatever Harlan wanted to talk about was forgotten as he began to reminisce about where he met Andrew's mother Evelyn. Andrew sat back and listened without interrupting. An hour later, Harlan had talked himself out and excused himself. Andrew waited until he heard the radio playing, washed up the dishes and crept past his father who had fallen asleep sitting in the recliner. The day's newspaper lay scattered on the floor by the side of the chair. Andrew stopped to pick it up so that his mother wouldn't have to, and took it to his room. It was time to start looking for a gun. ******* Isadora couldn't help but look at the dresses that Bella had helped her pick out for school. She still didn't feel comfortable with a man buying her clothes, but she couldn't deny that he was right about dressing properly. Out of sentiment and a need to remember, Isadora carefully cut the price tags from the clothes and tucked them away. One day, she was going to repay Jonah for his help. She turned away from the closet and looked at her desk which was now covered with pens, pencils, notebooks and her textbooks. On the floor, next to her desk was a box of law journals that had been sent from home. On top was a small note of encouragement from Mr. Whitman, her employer from home. "Isadora, I hope that all is going well for you. Your mother stopped by and asked that I send these to you so here they are. I wish that I could help you more and will do all that I can. I'll try to help your parents as much as I can so try not to worry about them. I also want to give you a word of encouragement. Keep your eyes on the prize. Use whatever prompted you to choose this course of study to motivate you. Isadora, you have the intelligence, the drive and the ability to succeed. If there is anything that I can do for you from this end, let Jonah know, and I'll do my best to help. I wish you the best as you begin your studies. Mr. Whitman" Isadora reread the note and put it with the tags from her clothes. She changed into her nightclothes, got into bed and immediately got up. There was one more thing that she needed to do. She went to her desk, took a sheet of paper and wrote six names on it. When she was done, she looked at the list, added two more names and put the paper in the drawer with the note from home and the tags from her new clothes. She crawled back into bed, turned onto her side and cried herself to sleep. ******** Ty sat in the brightly lit room and looked around. Charles, Nick and Briscoe sat across from him assessing him, but not speaking. They had already decided to wait and see what Ty had to offer them. They hadn't even asked him to confirm his identity. It took Ty less than an hour to start talking. At first, he tried to convince them that there had been a misunderstanding to which there was no response. "Come on guys." He said smoothly, "I meant no harm." Nick broke silence first. "You meant no harm, but your car has been seen parked in front of my house at least three times a week for several weeks. You've also been spotted at Will Mahoney's. Care to tell us why you were watching us?" "What are you going to do for me?" Ty asked. "Not a damned thing." Nick replied leaning back in his chair. Ty looked at Charles. "What about you government man? What are you willing to give me?" Charles gave Ty a cool smile. This was what he was waiting for. He planned on giving Ty the bare minimum of his requests. "That depends on what you have to say." He replied. What he didn't say was that they already had information on him and that they knew about the murder that he told his wife about. "Tell us about Lawrence Goodman." Charles said. "If I tell you what I know, I want to walk out of here a free man." Ty replied. Charles couldn't help but laugh. "You've got a sense of humor, I like that but there's no way in hell you're walking out of here. We know that you're being investigated for a murder..." "I didn't kill anyone!" Ty yelled. "We heard that you told your wife that you killed someone." Briscoe said. "Why would you tell her that if it wasn't true?" "I was just trying to keep her in line." Ty said. "I didn't think that she believed me." "Obviously she did." Briscoe said drily. "Was telling her that Lawrence Goodman was going to be living with you also a lie?" Ty thought fast. The lesser of the two evils was to go with some semblance of the truth he decided. "That was true." He said. "Mr. Goodman was going to stay with us for a short time." "From what we understand, he was going to be a long term house guest." Charles said. "I don't know if you're aware of this, but the President has a committee investigating the lynching and treatment of blacks in the south. I'm sure that you're wondering what that has to be with you so let me explain." Charles said leaning forward. "If you participated in any killings, you'll be tried for it. Don't think that you can't be convicted. Lawrence was and others will be as well. It would be in your best interest to tell us what you know." "I didn't kill anyone." Ty repeated. "Who is Ellen Percy?" Briscoe asked. "I don't know any Ellen Percy." Ty replied. His heart was hammering as he tried to stay a step ahead of his questioners. "That's odd because when we called down to South Carolina, they have record of a marriage certificate dated for 1943. According to the certificate, you were her husband. How do you explain that?" Briscoe asked. When Ty didn't answer, Briscoe continued. "It seems that your wife disappeared in the spring of 1946 and hasn't been seen since. Do you know what that means? It means that you committed polygamy... unless of course, she divorced you or she died. She wouldn't happen to be dead would she?" Ty found himself wishing that he hadn't told Becca about the murder, but what was done was done. Any thoughts that he had about keeping Lawrence's secrets were gone. It was now about self-preservation. He was also aware of something else; he couldn't serve out any term that he was given in South Carolina. If word got out that he talked, he would be dead within hours. But still he fought. "No one's found a body yet have they?" he asked. "For all you know, she could be on the other side of the planet." "Possible, but I don't think so." Briscoe replied. "I've been doing this for a long time and I know a lying son of a bitch when I see one. You my friend are a lying son of a bitch. I think that you killed your wife. What happened? Did she step out of line?" Seeing that Ty was rattled, Charles stepped in. "We know exactly who you are." He said looking directly at him. "Tyrone Morgan, felon, scam artist and white supremacist. You and the late Mr. Goodman were much more than casual acquaintances. "You were his point man. Your mission was to come out here and pave the way for Goodman. Becca Cartwright is willing to testify to everything that you told her." "A wife can't testify against her husband!" Ty exclaimed. "That's true unless she isn't your wife." Nick said. "If Ellen Percy is alive somewhere, then Becca Cartwright isn't your wife. That frees her to testify, but even if she is legally your wife, she can still testify even if it can't be admitted into a court of law. Any and all information she gives will be thoroughly checked out." Ty saw the trap closing around him and there was no way out. All he could do was try to bargain and keep Ellen out of it. "What do you want to know?" he asked. By morning, Ty had given Lawrence up. He had but one question. How had they known about the depth of his relationship with Lawrence? It had to have been someone at the prison, there could be no other explanation. "Where did your information come from?" he asked. "You don't need to know that." Nick replied. "All you need to know is that your ass is going back to prison and if there's a god, you'll be seeing your old friends again." Ty panicked. He had visions of his body being found days after he had been killed. "Don't send me back there! If they find out that I fucked up, they'll kill me. Keep me here! I'll confess to planning to kill you, the Jap, Lawrence's ex and her man. I'll do or say anything you want." "Tell me about Warden Ellis." Nick said. "I don't know much about him." Ty replied. "I was leaving as he came. I do know that he had it in for Lawrence." "Why?" Charles asked. "Did they know each other?" "I don't know to both questions." Ty replied. "Are you going to send me back?" "You're not going anywhere for the time being." Nick replied. "But the disappearance of your wife is being investigated. If she turns up dead, there's nothing that will keep you from being extradited back to South Carolina." Charles got up from the table and opened the door. "Take him to a cell and keep an eye on him. He better be here, unharmed and alive in the morning." Charles told the agent. "I want to be notified immediately if anything unusual happens and if in doubt, call me." "Yes sir." The agent replied. Charles waited until Ty was taken away before speaking. "What do we know about our source?" he asked. "Not much." Nick replied. "He said that he shared a cell with Lawrence and remembered seeing my name on a piece of paper. He also mentioned Jacob Lincoln and a promise that he made to him." "Jacob Lincoln? Is the source black?" Charles asked. "I don't think so." Nick replied. "But I can't swear to it. The information was in a letter and when he called, the call lasted long enough for him to tell me that he sent the letter. I was going to call the prison to see if I could get the names of Goodman's cell mates, but I changed my mind after thinking about it. What if Ellis found out? Let's hope that we hear from him again. We're going to need him." ******* As soon as Saul was released from prison, he made his way home. His mother and brothers and sisters were thrilled to see him. "Saul!" his mother Lucy cried when she saw him. "You're home! You didn't run away did you?" "No ma, I got out for good behavior. Are you alright?" "We're struggling but we're fine." She replied. She knew that Saul was keeping something from her, but she didn't care. He was home. Lucy warmed up leftovers from dinner and sat across from him to watch him eat. Satisfied that he really was alright and that he hadn't run away from prison, she asked for the truth. "It's like I said, I got out on good behavior. The warden said that I deserved a second chance." Saul said. "Ma... I promised a friend that I would do something for him and I need your help." Lucy gave her son a wary look before asking him what the promise was. Her eyes widened as he told her about Jacob Lincoln. "I know that you don't care for the black people, but ma, he helped me when no one else would. He taught me how to survive and to keep from being used. If you won't help me, then I'll find someone else." Lucy looked at her son with pride and fear. He was right. She didn't care for the Negroes, but it had been one who looked after him. "What do you need help with?" she asked after a long silence. It took some time to find Nick's phone number and address. Writing the letter had been more difficult than either of them had imagined. Saul wanted it to be short, but it also had to have enough information to be credible. It was Lucy who had suggested that they call when the letter was mailed. The next obstacle was finding a telephone. Finally, Saul took the bus to the next town over, found a phone, called Nick and mailed the letter. On the ride back home, he tried to convince himself that he had fulfilled his promise to Jacob. By the time he arrived home, he knew that he hadn't even begun. He took mental stock of the cash that he had left from Lawrence and then calculated how much he would need to make it to California. He would leave the bulk of it with his mother, hitchhike to California and find a job somewhere. While he traveled, he would try to plan out his future. Now that he had made a decision, Saul calmed. He was doing the right thing. ********* Becca looked at her reflection in the mirror. She rubbed her large belly as she thought about Ty. Her father had already contacted a lawyer and divorce proceedings had begun. Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine that she would be divorced and a single mother at so young an age. What amazed her was that she no longer cared about what people were saying. She also realized that the people whom she thought were friends really weren't. The only people who came to see her was her friend Susan and surprisingly, Ernie. She could tell that he no longer cared about her as he once did, but saw her as someone that he wanted to make amends and become friends with. It occurred to her that she had never apologized to him for what she did. She took the opportunity when he showed up at her parent's house one evening. She was helping her mother clean up the dinner dishes when he rang the doorbell. Initially, she thought that it was Ty, but then remembered that he was in police custody. Whoever it was, her father sounded pleased to see them. A few minutes later, she was sitting on the porch with Ernie. There was a long awkward silence as they sat on the porch swing gently rocking back and forth. Finally, Ernie spoke. "I just wanted to tell you that I'm not angry with you anymore and that I'm sorry that I hit you. I think that I was angrier at myself than you." "I'm sorry too." Becca said softly. "I was wrong about so many things including what I asked you to do. It took meeting and marrying Ty to make me see that. Can I ask a question?" Ernie hesitated and then nodded his head yes. "Did you really believe that stuff that Andrew was spouting?" Ernie looked away and then back at Becca. "I thought I did, but that's not the way my parents taught me to think. I was enthralled with the fact that Andrew's father was a real war hero and that Andrew was actually paying attention to me. You know, in a way, you helped me." Ernie said. "How did I do that?" Becca asked. "If I recall, you took a pretty bad beating." "I did, but I think that it was the best thing that could have happened to me." Ernie replied. "At first, I didn't see it that way. I was furious with you, but then I came to realize that I didn't have to do what you asked; it was ultimately my decision. I also realized something else. If I hadn't become involved with Andrew, I could have been friends with what he calls the melting pot. I did and said things to them that I will always regret and for what? So that I could fit in somewhere and Becca; it wasn't worth it. What about you? Did you believe what he was saying?" It was Becca's turn to look away, but it felt good to talk to someone who had experienced Andrew Kelly. "I guess I'm kind of like you." Becca said. "I thought that I was in love with him and that I had to agree with him. Also like you, I wasn't raised to believe the way that Andrew did although I have family that do. When I ....bribed you to harass them, I thought that it would make Andrew notice me more. I thought that he would fall in love with me. I found out how he felt about me a few nights later. I actually accused him of having feelings for Patricia Takeda and called him a coward. The thing is, he denied the coward part but didn't reply about Patricia. But you know what? I've come to the conclusion that Andrew is incapable of caring about anyone. At any rate, I'm sorry about what I did to you. It was wrong, but then so much of what I did back then was wrong." "Becca, do your parents know?" Ernie asked. "They know about everything except that. It was bad enough telling them about my reputation, and telling them about that would kill them. They moved from South Carolina to get away from the racism, they didn't want me to think that way." "I told my parents." Ernie said softly. "They were more hurt than angry, and if you ask me, the hurt and disappointment was worse than the anger. I have to admit that I felt better than I had for a long time. The next hardest thing was going to Kenji, Patricia and Joel to apologize." Becca was speechless. "I had to try to make things right. I talked to them at Milt's funeral." They talked about the service for a few minutes since Becca hadn't attended. She got another shock when Ernie told her that he suspected Andrew killed Milt. "The problem is that there's no proof. Andrew doesn't have a gun and even if he did, no one's seen it. The other problem is everyone knows that he did it and is too scared of him to say anything." "Why would he kill Milt?" Becca asked. "Control." Ernie replied. "Milt challenged Andrew's authority and called him coward. Milt and some of the others felt that Andrew was moving too slowly in dealing with what he called the melting pot." I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 11 Ernie gave Becca a rundown of the events that he thought pushed Andrew over the edge. Becca shuddered as she imagined what could have happened to her. Her parents could be mourning for her as Milt's parents still mourned him. The last part of their conversation was more pleasant. Becca talked about the baby and was eagerly anticipating its arrival. "It isn't his fault that his father is a murderer and a racist." She said touching her stomach. She hadn't thought about what she would say when the baby was old enough to ask about his father, she had time to think about that. What she did decide was that she needed to follow Ernie's example and talk to her parents. She wasn't sure that she would be able to face Kenji and Patricia any time soon, but eventually she would have to. Ernie left leaving Becca alone on the porch. A few minutes later, she went into the house to tell her parents the rest of her story. ********* Andrew perused the classifieds looking for guns. He finally decided on a forty-five because they were plentiful and the ammunition cheap. He decided to go with a private seller to lessen his chances of being recognized. As he looked through the ads, he spotted several private sellers, but they were too close to home. Whoever he bought from, they needed to be in the city or in another city. He was also hoping that the ammunition would be thrown in with the gun in order to save money. His eyes left the ads and went to under his bed. He needed to get rid of the gun that his father had given him, but he couldn't. There was no way that he could explain its disappearance if his father should ask for it. As it was, he would have to explain the missing clip. He circled a few of the ads that he felt met his criteria and slid the paper under his bed. It wouldn't do for his parents to find the ad and he didn't want to out and out lie to them unless he had to. Andrew changed into his pajamas and thought about the melting pot. "Where are you?" he muttered. He had driven by the house several times and saw no signs of activity. He hadn't physically seen them since school started and wondered what was happening. His first thought had been that another one of his group had tipped his hand, but they were all too afraid of him. He made a mental note to call everyone in the morning for a meeting. He needed to make sure that they understood that he was calling the shots. Instead of going to bed, Andrew took out his books. It was never too soon to start studying. His goal was to take Kenji's place in the next summer program. A cold smile spread across his face as he imagined Kenji and Joel dead. "Two less inferiors in the world." He muttered as he began to read the manual on surgical procedures. ********** Sunday morning, two weeks after he mailed the letter and called Nick, Saul was on his way to California. His mother begged him not to go. "What are you going to do out there?" she asked. "You don't know anybody!" "I'll be fine." He assured her. "I have an address and if no one's there I'll make do. I left you most of the money so you'll be alright if you're careful. I'll send more as I'm able." Lucy looked at Saul who looked older than his twenty-years and gave him a watery smile. "You're like your father in so many ways. You remind me of him before he started drinking. You even look like him with your dark hair and green eyes. I know that things were rough toward the end, but Saul, he loved us and he would be proud of you." Saul knew better but didn't dispute it. His father had been filled with disappointment, anger and hate by the time he died. He also knew that his father would have been far from proud of him. He didn't say any of these things to his mother. If it helped her to cope with what happened and his leaving then so be it. After eating a hearty breakfast with his brother and sisters, Saul started out. He took the bus to the nearest city and began looking for rides heading west. What surprised him was he wasn't afraid but excited. He had always wondered what was beyond the boundaries of South Carolina and now he was about to find out. After he got off the bus, he went to the train station to look at the fares. He could spend the money and be in California in four days or he could go with his original plan of hitchhiking which could take him considerably longer. He alternated between buying the ticket and not buying the ticket. Three hours later, Saul was on the first train leaving for Los Angeles, California. ******* Peter was at Hiroshi's house early Sunday afternoon. He sat at the kitchen table with Joel, Penny, Kenji and Patricia and attempted to ease Penny and Patricia's mind. "I won't let them out of my sight and there will be a second agent in the class as well. From what understand, the class is large enough that no one will notice and if they did, they would assume that he's another student." "What is his name?" Kenji asked. "Trevor Edison." Peter replied. "You'll meet him in the morning. He'll be sitting toward the back of the classroom by the door. I'll be sitting in the row across from Andrew Kelly. We need to be there early so that we can be in place. Kenji and Joel, I can't stress how important it is that you follow the plan. You can't go off half --cocked and you have to stay within our sight. If you notice anything, you tell us and don't take care of it yourself. You are not to go anywhere alone; we can't protect you if you do. Are there any questions or concerns?" "How long are you going to do this?" Penny asked. "For as long as it takes." Peter replied. "Of course we want this resolved sooner than later, but we won't leave you high and dry." "I do not think that you fully understand who we are dealing with." Kenji said softly. "Andrew while impulsive is perceptive. It is my belief that he will wait until he thinks our guard is down. If he does anything, it won't be for several weeks." "Understood." Peter said. "Let's hope that he screws up before then." After Peter left, Penny and Joel went to relieve Hiroshi and Dai of their childcare duties. Kenji and Patricia sat at the table holding hands, neither of the speaking. They had been talking with Ralph and Marie about Kenji going back to school and of the two, only Ralph seemed concerned. They were going to talk with them again after they had their nap. "Kenji, I'm scared." Patricia said softly. "I know and understand what you want to do, but what if Andrew gets past them? What happens if you or Joel gets hurt?" Kenji didn't know how to reassure her and telling her not to worry was out of the question. The only thing that he thought would help was to promise her that he would follow the plan. "Kirei, I promise not to put myself or Joel in harm's way. I anticipate being home for dinner tomorrow night and every night after that. I am not going to tell you not to worry or not to be frightened, it would be pointless and it would only increase your fear. If it is possible I will try to call you to let you know all is well." Patricia relaxed slightly. It wasn't a great solution, but it was better than nothing. "I'm not the only one who's scared." She said. "Ralph is scared too. He's trying not to show it, but I see it every time he looks at you." "I know Kirei. I see it too." Kenji replied. "I plan to spend extra time with him this afternoon." Kenji stood up still holding Patricia's hand. He pulled her up out of her chair and led her toward the stairs. "I asked Joel and Penny to watch the children so that we could have a little alone time." he said. "After this is over, Abby and your parents have agreed to keep the children for a few days so that we can go away. But for now, this will have to do." Patricia allowed herself to be led to the room that she and Kenji shared with Ralph and Marie. They were barely in the room when Kenji pulled her into his arms and kissed her while unzipping her skirt. Their lovemaking had almost always been slow and deliberate unless one or both of them was afraid as was the case now. Kenji backed Patricia up to the bed, pushed her back and took off her panties. Part of him wanted to bypass the diaphragm insertion and take his chances, but the practical part of him won out. It wouldn't be right or fair to Patricia if a pregnancy resulted from the one time he decided to throw caution to the wind. Patricia cried out as Kenji kissed her pulsing clit and then slid two slender fingers inside of her. She reached under her pillow, grabbed the small box containing the diaphragm and handed it to Kenji. He took it in his free hand, removed his fingers from inside of her and opened it. Without speaking, he spread her vaginal lips wider and slipped the device in. After he was satisfied that it was in place, he stood up and took off his slacks. His cock was fully erect and already had a drop of clear liquid on its tip. Kenji took his cock in his hand and rubbed it up and down Patricia's slit several times before easing it inside of her. Patricia wrapped her legs around his hips and met each thrust with one of her own. It wasn't long before the rhythm set by Kenji was lost and he was emptying inside of her as she came. Afterwards, they lay on top of the bed holding each other. As they lay there, Patricia tried to get control over her fear. She reminded herself that this was the man she had married. This was the man who defied his family and their beliefs to be with her. This was a man who had stepped up in defense of a man that he didn't know and that man was now their friend. She reminded herself that what Kenji was going to do was nothing out of the ordinary as far as he was concerned. Slowly, some of her fear was replaced by an intense pride. She snuggled closer, kissed him and closed her eyes. ******* Ralph kept looking toward the stairs. He knew that his papa wanted to talk to him, and it wasn't because he was in trouble. He knew that whatever it was, it was something scary. He could tell by the way his parents looked at each other. He also could tell by the way they touched each other. His papa always touched his mama's face when she was scared. Ralph was so preoccupied that he missed most of the story that Penny was reading to him and Marie. Finally, after what seemed to be hours, he heard his parents coming down the stairs. Not wanting to be rude, he waited until the story was over before going to look for his parents. "Ralph." Kenji said when he found them. "I was just coming for you. Come with us." Ralph followed them to Hiroshi's study and climbed up into Patricia's lap. Normally, he would have gotten into Kenji's lap, but he sensed that Patricia needed him more. "Ralph, as you know, I am returning to school tomorrow. I want to try to explain to you what is happening." Ralph listened intently as Kenji explained in terms that he could understand what was happening. "Is it the man from the car?" he asked when Kenji was finished. "Yes Ralph, it is." Kenji replied. "We will not be safe until he is taken away." "Is he why we can't go home?" "Yes." "I don't understand, why does he hate us?" Ralph asked. "Sometimes people hate those who are different." Patricia said. "Why?" Ralph asked confused. "There is no simple answer to that question." Kenji replied. "Sometimes, people are taught to hate. Sometimes, it is because people don't want to learn about those who are different." Ralph considered Kenji's explanation and then asked another question. "Does the man hate you because you are Japanese?" "That is the easy explanation." Kenji replied. "Does he hate mama too?" "This man hates anyone who is not like him or who does not believe as he does." Kenji replied. "I promise you that he will not hurt you, or anyone else in this family." "But he can hurt you." Ralph said softly. A tear ran down his cheek as he looked at Kenji. "Come to me." Kenji said gently as he held his arms open to Ralph. When Ralph was in his lap, Kenji kissed his head taking note that it was past time for a haircut. "Ralph, part of my job as your father is to do whatever I have to so that you, Marie and your mother will be safe. Yes the man can hurt me, but I promise to try to remain safe. I will give you the same promise that I gave your mother. I give you my word that I will do everything possible to be home for dinner not just tonight, but every night. I would also ask something from you." "Yes papa." "I would ask that you take care of your mother and sister while I am away. Will you do this for me?" Kenji asked. "Yes papa, but please come home." Kenji held Ralph tight, kissed his head and told him that he loved him. "I love you too." Ralph replied as he hugged Kenji back. He slid from Kenji's lap and went over to Patricia. He hugged her and kissed her cheek. "I love you mama." Patricia wiped away a tear, hugged and then kissed Ralph before sending him on his way. "You'd better come home to us." She told Kenji as she wiped away another tear. ********** Isadora was so excited that she couldn't sleep. The first day of class was quickly approaching. Jonah had already checked with her several times earlier in the day. "I know that you're excited, but try to get a good night's rest. Remember, if you have any problems, call me and I'll take care of it. I'll check with you tomorrow evening." Since the last phone call Isadora had packed and repacked her bag for school no less than six times and was working on a seventh when there was a tap on the door. Bella peeked in and smiled. "Too excited to sleep?" Isadora grinned at her. "I can't believe that this is really happening! I've dreamt about this, but I never expected it to happen." She said. "I understand." Bella said as she walked into the room. "Mind if I sit?" "I would love company." Isadora replied. "Lenny says that you want to be a lawyer." She said, "Why that as opposed to a teacher or a doctor?" "I like studying the law and figuring out how they could be different. When I say that, I mean I want to know how to make the law work the same way for the white man as it does the black man." Isadora replied. "You're planning to take on the Klan aren't you?" Bella asked quietly. Isadora didn't say anything at first, but when she did; she spoke with conviction. "Those animals have gotten away with rape, murder, intimidation and torture. It's long past time that they start answering for it. Our people have been imprisoned for trying to feed our families and for something as stupid as not looking down when being spoken to by a white man. It isn't right and it needs to stop. Don't say that it isn't possible or that it will be hard. I know that it will be hard, but I also know that it's possible. You, Lenny and others have decided to help our people by educating them. Others are and will become doctors, nurses and a variety of other professions, but we need legal representation so that we can pursue our dreams without fear of reprisal and prejudice." As Bella listened to Isadora talk, she could see her standing before the Supreme Court and presenting a case before them. Jonah she realized had been right on the money with Isadora. This girl was going to make a difference. "I think that you're going to be an excellent attorney." Bella said meaning it. "I also wanted to let you know that if you need someone to talk to, I'm here." Isadora hesitated. She wasn't sure of what to make of the offer. She had friends at home, but they had never really talked about deeply personal things. "I also want to tell you something, I don't know what happened to you although I have my suspicions. I want to tell you that you aren't the only one who's been hurt. If the pain gets too much for you, come to me and we'll work through it together." Isadora stared at Bella. Had she been that transparent? She had told no one about that day and what she had to do as a result of it. It was her fuel. Whenever she was tempted to give up, she would draw her strength from it. She would share one day, but not until she was ready to let go of the anger. "Thank you. I'll keep that in mind." Isadora said. "I'm curious about you though. I know that you and Lenny came from Arkansas, but what were you doing there?" A look of sadness crossed Bella's face and was gone before Isadora saw it. "There isn't much to tell." Bella said with a small smile. "Lenny and I were struggling to survive. We already had one child and I lost another. I could read and write a little, but Lenny was completely illiterate. Both sets of our parents were gone and many of our other family members moved north. They wanted us to go, but we didn't have the money and they couldn't help us so we stayed." Isadora watched Bella as she talked. She could see the pain in her dark eyes but didn't comment on it. "Anyway, things weren't going well. The crops were failing and we owed money. Winter was coming and we were going to starve. One day, I was out hanging wash and a car pulls up. A tall, handsome black man gets out of the car and asked for directions. That stop changed our lives. That man was Mr. Jackson. He ended up sharing our dinner with us and asking the same question that I'm sure he asked you. What would you be if you could be anything? Both of us said teachers. The next morning, he was gone but was back before lunch. Pack up your things; you're going with me he said. Can you imagine what we thought?" Bella asked laughing. "Probably the same thing I did." Isadora replied laughing as she remembered how suspicious she was of Lenny when he met her at the train. "We told him that we couldn't leave because we owed money and we didn't know anyone in California. The money is no longer a problem and you do know someone; me he said. He went on to say that was offering us a chance to become more than what we were and that he was giving us a chance to help our people prosper. As you can see, we took him up on his offer." "So Lenny is teaching and you stay home." Isadora commented. "I'll start tutoring in a few weeks and I keep busy with the children. My other role is helping those that stays with us adjust to their surroundings and to be a listening ear." The two women talked for several more minutes before Bella took her leave. "You'd better get some rest; I'll see you at breakfast." After Bella left, Isadora lay on the bed and closed her eyes. Her journey was just beginning. ********* Andrew was up early. The scent of cooking food made his stomach rumble. He looked in his procedures book to make sure that the classifieds were still there and ran down the stairs. For as long as he had been in school, his mother always made him a first day of school breakfast. She was just putting the hotcakes on his plate when he got to the kitchen and his father was pouring the coffee. A platter of bacon sat on the table waiting to be devoured. "Thanks mom, it looks great." Andrew said kissing her cheek. "You're welcome Dr. Kelly." "I'm not a doctor yet." Andrew replied. "But you will be." His father replied patting him on the shoulder. For just the briefest of moments, Andrew questioned himself, but when he saw his father's missing limb; he was more determined than ever to rid the world of one more Jap. Killing Kenji would accomplish one more thing; his leadership would no longer be questioned. "I won't be home for dinner." Andrew said as he forked the last piece of pancake into his mouth. "I'm meeting up with some friends, but I won't be too late." Andrew could tell that his father wanted to ask about who he was meeting so he offered false information. "You remember Ernie don't you?" he asked. "Oh sure! Nice kid." Harlan replied falsely relieved. "Look at the time!" Andrew said getting up from the table. I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 11 After Andrew left, his mother looked at Harlan. "He's fine." Harlan assured her. However, she wasn't convinced. ******** Patricia was quiet as Kenji got ready for school. She had tried to keep him in bed with her, but it hadn't worked. He held her, kissed her and got out of bed. "I will be fine." He assured her. Patricia steeled her nerves just as she had done when Kenji boarded the bus to go to the camp. While Kenji showered, she went downstairs to start breakfast only to find that Penny had beaten her to it. They looked at each other and smiled nervously. It was going to be a long day for both them. Joel and Kenji walked into the kitchen at the same time. Each man went to his woman and hugged her without speaking. They both knew that there was no point in trying to ease their minds. They had tried and failed. The only way both women would relax was when at the end of the day, they were home safe. Breakfast was quiet except for the happy chatter of Marie who seemed unaware of the anxiety that hung in the air. When it was time to leave, Kenji picked Marie up, hugged and then kissed her cheek. "I love you pretty one, be good for your mama." Next, he took Ralph aside and hugged him. "Take care of your mother and sister. I will be home this afternoon. I know that you are frightened, and I understand, but try not to be." "Papa, are you scared?" "A little." Kenji confessed. "There is no shame in being afraid. The shame comes when you allow fear to keep you from doing what you know to be right. Later, we will talk about it, but now I need to go. You are a good son and I love you." Ralph watched Kenji leave and wiped away a tear. He was proud of his family, especially of his father. Unconsciously, in the back of his mind, he had already decided what kind of man that he wanted to be. He went back to the kitchen just as Kenji and Joel left through the kitchen. Quietly, he walked over to Patricia and took her much larger hand in his small one. They stood together for several minutes before the sound of Marie crying prompted them to move. Patricia whispered a silent prayer for Kenji and Joel's safety as she went to see what the ruckus was about. She found Penny trying to soothe the little girl, but Penny was crying almost as hard as Marie was. Patricia walked over to them, sat on the floor and hugged both of them. In a way, it was a blessing. Patricia was able to forget her own fear and concentrate on caring for Penny, Marie and Ralph. Later, when Ralph and Marie were playing; the two women had a chance to talk. "How did you do it?" Penny asked. "How did you deal with the fear when Kenji was at the camp?" "It wasn't easy." Patricia replied. "There were plenty of nights when I cried myself to sleep." "Patricia, I'm scared." Penny said. "So am I." Patricia confessed, "What we need to do is to keep busy. What's Joel's favorite cookie?" ******* Kenji and Joel arrived at school twenty minutes before class. Peter and the other agent, Trevor Edison was already in place. Both agents nodded at them, but didn't speak. Joel and Kenji sat in their usual seats and prepared for class. When Andrew and his friends came in, they didn't react. Kenji heard Andrew talking to Peter, but couldn't hear what was being said. He heard Peter say that he would be glad to meet up with him later. Kenji frowned, that wasn't a part of the plan. Unfortunately, he wouldn't be able to talk to Peter until later. He turned his attention to the front of the room and partially blocked Andrew out. He took meticulous notes planning to put them away for Patricia to use when she was ready. Thinking about her made his heart hurt. He knew that she had been more frightened than she let on, but he also knew that she wouldn't let the fear control her. She would find some way of coping with it as she always did. He imagined that at that very moment, she was comforting Penny who had never experienced real fear before. He looked at the clock and wondered if he had enough time to call home between classes. It would be close, but then Ralph and Marie would want to talk to him and Penny would want to talk to Joel. Lunch time was a better option he decided. Finally, the two hour class was over. As he and Joel gathered their books, the nape of Kenji's neck prickled. He paused, slowly turned around and looked directly into the cold blue eyes of Andrew Kelly. He didn't flinch as he stared back and then nodded. He stared until Andrew looked away under the pretense of answering a question. Kenji stared after Andrew long after he turned away. He tried to think of what Andrew reminded him of. Finally, it came to him. A snake and a chameleon. Andrew would be whatever he needed to be until he deemed the time to be right. And then he would strike. ******** Andrew paused when he saw Kenji and Joel sitting at their desks. He was beginning to think that they weren't coming back, but there they sat; just as self-assured as ever. He did have to admire them though. They knew that they were going to die, but they showed up anyway. He looked to the left and saw an unfamiliar face and wondered what his politics were. There was only one way to find out he decided. He walked over to Peter and introduced himself. "Hello, I'm Andrew Kelley." He said extending his hand. "Peter Benjamin." Peter replied taking Andrew's hand. "You're starting kind of late aren't you?" Andrew asked. "Yes, I just moved from Sacramento last week. I had some business to finish up after discharge." "You served?" Andrew asked. "Sure did... unfortunately, the fighting was all but over by the time I was discharged." Peter replied. "What theater? Europe or the Pacific?" "Pacific." Peter replied. "I was hoping to kill a few of the yellow bastards, but they dropped the bombs before I got my chance." "Listen, I would like to talk to you some more, are you free after classes?" Andrew asked eagerly. "I have no place to be." Peter replied. Peter watched Andrew walk away. "Sick son of a bitch." Peter muttered under his breath as he opened the textbook. After the class was over, Peter stopped and verified that he and Andrew were going to meet. "Do you know where the 'Empire Diner' is?" Andrew asked. "I sure do! They make a meatloaf that put's my mother's to shame." Peter replied. Andrew laughed. "My mother makes their meatloaf, I'll be sure to tell her that. Classes are over at three... I'll meet you over there at three-thirty. Oh, do you need a ride?" "Three-thirty is perfect and no thanks to the ride, I have my own car." After Peter was gone, Andrew stared at the back of Kenji's head imagining it to be a bull's-eye. He almost jumped when Kenji turned around and looked at him. It was almost as if Kenji knew what he was thinking. Andrew forced himself to meet Kenji's stare. Anger rose when Kenji didn't look away, but nodded at him. Andrew was about to turn away when someone asked him a question. Before the week was over, he decided; "I'm going to have a gun." ******** The rest of the day passed quietly. Andrew, Kenji and Joel had yet to speak. Kenji and Joel spoke to Patricia and the children twice with the last time letting them know that they were on the way home. When they got to the car, Kenji circled around it to check the tires. It was a habit that he kept ever since their car had been vandalized the year before. Next, they inspected the inside of the car looking for any nasty surprises. Satisfied, they got in the car and began the drive home. "What's Peter up to?" Joel asked. "He isn't supposed to interact with Andrew is he?" "No." Kenji replied. "But I understand what he is thinking. He wants to get close to Andrew in the hopes of finding out what he is planning." Joel didn't like it and said so. "What happens if Andrew finds out that he works for the government?" "He will kill him." Kenji said softly. "What are we going to do?" Joel asked. "This may be a part of his job." Kenji replied. "We do nothing until we talk to him." ******** They weren't even out of the car when they were mobbed by seven anxious people. Hiroshi and Dai were just as anxious as the rest of them. He had come home from work early unable to concentrate. He listened to each and every phone call making Patricia repeat what Kenji said until he was satisfied that all was well. He and Ralph both jumped up every time they heard a car go by. "Will you two stop it?" Patricia said. "They only left ten minutes ago. Ralph, why don't you read to Marie?" Hiroshi looked at Patricia and once again realized how wrong he had been about her. Even in her fear, she was strong. He could see the strength and determination of both parents in his grandchildren. He had the feeling that they were going to need it. While he waited for Kenji to come home, he went to the back yard and picked a few lemons from off the ground to make lemonade for Ralph and Marie. As he picked the fruit, he realized that he hadn't told Kenji just how proud he truly was of him. Hiroshi stood back and waited while everyone else greeted Kenji and Joel as if they were long lost war heroes. Once the crowd cleared, Hiroshi pulled Kenji aside. "I wanted to tell you that I am very proud of you. I once questioned your integrity and your honor and for that I apologize. You have brought much honor to our family and for that I thank you. I know that I have apologized to Patricia and I have accepted her as my daughter, but I want to tell you that I am also proud of her. You were right to defy me and our customs for her." "I... Thank you father." Kenji said softly. "I must admit that when I called you for help, I was not certain that I would receive it. I also confess that there was a part of me that was not completely convinced that you had changed. Our time here as proven that you have. Thank you for allowing all of us to stay in your home." For the first time since Kenji arrived to the United States, Hiroshi hugged him. At first, Kenji stiffened and then relaxed returning the hug. Dai and Patricia watched through the window and smiled at each other. "They will be fine now." Dai said placing her hand in Patricia's. ********* "Your orders were to protect Kenji and Joel!" Nick roared when Peter told him and Charles about the pending meeting with Andrew. "I understand, but the opportunity presented itself." Peter replied. "Maybe we can kill two birds with one stone." He added. "Nick, hold on a minute." Charles said before Nick could respond. "I think he's right. What better way to protect them than by being in the inner circle? And maybe he can at least find out if Kelly has a gun. If he does then we can search his home." "What about Kenji and Joel?" Nick asked. "It would look suspicious if another student joined the class." "There's another agent in the class." Charles replied. "He can take over for Peter." "Do you understand that if Kelly finds out who you are, he'll try to kill you?" Nick asked. "I know, but he isn't going to find out. I know how his mind works." Peter said. "He's narcissistic and impulsive. The impulsiveness is what makes him so dangerous. He's also very much into control. I saw that today when he and Kenji had a staring contest that they didn't know I saw. The very things that make him so dangerous are the things that we'll use to catch him." "You know this from one meeting?" Nick asked. "That and from what Kenji and Joel told me. Look, I've got to get going, is this thing a go?" Peter asked. "Keep us posted." Charles replied. ******** Andrew looked at the clock above the diner counter and frowned. It was three-thirty five and his potential recruit was late. At three-forty, Peter slid into the booth profusely apologizing. "I'm sorry. I had to make a quick stop that took longer than I planned." Andrew bit back a reprimand; the man hadn't agreed to join the group yet. "No problem, my mother is working so meatloaf is on the menu." After they ordered, Andrew began to question Peter. "Where are you from originally? I hear an accent." "I was born in the mid-west; we lived there until I was fifteen." Peter replied telling the truth. "My parents had a farm out there." "Had?" Andrew asked. "It got to be too much for them and I had no interest in farming so they sold it and moved to Florida. I lived there until I joined up." "But you said that you had business in Sacramento." Andrew countered. "I did and it's personal." Peter replied his tone cool. He noticed that Andrew blinked and his lips thinned at his tone confirming that he had control issues. He softened his tone and continued. "I'm sorry; it's just something that's going on between my girl and me." "I understand." Andrew replied. They stopped talking when their meals were brought to the table and didn't continue until the waitress was gone. The longer Peter listened to Andrew talk, the more convinced he became that he had indeed committed at least one murder and was planning another. He had to find out if Andrew had a gun. By the end of dinner, Andrew was convinced that he had a new recruit and Peter was convinced that in a few days, Andrew would be in custody. They agreed to meet again, but this time at Andrew's house. "Mom will want to meet the man who likes her meatloaf better than he does his mother's." "She won't mind?" Peter asked. He was in fact very interested in meeting the people who bore and raised Andrew. "Not at all, you can meet my dad. I told you that he was a war hero didn't I?" "Yes you did and it would be an honor to meet him." Peter replied. Andrew paid the bill, picked up the sack containing dinner for his father and waved at Peter. He had just decided that Peter Benjamin, newly discharged Air Force officer was going to be his second in command. ********** Peter sat at the booth for a few minutes to give Andrew time to get to his car and drive off. When he left, he looked around for Andrew's car, got into his own car and drove back to the office. "Well?" Charles asked. "'He's nuts." Peter said sitting down. "Where's Nick?" "He had to be in court. What did you find out?" "It's like I said." Peter replied. "He's a control freak and narcissistic. I'll tell you something else, he's our shooter. I can feel it in my gut. We've got to find out if he has a gun or not." "How do you propose to do that?" Charles asked. "You can't just ask him." "No, but I can ask his father. I'm going to Andrew's house for dinner tomorrow night. Andrew is anxious for me to meet his father who according to Andrew is a war hero. I'm also military so it wouldn't be out of line to discuss firearms." "Alright and just so you know, Andrew's father is a bona fide war hero. He lost a limb saving several men from his platoon. Just watch your back and keep me posted." After he left the office, Peter drove to Hiroshi's house. He hated to intrude, but he had to tell them about the change in plan. ******** "I'll get it!" Penny called out when the doorbell rang. She opened the door and was surprised to see Peter standing there. "Is everything alright?" she asked. "It's fine, I just need to talk to all of you for a moment. Is this a good time?" "We were just making dinner, but come in. Everyone is in the kitchen." The chatter stopped when Penny entered the kitchen followed by Peter. "What happened?" Patricia asked hoping that it would be good news. Peter quickly explained the change in plan and then told them about his meeting with Andrew. "Peter, do you understand how dangerous he is?" Kenji asked. "Yes I know, but this is the only way to end this quickly. Kenji, he hates you with a passion that I've never seen before. Joel is no longer of any real consequence to him. It's you that he wants. I'm not even sure that his agenda is white supremacy anymore. I think that it's more about control and today when you stared him down, you threatened that control." "What are you saying?" Patricia asked. "I'm saying that if we don't take him into custody soon, he may make an attempt on Kenji's life at school. If he does, it will be a purely impulsive move. You scare him, but yet he admires you. He also sees you as a representative for all Japanese; didn't his father lose his leg fighting the Japanese? Add to that, you're at the top of the class. You're self-assured and confident and.... Don't take this wrong, you live in a nicer neighborhood and house than many whites. Do you see what I'm saying?" "What are you going to do?" Hiroshi asked. "I'm going to his house for dinner tomorrow night. Pray that I find out that he has a gun because if I do, this thing could end tomorrow night." Peter replied. "What about the rest of them?" Patricia asked. "Most of them will back away." Kenji replied. "The others will either start or find new groups. This is what I meant when I said that there will always be people like Andrew Kelly in the world. To hide from them gives them power." No one said anything because they knew that he was right. They all felt a measure of relief knowing that they could be done with Andrew Kelly by the next evening. Peter left a few minutes later politely declining the offer of dinner but accepting for another time. There was a hopeful silence as dinner preparations began again. All of them said their own prayer that Peter would be safe and that he would find what he was looking for. ******** Andrew drove home, ran into the house with his father's dinner and set it on the table. He wrote a quick note and ran out of the house again. Once in the car, he drove off. He didn't want to run into his father. He pulled into the first parking lot he saw and pulled out the classifieds that he had saved from the night before. He quickly skimmed the ads that he had circled and began a process of elimination. Finally, he decided on a private seller who lived several blocks to the north of the school. Andrew found a payphone and called the number listed in the ad. "Hello." A gruff voice said after answering on the third ring. Andrew explained why he was calling hoping that the man still had the gun. "I still have it." He said. "Do you have a place where I can shoot it?" Andrew asked. "Not here, but there's a place not far from here if you want to test it out." The man replied more pleasant because he had a buyer. "When do you want to come?" Twenty minutes later, Andrew was sitting in the man's living room sipping on a glass of water while the man showed him how to clean and load the gun. "You aren't planning to shoot anybody are you?" the man asked. "No sir, it's a gift for my father." Andrew replied with a smile. "It's a good choice. The man said. "I wish that I could keep it, but I need the money." Andrew could have cared less about why the man as selling the gun. He wanted to test it and then take it home. "I'm sorry to hear that." Andrew said. "So a forty-five is a good gun?" "One of the best." the man replied. "Let me get my keys and I'll drive you to the spot where you can fire it." An hour later, Andrew was driving home with his new purchase imagining it pressed against the back of Kenji's head. ********* Isadora's first day of class was everything she had imagined and hoped it would be. She sat in the front row not wanting to miss a word of what was being said and took notes good enough to rival Kenji's. It didn't matter that she was starting a week later than the others, she would catch up. The one thing that she noticed was that no one seemed to pay any attention to the fact that there was a black woman in class. No one spoke to her, but no one bothered her either. Even the professor treated her with respect. "Miss Hughes, since you're a week behind, I've asked Miss Sullivan to work with you to help you get caught up. I'll leave it to you to set up a time to meet. Miss Sullivan, please raise your hand so that Miss Hughes knows who you are." I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 11 Isadora turned to see a short, stocky woman with the reddest hair and bluest eyes she had ever seen smiling at her. Isadora couldn't help but smile back at her. The woman nodded at her and put her hand down. At the end of class, the woman approached her. "Hello, my name is Maeve; it's nice to meet you." "I'm Isadora; thank you for helping me." "I'm happy to do it; we girls have to stick together." Maeve replied. "I have another class and then I'm free for about an hour, what about you?" Isadora looked at her schedule. "I'm free too, where do you want to meet?" "How about here?" Maeve asked. ******** As Isadora waited for Lenny to pick her up from school, she was filled with a sense of accomplishment. She had just completed her first day of college. It was a day that she would never forget. As soon as she got home, she spoke to Bella and the children and sequestered herself in her room until it was time for dinner. After dinner she helped Bella with the dishes and went back to her room to finish the work that she had missed the previous week. Fortunately, it was an essay on whatever topic she chose and some reading; nothing too difficult. She tackled the essay first choosing to write about the observations that she made on the trip to California. She was surprised that the essay was much longer than the required two pages and hoped that she would be allowed to keep it. It dawned on her that she was accumulating things and that she needed a box in which to keep them. She made a mental note to ask Lenny or Bella for a box in the morning. Finally finished with her reading, Isadora wrote a letter to her family. "Dear mama and daddy, As you know, I am here safe and sound. The people that I am staying with have been very nice to me and have the sweetest children. Bella and her husband Lenny were found by Mr. Jackson the same way I was and are school teachers. Lenny teaches while Bella tutors and helps those of us Mr. Jackson brings here. I finished my first day of college today and it was wonderful! I think that I even made a friend. It's so different here. No one has called me names or mistreated me in any way. I know and understand that there are those who will, but I haven't met them yet. I miss you all and will write again soon. I love you, Izzy." She put the letter in an envelope, sealed and then addressed it. She laid it next to her books so that it would be mailed in the morning. When that was done, she changed for bed. It didn't take her long to fall into a deep sleep. ********** Andrew spent the night dissembling and reassembling the gun. He couldn't put it down. When he tried, he immediately picked it up again. He left his room long enough to say goodnight to his parents so he wouldn't rouse suspicions. By the time morning came, he was exhausted; but refused to stay home from school. It would only prompt questions that he didn't want to answer. He packed his bag intending to leave the gun at home. At the last minute, he threw the gun into the bag and went to breakfast. "You alright son?" Harlan asked when he saw Andrew's haggard appearance. "I'm fine, I was up studying." Andrew replied smiling. "I want to make sure that my grades are up to par so that I can get into the accelerated summer program." "I understand, but you need your rest too." His mother said as she sat a plate of scrambled eggs and bacon in front of him. "I'll turn in early tonight, I promise." He assured her. "What time is your friend coming over?" Harlan asked. "I told him five-thirty; is that ok?" "That's fine." His mother replied. "I'm glad that you're bringing friends home again." "Me too... I'll see you later." Andrew said when he saw the questioning look in his father's eyes. Harlan watched Andrew hurry away and his sense of apprehension grew. He was beginning to think that his wife was right. Something was happening or had happened to their only child, but he just couldn't bring himself to ask any questions. ******** "Be careful." Patricia admonished as she kissed Kenji goodbye. "And don't tell me not to worry because it doesn't work." She added with a small smile. "I will." Kenji promised. "I will call you at lunch time." Patricia hugged him tighter and tried to push away the growing feeling of unease that she felt. Kenji kissed her again, hugged her and met Joel at the car. He had already spent a few minutes with the children and assured them that he would be back for dinner. Of the two children, Ralph was the one who picked up on the general feeling of anxiety. "I will return." Kenji promised him. Ralph only nodded and hugged Kenji tighter; but he couldn't bear to see him drive away. He was more frightened today than he had ever been. After Kenji was gone, Ralph went to their bedroom and prayed for his father and his friends. ******* Kenji parked the car, got out and grabbed his books. He and Joel walked to the classroom and were surprised to find Andrew already there. The two men looked at each other; but didn't speak. Andrew's eyes were filled with anger and hatred as he looked into Kenji's calm, light brown ones. "Why is there such hatred in you?" Kenji finally asked not really expecting an answer. "I do not and never have borne you any ill will." Andrew startled, he hadn't expected to be spoken to. Instead of answering, he began to reach into his bag. His fingers had just touched the butt of the gun when he heard his name called. ******** "Damn it!" Peter swore when he found one of his tires flat. He had every intention of being at the classroom early to touch base with his partner. He changed the tire as quickly as he could and sped off toward school hoping that his partner would be there or that Kenji would be late. He sped into a parking space, grabbed his books and took off at a flat out run grateful that he was in good shape. He literally ran into his partner on the way. "I thought you were going to be here early." The agent said. "So did I, come on!" Both men raced to the room dismayed to see Kenji and Andrew talking. "Fuck!" Peter swore when he saw Andrew's hand in his bag. "Andrew! Thanks for dinner last night!" he called out. He let out a sigh of relief when he saw Andrew take his hand out of the bag. Andrew turned toward Peter and smiled. "You're welcome! My parents are looking forward to meeting you tonight." Peter was impressed and startled with the way that Andrew changed gears so quickly; but didn't show it. His mind was already on how to disarm Andrew without anyone getting hurt. The class gave him two hours to figure something out. He looked over at his partner and nodded at him. The agent nodded back indicating that he understood the situation. ******** Kenji took his seat and looked forward. He had just witnessed murder in Andrew's eyes. He now knew that there would be no compromises or reasoning with him. Andrew had already made up his mind. ************* By December 1947, In Long Beach California, Howard Hughes carries out the only flight of Hughes H- Hercules seaplane, the television program Meet the Press makes its debut on NBC. The Red Scare occurs- the US House of representatives' votes 346-17 to approve citations of Contempt of Congress against the Hollywood 10. The ten men were blacklisted after they refused to co-operate with the House Un-American Activities Committee (Senator Joseph McCarthy had no direct involvement with this committee. He was the Chairman of the Parliament Subcommittee on Investigations). Palestine is partitioned between Arab and Jewish regions leading to the creation of the State of Israel. The first practical electronic transistor is demonstrated by Bardeen, Britain and Shockley of the United States ************** Thank you all for your patience as I prepared for my daughter's wedding, gallivanted across the country and dealt with some laptop issues. Thanks also to my beta reader Donalde for his time and help with the guns. I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 12 Peter kept a close eye on Andrew trying to figure out what he would do. If there weren't any other people around, he would just confront him and get it over with. As it stood, if Andrew pulled the gun and just started shooting; he would kill or maim more than just his original target. The more he thought about it, the more he realized that the best course of action was to get Kenji and Joel out of the room. He glanced back at Trevor and winked. It was the signal to be ready to move. Peter wasn't worried about Trevor not understanding. They had worked together before and understood each other. Peter looked at Kenji and Joel. Without a doubt he thought them two of the bravest men he had ever met. He had high regards for Kenji before he met him. When he heard his and Patricia's story, he had been nothing short of blown away. That he would defy custom and the sentiments of the times made Kenji a much stronger man than he was. He didn't think that he could do it, but then he hadn't met anyone that he thought worth fighting for. He admired Patricia as well. For her to have married a Japanese man when they had been labeled the enemy was nothing short of amazing. When he went to meet them, he could feel the love that they had for each other and their family. This eclectic family that was made up of whites, blacks, Japanese and Jews was closer than his family. He wondered what his family's reaction would be if he brought home a woman who was other than white. They talked the talk; but would they walk the walk? The sound of someone clearing their throat brought him out of his thoughts. He looked over at Andrew who was studiously taking notes. He glanced back at Trevor and was pleased to see that the small, but wiry agent had moved several seats over and two rows down. By the end of class, he would be much closer. The minutes ticked slowly by. The closer the end of class got, the tenser Peter became. ******** Kenji still couldn't fathom the intense hatred that Andrew had for him. In the beginning, he understood, but now the hatred that Andrew had was all consuming. He knew that Andrew had something in his bag by the way he moved his hand. He was equally as sure that it was a knife or a gun. "A gun." He murmured under his breath. He looked over at Joel hoping that he would look back at him. Finally, Joel looked at him. "You must leave." Kenji whispered. "No." Joel replied. He had already decided that he wasn't leaving under any circumstances. "Joel!" Kenji whispered urgently. Joel ignored him and continued taking notes. ******** Andrew stole glances at Kenji. If Peter had been a just a minute later, there would have been one less Jap in the world. As he thought about it, he realized that Peter had probably saved his life. Once again, he had almost acted impulsively. Had he managed to kill Kenji, he himself would be either dead or in prison on death row. He made a mental note to thank Peter when they had a moment alone. Even as he realized that he had been impulsive, Andrew's anger grew and he itched to take the gun out, aim it at Kenji's dark head and fire. He took a deep calming breath and realized that he didn't have to do it alone. He would ask Peter, his new second in command to help him. It would be a test that Andrew knew no one else in his group would pass. Considerably calmer, he turned his attention back to the lecture. The material would be included on the next exam that he had to pass as well as every exam afterwards. He looked at Kenji again and smiled before going back to taking notes. ******** Ernie sat in the back trying to make sense of the lecture. Parts of it just weren't making sense to him. He looked around the classroom trying to figure out who he knew well enough to ask for help. The student sitting next to him wasn't an option. He was already swearing as were several other people. He kept looking around until his eyes rested on the forms of Kenji and Joel. Kenji was at the top of the class and Joel wasn't too far behind. He noticed the calm way in which they listened and took notes. They were his best chance of passing this class, but would they help him? He had a choice to make. He could take a chance on try to pass the class on his own or he could increase his chances of passing by asking Kenji and Joel for help. It shouldn't have been a hard decision; but it was. There was Andrew to consider. Ernie had no problem with admitting that he was afraid of Andrew. His conviction that Andrew murdered Milt Vaughn and could kill someone else remained strong. He gave up on listening to the lecture and made up his mind to ask Kenji and Joel for help. ******** Isadora laid her essay on the podium and took her seat. She heard Maeve's voice coming from the back of the room and wondered if she would acknowledge her. To her surprise and delight, Maeve sat next to her. "Good morning!" she greeted Isadora cheerfully. "Good morning." Isadora replied with a smile happy that Maeve was sitting with her. "Did you get last week's work done? "Maeve asked as she got ready for class. "Yes thanks to you." Isadora replied. "I even got the reading done." "Are you serious?" Maeve asked. "It didn't put you to sleep?" "I'll admit that it wasn't the most interesting thing that I've ever read, but it wasn't that bad." Isadora replied. "So you say." Maeve remarked with a grin. "Are you free for lunch? We can go over our notes. I heard through the grapevine that Professor Bell likes to give pop quizzes. I don't know about you, but I study better with other people." "I would like that." Isadora replied. She had always studied alone and was interested to see what it was like to study with someone. Their conversation ended when Professor Bell walked in. Isadora saw his surprise when he saw her essay lying on the podium. She also saw his nod of approval as he sat the notebook aside. Isadora settled in her seat mentally counting the day a success. ******* Patricia and Penny tried to keep busy by helping Dai clean the house. Every time the phone rang, they both jumped and then breathed a sigh of relief when it wasn't Nick or the school. Later they would wish that it was Nick calling to tell them that the nightmare featuring Andrew Kelly was over. Penny stole looks as Patricia still unable to fathom how she had managed to keep it together when Kenji was in the camp. This was only the second day that Kenji and Joel had been at school and she was already a basket case. Patricia, realizing that Penny was looking at her looked back at her and smiled. "I'm scared too." She whispered. "But Peter and his partner are there and they won't let anything happen to them." Penny nodded, started to scrub the baseboard and stopped. "Tell me how you survived all those months not knowing if you'd ever see Kenji again." "Let's go check on the kids and get something to drink." Patricia said as she stood up and stretched. ******** Saul held his small bag of belongings in his lap and tried to sleep. At first he was excited that he was on his first trip outside of the state of South Carolina, but the further away from home he got; the more he missed it. His stomach rumbled, but he resisted eating the food that his mother sent with him; he wanted to save it for as long as he could. He opened his eyes when he felt the train slow and wondered what was happening. He had his answer a few minutes later. "There's a bunch of negroes getting on if you want to move up front." The conductor said as he passed by. Saul gave serious thought to moving, but he was in the last row and had a corner seat. If he had to, he could put his bag between him and the side of the train. He thanked the conductor and stayed where he was. On his way back through, the conductor gave Saul a curious look, but didn't say anything. Thirty minutes later, a black family was sitting in the back of the car with Saul. They eyed each other warily as the man got his family settled and then sat across from Saul. A boy sat with the man and stared at Saul with dark eyes that were filled with intelligence, mischief and curiosity. "Why you sittin' back here with us?" he asked. "Shush now!" The man said and then turned to Saul. "I beg your pardon sir, he means no disrespect." "It's alright." Saul replied with a small smile. He kept his eyes open for as long as he could. When he woke up it was early morning. Everyone was asleep except for the black man. "Here." He said holding out a small parcel wrapped in paper toward Saul. "My wife said to give this to you when you woke up. Go on, take it." He urged when he saw Saul's hesitation. "I can't take food from your family." Saul replied. "But I thank you for your kindness." The man shrugged and put the sandwich away. It made no difference to him whether Saul was hungry or not. His wife however, had different ideas. "Phillip Bishop! Did you feed that boy?" she demanded when she woke up. "He said he didn't want it." Phillip replied wishing that he had pushed the issue. "Ma'am, I told him that I didn't want to take from your family." Saul said in defense of Phillip. "When you last ate?" she demanded. "Naomi leave...." "Yesterday, but I have food." Saul said weakly. "Then why ain't cha ate?" Naomi asked. "I...." "Phillip, give that boy the sandwich." Naomi said overriding Saul. Not knowing what else to do, Saul accepted the sandwich with a polite thank you. As he slowly ate the dry sandwich, it occurred to him that each time he needed help; it had come from Negros. Even when his family had been near starvation, none of the whites had stepped in to help them. Ironically, one of the poorest black families had. It explained his mother's slightly softened attitude toward blacks in general. The family got off at the next stop without asking him what his name was or anything about him. The woman however, insisted on him taking the rest of their food. "We home now, so take it." Saul knew better than to argue with her and tucked the food in with his belongings. After they were gone, he tried to sleep but his mind wouldn't slow down. What had he been thinking going to a place where he knew no one and had no way to support himself? A feeling of panic and homesickness over took him. He was seriously thinking about getting off at the next stop and hitchhiking back home. It was almost an hour before he was calm enough to think rationally. Although his father had been an abusive bastard, he did teach him one thing. "If you give a man your word, then you damned well better honor it." His father told him time after time. "I gave my word." Saul murmured. The only problem was; he didn't know exactly what he had given his word for. Eventually, the sound of the train's engines lulled him into an uneasy sleep. ****** Ty sat on his cot thinking about his future. It they found Ellen's body, it was over. He would be on the first train back to South Carolina no questions asked. Going to back to prison didn't scare him, but being back with Lawrence's followers did. He remembered what happened to Carl Tucker the undercover agent who had been Lawrence's right hand man. Word had it that he was in a wheelchair and that he would never walk again and that was luck. If someone hadn't come along looking for him, Carl Tucker would be dead. Ty knew this because he had been there and an active participant in the beating. He hadn't thought about that day in a long time. It wasn't because of any sense of guilt that he was thinking about it now. He was thinking about it because if they found Ellen's body and sent him back to the state prison, he wouldn't be as lucky as Carl Tucker. If it got out that he talked, he would be dead within days. It wouldn't matter that he told the agents was information that they already had. It would only matter that he talked. Ty stood up and paced. He didn't want to die like that. He stopped pacing when he realized that even if they found Ellen's remains, they couldn't prove that it was her or that it was him that killed her. He looked over at the breakfast tray that sat untouched. Suddenly, his appetite was back. As he ate the now cold breakfast, he thought about Becca and wondered how close she was to having the baby. In a rare moment of sentiment, Ty wished that he could at least know if he had a son. He knew that there would be no point in asking someone to find out for him. One, no one would do him that favor and two; Becca wouldn't give the information out. Ty finished his breakfast and lay down on the cot. With nothing else to do, he dozed off. ******** Nick alternately paced and sat down in his office. Will sat in the chair watching him but not saying anything. While he admired Kenji and Joel and considered them friends, he didn't have the same emotional attachment to them that Nick did. Several times he tried to get Nick to go home, but Nick had refused. "The office is closer to the school." He said. "And Abby and Hattie are with Hana." He added almost absently. He didn't want to believe that Andrew would be so reckless as to pull a gun at school, but Peter's concern had convinced him. "I'm telling you." Peter told him. "Andrew Kelly is a loose cannon and if I can stop him at school I'll do it. To delay only increases the risk factor not only to Kenji and Joel, but anyone that he sees as an enemy." Nick didn't want to admit it, but Peter was right. Now they were playing the waiting game. ******** The class was coming to an end and Kenji had been trying to get Joel to leave. "Joel!" he whispered urgently. But Joel ignored him. With ten minutes of class left, Kenji prepared himself for a possible showdown. He had already decided that he would have to kill Andrew. There was no other way around it. He would feel guilty about it and he didn't know how he would explain it to his children. But that was for later, he had to get through today. The issue he was having was that he didn't know what kind of weapon Andrew had. If it was a gun, the chances of him being killed rose exponentially. If it was a knife then his odds of being killed decreased. After thinking about what he knew about Andrew, Kenji was sure that the weapon was a gun. Andrew was too much of a coward to have chosen any other weapon. As soon as the professor dismissed the class, Kenji stood and faced Andrew. ********* The anger was back. Andrew had gotten lost halfway through the class. His notes no longer made any sense. He looked over at Kenji and Joel and scowled. Neither man looked stressed and seemed to understand the lecture. The longer he looked at them, the more he saw his chances for getting into a good intern/residency program diminish. When the class dismissed for the day, Andrew reached for his bag. He really didn't know what he was planning to do when he reached for it. What startled him was when he looked up; Kenji was standing and facing him. Andrew stared back at him not sure of what to expect, but knowing what he wanted. He wanted Kenjiro Takeda to be afraid of him. He wanted Kenji to beg for his life. It was an unrealistic want and he knew it. Kenji had never shown any fear where he was concerned, why should he start now? What Andrew saw was the same cool demeanor that had always enraged him, but he saw something else; sadness and regret. For some reason that he couldn't understand, it increased his rage. "You yellow bastard." Andrew thought, "Soon you won't be going home to your black whore." Andrew wasn't surprised by his feelings toward Kenji, he had never liked him; but he was surprised by his anger toward Patricia. She had never been a major part of his vendetta toward Kenji, but a means of breaking through that calm demeanor that he hated. This was the first time in which he had thought about her in a truly derogatory manner. He shook his head to clear it and turned his attention back to Kenji who was still looking at him. ********* Peter sat waiting. At the moment, nothing was happening. Andrew's hand wasn't near his bag and if he made a move for it, he was poised to intervene. He could tell by the middle of class that Andrew was angry and frustrated. The frustration and anger grew as the class went on. "Shit." Peter muttered as he watched the two men staring at each other. He tensed, ready to jump in if a fight broke out. To his relief, Andrew backed down. Before Andrew could change his mind, Peter moved between Kenji and Andrew. "What time is dinner?" he asked cheerfully. "I can't wait for that meatloaf!" He stayed between Kenji and Andrew while Andrew gathered his things and kept talking. He didn't dare look behind him to see what Kenji and Joel were doing, but glanced over at Trevor who gave him the slightest of nods. Finally, he heard Kenji and Joel gather their things and move toward the exit. He kept talking until he knew that they had left the room. ********** "Go home." Trevor said as soon as he, Kenji and Joel were out of the room. "We'll call later." He didn't give them a chance to respond to the order. He was already halfway back to the classroom leaving Joel and Kenji staring after him. They stood looking toward the classroom for several seconds before they walked away. They were as far as the library when they heard their names being called. ********* By the end of class, Ernie was hopelessly lost. He could afford to not do well on one test, but the following ones would only be more difficult. He looked over at Kenji and Joel and saw that they were two of the few who didn't have the deer in the headlight look. Swallowing his nerves, he decided to ask them for help. He pushed his fear of Andrew out of his mind and prepared to leave the room. He stopped when he saw Kenji and Andrew staring at each other. He could see Andrew's anger from where he stood. Ernie stood transfixed as another student appeared to place himself between Kenji and Andrew and seemed to be distracting Andrew. He found himself holding his breath not releasing it until he saw Kenji and Joel leave the room followed by another student. He hurried to the exit in the hopes of catching them before they left the building. "Kenji!" he called just as they got to the library. He wasn't sure that they heard him so he called out again. This time they stopped and turned toward him. Ernie hurried over to them narrowly avoiding knocking the books out of the arms of a couple of female students. He mumbled his apologies and kept moving not stopping until he reached the library. He hesitated for a minute then began to talk. "Ummm I know that we're not friends or anything like that and that I don't have the right to ask for help, but this class is going to kill me. It looked like you two understood what was going on and I was hoping that you would see your way clear to help me." "Kenji," Joel said. "We need to go." "Look, I understand that you don't like or trust me." Ernie said. "But please... I'll meet you anywhere or anytime. I can't fail this class." "Kenji, let's go!" Joel said urgently as he looked behind him. Ernie waited hoping that Kenji wouldn't turn him away. After a long silence, Kenji spoke. "Meet us for lunch after class tomorrow." "Thank you!" Ernie said his relief evident. Kenji looked at Ernie for a moment later before he and Joel walked away. Ernie turned around and headed back toward the class room. "I'm going to pass this class." He murmured. "I'm going to...." "Friends with the Jap now?" Andrew asked. Ernie stopped short not knowing how to respond. He looked at Andrew and the student with him and said nothing. "Don't you understand English anymore?" Andrew taunted. "I...I'm not friends with them." Ernie replied. I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 12 "Why were you talking to them then?" Andrew demanded. Ernie had just learned something else about Andrew. There were only two sides, his and theirs and there were no areas of gray. He was angry that he was afraid of Andrew. So what if he was friends with Kenji and Joel? "I'm not friends with them... but I would like to be." Ernie said. "I don't know if you noticed, but they're two of the few that seemed to understand what was going on in class and I asked them for help." Ernie blanched at the look of total disgust and anger that Andrew gave him. Part of him wished that he hadn't said anything, but the other part of him was glad that he did. "You might want to be careful of who your friends are." Andrew said with a cool smile. Ernie's pulse sped up at the barely concealed threat. He hurried away not looking back. He could feel Andrew staring after him and knew that Andrew wouldn't hesitate to kill him. ******** Peter hoped that Kenji and Joel did as Trevor told them and went home. It had been a close call. Had he been a couple of minutes later, someone would have been either hurt or dead. He wasn't sure that he would have been able to prevent a second confrontation. He was shocked and then worried when Kenji and Joel were still in the building. He recognized the student that they were talking to as someone from class and wondered what he wanted. According to both Kenji and Joel, no one in class spoke to them out of fear of Andrew. As they approached the trio, Peter willed Kenji and Joel to leave and stole a look around for Trevor. He saw him just inside the doorway of another room and breathed a sigh of relief. To his further relief, Kenji and Joel left before he and Andrew could reach them. Peter braced himself for another possible confrontation, but relaxed when he saw that Andrew only wanted to intimidate the student. However, he didn't miss the threat. He could see that the student hadn't missed it either. It had become even more imperative that Andrew be stopped. He wasn't going to stop with Kenji and Joel. Peter cursed under his breath. "What was that?" Andrew asked. "Nothing, I was just complaining." Peter replied. "Let's get to class." ******* The drive home was quiet. Each man was lost in his own thoughts. Kenji was thinking about the pure hatred and evil that he saw in Andrew. It had unnerved him more than he let on. The only other person that he ever saw with that much hatred in his eyes was his father. Like Andrew, his father had been driven to kill. Just thinking about what his father and Joben wanted to do to Patricia was enough to make his stomach churn. Suddenly, all he wanted to do was go home to Patricia and the children and hug and kiss them. At that moment, he could have cared less about school and their future plans. He pressed down on the accelerator of the car and then immediately slowed down. Kenji took several deep, calming breaths. The urgency to get home was still there, but the desire to finish school and provide for his family had returned. He looked over at Joel who was looking at him. "Are you alright?" Joel asked. "I'm fine." Kenji replied. "I was just thinking about my father. He was the last person that I saw with such hatred in him." Joel was silent for several seconds. "I don't know if I could have forgiven him." Joel said softly. "He was in on the plan to kill Patricia and then got your mother arrested as a spy." "It wasn't easy." Kenji conceded. "Patricia forgave him long before I did. Today just reminded me of how all-consuming hatred could be. I had harbored some hope that I would be able to reason with Andrew, but it has gone too far for that." "Will you kill him?" Joel asked. "If I must." Kenji replied. "What are you thinking?" "Definitely not about forgiveness." Joel replied. "I wish that someone would find him dead in his bed or something. And before you say it, I know; hate is a wasted emotion. But damn Kenji, our lives have been disrupted enough by that jerk." Kenji didn't reply because there were times that he wished that Andrew would just disappear. Not on a permanent basis, but that he were just anywhere else but here. "I understand." Kenji said but didn't elaborate. Seeing that Kenji was going to say no more on the subject, Joel brought up a new one. "Are we really going to help that guy?" "Yes." Kenji said quietly. "He took a risk in coming to us." "But he could be helping Andrew!" Joel protested. "I don't believe that to be true." Kenji replied. "Why not?" Joel retorted. "That bastard was one of the ones who broke my hand and laughed while they did it." "You don't have to help him." Kenji replied. "You still haven't told me why you think he's not helping Andrew." Joel said. "He had two things in his eyes that Andrew Kelly doesn't have." Kenji said. "Humanity and the same fear that you had when we first met." "But that doesn't mean anything." Joel argued. "He could still be working with Andrew." "You are right." Kenji conceded. "There is that possibility. I suspect that one of the agents will investigate. Both of them saw us talking to him." "Alright then, I'll make a deal with you." Joel said. "We don't go near him until they clear him." Kenji hesitated and then nodded. He sincerely hoped that everything would be over by tomorrow. ****** "Are they alright?" Nick asked Trevor. "They're fine, I sent them home." He replied. "Do you really think that Kelly is stupid enough to carry a gun to school?" Nick asked. "I believe that he is." Trevor replied. "I agree with Peter, this kid is nuts. I have a question, what do you know about his group?" "Only that it consists of men from his class and that it's a relatively small group. The kid that was killed was a part of that group. Why?" "Kenji and Joel were talking to a student from the class." Trevor said. "But according to Peter, the other students stayed away from them because of Kelly." "Do you know his name?" Nick asked. "Ernie something. I tried to intercept him, but I was more concerned about Peter and Kelly. The kid wasn't carrying and he was as scared as hell, but I want to be sure." "Do you have another class with him?" Nick asked. "Yes, I'll buddy up to him and keep you posted." Trevor said as he stood up. "Do you know when Charles is getting back?" "He said sometime this afternoon. I'll fill him in." Nick stopped Trevor when he got to the door. "You guys watch your backs. This kid is dangerous and for god's sake, don't go to any meetings with him and his bunch. For all we know, he's armed them too." "Understood." Trevor said as he closed the door behind him. Nick looked at the closed door for several minutes. He paged his secretary, informed her that he was going to be out for the rest of the day and then headed to Charles' office. It occurred to him that he was there almost more than he was his own office and wondered what that meant. ******* "Papa's home!" Ralph squealed and ran toward the garage. "It's too early." Patricia replied. She hadn't been watching and listening to the passing vehicles as closely as Ralph had. "He's home!" Ralph yelled again. Now Patricia heard the familiar sound of the car as it pulled into the driveway and into the garage. Her first reaction was relief, the second was anxiety. Something must have happened that they were home early. "Penny!" she called up the stairs. "They're home!" She could hear Penny as she ran across the room and down the stairs. As much as Patricia wanted to run to Kenji to greet him, she waited. She was aware of just how worried and frightened Ralph was. He needed reassurance more than she did. She heard the sound of books being dropped on the kitchen table and Joel rushing through the kitchen. Penny met him halfway across the large living room and threw herself in his arms crying with relief. Patricia moved to the doorway of the kitchen and watched Ralph and Kenji talk. Kenji was hugging Ralph so tightly that the little boy squirmed, but he was hugging Kenji as hard as he could. Kenji looked up and saw Patricia watching them and smiled at her. "Where is pretty one?" he asked. "She's taking a nap." Patricia replied. She wanted to know why they were home early, but didn't ask. She wasn't sure that she wanted to know. "Ralph, go pick out a book and I will read with you, I'll join you in a few minutes." As soon as they were alone, Kenji hugged Patricia so tight that it bordered on pain. "Kenji what happened?" Patricia asked hugging him back. Kenji didn't reply but kissed her. "I am just happy to be home." He told her. "We'll talk later." He kissed her again and went to find Ralph. ******** Ralph picked out his favorite book 'The little engine that could' and waited for Kenji to find him. The book was below his reading level, but it was the first story that he remembered Kenji reading to him. As he waited, his little mind tried to understand why anyone would want to hurt his father. He frowned as a thought formed in his brain. If they hated his papa because he was Japanese, and they hated his mama because she was black; then they would hate him and Marie too. A tear ran down his cheek as he tried to understand the concept of hate. "Ralph?" Kenji called softly. "Why are you crying?" "Papa, I don't understand." Kenji sat on the floor beside Ralph and pulled him into his lap. "What is it that you don't understand?" he asked. "Why do people hate?" "People hate for many reasons." Kenji replied. "Sometimes they are just afraid. Sometimes they are taught to hate by their family, but sometimes; they don't know themselves." "Does the man who hates you know why?" Ralph asked. "He thinks he does." Kenji replied. "His father fought in the war against Japan. During the fight, he was hurt and lost one of his legs. His son, the man who hates me; feels that this is my fault even though I wasn't there. I represent all Japanese to him. He feels that if he hurts me, then he hurts the Japanese that hurt his father." Ralph gave Kenji a thoughtful look. "Grandpa Hiroshi hated mama didn't he?" The question surprised Kenji. Ralph had always been a little reticent around his grandfather, but it had gotten much better as Hiroshi's feelings toward Patricia changed. "At one time that was true." Kenji replied. "But he has changed. Someday when you are much older, I will tell you that story." "Can the man who hates you change?" Ralph asked. "That is a hard question to answer." Kenji said. "Only he can answer that." "Papa? Do people hate me and Marie too?" "Niko." Kenji said unconsciously switching to the shortened version of his Japanese name. "There will always be people who hate. They are a part of life, but there will also always be people who love to balance those who hate. You must always remember those who love you. Your mother, me, Marie, Grandpa Nick, all of us but it is also important that we do not spread the hatred. Do you understand?" "Do you hate the man who wants to hurt you?" "No, I don't hate him, but I will do what I must to keep all of you safe." Kenji waited for Ralph to respond. When none was forthcoming, he began to read to him. ******* Andrew relished the fear that he saw in Ernie's eyes. He knew exactly why Ernie was talking to Kenji. He wanted help with the class. "Hey Pete, did you understand that crap from class?" "Sure... I can help you if you want." Peter replied. "That would be great, can you stay after dinner?" "Sure, I have no place to be." Peter said. They made it to the next class early. Andrew looked around clearly looking for Kenji and Joel. He saw Ernie sitting on the other side of the room trying not to look at him. "Chickenshit." Andrew grumbled even as he smiled at Ernie. Peter watched Andrew out of the corner of his eye noting the location of the bag. "Damn" he muttered when he saw it on the desk. He had been hoping that Andrew would put it under his seat. He saw Trevor sitting a few seats to the right and behind him. He had a good view of Andrew and his bag from that vantage point. They needed to talk before the day was over; the issue was doing it without raising suspicion. "Oh, hey; here's my address." Andrew said suddenly. "I wrote it down for you." "I was going to ask about that." Peter replied looking at the address. "Nice area." He commented. "It's alright." Andrew said. "But have you seen some of the houses that the Japs live in? They come over here, bomb us and they're living better than people who belong here." "It isn't right." Peter commiserated. He breathed a sigh of relief when class started. He wasn't sure of how much more of Andrew's racist rhetoric he could take. Under the guise of taking notes, Peter wrote Andrew's address on a piece of paper. Pretending to be frustrated, he ripped the paper out of the notebook and stuffed it in his pocket. When they left class, he would drop it on the floor next to Trevor's row. He turned around to glance behind him and caught Trevor's eye. When he turned around, Andrew was looking at him. ******* "Are you going to let Ty know when you have the baby?" Susan asked Becca while they were having lunch. That was the question that Becca had been asking herself ever since Ty had been arrested. Part of her wanted to do the fair thing and tell him, but part of her wanted to shield her baby from the ugliness that was his or her father. "I don't know yet." Becca replied. "What would you do?" Susan shrugged. "I would probably not tell him, but that's me." "All Ty talked about was having a son, another little soldier for the cause." Becca said. "I don't want my baby to be a soldier in a cause like that. Susan, I was so stupid... some of the things I've said and done to people who did nothing to me. Everything that's happened to me is my fault. I knew Andrew was wrong but I supported him only because I thought I loved him." "The important thing is that you know that you were wrong." Susan replied patting Becca's arm. "You're right... hey, was your grandmother really going to shoot Ty?" "Oh yes and she wouldn't have missed." Susan replied. "Becca, have you decided what you're going to do? You were half done with school when you went south." "For now I'll concentrate on the baby and my parents will help me with that. Any grand plans that I had are on hold until the baby is old enough to go to school." "Why couldn't you take a class a semester or something? I'm sure that your parents would help you with the baby. I could even help. What do you think?" "I think," Becca said stretching, "that I need to have the baby first and then we'll see." The truth was, Becca hadn't really thought beyond having the baby. She was thankful that her parents hadn't kicked her out when she told them the rest of what she had done. She wasn't about to ask them to help her with the baby so that she could go back to school. She knew that if she asked, they would help her, but it was time for her to start thinking like an adult. She was responsible for her baby and it was up to her to figure things out. Her parents had already helped her more than she deserved. "Well, think about it." Susan said. "What are you going to do with the house?" "Mom and dad want me to stay here so I guess I'll rent it out for a while. " Becca hesitated for a moment. "Thank you for being a better friend to me than I ever was to you." "You're welcome, now; what names are you thinking about?" ******** Harlan's stomach growled noisily. The scent of the apple pie made his mouth water, but Eleanor had been firm in that he couldn't have a piece until dessert. To compound the gnawing in his stomach, the odor of meatloaf mixed in with the smell of the pie and baked corn... He tried to distract himself by reading the paper. There was an update or lack of an update on the murder of Milton Vaughn. There were no suspects and no one had been arrested as of yet. The article made Harlan think about Andrew. His response to the death of someone that he knew was... off. He acted surprised, but he didn't really seem to be. There had been no real concern or grieving. A bad feeling replaced the hunger in Harlan's stomach. His one and only child was ..... He couldn't complete the thought. Andrew wouldn't... why would he? He knew the boy. Still Harlan couldn't shake the feeling that there was something wrong with Andrew. His father, Andrew's grandfather; used to tell him that one could tell what a man was like by looking into his eyes. Harlan had looked into many eyes, especially during the war. Some of the eyes had death in them, some fear, some hatred and some of them... some of them had nothing. The owners of the empty eyes laughed, talked and joked like everyone else; but the laughter never reached their eyes. Like Andrew. Suddenly, he had a need to see the gun that he had given Andrew when he came back from the war. Harlan sat frozen in his chair undecided about what he should do. If he went into Andrew's room and went through his things, it would be a breach of privacy. The best thing to do, he decided was to ask to see the gun. He didn't know what he would do if Andrew didn't have it, but why wouldn't he? Harlan turned his attention back to the newspaper trying to convince himself that he was wrong about his son. ******** After class was over, Peter stood up and picked up his books. This was the last class of the day and the last chance that he would have to communicate with Trevor. He had already decided that he was going to stick to Andrew like glue. He reached into his pocket and felt for the crumbled piece of paper and changed plans. He took out a piece of gum and lazily chewed it. After a minute or two, he took the crumpled paper out of his pocket and spit the piece of gum into it. "That didn't last long." Andrew said. "I just like to chew the sugar out." Peter replied with a smile. "You ready to go?" As they walked out, Peter threw the paper toward the trash can without looking to see if it had gone in or not. "We've got some time if you want to study for that class." Peter said. "Oh... I have some place to be." Andrew said. "I'll see you at the house." "Suit yourself." Peter replied nonchalantly, "but I heard that Dr. Wallis likes pop quizzes and that they're as bad as his exams." That stopped Andrew in his tracks. Indecision flitted across his mind. He was hoping to get a little target practice in before dinner. "Let's go." He said after several seconds. He could always go before class in the morning. Peter whispered silent thanks and followed Andrew to the library. ******** Trevor waited until the room emptied to retrieve the piece of paper that lay outside of the trashcan. He quickly stuck in his pocket and hurried after Ernie. "Hey wait up!" he called. It took three calls before Ernie realized that someone was trying to get his attention. He stopped, turned around and waited for Trevor to catch up with him. "Hey, you were in the first class with me." Trevor said. "Yes and?" Ernie asked. "I don't know about you, but that shit made absolutely no sense to me. I looked around the room and it looked like everyone else was confused as I was. I was thinking about finding a study partner." Ernie laughed. "I'm probably more lost than you are. But not everyone in the class is lost. Do you know who Kenji Takeda is?" Ernie asked. "The tall Jap?" Trevor asked testing the waters. "Japanese." Ernie corrected, "But yes, him." "What about him?" Trevor asked. "He's at the top of the class and his friend Joel isn't far behind. But anyway, if you need help; those are the guys to go to. I asked them for help myself. We're meeting tomorrow during lunch if you want to come. You can ask them if you can join in." I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 12 "You sound like you admire him." Trevor commented. "I do." Ernie admitted. "I wish that I had a quarter of his intelligence and composure." "Well, thanks for the info; you just might see me tomorrow." Trevor replied. Trevor watched Ernie away and realized that he hadn't asked his name. "Hey! What's your name?" he called out. "Ernie Johnson, yours?" "Trevor Edison." Trevor walked away satisfied that Ernie wasn't a threat. If anything, he was in danger. He hadn't missed the look that Andrew had given him in class. He went to the nearest restroom and took the note out of his pocket. "This is one crazy assed son of a bitch." And then the address and time. Trevor looked at his watch and decided to get something to eat and swing by the office to see if Charles had gotten back yet. ********* Now that Ralph was calmed down and Kenji spent time with Marie, he and Patricia had a chance to talk. Dai and Hiroshi took care of the children to allow them time to talk in private. "Do not rush." Dai told them. "We will tend to the children." They spoke briefly to the children and went to their room. Kenji closed and then locked the door behind him. He stood watching as Patricia slowly undressed. His breath caught when her dress slipped over her shoulders, down and over her wide hips and finally to the floor. He didn't move when she removed her bra and finally her panties. He just wanted to look at her before he touched her, before he tasted her; before he lost himself in her. Patricia stayed where she was. She had seen him like this before. He needed and wanted to talk, but he needed her first. Even as he approached her with the front of his slacks bulging out, she didn't move although she wanted to. She wanted nothing more than to meet him halfway and throw her arms around him and hold him. But she waited. Kenji's light brown eyes shone with desire as he approached her. His clothes seemed to be too snug, especially his slacks. He ignored the discomfort and kept his eyes on Patricia's face. He stopped in front of her, looked down and lightly ran a finger down the scar that Vernon Monroe caused when he threw a rock at her. He bent down and placed his lips where his finger had been. He closed his eyes and inhaled the scent of the flowery soap that she showered with. He loved that scent and hoped that she never changed it. His lips followed the path of the scar and ended at her lips. For several seconds neither of them moved sharing the oxygen between them. Finally, Kenji touched her lips with his tongue before slipping it into Patricia's mouth. Patricia moaned and stepped closer wrapping her arms around his waist. Her nipples hardened as they rubbed against the soft fabric of his shirt. A soft involuntary moan escaped her lips as she began to pull Kenji's shirt out of his trousers. Patricia smiled when she felt his breath hitch as she ran her hands up and down his back and kneaded the tight muscles. She didn't know what it was about that simple touch, but he always immediately relaxed; this time was no different. Kenji let out a long sigh as he crushed Patricia against him. It was like the worries of the day left him with that sigh. He began backing her backwards toward the bed not stopping until she was sitting on it. He stepped back and undressed while Patricia watched him. As always, when he undressed, he laid hers and then his clothes over the back of a chair. By the time he was back at the bed, Patricia had already inserted the diaphragm and was lying back on the bed with her legs open in invitation. Kenji's cock jerked in response, but instead of sliding into her, he knelt between her legs and kissed her mound. He took his time in kissing and licking her relishing every sigh and moan that passed through her lips. After several minutes, Kenji took Patricia's hardened nub into his mouth and suckled on it. He slid two long fingers inside of her, checked the placement of the diaphragm and began to slide them in and out at a slow, leisurely pace. Patricia cried out, her hands clutching at the blankets on the bed. This was one of the rare times that they exchanged no words while making love. Kenji sucked and nipped at her clit until she came with a sob into a pillow. Wasting no time, Kenji slid into her before her orgasm was over. He ground his pubis against her every time he slid into her moaning when his full sacs rubbed against her ass cheeks. Patricia reached up and pulled Kenji down to her. She planted kisses on his chest before finally taking a nipple into her mouth and flicking the tip of her tongue over it. "Oh Kirei." Kenji moaned speaking for the first time since they began making love. Patricia knew that he was close by the way he began to pump faster. He wasn't pulling most of the way out, but was staying deep inside of her, his cock growing in girth and twitching. She began to tighten her muscles around his pulsing cock and sucked hard on his nipple. A moment later, she heard him murmur something in Japanese. She cried out when she felt the first splash of his seed against her vaginal walls. Kenji ground hard against her taking her with him as he came. Afterwards, they lay on the bed together, arms wrapped tightly around each other. "Kenji, what happened today?" Patricia asked softly. She listened as Kenji told her about the class. "I haven't seen such hatred since my father... Kirei, there will be no reasoning with Andrew Kelly. His hatred runs deep and his emotional state complicates things. " "He had a weapon at school?" Patricia asked anxiously. "Yes Kirei. That is why we came home early." "He could have killed you! You can't go back to school until they catch him." "I know that Kirei." Kenji replied. "There is too great a risk that he will hurt someone else. Let us hope that this ends tonight." "I hope so too." Patricia replied. "I want you and Joel safe." "This has been difficult for you." Kenji said. "I am sorry for that." "It'll be over soon." Patricia replied. "We can go back home and Penny and I can go back to school." "I forgot to mention that Ernie Johnson asked for help in one of our classes." Kenji said as he lazily stroked her arm. "What did you say?" Patricia asked. "I told him that we would meet him at lunch time." Kenji replied. "Joel is of the opinion that we shouldn't help him." Kenji then explained Joel's rationale. "I can see his point." Patricia said. "How do you know that he isn't working with Andrew? And he could lie to Trevor and Peter." "I don't believe that to be true." Kenji said. "But as I told Joel, both agents saw Ernie talking to us. I am quite sure that one of them will investigate him." They lay on the bed for another hour before cleaning up and getting dressed. Kenji stopped Patricia at the door and kissed her. "Thank you Kirei." ******** "What time is dinner?" Charles asked after Trevor gave him and Nick the latest updates. "Six." Trevor replied. "I plan to sit in a car across the street from the house. Also, I talked to that kid Ernie. He's not a problem, but he could be in danger. Pete is right on about Kelly, he's nuts." "Just watch your backs." Charles said. "As a matter of fact, I think I'll come with you." "Call me with updates." Nick said. "Trevor, meet me at the car; I need to talk with Nick for a minute." When Trevor was gone, Charles turned to Nick. "If we don't find a gun, we're fucked." "I know." Nick replied. "We'll have to come up with something else to catch this kid and Kenji staying away from school isn't the solution." "You also know that I can't keep two agents on him indefinitely. I can leave Peter because he's a med student in real life, but Trevor..." "Then let's hope that we find a gun." Nick replied. "Better yet, the gun that killed Milt Vaughn." "Nick... have you ever thought about coming back to the agency?" Charles asked. "I could be wrong, but the only time I see a sparkle in your eyes is when you're talking about your family or you're working a case with us. We could use someone like you in this office." "I'll talk to you later." Nick said as he gathered his suit coat and hat. "Just think about it." Charles said as he picked up the phone. "Who are you calling?" Nick asked. "Briscoe. I want back-up in case this thing goes bad and I want to let him arrest Kelly. The murder is a local police issue, the group is ours." ******** "It's time to get going." Andrew said looking at the clock. "Good, because I'm starving." Peter replied. "Does the information make more sense now?" he asked. "It does... thanks." Andrew replied. "One favor... when we get to the house, don't bring up the subject of guns. Dad hates them." "Fuck!" Peter thought as he plastered a smile on his face. "No problem." "Thanks." Andrew said. "You want to follow me over?" A few minutes later, Peter was following Andrew home. He wracked his brain trying to think of a way to innocently bring up the subject of guns. It wasn't long before they pulled up in front of a small but well-kept house. The Takeda home with its large yard and expertly pruned trees looked like a mansion compared to the Kelly home. "Nice house." Peter commented when he walked over to Andrew's car. "It'll do." Andrew replied as he thought about the house where Kenji and Patricia lived. "Dinner smells good." Peter said distracting Andrew. "It sure does." Andrew replied. Once inside the house, Andrew became a different person. His voice and demeanor softened as he introduced Peter to his parents. "It's nice to meet you." Peter said. "I've already sampled your meatloaf at the diner and I told Andrew that it's better than my mom's." "That's nice of you to say." Eleanor replied. "Come on, dinner is ready." Peter had meant it when he said that Eleanor Kelly's meatloaf was better than his mother's. He devoured three large slices of it and everything else that she served. Conversation was centered on school and future plans. "What area of medicine are you going to go into?" Harlan asked. "I'm thinking about going into neurology or cardiology." Peter replied. "Andrew is thinking about being a family doctor aren't you dear?" Eleanor asked. Peter cringed when he heard the pride in her voice. He couldn't imagine what Andrew's parents were going to say and feel if he was right about him. His stomach full, he decided that it was time to go to work. "Andrew, did you know that student that got killed a few weeks back?" "I knew who he was." Andrew replied. "Nice guy, we had some classes together." "Lie." Peter thought to himself. "That was a damned shame." Peter replied watching Andrew's reaction carefully. "And they still don't know who did it." What alarmed Peter was not only the lie, but Andrew's lack of reaction. He said the right words, but there was no emotion behind them. Peter noticed something else. Harlan Kelly was nervous and he wondered why. "I apologize; I shouldn't have brought up such an unpleasant subject." Peter said and noticed the relief in Harlan's face. "Andrew tells me that you were in the Air Force." Harlan said glad for the change in subject. "Yes sir, I was." Andrew replied. "The war ended before I got to kill any Japs though." "Son," Harlan said. "Let me tell you what I told Andrew. It was war and it's over. They had a job to do just like I had a job to do. It wasn't personal and I don't bear any ill will toward anybody." Peter was surprised at the sentiment and felt the truth in it, so where did Andrew get his beliefs from? "But you lost your leg." Peter replied. "I would be lying if I told you that for a time, I hated anything Japanese." Harlan said. "But I took limbs and lives too. We were each fighting for what we believed in. As I said, it was war and it's over." "How about dessert?" Eleanor asked. She was clearly uncomfortable with the conversation. Peter rose to help clear the table but was told to sit down. "You're company." Andrew said as he stood up to help his mother. Harlan and Peter were left alone for a few minutes. Taking a quick glance toward the kitchen, Andrew asked Harlan about weapons. "Andrew told me that you don't like guns, but did you bring back any other souvenirs?" "I brought back a knife or two." Harlan replied. "I also brought back a Japanese pistol. I gave it to Andrew as a souvenir. Would you like to see it?" "See what?" Andrew asked as he entered the dining room. "That pistol I brought back for you." Harlan replied. "Why did you tell Peter that I don't like guns?" For the first time since he met Andrew, Peter saw doubt and panic." ********* "How do you think it's going in there?" Trevor asked Charles. "Peter is smart and won't do anything stupid." Charles said looking at the house. "Let's just hope that he finds something even if it isn't a gun." He looked in the rear view mirror and saw Briscoe's car. There was a squad car in the back just in case. He wanted to take no chances that Andrew would escape. If that happened, they might never find him. ******** Andrew heard only the last part of the conversation, but it was enough to tell him that he was in deep shit. He cursed himself for not getting rid of the gun and wondered if he could still get rid of it somehow. The only thing that he could do was stall. He also realized that it had been unreasonable for him to think that the discussion of weapons wouldn't come up. Peter and his father were both military men, why wouldn't it come up? He now had to deal with the lie about his father hating guns. "I guess I just assumed that you wouldn't because of what happened." Andrew said smoothly. "I like guns just fine." Harlan replied. "Why don't you go get that pistol I brought back? Peter would like to see it." Andrew scrambled for a way out of showing Peter the gun. What he didn't know was that all Peter needed to hear was that there was a gun in the house. "I'll show it to him after dessert." Andrew replied. "I would like to see it too." Harlan said. "I took that gun from a Japanese officer." He added. Peter didn't say anything but watched the interaction between father and son. He wondered if Harlan saw the same thing he did. "Sure... let me go get it." Andrew said. ********* Andrew ran up to his room, locked the door and took the box containing the pistol from under his bed. His anxiety increased tenfold when he remembered that the clip was missing. There was no way to explain that and if he was going to frame someone, that time was long past. Andrew also realized something else; the Jew who had taken the clip would remember him. So would Hathaway's wife. "Andrew? What's keeping you?" his mother called up the stairs. "Coming!" he called back. Not knowing what else to do, he put the gun back into the box and carried the box downstairs. He sat the box on the floor by the sofa and went to the dining room. "Sorry, it was in the bottom of my closet." He said apologetically. His mother cut the apple pie and put a scoop of ice cream on each slice. To Andrew, it seemed as though she was moving much too quickly eating up precious time that he needed to think. "So Andrew." Peter asked, "Have you ever fired a weapon?" "Never." Andrew lied. "I don't like guns." Suddenly, dessert was over and Andrew was still scrambling for a reason not to show his father and Peter the gun. He jumped up to help his mother clean up. "You go visit." Eleanor said. "It won't take me long to clean up." ******** Patricia and Penny couldn't eat. They were both too anxious about what was happening at Andrew's house. If Kenji was anxious, he didn't show it. Joel, on the other hand was as nervous as the women were and tried to hide it. "Do you think that they will be successful?" Hiroshi asked. "I think that they will be successful even if it isn't tonight." Kenji replied. "Maybe we should call Nick." Patricia said. "Kirei, he knows no more than we do. He will call us if he hears anything. Peter or Trevor will call us as well." "I know. I'm just anxious." Patricia replied as she glanced at the clock. It was barely six. Dinner at the Kelly's would be just beginning. She was glad that Kenji agreed not to go back to school and thankful that they had a friend like Paul Mynt who smoothed things out at the school for them. What they needed was something to distract them. "Dai and Hiroshi, would you mind if I invited everyone over for dinner? I know that it's a lot to ask..." "We would enjoy that." Dai replied softly. "We have not had a... picnic here before. When would you like to have the picnic?" "Is Saturday alright?" Patricia asked. Suddenly, the mood of the table lightened at the thought of doing something fun. Ralph stopped picking at his food and actually smiled. The dimples that he inherited from his father deepened when he heard the word cookies. He had also inherited his father's love of sweets. "Can we make sugar cookies?" he asked his voice filled with hope. "I have a suggestion." Kenji said smiling at him. "Why don't we make them together? Uncle Joel can help if he likes." Hiroshi watched the way that Kenji interacted with his son and realized that he could learn from him. He himself had been a stern father. Crying was considered a sign of weakness and feelings weren't validated. He looked at his grandson who was encouraged to ask questions and express his feelings and didn't see an ounce of weakness. He looked at Kenji who had never really followed convention and felt a renewed pride. This man, his son was going to bake cookies with his child. "May I help?" Hiroshi asked to the shock of everyone at the table. While he participated in the care of his son, he never helped in the kitchen deeming it to be women's work. He realized that he wanted his youngest son to look at him with the same love and respect that he saw in Ralph's eyes when he looked at Kenji. "Of course you may." Kenji replied both surprised and pleased. Ralph gave Hiroshi a guarded look and then smiled at him as if he had come to some kind of decision. For just a little while, Andrew Kelly was forgotten. ********** Saul scrunched down in his seat. As far as he was concerned, Los Angeles couldn't arrive in Los Angeles soon enough. His ass was sore from sitting, but he was afraid to go for a walk in fear that his seat would be gone. He only left it long enough to use the bathroom and then went right back. The sandwiches that the black family had given him were gone and he had begun to eat the food that his mother sent. He had just gone through it to see how much he had left and it wouldn't be enough to get him all the way to California. The closer he got to his destination, the more he worried about what he was going to do once he got there. He had memorized the address that Lawrence gave him along with Nick's phone number and office address. On a whim, he asked the conductor about available jobs. "Check in at the station when we get there." He replied in a curt tone. "If there's anything, it'll be helping folk with their luggage." Saul didn't care what the job was as long as it paid. He had mouths to feed at home. There was a question that still burned in the back of his mind- what he was supposed to do in order to keep his promise to Jacob. Tears burned his eyes as he remembered seeing Jacob hanging without the benefit of a real trial. He had done nothing in Saul's eyes. Jacob had only punished the men who hurt his family the way that the law should have. "It just ain't right!" he hissed under his breath. Even that knowledge gave him no clue as to how he could keep his word to Jacob Lincoln. "What am I supposed to do?" he asked himself out loud. I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 12 "You alright?" The soft female voice of an older woman asked. Saul jumped. He had been so deep in thought that he hadn't heard the woman approach and sit down. "Y...yes ma'am." He replied sitting up in his seat. "Ma'am?" the woman asked shocked. "Ain't no white man ever called me ma'am. Where you from?" "South Carolina ma'am." Saul replied "You a long way from home." The woman said. "You always talk to yourself?" "Only when I got things on my mind." Saul replied with a small smile. Like the family the day before, the woman shared her food with him. This time, Saul didn't argue as he gratefully accepted a piece of bread with an apple. "It ain't much but it'll keep the hunger away." She said with a smile. "I appreciate your kindness." Saul said. "Tain't nothin'" The woman replied. "We all God's children ain't we? And all Gods' children got to eat." The woman got off three stops later leaving Saul alone but not hungry. The sound of the train's engine lulled Saul back to sleep. When he woke up, he was being glared at by a very disgruntled black man. ******* "How is school going?" Jonah asked Isadora as he helped himself to another piece of bread. "So far so good." Isadora replied. "Are you being well treated?" he asked. "Yes sir. I even made a friend." Isadora replied. "I'm glad to hear that." Jonah replied. "But I want you to remember what your primary objective is." "I know exactly why I'm here." Isadora replied. "In three years, I intend to be accepted at UCLA's school of law. After that, I intend to take and pass the BAR and will begin putting those..." She stopped when she realized that she was raising her voice. The children were staring at her, but Jonah, Lenny and Bella were smiling at her. "I'm sorry." She said. Her face was burning with embarrassment. "I think you're right Bella." Jonah said still smiling. He turned to Isadora. "Make sure that you keep your fire and focus and I'll help you meet your goals." Once again, Isadora wondered about Jonah. Where he came from, where the money came from that he was able to educate so many people and where had he gotten that limp? One day, she was going to find out about the mysterious Jonah Jackson. ****** Ernie sat at his desk trying to make sense of his notes by reading the text book. He knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that he had done the right thing in going to Kenji for help. He knew that Joel didn't want to help him and he understood. He along with Andrew and a few others had tormented the quiet med student for no other reason than because they could. And now he wanted their help. He stared at the textbook not really seeing the words as he thought about Andrew's thinly veiled threat. He kicked himself for allowing himself to get involved with Andrew. He tried to think of anything that he could take to the police, but came up blank. The question then became was he willing to draw more attention to himself by being seen with Kenji and Joel. If he failed the class... but if he met with Kenji... His mind reeled with indecision. No matter which choice he made, his future was shot to hell; one choice could end his future permanently. Ernie slammed the book shut in frustration. By the time he had eaten dinner and got ready for bed, he had decided. It was the pride on the faces of his parents' that made the decision for him. They had worked hard to pay for his education and he couldn't disappoint them. He knew if he told them about Andrew's threat, they would make him stay home, but it was time for him to grow up. He went to bed, but couldn't sleep for thinking of Andrew's threat. ******* "Let's see that gun." Peter said. "It's nothing special." Andrew replied. "Come on son, show the man the gun." Harlan said. He was becoming curious about Andrew's reticence. The sick feeling in his stomach that he had before dinner was back. Andrew picked the box up, looked at it and took the lid off. Slowly he took the gun out not noticing that Peter was ready to move. Peter looked at the gun and frowned. "Where's the clip?" "It didn't have one." Harlan said before Andrew could answer. Andrew's eyes snapped over to his father. "I just wanted to bring Andrew a souvenir. It didn't matter whether it had the clip or not." Harlan was lying and Peter knew it. He had been surprised by the missing clip. Peter saw it in the way his eyebrows went up. He was about to ask where the clip was and he stopped himself. Andrew was surprised too. He hadn't expected his father to lie for him. "May I look at it?" Peter asked. "Sure!" Andrew said his confidence back. He handed the gun to Peter in a way that told him that Andrew had lied about firing a gun. "You sure you never handled a gun before?" Peter asked as he took the gun. "Dad taught me." Andrew replied looking at Harlan. Peter turned the gun over in his hands looking for signs that it had been fired. If there were any signs, they were gone. The gun was immaculate. He wondered why Andrew had kept the gun. It would have been fairly easy to dispose of. But where was the clip? "Nice weapon, do you mind if I go out for a smoke?" Peter asked. "Sure, but you don't have to go outside." Harlan said. "I smoke in the house all the time." "Thank you, but my mother never allowed anyone to smoke in her home. Old habits die hard." Peter replied. "Give me a minute or two and we can study a bit more if you want." He said to Andrew. "Sure... I'll be right here." Andrew replied. As soon as Peter was gone, Harlan turned to Andrew. "Where's the clip?" he asked. Andrew looked at Harlan with chilly blue eyes. "It's like you said, there was no clip." "Andy, what did you do?" Harlan whispered. ******* Peter opened the front door, closed it and crept to the entrance of the living room. He couldn't believe his luck when he heard Harlan ask Andrew where the clip was and then "Andy, what did you do?" He had all that he needed. He slipped out the front door, stood on the porch and lit a cigarette. He took three quick puffs and put it out. They had the son of a bitch." ****** Trevor sat up when he saw Peter walk out and light the cigarette. "He's got something." He said to Charles. "Give him a minute and then we'll go in." Charles replied. "We'll call Briscoe when we get Kelly downtown." ******* Peter unclipped his ankle revolver and walked back into the house. Remarkably, Andrew was sitting exactly where he was when Peter went out to smoke. He looked around for Andrew's bag and saw that it was where he'd left it. Something was wrong, he could feel it; but nothing looked amiss. Something... Something... By the time he realized what it was, he felt a sharp pain in his left shoulder. Peter dropped and rolled before Andrew could get another shot off. He took his ankle revolver out using his uninjured side as he peeked around the couch. Harlan was gone and he could hear Eleanor screaming in the kitchen, but there was no sign of Andrew. ********* Charles and Trevor were on their way to the house when they heard the gunshot. They took off at a dead run only stopping when they got to the door. "Pete!" Trevor called in. "I'm hit! I don't know where Andrew is." He called back. Trevor went in first, gun pulled. "Where are his folks?" "In the kitchen." Peter replied. "His bag is over on the other side of the room. Check it for a weapon. If it's empty, then he's armed. I think he went out the back but I can't be sure." "I'll check upstairs." Charles said. "Trevor, you check the kitchen." "Help me up." Peter said. "I'm not hurt that bad." "Stay put." Charles said. "There's a squad car out back. If he went that way, they'll catch him. In the background they could hear Andrew's mother crying and demanding to know what was happening. Peter felt bad for them; they were nice people with a murderer for a son. He would do what he could for Harlan. He did what any parent for do; he lied for his child. ********* Andrew hid in the small storage area just off the kitchen his heart hammering. He clutched the gun from his bag against his chest and tried to figure out what to do. If caught, he was going to prison for killing Milt and he just shot someone else although he hadn't meant to. If Peter was dead, he would probably get the death sentence. That and the knowledge that he had hurt his parents were the only things that affected him. As he sat in the cramped area, Andrew realized that on some level that his father knew that he killed Milt. His mother, he wasn't so sure about, but his father had known and hadn't asked questions. When he finally asked, it was too late. Belatedly Andrew realized his mistake. He shouldn't have invited Peter to the house. It was an impulsive move and one that would cost him. He wondered if the police had arrived yet. Surely someone would have reported the gunshot. His father told him to hide but to leave the gun. "Peter don't know who pulled the trigger, I'll say it was me; that it was an accident. We'll figure the rest out later." But Andrew had refused to leave the gun. Now he realized that his father had been right. He should have left the gun behind. There was one thing he could do he realized. He could take a gamble and turn himself in. His father wouldn't say anything about Milt and would stick to his story about the missing clip. The new gun could be explained away by saying what he told the previous owner, it was a gift for his father. He would also stick to his story about not liking guns and that he didn't know that it was loaded. He might have to go to the police station, but he'd be home by morning. Andrew took a deep breath, put the safety on the gun and removed the ammunition. Slowly he opened the door of the storage closet and called out just in case the police were there. "I'm coming out! Please don't shoot me!" He could hear his mother's panicked voice and then Peter's voice. The voices immediately silenced as he called out. ****** "Where is your son?" Charles asked. "What do you want?" Eleanor asked. "Why are you here?" "Ma'am." Trevor said politely, "We're federal agents, now where did your son go?" Eleanor looked at Harlan who looked away. "Harlan." Peter said. "You aren't helping him. " By this time several more squad cars had arrived and the police were searching the house and the surrounding neighborhood. Everything stopped when they heard Andrew call out. He came into the kitchen with a tear streaked face. His hands shook as he handed the gun to Trevor. Then he froze... "What are you doing here?" he asked. "I work for the federal government." Trevor replied. Understanding dawned on Andrew. He turned to Peter, the look of one betrayed was in his eyes as he spoke. "You too?" he asked. "I'm agent Peter Frain. We were placed in the class to protect Kenjiro Takeda." "You'd protect a Jap?" Andrew asked incredulous. "Son be quiet." Harlan advised. "Don't say anything." Andrew looked at his father and closed his mouth. Briscoe walked into the kitchen to tell Charles that they hadn't found Andrew. He stopped short when he saw Andrew in the kitchen with them. "Where'd you find him?" He asked. "He came to us and he's all yours." Charles replied. "You'll find a gun with a missing clip in the living room..." Peter started to say. "I told you that it didn't have a clip!" Andrew shouted. "You lied and so did your father." Peter replied. "I heard him ask you where the clip was and what you did." "Turn around and put your hands behind your back." Briscoe said. "You're under arrest for the murder of Milton Vaughn." "Andrew? What are they talking about?" his mother asked frantically. Andrew didn't answer as he complied with Briscoe's command. He was led away with the sound of his mother's sobs ringing in his ears. ******** The lightened atmosphere from planning the party was wearing off. It was almost eight pm and no one knew what was happening. "You aren't going to school tomorrow... are you?" Patricia asked. "No Kirei." Kenji replied. "I gave you my word and as I said, there is too great a chance that someone else will get hurt." "What if they weren't able to find anything?" she asked. "We will deal with it." Kenji replied. In an attempt to make her relax, Kenji suggested that she take a bath. "I will care for the children while you try to relax. If Nick calls, I'll come for you." Reluctantly, Patricia agreed. As she prepared for her bath, she prayed that it would be over. She missed her house and she missed going to class. She was ready for their lives to go back to some semblance of normalcy. She got into the tub and slid down so that the hot water covered her shoulders. The hot water relaxed her tense muscles and before she knew it, she had fallen asleep. ********** Kenji was listening to Ralph read to Marie when the phone rang. "Kenjiro! Come! It's Nick!" Hiroshi called out excitedly. Penny and Joel rushed to the kitchen where Kenji was putting the phone to his ear. They held hands as they listened to Kenji's end of the conversation. "Yes Nick... I understand... Peter is alright? Yes...I will tell them. Thank you." Kenji hung up and turned to face three anxious faces. "It is over. Andrew Kelly is in custody." "What about Peter?" Penny asked. "He received a bullet wound to the shoulder, but he will be fine. If you will excuse me, I must tell Patricia. Father, could you watch the children for a few moments?" "Is it really over?" Joel asked. "They still have to prove that Andrew killed Milton, but for now; it is over." "Then the picnic on Saturday becomes a celebration." Hiroshi said smiling. "Yes, that is true." Kenji agreed. When Kenji left to go to Patricia and Penny and Joel went to talk, Hiroshi looked at his grandchildren. He looked at Ralph as he sat with his arm around his sister and read to her. Hiroshi knew that Ralph would grow up to be an extraordinary man. He reminded him of Kenji at that age, so curious and such a gentle spirit. In fact, Hiroshi had worried for him. The world was a harsh place for those so gentle. He saw that his worry had been for naught. Kenji was a strong man as would his son be when he grew up. He looked at Marie. She was a beautiful little girl who would grow up to be a beautiful woman. Hiroshi watched as she smiled when Ralph changed his voice to give the characters in the story life. She would be an extraordinary woman, but not before she was a source of pain and heartbreak for her parents. Hiroshi knew this just as he had known that it was time to leave Japan in 1933. He knew this just as he knew that Adolf Hitler was trouble; he just knew. As if she knew that she was being thought about, Marie looked up at her grandfather and smiled. ******* "Kirei." Kenji called softly. "Wake up." Patricia slowly opened her eyes to see Kenji sitting on the side of the tub. She sat up and began to fire questions at him. "What's wrong? Did they get him? Is Peter alright?" "Yes Kirei, it is over." Kenji replied. "Andrew Kelly is in custody. Peter has a gunshot wound to his shoulder but he will recover." Patricia stared at him wondering if she was dreaming. "Are you sure?" she asked. "I spoke with Nick." Kenji replied. "Kirei, it's over. We can go home." Patricia allowed the news to sink in and when it did, she reached for Kenji and pulled him into the tub with her sending water splashing everywhere. Tears of relief and happiness ran down her face as she clung to him. It was finally over. ******** Andrew paced the cell at the police station thinking about his future. He had none. Medical school was over even if it couldn't be proven that he killed Milt. But they would. It was only a matter of time. Rage built over Peter's betrayal even as he realized that in the end it was his fault. He had allowed himself to be taken in by Peter's military background and his apparent dislike of the Japanese. One by one, his errors in judgment came back to him. The first major error was not killing Kenji while the anti-Japanese sentiment was still high. The second was killing Milt without really planning it out and the third thing was keeping the gun. In retrospect, he could have gotten rid of the gun and no one would have known about it. He had invited trouble by bringing Peter home and expecting the subject of weapons not to come up. This was his fault he finally admitted to himself. He had been too impulsive and too trusting. That admission did nothing to diminish his anger and hatred at Kenji. In his mind, that was where the problem began. What he didn't admit was that, if it weren't Kenji; it would have been someone else. Andrew weighed his options. He had already heard the term death sentence mentioned in relationship to him. He had to decide if he wanted to live or die. If he chose life, it would be a life in prison, but maybe he would eventually get out. Death was final. ********* Harlan Kelly kissed his wife goodbye and told her not to worry. "Where are you going?" she asked still in shock over the events of the evening. "I'm going to help Andrew." He replied as he hugged her. A few minutes later, he was waiting for a cab to take him to the police station. This was his fault. He had known ever since he came back that there was something wrong with Andrew and he had done nothing. In his mind, had he said something, his son wouldn't be sitting in prison facing a murder charge. If he hadn't used all of those derogatory terms... if he hadn't.... if he had only said or done this. In his mind, the ultimate guilt belonged to him and him alone. The cab pulled up to the station and asked Harlan if he wanted him to wait. "No, I won't be coming out." He said softly as he paid the fare. The cabbie gave him a curious look, shrugged and took the money. "Sure you don't want me to wait?" The cabbie asked. It was a slow night and he wanted the fare. "No thanks." Harlan replied and hobbled away on his crutches. He went to the desk and waited for the officer to notice him. "Help you?" The officer asked gruffly. "Yes... I would like to confess to the murder of Milton Vaughn." ************** By March of 1948, Warner Brothers shows the first color newsreel; the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl. Mahatma Gandhi begins his fast-unto-death- he is assassinated on January 30, 1948. The Winter Olympics open in St. Moritz, Switzerland. The Soviet Union begins to jam the Voice of America broadcasts. NASCAR is founded by Bill France Sr. and William France, Sr. The Supreme Court rules that religious instruction in public school is a violation of the U.S. Constitution. ***************** Civil Rights President Harry Truman submits a civil rights plan to Congress. Martin Luther king receives a BA in sociology from Morehouse College and enters Crozer Theological Seminary and is ordained to the Baptist ministry; he is nineteen years old at the time. ******************** Thank --you all for continuing to follow the lives of Kenji and Patricia! Also my thanks to my beta reader Donalde for all of his help. I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 13 Peter's shoulder hurt like hell, but he refused to stay in the hospital. "I'm fine and I want to be there when that bastard is interrogated. I have a few questions for him myself." "Pete you need to take it easy. You can talk to him tomorrow." Trevor said. "I'm going... where are my clothes? Peter asked looking around the small cubicle. No amount of talking could convince him to stay. His mind was on Andrew Kelly. He wanted to know why he shot him and where the clip to the gun was. He also wanted to know who else Andrew planned to kill. His feeling was that men like Andrew Kelley didn't stop with one kill. Trevor helped him put on his bloodied shirt and draped his jacket over his shoulders. He agreed with the doctors; Peter needed to go home. When he suggested it again, Peter gave him the look that told him back off. "Let's go... I want to be there by the time he's in the interrogation room." ******** Andrew looked around the dingy cell with disgust and anger. The anger was at himself and at Kenji. In his mind, if Kenji hadn't been in his class, if Kenji hadn't gotten into the summer program, if he hadn't done this or hadn't done that; he wouldn't be sitting in jail. The anger at himself was because of his stupidity. If he had taken the time to think about it, he would have realized that Peter was too good to be true. His background and viewpoints regarding the Japanese was too convenient. And he had fallen for it in his desire to have someone that he could rely on as his second in command. What were the chances that his choice would turn out to be a federal agent? He felt a little like Julius Caesar must have felt at the betrayal by Brutus. What he didn't get was why Kenji warranted the protection of the federal government. After a few minutes he came to the conclusion that it was personal. Someone with clout was watching out for him and he wondered who it was. In retrospect Andrew realized that he had made one fatal error. He didn't learn everything that he should have learned about his enemy. If he had, he would have done things differently; but he had let his anger and hatred lead him. It was a hard lesson learned and one that he would never forget. He had to start learning to control his anger if he wanted to survive prison. He knew that was where he was going; it was a given. He also realized that he could be sentenced to death. That was a sobering thought. He could die while Kenji Takeda and his bitch would live happily ever after along with the Jew. He wished that he had used the woman more than he had. That was another thing that he had to change. From now on, anyone was game. Their ages and sex no longer mattered. There was something wrong with the fact that the melting pot was free and probably celebrating his capture he thought as he stood up and walked around the small cell. He did wonder about his parents; his mother especially. Both of them had been so proud and now so disappointed. He had to admit that disappointing them was the only thing that he felt guilty about. "I'm sorry mom and dad." He murmured. The clinking of keys alerted him that someone was coming. "Let's go!" A gruff voice said. "Turn around and put your hands behind your back." Andrew hesitated but complied. "Where are you taking me?" Andrew asked as he was led from the cell. "You're going to the interrogation room; some folks want to talk to you." Andrew took a quick glance around looking for an exit. "Don't think about it kid." The police officer said tightening his grip on Andrew's arm. "You'd never make it outside and even if you did; where would you go?" Andrew relaxed. The cop was right. He had just learned another lesson. When he got out of prison, if he got out of prison; he would surround himself with people that he knew he could trust. That trust wouldn't be easily given and would have to be earned. He also realized another error; he had made no contingency plans. The cop took Andrew into a small interrogation room and left him there still handcuffed. ****** Harlan Kelly sat in another interrogation room with a tepid cup of coffee sitting in front of him. After he got to the station and confessed to Milton Vaughn's murder, he had been taken to the room and left sitting alone with the cup of coffee. He had been sitting in the room for almost forty-five minutes before someone came in. "Harlan? What are you doing here?" Peter asked when he walked in. "Peter? Are you alright?" Harlan asked. "I'm fine; but what's this I hear about you confessing to killing Milton Vaughn?" Peter asked. "I did it." Harlan replied in a firm voice. Peter gave Harlan a long hard look and sat down across the table from him. "Tell me why you killed him." "I...I don't know... he was giving Andrew a hard time...." "Where did you shoot him?" Peter interrupted. "I met him in the parking lot of the vacant grocery store." Harlan replied. "No, I mean where did you aim your gun? Where was the shot that killed him?" "I shot him in the face." Harlan replied. "How many shots did it take?" "One, but I shot him a second time to make sure." Harlan replied. "Before that night, had you ever met Milton Vaughn before?" Peter asked. "N...No." "Then how did you know who he was or what he looked like?" Peter pressed. "Andrew told me... look, I'm confessing and you or somebody has to take my statement!" Harlan exclaimed. Peter gave Harlan a sympathetic look. He knew and understood what the man was trying to do but he couldn't allow it. "Harlan, you're not helping Andrew by confessing to a crime that you didn't commit." "I did it." Harlan repeated. "No you didn't." Peter replied. "There was only one shot fired. That alone tells me that you didn't do it. Let's not forget that I heard you asking Andrew where the clip of the gun was and what he did. I repeat; you're not helping him." "This is my fault." Harlan said softly. "How do you figure?" Peter asked. "Andrew made his own choices." "I knew that he was into something. I thought that I even knew what it was... but I didn't say anything. I didn't feel that I had room to talk. Andy was raised hearing me talk about other races in bad ways. I didn't think anything about it... they were just words." "Harlan, Andrew would have killed anyway. I'm not saying that the way that you taught him to believe wasn't a factor, but Harlan; Andrew has a problem and you're going to prison for him isn't going to help him." "And prison will?" Harlan retorted. "He's my son! He won't survive in prison!" "I can't pretend to understand how you must feel." Peter said sympathetically. "I don't have children. I understand that you want to help and protect him, but it's out of your hands. You need to go home and be with your wife; she needs you." "You won't let me confess?" Harlan asked. "No." Peter replied. "Can I see him? I want to be able to tell his mother that's he's alright." Peter didn't answer for several seconds. "It's not normally allowed; but let me see what I can do." "I'd appreciate that." Harlan said softly. When he was alone, Harlan let the first of many tears fall. ******* "Are you sure it's over?" Patricia asked as she dried off. "That is what Nick says." Kenji replied. "He will call back later with more details." "We can go home!" Patricia exclaimed. "I can go back to school!" "Yes Kirei, we can do both of those things." Kenji said quietly. Patricia looked at him surprised that he wasn't more excited. "Kenji? What's wrong?" "I am glad that it's over, but Kirei; it is another life wasted." Patricia walked over to him and hugged him. She understood what he was saying, but she was glad that Andrew was in jail and hoped that he stayed there a good long time. "Kenji I'm sorry, but he chose to do what he did. I understand what you're saying; but I don't feel sorry for him. If I feel sorry for anyone; it's his parents." "I know." Kenji said returning the hug. "But it is still a waste of life and that saddens me." Patricia didn't reply. She didn't feel quite the same way Kenji did. While she agreed that Andrew had wasted his life, she also believed that one reaped what they sowed. He deserved to be where he was and if he killed Milt Vaughn, then he deserved whatever happened to him. But then Kenji's father had been in on the plan to kill her and she had prayed for him and she eventually forgave him. She wondered what the difference was and finally understood why Kenji had been so long in forgiving his father. "I'm just glad it's over." She said kissing his chest. "As am I." Kenji replied. ********* Ernie looked over his notes and finally gave up. He was much too nervous to concentrate. Andrew's thinly veiled threat kept coming back to him. He had no doubt that Andrew meant it and had no issues with admitting that he was scared. He was seriously rethinking whether he should be meeting with Kenji and Ernie the next day. It would be like putting an even bigger bull's eye on his back. He examined his options. He could take his chances and not get the help which would mean failing the class or he could take his chances and meet with Kenji and Joel. The first option would save his life, but the second option would save his academic life. "Damn." He muttered as he continued his internal debate. He asked himself what would be the worst possible thing that could happen if he failed the class. "I wouldn't graduate." He murmured. Then there was the money. Things were already tight and if he had to repeat a class; he didn't know where the money would come from. He thought about talking to his parents; but he already knew what they would say. They would tell him to drop out of the class and retake it. They would tell him not to worry about the money and that it would come from somewhere. Ernie wasn't much of a gambler. He never even played cards for match sticks and now he was gambling for his physical and academic life. The night passed slowly as he continued his debate about whether to keep his appointment with Kenji and Joel. ******* Andrew sat at the small table and looked around. If possible, the interrogation room was dingier than his cell. He moved his hands testing strength of the chair that he was handcuffed to. It was useless; he couldn't break free. He looked up when he heard someone at the door. "Andrew." Peter said when he walked in. Andrew looked at him but didn't respond. Instead he tried to force tears to come to his eyes. He didn't think that it would work; but he had to try. "Save it." Peter said. "It won't work and spare me the I didn't know what I was doing spiel. It won't work." Andrew smiled and shrugged his shoulders. "I didn't think that it would, but I had to try. Tell me Pete, how does it feel to turn on one of your kind?" "You're not one of my kind." Peter replied. "There's someone here to see you." "Who is it?" Andrew asked. "You're father." Peter replied. "He came to confess to the murder of Milton Vaughn." "Are you here to release me?" Andrew asked. "Why would I want to do that?" Peter asked. "There's still the attempted murder charge and you did shoot a federal agent." "I didn't shoot you; my father did." Andrew said. Peter was stunned. The sick bastard was really going to let his father take the blame for him. "You would have no problems with your father going to prison for you?" Peter asked. "He said that he did it didn't he?" Andrew retorted. "But that doesn't mean that he did it." Peter replied as he sat at the table across from Andrew. "But you don't know that he didn't." Andrew replied. "As a matter of fact I do." Peter replied. "First, he didn't know how many shots were fired. Second, he was surprised that the clip of the gun was missing and he wouldn't have been stupid enough to keep the gun. That's something that an idiot would do. Third, I heard him ask you where the clip was and then what you did. It was you who shot me, your father didn't know about the second gun. What amazes me is that your parents clearly love you. Your father was willing to go to prison for the rest of his life for you and you're coward enough to let him." "I'm no coward!" Andrew protested. "No?" Peter asked. "Then tell me this; why would you let your father go to prison for you? If you're so damned proud of what you believe; then why keep it secret? Why not walk up to Kenji and say, I hate your guts and I want you dead? Why the games? To me everything that you did including hiding in your little group tells me that you're a coward." Andrew's face burned. He had been called a coward before and it angered him now as much as it had angered it then. Then he realized something, he didn't have to carry the burden of guilt alone. After all; he was just an impressionable young man and .... "I didn't do this alone." "What do you mean?" Peter asked. This was more than he had hoped for. He knew that there had been a group on campus; but they didn't know who the leader was. Even if they did know; all they would have been able to do was watch him. "Who helped you?" Peter asked. Andrew hesitated for several minutes. "If I tell you, I want the death penalty taken off the table." Andrew said. "And I want a lawyer. I'm not saying a word until he's here." "Alright, but you do realize that no deals are going to be made until the information that you give us is verified." Peter said. "What do you mean?" Andrew demanded. "I'm giving you information!" "And it needs to be verified." Peter repeated. "Did you think that we would make a deal with you based on your say so?" That was exactly what Andrew thought would happen. "It's the weekend so you'll be a guest of the city until Monday." Peter said. "And even though it's against procedure; I'm going to let your father see you." "No... tell him to go home." Andrew said. "Why? Are you too afraid to face the man that you were going to let go to prison for you?" Peter asked. "Tell him that I'm fine and that he needs to go home and take care of mom." Andrew replied not responding to the jibe. Peter didn't move for several seconds. "Are you sure?" Peter asked. "This will probably be the last time you see him other than in court." Something about those words struck Andrew. "You're right... let him in." ****** A million thoughts went through Harlan's mind as he waited to see Andrew. The biggest of them was what he could have done differently. He refused to believe that his son was born a killer... he would have known. He realized that he did know and he had turned a blind eye. Just as he had turned a blind eye to the hatred that he felt coming from his son. He also disagreed with Peter on another point. Part of this was his fault and nothing would convince him otherwise. Suddenly, Harlan remembered Eleanor. He politely asked to use the phone and called her. She was frantic with worry for both him and Andrew. It broke his heart to tell her that there was nothing that he could do to help their son. "No honey, he isn't coming home...I don't know... sweetheart I'm going to talk to him and then I'll be home. I'll explain everything soon... yes a pot of coffee would be nice." Harlan hung up his throat tight. The offer of coffee seemed absurd given what was happening, but he understood. Whenever Eleanor was stressed or frightened, she did something domestic to help calm her nerves. He had no doubt that there would be another apple pie if not two waiting for him when he got home. He tried to think of how to tell her that their son, their only child was a murderer and that he had been planning to murder someone else. Harlan tried to understand how it could have happened. It had to have been more than Andrew hearing him talk badly about other races. Then he remembered the empty look in Andrew's eyes even while he was smiling. "Harlan? You can come in." Peter said from the doorway. Harlan went to the door, walked into the room and headed for the chair. "Don't sit down." Andrew said softly. Harlan readjusted his crutches and waited. "I don't want you coming back here to see me. I don't want mom to see me here either..." "Andy..." "No listen to me." Andrew said. "It's going to be bad enough as it is when this hits the papers. People are going to blame you for what I did and it isn't your fault. I know that you tried to take the blame for me... and I was going to let you. If there was any way to let you go to prison for me; I'd do it and wouldn't look back. Now go home to mom and tell her that I'm sorry. One more thing; don't come to the trial. Stay home. You don't need to go through that." "Explain this to me." Harlan said softly. "Help me understand why you killed that boy." "I don't know that I can." Andrew replied. "He challenged me and he lost." "This was about a challenge?" Harlan asked. Andrew didn't answer Harlan but looked at him. "I don't understand. What challenge?" Harlan asked. "Andrew was the leader of a racist group at school." Peter explained. "From what I can piece together, Milton Vaughn was a member of that group. He questioned Andrew's authority because he wasn't dealing with a certain group of people decisively enough to suit him." Harlan looked at Andrew as if he had never seen him before. "Andy...is this true? You led a group like that?" There was no point in lying so Andrew told the truth. "Yes it's true and yes I was going to kill that damned Jap! He had no right to be in that class! He has no right to be taking the place of a white American citizen. He has no fucking right to live in a house that's nicer than ours! Him and his damned people bombed this country and what happens? They get rewarded! As far as I'm concerned they're below the coloreds! I'd rather see a colored person sitting next to me in class than a Jap! At least they didn't bomb us and they didn't ask to come here. While I'm being honest; I was scared when I shot Milton. I didn't want to it, but I had no choice. Afterwards I was still scared; but I liked it." "Andrew." Peter said softly, "Are you aware that you just confessed to murder?" "I know what I did!" Andrew snapped. "But I didn't tell you the name of the real leader of the group did I? I'll wait until my lawyer gets here before I divulge that little piece of information. Now get him out of here and if he comes back I don't want to see him." Harlan stood frozen. The term shell-shocked came to mind when he tried to put a name to what he was feeling. He had listened to his son confess to murder and then admit that he liked it. He didn't move when he felt hand on his shoulder urging him toward the door. He looked at Andrew with eyes filled with tears and walked out. Andrew watched his father walk out on his crutches with a mixture of emotions. There was sadness because he had hurt them so badly. No matter what he had done, he loved his parents. He also experienced relief. His secret was out. He no longer had to pretend to be other than what he was. He also couldn't deny that he was afraid. He didn't want to die and if throwing Michael Hathaway to the wolves prevented that; then he'd do it. The door opened again and Detective Briscoe walked in and sat down. "Was it worth it?" Briscoe asked. "You had your whole life ahead of you..." "I really don't care to hear how I could have been a productive member of society. I'm going to prison so just spare me the speech." Andrew said his voice icy. Briscoe looked at Andrew assessing him. "That's a pretty good front that you're putting up." He said. "Keep it up; you're going to need it." He pushed a paper and pencil over to Andrew. "Write out everything that you told the agent and don't try to change it. Several of us heard your confession and I doubt that your father will lie for you again." I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 13 Briscoe got up and knocked on the door. Seconds later, two uniformed officers came in. "Uncuff the hand that he writes with and keep the other one on. He doesn't leave this room for any reason until he's finished." ***** "What do you think about him having an accomplice?" Nick asked. "I doubt that anyone helped him kill Vaughn." Peter replied. "However, I do believe that he had a mentor. But as you heard, he won't give up the name unless we give him a deal." "My concern is if we cut a deal with him, the so called accomplice will amount to nothing." Nick said. "If we cut a deal with him, it will be for life without the possibility of parole." "Excuse me." Briscoe said. "Aren't you forgetting something? That murder isn't a federal issue." "You're right." Peter replied, "But he may have information that could turn it into a federal case. We're investigating groups like his, but I think we're being premature here. We don't know if he really has information or not. We won't know until he talks with his attorney on Monday. If there is a real accomplice, we'll hash it out then." Briscoe looked as if he was going to argue, but changed his mind. "We'll leave him in a cell by himself." He said. "I'll call you as soon as his lawyer gets here." "Thanks." Peter said. "Briscoe, we're not trying to take this case from you. I'll do my best to see that you get your shot at him. "This is what I think." Briscoe said. "He's going to give you a name of someone who doesn't matter." "This is exactly why there won't be a deal until I have a name and it's been investigated." Nick replied. "The bottom line is this, even if his information is good; he's going to spend the rest of his life in prison. Peter, you look as if you're going to fall over, where's your partner?" "Back at the office starting the paper work." Peter replied. "Come on, I'll drop you off at home." Nick replied. "I'd rather go to the office." Peter replied. "Then I can rest." "Did you take any pain medication while you were at the hospital?" Nick asked. "No... why?" Peter asked. "I don't want the defense to have any reason to question anything that we did." Nick replied. "I don't want this son of a bitch getting away from us on a technicality." "Nick, I'm fine." Peter replied. "My shoulder hurts like hell, but I feel good enough to get that report done while it's fresh in my head. I'm going to add the false confession that Harlan tried to give as well. I agree with you. I want the bastard to rot in prison. ***** Andrew could hear the voices through the door, but he couldn't make out the words. The only thing that he knew for sure was that the discussion was about him. It unnerved him that they hadn't jumped at the offer of information. It made him wonder just how important Michael Hathaway was and if the professor hadn't overblown his importance. When he thought about it, he realized that no one seemed particularly upset at Hathaway's sudden disappearance. Andrew realized something else. Hathaway never got his hands dirty. The only reason that he had lost his job was because of the Jap's bitch. Now that he had the time, he wondered what happened that Hathaway had to leave so suddenly. He then remembered the Jew and his hopes rose. He had the clip! Just as quickly as they had risen, Andrew's hopes crashed. How would he explain how he still had the gun? Then there was also Hathaway's wife. She would say that he had been there and they would want to know why. His only hope was to convince them that Hathaway was more involved than he actually was. But there was another problem; he had no idea of where Hathaway had gone. He was slowly realizing that he was out of options. He jumped when the door opened. Briscoe stood in the doorway staring at him for several seconds before speaking to him. "You're some piece of work." He commented. Andrew didn't reply. "You were really going to let your old man go to prison for you weren't you?" he asked. When Andrew didn't reply, he continued. "I know what you're doing." He said as he entered the room and sat across from Andrew. "You're trying to throw us a red herring. Well I've got news for you; none of us are buying it. You may have had someone teaching you, but I doubt that they told you to kill anyone in your own group. Discipline I can understand, but murder? You're going to prison for a good long time. With any luck, you'll never get out." The words hit Andrew like a sledgehammer. All of the lessons that he had learned were forgotten as he tried to stand up so that he could rush Briscoe. Briscoe didn't flinch but watched as Andrew came at him dragging the chair with him. When Andrew was close enough, he stood up and punched him in the chest. Andrew flew backwards crashing to the floor. "I guess we'll add assaulting a police officer to the list of offenses against you." Briscoe said as several uniformed officers ran into the room to see what the ruckus was about. "Take him to his cell." Briscoe said. "And don't put anyone in there with him. I want the son of a bitch to go to trial." The officers helped Andrew up and led him away. Briscoe sat in his seat for a long time. He was in no real hurry to get home. Finally, he got up, stretched and went to his desk. He had a report to write. ***** Saul's ass was sore. He had only ventured as far as the bathroom and stood in the aisle to stretch his legs. A few more people, not always black sat with him as the train made its way to California. Some of them he talked to, some he didn't; but he noticed something. It was always the black families that shared their food with him. Something about that struck him. The last black person to sit with him was an older man who was obviously hungry. For once, he got to be the one to share his food. The man eyed him warily when Saul offered to share what was left of the food that he had. "It ain't much but I'll help keep the hunger away." Saul said as he held out a piece of dry bread. "Why are you sharing?" The man asked in a cultured voice that surprised Saul. "A lot of people have shared their food with me." He replied. "That's why I have food left." The man reluctantly took the offered food and then bowed his head in prayer. After he was through he introduced himself. "My name is Joshua Templeton. May I inquire as to what your name is?" "Saul Mullins, it's a pleasure to meet you." "The pleasure is mine." Joshua replied. "Please excuse my earlier reticence, but it is a rare thing for a white man to share with a black man." "I understand." Saul replied. "Can I ask you a question?" The wary look was back on Joshua's face, but he gave Saul the go ahead. "I don't know how to ask this without it sounding bad." Saul said. "Just ask and I promise not to be offended if it as you say, sounds bad." Joshua said with a smile. "I always say that it's better to ask than to assume." Saul liked this man. He didn't know what it was about him that made him feel comfortable enough to ask questions; but the man felt familiar to him. After a few seconds, he realized why. The man reminded him of Jacob Lincoln but without the southern accent and height. This man was also older than Jacob had been if the gray that peppered his dark hair meant anything. Saul cleared his throat. He was having second thoughts about asking his question. He had no desire to offend this man. "What's your question?" Joshua asked. "I... I only know of one other colored man who talked the way that you do... where did you learn to talk like that?" Saul asked. Saul became nervous when Joshua didn't answer right away. Maybe he had offended the man. "I taught myself. "Joshua said after a few minutes. "How did the other man learn?" "He was a school teacher." Saul replied with a lump in his throat. He hadn't talked to anyone about what happened at the prison since he left. Even his mother got skimpy details. Joshua looked at Saul for a long time before he spoke. "You sound like you admired him." "I did." Saul replied. "He was kind to me when no one else was." "Where did you meet him?" Joshua asked. Saul hesitated and then the floodgates opened. By the time the conductor announced that Los Angeles was six hours away, Saul had told Joshua everything. "I don't know your friend." Joshua said. "But he sounds like he was a good man. But I have a question for you. What are you going to do once we arrive? Where are you going to stay?" "I was going to go to the baggage office and see if I could get a job there." Saul replied. "You would take a job that mostly blacks do?" Joshua asked. Saul was surprised at the question. In his mind a job was a job and he didn't much care what it was. "Are you saying that they won't hire me because I'm white?" he asked. "I'm not saying that." Joshua replied. "I'm just saying that it's a position usually held by blacks." "All I know is that I need a job and I don't much care what it is." "Alright, let's say that you get this job, where will you live?" "I'll hole up somewhere until I have enough money for a room." Saul replied. "Are you talking about living on the street?" Joshua asked. "I don't think that you understand how dangerous Los Angeles is. You might be able to get away with holing up somewhere in South Carolina; but not here. How will you eat?" "I have a little money and I can take care of myself." Saul replied. Joshua didn't speak for another fifteen minutes. His gaze was directed toward the window as if he was in deep thought. "You're coming home with me." Joshua said suddenly. "It's just me and my wife Cora and we have a small room that needs some work to make it livable, but I suspect that a young man like you has some repair skills." Saul was speechless at the show of kindness that he was being shown by a stranger. "I can't do that!" he exclaimed. "Thank you for your offer but..." "But what?" Joshua broke in. "You just said that you had no job and no place to live. I'm offering you shelter. I know that you have no money so in exchange for food and a place to stay; you can do repairs around the house. When you get a job, you can help buy food. You're welcome to stay until you're on your feet." "What about your wife?" Saul asked. "Don't worry about her." Joshua replied. "She's used to me bringing home the strays that I find although it's been awhile, and none of the strays have been white." Saul thought about his options. Joshua was right. Living on the streets would be dangerous and who knew how long he would have to do it? "I'll accept on one condition." Saul said. "You let me use what money I have to buy groceries." "Deal!" Joshua replied and extended his hand to Saul. The conductor happened by just as Saul accepted Joshua's hand. He didn't say anything. He didn't have to; the expression on his face said it all. Saul and Joshua looked at each other and shrugged. "Have you thought about how you're going to fulfill your promise?" "I don't know yet." Saul replied. "I know that I need to learn to talk better... I need to learn to talk like you and Jacob." "Do you know what it is that you want to do?" Joshua asked. "I don't know that either." Saul replied. "But... do you think that you can teach me to talk better?" "Saul, do you know how to read?" Joshua asked. "I know how to read easy stuff and I can write." Saul replied. "Then we need to start with your reading." Joshua replied. "It will strengthen your vocabulary." "You'll help me?" Saul asked surprised. "Yes I'll help you." Joshua said. "Saul, back to your friend Jacob; do you understand that he was murdered? The warden made it look like a justifiable hanging; and it may have been. But there was no trial to determine that. The warden committed murder in front of hundreds of witnesses and got away with it because the white prisoners felt as he did and no one would have believed the black ones." "I know." Saul said softly. "But who's going to believe me? I'm one person." "Sometimes that's all it takes." Joshua replied. Saul turned away. A seed had been planted. ****** Isadora was in the back yard doing one of her favorite things. Picking oranges off the tree and eating them as she went. No matter how many oranges she ate, the pleasure never diminished. "It's a wonder your skin isn't orange instead of brown!" Bella teased when she joined her. Isadora tensed and then relaxed joining in when Bella laughed. "I'm sorry; I didn't mean to startle you." Bella said after the laugher subsided. "It's alright." Isadora replied. "I was never one for liking people to come up from behind me." "I'll try to remember that." Bella said. "Mr. Jackson is coming over for dinner, would you like to make the biscuits?" "Are you really going to trust me to make the biscuits?" Isadora asked. "Mine always come out so heavy." "Practice makes perfect." Bella replied with a smile. "Bella, what's the story with Mr. Jackson? I mean where did he get his limp and where does his money come from?" "I can't answer any of those questions because I don't know the answers." Bella replied. "Even if I knew, I wouldn't tell you. Isadora, Mr. Jackson is a very private man. I wouldn't ask him any personal questions unless he invites you to." "Aren't you curious?" Isadora asked. "You've known him for a long time and you know what I know. Don't you find that odd?" Bella saw that Isadora wasn't going to let the subject of Mr. Jackson go. "Isadora, why won't you talk about what happened to you?" "Because it's private and...I see your point." She said softly. "We all have things that we want to keep to ourselves whether they are good or bad. I know that you're curious about him and so were we. But it passed. It all comes down to respect for the other person's privacy. Now let's go make those biscuits. Oh and a letter came for you." "A letter from home?" Isadora asked excitedly forgetting about Mr. Jackson. "I didn't really look." Bella said as she picked up the basket that was half full of oranges, lemons and grapefruit. Isadora took off at a run. As much as she loved California, she had plans to return home when she had her degree. She had business to take care of. She found the letter on the dresser in her room and sat on the bed to read it. Dear Isadora, I hear that your studies are going well. Mr. Jackson is quite pleased with your progress as am I. I read your letters to your mother who now works for me in your place since your father fell ill and lost his job. They are so proud of you and it is on their behalf that I write this letter. Before I get to that, be on the lookout for a package. I had an exceptionally good quarter and took the liberty of ordering you a subscription to the law journal. I hope that you find it helpful as you continue in your studies. I also am sending you an old outdated version of the prep book for the BAR exam. I know that it's early, but at least you'll have it. This is the news from your mother. Your brother Dewey is marrying Millie Books in a few weeks. After the wedding they are planning to move north where things are rumored to be easier for people of color. They will be living with some of her relatives until they get on their feet. Your brother Titus wants to move too, but he doesn't want to leave your parents since he lives the closest to them. He has concerns about the Klan activities that seem to be increasing. Everyone else is the same and they all love and miss you. That's it for now. Isadora, I know that you are going to be a magnificent attorney. I knew it from the first time I slipped into my office early and I saw you reading one of my law books. It was confirmed when Mr. Jackson caught you and drilled you on what you had read. I don't know what motivates you, but keep it in front of you and use it. If you have any questions that I can help you with, include them in the letters to you parents on a separate sheet of and I will respond promptly. Yours, Mr. Whitman Isadora reread the letter and smiled. She had heard the same rumor about life for people of color in the north, but she wasn't sure that she believed it. She hoped that for Dewey and Millie's sake that it was true. She also wished that she could be at the wedding. Dewey had been in love with Millie since they were children and she had never given him the time of day. She sighed when she thought about Titus. He hated Greenville, but as long as he thought that his parents needed him he wouldn't leave. The news about the increased Klan activity unsettled her. In a way, she owed them thanks. They were her motivation for choosing a career as an attorney. Unconsciously she looked at the dresser where the list of names lay under her nightgowns. Marty Anderson, Luke Samuels, Edgar Freeman were only three of the names on her list. Her hand went to her soft belly and she said a prayer asking for forgiveness and that the innocent soul was in the hands of god. She read the letter again, stood up and walked over to the dresser. She opened the top drawer and slipped the letter inside. A few minutes later she was in the kitchen making biscuits under Bella's watchful eye. Mr. Jackson arrived for dinner just before six. He greeted Isadora with a warm smile and praise. 'I'm very pleased with your progress." He said as he took off his hat. "Your instructors speak very highly of you." "Thank you." Isadora said basking in the praise. "When I say thank you, I mean for everything. I wouldn't be here without your help." "You're welcome." Noah replied. "The only thanks that I want are for you to graduate, help our people and if you have the means; help someone get their education." "I promise to do that...Mr. Jackson; may I ask what you would consider a personal question?" Noah hesitated. He had an idea of what she was going to ask, but the true test would be would she follow through with the question. "What will you do if I say no?" he asked. "I would ask you again later." Isadora replied without missing a beat. Noah fought not to smile. He liked this young woman. She reminded him so much of... "Ask your question." He said gruffly. "But I don't promise to answer it." "That's fair." Isadora replied. Bella and Lenny listened to the exchange with disbelief. When they had asked Noah anything personal, he had told them to mind their business and to concentrate on their studies. They had never asked again but here was a young woman going toe to toe with him. "Just a moment." Noah said. "Are you familiar with the term quid pro quo?" "Yes I know the term." Isadora replied. "Good, if I answer your question; then you answer one of mine. If I refuse to answer your question, then you may refuse to answer mine. Do we have an agreement?" Noah waited. This was where he was going to find out if she had the guts to follow through. "I agree." Isadora said after a brief hesitation. "Then you may ask your question." Noah said preparing to answer the question about his limp. "Where do you get the money to pay for not only my education, but the education of others?" Noah almost choked but recovered. "I respectfully decline to answer that question." He said with a bow. "Now for my question, what did the Klan do to you or your family?" "I respectfully decline to answer that question." Isadora said with a small bow of her head. They looked at each other and smiled. Isadora knew that she had just passed some kind of test. "Dinner's ready." Bella said from the kitchen doorway. "Isadora, would you go get the children?" Noah watched Isadora walk away with approval in his eyes. Isadora Hughes was a rare find and he would help her however he could. "Mr. Jackson, may I ask your opinion on something?" Isadora asked over dessert. "It isn't personal she quickly added. I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 13 "You may ask." Noah replied. Isadora told him about the letter that she got from Mr. Whitman and about her brother and his new wife's plan to move north. "Is it true that things are easier in the north for people of color?" Noah thought about his answer. "In some ways yes but it is still difficult. The whites of the north can be just as bigoted as the whites of the south depending on where they are and their belief system. There are some that say that it is even easier here in California where there are some racist groups but they don't have a stronghold like the Klan does in the south or parts of the north." "So would you advise them to come here as opposed to going north?" Isadora asked. "That would depend on a variety of things." Noah replied. "Other than you, do they have any family here?" "I don't think so... Millie has family in the north though." "What skills does your brother have? And will they allow him to get a job?" "He's a handyman." Isadora replied, "And Millie cleans houses." "The other issue is finances." Noah said. "How are they getting north?" "I... I assume by train." Isadora replied. "On the face of it, it sounds like north is the better option. At least she has family that they could stay with and they both should be able to find jobs." "I was thinking along the same lines." Isadora replied. "You must miss your family." Noah said looking at Isadora intently. "Yes I do." Isadora replied. "But I'm here and I'm not leaving until I have my degree." "We've talked about you taking summer classes." Noah said. "But would you prefer to go home?" "Home for the summer?" Isadora asked. The idea was tempting and she did miss her family, but if she stayed; she could shorten her schooling by a semester. If she did it every summer, she could cut out an entire year. However, there was Christmas break which would be four weeks. "I would like to stick to my original plan." Isadora said. "But I was wondering about Christmas." "That might be possible." Noah said after a long pause. "I need to go take care of some business matters with Mr. Whitman. I would enjoy the company." Isadora wasn't sure if he was serious until he started looking at dates. "I believe that the last class is over the third week of December... we could leave the day after your last class. I'll book the tickets." "I ... Thank you." Isadora said with tears in her eyes. She couldn't wait to write a return letter to her parents telling them that she would be home for the Christmas holidays. "S....Isadora, be sure to bring your books with you." Nosh said. "As you know, it's a long trip." She had already planned on it, but he was about to call her another name and had quickly corrected himself. After he was gone, Isadora helped Bella clean up. "He likes and respects you." Bella said as she washed the dishes. "He likes that you weren't afraid of him." "There's nothing to be afraid of." Isadora replied. "No, but I've never seen anyone challenge him like you just did." Bella said. "He started to call me by another name." Isadora said. "Do you know whose name?" Bella laughed. "You probably know more about him than we do, but no; I have no idea." After the dishes were finished, Isadora went to her room and began a letter to her parents. ***** Nick rang Hiroshi's doorbell and stepped back to wait. Hiroshi opened the door and greeted Nick with a cool but pleasant smile. Of everyone in their eclectic family, Nick was the one that he had some difficulty with. He wasn't sure of why that was except for maybe it was the fact that Nick had protected Kenji and saw him for the man that he was. Hiroshi also realized that he owed Nick a debt of gratitude. By all rights he should be in prison or at the worst deported back to Japan for his activities during the war. Somehow, through a slip up; he and the then pregnant Dai had been able to leave the camp. Nick knew this but had kept quiet. The memory of this favor made Hiroshi check his attitude. He knew that Nick wouldn't hold it over him, in fact; it was only mentioned once. "Hiroshi." Nick said. "If they ever offer citizenship to the Japanese, you can't apply and neither can Hana. If they ever lift the restriction on interracial marriage, I'll marry Hana but you won't have that advantage." "Nick, please come in and be welcome." Hiroshi said with a bow. "Thanks... are Patricia and Kenji around?" Nick asked. "They are in the kitchen making tea. Please, follow me." Patricia stopped what she was doing and gave Nick and expectant look. Kenji sat the plate of sugar cookies on the counter and put his arms around Patricia. "Where are Joel and Penny?" Nick asked. "I want them to hear this too." "I will go get them." Hiroshi said and hurried to the back door where Joel and Penny were talking with Dai. A few minutes later, they were all congregated in the kitchen. "Please tell us that it's over." Patricia said. "It's over." Nick said. "We have Andrew Kelly in custody." "Is there any chance that he will be released?" Kenji asked. "No." Nick assured him. "He confessed to killing Milt Vaughn and he shot a federal agent." "Peter?" Joel asked. "Yes Peter, but he's going to be fine. In fact, I just dropped him off at home before I came here." Nick said. "Kirei, do you know what this means?" Kenji asked "We can go home and you can return to school." "Excuse me." Penny said, "But what about Andrew's friends?" "That's the other reason why I stopped by." Nick said. "Kenji and Joel, could you write down the names of everyone that you knew was in his group?" Nick sipped at a cup of tea while he waited for the list. God he had missed being in the field. He wondered how Hana would feel about him going back. It was still the best way that he knew of to protect his family. "What are you thinking about?" Patricia asked with a knowing smile. "I was just thinking that I'm glad that all of you are safe." Nick replied. "Me too." Patricia replied. "You miss the agency." "Am I that obvious?" Nick asked with a chuckle. "I just see that old light in your eyes." she replied smiling back at him. Nick sighed. "I do miss it and Charles made me an offer that is like having the best of both worlds." "But you haven't told Hana about it." Patricia mused. "Why haven't you told her yet?" "I wanted to get through this latest crisis before I said anything." Nick replied. "I plan to talk to her when I get home. By the way... what time should we be here?" "We have to go to the store... is five alright?" "That's perfect. It gives this old man time to sleep." Nick replied. "Here are the names." Joel said handing the paper to Nick. "Good... Let me remind you of something." He said. "Just because we have Andrew in custody doesn't mean that you let your guard down. The world is filled with people like Andrew so watch your backs." Hiroshi walked Nick to the door and stopped him. "I am once again in your debt. Thank you for keeping my son safe." "You're welcome." Nick said. "I consider Kenji to be my son too. We'll see you later." **** Kenji pulled Patricia aside and kissed her. "I would like to go to our home and sleep in our own bed if only for a few hours." He murmured against her ear. "It has been far too long since I have slept with your skin pressed against me." "What about the children?" Patricia asked. "Dai has agreed to watch them and it puts us closer to the school. Joel and I are to meet Ernie for lunch." "But it's late... it's past midnight." Patricia said pressing even closer to him. She had missed sleeping in the nude snuggled against him as much as he had. "We can be home in fifteen minutes." Kenji whispered. "There is no need to pack until tomorrow." "What about Penny and Joel?" Patricia asked covering her bases. "They will stay here." Kenji replied. "My father will bring Joel to the house and Penny will stay and help Dai with the children." "When did you have time to put this together?" Patricia asked. "We planned it after we received the first phone call saying that it was over. Now let's go... our bed is waiting for us." They peeked at the children, said their goodbyes and left via the garage. Twenty minutes later, they were standing in their bedroom still fully clothed. "It feels like we haven't been here in ages." Patricia said as she looked around the neatly kept room. "Kirei." Kenji called softly. Patricia turned to look at him. His shirt was unbuttoned and his belt undone. The front of his slacks bulged out and she could see a tiny wet spot where he was already leaking. She walked over to him and light ran her fingernails over the bulge releasing her own fluid when Kenji moaned. Kenji reached around her and unzipped her dress as he looked down into her eyes. The dress pooled around her feet and she stepped out of it as Kenji slid the bra straps over her shoulders, bent down and kissed each shoulder before kissing her neck. She gasped when he found the spot behind her right ear and sucked on it. Patricia slid her hands under his tee shirt and ran them over his flat stomach inching them toward his nipples. She raked her fingernails over each nipple and felt herself grow even wetter between her legs. It had been weeks since they had been able to make love like this, but it felt like years. Kenji pushed her backwards toward the bed until the back of her knees touched it. He gently eased her down until she was sitting and finished undressing. Patricia was surprised when he didn't take the time to hang their clothes up, but she wasn't complaining. "Lie back Kirei. I want to look at you." Patricia lay back on the bed still dressed in her bra and panties. She waited until he had had his fill of looking at her before she finished undressing. Kenji helped her with her panties slowly sliding them over her hips and going even slower when he reached her mound. It was as if he was trying to torture himself. "I have missed the smell and taste of you." He murmured as he slid the panties down her legs. Patricia watched as he held the panties to his nose, closed his eyes and inhaled. He stood frozen with her panties held against his nose for several minutes before he dropped them on the bed. Kenji's cock was throbbing with need, but he ignored it as he dropped to his knees between her open legs. Patricia had managed to remove her bra and held a heavy breast in each hand. The nipples were erect, waiting for the first touch of his tongue against her clit. But he fooled her. He got up on the bed beside her and kissed her offering her his tongue and accepting hers. He ran a thumb over a hardened nipple and then rolled it between his fingers. He broke the kiss and looked into her dark brown eyes. "I will love you forever." He whispered. He kissed her again and caressed her face with his lips before kissing her chest, her breast and then finally, a nipple. He drew the dark, hard point into his mouth and began to suckle from it. Patricia closed her legs tight and began to squeeze them together looking for relief. Patricia moaned when she felt the pressure on her clit. If Kenji sucked any harder or flicked his tongue across the top of her nipple, she would come. "No Kirei." Kenji said softly after he released a nipple. "I want to feel and taste your release in my mouth." She moaned in frustration but relaxed her thighs. Immediately, the pending orgasm receded leaving behind a dull ache. Kenji hurried a little. He wasn't sure how much longer he could hold off. He wanted to feel her soft lips wrapped around his cock as he slid in and out of the wet warmth of her mouth. That thought was nearly his undoing. He could feel the tingling that began at the balls of his feet begin to make its way to his center. He squeezed his eyes shut and took several calming breaths until the need diminished but didn't go away. "Kenji... I..." He could tell by the way that Patricia was tensing that she wasn't going to be able to hold off much longer. He planted a soft kiss on her stomach and moved so that he was between her legs. Patricia opened her legs wide, reached down and opened her nether lips for him. Kenji took a moment to gaze at the jewel that was soon going to be throbbing in his mouth. It was already throbbing and a clear fluid was running down Patricia's slit and between her ass cheeks. Starting at the base of her pussy, Kenji made one long, slow swipe up with his tongue stopping just before he reached her clit. Patricia cried out and bucked her hips still holding her lips apart. Kenji slowly eased his tongue down to the bottom and made his way back to the top only this time, he took the throbbing clit into his mouth and flicked his tongue over it several times in rapid succession before gently sucking on it. His moans combined with Katrina's screams as her orgasm began. When her orgasm began to wane, he flicked his tongue over the quivering Jewel and suckled it again when Patricia's second orgasm hit. Without saying anything, Patricia sat up as Kenji got to his feet. Her chest was still heaving from her back to back orgasms, but she took the head of his cock into her mouth and teased it with her tongue. Kenji took hold of her face and held her head still as she pumped in and out of her mouth speaking in Japanese as he did so. Even after all of their time together Patricia still had no idea of what he was saying. The closer he got to orgasm, the faster he spoke and pumped into her mouth. Finally, he released her head and gave her free rein to do as she wished. He screamed for her when she rubbed her tongue against the sensitive underside of his cock. The orgasm that had started in his feet was now rushing to his center. He screamed Patricia's name as the first of his release left his body and entered hers via her mouth. Afterwards, he climbed into the bed next to her and held her nude body close to his. For the first time in weeks, he slept soundly. Patricia didn't move for fear of waking Kenji up. She counted the beats of his heart until she too fell asleep. ****** Ernie finally made his decision. He was going to meet Kenji and Joel at school for lunch and Andrew could go screw himself. He packed his books and went downstairs to make a sandwich for lunch. "Where are you off to?" his father asked. "I... I'm having some trouble with a class and meeting some people for help.... It's Kenji Takeda." "The young man that you helped torment?" His mother asked surprised. "Well... we tried, but I think that he did the tormenting." Ernie replied. "How do you mean?" His father asked. "You would have to see it to believe it." Ernie replied. "He never let us get to him and the one time he did, it was because Andrew was going to involve his wife." "The young black woman." His father commented. "Yes... Patricia, But Kenji is brilliant and so is his friend Joel." "And they're going to help you with your class?" His mother asked. "I find that amazing considering what you put them through." Ernie blushed. His mother was right. They could have turned him away but they didn't. He knew that Joel was still angry at him and he couldn't blame him. They could have ruined his medical career. Another apology was in order and he planned to deliver it when he saw them. "They also arrested someone for Milton Vaughn's murder." His father said. "They did? Who was it?" Ernie asked. "Your friend Andrew Kelly." His father replied. "According to the paper, he confessed... Ernie, do you realize how lucky you were? That could have been you that he killed. That could be you sitting in that cell facing murder charges." "I know." Ernie murmured. "What I did was.... Inexcusable. I plan to apologize again today." "Good... when will you be home?" His mother asked. "I'll be back by supper. Why?" "We're going over to see the parents of the young man; I think that you should come with us." Ernie recognized that the statement wasn't a request, but a demand delivered in his mother's usual gentle way. There was no way out of it. He had no idea of what he would say to them if they asked him way. He would deal with it when and if it came up. He glanced at the clock and stood up. "I have to go." He said, "I'll see you at supper." Ernie had mixed feelings as he walked to the garage. He was relieved and then felt guilty about feeling relieved. Andrew had been a friend at one time and now his life was over. As he got into the car to drive to the school, Ernie began to formulate his apology to Joel in his head. It either sounded too contrived or insincere. By the time he got to the school, he still didn't have an apology formed. Nor did he know how to adequately thank them for their help. In the end he decided to wing it. **** Kenji opened his eyes and looked at Patricia who was still asleep. He needed the bathroom, but put it off. She hadn't been sleeping any better than he had so he held off until he couldn't wait any longer. He moved as slowly as he could in the hopes of not to waking her up. "Where are you going?" she asked tightening her arm around his waist. "I'm going to the bathroom." He replied kissing her head. "After that, I was going to make breakfast and bring it to you." "I can make breakfast although there isn't really anything here. I was going to go shopping while you were at school." Patricia replied. "Please Kirei, let me do this. I want you to stay in bed and read that book that you started weeks ago." "I would rather skip breakfast and stay in bed with you like we used to do before we had babies." Patricia replied. "I will be back in a few minutes." Kenji said jumping out of bed. While he was gone, Patricia put the diaphragm in and waited for him to come back. * Hana was waiting up for Nick when he got home. He had called her from the jail to let her know that they had Andrew in custody and that everyone was safe. "Go to bed, I'm going to be a while. Yes... they're fine... Hana, I love you... I'll see you soon." He got home about an hour after the phone call. Hana was at the kitchen door leading to the garage when he walked in. He hugged and then kissed her running his hands up and down her back. Then he remembered that they had company. "Where are Hattie and John?" He asked. "They went to bed soon after your first phone call." Hana replied. "I am so glad that this is over." She added. "Me too." Nick replied kissing her. "Sit down and I will make you something to eat." Hana said as she took him by the hand and led him to the table. Nick sat at the table wondering if it was the best time to talk to her about returning to the agency. His stomach grumbled when the scent of bacon filled the air reminding him that he hadn't eaten anything since lunch. Hana sat a large glass of juice in front of him and moved back to the stove to finish making his breakfast. Nick downed the juice and got up for more. On his way back to the table, he stopped at the stove and kissed the top of Hana's head. He wished that he could legally marry her, but it was still impossible. He sat the glass down and put his arms around her. "Hana..." "Eat first and then we talk about what is bothering you." "I love you Hana." Nick said kissing her head again and rubbing against her. "I love you too... now sit and I will bring your meal to you." Nick devoured the breakfast of bacon, eggs, toast and coffee and felt much better for it. He went to take a shower while Hana took care of the kitchen. By the time she finished, he had showered, shaved and was lying naked on the bed waiting for her. Hana walked into the bedroom, undressed and got into bed with him sighing when he put his arms around her and hugged her. She placed her hand over his heart and ran it down until it rested on his stomach which was just beginning to show the first hints of the middle aged bulge although he was in his mid-forties. I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 13 Her hand drifted even lower and stopped when it reached his cock which was already leaking pre-come. Nick hissed when she ran her short fingernails up and down the length of his cock. "I love when you do that." he moaned when she did it again. Nick ran a thumb over a rose colored nipple and then pinched it. He hardened even more when Hana gasped and pushed against him. He pulled her so that she was stretched out on top of him, her vee resting on his hardness. He cupped her ass cheeks and held her still as he ground against her. Hana opened her legs so that they were on either side of Nick's hips allowing his cock to rest between her vaginal lips. "Nick..." she murmured and then moaned when his member glided across her clit coating it with her wetness. Hana sat up and ground against the head of his cock. Nick raised her and slid into her with one smooth thrust stopping when the entire length of him was inside of her. This was his favorite part of making love with her. There was nothing, including orgasm that surpassed the feeling he got when he first slid into her. When he was ready, he began to slowly thrust into her while looking into her eyes. "You... feel amazing." Nick said as he tried to control the speed of his movements. He reached up and took a nipple between the thumb and forefinger of each hand and rolled, pinched and pulled on it. He felt Hana's vaginal muscles begin to tighten around his cock. He sat up so that Hana was in his lap, kissed her neck and took a nipple into his mouth and suckled on it gently grazing it with his teeth. Hana bit her lip to keep from crying out when she remembered that they had guests in the spare bedroom down the hall. A low moan escaped her lips when she felt Nick's cock grow, throb and then release his seed deep inside of her. Nick held her in place and ground against her, massaging his pubis against her clit until she came with a cry struggling against him to move. When he released her, she ground hard against him and went into a second orgasm. Afterwards, Hana stayed on top of him as his cock slowly went flaccid. When their breathing returned to normal, Nick turned so that Hana was on lying on the bed, but in his arms. He waited for her to get settled before he brought up the topic of the agency. "I knew that you were not... entirely happy at your job." Hana said when he told her about the job offer. "The light in your eyes was missing." "Hana, I want you to be happy and if saying no will do that then I'll say no." Nick replied. Hana didn't reply for several minutes trying to formulate her thoughts. "Nick... Just as you want me to be happy, I wish the same for you. I have been watching you ever since this problem with Kenjiro began. There was a light in your eyes that I only see when you are trying to figure out how to keep us safe or when you worked for the agency. I think that if this is what you want to do, then you should do it." "Hana..." "I am sure." Hana replied kissing his chest. "I want you to know the main reason for going back." Nick said as he took her hand and intertwined his fingers with hers. "It puts me in a better position to keep you and the others safe. I'll still practice law but I'll primarily be working with the agency." "I understand." Hana replied. "Just promise me that you will be careful." "I promise and Hana, thank you." Nick said hugging her tight. "You are welcome." Hana replied. "We should rest; I need to go to the market before the party." Hana went to sleep first with Nick following shortly afterwards. * Abby walked around the house feeling relieved that Kenji and Joel were finally safe. She hoped that there would be a period where they could all live their lives without danger or drama. She had no doubt that there would be more trouble. She just hoped that it was months if not years down the road. As soon as she heard that the Andrew Kelly situation was winding down, she had gone shopping and restocked the refrigerator and cabinets. It made her feel good to be able to finally do something other than wait for news. She had even baked sugar cookies in anticipation of Kenji and Patricia moving back into the house. After she shopped and put the groceries away, she dusted and did basic housekeeping with the windows and doors open to let the fresh air in. A lump formed in her throat when she opened the back door and saw the trellis that Ralph had converted into a private area for Kenji so that he could sit outside when he was hiding. She still missed Ralph and suspected that she always would. Pangs of sadness and regret assailed her when she thought about what she had lost for the second time in her life. "I miss you old man." She murmured as she wiped away a tear. She took a cutting of the plant that still thrived to take it home to start a plant of her own. On occasion, she would talk to Ralph choosing to believe that he could hear her. "I guess you know what's been happening." She said as she put the cutting into a glass of water. "Thank goodness it's over. I wish that you were here to see Kenji, Patricia and the children. You would be so proud of them. I know that you never cared for Hiroshi, but Ralph; he stepped up to the plate when they needed a place to go. He even took in Joel and his girlfriend. I really believe that he's changed. I can hear you now making that funny noise in your throat when you don't believe something." She continued the one sided conversation as she puttered around the house. Finally, when things were as she wanted them, she left after making sure that the doors and windows were closed. She went home to make her dish for the party that was going to be at Hiroshi's house. * Will looked at Sally as she moved around the kitchen. She like the rest of them was glad that the Andrew Kelly issue was for the most part over. "Do you think that someone will really defend him?" She asked. "He's entitled to legal representation even though he confessed." Will replied. "The question will be whether he receives the death penalty or life imprisonment." "What would you like to see happen?" she asked as she made cole slaw for the party. "I'd be happy with either sentence." Will replied. Sally hesitated and looked at Will. "There is so much hatred... will killing him erase that? I mean will executing him stop the next person who murders someone or tries to hurt someone because of who or what they are?" "Sally, what's on your mind?" Will asked as he set down his cup of coffee. "Nothing... but Will, I know firsthand what hate can do. I lost my son because of it... this is a horrible world to bring a child into." She said softly. Will's ears perked up. Child? What child was she...? "Sally, what are you trying to tell me?" He asked with a pounding heart. "Will... I'm pregnant. I don't..." He was already out of his chair and hugging her before she could finish her sentence. "I guess you just answered my question." She said wiping away tears. "I was so worried about what you would say." "I'm thrilled!" Will exclaimed hugging her again. "Sit down! Get off your feet..." "Will... I've done this before. I 'm fine." Sally said laughing and then she turned serious. "I meant what I said before about the death penalty and this world. There will always be those who hate, we can't just kill them." "Kelly isn't being tried because of his views." Will reminded her. "Just as Tyrone Morgan isn't going to be tried because of his views. Both of these men committed murder. Andrew Kelly walked up to an unarmed man and shot him at point blank range and was then going to let his father a decorated war hero take the fall for him. Morgan killed his wife and left her corpse in the woods somewhere. He only got caught because he couldn't keep his mouth shut and because someone saw him dump the body. Why that person didn't come forward before now, I don't know; but these men deserve the death penalty. The world is a hard place and it won't get any easier. All we can do is teach our kids as best we can and enjoy the time of peace. I don't know about you, but all I want to concentrate on is having a good time at the party and getting ready for our baby. By the way, I don't care whether it's a boy or a girl. I'm just tickled that I'm going to be a father." "You're right." Sally replied. "I vote that we tell the kids when they come down for breakfast. * Saul peered out of the dusty train window to get his first look at California. His eyes widened at the sight of the palm trees and then again when he saw oranges and grapefruit hanging from trees in people's yards. "Lots of folk have trees like that." Joshua said when Saul looked at him in amazement. "We have a lemon and orange tree in front of our house." He added. "You can eat them?" Saul asked knowing that he sounded stupid. "Yes, they're edible." Joshua replied laughing at the expression on Saul's face. After what seemed to be a lifetime, they pulled into Los Angeles. Saul waited with Joshua for the train to empty although he was anxious to be off the train. When they could finally disembark, Saul grabbed Joshua's satchel before the older man could reach it. "You best better let me do that." Joshua replied. "It won't look right for you to carry my bag. If anything, it should be the other way around." "You're not carrying my bag." Saul replied stubbornly. "Fine." Joshua replied. "All I'm saying is that it wouldn't look natural." "And taking a white man home with you is natural?" Saul asked. "Touché." Joshua replied with a smile. "Touché is a French word for touch." Joshua explained when he saw the confusion in Saul's face. "In this case it means that you successfully made your point. However, that doesn't change the fact that you are not going to carry my bag for me." Finally, they could get off, each of them carrying their own bag. Saul looked around in amazement. The air while warm felt much different than the air at home. He even thought that it smelled different. He looked around for the baggage office locating it in the far corner of the station. "I'm going to see if I can get a job." Saul said to Joshua. "Say your prayers." He made his way across the station with Joshua following close behind. He walked up to the window and waited until the man behind it looked up at him. "What?" he asked. "I... I was wondering if you had any jobs open." Saul replied. "I ain't got nothin except luggage duty and it's mostly the Negroes that hold that position." The man replied. "I don't care about that." Saul replied. "I need a job. When can I start?" The man peered at him through thick glasses. "You look strong enough." He mused. "I'm telling you now... don't expect any help from the blacks. They don't take too kindly to interlopers. The pay is seventy cents an hour. The cost of your uniform will be taken out of your pay." "How much is the uniform?" Saul asked. It really didn't matter, he needed the job, but he had to know how much money he could expect to make. "A dollar a week is taken off for ten weeks." The man replied. Saul did a quick calculation in his head. His gross pay would be forty-four dollars a week, forty three minus the dollar. If he got three uniforms, he would still have plenty of money to send home and to pay his way with Joshua. If he was lucky, in a few months he would be able to save enough to rent a small room somewhere. "I want three uniforms." He said after a few minutes. "Three?" The man asked surprised. "Most start out with one. You don't get the uniform until the first dollar comes out of your pay." "What if I pay the first dollar now?" Saul asked. "Then you get a uniform." The man replied. Saul closed his eyes and calculated how much money he would have left if he gave three dollars for the first payment. Eight dollars. "I'll take two uniforms and I want a receipt." Saul said. Thirty minutes later, he and Joshua were leaving the station. They got a few odd looks as they walked the fifteen blocks to Joshua's house. As they walked, Joshua told him about his wife Cora. "She's a good woman, but she's been through a lot. We had three children, all of them are gone. The girl died soon after she was born. Our second -- a boy died before the war. We don't know what happened to him, he just died. The youngest died during the war, killed during an explosion. He was helping to load ammunition on a ship. No one really knows how the explosion happened. We didn't want him to go, but he wanted to go. He said that he wanted to serve his country." Joshua gave a bitter laugh before continuing. "They didn't even come to tell us. We got a letter in the mail. That's real appreciation for you. Anyway, Cora is still aching over that one as am I. I think that it'll do her good to have another young man to hover over." "I'm sorry about your children." Saul said not knowing what else to say. He couldn't imagine going through the loss that Joshua and his wife had gone through. "Are you sure she'll be alright with me staying with you?" "Thank you for the condolences and I'm sure that it will be fine. It isn't much further... Saul, you'll need to watch your back. You'll be leaving early in the morning, but if something happens, no one will help you. Do you get what I'm saying?" Saul understood. Joshua and his wife lived in what was considered the black part of town and he was the enemy. "Will my staying with you cause problems?" Saul asked. "Probably." Joshua replied with a smile, "But it won't be anything that I can't handle." Three long blocks later, they were standing in front of a small house. "This is it." Joshua said "It isn't much, but its home." "Joshua, thank you... I..." "You're welcome." Joshua said interrupting him. "I smell dinner and that slice of bread has long worn off." "Cora! I'm home and I brought as guest with me!" Joshua called out. "Joshua what did you drag...?" Cora's voice faltered when she saw Saul standing by the door. "Sweetheart, this is my friend Saul Mullins. We became acquainted on the train and I've invited him to stay with us until he is on his feet. Saul, this lovely woman is my wife Cora." Cora continued to stare at Saul who blushed furiously. "It's a pleasure to meet you ma'am and thank you for your kindness." It took Cora several seconds to recover. "I... I... please come in." she said in a voice that was every bit as cultured as her husband's. "I apologize for me reaction... I wasn't ..." "I understand." Saul replied. "I don't want to cause trouble..." "No trouble." Cora said now completely over her shock. "You must be hungry. I made supper, it isn't fine dining but it'll fill your stomach." Once again Saul was touched by the generosity of strangers. "Thank you ma'am." Saul replied humbled. "Joshua why don't you show Saul where the washroom is and I'll finish dinner." Cora said with a smile that reached her dark eyes. Saul followed Joshua to the bathroom fully expecting to be led to an outhouse. Joshua laughed at his surprise. "It's much different than where you came from isn't it?" he asked. "There are fresh towels under the sink if you want to take a shower or wash up. After supper I'll show you where you'll be sleeping." Joshua left Saul alone in the bathroom to help Cora finish supper. Saul turned the water on and washed his face with cold water. He was finally in California with a job and a place to stay. The next step as figuring out what he was supposed to do. Joshua's words about Jacob being murdered stuck with him. The statement that sometimes it only takes one person bounced around in his head. But what was he supposed to do? He was a convict. Who would believe him? Who could he go to that would be able to do anything even if he found someone to tell." Suddenly, he was exhausted and hungry. The thought of food and a bed pushed the other thoughts out of his mind. Dinner consisted of beans seasoned with pieces of pork and homemade bread with butter and orange marmalade. Saul's stomach clenched at the sight of the food. It smelled like heaven. He put his hands in his lap to fight the urge to grab a slice of the fresh bread and cram it in his mouth. Cora served him first, filling his bowl to the brim with the hot food. She served Joshua next and then herself. Joshua said a prayer of thanks for the food and that their meeting might be for the greater good. Saul hesitated and then dug in. He moaned in pleasure as he took a bite of the bread and slowly chewed it and swallowed. He dug into the beans with gusto not stopping until the bowl was empty. One more bowl of beans and three slices of bread slathered with marmalade later, Saul was sated. "Miss Cora... thank you! That was delicious." "You're welcome." She replied beaming. "Do you have room for dessert?" "Yes ma'am!" Saul exclaimed. Dessert consisted of chilled orange and grapefruit slices which Saul consumed with as much gusto as he had the main meal. After dinner all he wanted to do was sleep, but he didn't want to be rude. "Come on Saul, I'll show you to your room. It's cluttered like I told you, but we'll work on it tomorrow. The bed is cleared off; I did that while you were in the bathroom." Joshua said. "As the Spanish say, mi casa is su casa- my house is your house so make yourself at home." Saul wished Joshua a good night, kicked off his shoes and lay on the bed fully clothed he was sound asleep within seconds of his head hitting the pillow. ***** Andrew stared at the wall replaying the events of the past several hours over and over in his mind. Finally, he realized that his arrest had been inevitable. He was going to prison and he was never getting out. He gave up the idea of offering Hathaway. For one, he had no idea of where he was and chances were neither did his wife. He had also given up the idea of throwing suspicion on the Jew that had the clip. It didn't make sense that the Jew kept the clip but not the gun. The other issue was that the Jew wouldn't be able to answer the questions any more than his father had been able to. He stretched out on the cot trying to make his brain stop working, to stop it from seeking a solution out of his predicament when there was none. He sat up on the cot, put his head in his hands and whispered apologies to his parents. They had done nothing to deserve what was going to happen to them. He hoped that his father would do as he asked and stay away from the courtroom. When the uniformed policeman came to check on him, Andrew asked for a pen and paper. He was going to write a letter of apology. Not to Milton Vaughn's parents, but to his own. A few minutes later, he had his pen and paper and under the watchful eye of the policeman; began to write his letter. ***** Ernie sat in the car waiting for Kenji and Joel to show up. He still couldn't believe that Andrew was behind bars. He also realized that his father had been right. They could be mourning his death or his going to prison. He had indeed been lucky. He looked over just as Kenji and Joel pulled up, swallowed his nerves and got out of the car. Kenji and then Joel got out but only Kenji spoke to him. Joel glared at him making it clear that he was only there because of Kenji. The three men walked to the library without speaking and stopped at the door. "I think that an empty classroom would be better." Kenji said. "That way we can talk without disturbing anyone." A few minutes later, they were sitting in a class room with their books open. Ernie took a deep breath and spoke before Kenji did. "Wait." He said softly. "I know that I apologized at Milt's funeral and I know that you Joel didn't believe me. I also know that neither of you didn't have to come today... I just wanted to say thank you and... I'm sorry. What I did to you was reprehensible and a violation of the Hippocratic Oath. I allowed myself to be drawn into something that I knew was wrong just so I would be accepted. Joel, I know that we could have ruined your medical career by what we did... There is no way that I can take that back although I wish that I could..." I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 13 "That's nice." Joel said sarcastically. "You can wish all you want and you can apologize until the damned cows come home, but I'm not buying it. The only reason why you didn't stay in the group was because you got kicked out." "That isn't true!" Ernie retorted. "Isn't it?" Joel shot back. "Are you telling me that you would have left the group on your own?" Ernie didn't reply. There was an element of truth to what Joel was saying. Hadn't he told Becca that she had inadvertently saved his life? "You... you may be right." He finally said. "But I would like to think that I would have come to my senses." "Before or after your buddy killed one of us?" Joel shouted. "The sick bastard was gunning for us and you were a friend of his so forgive me if I'm not like Kenji who sees the best in everyone. I don't like or trust you. For all we know you could be the new leader for his group." "What?" Ernie asked in shock. "You weren't the only ones in his line of fire! He saw me talking to you at the funeral and the other day. He threatened me too! I spent most of last night trying to decide if I was coming today and if you don't believe that I was threatened, talk to his friend Peter; he was there. If anyone is the new leader; it's him." Kenji sat back and listened. Joel needed to have his say and so did Ernie. He hoped that Ernie didn't say anything about Peter working for the government. For all he knew, Peter was still undercover. To his relief, Joel didn't say anything about Peter. "All I'm going to say to you is this, I'll help you but outside of this little study group; stay the hell away from me. If Kenji and Patricia want to speak to you that's their choice but personally, I think that you're a piece of shit." Ernie was taken aback by the vehemence in Joel's voice. He had apologized and that was all that he could do. "Are we ready to start?" Kenji asked quietly. By the end of an hour, Ernie had a basic understanding of the principle of genetics. The way that Kenji explained it made him wonder why he thought that it was so difficult before. "If you remember the basic things." Kenji said. "The rest will fall into place." "Thank you." Ernie murmured looking at Kenji and not Joel. "You are welcome." Kenji said with a slight bow to which to his surprise; Ernie returned. As they left, Ernie had one more thing to say. "I wish that I had been stronger. If I had been we would be friends and the fact that we aren't is my loss." He hurried off before either Kenji or Joel could reply. Joel looked at Kenji still not convinced that Ernie was sincere and if he was how long it would last. They drove back to the house to pick up Patricia who was waiting with a tray of deviled eggs. "A little elf was here while we were gone and stocked the fridge." She said with a smile. "The same little elf left you a plate of sugar cookies." She added. "It must have been Abby." Joel commented as he took two cookies from the offered plate after Kenji helped himself. "She even dusted!" Patricia exclaimed. "But we need to get moving. I want to help Dai get ready for this afternoon and get Marie and Ralph's things packed and in the car." Kenji picked up the platter of eggs, grabbed a few more cookies off the plate and followed Patricia and Joel out of the house. It was going to feel good to be home again. **** One by one members of Andrew's group were brought in for questioning. All of them had believed that Andrew killed Milton Vaughn and all of them said that they didn't come forward for two reasons. They had no proof and they were afraid of Andrew. Of the ten members, only one was of any concern to Briscoe and the agency. Duke Stackhouse. While he was afraid of Andrew, he wasn't as afraid of him as the others had been. If anyone was going to take over, it would be him. Charles and Briscoe sat down with the burly med student and decided to be straight forward with him. "Your friend is going to prison, do you understand that?" Briscoe asked. "He isn't my friend!" Duke spat. "He's a coward who didn't do what needed to be done." Briscoe and Charles looked at each other alarmed. "And what was that?" Briscoe asked. "He wasted too much time fucking around... that Jap should have been dead months ago. If it had been me, he would have been." Charles couldn't believe what he was hearing. The man was actually saying that he would have murdered someone. "You're admitting that you would have killed someone?" Duke leaned forward in his chair, rested his elbows on the table and gave Charles a penetrating stare. "Let me explain something to you." He said in a low voice. "Andrew was and is a coward. He rode on his daddy's hero status. That's how he got a free ride for school. He wasn't and isn't a true believer. But to answer your question, fuck yeah I would have killed the Jap, the nigger bitch and the Jew; but you can't arrest me for that can you?" "No I can't you bigoted son of a bitch." Charles replied. "But I can do this, as of this moment, you're on our watch list. Let me explain what that means. It means that if anything happens to anyone of any race or nationality, we come for you first. Each of your buddies that we talked to is also on that list as of this moment." "You can't..." "I just did." Charles interrupted. "I'm quite sure that Detective Briscoe has a similar list so you see, between the two of us you won't be able to take a leak without us knowing it." Duke glared at them, stood up and walked to the door. "Hey jackass!" Charles called out. "Remember what I said." Duke stiffened and kept walking. "Do you think he bought it?" Briscoe asked. "Bought what? I was serious." Charles replied. "He sat there and said that he would kill. He bears watching. In fact, I'm going to keep Peter undercover. He has to take the same classes anyway. If I were you, "Charles continued, "I would keep an eye on him and anyone else in that group." "Noted, how soon do you expect Kelly to go to trial?" Briscoe asked. "That will depend on what his lawyer tells him." Charles replied. "If he's smart he'll advise Kelly to plead guilty to take the death penalty off the table and not take it to trial. I would bet my bottom dollar that Andrew is already thinking along those lines. I have to agree with Duke; Andrew is a coward and not a true believer." "Well, I hope for the sake of his family Kelly pleads out." Briscoe said. "I hope so too." Charles said quietly. * Andrew finished the letter to his parents and gave it to the police officer who was waiting with him. He had already made his decision. The only way to guarantee that his parents didn't show up at the trial was to make sure that there wasn't one. He also knew that if he pled guilty, that he wouldn't get the death penalty. His letter included the request that his parents didn't come to see him in prison. In fact, he didn't even want them to write to him. "Disown me. It will make things much easier for you if you do. Don't write to me or call me, it will only make things harder on you. If you can; forget that you have a son. I love you both and I'm sorry that I disappointed you." Andrew lay on his cot feeling oddly at peace with his decision. He began to emotionally prepare himself for a life of not ever being able to walk free again. *** The party was in full swing by the time Charles arrived with his fiancée Marilyn. Other than Nick, she was the only one who knew that he had black blood in him and she hadn't cared. Peter and Trevor arrived shortly after Charles and were fawned over by Hattie and Abby. "I'm fine." Peter kept saying to anyone who asked. Joel pulled him aside and told him what Ernie said about being threatened by Andrew. "Is it true?" "It's true." Peter replied. "In fact, Ernie was the first one to call the police about Andrew even though he was scared shitless. And yes, Andrew would have killed him. I know what he did to you and I'm not about to tell you that you shouldn't be angry or to let it go, but a word of caution. It was anger that drove Andrew Kelly to do what he did and as much as I hate to say it, none of us are immune to being driven to hurt someone because of anger or hatred." Joel was going to reply when Will's voice boomed out. "Ladies, gentlemen and children! May I have your attention please! Sally and I have an important announcement...We're having our first baby together!" Cheers and claps filled the air as people hugged and congratulated the couple. The party became a celebration of another sort. Andrew Kelly was forgotten as people celebrated the future arrival of a new life. In three months the New Year would be upon them. Even though it was early, everyone was praying for a peaceful year. *** After spending the weekend in jail, Andrew met with his attorney who told him what he had already suspected. "If we go to trial, I can guarantee that we'll lose. If that happens, you'll be executed so my advice to you is to plead guilty. You'll spend the rest of your life in prison, but you'll be alive. The choice is yours." Now that the time had come, Andrew wasn't sure that he wanted to give in. "You're sure that there's no way that we can win?" he asked. "Andrew, you confessed. You were going to let your father go to prison for you. You had the gun and yes it was missing the clip, but a federal agent heard your father asking where the clip was and then you shot the agent! You carried as weapon to school with the intent to commit another murder... need I continue?" "No." Andrew murmured with his head down. "I have the papers here and I would strongly advise that you sign it." His attorney said as he took the papers from his briefcase and laid them on the table. Andrew looked at the papers and asked one final question. "Is there any chance that I'll get out?" "The papers are for life imprisonment without the possibility of parole... that's what you would be agreeing to." Andrew slowly picked up the pen, closed his eyes and slowly opened them. A moment later, he signed the papers. At that moment, he was no longer Andrew Kelly medical student; he was Andrew Kelly the murderer and lifelong prisoner. **** Nick and Will waited in Charles' office for word from Andrew's attorney. Nick had already informed Charles that he would be rejoining the agency on an as needed basis. It was the best compromise that he could come up with. "If you don't mind, is it possible to have a private office?" Nick asked. "I don't see why not." Charles replied. "The office next to mine is empty." Nick's secretary knocked on the door. "I have the paper and coffee for you." she said with a smile that was only for Nick. "Oh, thanks." Nick replied not returning the smile. He picked up the paper and stared. He reread the headlines three times. "The California Supreme Court Rules Banning of Interracial Marriage Unconstitutional The California supreme court has ruled that anti-miscegenation laws violate the Fourteenth Amendment of the Constitution..." Nick jumped out of his chair and raced for the door. "Call me at home!" he yelled on his way out. "What just happened?" Charles asked as he picked up the paper. When he saw the headlines, he understood. **** Hana was in the back yard picking up the fruit that had fallen to the ground. She heard Nick shouting for her and panicked. She dropped the bag of fruit and ran into the house. "Nick? What ..." "Hana will you marry me?" "Nick... we ..." "Hana, it's legal! The Supreme Court says that we can get married! Will you legally marry me?" "I... is this a trick?" Hana asked in a hushed voice. "No baby, it was today's headline in the paper. We don't have to keep our relationship a secret anymore... will you marry me?" he asked for the third time. "Yes!" Hana replied and jumped into his arms. The year was ending on as positive note for everyone except for Andrew Kelly and his family. Nineteen-forty nine was going to be a good year. I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 14 Things were slowly returning to normal after Andrew Kelly was arrested and in jail. Everyone breathed a collective sigh of relief and looked toward the future. Patricia and Penny were excited to be going back to school and Patricia was excited to be going back home. Andrew's arrest wasn't the only cause for celebration, Nick and Hana's upcoming wedding added to the celebratory mood. Sally was just beginning to show and was radiant. Diana and Eli seemed to be more excited than the expectant parents. Abby sat in the back yard watching the children play while preparations for the party went on. She watched Kenji and Patricia as they laughed together and occasionally hugged. They had been through so much and yet they were still able to laugh and love. Now Nick was going to marry Hana. The feeling that things could only get better arose in her. She had no doubt that there were still some hard times ahead of them, but she hoped that the worst of it was over. She looked over at the children Ralph and Marie. Ralph was such a handsome little man and fiercely protective of his sister. He was very much like his father in looks and intelligence. Marie was Patricia's all the way. Intelligent, beautiful and strong willed. Of the two children, she was the one who got into trouble and needed disciplining. Abby felt an uncharacteristic pang of regret that she had never had children, but then she did she reminded herself. She had Kenji, Patricia, Joel and Penny. She had grown to love all of them as if they were born to her. She missed Ralph and wished that he were still with them. She knew that he would have been proud of all of them. John and Hattie arrived later in the afternoon when Nick went to get them. Patricia in particular noticed how much slower John moved. After Ralph's death she found herself looking at her parents and Abby more carefully. So much in fact, that Kenji spoke to her about it. "Kirei you must relax." He said one evening. "They all seem to be doing well." "So did Ralph." Patricia replied. Kenji didn't reply, but hugged her. There was no winning the battle so he let it be. Patricia watched as her parents made their way across the yard to Abby and the children. Of all the adults there, the only one that John hadn't made his peace with was Hiroshi. He was polite to him, but said no more than necessary. She had long given up on her father forgiving Kenji's father for his role in what almost happened to her. Her gaze left her father and went to her mother who hadn't seemed to age. She worked as hard as ever cleaning houses and doing the wash for rich white people. Patricia prayed that both of them would live long enough to see her graduate from medical school. "What are you thinking about?" Kenji asked. He knew the signs when Patricia was thinking of something disturbing. She often stopped what she was doing and had a faraway look in her eyes. "I'm fine." She said knowing why he asked the question. "You know, I keep wondering what's going to happen next. I know that I should just enjoy the good times when they come, but ...." "Kirei, come with me." Kenji said taking her hand. "But we have to finish getting the food ready." Patricia replied. "It will wait." Kenji said tugging on her hand. A few minutes later, they were alone in one of the spare bedrooms. Kenji wrapped his arms around her and held her for a few minutes before saying anything. "Kirei there are things that we cannot change no matter how much we may want to. We also cannot live our lives waiting for the next crisis to strike. We deal with those as they come and until then, we live our lives. Do you know what it is that helped us through the hard times?" He asked. "It was the good things that happened in between and sometimes during the bad times. Today is a day of celebration and not a day to worry about things that may or may not happen." "I know," Patricia replied. "I was just looking at my parents. They aren't getting any younger and I still have a long way to go before I'm done with school. I want them and Abby to be there. At the rate I'm going they won't be." "I understand." Kenji replied. He had one more year to go thanks to the accelerated summer programs. "Perhaps we can do something to hasten things. We can talk about it more after the party." "I'm sorry." Patricia said as she laid her head on his chest. "Why are you apologizing?" Kenji asked. "I'm not the same girl who was almost laughing when you helped her up from the ground." Patricia replied. "The past few years have changed all of us." Kenji said. "How could we remain the same? But Kirei, to me you will always be that girl whose eyes were filled with laughter and not anger that day. Even when things were at their worst, you were that girl. You are just a more mature version of her." "So you don't think that I've become a cynic?" Patricia asked. "All of us are more cynical then we were before the war." Kenji said. "Some of us more than others but that's not necessarily a bad thing." They talked for a few minutes longer before joining the others. The last to arrive was Paul Mynt and he wasn't alone. He had been spending quite a bit of time away from home and didn't say why. On his arm was an attractive woman who was about his age. He introduced the woman as his fiancée of a month, Carolyn Edwards. "I'm sorry that I didn't ask permission to bring her, but I thought that this was a good time to introduce her to you. I also didn't want to bring her until that business with Andrew Kelly was over." Abby could see that Carolyn was nervous and took her under her wing. "We have quite the family here don't we?" She asked. "I guess you could say that." Carolyn replied. "I have to admit that when Paul told me about you, I didn't believe him." "Paul is a good man." Abby replied. "You're a very lucky woman." "I agree and please pardon me if you catch me staring. I don't mean to be rude." Carolyn said as she looked around. "I understand." Abby said with a smile. She liked Carolyn and her straightforwardness and had the feeling that they would become good friends. "Paul told me about the struggles of the young couple Kenji and Patricia." Carolyn said. "I find it amazing that they're still together." "Kenji and Patricia aren't your garden variety young people." Abby said. "You'll see that when you meet them... There they are now." Carolyn soon found out that it was as Abby said. Kenji and Patricia were an extraordinary couple and wished that she had more time to talk to them. The party was over by nine. Everyone pitched in and helped with the cleanup. The women did the dishes while the men collected the trash and put the table and chairs away. At one point Hiroshi and John were in the garage alone. "Listen here." John said. "I want you to know that I still don't care for you, but I appreciate that you helped my daughter. Thank you." With that John turned and walked away. Hiroshi knew that his relationship with John Middleton was as good as it was going to get. ******* Andrew sat on the bus that would take him to his new home, Alcatraz Federal Prison in San Francisco. He was glad for the distance because it meant that his parents couldn't come to see him. He looked down at his manacled hands, his prison uniform and finally his shackled feet. He was no longer Andrew Harlan Kelly, he was a murderer. For the next several months he would be the talk of the town and then he would be forgotten only to be remembered by his parents and the parents of Milton Vaughn. Even the melting pot would eventually forget him. He felt a pang of sadness. Not because of what he'd done, he would do it again; but he'd do it differently. His sadness was for his parents and that he had caused them so much pain. He quickly wiped a tear away before any of the other prisoners saw him. He was going to have a hard enough time as it was because of his good looks. He looked out of the bus window as it pulled away and met the saddened eyes of his parents. He wanted to look away, but he couldn't even though his last memory of them would be the pain and disappointment in their eyes and faces. ***** Becca could hardly stand up without help. She didn't have too much longer to wait before the baby was due. She still debated as to whether she should tell Ty when the baby was born, but she was leaning against it; especially if the baby was a boy. She already knew what her parents and Susan thought- he didn't deserve to know. Maybe they were right, but there was no need to make a decision now. When she heard about Andrew, Becca wondered if she would have been any better off with him than she had been with Ty. A murderer versus a murdering racist she mused. She had a thought that made her almost ill. She had wanted Andrew to hurt the melting pot. What did that say about her? Was she really any better than Ty and Andrew? The only difference between her and them was that she hadn't actually hurt anyone; at least not physically. There were times that she thought about going to Patricia and Kenji, but she always backed out. What could she say? She knew that Ernie had made his peace with them and she admired him for it; but she didn't think that she was that brave. Her mind went back to Andrew. She still believed that he had had some feelings for Patricia and that was why he hadn't been as aggressive in dealing them. Now she was glad that he hadn't been more aggressive. She didn't think that she could have dealt with being partially responsible if anything had happened to Patricia or any of them. Becca thought about the time that she spent as Andrew's girlfriend. Why hadn't she seen that he was crazy? A moment later she realized it was because she didn't want see it. She had created a perfect world where she would marry Andrew and have his children. It hurt to realize that Andrew had felt nothing for her and had used her. She struggled to her feet, waddled to the stairs and debated as to whether she really wanted to tackle them. But a nap sounded good. As her mother was constantly reminding her, soon sleep would be a rare commodity. She had just taken the first step when a contraction hit. She stopped and tried to decide if it was the real thing. She waited for a few more minutes and then decided that it wasn't. By the time she made her way to the top of the stairs, her water had broken. She started to call for her mother, but then remembered that she was out shopping. Becca went to her parent's room, called the doctor and went to her room to change her clothes. Afterwards, she went back down the stairs to wait for her mother to come home. Her bag that had been packed for the past month was in the hall closet. She thought to go get it, but didn't think that's she could bend over far enough to pick it up. She wanted to sit down, but was too afraid that she wouldn't be able to get back up even with her mother's help. It dawned on her that she could call her father and that she probably should. She called him and then Susan and resumed her wait. Her mother and father walked in about the same time. Her mother got her bag while her father ushered her to the waiting car. Becca's heart raced with the fear of the unknown as another contraction came and went. Her life was about to change once again. Ten hours later, Robert Alexander Cartwright was born. He weighed in at eight pounds, seven ounces and twenty-one inches long. His tiny head was bald so Becca had no idea if he would have blonde hair like hers or dark hair like his fathers, but his eyes were blue. Becca held her baby in her arms gently touching his face and made a decision. She wasn't going to tell Ty that the baby had been born. What she was going to tell the baby when he was old enough, she didn't know. What she did know was that she wanted Ty nowhere near her or her baby. As the baby nursed from her for the first time, Becca realized a few other things. If she was going to teach her child as she had been taught, she needed to at least apologize to Kenji and Patricia. Suddenly, she was exhausted. The baby had fallen asleep at her breast, the warmth of his tiny body comforting her. A few minutes later, a nurse came to take the baby to the nursery. Becca didn't want to give him up, but she needed sleep. She kissed the baby's head and handed him over to the nurse. A few minutes later, she was sound asleep. ***** Saul was exhausted but he refused to go to bed until he completed the vocabulary lesson that Joshua had made up for him. There was a sheet of paper with ten words on it that he was expected to look up in the dictionary. Not only that, he had to write the definition, whether it was a verb, adjective or something else and use the word in a sentence. Later in the week Joshua would test his knowledge and ask him to spell the words. Taking into account his limited reading skills, Joshua made the words easy. Another part of the learning was that Saul had to read out loud from books designed for first graders. At first he was embarrassed, but when he saw that neither Joshua nor his wife was laughing at him; he relaxed. "Not only do you have to become comfortable with reading," Joshua told him, "You have to become comfortable with speaking as well. You must get comfortable with using the words that you are learning." Saul was amazed to find that he enjoyed the lessons and wished that he had been able to go to school. In the back of his mind he made a promise to his brothers and sisters back home; they would get an education. As with his promise to Jacob, he didn't know how he was going to make it happen; only that it would happen. Thinking about Jacob saddened him. Jacob had been a good man who didn't deserve to die. Saul could still hear Jacob's voice ringing out loud and clear as he addressed the prisoners just before he was hanged. Saul didn't think that he had seen anyone carry himself as bravely as Jacob did with the exception of Joshua and his wife. It still amazed him that they had taken him in even though they didn't know him. The fact that he was paying for his room was immaterial. It was the fact that Joshua had opened their home to him even though he had no money to speak of. The faces of the other black people he met on the train during his journey to California flitted across his mind. Each of them had touched him in some profound way whether it was by talking with him or sharing their food. He recalled the statement that one of the black women had made when she shared her meager meal with him. "All gods' children hafta eat." Of all the conversations that he had with various people, that one stuck out. Even now whenever he ate a meal, he thought about that statement. Before he left South Carolina, Saul had never given serious thought to religion. He believed that there was a god and that heaven and hell existed, but that was as far as it went. He had stopped going to church when he was a child because it wasn't encouraged and he found it boring. He always listened politely when Joshua and his wife read from the bible and prayed after dinner and sometimes, something that they read stuck a chord with him; but he was too shy to ask what it meant. He thought about asking to go to church with them, but held back. He figured that it would only make things uncomfortable for them. "Who is really going to be uncomfortable?" He asked himself the last time he thought about it. It was Saturday night and somehow he had Sunday off. Dinner was over and the bible reading and prayer were done. As always, Saul helped clear off the table before going to his room to work on his reading. He was headed to his room when Joshua stopped him. "You're off tomorrow aren't you?" "Yes sir." Saul replied. "Do you have something that you need me to do?" "No son." Joshua replied. "I think that you fixed everything that needs to be fixed. I was going to invite you to church." Saul hesitated. The excuse that Joshua and his wife would be too uncomfortable was no longer valid. "You don't have to ..." "I would like that." Saul said interrupting Joshua. "What time do we leave?" ***** Isadora crossed off another day on the calendar. In a few more weeks she would be going home for the holidays. She had already written a letter to her parents in the care of Mr. Whitman knowing that he would read it to them. Even though the trip was weeks away, she was so excited that she couldn't focus on the assignment sitting in front of her. Finally, she gave up and decided to sit in the back yard until she was ready to go back to work. Bella was in the kitchen baking bread for the carry in meal that was going to take place after church. Isadora stopped to talk to her. "It sure smells good in here." She said when she got to the kitchen. "A loaf will be ready in a few minutes." Bella said. "I always make extra because between Lenny and the children, I wouldn't have any left for the meals at church." "I can understand why." Isadora said sitting down. "I'm just taking a break to clear my head. I'm so excited to be going home that it's all that I can think about." Bella smiled at her understanding the feeling. She was actually glad that Isadora brought up the subject of taking a break. A young man at the church was asking about her and Bella thought that they might make a nice pair. "Isadora, do you know who Theodore Stevens is?" Isadora thought for a minute. "I think so." She replied. "Isn't he the one that takes care of the church grounds?" "Yes and he's also starting college in the fall." Bella replied. "What about him?" Isadora asked already knowing where the conversation was going. "He's been asking about you." Bella said. "I thought that it would be nice to have him over for dinner sometime." Isadora chose her words carefully. She had no desire to hurt Bella's feelings. "I think that he would appreciate that." She said, "But please don't do it on my account. I'm not interested and I can't afford any distractions." "Well, it's not like you're going to marry him or anything." Bella replied. "I just thought that you could become friends. He's here without his family just as you are and ..." "Alright." Isadora interrupted with a smile. "One can't have too many friends can they? But Bella, if he says anything to you about wanting to be more than friends, tell him that I'm not interested." "Good because I invited him for dinner next Sunday." Bella said grinning at her. Isadora grinned back, but she knew that Bella was trying to play match maker. She would talk to Theodore when she had a chance and make sure that he understood that she wasn't interested in any romantic entanglements with him or anyone else for that matter. She talked with Bella for a few more minutes and went back to her room. She still wasn't ready to study so she did the one thing that always got her back on track. She closed her eyes and repeated the names on her list. As she said each name, she visualized the face that went with it starting with the ring leader. By the time she made it halfway down the list, she was back on track. She studied late into the night reading ahead in her textbooks. She has renewed her vow to finish school early and to take the first train home. She had people to confront. ***** Patricia breathed a sigh of relief when she, Kenji and the children got home. It would feel good to sleep in their own bed and to be able to make love without fear of waking the children. She carried Marie while Kenji carried Ralph to bed. As soon as the children were tucked in, Kenji made tea for him and Patricia. "It is good to be home." He said as he handed Patricia a cup of tea "Yes it is." Patricia agreed. "I was just thinking about Andrew's parents. I can't even begin to imagine what they must be feeling." I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 14 "Neither can I." Kenji replied. "Kirei, we need to start thinking about schooling for Ralph." "I know, I was thinking about that the other day. We need to start preparing him don't we?" she asked. "I wish that it was just the preparation for going to school." Kenji said. "But there are others like Andrew Kelly in the world and Ralph needs to be prepared." "Do you think that it will ever get better?" Patricia asked. "I think that it already is." Kenji said. "Think about it. Lawrence Goodman was convicted in a southern court. My mother and Nick can now legally marry. But I also know that as long as there are people, there will be prejudice." "But people can change. I mean look at your father and Sally." Patricia said. "Yes, but Kirei; they wanted to change and that is where the key lies." "You're right." Patricia conceded as she sat her teacup down. "I am looking forward to going back to school." She said changing the subject. "I would also like to figure out a way to take more than a class at a time." "I will graduate in a year and then will start my internship." Kenji replied. "I will be able to help more with the care of the children." "You're going to be exhausted." Patricia said. "I was thinking that maybe your mother, my parents and Abby could help out a little more. I know that they're already helping out a lot, but maybe they won't mind helping a little more." Patricia said as she laid her head on Kenji's shoulder. "Can you believe how far we've come?" she asked yawning. "Yes, but our journey is not yet over." Kenji replied as he put an arm around her. "I am still planning on taking you to japan." "Do you think that Japan will ever completely recover from the bombings?" Patricia asked. Kenji hesitated. He tried not to think about the condition of his country too much. "We can only hope." He replied kissing her head. "You are very tired, let's go to bed." Patricia sat up and looked at him. "Are you really going to let me sleep?" she teased. "I don't recall saying anything about sleep." Kenji replied as he pulled her back into his arms and kissed her. "No you didn't." Patricia agreed. "But I am tired." "Are you too tired to make love with me?" Kenji asked nuzzling her neck. "I will never be too tired or too old for that." Patricia replied kissing him back. "I am very glad to hear that." Kenji said. "Go get ready for me while I take care of the dishes." Patricia didn't need to be told twice. She gave Kenji another kiss and practically ran up the stairs. On her way to the bathroom, she peeked in at Ralph and Marie. Both of them were dead to the world. She took a quick shower and inserted the diaphragm that she kept in the medicine cabinet in. Kenji was already waiting for her naked and erect when she got to the room. "Kirei come here." He said softly. Patricia immediately moistened between her legs as she always did when he used those words. She slowly walked over to him and looked up at him. She noticed the lines of fatigue around his eyes and realized that he had to be exhausted. Taking his hand, Patricia led him to the bed. "Lie down." She commanded her tone firm. Kenji raised his eyebrows but he complied. "Tonight I take care of you." Patricia said "And don't argue with me." Kenji had just started to argue when Patricia took the head of his cock into her mouth and sucked on it. Kenji's hips jerked forward and he moaned Patricia's name. "Kirei... you must stop, I want to be inside of you." He said his voice strained. When she didn't stop, he moved so that she was beneath him. "Cheater." Patricia gasped as he slid into her and stilled. Even after all of their time together, that was one thing that never changed. Kenji always stopped for several minutes after he entered her. Patricia usually waited, but tonight she was impatient. She began to move against him prompting Kenji to begin thrusting. Suddenly, Patricia wanted more than their usual gentle lovemaking. She ground against him trying to convey her need without words. After a few minutes, he got it and began to thrust harder and faster his balls slapping against her ass. Kenji bent down and fastened his mouth to hers as the speed and force of his thrust increased. Their heads banged against the headboard, but they didn't notice. Patricia arms tightened around Kenji clinging to him as her orgasm and then his began. They came together taking in each other's breath. Afterwards, Kenji held Patricia tightly against him both of them breathing heavily. He was immediately concerned that he had hurt her. "Kenji I'm fine." Patricia said stroking his back. "You didn't hurt me." "What is it?" Kenji asked when Patricia went silent. "I was so scared of losing you." She said softly. "I was scared when you went to the camps to, but this was different. Andrew could have killed you." Kenji didn't reply. She was right, but he still would have made the same choices. "It's over now." He said kissing her. "Andrew Kelly is no longer a problem. They made love again, but in the slow gentle manner that they usually did. For once, Kenji fell asleep first with his arms around Patricia and his chin resting on top of her head. As tired as she was, it took Patricia another half hour to fall asleep. She couldn't get Andrew's parents out of her mind. ****** "Just think," Nick said as he and Hana got ready for bed. "We can be seen in public as husband and wife! No more pretending that you're my housekeeper." Hana smiled up at him. She hadn't believed that the day that she could legally marry Nick would come. She now understood how Kenji and Patricia must have felt when they found out that they could legally marry. Like Nick, she wanted to wait until after the first of the year to be sure that the law against interracial marriages wasn't going to be rescinded. California would be the first state to change the law and she wondered if any of the other states would follow suit. "I know that Kenji and Patricia's anniversary is on January first," Nick was saying, "Do you think that they'd mind sharing a wedding date with us?" "I do not think they would mind." Hana replied. "That isn't very far from now." "No it isn't, it's a few weeks away; can you be ready?" Nick asked. "I will be." Hana replied. "I will need to go to the fabric store on Monday." She was already thinking about how much white material she would need to make her wedding shiromuko-kimono. Her hope was that the silk wouldn't be too expensive. By her calculations, she would need at least fifteen feet of material. "I'll take you before I go into work." Nick said "And I want you to get whatever it is you want or need. This is our wedding. Where would you like to have the ceremony?" "Patricia has offered us the use of her and Kenji's home, but I wanted to talk to you before I accepted." Hana replied. "Hana, we could get married in my office and I wouldn't care." Nick said hugging her. "The where isn't important. The fact that we can legally marry is. So if you want to get married at Kenji and Patricia's house that's fine by me." "Nick." Hana said and then hesitated. "Are you going to invite your family?" That was a question that Nick had asked himself a hundred times even before the law changed. He swung back and forth between yes and no. The yes was because he wasn't ashamed of Hana and his unusual family; the no was because he already knew how his family would react. But still they had to be told. It would only be a matter of time before they found out. "I'm going to call them and tell them." Nick replied. "I already know what their reaction is going to be, but it's better to get it out of the way." "Will you invite them?" Hana asked. "I don't know." Nick replied. "We'll see, but Hana; no matter how badly they react you and the others are my family. I don't need them." Hana took a moment to reflect on her own reaction when she found out about Patricia. She was going to receive the same treatment that she gave Patricia. She could only hope that she would be half as graceful about it as Patricia had been. "I think that you should invite them no matter their reaction." Hana said. "If they choose not to come then it will be their choice. They will not be able to say that you excluded them." "You're right, but what if they show up and cause trouble?" Nick asked. "You've been through so much and I want this one day to be perfect." "It will be perfect even if your family came and caused problems." Hana said. "It would be perfect because we are getting what we want and we will be surrounded by all of those who love us. So invite your family and whatever happens, happens." "It could get ugly." Nick warned. "Things with Patricia got ugly." Hana said. "I will always regret my part in what almost happened to her. I was just thinking that I hope that I am as graceful as Patricia was and is." "You already are." Nick replied. "You've accepted her, the children and her parents as family and you've agreed to let me go back to the agency even though it makes you nervous. I am a very lucky man." "But you once thought as your family does did you not?" Hana asked. Nick hesitated. They had never really discussed his beliefs about other races. "I did, but not to the point where I considered myself a bigot." Nick replied. "In reality, I guess I was but Hana; Kenji and Patricia were a big reason for my change of attitude. Those two kids are among the bravest, smartest people I know and I'm glad that I know them. I'm glad that I know you and that in a few weeks we'll be married. I don't know about you, but I'm whipped." Hana smiled up at him. Saying that he was whipped was Nick's way of saying that they were going to bed, but it would be a while before they actually went to sleep. She was in the process of removing her slip when Nick stopped her. "Let me do it." He ran his hands down her arms, over her hips not stopping until he reached the hem of her slip. Ever so slowly he began to pull the slip up as he kissed her lips before moving to her neck. Hana held on to Nick's waist to steady herself, her breathing quickening as he nipped and then sucked on her neck. "I love you Hana." Nick said as he lifted her up so that she was eye level with him. "I love you too." Hana replied as she wrapped her legs around Nick's waist. Nick kissed her again and eased her down onto his waiting erection. Both of them sighed and then moaned at the contact. Nick walked to the bed, eased Hana onto it and began to thrust into her while looking into her eyes. He reached down and palmed a breast wishing that the slip was completely gone. Hana knowing what he was thinking slid the straps over her shoulders and with his help pulled the slip down baring her breasts. Nick pinched and rolled her nipples between his fingers making her writhe beneath him. "Hana..." was all that he got out before her orgasm began. Her orgasm triggered his release. Afterwards as they held each other, Nick wished that he was twenty years younger. But, he decided; there was more than one way to make love. He moved back and helped Hana take off the slip that was bunched around her waist. When the slip was gone, he took a rose colored nipple into his mouth and suckled on it as he slipped his hand between her legs. His tongue alternately flicked, nipped and sucked the nipple as his fingers danced across Hana's swollen clit. Moments later, Hana cried out her second release of the night and was on her way to a third. Nick held her trembling, sweaty body close to his and kissed her. "Go to sleep now." He said and started to reach for the blankets. "We are not done yet." Hana replied taking his semi-erect cock into her small hands. She stroked him until he was fully erect, climbed on top of him and began to rock and swivel her hips rhythmically. She sped up her movements when she felt Nick's cock twitch and then grow in size within her. Nick screamed her name as he came for the second time that night. Finally exhaustion caught up with him. He was asleep as soon as Hana was situated in his arms. **** Hiroshi and Dai sat up talking long after everyone had gone home. The topic of discussion was citizenship. "It is only a matter of time before we will be allowed to become American citizens." Hiroshi said. "And I want you and the baby to become citizens when the time comes." "But what about you?" Dai asked. "I do not want to become a citizen if you don't." "Dai, I never should have left that camp. It is only because of an oversight that I am here with you." Hiroshi said. "Nick has already spoken to me about this. If I attempt to become an American citizen, my past activities may come to light. I could be imprisoned or sent back to Japan. Who would care for you and Hiro if that happened?" "But you are no longer that man." Dai protested. "They will not care." Hiroshi replied. "They will only care about what I have done. As soon as Nick finds out what is required to obtain citizenship he will tell us. If there is any way that I can safely become a citizen, then I will. I have also transferred money into an account for you. If anything were to happen the house is paid for and is in your name. There is also a letter at the bank that will need to go to Kenjiro." "Hiroshi, what is happening?" Dai asked her voice filled with anxiety. "Nothing, but I want to be prepared in case something does happen." Hiroshi replied. Dai gave him an intense look as if assessing him for a lie. Apparently she saw none because she relaxed. What Hiroshi hadn't told her was that he had cash and was packed to leave immediately if anything happened. He had spoken to Nick about his plans during one of his visits to the house. "I have no wish to do to Dai what I did to Hana." Hiroshi said. "I have already paid for the house and put the bulk of the revenues from the business into an account for Dai and Hiro." "I haven't heard that you're being investigated." Nick said, "But I think that you're wise to have a plan." "I also have a small bag packed and I have cash in case I should have to suddenly leave. I wish to ask a favor of you." Hiroshi said. "I know that you have done many favors for me in the past, but this one is actually for Dai and Hiro." "What is it?" Nick asked. "I ask that you help them if I should have to leave. Dai will be very frightened and she will not understand." "Hiroshi, you, Dai and Hiro are now a part of this family." Nick said. "If anything happens to you, you have my word that they'll be looked after." "Thank you." Hiroshi said with a slight bow. "I can now rest easier." That conversation had taken place two weeks before the arrest of Andrew Kelly. During those two weeks, Hiroshi found that while he did sleep better; he also experienced feelings of remorse and regret. He had never really apologized to Hana for his treatment of her. For that matter, he had never really apologized to Kenji. He apologized to Patricia as he should have and tried to apologize to her father, but had neglected to apologize to his family. He made the decision to rectify that situation as soon as possible. ******* Sunday morning found Saul a nervous wreck. He hadn't been inside of a church for years and now he was going to an all-black one. He dressed in his best clothes, slicked his dark hair back and inspected himself in the mirror. He wasn't dressed to the nine's but it would do. He made the decision to buy one set of nice clothes for special occasions and church. "It's time to head out!" Joshua called into his room. Saul looked at his reflection one last time and left the bedroom. People in the neighborhood had finally gotten used to his presence and were for the most part cautiously polite. There were a few who resented his presence and made sure that he knew it. He had to wonder what the reaction would be when he walked into church. "Nervous?" Joshua asked when Saul met him at the door. "A little." Saul confessed. "Don't be." Joshua replied. "After a few minutes they'll forget all about you." "I'm ready." Joshua's wife said as she hurried into the small living room. "Saul, could you get the cake off the counter and carry it for me?" "Yes ma'am." Saul said and went to the kitchen. "He's a good man." Joshua said to his wife. "Yes he is." She agreed. "I'm glad that you brought him home with you." A few minutes later, the trio was walking to church. When they got there, Saul put the cake with the other food and looked for a seat in the back. "What are you doing?" Joshua asked. "I thought that I'd sit in the back." Saul replied. "I don't want to take anyone's seat." "This is god's house." Joshua said. "In here we're all equal now come on and sit with me and Cora." Saul nodded and followed Joshua to the front of the church. He felt eyes on his back as he made his way to the front and sat down. He had never felt so out of place as he did that moment and hoped that what Joshua said about being forgotten was true. ******* Isadora was up and dressed early. She took the opportunity to study for an exam that was a little over a week away. She and Maeve were still studying together, but only at school. Maeve, by her own admission was having trouble with a paper that was due in a few days. Isadora wanted to ask Bella and Lenny if she could invite Maeve over for dinner so that she could help her; but for whatever reason shied away from asking. The paper was due at the end of the week so time was getting short. If she was going to ask, she needed to do it soon. "Why am I hesitating?" she asked out loud. In that moment, Isadora realized that if she was going to succeed, she needed to say what she wanted and needed. She couldn't afford to be hesitant. She could hear Bella in the kitchen beginning to fix breakfast and went to the kitchen. "Can I help with something?" Isadora asked. "You could pack up the bread before Lenny and the children get here." Bella replied with a smile. "Sure... Bella, I would like to invite a friend over for dinner this week." "What friend?" Bella asked distractedly. "Maeve, the girl I study with at school. She's having some trouble with an assignment and I would like to help her." "What night would you like to have her over?" Bella asked as she bustled around the kitchen. "The paper is due on Friday so is Tuesday alright?" Isadora asked surprised at how easy it had been. "That's fine." Bella replied. "Bella, aren't you concerned about me bringing a stranger here?" Isadora asked. "Should I be?" Bella countered. "Isadora, part of us getting ready for the change as Mr. Jackson calls it involves us intermingling with the white people not only on a business and academic level; but on a personal level as well. Besides, this Maeve has been a friend to you and we would like to meet her." "Thank you." Isadora said as she packed the last loaf of bread. "You're welcome... Isadora, just because we're being paid for you to live here doesn't mean that this isn't your home. We trust that whoever you bring through these doors means no harm to us, so please feel free to invite your friend Maeve over whenever you want, just let me know in advance so that I can plan dinner." "The bread's already packed?" Lenny asked as he walked into the kitchen carrying the youngest child. "Yes and just in time!" Bella teased. "Where are the other two? We have to get moving if we don't want to be late." Breakfast was over in a hurry and the car packed with the bread. Isadora sat in the back seat with the youngest child sitting in her lap. She thought about Maeve and wondered if she would accept her offer of help and dinner. The church was almost full by the time they got there. Lenny carried the basket of bread to the table while Bella and Isadora found seats which unfortunately were near the back of the room. To leave a seat open for someone else, Isadora continued to hold the youngest girl in her lap. When she was finally settled, she looked forward and froze. I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 14 She looked at Bella to see if she was seeing the same thing that she was, but Bella wasn't paying attention. She stared at the back of Saul's head not believing what she was seeing. She then decided that her eyes were deceiving her. The person that she was looking at was more than likely someone of mixed blood. That would explain the hair texture. Isadora was distracted by the call to worship. She stood along with everyone else when the minister invited them to join him in prayer. Isadora closed her eyes and said a prayer of her own. She thanked god for giving her a chance to pursue her goals and for Lenny, Bella and their girls. She prayed for the safety and wellbeing of her family and friends back home. What she didn't pray for was for the capability to forgive those who had wronged her. She still needed the anger and hatred to keep her moving forward. She wasn't sure that she would ever be able to forgive them or even if she wanted to. The song ended and the minister recited Psalm 122:1. From that point on, the service sped by. Before she knew it, they were singing the last song and saying the closing prayer. "Now don't run off!" The minister said after the prayer. "There's a fellowship meal and from what I can see, there's plenty of food! I'm going to ask Brother Joshua to say the blessing and then we're dismissed." After the blessing for the food was said, the sound of many people talking filled the room. Saul stayed where he was and waited for Joshua and Cora. He found the church service enlightening and enjoyable. It was a far cry from the services that he attended as a child. To his relief, it was as Cora said; people soon forgot about him or they accepted the fact that he was there. As the service wore on, he found that he was no longer thinking in terms of being the only white man in the congregation. Instead he felt as if he finally fit in somewhere. He had watched and listened to the minister and was impressed with the confidence in his voice and words. The minister wasn't as well-spoken as Joshua, Cora or Jacob, but his words and the conviction behind them were powerful. He found himself clapping and tapping his feet to the music. He liked it here, he felt at peace here even though there were those who didn't want him there. As he waited for Joshua, the minister approached him. "Good afternoon and welcome to the house of the lord!" He said offering his hand. "I'm Pastor Micah Rollins." "Thank you sir." Saul replied accepting the man's hand. "So you must be the young man that Brother Joshua took in." "Yes sir, my name is Saul." "Well Saul, it's a pleasure to meet you and I hope that you come back." "Yes sir." Saul replied. He had already decided that he would be coming back every Sunday that he was off from work. For the most part, Saul was welcomed to the church. There were a few who didn't try to hide their displeasure that he was there. They didn't say anything, they didn't have to. It was in the angry glares that they gave him when he looked their way. "Let's get into line." Joshua said after he finished his conversation with another church member. Saul thought about going home, but his stomach was rumbling. Not only that, neither Joshua or Cora would have let him go. He stood in line behind them and tried not to look around too much. He didn't want to give the appearance that he was staring. "I hope you're hungry." A voice from behind him said. Saul turned to the speaker to face a young man not much older than he was. "My name is Lucas Walker." The young man said as he held out his hand. "I'm Saul; it's a pleasure to meet you." "Welcome to our church, but how is it that you're here?" Lucas asked. Saul sensed genuine interest in the question and found that he liked the black man even though he had just met him. "I live with Joshua and his wife." Saul replied. "I happened to be off from work and they invited me to come to church with them." "They're good people." Lucas said. "By the way, make sure that you get a slice of my mother's sweet potato pie." "Alright, but how will I know which one is hers?" Saul asked. "I'll tell you." Lucas said with a grin. ** Isadora watched as Saul made his way down the food line. She had been wrong; he wasn't mixed; but all white. At first glance, she thought he was one of them. Her heart had begun to pound and she felt dizzy even though she knew that it couldn't have been him... he wouldn't be caught dead in a black church. But even so, she didn't begin to relax until she got a better look at Saul. Saul was bigger than he was in both height and build and Saul's hair was a darker shade of brown. Aware that she was staring, Isadora looked away and concentrated on serving potato salad to the next person in line. *** Saul was so engrossed in his conversation with Lucas that he didn't notice that he was being watched by more than one person. "What are you studying?" Saul asked when Lucas told him that he was a college student. "I'm going to seminary next year." Lucas replied. "You're going to be a minister?" Saul asked. "I sure am!" Lucas replied proudly. "I hope to have my own church someday. What about you? What are you planning to do?" "I don't know yet." Saul replied evasively. He didn't want Lucas to know that he was still in the process of learning how to read better and that he hadn't graduated from school. "Well, the world could always use another prophet of the lord." Lucas said. "Oh hey we're in luck! There's still a couple of my mom's pie left! " Saul looked in the direction in which Lucas was indicating and felt eyes on him. He looked around and saw the same men that were staring at him all morning, but they weren't paying attention to him. He continued to look around until he met the cool, but curious gaze of Isadora. He looked back at her, blushed and then quickly looked away. Every so often he would look up and see that he was still being watched by Isadora. He was almost tempted to introduce himself to her, but didn't. For one, he didn't know how he would be received by her and two; he had no desire to create a problem. By the time the meal was over, he was sneaking peeks at Isadora when he thought no one was looking. He had also begun to wonder about something else; his future vocation. He wanted to think about it a bit more before he talked to Joshua about it, but something that Lucas said had struck a chord with him. After the meal Saul helped clean up and put the tables and chairs away. Once he was close enough to speak to Isadora, but he didn't. It wasn't so much because of fear or nerves that he didn't speak to her, it was because he got the feeling that she didn't want him to speak to her. He gave her the briefest of nods and moved on not staying to see if she responded. **** Monday morning had arrived before Patricia knew it, but she was anxious to get back to school. Abby was going to stay with the children until Hana arrived. When she and Kenji got back from school, they would talk to Hana about babysitting so that Patricia could take more classes. "Come here pretty one." Kenji said to Marie who had just finished her breakfast. When the little girl reached him, Kenji bent down and picked her up. "I want you to promise me that you will behave yourself." Kenji said gently but firmly. "You are to obey Aunt Abby and grandma Hana. Do you understand?" "Yes papa." Marie said softly. "Do I have your promise that you will behave?" Kenji asked as he looked into Marie's eyes. "Yes papa." Marie replied. "Good." Kenji replied. "I am trusting that you will keep your word." Even as young as she was, Marie knew that Kenji expected her to do as she promised. She threw her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek. "I love you papa." "I love you too." Kenji replied as he kissed her cheek. Of their two children, Kenji was most worried about Marie. She was the most impulsive and more prone to cause mischief. He loved her spirit and in so many ways she reminded him of Patricia; but her stubbornness could be and was often a source of trouble. He sat her on her feet and looked for Ralph. His admonishments to the boy would be different than the one that he gave Marie. "Be sure to help Aunt Abby and Grandma Hana." Kenji said. "Yes papa and I promise to help look after Marie too." Ralph said. "Thank you Ralph." Kenji said hugging him. "I love you." "I love you too." Ralph replied. "Papa?" "Yes?" "Will anyone try to hurt you today?" Ralph asked. "I do not believe so." Kenji replied. "Andrew Kelly is in prison." "But doesn't he have friends?" "Yes he does, but I don't think that we need to be worried about them." Kenji replied as he reached for his wallet. "Here is my handkerchief; will you keep it safe for me?" Ralph took the handkerchief, held it for a brief moment and put it in the front pocket of his jeans. He hugged Kenji again and went to the kitchen to say goodbye to Patricia who was waiting by the door leading to the garage. They left a moment later after once again admonishing the children to behave. Patricia was as excited as if she was the first time she had gone to school. She really couldn't explain it and felt no need to. Kenji reached over, took her hand in his and gave it a gentle squeeze. He was happy for the both of them, but still felt that caution was in order. "Kirei, be careful. Just because Andrew Kelly is gone doesn't mean that there aren't others. We will proceed as we always have. You will wait for us in the library and go nowhere alone." "I figured as much." Patricia replied. "You and Joel watch yourselves too." ***** Ernie felt light hearted as he got ready for school. He felt bad for Andrew's family even though he was glad that Andrew was in prison. The visit with Andrew's parents had been one of the saddest things that he had ever encountered. He couldn't even begin to imagine how they felt. The lighthearted feeling evaporated when he remembered Andrew's mother asking if Andrew had really been the leader of a hate group. As much as he had wanted to soften his answer, he knew that he couldn't. They deserved the truth. "Yes ma'am he was." He had replied. "I know because I was a member of the same group." "You were?" Andrew's father had asked. "Yes sir I was." Ernie could still feel the oppressive silence that occurred after that revelation. When he closed his eyes he could still see the resignation on the faces of Andrew's parents. It was the last question that Andrew's mother asked that still brought a lump to his throat- "You got out, why didn't you help Andrew?" The fact of the matter was, he was so relieved to be out of the group that he hadn't thought about helping anyone else. Then there was the matter of what Andrew would have done to him. He didn't answer the question, he had no answers other than that he had been relieved and afraid. The visit lasted for almost an hour with his parents praying with Andrew's parents and offering support in any way that they could. Andrew's mother particularly appreciated the offer as none of her friends would have anything to do with the 'mother of a murderer'. As they prepared to leave, Andrew's father finally spoke. He had said very little during the visit and if he did, his voice always had a tremor to it. "Thank you for coming." He said. "We appreciate the support." He then turned to Ernie and gave him a long, sad look. "I understand why you didn't say anything to Andy- he would have killed you." That absolution did little to ease Ernie's guilt, but Andrew's father was right; Andrew would have killed him. Now as he got ready for school, Ernie realized that he had a choice to make. He could go back to things as they were, meaning that he ignored Kenji and Joel or he could make a statement not in words; but in action. He couldn't help but wonder about the rest of the group. Of the remaining core members, Duke was the most likely to succeed Andrew. It was a chilling thought. Duke was much more action oriented than Andrew had been. Had Duke been running the group one of the 'melting pot' would have been dead and he would have used Patricia to get to Kenji. Ernie's mood changed dramatically at the realization of the new threat. It made his decision much harder to make. He finally decided that he had to do the right thing and that was to make his statement and hope for the best. ***** Isadora packed up her books for school, ate a quick breakfast and waited for Lenny to give her a ride to school. She was anxious to find out if Maeve would accept her invitation to dinner. As she waited, she thought about the white man that she had seen at church. Apparently Bella and Lenny knew who he was, but had never met him until church. "He lives with Brother Joshua and his wife." Bella told her when she asked. "He comes from South Carolina." "How did he meet them" Isadora asked. "He was on the same train as Brother Joshua and they started talking." Bella replied. "He seems to be nice enough." Isadora didn't reply. She didn't care how nice he was, as far as she was concerned; he was an interloper. She immediately felt guilty. She had just done what the whites had been doing to the blacks for years. He had as much right to go to church wherever he chose as she did. She then realized that issue wasn't so much that he was as the church; the issue was that he was a white man. She remembered her initial reaction when she saw him; the first person she thought of was... She pushed the name from her mind. She didn't need to remember him right now. She was on track. "Are you ready to go?" Lenny asked disrupting her thoughts. "I'm ready." Isadora replied. There was very little conversation during the drive to school. Each of them was lost in their own thoughts, but finally; Lenny spoke. "Bella says that you want to invite someone over for dinner." "It's the girl who helped me get caught up with school." Isadora replied. "Is that a problem?" "No, not really." Lenny replied after a brief hesitation. "I feel a 'but' coming." Isadora said looking at him. "I just want you to be careful." Lenny replied. "I'm sure that you think that this girl is your friend, but Isadora... "Her name is Maeve and she is my friend." Isadora said interrupting him. "She sat with me when no one else would. She helped me when no one else would." "I understand that." Lenny said gently. "I'm just thinking about the story of that white boy at school, the one who ran the hate group. I'm not saying that your friend is a part of something like that, but I am urging caution." Isadora's irritation diminished as she understood that Lenny was speaking as the protector of his family. "I understand." She finally said, "But Lenny, Maeve isn't a part of that group or any group like it. However, if it will make you feel better; I won't make the invitation." "I'm not saying don't invite her." Lenny said. "I'm just saying be careful. People aren't always as they appear." Isadora had to admit that Lenny had a point, but her gut was telling her that Maeve was a true friend. "I agree with you there." Isadora replied. "Thank you." "Isadora, I know that Bella already told you this, but we consider you a member of our family. Our home is open to any of your friends and we're available if you want or need to talk about anything." "I know and thank you." Isadora said softly. "I consider you family too." The drive ended with Isadora and Lenny setting a pick up time. "Good morning!" Maeve greeted when Isadora took the seat next to her. "How was your weekend?" "It was fine." Isadora replied. "Have you made any headway on your paper?" The expression on Maeve's face told Isadora what she needed to know. "I don't know what the problem is." Maeve said. "It isn't like I've never written a paper before." "Maybe you're thinking about it too much." Isadora offered. "I mean maybe you're making it harder than it really is." "Maybe... but how do I stop doing that?" Maeve asked. "We've known about this assignment for a week and I haven't written one word. How about you?" Isadora blushed. She didn't want Maeve to feel any worse than she did, but she couldn't lie. "I'm finished." She said softly. "Damn!" Maeve exclaimed. "How did you do that?" "Well, I not looking after my sick mother and helping to raise my brothers and sisters." Isadora replied. "True." Maeve conceded. "I would give anything for just one night to be able to study without interruptions. "Maeve... would you like to come home with me tomorrow? We can work on your paper and you can eat dinner with us." Maeve looked at Isadora, but didn't reply for a few seconds. "I... I don't know about that." She replied. "Why not?" Isadora asked. "You just said that you would give anything for a quiet evening to study uninterrupted." "I know, but what about the people that you're staying with? Won't they mind?" Isadora was beginning to understand what was happening. Maeve was what her father called a 'sometime friend'. They were friends only when it suited Maeve. "If you don't want to come home with me just say so." Isadora said her tone matter of fact. "But don't give me a bunch of excuses." Maeve blushed as she tried to explain her position. "It isn't that I don't want to come to your house, but Isadora haven't you been reading the papers? There's a racist group right here on this campus!" "So I've heard." Isadora replied dryly. "I'm just saying why invite trouble? Maeve asked. "Maeve, you sit next to me in class." Isadora said. "We share our lunch; don't you think that people have already noticed? I think that it's a little too late to be worrying about inviting trouble." "Yes but..." Maeve started and then she began to giggle. "I am such an idiot!" she said between her giggles. "I'm sorry. I know how my response must have seemed to you. But, you're right. I would love to have dinner at your house. Maybe we can get this stupid paper done." Isadora smiled, but was skeptical as to whether Maeve would really go home with her the next day. ***** Ernie walked into the classroom and looked around. It was decision time. When he saw Duke, he started go to his usual seat. He stopped, looked around again and saw Peter watching him. With a pounding heart, Ernie made his way to the empty seat to Kenji's right. To his surprise, neither Duke nor anyone else in the group paid him any attention. He slid into the empty seat next to Kenji and nodded at him. "Good morning." Kenji said softly. "Good morning." Ernie replied noticing that Joel was ignoring him. "Thanks for helping me the other day, it makes sense now." He said to Kenji. "You are welcome." Kenji replied. "As long as you remember what the basic concept is, you will be fine." "But still... you didn't have to help me." Ernie said. "You could have let me fail." "To what purpose?" Kenji asked. "All that would have happened is that I would have denied the world a good doctor. But more importantly, it is time to let go of old hatreds and anger." Joel looked at Kenji when he heard the comment. He knew that Kenji was right, but Ernie and his friends could have ended his medical career if he had wanted to be a surgeon. On the other hand, he was awed by Kenji's capacity to forgive. Something that Kenji attributed to Patricia. "It is she who taught me about true forgiveness." Kenji told him one day. "She not only speaks of it, she lives it. If not for her I believe that I and my father would still be at odds." Joel then looked at Ernie and for the first time saw him differently. He didn't think that they would ever be friends, but he was beginning to understand something about Ernie. While he was a member of Andrew's group, he wasn't and had never been a true believer. If he had, he wouldn't have apologized to them at Milt's funeral and he wouldn't be sitting with them now. I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 14 After class, Ernie stood up and then waited for Joel. "Look, I know that you have no reason to believe me; but I really am sorry about what I did to you. I could have ruined your career because of something that I didn't really believe in. I just wanted to be accepted and yes, I know that isn't an excuse; but that's how it was. I'm sorry." Joel looked at Ernie and was going to walk away, but changed his mind. "I understand wanting to belong somewhere." He said. "I've spent most of my life wishing for that, but I didn't join a group whose beliefs consisted of hatred and I definitely never hurt anyone to meet that need. But you know; part of what happened to me was my fault. Maybe if I had stood up to you cowards it wouldn't have happened." Joel stopped, a look of realization crossed his face and then he chuckled. "I just realized something." He said. "I just called you a coward and that's exactly what I was. I was too afraid to stand up for myself and when I did, it was because I knew that Kenji was behind me. You're here alone... Look, we may never be friends, but let's move on shall we? I mean belaboring the past isn't going to change it is it?" "No." Ernie agreed. "It isn't, but I just wanted to tell you again how sorry I am and to thank you for your help with this class." "You're welcome." Joel replied and walked away feeling like a weight had been lifted from him. He hadn't realized how heavy the burden of anger had been. ***** Patricia sat in her usual spot in class relishing the feeling of being back in school. Like before, no one sat with her; but she had gotten used to it. In fact, she had come to prefer it. With her luck she would have ended up sitting with a chatterbox who insisted on whispering throughout the class. When the instructor came in, he nodded at her and went about setting up for the class. When the class started, he made an announcement. "In an attempt to give you all a real break from school for the holidays, I'm giving you a choice as to when you do your big paper. You can either do it early or you can do it over break, your preference. If you decide to do it early, remember the parameters that I gave you. If you don't recall, check your syllabus. If you will also remember, I told you that once the paper is handed in; it won't be returned so that you can modify it. Now, books and papers away; I have a pop quiz for you." Every one moaned except Patricia. She loved the pop quizzes. To her they were part of a bigger game and a challenge. While the instructor passed out the quizzes, she thought about Kenji hoping that nothing too exciting was happening with him. The last time he had been in class Andrew Kelly had a gun. After class was over, she went to the library to study while she waited for Kenji and Joel. They had two more classes which gave her plenty of time to study. While she studied, she decided to see if she could get her paper done early. To have the holidays completely free of schoolwork appealed to her. The next issue was the topic. She took out a sheet of paper and began to compose a list of possible topics. After she had a list of ten topics, she began to eliminate the ones that she was sure she wasn't interested in. She stopped and looked around when she felt eyes on her. ***** Isadora and Maeve decided to go to the library after class to do research for Maeve's paper. The subject of Maeve going home with Isadora hadn't come up again and Isadora had taken a wait and see stance. "Maeve are you sure about your topic?" Isadora asked. "I'm not sure that you can get a five thousand word paper out of it." "I'm sure and besides it's an easy topic." Maeve replied. "Maybe that's the problem." Isadora countered. "It may be an easy topic but it doesn't meet all of the criteria." "What are you saying?" Maeve asked. "I'm saying that maybe we need to choose another topic. It isn't as if you have half the paper written." Isadora replied. "I know, but I was hoping that Professor Clark would make an exception. He likes me you know." Maeve replied. Isadora rolled her eyes. "Maeve the man is married and he's older than dirt. Has he ever cut anyone a break?" Isadora asked. "Remember when that student, what's his name? Anyway, he didn't get an assignment done because of a family emergency. When he told Professor Clark about it, what did he say? 'Young man, your personal troubles are not my business.' And then he failed him for not having the assignment done." "Alright you've made your point." Maeve said with resignation in her voice. "So what do you suggest?" "It needs to be something that you know about but also something that has all of the sources that he requires." Isadora replied. She was going to say something else when she saw Patricia. She was so surprised to see another black female that she was briefly speechless. "Who is that?" She asked when she recovered. "That's Patricia Takeda." Maeve replied. "Takeda?" Isadora asked still looking at Patricia. "Her husband is Japanese." Maeve explained. "It was them that the hate group was after." "She was brave enough to marry a Japanese man?" Isadora asked impressed. "He goes to school here too. I think he's a medical student." Maeve said not noticing that Isadora had started walking away. "Hey! Where are you going?" she called when she realized that Isadora wasn't listening. Isadora stopped and waited for Maeve to catch up. "Where are you going?" Maeve asked again. "I'm going to introduce myself." Isadora replied thinking that it was obvious what she was planning to do. "You're just going to walk up to her and introduce yourself? Maybe she doesn't want to be bothered." Maeve said. "You can go start figuring out what the topic of your paper is going to be if you want, but I'm going to introduce myself to her." Isadora said briefly looking away from Patricia to look at Maeve. When she turned back to Patricia, she was being assessed by a pair of warm brown eyes. "Alright, I'm coming with you." Maeve said. The fact of the matter was, she had wanted to meet Patricia and didn't have the nerve to go up to her and introduce herself. Maeve followed Isadora to the table where Patricia was sitting and waited for Isadora to make the introductions. "Hello." Isadora said with a smile. "I'm Isadora Hughes and this is my friend Maeve." "I'm Patricia Takeda; it's nice to meet you. Are you new here?" "Yes, I just started a few weeks ago. I hope that you don't mind me just walking up and introducing myself. It's nice to see another black woman and I wanted to meet you." "Welcome and I'm glad that you introduced yourself. You're right, there aren't too many of us here. Would you care to sit down? I'm waiting for Kenji to get finished with his classes." A loud "Shhh!" From the librarian's desk momentarily silenced them. "I would like to but we have to do research for a paper that's due on Friday." Isadora replied. "Maybe we can talk another time." "That sounds good and again, it was nice meeting both of you." Patricia said with a smile. Isadora walked away pleased. She didn't really know anything about Patricia, but she liked her. "She was nice." Maeve said when they sat down at a table. "Did you expect her not to be?" Isadora asked. "Well, I didn't know." Maeve replied. "From what I hear, she's had a hard time especially with that lunatic Andrew Kelly and his gang." "You'll have to tell me about it sometime." Isadora said. "But for now we need to get going on your paper if you're going to get it done by Friday." Patricia was deep in thought for several minutes after Isadora and Maeve left. She had the feeling that she and Isadora were going to be good friends. ***** Saul went to work as usual and did his job speaking to very few people. Even after being there for weeks he had made no real friends. The blacks ate lunch together leaving him to eat lunch alone. It wasn't that they were overtly rude to him, but they made it clear that he didn't belong. During his free time he practiced his vocabulary, spelling the word and then putting it into a sentence. The day was progressing as usual until after lunch. A large family was disembarking from the train. One of the luggage men, a small man by the name of Harry ran up to greet them. "Welcome, can I help ya with your luggage?" The woman of the family pulled the youngest child closer to her as if he was going to be snatched away from her. The other four children stared at him as if he were an animal at the zoo. They were intrigued but frightened. "Sure boy!" The man of the group said. Saul watched as the man kept adding bags to Harry's already overloaded arms. To his credit, Harry didn't complain until his arms began to shake from the weight. "Beggin' your pardon suh, but I can't carry no more." The man looked at Harry with a disgusted look on his face. "I know what you're up to boy! You figure on making two trips so that I have to pay twice and tip you twice." "No suh, I be glad to make another trip at no charge." Harry replied. "Just let me take these to your car." "Why? So you can run off with it?" The man asked heatedly. Saul looked around wondering if any of the other luggage boys were going to offer any help. He was shocked to see that they had all averted their eyes not wanting to get involved. He started forward when he felt a firm hand on his arm. "Leave it be." "But he needs help!" Saul said. "He's going to drop the luggage and he'll lose his job!" "And you can lose yours if you get in the middle of it." Another voice said. Saul looked around and saw that some of them really wanted to help Harry, but was too afraid to, they all had families and needed their jobs. So did he, but right was right. He pulled away and ran toward Harry just as the first bag began to slide from the top of the pile in his arms. He put on a burst of speed and just narrowly missed catching the bag; but was able to stop the others from falling. "Look what you did!" The man yelled. "I... I'm sorry suh!" Harry stuttered. "It was an accident." "You did it on purpose! I refuse to pay for your incompetence!" the man yelled drawing attention to him and Harry. In a flash of insight, Saul understood what was happening. It was the same thing that would have happened no matter which one of the black luggage boys went to help the family. The man had no intentions of paying. He knew that his word would be taken over that of a black worker. "Sir, please allow me to help with your luggage. Between the two of us we can get it to your car in one trip and you won't have to tip or pay extra." Saul said. The man looked at Saul as if seeing him for the first time. "I'm not paying for any of it!" the man sneered. "He dropped our luggage..." "No sir he didn't." Saul interjected. "It slid off and you kept adding luggage after he told you that he would make another trip." Harry looked on in shock as Saul jumped to his defense. No white man had ever done that for him. "Where is your supervisor? And what is a white man doing in a nigger's job?" The man demanded angrily. "I'll be happy to get Mr. Bates and to bring him out here after I tell him that you deliberately gave Harry more than he could carry." Saul replied. "Sam just pay them and let's go. The children are tired and hungry." The woman said softly. Then man stared at Saul for several long seconds before speaking. "I'm only paying once and no tip." "That's fine sir." Saul replied as he took some of the luggage from Harry and then picked up the piece that had fallen to the ground. It turned out that there hadn't been much more and between the two of them they managed to get it to the family's car. The man grudgingly paid them as he muttered under his breath and then drove away. "Thank you." Harry said quietly. "You're welcome." Saul replied. "I know that you need your job." "So do you." Harry replied looking at him. "Why'd you help me?" "I made a promise to someone." Saul replied. "It was someone who helped me when he didn't have to. I guess you can say that I'm repaying him." From that day forward, Harry and Saul became a team and friends. During their lunch breaks, Saul began teaching Harry what Joshua was teaching him. What Saul didn't realize was that someone had watched the encounter with the passenger. ****** Finally it was time for Christmas break. Isadora excitedly packed her luggage while Maeve sat on the bed watching her. "I wish that I was going somewhere." She lamented. "Where would you go?" Isadora asked. "I don't know... maybe with you to see where you live." Maeve replied. "I've always been curious about the south." "I can tell you that there isn't a whole lot in Greenville, but its home and I miss it." Isadora said as she placed a small brightly wrapped package in her suitcase. "What are you going to do with your time off?" "Nothing much." Maeve replied. "I guess I'll get a jump on next semester's reading." "That's a good idea." Isadora replied. "I'm planning to do the same thing and who knows? I might even get a paper or two written." "You work entirely too hard." Maeve said. "Why don't you take time off and enjoy your family?" "I'll do that too, but I have goals." Isadora replied. "If I want to graduate early and get into the law program, I have to keep pushing myself." "I understand, but don't you want a social life?" Maeve asked. "I'll worry about a social life when I've reached my goals." Isadora replied. "As soon as I'm done with law school I'm going back home." That surprised Maeve. "Really? I thought you liked it here." "I do, but I have unfinished business there and besides; you can come visit me." Isadora replied. "Are you going to Kenji and Patricia's for the Christmas party?" she asked changing the subject. "It depends on whether dad is working or not." Maeve replied. "Are they still upset that we're friends?" Isadora asked. "Let's just say that we don't talk about it." Maeve replied with a small smile. "I'd better get going." She said looking at the clock. "Dad needs the car and I'd better not be late getting it back." Isadora walked Maeve to the car and hugged her. "I'll see you when I get back." ***** "Kenji stop eating the cookies!" Patricia said slapping at his hands. "Between you and Ralph there won't be enough for the party!" Kenji grinned and snatched another cookie from the cookie sheet and then kissed her. "It was nice of you to invite Ernie." She said kissing him back. "He is lonely." Kenji said. "And he has a good heart." "Well, at any rate, it was still a nice thing that you did" Patricia replied. "After the party is over we need to sit down with your mom and Nick and ask what they want for the wedding dinner." "I don't think that they will care, but we'll ask." Kenji replied. "Are you prepared to study for three classes instead of one?" "I think so." Patricia replied. "I have to admit that I'm nervous about the science part of it." "You will do fine." Kenji said rubbing her back. "Remember that you have me, Joel and Penny to help you. Also, much of it is memorization which you have no problems with doing." "Just think, you'll be done next year!" Patricia said. "There was a time when this was all a dream that kept us going when things were bad." "Yes, but we always believed." Kenji said. "In a few short weeks we will celebrate another anniversary and a wedding. Both of which I am looking forward to." "So am I." Patricia replied. They were interrupted by shouts and then a cry of pain coming from the back yard. They looked at each other and took off running. Ralph was sitting on the ground holding his head. Blood ran between and over his fingers. Marie was standing behind him and to the left of him holding a rock in her hand. A toy lay on the ground between them. "Ralph?" Patricia called as they ran toward him. Kenji got to him first, knelt on the ground in front of him and gently removed Ralph's hands from his head. "Let me see." Kenji said gently. Ralph allowed his hands to be moved and tried not to cry. "It isn't as bad as it looks." He assured Patricia. "Head wounds always bleed more making them look worse than they are, but he's going to need stitches." "What happened?" Patricia asked. "Why did Marie hit you with that rock?" "It doesn't matter now." Kenji said. "Let's take care of Ralph and then we will get to the bottom of this." Marie had dropped the rock and was softly crying. She knew that Kenji was angry even though his voice was soft. Patricia took her by the hand while Kenji carried Ralph into the house. "Kirei bring me some clean cloths and the small bag under our bed." Kenji said as he further examined the laceration. "Ralph look at me." Kenji said. "Do you feel dizzy?" "No papa, my head just hurts." Ralph replied. "Alright," Kenji said. "If you start feeling ill you must tell us even if you have to wake us up. Do you understand?" "Yes Papa." "Good... Now you have a deep cut on your head and I have to clean it. It will hurt, but I must make sure that all of the dirt from the rock is out." Marie stood back watching. Tears ran down her face as she watched Kenji gently begin to clean the cut on Ralph's head. She hadn't meant to hurt him, but she wanted the toy that he had been playing with. He told her that if she would wait a few more minutes, she could have it; but she didn't want to wait. She sobbed out loud when Ralph let out a cry of pain as Kenji cleansed the wound. Not knowing what else to do, she went to Ralph and held his hand. Instead of giving her an angry look for what she had done, Ralph tried to smile at her. That seemed to make what she had done even worse. "How many stitches do you think he'll need?" Patricia asked as she held Ralph's other hand. "No more than four." Kenji replied. "Kirei at the bottom of the bag there is a small bottle of numbing agent. Please get it out for me." While Kenji talked to Ralph about what he was going to do, Patricia got the suturing supplies out. She inspected each package to make sure that there weren't any tears or anything that would compromise the sterility of the instruments. Next she filled the sink with hot soapy water so that Kenji could wash his hands. "Are you ready?" Kenji asked a calmer Ralph. Twenty minutes later, Ralph was the owner of four neat stitches and Marie was sitting in Kenji's lap. "Why did you hurt your brother?" Kenji asked. Tears that had stopped began again at Kenji's softly spoken but firm question. "I don't know." She said after a moment. "I didn't mean to." "Marie," Kenji said. "You could have hurt Ralph very badly. Do you understand that? I don't know what caused the disagreement, but it doesn't matter. What matters is that you hurt your brother. This is not to happen again." "Yes papa." Marie said through her sobs. "Now go to your room and do not come down until your mother or I say that you can." Kenji said. Marie climbed down from Kenji's lap and headed for the stairs. On her way she stopped by the couch where Ralph sat looking at a book having already recovered from the trauma of getting stitches. "I'm sorry." She said through her tears. "It's ok." Ralph said smiling at her. Kenji and Patricia watched Marie go up the stairs and sighed. ***** Isadora double checked her luggage to make sure that she had everything. She looked at the little box that contained the names as well as some other keepsakes. After thinking about it for a few minutes, she sat at her desk and wrote the names on a slip of paper and put it in one of her text books. She didn't need the paper to remind her of the names, but the visualization helped. I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 14 She put the latest copies of the law journals in her bag and pronounced herself ready to go. Her heart hammered with excitement at the thought of going home. Everyone was going to be there including her brother and his new wife who were supposed to be moving north. From what she could gather, the move had been delayed because of unforeseen circumstances as far as the living arrangements. The move wouldn't happen until the spring. In the meantime, her brother and wife were living with her parents. It would be crowded, but she didn't care. "Isadora are you ready to go?" Lenny called into her room. "I'm ready!" She called back as she picked up her carry on valise. Two hours later, she and Noah were at the train station. Lenny was in the process of unloading the car when someone behind them spoke. "May I help you with your luggage?" Isadora turned around and came face to face with Saul. She had only seen him once since the first time he came to church and hadn't spoken to him the second time either. She expected Noah to say no to the offer of help since there were three of them and was surprised when he accepted. "What's your name boy?" He asked. "Saul sir." Saul politely replied. "Are you aware that you're doing what is considered nigger work?" Noah asked his tone matter of fact. "That's what I keep hearing sir." Saul replied. "Do you mind?" Noah asked his voice holding an intensity that both Lenny and Isadora recognized. "No sir, it's a job no matter who's doing it. I'll take that bag..." An hour later, they were on the train. Isadora found herself curious about the white man who on occasion attended a black church and now was doing work that most people considered menial and for black people. What impressed her was that he meant what he said and that he wasn't embarrassed by his job. Isadora glanced over at Noah Jackson and wondered what he was thinking. She almost asked, but decided not to. She wasn't in the mood for a game of verbal chicken. ***** Ernie was surprised by the invitation to the party at Kenji and Patricia's house. He only saw them at school and had never interacted with them on a purely social level. He was so surprised that he didn't immediately respond. "It is an informal gathering." Kenji said. "The students from the summer program will be there as well as a few friends." Ernie thought that he had heard wrong. Had Kenji really used the word friend? "It will start at five pm this Saturday if you would like to attend." "I would like that." Ernie said, "I would like that a lot. Am I supposed to bring anything?" "Just a dish to share and yourself." Kenji replied. "I'll be there." Ernie said smiling. "I'll ask my mom to make her pumpkin roll." "Whatever you bring will be fine." Kenji said with a smile. **** The day of the party, Ralph and Marie were taken over to John and Hattie's house to spend the day and night. Since the incident with the rock, Marie had been more subdued. Kenji and Patricia weren't fooled. They knew that it was only a matter of time before she was back to her rambunctious self. Kenji and Patricia gave each child the usual admonishments to behave themselves before they left the house. While Kenji was gone, Penny and Joel arrived to help set up for the party. Penny helped Patricia in the kitchen while Joel started setting up the table and chairs. "I'm going to be taking more classes next semester." Patricia said as she stirred the pitcher of lemonade. "So I heard." Penny replied. "If you need help with anything let us know." "Thanks and I'll probably take you up on your offer especially where the science is concerned." "No problem." Penny replied. "Is Isadora coming?" "No, she's going home for the holidays but Maeve is supposed to be coming." Patricia replied. "Patricia, what do you think happened to her?" Penny asked. "Isadora I mean. She's so intense." "I don't know if anything happened to her." Patricia replied. "I think that she's very focused on her goals as we all are and she wants to succeed. But why do you think something happened to her?" "I don't know." Penny replied. "It's just a feeling, but maybe you're right. Maybe she is just focused. So what's left to do?" "The only things we're missing are the food that the others are bringing." Patricia replied. "We could help Joel set up." Kenji was back a few minutes later, shooed Penny and Patricia away and helped Joel with the set up. An hour later, the first guest, Maeve had arrived carrying a platter of fresh vegetables. **** Ernie nervously dressed for the party. Several times he almost changed his mind about going. It was one thing to go to school and sit with Kenji and Joel, but another thing altogether to see them on a social basis. Every time the thought occurred to him, he felt ashamed. He realized that on some level he was still afraid of being seen with them and that his attitude was racist even if he didn't mean it to be. Finally he decided to go. He found it odd that he jumped into a friendship with Andrew and stayed with it even after he knew what Andrew was about. Now he was hesitant to accept a friendship with people that he knew were good. "Why is that?" He asked himself out loud. It was still a racial thing he realized. On one level he still thought of them as the melting pot. Ernie grappled with the knowledge that deep down he did have some of the same beliefs that Andrew did. It was a very uncomfortable feeling. That if anything was the reason why he decided to go. "The pumpkin roll is in the fridge." His mother said when he came down the stairs. "Thanks." Ernie replied. "We're very proud of you son." His father said looking up from his newspaper. "Why don't you invite your friends over for dinner sometime?" His mother asked. "We would like to meet them." There it was again- that word-friends. It was the second time in a week that if had been mentioned in the same sentence as Kenji and Patricia. Not one to put a lot of stock in signs, Ernie took this as meaning that he needed to cultivate that friendship. "I'll ask them." Ernie replied. "I'd better get going." Thirty minutes later, he was standing on the front porch. He took a deep breath and rang the doorbell. As he waited for someone to answer, he wondered why he was so nervous. It then dawned on him that by going into their home, the dynamics of their relationship would change. Once he did that, he was making another decision that there was no changing his mind on. He didn't have a chance to think about it any further. The door was opened by a woman that Ernie didn't know. "Hello, are you here for the party?" Maeve asked. Ernie was suddenly tongue tied. He didn't say anything, but held out the pumpkin roll to her. "I guess that's a yes." Maeve said with a pleasant smile. "Come on in. Kenji and Patricia are in the back and I've got door duty." "How do I get there?" Ernie asked recovering from his brief speechlessness. "Go through the living room and the kitchen. The door to the back is to the left." Maeve replied handing him the pumpkin roll. "Give this to Patricia or Kenji." Ernie made his way to the back yard where the final preparations for the party were in progress. "Ernie!" Patricia called. "I'm glad that you came. Kenji walked over and gave him a small bow before offering his hand. "Welcome to our home." He said. Whatever reservations Ernie had about going to the party disappeared at those words. Later, he and Joel had a chance to talk. "I didn't think that you'd come." Joel said. "To be honest with you," Ernie replied, "I almost didn't." "Why did you change your mind?" Ernie asked. "The short answer is that I would have regretted it if I hadn't. I realized something about myself that I didn't like." Ernie said. "I realized that to some degree I agreed with Andrew. I was going to let those beliefs destroy what could be a really great friendship." "So you came so that you could prove to yourself that you aren't a racist." Joel said dryly. "I would be lying if I said that that had nothing to do with it." Ernie replied. "But the biggest reason why I'm here is because you, Kenji and Patricia are the kind of friends that someone would be lucky to have. I understand that we may never be friends, but-I would like to try." Joel was surprised by Ernie's honesty, but he wasn't ready to call him a friend just yet. "We'll see." Joel replied and walked away. ***** Andrew looked down at his prison uniform with a mixture of disgust and anger. The blue chambray shirt had his register number nine-two-seven stamped on the back of it. The blue and white trousers left nothing to be desired and web waist belt that also had his register number on it was the ugliest thing that he had ever seen. The reality of what his life was going to be like didn't hit him until he saw the uniform. All of the things that he had taken for granted were gone including how to dress. "These are your uniforms." The guard handing the uniforms out said. "The shirt is to be buttoned up to the top. The sleeves are to be worn down and buttoned. The belt must be worn in such a way that your register number is in plain view. You may wear a cap and Jacket if you wish..." Andrew's eyes burned as the guard continued with the list of rules. His life was no longer his own. A tear trickled down his cheek as he undressed and put on the prison uniform. He choked back a sob when the realization that he was no more than just a number sunk in. This was now his life. He was now wondering if it wouldn't have been better to have died. ******** By the end of 1949 bills were proposed to make lynching a federal crime and to end segregation in interstate transportation. Neither bill is brought to a vote in the Senate. The Reverend Billy Graham has revival meetings in Los Angeles. Ted Poston, one of the few Afro-American reporters working for a white newspaper wrote an article about "The negro press" In the Reporter. The average price of a movie ticket was forty-six cents. Mao Zedong announces the establishment of the People's Republic of China. Hideki Yukawa is the first Japanese to win a Nobel Prize. More than six million Japanese were waiting for repatriation in the ports of Asia and the Soviet Union. Many died due to lack of food, medical care and disease. Joseph Stalin tries to prevent the Korean War. ******** Thank you all for your patience and to Donalde for beta-reading for me. I hope to have the next chapter done sometime in the next couple of weeks barring anything earth-shattering happening. Thanks again!! I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 15 Note: Just a very brief note to one thank all of you and two to let you know that there is no sex is this chapter. Happy New Year to all of you and may it be prosperous!!! *********** As the train pulled away, Isadora got another look at Saul. She looked over at Noah and took note of the thoughtful look on his face. Part of her wanted to know what he was thinking, but part of her didn't want to know. She turned her thoughts toward home and seeing her family and wondered if Noah had family to spend the holidays with. "Mr. Jackson?" she called softly. "Yes?" "Do you have plans for the holidays?" Isadora asked. "No, I'm here on business." Noah replied. "Would you like to come over to our house? There'll be plenty of food and mama says that there's always room for one more." Isadora said. Noah didn't immediately respond. His plan was to meet with Whitman and a few others and then spend a quiet week at the hotel. He had thought about taking Whitman up on his offer to stay at his house, but a week with Whitman's wife glaring at him and hearing her snide comments was a little too much to bear. He knew that at some point, he would say something that would cause an argument and that he would tell Mrs. Whitman just what he thought of her. "I think that I would enjoy that." He finally said with a smile. "I would also like to contribute to the meal." He added. "There's no need for you to do that." Isadora replied. "Mama always makes enough to feed an army." "Nevertheless, I insist." Noah replied. A few minutes later, Isadora took one of the law journals out of her valise and began to read it. It was one that she had read before, but she didn't mind. She reread the notes that she had made in the corner and then the circled phrases that she hadn't really understood when she first read the journal. She noted with pride that she now understood each and every phrase and term. Ever since she started school, she hovered between being a defense attorney and a prosecutor. The problem was that her people needed both. She wondered if it was possible to do both. If she saw Mr. Whitman, she would ask him about it. She looked over at Noah Jackson. He was still very much an enigma to her. She had a ton of questions about him, but didn't ask. She knew that if she did, he would demand to know something about her. She turned her attention back to the Journal and began to read it. She missed the look that Noah Jackson gave her through the slits of his mostly closed eyes. She reminded him so much of her... 'Her' was his daughter Evangeline who had been taken from him way to soon. If she had lived, she would have been Isadora's age... maybe a little older. She had that same natural curiosity about her and like Isadora, was very intelligent. Noah felt the pang in his heart that he felt every time he thought about her and his wife Angela. Both of them were gone leaving him alone and with nothing except for his work. He pushed the feelings aside and thought about the young white man who had no qualms about doing menial labor. He recalled the day when Saul had gone to the defense of a fellow worker. He had a feeling about him then, as he did now. To this point, he had never helped a white person and wondered why. Clearly the boy was no racist. He attended a black church, lived with a black family and did a job that was primarily held by blacks. There was one other thing. Noah noticed the way in which the boy looked at Isadora. It wasn't an outright look of interest, but the interest was there. He also wondered what they boy's story was. How he came to be in California and what his plans were. When he and Isadora got back, it was time to pay Brother Joshua and his wife a visit. *** Saul helped one more family with their luggage before it was time for his shift to end. He was tired, hungry and wanted nothing more than to go home and go to bed. He checked on Harry to make sure that he was doing alright and headed toward home. "Hey! Wait up!" Harry called after him. Saul waited for the small, wiry black man to reach him. "What way are you walking home?" He asked when he reached Saul. "The way I always go home." Saul replied. "Why?" "Don't go that way." Harry whispered looking around. "The new guy is planning to jump you." "How do you know?" Saul asked. "I have my ways." Harry replied. Saul looked at Harry and grinned. "Saul... you gonna go home your normal way ain't ya?" "Thanks for the heads up, I'll see you tomorrow." Saul said and walked away. "Wait a minute!" Harry called out. "What are you doin'? Didn't you hear me?" "I heard you fine." Saul replied. "I'm not changing the way that I go home because of one idiot. The other thing is this, they'll know that you told me and they'll come after you." "They?" Harry asked. "Yes they." Saul replied. "I heard them talking about it today." Harry was quiet for several seconds before he spoke again. "I'm coming with you." He said. "I don't live but two blocks over from you and don' tell me that I don' hafta. I already knows that. Can I ask you sumthin?" "Sure." Saul replied. "Why don' ya just go another way home?" Saul thought about his answer for a moment before answering. "My father used to tell me that the one thing that a man doesn't do is to run away from trouble. He used to say that unless you face it head on, it keeps coming back. He's right about that." Saul said. "If I don't face these guys now, they'll just keep coming back. At some point, they'll catch me and we'll be at the same place. But Harry, go home; this isn't your fight." "The hell it ain't!" Harry exclaimed. "It wasn't your fight when that man tried to say that I dropped his luggage on purpose was it?" "No, but that was different." Saul replied. "How so?" Harry demanded. "You weren't going up against your own kind." Saul replied. "If you go with me, you will be." "I'm still going with you." Harry insisted. "So let me get my pail and let's go." Ten minutes later, they were headed toward Joshua's house. Their ears were straining to hear any sounds that were out of the ordinary. They were half way to the house when they heard the first voice. Seconds later, there was a second and then a third voice. "Here they come." Harry whispered. "Keep walking." Saul whispered back. "I don't want them to know that we heard them." They had gone a few more steps when the first of the three men stepped out to their right. "There'll be one up ahead." Saul murmured. "That makes four." "We can take em'" Harry said. "I'm stronger than I look." By this time, one man was behind them and they were flanked on either side. Moments later, Dewey Adams was standing in front of them blocking their way. Dewey looked at Harry first and then at Saul before he spoke. "Well looky here. If it ain't the white boy and his nigger." When neither Saul nor Harry said anything, Dewey asked Harry a direct question. "What you doin' with this white boy? He ain't one of us." "That be none of ya business." Harry replied. "Just let us be on our way." Saul stood silent ready to move and then he realized something. The three that were with Dewey didn't want to be there. They had been either intimidated into the fight or they were having second thoughts. If he got rid of Dewey, the others would go away. "Dewey." Saul called out. "It seems to me that the issue is between us and no one else. So why don't we let them go home and we settle this between the two of us." "Saul!" Harry hissed. "Whatcha doin'? You see how big he is?" Saul ignored him and taunted Dewey. "Unless of course; you're afraid of a skinny white boy." Dewey's eyes widened at Saul's taunt. He had heard about how Saul had gone to Harry's defense, but he hadn't believed that any more than he had believed that a white man was working amongst them. In his mind, Saul was taking a job that another black man needed. "What do you say?" Saul asked. "Are we going to do this?" "I'm going to kick your white ass." Dewey said. "Probably; especially since you've got a good three inches on me and at least forty pounds." Saul said calmly. "But you aren't and won't be the last person white or black to kick my ass. I will promise you this though; I won't just stand here and let you do it. I'll do anything that I can to take your black ass down. Are you ready?" Saul handed his lunch pail to Harry, took off his uniform jacket and rolled his sleeves up. He took the fighters stance and waited. Dewey looked around to see where the others were. They were still standing where they had stopped. He knew that if he used them, the word would get around that he was too afraid to take the white boy on alone. But he couldn't walk away without looking like a coward either. He wasn't worried about getting into trouble for beating a white man. They were in the black part of town and no one would say or do anything to stop him except for Harry. Without warning, Dewey charged. His face was contorted with anger and hatred at white people in general. Suddenly, he didn't care who saw him or if he went to jail or not. He didn't even care if he killed Saul. Saul now symbolized every white person who had taken from him. He became every white man that had called him a nigger and treated him as if he was no more than dirt. As Saul waited for Dewey to make his decision, he watched him and remembered something that Jacob once told him. "Every man has a 'tell'- a signal that lets you know that he's going to make a move. It's an unconscious thing meaning that they aren't aware that they're doing it. Look over there at that group of white men. You see the bald one?" "I see him." Saul replied. "He's going to start a fight with the man holding the cards." Jacob said. "How do you know?" Saul asked intrigued. "Look at the way his shoulders just tensed." Jacob said. Moments later, a fight broke out and it was as Jacob had predicted. The bald headed man had initiated the fight. "You're in a dangerous place boy." Jacob told him. "You need to know your surroundings and you have to watch people and learn their 'tells' it can save your life." Saul kept his eyes glued on Dewey looking for a 'tell'. A moment later, he saw it. It was in his eyes. Something in them had changed. He was also acutely aware that the purpose of the fight had changed. It was no longer about a single white man taking a job; he had just become every white man. In that moment, Saul realized that he could die. He braced himself for the charge that he knew was coming and whispered a prayer for help. Even though he knew that the hit was coming, Saul was still caught by surprise. He found himself on the ground, flat on his back and winded. "That what you call fightin'?" Dewey sneered as he got ready for another charge. The remaining men were silent as Saul slowly got to his feet his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath. He had just learned something about his opponent. He was brute strength fueled by hatred and anger. Saul knew that he had to make his smaller size and speed work for him. When he saw Harry take a step toward him, he waved him away. The next time Dewey charged, Saul simply moved out of the way. "Who scared now?" Dewey asked his breath coming out in gasps. Saul didn't reply but let Dewey come to him in three more charges before he finally took a swing at him. Dewey bellowed in anger and hatred that Saul had gotten in the first official hit of the fight. He whirled around and charged. This time he grabbed Saul around the waist and threw him to the ground. Saul struggled to get from beneath the Dewey who was now pummeling him with his fist anywhere that he could make contact. He tried to protect his head while he looked for an opening to do some damage. Dewey let out a bellow of pain and moved enough that Saul could punch him in the face. Dewey let out another bellow and rolled off Saul. Saul looked around and saw that the other men were still standing in their places. He didn't have too long to wonder about why Dewey had cried out in pain because the big man was coming at him again. Saul jumped to his feet just as Dewey reached him. Suddenly, Saul was back on the ground and seeing stars. Dewey had punched him on the side of the head and was kneeling beside him with his arm pulled back and hand in a tight fist ready to hit him again. Harry had seen enough. He rushed over to Dewey and grabbed his arm just as it was moving toward Saul's face. "Enough." He said as he strained to hold onto Dewey's arm. Dewey shook Harry off and resumed his attack on Saul. He had managed to get two more punches in before the men who had come with him intervened. "Don't you show up at work- you don't work there no mo'." Dewey said as he pulled away from the men holding him. "You hear me? Show up and I'll kill ya." Dewey and the men walked away leaving Saul and Harry alone. Saul's face was a bloody, swollen mess and his eyes were swollen shut. It hurt to move. "Can you get up?" Harry asked. "I... I think so." Saul mumbled through swollen lips. "Come on then." Harry said helping him to his feet. They hadn't gotten far when they ran into Joshua who was with another man. "Lord have mercy!" Joshua exclaimed when he saw Saul's face. "Let's get you home." Joshua took one side and the other man the other leaving Harry to carry their belongings. "Who did this?" Joshua asked as they walked. "Don't worry about it." Saul mumbled. "It was..." "Nobody." Saul interrupted Harry before he could say anymore. "Saul, who did this to you?" Joshua demanded. "Dewey did it." Harry said before Saul could stop him. "I dunno his last name; he just started workin' at the train station a couple of weeks ago." "Do you know where he lives?" Joshua asked. "No sir, but he told Saul that if he came back to work he would kill him." Harry replied. "How'd you know to come?" "Someone saw what was happening." Joshua's friend replied. "Unfortunately, they waited until the fight was over before they came for help." Cora met them at the door and gasped when she saw Saul's face. "Oh my lord! Get him in here!" She exclaimed. "Put him on the couch." "I think that he'll be more comfortable in his room." Joshua said. "It isn't much further." Saul moaned when Joshua and the man with him laid him on the bed. "He might have a few broken ribs." The man said. "Cora, do you have any old sheets that we can cut into strips? We need to make a binder." "I'll be back with that and some hot water." Cora said as she hurried away. "Son, my name is Reggie. I'm Cora's nephew. Now I know that you're already in quite a bit of pain and I regret to say that I'm going to have to cause a lot more." "Yes sir." Saul mumbled not believing that he could possibly hurt any more than he did. "We'll be as gentle as possible, but it will help if you can move yourself. Do you think that you can do that?" Reggie asked. "Yes sir." Saul replied as he tried to lick his dry, swollen lips. Cora came back a few minutes later with the torn strips of sheet, a basin of warm water and a glass of water. "We'll get you fixed up and then we'll give you some sips of water." Joshua said. "Did you get hit in the head?" "Yes suh he did." Harry piped up. "It was at least once." "We're going to have to keep him awake." Reggie said softly. An hour later, Saul was bound with the sheets and his face cleaned of the blood. He had been wrong about the pain. The pain that he felt during the beating paled in comparison to the pain afterwards. He was so sleepy, but as soon as his eyes began to close; someone woke him up. "We have to keep you awake for just a few more hours." Reggie said. Saul lost track of how many times he had heard that and of how many times he had been asked what his name was, where he was and how many fingers he saw. Finally, after what seemed to be days; Saul was allowed to sleep. *** Isadora's sense of excitement grew the closer the train got to home. She wondered how much Greenville had changed in her absence. Tired of reading, she decided to start a conversation with Noah even though she would have to answer a question about herself. "Are you from Greenville?" she asked. Noah looked at her and hesitated before answering. "I was born here a long time ago." He said. "And I left a long time ago." "How do you know Mr. Whitman?" Isadora asked. "That is a long story." Noah replied. "Suffice it to say that it wasn't under the best of circumstances. Tell me Isadora, what drives you? I have seen determination before, but yours is beyond any that I've seen." "I just want to succeed." Isadora replied. "I want my family to be proud of me and I want to take them away from Mississippi." "Those are very nice and proper answers." Noah said after a moment. "I also know them to be true. But... there's more to it than that. When I watch you study, there is an intensity that is tempered with anger. I'm not going to ask what's behind the anger but I'm going to offer you a bit of hard learned wisdom. Anger can be a very useful emotion. It can also be a hindrance to meeting your goals if it isn't kept in check. The thing about anger is that it can become a part of you without your being aware of it. When it's time to let it go, it's difficult. I'm not saying don't use the anger to your advantage. What I am saying is that you make sure that it doesn't take over." "What happened to you?" Isadora whispered. Noah didn't answer. Instead, he leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes. ***** Ernie was sitting alone watching the party when Maeve handed him a plate of food and sat down in the empty chair next to him. "How long have you been friends with Kenji and Patricia?" She asked. "Not long." Ernie replied after thanking her for the food. "I thought so." Maeve replied with a smile. "Why do you say that?" Ernie asked. "You're tense." Maeve replied. "You really haven't interacted with anyone except for Joel and now me. I don't know if you noticed, but people just walk up to each other and say hello. You didn't which tells me that you aren't comfortable with being here." "How long have you known them?" Ernie asked. "A few months, but I know how you feel." Maeve replied. "It was kind of scary given what happened at school with that racist group. You do know about that don't you?" Ernie's face burned as he tried to decide on what to tell her. It occurred to him that he couldn't lie to her. If he did, she was bound to find out the truth. "I... I know about the group he stammered." "It was awful!" Maeve said. "I hope that Andrew Kelly never gets out of prison. In fact; I think that everyone in the group should go to prison." "But you can't imprison people for what they believe." Ernie said. "No." Maeve agreed. "But what about those that knew that they were wrong? One of them broke Joel's hand!" "I know." Ernie said softly. "Don't you think that he should be punished for that?" Maeve asked her voice intense. "You must be a law student." Ernie said changing the subject. "What? Oops sorry." Maeve said blushing. "Ernie." Patricia said from behind him. "I'm sorry that we didn't get over here sooner, but we're glad that you came." "Thanks for inviting me." Ernie replied glad for the interruption "Are you getting enough to eat?" Kenji asked. "Yes, Maeve took care of that." Ernie replied. "I have sampled the pumpkin roll." Kenji said. "It is delicious." "I'll be sure to tell mom that you liked it." Ernie replied. "This is a really nice place." Ernie said looking around. "It belongs to a friend of ours." Patricia replied. "She lives in another house not far from here." I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 15 That explained it Ernie thought and then wondered why it even mattered. Once again he realized that maybe Andrew had a little more influence on him than he realized. It sickened him to admit that in order for that to happen, he had to have believed what Andrew was saying to some small degree. Suddenly, he felt the need to leave. The only things that stopped him were that Joel was watching him and if he left, he would be giving in to fear and prejudice. He took a deep breath, looked at Kenji and Patricia and smiled. He thought about inviting them to dinner as his mother had suggested, but thought that it might be too much too soon. Instead he would get to know them better. "Some of us have formed a study group." Kenji said. "You are welcome to join us. We are talking about our schedules now and trying to set up a regular day and time." "I would like to join if it's alright with the others." Ernie said. "Of course it is." Kenji replied. A few minutes later, Maeve and Patricia were alone. Everyone else was discussing the study group. "What are you doing now that Isadora is gone?" Patricia asked. "Nothing much." She replied. "I'm trying read ahead for the next semester." "Me too." Patricia said. "I'm also going to be taking three classes which is a new thing for me." "You'll do fine." Maeve said with a smile. "So what do you know about your new friend?" She asked changing the subject. "He's in Kenji and Joel's class but behind them because he wasn't in the accelerated program." Patricia replied. "He was a part of that group that was after us..." "What?!" Maeve interrupted. "Let me finish." Patricia said. "I said was. He left the group before Andrew Kelly went off the deep end." "What made him leave?" Maeve asked. "People don't just walk away from something like that." "I don't know." Patricia said. "He came to us after Milton Vaughn's funeral and apologized to us." "You didn't ask him why?" Maeve asked. "He said that he realized that he was wrong and that was the end of it." Patricia replied. "There's more to it." Maeve replied. "Well, he was the one who broke Joel's hand." Patricia said. "I know that he and Joel have talked about it." "No wonder he's so uncomfortable." Maeve murmured. "Do you think that he meant it? The apology I mean?" "He's here isn't he?" Patricia asked. "It couldn't have been easy for him to apologize and talk to Joel. He's even sitting with them in class and now he's here. I'm not stupid enough to believe that he didn't believe any of what he said, but Maeve what's important is that he admitted what he did and he's here." "You know," Maeve said after a moment. "You and Kenji are as much an enigma to me as Isadora is. I mean she has tunnel vision as far as what she wants. I'm not saying that it's a bad thing, but all she does is study. And then there's you. I heard about women of grace, but you are so beyond that. I don't think that I could have the attitude that you and Kenji do." "Kenji and I have been through so much." Patricia replied. "It's a long story, but we've almost lost each other three times now. When you stop and look at the big picture, you realize that anger and hatred are such wasted emotions. I won't tell you that we weren't angry or that we didn't come close to hating- at least I did, but in the end; it changes nothing." "He went to the camps didn't he?" Maeve asked softly. "Yes." Patricia replied. "That was one of the times that I hated. I was pregnant with Ralph and I was scared. We had already been through so much and then..." Patricia stopped talking and wiped at her eyes. "I'm sorry." Maeve said taking her hand in hers. "I didn't mean to upset you." "You didn't." Patricia assured her. "It's still a very painful memory and I think that it always will be, but on the bright side; Kenji and I are together. We have two beautiful children and we're on our way to meeting our goals." "You give me faith that true love really exist." Maeve said. "My parents are happy I guess, but they don't look at each other the way that you and Kenji look at each other. Even if I didn't know you, I would be able to tell that he loves you and you him. I only hope to be so lucky." "Why were you asking about Ernie?" Patricia asked. "I don't know," Maeve said with a grin. "He's kind of cute." She then turned serious. "But, he was a part of that group. He hurt Joel." She added. "True," Patricia conceded, "but it has to count for something that he's no longer a part of that no matter how it happened. I think that if you're interested that you should talk to him." Kenji watched Patricia as she and Maeve talked. He was briefly concerned when he saw her wipe her eyes. He relaxed again when he saw her smile. He turned his attention back to the discussion about the study group. As of yet Ernie hadn't said anything. Kenji wondered if he was waiting for an invitation to speak. "Ernie," Kenji said. "You are a part of this so please if you have any suggestions or if the times discussed are not good for you; say something." "I... it all sounds good." Ernie said. "I'm sure that it would be ok to come to my house when it's my turn." Joel looked at Ernie, but made no comment. He still wasn't ready to believe that Ernie had really changed. The party ended around eleven. Penny and Maeve took care of the dishes while Kenji, Joel and Ernie put away the table and chairs and took care of the trash. Ernie and Joel didn't talk, but Kenji and Ernie did. "This must have been difficult for you." He said as they carried a table into the garage. "Did it show?" Ernie asked. "A little." Kenji replied with a small smile. "I keep trying to tell myself that I didn't believe any of what Andrew told me." Ernie said. "I've been realizing that to some degree that I did. It wasn't anything that my parents taught me. In fact, when they found out about my involvement with Andrew, they were horrified and ashamed. I don't know where the attitude came from and it doesn't matter. It was wrong then and it's wrong now." "Self-realization can be a difficult thing." Kenji replied. "I learned a few things about myself as well." "Like what if I may ask?" Ernie replied. "I learned that I am as capable of hate as anyone." Kenji replied. "There was a time when I would have denied that. I also learned that I am capable of killing. If you, Andrew or any of your group had harmed any in my family; I would have killed you." The words though softly spoken sent a chill through Ernie. "My family is everything to me." Kenji continued and then said no more. Ernie recognized a threat when he heard one. Kenji while extending to him the hand of friendship was also warning him. "Kenji, I swear to you that I won't ever do anything to harm you or your family. I've learned my lesson and if there was any way that I could change what happened; I would." Kenji nodded and considered the topic closed. It was well after midnight before Kenji and Patricia were alone. "What were you and Ernie talking about?" Patricia asked as they got ready for bed. "It was difficult for him to be here." Kenji replied. "He is learning a few uncomfortable things about himself. Kirei, why were you crying when you were talking to Maeve?" "You saw that?" Patricia asked. "Yes, now tell me why you were crying." Kenji replied. "We were talking about Isadora and then us. She hopes to be as lucky as we are." Patricia replied. "Is that what made you cry?" Kenji asked gently. "No." She replied after a brief hesitation. "She asked me if you went to the camps. No matter how long ago that was, it still feels as if it just happened. Even just thinking about it makes my heart hurt. If I close my eyes I can still see that bus pulling away." "Kirei that was a traumatic time for all of us." Kenji said. "I still think about those times too and when I do, those are the times that I hold you a little tighter and kiss you more often." "Like now?" Patricia asked. "Like now." Kenji confirmed. "The thing to remember is that we survivied and we are where we need to be. The other thing is this; you must talk to me when you're frightened. Whether you should or shouldn't still be afraid is immaterial. The fact is that you are afraid. Kirei, are you afraid now?" "Yes but ..." "Why haven't you said anything?" Kenji asked. "Because the last thing you need is my insecurities." Patricia replied. "And it isn't all of the time. When it happens, it's usually unexpected it's because I see or hear something that triggers it. What about you? What makes you think about it?" Patricia asked as she wrapped her arms around him. "Before I answer that," Kenji replied hugging her back, "I think that you need to be reminded that we've made it this far because we have never kept anything from each other. Just as I should have talked to you, you should have talked to me. Our lives are only going to get busier and it will be easy for us to put off talking to each other. It's going to be even more important that we stay connected." "I agree, but you didn't answer the rest of my question." Patricia said. "Sometimes it happens when I'm sitting in class and my mind wanders." Kenji replied. "I begin to miss you and almost always those months of being without you come to mind. That is why when I finally see you, I am so relieved and I have to touch you." "We're never going to get over that are we?" Patricia asked. "I would say no." Kenji replied as he edged her back toward the bed. "That experience is part of who we are." He added as he kissed her. "I love you Kirei." "I love you too." Patricia replied his face and then tangling her hands in his hair. "Are you ready for me?" Kenji asked as he positioned himself between her open legs. Patricia gave a barely imperceptible nod and sighed as Kenji slowly slid into her looking into her eyes as she did so. She lay still letting him have his moment before moving against him. Afterwards, instead of talking as they usually did, they held each other tightly and fell asleep. *** Hana looked at her wedding kimono and smiled. She was remembering her wedding to Hiroshi. She had thought that she was happy then and she supposed that she was, but it was nothing like how she was feeling at that moment. With Hiroshi it was more nerves than happiness she realized. With Nick, it was all happiness with a little nervousness. The smile vanished when she remembered the conversation that Nick had with his family a couple of weeks before. They were adamant in their opposition to their upcoming marriage. She could only imagine what they were saying because Nick's back was stiff and the muscles in his jaw were working like they did when he was angry. Then she heard the anger in his voice. "I didn't call to ask your permission." He said. "I called out of respect and to inform you. The wedding is January first if you choose to come. But let me warn you, if you can't come and be civil, then stay home." Nick hung up after giving them the particulars of the ceremony. Hana hugged him not knowing what to say and feeling guilty as she remembered some of the things that she had said to Kenji about Patricia. She was now on the receiving end and now had a new appreciation for what Kenji and Patricia must have felt. "I am so sorry." She whispered hugging him. "You have nothing to be sorry for." Nick said kissing her. "It's their problem not ours." Hana stood up, touched the almost finished Kimono and decided that she wanted and needed to ask Patricia and Kenji once again for forgiveness. She looked at the clock and realized that the party at their house was still going on. She made plans to call them soon and to make her apologies. She called them the next morning even before she made Nick's coffee. Her guilt at the way she had treated them had kept her awake. When she called, Kenji answered the phone. "Mother? Is everything alright?" He asked. "It's fine." Hana replied. "I just wanted to apologize to you and Patricia." "Why?" Kenji asked. "Is Patricia nearby?" Hana asked. "She is in the kitchen." Kenji replied. "Mother are you certain that nothing is wrong?" "I'm fine; may we come to see you after breakfast?" Hana asked. "We are picking up the children after lunch so we will be here." Kenji replied curious as to the reason for the apology. "We will be there soon." Hana replied and hung up. "Who was that?" Patricia asked. "Mother." Kenji replied. "She and Nick are coming over after breakfast. She says that she wants to apologize for something." "Did she say what?' Patricia asked frowning as she tried to think of why Hana would owe them an apology. "No." Kenji replied as he took her hand and led her to the kitchen table. "Sit and I will bring you breakfast." An hour later, Nick and Hana were sitting in the living room holding hands. Kenji and Patricia looked at each other and then at them. "I know that you are wondering why I want to apologize." Hana said. "It's something that I've apologized about before, but until recently; I didn't realize... I didn't realize how disrespectful and how horribly I treated you until Nick spoke to his family about our wedding. Patricia, I cannot tell you how much I regret my part in what almost happened to you and for my treatment of you afterwards. I made an already difficult situation even more difficult. I have said this before and I will say it again. You are one of the strongest and most graceful people that I know. I have learned much from you and I hope to have just a little of your grace when I meet Nick's family for the first time. Kenjiro, when Nick was talking to his family I was reminded of you when you finally told us about Patricia. I heard the same firmness and resolution in his voice that I heard in yours. I also apologize to you for not accepting Patricia from the beginning and for allowing your father and Joben to do what they did. I humbly ask that you both forgive me." "Hana," Patricia said after a moment, "that's past history. You've been forgiven. I understood that you were caught between a rock and a hard place. So please, stop feeling guilty about it." "I agree." Kenji replied. "But I must confess that I was hurt and angry by what happened. It is time to move forward and to let go of the guilt. I am sorry that Nick's family is having a difficult time, but they could learn to love and accept you as you have learned to love and accept Patricia." Nick stroke Hana's knuckles as he listened to the conversation. He wanted to believe what Kenji said, but he knew better. If his family came, it would only be to cause trouble. He was now regretting inviting them to the wedding, but it was too late to take it back. He could only hope that they didn't show up. Even as he thought it, he knew that they would. After the apologies were over, Hana and Patricia discussed the ceremony while Nick and Kenji talked about Andrew Kelly. "He's never getting out." Nick said. "And as far as we know, the group is all but disbanded. You still need to be careful." "I understand... Nick, you are expecting your family to cause trouble at the wedding aren't you?" Kenji asked. "Unfortunately yes." Nick replied. "I'm hoping that they won't make the trip." He added with a tight smile. The conversation turned to general things until it was time to pick up the children from John and Hattie's house. "I have an idea." Nick said. "Why don't Hana and I pick them up and take them home with us? It's been a while since we've kept them and you two could have another night alone." Kenji was tempted, but he missed them. "Let me discuss it with Patricia." He finally said. Thirty minutes later, Nick and Hana were on their way to John and Hattie's with a change of clothes for the children. Patricia called ahead to let them know about the change in plan. The telephone had been a gift for John and Hattie's anniversary from all of them. It had taken them a while to get used to the phone, but now they loved it. "So Kirei," Kenji said nuzzling her ear, "what would you like to do today?" Patricia thought for a minute. "I would like to do something that we haven't done in a long time." She replied. "And what would that be?" Kenji asked. "I would like to go back upstairs, get back into bed and stay there until.... After lunch." She replied. She knew by the bulge in Kenji's pants that he was in full agreement with her. "Let's go." She said pulling on his hand. **** Saul woke up late the next morning. He cried out in pain when he tried to get out of bed. "What the hell?" he mumbled through swollen lips. "Hold on a minute." Joshua said. "Let me help you." "What happened?" Saul asked and then he remembered the beating. It was slow going, but finally Saul was in the bathroom. He steadied himself by bracing himself against the wall and urinated. The pain was temporarily forgotten as he felt the relief of emptying his bladdder. On his way out, he stopped to look at his reflection in the mirror. He was shocked and appalled at his appearance. His face was still swollen and bruised, his eyes so swollen that that his pupils appeared to be nothing more than a sliver of brown. With a start he realized that he didn't know what day it was and if he was supposed to be at work. "What day is this?" He mumbled. "Monday." Joshua replied. "Work." Saul mumbled. "I have to go..." "You're not going anywhere." Joshua said sternly. "I already talked to your boss." "He believed you?" Saul asked. "Not at first, but then he came by to see you." Joshua replied. "Your job is safe." "Dewey... I have to go back." Saul said. "Not today you aren't." Joshua said as he helped Saul back to bed. Saul fell back to sleep only waking when he heard Cora calling his name. "I made some broth." Cora said as she sat on the side of the bed. "My uniform... is it..." "I managed to get the blood out of it and I mended it." Cora replied. "Now hush and take some of this broth." Saul found that he was hungry and ate a second bowl of the broth this time feeding himself. By the end of the second bowl, he felt better; but was still in considerable pain. After eating, he began to force himself to move from the bed refusing any help. He had Joshua read his vocabulary words to him until he couldn't concentrate any longer. The next time he woke up, it was close to dawn. Through the slits in his eyes, he could see his mended uniform hanging. He lay in bed for another thirty minutes before he got up, used the bathroom and dressed for work. As quietly as he could, he slipped out of the front door and began to walk to work. Progress was slow, but an hour and a half later; Saul was at the train station. No one noticed him at first, but when they did; all activity stopped. "I'll be damned." Someone said in a voice that held respect. "What?" Harry asked. "Look over there." Someone else said. "It's your white buddy." "What?" Harry asked thinking that there had to be some mistake. He turned around to see Saul slowly making his way toward them. "Crazy assed white boy." He murmured under his breath as he ran out to meet him part way. "What y'all starin' at?" Dewey demanded when he came out. As soon as he saw the reason for the stares, his anger rose. He stomped out toward Saul and Harry stopping less than a foot away from them. "What did I tell you?" He demanded. "I told you that if you came back that I would kill you." "You did mention that." Saul said. "Why you here then?" Dewey demanded. "I work here." Saul replied and took a step toward Dewey. "And I'm not quitting because you whipped my ass. I'm as entitled to work here as you are now get out of my way." Dewey stood where he was and raised his fist. I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 15 "Go home white boy." He hissed. Harry stepped between Dewey and Saul and looked up at Dewey. "I let you hurt my friend once, I ain't gonna let you do it agin." "Harry..." Saul mumbled. "No!" Harry exclaimed still looking at Dewey. "Now, if you wanna get to him, then you gots to move me." Unbeknownst to Dewey, Harry and Saul, a small group of baggage carriers had moved closer so that they could hear what was being said. "Why you helpin' him?" Dewey asked. "He let you put your cock in his white ass? Or maybe he lets you suck it." "Say what you want." Harry said as he took another step closer to Dewey. "But you ain't touchin' him agin." Dewey laughed and shoved Harry so hard that he flew backwards into Saul. He was about to shove him again when someone spoke up. "Leave em' be." Dewey turned around seeing the group that had been watching and listening for the first time. "Who said that?" He demanded his voice filled with menace. "I did." The same voice replied. Dewey watched as a tall black man who was of mixed heritage stepped forward and walked toward him. "I'll kick your half-breed ass too." Dewey snarled. "Then you hafta kick mine too." Another voice piped up and stepped forward. One by one the men in the group stepped forward and made a circle around Dewey, Saul and Harry. "You might be able to take some of us." The light skinned man said, "But you can't take all of us. I suggest that you take your ass to your station and stay away from these boys." Dewey started to say something but though better of it when the circle around him tightened. He gave Saul a scorching glare and then pushed his way out of the circle. "What the fuck Saul?" Harry asked. "What are you doin? You can barely walk." "Like you all I have a family to support." Saul mumbled. "How you gonna carry luggage?" Harry asked. "I'll manage." Saul replied. He turned to the group and addressed them. "Thank you." "Watch you back white boy." The light skinned man said, "He ain't done with you." **** Isadora's heart raced when the train made its first stop in Mississippi. In a few hours she would be home. She could already taste her mother's homemade biscuits smothered with butter and honey or one of her homemade jams. She couldn't wait to tell them about school and the friends that she made. She and Noah hadn't talked of anything remotely personal for the last two days of the train ride. Instead, he drilled her on legal terminology and had her read passages from the law journals. Afterwards they would get into debates about the interpretation of the text. Finally, the train was pulling into the station closet to Greenville. Isadora was so excited that Noah gave her a rarely seen smile. "Mr. Whitman will be waiting for us." Noah said when Isadora asked him about transportation from the station to Greenville. "Isadora, I want to tell you something." Isadora looked at him expectantly. "When I first met you, you were reading one of Whitman's law books. I had a feeling about you. That's why I drilled you that day. After talking to Whitman about you, we decided to help you go to school. After you got to California, Bella said something to me. She said that she could see you arguing before the Supreme Court. I concur and I will do anything that I can to help you get there. You are an amazing young woman and I am pleased to have made your acquaintance." Isadora was surprised. She had never considered herself special. She was driven to be sure, but special? "I don't know what to say." She said after a few seconds. "I can only say thank you for helping me and that I'll do my best not to disappoint you. I'm sorry, but did you say we?" "Yes." Noah replied. "Whitman is one of many who contribute to the education and future s of young people such as you. I trust that you will keep that bit of knowledge to yourself. Things would become very difficult for him if this were found out." "What about Mrs. Whitman?" Isadora asked. "She doesn't know." Noah replied. "I understand." Isadora said. "Why are you telling me this?" she asked. "It is my hope that when you are able that you will continue to help our people along. That is my hope for all that we help, but you are the most promising of any that we have helped. You will be the one to speak for us from a legal standpoint." Noah replied. "You're putting a whole lot of faith in me." Isadora said. "I hope that it isn't misplaced." "It isn't." Noah said as he leaned forward. "You Isadora Hughes are going to make a difference in this world." He sat back and looked at her his gaze intent. "I'll do my best." Isadora replied. Two hours later, they were in Whitman's car heading towards Greenville. "You look well." Whitman said to Isadora. "Thank you sir and I mean for everything." Isadora replied. "You're welcome." He replied with a smile. "I'm pleased with how well you're doing at school. Noah tells me that you want to add more classes to your curriculum." "Yes sir. I want to complete my undergrad as quickly as I can." Isadora replied. "I also have a question for you." "I'm listening." Whitman replied. "Is it possible to go back and forth between and defense?" "It is but you can run the risk of conflict of interests." Whitman replied. "It's best to choose a side and stick to it. But... you could on occasion take on a defense or prosecution case without too much trouble if the same individual wasn't involved." "I thought as much." Isadora replied. Whitman's answer confirmed her choice. She was going to be a prosecutor first. The decision reminded her of the names on the paper. She wondered where they were and hoped that she wouldn't run into them. Even as she thought it, she knew that it would happen. Greenville was a small place where everyone knew everyone. She sighed heavily and forced the thought from her mind. She would deal with it when and if it happened. She closed her eyes and let the sound of the car engine lull her to sleep. "We're here." Noah said waking her up. Isadora sat up, rubbed her eyes and looked around into the darkness. Even in the dark she could tell that little had changed. A light tap of the car horn brought everyone out of the house. Isadora jumped out of the car and ran toward her family while Whitman and Noah unloaded her things. "Thank ya Mister Whitman and Mister Jackson." Isadora's father Frank said. "We appreciates y'all." "I'm happy to help." Mr. Whitman replied. "Mama, I asked Mr. Jackson to come for Christmas dinner." Isadora said. "There's always room for one more." Her mother replied. "Mr. Whitman you and the missus is welcome too." "Thank you, that's very kind of you; but we already have plans." He replied. "Then let me send a pie with you for the holiday." Isadora's mother insisted. "Thank you... Mrs. Whitman enjoys your pies." As they waited for the pie, Noah examined Isadora's family. He was looking that spark that Isadora possessed. He was looking for any spark that could be blown into a flame. So far, he had seen nothing, but then again; he was tired and it was dark. "Here ya are." Isadora's mother said handing Whitman the pie. "It's still warm, it ain't been out the oven but an hour." She said. "It smells wonderful, thank you. Noah, are you ready to go?" Whitman asked. "Yes." Noah replied. "What time shall I be here tomorrow?" he asked Isadora. "Come anytime." She replied. "But we eat at four." "I shall see you then." Noah replied with a slight bow. Isadora watched the car pull off while her brothers gathered her luggage. "You gonna stand out here all night?" her father asked. "We been holdin' supper." Supper was loud and happy with everyone talking at once. "So Izzy, do ya really pick grapefruit from a tree and eat it?" Her father asked. "I sure do." Isadora replied. "In fact, I brought some back with me. Byron can you get that big bag? The one that you thought I put rocks in?" The room went silent as Isadora unloaded the bag of its contents. "These came from Lenny and Bella's trees in their back yard. I tried to pick them when they weren't quite ripe." She passed the fruit around smiling at the expressions on their faces. "Oh and mama, I even brought some lemons for fresh lemonade for dinner tomorrow." The laughter resumed as Isadora asked for a knife and began to cut up the fruit. Later, when the dishes were done, they sat around the living room in a comfortable silence that was broken by Byron. "We all proud of you Izzy." He said. "And we glad that you came home even if it for just a little while." Isadora swallowed the lump in her throat. She loved her family as much as they loved her. She renewed the promise that she made to herself to take them away from Greenville as soon as possible. "I'm glad to be home." She said softly. "I've missed all of you so much." "We better hit the sack." Her mother said. "We need an early start in the mornin'." *** Noah checked into one of the few hotels that allowed blacks. It wasn't much with its lumpy bed and musty sheets, but it was preferable to doing battle with Whitman's wife. When he checked in, he noticed the way the clerk eyed him and knew that he had jacked up the price of the room. Noah didn't argue with the man, he just paid for the week and went about his business. When he got to his room, he locked the door and propped a chair up against it. Afterwards, he changed into his sleeping attire and went to look out of the window. He peered into the darkness taking in the shapes of the buildings. He hated Mississippi with a passion that he couldn't even begin to verbalize. He reminded himself of the advice that he had given Isadora and took a deep breath. He stood peering out into the darkness for a long time before he lay down. Even then he couldn't sleep. His mind was on a certain young man who had just recently graduated from Morehouse College and was preparing for the ministry. He had a good feeling about him, his spark was already turning into a flame. Noah woke up feeling refreshed although he hadn't slept much. He wanted an early start since he would have to walk to Isadora's house for dinner. He was also hoping to find something open so that he could contribute to the meal. He started to leave his room, but doubled back. He took the small valise from under the bed and looked inside of it. After a moment, he picked the valise up and left the room. He walked past the clerk at the desk without speaking and walked outside into the cold, brisk morning. Taking that first breath of fresh air in the morning was always his favorite time of the day no matter where he was. As always, he stood for a moment enjoying the feel of the air on his face. He looked to his left and then to his right and then started off for the left. It was direction in which Isadora's family lived and if he was going to find anything open, it would be in that direction. He walked for almost half a mile before he found a store open. It was owned by an older black man hoping to make a little extra money. "Even the white folk come in here if they desperate." He said with a cackle. "What ya look-in' for?" he asked. "I'll let you know when I find it." Noah replied as he wandered around the small store. He looked out of a window and saw a smoke house. "Do you have any hams in there?" he asked. "I got one that's ready." The man replied. "How much are you asking for it?" Noah replied. "It's a big one." The man said. "How much?" Noah asked again. "Six dollars." The man replied. "I'll take it." Noah said as he set his valise down and took out his bill fold. "Yes suh!" the man said excitedly. It turned out that the man hadn't been exaggerating. The ham was huge and Noah had no idea of how he was going to carry it and the valise to Isadora's home. The man seeing his problem offered a solution. "I ain't got a car, but I got an old bike with a cart hooked on the back. You welcome to it. Where you goin'?" "I'm going to the Hughes'." Noah replied. "Oh they ain't but two miles down the road." The man replied. "You in for a treat. Take the bike and drop it off tomorrow." "I'll bring it back later tonight." Noah replied. "Son, look here; the Klan boys don't take no holidays off. Now if I was you, I'd stay the night over there." Noah hadn't thought about that and was glad that he brought the valise. He offered to pay the man for the use of the bike and cart, but the man turned him down. "No suh, I wasn't goin nowhere anyhow." A few minutes later, the cart was loaded and Noah was trying to remember the art of riding a bike. Fifteen minutes later, he was on his way. *** "Somebody coming on a bike!" Byron yelled. Isadora joined him on the porch squinting to see who was coming. "That's Mr. Jackson." She said. "Where'd he get the bike?" Noah rode up ringing the little bell on the handlebars. To Isadora he seemed years younger and there was a light in his eyes that she hadn't seen before. She could almost see him as a young man twenty to thirty years younger. It made her wonder what happened to him to take away the mischievous sparkle in his eyes. "Woooo weeee!" Noah exclaimed as he jumped off the bike. "It's been a long time since I rode a bike." "Whose bike is it?" Isadora asked. "I stopped at the store about two miles down." Noah replied. "I bought a ham and I couldn't carry it and my valise so the owner offered me the use of his bike." "That's Mister Humphries." Byron said. "Yes well, there's a ham in the cart." Noah said. "Would you mind carrying it in?" "Yes suh." Byron replied. "Isadora, is there a place for me to put my valise?" Noah asked. "There's a cabinet in my room. No one will bother it." Isadora replied. "I'm not worried about that." Noah replied as he handed the bag to her. "Isadora! Where your manners?" Her mother called out. "Mr. Jackson come on in and makes yourself at home." The small house already smelled of roasting meat and baking bread. Noah's stomach growled in anticipation. As if she heard his stomach roar, Isadora came into the living room with a plate containing several slices of bread slathered with butter and honey. "It's going to be a while until supper." She said. "This should hold you." "Thank you." Noah said gratefully accepting the bread. "They're playing horseshoes out in back if you want to join them." Isadora said. "I think I'll do that." Noah replied with a smile. After Isadora went back to the kitchen, Noah took a bite of the hot bread and closed his eyes. The odors coming from the kitchen and the sounds coming from the outside took him back to a much happier time in his life. He could even hear Angela, his wife scolding someone for snitching a piece of bread. A solitary tear ran down his cheek at the memory. He jarred himself from the memory, wiped his face and finished the bread. He carried the plate to the kitchen, thanked Isadora and her mother and went outside where a loud game of horseshoes was in progress. "I didn't cook the ham." Isadora's mother said as they sat the table, "But I'll slice some for breakfast... You is stayin' ain't ya?" "I don't want to impose..." "It isn't safe." Isadora broke in. "Mama was telling me that just last week two black boys were found hanging. The word is that they were out checking their traps and they lost track of time." "I thank you for your kindness." Noah said respectfully. "Taint no problem." Byron said. "Like mama says, there's always room for one more. You can bunk with me." "Make sure you let him sleep by the window." Isadora teased. A burst of laughter filled the small house and the stories about Isadora's childhood began. That night, Noah slept peacefully. In the morning, he would pull Byron aside and talk to him, he had seen something. Isadora's other brother and his wife would have to stay put. It wasn't that Noah thought them stupid or unworthy, but he had to be selective in where he put the money. He hoped that in time, that an education would be available to everyone, but for now... As he closed his eyes, he thought about the white boy that he had seen at church and then again when he had gone to the defense of a black co-worker. Until he saw that, he hadn't entertained the idea of providing an education for a white person. But... he had seen that spark. It was as bright as the one that he had seen in Isadora. Just as Noah was almost asleep, Byron let out a sound and then an odor that made his eyes water. Noah now understood why Byron had insisted that he sleep by the window. Noah let out a soft chuckle and went to sleep. ***** The day after Christmas, Patricia, Abby and Hattie helped Hana put in the final stitches of her wedding kimono. It was beautiful in its simplicity. "Hana this is breathtaking." Abby said softly. "Thank you for allowing me to put in a few stitches." "It wouldn't be complete if I did not have you and the others do this." Hana replied. "It is because of you that this is happening." After the dress was finished, Hana served tea. The first one that she served was Patricia. She handed her the tea cup with a bow. "Thank you daughter." She said softly. "I am honored to be your daughter." Patricia said with a bow of her head. Hana went to each woman and thanked them before sitting down to join them. The women sipped their tea each of them thinking about how they had come together. "So are you ready?" Hattie asked. Patricia listened to her mother talk. The speech of old was about gone only reappearing when she was excited. Both of her parents were now reading at high school level thanks to Kenji's gentle teaching. "I am ready and very happy." Hana replied with a smile. "Have you heard back from Nick's family?" Patricia asked. "No." Hana replied. "Nick is hoping that they will not come, but a meeting is inevitable. I would rather meet them and be done with it even it is at the wedding." "Maybe they'll behave." Abby said. "Where will they stay?" Abby asked. "Nick will pay for a hotel." Hana replied. "He does not want them here." "There's room at my house." Abby said. "And at ours." Patricia chimed in. "But I would bet that they wouldn't want to stay with us." "Thank you for your kind offers." Hana said. "I will let Nick know." "I talked to Sally this morning." Patricia said. "She's hoping that the doctor will let her out of bed to come to the wedding. I told her that we would take lots of pictures and make sure that she got a piece of cake." The women chatted until it was time to go home and make dinner. Abby was going to have dinner with Patricia, Kenji and the children. It had been a long time since she had spent an evening with them and she had something that she needed to talk to them about. After dinner was over and the kitchen cleaned, Abby read to the children. When they were in bed, she broached the subject that she had been thinking about for weeks. "Before I say anything," Abby said. "I'm fine. I feel wonderful so don't panic." Kenji and Patricia looked at each other worriedly. "Will you stop that?" Abby said curtly. "I'm fine. I just want you to know a few things. In case anything should happen to me, my attorney has papers for you. Since I consider you my only family, everything that I have goes to you. This house is already in your name but I added it to the list anyway. The other thing is this, if something happens and I can't make my own decisions; I want you to let me go." "Abby..." Patricia said. "Now listen to me." Abby said. "I've had one hell of a life and lord willing; I'll be around for a few more years. But if that doesn't happen, I just want to be kept comfortable. It's all in the papers. I know that it you take me to the hospital they'll do whatever they have to do regardless of my wishes. That's why I want to die at home surrounded by my family. Having said that, if whatever is wrong with me is fixable; then by all means fix it." I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 15 It took Abby several minutes to convince them that she wasn't sick but thinking ahead. She knew that of the two of them, Kenji would be the one to understand. Patricia would fight it no matter what. "We will do our best to comply with your wishes." Kenji replied. "That's all that I'm asking for." Abby replied with a smile. "Abby, are you sure that you aren't sick?" Patricia asked. "I feel wonderful and plan to watch you graduate from medical school which reminds me. I am more than able and willing to watch the children to give you additional study time." Abby said changing the subject. "I can come here if you like or they can come to my house." Patricia accepted grateful for any extra help that she could get. The science classes still worried her in spite of Kenji's belief that she would do well. *** Saul made it through each work day with the help of some of the others. He knew that the light skinned was right and made every attempt to stay out of Dewey's way. If there was another confrontation, he would stand as he did before, but he wasn't going to look for trouble either. He noticed that he was rarely alone and if he was, Dewey was nowhere to be seen. He didn't get to properly thank the man who had spoken up first after Harry until a few days later. The man, Clinton Walls accepted the thanks with a curt nod of his head and walked away. Saul finished his shift in considerable pain, but it was getting easier to do more of his own work. The swelling in his eyes had gone down enough that he could see adequately and the bruises while still a vivid black and blue were beginning to fade. Dewey hadn't and wouldn't be forgetting about him anytime soon so Saul kept his guard up at all times. He also knew that it was only a matter of time before Dewey would manage to catch him alone. Joshua and Reggie had managed to find out who Dewey was and where he lived. "We want to have a little talk with him." Reggie said. "Please don't do that." Saul said. "I'll deal with it on my own." It had taken him some hard talking to convince them not to interfere and a promise on his part that he would ask for help if he needed it. Neither man had been happy that he had gone back to work so soon, but they understood his rationale. "Just watch your back." Reggie told him. Reggie, Saul found out was Cora's nephew who was visiting for the holidays from Huntsville, Alabama. He had just arrived on the night of the fight with Dewey. He didn't find out about Saul until he got there. As the week passed, Saul and Reggie became friends. It was with Reggie that Saul discussed his future with and told the story of Jacob in its entirety. "Your friend sounds a lot like Uncle Joshua." Reggie commented. "I also agree with Uncle Joshua in that Jacob was murdered in plain sight. The question is what are you going to do about it? The way I see it is that if you at least the ball rolling, it would go a long way toward honoring your friend." "That's true, but what can they do from here?" Saul asked. "Who would believe a felon?" "I can't answer the first question." Reggie replied. "But I can answer the second one. You have several things to your advantage. One, you're white. Felon or not, that's going to carry some weight.Two, you've already been in contact with that lawyer so you have a history with him and three, what you told him turned out to be true." "The other issue is this," Saul said. "My family is still down there. If Ellis finds out that I've said anything he'll do something to them." "If their safety wasn't an issue would you go see the lawyer?" Reggie asked. "I ... Yes." Saul replied after a brief hesitation. "But how would I manage that? There is no one close by or at least no one that would help them." "May I ask a personal question?" Reggie asked. "I guess so." Saul replied. "How does your mama feel about black folk?" "Her feelings softened a little when I told her about Jacob." Saul replied. "Why do you ask?" "I just had a thought, but if she doesn't care for black people; then it isn't an option. Are you sure that there's no place that they can go?" "I'm sure." Saul replied. "There is another option." Reggie said. "You could bring them here." "Here?" Saul asked. "Where would they live?" "I was just making a suggestion." Reggie said. "I know." Saul said. "And as much as I like the idea, I don't have enough money saved to get them all here. But I still have a decision to make don't I?" "Another personal question." Reggie said. "Why were you in prison?" "I killed my father." Saul said. "He was hurting my sister and I hit him over the head with an iron skillet. I didn't mean to hit him as hard as I did, but... he died soon afterwards." "Let me ask you another question." Reggie said. "Why didn't you take another way home last week? You knew that Dewey was waiting for you. And when you saw him; why didn't you run? You knew that there wasn't a chance in hell that you could win." Saul thought about his answer. "My father was a miserable man who thought that everyone needed to be as miserable as he was. The highlight of his day was watching us cringe when he came home from work. He was a bastard. But... he did teach me something and that was to never run from trouble. He used to say that once you run, you'll keep running. I knew that I was going to get my ass kicked, but I refused to run and I will never run." "Saul," Reggie said after a moment. "Were you listening to yourself?" He had been. "Reggie, will you help me write a letter to my mother?" He asked. "Of course." Reggie replied. "Have you thought about what you want to do with your life? Surely you don't want to be a bag boy forever." "That's the other thing that I've been thinking about." Saul said. "I've never considered myself a religious man until I left South Carolina. Most of the people that I met on the train were Christian people who shared their food with a white man when they didn't have to. Going to church with Joshua and Cora has made me realize a few things... I think that I want to be a minister." Reggie didn't speak for several minutes. Saul's revelation surprised him, but then; it really didn't. He admired Saul's quiet strength and courage. "I think that you would be a good minister." Reggie said. "Do you really think so?" Saul asked. "Yes I do." Reggie replied. "What we need to do is to step up the pace on your learning to read as it stands now, you wouldn't make it through a college course. I plan on staying for a while and I'd be happy to help you." "Reggie, what did you do before you came here?" Saul asked. "I was a school teacher." Reggie replied with a smile. "Shall we go write that letter?" **** Isadora was disappointed at how fast the visit home was going. She and Noah would be on the train the day after New Years for the journey back. Noah had decided to stay with them after he had gone back to his hotel room to find it ransacked. Most of his clothes had been shredded and the words "uppity nigger" had been scrawled on the room's only mirror and on the walls. Noah had made no comment other than he was glad that he thought to take his valise with him. When he checked out, the clerk told him that he had to pay for the damages to the room. Not wanting to start an argument that he knew he wouldn't win, Noah paid the extra money and checked out. It was another reminder of why he hated Mississippi. Isadora walked to town on full alert. She listened to every sound, quickening her step if she heard anything that didn't sound right to her ears. Noah had asked if she wanted company, but she said no. She wanted to walk this walk so that she could refresh her memory. She made it to town without incident and went to Mr. Whitman's office. Seeing that he was with a client, she walked to the general store to buy a few staples for her family. Noah had given her the money and told her to get whatever she could carry. She looked at the prices and decided to go to the same black owned store that Noah had bought the ham from. She knew that the Mr. Humphries would appreciate it and that Noah would approve. She was at the back of the store and walking toward the entrance to leave when she heard him. "Come on sugah" He was saying to someone. "The wedding is in a few weeks and I've already spent a fortune." "Just this one thing... please?" A soft voice pleaded. "I promise that I won't ask for another thing." "I believe that's what you said the last time." He said his tenor voice filled with amusement. "But go on, I'll meet you there." Isadora was frozen in place, her mouth was dry and her heart was pounding so loud that she was sure that he could hear it. She waited until she heard the front door of the store open and close. Thinking that he had gone, she stepped out. Too late she realized her mistake and tried to step back; but he saw her. "Well if it isn't the college girl." He drawled. "I heard that you were back." He said. Isadora couldn't speak. She looked down unable to look into his leering face. She took a step backwards when he stepped closer to her. "You've been the talk of the town." He said softly. "An attorney huh? I always knew that you were smart for a nigger. In fact, I always thought that you were too smart for your own good. But... you sure did feel good..." Isadora's face burned at the memory and then anger set in. She looked up at him with eyes filled with fury and hate. "If you like, I can set up a repeat performance... " Isadora snapped. Before she realized what she was doing, she slapped him across the face as hard as she could. The store owner looked up and then looked away. He had no desire to get mixed up in whatever the mayor's son was into. "I could have you arrested for laying hands on a white man." He said as he rubbed his cheek. "And then you could kiss that college education good bye." Isadora took a shaky deep breath. He was right. She followed Noah's example and chose not to fight a fight that she had no hope of winning. She would concede the fight in order to win the war. But she wasn't leaving until she had her say. "I hear that you're getting married." She said. "Congratulations." He stepped back confused by her change in attitude. "Enjoy your life while you can." She said. "I'm not threatening you; I'm just wishing you well and warning you that you'll see me again." She pushed past him, decided not to wait for Mr. Whitman and took another way home. She no longer needed to refresh her memory. It was a longer walk by a mile and she got to the store just before Mr. Humphries was closing for lunch. "You jus' caught me." Mr. Humphries said when she walked in. "What can I get ya?" Soon Isadora had more than she could carry and needed to use the bike with the cart. As she biked the two miles home, she tried to forget the encounter in town. She wasn't ready to share her anger and outrage... not yet. "What did you do?" Her mother asked. "Buy out the store?' "I left a few things." Isadora said smiling. Something about Isadora caught her mother's attention. "You alright?" she asked. "I'm fine." Isadora replied. "I'm just thinking about how fast the time flew." "It sure did." Her mother agreed. "It was sure nice havin' you home." "It was good to be here." Isadora said. "In a few years I'll be back." "What you mean?" Her mother asked surprised. "Why you wanna come back here? There ain't nothing here." "You're here." Isadora said wishing that she hadn't said anything. "This will always be home for me." "I understand, but baby; this place has so much hatred. You need to be where you can do some good. This place ain't ready for you." Isadora didn't reply. If she did, she would have to explain why she had to come back. "We'll see." She said. "Graduation is a long ways off." Noah stood on the other side of the door listening. He wanted to know why it was so important to Isadora that she came back. He also knew that she wouldn't tell him unless he revealed something about himself. Then the question became how badly he wanted to know what Isadora was hiding. *** The first of Nick's family arrived on December 30. The rest of them would arrive on the morning of the 31st. He had given Abby's offer of having people stay with her some thought and decided that his parents would be a good match. His brother, sisters and their spouses would stay at a hotel. He didn't even consider Kenji and Patricia's offer. He already knew what the reaction would be and he wouldn't and couldn't do that to them. He looked over at Hana who was dressing for the evening. He could tell that she was nervous even though she tried to hide it. It was at her insistence that they were even seeing his family before the wedding. "Maybe if we meet before the wedding, all will be well." She said. He didn't agree, but it was worth a shot. Then she invited Kenji, Patricia and the children along with John and Hattie. He tried to change her mind, but she stood firm. "These are our family and I am not ashamed of them. I would rather have them meet tonight than tomorrow. If your family cannot accept ours, then they will have an opportunity to change their minds about attending the wedding." Nick didn't like it, but conceded that she had a point. Kenji, Patricia and the others were informed of the probability of a problem. He strongly suggested that the children be left at home. Kenji agreed and asked Joel and Penny to babysit since they had no New Year's Eve plans. Abby arrived first with Nick's parents. She had spent a day with them and had decided that if they left, it wouldn't be too soon. Nick's father grated on her nerves from the moment they walked in the door. His mother hadn't been much better. "So do you know this Jap broad?" Louis Alexander asked. "I know Hana quite well." Abby replied bristling. "I'm sure that she's a nice woman." Julia, Nick's mother said. "But she's the enemy!" "The war is over." Abby said. "And Hana was never an enemy to this country. In fact, many of those interred were born here." "Planted as spies no doubt." Louis replied as he looked around the living room. Abby bit her tongue. She could see that there was no reasoning with them. What amazed her was that given their own humble lifestyle, they were making snide remarks about the house. "You don't have a pool?" Julia asked. "No." Abby replied. "I don't swim." "I don't know, but Nicky made this place sound like a resort." Louis said. "Just what did Nicky say?" Abby asked. "He said that we would be staying at a nice place... and I guess it is; it just isn't what we were expecting." Louis said. "Louis, you're being rude." Julia said. "Thank you for opening your home to us." She said to Abby. "I smell dinner cooking; can I help you with something?" "No, why don't you make yourselves at home?" Abby said wanting a few minutes to gather her wits. She had just gone into the living room to announce dinner when she heard Nick's parents talking. "Who are these people?" Julia was asking. "Is that a colored woman with a Jap? And that one must be her..." "Those are photos of my family." Abby said interrupting them before they said anything to really set her off. "The lovely woman standing next to Nick is Hana. Standing next to her is her son Kenjiro and his wife Patricia. The two little ones are their children Ralph and Marie. The tall distinguished looking black man is Patricia's father John and the beautiful woman next to him is his wife Hattie who happens to make the best apple pie on this side of the earth." Julia and Louis looked at each other and then at the photos. "Are they going to be at the wedding?" Julia asked. "Of course they are!" Abby snapped. "They're family aren't they?" Julia blinked at her tone but said nothing. What had their son gotten himself into? Dinner was tense at best, but Abby refused to apologize. If Louis and Julia decided to leave, she would take them to the train station herself. She was actually hoping that they would want to leave, but no such luck. "Dinner was good, thank you." Julia said softly. "You're welcome." Abby replied. "I have one of Hattie's pound cakes for dessert if you're ready." "Hattie... she's the colored woman who makes the pies right?" Louis asked. "Yes... would you care for a piece of cake?" Abby asked. "You got coffee to go with it?" Louis asked. "Of course." Abby replied gritting her teeth. She got up from the table and began to gather the dirty dishes. Julia began to help her. When they were alone in the kitchen, she apologized. "Louis is like any man," she said, "He's got his ways. I'm sorry if he offended you." Abby wondered how parents like these could have raised someone like Nick. The bigger question was why their obvious bigotry didn't affect him more than it had. "So do you really claim all of those people as family?" Julia asked as she scraped the plates. "Yes I do and that includes Nick." Abby replied. "I should also tell you that I take offense to any snide or blatant comments that are made about any of them. The coffee is ready and the cups are in the cabinet next to the stove." Abby wished that she could slip away and call Nick to give him a heads up, but the opportunity didn't present itself. She could only hope that he had a clue. *** Hana finished dressing, kissed Nick and went to the kitchen to finish dinner. Nick followed her to the kitchen to help, but was caught by the ringing of the doorbell. He opened the door to let Abby and his parents in. "Come in." he said a tad stiffly. He could already see the thoughts that were swirling around in his parents' head. "I thought that you were some big time lawyer." His father said looking around the living room. The comment reminded Nick of why he had never invited his family to visit. Instead of addressing the comment, Nick turned to his mother. "Mom, you look great." He said as he kissed her on the cheek. "And you're just as handsome as ever." Julia replied. Nick greeted Abby next murmuring a thank you in her ear. He could only imagine what the last several hours had been like for her. A moment later, Hana came in from the kitchen. "Hana honey, come meet my parents." Nick said holding his hand out to her. Hana walked toward him and took his hand relieved when he pulled her into his side. "Mom, Dad; this is Hana . Sweetheart, this is my mother Julia and my father Louis. The others should be here soon." "Welcome to our home." Hana said with a shy smile and bow. "Please sit down. Dinner will be ready as soon as the others arrive." No one missed the fact that Nick's parents hadn't spoken to Hana when she addressed them. Instead they stared at Hana as if she was something other than human. It took Nick making the same suggestion before anyone moved. By the time they were sitting. Kenji and Patricia and the others with the exception of the rest of Nick's family had arrived. The introductions if possible, were even tenser than before. The tension rose to the roof when Nick's siblings and their spouses arrived. His Brother, Tyler had fought in Germany and had participated in D-Day. Both of his sisters' husband's had fought in the war with one of them fighting in the Pacific arena. When Tyler looked around the room taking in the sea of multicolored faces, he swore. "Is this fucking for real?" He asked. "Are you really going to marry a Jap?" Nick didn't answer at first. He was trying to contain his anger. "And then you got these... people here." The room was quiet. No one said a word until Nick's brother Douglass opened his mouth. "Damn Nick, not only are you marrying a Jap, you got the coloreds in here too. But to be honest with you, I'd rather see you marry one of them. At least they were born here." I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 15 Nick jumped to his feet and went for Douglas. "Nick!" Hana cried out just as he reached Douglas. "Don't! It's alright!" "The hell it is!" Nick shot back. He had stopped in front of Douglas and was glaring at him. Then his glare went from him to the others in his family. "I didn't want you here." He said his voice low and intense. "I only told you about Hana out of respect. I didn't want to invite you, but she wanted to give you the option to say no. I like a fool agreed with her. You all knew that she was Japanese before you came so why you're here is beyond me unless it was just to raise hell. Just as you prefer that I was marrying a black woman, I prefer that you weren't here. Consider yourselves uninvited to the wedding. Feel free to stay at the hotel until your departure date which is January second. Tyler you drove didn't you?" "Yeah but Nicky come on! These people aren't your family!" "You're wrong there." Nick replied. "They are my family. We've been through more shit together than you can even begin to imagine. I knew that you would have issues and that's fine; but they're your issues. What I didn't expect was the blatant show of disrespect. I expected the snide comments and was prepared for them, but this... I want you all out of here. Mom and dad, I'll take you back to Abby's and then check you in at the hotel." "Nick." John said softly. "Maybe they could..." "No." Nick said firmly. "They've made their position clear and there's no point in trying to pretend that they didn't. I'm only surprised that my father hasn't said anything yet." "I don't need to." Louis said as he stood up. "Just so you know, I didn't want to be here anymore than you wanted me here. I only came because your mother wanted to come although for the life of me I don't know why. She isn't any happier about this than I am. I'm done here, let's go." "Wait... please." Hana said softly. "I... I made dinner, so will you please stay?" she asked looking at Julia seeing the indecision in her eyes. She communicated with her mother to mother and as one who understood what it felt like to have a child make a choice that was less than pleasing. Just as Julia was going to speak, Louis jumped in. "We're not staying. Nick, let's go." Everyone watched in silence as Nick's birth family gathered their things and headed for the door. As they left, Hana realized that she now knew exactly how Patricia had felt. After they were gone, Hana let the first tear fall. Patricia took her by the hand and led her to the kitchen and hugged her. By the time Nick got back, dinner was on the table. He could tell that Hana had been crying and felt horrible. He hugged her and kissed her before taking her into his office. "Baby I'm sorry. I never should have let them come." "We had to try." Hana said softly. They stayed in the office for a few more minutes before joining the others for dinner. Hana ate very little, but the others had no problems with their appetite. Abby noticed that Hana wasn't eating and addressed it. "Hana, they aren't worth losing any sleep or wasting any tears over. They came with their minds already made up. The thing to think about now is that by this time tomorrow, you and Nick will be married. So why don't you try to eat a little more of this delicious dinner that you made?" "Honey she's right." Nick said taking her hand in his. "Kenjiro, is that what you thought of us?" Hana asked. "Yes it was." Kenji replied. "It hurt to think like that, but Patricia was and is my life. If I had to do it again, I would make the same choice." Hana didn't say anything for several minutes. Finally, she smiled at him. "Patricia and I are very fortunate women to have men such as you and Nick in our lives." The mood at the dinner table lightened and became festive as last minute plans for the wedding were discussed. At midnight they brought in the New Year together and then parted ways. *** Andrew sat on his cot with his back against the wall. His eyes were closed and in his mind, he was at home. He was dressed in his pajamas instead of the blue prison uniform and he was warm. He could smell his mother's fresh cinnamon rolls as they baked. His mouth watered just at the thought of them. In his mind, it was ten in the morning instead of six am. In his mind, he was just waking up. He had nowhere to be. He was still on break from school. The sound of the clanging bell announcing roll call pulled him from his reverie. He got to his feet, put on his jacket and took his place outside of his cell. He was in Cell block A which was designated for the good prisoners and he was determined to stay there. So far he had managed to keep his nose clean. He found it hard to believe that he had only been on 'the rock' for a few weeks. It felt more like a lifetime ago since he saw Kenji for the first time and his life began a slow descent until he was now where he was. A few minutes later he was in the dining room eating breakfast. Instead of it being a leisurely affair, he had twenty minutes to eat as much as he wanted. After breakfast, he would be taken back to his cell where he would read and daydream about home and the life that he had lost. On occasion, he would hear talk about escape and when he did; he closed his ears. He heard the stories about those who attempted it and decided that he didn't want to join their ranks. Full, but not stuffed from breakfast, Andrew was taken to his cell where he began to read one of several books that he got from the library But what he really wanted was news from the outside world. He knew better than to ask the guards or the inmates that had visitation rights. The inmates that had visitors didn't know any more than he did. All of their conversations were monitored and any news was strictly about family. Andrew inhaled and then grimaced. There was a time when he loved the smell of the ocean, but no more. He decided that if he ever got out of prison, he was going to move as far away from the ocean that he could get. He closed his eyes, blocked out the sounds and smells of the ocean and began to read. **** The sky was a clear blue on Nick and Hana's wedding day. Hana still wished that things had turned out differently with Nick's family, but she had done her best. She looked at the kimono that hung in the doorway in Kenji and Patricia's room. The sounds of the children laughing as they hung the decorations for the reception wafted through the open windows. In less than three hours, she would be Hana Alexander. She wondered if Hiroshi and Dai would come. She had invited them to dinner, but Hiroshi had other obligations. He had given her no answer to the wedding invitation. She understood. It would be awkward to watch one's ex-spouse marry another. An hour later, Abby, Patricia and Hattie were in the room helping her to get ready. She had surprised all of them by asking John to escort her to Nick. "I would be honored if you would do this." She told him the night of the dinner with Nick's family. John had been speechless and responded by vigorously nodding his head. One of the things that he would always regret was not going to either of Patricia's weddings. Kenji stood with Nick waiting for the wedding to start. "Are you nervous?" Kenji asked. "A little." Nick replied with a chuckle, "But I don't know why. We've been living together as a married couple for a long time." "Maybe it is because you don't have to keep my mother hidden any longer." Kenji suggested. "Maybe so." Nick agreed. "Thank you for your blessing. It means a lot to us." "Nick, I considered you my mother's husband long before this." Kenji replied. "I also consider you my father although my birth father lives." The first strains of soft music filled the air. The minister made his way to the Nick and Kenji and urged them to their places. Nick looked around to see who had come. Charles along with his fiancée sat in the second row. Briscoe sat to Charles' left and gave him a curt nod. Paul and his fiancée sat behind Briscoe with Penny, Joel and the children sitting behind them. Abby, Patricia and Hattie sat in the front row leaving Maeve to take care of the music. Nick's breath caught when he saw Hana coming toward him, her hand resting on John's arm. Unable to help himself, he met them half way and finished the walk to the minister with them. After thanking John, he took Hana's hand and nodded. Thirty minutes later, Hana Takeda was Hana Alexander. ****** Notable Alcatraz inmates: Al Capone, George "Machine Gun" Kelly, Robert Stroud-"Birdman of Alcatraz" and Alvin Karpis who was the inmate with the longest stay at Alcatraz- twenty-five years and one month. He was also the last of the "Public Enemies." ******* Civil Rights The Peekskill Riots took place at Cortlandt Manor, Westchester County, New York. The riots were anti-communist with anti-black and anti-Semite undertones occurred at the announcement that Paul Robeson would be performing at a concert to benefit the Civil Rights Congress. 1949 is the first year in which there were no reported lynchings of Afro-Americans in the USA James A. Colescott, the Imperial Wizard for the Klan from 1939-1944 dissolved the Klan (the second Ku Klux Klan) after the IRS placed a $685,000 lien against the organization. ******* American history events President Harry S. Truman reveals his Fair Deal program. The first Volkswagen Beetle arrives in the United States. The "Red Scare" occurs. Several celebrities including Helen Keller, Danny Kaye, and Fredric March are named in an FBI report as being Communist Party members. Albert II, a rhesus monkey is the first primate to enter space. Hopalong Cassidy, the first television western airs on NBC. KDKA-TV becomes the first local, on air television station in the US. The last of the US troops leave South Korea. The last six surviving veterans of the War Between the States meet in Indianapolis. Howard Unruh, a WWII veteran becomes America's first single-episode mass murderer. The Housing Act of 1949 is enacted. Iva Toguri D'Aquino is found guilty of broadcasting for Japan as Tokyo Rose Heavyweight Champion Joe Louis retires. ******** World events The rationing of clothes ends in Britain. Aurora Quezon former First lady of the Philippines is assassinated India issues the London Declaration which enabled it and any other nation to remain in the British Commonwealth despite becoming a republic. Israel is the made the 59th member of the United Nations The Soviet Union lifts its blockade of Berlin, Germany. Joseph Stalin attacks Soviet Jews accusing them of being pro- Western and antisocialists. ******** For those of you who are wondering who the young black man that Noah fell asleep thinking about, it was Martin Luther King Jr. He had graduated from Morehouse College and was going into the ministry. I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 16 Nick took Hana home still not quite believing that they were legally married. The first order of legal business would be taken care of as soon as he could get to the bank. He needed to add her to his accounts. He had already put her in his will to receive everything in case anything happened to him, but she was listed as his housekeeper. As soon as he had the chance, he was going to amend that too. The only thing that marred his happiness was the memory of how his family had treated not only her, but everyone else the evening before. He pushed the memory away. They had all seemed to have forgotten about it and besides, it was a time to be happy. He reached over, took her hand in his and brought it to his lips. "I love you Hana Alexander." He said and then kissed her hand. "I love you too." Hana replied. She was happy but also saddened that things with Nick's family had gone as they had. She could only hope that things between them got better. She looked over at Nick and smiled. He was as handsome as the day she first saw him. The few strands of gray in his hair did nothing to diminish his looks. If anything, they added to them. When he aged, he was going to look like a kinder version his father. The one thing that she wondered about was how he had managed not to become as racist as his family was. It was a question that she planned to ask at some point, but not tonight. Nick pulled into the driveway and then into the garage. He jumped out of the car, ran to the passenger side and helped Hana out. Before she knew what was happening, he scooped her up into his arms and carried her into the house and upstairs to the bedroom. "Are you going to let me get undressed?" Hana teased even as she was loosening his tie. "I suppose it would make things easier." Nick teased back as he set her on her feet. "I'll be back." Hana said as she walked back to the door. "Where are you going?" Nick asked. "The bed's over there." "I'll be back." Hana said and left the room. She went to the spare bedroom, opened the closet and took out a lingerie box. She sat the box on the bed and opened it. She took a deep breath as she removed the dark blue negligee out of the box. She had never worn anything like it and had only gotten it because Abby, Patricia and the other women had told her that a sexy nightgown was a must for a wedding night. She held the gown up almost embarrassed by how sheer it was. It left nothing to the imagination and was shorter than anything she had ever worn to bed. She carefully undressed and hung the wedding kimono in the closet and put the negligee on. She looked at her reflection in the mirror and let her hair down. After examining her reflection for a moment more, she left the spare bedroom to go to Nick. Nick was about to go see what was keeping her when she walked in. He stopped short when he saw her. "Hana... Jesus... you're gorgeous!" he said his voice soft. "I am sorry that I took so long." Hana said. "It was worth the wait," Nick replied as he drank in her appearance. When Hana started to walk toward him, he stopped her. "Stay where you are," He whispered. "I just want to look for a while." Hana stood still and waited until Nick held his hand out to her. Hana took his hand sighing when he took her into his arms. Nick held her close burying his nose in the softness of her hair. Tears prickled his eyes as he realized that he didn't know how badly he had wanted to marry her until that moment. He tightened his hold on her and kissed the top of her head. They stood that way for several minutes before he picked her up, carried her over to the bed and gently lay her down on it. Nick stood at the foot of the bed and looked down at her for several seconds before lying down next to her. They turned so that they faced each other. Nick put a hand on Hana's lower thigh and began to move it upwards. "I don't have to hide what you are to me anymore," he said softly. "No more having to remember to take off the wedding band when I go to work. Do you have any idea of how happy that makes me?" "I am happy too." Hana replied. "I am only sorry that your family wasn't there." "My family was there," Nick said. "All of you are more like family to me than the family that I was born into. It was no major loss that that they weren't there. But I don't want to talk about them anymore. They don't matter." His hand was now at the hem of the negligee and edging it up toward her waist stopping when he was at her hip. He made little abstract designs with the tips of his fingers that made their way to between Hana's legs. Hana turned onto her back, opened her legs in invitation and gasped when Nick's fingers slipped between her vaginal lips. Somehow, although his touch was always gentle and almost reverent; it seemed even more so. The negligee was now bunched around her hips and the material, although light and sheer was irritating her. As if reading her mind, Nick moved so that he could help Hana remove the gown. He kissed her lips, her neck and then took a nipple into his mouth and suckled it while his hand went back to between her legs. His cock throbbed as the sounds of Hana's moans filled his ears. His moans joined hers when he felt Hana's hand wrap around his cock and begin to slowly stroke it. Every so often she gently scraped her nails along the underside and across the head. He removed his hand from her wet mound and placed it on top of hers indicating that he needed her to stop. He gave the nipple in his mouth a hard suck and then began to make his way down her body. When he got to the vee between her legs, he moved so that his face was inches away from her mound. "Open as wide as you can." Nick said as he spread her outer and inner lips. Hana didn't need to be told twice. This had become one of her favorite ways of making love. When she was positioned as Nick wanted, she felt his warm breath caress her clit. Her hips jerked in response seeking his mouth. A moment later, Nick had her clit between his lips and was sucking on it. Hana cried out as she felt one and then two fingers enter her and begin to slide in and out in time with the sucking. The orgasm seemed to start slowly and from some place far away, but it rapidly picked up in both speed and intensity. Hana grabbed a pillow and screamed into it as the orgasm washed over her. Nick flicked his tongue and kept sucking trying to coax another orgasm from her. He reached up and took the pillow away from her. He didn't care who heard them. He was making love to and with his wife. When Hana came for the second time, only then did he move so that he covered her with his body and slid into her and stilled. Moments later, he began to thrust and grind against her. As his orgasm neared, he crushed Hana against him and slammed into her moaning loudly as his seed left his body and entered hers. Afterwards, Nick pulled the blankets over them, took Hana into his arms and stayed awake until her breathing told him that she was asleep. *** "It was a beautiful wedding." Patricia said as she handed Kenji a cup of tea. "It was." Kenji agreed. "It is hard to believe that today is also another anniversary date for us." "I know." Patricia said as she sat down next to him. "The past few years have certainly been an adventure." "This is true." Kenji replied. "But we are where we need and want to be and maybe things will become more... boring." "I hope so." Patricia said as she set her tea cup down. "I'm ready for some normalcy speaking of which I have something for you." "I have something for you as well," Kenji said. "Wait here." Patricia waited until he was upstairs before going to the library to retrieve his gift. It was a top of the line stethoscope that Paul Mynt had helped her pick out from a catalogue. It was actually the kind that he used. She spent the extra money and had it engraved. Along with the stethoscope, she also ordered engraved pens. To make sure that Kenji didn't know, she had the items delivered to Abby's house. Abby brought them over already wrapped one day when she was baby-sitting and they had been hidden in the library ever since. Patricia looked at the packages and then at the small envelope that held the small handmade card. When she made it, she was reminded of the first card and gift that Kenji had ever given her. The card was similar in its simplicity and sentiment. "Kenji, I am so happy to be with you. If I had to do it again in order for us to be together; I would. Itsumade mo ai shite iru- I will love you forever. Patricia" She sat on the sofa wondering where Kenji would have hidden a gift. She was frequently in the closets of both bedrooms as well as the dressers. Kenji came down the stairs a moment later carrying a medium sized cardboard box. "Where did you hide that?" She asked when he was sitting next to her. "The one place where you cannot reach." Kenji replied with a smile. "The very top of the closet. You cannot see that high up." "Sneaky." Patricia commented. "Where was your hiding place?" Kenji asked. "I'm not telling." Patricia said. "I might need it again." "I would like for you to open yours first." Kenji said. "One of the items is for both of us, but the rest is for you alone." Patricia took the box already knowing what the one item was. Kenji had mentioned that they needed to get more diaphragms. She had no idea of what else was in the box. She took the lid off and took out the contents. There were several small boxes that she recognized as the diaphragms, a jewelry box, an oblong shaped box and some other items. "Open this one first." Kenji said handing her jewelry box. "Kenji... what did you do?" Patricia asked looking at the box. "I bought my Kirei an anniversary gift" Kenji replied. "Open it." Patricia opened the box and gasped. "Kenji... it's beautiful but..." "There are no buts." He said. ""it is but a small token of what I feel for you. Each of the stones is a birth stone with yours in the center." He took the ring out of the box and slipped it on to her right hand. "I wish that I could have done more." He said kissing her hand. "This is perfect." Patricia replied throwing her arms around his neck. "Thank you!" "There is more." Kenji said kissing her. "Open this one next." He handed her the oblong shaped box and waited for her to open it. "A stethoscope?" She asked. "But I'm nowhere near ready for this." "But you will be." Kenji replied. "Before you know it, we will be building our practice together." Patricia looked at the stethoscope through tear filled eyes. She noticed that it was already engraved. "Dr. P. Takeda" "Thank you!" She said kissing him. "I'm going to put it where I can see it." The rest of the gifts were little things like pencils and school supplies for the coming semester. "Your turn." Patricia said handing Kenji the smallest box. Kenji unwrapped and then opened the box smiling when he saw the pens. "I will think of you with every prescription and note that I write." He said touching the pens." "I have one more gift." Patricia said handing him the box. "It looks like we were both thinking the same thing." Kenji read the card first and touched Patricia's face. "Itsumade mo ai shite iru Kirei. That is something that will never change no matter what happens." He opened the box and smiled. "I will never use another." He said as he put the stethoscope around his neck. "It's engraved too." Patricia said. "Dr. K. Takeda" Kenji took Patricia into his arms and leaned back. He was remembering the first time that he got to hold her in the house. It had been under very different circumstances. Both of her parents had been angry enough that they didn't acknowledge her as their daughter. He remembered it as if it had just happened. "Hey." Patricia said nudging him. "No sad thoughts. It's our anniversary." "I was thinking about the first time that I held you in this house." Kenji said. "It seems that we have come full circle. I was also thinking that we never took our trip that Ralph gave us." "We haven't had the time." Patricia replied. "We could go next year after you graduate. God only knows that we'll need it before you start your internship." "I think that is a good idea." Kenji replied. "We have plenty of time to plan. Are you ready to go to bed?" "I am, but I need you to wait down here for a few minutes." Patricia said. "I have one more surprise for you." "Kirei..." "I won't be long." Patricia said. "I'll be ready by the time you get the cups washed. I'll see you upstairs." Patricia gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and ran up the stairs before he could ask any more questions. She had been thinking of having another baby, but the timing just wasn't right, but if they waited until she was done with school; she would be too old. If they had another baby soon, they would have plenty of help while she went to school. For a brief moment, she thought about not inserting the diaphragm. She inserted the diaphragm deciding that talking to Kenji would be the better option. Once in the bedroom, she undressed and hung up her clothes. She could hear Kenji's footsteps as he climbed the stairs. She needed a few more minutes. Just as she was about to call out asking for more time, she heard him go into the bathroom and close the door behind him. She changed into the new nightgown that she had hidden under the bed. Unlike Hana's which was sheer, hers was more opaque and in Kenji's favorite color- green. She sprayed a little perfume on her pulse points and waited. She heard the bathroom door open and his soft footsteps come toward the bedroom and then stop at the children's room. A moment later, he was in their bedroom staring at her with his mouth open. "Do you like it?" Patricia asked when Kenji didn't say anything. "I... I like it very much." Kenji replied as he looked her starting at her head, lingering on her breasts and crotch before continuing down to her feet and then back up. "You are Kirei... beautiful." "I realized when Abby, my mother and I were shopping with your mom that I didn't have anything nice to wear to bed... So I got this. "Are you sure that you like it?" "Please... turn around for me." Kenji said. "Slowly" he added. "I want to enjoy what is so beautifully wrapped. Patricia did a slow turn. By the time she was facing forward, Kenji was standing in front of her shirt off and slacks undone. "I guess you like it." Patricia teased when she saw the bulge in his pants. "Like is an understatement." Kenji said as he ran his hands up and down her arms. "Do these come in other colors?" he asked as he slid a strap over her shoulder. "As a matter of fact, they do." Patricia replied. "And they have other styles too." "I would be most interested in seeing the other colors and styles." Kenji said his eyes glittering. "Would you now?" Patricia teased. "I'll see what I can do, but in the meantime it's still our anniversary." Kenji let his slacks fall over his hips and to the floor and guided Patricia to the bed. "Aren't you going to hang your slacks up?" Patricia asked glancing down at the crumpled slacks. "Later." Kenji replied. "As you say, it is our anniversary and you need to be cared for. Now lie back and let me take care of you." As Patricia lay back on the bed, she wondered how many women were as lucky as she was to have a man so attentive and loving no matter what else was happening. She sighed when Kenji kissed the side of her neck before gently tugging on her earlobe with his teeth. Patricia moaned and felt a spurt of moisture between her legs as Kenji sucked and then gently chewed on her earlobe. She wrapped her arms around him holding him close as he released the earlobe and turned his attention to the neglected one. She reached down between them looking for his hardness. "No Kirei, not yet." Kenji said as he released the earlobe. "But I want to touch." Patricia said as she reached for him again. "Soon." Kenji assured her as he took her hands in his and kissed them. "Let me explore for just a little longer." Ten minutes later, Kenji was still exploring and Patricia was becoming impatient. He sucked her nipples through the thin fabric of nightgown and then without it to see if she reacted any differently. He did the same with the matching panties. He sucked her clit with and without the material deciding that while he didn't mind sucking her nipples through the material; he wanted to feel the throb of her clit against his tongue without it. He pulled the gown up as he made his way back up Patricia's body kissing and licking the exposed skin. "You taste good," he said in between kisses. When he reached her lips, he kissed her and eased into her. Instead of lying still for a few minutes as usual, Kenji began to thrust into her. He started off slowly and buried his face in her neck as he picked up speed. Patricia rocked against him wrapping her legs around him pulling him tighter against her urging him to go faster and harder. Kenji obliged coming just after she did with a moan and as gasp. Afterwards, he cuddled her close and kissed her. He planned to slip out of bed early to care for the children so that she could sleep late. A few minutes later, he felt her warm breath on his chest. He fell asleep a few minutes later toying with the soft material of the nightgown. **** In spite of seeing Taylor Dean, Isadora wasn't ready to go back. The time had flown by too fast. It was only the thought of seeing him and his friends in prison that made her pack her bags in preparation for the long train ride home. She noticed Noah talking to Byron, but didn't think too much of it. Of her brothers, Byron was the one with wanderlust. He was also the one who had asked the most questions about California and school. Supper that night was on the quiet side. No one was ready for their time together to end especially since they didn't know when it would happen again. Isadora had already told them that she wouldn't be home for the summer. "I'm going to be taking summer classes so that I can graduate early." She told them. "Do what you need to do" her father said. "We ain't goin' nowhere." They stayed up even though Isadora and Noah had to be at the train station early. She saw Noah and Byron exchange mysterious looks and was about to ask what was going on when Byron began to explain. "Mr. Jackson thinks that I'm smart enough to go to school. He says that I have to wait a while, but he wants me to learn to read and write better." "Byron that's wonderful!" Isadora exclaimed. "What would you study?" "That remains to be seen" Noah said. "We'll see how he does with his studies. But as I told Byron, he'll have to work hard in order to be college material. He has to achieve and maintain excellent grades in order to be considered for my program." "Who's going to teach him?" Isadora asked. "I'll figure that out later," Noah replied. "I'll send a letter to Mr. Whitman with the information. Now if I may change the subject for a moment," Noah said looking around the table. "I would like to thank you all for inviting me into your home. This is the best Christmas that I've had in years." "It ain't much, but you always welcome here," Isadora's father said. "Mr. Hughes, it isn't about the building," Noah replied. "It's about the people in it and I thank you for making me feel welcome." Early the next morning, Mr. Whitman was there to take Isadora and Noah back to the train station. For Isadora and her mother it was a tearful goodbye. Her brothers and sister stood back and waited their turn to say their goodbyes. "Study hard," She whispered in Byron's ear. "Noah Jackson is your way out of here." I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 16 "I will, I promise." Byron said hugging her tight. Her father hugged her last. "We proud of you baby," He said kissing her cheek. "Keep sendin' them letters." "Isadora, we need to be going," Noah said gently. She hugged everyone again and accepted the sack of food that her mother had packed. "There are some biscuits and a few other things in there," Her mother said. "It ain't much, but it'll hold you for a few days." "Thank you mama" Isadora said with a last hug. As the car pulled away, Isadora looked out of the back window and waved until her family was gone from view. She shed a few more tears, dried her eyes and began thinking about the future. She was more determined than ever to finish school early so that she could finish her business in Mississippi. She didn't see the look of satisfaction on Noah's face as he glanced back at her. He was more than pleased. He and Whitman chatted quietly leaving Isadora to her thoughts. "I want her brother Byron to be taught to read and write better." Noah said. "I don't know for sure, but he seems to have an aptitude for science and math." "I can find someone." Whitman replied. "No, I'll do it." Noah replied. "You're too important to expose and I already have someone in mind. I just need to locate him." "Alright, then I'll wait until I hear from you" Whitman replied. "Noah, you do realize that it's going to get ugly down here don't you?" 'Isn't that the way it goes?" Noah asked. "It always gets worse before it gets better. Just watch yourself. I would hate to see anything happen to you." "This is true" Whitman agreed. "Noah, someday we need to talk about..." "No we don't," Noah said cutting him off. "There's no point to it." Whitman sighed and said no more. Isadora's ears had perked up when that part of their conversation reached her ears. She was now more curious than ever about Mr. Noah Jackson. Whitman dropped them off at the train station and handed Isadora a stack of magazines. "These are some other law journals that I came across. They're basically the same as the others, but they do offer another point of view on some things." "Thank you" Isadora said taking the magazines. A few minutes later, they were on the train. An hour later, they were headed back to California. **** Moving around was getting easier by the day for Saul. Now that he had decided on his life's vocation, he worked even harder at his studies. He soon found out that Reggie while patient was nowhere as gentle a teacher as Joshua had been. "We have to make up for lost time." Reggie told him. "You're intelligent enough, but you need to be challenged." The first things to go were the children's reading books. "We're going to start with one of the classics." Reggie said as he handed Saul a copy of 'The Three Musketeers'. Saul paged through the book and looked at Reggie. "Are you serious?" He asked. "I don't even know half of these words." "I know that" Reggie replied. "But you will. What you might find interesting is that the author Alexandre Dumas is what would be considered a man of color. He is of French and Haitian descent. I'm quite certain if the whites knew this, they would stop reading this as well as his other works. At any rate, if you enjoy this; we can read some of his other works. 'The man in the Iron Mask' is one of my favorites." Saul looked at the book again and then at Reggie. "So when do we start?" he asked. "We can start tonight if you like." Reggie replied. "Reggie... what about your job?" Saul asked. "Isn't school going to start soon?" "I'm what's called an itinerate teacher." Reggie explained. "I go from place to place staying for as long as I'm needed and right now, I'm needed here." "Why don't we switch sleeping places?" Saul asked. "It's hardly fair that you sleep on the sofa after all, you're Aunt Cora's nephew." "Actually I prefer the couch." Reggie said with a smile. "I don't always rest well at night and that way I don't disturb anyone if I sit up or decide to go for a walk. We have a little time before supper," Reggie said "why don't we get started?" "That's fine by me." Saul replied. "Do you think that my mother got the letter yet?" "If she hasn't, she'll get it soon." Reggie replied. "Have you thought about when you're going to contact that lawyer?" "I thought that I would wait until I heard back from my mother." Saul replied. "That's a good idea." Reggie replied. "Let's go out on the porch and get started." *** Ernie spent the rest of Christmas break getting ready for the following semester. He hadn't spoken to Kenji or Joel since the party, but he did talk to his parents about the group studying at the house. "Of course!" his mother said. "Just make sure that you give me plenty of warning so that I can have refreshments ready." "I would like to meet this young man Kenji." His father said. Ernie wasn't surprised by their reactions. It made him a little more ashamed of his own attitude. The one thing that he appreciated was that Kenji admitted some unpleasant things about himself. Ernie hadn't missed the warning, but it told him that Kenji understood what he was going through. He thought about Maeve and how he hadn't wanted to tell her about his part in the group. He liked her even though he had just met her and was hoping to run into her again. There was something about her bubbly personality that put him at ease. He made another decision. He was going to try to get into the summer group. He knew that there were at least two spots available, but the competition would be steep. He would still graduate behind Kenji and Joel, but he could cut off a semester and start his internship earlier. With that goal in mind, Ernie began to study. ***** The rest of the winter passed quickly with no further incidents. Patricia thrived on the extra school work and did well with the math and science courses with the help of Kenji, Joel and Penny and everyone was counting down to graduation day. The list for the summer program had been posted and much to Ernie's disappointment, he wasn't on it. "I am sorry." Kenji said. "It's okay." Ernie replied. "I knew that it was a longshot. Just think you and Joel will be done in a few weeks. That has to feel good." "It does" Kenji agreed. "But you will graduate next year." "I know" Ernie replied. "Has anyone approached you about a residency yet?" Kenji had been approached. He got the letter the week before, but hadn't said anything to anyone except family which included Joel and Penny. Joel and Penny both had received letters but they weren't from UCLA. Both of their letters had come from Columbia University in New York. Neither of them had responded yet hoping that they would receive a letter from UCLA. Neither of them wanted to go to the east coast, but would if they had to. They still had plenty of time to respond. "I have been offered a position here" Kenji replied. "That doesn't surprise me" Ernie replied. "Congratulations!" "We are having a party the evening following the last day of class" Kenji said. "We hope that you will come." 'I'll be there" Ernie replied clapping Kenji on the shoulder. "I'll ask my mom if she can make one of her pumpkin rolls." As soon as they got the letter, Patricia began planning for the graduation party. Since she was still busy with classes, she delegated. Will and Sally were more than happy to help since they missed Nick and Hana's wedding. Their baby Emily was doing well and Diana was more than willing to help take care of her to help out. As of yet, Patricia hadn't talked to Kenji about the possibility about another baby. Once the semester started they had both been busy with classes and family. Finals would be over in a few weeks and they would have a much needed respite. The other topic of discussion would be what school to send Ralph to school. Patricia always felt a little pang in her heart whenever she thought about it. Their babies were growing up so fast. ** Patricia sat in the library studying for the chemistry final. Unable to concentrate, she lay the pencil down and looked out the window. It was a beautiful spring day-much too nice for being indoors. She could hear Hana in the kitchen making lunch for the children and decided to join them. It would also be a good time to talk about the party. "Mama!" Marie greeted when she saw her. "Hi!" Patricia replied. "Are you being a good girl for grandma Hana?" "Yes mama" Marie replied. "Good-where's Ralph?" Patricia asked. "He is in the backyard reading" Hana replied. "Will you have lunch with us?" "That sounds good" Patricia replied. "I wanted to talk about the party anyway. Do you think that you can make the Tamago Maki? Mine are alright, but yours are so much better." 'I would be pleased to help" Hana replied. "How many eggrolls would you like?" "As many as you can manage" Patricia replied. "They always go fast." "It will be done" Hana replied. "We are very proud of you and Kenji." "He's going to be a wonderful doctor isn't he?" Patricia asked her voice filled with pride. "Yes, but so will you" Hana said. "It will not be too long before you will be in medical school." "It feels as though that's a long ways off" Patricia replied. "It will go faster since you are able to take more classes." Hana replied. That was true. It was decided that since Ralph would be in school, Patricia would take a full course load. They still had to figure Kenji's schedule into the mix, but he was confident that it would work out. The one thing that Patricia wasn't looking forward to was not seeing Kenji on a daily basis. She pushed the thought aside and brought up another topic. "Have you heard from Nick's family?" "His mother called once to apologize" Hana replied. "But that was a month after the wedding. I do not think that they will ever come to accept me. Nick says that it doesn't matter, but I know that it hurt him." Patricia regretted asking the question and quickly changed the subject. "Thank you for helping with the kids while we get ready for finals. We really appreciate it." "You are welcome" Hana replied. "Anything we can do to help. Patricia- why don't you and Kenji go away for a night after he graduates? Nick and I will care for the children." Patricia thought about it. She and Kenji had never gone on an overnight trip and she liked the idea. They still had the money from Ralph that they had earmarked for a trip. One night wouldn't use all of the money, there would still be plenty left for a longer trip. The more she thought about it, the more she liked the idea. "I'll talk to Kenji about it" She said. She helped Hana with lunch and called the children. Once again, she was struck by how much they had grown. Ralph was looking more and more like his father with each passing day. Marie was a miniature version of her, only her eyes were a lighter brown and almond shaped. They were going to have their hands full once she discovered the opposite sex. Once she and Kenji were finished with for the semester, they would start preparing the children for Kenji's long absences. The preparation was for them too even though they hadn't said it. In many ways, the separation would be harder on them than it would be on the children. Suddenly, she missed him and needed to touch him. She glanced at the clock and inwardly groaned. Kenji wouldn't be home for another four hours. "Patricia? Are you alright?" Hana asked. "I'm fine" she replied with forced cheerfulness. "Let's eat." Hana started to say something, but didn't. Patricia knew that she could talk to her about anything. After lunch, Patricia read with the children and went back to the library to study. She forced herself to concentrate and was soon lost in her studies. She jumped when she felt a soft kiss on her neck. She jumped out of the chair, threw her arms around Kenji's waist and hugged him tight. Kenji returned the hug. He had missed her as much as she had missed him. "I missed you too" he said kissing her. "Have you seen the kids?" She asked after they were sitting down. "Yes, I said hello to them when I got home" Kenji replied. "How is the studying going?" "It's going well- Kenji your mom made a suggestion that I like." Kenji listened while Patricia told him about Hana's suggestion. "I think that it is a good idea" He said after a moment's thought. "It will do us good. Where would you like to go?" "I don't know, but it can't be far if we're only going to be gone for a night." "We have time to think about it" Kenji replied. "I spoke with Ernie today." "Is he coming to the party?" Patricia asked. "Yes, but he is disappointed. He was hoping to get into the summer program, but he didn't." Kenji replied. "That's too bad" Patricia said. "But he only has one more year. Did Joel and Penny hear anything from UCLA yet?" "No, not yet" Kenji replied, "But it is still early." "I hope that they don't have to move" Patricia said glad that she and Kenji didn't have to leave. "I hope not as well" Kenji replied. "Do you need help with your studies? We have a little time before dinner." "Any and all help is appreciated" Patricia replied with a grin. *** Isadora left the registration office after signing up for the two classes that she was going to take over the summer. She had wanted to take a third, but Noah forbade it. "You need time to relax and do whatever it is young people do" he told her. "Two classes are plenty." Reluctantly, Isadora agreed with him, but that didn't mean that she couldn't find out if any of the syllabi for the following school year was available. More and more people were speaking to her, many of those in the class ahead her. Taking the nothing to lose approach, she stopped one of the students as she was leaving the office. The student was more than willing to give Isadora the syllabi that she had. "I'm just going to throw them out anyway. I'll bring them on the last day of class." Isadora thanked the woman and hurried away. She was supposed to meet Maeve at the library. Maeve had wanted to take summer classes with Isadora, but couldn't. Her brothers and sisters would be home from school and she had to babysit. They agreed that Isadora would share what she learned in order to make things easier for Maeve in the fall. "The only thing that I won't do is tell you what's on the quizzes and tests," Isadora told her. "I already knew that," Maeve replied. "But what you're going to do will help a lot." Isadora rushed toward the library and stopped short. Maeve was talking to a guy. After a second look, she realized that it was Ernie. She had met him at Kenji and Patricia's house at one of their gatherings, but hadn't really talked to him other than to say hello. She hadn't realized that Maeve knew him that well. At the gatherings, she only said a few words to him. "Hi" Isadora said as she walked up to them. "Hi," Ernie said with a smile. "I was just leaving; will you be at the party?" "We'll be there" Maeve replied. "Thanks for explaining things to me." "You're welcome," Ernie replied. "I'll see you later." "What was he explaining?" Isadora asked after Ernie walked away. "He was the one that broke Joel's hand-did you know that?" Maeve asked. "I heard something about it," Isadora replied. "He was explaining how he got into a group like that- of course it was the condensed version, but..." "You like him," Isadora finished for her. "Is that an issue?" Maeve asked. "Not at all," Isadora replied. "If Kenji and Patricia don't have a problem with him, why should I? Let's go, we've got less than an hour before Lenny picks me up." Maeve hesitated and then followed Isadora into the library. Not for the first time she wondered about Isadora's total lack of interest in the opposite sex. As close as they had become, the subject of men was taboo unless it was regarding classes. **** Saul was thriving. Once he read Alexandre Dumas's 'The Three Musketeers', he couldn't get enough. Reggie was pleased with the rate at which Saul was learning and started calling him 'sponge'. "We've got a long ways to go, but you're doing well" Reggie told him. "We need to start adding to your curriculum. I think that we'll add mathematics next." "I like working with numbers" Saul replied distractedly. "What's on your mind?" Reggie asked. "I haven't heard from my mother yet" Saul replied. "I should have heard something by now." Reggie agreed and made a suggestion. "We'll write another letter and this time we'll add a phone number. We'll send money so that she can use a payphone." "Whose number are we going to give her?" Saul asked. "None of the people here have a phone." "True, but the train station does" Reggie said. "Your boss might not like it, but it wouldn't be a long call. All you need to know is that she got the letter and is taking precautions. We need to make sure that she says that it's a family emergency when she calls." "How much time should we give it?" Saul asked. "I think that two weeks is a reasonable amount of time. After that, we'll have to think of something else. I just had an idea." Reggie said. "What if you contacted that lawyer? I'm betting that he can help keep your family safe." "Maybe, but let's try the letter first" Saul said. "I would like to do it tonight and mail it tomorrow." An hour later, the letter was written. "Dear mama, I hope that everything is alright. I haven't heard anything to tell me any different. Could you do something for me? When you get this letter, could you call this number? It will go a long way toward easing my anxiety. Here's the number 555-1212. It's my work number so when you call be sure to say that it's a family emergency. I'm there most days from six am to about three. If the mail comes after three, call the next day. Your son, Saul" Saul had Reggie look over the letter to check for clarity and spelling. "It looks good" Reggie said as he quickly scanned the letter. "Your writing and spelling have gotten much better." "Thanks to you and Uncle Joshua," Saul said. "It's been a pleasure" Reggie said patting Saul on the knee. "How much longer are you going to be around?" Saul asked. "I'll be here until you're ready," Reggie replied. "And at the rate you're going, it won't be long." "Where will you go from here?" Saul asked. "I don't know yet, more than likely back south; but we'll see." They talked for a few more minutes before going in to supper. Saul wanted to read before going to sleep, he had to be at work early. He had no more run-ins with Dewey, but knew that he was being watched. It was only a matter of time before the big man confronted him again. It helped that a few more of the baggage boys decided that he was "alright for a white boy" and started eating lunch with him and Harry. Saul's time of relative peace briefly ended when Dewey finally managed to catch him alone. The morning had been so busy that no one, Saul included had time for a break. When he saw a break in the seemingly endless number of passengers needing help, Saul took off for the bathroom. Assuming that Dewey was just as busy as everyone else was, Saul didn't check for his whereabouts. He ran into the bathroom, did his business and turned to leave. Dewey was blocking the bathroom door. "Who gonna help you now?" He asked. "Look," Saul said. "I don't have anything against you, so why don't we just forget about this?" "But I has sumthin' gainst you," Dewey said as he stepped away from the door. "What did I do to you?" Saul asked. "We've never met..." "You white ain't ya?" Dewey broke in. "Anybody who white did sumthin' to me." "All of this is because I'm white?" Saul asked. "Dewey, I personally have done nothing to you or to anyone that you know. I am also not responsible for every white person who happens to be a racist or who treats you like shit. Tell me how beating my ass and possibly killing me is going to change anything. Are you going to kill every white person that you see?" I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 16 Dewey paused. "Let's take this a step further" Saul said. "Let's say that you kill me. Are you ready to go to prison for killing a white man? You hate white people, I get it and I even understand it but is it worth spending the rest of your life in prison for? I've been there and I'm telling you that it's not a place that you want to be." "How about I just beat your ass and don't kill ya?" Dewey asked. "I can make it so that you can't come back here to work." "Dewey, the only way that I'm not coming back to work is if you kill me." Saul said standing straighter. "You need to understand something, I'm not afraid of you. If I have to kill you to protect myself then I will. I'll feel bad about it, but I will do it. The way I see it is that we have two options. One, you kill me and go to prison for it or two; we walk out of here and stay away from each other. This little talk remains between us." Time slowed as Saul waited for Dewey to decide what he was going to do. He kept his eyes on the man looking for any sign that he was going to be charged. Suddenly, Dewey turned around and walked out leaving a very relieved Saul alone in the bathroom. Saul slumped back against the sink. He had been lucky and he knew it. He would still have to watch himself, but he thought that the issue with Dewey was resolved. "Where have you been?" Harry asked when Saul came back to their station. "I had to take a leak." Saul replied. "We just saw Dewey and thought the worst. Did you see him?" "Yeah, I saw him in the bathroom" Saul replied. "We talked and it's alright." "He didn't kick your ass?" Harry asked surprised. "No, but we agreed to steer clear of each other." Saul replied. "Are things still slow?" "For now" Harry replied. "We'd better eat while we can. I heard that there's another full train coming in about an hour." Saul felt proud as he listened to Harry talk. His command of the English language had vastly improved ever since he started teaching him what he knew. His mind was quick to grab and understand some of the concepts that he-Saul had had difficulty with. On occasion, the two men discussed their futures. "I never thought about it" Harry said one day when Saul asked him what he wanted to do with his life. "This is all I know and you know that the future of the black man is up to the white man and I mean no offense by that." Saul couldn't deny the truth in what Harry said, but he couldn't believe that it would and could never change. "But things can and will change" Saul replied. "The president has a committee..." "Saul, let me tell you something," Harry broke in, "a committee don't mean nothin'. All they do is sit around saying pretty words. It's easy for you to say that things are gonna change, but friend or not; you still white. You will always be believed over me. That's just the way it is. But- I hope that you're right. I'm not going to believe it until I see it." That discussion took place the week before and Saul was hoping to finish it. A loud whistle blew indicating that a train was coming in took care of that. "Damn!" Harry exclaimed. "So much for lunch." They didn't get another chance to sit down for three hours. The train had been filled to capacity and as hard as they tried not to keep people waiting, it happened. Several people refused to pay because they had to wait. Finally the supervisor got involved. "Look here folks" His voice boomed. "These boys are going as fast as they can. Now, if you're in a hurry; feel free to take your own bags to your vehicle. But if you decide to wait, there will be no discounts or courtesy deliveries given." With that, he turned around and walked away ignoring the grumbling passengers as he did so. In the end everyone ended up paying, but the truly disgruntled gave no tips. As they walked home, Saul brought up the conversation about the future that had been interrupted the week before. "So Harry, do you really believe that things won't change?" "For you maybe" Harry replied. "No matter how much schooling I have and how well I dress, I'll be nothing more than a nigger. You on the other hand can walk out of here, put on nice clothes and blend right in. Let's think about this, you got professional athletes who are black- are they treated any better than I am? Hell no. The same goes for the black entertainers..." "Yes, but Harry; what about the changes that have happened?" Saul asked. "Interracial marriage is now legal. Laws are being passed..." "How does that help me?" Harry asked. "So what- I can marry a white woman now. How does that help me get a better job? How does that make me eligible to rise up in the ranks? You can say all you want about the laws that are being passed, but who's going to make sure that they're followed? Other white people that's who! So tell me, how does that help me?" Saul stopped walking and looked over at Harry. They had discussed this issue before, but Harry hadn't been so-angry. "I'll tell you something else" Harry continued. "I've been reading the papers and seeing what's going on in the Southern states and it isn't right! Your damned laws aren't doing anything!" "It takes time..." "You know, let's not talk about this anymore" Harry said as he started walking away. Saul watched him walk away with a feeling of disquiet. The person that he had just been talking to was different somehow. It was a subtle change, but it was a change nonetheless. He decided that he wouldn't bring the subject up again unless Harry did. "Are you coming?" Harry called back when he realized that Saul wasn't with him. Saul jogged to catch up with him, gave him a glance and then looked away. His friend was changing. The phone call from Saul's mother came a week later. "Saul! Get your ass in here" the on duty supervisor called. "Some woman calling- says that it's a family emergency!" Saul ran into the office not looking into the angry face of the supervisor. He snatched the phone from the desk and spoke into it. "Mama!" "Hey Saul" his mother replied. "Is everything alright? I got your letter and it scared me." "I'm fine, are you moving?" "No, can't afford to- but we'll be careful. Are you sure that you want to do what you're planning?" "I have to, I have to go now; but please be careful." "You too and Saul? I may not understand or agree with what you're doing; but I am proud of you for keeping your word." "Get off the phone!" The supervisor bellowed. "Mama I gotta go, kiss everyone for me" Saul hung up and left the office without offering any explanations. He wished that his mother would reconsider moving, but he recognized the tone in her voice. She wasn't leaving even if money wasn't an issue. Reggie's thought about the lawyer being able to help him came to mind. He made a unilateral decision, his family was going to move whether they wanted to or not. The only way that was going to happen was if the lawyer helped him. The next thing was going to be making contact with the lawyer. His next day off wasn't until the weekend when the lawyer would be off. That left calling him and hoping that he would agree to meet with him during the weekend. He couldn't ask to use the office phone which meant a payphone. He felt around in his pocket for change, but then realized that the number was at home. "Damn it!" he cursed and then stopped realizing that it was no way for a future minister to talk. He took a deep breath and realized that it was probably for the best that he didn't make the call anyway. He could take the evening to organize his thoughts and make the call during his lunch break the next day. The rest of the day passed slowly because none of the incoming trains were full. "So is everything alright with your mama?" Harry asked. "They're fine" Saul replied. "Look, I'm sorry that I blew up a last week. I guess I just had some things on my mind and didn't want to talk about things that aren't going to change." "Understood" Saul replied. "Is it something that I can help you with?" "No, it's alright now. By the way, I read that book you gave me. I didn't know what some of the words meant, but I still liked it. Is Alexandre Dumas really a black man?" "He's part Haitian and French" Saul replied. "And white people read his books?" "Reggie seems to think that many whites don't know about his heritage. If you want, I can go to the library and get some of his other book for you. Better yet, why don't we go and get you a library card?" "I... I think that I would like that. Saul, I want to tell you something. No matter what happens, I'll always consider you a friend." "Harry what's going on with you?" Saul asked. "Nothing, I just wanted to tell you that. When can we go to the library?" "We can stop by on the way home if you want." Saul replied. The feeling of disquiet was back. "Not today, I have to get home- what about tomorrow? We get off early." "Sure, that sounds good. That way I can return some books that I borrowed." Saul replied. After their shift, they walked home in relative silence. Saul kept glancing over at Harry wondering what was going on with him. "Aunt Cora's making chicken potpie for dinner, want to come?" "Nah, I got to get home. I'll see you tomorrow at work" Harry replied. Saul gave Harry a sharp look, but didn't say anything. They usually walked to work together on the days that they got off early. They parted ways at Saul's house. Saul watched Harry walk away with a sinking heart. Joshua met him at the door. "Harry isn't coming?" "No, he said that he had to get home" Saul replied. "He turned down Cora's chicken potpie?" Joshua asked surprised. "I know, that surprised me too" Saul replied. "He's been acting kind of strange lately." "Well, come on; supper's waiting." Joshua said as he headed toward the kitchen. Reggie was already in the kitchen when Saul and Joshua got there. "It's about time!" he exclaimed. "I was about to start without you." "I'm glad that you didn't" Saul teased. "There wouldn't be anything left. By the way, I heard from my mom today." "And?" Reggie prompted. "She isn't going to move but she promised to be careful." "Does she understand what you're going to do?" Joshua asked. "She does and while she doesn't agree or understand it, she says that she's proud of me. One of the reasons that she gave for not moving was money" Saul said. "I think that its time that I called that lawyer." "I agree" Reggie said as he reached for the potpie. "I have a question though. Does this Ellis know where you are?" "I... I don't know" Saul replied. "I doubt that mama would have told him even if he asked. What are you thinking?" "If he doesn't know where you are, that would provide a measure of safety for your family" Reggie replied. "Not only that, how many prisoners have been released since you left? Maybe he'll suspect one of them before he thinks about you." "Maybe- but I don't think so" Saul replied. "I don't know why I think that, but I do." "Son," Joshua said softly, "you know that this could get real ugly don't you? You'll probably have to go back to South Carolina if this thing goes to trial." "I know" Saul replied. "I'll do what I need to." "Your mother is right to be proud of you" Cora said patting Saul's hand. "I know that we are." Saul swallowed the lump in his throat. He had come to love Joshua and Cora as if they were family. Later that night as he lay in bed, he thought about the events that brought him to where he was. It started with him accidentally killing his father. In an odd kind of way, it had been a blessing in disguise. Not that he would have killed anyone to get to where he was, he might have gotten there anyway; but going to prison had put him in the path of Jacob Lincoln. It also put him in the path of Lawrence Goodman whose money had gotten him to California. Saul was almost certain that Lawrence was spinning around in his grave at the way in which the money that he had given him was being used. He chuckled softly and then turned his attention to his pending phone call to Nick Alexander. In his mind, he organized the conversation as he would like to see it happen. His belly filled with butterflies as he thought about the ramifications of what he was about to do. **** Nick sat in his office reading briefs while Hana made dinner. His stomach rumbled reminding him that lunch had been several hours ago. He and Will were keeping a close eye on the whereabouts of any known Klansmen in the area as well as Andrew Kelly's group. It helped that Peter was now a full time student and could keep an eye on things at the college. Like Kenji and Patricia, he was more than ready for a time free of drama and danger. He hoped that that time was now, but his gut was telling him otherwise. In any event, he was determined to enjoy the peace while it lasted. His mother had called twice since he and Hana married and neither conversation had gone well. Hana knew about the first call, but not the second one. He hadn't told her because it would only upset her and bring back the feelings of guilt at the way she had treated Patricia. The first phone call his mother had apologized, but it was a conditional apology. "I'm sorry for the way that things went, but..." The second phone call was more of the same with an exception. "Our wedding anniversary is in two weeks and we'd love for you to come to the dinner, but please don't bring her. I wouldn't want anyone to say anything to hurt her feelings-" "Mom," Nick said interrupting her, "Hana is my wife and if she isn't welcome to come to dinner, then neither am I. Have a wonderful anniversary dinner." "It isn't that she isn't welcome" his mother insisted. "It's just that... well, you know; it's our anniversary and-" "I get it" Nick replied sharply. "As I said, have a good time." Nick flushed with anger when he remembered the conversation. It faded a little when he remembered that while his own prejudices weren't as severe, they had still been prejudices. It had taken meeting Kenji and Patricia to change that. He supposed that he could cut his family a break, but he had no intentions of exposing Hana to their hatred. It was enough that she had to face it from the outside world. What concerned Nick was what was happening in Korea. Most people couldn't tell the difference from a Japanese person from a Chinese let alone a Korean. All they would see was the slanted eyes and go from there. He sighed heavily and tried to concentrate on the brief in his hands. The feeling that things were going to get worse again settled in the pit of his stomach. He was becoming more concerned about the civil rights situation in the United States. Blacks were becoming more disgruntled and rightfully so. Even though laws were being passed, he wondered who was going to make sure that they were abided by. There were Klan sympathizers in congress, both houses and even in the president's cabinet. He even worked with a few in his office. To their credit, they kept their opinions about Hana to themselves but he knew that he was the topic of lunch time conversation. Unable to concentrate, Nick laid the brief down on the desk and closed his eyes. For reasons that he didn't understand, Andrew Kelly's parents entered his thoughts. He couldn't even begin to fathom what they must have felt and what they were going through. It had been such a useless waste of not only his life, but that of Vincent Vaughn. "Nick!" Hana called. "Dinner is ready!" Nick stood up, stretched and went to the kitchen where Hana was waiting for him. He walked over to her and hugged her. "Nick? What is wrong?" Hana asked hugging him back. "Nothing- I just wanted to hug my wife. Is there a problem with that?" he teased. "No, but I also know when something bothers you." "I was just thinking about Andrew Kelly's parents and the waste of life because of hatred. Hana, I could have been like that. I mean look at my family. They're just as racist as he is and I hate to admit it, but I felt the same way that they did." "I don't believe that" Hana replied. "If that were true you wouldn't have helped Kenji and Patricia as you did. You would not have helped me and Joben's daughter. You wouldn't have placed yourself in harm's way for me and Kenji and we wouldn't be standing here as man and wife." "But I still held those beliefs" Nick countered. "There is no degree of racism is there? It's like saying that someone is a little bit pregnant when either they are or they aren't. Either you're a racist or you're not. I may not have wanted to hurt anyone and I may not have called anyone derogatory names, but the sentiment was there." "Then that makes me as guilty as you are and I cannot say that I did not use the derogatory terms. I stood by and did nothing while Hiroshi and Joben planned to harm Patricia" Hana replied. "But what matters is that we are no longer those people. We cannot forget what we were, but we cannot allow it to color what we have become." "I know that you're right" Nick said hugging her tighter, "but it doesn't make me feel any better about myself or my family." "I understand" Hana replied. "Even after all of this time, I still feel a deep guilt for what I did or should I say, what I didn't do; but it is the past. Kenji and Patricia have forgiven me and now I think that it is time that I finally forgive myself as you should forgive yourself." Nick hadn't realized until that moment how hard Hana had been on herself. "I think that you're right" he said after a few seconds. "You're one smart lady" he added with a kiss. *** Saul dressed for work double checking for Nick's number. As an afterthought, he put more change in his pocket. He replayed what he planned to say in his head. He was scared but determined to follow through on living up to his promise to Jacob. The question was, would he be believed and what could be done about it. He was still concerned about his family, but hoped that Reggie was right about Ellis not making the connection between him and whatever happened. He saw Harry and waved at him as he put his lunch away. Harry smiled and waved back relieving Saul of any anxiety that he had about him. Thankfully the morning was busy but not so busy that it would interfere with his lunch break. As soon as it was time for lunch, he took off for the payphones hoping for one that was in the corner and not being used. Luck was with him. Saul picked up the receiver, put it back down and then picked it up again. He took the piece of paper with Nick's number out of his pocket, looked at it and took a deep breath. The enormity of what he was about to do took his breath away. He was potentially placing his entire family in danger because of a promise. He took a deep breath and dialed the number. To his surprise, Nick answered the phone. "Nick Alexander here." Saul's mouth went dry and he couldn't speak. "Hello?" "Ummm hello, is this Mr. Alexander?" "Yes it is, may I help you?" "I... you don't know me, but my name is Saul Mullins." "How can I help you Mr. Mullins?" Nick asked. "I'm the one who sent you that letter a while back... the one warning you about Ty..." "Where are you?" Nick interrupted. "Before I tell you that, I have more information" Saul said. "But-I need your help first." "What kind of help?" "The information that I have could put my family in danger. I need to know that they'll be safe before I tell you anything." "Where are they?" "South Carolina." "Let me explain how this works," Nick said, "you have to give me something. I know that you're reliable because the information in the letter you sent was accurate, but this is another matter." "Alright, how about this?" Saul asked, "Warden Ellis." I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 16 Saul heard Nick's sharp intake of breath and knew that he had his interest. "What about him?" Nick asked his voice intense. "I'm not saying anymore until I know my family is safe." Saul replied. "What is it that you want me to do?" Nick asked. "Get them out of town. If Ellis figures out that I'm the one who gave you the information, he'll go after them." "Where can I reach you?" Nick asked. "I work at the train station" Saul replied. "You're here in California?" "Yes but don't come here. If you want to meet, it'll have to be somewhere else." The line went silent as Nick thought about his options. "Will you come to my office?" "No." Saul replied. "I don't want to take any chances that someone there knows Ellis." "Alright, you tell me where and when." Nick said. "Are you busy Sunday afternoon?" "No, that'll work. Where?" "The sitting area behind the library. I work until two and it'll take me twenty minutes to walk there." Saul replied. "I'll tell you where my family is and you can tell me how you can help me." Saul hung up and wiped the sweat from his forehead. It had begun- whatever it was. ** Nick hung up and called Will into his office. "You're not going to believe who I just talked to." "Who?" Will asked as he sat down. "Saul Mullins." "Alright, I'll bite. Who is Saul Mullins?" "Saul Mullins is the one who sent me the letter about Lawrence Goodman and his plans. He's here in California." "What? What does he want?" "For one, he wants his family protected." "From who?" Will asked. "Your cousin- Warden Ellis" Nick replied. "What? What does he know about Ellis?" Will asked his interest piqued. "I don't know" Nick replied. "He won't talk until he knows his family is safe. I'm meeting him on Sunday at the library." "I want to be there" Will said. "I figured as much, but you can't say anything about knowing Ellis. He'll bolt. That's why we're not meeting here." "I wonder what he has on him" Will mused. "I don't know, but whatever it is; it must be huge" Nick said leaning back into his chair. "Oh and Hana wanted me to ask if you wanted to come over for dinner tonight. I got busy and forgot to ask." "I think that it's alright, let me call Sally and check" Will said as he reached for the phone. "It's a go" he said after a minute. "She said that she'll make something for dessert." "Sounds good" Nick said. After Will left his office, Nick began to wonder just what it was that Saul knew about the warden. Sunday afternoon finally came. Nick and Will were at the library fifteen minutes before Saul was due to arrive. "Do you think he'll show?" Will asked. "I think so" Nick replied. "He sounded nervous, but determined. The question is whether we can protect his family in a way that he deems acceptable. If we can't, he won't talk." Saul showed up on time and looked at the two men. "Who's that?" he asked looking at Will. "A friend that can help me meet your request" Nick replied. "His name is Will." Saul looked at Will for a moment and then turned his attention to Nick. "You already know that I'm good for any information that I give you. The difference is that this could involve my family. I won't tell you anything else until I know that they're safe." "Where are they?" Will asked. "They're still in South Carolina not far from the state penitentiary. I want them moved from there." What Nick and Will didn't know was that Saul would have still given them the information, but would have found another way to do it if they couldn't guarantee the safety of his family. "This is going to take some time" Nick said. "I need a way to reach you." "I come here about once a week to check out books" Saul said. "Usually it's Thursdays because I get off work early." "Where are you staying?" Nick asked. "You don't need to know that," Saul replied. "The people that I'm staying with have nothing to do with this and I want to keep it that way." Will and Nick looked at each other and nodded. "As I said," Nick said, "This is going to take some time." "I understand" Saul replied. "You know where to find me." Nick and Will watched Saul walk away. Both of them had the same thought. "We need to watch him" Will said. "Agreed, I'll call Charles in the morning." As Saul walked home, he felt a sense of relief. He was finally beginning to pay hos debt to Jacob. He looked at the cheap watch on his wrist. If he hurried, he could be home in time to study before dinner and go to the evening service. He was also hoping to see a certain very attractive, young black woman whom he had yet to speak to. **** Three weeks passed and still no letter came from UCLA. It was to the point where Joel and Penny had to make a decision. "How much longer can you wait?" Patricia asked. "Another week" Joel replied. "But I'm not hopeful. Even if one of us gets a letter of invitation, the other has to go east." "What are you planning?" Kenji asked. "We're going to accept the offer from Columbia University" Penny replied. "Before we go, we want to get married and we were hoping that you and Kenji would stand up with us." "We would love to!" Patricia exclaimed. "When?" "As soon as possible-actually, we were hoping to get married here..." "You could have the wedding during the party!" Patricia said. "It would be perfect! Everyone will already be here. What do you think?" Penny looked at Joel who nodded at her. "We accept" she said happily. "Tell me what you need from us." "Nothing... wait... those cookie things you make and I'm leaving the cake up to you." Patricia replied. "Do you think that your mom can make the cake?" Penny asked. "I'm sure that she would, we'll call her later and ask. I really wish that you didn't have to go so far away." "Us too, but look at it this way, it's another place for you to come and visit." Penny said taking Patricia's hand and trying not to cry. "Maybe you'll still get a letter" Patricia said. "Maybe," Joel said, "but I think that all of the letters have gone out." "When will you leave?" Kenji asked. "Soon after the party" Joel replied. "I've already done some checking into the housing situation in New York. I made a deposit on an apartment close to the hospital even though we haven't seen it yet." "That's kind of risky isn't it?" Patricia asked. "Ordinarily yes" Penny replied. "But the apartment was occupied by another student. Joel talked to him and while it's small, it's within walking distance of the hospital so we won't need a car. My parents are going to take a look at it too." "Are you going to wait the week out?" Patricia asked. "No, we're going to call tomorrow and accept." Joel said. "But you know that no matter where we are, we're still friends right? We're only going to the other side of the country and our home is your home." "I know- but I'm going to miss you" Patricia said. "We'll miss you too, but there's the telephone and the mail." Penny said wiping away a tear. "And we'll come back to visit during breaks." "Penny, will your parents come to the wedding?" Patricia asked. "I know that they had a problem with the fact that Joel is Jewish." "They'll be here" Penny replied. "They've gotten used to the idea that I love him and I won't give in. the fact that he was accepted at Columbia helps. They even offered to let us live with them." "I'm glad" Patricia said. "Do they need a place to stay?" "No, but we have another favor to ask." "Anything that you need," Kenji replied. "Can Joel stay here when they get here? They won't look too kindly on the fact that we're living in sin." Penny said. "Of course he can stay here," Kenji said. "As you say, our home is your home. You will always have a place with us." The rest of the evening was spent in planning the party/wedding. Hattie was thrilled to be asked to make the cake and wondered when they would go shopping for a dress. "God I don't want to leave you guys" Penny said tearfully. "But I guess that's life isn't it?" **** Saul had gone to the library ever Thursday for the past two weeks. This was the third time since he met with Nick and Will. He was beginning to wonder if they had forgotten about him. He was about to check out his books when he heard Nick behind him. "Alexandre Dumas- he's good. I also like Mark Twain." "I thought that you forgot about me." "I told you that it would take some time, but your family is safe." "Where are they?" "Will still owns a house there-" "He's from South Carolina?" Saul asked. "You didn't hear that accent?" "I guess I wasn't paying attention" Saul confessed. "My mind was on other things." "Yes well as I was saying, he still has a home there and has agreed to let your family stay there for as long as needed." "Why would he do that?" Saul asked. "Let's just say that he has a vested interest in the good warden," Nick replied. "Good isn't a word that I would use in the same sentence with the warden," Saul said grimly. "I gathered that, but at any rate, we've upheld our end of the bargain; it's your turn." "I'll talk to you anywhere except for your office." "What about my house? I have an office there." "Will the other man be there?" "I would like for him to be and- I have a friend who works for the government, I would like for him to be there too." "Will he be able to help with Ellis?" "He has contacts that I don't have so yes" Nick replied. "Alright," Saul replied after a few seconds. "When?" "Next Thursday. I'll meet you here and drive you to my house and bring you back. What time do you normally go home on Thursdays?" "I get home in time for supper. I get here around two." "I'll see you next Thursday at two. If anything changes, you have my number." Nick said as he stood to leave. "Mr. Alexander?" "Yes?" "Thanks." "No, thank you" Nick said. "That was a brave thing that you did back then and it's a brave thing that you're doing now. I'm glad that I can thank you in person. That letter saved the lives of some of the people close to me. I'll see you next week." Saul decided that he liked Nick. Will he wasn't so sure about. There was something vaguely familiar about him. He shrugged it off attributing his wariness to the fact that Will was from his home state. In spite of his wariness, Saul was grateful to him. By providing a place for his family to live, Will had made what he had to do easier. Reggie, Cora and Joshua were anxiously waiting for him when he got home. "Well?" Joshua asked. "What happened?" "Give him a chance to catch his breath!" Cora said but it was obvious that she was as anxious as the men were. "They got my family to move" Saul said. "Mr. Alexander has a friend who owns a house a couple of towns over and that's where they are. I'm meeting with him, his friend and a government man next Thursday." "Government man?" Joshua asked. "Apparently this man had contacts that Mr. Alexander doesn't." "There has to be something big happening" Reggie said. "Either that or your lawyer friend has connections." "Supper's getting cold" Cora said. "We can talk at the table." If Saul thought the three weeks he waited to hear about his family passed slowly, the next week seemed to move even slower. By Tuesday, time seemed to be at a standstill. He lay awake all of Wednesday night, his stomach roiling to the point of nausea. He skipped breakfast and was out the door. He realized that he forgot his lunch when he was halfway to work. He had plenty of time to go back for it, but decided to leave it; he didn't think that he could eat anyway. He remembered with a start that he and Harry were supposed to walk to work together. "Sh-" he started to say and stopped himself. He continued to the room where the assignments for the day were hung on a wall. As he rounded the corner, he heard Harry's voice. "I don't care; I said that no one touches him." "But Harry-" Saul froze. What was Harry doing talking to Dewey? "No fucking buts!" Harry said interrupting him. "Keep your damned hands off of him and that goes for the rest of you." "Harry?" Saul called not sure of what to make of what he was hearing. "Oh hey! You're here early." "So are you." Saul said looking at the men. "Yeah well, I was just reinforcing that you're not to be messed with." Saul looked at the four men that stood behind Harry. Four pairs of dark eyes looked back at him with contempt. The feeling of disquiet that he had felt every so often over the past weeks had become clanging alarm bells. He watched as Harry dismissed the men with a nod of his head. He realized with a start that Harry was in charge. The men glared at Saul and left the room without speaking. "Harry what in the hell are you into?" Saul asked forgetting that he wasn't going to curse anymore. "It's nothing for you to worry about" Harry replied with a smile. "As I said, I was telling them to leave you alone. Why are you here so early?" "I couldn't sleep- Harry-" "How about going to the library after work? I already read the books that I checked out last week." Harry said cutting him off. "I can't today" Saul replied. "I'm meeting someone there today. We can walk over together though." "That sounds good- where's your lunch?" Harry asked noticing Saul's empty hands. "I forgot it, I'll be fine." "I've got plenty" Harry said sounding more like the Harry Saul knew. Finally, the day was over. Saul took off and then remembered that he was supposed to wait for Harry. He doubled back and met Harry partway. "Must be something important, you've been distracted all day." "It is important" Saul replied. "It has something to do with my time in prison." Harry didn't say anything. Saul's time in prison was something that they didn't talk about much. He knew why Saul was in prison and it sounded justified to him-but what did he know? "Alright, well I hope that it turns out alright," Harry said and let the subject drop. ** Nick was already at the library reading a magazine when he saw Saul and Harry walk in. He watched with interest as they talked for a few seconds and then parted ways. He folded closed the magazine, stood up and walked to the agreed upon meeting place. Saul came out a few minutes later. "Are you ready to go?" Nick asked. A few minutes later, they were in the car and headed toward Nick's house. "So... how do you like California?" Nick asked. He wanted to know more about the young man who had saved the lives of those he loved. "I like it fine- but then I'd like anyplace that wasn't South Carolina." "I know that you were in prison, what I don't know is why. Care to tell me?" "Does it matter?" Saul asked. "No, not at all; I just wanted to learn something about you." "I killed my father. I didn't mean to, I hit him harder than I meant to. I was trying to get him to stop hurting my sister." "So it wasn't planned?" Nick asked. "No, I just reacted when I saw him shaking her like she was a rag doll. All she had done was to say that she was hungry. I don't know what came over me, but I couldn't watch him hurt her. I grabbed a cast iron skillet and hit him over the head with it. I didn't realize how much force I used until we saw that he was dead." "How did you manage to get out of prison so soon?" "That's part of what I'm going to tell you and if you don't mind, I don't want to tell it twice." "That's fair" Nick said, "But I have another question- actually an observation. The letter that you wrote indicates that you or whoever wrote it had very little schooling. What I'm hearing and what I read doesn't match up." "My mother helped me write the letter," Saul replied. "I have a fourth grade education. It wasn't that I had to quit school, I refused to go. I found it boring and didn't see where it would get me. Since I've been here, the people that I live with have helped me." "Are you talking about Joshua and Cora?" Nick asked. Saul looked at Nick in surprise. "How do you know about them?" "I had you followed" Nick replied. "I had to make sure that you weren't living on the streets or something. How did you meet them?" Saul told Nick about the train ride from South Carolina to Los Angeles. "Joshua was the last person that I sat with and by the time we were to LA, he had offered me a place to live. The thing was he acted as if it was nothing to invite a stranger home, a white one at that. He is also one of the best read men that I know. I asked him to help me learn to read and write better. Then Aunt Cora's nephew Reggie came to visit and he's been teaching me ever since." "They did a good job" Nick said. "We're almost there and by the way, my wife is Japanese. I'm only telling you so that you aren't surprised." Nick saw the look of surprise on Saul's face but didn't comment on it. He pulled into the driveway and into the garage. "This is your house?" Saul asked awed. "Yes and please make yourself at home." "Yes sir." "And none of that. My name is Nick- sir and Mr. Alexander makes me feel old. I hope you're hungry; Hana made dinner." The smell of cooking food made Saul's stomach rumble. He followed Nick into the house looking around as he did. He had never been inside of a truly nice home. People had them in South Carolina, but he had never had reason to be inside of one. "Hana honey this is Saul, he's the young man that I was telling you about. Saul this is my wife od a few months Hana." "Welcome" Hana said with a slight bow. "Please make yourself at home. Dinner is almost ready." "Th...Thank you ma'am" Saul said shyly. Hana was his first encounter with a person of Japanese descent. "Please, call me Hana. May I offer you something to drink?" "I'm fine thank you." "Let's go to my office until dinner is ready" Nick said. "She's pretty" Saul said when he and Nick were alone. "That she is" Nick agreed. "I know that it's early for dinner, but my guess is that you didn't eat breakfast or lunch." "How did you know?" Saul asked. "Let's just say that I have some intimate knowledge about what you must be feeling." To put Saul at ease, Nick told him a little about himself and the other men. By the time he was done, Saul genuinely liked Nick and trusted him. Will and Charles arrived just after dinner. "Saul this is my friend and colleague Charles Jensen. Will you've met before. Charles this is Saul Mullins, the young man that sent us the letter regarding Lawrence Goodman. As I told you, he has some information that may help us with our friend warden Ellis." "Tell us what you know and take your time" Charles said as he settled into a chair. "Holy fuck" Charles murmured an hour later. "The bastard committed murder in plain sight. I have a question for you- You could have just kept going and not looked back, why are you doing this?" "I made a promise and I'm keeping it" Saul replied. "I wouldn't have survived a week in that place if Jacob Lincoln hadn't helped me. I know at first it was because he wanted to use me, but in the end; we were friends. I watched as that bastard Ellis murdered my friend and there was nothing I could do about it; but now I can." "Saul, do you understand that if we pursue this you may have to go back to South Carolina? You would be putting your life in danger," Will said. "I know, but I've already started and I have to see it through. The way I see it, Jacob put his life on the line too and he paid with it. So can we get the son of a bitch?" "We can try but we need more than your word" Charles said. "I believe you, but the more witnesses we have the better. Were you close with anyone that might be brave enough to step forward?" "Not really" Saul said after a minute. "To be honest with you, I was closer to Lawrence's group than Jacob's for obvious reasons." I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 16 "Alright, was there anyone in that group who was wavering?" Nick asked. "No. Lawrence handpicked his group. I think that you're going to have better luck with the black inmates. All of them hated Goodman and his group and Jacob was helping them improve themselves." "We actually have two murders here if you think about it," Will said. "Jacob killed Goodman, but where did the weapon come from? At the very least it's facilitated murder. Jacob should not have had access to the supplies that he did. He shouldn't have been able to wander out from the sight of the guards. Neither should Lawrence for that matter. I think that we need to find out who was imprisoned there at that time and where they are. I'm including the guards in that too. I still have a contact or two that can help in that regard." "Charles, does this warrant federal attention?" Nick asked. "It most certainly does" Charles replied. "Will, can you guarantee that your friends won't blab to Ellis? I would rather not send my own agents yet. If I do, it might catch Ellis's attention." "I'm sure" Will replied. "But I'll put feelers out before I tell them what I need" "Good" Charles said as he turned back to Saul. "Are you sure that you want to do this?" "Want to? No, but I have to and not just for Jacob. What kind of man would I be if I didn't pay a debt owed to a friend?" They talked for a few more minutes before Nick offered to take Saul home. "I can take him" Charles replied. "It isn't out of my way." Nick walked them to the door and handed Saul a slip of paper. "My home phone number is on there. I'm going to be your liaison between you and the government. If you need anything, and I do mean anything; you call me. I don't need to tell you not to talk about this with anyone." "The people that I'm staying with already know but they won't say anything." Saul said tucking the paper into his wallet. "My mother won't say anything either-she doesn't know the whole story." "That's more people than I like" Charles said, "but we can't do anything about it now. Well let's go, I've got an early meeting and I want to get started on this. I'm also going to give you my home and office numbers in case you can't reach Nick. Will and Nick watched then leave and then looked at each other. "I know what you're going to say," Will said. "I can't tell him that Ellis is my cousin, at least not until this is over." A few minutes later, Will was gone. "That young man reminds me of Kenji" Hana said from behind him. "He is willing to do what is right even at great personal cost to himself." "Funny, I was thinking the same thing" Nick replied. "Now if we could get all of the ones like them together-" **** The weeks before Kenji, Joel and Penny's graduation were a time of stress because of finals, happiness because of the graduation and Joel and Penny's wedding as well as a time for sadness. Joel and Penny had already packed what they didn't need and shipped it to Penny's parents' home in New York. Her parents were due to arrive the following week and Joel had for all practical purposes moved into Kenji and Patricia's basement. The children were thrilled; it was another adult to read with them. One evening when Kenji and Joel were talking amongst themselves, Penny and Patricia sat at the kitchen table chatting. "Did you know that Joel was in love with you at one time?" Penny laughed at Patricia's shocked expression. "Calm down, it's alright. Like I asked him, what's not to love?" "You have to know that I never encouraged anything" Patricia said. "I know that," Penny said laughing. "Five naked men could be in the room and Kenji fully dressed and you wouldn't even see the naked men. I told you because- I wanted you to know how special you are. Even that psychopath Andrew Kelly saw it. That's why he didn't do anything to physically hurt you." "Penny-" "Patricia Takeda, you are a truly wonderful woman, person and friend. I can't even begin to tell you how much I'm going to miss you." "I'm going to miss you too" Patricia said. "You were one of the first people at school to treat us as if we were human. And Joel... he blossomed with you." "I can only hope to have half the marriage you and Kenji have. I hope that when we've been married for a few years that I'll see Joel and not the roomful of naked men. I hope that he'll still look at me the way that Kenji looks at you. You know, that was one of the first things that I noticed about you two. He didn't have to say how he felt about you; it's always in his eyes. You don't even have to be anywhere around. All someone has to do is say your name." "Joel is the same way with you" Patricia said. "You guys are going to have a wonderful life together and have lots of little Joel and Penny's running around." "I hope that you're right- Patricia, can I ask a question?" "Sure." "In all the time that I've known you and after all the things that you told me, I never heard you say that you hated anyone. I know that you were angry, who wouldn't have been; but I think that I would have hated too. Didn't you hate anyone?" Patricia was quiet for a long time before she replied. "I would like to say no," Patricia replied. "I was alright as long as Kenji was with me, but the day they took him to that camp- Penny, I hated. To some degree I even hated Kenji for not letting me go with him. Rationally I knew that he was right, but my heart- it hurt in a way that I can't describe. Being pregnant with Ralph helped. It gave me a connection to Kenji and I had to let that hate go. I didn't want Ralph to feel it and what good would holding on to it have done?" "Like I said," Penny said, "you are a special person." "Enough about the past" Patricia said. "We have a wedding and party to plan. When are your parents getting in?" "Next week. Mom has already been to the apartment and pronounced it small but fit. I think she's already stocked it with food." "That's great! One less thing to worry about" Patricia said. "That's my mom. I can't wait for all of you to meet them." "We can't wait either- are we forgetting anything?" "Nope, I think we've it covered. Can you believe that graduation is next week?" "No," Patricia replied. "I hope you come back for mine." "We wouldn't miss it and who knows? We may be back in the area. We hate the cold so we're planning to move back here as soon as we're done with our residency." "I can start counting down the days then" Patricia replied. "Penny are you ready to go?" Joel asked as he and Kenji came into the kitchen. "I think so, we'll see you guys tomorrow" Penny said as she stood and hugged Patricia and then Kenji. After they were gone, Kenji put his arms around Patricia. He knew how much she was going to miss Penny. "Joel says that they are planning to come back when they are through," Kenji said. "I know, but I'm still going to miss them." "I will to, but I have a question for you; have you decided where we will spend the night? And have you gotten one of those gowns?" "That's two questions and the answer to the first one is I would like to stay somewhere by the ocean. Is San Diego too far away?" "No, not if we leave late morning" Kenji replied. "What about the second question?" "I'm not saying" Patricia replied with a grin. "You'll have to wait and see. By the way I found a place that isn't too expensive. I called and they have vacancies- I made reservations hoping that you wouldn't mind." "I don't- why don't we tuck the children in and go to bed?" Kenji said kissing her cheek. "I would like to see that green gown again." **** Patricia was up early on graduation day making sure that everything was ready for the wedding and party. Everyone had been over the night before to help with the decorations. When she was satisfied, she turned on the radio and began singing with the song that was playing as she made breakfast. Kenji stood in the doorway as he did every time she was up before him and watched for several minutes before making her aware that he was there. Watching her like that remained one of his guilty pleasures that he planned to enjoy for years to come. "Good morning Kirei," he said coming up behind her. "Good morning Dr. Takeda, are you hungry or are you too nervous to eat?" "I'm hungry" he admitted. "Shall I wake the children?" "No, not yet; I want to sit here with you for a few minutes. Have I told you how proud I am of you? If I haven't, I am." "I would not be here if not for you. You have been through so much with me... Kirei, you are and have been my rock. Every step that I take forward is because of you and our children. I love you Kirei." "Mama!" Marie called before Patricia could respond. She hadn't seen herself in the way that Kenji had, but she did see him that way. "I love you too; I guess our moment is over." ** The auditorium was packed full with the friends and families of the graduates. To free up seats, Nick held Ralph in his lap and Patricia's father, John held Marie in his. Ralph looked around the packed room awed that so many people had come to hear his papa speak. He knew that wasn't the only reason, but it felt good to think that. His heart swelled with pride when he saw Kenji's name listed with those graduating with honors. He looked over at Patricia and saw her wiping away tears. He knew that these tears were because she was happy. He looked down the row and saw that all of the women were crying. What surprised him was that Grandpa Hiroshi was crying too. Their little boy was looking at Hiroshi too and was confused as to why he was crying. Suddenly, the room hushed as soft music began to fill the air. Ralph turned forward not wanting to miss Kenji's entrance into the auditorium. His heart pounded when he saw Kenji and Joel walk out with the other honor students. He took a quick glance over at Patricia, took her hand in his and looked forward. Patricia looked at him, smiled and gave his hand a little squeeze. "There's your papa" she whispered. As young as he was, Ralph heard and understood the pride that he heard in her whisper. He wanted her to be that proud of him. He knew that she was already proud of him, she told both him and Marie that often, but he wanted her to be so proud of him that she cried. He glanced over at his sister and frowned when he saw her fidgeting. He waited until she was looking at him and put a finger to his lips. Immediately, she settled and looked forward. Patricia hugged Kenji's suit jacket close to her as she watched the graduation. This meant more than they had met a goal; it meant that Kenji could begin to take care of them in the way that he had envisioned. Finally, it was time for Kenji to speak. She heard a few grumbles about a 'Jap' and not an American citizen making the speech, but she ignored them. She watched as Kenji stood in front of the podium as if he owned it. He was a long ways away from the shy young man that she met in nineteen thirty-nine. He looked around the auditorium until he found her. It was then that she realized that he was a little nervous and that he needed to see her. She smiled at him and she could have sworn that what little nervousness that had been there was gone. The auditorium was quiet as Kenji spoke. His speech was short and very much to the point. When it was over, he stayed where he was. "I beg your indulgence for just a moment more. None of us would be standing here today if it were not for the love and support of our friends and family. I would like to take just a moment to thank my family and friends for their support. I especially would like to thank my wife- my Kirei which means beautiful in Japanese for her unwavering love and support. Thank you Kirei." Patricia held Kenji's jacket even closer as he publically thanked her. Tears streamed down her face as he sat down and then waited to receive his diploma. After he received his, she listened for Penny and Joel's names. To her left, Penny's mother was crying and her father had a huge grin on his face. After the ceremony was over, Patricia rushed to find Kenji in spite of his telling her to stay put; that he would come to them. She found him just as he was heading in their general direction. He swept her into his arms and kissed her. They stood there for several minutes as people milled around them. Finally, Kenji let her go. "Let's go to the others" he said pulling her into his side. Joel and Penny were already there when they got to the group. Penny's father had his arm around Joel's shoulder. It was hard to believe that he had once had an issue with Joel's ethnicity. Kenji took Marie from John, hugged and then kissed her. John embraced him in a bear hug careful not to crush Marie. "We're proud of you son" John whispered in his ear. Kenji handed Marie back to John and picked up Ralph. He hugged and kissed him as he had Marie. He made his way to down the row hugging and kissing everyone. When he got to Joel, he embraced him. "We made it my friend," Kenji whispered in his ear. "Dinner's on me!" Paul Mynt announced. "I'll split the bill with you," Penny's father announced. "I was going to pay for dinner anyway." Dinner was a happy/sad affair. It would be the last time that the two couples would be together for a long time. Patricia sat next to Penny and held her hand throughout dinner. Kenji sat across from Joel so that they could talk. The parents all understood and kept the children occupied. Abby sat quietly watching and wishing that Ralph had lived long enough to see Kenji graduate. She determined that she was going to be around to see Patricia graduate too. She reached into her large purse, took out the camera and began to snap pictures. She had to stop several times because her eyes were blurry with tears. John finally took the camera when he noticed that Abby wasn't in any of the pictures. By the time dinner was over, all of the film had been used. ** After they were home and the children in bed, Kenji and Patricia made a final check for the party and wedding. Afterwards, they lay in bed with their arms around each other sweaty after making love. "Kirei, what are you thinking about?" "I was thinking about us and the wedding and party tomorrow night." "We are ready for the party and wedding, so what about us?" "I've been thinking... I would like to have another baby. Now hear me out before you say anything. If I wait until I'm done with school, I'll be too old. If we get pregnant now, the baby will be born while I'm still doing my undergraduate and we'll have all kinds of help." "Kirei," Kenji said after several long moments. "I love you and I love our children. I would love to have another child with you, but let's think about this and what it could mean for your education. Not only that, there are many times when I won't be here to help you." "We managed when I found out I was pregnant with Ralph and then Marie," Patricia said. "Yes we did, but neither child was planned-" "What difference does that make?" Patricia asked sitting up. "Kirei," Kenji said as he pulled her back into his arms. "What about sleep? How can you take classes when there will be a baby to care for? What happens if he or she is ill? If I were already practicing, I wouldn't hesitate, but Kirei; I'm going to be gone much of the time- Kirei, how much of this is because of that?" "It might have something to do with it" Patricia confessed. "But I do want another baby." "I understand, but I recall you telling me that carrying Ralph while I was gone was a help to you. Please don't misunderstand me; I am glad that you had that comfort, but Kirei we can find other ways to feel connected. What about writing in journals like we did when we were separated?" "You'll be too busy for that" Patricia replied knowing that Kenji was right about the timing. "I will never be too busy to write for you. We'll write in journals every day that I'm away and exchange them when I come home. We can also do something that we couldn't do then- we can call and talk to each other. We can have lunch and dinner together sometimes." "I know that you're right, I guess I still carry the scars from that time. I feel like a little kid afraid that her daddy won't come home except that you're far from being my daddy." "I am not looking forward to the separations either," Kenji said, "but we will manage as we always have. If a child is conceived without our trying, then we will deal with it; but --" "I know" Patricia said. "You're right. I was just looking for old comforts." "I Understand" Kenji said hugging her close. "I also think that school is going to keep you busy." "Not so busy that I won't miss you." "Kirei, lie back" Kenji said as he pushed her back. When she was on her back, he bent down and took a nipple into his mouth and rolled it between his lips before gently biting down on it. His hand wandered over her soft belly, paused and then moved downward. He slipped a long finger between her vaginal lips and began to rub her clit. He held her nipple between his teeth as he flicked his tongue over the tip as he pushed a thumb against her nub and moved it side to side and back and forth. His intent was to make her orgasm hard so that she would sleep. They had a long day ahead of them. Patricia came with a loud moan and a shudder before finally closing her eyes. "I knew what you were doing" she said as she drifted off. The next morning, Kenji was up before she was. The smell of toast and coffee woke her up. She glanced at the clock and was alarmed that it was already past eight am. She had wanted to be up by six. She threw on her house robe and ran down the stairs. "Kenji why didn't you get me up?" "I wanted you to sleep and many of the things on your list were things that I could do. Sit and I will bring you a cup of coffee." "Where are the kids?" Patricia asked. "I asked Abby to take them to your parents' house. They'll be back in time for the party" Kenji said. "I wanted to spend the morning alone with you." "Okay.... What's going on?" "I wanted to make sure that you understood that I wasn't saying no to another child because I didn't one. You honor me by wanting to have another child with me, but Kirei we've come too far to take a gamble on our future." "Kenji, you're right and I'm okay with that so stop worrying about it." "I also thought that since I managed to do half of the things on your list that we could go back to bed after breakfast." "Who needs food?" Patricia asked as she stood and ran for the stairs. *** The wedding was short and to the point much to Penny's mother's chagrin. She had wanted more than one bridesmaid, the white gown; all of it, but she quickly got over it. The party lasted until well after midnight with the newlyweds leaving first around eleven pm. Joel and Penny were leaving the next evening to go to New York with Penny's parents so they wanted to make the most of the hotel room that her father paid for. In no time, there was little evidence that there had been a party. Kenji and Patricia sat on the couch tired from the long day. "Come Kirei" Kenji said standing and holding out his hand. "Get ready for bed while I check on the children." By the time Kenji checked on the kids and got to the bedroom, Patricia was already sound asleep. He undressed, climbed in next to her and smiled as she molded her body into his. He really was going to miss her during his rotations. The next evening was filled with tearful goodbyes as Penny and Joel boarded the train. The entire family including Will, Sally and their children were there to see them off. Patricia consoled herself with the fact that it wasn't a permanent goodbye, but still it hurt. For just a second, her heart rate rose as in her mind's eye she saw Kenji boarding a bus. She felt a soft kiss on her cheek. Kenji knew where her mind had gone. Her heart rate slowed to normal as she felt his arms tighten around her. She watched the train pull away with tear filled eyes. I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 16 *** Andrew knew exactly what weekend it was. He had been at Alcatraz for months now and he thought that he had come to grips with the fact that his life was over. He still woke dreaming of his mother's home cooked meals. It no longer worked to pretend that the food that he ate was made by her. The morning of graduation, he woke up with a different dream. He was on stage getting ready to accept his diploma. He was smiling at the audience and waved at his mom and dad. He could see how proud they were of him. Kenji Takeda was there too, but things between them had been different. They stayed away from each other. Andrew woke up with a wet face. His dream was about what could have been and what should have been. He began to sob when it finally sunk in that he would never see the looks of pride on his parent's faces except in his dreams. He got up from the cot, got dressed for the day and stood in front of his cell waiting for the door to open. For the first time since his arrival, he began to think about whether it was possible to escape from 'the rock'. He had heard about the previous attempts and how no one made it, but what if he could? He was still young and strong. He jumped when the cell door swung open and stepped outside of it his mind still on the possibility of escape. He decided that if he was successful, he would vanish and never be heard from again. But he couldn't be rash. He had to do his research and learn what he could about the setup of the prison and possible places to go to. Money would be an issue, but he would worry about that later. Reluctantly, Andrew said goodbye to the dream that should have been. He told himself that he was going to stop thinking about his parents. They no longer existed in this life. He bit back a sob and stared straight ahead. As soon as he was allowed, he would start his research. He knew that it would months before he was ready, but the idea of having something to work for settled him. He told himself one more thing, if he escaped, he wouldn't go after Kenji. He had learned his lesson. Even as he said it, he knew that the temptation would be there and could become overwhelming. "I will not go after him" he muttered over and over again. He said those five words whenever he thought about his plan hoping that the idea would be ingrained in him by the time he was ready to make his escape. ******* By the end of 1950: The Great Brinks Robbery takes place. Eleven thieves take more than two million dollars from the Brinks headquarters in Boston, Massachusetts. Rationing is still enforced in England. The first payment made on a 'Diner's Club' card. It is the first use of a charge card. A second red scare occurs. Senator Joseph McCarthy accuses the United States of being filled with 205 communist. Walt Disney releases its 12th animated film- 'Cinderella' Poland announces plans to exile all Germans. Britain formally recognizes Israel. Mauna Loa in Hawaii erupts. North Korean forces capture Seoul. The Seoul National University Massacre occurs. 900 people are reported to have died. Florence Chadwick swims across the English Channel in a little over thirteen hours. Singer/ actor Paul Robeson, whose passport had been revoked for suspicion of being a communist meets with U.S. officials in an attempt to get it reinstated. He is unsuccessful. It won't be reinstated until 1958. Darlington speedway is the site of the first 500 mile NASCAR race. The comic strip 'Peanuts' by Charles M. Schultz is first published in seven U.S. papers. The Republic of China enters the Korean conflict. The United States entered the Korean conflict. General Douglas MacArthur was named commander the U.N. forces. He would eventually threaten to use nuclear weapons against Korea. **** Civil rights The 'Group Areas Act' is passed in South Africa formally segregating the races. Mclaurin v Oklahoma State Regents- a public institution of higher learning could not provide different treatment to a student based on his skin color. The Supreme Court abolishes segregation in railroad dining cars. The University of Virginia is forced under federal law to admit a black student to its law program. The "Leadership Conference on Civil Rights' is created to promote the enactment and enforcement of active civil rights legislation and policy. Orlando, Florida hires its first black police officers. Dr. Ralph Bunche wins the Nobel Peace prize. He is the first African-American to win the prize. Hazel Scott became the first black entertainer to have her own network musical variety show. Althea Gibson becomes the first black American to compete in a U.S. tennis championship. ****** As always, thank you all for your patience and donalde for beta reading. **** I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 17 The excitement of the graduation, wedding and party had finally died down. Kenji and Patricia were getting ready to leave on their first overnight trip away. Nick and Hana had already picked the children up earlier that morning and encouraged Kenji to take Patricia away for two nights instead of one. "You deserve it," Nick said. "God only knows when you'll get another chance." "That's true," Kenji replied as he looked over at Patricia. She was missing Penny and an extra night away would do both of them good. "I think that we will accept your offer," Kenji said after a few minutes. "I thank you on behalf of both of us." *** "Two nights?" Patricia asked. "And they don't mind keeping the kids?" "He all but insisted," Kenji replied as he loaded the car. "It will be good for us." Patricia couldn't help but agree. Even though they had the entire summer ahead of them before Kenji started his internship, it was never far from her mind. Kenji stopped what he was doing and looked at her. He could see the wheels turning in her mind. "Kirei, let's enjoy today and tomorrow," he said. "Any other issues can wait until we return." "You're right," Patricia said. "I'm sorry." "No apologies are necessary, but let's make an agreement shall we? Let's agree that while we are gone there will be no talk of children or school. This will be our time to relax and enjoy each other without worry or interruption." "I agree, but before we go; can I say one thing?" "Of course," Kenji said curious about what she was going to say. "I really miss Joel and Penny." "I miss them too and if you like, when we get to San Diego; we can call them. Will that help?" ** Three hours later, Kenji was parking the car in the parking lot of the small hotel. Patricia got out of the car and looked around taking in the beauty of their surroundings. Kenji got out, stood beside her and put an arm around her. "It is beautiful here," he said pulling her tight against him. "You chose well." Fifteen minutes later, they were checked into their room. The manager had given them a funny look when they went to the counter, but accepted their money without comment. They ate a late lunch and then went for a walk. For the most part, they were left alone. Every once in a while a comment was made, but they pretended not to hear it. They got back to the room just before supper. To save money, Patricia packed sandwiches, fruit and cookies for dessert. "Are you ready to call Joel and Penny?" Kenji asked after they had eaten. "They are three hours ahead of us which will make it almost nine o'clock there." Within minutes, Patricia was talking to a surprised, but thrilled Penny. "How are you?" Penny asked once she was over her shock. "I'm fine-I just miss you guys," Patricia replied. "Are you getting settled in?" "I guess so-it's just so...small. Patricia, I want to thank you again for everything. You have no idea of what you and Kenji mean to us." "You're welcome- is Joel there? I want to say hello to him and Kenji wants to say hello to you." "Penny, how are you and Joel doing?" Kenji asked a few seconds later. "We're fine," Penny replied. "I was telling Patricia how small the apartment is. We had to put some of our things in mom and dad's basement which, by the way is bigger than this apartment." "I am sure that you will adjust. May I speak with Joel?" After Kenji spoke to Joel, he hung up and hugged Patricia. "Do you feel better?" "I do, thank you," Patricia replied. "And now, if you will excuse me; I need to go into the bathroom and no you can't come with me." "Did you bring the green nightgown?" Kenji asked his cock already tingling at the thought. "You'll see. Why don't you find something to do for a few minutes?" Kenji watched as Patricia picked up a small bag and went into the bathroom. While she was gone, he unpacked their suitcase and hung up their clothes. ** Patricia looked behind her to make sure that Kenji wasn't peeking through a crack in the door. Satisfied that she could change in private, she opened the small case and took out the sheer, lavender colored nightie. It was shorter and sheerer than the green one and the panties that came with it were crotch less. She undressed, quickly washed up and put the nightgown on. It was so sheer that she could see the outline of her areolas. She took a deep breath and slipped the panties on. She inspected herself in the mirror and pronounced herself presentable. The last thing she did was to take her hair down from the ponytail that she still wore because it was both practical and comfortable. She cracked the door open and saw Kenji sitting on the bed already nude and erect. "Close your eyes," she called out. She waited until his eyes were closed and slipped out of the small bathroom. She tiptoed to the bed only stopping when she was standing directly in front of him. "Keep your eyes closed," she said as she knelt before him. She moved so that she was between his knees and his cock was close enough that all she had to do in order to touch it was to stick out her tongue. She took a quick swipe at it and then blew across the tip. Kenji moaned and jerked his hips forward wanting a repeat of what just happened. "Did you like that?" Patricia asked thoroughly enjoying herself. "I liked it very much," Kenji replied. "Will you please do it again?" Instead of answering, Patricia took the head of his cock into her mouth just long enough to wet it, released it and then blew on it. She jumped when Kenji jumped and then moaned. "Oh Kirei... you torture me so," Kenji said, "But remember I will get my turn to torture you." "I'm counting on it," Patricia replied. It wasn't often that she got the chance to play as she was now and she planned to enjoy every minute of it. "Would you like to guess what I'm wearing?" She asked seductively as she toyed with his swollen balls. "Is it the green nightgown?" "Nope, but it is a nightgown- would you like me to describe it or would you like to see it?" "I... I think that I would like to see it," Kenji replied his voice strained. Patricia had moved from playing with his balls to lightly stroking the length of his cock. "Are you sure?" she asked teasing him. "I am sure... No... yes, I am sure." Patricia got to her feet, opened her legs and reached for Kenji's hand. "How about I let you feel first?" she asked as she placed his hand on the thin material just above the slit. She moaned softly as Kenji's hand rested on her mound and then pressed his palm against it. She knew that he had to feel her coarse pubic hair through the thin material of the panties. "It's so thin... I feel you," Kenji said. Before she could stop him, he reached around her and grabbed her ass. The next thing she knew, his face was buried against her mound and he was kissing it as he made his way down to her slit. When the material of the panties stopped and his tongue touched her clit, he stopped. He opened his eyes and looked up at her. "Surprise!" Patricia said as she put her hands on his head and guided it back to her wet mound. She squealed when he teased her clit with his tongue. "What are you doing?" she asked breathlessly when he stopped. "Lie down, I want to see." Patricia lay down on the bed, raised her legs and allowed them to drop open. Instead of going back to her clit, Kenji started at her neck and worked his way down to her nipples. He sucked her nipples through the sheer material and rolled them between his lips. "Ohhh I like that!" Patricia cried out when Kenji took a nipple between his teeth and chewed and then sucked on it. Kenji repeated the process with the other nipple as he stroked between her vaginal lips. He sucked and stroked harder until Patricia covered her face with a pillow and screamed into it. Even then, he didn't stop. He released the nipple and moved so that his face was between her legs. He inhaled her scent and took her glistening nub into his mouth and sucked it until Patricia screamed for a second time. At the end of the second orgasm, he slid into her and paused. He pressed tightly against her and began to move his hips against her without pulling out. Moments later, he came with his face buried in Patricia's neck. Patricia came for the third time that night just as Kenji's orgasm was ending. He collapsed next to her and took her into his arms. "Do you think that we'll always enjoy making love?" Patricia asked. "I know that we will," Kenji replied. "In fact, I enjoy it so much; I will soon be ready to do it again." Afterwards, Kenji lay awake unable to sleep although he was exhausted. He moved to get into a more comfortable position thinking that it would help. It took him several minutes to realize what the problem was- he missed their bed. He closed his eyes and matched his breathing to Patricia's slower and deeper ones. Moments later, he was asleep. The time away went by faster than they could have anticipated. Both of them were ready to go home, but at the same time wished that they had one more day. "We will come again," Kenji told Patricia as he helped her pack. "I would like that," Patricia replied. "And who knows what new style of nightgown will be out by then." She added with a mischievous grin. *** Ralph alternately paced and looked out of the front window. He was glad that his parents had some much needed time away, but he was ready for them to come home. He and Marie enjoyed going to Nick and Hana's house, but they missed home. By the end of the second day, Marie was getting cranky and deliberately getting into things. He had tried to warn her that Grandpa Nick would spank her if she misbehaved, but she hadn't listened. He even reminded her that Patricia and Kenji would be disappointed in her behavior but she ignored him. The end result was that after she broke a glass figurine that she knew she wasn't to touch unless Hana or Nick was with her. ** The figurine was a wedding gift from Abby and had been in the same spot for months and Marie had never touched it without permission. Ralph saw her pick it up and told her to put it down. Marie looked at him, turned the figurine over and over in her hands and dropped it. Nick happened to be coming out of his office and saw the glass figure fall from Marie's hands to the floor and shatter. "Marie, come here," Nick said as he walked in and sat on the couch. Marie hesitated. She knew that she had crossed the line and that there was going to be punishment of some kind. She looked at Ralph hoping that he would speak for her as he usually did. Confusion crossed her small features when he didn't say anything. "Don't look at him," Nick said firmly. "I saw you drop it." Tears pooled in Marie's eyes as she walked over to Nick. She was in for another surprise- Nick ignored her tears. "I'm sorry grandpa," she said softly, her head bowed. "Why did you pick it up?" Nick asked. "You knew better." When Marie didn't answer, Nick continued. "That figurine was a wedding gift from your Aunt Abby and it meant a lot to us. I don't know why you picked it up, but when Grandma Hana comes in from the garden; you have to tell her what happened. After that we'll call Aunt Abby so that you can tell her too." The crocodile tears turned into real ones as Marie realized the enormity of what she had done. With a start she realized that she would have to tell her parents too. That they would be disappointed was an understatement. "But I said that I'm sorry," she tearfully. "I heard you," Nick said gently, "but sweetheart there are times when saying you're sorry isn't enough. What happened wasn't an accident. You decided to pick the figurine up knowing that you weren't supposed to. I know that you're young, and I know that your mom and dad have already started to teach you about responsibility. Now you get to practice it. I expect you to go to Grandma Hana without being told to and to tell her what happened. I don't want to hear that Ralph told her for you. Do you understand?" "Yes Grandpa Nick," Marie said still looking down. "Good-I hear her coming in from the yard. I've got things to do so I'll see you later." After Nick was gone, Marie turned to Ralph and begged him with her eyes. Ralph was tempted, but what Nick said struck him. Sometimes an apology wasn't enough. He thought back to all of the times that he had protected his sister when she had done something blatantly wrong. At the time it felt like the thing to do, but now he wasn't so sure. Nick stood in the doorway of his office watching to see what would happen. He could see the conflicted look on Ralph's face and took pity on him. "Ralph, would you come into my office please? I need your help with something." Ralph practically ran to the office relieved that he didn't have to watch Marie tell Hana about the broken figurine. "It's hard being a big brother isn't it?" Nick asked. "Sometimes it's hard to know when it's ok to protect and when it's not." "Papa says that I'm supposed to help keep Marie and mama safe." "That's true and you do a great job of that, but letting someone get away with doing something wrong isn't protecting them. It's allowing them to continue to do wrong. I bet that you told Marie to put the figurine down and she didn't listen to you. Is that right?" Ralph's silence was his answer. "You did what you were supposed to," Nick said. "You told her not to touch it and she decided not to listen. That was her choice and now she has to pay the consequences of that decision. You feel badly for her and that's understandable, but Marie has got to learn that she has to accept the consequences for any choices that she makes. It's the same for all of us, your mama and papa too." "Papa says that it's alright to tell on someone if they're doing something wrong... but Marie is my sister. Do I tell on her too?" "Ralph, let me ask you something. If I hadn't seen what happened, what would you have done?" "I would have said that I did it," Ralph replied without hesitation. "Why?" Nick asked. "You didn't do it and I also would have known better." "I didn't want her to get into trouble." "Ralph, how would that have helped Marie learn to accept the consequences of her actions?" Nick asked. "It would have been teaching her that you or others will accept her punishment for her. I know that your papa told you that you should protect your sister, but I don't think this is what he meant." When Ralph didn't say anything, he continued. "It's hard to let the people we love be punished, but it's a fact of life." "Is grandma Hana going to be really angry with her?" Ralph asked. "I think that she will be more disappointed than angry," Nick replied. "Will she get a spanking?" "I don't think so. Your grandmother's disappointment will be punishment enough. Add your parents and Aunt Abby's disappointment to that and Marie might wish that she had been spanked." That was a sentiment that Ralph understood. On the rare occasions he did something wrong, the look on his parent's face was worse than any punishment that he could have been given. Hana calling them to dinner was their indication that Marie and Hana's talk was over. Ralph noticed that Marie was unusually quiet. Whenever Hana asked her to do something, Instead of complaining as she usually did, she did without being told twice. After dinner, the phone call to Abby was made. Ralph held Marie's hand as she confessed to Abby about the broken figurine. When the phone call was over, he hugged her. She had one last confession to make and it would probably be the hardest one. *** As soon as he heard the car pull into the driveway, Ralph ran out of the house yelling that they were back. He ran to Patricia first and hugged her around her waist as tight as he could. "I missed you too," Patricia said hugging him back. Ralph let her go, ran to Kenji and hugged him. "I missed you papa!" "And I you, but where is your sister?" Patricia had already seen Marie standing by the door and knew that something had happened just by the look on her face. She looked over at Kenji and knew that he had noticed as well. "Let's go get your things so that we can go home," Kenji said as he picked Ralph up. Patricia reached Marie before the others, knelt down in front of her and pulled her into her arms. "It isn't that bad is it?" Patricia said softly as she kissed Marie's cheek. Marie threw her arms around Patricia's neck and started to cry. "Tell mama what's wrong," Patricia said hugging the crying girl closer. By this time, Kenji had reached them and had gotten the condensed version of what happened from Ralph. "I believe that Marie has something to tell us," Kenji said. "But let's go home first." After spending several minutes with Nick and Hana, they headed home. As soon as they were indoors and the car unloaded, Kenji and Patricia took Marie aside. "What do you have to tell us?" Kenji asked. Ten minutes later, they had the entire story. "Thank you for telling us, but pretty one; you knew that to touch the figurine was wrong and yet you did it anyway. You chose to do wrong and that is unacceptable. I will call your grandmother and discuss how you can repay her for the broken item. In the meantime, please go to your room and do not come down until either your mother or I come for you." After she was gone, Kenji looked at Patricia and shook his head. He loved the spirit that Marie showed, it reminded him of Patricia, but he was concerned about what he considered to be excessive impulsiveness. If it would have been an isolated incident, he wouldn't have been so concerned. "What are you thinking?" Patricia asked. "I am thinking that Marie needs more structure," Kenji replied. "I know that children are sometimes impulsive, but this seems different to me. Ralph told her not to touch the figurine but she did it anyway. I understand that the fact that it was him saying it and not one of us makes a difference, but she knew not to touch it before he said anything." They talked a few more minutes before Kenji called his mother. Between them they worked out a repayment plan. Marie would help Hana with housework whenever the children stayed over. After he hung up, he and Patricia went to the bedroom that Ralph and Marie shared to talk to Marie. They could tell that she had been crying, but they stood firm. "Do you understand that what you did was wrong?" Patricia asked. "Yes mama." "Good, now this is what'd going to happen..." Dinner saw a very subdued Marie, but they had seen it before. It was only a matter of time before she was back into trouble. In the meantime, they would enjoy the peace. *** The summer flew by and before they knew it, it was time for both Ralph and Kenji to have their first days as doctor and student. The night before their first day, Kenji and Patricia spent the entire evening reassuring the children that Kenji would be back after his rotation at the hospital. What helped was that the first week would be orientation and Kenji would be home in the evenings. The next morning, Patricia was up early to make breakfast. As was his habit, Kenji slipped down the stairs so that he could watch her while she sang with the radio as she worked. This time she didn't turn on the radio. She stood in front of the sink for several minutes before moving to the refrigerator to take out the eggs. It was then that Kenji realized that she was crying. "Kirei?" Patricia tried to wipe the tears away before she looked at him; but was unsuccessful. The tears kept flowing although she tried to stop them. Kenji walked over to her, took her in his arms and held her. "He's going to do well," Kenji assured her. "I'm not worried about him," Patricia replied. "It's just that our babies are growing up and next it will be Marie." I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 17 "That isn't a bad thing," Kenji said kissing the top of her head. "In a few years they will be in college and our practice will be thriving. They will marry and give us grandchildren to spoil and we will be able to travel and make love uninterrupted." "There is that, but Kenji-he's so little," Patricia said admitting that she really was worried. "He isn't that little," Kenji chuckled, "but he will be fine, you'll see. Sit down and let me make you a cup of tea and breakfast for us." Patricia kissed his chest, hugged him and sat down realizing that she had hit the jackpot in men. A few minutes later, she was sipping on a cup of hot tea while Kenji made scrambled eggs and toast for breakfast. When it was ready, he went called for the children. ** Ralph dressed in the new shirt and slacks that had been bought for his first day of school. The book bag filled with paper, pencils and crayons sat on his bed waiting to be picked up. His heart hammered as he thought about going to school for the first time. Kenji and Patricia had already warned him that people might stare at him and call him names. "They may call you 'Jap' or 'Gook'" Kenji told him, "but ignore them. They speak out of ignorance and misinformation." "Baby, the other name that they may call you is because of me," Patricia said. "They may call you nigger because you are half black. Just turn a deaf ear and don't listen to them." It wasn't so much the name calling that worried him; it was the fact that he wanted Kenji and Patricia to be proud of him. "I want to go too," Marie said from the doorway. "You will," Ralph assured her with a smile. "We'd better go eat." On the way out, Ralph grabbed his book bag and hefted it over his shoulder. After breakfast, Kenji, Patricia and Marie walked Ralph to school and kissed him goodbye. Neither of them missed the stares that they were getting from the other parents. "Damn gook! He probably doesn't speak a word of English." Kenji stopped, turned around and looked at the group of people that was staring at them. "Good morning," he said with a slight bow. "I am Kenjiro Takeda and this is my wife Patricia and our daughter Marie. Our son Ralph is now a student here. Since our children are attending the same school, it is my hope that we can be at the very least civil to each other." No one in the group responded, but continued to stare at them. "Please have a pleasant day," Kenji said and led Patricia away ignoring the murmurings of the group. Patricia wanted to turn back and pull Ralph out of school, but Kenji wouldn't let her. "We cannot keep him hidden from the ugly parts of life," Kenji said. "I know but if this is what the adults are like, what are the kids going to be like? Why don't we take him out of school? I can homeschool him for a year-" "Kirei, no. That is of no benefit to him or us. What if the attitudes don't change? Will we keep him out of school for another year? If problems arise we will deal with them." Reluctantly, Patricia agreed although she still wanted to take Ralph out of school. When they got home, Kenji kissed Marie and Patricia goodbye before leaving for his first day of orientation. Patricia wrapped her arms around him and fought back tears; it was going to be a long day. "Come on pumpkin," she said to Marie, "let's make some sugar cookies for papa and Ralph." ** Ralph sat in the seat assigned to him which was located in the back row. He frowned, but didn't say anything. Before long, the classroom was buzzing with the chatter of first graders excited about the first day of school. At first, no one seemed to notice him which was fine with him, but then one of the boys saw him sitting in the back row. "Hey! Look!" he called out drawing attention to himself. "We got a gook in class!" Ralph didn't reply, but kept looking forward. "He's in a row all by himself! Do you know what that means gook? It means that you're stupid," the boy said. "Alright everyone to their seats!" a male voice called out. A few minutes later, the room was silent as the students waited for further instructions. The teacher, Mr. Albert Martin looked over the group. His gaze moved over the class and only hesitated when he saw Ralph. Inwardly he frowned and his heart pounded, but he kept his outer face neutral. As soon as school was over for the day, he was going to see what he could do about getting Ralph out of his class. "Please stand for the 'Pledge of Allegiance'" he said with his eyes on Ralph. He was surprised to see Ralph stand and then place his hand over his heart along with the other students. Afterwards when everyone was seated, he took roll call. His hands shook with anger as he held the paper containing the student's names. He didn't know who placed the half-breed in the back row, but that was exactly where he would have put him. He deliberately called Ralph's name last even though there were last names that started with letters after 'T'. "Ralph Ta... Ta..." He pretended to stutter over the name. He knew exactly how to say it. It was a name that he would never forget for as long as he lived. "Takeda," Ralph said softly. "Yes, of course," Martin said and then deliberately mispronounced it again. Ralph noticed, but didn't correct the teacher. Instinctively he knew that it would be the wrong thing to do. He ignored the tittering of the other students and knew right then that he wasn't going to fit in. "What kind of name is Ralph for a gook?" Someone whispered. "That's not a Korean name," someone else, a boy replied. "That's because our new student isn't Korean, are you?" Mr. Martin asked. "Our new student is Japanese and negro. An interesting combination I think. Maybe he goes by the name of Ralph so that he'll fit in better." Ralph was tempted to look down, but instead; he stood up and looked the teacher in the face. "My name is Nikorasu Ralph Takeda. My father's name is Kenjiro and my mother's name is Patricia. Ralph is the name of my uncle. You may call me Niko." Martin's face turned as red as his hair at what he perceived to be impertinence. Part of him felt guilty, but the other part of him was enraged. "Get in the corner! Now!" Martin yelled startling the other students. Niko gave a polite bow, looked at the teacher and went to a corner. He hadn't meant to be impertinent. The idea to change his name came to him when his pride about his heritage was questioned. His heart sank when he realized that he would have to tell his parents that he had been disciplined on the first day of school. He didn't know how long he had been in the corner before he was given permission to sit down. All he knew was that his feet hurt from his new shoes and he had to go to the bathroom. Reluctantly he raised his hand and was ignored. "Please excuse me-" "In the corner!" "But-" "In the corner before I take out the paddle!" Mr. Martin yelled. Even the students who had teased him earlier looked at Niko with sympathy. Finally it was lunch time. Niko impatiently waited for his chance to use the bathroom. He washed his hands and joined the other students on the playground. He found a corner where he could eat in peace and took out his lunch. "Hello," a soft voice said. "Can I sit with you?" Niko looked up to see a girl who was by all accounts chubby. She wore thick glasses and her mousy brown hair was in a ponytail. He recognized her as being in his class. "Of course," he said politely. The girl looked mildly surprised, but then sat down next to him. "My name is Florence, but my mom and dad call me Florrie." "I am Niko." "I know- they tease anyone who's new," Florrie said as she took a bite of her sandwich. "Do... do they tease you?" Niko asked. "Sometimes- but it's not too bad." By the end of lunch, Niko had a friend. Somehow knowing that made the rest of the day easier. He took great pains not to do anything to draw attention to himself. The day couldn't end fast enough as far as he was concerned and as soon as they were dismissed, he took off. He breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Patricia and Marie waiting for him. Not caring what anyone thought, Niko threw himself into Patricia's arms and hugged her. "Ralph?" Patricia asked concerned, "What happened?" "I... I had to stand in the corner," Ralph stammered. "On your first day? Why?" Niko quickly told her the story about how the teacher had mispronounced his name. "I only asked that he call me Niko," he explained, "and he got angry." "Is your teacher still here?" Patricia asked. "I... I don't know," Niko replied recognizing the stubborn and angry expression on Patricia's face. "Let's go find out," Patricia said taking Niko's hand. She found the school office and walked in. She stopped short when she heard raised voices coming out of the principal's office. "I want that fucking kid out of my classroom!" That was all that she needed to hear. She took Niko's hand and led him from the office. She and Kenji would come back without him. She also decided that Niko wasn't going back to school unless he was removed from the class. As soon as Kenji got home, he took one look at Patricia and knew that something had happened. "Kirei, what happened?" he asked after he hugged and kissed her and the children. "I'll let Ralph-I mean Niko explain while I make dinner," Patricia said. ** "And all you did was to ask him to call you Niko?" Kenji asked several minutes later. "Yes papa." "Ralph, why did you request to change your name?" "I... I didn't want them to think that I was ashamed of who I was." Niko's answer reminded him of Patricia when the dean told her to use her maiden name of Middleton. Kenji looked at Niko with pride, but knew that he like Patricia; had to learn when to concede and when to fight. Today, he was in the right. "Niko, did anything else happen?" When Niko hesitated, Kenji knew that something had. "Tell me," Kenji urged. Niko told Kenji about the second time he had to stand in the corner. Niko took a step backwards when he felt Kenji's anger. "Thank you for telling me," Kenji said softly. "Go help your mama in the kitchen, I will be there shortly." After he was alone, Kenji sat where he was for several minutes thinking. Finally, he got up and went to the kitchen. "Niko, you will stay home tomorrow. Your mother and I will go talk to Mr. Martin and the principal." "But papa, I want to go to school," Niko said. "You will, just not tomorrow," Kenji said in a tone that told Niko not to argue. *** Mr. Martin was at the blackboard writing the vocabulary words for the day when Kenji, Patricia and the principal walked in. "Mr. Martin, this Mr. and Mrs. Takeda; their son Niko is in your class." "Yes," Martin said pleasantly. "What can I do for you?" Martin struggled to contain the trembling in his hands as he looked at Kenji. He fought the urge to cower when Kenji took a step toward him. He could actually feel his hair being pulled from his head and almost covered his head with his arms. He took a deep breath and reminded himself of where he was. "Mr. and Mrs. Takeda have some concerns about what happened yesterday," the principal said. "If you're talking about your child standing in the corner, I must tell you that it was deserved." "Asking to be called by a preferred name warrants punishment?" Kenji calmly asked. "What about asking to use the restroom? Did that warrant punishment?" Patricia looked around the classroom noting that Niko's seat was in the last row. "Excuse me, but Takeda begins with a 'T', why is our son sitting in the back of the room? According to the class roster, there are several names that start with letters after 'T'." "An oversight I'm sure-" "Mr. Martin," Kenji said, "Did you happen to be a prisoner in a Japanese prisoner of war camp?" "That has nothing to do with it," Martin replied in a shaky voice. "I beg to differ," Kenji replied politely. "It has everything to do with it. My wife heard you requesting to have Niko taken out of your class. I happen to agree that it would be in his best interest if that change occurred. But my question to you is this, what will you do when other students of Japanese descent are in your class? I am sorry for what happened to you and I understand your anger, but my son and other children of Japanese descent had nothing to do with it." In the end, Niko was transferred to another class but only after Kenji and Patricia met with the teacher. The teacher, Miss. Nixon assured them that Niko would be treated as any other child in her class was treated and that racism of any kind wasn't going to be tolerated. After talking to her for more than thirty minutes, Kenji and Patricia decided that they liked the teacher. They got the class assignment for the day and walked back home. "How did you know that he was a prisoner of war?" Patricia asked as they walked home. "I saw it in his response to me," Kenji replied. "It explains his reaction to Niko although it doesn't make it right." "No, but I guess I can understand his reaction. We'd better get moving or you're going to be late," Patricia said quickening her step. Niko met them at the door with an anxious expression on his face. "All is well," Kenji told him. "You will go back to school tomorrow, but you will have a different teacher. We have met with her and we think that she will treat you fairly. Your mother has your assignment for today." Niko breathed a sigh of relief and smiled. "I also want to tell you that Mr. Martin has had a very bad experience with our people. That is why he reacted to you as he did. That does not excuse his behavior and he is being disciplined for it, but Niko; there are more people like him in the world. As you grow older, you will learn that there are times when you must stand down and there are times to stand firm. Yesterday you were in the right. We are proud of you." Niko beamed at the compliment loving the look of pride that he saw in Patricia's eyes, but what he wanted was for her to be so proud of him that she cried as she did for his father. "Kirei, I must go or I will be late," Kenji said as he kissed her. "I will see you tonight- I love you." Kenji kissed the children goodbye, picked up his lunch and left for the day. **** Saul sat in the library unable to concentrate. It had been weeks since his meeting with Nick and the others. He didn't know what he thought would happen or how fast it would happen, but it felt as if nothing was being done. As the weeks passed, he fought the urge to call to see where things stood. He decided to give it one more week before calling. His mind went from Nick to Harry. He was now convinced that Harry was into something that wasn't necessarily good. Whenever he asked Harry about it, he became secretive and changed the subject. He didn't press too much because if Harry told him, then he would be expected to tell him about going to prison and the meeting with Nick. Finally he gave up on writing the essay that was his latest assignment from Reggie. According to Reggie, he was almost ready to take his first college class. Saul took the news with a mixture of excitement and anxiety. "You'll do fine," Reggie, Joshua and Cora assured him. Joshua and Cora had been thrilled when he told them that he wanted to go into the ministry. Cora actually cried as she hugged him. It wasn't long after that announcement that a visitor started coming to dinner on a weekly basis. "I remember you," Saul said when he and Noah were officially introduced. "I helped with your luggage at Christmas." "You have a good memory," Noah replied. After that, Saul spent a little of each evening talking with Noah. He was as impressed with him as he was with Reggie, Joshua and Jacob. One night after dinner, he and Noah were talking. "Tell me," Noah said between drags on his cigarette, "what do you plan to do with your life? Surely you aren't planning to be a baggage boy for the rest of your life." "No sir," Saul replied. "I plan to go into the ministry. I was pretty far behind as far as school goes, but Reggie has been helping me get caught up." "Why did you choose the ministry? Why not politics or something else?" Noah asked. "I never considered politics as a career," Saul replied. "But then, I never considered the ministry either. To be honest, I never thought that I would get to leave South Carolina let alone be making a decision about a career. May I ask you a question?" "I suppose that's fair since you've answered all of mine," Noah replied. "The girl that was with you at Christmas; what's her name?" Noah gave Saul a sharp glance. His instincts had been right. "Why are you asking?" "Well," Saul said blushing, "I see her at church when I go that is, but she seems so... standoffish." "You don't seem like the type of man that would let something like that stop you," Noah said with a small smile. He was remembering how Saul had defended a co-worker. "No sir, but I don't want to offend her or anyone else by talking to her." "Why would they be offended?" Noah asked even though he knew the answer, but he wanted to see what Saul would say. "May I speak frankly?" Saul asked. Noah nodded and waited. "I don't know how she and the others at church would feel about a white man approaching her. I mean, it took a while before folk stopped giving me funny looks." "I'll ask the same question that I just asked," Noah said, "are you the type of man that's going to let something like that stop you?" "No sir," Saul said after a moment's deliberation. "I'm not- you aren't going to tell me her name are you?" "No son, I'm not," Noah replied as he stood up to leave. "I would encourage you to keep up with your studies-you never know what's going to happen." Saul watched Noah walk away with the feeling that he had somehow just been tested. He had the same feeling when they met at the train station. But he had to admit that Noah was right. He wasn't the kind of man that would let what other people thought stand in his way. He went over his work schedule in his head. The next Sunday that he would have off would be in two weeks. He decided that if he did nothing else, he was going to introduce himself to the attractive black woman. *** Isadora couldn't believe that she was entering her second year of college. It had been a busy summer with her two classes and working through the syllabus for her sophomore year. She and Maeve saw each other when time allowed and when Maeve wasn't going out with Ernie. Initially, Maeve was worried that Isadora would be upset, but soon found out that she worried for nothing. "Maeve, I'm happy for you and Ernie's a nice guy." Maeve let out a sigh of relief. She didn't know what she would have done if her best friend had a problem with her boyfriend. "Isadora, isn't there someone that's caught your eye?" "No and I don't want to catch anyone's eye. I've got to concentrate on school." "You can still do that and have a little fun," Maeve said. "Maeve, I don't want to talk about it," Isadora said firmly. "I'm happy for you and Ernie, but I'm not looking nor am I interested." "Isadora, we've been friends for over a year now. I think of you like a sister. I know that I could come to you with anything and you wouldn't turn me away. In fact, you would do everything possible to help me. I hope that you know that the same goes for me. I'm here for you." "Thank you, I'll keep that in mind," Isadora said as she organized her desk. "You aren't going to tell me are you?" Maeve asked. "There's nothing to tell," Isadora replied feeling guilty for lying. "I have goals that I want to meet. Is there something wrong with that?" I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 17 "Not at all-but with you they seem to be all encompassing. I'm sorry, but that isn't normal. That alone tells me that something happened to you or someone close to you. At any rate, you need to get out and have fun. Why don't you come with us tonight? Ernie won't care-" "No thanks. I want to get ahead on my reading." "But classes don't start until next week! One night out isn't going to hurt anything," Maeve argued. "Maybe the next time," Isadora replied. "Have fun." After Maeve left, Isadora thought about the names on her list. She already knew who she was going to start with. She would start with the weakest of them and save the main one for last. She wanted him to be as scared as she had been. She wanted him to lose sleep as he wondered when she was going to come for him. She wanted everyone to know what he had done to her and what she had to do because of it. She wanted him to lose everything. She stopped herself when she felt her face flush with the heat of anger and hatred. To distract herself, she went to the kitchen to see if she could help with dinner. Maybe Maeve was right, she decided. Maybe she did need a night to just relax and to do something fun. She decided that the next time Maeve asked her to go out, she would go. *** The next week flew by in a rush. Each passing day found Patricia a little more nervous even though things at school had settled down for Niko. He loved school even though there were still some minor problems. True to her word, his teacher Miss. Nixon was fair and treated Niko like he was any other student. His favorite classes were math and science which thrilled Miss Nixon. By the end of the first week, the other students had gotten used to seeing him and were slowly beginning including him in on some of their games- especially soccer. It was Kenji's first rotation that had Patricia in knots. It would help that she had classes of her own to go to, but it was going to be the nights that were going to be the problem. The day before he had to report to the hospital, Kenji took her out for lunch. He avoided talking about leaving the next day and concentrated on their time together and future plans. He was just as nervous as she was although he didn't admit it. He was sure that he knew what was going through her mind- the nights of sleeping and waking up alone. It was something that he thought about too. He also knew that for her, it would be worse. She had to watch him leave again. They got home in time to read with the children before making dinner. After dinner, Kenji spent time with each child telling them what was expected of them. "This is going to be very hard for all of us and I need you to be on your best behavior," he told each child. "Your mama is going to need your help and behaving is the best way to help her." "When will you be home?" Niko asked. "I will be home in five days," Kenji replied. "I know that it seems like a long time, but I will call every evening to say goodnight and to tell you that I love you." To Niko he had special instructions. "I want you to help your mama with Marie. Read to her and play with her while mama studies. Can you do that?" "Yes papa," Niko replied. His conversation with Marie was in a different direction. "Pretty one, I expect you to obey your mama in all things. I don't want to hear that you have misbehaved. Will you give me your word that you will be a good girl?" Marie bit her lip and hesitated for several seconds before answering. She knew that if she said yes, she would be expected to do as she promised. Like Niko, she had seen Patricia cry, but it didn't affect her in the same way. She always felt badly when Patricia cried but not as badly as Niko. What made her feel the worst was she thought she had done something to cause the tears. That was never the case and Patricia made sure that she knew it. "Sometimes I think about something that makes me sad," Patricia told her. "You, your brother and your papa make me happy." Marie looked at Kenji and made her promise. "Yes papa," she finally said. "I promise." After the children were tucked in, Kenji took Patricia to bed. His bags were already packed and out of sight. She was crying even before they were settled. "I'm sorry," she said through her sniffles. "But this is too much like when you left before." "I know, but Kirei; it is also different. I had no choice before and something good will come of this. When I am through I will be able to provide for you and our children without help. Do not misunderstand me, I am grateful for all of the help that we have received, but I am ready for us to be self-sufficient. I am long past ready to take care of my family." "I know that, but it still feels the same," Patricia replied. "This first week will be the hardest,' Kenji said. "After that it will get easier. I've stocked up on notebooks so that we can write about our days and I promise to call you every night." "You'd better," Patricia said making an effort to tease. "And stay away from those pretty female interns." "That will not be an issue," Kenji replied pulling her tight against him. "There is and will always be only you." He kissed her nose and then her lips murmuring softly against them. "You are my Kirei. Everything that I have done and will do is because of you. I belong only to you." Patricia reached down between them and gently stroked Kenji's erection. He made love to her until she couldn't move. As she fell asleep, he sang softly in her ear. "I remember that song," she said sleepily. "Then you remember how it ends." "You came back." "I will always come back," Kenji replied and resumed singing. The next morning, Hana, Nick and everyone else came over for breakfast to send Kenji off and to spend the day with Patricia and the children. As soon as she had a free minute, Patricia circled the day that Kenji would be home on the calendar. "By the way," Abby said as she helped clean up the kitchen. "I'm staying over that way you can use my car to get to classes and I can help with the children." "Abby..." "No arguments. I'm glad to do it." "Thank you." "I can take you to school and pick you up if you aren't comfortable with driving," Nick said. "It isn't much out of my way and you only have classes a couple of days a week." "Do you mind?" Patricia asked. She knew how to drive, but she didn't want to be responsible for someone else's car. "I don't mind at all," Nick replied with a smile. "I think that I would prefer that option," Patricia replied. "Then it's settled," Nick replied. "I'll pick you up around seven which will get you there in plenty of time for your classes and me to work on time." Nick, Hana and Patricia's parents stayed for dinner and then Nick took them home. "I'll see you Tuesday morning at seven," he called as they left. Kenji called just before the children's bedtime and spoke to them and then Patricia. "I'll call you a little later after the children are settled." Patricia tucked the children into bed, changed clothes and made Abby sleep in her and Kenji's bed. "I won't sleep anyway," she told Abby when Abby tried to refuse. An hour later, Kenji called. Patricia smiled at the excitement in his voice. "The rooms are small, but I will survive... Kirei, I miss you and the children." "We miss you too- so what are you doing tonight?" "Aside from missing you I'm going to start writing in my journal. Kirei, make sure that you get your rest." "You too- I'm going to start my journal tonight too." "I look forward to reading it," Kenji said. "You have to be up early don't you?" Patricia asked. "Maybe you'd better get ready for bed." "I will be fine-I don't want to hang up." "Neither do I, but Kenji you have a grueling schedule ahead of you. You need to sleep." "You are right- Kirei, I love you. Kiss the children for me." After they hung up, Patricia wiped away a tear and began to write in her journal. *** Mai Kabata sat on her cot exhausted. The trip from Boston, Massachusetts to Los Angeles by train had been exhausting in more ways than one. For one, there were those who seemed to have forgotten that the war had ended and then there were those who thought that she was Korean. It was easier to feign ignorance of the English language than to explain the differences between the two groups. She realized that even if she had tried to explain; it wouldn't have mattered. It wasn't long before she was wishing that she had taken her father up on his offer of a berth, but it was too late to change anything. She did her best to remain inconspicuous and to read her medical journals. She slept little during the long trip and was more than ready for her bed. The acceptance letter from UCLA had come as a welcome surprise. What made it even better was that her sister lived in the city and she could stay there rent free when she was off rotation. She slowly got up, looked around the small sleeping room. She was tempted to put off unpacking, but she needed clothes for the morning and she still needed to call her father and sister to let them know that she had arrived safely. After thinking about it, she decided to make the phone calls first. That way she could get back to the room and be in for the rest of the night. She tried to remember where she saw a telephone and groaned when she remembered that it was on the bottom floor. "Damn it," she swore as she put her shoes back on. She thought about waiting until the next day, but her family would be worried if she didn't call when she said she would. She looked longingly at the small bed, grabbed her purse and headed to the lobby where she had seen the phone. All of the phones were in use so she settled in to wait. The softly accented voice of the tall man using the phone closest to her caught her attention. Her heart leapt with excitement when she realized that the accent was Japanese. When she heard the term 'Kirei', she knew that she was right. She hadn't meant to eavesdrop, but it was nice to hear the voice of a countryman. She wondered who he was talking to with such affection. It had to be a woman if he used the word 'Kirei'. Mai thought about her own betrothed Shotaro. She liked him well enough, but she didn't love him. The good thing about him was that he had no problem with her becoming a doctor. He was a resident at a Boston hospital and would be finished in a few months. The plan was that they would marry as soon as she was finished her residency. After that, she would transfer back to Boston and get a job there. The thing that she wondered about was why Shotaro didn't have a problem with her going to the other side of the country. To her it was a confirmation of the fact that he didn't want to marry her. In the end, she decided that it didn't matter. It gave her time to think about getting out of a marriage that she didn't want. She looked away and pretended that she hadn't been listening when she heard the words "I love you and kiss the children for me." After he hung up and turned toward her, Mai's breath caught. It wasn't his height or looks that caught her attention, it was his presence. He exuded confidence and a quiet dignity that she had always liked in a man. "Ohayo-hello," she said with a slight bow. "Ohayo," Kenji replied after recovering from his surprise. "I am sorry if I am being forward, but I did not expect to meet another Japanese intern," Mai said after a few seconds had passed. "I am Kenjiro Takeda, welcome." "I am Mai Kabata. I have just arrived from Boston." "It is nice to meet you and please, if you need assistance with anything, let me know," Kenji said with a polite smile. "Now if you will excuse me-" "Of course," Mai said. "I will see you in the morning." Mai watched Kenji walk away wondering who the lucky woman was. Shotaro had never told her that he loved her or called her by anything other than her name. But then, she never called him by anything than his name either. The bottom line was that he loved her no more than she loved him. What she didn't understand was why it suddenly bothered her. She called her father first because of the time difference. She was more acutely aware of how curt and abrasive he was after hearing Kenji talking on the phone and then actually talking to him. "I have safely arrived," she said quietly when her father answered the phone. "Good-I do not need to remind you that I was against you going so far away when you were accepted at the same hospital Shotaro is." "Yes father." "To be truthful, I do not understand why he agreed to this." "Yes father," Mai said when what she wanted to say was that it was because he didn't love her. "You are to spend your free time at your sister's home and not socializing. Is that clear?" Her father demanded talking to her as if she was a child. "Yes father," Mai replied. A few minutes later, the phone call was over and she was talking to her sister. She knew within the first few minutes of the conversation that her sister was going to be her father's spy. She wasn't as free as she thought she was. After making arrangements to be picked up at the end of the week, Mai hung up and went back to her room. *** The next morning, Kenji was up early so that he could call Patricia before he started his day. He checked for his pens that she had given him and put the engraved stethoscope around his neck. Last, he put on the white lab coat and headed to the phones. On the way there, he met Mai who looked lost. "Are you looking for the cafeteria?" he asked. "Yes, I haven't had a chance to explore my new surroundings yet," Mai replied. "I understand," Kenji said. "If you will give me a moment to call my wife and children, I can take you to the cafeteria. I am going there as well." "Thank you," Mai said. She stood back and listened as Kenji spoke to someone in low soft tones. A moment later, the tone while still soft had changed. It had taken on an almost erotic quality in that the pitch dropped a notch. Mai knew that he was now talking to the woman who had to be his wife. "Did you sleep well?" he asked. "Yes Kirei, I did and I wrote two pages in the journal... You did? I cannot wait to read it...I am going now... yes... I love you too." As she listened to Kenji talk, Mai realized that even if Shotaro loved her; he would never talk to her as Kenji had just spoken to his wife. Kenji intrigued her enough that she wanted to know more about him. "Are you ready for breakfast?" Kenji asked when he was through with the phone call. A short time later, they were in the cafeteria. She followed Kenji through the line and to a table where several other interns sat. She was impressed with the way in which they seemed to accept him. "It's too bad that Joel and Penny had to go east," one of them said between bites of egg. "Yes, but they are adjusting to New York," Kenji replied. "Please allow me to introduce a new colleague. This is Mai Kabata. She arrived from Boston last night." Kenji introduced the others at the table to Mai and ate his breakfast. One of the things Patricia was concerned about was that he wouldn't take time to eat. He had his fork partway to his mouth and stopped. He missed her and the chatter of the children. He forced himself to finish eating and participate in the conversation. "How do you know them?" Mai asked as they walked to the conference room for their assignments. "I graduated from UCLA," Kenji replied. "Some of those at our table graduated with me." "It must be nice to have friends already," Mai commented looking up at him. "You will soon make friends," Kenji said reassuringly. "When we have time, I will take you on a tour of the campus if you wish." "I would like that," Mai replied. **** The week couldn't go by fast enough as far as Patricia was concerned. It felt as though it had been a month instead of a week. Niko was standing watch by the window ready to sound the alarm as soon as he saw the car. He had so much to tell Kenji and like Marie and Patricia; he could hardly wait. "Mama! Papa's home!" he yelled and ran to the garage. As soon as the car was parked and Kenji got out, Niko tackled him almost knocking him off balance. Marie was next, crying out for him as she ran toward him. That told Kenji that the little girl had indeed kept her promise to behave. Patricia stood by the door watching and waiting her turn. Finally Kenji was done with greeting the children. "I smell dinner," he said with eyes glued on Patricia. "Niko take your sister inside and get ready for dinner. I need to greet your mother." Patricia's body tingled as she returned Kenji's gaze. As soon as the children were indoors, Kenji was in front of her in three long strides and hugging her. Patricia bit back a moan as he rubbed against her. "Do you feel how much I've missed you?" He asked. "I missed you too," Patricia replied as she cupped his ass in her hands and squeezed. "I have a surprise for you." "What is it?" Kenji asked as he nuzzled his nose in her hair. "Well, Abby is coming back later to sleep in our room. We're going to spend the night in the basement. It's already set up with water and everything else that I can think of including sugar cookies." "Will there be a night gown for me to remove?" he murmured against her lips. "Maybe," Patricia teased pressing her lips against his. "We'd better get inside. Dinner is ready." "Have you been a good girl?" Kenji asked Marie as they ate dinner. "Yes papa," Marie replied. "I helped mama clean the house and bake cookies." "That is good pretty one. Thank you for keeping your word." "Niko how is school?" Kenji asked. "I like my teacher," Niko replied, "and the others are starting to let me play with them." "I am pleased to hear that," Kenji replied. "Papa? What is it like? Being a doctor I mean." Niko asked. "I am not really a doctor yet," Kenji replied, "but I aside from missing all of you, it was an enjoyable week." "I think that I want to be a doctor like you and mama," Niko announced. "It is a lot of work," Kenji said, "but when you are ready to decide we will help you." "I already know," Niko insisted. "I want to be a doctor like you and mama. I have a new friend too," Niko added as an afterthought. "What is the name of this friend?" Kenji asked. "Florrie Lane. She was in the first class with me-she was the first one to be nice to me. The other's pick on her, but I don't." "Why do they pick on her?" Kenji asked as he took a bite of pie. "They call her names like fatso and four eyes," Niko replied. "But I like her and try to get the others to leave her alone." "I am glad that you have each other," Kenji said. "Niko, take your sister and pick out some books. I will read with you before it is your bedtime." "Dinner was delicious," Kenji said as he helped Patricia clear the table. "That's because you're tired of cafeteria food- is there a refrigerator available?" "There is, but from what I understand; no one respects the property of others. But I appreciate the thought." "I can at least send things for you to snack on," Patricia replied. "We've been busy making sugar cookies for you and I can send back sandwiches this time too." "I don't want to talk about going back; I just got home," Kenji said Patricia realized that she was already mentally preparing herself for Kenji's leaving again instead of fully enjoying the fact that he was home. The next four days would pass quickly enough. "I'm sorry- I'm already preparing myself for when you have to leave again. Why don't you go read with the kids and I'll finish up here." "It will go faster if I help you," Kenji replied. "I want you with me when we read to the children. What time is Abby coming back?" I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 17 "She said around eight," Patricia replied as she washed the last dish, rinsed it and handed it to Kenji. "She's planning to stay until the afternoon so that we can sleep in." Abby arrived just before eight. Kenji had just finished the last story for the night and was going to help the children get ready for bed. "Let me do that," Abby offered. "Thank you, but no," Kenji replied. "This is one of the things that I missed when I was away. Together Kenji and Patricia got Niko and Marie ready for bed and sat with them until they were asleep. Afterwards, they talked with Abby. "I can't tell you how proud I am of you," she said. "I know that Ralph would be just as proud." "None of this would have been possible without your help," Kenji replied. "You would have found a way, but you're welcome," Abby replied. "I have an idea that I want you to think about. Niko and Marie are getting too big to be sharing a room. The house that I'm in now has three bedrooms and half a bathroom in addition to the full one. The basement is finished so it would be an easy matter to turn it into an extra bedroom/ study space. What I'm suggesting is that we swap houses." Kenji and Patricia looked at each other and then back at Abby. "We will talk about it," Kenji said, "but won't going up and down the stairs be difficult for you? Your current home is on one floor." "That isn't a problem," Abby replied. 'I'm still steady on my feet. As I said, just think about it. Speaking of stairs, I think I'll go up to bed. I have a new book that I want to start." After giving each of them a hug and kiss, Abby slowly climbed the stairs. "We can't let her move back in here," Patricia said when Abby was out of earshot. "If she falls down the stairs, she could be on the floor for hours before anyone finds her." "I agree, but we don't have to decide now," Kenji said as he stood and then held out a hand to her. When she took it, he pulled her to her feet and led her to the basement." "Kenji what if..." "Later," Kenji said as he pulled her along. When they were in the basement, he stopped and turned toward Patricia. "Are you ready for me?" "Not quite... I need to change and..." "Is the device in place?" "Yes but..." "Then you are ready-Kirei, I have missed the feel of your body next to mine," he said as he bent down to kiss her. "I have missed waking up, kissing your shoulder and then falling back to sleep holding you tight against me. This past week, as wonderful as it has been was missing something-you." "I'm with you in spirit," Patricia said as she pulled his shirt out of his slacks and began to unbutton it. She ran her hands under his t-shirt stopping to pinch his nipples. Kenji sighed in contentment. "Kirei, undress for me. I want to look at you." Patricia stepped back and undressed letting the dress fall to the floor around her feet. With her eyes on Kenji's face, she slowly removed the bra and then finally the panties. She watched Kenji's breath quicken and the bulge in his slacks grow until it strained against the fabric. "Your turn," she whispered. She licked her lips as he shrugged off his shirt and tossed it to a chair. The t-shirt was next and then the slacks. Kenji stood before her dressed in only his briefs. Patricia's mouth watered at the thought of tasting him. She felt moisture gathering between her legs as she walked toward him. When she was standing in front of him, she reached into his briefs and pulled his engorged member out and lovingly stroked it. Kenji closed his eyes enjoying the feel of her soft hand on his cock. Suddenly, he could wait no longer. He took the briefs off, took hold of Patricia's arms and guided her to the bed. She no sooner than had her legs open than he was inside of her moaning at the contact. "Oh Kirei- you feel so good... don't move yet...don't..." even as he said it, he began moving against her. He bent down and kissed her gently at first and then with more urgency. Patricia returned the kiss writhing beneath him. She cried out when he left her lips and went to the sensitive spot behind her ear and sucked on it. She buried her face in his shoulder and screamed into it as she came. Kenji came with a muffled moan just after Patricia did." Afterwards, he lay on top of her reluctant to move. Only when he slipped out of her did he roll off and pull her into his arms. Neither of them spoke for several minutes as they caught their breath. Patricia kissed his chest and then laid her head on it. "Tell me about your week," Kenji said when she was settled. **** Mai looked out into the warm California sunshine and made a decision. She wasn't going back to Boston when she was done with her residency and she wasn't going to marry Shotaro. The thing was that she couldn't say anything until after she was through with the program and had taken boards. If she said anything sooner, her father would stop paying her expenses and make her go back to Boston. The wedding to Shotaro would happen immediately and she would be trapped. "What are you thinking about?" her sister Ani asked as she poured orange juice into the glass in front of Mai. "Nothing really- it really is beautiful here. I could learn to like it here." "Well maybe after Shotaro is finished his residency, he'll move here and you can live here. When is he coming to visit?" "I don't know. His schedule is very busy," Mai replied hoping that he never came. "You must miss him," Ani said. "I couldn't be away from Jiro like that." "So you love him?" Mai asked. Ani and Jiro's marriage had been an arranged one just as hers and Shotaro's was. If Ani had been upset about being made to marry someone that she barely knew, she hadn't shown it. "What does that have to do with it?" Ani asked. "Jiro is gentle, sweet and kind. It could have been worse. It could have been some old man who wanted a slave instead of a wife." "So you don't love him?" Mai asked. "I don't dislike him," Ani replied evading the question. "Don't you think that you should more than like him?" Mai asked thinking of Kenji and the way that he had spoken to his wife and children. "I don't know... we're not the ones to decide these things. But- it pressed for an answer, I more than like Jiro. I guess I would have to say that I love him. But why are you asking these questions about love? Have you met someone?" "No," Mai lied. "Well, just a fellow intern who happens to be Japanese. Don't worry, he's married and has children. And besides, father would never forgive me if I went against his wishes. I am only here because you're here and Shotaro agreed to let me come." "What does this intern have to do with your questions?" Ani asked. "And that's another thing, I have to agree with father; I don't understand why Shotaro agreed to let you leave Boston. Shouldn't you have accepted the position at his hospital? That way you could have gotten to know each other better." Mai tried to think of a good answer. She had forgotten how astute her sister was. "I hear him talking to his wife and children-Ani, the love that he has for them is clear in his voice. He always ends the call by telling them that he loves them. The other interns-even the married ones are already chasing the nurses, but not him. When the day is over, he goes to dinner and then to his room. As far as Shotaro is concerned, I was as surprised as you that he agreed to let me come here." "Mai, be careful. I recognize that tone in your voice when you spoke of the intern. He is married and as you say, he loves his family. Even if that weren't the case, you are betrothed to Shotaro." "I realize that, I was simply answering your question," Mai replied. "So what are the plans for today?" she asked changing the subject. Ani gave her a sharp glance and then answered the question. "Jiro is gone on a business trip and won't be back until tomorrow night so I thought that we could do some shopping and send a few things to father." Relieved that Ani had let the subject of Kenji drop, Mai quickly agreed to go shopping. "I have some things to do for the hospital, but it can wait until later." As they got ready to go, she wondered what Kenji was doing and if his wife loved him as much as he apparently loved her. **** Saul couldn't wait any longer. During one of his lunch breaks he called Nick. "It's been weeks, what's happening?" "I told you that this would take time," Nick replied. "Your family is still safe and we're looking for present and former inmates who will attest to what you told us, but so far; no one's talking." "What about your friend Charles? I thought that he had connections." "He does," Nick replied. "But Saul, it's only been a few weeks. The longer we keep this under wraps the better. If Ellis suspects that we're gunning for him, people will start disappearing and he will go after you, your family and anyone else that he thinks will turn on him. I know that it's hard, but you have to be patient. Is there anything that you need?" "No. I guess I'm a little anxious," Saul replied. "That's perfectly understandable," Nick said. "I'll tell you what; do you still go to the library on Thursdays?" "Yes." "It isn't that far from me, so every Thursday I'll stop by and leave a note for you at the desk. A blank note will mean nothing and my initials will tell you to call me. Will that help ease some of your anxiety?" "I think so," Saul replied. "Thank you." He hung up feeling a little better about that situation, but now concern about another matter took precedence: Harry. Over the summer his attitude had become surlier. When Saul asked him about it, Harry told Saul that he was imagining things. If Saul pushed, Harry got angry and told him to mind his business. Instead of eating lunch together, Harry began eating lunch with Dewey and a few others that Saul didn't know. When he asked the others about the group, they became evasive. Finally one of the luggage boys pulled him aside. "Looky here," he said in a harsh whisper. "All you gots to know is that your white ass is safe. If you don't keep your questions to yourself it won't stay that way no matter what Harry says." Before Saul could say anything, the man stalked off. **** Two weeks later, Saul nervously got ready for church. He was shaved, showered and dressed long before anyone else was. He was so nervous that he couldn't eat breakfast. "Saul? Are you alright?" Cora asked. "I'm fine ma'am," Saul said as he tried to eat. Reggie eyed him up and down and then grinned. "It's a female! Look at him! He's shaved, his shirt is ironed... so who is she? Where are you meeting her?" Saul hesitated and decided to answer the question truthfully. "I'm meeting her at church." "Church?" Joshua asked surprised. "You found a white woman who will step inside of a black church?" Saul squirmed in his seat. Noah's question about the kind of man he was went through his mind. "No sir, she attends our church." Three pairs of eyes stared at him, but it was Cora who spoke first. "Saul, honey; who are you talking about?" "I don't know her name-yet, but I plan on finding out today." "Saul, you know that we love you as if you were family-in fact, we consider you family," Joshua said, "so I'm going to talk to you like family. Saul, I don't' know what you're thinking, but no good can come of it." "Why? Is it because I'm white? You know, you all preach that in the eyes of god we're all the same, so why does it matter?" "Because it's not the eyes of god that we're talking about," Joshua replied, "it's the eyes of man and his eyes aren't forgiving." "First of all, aside from seeing me at church, she doesn't know that I exist so this discussion may be a moot point. But- if after today she expresses an interest in getting to know me better, then I'll pursue it. Before you say it, I know and understand what I may be getting into, but like everything that I've been through, I'll take it as it comes." "Well damn," Reggie said after a few minutes. 'I think I might have to stick around to see how this plays out." **** Isadora got ready for church, ate breakfast and did some reading while the others got ready. After church she planned to sit in the back yard and write a letter to her parents and Mr. Whitman. What she wanted was for him to keep her informed of the doings and whereabouts of the four that kept her focused. "Izzy! We're ready to go! Lenny called. "Coming!" she called back as she grabbed her purse and fan. The church was half full when they got there giving them a good selection of seats. They sat toward the back so that Bella or Lenny could take restless children out for a bit of fresh air with minimal disturbance. For some reason, to Isadora; once the service started; it seemed to drag. She could have sworn that the pastor's sermon went much longer than its usual hour, but when she looked at her watch, only minutes had ticked by. To help pass the time, in her mind she began to draft a letter to Whitman. She had to find a way of asking for his help without telling him why she wanted the information. Finally, after what seemed to be hours, the service was over. She turned to speak to the people who were sitting behind her and stopped. **** Saul walked into the church looking for a place to sit when he saw Isadora sitting near the back of the church. There were two empty seats behind her and no one looked interested in them. He tapped Joshua on the shoulder and pointed to the empty chairs telling him that's where he was going to sit. Joshua looked at him, started to say something, but nodded and walked away. He slid into the seat behind Isadora and only half listened to the service. He was thinking about what Joshua said about the eyes of man, but he kept thinking about the eyes of god. The bottom line was who he was going to listen to- god or man. By the end of the service, he decided to listen to himself and god. If the beautiful woman sitting in front of him wasn't meant for him, then so be it. But he wasn't going to let what anyone said or thought keep him from finding out. Saul didn't see Noah sitting far to the back and in a corner watching and waiting to see what would happen. As soon as the benediction had been said, Saul stood up. Oddly, he was no longer nervous as he waited for Isadora to stand and turn around. When she saw him, he saw a trace of fear and then apprehension. A second later, the look was gone replaced by a guarded curiosity. "Hello, my name is Saul Mullins," he said and offered his hand. After several seconds, Isadora offered her hand. "Hello, I'm Isadora Hughes." Noah nodded and smiled in approval as he stood to leave. Saul had just passed a major test. *** Each time Kenji was home and then had to leave was as difficult as the first time, but they all adjusted. The exchanging of notebooks helped and the fact that Patricia was back in school also helped. It wasn't until Kenji's second time home that he mentioned Mai. "She is one of the few female interns there which is difficult, but she is also one of the few Japanese interns as well." "So why is she latching onto you?" Patricia asked fully aware that she was sounding like a jealous woman. "I was the first Japanese intern that she met," Kenji replied. "I am sure that you'll meet her when you come to have lunch with me." "When is that?" she asked excitedly forgetting about Mai. "I have to set up baby-sitting for the kids." "You are already at school on Thursday and I also come home that day. I will meet you at the hospital cafeteria and we can come home together. You will have to wait for me for a couple of hours, but you can study while you wait." "That sounds wonderful!" Patricia replied. As always, it was hard to watch Kenji go, but knowing that she would see him a few hours earlier on Thursday helped. "Oh, by the way," she said, "make sure that you look in your notebook-the one that you take your notes in. I think that there may be something in there for you." "Are you going to give me a clue?" Kenji asked as he reached for his bag. "No and you have to wait until later to look, you're going to be late." Kenji looked at the clock and grimaced. Patricia was right. He still needed to read with the children before he left. He read the story, kissed the children and then Patricia. "I will call you and the children later." "Okay and let me know what you find in your notebook," she said hugging him. A few minutes later, Kenji was gone. **** Kenji got to the hospital early enough to have his choice of rooms. But his room of choice was on the top floor. It eliminated the sounds of people walking across the ceiling above him and he had access to the roof where he practiced his martial arts during his down time. There was no problem with getting the room because it was on the top floor. He had met the resident who used the room once and they had decided to save the room for each other. Kenji was pleased that the other student was as meticulous as he was and that he didn't have to clean before he could unpack. Once unpacked, Kenji decided to see what was in his notebook. He sat on the narrow cot and took the notebook out and opened it. Glued to the inside cover was a picture of Patricia and the children. Underneath it was a caption-'we love you!' He touched the picture and smiled. Just as he put the notebook down, another picture fell out. It was identical to the one taped to the book. Kenji held it in his hands for several seconds before deciding where to put it. Moments later, it was taped to the wall beside the bed. The week passed quickly. Before he knew it, Thursday had arrived. His bags were already packed and the room cleaned for the intern who would be using the room after him. The last thing he did was to take the photograph down and to put it in his bags. He left the room, locked the door behind him and headed for the cafeteria. *** Mai had spent the week when she wasn't busy trying to find out about Kenji without being obvious. All she heard was that he had been among those interred and that he was brilliant as a student. She also heard that the hospital was planning to make him an offer to stay after his residency. That she discounted as being a rumor. She heard nothing about his family other than he loved them to a distraction- but then she already knew that. Every so often she would offer a bit of personal information about herself in the hopes that he would reciprocate. So far it hadn't happened. She watched him as he interacted with the female nurses and interns and once again noticed that he was nothing but professional. Even when he was blatantly flirted with, he ignored it. She wondered how different he would be in a social setting. The week sped by for her as well. The only time she saw Kenji was during the pre and post round conferences. Every so often she would see him open his notebook, look at something in it and then touch it. She wondered if whatever it was had something to do with superstition although he hadn't struck her as the superstitious type. Sometime on Wednesday, she saw him talking to another resident and made a decision. She was going to ask him to lunch the next day. Thursday morning, Mai dressed with care. She knew that she was treading on thin ice, but she couldn't seem to stop herself. Ani's warnings rang in her head, but she ignored them and told herself that she was inviting Kenji to lunch as a thank you for his kindness. She pushed thoughts of her obligations to Shotaro and her father out of her mind as she double checked her hair and applied a thin layer of lipstick. "This isn't a date," she murmured under her breath as she wiped the lipstick off. She met Kenji at the cafeteria with a bright smile. I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 17 "Good morning! Did you rest well?" "Yes, thank you," Kenji replied with a polite smile. Somehow the question felt too intimate to him each and every time she asked it. He finally understood why- it was something that he and Patricia asked each other every morning. Because of that, he didn't ask Mai how she slept then or in the past. "I never properly thanked you for being so kind to me," Mai said. "I would like to thank you by buying your lunch." "I only did what was right," Kenji replied, "But thank you for the offer. I am meeting my wife for lunch today and then we will go home together." "She is coming here?" Mai asked trying to hide the disappointment in her voice. "She is a student at the college working toward her undergraduate degree," Kenji replied. "I would like for you to meet her." "Of course, what time is lunch?" Mai asked. "She will be here by one o'clock. She is looking forward to meeting you," "I am looking forward to meeting her as well," Mai lied. They parted ways to go to their assignments a moment later. Kenji excited about seeing Patricia, Mai wanting to get out of it. **** Patricia felt like a schoolgirl going on her first date. While she knew many of the interns that Kenji worked with, this was the first time that she was meeting him as a doctor's wife. She looked through the closet and took out the light green dress that was Kenji's favorite. She sprayed a little perfume on her pulse points and took down her hair. "You look very nice," Hana said when Patricia came down the stairs. "Do you think so?" Patricia asked. "You look pretty," Niko said looking up from his breakfast. "I agree," Nick said, "are you ready to go?" Patricia kissed the children goodbye and admonished them to be on their best behavior. "Patricia, Abby is coming over to take Niko to school and then take us to do some grocery shopping, do you need anything?" Hana asked. "I don't think so...well maybe some eggs and bacon, if you don't mind and don't let Marie con you into buying her candy or any other sweets and you, young lady; don't bother to ask." "Yes mama," Marie mumbled. Patricia could hardly focus on class, she was that excited. She quickly packed up her things and ran out of the classroom only stopping when she saw Isadora and Maeve. "Look at you," Isadora said when she saw her. "Where are you off to all dressed up?" "I'm meeting Kenji for lunch at the hospital," Patricia replied. "I wanted to look nice. But I'm glad that I ran into you. I was thinking of having a party over Thanksgiving break depending on Kenji's schedule. I'll keep you posted." "Ok, but Patricia; you really do look nice," Maeve said. They chatted for a few more minutes before Patricia hurried off. "She's one lucky gal," Maeve commented as they watched her rush out of the front door. **** Patricia made it to the cafeteria entrance with ten minutes to spare. She filled the time by looking at the menu that was hanging from the wall. "Hello Kirei," Kenji said from behind her, "I am glad that you're here." "Hi yourself," Patricia replied turning to face him. Kenji looked her up and down in a way that made her tingle and smiled. "You are wearing my favorite dress. Thank you." "I didn't know what to wear so I chose this," Patricia replied. "You are beautiful no matter what you wear," Kenji said touching her arm. "Let's get our lunch and find a table. I have invited Mai to join us so that you can meet her." "Oh... ok," Patricia said not sure that she really wanted to meet the intern. She had a bad feeling about her but didn't know why. She had finally chalked it up to a silly insecurity on her part but now she wasn't so sure. "I don't believe that she will stay long, her sister is coming for her and she needs to have everything done as do I." "Ok," Patricia said. "So this is where you eat all of your meals." "It is nowhere as delicious as the meals you make, but it fills the stomach," Kenji replied as he guided her through the line. "And in a few years, you will be eating the same food." "That's assuming that I get accepted," Patricia said as she picked up what looked like a tuna fish sandwich. "Of course you will," Kenji assured her as he picked up the same kind of sandwich as her. Kenji paid for their food and headed toward an empty table. Patricia looked around the large room amazed at all the doctors and interns. A sense of excitement and nervousness filled her as she saw herself in the same room wearing the stethoscope that Kenji had given her around her neck and a white lab coat. "Where's your friend?" she asked a few moments later. "I don't know," Kenji replied. "She must have gotten busy." *** Mai didn't want to meet Kenji's wife. In fact, she didn't want to know anything about her. She sighed and forced herself to go to the cafeteria. If she didn't, Kenji would ask what happened and what would she say? She got to the cafeteria toward the end of the lunch break and looked around for Kenji. She spotted him across the room sitting with a black woman whom he appeared to know very well. Thinking that his wife hadn't shown up and the black woman was no more than an acquaintance, she walked boldly across the room to the table. "Mai," Kenji said standing up, "please join us." "I only have a moment, I am sorry that I missed meeting your wife." "No you haven't," Kenji said. "Allow me to make the introductions. Mai Kabata, this is my wife Patricia. Kirei, this is Mai; the fellow intern that I told you about." Mai was speechless. This was who Kenji called every morning and every night? This was who he never hung up without saying 'I love you 'to? "Hello," Patricia said with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Hello," Mai said softly still recovering from her shock. "It is nice to meet you. Your husband has been very kind to me." "Will you join us?" Kenji asked, "We have a few moments left." "No thank you, I need to pack up my things," Mai said and walked away. Patricia watched Mai hurry away and wondered if Kenji was aware that the intern at the very least had a crush on him. She decided not to say anything. Their marriage had always been based on mutual love, trust and respect and it had to continue that way. **** Mai rushed to her room and shut the door. She still couldn't believe that Kenji was married to... to one of them. How was that even possible? She wondered as she packed her bags. And there were children too. "Kirei" she muttered under her breath, "she is far from it." Mai stopped to remind herself that it didn't matter who or what Patricia was- Kenji was married to her and he loved her. But she didn't understand it. How was that even possible? How and where would they have met? Jealousy raced through her veins as she realized that an inferior being had what she would never have if she married Shotaro. She took a deep breath and made herself calm down so that she could think. She knew that the reasonable and right thing to do would be to leave it alone. She could also ask Kenji how he had managed to break away from tradition so that she could do the same. She would never marry an inferior, but she would be able to do as she wished. She finished packing and returned to the conference room still undecided about what she was going to do. When she saw Kenji sitting in the front row, she was going to sit elsewhere. Instead, she took the seat next to his. Without being fully aware of it, Mai had just made her decision. *** Patricia sat in the medical library with her books opened, but not looked at. She was examining her feelings about the female Japanese intern. Was her reaction because of insecurity? Kenji had been around many single women over the years and she had never reacted as she had but-none of the others had been Japanese. He had been interred with hundreds of Japanese women and she hadn't given it a thought so what was it about this woman that had her so on edge? She tapped her fingers on the table and took a closer look at her reaction and the meeting. It was clear that the intern had been shocked. In fact, she didn't think that she and Kenji had been together, but that was understandable since Kenji obviously hadn't told the intern that she was black. Patricia picked up her pencil and began to absently draw abstract designs on her paper. The longer she thought about it, the more Patricia came to believe that jealousy had nothing or very little to do with it. Mai Kabata was going to be trouble. She could feel it in the pit of her stomach. Since nothing had happened, she decided to let it go in the hopes that it would pass. *** Two hours later, Kenji came for her in the library. "Are you ready to go home?" he asked kissing her cheek. "I am if you are," she replied as she gathered her books. "Did you get much studying done?" Kenji asked. "Not really, I was thinking about some things-Kenji, will you do something for me?" "Anything- what is it?" "You know what? Never mind. Let's go home." Kenji gave her a curious glance. Something was on her mind and he was going to find out what it was. If he had to guess, he would say that it had something to do with Mai. He was aware that Mai's interest in him was more personal than he was comfortable with and that's why he wanted her to meet Patricia. His hope was that Mai would see that he was very much in love with his wife and that it would end whatever it was that she was thinking. He decided to give it more time and if Mai still appeared to be too interested in him personally, he would talk to her. As they left the building, they met Mai as she was going to her sister's car. "Kenji! I am so sorry that I missed lunch with you and your wife. Perhaps we can try again sometime." "Have a pleasant time with your family," Kenji said as he put his free arm around Patricia. "Please excuse us, our children are waiting for us at home." Patricia listened to the exchange without comment noticing that while she was being talked about, Mai was talking around her. Kenji's response to Mai's statement told her that he was aware of the intern's interest in him. His response was a message to Mai that he wasn't interested in her in the same way. Now all that was left to do was to wait and see if she got the message. **** By the end of 1951: The city of Seoul is captured by the North Korean and Communist Chinese forces. U.N. forces are forced to leave Inchon, Korea after a twelve hour attack. The Commission in Internal Security and Individual Rights is created by President Truman. Atomic testing begins in the Nevada desert. Alfred Krupp and twenty-eight other German war criminals were freed. Stalin states that the U.N. was becoming the weapon of aggressive war. FBI director J. Edgar Hoover initiated a nationwide program designed to remove politically suspect people from their jobs. The 22nd amendment which limits the term of a president to two terms of office is passed. The 38th parallel which divides North and South Korea is crossed by U.N. forces. Husband and wife Julius and Ethel Rosenberg are sentenced to death on charges of selling U.S. atomic secrets to the Soviet Union. The draft is extended until 1955 and the draft age is lowered to eighteen. The first commercial color telecast took place. CBS transmitted a one hour special from New York. An artificial heart is demonstrated by Professor Youngblood. The last all-black military unit-the US 24th Infantry Regiment is deactivated. The North Koreans gave the Allies a list containing the names of 3,100 POWs The number of back yards shelters as protection against the A-bomb began to grow Japan is restored to full sovereignty after the San Francisco Treaty is signed. The emperor is restored, but the parliamentary regime was installed. The Japanese military is emasculated. The 'Cold War' begins. *** Civil rights A bill was passed in NYC prohibiting racism in city-assisted housing. Racial segregation in restaurants is ruled illegal in Washington D.C. A mob attempted to prevent a black family from moving into an all-white Cicero, Ill. The George Washington Carver National Monument located in Joplin, Missouri becomes the first national park honoring an African American. In Delaware, a suit was placed on the behalf of black children by Louis Redding. The children were not permitted to enroll in white public schools. A court ruled in favor of the suit, but the state appealed. The suit became part of the Brown vs. Board of Education suit of 1954. In response to the mob murder of Willie Earle, South Carolina passed an anti-lynching law. Earle was dragged from jail and hung in retaliation for the death of a cabbie. ************** I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 18 Hello all! Thank you for reading and commenting on my stories! It is much appreciated. Thanks to Donalde and Avare for beta reading and catching those pesky name changes. There are no historical facts at the end of this chapter, but there will be at the end of the next one. Oh and there also is very little sex in this chapter as well. ****** It was time to start getting ready for the holidays. Because she was carrying a full course load, Patricia began delegating. She had Niko and Marie begin making decorations for the house and Christmas tree. Abby and Hattie were in charge of the cookie baking, Sally, Dianne and Eli helped wherever they were needed and Nick and Hana were in charge of making sure that everyone had whatever supplies they needed. In one more week she would be able to help with the final preparations. Also Kenji would be home. Miraculously, he was going to be home for Thanksgiving and Christmas both. Patricia forced herself back to her studies. She had two finals on one day and two on another. She wasn't particularly worried, but if she wanted to get into med school, she had to keep her grades up. She smiled when she heard Niko and Marie giggling. It seemed as though things were as they should be-normal. Although there were still some problems at school, Niko was happy. He had finally made other friends in addition to Florrie who Patricia had yet to meet. Marie seemed to have settled down after the incident with the broken figurine and once Niko stopped taking the blame for things that she had done wrong. The only thing that blighted their otherwise happy life was an intern by the name of Mai Kabata. Patricia had seen the intern at a distance whenever she had lunch with Kenji. The intern never approached them, but watched with an expression that contained curiosity, dislike and disgust. She had mentioned the intern to Penny during one of their weekly phone calls. "Have you mentioned anything to Kenji?" Penny asked. "No, I don't want to come across like a jealous wife who doesn't trust her husband," Patricia replied. "I told you about the first time I met the woman, Kenji sent her a clear message." "It doesn't sound as if she's received it, but Patricia; know that you have nothing to worry about don't you? Remember when I told you that Kenji could be fully dressed in a roomful of naked men?" "I remember," Patricia said chuckling. "The same goes for Kenji regarding you. Mai or whatever her name is doesn't stand a chance against you. But, it you're really bothered about it, I would suggest that you talk to Kenji about it. I had to talk with a nurse the other day about Joel." "Really? What happened?" Patricia asked. "This particular nurse had taken a shine to Joel meaning that she's always putting her hand on his arm or standing so close that the man could hardly breathe. Well, I yanked her skinny butt into an empty room and told her that if she touches my husband one more time, I was going to break her fingers." "You didn't!" Patricia exclaimed laughing. "I most certainly did and then I told Joel about it. His reaction was pretty much like yours." "Did she get the message?" Patricia asked. "Loud and clear- every time she sees me, she puts her hands in her pockets." "You know, I think I will say something to Kenji when he comes home this time. I wish that you guys were here." "Believe you me, so do we! It's so damned cold! Which reminds me, we're planning to take the train out this summer- can we stay with you guys?" "Of course you can! When are you coming?" Patricia asked excitedly. "I'm not sure of the exact dates; it depends on when our rotation is over. We thought about doing a summer rotation, but we want to take the summer off." "I can't wait to tell Kenji and the others! But you know Kenji will do the summer rotation." "I suspected as much, but we're still coming." Patricia smiled at the memory of the phone call. She hadn't told Kenji yet. She wanted to surprise him when he came home. "Focus!" she chided herself. She studied until it was time for dinner, the smell of meatloaf making her stomach growl. She closed her books, went to the kitchen and washed her hands and helped her mother finish dinner. "Where's daddy?" "Out back playing with the kids," Hattie replied. "Supper will be ready soon." "I'll set the table," Patricia said as she headed for the cabinet. "It's done, Niko and Marie did it," Hattie said as she mashed the potatoes. "Sit down and tell me about school." "I love it!" Patricia said with a smile. "Some of the classes are challenging, but I'm learning so much." "We're so proud of you," Hattie said. "You believed that it could happen when we didn't and look at you! You're going to be a doctor and you're married to one!" They chatted until the kids came running in followed by John. "Where's dinner?" he demanded with mock severity. "You've got hungry people here! Right kids!" "Go wash your hands," Hattie said laughing, "It'll be ready by the time you get back." Patricia watched as her father herded the kids to the sink so that they could wash their hands. It was hard to believe that for a short time, he had disowned her. Now he considered Kenji a son although he still hadn't forgiven Hiroshi for what he and Joben tried to do to her. She had stopped talking to him about it and had to be satisfied with the fact that he was at least civil to him. Dai and Hiro were another matter altogether. John doted on the little boy and was kind to Dai because he didn't hold them responsible for Hiroshi's wrong doings. "Let's eat! He bellowed making Marie and Niko laugh. Patricia laughed too, but then frowned. Something wasn't quite right with her father. He looked alright, he was acting alright, but something was off. She watched him throughout dinner taking note of how much he was eating and drinking... something wasn't right. Later when they were washing the dishes, Patricia asked her mother about it. "Mama, is daddy alright?" "He's fine, why?" "He ate so much and drank so much water at dinner. How long has he been doing that?" "I don't know... a week or so," Hattie replied with a shrug. Patricia looked toward the living room where John was reading to the kids and made a mental note to tell Kenji what she had seen when he called. Abby came by around eight to pick John and Hattie up to take them home. "I'll be back around nine to take care of Marie so that you can study," Abby said. Soon after they were gone the phone rang. It was Kenji calling to talk to the children. He talked to Marie first and then Niko. After talking to them, he spoke to Patricia. "I will call you back around nine," he told her. "I love you." Patricia got the kids ready for bed, read with them and tucked them in. She moved her books to the kitchen table so that she could hear the phone and the kids if they called for her. Just after nine, the phone rang. "Hello Kirei, are you well?" "I'm fine, I'm getting ready for finals; how about you?" "I am well and I am looking forward to being home again. In case I have not mentioned it, the pictures of you and the children are very helpful. Perhaps when I come home we can take a picture of all of us for me to add to my notebook which by the way is full. I keep moving the picture from one notebook to another." "Do you need more? I can get more for you." "No Kirei, I have others. So what did your mother make for dinner tonight?" "You really are a glutton for punishment aren't you?" Patricia teased, "but here it goes- meatloaf, mashed potatoes and cooked carrots oh and pound cake." "That sounds delicious- I had something that was supposed to be meatloaf," Kenji replied with a chuckle. "I saved you a piece," Patricia replied. "Kenji, I think that there's something wrong with my dad." "Why do you say that?" "I don't know. He's always been a big eater, but tonight he ate more double what he usually does. I watched him drink almost a whole pitcher of water by himself." "How long has he been doing this?" Kenji asked. "Mama says a week, what are you thinking?" "Has he been urinating more frequently?" "I don't know-Kenji what's wrong with him?" Patricia asked worried. "It sounds as like sugar diabetes," Kenji replied. "It's an endocrine disorder where the body does not make enough insulin. It is early yet, call Nick and ask him if he will bring your father to the hospital. I will meet him in the emergency room." "It sounds bad," Patricia said. "It can be if it isn't controlled. Call Nick and I will call you back in ten minutes." An hour later, John was at the hospital being tended to by Kenji and Paul Mynt and insisting that he was fine. Patricia and Hattie stood by listening. "John have you been eating more lately?" Kenji asked ignoring John's insistence that he was fine. "Yes he has," Hattie answered. He's been drinking more too." "What about urination?" Kenji asked. "Have you been going more than usual?" "That too," Hattie replied before John had a chance to say anything. "What's wrong with him?" "He has diabetes," Paul said. "His pancreas isn't making enough insulin. That's what controls the sugar levels in our bodies. What we need to do is admit you and run a few tests. We also need to start you on insulin although there are now pills available." "Do I have to stay?" John asked not liking what he was hearing. "Yes," Paul replied. "We need to figure out the best dosage of insulin for you and I'm afraid that I have some more bad news for you. You'll have to give up sweets. That means no more of Hattie's pound cake. You're going to have to watch your diet in order to control your blood sugars." "No more desserts?" John asked. "I'm sorry but no," Paul replied. "There is an artificial sweetener called saccharine. It's been around for a while. You want to use it sparingly as it's much sweeter than sugar. Maybe Hattie can experiment with it and come up with some desserts for you, but even if she can't..." "I'm not staying here and I'm not going to starve myself either!" John said interrupting Paul. "John Middleton!" Hattie said, "You will stay here until Paul and Kenji say that you can go home and you will follow their instructions." "John," Kenji gently, "if we do not get this under control you could die or lose a limb. It will require a change in the way that you eat, but we can help you with that." "How are you going to do that?" John demanded. "Are you going to take this diabetes away?" "No," Kenji replied, "but when we are together we will eat as you do." "Daddy please," Patricia said softly. "I want you at my graduations." Finally John relented agreeing to stay for only two days. "After that, I'm gone." After John was settled, Kenji pulled Patricia into an empty room and kissed her. "He will be well cared for so try not to worry." "I know," Patricia replied. "We should go so that you can get some sleep." "I only have two more days, I will be fine," Kenji replied holding her against him. "You can have lunch with me and we can take your father home with us." They talked for a few more minutes, kissed and then parted ways. *** Mai was on her way to the phones to call her sister when she saw Kenji. His back was to her, and she couldn't hear what he was saying. She knew that he was talking to his wife by the intimate tone of his voice. She watched as his relaxed posture tensed and tone of his voice changed. He hung up and then waited. "Kenjiro?" she called softly, "Is something wrong?" Kenji turned to face her, gave her a polite bow and replied. "It is my father, if you will excuse me," he said as he turned back to the phone and made a call. "Kirei, have you spoken to Nick? Good... I will meet you there." Mai watched as Kenji hurried off and went to make the phone call that she didn't want to make. She took a deep breath, picked up the phone that Kenji had just used and called her sister. "Have they arrived yet?" she asked hoping that her father and Shotaro changed their minds about visiting. "Not yet," Ani replied. "Jiro left for the train station a little while ago." Mai's heart sank. She wasn't looking forward to the visit with her father and Shotaro. She had tried to get them to change their minds by telling them that she would be at the hospital for most of their two week visit. "That is fine," both of them had responded. "I am most anxious to see the hospital where you are doing your internship," Shotaro said. Mai noticed that there wasn't a trace of warmth in his voice as he spoke to her. Now they would be waiting for her when she got to her sister's home in two days. "Father and Shotaro have already said that they would like to come with me when I pick you up on Thursday," Ani said. "That will be nice," Mai replied trying to sound sincere. "Have you told Jiro about the baby yet?" she asked changing the subject. "Yes and he is so excited! We will wait until you are here to tell father. He will be so pleased," Ani replied. "Mai, are you alright?" "I am fine, why do you ask?" "You just seem distant-are you not pleased that Shotaro is coming to visit?" Mai warned herself to tread carefully. "Of course I am," she replied. "I'm just tired and wishing that I could spend more time with them." Of that statement, only the part about being tired was true. They chatted about other things and lost track of the time. "They're here!" Ani exclaimed, "Don't hang up, you can say hello to them." Mai cursed under her breath while she waited for someone to come to the phone. It was her father that she spoke to first. "Welcome father, how was your trip?" "It was comfortable," he replied in a curt tone. "I am pleased that you are here," Mai lied. "Thank you, I am very anxious to see you. We have things to discuss." Mai's stomach dropped. Whenever her father said something like that it never bode well for her. "Shotaro would like to speak with you," her father said in that same curt tone. While she waited for Shotaro to take the phone, Mai thought about Kenji and the way in which he spoke to his family. She couldn't remember her father ever speaking to any of them like that. In fact, she couldn't remember if he ever told them that he loved them and that included their mother. She thought that he loved them, but she had always wondered. Kenji's family, she realized; knew beyond doubt that he loved them even if he didn't say it. It was obvious in the way that he spoke to them. "Mai, are you well?" Shotaro's deep voice asked. If she had cared for him, she would have thought it sexy. "I am well; did you enjoy your trip?" "Yes I did," he replied. "I am looking forward to seeing your hospital. Perhaps when we come for you on Thursday you can take us on a tour." "Of course," Mai replied not missing the fact that he hadn't mentioned that he was looking forward to seeing her. "Ani will have to park the car, but I will meet you in the main lobby." "Good, I will see you then," Shotaro replied. A moment later, she was back on the phone with Ani. After she hung up, Mai leaned against the wall and wiped her eyes. She thought about Kenji again and how wrong it was that he was with the black woman. She admitted that jealousy was a part of what she was feeling. Not that Kenji was taken necessarily, but that if she married Shotaro; there would be no love involved. She was even jealous of Ani. It was clear that even though her marriage was an arranged one, Jiro loved her and Ani-she loved him too. Why her father had picked Shotaro for her she didn't know, nor did she care. What she did care about was the fact that she was in for a lifetime of misery. She wondered how her mother had done it. Her mother loved her father no more than she loved Shotaro. Unfortunately, her mother was no longer alive to ask. Mai went to her room and took out her notebook so that she could go over her notes for the day. She couldn't bring herself to concentrate because she kept thinking about Kenji. One day out of curiosity, she asked Kenji what he kept looking at in his notebook. "It is private," he told her. His tone while polite was firm. Miffed at the shutdown, Mai became even more determined to find out what was in the notebook and to find out more about Kenji himself. The burning questions were how he had broken tradition had and why with a black woman. She could have understood it better if the woman had been white even though she considered them inferior too. Mai realized that her attitude toward different races was at odds with her chosen profession, but what she hoped to do was to open her own practice and cater only to her race. She had even planned to have an herbalist practice with her so that she could care for those who still believed in the old ways. She hadn't talked with Shotaro about her plans because she already knew that he wouldn't agree with them. He had become a strong advocate for western medicine. That was the only thing that he and her father disagreed on. She closed the notebook and got ready for bed. As she changed clothes, she wondered what the emergency was with Kenji's father. Once again the way in which he seemed to care crossed her mind. But then, he always showed genuine care and concern to the patients that he rounded on and it didn't matter who or what they were. A small part of her wished that she could be like more like him. When she was in bed, Mai began to examine her feelings for Kenji. It was much more than physical attraction. It was even more than the fact that he had broken convention... it had everything to do with his wife and what she had. Mai replayed the conversation with Shotaro in her head trying to see if there was any trace of affection. Then she replayed the conversations that Kenji had with Patricia. His voice oozed love, caring and respect. She thought about what she knew about Patricia and realized that it wasn't much. She knew that she was a student working on her undergrad- Kenji had told her that, but she found out that the plan was for her to go to med school from another intern. The intern who happened to be female had become one of Mai's friends. Mai soon found out that the intern was every bit as astute as Ani was and had no problems with being blunt. "Mai," Vera said one day while they were having dinner, "I've come to think of you as a friend so I hope that you'll take what I'm going to say in the spirit in which it's meant. Kenjiro Takeda is off limits. He is a married man with two children." "I know that," Mai replied feigning confusion. "Why are you telling me this?" "You already know the answer to that," Vera replied tersely. "I don't know if you're aware of it, but every institution has a rumor mill and you've got it running hot and heavy. There are bets as to whether you'll be able to take Kenjiro away from his wife." "What?!" Mai exclaimed. Had she been that obvious about her feelings toward Kenji? "Where is this coming from?" "People watch," Vera replied, "me included. I can understand the attraction. He's one of the few Japanese interns here. He's good looking and sweet, but Mai; I repeat-he's married. I don't profess to know a lot about your culture, but I imagine that wanting someone else's husband is as looked down upon in it as much as it is in mine." "I don't-" "Yes you do," Vera broke in. "I see it in your face every time you see him and I see it now. I also know that you've been asking personal questions about him-" "How..." "It doesn't matter how I know," Vera broke in, "and if I know, so do other people. It's only a matter of time before Kenjiro finds out. Whatever it is that you're thinking about doing, you need to forget it." That conversation took place just a few nights ago and Mai thought about it all that night. She thought that she had decided that Vera was right, but after hearing Kenji talk to Patricia and then her own conversation with her father and Shotaro, she wasn't so sure that Vera was right about her forgetting about Kenjiro. He was still Japanese and at heart he couldn't really believe that he belonged with a black woman. I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 18 **** Thursday arrived finding Kenji excited to be seeing Patricia. He met her at the cafeteria with a kiss on the cheek. "Your father is responding well to the insulin," he told her. "Paul and I would like for him to stay another night, but he refuses." "That doesn't surprise me," Patricia replied. "I'm actually surprised that he agreed to wait until after you were finished today." "He did not want to," Kenji replied. "He is only still here because he didn't want anyone to make a special trip for him." "I'll go sit with him after lunch," Patricia said. "By the way, mom has been experimenting with the saccharine and she may be onto something. The real test will be daddy." Kenji reached across the table, took Patricia's hand in his and leaned forward. Patricia leaned forward so that she could hear what he was saying. "I cannot wait to get you into bed." "Oh really?" she teased back squirming a little in her seat. "Yes really," Kenji replied smiling and stroking her knuckles. "I fell asleep last night thinking about it." Patricia was about to reply when she saw Mai watching them and then begin walking toward them. "Ohayo Kenjiro," she said when she reached them. "Hello Patricia," she said as an afterthought." "Hello Mai," Kenji replied in English. "Would you care to join us?" "Thank you," Mai said as she sat down. She noticed that Kenji was holding Patricia's hand and ignored it. "Do you have plans for your time off?" "As a matter of fact, we do," Patricia replied. "We will be making Christmas decorations with the children," Kenji added. It was becoming clear that he would have to talk to Mai, but it could wait until after the Thanksgiving holiday. He knew that she was waiting for him to ask about her plans, but he didn't. He didn't want to give her the impression that he was interested in her personal life. If she had nothing more than a platonic interest in him, it would have been different. Seeing that he wasn't going to ask, Mai volunteered information leaving out that her betrothed and her father were in town. "I will be shopping with my sister-did I mention that she is expecting her first child?" "No you didn't," Kenji replied, "congratulations." "Thank you- I am in the process of finding a Japanese doctor for her... do you know of anyone?" "No," Kenji replied fully aware of what Mai was doing. "Kirei, are you ready to go see your father?" "I think so," Patricia said staring at Mai. Her instincts had been right- the woman was trouble. Thankfully Kenji saw it too. "Have a pleasant time with your family," Kenji said as he stood, held his hand out to Patricia and led her out of the cafeteria. Mai watched them leave with anger and jealousy in her heart. She stayed in her seat until she had to go back to her room and pack her things. "Kenji," Patricia said when they were out of earshot, "she's trouble." "Only if we allow her to be," Kenji replied. "But I plan to speak with her after I return." "Okay... by the way, I brought a tin of cookies for you to leave in the room for the next student." "Robert will appreciate that," Kenji said. "I have time to walk with you to your father's room." "We did cut lunch short didn't we?" Patricia asked. John was sitting on the side of the bed with his bag already packed. He stood up as soon as he saw Kenji and Patricia walk in. "Relax daddy," Patricia said. "We have a couple of hours yet." "Can't we wait outside?" John asked anxious to leave the room. "I do not see why not," Kenji replied. "Let me see if the discharge orders are ready." A moment later, Kenji was back. "The physician caring for you today will be here shortly to go over your instructions," Kenji said. "I must go to conference now, I will see you soon." Kenji kissed Patricia on the cheek and left carrying the tin of cookies. He ran up to his room, made sure that everything was packed and then left for the conference room taking his bags with him. He sat where he usually did and allowed his mind to wander. He hadn't lied when he told Patricia that he couldn't wait to get her into bed. For some unknown reason, he had missed her more than usual. He opened the notebook and gently touched the photograph of her and the children. Mai walked into the conference room, looked around debating as to where she should sit. She saw an empty chair on either side of Kenji and almost headed toward one. At the last minute, she changed her mind and sat on the opposite side of the room. From where she sat, she could watch his face. She could see that his notebook was open and that his mind was someplace else. She barely paid attention to the announcements regarding the schedule when they returned. Her ears did perk up when her last name and Kenji's were announced together. "Takeda, Kabata, Chester and Morgan: Your next rotation will be nights. You will be under the leadership of Dr. Vincente. On your way out, stop at the desk and I'll give you the packets for that rotation." Mai couldn't believe it! She would get to do a rotation with Kenji. Maybe then she could find out more about him. She snuck a peek at Kenji to see what his reaction was. His expression was unreadable. In fact, she wasn't sure that he had heard the announcement. After the conference was over, she watched as he rushed to the front with bags in hand and took a packet before hurrying off. She rushed after him grabbing a packet as she ran by. She caught sight of him just as the door to the stairs closed. She went to her room, gathered her belongings and went to the main lobby where Ani, Shotaro, Jiro and her father waited for her. Shotaro gave her a cool glance and then offered to take her bags to the car. While they waited for him to return, Patricia, Kenji and John walked by. Kenji had his arm around Patricia's waist. "Who is that?" Mai's father demanded. "Kenjiro Takeda," Mai replied. "He is one of the interns here." "Do you know him?" he asked. "Yes father, we sometimes cross paths." "Who is the negro woman that he is touching so inappropriately?" "Th... That is his wife and the man is her father," Mai replied. "His what?" her father asked shocked. "He is married to an inferior?" "Yes." "How is this possible?" he asked as he turned to Mai. "This is what happens when the old ways are pushed aside. You will have nothing to do with him." "But..." "I have spoken; you will stay away from him." "We are in the same rotation," Mai said weakly. "It cannot be changed." "After this rotation, you are to make sure that there isn't another." "I have no say over that," Mai replied. "Then I shall take care of it," her father said. Shotaro came in on the tail end of the conversation. Without being asked, Mai's father filled Shotaro in on what he found out about Kenji. A strange look crossed Shotaro's face and was gone before anyone except Mai noticed it. "Shall we begin the tour?" Shotaro asked not responding to the revelation about Kenji. His reaction stuck Mai as odd, but she began the tour. "Very impressive," Shotaro said at the end of the tour. "Maybe you could move here when you are finished with your residency," Ani said. "That way you and Mai could get married! You could stay with us couldn't they Jiro?" "Of course," Jiro replied, "there is plenty of space." Mai was horrified. If Shotaro and her father agreed, the wedding could take place in less than three months. "Thank you for the kind offer," Shotaro said, "but there is the matter of a job-" "I am sure that you can find one here," Ani said ignoring the warning glances from Mai. The drive to Jiro and Mai's house was quiet. Mai knew that somehow she had given something away. That was why Ani began to push for Shotaro to move to California. She also wondered about Shotaro's odd reaction to the news about Kenji. Something wasn't right. ***** Kenji and Patricia dropped John off first and then went home. Hana had dinner prepared and waiting for them. After greeting the children and dinner, Hana and Patricia went over plans for the party while Nick and Kenji talked. "Is there any word of Andrew Kelly?" Kenji asked. "No," Nick replied. "He's going to be there for a long time. How are things at school?" "They are going well although I am a little concerned about Patricia. Some of Andrew's followers still attend classes." "Peter is still there and is keeping an eye on things," Nick said. "Andrew's group is pretty much done for." "Nick, when I am done with my internship, would you and mother consider having the children stay with you for a week? I know that it is far into the future, but I would like to take Patricia away." "Just say when," Nick replied. Later when they were alone, Kenji pulled Patricia into his arms and kissed her. "I have missed you." "I missed you too... you have a lot of reading to catch up on," Patricia replied wrapping her arms around him. "Kenji, about Mai..." "We will talk about her later," Kenji replied, "all I want to do right now is to take you to bed." "Can you give me ten minutes to get ready?" Patricia asked with a mischievous grin on her face. "I know that look," Kenji teased, "What color is the nightgown?" "Who said that there's a nightgown? Maybe it's one of my old ones," Patricia replied. "Whatever it is, it will not remain on for long," Kenji replied. "Now hurry, I grow impatient." *** Saul hadn't seen Isadora since he introduced himself to her at church. His work schedule hadn't allowed him to attend church since then. The next Sunday he would be off wasn't for another week. He replayed the introduction in his mind several times and was pleased that she hadn't completely shut him down. She had taken his hand and told him her name, but that was as far as it went. He thought that there was a haunted feeling about her, but he couldn't be sure. The next time he saw her, he was going to engage her in conversation and see what happened. As of yet, he hadn't heard from Nick and had resisted calling. He had spoken to his mother and siblings a few times and was satisfied that they were being taken care of. He realized that once he was satisfied that they were safe; his anxiety level seemed to drop. The next issue was his friend Harry. He had changed and it definitely wasn't for the good. Harry no longer really talked with him other than a quick hello. They hadn't walked to work or eaten lunch together in weeks. Saul had given up on finding out what Harry was into and slowly accepted that he had lost his friend. What made it so bad was that he didn't know to what or who he had lost him. One day he managed to catch Harry alone. "Hey," Saul said quietly. "How are you doing?" "I'm good," Harry replied and started to walk away. "Harry-what in the hell are you into?" Saul asked. "We haven't talked or-" "Look," Harry said, "I will always consider you a friend, but things have changed. I have other responsibilities and all that you need to know is that you're safe." "Safe?" Saul asked. "Who am I supposed to be safe from? Harry, if you're in trouble let me help you." "Can you make things more equal for black people?" Harry asked. "Can you get white people to see us as more than servants?" "Change takes time," Saul said. "And it's already happening. Laws-" "Are you talking about the laws that we talked about a few months back?" Harry interrupted. "Are we talking about same laws that are being monitored by other white people that don't give a shit as to whether they're being upheld or not? Because if we are; not a damned thing has changed." "Harry, what are you into?" Saul asked again. Instead of answering, Harry walked away. That conversation had happened less than a week ago and it still disturbed him. Joshua and Cora both had been asking about Harry and why he hadn't been coming over for meals. "He's busy with something," Saul always replied each time. He decided that if they asked again, he would tell them about his concerns. More often than not, they knew what was happening in the black community because they knew so many people. After work he walked home his mind in a jumble. Reggie was sitting on the porch sipping on a glass of lemonade when he got there. "What's wrong with you?" he asked when he saw Saul's face. "Nothing- I'm just worried about Harry," Saul replied. "Something is going on with him. He barely talks to me anymore and when he does; he's angry. When I asked him what was going on, he tells me that it's nothing for me to worry about and that I'm safe." Saul went on to tell Reggie that he had heard the same thing from other baggage boys. "He's talking to people that he had previously avoided and that includes Dewey." Reggie was quiet for several minutes before speaking. "I think that I know what Harry is into." "What is it?" Saul asked anxiously. "There are rumors about group young black men who have been robbing white people. Word has it that they're going to use the money to buy guns so that they can start a war with the whites." "It's more than a rumor isn't it?" Saul asked. "I would say so," Reggie replied. "Apparently Harry still considers you a friend, but watch your back. That could change at any time." Saul wanted to say that Harry wouldn't change like that, but he already had changed. He was forced to admit that Reggie was right. "Have you heard anything from that Lawyer?" Reggie asked changing the subject. "No, not yet," Saul replied. "They aren't having much luck in finding anyone who will talk. I can't say as I blame them, but Reggie if no one else steps up, the warden is going to get away with murder." "Maybe, but if he does; it won't be because you didn't try. I also think that Jacob would understand that and would consider the debt paid in full. I'm actually glad that we're talking," Reggie said. "I wanted to talk to you about that girl at church." "What about her?" Saul asked warily. "Saul, the world isn't ready for blacks and whites to sit together in restaurants, let alone for them to be in the same bed together. I think that you should let this go and find yourself a nice white girl." Saul listened with his eyes closed and heard Reggie's concern. "Reggie, I hear and understand what you're saying," Saul said cautiously, "but what we choose to do is no one's concern but ours. I also think that you're a little premature about the bed thing. All we've done is exchanged names." "What happens if you pursue this and one of you gets hurt?" Reggie asked. "What you need to realize is this, people will spout the god created everyone equal line as long as the line between us and them don't blur. There are people at our church who spout that line but when it comes down to it... " "You mean like you're doing?" Saul asked. "I don't mean any disrespect, but Reggie; you're spouting the same line. I mean, listen to yourself. At any rate, the only way that I'm not going to pursue Miss Isadora Hughes is if she tells me that she isn't interested. And if she does decide to see where it goes, then we'll work through any issues together." Reggie started to argue with him but saw that Saul's mind was made up. "I hope that you know what you're doing," was all that he said. **** Dinner was noisy with both Niko and Marie full of news for Kenji. Mai was temporarily for gotten as Kenji listened to what was happening at Niko's school and what Marie had learned during the week from her grandmothers. Patricia listened happily fully aware that this was the normalcy that they wanted and needed. "I made something for you papa," Marie said her voice excited and full of pride. "You did? What is it?" Kenji asked with a smile. "Mama says to give it to you after supper so that you can have time to look at it," Marie said still grinning. "I look forward to seeing your surprise," Kenji replied with a bow of his head. "Niko, I am happy to hear that things are going well for you at school." "Thank you papa-mama? Can Florrie come over to play sometime?" "I don't see why not," Patricia replied. "We'll have to ask her parents if it's alright, but Niko; they may say no." It took Niko a moment to understand what Patricia meant and when he did, a little of his happiness faded. "Maybe I should not ask," he said softly. It hadn't occurred to him that Florrie's parents would say no. When they talked about it, she had been so excited telling him that no one had ever offered to have her come to their house to play. "Honey, I'm not saying not to ask her," Patricia said. "I'm just saying that they may say no. I'll ask them tomorrow when I take you to school." All of them helped with cleaning up after dinner making it go much faster. When the kitchen was cleaned, Marie rushed Kenji to the living room. "Hurry papa! I want to give you my gift." Kenji obliged and sat down on the sofa with Patricia to his right and Niko sitting to his left. "Close your eyes," Marie instructed from across the room. "They are closed," Kenji said. "Open your hands," was the next instruction. Kenji opened his hands and felt something large and flat being placed on them. He opened his eyes to see a flat parcel that was wrapped in newspaper resting in his hands. He carefully opened the package and smiled when he saw it. Marie shook with nervousness as she waited for Kenji to open the package. "Pretty one," Kenji said as he looked at the drawing, "this is beautiful! Come here." Marie shyly approached Kenji and yelped and then giggled when he lifted her from her feet and into his lap. "Thank you for your gift," Kenji said kissing her plump cheek. "I would like for you to sign it and then help me choose a place to hang it." After admiring the drawing for several more minutes, Kenji took a pen from his pocket, turned the drawing over and removed it from the frame. "Here pretty one; sign your name in the corner." After the drawing was signed, Kenji and Marie hung the picture where it would be seen as soon as the living room was entered. Kenji kissed Marie's cheek and again thanked her for the gift. Soon afterwards, they were all sitting together and reading. Without being told to, Niko led Marie to the bathroom so she could wash her face and brush her teeth. He took his turn when she was through. After a final goodnight, they were in their beds. "Kirei, relax while I make tea for us," Kenji said. "Then we will begin making plans for my next rotation." After the tea was made and he was sitting, Kenji told Patricia about the next rotation. "It will be the night rotation with Dr. Vincente," he said as he sat his cup down. "The group will consist of four interns..." "Let me guess," Patricia said, "one of them is Mai." "Yes Kirei, it is and that makes it even more important that I talk to her as soon as possible." "Kenji, I don't want you to think that I don't trust you, because I do. I've even questioned whether I'm being a jealous wife, but I'm not jealous. Mai has a thing for you and if she thinks that she has a chance with you, she's going to take it." Kenji took Patricia's cup from her, sat it on the table next to his and took her hands in his. "Kirei, you are anything but a jealous wife. Your feelings about Mai are accurate and I have no intentions of ever leaving you for her or anyone else. As I said, I plan to address the situation with Mai as soon as I get back. I will begin by no longer calling her by her given name." "I don't care that you call her by her given name," Patricia said, "Just be careful around her. I don't trust her. But what I don't understand is why she chose to be a doctor. She's going to have to take care of people of all races." "This is but a stepping stone for her," Kenji replied. "I believe that she plans to cater to those who are Japanese only." I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 18 "Did she tell you that?" Patricia asked. "No, but I see the way that she treats those who are not Japanese," Kenji replied. "They are nothing more than a way for her to learn her skills. There is no real compassion or caring there. But enough about her, our daughter is quite the artist is she not?" "Yes she is... Kenji, do you think that Niko's friend will be allowed to come over to play?" "I don't know, we shall see," Kenji replied. "I suggest that we go to bed, we have much to do to get ready for the party. You go prepare while I take care of the cups." Patricia was surprised that he had lasted as long as he did. The entire time that they were talking the front of his pants was tented out. She reached over and brushed her hand across the head and then gave it a little squeeze. "See you upstairs," she said as she stood up. "Oh, I forgot to tell you that Joel and Penny are coming to visit this summer." "That is good news," Kenji replied. "It will be good to see them again." "I know, I'm so excited, but I guess we'll talk about it later," Patricia said. "I'll see you in a few minutes." "Two minutes," Kenji called after her. **** Mai tried to be an active participant in the table conversation. Ani and Jiro had broken the news of the pregnancy and their father was ecstatic. "This is wonderful news!!!" Mai plastered a smile on her face, but wished that she was somewhere else. She wondered what was happening at Kenji's home. Was he pretending to be happy as she was? Somehow, she didn't think so. She envisioned him sitting at the dinner table with his wife and children thrilled to be home. She could even imagine the smiles that he gave them. What- "Mai!" her father called. "Since when have you become so rude?" "I am sorry father, I was thinking about the hospital. " "I was just saying that I believe that you and Shotaro should marry sooner rather than later. I have been thinking about moving to a warmer climate and I so far, I like this place." Mai's heart pounded. This wasn't what she wanted to hear. "What about Shotaro's residency?" "It is almost over and I am sure that Shotaro would agree that UCLA is an excellent hospital." Mai looked at Shotaro who refused to look at her. "What of your business? Who will run it?" Mai asked frantically trying to think of a way to keep this from happening. "That is of no concern to you," her father said sternly. "Your sister and Jiro have offered me a place to stay-" "W...What?" Mai stammered. "This is what happens when you don't listen," her father said sternly. "I am not returning to Boston. Shotaro will go back alone and arrange for the house to be sold. I already have a buyer. The rest of my things will be shipped." Mai was speechless. What little freedom she thought she had was gone. "I... I am pleased that you are staying," she murmured. "Shotaro will go to the hospital and apply for a position," her father continued. "If he is accepted, he will move here and we will find a home large enough for all of us." "Yes father," Mai said looking down. She didn't see Ani watching her with a disturbed expression on her face, but she did wonder why Shotaro was going along with her father's plan so willingly. After dinner, she excused herself to her room saying that she was exhausted. She changed her clothes and lay on her bed blinking back tears. If she didn't do something, in three months' time; she would be married to Shotaro. She heard the bedroom door creak open and then Ani's soft voice. "Mai, we must talk," "Not tonight Ani, I am tired," Mai replied hoping that Ani would go away. "Mai, you must forget about him." Ani said as she ignored Mai's excuse of being tired and sat on the bed, "Kenjiro Takeda is married and it was obvious to me that he loves his wife." "Ani, he is just a friend and nothing more." "I do not believe you," Ani said softly. "I saw the look on your face when he walked out with her. You may not be in love with him, but you covet him." "Ani-" "And if I know this, then so will father. You forget how astute he is. He will never forgive you if you bring dishonor on this family." "Ani- you don't understand! I don't want to marry Shotaro!" "That is nerves talking," Ani soothed. "I felt the same way about Jiro and look! We are happy together and are having a baby. Maybe it will be the same for you and Shotaro. Why do you not take this time to get to know him better?" Mai's eyes burned with tears of frustration. There was no way that Ani could understand what she was feeling. All she knew was that her arranged marriage had turned out well for her. Mai knew that it wouldn't be the same for her and Shotaro. Once again she thought about Kenji and the way that he talked to Patricia. It wasn't right! If her father had only paired her with someone even remotely like Kenji, she wouldn't have fought so hard. But Shotaro was cold and unfeeling. She couldn't even remember if he had ever smiled at her. "Mai, this is the way things are. I do not understand how it happened that ... Kenjiro... is that his name? Married a black woman, but that doesn't matter. What matters is that he is married and that you have obligations to your family as he has obligations to his. I suggest that you take the next few days and think about that." In that moment, Ani sounded like her father and Mai rebelled. "You do not understand! Shotaro and I will not have what you and Jiro have! He will never speak to me in loving tones nor do I want him to! We will never end a telephone conversation with the words I love you. Even Jiro gives you that much! A dark one is with one of ours and even she hears those words." Ani didn't know what to say. She had known that Mai was less than enthused about Shotaro, but she really believed that the marriage would turn out as well as hers had. "Mai-" "Please leave, I am tired." Ani sat on the bed for a few more minutes before leaving. She had a decision to make. Did she go to her father and Shotaro or did she give Mai a chance to see reason? She decided on the latter. After all, she had been as shocked as her and Jiro had been when their father announced that he was staying. She and Jiro had been sincere in their offer, but they hadn't expected it to happen so quickly. As Ani left the room, she saw her father sitting on the patio. She quickly slipped by before he saw her. She didn't want to answer any questions about Mai. She slipped into the bedroom where Jiro was waiting for her naked on the bed. She would talk to him about it she decided, but later after they brought each other pleasure. Mai could hear the voices of her father and Shotaro as they passed her room. The idea to run came to her, but she needed her father in order to reach her goals. She sobbed as she realized that she was trapped. She would have no choice but to marry Shotaro if he found a position at the hospital. She began to silently pray that he wouldn't get hired. He would go back to Boston thus giving her more time. She felt a sense of relief that was quickly replaced with a new anxiety: her father could make her transfer to the Boston hospital and there would be nothing she could do to stop it *** The next morning, Kenji, Patricia and Marie took Niko to school. He was beside himself with excitement that Florrie could come to their house. He tried to keep Kenji and Patricia's warnings in mind, but he couldn't help but to be optimistic. Surely, Florrie's parents would agree to let her play at his house. "There she is!" Niko said excitedly when he saw Florrie standing with her mother. "Florrie!" he yelled as he ran over to her. "Hi Niko!" Florrie called back ignoring the scowl from her mother. "Good morning," Patricia said politely. "I'm Patricia; this is my husband Kenji and our daughter Marie. We're Niko's-" "I know who you are," the woman rudely interrupted. "Florrie told me about you." "Oh, well then I guess she told you that Niko invited her over to our house to play." "Look," Florrie's mother said, "I appreciate that your boy has befriended my girl, but she won't be going to your house to play. They play at school and there's nothing that I can do about that, but-" "I see," Patricia said. "It's alright that he defends her from the other children, but not alright that they play together outside of school. The war is over and these kids had nothing to do with it!" Niko and Florrie stopped their excited chatter when they heard Patricia speak. "Mom? Can I go?" Florrie asked. "Please?" Mrs. Lane's face turned red as it fell upon her to explain why Florrie and Niko couldn't play together outside of school. "No, you can't go," she said after several seconds had passed. "Why?" Florrie asked confused. "Nikos mom and dad said that it was alright." "Because.... Because I said so now get into school before you're late." Niko was crushed. Tears filled his soft brown eyes as Florrie walked away. Kenji knelt down in front of him and hugged him. "I am sorry Niko, perhaps she will change her mind and Florrie can visit another day." Patricia bent down and kissed his cheek. "I'm sorry baby," "Thank you for asking," Niko replied back under control. "I must go so I won't be late." Niko, like his father hated tardiness. Patricia thought that he was probably the only first grader who didn't have to be woken up for school. They watched him walk into the school and headed toward home. "Please... wait," a voice called from behind them. "Mrs. Takeda," Mrs. Lane said. "I'm sorry that I was o rude. I just want you to know that I don't have a problem with my Florrie playing with your boy here or anywhere else. It's my husband- he would never go for it..." "Thank you for explaining that to us," Kenji said politely. "I... thank you," Mrs. Lane said and then she hurried off. The walk home was quiet with no one speaking until they reached the house. "I hope that Niko is alright," Patricia said. "He will be," Kenji assured her with a hug. "I hope so- he looked so hurt." "Children are resilient," Kenji told her hugging her tighter. "But we need to make sure that he understands that it isn't him, but it is the attitude that is the problem." "I know, but still... anyway, let's get moving; we've got some things to do for the party on Thursday." The day passed quickly and it was time to go get Niko from school. "I will go get him," Kenji said. "That way you can keep working on the party." Patricia almost agreed, but then decided that Niko needed to see her. Instead of walking, they decided to drive in case they needed to go to the store. Niko greeted them with a smile on his face that made both Kenji and Patricia sigh with relief. "How are you?" Kenji asked when Niko was in the car. "I am fine papa," Niko replied. "Florrie's mother talked to us. She told us that she would like for us to be able to play together and she would ask Florrie's father if he would change his mind." Kenji hesitated; he didn't want to burst Niko's bubble for a second time that day. "Mrs. Lane also said that he will probably say no," Niko added. "I'm glad that she explained things to you," Patricia said. "How about we go home and make dinner?" "Can I help?" Niko asked, "Please?" "Of course you can!" Patricia replied. "I was counting on it." While Marie liked to help, it was Niko that loved spending time in the kitchen no matter who was cooking. Patricia viewed those times with Niko as her special time with him. Her time with Marie came in a different form- they colored together. "What will we make mama?" Niko asked. "I was thinking about grilled cheese sandwiches and soup." Niko yelped with excitement. Whenever they had that for dinner, Patricia let him make the sandwiches while she watched from a distance. It was the one thing that she knew would chase any of his blues away. "You are a good mother," Kenji told her as he took her hand and brought it to his lips. "I'm just hungry for grilled cheese sandwiches," Patricia replied with a wink. *** The week passed quickly and it was time for Kenji to go back to the hospital. Instead of leaving early in the day, Kenji left early afternoon since he was now on night rotation. Patricia packed him snacks and a sandwich for his lunch. "I will call you before I go to the floor and again in the morning," Kenji told Patricia as he kissed her. Patricia watched him drive away with the same ache in her heart that she always had when he left. She distracted herself by calling her parents and asking them over for left overs. When they agreed, she quickly put away the cookies and any other sweets and then reminded Niko and Marie that their grandfather couldn't eat sweets. Niko listened fascinated. He was amazed that such a tiny thing as the pancreas could have such a large effect on the body. Marie on the other hand could have cared less. The only thing that concerned her was that there would be no dessert. She didn't like any of the desserts that Hattie made with the artificial sweetener. Neither did Niko, but he always ate some of it figuring that if his grandpa had to eat it, then so would he. *** Kenji got to his room just as the previous intern, Robert was leaving. "Thank you for the cookies, they were great." "You are welcome; I will make sure to tell Patricia that you enjoyed them." "Ummm Kenjiro, I know that we don't really know each other, but I think I need to tell you something. Do you have a minute?" "Of course, let me put my bags down," Kenji replied. A few minutes later, he was sitting on the chair by the desk and Robert was sitting on the bed fidgeting. "I try to keep my nose out of the things that go on around here and I try to ignore the rumor mill," Robert said. "But, I'm hearing something that concerns you and I think that you should know about it." Kenji closed his eyes and then opened them. He suspected that what he was about to hear had something to do with Mai. "I... people are making bets on you and that Japanese intern Mai." "Bets? What kind of bets?" Kenji asked. "The bet is regarding when you'll give in and go to bed with her," Robert said clearly embarrassed. "Just so you know, I'm not a part of it and I don't know who initiated it." "Thank you for telling me," Kenji said. "You're welcome, I'd better get going or I'll miss my bus," Robert said as he stood up. After Robert was gone, Kenji let his anger rise. He knew who had initiated the bet. It was the same person who initiated every bet that he knew of. The Intern, Neal Carlisle had approached him a number of times wanting him to participate in various raffles and bets. He finally stopped asking after Kenji refused to participate and Kenji avoided the intern whenever possible. The intern was married and had a child but he pursued the nurses as if it was his right and as if he was a single man. Kenji looked at the small clock on the desk and wondered if the intern was still in his room. Taking a chance, he left his room and went in search of Neal. He found him in his room counting money. "I would like a word with you," Kenji said not giving the intern a chance to speak. "I was told of a bet that you have initiated regarding me and another intern." "Who told you?" Neal asked. "That does not matter," Kenji replied. "I want the bet to end." "Oh come on Kenjiro! You'll get a cut either way and don't tell me that you can't use the money," Neal said not noticing how angry Kenji was. "You've got a wife and a couple of kids to feed and besides, maybe a good screw will loosen you up a little." Kenji took a deep breath to calm his anger. "Neal, you are married are you not? And you have a child with your wife." "Yeah and?" "I do not understand how you can profess to love your wife and child and then you dishonor them and your marriage by sleeping with anyone who is willing. The fact that they are willing does nothing to change the fact that you are breaking your vows to your wife. You further dishonor the sanctity of marriage by taking bets on whether someone will be unfaithful or not. I want this wager to end immediately. Give the money back to those who have participated and do not start another wager involving me again." "Are you for real?" Neal asked. "That Mai has an ass that many of us married or not want to get our hands on! She wants you and you're going to walk away from a free fuck? And let's face it, your wife is expecting you to fool around just like mine does." "Neal, I love my wife and my children," Kenji said. "My wife has been through hell with me and I would do nothing to dishonor her and our marriage and that includes sleeping with another. This is something that she knows and trusts. I am telling you to end this bet. I also want to warn you of something. Just as I found out about this bet, your wife will find out about your infidelity. What will you tell her? That the woman was willing? What will you tell your child if your wife decides to leave you? Now, end this bet." Kenji walked out not giving Neal a chance to reply. Mai was next on his list, but he would wait to talk to her. Going to her room alone was not acceptable as it would only lend credence to the rumors that there was something between them. He would wait until breakfast. *** Mai couldn't leave home fast enough. She went back to the hospital under the guise of needing to do a few things before her shift. She knew that Ani wanted to talk to her again, but she avoided being alone with her as much as she could. She did however; take Ani's suggestion that she try to get to know Shotaro a little better. It didn't take her long to realize that she had been right: Shotaro didn't want to marry her and he didn't want to move to California. When she found him, he was sitting on the patio reading a letter. He had a smile on his face that reminded her of Kenji whenever he looked in his notebook. The smile on Shotaro's face took away the hard edges and showed how handsome he really was. Mai knew that look- Shotaro was in love with someone. He was as trapped as she was. When she tapped on the patio door to let him know that she was there, the smile vanished as did the letter that he was holding. The hard edges reappeared and he greeted her with a curt hello.The conversation was stiff, formal and over in a matter of minutes with Shotaro excusing himself first. She tried again to talk to him with no real success. The night before she was due back to the hospital, she corned him. "Shotaro, I am no happier about this than you are." Shotaro gave her a small smile, but didn't reply. "What are we going to do?" she asked. "What can we do?" Shotaro replied. "We have been betrothed for years. Our wedding will happen as planned." "You love someone else," Mai said. "I see it whenever you read that letter." "Be that as it may," Shotaro replied, "there is the family honor. I cannot and will not dishonor either of our families by following my heart. We will simply have to learn to make the best of it." "But Shotaro..." "There is nothing more to discuss," Shotaro said quietly but firmly. "I will make my application to UCLA and will move here after my residency." "Shotaro, wait... we don't have to do this, remember that intern who is married to that black woman? He did it! He broke away from tradition..." "But at what cost?" Shotaro asked. "What will become of their children? Who will accept them as more than half-breeds? No Mai, I will not do that to our families or my children." "Wait," Mai said suddenly understanding Shotaro's reaction to Kenji. "This woman that you love; she isn't Japanese is she?" "That does not matter," Shotaro replied. "What we want does not matter; preserving the family honor is what's important. I am through discussing this; begin the preparations for our marriage." I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 18 Mai replayed the conversation in her head and started to cry. What were her options other than to refuse? The only way that it would work was if Shotaro refused too but he was clear in that he was going to go through with the wedding. As she went to her room, she wondered if Kenji had arrived yet. It was just past ten in the morning so she doubted it. She knew that he would take the extra hours and spend them with his family. Anger that he would choose to defy tradition and marry an inferior mixed with the anger that she felt at Shotaro who also was in love with an inferior. Then she was angry at Ani that her life had turned out so well in spite of the arranged marriage. Finally she was angry with her father for forcing her into a marriage that she didn't want. With nothing left to do, Mai changed clothes and tried to rest for the night shift. Try as she might to rest, her anger wouldn't let her rest. She tried the relaxation breathing exercises that had always worked in the past, but even those failed. Part of her wanted to just let it go, to do what was required of her, but the other part of her wanted to be free and she wanted Kenji. She finally fell into a fitful sleep with her issues unresolved. ***** Kenji walked into the conference room just after Mai did. He glanced at her and found a seat on the opposite side of the room although there were plenty of seats in the area where she sat. He sat looking straight ahead fully aware that Mai was looking at him. After the conference, Mai approached him. "Hello Kenjiro, did you have a pleasant time with your family?" "Yes, thank you," Kenji replied and walked away. Mai stared after him, he had always been aloof; but he had always been pleasant. Now he was borderline rude. She wondered if things at home weren't as good as Kenji led her to believe. Throughout the shift, she tried to pair herself with Kenji whenever possible. Each time, he nodded at her curtly, performed whatever the task was and walked away. At the end of the shift and the post shift conference, Kenji pulled her aside. "We must talk; I will meet you in the cafeteria in twenty minutes." Mai waited a few minutes and followed him out. She followed him to the phones. As soon as she heard the low, intimate sound of his voice, she walked away. Kenji found her sitting in a corner where they could have privacy. "Please, let's sit at another table," he said and walked away leaving Mai no choice but to follow him. He found a table where they could talk, but still be in full view. When she was sitting, he gave her a long look as if deciding where to start. "Mai, it has come to my attention that bets were being made about us." "Yes, I know of it but paid it no attention." "I am also told that there are rumors circulating about us and I need to clarify something with you. First, I have spoken with the intern who started the bet and they have stopped." "Thank you for that," Mai said wondering why he was telling her this. "Second, I am aware that you have feelings for me. Maybe it is because I am also Japanese or maybe I have inadvertently done something that leads you to believe that I feel something other than friendship for you. If I have misled you in any way, I apologize. I love and am in love with my wife. It is as I told the intern conducting the bet, Patricia has been through hell with me and I will not do anything to dishonor her or our marriage. She and our children are my life." Mai felt as if she had been slapped. She had either been more obvious than she realized or Kenji was more astute than she had given him credit for. She now understood why he never shared anything truly personal with her- he knew. Vera's warnings came back to her, but she hadn't believed her. "It is inevitable that we will have to work together," Kenji continued, "I am fine with that as long as we keep it on a professional basis. That means that you cannot ask me any personal questions and I would appreciate it if you would respect my privacy and not ask others about my personal life." "Why?" Mai countered. "Are things not as perfect as you would lead us to believe?" "Things are few things in life that are perfect," Kenji replied with a smile thinking that Patricia and her touch was one of the few things that he considered perfect. "But I am a very private person and I strive to keep my home life separate from this one. I must go now, the evening will come quickly. Rest well." "I warned you," Vera said as she took Kenji's vacated seat. "You're the talk of the hospital." "You knew that this was going happen?" Mai asked. "If you will recall, I told you that it was only a matter of time before he found out. I figured he would talk to you this morning when Neal gave me my money back." "You took part in the bet?" "Sure did and I didn't bet on you. Mai, I know that you see me as an inferior, but take it from someone who's been there; find someone else to lust after. Kenjiro Takeda is as steady as they come, he won't do anything to betray his wife." "What do you know about her?" Mai asked. "Not much," Vera replied as she took a sip of juice. "I know that she's working on her undergrad so that she can get into med school, but I told you that. Other than that, I don't know anything about her other than that her husband loves her. Mai, you need to leave him alone. There are plenty of single interns who would love to be seen with you." Mai wasn't listening. *** Kenji stopped by the phones to call Patricia confident that he could tell her that he had clarified things with Mai. "Good morning Kirei, did you sleep well?" "I did, but why aren't you in bed?" Patricia asked. "I think that this night rotation is going to take some getting used to," Kenji replied. "I just had breakfast with Mai and explained things to her." "And?" Patricia prompted. "I told her in no uncertain terms that I belonged only to you and that if I did anything to mislead her, I apologized." Patricia was silent for a moment. "What did she say?" "Nothing really, she didn't deny or confirm anything," Kenji replied. "She didn't even say that you were mistaken?" "No... Kirei... oh," Kenji said as he saw what Patricia was getting at. "Kenji, she hasn't given up. She was probably surprised that you confronted her and that's why she didn't respond. Just watch yourself ok? Is there any way that you can get into a different group?" "Not very easily, but I will be careful. Kirei, you have class today, would you come have lunch with me?" "You need to sleep," Patricia replied. "I will take a nap before my shift, will you come? Nick can pick you up here." "Are you sure you don't want to try to sleep?" "I am sure; I need to be with you even if it's for an hour." "Ok then, I'll see you at eleven... Kenji I love you." "I love you too," Kenji replied and hung up. He went to his room, stripped, showered and changed and lay on the small bed. He closed his eyes wondering what it would take to get Mai to understand that he didn't care for her. **** The next time that Saul saw Isadora, he made a point of speaking to her before she spoke to him. He couldn't help but notice the wary look on her face. It was as if for a moment, she thought that he was someone else. "Hello," he said as he took the empty seat next to hers. "Is someone sitting here?" "N...no," she replied nervously. "Do you mind if I sit here then?" "I... no," she stammered. "Thanks," Saul replied and then faced forward. He now understood what he needed to do. He wouldn't be able to just ask her out, she needed to get comfortable with him before that could happen. He would start slowly and let her see that he wasn't a bad guy. After the service, Saul bid Isadora goodnight and left with a grin on his face. She had been sneaking peeks at him throughout the service. She was finally noticing him. As he left the church followed by Joshua and Cora, he didn't notice the pair of angry eyes watching him from a corner. **** Warden Ellis sat back in his chair and took a long drag from his Cuban cigar. He was about to begin his political career. It wasn't a major office that he was running for and he was already affiliated with the Republican Party. Now he had to begin running for public office. It was only in the last few months that he began to relax. Soon after the deaths of Lawrence Goodman and Jacob Lincoln, he wondered if he had acted too rashly. It was the hanging of Jacob Lincoln that had him more concerned than the death of Lawrence Goodman. He realized that he had committed murder in front of hundreds of inmates and the guards. To compound things, he had let the boy go. After months of not hearing anything, he thought that he worried for nothing. The only thing that really concerned him was that the boy Saul seemed to have vanished. A few months ago, his family vanished as well and no one knew where. For a short time his anxiety level stayed high, but as with Jacob and Saul, he decided that it was nothing to worry about. So what they moved, he thought. They didn't know anything and no one would believe the boy if he decided to say anything. The same applied to the inmates: who would believe them? They were nothing but criminals who were always claiming that they had been wrongly treated by him or someone else in the prison system. Armed with this belief, Ellis totally relaxed and began to plot his political career. The phone on his desk jingled several times before he answered it. He knew who it was; it was his wife of one year Hazel. Like starting small in the political arena was necessary, so was Hazel. He hadn't been married and didn't want to be; but his advisors encouraged it. "It will help with the votes," they said. "And whoever she is, make sure that she has money and is young enough to give you a baby or two." Several months later, he wooed, courted and then married Hazel Covington the daughter of the very wealthy Jaspar and Millicent Covington of Charleston, South Carolina. It was her father that was funding his political career because of two reasons, one he believed in his politics and two; it kept Hazel from becoming a spinster. Hazel was plain to look at, quiet; but people liked her. That was something that pleased his advisors greatly. They then advised him to "knock her up" as soon as possible. Ellis had grimaced at that. He didn't enjoy sex which was part of the reason that he hadn't married. When he first saw Hazel, he breathed a sigh of relief. She didn't look as if she would enjoy sex any more than he did. He had been wrong. Hazel came to the marriage with all kinds of ideas and a very healthy sexual appetite. It was primarily because of that appetite that she was now expecting their first child. Ellis had hoped that the pregnancy would buy him a few months peace, but it did the opposite. Most nights he did as she wished so that she would leave him alone. The phone rang once more before he answered it. "Hello sweetheart," he said with forced cheerfulness. "Are you alright? Tonight? I don't know honey. I'm working on my speech.... Well, since they're on the way, I can't very well not come home now can I? I'll be there within the hour." Ellis hung up with a grimace. Even though Jaspar Covington was footing the bill, he didn't like him. His father was already trying to run things and he hadn't even won his first election yet. What he needed to do he realized, was to find alternate funding but that wouldn't happen until after he was better known. The other thing that would help is if he had his cousin Will on his side. That wasn't about to happen so he pushed the thought away. He stood up and sighed. For now, like it or not; he was in bed with Jaspar Covington. He stood up and got ready to leave dreading the evening ahead of him. Then he hoped that hiss stayed late and would have to spend the night. As eager as Hazel was about sex, she refrained from it when there were house guests- especially if those house guests were her parents. He knew what he had to do in order to get them to stay. All he had to do was bring up his political plans. He left whistling at his free night of pleasuring Hazel until she screamed like a banshee. He wondered if he could somehow get his in laws to stay for more than one night. ***** The weeks before Christmas passed quickly. Kenji soon acclimated to the night shift and found that he actually preferred it. For two weeks after Kenji talked to her Mai had kept her distance. Kenji spoke to her politely, but engaged her in no conversation unless it was about a patient or a discussion during conference. To further make his point, he only had breakfast with her if there were other interns at the table with them and even then; his conversations with her were limited. Mai was miserable. Not only was Kenji politely ignoring her, her father really was going to stay in California. Shotaro applied to UCLA and to her disappointment was hired pending the completion of his residency. Ani was beyond excited; she had started planning the wedding. Mai talked to Shotaro once more before he left for Boston. "Shotaro please! You do not want this anymore than I do. If we both refuse, there will be no choice but to cancel the wedding." "I will not do that, we have a duty to our families and what we want is secondary. We will marry as planned." "You are willing to just walk away from the woman that makes you smile?" Mai asked grasping for straws. "What about her? Is she not worth fighting for?" For just a second, she thought that she had him; but then the resolute look returned. "Begin to plan for our wedding, I will return as soon as I have taken care of things in Boston." "Shotaro..." "Enough... this conversation is over and we will not discuss it again." He then walked away without looking back. Later, when she had time to think about it; Mai understood something. She understood how Kenji and Patricia had come to be together. He had been brave enough to do what Shotaro wasn't. He simply walked away from what was expected of him and followed his heart. He loved the black woman enough to defy tradition and his family. She also realized that while Shotaro loved the woman in the letter, he would do as he was told even if it hurt the woman and him. Mai had laid awake long after she and Shotaro talked weighing her options. If she had someone like Kenji, she could and would walk away. Kenji, she knew would never be accepted by her family. He would be seen as a rebel and the fear would be that she would also go against tradition. Her father already thought that-that was why he warned her away from Kenjiro. "How much longer is this rotation?" he would ask. "You are not spending time with him are you?" Each time she would say no and try to change the subject. She would catch Ani looking at her with a warning in her eyes, but Mai would look away. As she lay in bed, she wondered if she could convince her father to let her get an apartment. She felt a flicker of hope as she listed the reasons why having her own apartment would be beneficial. Shotaro had been gone for about a week and she was home for three days. They were sitting on the patio drinking tea when she broached the subject. "Father, I was thinking that maybe I should get my own apartment." Three pairs of eyes looked at her and waited for her to continue. "I know that Ani and Jiro welcome all of us, but with the baby coming; they will need more space. If I moved to my own apartment, that would free an additional room for them to use as the nursery. It would also save time and gasoline. Once the baby is here, Ani won't be able to take me to the hospital or pick me up." Ani wasn't buying it, but said nothing. "No," her father said. "The agreement was that on your off days you would stay here." "I understand, but father that was before you decided to move here," Mai replied. "I will come one evening a week for dinner..." "The answer is still no, "her father said cutting her off. If the issue is getting you to and back from the hospital, then I am sure that between Jiro and me we can take care of that." "But father, surely you can see that the house will be crowded," Mai said. "Yes I can see that," her father replied. "That is why I am purchasing a bigger home. Jiro and Ani will sell this one and will put the proceeds in a fund for the baby's future. As I said, I already have a buyer for my home in Boston and the proceeds from that will go toward the purchase of the new home. I expect that the money will be in my account sometime within the next month." Mai couldn't speak because she was so angry. It galled her that Jiro and Ani had been in on the decision, but no one had bothered to ask her. Something inside of her broke. She was tired of people telling her what she could and couldn't do. In a rare moment of rebellion, she spoke up. "Father, I must respectfully disagree with you. I am no longer a child, but an adult. As such I should be able to make my own decisions as to where I live and with who I associate with." Ani and Jiro stared at Mai opened mouthed and waited for their father, Eisuke's response. "I knew that it was a mistake to allow you to come here," he said after several minutes had passed. In a short time you have already become rude and you question the wisdom of your elders. I have to wonder how much of this has to do with the intern Takeda..." "He..." "Silence! I am speaking and you will listen!" Eisuke said his tone cold. "Next you will tell me that you will not marry Shotaro. Has this Takeda been filling your head with ideas of forgetting your familial obligations? Is that what this is about?" "No, but father since you mention Shotaro; I do not want to marry him. Nor does he want to marry me. He is in love with another..." "That doesn't matter," Eisuke interrupted. "He is doing the right thing by honoring his obligations as you should be instead of arguing about what you should be able to do." "What if I refuse?" Mai asked. "What if I refuse to live in the same house with you and refuse to marry Shotaro?" "Mai, who is it that pays for your education? Who is it that pays all of your expenses so that you can concentrate on your studies?" Eisuke asked in a deceptively soft voice. "Go ahead and refuse. Once you stop honoring your obligations, you will be on your own. You will not be permitted to stay here nor will Ani and Jiro offer you any financial assistance. I know that you are close to your cousin in Boston- I will alert her family as well. You will not only be penniless, you will also be without a family and a home." "That... That is blackmail!" Mai exclaimed as tears of anger, disappointment and frustration ran down her cheeks. "You may call it what you want," her father replied, "just as you may decide to do as you wish. I am tired, goodnight." Mai speechlessly watched her father walk away. Jiro followed on his heels to give the sisters time to talk. "Your fascination with this intern has already brought you trouble," Ani said softly. "It wasn't until you met him that you grew dissatisfied with Shotaro." "I was always dissatisfied with Shotaro," Mai replied. "I just never said anything." "Why now? You and Shotaro have been betrothed for years" Ani challenged. "I maintain that it has everything to do with Kenjiro Takeda. Had you not met him, would you have said anything?" When Mai didn't reply, Ani pressed on. "Mai, no good can come of defying father. He will disown you if you continue as you have been. If he disowns you I won't go against him and neither will anyone else. Also no good can come of coveting this intern. You will find yourself in disgrace and alone." "Ani, this is wrong and you know it!" Mai said with a sob. "This isn't Japan!" I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 18 "No Mai, what is wrong is that you lust after another woman's husband and do not deny it. I heard what you said about Shotaro and I agree with father- he is doing the right thing by putting his family first. Kenjiro Takeda didn't so that. He abandoned his family for his own happiness and he was wrong to do that." "Would you be saying this if you didn't love Jiro?" Mai asked. "I concede that I should not be looking at Kenjiro Takeda as I have been, but the rest of it- taking away my choices is wrong!" "So you seek to compound that wrongness by being disrespectful?" Ani asked. "I don't know what I would be saying or feeling if I didn't love Jiro but I do know that I would not be looking for ways to be with another woman's husband." "That's not what I'm doing!" Mai retorted. "Yes Mai, you are," Ani replied. "That may not be what you were thinking when you thought about it, but that is where this is going. Mai, you are going to get hurt not only from your family, but from him. He loves his wife! I saw it in the way that he touched her. Please, I am begging you! Do not bring dishonor on yourself and our family by pursuing him. Tomorrow at breakfast, apologize to father for your rudeness and ask his forgiveness and all will be well." "Ani..." "I am going to bed, Jiro is waiting; but Mai think about what you are doing. You have just insulted the man who has had nothing but our best interest at heart. You would not be here if not for his kindness." "Is that what you call it?" Mai asked tearfully. "I call it control and manipulation! He says nothing until I want to do something not to his liking..." "Mai, maybe he sees something in you that must be controlled," Ani said. "I have to admit that I agree with him. Without father's control as you call it, you would have already dishonored us. I am going to bed, but Mai; think about what we talked about." Mai sat on the patio for a long time after Ani left. After she thought about it, she realized that she really had no options but to apologize to her father and to do as he asked for the time being at least. But as far as Kenji went, she didn't know. On one level, the intellectual level; she knew that she was wrong. On an emotional level, she wanted what Patricia, Ani and now the woman that Shotaro was in love with had. The fact that Patricia and Shotaro's woman weren't Japanese began to fade in importance. At that point it should have occurred to her to find someone attainable, but her mind was set on Kenji primarily because he was Japanese. He also had what Shotaro lacked: courage. That had been almost three weeks ago. She had made her apologies and had been acted as the perfect and dutiful daughter. Whenever she was home, she worked on the plans for the wedding pretending to accept her responsibility. What she hoped and prayed for was that Shotaro would back out. Every time he called or wrote to her father, she hoped that it was to tell him that he wasn't coming back. It was now Christmas and that letter and phone call never came. **** Kenji was pleased that Mai seemed to take his talk with her to heart although like Patricia, he didn't really believe that her feelings for him had changed. He even doubted if what she felt for him was really love, but it didn't matter; it had to be addressed. The good thing was that the gossip and bets about them had stopped. Kenji didn't know who or what the latest target was, and he didn't care as long as it didn't involve him. He counted the days that he had left before he could go home for Christmas-one more shift. He had already gone Christmas shopping. The gifts were hidden in the trunk of the car. One of the gifts was a small diamond ring for Patricia. He knew that she would fuss about him spending the money, but he knew that Ralph would have wanted her to have it. He looked forward to the day when he could buy her a diamond with his own money. He knew that it didn't matter to her whether she had a diamond or not, but it mattered to him. For Niko he got a small chemistry set and for Marie a box of crayons that had every color imaginable in it, paints and a sketch pad. In his suitcase were the floor plans of several homes. He knew that he was being premature, but in less than two years they could begin the search for their first home. He was thrilled with the knowledge that he would be able to support his family without the help of others. After they made love, he would show Patricia the floor plans and they would begin to plan out the rest of their lives. The last shift passed slowly. It seemed as if everyone was taking a holiday from being sick. About one am, Dr. Vicente went to Kenji with good news. "It's quiet here so there's no point to you staying until seven. Why don't you go home?" Kenji didn't need to be told twice. After thanking Dr. Vincente, he took off at a run before anything happened that he had to stay. As he ran up the stairs, he wondered if he should call Patricia; but decided to surprise her. He quickly stripped the bed, packed his things and left the tin of cookies and small gift for Robert on the desk. He grabbed his bags and ran down the stairs past the phones. He stopped rethinking whether he should call Patricia or not. He backed up, looked at the phone and decided to call. "Kenji?" Patricia asked in a sleepy voice, "What's wrong?" "Nothing Kirei," Kenji replied. "I am calling with good news. It is quiet here and Dr. Vicente is letting me leave early. I will see you shortly. And Kirei? Could you please put on the lavender gown?" Mai, also having been released early, stood behind Kenji listening. Jealousy and anger raged through her as she listened to Kenji ask Patricia to wear a certain gown. It left no question as to what was going to happen when he got home. She moved away when she heard the usual "I love you, but this time it was spoken in Japanese. By the time Mai reached her small room, she was crying at the unfairness of it all. Since it was late, she couldn't go home- not that she minded. She changed into her pajamas and tried to sleep. Sleep didn't come easily and she made a decision: she would write to Shotaro and beg him to deny her. He could say whatever he wanted for the reason including that she was a whore. It was now the only way out of the marriage and the only way that she could keep her financing for school. It was a gamble; her father could still disown her. It was that thought that made her hesitate. After a moment more, she made her decision. She got up, turned on the lights and sat at the desk and wrote her letter. "Dear Shotaro, I know that you do not wish to discuss this, but please listen to reason. We do not care for each other and for us to marry will only be a constant reminder of that. I will never make you smile as the woman in your letter does. We will both live our lives in unhappiness and will come to hate each other. Why should we do that? Just to satisfy old traditions? What of any children that we would have? How is bringing them into a loveless home any better than you bringing a child of mixed heritage into the world? In time you will begin to see me as the one who kept you away from your one true love. Shotaro-please, I am begging you to back away from this marriage. You can give any reason that you like including that I have dishonored you. Our time grows short, so please either call or write to my father. I will find out from him whether the marriage is cancelled or not." Thank you in advance, Mai" Mai quickly reread the letter and got it ready to mail. She redressed and left her room to mail the letter. If Shotaro agreed, her father would be angry; and she would be at his mercy; but it was a gamble that she was prepared to take. She didn't believe for one second that Ani and her cousin would turn their backs on her. With that in mind, she put the letter in the mailbox and went back to her room hoping that Shotaro would change his mind and cancel the wedding. By the time she was undressed and back in her nightclothes, her mind was on Kenji and Patricia imagining what was going to happen in their bedroom. She wondered if Patricia had done what Kenji had asked of her and put on the lavender gown. "Of course she did," Mai scoffed as she lay on the bed. Suddenly her nightclothes seemed too confining. She tossed and turned trying to get comfortable and trying not to think about what Kenji looked like naked. Her body began to tingle in places that hadn't been touched since med school. That was her one dishonor. The man, another student had also been Japanese and their affair had been brief but intense. It ended when he was accepted as an intern somewhere in one of the southern states. For weeks after he left, Mai pleasured herself. Then there was the pregnancy scare. After that, she slept with no one else. Her hand made its way to between her legs. She closed her eyes and imagined that the hands belonged to someone else. She knew just from Kenji's mannerisms that he would be a thoughtful and gentle lover. Patricia's name popped into her head, but she pushed it away. Her breathing quickened as a finger slipped between her vaginal lips. She moaned softly when she touched her hardened nub and began to rub it in tight little circles harder and faster until her hips raised off the bed and she was crying out her release. A few minutes later, she was sound asleep dreaming that she was free to marry whom she chose. In her dream, the one she chose was Kenji. I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 19 Note: As always, thank you all for reading and thanks to donalde for beta reading. I also wanted to make a correction for chapter 18. I made Warden Ellis a republican and he should have been a democrat. The south at that time was primarily democratic. A reader was kind enough to email me to inform me of my error- thank you for that. ****** Patricia wasn't wearing the lavender gown when Kenji got home. As soon as she heard the car in the driveway, she checked on the kids and ran down the stairs. By the time Kenji had the car in the garage and was at the door leading into the kitchen, she was waiting for him anxious to see his reaction to the newest gown. When he came in with his bags, Kenji froze. His mouth fell open and he let the bags fall to the floor. The gown was a deep red, but was as sheer as the lavender one. The panties that came with it weren't crotchless, but they were as sheer as the gown. This gown was also much shorter than the others something that Patricia hoped that Kenji would like. He liked to tease her by slowly pulling the gown up and over her legs and thighs as he followed its path with kisses. "That isn't lavender," was all he could say as he looked her up and down not once but twice. "You don't like it?" Patricia asked as she did a slow turn modeling for him. "It is beautiful-you are Kirei," Kenji murmured. "It was supposed to be part of your Christmas gift, but I decided to give it to you early." Patricia said. "Are you sure that you like it?" "I like it very much," Kenji replied walking over to her and stroking her arms. "I think that this has become my new favorite." "They're all your favorites," Patricia replied laughing. "Why don't we take advantage of the fact that you're home early and go upstairs?" Kenji didn't argue. He gave her a quick kiss and went back for his bags. He didn't trust that Marie would leave them alone-she was as light a sleeper as Niko was a sound one. As much as he wanted to strip and begin making love, he wanted to shower first. He was meticulous in his hand washing at the hospital, but he needed to be sure that he wasn't bringing anything home with him. "I will be back in ten minutes," he said as he rushed off. Patricia lay on the bed and waited relishing the happiness that she felt that Kenji was home. He didn't have to be at the hospital until New Year's Day. Instead of planning a party, they had decided to spend New Year's Eve quietly with the kids. As she waited, she thought about Mai and hoped that she got the message that Kenji was off limits. She also hoped that Kenji had gotten into a different group. She neither liked nor trusted Mai. She pushed the thoughts of Mai from her mind and thought about the man in the bathroom wishing that he would hurry. It felt as if he had been gone for much longer than ten minutes. "What are you thinking about?" Kenji asked when he walked in. "Nothing important," she replied. "I'm just glad that you're home." "I am glad to be here- are you sure that there is nothing else?" "Nothing that I care to talk about right now," Patricia replied. "Are you going to get into bed?" "I am just enjoying the view," Kenji replied as he stepped out of his slacks and hung them up. He got into the bed with her and held her for several minutes. He couldn't wait to give her the diamond ring and to show her the floor plans for the homes that he thought that she would like. His goal was within reach. In less than two years he would be done with school and preparing for boards. He had already started. He took a portion of each evening to study. "What are you thinking about?" Patricia asked as she pinched a nipple and then kissed it. "I will tell you later," Kenji replied. I like what you are doing." Patricia took the nipple inter her mouth and sucked on it. Kenji lay still and let her play only stopping her when her hand reached his waist. "I want the first touch to be from being inside of you." Patricia lay back and waited expectantly. After looking at her for a few minutes, Kenji began to take the gown off of her starting with the thin straps. He took his time removing the gown exploring her body with his mouth as if it was the first time that he was seeing and touching it. He toyed with her nipples as he kissed the sweet spot behind her ear. "That feels good," Patricia breathed and moved against him. It still amazed her that after almost eight years of marriage that they still enjoyed making love. When she was finally naked, Kenji did a quick check to make sure that the diaphragm was properly placed. As he slid his long fingers inside of her, Patricia cried out and then moaned as he deliberately brushed his fingers across her clit. Satisfied that it was in place, Kenji pulled Patricia on top of him. He wanted to be able to suck on her nipples while he was inside of her. He bit his lip to hold back a moan as Patricia slowly but surely impaled herself on him. Instead of lying still for a moment as he usually did, he began to thrust into her as he reached down and fingered her nub. "Kenji..." was all Patricia got out before she came with Kenji following her a few thrusts later. She laid her head on his chest and caught her breath. Kenji rolled to his side holding her close. "Tell me about your week..." he said kissing her sweaty forehead. **** Mai was having second thoughts about mailing the letter but it was too late. It was done. In retrospect, she realized that she should have called. She thought about writing a letter telling Shotaro to disregard the first one and decided that it didn't matter. He would disregard the letter anyway. She looked at the clock and grimaced. In four more hours, she would be at her sister's home and under the critical scrutiny of her father. She didn't understand it. She didn't understand Kenji. What was it that made him so different? What made him brave enough to go against everything that he had been taught to believe? What made Patricia so different that she also went against her family and popular opinion? Why was she herself so afraid to defy her father? It was more than because of the money issue- she was afraid of him. But surely Patricia had been afraid too... Kenji had gone to the camps and then there was the rampant racism against all things Asian whether they were Japanese or not. The Korean War certainly wasn't helping things-but it could have been worse. They could all be locked away again. Her questions didn't stop Mai from wanting Kenji. Instead it made him all the more appealing to her. Vera and then Ani's warnings came to mind. She knew that they were right but still her interest was piqued. What did the black woman have that a Japanese woman didn't? She could almost understand a passing curiosity. She could even understand him sleeping with her to satisfy that curiosity but he had married her. He loved her, but what could they possibly have in common? Culturally they had to be worlds apart and she found it hard to believe that Patricia was anywhere near Kenji's intellect which brought to mind their children. How intelligent were they? Were they of average intelligence or were they fortunate enough to have inherited their father's intellect? Mai spent the rest of the morning trying to understand Kenji and Patricia's relationship and why she couldn't seem to let it go. She couldn't seem to make herself accept the fact that Kenji was unavailable or that he was truly happy with the black woman. He had come to represent something to her-freedom. With someone like him, she would be able to walk away from her father. Patricia and the children on the other hand were nothing more than obstacles to be pushed aside. She wondered about Kenji's family. How had they accepted what he had done? If they were anything like her father, they probably disowned him. The clanging of the alarm clock brought her back to reality. She sighed as she got up from the small bed and began to gather her things. The one thing that her father didn't tolerate was lateness no matter the reason. As she packed she tried to clear her mind of thoughts of Kenji. No good could come of it and Ani would be watching her as well as her father would be. She was dressed and ready by nine and in the lobby by nine fifteen. Her father was walking through the door by nine- twenty with a scowl on his face. "Now what?" Mai thought to herself. Instead of greeting her, her father took her bags and walked out fully expecting her to follow him. Mai hurried behind him wondering what the problem was, but she knew better than to ask. He would tell her in his own good time and not before. The drive to Ani's house was uncomfortably silent. Mai stole little glances at her father trying to read him. They arrived at the house; he got out without speaking and took her bags in. Mai followed him in, looked at Ani with a question in her eyes and was rewarded by Ani looking away. "You and I must talk," her father said coldly as he handed her bags to her. Suddenly Mai understood what was happening. Ani had talked to their father, but what could she have said that he was so angry? Her heart pounded as she went to the living room and sat down. Ani followed them carrying a tray containing tea. Jiro wasn't home from work yet- something that Mai was grateful for. "Explain yourself," her father said ignoring the cup of tea set before him. "I am sorry father, but what is it that I'm supposed to be explaining?" Mai asked feigning innocence. "Do not play stupid!" her father exclaimed. "It does not become you." "Father I..." "I had a very disturbing conversation with Shotaro while you were away- what is this about asking him to break the engagement?" Mai's mouth was dry. How did he know? She couldn't believe that Shotaro had actually told her father about that conversation. And he hadn't gotten the letters so how did he know? "What did he tell you?" Mai asked. Her father smiled but it didn't reach his eyes. He was in a word-furious. "What he told me is of no consequence. What you tell me is. Did you ask him to break the engagement?" "Father, let me explain..." "I will take that as a yes," he interrupted. "How much does the intern Takeda have to do with this?" "Nothing-I..." "Do not lie to me!" he bellowed. "I saw the way in which you looked at him! There was lust and jealousy written all over your face! It is bad enough that you are trying to break tradition but because of someone who is married? And to make matters worse he married an inferior. I understand that they have two children- what of them? Half breed or not he has an obligation to them! Were you planning to deprive them of their father?" Mai looked at Ani and knew that she had talked. That had to be it. That's what prompted her father's call to Shotaro. He had more than likely asked Shotaro a direct question about their discussion that she assumed no one knew about. "Father..." "Quiet!" he shouted. "This is what will happen. Shotaro will return in two weeks' at which time you will marry. After the wedding he will return to Boston and complete his residency. He will then return here-he has been offered a position at UCLA that he has yet to accept. From this moment on, you will spend your nights here. Either me or Jiro will take you to the hospital and will pick you up." Mai couldn't stop the tears from running down her face. At that moment she hated Ani, her father and Shotaro. "Father please- do not make me do this! Shotaro does not love me any more than I love him! He loves another... please!" she begged. "The decision is made," he replied. "I have also taken it upon myself to talk with your instructor. When you return to the hospital you will no longer be in the same group as Takeda. In fact, you will no longer be on the night rotation..." "YOU CAN'T DO THIS!! YOU CAN'T... you..." "It is already done," her father said "There is another option if you choose not to comply. It is an option that we previously discussed. Either you do what you are expected of you or you are on your own. Choose." "I have no choice do I?" Mai asked bitterly. "I am pleased that you are seeing reason now if you will excuse me, I am going for a walk." "Mai... I had to tell him," Ani tried to explain when they were alone. "He kept asking me about Kenjiro and I told him what I knew about his wife and children. He already knew about your feelings for him." "How did he know about my conversation with Shotaro?" Mai asked. "Were you spying on me?" "No! At least not intentionally, but Mai I warned you that no good could come of this!" "So you told him? You couldn't keep your mouth shut?" Mai asked. "Mai listen to me," Ani said moving closer to her. "You aren't thinking. If you were you would know that this is for the best. Father is trying to protect you..." "No he isn't," Mai broke in. "He's trying to control me and protect the Kabata name. He cares nothing for our happiness. It is all about appearances." "What are you going to do?" Ani asked. "What can I do?" Mai replied. "It is as I said, I have no choice, but Ani; I hate you, father and Shotaro. I will never forget your part in this." "Mai! Be reasonable! I did it for you! I wasn't trying to hurt or betray you. I only want you to be happy." "Forcing me into a marriage that I do not want is making me happy?" Mai asked sarcastically. "Threatening my professional career is making me happy?" "Be honest," Ani said. "This isn't about your career or being forced to marry Shotaro. This is about your obsession with Kenjiro Takeda and your jealousy toward his wife. Marrying Shotaro interferes with your pursuit of a married man. So am I glad that I said something? Yes I am and I would do it again if it would save you as you seem incapable of saving yourself. Allow me to ask you a question, if you truly believe that you do not want to marry Shotaro and that you want to be free of father, why not leave? Thousands of students work their way through school without the benefit of their family's money. Why don't you walk away? That way you can be free to pursue Kenjiro Takeda or anyone else of your choosing. You won't walk away and do you know why? Because you know that what you are wrong. I actually doubt that you are really in love with him. You are attracted to what he represents. You see him as your rescuer..." "I am through talking about this," Mai said standing up. "Do not call me for dinner; I will not be joining you." Mai went to her room and locked the door behind her. She meant it when she said that she hated Shotaro, her father and Ani. She lay on the bed furious. "There has to be a way out of this." **** Saul whistled as he worked. The tips were good and he would be off for two days after the current shift was over. An application to UCLA lay on his desk at home, his family was still safe and the quiet Isadora Hughes still hadn't blown him off. In fact, she had almost smiled at him once. Just thinking about it made him smile. The only things that marred his good mood was Harry who was no longer speaking to him and what he felt was lack of progress on the Warden Ellis case. He shook off the negative feelings wanting nothing to interfere with the good ones. He smiled at the young woman with a small child as he helped her with her luggage. "Merry Christmas ma'am!" he said cheerfully. "Merry Christmas to you too!" she replied. That was how the rest of his shift went. By the end of it, he had collected almost five dollars in tips to add to the communal tip jar. At the end of the shift the money would be divided between all of them. He hoped that everyone did as well as he did-he had plans for the extra money. Finally the shift was over. He rushed to the office to pick up his pay and to wait for the division of the tip money. As he suspected, everyone had done well. A few minutes later, he was on his way home with his share of the tip money and his pay in his pocket. He had already sent money to his family for Christmas, the extra money that he had was going to be spent on Cora, Joshua and Reggie. The store was closed but the owner lived above it and agreed to meet him after store hours. Saul tapped on the back door and was immediately let in. "Are they still here?" Saul asked. "I sat them aside after you left last week," the store owner replied. "My wife even wrapped them for you-no extra charge." He handed Saul the three small packages and gave him the total which turned out to be less than he had been originally told. "Merry Christmas," the man said when Saul questioned him about it. "I did well this season so I gave you a little discount." Saul thanked the store owner, wished him a merry Christmas and made his way home. The smell of roasting turkey hit him before he was to the house. He slipped in the front door and slid the gifts under the small Christmas tree before going to his room to change. He glanced at the UCLA application and smiled. He could only afford one class, but it was a start. Reggie encouraged him to start with a basic English composition class. "It will give you a good foundation for your other classes and it won't overwhelm you." At first Saul didn't agree. He wanted to start off with something more difficult but after thinking about it, he decided that Reggie was right. When he came out of his room, he heard the familiar voice of Noah Jackson. The man had become just as much of an enigma to him as he had to Isadora. He had once asked him where he came from and got an evasive reply. After that he didn't ask anything that could be construed as personal. "Merry Christmas Mr. Jackson," Saul said when he walked into the living room. "Merry Christmas to you!" Noah replied with a smile. "Dinner smells wonderful doesn't it?" "Yes sir it does," Saul replied as he headed toward the kitchen to help with preparations. "Saul-have a seat," Noah said. "It's alright; you're the main reason that I'm here." "Me sir?" Saul asked confused. "Yes you. Please sit down, I have something to discuss with you. I was going to wait until after dinner but Cora says that dinner is still an hour away." Saul nervously sat down and waited. "Reggie tells me that you have an application for UCLA." "Yes sir, I was going to fill it out tonight." "Are you still thinking about the ministry?" "Yes-nothing else appeals to me." "Well, the world can always use another man of god; the spoken word can be a very powerful thing." Noah replied with a smile. "Let me ask you a question, if there was a way for you to go to college all expenses paid-would you take it?" Saul hesitated before answering. "My father used to tell me that nothing is ever free especially when it comes to money. So my question to you is this; what would I have to do in order for this to happen?" "You're a very smart young man," Noah commented. "Most would have just said yes and then asked questions later. What if all you had to do was to keep doing what you're doing?" "I don't understand," Saul said even more confused. "I'm not doing anything special. I go to work, come home and study." "Saul," Noah said after a moment's thought, "you are doing something. The beauty of it is that you don't see it as anything extraordinary. That makes you as they say the real deal. Let me explain..." Saul listened amazed as Noah told him that he had been watched. "I was watching the day that you stepped up to help a black co-worker..." Saul didn't know what to say. Noah was right- anything that he did, he did it without thinking about it and he saw it as nothing special. "There aren't many young men who would do what you've done," Noah said. "The final test was Isadora Hughes. I saw how you looked at her at the train station last year. The question was what you were going to do about it. If you weren't going to pursue it, I would have asked you why but seeing as you are pursuing it, it's a moot question." I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 19 "What does that have to do with school and what does Isadora have to do with anything?" Saul asked. "Isadora has nothing to do with it," Noah replied. "She was merely part of the test and no-she doesn't know anything about it and she doesn't know that I'm talking to you. Saul-you have what I call the spark. Isadora has it-many people have it but in some it burns so bright that it can be seen for miles..." "I don't get it," Saul interrupted. "Every so often I run into someone who has the spark," Noah continued. "Sometimes it's because I look for it and sometimes it finds me. You are the latter. When I find people like you and Isadora-people who will one day make a major contribution to society, I try to help them by funding their way through school. All you need to do in exchange is to continue to do what you're doing. When you finally reach your goal-the pulpit- you preach what you've lived and when you can, you help someone else as you have been helped." Saul was speechless. "I do have to confess that you're the first white person that I've helped and I realize that in some ways I've been practicing my own form of discrimination. Thank you for pointing that out to me and you have my apologies. I know that this is a surprise to you so take some time to think about it. I should add that you will need to quit your job..." "I can't do that," Saul said. "I help to pay the bills here and I send money to my family back home." Noah closed his eyes in thought and then opened them. "Joshua and Cora will receive a stipend for housing you. It will be more than enough to pay the bills. As far as your family is concerned-we'll work something out." "I mean no disrespect," Saul said, "but I won't do anything until I know that my family is going to be fed. I'm all they've got and I won't leave them hanging so that I can go to school." "You're a good man," Noah said meaning it. "Consider your family taken care of. Will you think about my offer?" "I'll think about it," Saul replied thinking that there still had to be something more to the offer than he had been told. "Good- what do you say to helping Cora getting the food on the table? I don't know about you, but I'm hungry." ***** Warden Ellis looked over at his pregnant wife with distaste. He held the ugly tie that he had gotten as a Christmas gift in his hands and wished that he were somewhere else. Even his office at the prison was preferable to being home. "Teddy? Can you come help me?" Hazel called from the kitchen. "I can't reach the bowl on the top shelf." Ellis grimaced. He could barely stand the sound of her voice and hated it when she called him "Teddy". If he didn't want to run for public office so badly, he would have left her kid or not. "I'll be right there!" he called back forcing cheer into his voice. Hazel's family was coming to spend Christmas day with them; his family was coming as well. It was becoming a farce. Under the advice of his campaign people, photographers would be there to take pictures for the local newspaper. "A picture says a thousand words," they replied when he objected. Ellis sighed and made his way to the kitchen where Hazel and their new maid were making the Christmas dinner. Ellis looked at the maid who in his opinion was breathtakingly beautiful with her caramel colored skin and then at Hazel. He knew that the maid knew that he was watching her by the way that she looked away- he could have sworn that she blushed. He hadn't wanted a maid, but gave in after Hazel and his advisors had insisted on it saying that appearances were everything. Today was the first time that he had actually seen her as she was always gone before he got home. "It's up there," Hazel said pointing to the shelf that was much too high for her and the maid. "While you're here, can you go to the basement and bring up a few jars of the pear and peach preserves? I would send Millie but I need her up here." "Of course darling," Ellis replied. Even to his own ears he sounded false. He went to the basement to retrieve the preserves and to think. He was going to have a lifetime with a woman that he didn't love and a child that he didn't want. And if Hazel had her way, she would be pregnant again soon after this baby was born. He felt sick just thinking about touching her pale white skin. For a brief moment he wondered if it was worth it and then wondered how he could make things more tolerable. "Teddy! Hurry! They'll be here in two hours!" Hazel called down the stairs. Ellis took two jars of each from the shelf and went back up the stairs disturbed. He sat the jars on the counter, glanced at the maid and left the kitchen without speaking. Hazel was so busy that she didn't notice. He shut the door to his office, sat in his chair and looked down at his lap horrified. **** "What you up to boy?" an inmate who was old enough to be Andrew's father asked. Andrew didn't reply but kept doing his sit ups. "If you're planning to escape-forget it. You won't make it." Andrew ignored him and began counting out loud, "one-hundred fifteen, one-hundred sixteen..." He kept counting long after the man had gone. This was his second Christmas on 'the rock' and like the last Christmas, it was a difficult day. Christmas had always been his favorite holiday. He loved helping his mother in the kitchen as she baked cookies and pies. His stomach growled as he remembered the dinner that included a turkey with all the trimmings and the sandwiches made from the leftover meat. He had woken up from a dream that he was at home in his own bed. When reality set in, he made a decision. He would be gone by the next Christmas. If he died in the attempt to escape, then so be it, but he was leaving this place. He began making serious preparations the second he made that decision. Now as he was on his two-hundredth sit up, he realized that it was something that he had always intended to do. All of the daydreaming of other places had been a precursor to making that decison. He stood firm in his decision to get as far away from California as he could get. He had heard something about a group called "the French Foreign Legion" and wondered if it was real or something that made for a good story. The next chance he got, he would see what he could find out. He was now at the point where he could receive letters and hoped that he didn't hear from his parents. He had meant it when he told them to forget that they had a son. He also hoped that they didn't visit- he didn't want to see the pain and disappointment on their faces again. Once had been more than enough. He had long ago accepted that the fact he was in prison was his own doing and no one else's. "Hindsight is a bitch," he grunted. He finished his sit ups and began to run in place. By the time he was finished, it was time to get ready for work. He had a job in the prison kitchen that he rather enjoyed. As he had from the beginning, Andrew stayed to himself and spoke to no one. As he dressed, he realized that he was going to have to change that. The first person he had to find was someone who had made an escape attempt. He had to know what he had done wrong. With something to focus on, Andrew felt better. He left his cell and went to the kitchen to begin his shift. What was amazing, he would realize later was not once did Kenjiro Takeda enter his plans. He now hated no one. Andrew wished that he had adopted that attitude much sooner than he did. If he had, he would be doing his internship now. Christmas dinner would be a reality instead of something that he dreamt about. That thought prompted another- was it possible to get a medical degree in another country? His mind whirred with excitement. If he escaped, it was still possible to make a life for himself somewhere else. He wouldn't be able to return to the states, but there would be a life. In his mind he began to make a checklist and he set a date for his escape-one year from now- Christmas day. He was either going to be on his way to another part of the world or he was going to be dead from the attempt. **** While Patricia was still asleep, Kenji quietly showered, dressed and went downstairs to make breakfast. Before he started, he went out to the car and got the gifts to place under the tree. The gift for Patricia he kept in his pocket. He didn't want one of the children to accidentally open it. The floor plans to the house he put in a large envelope and placed it under Patricia's plate. "Papa!" Marie squealed as she ran into the kitchen. "You're home!" "Good morning pretty one," Kenji greeted picking her up. "Are you hungry?" "May I open my gifts?" she asked ignoring the question about her appetite. "Not until after breakfast," Kenji replied kissing her cheek and sitting her in her chair. "Good morning papa," Niko said with a bow. "Welcome home." "Good morning Niko," Kenji greeted bowing in return. "Do I not get a hug or are you now too big for such things?" Niko grinned and threw himself into Kenji's arms. "I missed you papa- do you have stories for me?" "Yes I do," Kenji replied with a smile. He was struck by the difference in their children. Marie was definitely the artist of the two. She was also impulsive and loved gifts. Intellectually she was every bit as bright as Niko but didn't have his natural curiosity that reminded him so much of Patricia. Niko was as steady as Marie was impulsive. He couldn't draw a straight line without a ruler, but he had the drive to learn. He could have cared less about gifts as long as Kenji and Patricia fed his curiosity. "After we have breakfast and open our gifts I will tell you one. After that we need to help mama get things ready for Christmas dinner." Patricia stood in the doorway of the kitchen watching her family with a smile on her face. She waited for a minute before walking in. "Breakfast smells good," she said kissing Marie, then Niko and finally Kenji. "Thank you for making it." "You are welcome Kirei. Please sit and let me make your tea." Patricia sat down and saw the envelope under her plate. "Kenji what's this?" she asked taking the envelope from beneath the plate. "Open it," Kenji said as he sat her tea in front of her and then fixed the children's plates. Patricia looked at him and then carefully opened the envelope. She took out the stack of papers and brochures and looked up at him. "These are floor plans- we can't possibly afford to move..." "Not yet," Kenji said, "but we will. In less than two years I will be practicing as a doctor. Soon after that we can begin to think about our first home that we will buy with our own money. The floor plans and brochures are just a reminder that all that we hoped and planned for is coming to pass." Kenji knelt beside Patricia's chair and took her hands in his. "Kirei, I am going to be able to care for you and our children as a husband and father should." "Kenji- you have always taken care of us no matter the cost to you," Patricia said squeezing his hands. "You have always loved and protected us and if we had to stay in this house forever-it wouldn't matter. But I understand. I just want you to know that it doesn't matter where we live as long as we're happy and Kenji- I'm happy." Kenji ran a finger down the scar that Vernon Monroe had given her long ago and smiled at her. The same sparkle that had drawn him to her was in her eyes and he fell in love with her all over again. "I have something else for you, but let's give the children their gifts first." "I have something for you too," Patricia said kissing his forehead. "The red gown wasn't it?" "Nope, you'll see." An hour later, Marie was happily drawing and Niko was reading the manual to his chemistry kit. Kenji and Patricia sat on the couch holding hands quietly watching. "I'll be right back," Patricia said. "It's time to give you your gift." Kenji watched her disappear into the library and then come back out a minute later holding a small box. "Thank you Kirei," he said as he opened it. "A watch... it's beautiful and as with the pen, I will think of you every time I use it. Now it is my turn. Close your eyes and hold out your left hand." When she complied, Kenji took the ring box out of his pocket, opened it and removed the ring. He kissed the small diamond and slipped it on to the finger that she wore her wedding band on. "Open your eyes," he said softly. Patricia opened her eyes and looked down at her left hand. "Oh... Kenji... it's beautiful! You shouldn't have..." "Yes I should have-it looks beautiful on your hand. Kirei, I love you and this ring is but a small token of that love." "I love you too- thank you!" Afraid that she was going to lose the ring, Patricia took it off and put it on the chain that held the necklace that Kenji had given her for her birthday several years before. After dinner and the cleanup done, she would put it back on her hand and like the necklace; not take it off again. *** Isadora sat at her desk thinking about them-especially him wondering if he ever thought about her and what he and his friends did to her. She knew from the letters from Mr. Whitman that he was still in town. He had married and had a child on the way. He was being heralded as a rising pillar of the community and had political aspirations. The political aspirations didn't surprise her. She had aspirations too and he was a part of it. Aware that she needed to change her dark thoughts to something more pleasant, she reread the letter from her brother. She was amazed with how well written it was. He had come a long way since she had last seen him. The last time she talked with Noah Jackson about his schooling, he had told her that it was in the works but would say no more. After rereading the letter, Isadora took out one of the law journals that Mr. Whitman sent her and read through it. She still fluctuated between being a defense attorney or a prosecutor. Today it was a defense attorney- her people needed representation but on the other hand, the Klan needed to be prosecuted. "I still have time to decide," she muttered as she looked through the journal. Finished with the journal Isadora thought about the only white man that attended church. Reluctantly she admitted that she both liked and admired him. Not many white people would step foot into an all-black church and be comfortable. All she knew about him was his name and that he had come from one of the Carolinas. She told herself that's all that she needed to know and left the room to help Bella finish the Christmas dinner preparations. She was surprised by the fact that Noah Jackson wasn't going to be there. "He was already invited to someone's home," Bella told her when she asked. Isadora knew no more about the man than she did when she first met him- that wasn't exactly true. She knew that he had been married and that there had been a child. She only knew that because during last year's trip; he had talked in his sleep. The sadness in his voice when he said the two female names had almost made her cry. From his murmurings she deduced that they were both dead. She hadn't asked him about them deciding that if he wanted her to know; he would tell her. But it was more than that- he would expect her to share something just as personal. As she mashed the potatoes, Isadora had a thought. The woman who had helped her with her problem- was she still alive? She wasn't that old when Isadora last saw her but she wasn't in the best of health either. She would be needed to prove that there had been... "Did those potatoes do something to you?" Bella teased. "What?" "I asked if those potatoes did something to you," Bella said. "You're mashing them like you're angry about something- are you alright?" "I'm fine," Isadora said with an apologetic smile. "I was just thinking about home." "I understand, I still miss home too," Bella replied. "Do you ever think about going back?" "At first it was all we thought about," Bella replied. "But remember the only person that we knew when we got here was Mr. Jackson. We didn't meet the people that we stayed with until we arrived. They were like us- Mr. Jackson found them and brought them here." "Where are they now?" Isadora asked. "They went back to Georgia soon after me and Lenny graduated. This was their house or I should say that they lived here. Mr. Jackson owns the house." "Bella-where does his money come from? I know that Mr. Whitman helps him but he's only one person and I know for a fact that while he's well off- he isn't rich." "I don't know and I've never asked," Bella replied. "All I know is that Lenny and I wouldn't have an education without him and neither would you." Isadora had to admit that what Bella said was true, but she still had questions. She let the subject drop and Bella brought up one of her own. "What do you think about that white man coming to church?" "I don't know," Isadora said. "He has the right to go to church where he wants." "I agree with that- he's handsome for a white man." Isadora blushed and made no comment. "Don't tell me that you haven't noticed," Bella pressed. "As a matter of fact I haven't," Isadora replied her tone sharper than she had intended. "I go to church to worship and not to look at men no matter what their color is." "Then I suppose you haven't noticed the way that he looks at you when he thinks no one's watching." "No I haven't and I think that you're imagining things," Isadora replied. "Uh huh and I suppose that every woman in church is imagining things too," Bella said with a chuckle. "Bella- even if what you're saying is true, it's something that can't and won't happen." "Why not?" Bella countered. "Times are changing..." "Because I don't want it to happen!" Isadora exclaimed. "I don't want to be with any man and I don't care who it is! I have plans that don't include a man or children now can we drop it?" Isadora angrily wiped the tears away from her cheeks. If Bella thought that something had happened to her, she now had confirmation. "Isadora, what happened to you? And there's nothing that you can say that will convince me that nothing happened. I told you before that you can talk to me about anything and I meant it. Whatever you tell me stays between us." "I don't want to talk about it," Isadora said softly. "I can't talk about it." Bella put her hand over Isadora's and gave it a gentle squeeze. "You are such a strong, beautiful and intelligent woman," she said. "You will do well in your professional career. I can even see you sitting on the Supreme Court, but Isadora even the strongest of us needs someone to help carry our burdens. I have an idea of what happened to you and I can understand not wanting to talk about it. But what will holding it in accomplish? At any rate, if you decide that you want to talk; I'm here." Isadora nodded and walked away. She no longer had an appetite. **** The week sped by and it was already time for Kenji to go back to the hospital. He and Patricia had finally talked about Mai. "I plan to stay away from her," Kenji said. "There are only a few more weeks left in this rotation and I will make sure that we are not in the next one together." Patricia was relieved but wanted Kenji to understand that it wasn't him that she didn't trust-it was Mai. "I know that Kirei," Kenji said. "I don't trust her either. If I have to, I will speak to her again and in much stronger terms." Satisfied, Patricia changed the subject to something more pleasant. "Joel and Penny will be here in a few months. Niko will have to share a room with Marie while they're here." "I am not sure of how he will feel about that," Kenji said. "He has grown accustomed to his privacy. Perhaps they could stay with Abby-she would enjoy the company." I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 19 "I'll talk to her about it," Patricia said. "I can't wait to see them! We'll have to plan a welcome home party for them." "They would enjoy that-Kirei meet me for lunch tomorrow." "Alright... what's going on?" "Nothing- it will just make the week go by faster." "I'll be there," Patricia replied. She was glad for the invitation. She hoped to see Mai and say a few things to her. After lunch, Kenji kissed Patricia and Marie goodbye. He had already said his goodbyes to Niko before he went to school. "Remind your father that Paul is expecting him for a checkup tomorrow morning." "He knows and he's fighting it," Patricia replied, "but mom will make sure that he goes." "Good- I will see you tomorrow," Kenji said kissing her again. "I love you." **** Mai started to pack her bags and then remembered that her father would take her to the hospital in the morning. In a fit of anger, she threw the bag back into the closet and got dressed. She hadn't spoken to Ani or her father since before Christmas and the only one that it really seemed to bother was Ani. It bothered Jiro only because Ani was unhappy. There was a time when Mai thought that she and Jiro were friends but she could now see that she had been wrong. Jiro refused to look at her and only spoke to her when necessary. Instead of making her feel worse, it only fueled her anger. She was supposed to be returning to the hospital but thanks to her father, she was no longer on the night rotation. Her next night rotation would happen while Kenji was on days which meant that there was still a chance that their paths might cross. The only way that it wouldn't happen was if her father somehow interfered. She didn't put it past him-after all; he did manage to get her rotation changed. She undressed and put on her pajamas- she wasn't going to eat dinner. She had no desire to pretend to respect the people that she lived with. She sat on the bed prepared to lay down when she heard her father's voice at her door. "Get up... dinner is waiting." "Please excuse me, I am not feeling well," Mai said. "Now," her father said. "We have plans to make." She knew what those plans were- her forced marriage to Shotaro. He was already on the train and would arrive in a few days. She held a little glimmer of hope that he would refuse to marry her, but she knew that it wouldn't happen. He wouldn't have left Boston if that was the case. She wondered what he told the woman that he was in love with. Surprisingly, she felt for her. It had to be as difficult to lose someone to tradition as it was to be forced upon someone because of it. Her anger at Shotaro rose. How could he do this to the unnamed woman if he loved her? Kenji's name popped into her mind. "Mai-now," her father said through the door. He didn't yell, but his tone told her that he expected obedience. A flicker of defiance rose and then quickly died. She wasn't gone to win this round-she wasn't even going to win the war. There had to be a way out. ***** Hiroshi couldn't say when he started feeling not quite right. He was always tired even though he slept well. At first he thought that it was because he had been working longer hours since he opened a second nursery. Now he wasn't so sure. He heard Dai in the kitchen talking with Hiro-in retrospect he wished that he hadn't named his son after his deceased son, but it was too late to change it. He rolled out of bed wishing that he could sleep more, but he had too many things to do. Besides, it would only worry Dai who was already telling him that he needed to slow down. He was finally coming to the conclusion that she was right. There was no need for him to continue to work so hard. The house was paid for as were the businesses. Their financial future was secure. There was even cash set aside in case there was a repeat of history. As he dressed for the day, Hiroshi thought about Kenji and felt a pang of regret. It was more than that; he felt shame at his actions. Kenji and Patricia had forgiven him but he still felt guilty. His guilt extended to the way that he had treated Hana while they were married and her arrest because of his activities. There was nothing that he could do to change the past, but he could do something about the future. Hiroshi left the bedroom and went into his office which was located down the hall from their bedroom and next to Hiro's. Dai encouraged him to take one of the downstairs rooms but he wanted to be close to Hiro's room. It was silly he knew, but in his mind he would be there to protect Hiro in a way that he had never really protected Kenji. He closed the door behind him and called his attorney. By the end of the phone call, he felt much better. The guilt wasn't gone, but he felt better. **** Kenji went the to the conference room and sat down. One by one the other members of his group trickled in. He looked at his watch when he realized that Mai hadn't come in yet. It wasn't like her to be late. Dr. Vincente came in a few minutes after seven and began the pre-round conference. "Before we begin, I want to inform you that one of our group-Dr. Kabata won't be rejoining us. I'm not sure of the circumstances, but she will be going to a day rotation..." Kenji breathed a sigh of relief. The chances of running into Mai had just significantly decreased- at least for the time being. There was always the possibility that they would have a day rotation together but he would deal with it when and if it happened. After the conference, Dr. Vincente pulled Kenji aside. "Do you know what's going on with Dr. Kabata?" "No I don't," Kenji politely replied. "I haven't seen her since Christmas eve." "Alright, I also wanted to discuss something else with you. Have you decided on what area of medicine you would like to practice?" Kenji told Dr. Vincente about his and Patricia's plans. "Have you ever considered surgery?" Dr. Vincente asked. "I had given it some thought," Kenji admitted, "but I do not feel led in that direction. I enjoy family practice." "I can see that and you're very good at it, but does it present enough of a challenge for you? Let me be frank-you have one of the finest minds that I've ever seen. When we round, I see how you examine the equipment and wonder how it could be made better. When we discuss a surgical patient, I can see the wheels turning. You try to figure out how to simplify the surgery and yet arrive at the same results. That, Dr. Takeda is the mind of a surgeon. I happen to know that Dr. Coleman will be looking for a resident to study under him. I would like to recommend you." "I... I am honored," Kenji said with a bow. "Will you at least think about it?" Dr. Vincente asked. "It means extra time added to your residency so discuss it with your wife and let me know." "How much time do I have in which to decide?" "Six weeks, but the sooner I know, the better." Kenji's mind raced. What to do? He had been set on being finished in a year and a half but if he did this it would add another year or two. He wasn't concerned about what Patricia would say-he already knew. He took a deep breath and calmed. He didn't have to make a decision now, he had time and he wouldn't make a decision without talking to Patricia first. "Hey Kenji!" Jared, one of the residents in his group called. "Over here!" Kenji walked over to the table carrying the lunch that Patricia had packed for him and sat down. "So what kind of hot water are you in?" Jared asked as he took a bite of his sandwich. "Excuse me?" "Vincente-what did you do?" "Nothing... he was just offering a piece of wisdom," Kenji replied. "Why would you think that there was a problem?" "Well, historically anyone who has a private audience with 'his greatness' doesn't come out of it unscathed. So...if you're not in deep shit then you're in for something good. Care to share?" "No," Kenji replied. He wasn't about to talk about his conversation with Vincente with anyone but Patricia. "Okay... so what's going on with Mai? Where is she?" Jared asked. "I don't know," Kenji replied. "Really? I thought you two were two birds on the same tree branch." "Dr. Kabata and I are colleagues only," Kenji said firmly. "We do not socialize in or outside of the hospital. Does that answer your question?" "Geez, relax," Jared said holding his hands up in surrender. "I was only asking." "Please excuse me," Kenji said as he stood up. "Hey I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you," Jared said. "Your apology is accepted-I need to call my wife and say goodnight to my children." **** Mai was miserable and angry. Ani had tried to talk to her again in spite of being told to go away. Finally Mai had let her in so that she could have a moment's peace. "Say what you must and then leave," Mai said. "I have to be up early." Ani sighed and sat on the bed. She understood Mai's anger although she didn't agree with it. "I know that you are angry with us and I understand but Mai, you have to understand our position too. I have seen this before-not to this extent because you always came to your senses. Contrary to what you believe, father loves you and only wants the best for you." "You keep saying that," Mai said, "but I don't believe it. I will concede that you and he are right concerning Kenji..." "Kenji?" Ani broke in. "Has he given you permission to be so informal with his name? From what you've told me your interaction has been primarily on a professional basis. Has something changed?" Mai kicked herself; she had slipped up again but recovered. "You did not allow me to complete his name. As I was saying you and father are right concerning Kenjiro Takeda. I still disagree about this marriage to Shotaro. Ani, how would you have felt if Jiro loved another when he married you? How would you feel if he only smiled when he thought about her?" "As I said, I understand..." "How could you?" Mai asked angrily. "How could you possibly understand? You have always been the good daughter! You do as he and tradition says without question. You have never aspired to be anything more than someone's wife and mother nor have you ever wanted to be free to make your own choices. It is much easier to let someone else decide for you. You are fortunate in that you and Jiro love each other. Shotaro and I do not care for each other nor will we ever care. In spite of that, we will be the dutiful children and marry as tradition and our families say we must. We will grow old together and at the best come to tolerate each other. At worst-we will hate each other..." "Then walk away," Ani said quietly. "You say that you have no choice, but you do-walk away and find your way alone. As to my choices, to some degree you are right. It is easier to have someone make decisions for you and yes, all I ever wanted to be was a wife and mother. There is nothing wrong with that if that is what one wants and chooses. You are also right in saying that I don't understand how you must feel but that doesn't make what you are doing right. Have you thought about them? Have you given thought to what will become of his children if you do manage to take him away from his wife?" Mai's silence was Ani's answer. "Mai-I think that it is best that you marry Shotaro. You can choose to love him as I have chosen to love Jiro. If you will allow it, you can be happy but as long as you cling to this unreasonable idea of you and Kenjiro Takeda that happiness will not happen. You already have a man to woo away from another-Shotaro." Mai had no response other than to kick Ani out of her room. After Ani was gone, Mai locked the door and didn't come out until it was time for dinner which had been an uncomfortable affair. She listened while her father talked/dictated what was going to happen with her life. She silently listened without offering any resistance-it would have been pointless. By the end of the meal, the wedding would be planned with one concession-she and Shotaro would live in a small apartment near the hospital since they would both be working there. She understood what was happening. Her father conceded to the apartment because of Shotaro and for no other reason. It was probably something that Shotaro had insisted on. She was getting one prison in exchange for another. "I have already located an apartment for you and Shotaro. The rent has been paid for a year in advance. After that, you will join Ani, Jiro and I in a home that I will purchase..." Mai stopped listening. It didn't matter. When the time came she would do as she was told with the exception of one thing. She wouldn't give up her dream about Kenji. It didn't matter that it was unreasonable nor did it matter that he loved his wife and children and wouldn't leave them. He was her secret fantasy. In this fantasy there was no wife and children- there would only be them. It wouldn't be Shotaro that she was marrying in a little over a week-it would be Kenji... "Mai!" "Yes father?" "Did you not hear me?" "Yes father." Her father continued to talk-making demands that Mai absently agreed to. After dinner she went to her room, closed the door and lay on the bed fully clothed. She had no more fight-for now. **** Shotaro smiled at the woman lying next to him on the small cot on the train. He couldn't believe it when she said that she would come with him even after he explained what was happening. The woman, whose belly was only just beginning to swell, smiled back at him and took his hand in hers. "It's going to be fine-I promise." "This is not fair to you or our child," Shotaro said softly. "This is not what I wanted for us." "I know that, but Shotaro; it isn't fair to her either." "No... you are right, it isn't, but it is hard to go against what you have been raised to believe." "But yet here you are with me," the soft voice replied. "You've already gone against what you were taught." Shotaro hesitated. He hadn't thought about it in that light. Sharon had started out as a distraction- a way to settle his curiosity but then the unexpected had happened. He fell in love with her. No one including his friends knew about her-they couldn't. Word would get back to his family and he wasn't ready for that. The plan had been to finish his residency, get a job someplace other than Boston and then break the engagement to Mai. He thought that he had another year at least to put things into place. The change in the wedding date had come as a complete surprise to him. Now it had been moved up yet again. He had gone into a panic until Sharon calmed him telling him that it would work out. On the bright side, the job at UCLA was a good thing. He hadn't planned on applying there, but was now glad that he did. What he hadn't told anyone with the exception of Sharon was that he had worked out a deal with UCLA. He would finish his residency there if they agreed to put him in a two bedroom apartment that was close to the hospital. Much to his surprise, they had agreed. He quickly finished up any business that he was doing for Mai's father and began to make plans for moving. He had already shipped most of his things and then Sharon's when she agreed to go with him. Now he had a decision to make. The pregnancy had changed things-for the better he decided. When they boarded the train, he had every intention of marrying Mai but the closer to California they got, the less certain he became-until now. He could not and would not marry Mai. He wasn't going to deny his child a father and its mother a husband. "What is it?" Sharon asked. "I am not going to marry Mai," he replied. "I will not dishonor you, our child or her by marrying her. I will not have you and our child remain a secret as if I am ashamed of you." "Your family..." "Will be furious and will more than likely disown me but I have you and I have our child. I also have a means of supporting you. I should have broken the engagement a long time ago." "Are you sure about this?" Sharon asked. "I am sure," Shotaro replied as he experienced his own sense of relief. Sharon closed her eyes in relief and said a silent prayer of thanks. She had known that Shotaro was agonizing over what to do. She knew what she wanted him to do, but felt that she couldn't say anything. If he wanted to break the engagement to the other woman, he had to be the one to decide with no input from her. When he told her that the wedding date had been moved up her heart sank. It had been him that told her that they still had time to figure things out. When he told her that the wedding date had been changed once again, she had been the one to calm him by telling him that for better or worse; she wasn't going anywhere. When they left Boston, she hadn't told anyone that she was leaving. Her friends and family didn't know about Shotaro although they suspected that she was seeing someone. She hated Boston with a passion. She hated the accents and the cold winters. If she never went back, it would be too soon. She was making plans to leave when she met Shotaro. She knew that she was an object of curiosity for him, but then she was just as curious about him. She had never been with a Japanese man before and it intrigued her. It wasn't long before they felt more than curiosity about each other. They proceeded slowly and Shotaro, to his credit had been upfront with her. Now they were having a baby and were on their way to the west coast. She snuggled closer when Shotaro kissed her forehead and touched her stomach. She didn't want to talk about the other woman, but they had to. "When will you talk to them?" she asked. "As soon as we arrive and you are settled," Shotaro replied. "Once that is done we will marry. Sharon- do you not want to contact your family? They must be worried." "Trust me when I say that they aren't," Sharon replied. She wanted to talk about them even less than she did Mai. Shotaro had been her one bright spot in her otherwise sad, dreary and often lonely life. Her main reason for not talking about him was that she didn't want to share him. No matter what was happening at home, there was always him. If she told them about him, they would find a way to spoil it for her like they did everything else. She felt safe with him. She felt loved and would take him any way that she could. Shotaro let the subject of her family drop. He knew it was a very unpleasant topic for her and she had told him enough that he understood why she wanted to leave. "I think," Sharon said, "that she will be relieved." "Yes, of that I am certain," Shotaro replied. "It is her father who will be the problem." "Maybe not," Sharon replied. Shotaro could only hope that she was right although he doubted it. He knew Mai's father well. "Get some rest now," Shotaro urged. "The drama will begin soon enough." **** Mai stood at the front door and waited for her father to take her to the hospital. She was exhausted emotionally and physically and for once hoped that she wouldn't run into Kenji. It had nothing to do with the bags under her eyes but she didn't think that she could face his cool indifference to her. Her father came out of his room, gave her a curt bow before putting on his hat. She saw Ani peeking at her and ignored her. Ani was now the enemy. Neither Mai nor her father spoke as he drove her to the hospital. There was nothing to say-he had made his decision. As soon as he pulled up in front of the hospital, Mai jumped out of the car and ran inside. She went to the conference room hoping that it would be empty. But it wasn't. Vera was sipping on a cup of coffee while she looked at her notes. Mai sighed. Vera was just as bad as Ani and her father were if not worse. "Good morning!" Vera said looking up. "I heard that you were off of the night rotation. What happened?" I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 19 Mai couldn't believe that word had gotten around so quickly. She scrambled for something to say but couldn't come up with anything that would sound believable. She opted for the truth. "My father intervened," she said as she sat down in the chair next to Vera. "Your father? Why...Kenjiro isn't it?" Vera asked. "He figured something was going on didn't he? Mai..." "Do not say it!" Mai said angrily. "I am tired of hearing I told you so! I am tired of being told what I can and cannot do with my life and what I should feel!" "I was going to say that I'm sorry that things are so hard for you," Vera said after a brief hesitation. "I can't even begin to imagine what it's like to have someone tell you who to marry and to have no control over your life." Mai was surprised at the empathy that Vera was showing and said so. "Mai-I've been where you are," Vera said with a sad smile. "Not the forced marriage thing but wanting someone that I couldn't have. Like Kenjiro, he was married but there were no children-thank god. I chased him until he finally gave in and well... let's just say that it wasn't what I thought it would be. He never stopped talking about his wife and how good she was to him. It didn't take me long to realize that he still loved her-he had never stopped loving her. I tried as hard as I could to get him to forget her..." "But he didn't," Mai said softly. "No Mai, he didn't," Vera said, "but I held on thinking that all he needed was time to see that I was far better for him than she could ever be." "What happened?" "He yanked me aside and told me a few hard facts of his life. The thing was; he didn't do it in private. He humiliated me in front of the other students in my class. He made it seem like I was some lovesick puppy and that he had done everything possible to dissuade me. By the time he was done, I looked like the village idiot who was stalking a married man and he came out of it smelling like a rose. I was not only heartbroken; I was hurt and the topic of conversation for weeks. I know that Kenjiro has spoken to you-yes that got around too but no one knows what he said. He's distanced himself from you-Mai-that should tell you something. I don't know him well enough to say whether he would humiliate you in front of others-somehow I doubt it, but do you want to find out? If you don't want to marry the man that your father picked out for you then don't, but find someone else to fall for and leave Kenjiro alone." "Maybe it will work for us," Mai said. "Maybe I can make him forget her..." "You aren't listening!" Vera exclaimed exasperated. "What will you do when he calls her name while you're making love? That's what happened to me on more than one occasion and it hurt like hell. What will you do when he won't stop talking about the things that they did together? And do you seriously think that he's going to forget about his children? Mai- open your fucking eyes! The man doesn't want you! Even I can see that!" The door opened and an intern walked in ending their discussion. Mai heard what Vera said, but she wasn't listening. **** Kenji got to the cafeteria early and bought something for breakfast that he could take to his room. On his way back, he stopped and called Patricia. "Good morning Kirei, did you sleep well?" "I slept ok... I missed you pulling the sheets though," she replied laughing. "Me? I thought that was you," Kenji teased back. "Kirei I have something that I need to discuss with you over lunch. Do you have time to make sandwiches for us? I want to talk about this privately." "Is there something wrong?" Patricia asked thinking about Mai. "No Kirei, all is well. It's just that we have a decision to make regarding our future plans." "I'll pack a lunch," Patricia said. "Where should I meet you?" "In the lobby and by the way, Mai is no longer on the night rotation. I don't know what happened, but I am pleased." "Me too... Niko wants to say goodbye before he goes to school." Kenji spoke to Niko and then Marie before hanging up and going to his room. He took a quick shower and ate his breakfast while he read through his notes from the night and studied for the boards. Before he knew it, it was time for lunch. **** While Patricia waited for Kenji, she thought about what they needed to discuss. She decided that whatever it was, it couldn't be bad. For one, he didn't sound upset and two- he wouldn't give her bad news at the hospital- he would have come home. That left something good-it had to be. As she waited, she watched a group of interns walk by taking note of the exhaustion on their faces. In a few years that would be her with that look on her face and she couldn't wait. She still wanted to study neurology- she still wanted to know if anything could have been done for Ralph and others like him. Kenji had encouraged her to do what she wanted but she still hadn't decided. She frowned when she saw Mai walk by with another woman and wondered if Kenji's news had something to do with her. No she decided, he told her that they were no longer in the same group. She had to admit that she was curious as to what happened. She couldn't see Mai making the decision to change groups on her own. She watched Mai and the other woman walk in the direction of the cafeteria and was glad that Kenji had asked her to pack them a lunch. "Ohayo-hello Kirei," Kenji said as he bent down and kissed her cheek. "Ohayo-Kenji you haven't been to sleep yet have you?" "No," Kenji replied giving her a sheepish grin. "I was studying and lost track of time." "Kenji..." "I know and I promise to take a nap after we have lunch and talk." Kenji led her to the cafeteria bought them drinks before leading her outside where there were several tables. They sat at the one furthest away from the entrance and ate lunch. "Thank you Kirei, that was so much better than the dry sandwiches here." "You're welcome so what's the big secret?" Patricia listened as Kenji told her about the conversation with Dr. Vincente. "So you see," Kenji said, "it will add almost another two years to my residency." "Do you want to do it?" Patricia asked. "I don't know although the idea does intrigue me, but what I want is your input. This decision affects you and the children." "I think... I think that you should do what's going to make you happy. If you want to switch to surgery then I'm behind you." "I will only be one of many that will be recommended," Kenji said. "There is no guarantee that I will be chosen." "So why not go for it then?" Patricia asked. "If you're the one that's selected then it's supposed to be." By the end of lunch the decision had been made. "I need to get going and you need to get some sleep," Patricia said as she gathered up the trash from lunch. "You still have a little time," Kenji said looking at her wistfully and taking her hand. "Don't go yet." Patricia stopped what she was doing and looked at him. "Are you alright?" "I'm fine," Kenji replied. "I was just thinking of how fortunate I am to have a wife such as you. I hear the others talk about their wives and it is usually less than complimentary. They are all anxious for their husbands to graduate so that they can begin to make more money than what we are being paid. Thank you for being who you are and for staying by my side." "Where else would I be?" Patricia asked smiling at him. "I just hope that I don't become one of those wives that get talked about in less than complimentary terms." "That will never happen," Kenji said his expression serious. "I hope not-so what happened with Mai?" "I don't know nor am I concerning myself with it," Kenji replied. "Will you have lunch with me again on Thursday? We can then go home together." "Sounds like a plan, now go get some sleep." Kenji walked Patricia to the front lobby and kissed her cheek. "I will talk to you later tonight. Kiss the children for me." Kenji watched Patricia walk away and then turned to go inside. Mai was waiting for him. "Hello Kenjiro-how are you?" "Dr. Kabata, how are you?" Kenji asked careful to keep his tone impersonal. Mai blinked... Dr. Kabata? What had happened to calling her by her given name? She glanced back at Vera who had the "I told you so' look on her face, but still she persisted. "Did you have a pleasant holiday?" "Yes, if you will excuse me, I need to prepare for tonight." Kenji walked away not liking the fact that he had been so blunt, but he knew that it had to be that way. He had seen something in Mai's eyes and he couldn't give her the slightest glimmer of hope that they could ever be more than colleagues. Being friends was no longer an option. Mai watched in bewilderment as Kenji walked away. Had her father said something to him? That would explain it but unfortunately, she had no way of finding out without asking either him or her father directly. It didn't occur to her that Kenji was deliberately choosing to be cool toward her- she just wasn't thinking. Vera stood back helplessly watching her friend throw herself at a man who obviously didn't want her. She had done what she could. It looked as if Mai was going to find out the hard way just as she had. **** Kenji's shifts passed quickly. He waited until the end of his last shift to talk to Dr. Vincente about his decision. "Good! I was so sure that you'd say yes that I already gave my recommendation. Is your wife alright with this?" "We have discussed it and she supports me," Kenji replied. "When can I expect an answer?" "As you know there are several candidates," Vincente replied. "Each of you will meet with Dr. Coleman and then he'll decide. Personally, I think he'd be a fool not to choose you... good luck." Kenji went to his room to pack and to wait for Patricia so that they could have lunch together and then go home. He hadn't seen Mai since they last spoke and hoped that she finally got the message. He was studying for boards when he heard a tap on his door. Thinking that it was Robert arriving early, he opened the door. Mai. "I want to know if my father spoke to you," she said before Kenji could say anything. Kenji stepped outside of the room and closed the door behind him but not before Mai saw the pictures of Patricia and the children on the wall. She now knew what Kenji was looking at whenever he opened his notebook. "Why are you here?" Kenji asked his tone cool. "I want to know if my father has spoken to you," Mai replied. "Why would he speak to me?" Kenji asked confused. "I do not know your father." "You have been almost rude to me for the past few weeks and I want to know why. I thought that perhaps my father had something to do with it." "I have not spoken to your father," Kenji said. "My almost rudeness as you call it is for another reason." Mai looked around to see if anyone was listening before she spoke. "May I come in? I think that we have a misunderstanding..." "No you may not come in," Kenji interrupted. "I do not want you or anyone else to get the wrong impression. Dr. Kabata, I feel led to explain to you in much stronger terms than before that I am a married man. I love my wife and my children too much to dishonor them. I have no romantic feelings for you or any other woman. The only woman that I want to share my bed with is my wife. I plan to grow old with my Kirei and watch our children have children- do you understand? There is no possibility that I will ever leave them. I must ask-no tell you to turn your attention elsewhere." Mai felt as though she had been slapped. Her face burned with embarrassment and anger. She looked around when she thought she heard someone. She wanted no one to witness her humiliation. She looked up at Kenji and didn't see the gentleness that was usually in his eyes. What she saw bordered on anger with a touch of pity. "I hope that we will not have to talk about this again," Kenji said as he opened the door to his room, stepped inside and closed it in her face. Mai stood in front of the closed door in disbelief. She whipped around when she heard a door close. Someone had heard the entire thing. She slunk away from the door wondering who had heard the conversation between her and Kenji and how long before the entire hospital would hear about it. She went into a bathroom, washed her face and tried to regain some semblance of control. If she appeared upset it would only invite questions from her father and Ani. **** Shotaro opened the door to the apartment to let Sharon in while he carried in their luggage. She was already exploring the kitchen when he came back. "What do you think?" he asked hugging her from behind. "I think that I like it," she replied turning in his arms, "and I love you." "I love you too," Shotaro said. He found it strange at how easily the words rolled from his lips. Before Sharon he never would have said those words. It would have been implied. With her he found that he had a sense of humor and that he relaxed. At the hospital, he had been aloof, curt and often considered rude but she had changed that too. He was still aloof but much more relaxed and quicker to laugh. When asked about the change, he only smiled. His stomach clenched at what he was about to do, but it had to be done. He had no idea of what consequences if any Mai would have to pay, but this is what she wanted too. Even if she had changed her mind, it would change nothing. He wasn't going to marry her. "I could go with you," Sharon said kissing his cheek. "No, I need to do this alone and all of the stress is not good for you or the baby." "I'm not made of glass," Sharon retorted. "What's the worst that they could do to me? Call me names? In case you've forgotten-I'm used to that." "I haven't forgotten and that is why I want you to stay here," Shotaro said hugging her closer. "There is no need for you to go through that." Sharon looked at Shotaro who wasn't much taller than she was inches at five feet six inches and searched his face. She was worried. She was worried that when it came down to it, he wouldn't be able to walk away from family and tradition. She began to mentally prepare herself for the fact that she would have to share him. "Sharon-I will be back so try not to worry," Shotaro said stroking the side of her face. He loved the feel of her skin against his and wished that he didn't have to leave. But the sooner he left, the sooner he would be back. The sooner he could take her to bed and sample the taste of her light brown skin-skin that had been the source of mistreatment for her. Her mother was a white woman and her father black. Her father was one of the many men who died loading explosives on a ship during the "Port Chicago disaster" in 1944. With no place else to go and no way to support their daughter, her mother had gone back home to her family in Boston. Sharon had been sketchy on the details, but Shotaro got the picture. He gave her a kiss and then released her. The cool, aloof Shotaro was back to do what needed to be done. It was then that Sharon stopped being afraid. He was coming back to them. ***** Mai paced her room like a caged lioness. The feeling of being trapped grew with each passing moment. Shotaro had arrived and was on his way to finalize the plans for the wedding. Suddenly she had the overwhelming need to vomit. She grabbed the nearest trash can and vomited the lunch that her father insisted that she eat. For the briefest of moments she considered killing herself. She was still hurt over the way that Kenji had spoken to her and now Shotaro was coming. It made things all too real. Just as she was debating, her father tapped on her door. "Come out, Shotaro is here." She took a deep shaky breath and blinked back tears. She took a sip of water, swished it around in her mouth and then spit it out. Taking another deep breath and saying goodbye to the life she wanted, she went to the living room. "Ohayo-hello Shotaro, welcome," she said with a bow. "Ohayo Mai," he replied with a bow of his own. Mai looked at him. He was the same cold man that she had seen not long ago. A tear escaped her eye and ran down her cheek. If he noticed, he gave no indication of it. He was a handsome man, and when he smiled; he could be considered gorgeous. Mai had to wonder about the woman that he was in love with. What was she like that she could make him smile? "Let's sit and finalize the plans for the wedding," her father said. "Ani, please bring the tea." "Please," Shotaro said softy, "I do not care for tea. I have something to say." Mai's head snapped up at his tone. Hope leapt into her heart-maybe... "Please may we sit?" Shotaro asked. When they were sitting, Shotaro delivered the news. "Kabata-san, there is no easy way to say what I am going to say except just to say it. I cannot marry Mai. There is another that I love and she carries my child. I cannot and will not dishonor her, Mai or my child by going through with this wedding. I apologize-but..." Mai's father stared at Shotaro in shock and then disbelief. A moment later, a look of fury was on his face. The veins of temples throbbed as he turned to look at Mai. "This is your fault!" He screamed at Mai. "You have made no effort to make this pairing work! Instead you set your sights upon a married man! And you!" he said to Shotaro are dishonorable! You have not only dishonored me, you dishonor yourself and your family! You agreed to marry..." "Excuse me," Shotaro interrupted, "but I agreed to nothing. My family agreed to this marriage. I had no say in the matter just as Mai had no say. This is no more her fault than it is mine." "What of your parents? Do they know of this?" Mai's father asked angrily. "What will they say of your betrayal?" "No, but they will know soon," Shotaro replied. "And I have no doubt that they will be as angry if not angrier that you are." Mai's father swore in Japanese and glared at Mai. It was clear to her that he was holding her solely responsible for what happened. She didn't care as long as it got her out of the marriage. "Get out Shotaro," he said angrily. "You are no longer welcome in my home and trust that I will be speaking with your father." "Mai-I am sorry for any distress that this has caused you and regret that I did not speak sooner," Shotaro said as he stood up. Mai kept her head down to hide her smile. She was free-or so she thought. A moment later, Shotaro was on his way back to Sharon. He felt pounds lighter. He hadn't realized just how much of a weight the pending marriage to Mai had been. He hadn't realized until he met Sharon how much of his life hadn't been his own. His father had chosen his profession for him, decided what school he should attend- all without asking him what he wanted. Fortunately, he liked being a doctor and was very good at it although his bedside manner was a lot to be desired. Sharon had helped him with that too. Shotaro suddenly realized something and wondered why he hadn't seen it before- he had been unhappy. Had he married Mai... he didn't want to think about it. All he wanted at the moment was to go back to the apartment and begin making plans with Sharon. He would deal with his family later. **** Mai kept her head down too afraid to look up. She knew that her father would see the look of relief on her face and that would only make things worse. "You are a disgrace," he said. His voice belied the fury that he felt. "You have dishonored this family..." "Father I was not the one to break the engagement," Mai reminded him with her head still bowed. "That is true enough, but did you not approach Shotaro with the idea? Do you deny that you did nothing to find common ground with him?" Mai's head snapped up. She met her father's angry glare with one of her own. I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 19 "I admit I did not want to marry Shotaro, but he did not want to marry me either. Did you now hear him? He loves another! They are having a child together! What of his infidelity to me? Is that not reason enough for me to want to break the engagement?" Much to Mai's surprise, her father laughed. It wasn't a happy laugh. It was a laugh filled with anger and disgust. "How stupid do you think me to be?" he asked still chuckling. "You have always been the schemer but you get away with nothing. You wear your emotions on your sleeve- did you think that I did not notice your relief at Shotaro's announcement? You sat there with your head bowed to hide your smile. You think that you have won? Shotaro's infidelity does not enter into this- his family will address that. What we will deal with is your failure to uphold an agreement and the dishonor you have brought to the Kabata name." Something in her father's tone made Mai nervous. "You disgrace yourself and the Kabata name by throwing yourself at a man with a wife and children. That the woman is black is neither here nor there..." Mai looked at Ani who was holding Jiro's hand. Her father knew too much and it couldn't have come from Ani. There was only one answer- she was being watched but by who? "Oh yes... I am aware of your-pursuits just as I am aware of his reaction to them." "You are spying on me?" Mai asked in disbelief. "Call it what you wish," he replied. "If the marriage had gone as planned the issue would have been resolved." "Father..." "You will remain silent and listen," her father said sternly. "You will be allowed to continue your residency only because I have spent a lot of money on your education. You will continue to spend your evenings here. If you see Kenjiro Takeda you will stay away from him. You are not to even speak to him unless it is hospital related..." "I am not a child!" Mai shouted, "And I am tired of being treated as such!" Again her father laughed. "I suppose that you think it is mature to have a schoolgirl's crush on a married man? You are not thinking and so I must do it for you. That is something that a parent would do for a child who is too stupid to know what is best for her." Mai's bead spun as she tried to figure out who was spying on her. She thought about Vera and then decided that it couldn't be her. She wouldn't do that to her-they were friends. "All you had to do was be the dutiful daughter as Ani was and is..." "I AM NOT ANI!" Mai screamed at the top of her lungs. "I am not like her! She likes being controlled and all she ever wanted was to be a wife and mother. I am happy that her marriage is a happy one but Shotaro and I would not have been that way-can't you see that or are you just thinking about how our marriage would benefit you?" Mai didn't realize that her father had moved until she felt the sharp sting of a slap to her face. She was speechless. While her father had been a stern man, he had never physically punished them. A look or a sharp word was all that it took-until now. She cupped her hot cheek with her hand and stared at her father. "You will go to your room while I decide what to do," he said his tone cold. "Father, I apologize for my insolence..." "I do not care to hear your apologies, leave my sight." Mai went to her room and locked the door behind her. It was only a matter of time before Ani came knocking and she didn't want to see her. Her stomach roiled and she dry heaved as she tried to figure out what her father was going to do. She shouldn't have talked back much less yelled at him and his refusal to hear her apology didn't bode well for her. She lay on her bed and whispered a prayer to Amaterasu-omikami --the goddess of the sun and universe for help as she cried. A short time later, the anticipated knock on the door came. When she didn't answer, there was a tentative turning of the door knob. "Mai... let me in." Mai didn't answer. She turned on her side and cried herself to sleep. **** Saul finished filling out the application for UCLA just before it was time to leave for church. He still hadn't given Noah an answer about school. On the face of it, it sounded good; but there had to be more to it than just being himself. He mentioned Noah's offer to Reggie who wondered what he was waiting for. Joshua and Cora asked him the same question. What he needed was to talk to someone who had been helped by Noah. He had to know that there were no strings attached. He could only think of one name. Isadora. He had been trying to come up with a way to talk to her other than saying hello and now he had a way. He glanced at the application again before getting up from his desk to finish preparing for church. As he did so, he thought about how he was going to bring the subject of Noah Jackson up. Breakfast was on the table when he got to the kitchen. He could tell by the expression on their faces that they were waiting for him to tell them that he had made his decision. "Good morning!" he chirped as he sat down at the table. "Good morning," Cora replied, "So?" "Cora!" Joshua exclaimed trying to shush her. "I want to know what my boy has decided!" she exclaimed. My boy. Saul felt tears forming in his eyes and wiped them away. He knew that he was cared for, but the words "my boy" told him that he was loved. He cleared his throat before replying. "I'm still thinking about it. I'll make my decision soon. I just want you all to know that I love all of you and consider you family. Thank you all for your help and kindness." "We love you too," Cora replied. What Joshua didn't know was that bringing Saul home had literally saved her life. She had sorely missed the son that had died and needed someone to mother. Joshua gave her that when he bought the skinny, hungry white man home. Saul had filled out and had filled an empty place in her heart. She loved him as if he were a son born to her. "Now we'd better eat or we'll be late," she said as she passed Saul the eggs. ** They walked into the church and Saul looked around for Isadora. He finally spotted her sitting off to the side and to the back of the church. He made a beeline for the empty chair next to her but was beaten to it by another man. The man looked over at Saul and winked. Saul now had competition for Isadora. He was gratified to see her scoot her chair away from the man that he finally recognized. Saul hadn't seen him in a while and tried to recall his name. Lucas...Lucas...Newton-that was it. He was one of the remaining few that still had issues with Saul attending the church. Saul had pretty much forgotten about him since Lucas usually sat in the back and made a point of not speaking to him. Saul thought he knew what was happening. Lucas had picked up on his interest in Isadora and was going to compete for her although he hadn't been interested in her before. He knew that the current interest was only because he-Saul-a white man was interested in her. He found another seat and debated what to do. The only thing to do was to try to catch her after church before she hurried away. As soon as the benediction was over, Saul rushed to the back of the church where Isadora was trying to break away from Lucas. He immediately knew where Lucas had gone wrong-he had moved too fast. "Good morning Isadora, Lucas," he said politely. Lucas gave him a dirty look but Isadora actually smiled. Saul didn't know if it was because she was glad to see him or if it was because he was rescuing her from Lucas, but he didn't care. All that mattered was that she smiled. It wasn't the little polite one that she had given him weeks before-this was a full-fledged smile that lit up her face. "Good morning," Isadora said genuinely glad to see anyone that would run interference for her. Truth be told, Lucas had made her nervous with his questions about what she liked to do in her spare time. "I don't have much spare time," she replied. "I'm busy with classes." His response to her reply made her want to slap him. "Classes? What's a beautiful woman like you doing in school? You should be home having babies." She knew that Lucas knew that he has screwed up by the look that she gave him. "Of course, it's a new day isn't it?" he asked. He fell silent when she didn't reply. "Shit," he thought to himself. He was about to apologize for his statement when Saul walked up to them. What he didn't like was that Isadora had smiled at him. He felt like a third wheel then Saul and Isadora began to talk as if he wasn't there. They didn't seem notice when he walked away. "Thanks," Isadora said when Lucas was gone. "You're welcome," Saul replied liking the low, smoky sound of her voice. "I was hoping to talk to you for a few minutes if I could. It's about Noah Jackson," he added when he saw her tense. "I know him, what about him?" she asked warily. Saul told her about the offer and asked if there was more to it. "It's as he says," Isadora replied, "although I'm not aware of any other white people that he's helping." "I would be the first if I accept," Saul replied. "Why wouldn't you accept?" Isadora asked. "You only have to agree to help others in any way that you can. No money exchanges hands and besides, he must have seen something in you if he made the offer. Did he ask you what you wanted to study?" "Yes. A long time ago," Saul replied. "He made the offer on Christmas day." "Why haven't you accepted?" Isadora asked and then blushed. "I'm sorry-that's none of my business." "No apology needed," Saul replied. "It was a valid question. When he talked to me he mentioned your name. I wanted to talk to you before I committed myself to anything. The other issue is that I need to make sure that my family back home is taken care of before I do this. I'm pretty much the breadwinner." "Again, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to pry," Isadora said. "May I ask what you're in school for?" Saul asked thoroughly enjoying their conversation. "Pre-law, you?" "The ministry," Saul replied. "I just finished filling out the application for UCLA this morning." "Good... maybe I'll see you around campus then," Isadora said. "Take care." "I'm going to school," Saul murmured as he watched Isadora walk away. "And I'm going to marry that girl," he added. ***** Warden Ellis sat at his desk unable to concentrate. Part of the problem was Hazel. She called him every hour on the hour for one asinine reason after another. He was beginning to hate her. It took conscious effort on his part not to snap at her or to tell her to leave him the fuck alone. He could tell by the tone of her voice that she was expecting him to have sex with her-something that he wasn't looking forward to. He sometimes had a problem achieving and then maintaining an erection. In those instances, he took care of his horny wife with his mouth. He had it down to a science. On a good night he could make her come in less than five minutes and then plead exhaustion when she offered to reciprocate. That would work for as long as she was pregnant, but after the baby came...The other reason for his inability to concentrate had something to do with a young black woman by the name of Millie Rhodes. Just the thought of her made his groin tingle in a way that no one never could. This was not good. The maid had to be fired and the sooner the better. The problem was going to be convincing Hazel. He looked at the clock; he had to wait another fifteen minutes to leave for home. If he left sooner than that, he would see the maid. Instinctively he knew that he had to stay away from her. He blushed with confusion and shame as he felt his cock harden. No white woman had ever affected him like this-for that matter, no woman had ever affected him like this. Just to be safe, he waited another ten minutes before leaving thus eliminating any chance of seeing Millie. Hazel met him at the door with a worried expression on her face. "You're late!" "I'm sorry dear," he said hoping that he sounded appropriately contrite. "Is dinner ready?" "It's warming in the oven, I ate early-I hope that you don't mind, but I just couldn't wait any longer." "Mrs. Ellis? Is it alright if I leave now? I'll miss the last bus if I don't," a voice called from the kitchen. Ellis froze as the soft voice hit his ears. What was she still doing here? "Of course! And thank you for staying," Hazel replied. "Oh and why don't you take the day off tomorrow? I think that we've gotten everything done." "Are you sure?" Millie asked, "I don't mind coming back," she said as she walked into the living room. "That won't be necessary," Hazel replied. "Enjoy your day off." Ellis watched Millie as she gathered her things and left. His cock was rock hard and throbbing. Taking Hazel by the hand, he led her to their bedroom where to her surprise and delight; he fucked her the way that she liked not once, but twice. Afterwards Hazel would wonder what had gotten into him and he knew Millie couldn't come back. **** It was another two weeks before Kenji saw Mai again. He still didn't know what happened nor did he care. It looked as if his being blunt was what was needed in order to persuade her to look elsewhere. His relief however was short lived. She looked different... unhappy but he didn't ask her what the problem was. To do so would only invite trouble. He made his way to the lobby to wait for Patricia who was bringing their lunch. He had some news for her. He was meeting with Dr. Coleman at the beginning of next week and he was uncharacteristically nervous now that the appointment was made. He was deep in thought when he heard his name. "Kenjiro, hello." "Dr. Kabata," Kenji said cautiously. "How are you? I have not seen you since we last talked." When he didn't say anything, she continued. "I left the evening rotation because my father gave me no choice. He demanded that I leave the night rotation and move to a day one." Mai didn't know what she was expecting, but she expected more of a reaction than she was getting. "I was also betrothed but he broke it off-he says that he is in love with someone else and that they are having a baby together. Of course- my father blames me and wants me to stay away from you-he has someone watching me." This got a response, but not the sympathy that she hoped that her story would generate. "I am sorry for your difficulties, but if you are being watched; why are you talking to me?" "I just wanted to offer an explanation for my behavior," Mai said glancing around. She still hadn't figured out who the spy was. "Thank you for explaining it, now I must ...." "Am I that repulsive to you?" Mai blurted out. "Would it have been different if my skin was dark?" It wouldn't occur to her until much later and it was too late that all she had to do was to ask Kenji how he had defied tradition. She would also realize that she would have had a good friend in Patricia if she had made different choices. The questions that she had just asked had permanently alienated him for all time and had taken away the support system that she needed to break away from her father. Kenji stood up when he saw Patricia walk in. Without saying anything, he walked away to meet Patricia at the door. Mai stood watching as Kenji greeted Patricia with a hug and a kiss. She felt a surge of jealousy and turned away when she saw Patricia looking at her. She walked to the cafeteria and found a table in the corner. She didn't want to be seen. She had already heard the whispers whenever she walked by a group. She held her head high and acted as if she wasn't being talked about, but inside she seethed. She watched as Patricia found a table while Kenji went to get their drinks. She took the opportunity to watch Patricia. She wanted to see if she saw whatever it was that Kenji saw-but she didn't and that seemed to make things a little harder to swallow. Suddenly, Patricia was standing and walking toward her. Mai stood up to leave but was intercepted by another resident and by the time he left; Patricia was waiting to talk to her. "Don't leave yet," Patricia said. "We need to talk." "I am sorry, but I must..." "Sit down," Patricia said her tone cool. "What I have to say won't take long." Mai looked around to see if anyone was watching and sat down. "I'm not going to beat around the bush," Patricia said her tone icy. "You've had your eyes on Kenji ever since you got here. He sent you subtle messages which you didn't seem to understand, but you did-you're not a stupid woman. I know that he talked with you and explained that he has no romantic interest in you but yet you persist. I also know that the last time he spoke to you he left no room for interpretation of what your relationship with him is-there is none. Now, listen to me and listen good- I know that you think that you're in love with him but you aren't. It's the fact that he's with a black woman and you want to be rescued..." "That..." "I'm not done," Patricia said her tone cold. "As I was saying, there are two things at play here. One is me and two you want to be rescued- maybe you think that you're rescuing Kenji, I don't know and I don't care. What I do know is this- you need to look for another knight in shining armor because my husband isn't it. There are plenty of single men here who would be more than happy to play that role. Do I make myself clear?" When Mai didn't reply, Patricia stood up and looked down at her, "I'm taking that as a yes," she said and walked away. Mai sat at the table for a long time trying to decide on what to do. After several minutes, she realized that she was out of options. In some ways she was worse off than she was before Shotaro broke the engagement. "Hey, are you alright?" Vera asked as she sat down in the seat that Patricia had just vacated. "No," Mai said softly, "no I am not," she said looking over at Kenji and Patricia. ***** Kenji sat in the office waiting room waiting for his interview with Dr. Coleman. Up until a few minutes ago he had been nervous, but now he was calm. He had taken the 'I'll be fine with whatever happens' approach. What also helped was that he knew that Patricia would be fine with whatever happened too. A few minutes later, the door to Dr. Coleman's office opened. A tall, but large man stuck his head out and told him to come in. Kenji followed him in, took the offered seat and waited. He met the doctor's assessing look with one of his own. The doctor also had to meet his approval as much as he had to meet his. He started with the doctor's face, lingered on his blue eyes and made his way to the hands that rested clasped on the desk and then unclasped and lay flat. No tremor Kenji noticed. "I've heard good things about you," Dr. Coleman said. "I also heard that you hadn't given surgery as a profession any serious thought. Why is that?" Dr. Coleman listened to Kenji's explanation and said nothing for a long time when he was done. When he spoke it was to ask a question. "Have you discussed this with your wife? If I select you, it will add another two years to your residency. It also changes your plans to practice together." "We have talked," Kenji replied. "If you offer the position to me, I will accept." "She has no qualms about living on a resident's salary for another two years? I know my wife did. She wasn't happy that we had to put off buying our first home." "My wife is very supportive of my decision," Kenji said. "We have decided that if the position is offered then it was meant to be. If I am not offered the position-then we will continue as we have planned." Dr. Coleman clasped his hands together and gave Kenji another long assessing stare. "Paul Mynt and Dr. Vincente were right about you. You're a very cool customer- a surgeon needs a cool head. I'll make my decision sometime in the next few weeks. Thank you for coming. Wait, one more question- is it true that you thought to sterilize the equipment that you were going to use to deliver your child in mason jars?" I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 19 "Yes," Kenji replied. "What gave you that idea?" Dr. Coleman asked. "It only made sense," Kenji replied. "That was good thinking," Coleman said. "Thank you for coming," he said by way of dismissal. Kenji hurried back to the hospital lobby to call Patricia. He passed Mai and Vera, but kept going. He felt Mai's eyes on his back and ignored it. **** Things hadn't settled down for Mai. If anything they were getting worse. Not only was the topic for discussion about what Kenji said or didn't say to her, it was also about her talk with Patricia. To make things worse, she still had to go home every evening and listen to her father's rants about what a failure she was. The only good thing was that he hadn't stopped paying for her education. She did have a little money, but it was nowhere what she needed in order to do as Ani had suggested-walk away. She and Vera were on their way to the conference room when she saw Kenji rush by. There had been rumors circulating about him too but they were of the good variety. Supposedly he was being interviewed by the head of surgery for the resident surgical position. If he got it, she wouldn't see him unless it was by accident. Part of her hoped that he got the position-it would make things easier for her. But on the other hand... Vera looked at Mai and shook her head. So far other than approach Kenji a few days ago, Mai had pretty much behaved herself, but Vera felt the need to alert Mai's father. She hated what she was doing and had originally said no. But when Mai's father offered to move her into a nicer apartment that was closer to the hospital and pay the rent for a year...how could she say no? She had been sharing an apartment that only had one bathroom with three other female residents to save money. Two of them were on night rotation and the other two were on on days. Since it was a two bedroom, they shared the beds. The idea of a place of her own was too much to resist. He sweetened the pot by adding a stipend which meant that she could quit her part time job. She didn't want to think about what Mai's reaction would be if she found out. To ease her conscience, Vera didn't ask any questions. That way she wouldn't have to report what Mai said. She could say that she saw Mai talking to Kenji for a moment before he walked away-that couldn't get Mai into trouble would it? There was a phone in her apartment compliments of Mai's father so that she could call without anyone listening. The next phone call was scheduled for the evening. Vera had been hearing the rumors about Kenji too and hoped that he got the position. In spite of her betrayal, she liked and cared for Mai as a friend. Mai was walking in front of her and when Mai stopped short, Vera ran into her. "Mai?" When Mai didn't answer, Vera peeked around her to see what the problem was. All she saw was a Japanese man sitting way in the back of the room. "Mai? What's the matter? Who is that?" Slowly Mai moved forward. She had expected Shotaro to be long gone back to Boston. She sat her notebook on a table and walked up to him. "What are you doing here?" "Hello Mai," Shotaro said. "What are you doing here?" Mai asked again. "I am finishing my residency here," Shotaro replied. "I will join the staff at the end of it." "What about your... what about her?" "She came with me. I have already secured a place for her to live..." "Wait... you brought her with you? What were you going to do? Go between the two of us?" Shotaro saw no reason to lie or to sugar coat what his plan had been. "I was going to marry you and keep her in an apartment," Shotaro said. "That was the plan until we were actually on the train, but I changed my mind. I love her and I did not want to marry you. The child also changed things." "Does my father know that you are still here?" Mai asked shocked that Shotaro had planned to continue his infidelity. The woman was here? She had actually agreed to be his mistress? "No and it is of no concern of his. I am sorry that I allowed this to go on for as long as I did. It is my hope that you will find someone with whom you can be happy." Mai walked back to her seat without responding. She ignored Vera who was looking at her clearly curious about who the man was and how Mai knew him. Vera sincerely hoped that whoever he was, that he could help Mai by distracting her away from Kenji. After the conference, Mai stayed sitting. She needed a few minutes to compose herself. Finally she got to her feet and left the room. First rounds would be an hour giving her time for a cup of tea to calm her nerves. She walked to the hospital lobby and for the second time that day, she stopped short. Shotaro was talking to a young woman of obviously mixed heritage. She almost discounted it thinking that maybe he was assisting her with something and then she saw it-the smile- and she knew who the woman was. Something deep inside of her gave way as she watched the tenderness in which Shotaro touched the woman's hand. Something had to give. ***** "Finally a damned break!" Nick exclaimed. "Are you sure that Ellis doesn't know anything?" "I'm sure," the voice on the other end of the phone said. "He's getting ready to run for public office- he thinks he's safe." "And the man who will talk to us, where is he?" "He's safe but here's the best part, he thinks that he can get a few of his buddies to talk to us as well." "What does he want in return?" Nick asked. "A front row seat when Ellis goes to trial," the voice replied. "How familiar was he with Jacob Lincoln?" "According to him, Jacob Lincoln was a saint. He says that Lincoln taught him and a few others how to read and write. He also encouraged them to better themselves." "Alright," Nick said. "Keep me posted and call me or Will anytime of the night if anything new pops up." Nick hung up and began to write a note to Saul. "Call me." He made a quick call to Will who let out a loud "Yes!" They talked for a few minutes before hanging up. It was time to start getting their ducks in a row. ******* By the end of 1952- Martin Luther King is pledged as Alpha Phi Alpha. Malcolm x, nee Malcolm Little is released from prison after serving six of a ten year sentence. He meets Elijah Muhammad in Chicago and converts to the Nation of Islam. The Governor of Georgia-Herman Talmadge criticizes television shows for making blacks and whites appear as equals. Eleven black students go for the first day of school at Claymont High School in Delaware. They are the first black students in 17 segregated states to integrate an all-white public school. The next day, the superintendent is informed that the students will have to leave as the decision is being appealed. The superintendent, the faculty and the school board refuse and the students remain in school. Congressman John F. Kennedy then only 35 years old, runs for the senate. His campaign was managed by his younger brother Robert. * Korean War The Battle of Heartbreak Ridge occurs. It is a month long battle that was a part of several major battles known as "The Punchbowl". Over 3,700 hundred Americans and an estimated 25,000 North Koreans and Chinese died during the battle. POW list are exchanged but then North Korea backs out. There are riots at Koje-do prison camp and the fight for Hill 851 also occurs. The communist hold the "1952 POW Olympics" at Camp 5, Pyuktong. * The McCarran-Walter act makes it possible for first generation Japanese Americans to become naturalized American citizens. I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 20 Note: Thank you all for patiently waiting for me. Real life interferes. Thanks to Donalde for beta reading for me and to all of you for reading this story. * Patricia waited nervously by the telephone. The rumor was that Dr. Coleman would be announcing who was going to be the next surgical resident that day. She was more nervous about it than Kenji was. In fact, he barely mentioned it. It was usually her that brought it up. She knew that he would be fine with whatever happened, but she really wanted this for him. As the day passed, she gave up hope that the decision had been made and began to prepare dinner. She was looking through the refrigerator when the phone rang. She slammed the refrigerator door shut and ran to the phone thinking that it was Kenji. "Patricia?" It was Dai's soft voice instead of Kenji's. "Is Kenjiro there?" "No, he won't be home until tomorrow- what's wrong?" Patricia asked picking up on the woman's anxiety." "I-I don't know for certain," Dai replied. "Is Hiro alright?" Patricia asked starting with the obvious. "Hiro is fine, I am fine too." "Then that leaves Hiroshi," Patricia said. "What's wrong?" "I- he is always so tired lately and he is losing weight. He says that he is fine, but Patricia- I do not believe him. Something is wrong." "Do you want me to call Kenji?" Patricia asked. "No, but will you speak with him later?" "Yes and I'll tell him about your concerns-Dai, is he having any pain anywhere?" "I do not think so, but he would not say even if he were. I do not think that it is the disease that your father has, but Patricia, something is very wrong with Hiroshi. I can feel it." "I'll talk to Kenji tonight," Patricia assured her. "Do you think that you could convince him to go to the hospital if Kenji thinks he needs to go?" "I will give him no choice," Dai replied resolutely. "I'll call you after I talk to Kenji," Patricia said and hung up. She almost called Kenji but decided against it. He wouldn't get the message until later unless she said that it was an emergency and as far as she could tell, this wasn't an emergency. She went back to her dinner preparations making a mental list of all that she needed to tell him. The concern about his father moved up to number one the list followed by news from Joel and Penny and then news that Niko wanted to deliver himself. On second thought, she decided to let Niko share his news first. He was so excited and it would be wrong to make him wait. Dinner would be something simple since it would be just the three of them. She would make a nicer dinner the next day when Kenji would be home. Actually, her mother would be making the dinner since she had classes and would ride home with Kenji. She heard a car pull into the driveway and knew that it was Abby with Niko and Marie. Niko was the first one in the house. "Did he call?" he asked his voice full of excitement. "Not yet, but it's early," Patricia replied thinking that the excitement was over his news. "So we do not know if papa was chosen?" he asked. "No, not yet," Patricia replied touched by the fact that Niko's primary concern wasn't for himself. The thought that some girl was going to be very lucky crossed her mind. "He should be calling soon and I'll let you talk to him first." "Thank you mama," Niko said with a slight bow. He could hardly wait not only to tell Kenji his news, but to hear what happened. The thought of his papa being a surgeon thrilled him to no end. He was proud of him anyway and wanted to be like him- but a surgeon! That would be something. "I want to talk to papa too!" Marie chimed in not wanting to be left out. "You will," Patricia said picking her up. "Were you a good girl for aunt Abby?" "She certainly was," Abby said as she sat down at the kitchen table. Patricia was about to offer her a glass of water, but Niko was already filling a glass for her and asking her to stay for dinner. "I think I will if you don't mind," Abby replied. "I don't feel like eating alone tonight." Patricia looked at Abby with concern. She wasn't going to say anything, but changed her mind. "Abby, what's going on?" "Nothing, I just feel like some company tonight. Is that a problem?" Abby asked her tone sharp. Niko and Marie looked at her and then at Patricia. Niko took Marie by the hand and led her from the kitchen. There was a long silence before Abby spoke. "Patricia- I'm sorry. I've just been out of sorts lately and before you ask, I'm not sick or anything like that. It's just that lately-I've been missing people. I miss Ralph more than I can say. I've missed him since he died, but lately- then there's-well- never mind. You have better things to do and think about other than the mutterings of an old woman." Patricia sat at the table and took Abby's hands in hers. "Abby, do you remember telling me that you thought of me as a daughter and that you loved me as such?" "Of course I do!" Abby replied. "I meant it then and I mean it now. I love Kenji and those children too." "You also were the first person that I told about Kenji and the first to help us instead of telling us why we couldn't happen. You put yourself at risk hiding us and I can't tell you how much we all love you for it. Abby, I think of you as another mother and just as you once told me that I could come to you with anything, you can come to me. Tell me what's bothering you." Abby didn't say anything for a long time and then glanced at the clock. "We have time," Patricia said. "I can always make sandwiches so tell me what's wrong." "There isn't really anything wrong per se," Abby replied. "I can't really explain it. I just feel-out of sorts. Patricia, if I tell you something can you try to keep an open mind?" "Abby, are you in trouble?" Patricia asked with a grin. "What?" Abby asked momentarily confused. Then she started to laugh. That had been the question that she asked Patricia when she made her tell her what her trouble was. "No dear," she replied still laughing. She actually felt better after the laugh and gave Patricia's hand a squeeze. "You always could make me laugh," she said still chuckling. "I think that my problem is that there are things that I've never shared with anyone. I'm beginning to realize that the older I get, the more important it's becoming to me that someone know the real Abigail J. Aldridge." Patricia didn't say anything, but waited sensing that Abby really needed and wanted to talk. The truth was, she had always been curious about Abby's past; but didn't want to ask. "Do you remember your mother asking me why I was helping you?" "I remember and I asked you the same thing. You said something about 'Romeo and Juliette' being your favorite story." "That was and still is true," Abby said. "Every time I read that story I imagined how I could have helped them. You and Kenji were my real life Romeo and Juliette. Thankfully your story turned out much better than theirs did. There's another reason why I helped you- Patricia, I know what it's like to love someone and not be able to be with them because it isn't socially acceptable. But let me tell you a little about my family first. My parents were both from well to do families. Their marriage was an arranged one, but fortunately at least they liked each other. I do believe that had they been left to choose, they wouldn't have chosen each other, but at any rate; they were happy enough. I was an only child only because my mother couldn't seem to carry to term so when they found out she was expecting, she was put on bed rest. I was early, but not horribly so and as you can see, I survived. I had a happy childhood, but I wasn't spoiled. I learned the value of a dollar and learned not to take anything for granted. I was considered quite beautiful when I was a young woman and had my share of suitors. The problem was that I wasn't interested. All of my friends where talking about this boy or that one, but I found it boring. However- when they talked about women they had my attention. At the time I didn't know or understand the significance of what that meant." Patricia had an idea of where Abby was going with her story, but didn't interrupt. She gave Abby's hand a squeeze of encouragement. "We managed to survive the flu epidemic of 1918 although we lost many loved ones. By that time however, I was educated- or as well educated as a woman could be in those days and I was supposed to get married. The thought terrified me. I didn't want to get married much less be touched by a man." "But you must have had male friends," Patricia said. "I did," Abby confirmed, "but the key word is friends. I wasn't expected to marry them and to have children with them. Anyhow, the wedding didn't happen. He married someone else which didn't hurt my feelings at all. Needless to say, my parents were furious. The marriage would have been both financially and socially advantageous for them." "What happened?" Patricia asked. "Nothing for a while," Abby replied. Then they hired new servants. There was one- a beautiful mulatto girl named Lorena. She was so beautiful. She was a tiny thing who made me look like an amazon. Somehow, much to my mother's chagrin; we became friends. Then we became lovers. We kept it hidden for quite a while before my father caught us. Lorena disappeared and I never saw her alive again. My father made me marry my late husband thinking that it would cure me of what ailed me. My mother blamed it on Lorena." "Abby, I'm so sorry..." "The man that they made me marry also came from a wealthy family and he was a brute. I won't go into the details but the torment finally stopped when we reached an understanding. He could go and do as he pleased as long as he was discreet. It was the same for me. My parents forgave me and thought that they had fixed me because whenever we were all together; we acted like the happily married couple that they wanted us to be. I wish that I could say that I mourned when he died, but I was relieved. I could hide under the cloak of widowhood and say that I was still in mourning and not be approached by the marriage issue. He did leave me rather well off and when my parents died, they left me money as well. All was well until 1929 when the great depression started, but we weren't nearly as bad off as most were. Many of my father's associates committed suicide because they couldn't face the fact that they were now as poor as some of those who served them. Anyway, Lorena is part of the reason why I helped you and Kenji. Then fate or God was kind to me again and sent me a crotchety man by the name of Ralph. It seems that you and Kenji have a way of bringing good people together, but at any rate; I knew that he cared about me. But all I could think of was that he was a man. It didn't occur to me to be honest with him. He would have understood and we would have managed somehow. Unfortunately I didn't realize that I loved him until it was too late." Abby wiped away a tear and continued. "Watching you and Kenji and being a part of this family has been both a pleasure and a blessing. Watching your children grow has been an amazing experience..." "Abby tell me the truth," Patricia said her voice intense, "are you sick?" "I promise that other than the aches, pains and regrets of getting old; I'm fine. I'm not sure of why it took me so long to tell you about me, but now that I have; I feel much better." "Abby," Patricia said after breathing a sigh of relief, "It doesn't matter what you were or are. You will always be Abby who loved me enough to teach me. Without you, I wouldn't be where I am today. Without you, Kenji and I wouldn't be together. We love you and don't you ever forget it." Tears of relief down Abby's face. She was almost certain that Patricia wouldn't be disgusted with her, but she was still afraid. What would Kenji think of her? "Did you think that telling me this would change how I feel about you?" Patricia asked almost hurt. "I had hoped not," Abby replied. "It doesn't and it won't," Patricia said firmly. "Is it alright to tell Kenji? I won't if you don't want me to." "Patricia, one of the reasons why you and Kenji are so strong together is because you don't keep secrets from each other. No matter how bad it is, you share it and you work through it. What I'm saying is that it's alright to tell him." "Thank you and Abby? It won't change how he feels about you so don't worry about that." Abby's shoulders sagged in relief. Truth be told, she was more worried about Kenji's reaction although she didn't know why. Suddenly, she was ravenous. It was an indication of just how heavily her secret had weighed on her. "It's early yet, I bet those kids are hungry; why don't we start supper?" **** Everyone now knew that Kenji had interviewed for the position of surgical resident. Many congratulated him, some gave him looks of envy and a few had even stopped speaking to him. It didn't bother him-he continued on as he usually did. Every so often he would see Ernie at the hospital and ask how things were. "They're good," Ernie replied. "I'm keeping my fingers crossed I get a letter from someone. My preference is here, but I'll go wherever I need to. The complicating factor if I get accepted somewhere else will be Maeve." "She could transfer could she not?" Kenji asked. "She could, but all of her family is here," Ernie replied. "The other issue is us. We're not sure if we really belong together. So in a way, an internship in another city or state might be a good thing." "I understand," Kenji said. "I wish the best for you." "Thanks- by the way, word has it that you're up for the surgical resident spot." "I interviewed for it," Kenji confirmed. "I have not been accepted yet. If I am not, then we will continue as planned." "Well, good luck," Ernie said offering his hand. Kenji shook it and watched Ernie hurry off. He looked at the watch that Patricia had given him for Christmas and decided to wait a little longer before calling her. It wasn't quite five and he wanted dinner to be over before he called. He knew that her first question would be if he had slept and he would be able to tell her that he had. The last shift had been a difficult one and he fell into bed soon after talking with her that morning. He bought a cup of tea from the cafeteria and went outside to enjoy it. As he sipped the tea, he read through his notes from the night before. He felt the hairs on the back of his neck prickle and looked up. Mai was sitting with Vera on the opposite side of the large patio. Vera was reading something, while Mai stared at him with an expression of hatred, desire and confusion. They hadn't spoken since their last conversation and he planned to keep it that way. When he saw her start to stand, he stood up and left the patio taking his tea with him. Even though it was early, he decided to call home. Patricia answered on the second ring. As expected she asked him if he slept and for how long. Satisfied that he had rested, she put Marie on the phone. "Hello pretty one," Kenji greeted. They chatted for a few minutes before Marie told him that she missed him and had a new picture for him. "I look forward to seeing it," Kenji replied. "I love you." Niko was next. "Papa! Do you know yet?" "Not yet," Kenji replied. "How is school?" "It's fine, papa guess what happened?" Niko asked excitedly making Kenji smile. "Let me see," Kenji mused, "you have grown another ear?" "No," Niko replied giggling, "that isn't possible. Do you give up?" "I give up," Kenji replied laughing. "Florrie can come over to play! Her mother said that she could." "That is good news!" Kenji replied. "Is her father aware of this?" "Yes, Florrie said that he said that it was alright." "Then I am pleased for you," Kenji said meaning it. Florrie would be the first child allowed to come to their house to play. "When is this going to happen?" he asked hoping that it would be while he was home. "Saturday," Niko replied. "She's going to eat lunch with us. Can we have a picnic?" "I do not see why not; discuss it with your mother." "She already said yes but I had to ask you too," Niko replied happily. They hung up a few minutes later with Kenji telling Niko that he loved him and to help with his sister. A moment later, he was talking to Patricia. Her soft, "I miss you" was like music to his ears. He missed her too. "So no word yet?" she asked. "Not yet, I will call as soon as I know something. Kirei-Niko tells me that Florrie is coming over for lunch. Are you sure that her father is alright with this?" "He was there when Florrie's mother gave permission," Patricia replied. "Of course this is only Wednesday; he could have changed his mind by now. For Niko's sake I hope that he doesn't. He's so excited. I told him yes to the picnic-is that alright with you?" "He asked and I told him that it was fine," Kenji replied. "I saw Mai today." "And?" "We did not speak, but Kirei; she didn't look right. She looked fine physically, but something is different." "Maybe she finally got the message," Patricia said. "Perhaps- what is happening at home other than the pending visit from Florrie?" Kenji asked changing the subject. Patricia told him that Abby had stayed for dinner, but left out the particulars of their conversation. She did tell him that Abby was thrilled that Joel and Penny were coming for the summer and offered to have them stay at her house. Finally she got around to the conversation with Dai. "There is no pain?" Kenji asked. "No, just that he's losing weight and tired. I asked her if he's been eating and drinking more than usual, but she says no. She's pretty worried about him." Kenji didn't say anything for a long time. Patricia swore that she could almost hear his brain working as it processed the information. "I will call him after I'm through talking to you." "What do you think it is?" Patricia asked. "It could be nothing," Kenji said. "It could be that he needs to take a vacation- he works much too hard." "Will you call me and let me know?" "Of course," Kenji replied. "Kirei..." He stopped when he felt someone behind him. He turned around to see Mai watching him. A moment later, Vera appeared, took her arm and led her away. "Kenji?" "I am here Kirei, I was momentarily distracted. I apologize. I was going to ask you about another overnight getaway before Joel and Penny arrive." "Funny that you should mention that," Patricia said. "I was thinking about that earlier today. We'll look at our schedules when you get home. Call your dad and then call me back." Kenji hung up and dialed his father's number. He was surprised when he answered the phone himself. He closed his eyes and listened to his father's voice. "Kenjiro! What a pleasant surprise!" "Hello father, how are you?" "I'm fine, just a little tired is all. Have you heard about the surgical position yet?" "No, not yet," Kenji replied. "Father, I'm calling because Dai called Patricia..." "I told her that I am fine!" Hiroshi snapped. "Do not be angry with her," Kenji said softly. "She loves you and is concerned about you. She did what any wife would do for her husband." "I know," Hiroshi said softly. "You are right, but Kenjiro; I am fine. I just need to take some time off. I am not as young as I used to be." "Will you come to the hospital for testing?" Kenji asked knowing that the answer would be no. "I plan to take a week off to rest," Hiroshi said. "If I am not better by the end of it, I will agree to be examined." Kenji knew that his father would want to try the herbal remedies first. "Do I have your word that you will come to the hospital if you aren't better by the end of a week?" I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 20 "Yes, you have my word," Hiroshi said. "Good. It has been a long time since you have been to our home. Are you available on Saturday?" The invitation came as a welcome surprise. It was always Patricia who called to make the invitation. "We would enjoy that," Hiroshi replied. After he hung up, Kenji called Patricia back and told her what happened. "They will be coming to lunch on Saturday." "Great! You know, why don't we just make it a family affair? I'll call your mom and everyone else." Kenji hung up and went to his room to rest. It was past six and obvious that he wouldn't find out about the surgical position until later in the week. ***** Mai went from day to day doing what her father expected of her-obey. The only time she really relaxed was when she was at the hospital. But even that was limited. It seemed that for a while everywhere she looked she saw either Shotaro or Kenji. Each time she saw them, she had to swallow her anger. Shotaro like Kenji avoided her when he could, but if he was in the same room with her; he spoke to her. He didn't know that she had seen him with the black woman- there was no point in telling him. It would change nothing. Sometimes when she saw Kenji, she wondered what gave him the courage to do as he wished. She also wondered the same thing about Shotaro. What was it about the women that they loved that could draw them away from tradition? Then she realized that she had the answer. It was love. It had nothing to do with rebelling or trying to be disrespectful-they loved these women enough to forsake friends and family. The idea of loving someone that much boggled her mind, but there it was and there was no disputing it. She realized that Vera was right about something. Even if she had managed to pull Kenji away from his wife and children, he would and could never love her. He would be thinking of his wife as they made love and would more than likely call out her name. Understanding that she should have had from the beginning began to settle in. It changed how she felt about Kenji only slightly. As much as she wanted him and thought she loved him; she now hated him too. Her feelings for Shotaro had gone from dislike to hatred. That he hadn't spoken up sooner rankled her. That he dared to bring his woman with him infuriated her. He was going to sleep with her after being with that woman! Their children would have had inferiors for siblings. She no longer spoke to Ani about anything unless she absolutely had to and that included the pregnancy- it didn't matter. Ani was now a part of the enemy camp. Her only friend was Vera who unbeknownst to her was watching her watching Kenji while she pretended to read. Mai didn't notice Vera tense when she was about to stand up and approach Kenji. Nor did she see Vera relax when Kenji realizing what was happening left the patio. Mai settled back in her seat debating as to what she should do. Making an excuse that she needed the bathroom, Mai followed Kenji to the phones and listened to him talking to his family. As always, she could tell when he was talking to Patricia. The timbre of his voice changed becoming deeper and more intimate- she could almost feel the love that he had for her. She could even imagine what it sounded like as he murmured words of love into Patricia's ear- it would be deeper yet, but gentle and intense at the same time. Jealousy and anger rose making her feel hot. She jumped when Kenji unexpectedly turned around to see her watching him. The expression on his face was impassive, but she could tell that he was irritated at the intrusion on his privacy. When Vera caught up to her and led her away, she went without comment. "What do you think you're doing?" Vera asked. "You know that your father is having you watched." "I don't care anymore," Mai said. "What more can he do to me?" ***** Ani watched and listened as her father spoke in rapid Japanese on the phone. He had been behaving mysteriously and was in a relatively good mood considering all that was happening with Mai. The change had begun the week before and when she asked him about it, he put her off telling her not to worry about anything. She had believed him, but now she was concerned. Mai was drawing even further into herself and Ani was beginning to wonder about her mental state. "Prepare for a guest," he said when he hung up. "He will be here by the weekend." "Yes father," Ani said dutifully. As much as she wanted to know who the visitor was, she didn't ask. It wasn't her place to question anything that her father did. As she began to make dinner preparations, she thought about Mai. She missed her sometimes impulsive sister, but didn't know how to fix the rift between them. Even the subject of the baby hadn't helped. Jiro understood, but totally agreed with her father. Mai had disgraced all of them. In his opinion, Shotaro wasn't any better; but he wasn't their problem. When she suggested that she talk to her father about Mai, Jiro forbade it. "Stay out of it," he admonished firmly without offering an explanation. But Ani already knew the reason. Her father was loaning Jiro the money to start his own business. He didn't want anything to interfere with that happening. Ani set the table wondering who the mysterious guest was and how her father knew him. Upon further thought, she decided that it was probably a business partner from Boston. It suddenly occurred to her that her father hadn't said when the visitor was leaving. That was unusual. In the past he had always given them some indication of how long the guest would be staying so she knew how to plan their meals. A feeling of dread fell over her as she thought she understood what was happening. A part of her-the sister part of her wanted to call the hospital to tell Mai to run as fast and as far away as she could. The other part of her, the obedient wife and daughter couldn't make herself take that step. She argued that her first loyalty was to her husband and besides; she had tried to help Mai by warning her. It wasn't her fault that Mai had refused to listen. Dinner was ready by the time Mai and her father got home from the hospital. Jiro would be late because he was meeting with some investors. Ani was tempted to take the opportunity to speak with her father, but decided against it. What if he said something to Jiro? Conflicted, she stood firm in her decision not to say anything. Mai would have to make her way alone. Mai walked in and past Ani without speaking to her. Their father noticed, but made no comment. He didn't care so long as Mai did as she was told when the time came. He also knew that Ani was conflicted. She loved Mai, but he also knew that she wouldn't interfere-Jiro had seen to that. Dinner was a long, silent affair with Mai excusing herself after the dishes were done. Ani watched her only sister walk away and felt another pang of guilt. She followed Mai to her room and tried to talk to her again. "Mai-please..." Mai stopped walking but didn't turn around. "Please talk to me..." "Why?" Mai rudely interrupted as she turned around. "So that you can report back to him?" Ani took a step back. The anger that she saw in Mai's brown eyes frightened her. But it was more than that- mixed in with the anger was hatred. Mai hated her. "Mai, listen to me," Ani begged. "I haven't told him anything! I have nothing to tell! I only told him about Kenjiro because he asked a direct question and I won't lie for you." "Of course not, you're the dutiful daughter," Mai said snidely. "You aren't being fair," Ani said. "Aren't I?" Mai snapped. "Is it fair that I am not free to be with someone of my choosing? Is it fair that we are traded off like cattle for the Kabata name? Is it fair that Shotaro is allowed to have his black bitch on the side and nothing happens to him? Is any of this fair?" "I tried to warn you," Ani said raising her voice. "I tried to tell you that no good would come of your infatuation with Kenjiro Takeda but did you listen? I told you to try to meet Shotaro halfway. I told you this when father first announced that you were going to marry him. Again-did you listen to me? And now you stand there and tell me that I was supposed to lie for you. You walk around here acting as if I am the enemy when I'm not. You are your own enemy! All you had to do was marry Shotaro and all would have been well, but you chose a different path. The question that you must ask yourself is this- was it worth it?" "I didn't want to marry Shotaro!" Mai yelled. "I don't and didn't love him and I will tell you this- the woman that he is in love with is here with him! He was going to marry me and keep her as his mistress! Had we had children, our line would have been tainted. The woman is half Negro and if I had gone back to Boston nothing would have been different. Tell me, if this were Jiro we were talking about, would you feel differently?" Ani couldn't reply. Shotaro was going to continue his affair with the black woman even after he and Mai married? She saw Mai's point, but that didn't erase her obligation to her family. She still maintained that Mai hadn't made a real effort to win Shotaro over. If she had, he wouldn't have found someone else. "If you will excuse me, I have things to do," Mai said as she turned away. "Do as you always do," Ani called after her. "Things don't go your way so you go to your room and sulk. You make no effort to seek a solution. Instead you look for the easiest way out. This time his name was Kenjiro Takeda. Do you not realize that Shotaro could have been your way out? Apparently he is as enthused about tradition as you are." Mai froze as she began understand what Ani was saying. "If you had taken the time to get to know him, you and he could have approached father together. Father would have respected that even if he didn't agree with it. A compromise of some kind could have been reached between him and Shotaro's family. But when you started pining over Kenjiro Takeda-a married man; you lost that opportunity." Mai turned around to face Ani. "Just because I follow tradition doesn't mean that I am blind and stupid," Ani said hotly. "I have spent the past weeks agonizing over the change in our relationship. I can only tell you that I am not the enemy; I never was. Goodnight Mai." Mai watched Ani walk away wondering how much of what Ani said was true. Had she really brought all of this on herself? She thought about the first time that she met Shotaro. Her immediate impression of him was that he was attractive, but weak looking. He wasn't tall like Kenji was, but he had a nice smile when he smiled and was wiry as opposed to thin. She remembered watching him as he talked with her father and decided that she didn't like him. He didn't fit her idea of what her husband should look like. When they officially met, he smiled at her politely; but she didn't return the smile. By the end of the meeting, he was acting as coolly toward her as she had been toward him. Ani noticed and later that evening pulled her aside. "What are you doing? Why did you act that way?" "I don't like him," Mai replied. Ani stared at her in disbelief. She liked Shotaro even though he was a bit standoffish. "You didn't give him a chance," Ani replied. "You barely spoke him and he was trying..." "I don't like him," Mai repeated. Ani threw her hands up and walked away. Mai had already made up her mind and there was no changing it. The next meeting didn't go any better than the first. Once again Shotaro tried to be cordial but Mai remained aloof. After the second meeting her father took her aside. "The next time you meet-you will show some interest..." "But..." "Do not interrupt me. You will make an effort to get acquainted with Shotaro. You will marry him. It is not up for discussion or debate." She tried. But did she really? Mai asked herself as she went to her room. She had other opportunities after that second meeting. After that they only saw each other occasionally as Shotaro was in college at the time. Each meeting was no better than the first and Mai now understood that she had set the tone for their relationship. Ani had been right then- how much was she right about now? In that moment, Mai both envied and hated Ani. She wished that she could do what was expected of her without question, but that wasn't who she was. She went into her room and sat on the floor to think. There was no point in thinking about the past. As Ani said, that was a lost opportunity. Mai knew that her father was up to something. Like Ani; she sensed the change in his mood. Mai realized in retrospect that had she played her cards differently, she might have been able to find something out from Ani. It was another lost opportunity. She was, she realized as Ani had told her so many times too impulsive. She never looked ahead to the consequences of her actions and in the past things had somehow worked out. Her gut was telling her that this time would be different. She thought about going to Ani and apologizing for her behavior, but Ani would see right through it. All she could do now was to finish her residency and then disappear. **** Vera looked at the phone. She was concerned about Mai's mental state. She didn't think that she was a danger to others, but she could be a danger to herself. She knew that Mai considered her to be her one true friend and if she found out that she was the one spying on her... The way Vera saw it was that she few options. She could continue as she was and hope for the best or she could tell Mai what was happening. If she did the latter, she would be kicked out of the nice apartment and she wasn't sure that she could go back to sleeping in shifts. There was also the matter of her job. It had been filled within hours after she resigned. She had no choice but to continue as she was. She could however, not tell Mai's father everything. The phone rang before she could pick it up to make her call. She knew who it was. He was the only one who called her. She hadn't even told her family that she had moved. If she did, they would assume that she had money that she really didn't have and would begin to make demands on her. They were already counting down the days until she was finished with her residency. She pushed her concern about Mai aside and answered the phone. "What do you have to tell me?" Immediately, Vera began talking about the events of the day. When she was finished, there was a soft click. Her caller had hung up. **** Kenji packed his bags and got ready to leave. He still hadn't received word about the surgical residency position. He really wasn't concerned about it; he was just ready to go home to Patricia and the children. He was also concerned about his father. The more he thought about it; the less he liked what he had heard. While there were no blatant signs that anything was amiss, he knew that there were plenty of diseases where the symptoms could manifest as fatigue. Some of the cancers came to mind as well as a few other things. In retrospect, he wished that he had insisted that his father come to the hospital but there was nothing that could be done about it now. When he saw him at the picnic, he would press the issue. On his way out, he saw Mai being dropped off. He couldn't help but notice how miserable she looked. He felt for her, but there was nothing he could do for her. She would interpret his concern as something more. He hoped that the woman that he assumed was her friend could help her. He hurried on his way eager to be home. On his way, he stopped by Abby's house and picked some fresh flowers for Patricia. They had flowers in their back yard, but Abby had some that they didn't have. Abby saw him pull up and went outside. "Is everything alright?" she asked as she dried her hands on a dishtowel. "Everything is fine," Kenji replied. "I came to pick some of those flowers that Patricia likes." "Come on in- I have some starter plants for her," Abby said leading the way. "So no word yet?" "No, but I expect to hear something soon," Kenji replied eager to be gone now that he had what he came for. "Will you be at the picnic on Saturday?" "I wouldn't miss it! Patricia asked me to make the potato salad." Kenji thought that Abby was acting a little nervous, but didn't comment on it. She seemed well enough and he knew that if she had a problem, she would have said something. They chatted for a few more minutes before Kenji left for home. As he drove home, he thought about some of the other married residents who wished that they weren't going home. They dawdled and found other things to do and on occasion called their wives telling them that they had to stay another night. He didn't understand it, so one day he asked one of the residents about it. "Not all of us are as fortunate as you are," he explained. "I can't speak for the others, but when I go home, all I hear is the countdown to when we can buy a house or buy a car. Home isn't a place of relaxation for me so every so often; I lie and say that I have to stay." Kenji couldn't imagine deliberately staying away from his family. He counted down the hours until he could see them again. "Some of us were wondering about you," the resident whose name was Alan said. "We noticed that as soon as it's time to leave; you haul ass. Is home really that great?" Kenji thought a minute before answering. "My wife and children are the reason that I am here and home-home is a respite for me." "Your wife doesn't have a calendar that she uses to cross the days off with?" "She does," Kenji chuckled, "but it has other uses as well." "So she does keep track," Alan commented. "Yes, but only so she can start planning the celebrations," Kenji replied correcting the resident's assumption. "My wife is a planner- she has to be with the children and her classes." "She goes to school?" Alan asked surprised. He and Kenji knew each other, but had never really talked outside of the clinical setting. "She is in the pre-med program," Kenji said proudly. "It is our hope that when the time comes; she will be accepted into the medical school here." "Damn," Alan said impressed. "Claudia would never do anything like that. She's too busy learning how to be a doctor's wife as if that's different than being the wife of a the man who's a butcher. You're a lucky man. So how did you get so lucky?" "I was taken away from Patricia- I was interred at Manzanar," Kenji explained. "We were apart when she discovered that she was pregnant with our first child. It was a very difficult time for both of us. I think-no, I am certain that our separation has much to do with my wanting to be home as much as possible. Of course, I love her and our children and even if we hadn't been separated; I would still rush home to them." The two men became friends after that and often shared meals together. Kenji pulled into the garage, left his bag in the car but took the plant in. From the garage, he could hear the radio playing and imagined Patricia singing with it as she made dinner. It was one of his guilty pleasures that he missed. His stomach growled at the smell of the meatloaf that he had requested that she make and he couldn't wait to hold her. But he had to watch her even if it was for a few seconds as she sang and danced her way around the kitchen. He went to the door and slowly opened it hoping that she was within sight. Initially, she wasn't but a few seconds later; she was in full view her hips swaying to the beat of the music. Her soft alto voice reached his ears soothing him. He was home. He watched for another minute before making a sound alerting her to his presence. Suddenly, the door to the garage was thrown open and Patricia was in his arms. As he kissed her and held her close, he began to sway to the music. It was the first time he had danced with her and he wondered why he hadn't done it sooner. He pulled her closer and nuzzled his nose in her hair and inhaled. He began to harden and was about to whisper a promise into her ear when Niko and Marie's excited voices interrupted him. I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 20 "Papa!" they cried in unison as they tore into the kitchen. Kenji gave Patricia another kiss, released her and knelt to greet the children. He hugged them tightly and kissed each one on the cheek. "Did you bring me a present?" Marie asked kissing him back. "Not this time pretty one," Kenji replied. "If I brought you a present every time I came home, then it will no longer be a surprise or special." Marie pouted for a few seconds and then brightened when Patricia mentioned the picture that she had drawn for Kenji. "Do you have stories for me?" Niko did already knowing the answer, but he loved hearing the response. He loved those times with Kenji as much as he loved making grilled cheese sandwiches with Patricia. Each story that Kenji told reinforced that he wanted to be a doctor. He didn't know what kind- but it didn't matter. "I have stories for you, but let's help with dinner first and then I'll read with your sister." "Yes papa," Niko replied happily. Kenji took his time enjoying the dinner that Patricia made thinking that it was too bad that there wasn't a place where he could keep food cold where it wouldn't be stolen. They let the children dominate the dinner conversation- there would be plenty of time for him and Patricia to talk after they made love. The main topic of conversation was Florrie's impending visit. Even Marie was excited at having another playmate other than Niko although he did play dolls with her and was a frequent guest at her tea parties. Both Patricia and Kenji noticed that Niko was no longer protecting Marie by taking the blame for her misbehavior. In fact, he often stopped her before she got into trouble. As a result, her behavior improved. After dinner was done and the kitchen cleaned, Patricia sat on the couch next to Kenji with her head on his shoulder as he read with Marie. Her newest drawing lay on the sofa beside him. He patiently waited for her to sound out the words and complimented her on a job well done. "Niko helped me," she said obviously pleased that Kenji was pleased. "Your brother is a good teacher," Kenji said with a smile at Niko who beamed. "I am very proud of both of you." Niko and Marie were allowed to stay up for another thirty minutes much to their surprise and delight. When it was time finally time for bed, Marie started to pout. Before Patricia or Kenji could say anything, Niko took Marie by the hand. "Come on, if you complain, they won't allow us to stay up late again." Marie started to complain again, but Niko pulled on her hand and led her away. "We will come to say goodnight in a few minutes," Kenji said as he put an arm around Patricia and kissed her head. His thoughts went to the residents who didn't want to go home to their wives and children. He still couldn't fathom it. Fifteen minutes later, the children were settled in their beds. Kenji and Patricia sat in the living room waiting for the inevitable call for a drink of water that would come from Marie. When it came, Kenji was the one to respond. When he came back, he had an idea. "Tomorrow night we will sit a small glass of water on her table." "We can try it," Patricia said, "but don't be surprised if she spills it in her bed." "I hadn't thought about that," Kenji confessed. "Maybe that can wait and besides, it doesn't take long to get her a glass of water." "She just wants an extra few minutes alone with her daddy," Patricia said. "I think that in many ways, she misses you more than Niko does. She doesn't really say anything or chomp at the bit like Niko does, but she starts looking at the door when it's time for you to come home." Kenji got an idea when he saw the necklace that he had gotten Patricia for her birthday a few years before. He had wanted to replace the chain, but Patricia wouldn't hear of it. She wanted it as it was given to her. "What are you thinking about?" She asked as she snuggled closer. He told her about the residents who sometimes lied to their wives about having to stay at the hospital. "That's terrible!" Patricia said shaking her head in disbelief. "It was a reminder to me about how fortunate I am to have you and our children. Come to bed with me, allow me to show you how much I love you." "Give me a few minutes to change..." "Pease-no gown," Kenji said softly. "Let's just undress and get into bed. I need to feel you close to me." Patricia stood up and held out her hand. Kenji took it without hesitation and stood up. Without a word, he led her up the stairs and to their room only stopping to make sure that Marie was sleeping. Satisfied that she was sound asleep, Kenji took Patricia into the bedroom and began to undress her taking time to caress her face with his fingers and lips. Patricia stood still with her hands on his waist. Her grip tightened when he took an earlobe between his lips and gently nibbled on it. That simple act always made her weak in the knees and wet between her legs. She wanted to press into him so that she could feel his hardness against her stomach, but she stepped back and looked up at him. While her hands worked at his belt, she looked into his eyes. When he tried to stop her, she lightly slapped at his hands. He took hold of her hands and brought them to his heart and then to his lips. She pulled her hands back still in his and kissed the back of his hands and went back to work on the belt. Finally it was loose and the button and zipper undone. His slacks fell to a heap at his feet. Patricia dropped to her knees and reached into his shorts. It had been far too long since she had taken care of him like this. "Kirei..." Kenji moaned as the head of his erection slipped into her mouth. This wasn't what he had in mind. He was supposed to be caring for her. He wanted to stop her, but he didn't. Patricia fondled his semen filled sacs as she suckled and nibbled on his cock. It had been several weeks since they had partaken in this form of lovemaking. As much as they enjoyed it, it was something that they didn't so often. It only made it more special when they did. "Kirei-stop! I..." the words were lost as a moan that started deep in his belly worked its way up to his mouth as his semen left his balls and traveled up his cock exiting into Patricia's waiting mouth. He cried out as she continued to suckle at his deflating cock. The tip of it was so sensitive that even her warm breath made him shudder. He hadn't wanted to climax so quickly, but the night was young. He would be ready again within the hour. He pulled her to her feet and kissed her not caring that he had just come in her mouth. The way he saw it was that it was a part of him that they shared. He felt the same about her nectar as he thought of it and he couldn't wait to taste her. He kicked off his shoes and stepped out of the slacks that were puddled around his feet and began to edge Patricia back toward the bed. "Thank you for that," he murmured. "It's my turn to please you." When they reached the bed, Kenji finished undressing her and eased her back onto the bed. Instead of going directly to her vee, he started at her face. He took his time exploring her with his hands, lips and tongue. Patricia shivered when he licked along her jawline and then blew on it. "I like that," she murmured and then moaned when he made his way to her shoulder. She gasped when his strong fingers found a nipple and pinched and then rolled it back and forth. The moisture between her legs grew with each touch and each kiss. He planted soft, warm kisses down her body as he made his way to his goal. The scent of her arousal grew stronger the closer he got to his ultimate goal. He licked his lips when he finally reached his destination. Patricia's legs were already spread as wide as she could get them. Even though she knew what was going to happen, she still jumped when his tongue started at the bottom of her slit and slowly worked its way to the top. "Oh- do that again," she said her breath coming out in short pants. Kenji obliged and repeated the movement three times. Just as it hadn't taken him long to climax, it wouldn't take her long either. She was already close. Kenji looked up at her to see her pulling on her nipples. The sight of her playing with her breast made his cock jump to attention. Without further ado, he gently took her clit between his lips and flicked his stiffened tongue over it. Patricia reached down, took his head between her hands and held him there. She released him only because she felt the orgasm coming and needed to stifle her screams. Kenji kissed her pulsing clit until she came a second time with a pillow over her face. Afterwards, he moved up beside her and took her into his arms and held her as they slept. An hour later, Kenji was awake and trying not to move. "I'm awake," Patricia said planting a kiss on his chest. "Why are you awake? You have to be exhausted." "I'm fine," Kenji replied. "I've gotten used to being up at night. Why are you awake?" "I guess I don't want to miss anything," Patricia replied. "And this is one of the few times that we can talk without interruption." "You have something on your mind," Kenji said. "Tell me about it." She began with her concerns about Florrie's visit or rather what would happen if she didn't come. "Niko will be hurt," Kenji agreed, "but we will deal with that when and if it happens. What else?" Eventually, Patricia got around to telling him about Abby. He didn't say anything for a long time. Patricia thought that he had fallen to sleep. "She has suffered much," Kenji finally said. "I only wish that she had shared with us sooner. She needn't have suffered alone." "I know, but I'm glad that she finally told us," Patricia replied. "I can't begin to imagine what it must have been like for her not to have anyone to turn to. We had it hard, but we had people to help us. Kenji, I think she's afraid of what you will think of her." It bothered Kenji that Abby would think that his feeling for her would change because of her sexual orientation. It also explained why she had seemed nervous when he saw her at her house. He made up his mind to call her and to let her know that he still loved and respected her, but first; he had a wife to take care of. *** After Kenji left, Abby continued with her chores. The potatoes for the potato salad were boiling and the ingredients that she would put in it were chopped and in a bowl in the fridge. The next chore was to clean the room that Ralph had slept in for Joel and Penny's arrival. The door to the room had remained closed. She had no desire to go inside. The last person to use the room had been Joel and he had cleaned it before he left. Reluctantly, she walked to the door of the room and then stood there. She allowed her regrets to wash over her and then she brushed them aside. There was no point to it. It wasn't as if she could go back and change anything. She opened the door and stood in the doorway. A layer of dust covered everything. It would take her hours to clean the room plus wash the linens. She looked around the room and decided that she didn't like the color. It needed new life breathed into it. As soon as possible she would have the room painted in something bright and cheery as opposed to the eggshell white that it was. Then she had another burst of inspiration. She would let Marie have a wall to do with as she wished. Niko could help if he wanted to, but for the most part it would be a project for her and Marie. As she stripped the bed, Abby thought about Kenji. She didn't think that his attitude toward her would change, but the thought that it might made her nervous. She had been surprised that Patricia hadn't asked her why she didn't tell them sooner. If she had asked the question, she wouldn't have had an answer other than fear. Her family hadn't accepted what she was- they forced her into marriage. She had been alone for a long time before Patricia and then the others had come into her life. She told herself that she was being silly and finished stripping the bed. She would find out soon enough if things between her and Kenji had changed. **** True to his word, Hiroshi took time off from the nurseries. He had hired in more than capable help and it also seemed to ease Dai's anxieties. He was going to say something to her about calling Kenji but decided against it. It was as Kenji had told him- she loved him and was concerned. Hiroshi had to admit that if he thought something was wrong with either Dai or Hiro; he would have called Kenji too. He did feel a little better and seemed to be eating more too lending credence to the thought that he was simply working too hard and needed to relax. The problem was that ever since the interment, he had this hidden fear that everything would be taken away from them again. He had a large sum of cash locked in the safe in his office, but as far as he was concerned; it wasn't nearly enough. The beginning of the Korean War threw him back to when Pearl Harbor had been bombed. On his worst days, he could still see himself at Manzanar and killing Joben Saito. On his best days all he worried about was if they had enough money to be comfortable if anything happened. He relaxed a little when the Walter-McCarran act passed making it possible for first generation Japanese to become American citizens. He was also a little surprised that Kenji hadn't done it yet. He and Dai talked about it at great length. He wanted her and Hiro to become American citizens, but she refused saying that if he wouldn't; then neither would she. He tried to make her understand that it just wasn't possible. He couldn't take the chance of being discovered as he wasn't supposed to leave the camp as a free man. He still hadn't made her see reason yet. It was something that he planned to bring up during his time off. This time he wasn't going to take no for an answer. He smiled and closed the ledger book when he heard Hiro calling his name. He remembered a time when Kenji would call for him just as excited as Hiro was. The smile faded as he remembered sending Kenji away telling him that he was too busy to talk or play with him. When he thought about it, he realized that that was the beginning of Kenji beginning to think on his own. Hiroshi could now see it clearly. He taught Kenji to think for himself because it kept him out of his hair with his never-ending questions about the universe or why things happened the way that they did. Instead of telling him that he didn't know and finding out with him; he had pushed him away. He felt a pang of guilt mixed with pride that Kenji had become the kind of man and father that he himself had never been. He was pulled from his thoughts when Hiro burst through the door carrying a book. "Papa can we read?" Instead of answering, Hiroshi patted his lap. "Of course we can read, but why don't you read to me?" Dai watched from the doorway and felt a little better. Hiroshi seemed more like his self. She had been wondering if what ailed him was more emotional than physical. She knew that he still harbored a great deal of guilt about his actions in the past and she knew that he was almost obsessed with making sure that they had enough cash on hand. To some degree she understood his concern, but on the other hand; the obsession was destroying him. She still hadn't discounted the concern that there was something physically wrong with him. She hoped that Kenji would take a moment to talk with him and convince him to go to a doctor to be examined. "Why do you not join us?" Hiroshi asked when he saw Dai standing in the doorway. Dai smiled and walked over to them. When she sat down, she tried to reconcile the man that she was seeing with the man who had tried to have his daughter harmed and then became a spy for Japan during the war. She couldn't even begin to truly understand what he must have felt as he never really talked about it. She knew about Patricia- she had pushed him to reconcile with Kenji, but the rest of it, the spy part; she knew very little. Hiroshi waited until she was sitting before he started the story. As he read, the lines of worry seemed to magically disappear. Even his voice seemed lighter. Once again she wondered about his mental state and decided to mention something to Kenji when she saw him. Maybe he would have some insight. Soon Hiro was giggling as Hiroshi changed his voice to distinguish between the different characters in the story. That night for dinner, Hiroshi ate as he had in the past- with gusto and relish. Maybe he was going to be alright- she hoped. **** Niko planted himself by the front door and anxiously waited. He had completed all of his chores early and even helped Marie with hers. Now all he had to do was wait for Florrie's mother to bring her. Kenji saw him sitting by the door and hoped that Florrie really came. He hated to see Niko hurt if it didn't happen. He had already spoken to him to warn him that Florrie's parents could change their minds. Niko refused to believe it. He had a child's faith that an adult wouldn't lie to him-mostly because he had never been lied to by anyone in the family. He hadn't yet learned that not everyone was as honest as his family was. He eyed the clock. Florrie was due to arrive at eleven so that they would have time to play before the picnic at two. He had helped prepare snacks for him, Florrie and Marie so that they wouldn't get hungry. At ten-fifty five, his heart began to pound. Like his father; he abhorred lateness. He took a deep breath and resumed his watch. At the stroke of eleven, his heart began to sink. Kenji stood back watching as Niko's shoulders which promised to be as broad as his grandfather John's began to sag. "Perhaps they are just delayed," Kenji said as he approached Niko. Niko didn't say anything. He kept his eyes glued to the window. By fifteen minutes after eleven; he gave up. Florrie wasn't coming. He swallowed the lump that had formed in his throat and blinked back tears of disappointment. "Niko..." Kenji started to say when a beat up old car pulled into the driveway. Niko took off running out of the house and down the driveway toward the car. The man whom Kenji assumed was Florrie's father didn't get out. Florrie's mother did. Kenji couldn't help but notice how slowly she moved. When he got closer, he could see that the left side of her face was swollen. He looked at the man behind the wheel who returned his look with disgust written all over his face. Niko and Florrie were already talking. He smiled at the excitement that he heard in their voices. He turned his attention back to Florrie's mother. "Mrs...." "I'm fine," she said before he could ask the question. "We'll be back for Florrie around six if that's alright." "Of course, but would you like to join us?" Kenji asked. "We have plenty of room and food." She looked back at her husband and then back at Kenji. "No thanks-I have a lot to do." "I understand," Kenji said looking at her husband. He knew a beaten woman when he saw one. He had seen his share of them at the hospital. "You are welcome here at any time." He could have sworn that he saw a look of gratitude on the woman's face as she got back into the car. He looked at Niko who had a troubled expression on his face and then at Florrie who didn't- she was happy to be there. He couldn't help but wonder if Florrie wasn't being hurt too and if she was- what could be done about it? "Let's go inside," Kenji said gently as he reached out to touch Niko's shoulder. His heart sank when he saw Florrie flinch. His fears had just been confirmed. Patricia watched from the front door, but decided not to go out. Her concern was that if Florrie's father saw her too, he would change his mind about the little girl staying. Not being seen was a small price to pay for Niko's happiness. As soon as the car pulled away, she stepped outside. She saw the concerned expression on Kenji's face and knew that they needed to talk. I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 20 "Hi Florrie, welcome to our home!" Patricia greeted. "We've been looking forward to your visit." Florrie looked at the house and then at Niko. "Is this really your house?" "Yes, this is where we live," Niko replied confused by the question. "Come in," Patricia replied. "Niko has snacks all ready for you since we won't be eating until later." Florrie gawked at everything as she followed Niko and Patricia to the kitchen. She had heard that people lived in nice houses, but she never thought that she would see one much less be inside of one. She took in everything so that she could keep her promise to her mother to tell her everything that happened. "I'll never see the insides of a nice house, so you tell me everything and that includes what you ate." "I'll show you where we wash our hands before we eat," Niko said and started to walk away. Florrie stayed rooted where she was. She felt as if she had left her world and entered into a new one. Washing hands before eating? They never did that before they ate. They just sat at the table and ate even if their hands were dirty from playing or working outside. Kenji stood next to Patricia and watched for several seconds before he said anything. "Florrie, it is alright." Both he and Patricia saw Florrie flinch when Kenji spoke. Patricia looked up at him and understood why he had looked so concerned. When Florrie finally followed Niko to the bathroom, she turned to Kenji. "She's being hurt." "Yes Kirei, she is and so is her mother," he replied as he put an arm around her. He was going to say more, but Niko and Florrie were on their way back to the kitchen. When Florrie saw Kenji's arm around Patricia, she stared. She couldn't remember ever seeing her father touching her mother like that. She looked at Patricia half expecting to see fear and was perplexed when she didn't. "Please sit down," Niko said holding a chair out for her. "I will go find Marie and we will have a snack." "Niko, why don't you take Florrie with you?" Patricia asked when she saw the anxiety on the girl's round face. Alone again, Patricia turned to Kenji. "What do we do?" "I don't know," Kenji replied. "Nick or Will would be better at answering that question from a legal standpoint." They could hear Marie's happy giggles as they approached the kitchen. Once again Niko offered Florrie a chair and held it out for her and then did the same for Marie. Florrie was flabbergasted when Niko told her what the options were as far as things to drink. At her house it was usually just water. "O-Orange juice please." She watched mesmerized as Kenji led Patricia to the table, helped her into a chair and then kissed her head. Niko poured orange juice for her, Marie and then finally himself and served it while Kenji made Patricia a cup of tea. The snack time was quiet at first, but by the end of it; a bright little girl had emerged and was chatting with them freely. One thing was apparent to both Kenji and Patricia- Florrie was an exceptionally bright child. "What does Kirei mean?" She asked Niko when she heard Kenji use the term with Patricia. "It is Japanese for beautiful," Niko explained. "Papa always calls mama that because she is so beautiful." A dark expression crossed Florrie's face and then was gone. "My dad never says nice things like that to my mom," she said and then stopped. She hadn't meant to say that out loud. Her mother had warned her against saying anything about what happened at home. "It's nobody's business but ours," her mother told her that morning. "Just try to have a nice time and remember to tell me everything." They let the statement pass realizing that Florrie had said more than she should have. Later when they were alone, Florrie asked Niko the question that had been on her mind since snack time. "Does your dad really like your mom?" "Of course he does," Niko replied. "He loves her- doesn't your dad love your mom?" "I don't know," Florrie replied after a long pause. "He never said so. Does your dad get mad at you?" "Sometimes," Niko replied. "Does he hit you?" "No!" Niko exclaimed appalled by the thought. "Does he hit your mom?" "No never-he loves us." "What happens if you do something bad?" Florrie asked fascinated that not all fathers were like hers. "We talk about it and then I am punished, but I am never hurt. Grandpa Nick believes in spanking, but he's never done it. Florrie-does your papa hurt you and your mom?" "Let's read a book," Florrie said changing the subject. She didn't want to think about home. She wanted to enjoy her time in this magical world where everyone seemed to love each other. Patricia was standing outside of the library where Niko and Florrie were talking. She wanted to check on them before she got busy with the final preparations for the picnic. Her heart broke at the conversation that Niko was having with Florrie. Like Kenji, she didn't know what they could do about it. ***** Mai spent the morning in her room. She knew that something was happening because her father was uncharacteristically happy. Whenever he looked at her, he had a 'now I've got you' look on his face. Ani was quieter than usual. Jiro was too busy being pleased with himself about how the plans for his new business were going to pay her too much attention. If he wasn't talking about the business, he was talking about the coming baby. During those times Mai closed her ears and counted down to when her residency would be complete. She had already made contact with several hospitals on the east coast and all of them sounded promising. She only had to survive the rest of her residency. She had it planned in her head. On her last day, she would walk out of the hospital and catch the first bus or train to the east coast. She wouldn't even let her family know that she was gone. That thought kept her grounded. It was her lifeboat. After lunch, her father and Jiro left the house. Her father instructed her to get make herself presentable and to wear her best kimono. A feeling of dread filled Mai's belly. She looked at Ani who looked away. Mai understood that Ani knew what was happening, but would she tell her? She waited until she was sure that Jiro and her father were gone before she approached Ani. "What's going on?" she asked without preamble. "I don't know what you mean," Ani replied as she started preparations for dinner. "Yes you do," Mai said, "and you're going to tell me." "Mai- I can't tell you what I don't know. All I know is that the person coming is a business associate of father's." "I don't believe you," Mai said quietly. "You have to know something. Jiro must have told you something." "First of all," Ani said sternly, "what Jiro and I discuss is between us. My loyalty lies with him. Secondly, I don't know what father is up to. I only know what I told you. Why he wants you here I don't know and I didn't ask. I would suggest that you do as you were told and get ready." Mai stomped off and made a decision. She wouldn't do as she was told. She would meet her father's business associate dressed in her western clothes. As she changed, she had second thoughts about her decision. If she did as planned it would do nothing but further anger her father and at the moment; that didn't suit her needs. She put the clothes away and took out the kimono that she hadn't looked at in months. Sighing heavily, she laid the garment on the bed and looked at it. It was a beautiful garment but to her, it symbolized entrapment. In hindsight, she wished that she had made an effort make it work with Shotaro. They could have found a way to go their own separate ways, but it was much too late to be thinking about that now. He had already married the black woman in a civil ceremony. She brushed her long black hair and then put it up in a bun. She looked at her reflection in the mirror and in that moment hated herself. She finally admitted that part of what Ani had been saying was true. Part of this was her fault. She had gone about things in the wrong way beginning with Kenjiro Takeda. As soon as she realized that he was married, she should have backed off. That he was married to a black woman was something that she would never understand even if he explained it to her. Too late she realized that he would have made a good friend. In the back of her mind, she wondered if was too late for that. It was, she decided. His wife would never allow it and if she were in her position; neither would she. Her father more than likely wouldn't be so angry if it hadn't been for her fascination with Kenji. He also might have broken the engagement between her and Shotaro had she played her cards right. "Damn," she swore as she saw the error of her ways. She also realized that Ani was right about something else- she could have walked away and made it on her own. Thousands did it, so why couldn't she? That led to her second decision of the night. She wasn't going to wait until her residency was over to leave. She was leaving as soon as possible. The first obstacle was a place to stay. Vera came to mind and Mai was certain that she would take her in. The next thing was how to get her belongings out of the house without arousing suspicion. Her mind whirred with excitement. She was actually leaving! It was something that she should have done long ago. Now that she had a plan, she could go through the evening's charade. She would be the dutiful daughter and do everything that was required of her. Three hours later, Jiro, her father and the house guest were at the house. Mai checked her appearance and plastered a fake smile on her lips. She left her room confident that the evening would pass slowly and without incident. Her father, Jiro and the house guest were in the living room being served sake by Ani. "Ah there she is," her father said when he saw her. "This is my daughter- Mai- the one that I was telling you about." Mai felt a ball of ice form in the pit of her stomach as she listened to the introduction. The man stood and politely bowed. She took in his appearance. He was about twenty years older than she was and had the bearing of someone who had been in the military. He was handsome in a stern sort of way with his salt and pepper hair cropped short. He assessed her with cool, almost disinterested eyes before turning back to her father. "Kanojo wa hijo ni utsukushidesu- she is very beautiful." Mai listened to them discussing her as if she wasn't there. "I told you this did I not?" her father was saying, "but I also told you that she is willful and needs a strong hand." Mai took a step backward as she understood what was happening. She saw all of her plans vanish as her father gave her away to a man that she didn't know. "Mai come here," her father said sternly. He waited until she was standing in front of him. "This is Tamoya Ito. He is my friend and business associate." Mai swallowed hard and bowed. "His wife of several years died and has left him childless and alone- he has agreed to marry you..." "No! Father please..." "It has been decided," he said his voice cold. "You will spend the evening becoming acquainted as the wedding will be in two days' time." Tamoya Ito looked at Mai and grinned. "Come, sit and let us get to know each other." Mai frantically looked around hoping that just once that Ani would forget tradition and say something- anything to help her. She saw that Ani was just as surprised as she was, but that Jiro wasn't. He knew and he hadn't told Ani. Ani's eyes met hers and the looked away making it clear that she wasn't going to interfere. "Sit down," her father said sternly. Seeing as she had no choice, Mai sat down. She folded her hands in her lap and looked down at them. She spoke only when spoken to and offered no more information than what was required. She didn't miss the way that the man lustfully eyed her. Her mind frantically raced trying to think of a way out of her predicament. One thing was clear, if she was going to leave; it had to be tonight. She would take a cab to Vera's apartment and hide there. She would miss her rotations, but it couldn't be helped. Finally the evening was over. Mai felt as if she was caught in a whirlwind from which there was no escape. As soon as Tamoya was gone, Mai ran into her room and tore the kimono off. She ignored the tentative tap on the door and began to stuff a small bag with her personal items. She froze when she heard a sound that she didn't recognize. The door was being locked. Her father had anticipated her reaction. Tears of anger, defeat and hatred ran down Mai's face as she listened to the hushed voices on the other side of the door. One of them was Ani; the other belonged to her father. Eventually the voices moved away from the door and all was silent. It was over- she had lost. ***** Saul hummed his way through his shift. Nothing could destroy the good mood that he was in. His patience in dealing with Isadora was paying off. Their after church conversations were more relaxed and she smiled more easily. He rushed home to get ready for the Saturday night picnic. With any luck, he would get to sit with Isadora and Lucas Newton would stay away. Saul didn't care that the young black man glared at him or made snide comments. In fact, he didn't care what anyone thought or said. The only opinion that interested him was Isadora's. He grinned when he thought about Reggie and Joshua's reaction when he told them about his intentions toward Isadora. "You're going to do what?" Reggie asked incredulously. "Are you crazy?" "No...." "Look here son," Joshua broke in, "think about this- things are hard enough as it is. Find yourself a nice white girl..." "It's either Isadora or no one," Saul replied. "I can't tell you how I know that she's the one, but I know that she is." It was Cora who tried to put an end to the discussion. "Reggie and Joshua- leave him be. If he wants Isadora as his wife then so be it. He's a fine man and any woman would be blessed to have him. We need to be supporting him and not trying to discourage him from the path that he feels god is leading him. You two should be ashamed of yourselves." Both men were quiet. They had no argument against what Cora said although Reggie tried. "Come on Aunt Cora- you know that what we say is true." "I'm not saying that it isn't," she replied. "What I am saying is that it isn't for us to decide what he should and shouldn't do. That's between him, Isadora and god. We can do one of three things, try to stop him, stay out of it or try to help. I for one am going to try to help. What you do is up to you." Saul jumped out of his chair, grabbed Cora and hugged her. For some unknown reason of the three present, her opinion was the one that really mattered. Later he would realize that it was because she had become his mother. His birth mother would never understand or accept his decision about Isadora. He didn't think that she would disown him; but she wouldn't accept Isadora either. He walked in the door to see Noah Jackson sitting on the sofa sipping a glass of water. For just a moment Saul thought that he had changed his mind about sending him to school. "Saul! How are you?" Noah greeted. "I'm fine sir- how are you?" "Good, I was hoping to take a few minutes of your time. I have something that I need to discuss with you." Saul sat down across from Noah and waited. "Tell me about your friend Harry," Noah said. "What do you want to know?" Saul asked warily. "What has he been up to?" "I don't know," Saul replied honestly. "We haven't really talked for a long time now- why are you asking?" "Why the change in your relationship?" Noah asked. "Wasn't he the one that you stood up for?" "Yes, but something changed," Saul replied. "He's not the same person. He's angry about the way things are. He doesn't see the changes that are already happening-the changes aren't happening fast enough to suit him." Noah was quiet for several minutes. He knew more about Harry's doings than his best friend did. The question was did he want to take a chance with someone who believed that violence was the way to fix things? Harry Simons definitely had the spark, but could he be redirected? "I plan to talk to him," Noah said making his decision. "I'm also going to tell you what your friend has been into." Saul was shocked, appalled and saddened by what he heard. The good mood that he had walked in with was gone. His friend was well on his way to destroying his life because of anger and hatred. He looked at the clock, stood up and walked out of the house leaving Noah Jackson sitting on the sofa. As he walked toward Harry's house, he spoke to all that spoke to him and nodded at those who didn't. When he reached Harry's house, he hesitated. Harry had made it clear that he didn't want to talk about what he was into. Saul walked to the front door and knocked. Harry's mother answered the door. "Saul? My lord it's been a long time! What's been keepin ya?" "It's nice to see you too," Saul replied with a smile. He was relieved that whatever feelings Harry had or didn't have toward him weren't held by his mother. "Harry says you been busy- going to school and all." "Yes ma'am- I'll be starting classes soon. Is Harry home?" "No, he at some meeting," she replied and then glanced around. "I'm glad you came- you got a minute?" A few minutes later, Harry's mother told Saul her concerns. "I'm tellin you because you're his friend and maybe he talks to you. I don't know what he into, but he's so mad all the time. Don't get me wrong, he helps like he always did; but he ain't the same." "I know," Saul commiserated, "I see the same thing. I'll try to talk to him the next time I see him." He didn't have the heart to tell her that her son was involved in criminal activity. Harry's mother thanked him and saw him to the door. "I wish that he could go to school," she said before she said goodbye. "He's so smart." Saul agreed but didn't tell her about Noah Jackson. It wasn't for him to do. He walked back home with a heavy heart. He knew deep in his soul that he had lost a friend. ***** Isadora changed clothes three times before putting on the pale yellow dress that she had started out with. Maeve sat on her bed rolling her eyes as Isadora changed back into the dress. What she wanted to know was what the big deal was. She was almost positive that there was a man involved, but Isadora had adamantly denied it. Maeve believed her-almost. She was going to the church picnic with Isadora and hoped to see who it was that she was getting dressed up for. Maeve was surprised at the invite to the picnic, but hid it. Ernie was going to spend the evening applying for residency programs which left her free. Even if he hadn't been busy, she wasn't going to miss the chance to see who had caught her friend's eye. Finally Isadora was ready- Maeve thought. When she started to change her clothes again, Maeve spoke up. "What's his name?" "Who?" Isadora asked. "Don't hand me that," Maeve scoffed. "You're acting like I do when I'm getting ready for a date with Ernie." "Speaking of Ernie, what's happening with you two?" Isadora asked seizing the opening that Maeve gave her. Maeve wasn't fooled and called Isadora on it. "Don't change the subject- who is he? Is he tall, dark and handsome? Is he a student? What does he do for a living? Is he okay with you being a book worm?" Isadora didn't answer. She picked up her sweater and walked out of her room leaving Maeve sitting on the bed. *** The back yard of the church was decorated with balloons and brightly colored ribbons. The tables were already set up and covered with white tablecloths. The food table was already laden with food and more was coming. Saul helped wherever he was needed earning several sincere smiles of thanks. He felt Lucas Newton's eyes on his back but ignored him. As he worked he kept an eye out for Isadora. He had already picked a table out for them to sit at if he could get to her first. I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 20 He was coming out of the back door when he saw her and Maeve walk into the yard. He barely gave Maeve a glance as his eyes were on Isadora. He liked the way the pale yellow dress contrasted with her smooth, dark skin. A thought began to creep into his mind and he stopped it before it took hold. He handed the box that he was carrying to whoever walked by and began to make his way to Isadora. However, before he was halfway across the yard; Lucas was already talking to Isadora. Not to be deterred, Saul continued on his way not stopping until he reached the small group. "Hello Isadora, Lucas" he said with a smile that reached his eyes. He almost shouted with happiness when Isadora turned away from Lucas and gave him a full smile. "Hello Saul," she said in that low husky voice that made his knees weak. "This is my friend Maeve." "Hello," he greeted with a nod of his head. "Saul is going to be starting classes soon," Isadora explained. "Really?" Maeve asked. "What will you be studying?" "Eventually I hope to go into the ministry," Saul replied ignoring the glare that Lucas gave him. "Interesting," Maeve commented as she looked at Isadora. So this was him, she thought to herself. On the face of it, she liked Saul much better than she did Lucas and it had nothing to do with skin color. The black man who had introduced himself as Lucas Newton didn't feel real to her. His presentation seemed fake. It was as if he was trying to be someone that he wasn't. Maeve had the feeling that the man really didn't care about Isadora or her plans but she didn't know why he would pretend until she met Saul. He was competing with Saul only because he was white. This, she thought was the real deal when Isadora introduced Saul to her. She had only just met him, but there was something about him that she liked. Maybe it was the way that he spoke softly or... the way that he looked at Isadora. The man was head over heels in love with her best friend! She wondered if Isadora knew, but suspected not. It was time to have a talk with her friend, but not before she talked to Saul. Lucas listened without comment. He was seeing what Maeve was seeing and not liking it. He was forced to ask himself the question- what he would do if he had managed to sway Isadora his way. Marry her? No- he couldn't and he wouldn't. Isadora Hughes was too independent for him. He had meant it when he made the comment about her staying home and having babies. As much as he hated the idea of a white man wanting and having a black woman, he didn't hate it enough that he was willing to take his place. He slipped away without saying anything. There were other women who were much better marriage material than Isadora Hughes. Saul felt it when Lucas symbolically called 'uncle' and smiled. It was far from over, but his main competitor was out of the picture. As far as he knew, there was no one else interested. It was time to take a small step forward. "Isadora, would you and your friend care to sit with me?" Time seemed to stop as Isadora considered her answer. "We would love to," Maeve replied for the both of them. "Lead the way." "Isadora?" Saul asked wanting her to have a say in the matter. "Is that alright with you?" Isadora hesitated for a few seconds before nodding her head yes. Maeve and Saul both breathed a sigh of relief. Whether she knew it or not, that was when Isadora began to truly fall for the tall white man from South Carolina. **** Theodore Ellis was a very unhappy man. Not only was his political career not going as well as he had hoped, his wife was demanding more of him sexually. It seemed that the further the pregnancy went, the more demanding she became. If he came home late in the hopes that she was asleep, she would be awake with her legs spread wide open when he walked into the bedroom. The sight of her nude body almost made him sick. She was no longer accepting the excuses that he was too tired and pestered him until he gave in. To complicate things even more, she had refused to get rid of the maid. To compensate for his attraction to her, he often spoke to Millie harshly even though she had done nothing to deserve it. But at night.... At night when his head was between his wife's thin, pale thighs; it was Millie that he thought of. It was Millie that he was sliding in and out of and Millie that he shot his seed into. He didn't understand it. Prior to her, he had never thought of being with a black woman in a sexual way. So why her? It was a question that he asked himself every time he saw her and every time he sated his perpetually horny wife. Every time he looked at Hazel, he wished that she and the kid were gone. Reminding himself that they were a means to an end was no longer effective. He wanted to crawl out of bed, go to the bathroom and wash the taste of her out of his mouth. At the time he had been eating her out, he had been fantasizing that it had been Millie, but now reality was lying on the bed to the right of him and its taste in his mouth. The sounds of her soft snores grated on his ears and nerves. The sight of her huge white belly nauseated him. Unable to stand it any longer, he slowly crept out of bed and went to the bathroom. He brushed his teeth, took a shower and went to his office locking the door behind him. That he wore nothing but a towel didn't bother him. He was comfortable with his body even though he hated sharing it with the nympho as he had taken to calling his wife in private. He looked at the letter on his desk not believing that he had forgotten to open it. Then he remembered why. He had been practically raped as soon as he walked into the house. He sat at his desk and opened the letter. He skimmed down the page looking for a signature becoming curious when there was none. He looked at the envelope and frowned when he saw that there was no return address on it. He almost threw the letter in the trash, but something told him to read it. "Warden Ellis, You don't know me, but I know you. I was a prisoner at your fine establishment when that whole Jacob Lincoln thing went down." Ellis's heart raced as he continued to read the letter. "Now, I'm no fan of the black man, but we both know what you did was murder. Actually, you killed two men-Lawrence Goodman and Jacob Lincoln. I know that you think that you got away with it-maybe you did, but then again; maybe you didn't. It may surprise you to know that people actually care enough about that black man that they're asking questions. Do you know what will happen to your political aspirations if it comes to light that you facilitated murder? Hell- forget about your political aspirations... your life as you know it will be over. You may even get to occupy the same cell as Lawrence did. Imagine living out the rest of your days with the men that you once lorded over- how long do you think you would last? I can see the headlines now- former warden incarcerated for murder- body found burned to a crisp." Ellis stopped reading. Suddenly a life with Hazel and their brat didn't seem so bad. He fought his panic and continued to read. "Here's the thing, I have proof of what I'm telling you. I can prove that you helped Jacob Lincoln kill Lawrence Goodman. The question is how much are you willing to pay for the proof? I'm sure that you think that I'm shitting you, but I'm not and as a measure of good faith- I'll tell you who I'm not. "I'm not that kid that you let out early so don't go bothering his family- they don't know anything. By the way, that kid should have never gone to prison- his father was a bastard. Now, Teddy; watch your mail." "Shit..." Ellis whispered. "Shit." He ignored the jiggling of the door knob to his office glad that he had locked it. He ignored Hazel's stupid question as to whether he was in there. Who the fuck did she think was in there? After several minutes of calling his name and jiggling the doorknob, she went away. Ellis spent the rest of the night trying to figure out who the letter had come from. His one and only suspect had been eliminated. Then he had a horrifying thought. If one person knew, then so did others and one of them would be believed even if he managed to get rid of the writer of the letter. For the first time in his life, Theodore Ellis, aspiring governor was afraid. ******* Nick checked his brief case several times and counted the envelopes. Satisfied that he had more one for each person involved, he closed it and put it by the door to the garage. Hana was packing up the egg rolls that Patricia always requested for the family gatherings. When she was done, Nick swept her up into his arms and kissed her. He hadn't even told her about his surprise. It was an easy secret to keep since Hana avoided anything political. Her time in prison and then the internment camp had done that. The only person that wouldn't be able to take part in his surprise was Hiroshi. He and Nick had already talked and both decided not to take the risk. The only thing that marred Nick's mood was the fact that the case against Ellis was moving so slowly. The longer it went the more the chance that he would get wind of the fact that he was being investigated went up. "Nick?" Hana called bringing him back from his thoughts. "Why are you taking your briefcase?" "Oh- I have some papers for Will to look at and I don't want the kids to get into them," he lied. He kissed her again and put her on her feet. "Do we have time for a fast one?" he asked suddenly horny. Hana blushed, but didn't say no. "I'm taking that as a yes," Nick said as he picked her up and carried her to his office. Minutes later he was sitting behind his desk, pants around his ankles with Hana firmly impaled on him with her arms around his neck. He pressed his lips into her shoulder and lightly bit down. Hana jumped and then ground down hard against him. Hana came with a low moan with him following her seconds later. It wouldn't be the first time that he wished that he was a much younger man. They cuddled for a few minutes and then got ready to leave. As he loaded the car, Nick planned when he was going to make his big announcement. **** Florrie was having the time of her life. Not one cross word had been spoken by and to anyone and she loved it. She watched as an adult gently corrected Marie when she got a little too rambunctious. If Marie would have been at her house, she would have had a sore bottom and a bruise to go along with it. The other thing that she noticed was Marie's hair. It was fixed with two neat braids that hung down her back. Unconsciously she touched her dirty blond hair and wished that it looked as nice as Marie's did. She blinked back tears when she remembered that in a few hours; all that she was experiencing would be nothing but a memory. Abby watched the girl and took note of her wistful expression. She left her chair and went over to her. "Hello, my name is Abby; what's yours?" "Florrie." "Is that short for Florence?" Abby asked. "It was my grandmother's name- is Abby short for something?" "Abigail although I don't like it much," Abby replied. "It's prettier than Florrie." "I happen to like the name Florence," Abby said as she sat in the chair next to Florrie. "There was a very famous woman by the name of Florence- do you know who she is?" Florrie forgot about Niko and his promise to bring her a cookie and a drink when Abby began telling her about Florence Nightingale. "She was real?" Florrie asked awed. "She was," Abby confirmed. "She was a very strong woman- someone to look up to. The next time you're in school, ask your teacher about her." Niko came back with the promised drink and cookies. "I'm sorry that I took so long," he said. "I spilled the drink and dropped the cookies. I had to go back." Another first. A sincere apology. Her father had apologized many times but he had never meant it. Here was Niko apologizing because he took so long bringing her a drink. As much as she hated knowing that the day would end, she couldn't wait to tell her mother that things didn't have to be the way they were. They didn't have to be scared of being hurt, they could be happy like Niko's family was. Florrie took the offered snack and smiled at him before saying thank you- that was the one thing that her father enforced; good manners. Niko sat next to her and watched her from the corner of his eye. Her questions about his family had concerned him. He had always felt some concern for her, but today it was worse. The joy of having her at the house was diminished by the concern that he didn't understand. His parents felt it too- he saw it in their faces and somehow that scared him more than what he felt. He was going to say something when Nick's voice boomed across the yard. "If I can have everyone's attention!" The chatter died and everyone looked toward Nick. "I need everyone to come closer so that I don't have to shout!" Niko looked at Florrie and took her hand. For just a moment, Florrie didn't move. Finally she allowed herself to be led to where Nick was standing. When everyone was surrounding him, Nick spoke. "I have good news for Kenji, Hana, Hiroshi and Dai. The Walter-McCarran act has passed. What that means is that the four of you are able to become American citizens." Hana, Dai, Hiroshi and Kenji looked at each other speechless. Kenji was usually up on what was happening politically, but lately he had been far too busy. "I have the papers here for you to fill out..." Suddenly, everyone was talking at the same time. Patricia hugged Kenji, Hana and then Dai. After the briefest of hesitations, she hugged Hiroshi who to her surprise; hugged her hard. John, Patricia's father watched as his daughter hugged the man that had planned her death and felt a small amount of guilt. It wasn't just because guilt that he hadn't forgiven Hiroshi, it was guilt because he had turned her away when she had needed him the most. He released Hattie's hand, walked over to Hiroshi and extended his hand. Patricia and Hattie looked at each other and smiled. John had finally let go of the old hatred. The picnic which had been waning now had a new energy. The women were sitting together already planning the celebratory party. Kenji pulled Nick aside and asked about Hiroshi. "Is it wise that he do this?" "No it isn't," Nick replied, "and he knows it. He won't apply-there's too much of a chance that someone will realize who he was." Kenji was relieved and turned to the next topic at hand-Florrie. Nick listened as Kenji told him of his suspicions. Nick was silent for a long time before he replied. "I understand what you're saying, but unfortunately there's nothing that I can do from a legal standpoint unless the mother comes forward, but Kenji; there are other issues. Chances are she doesn't work- who will support her and the girl? How will they survive if he goes to jail? Does she want to leave?" "There is nothing?" Kenji asked. "Kenji, it hasn't been that long since women were allowed to vote- look, I know that this is hard and I know that you want to help; but right now, there's nothing that we can do until..." "He kills her," Kenji said softly. Nick didn't know what to say. The fact of the matter was that Kenji was right. The man wouldn't be charged until he killed the girl, the woman or both of them. Then the question would be why she didn't go to the police. The thing that really stuck in his crawl was that if the woman made a pre-emptive strike to save her and her child, it was over. She was going to prison. **** Florrie's parents were an hour late in coming to get her. To Florrie it was bitter-sweet. It gave her another hour of peace, but it also prolonged the agony of going home. She and Niko were playing in the living room when the car peeled into the driveway. "What on earth is that?" Abby asked. "That's my dad's car," Florrie replied softly. Reality was back. Abby stood up when the Florrie's father laid into the horn. She went out to the driveway and stood there looking into the car. She could see a woman that she assumed was Florrie's mother slouched down in the seat as if hiding in embarrassment. Finally the woman got out of the car and hugged herself. "I'm sorry we're late- is Florrie ready?" Abby eyed the woman for several seconds before replying. "She's ready, why don't you come in for a moment? I believe we packed up a box of left overs for you." Florrie's father laid on the horn again and gave Abby an angry, impatient stare. "We need to get going, but thank you." "I insist," Abby said reaching for the woman. "It won't take long." By this time, Florrie's father was out of the car. His face was red with anger at being made to wait. "Go on in there and get her! The card game starts in an hour- shit!" Florrie's mother glanced at her husband and followed Abby into the house. She noticed how the woman guarded her left side and knew that she had been hit. She felt a pain in her own side as she remembered her time with her husband. Now that she had the woman in the house, she didn't know what to do. She looked around for Nick and caught his eye. He looked at her and made his way to her. "Nick this is Florrie's mother- I'm sorry, I didn't get your name." "Ruthie." "Ruthie, this is my friend Nick, he's a lawyer...." "I don't need a lawyer," the woman said clearly panicked. "Where's Florrie? We need to get going." She walked away calling Florrie's name. Abby grabbed the box of food from the table and followed her out of the house. "Wait!" she called, "your food!" Florrie's mother didn't stop. She grabbed Florrie and hurried out of the house. She opened the back door of the car, pushed Florrie in and quickly got in behind her. Abby watched helplessly as the car pulled away. She didn't hear Kenji come up from behind her, didn't know that he was there until he spoke. "Nick says that there is nothing that we can do." "Yes there is," Abby said. "We got you and Hana out of that camp didn't we? If we could do that, then we can help them." Just saying the words made Abby realize what her problem was- she needed to be needed. Kenji and Patricia no longer needed her as they had before. They loved her, but they didn't need her. Florrie and her mother had just become her next mission. She turned around, looked at Kenji and gave him a big smile which he returned. This was the Abby that they hadn't seen in a long time. She started to go to the house and he stopped her. "Patricia told me of your past- it has no bearing on how we feel about you. Please- let us know how we can help you with your mission." Abby hugged him in relief, but she wasn't going to involve them in her plans to help the Lanes. They had more than enough to on their plates. She thanked Kenji and followed him back to the house with a spring in her step. Someone needed her even if they didn't know it. **** Saul made Isadora and Maeve sit while he went to get them something to drink. "He's cute," Maeve said as soon as they were alone, "and he likes you." Isadora ignored her and looked around. She wasn't going to have this conversation with Maeve or anyone else she decided when she saw Bella and a few other ladies smiling at her. Besides, there was nothing to discuss. Saul came back with the drinks and served Isadora first. She gave him a small smile and murmured a quiet thank you. When it came time to eat, they went up together, but he made Isadora go first, then Maeve before helping himself. He kept the conversation at the table superficial when he really wanted to know everything about Isadora. He wanted to know what her plans were, her hopes and dreams, but more importantly; he wanted to know what happened to her. She had a 'tell' as Jacob would say. It was an almost imperceptible one, but it was there. He saw it each time they met. Her eyes would shift just a little to the right before she looked at him. After a minute or two, she was fine. He wondered if Maeve knew anything and decided not to ask. Whatever it was, it had to come from Isadora. He looked at Isadora, noting the fullness of her lips. He wondered what they would feel like pressed against his. He tried to remember the last time he kissed a girl and found that he couldn't unless the stolen kiss from Nina Willows counted. He shifted in his chair and forced himself to think about something else. I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 20 After the main meal, Isadora offered to get dessert for them. When Saul offered, she waved him away. He couldn't help it, he watched her as she walked away. He watched the gentle sway of her hips as she walked to the dessert table and couldn't wait for the day that he would be able to put his hands on them and hold her close to him. "She's a looker isn't she?" Maeve asked with amusement. "What? I..." "Give it up, you like her," Maeve said. "It's written all over your face, in fact; you more than like her. Look, I don't know you; but I like you. I think that you're honest so I'm going to be honest with you. Isadora is like a sister to me and I will hurt anyone one who messes with her. If you like her than fine, but so help me; if you..." "Wait," Saul said holding his hands up. "I don't know what..." "Don't be stupid and ruin my impression of you," Maeve interrupted. "You're in love with her. Any idiot can see that. I just had to give you my best friend speech. Now- something happened to her. I don't know what, but I have my suspicions and no I'm not going to share them. You're the first man that I've seen her get dressed up for so that says something. I'm telling you this so you'll know that you have to be careful with her." Saul nodded. He had been right- something had happened. The first thing that came to his mind was the unthinkable. He tried to discount the thought, but it wouldn't go away. Deep in his heart, just as he knew that he was going to marry her, he knew that someone had hurt her. "Thank you, I'll keep that in mind." "So when are you going to ask her out?" Maeve asked. "I thought..." "I said to be careful, not wait for the second coming," Maeve said cutting him off. "So?" "I don't know," Saul confessed. "Alright," Maeve said in a rushed whisper, "here's the plan- there's a gathering at school next week. I'll get Isadora there and you meet us there. It's at six by the library- can you make it?" "I... I'll be there," Saul replied deciding not to look a gift horse in the mouth. "Good- it's Friday night at six." Isadora came back with the desserts and gave Maeve a suspicious look. "Ohhh apple pie!" Maeve exclaimed and took a plate out of Isadora's hand. "Oh by the way, I invited Saul to the social next week. I thought that it might be a good idea for him to meet some of the other students. I already got a ticket for you. I'll pick one up for him on Monday." Isadora looked from Maeve to Saul and then back at Maeve. "He can have my ticket..." "Oh no you don't," Maeve cut in, "you promised and if you don't go, Saul will feel like a third wheel- Ernie's going too." Saul sat back and watched. He wasn't about to let an opportunity to spend an evening with Isadora pass even if it was a set up and they were with other people. He watched as a look of resignation crossed Isadora's face. "Fine, but I won't stay for the whole thing; I've got studying to do." "Fine," Maeve said claiming the small victory. Saul felt as if he was floating on air. They weren't going out on what he would call an official date, but it was close enough. He barely tasted the pie that he was eating; his mind was on the next week. Isadora gave him a quick glance and looked away. He was handsome she thought- there was no denying that and she liked his gentle spirit, but... he was white, he was male and she couldn't and wouldn't be distracted from her goals. Saul openly watched her. He could see the uncertainty and then resolve in her face. He was in for a fight, but he didn't mind. Anything worth having was worth fighting for and Miss. Isadora Hughes was more than worth it. When she looked at him, he smiled reassuringly and said something that he hoped would relax her. "Maybe we can take a tour of the school- I don't know where anything is." "That's a great idea!" Maeve chimed in. "Let's meet at five instead of six. Isadora, I'll pick you up at quarter till five." Once again Saul intervened. "Is that a good time for you?" he asked Isadora. "That's fine," she replied quietly, she couldn't wait to get Maeve alone. She had a few things to say to her. ***** Mai sat on her bed staring at the wall. Was this really happening? Was her father really going to force her to marry his business partner? The answer to both questions was yes. In less than forty-eight hours, she would be married to a man that she didn't know unless she could stop it. But how? What could she do to make herself less desirable to the older man picked out for her? She thought about what she knew about him which wasn't much. Appearances mattered to him- maybe she could use that. Slowly a plan began to form. She undressed and got into bed. She needed to be rested if she was going to follow through with her plan. A light tap on her door woke her early the next morning. She ignored it and turned over. When the door opened, she sat up. Ani stood in the doorway holding a tray with tea on it. "We must talk." "I have nothing to say to you," Mai said coldly. "Mai- I didn't know about the marriage! I thought..." "And if you had known?" Mai asked icily, "what would you have done? Nothing is what! You would have continued to be the perfect, dutiful daughter. Ani- get out." Instead of leaving, Ani stepped into the room and closed the door behind her. She sat the tray on the dresser and walked toward Mai. Mai blinked at the anger she saw in Ani's usually soft eyes. "This is your doing!" Ani hissed. "Shotaro finding another is your doing! How dare you make this my fault! I will not accept the blame for your mistakes and impulsiveness! I will not accept the blame for what is happening because you were too afraid to walk away. You gambled and you lost! All you had to do was marry Shotaro- what arrangements you made between you would have been between you- do you understand what I am saying? He was your way out of this life that you claim to hate so much! You could have married and then after a period of time parted ways. Here is my suggestion- do as father wishes. Ito san seems to be a reasonable man. Perhaps you will come to love him. Don't make the same mistake that you made with Shotaro." "Get out," Mai said as she turned her back on her sister. Ani didn't move right away. She didn't tell Mai that she had tried to talk to their father against the wishes of Jiro- she knew what she would say; it was too little too late. She was right Ani realized. Still, she had tried and she had warned Mai several times. In her mind she had done all that she could without getting into trouble herself. "Ito San is coming for lunch- be ready," Ani said as she stood up and walked out leaving the tea behind. Mai lay on the bed rethinking her plan. It could backfire and she could make things much worse. On the other hand, what was the worst that could happen to her? Her father would disown her; she would never see her niece or nephew and she would be penniless except for what she had in the bank and in her purse. Was her freedom worth the consequences? Yes she decided, it was. Ani, she decided was right- she had been too afraid to leave. She left the room, went to the bathroom and took a shower. Afterwards she went back to her room and drank the now cold tea. By this evening, if all went well; she would be a free woman. Poor, but free. When it was time to dress for lunch, she put on her western clothes knowing that she was expected to dress in a kimono. Her heart hammered when her father tapped on the door before unlocking it. If he came in, it was over. He would make her change while he stood watch. "Come out," he said gruffly and walked away. Mai took a deep breath to steady her nerves and left the room. All conversation stopped when she walked into the living room. She almost turned around when she saw the look of rage on her father's face. Tamayo Ito looked at her impassively but said nothing. He wanted to see what was going to happen next. "You will go change," her father said quietly, but the anger was evident in his voice. "No." Ani gasped in shock, Jiro's mouth fell open and her father was so angry that he couldn't speak. Mai's behavior was beyond disrespect- it was open defiance. Of the three of them, only Tamoya understood what was happening and he rather liked it. He was going to enjoy teaching Mai what her role as his wife was going to be. "Come, sit with me," he said gently. Mai looked at him. Even though his tone was gentle, it held a firmness that dared her to defy him. Instead of taking the offered seat, Mai sat across from him. She saw a flicker of anger in his eyes although the smile remained on his face. "Mai..." her father said. "No matter," Ito said still looking at Mai. "We will have plenty of time to become acquainted with each other." A chill ran through Mai when she heard those words. This man who appeared to be kind and soft spoken was anything but. If she married him, she was doomed. The life that she wanted would be forever out of her reach. She also knew that she would be watched like a hawk. The reality of her situation was beginning to sink in. She wished that she had made the effort to get to know Shotaro. She wished that she had never laid eyes on Kenjiro Takeda. Her list of regrets grew, but the worst regret was that she hadn't listened to Ani. If she had, she would have done things differently. Lunch was a long tortuous affair. Ito was looking at her with lust in his eyes and more of his true personality was emerging. If Mai thought that her father was cold and unbending-Ito was worse. He too believed in the old ways and that a woman's place was at home serving her husband and giving him strong children; especially sons. With every word that he spoke, Mai saw her medical career and life slip away. Ito left shortly after lunch but would be returning for dinner. The wedding was scheduled for the next day and if she was going to do anything to stop it; it had to be now. As soon as Ito was gone, Mai dropped to her knees at her father's feet. "Father-please don't make me do this! I am sorry for everything that I have done. Release me from this marriage and I swear to be the dutiful daughter that I have never been." Her father looked down at her and backed away. "It is much too late for that," he replied. "You have defied me for the last time." Mai crawled to him and wrapped her arms around his legs. "Papa-please! Forgive me! I will do whatever you want and without complaint, but don't make me marry him!" "It is done," he replied as he firmly removed her arms from around his legs and walked away leaving her on the floor with tears streaming down her face. "I hate you!" She screamed after him. "I hate all of you!" She angrily shrugged Ani's hand off of her shoulder and got to her feet. She ran to her room with Ani close on her heels. Ani slipped into her room just before the door closed. "Get out!" Mai screamed. "Get the hell out of my room!" Ani was shocked. She had never heard Mai curse in anger, but that didn't change the fact that she was told to stay with her. "I am to stay with you," she replied softly. "We fear for your mental state." "Now you are concerned?" Mai asked while laughing bitterly. "Do you know what you can do with your concern?" "Mai- it will be alright, just do as you are told..." "Do you understand what is happening here?" Mai asked. "Father has gotten rid of his problem child. That man- Ito san will take away my career and the life that I want. He plans to bend me until I am the perfect wife! He plans to keep a child growing in my belly until am too old to carry them. This is what you helped father do so keep your concern." Ani didn't know what to say. To some degree what Mai said was true, but the majority of what was happening lay on Mai's shoulders. She suspected that Mai knew this and a good part of her anger was because of that knowledge. Ani stayed with Mai until it was time for dinner. Their father had arranged for someone to come make the evening meal. Mai was going to dress in western clothes again, but Ani managed to talk sense to her. "Do as you are told," she urged. "Maybe father will change his mind." Mai put on the kimono with tears in her eyes. Her father wasn't going to change his mind. There was too much involved with money being the least of them. When they went to the dining room where the men were waiting, Mai noticed that her father visibly relaxed. Ito had a look of satisfaction on his face, but didn't speak. Like before, she didn't speak unless spoken to and answered the questions in short sentences. After dinner the men retired to Jiro's office to talk business leaving Ani and Mai alone. It was during a conversation with Ani that Mai thought that she had another way to save herself. "The first time that he enters you will be painful. Try to relax and it will get better. After that it will become pleasurable." Mai stared at Ani wondering why she hadn't thought of it herself. She practically ran from the dining room and into Jiro's office without knocking. The men looked at her and then at each other. "Ito san, I must confess something to you," Mai said breathlessly. She could almost taste her pending freedom. "I am listening," he said his tone cool. He didn't like interruptions especially when they were rude. "I cannot lie to you- I... I have been compromised. I do not come to you untouched." "Jiro," Mai's father said, "you will please excuse us." Jiro left albeit reluctantly. He wanted to see how this played out. "Explain yourself," Mai's father demanded. "There is nothing to explain," Mai said. "I am no longer pure." "Were you forced?" Ito asked. Mai thought about her answer. If she said yes, then he might overlook the fact that she wasn't a virgin. He would also demand a name from her. If she said no, he would consider her a slut and back out on his agreement to marry her. "No, I gave myself willingly." Mai couldn't look at her father nor was she prepared for the unexpected feeling of shame that she felt. She winced when the word "slut" flew from her father's mouth. Ito, however; seemed unaffected by her revelation. He knew exactly what she was up to and had to admire her drive. He also knew that her father was waiting for him to refuse to marry her and so was she. She was hoping for it. When her father started to speak, Ito silenced him by holding up his hand. "I see," he mused. "How long ago was this indiscretion?" "Not long ago," Mai lied. "How long ago was this indiscretion?" Ito asked again his tone daring her to lie. "Last week," Mai lied. "I see... who was the man?" "I.... just someone that I met at the hospital..." "You are lying," Ito said coldly. "You may be telling the truth about the indiscretion, but you are lying as to when it happened. There is one thing that you will learn about me- I do not suffer liars. I will still marry you although you are not as your father said. I do this as a personal favor to him because of our friendship. Leave us and prepare for our wedding." Mai couldn't believe it. He was still going to marry her! She knew what her mistake was- she had taken too long to answer the questions and she hadn't thought it through. She should have taken the time to think about the questions that he would ask. She had come across as desperate and panicked and Ito had seen through it. She passed Jiro as she went to her room where Ani was already waiting for her. "Mai..." "Shut up Ani," Mai said as she undressed and put on her nightgown. "I have nothing to say to you." Monday morning came too quickly as far as Mai was concerned. The smell of cooking food nauseated her. In a matter of hours, she would be married and if Ito had anything to do with it, she would be pregnant by the end of the honeymoon. Her one hope was that he wouldn't be as virile as he looked or that his seed was dead. The thought of him touching her made the nausea turn into a bout of vomiting. Ani sat by and watched her not saying anything. Mai stumbled from the bed, to the hallway and into the bathroom. As she washed her face and rinsed her mouth, she saw the straight razor on the shelf. It belonged to her father. Ironically it was a gift that she and Ani had given him for one of his birthdays. She picked it up and looked at the blade. As always, it was honed to its maximum sharpness. She made a cut in her thumb and watched the blood flow from it. She turned toward the bathroom door, was about to lock it when Ani stepped in. "What are you doing?" Ani asked and then she saw the razor. Mai began to cry as Ani took her last means of escape from her hands. Ani was conflicted. For Mai to consider harming herself proved how truly distraught she was. She thought about helping Mai and almost gave in when she saw the look of misery on Mai's face, but once again, the part of her that was the dutiful daughter won out. "Take a shower and pull yourself together," Ani said not realizing how much like their father she sounded. "Ani- please- help me," Mai begged. "Don't let him do this to me! Help me escape!" "I can't, now get into the shower and I won't say anything about what you were going to do." Mai's eyes hardened and her body stiffened as she stared at her sister. "This will be the last time that we speak," she said her tone low and intense. "You are no longer my sister." "Mai..." Mai turned her back to Ani, stripped and got into the shower without saying another word. She didn't speak when she got out of the shower or when she went back to her room. As far as she was concerned, she had no family. Two hours before the wedding, Mai was being carefully painted white from head to toe. Her father had decided that the wedding would performed in the Shinto fashion. He was trying to make a point- Mai hadn't missed it. The headpiece that he chose was also to make a point. Instead of the wataboshi, a white hood; he chose the tsunokakushi. Its purpose was to hide the bride-to-be's horns of jealousy and to symbolize her intention to be an obedient and gentle bride. The Kimono had been worn by her mother and Ani but instead of the tsunokakushi; they had worn the wataboshi. She had envisioned herself getting married, but not like this. Kenji came to mind and she pushed him away. He was partly why she was in this mess. No-he wasn't she amended. She was in this mess because she put herself there, but that didn't mean that she deserved what was happening to her. She stood still as Ani painted her and then helped her dress. Her father, Tamayo and Jiro were already at the Shinto shrine waiting for them. The driver that her father had hired was waiting patiently by the car. Mai entertained thoughts of trying to get him to take her elsewhere, but reality set in. If Ani wasn't with her, there was a slight chance she might have succeeded. Ani stood back and surveyed her work. Mai was a beautiful bride. She would be even more beautiful if she would at least pretend to be happy. Ani sighed and made no comment. Mai wouldn't have responded. She ushered Mai to the living room, picked up their bags and helped her into the car. Mai's face had a stony expression on it as she stared straight ahead of her. The car parked in front of the Shrine- a ride that seemed far too short for Mai. The driver got out, opened the back door and assisted Ani who then assisted Mai. Mai tried to bolt, but Ani had too firm of a grip on her arm and the driver was behind her blocking her path of escape. She wouldn't have gotten far anyway, but she had to try. Less than an hour later, Mai was married to Tamayo Ito. She spoke to no one until it was time to leave. Tamayo had informed her during the reception that they would not be returning to Jiro's home- they would be leaving immediately for their honeymoon and then to Boston. She started to object, but bit her tongue when she saw the look in his eyes. I Will Love You Forever Pt. 2 Ch. 20 Before they left, Ani, Jiro and her father stood before them. Mai looked each of them in the eyes for several seconds before she spoke. "Anata wa subete no watashiniha shinde iru- you are all dead to me. Ko o nozoku dare mo watashi ni hanashikakenai kamo shirenai- no one but the child may speak to me. He is an innocent. Ani felt as if she had been sucker punched. She knew that Mai had been angry, but to pronounce them dead? She had hoped that once the wedding took place and Mai grew accustomed to the idea, that she would see that they did what they thought best. That they were looking after her welfare as she seemed incapable of doing so for herself. She thought that Tamayo would allow Mai to finish her residency- apparently; she was wrong. She was beginning to see that she had been wrong about a few things. It had taken losing Mai to make her see that. The question that she asked herself was this- if given the chance, would she have done anything differently? Sadly the answer was no. Right or wrong, she would have done the same things. It wasn't her place to change or question things but- if that was so, then why did she feel so horrible? They watched as Mai followed Tamayo to a waiting car. It would be the last time that they would see Mai for a long time. ***** Niko was worried. It was Wednesday and Florrie hadn't been to school since the picnic at his house. He tried to hide his concern but it finally got the best of him. During the recess period, he went to the teacher. "Mrs. Randall?" "Yes Niko? She asked as she began to grade papers." "I'm worried about Florrie..." At this she looked up from her papers. The truth was, she was worried too. Florrie was one of her best students and had never missed more than one day. "I'm worried too," she confessed. "I'll go check on her after school today, how's that?" Niko nodded eagerly, his anxiety slightly eased. He wondered if he should tell the teacher about Florrie being hurt. If he did, he might get into trouble, but if he didn't then no one would help her. "Mrs. Randall- I-I think that her father hurts her." "Maybe she's sick," she replied. She had the same suspicions, but she wasn't about to tell a child that. The problem was, if that was the case; what could she do about it? "I'll stop by her house after school. I'm sure that she's alright and will be back tomorrow. Why don't you go play and try not to worry." Niko walked away not at all convinced that Florrie was alright. As Mrs. Randall thought, Florrie was at school the next day. She was quiet and didn't return his smile and happy greeting. "Florrie? Are you alright?" "I'm fine... I forgot to thank you for letting me come to your house." "You're welcome- I hope that you can come again." Florrie didn't reply. She couldn't bring herself to tell Niko that her father had finally gotten a job and that they would be moving to Texas. She forced herself to smile and tagged him. "Tag! You're it!" and took off running. By lunch, she was back to her cheerful self. She wanted her last hours of school to be happy ones. At the end of the day, she had no choice but to tell Niko that she was moving. "Where?" Niko asked thinking that she was moving to another house. "Texas, my father got a job in the oil fields. He said that things will get better now that he has a job. He promised not to hurt us anymore." Even at his young age, Niko didn't believe it even though he didn't know why. Unashamed, he allowed a tear to escape. Florrie had been his first true friend and now he was losing her. Not only that, he had become her protector at school. No one teased her and called her names like 'Oink' or 'fatso' or 'piggy'. Who would protect her at this new place? When Florrie's mother came to get her, she gave Niko a sad smile and thanked him. "You've been a good friend to my Florrie- thank you." Niko sadly watched as Florrie and her mother walked away. "Niko?" Abby called from behind him, "What's wrong?" She listened as Niko told her about Florrie's leaving. "When are they leaving?" Abby asked. "Today was her last day," Niko replied. "But she didn't say when they were leaving?" "No," Niko replied miserably. "Let's get you home," Abby said. Her mind was already going at a hundred miles an hour. "What's your teacher's name? Randall isn't it?" "Yes..." "Good," was all that Abby said under her breath as she helped Niko into the car. She didn't know what she could do, but she had to do something. The next morning, Abby was at the school early hoping that Mrs. Randall was early. It wasn't too long before the teacher arrived at the school. Abby introduced herself and asked for a moment of the teacher's time. "What are you proposing?" Mrs. Randall asked when Abby was through. "Legally there isn't much that we can do." "I'm well aware of that," Abby replied, "but what if we got her mother to leave her here?" "And then what? Who will take care of her? Where will she live?" Randall asked. "And what about her father? I went to the house to check on things and I swore that he was going to hit me." "I'm not afraid of men like him- I was married to one. As far as where Florrie will stay, she can stay with me. I live alone and it'll be nice to have a youngster around." "What is it that you want me to do?" Randall asked. "Go with me, help me convince Florrie's mother that it's in Florrie's best interest that she stay here. After she agrees, I can take things from there." "Why are you doing this?" Randall asked. "What's in it for you?" Abby smiled remembering being asked the same question several years before. Then the answer had been it was because no one should be kept from the one that they loved. Now it was because she had seen something in the little girl. She saw an intelligence that mirrored Patricia's and given the chance, the girl could go far. "Will you help me?" Abby asked after answering the question. After thinking about it for several minutes, Randall agreed; but with one stipulation. She wanted a male nearby in case things got out of hand. Abby agreed, but the only person that she could think of was Nick. After promising to take care of it, Abby left. She felt absolutely wonderful. She went to Nick's office hoping that he would be in and not in court. He wasn't in, but Will was. "Abby!" he said surprised to see her, "what brings you here?" "I was hoping to talk to Nick; do you know when he'll be back?" "He's in court, but he shouldn't be long. Is there something that I could help you with?" "Well-maybe..." She explained the situation and told him what she hoped to accomplish. "You'll need the father's permission as well," Will told her. "I don't think that he'll give it," Abby murmured. "Isn't there anything that we can do?" "Legally no, all I can say is that you need his permission in writing. Are you going to see this family alone?" "No-Florrie's teacher is going with me and she wants a man to go along. I was going to ask Nick if he was available." "If he can't then I will," Will said. "I agree with the teacher. This man sounds volatile. I'll draw up some papers for them to sign. It won't take long if you want to wait." Abby decided to wait for the papers. Besides, she still needed to talk to Nick- it wouldn't hurt to have back up. He arrived almost thirty minutes later as surprised to see her as Will had been. She quickly explained the situation and waited for his response. "Will is right- the father has got to agree as well, but let's say that he does; Abby are you ready for a child? I know from Kenji and Patricia that your time won't be your own..." "Nick," Abby said firmly, "what in the hell am I doing now? I help Kenji and Patricia, but other than that what am I doing with my time? This little girl and her mother need help. Are you going to help me or not?" Nick blew out a breath, thought for several seconds and then finally agreed. For one, he knew that Abby would go with or without him and secondly; he understood what was happening. "I'll meet you at the school at four, but Abby if they refuse, then it's over." "I understand," Abby said. "Will is coming too." ***** Florrie tearfully packed up her few belongings. The plan was to leave first thing Saturday morning. What she didn't understand was why she couldn't go to school for the last day. She pushed as far as she dared stopping when she saw the nervous tic in her father's jaw. It became more pronounced when her mother lobbied on her behalf. Suddenly, Florrie understood something. Things weren't going to change no matter how much money they had. Her father would always be the grown up version of the bullies at school. Tears welled in her eyes as she thought about school. It had become the only place where she felt truly safe and that was because of Niko. She would be going to a new school where she knew that she would be teased because of the dirty blond color of her hair and her chunkiness. Maybe she could ask her father about not going to school. She hadn't been teased in so long that the thick skin that she had developed had grown thin. The bottom line was this- she didn't want to leave but what could she do? To cheer herself up, she thought about the picnic at Niko's house. She was still amazed at the amount of love and affection that she saw. Her mother hadn't believed her when she told her about it. "Nobody acts like that," her mother said. "They just pretended because you were there." "No mom- it was real! Niko's dad called Niko's mom Kirei- it's Japanese for beautiful. His dad served his mom and ..." "I don't believe it," her mother interrupted gently. "I asked Niko if his dad ever hurt him and he said no... Niko doesn't tell fibs- he says that it's wrong." Ruthie Lane looked at her daughter and smiled. She didn't dare dream of a life where she could be cared for like that. It wasn't going to happen. It hadn't happened for her mother or her mother before her. If there was one thing she wished for Florrie, it would be that. She would sell her soul if it meant that her baby girl wouldn't have to live the life that she did. "Of course he doesn't lie," Ruthie said softly, "he's a good friend." "Mom? Why is daddy so mad all the time? I try to be good and to do as I'm told." "It isn't us," Ruthie replied. "Your daddy loves us, but he isn't a happy person. Just remember that you're a good person no matter what your daddy or anyone else says." Florrie replayed that conversation in her head a thousand times and clung to the part that she was a good person. As far as her father loving them, she had never really believed it. After spending the day with Niko and his family; she knew that it wasn't true. Her father didn't even like himself; how could he like anyone else? When she heard her mother puttering around the kitchen, Florrie went to help her. As far as she was concerned, this was the worst part of the day. Her father's mood was dependent upon several things- if food was cooking, if there was a beer waiting for him and if he had won at cards. If none of the above happened, they were in for a hard night. If all of the above happened; all would be good. If only one of the things happened..." Florrie checked the fridge relieved that here were two bottles of beer sitting on the shelf. She touched one to check the temperature grateful that they were cold. She hurried to set the table and made sure that the bottle opener was next to her father's plate. The biscuits were already to go into the oven- there were extra for the ride to Texas and the chicken was ready to fry. Her mother had made extra of everything for the trip. There wouldn't be extra money to spend on food and other luxuries. They weren't even going to stay in a hotel-they were going to drive straight through. Dinner was barely on the table when he walked in. Both Florrie and her mother froze and moved closer to each other. "How are the two prettiest girls in California?" he boomed when he walked into the kitchen. "Supper sure smells good! You made extra didn't you? We can't afford to be spending money on food." "I made extra," Ruthie said softly pulling Florrie closer to her not trusting her husband's good mood. "Good, let's eat and hit the sack, I want to be out of here before the sun rises." Just before six, there was a tap on the door. "You were expecting someone?" He asked suspiciously. "N-No," Ruthie stammered. "I don't know who it is." Michael Lane stood up from the table and went to the door. "What do you want?" he asked when he saw Mrs. Randall and Abby at the door. Randall was nervous, but Abby wasn't. She looked up him and smiled sweetly. "We heard that you were moving and wanted to talk to you about Florrie and her future. May we come in?" Michael Lane stepped back and let them in. He didn't see Nick and Will until it was too late. "On second thought," he said, "let's keep this outside. The house is a mess with us moving and all." Abby could see Florrie and her mother standing behind him with anxious expressions on their faces. "I would like to speak to your wife and Florrie as well," Abby said. Michael smiled down at her revealing the charmer that he could be if he chose so. "They're busy getting ready to go. What do you want?" Abby looked at Randall and nodded. It was time for her to make her pitch. "Mr. Lane- Florrie is one of my best students. She's to the point where she is making friends and becoming more confident in herself. I think that a move would be detrimental to her at this point. I suggest letting her finish out the school year..." "Uh huh and where is she supposed to stay? Who's going to feed her? In case you haven't noticed she isn't a little girl. What about her clothes?" "That's where I come in," Abby said. "I live alone so I have plenty of room. I also have no other dependents so I can afford to give Florrie whatever she needs. I agree with Mrs. Randall- Florrie is exceptionally bright. A move right now may not be in her best interest." Ruthie moved closer so that she could hear the conversation. She could hardly believe it; someone was offering to take Florrie. If Florrie stayed she would have a chance at a good life. "Michael? Maybe we should think about it. "We can go to Texas, find a place and come back to get her. It'll be easier that way." "Mom..." "Shush Florrie," Ruthie said realizing that she was fighting for Florrie's future. "Did you know about this?" Michael asked as he turned to look at Ruthie. "Did you set this up?" "She knew nothing about it," Abby said drawing his attention away from his wife. "Mrs. Randall and I talked and thought that we could be of some help. As your wife said, it would be easier for you to find a place to live and to get settled without a child." Michael didn't buy it and looked at Florrie. "What you been saying girl?" "N- no-nothing daddy, I promise," Florrie replied with a tremor in her voice. She watched as the good mood that her father had been in slowly turned into a dangerous one. It was turning into one that would have her hiding under her bed. Hearing the change of tone in Michael's voice, Nick and Will stepped forward. "Who in the fuck are you?" Michael demanded angrily. "Friends of the ladies who happen to be attorneys," Nick said as he stepped closer. "There's no need to get angry, they're only trying to help..." "Who asked for their help?" Michael asked, "I sure as hell didn't, now get the hell off my porch!" "Michael- wait," Ruthie said. "Let her stay, we'll save money that way too. It's only for a few months. I can get a job and help out. Please let her stay." For just a minute, Abby thought that he was going to agree. So did Ruthie, she began to push Florrie toward the door when he spoke. "Get the fuck off my porch before I call the cops." He started to close the door, but Abby stuck her foot in. "May I at least say goodbye to her?" Reluctantly, Michael Lane moved aside so that Florrie could get by him. Abby knelt in front of the girl and took her chubby face in her hands. "Florence Lane, you are a beautiful little girl who is going to grow up to be a beautiful woman. One day you're going to make your mark on the world just like Florence Nightingale did. Don't let anyone tell you that you're not special and if they do; don't believe it." Abby slid her hands from Florrie's face, to her arms and took her hands in hers. She pressed a small piece of paper into her hand and then hugged her. "You call me collect if you ever need me and I'll come get you- I promise." As if sensing what Abby was saying, Michael grabbed Florrie and pulled her back. He gave the group standing on the porch a final glare and slammed the door shut in their faces. Abby stared at the closed door and then began to pound on it. "Abby, let's go," Nick said as he tried to pull her away. "I know that you hit her!" Abby screamed through the door. "You beat your wife too you miserable son of a bitch!" Nick picked Abby up, carried her from the porch and hugged her. He didn't know what it was about that little girl that made her react so strongly, but it didn't matter. She was right, Michael Lane was hurting his family and there wasn't a damned thing that he could do about it. Nick took Abby home, while Will drove Mrs. Randall back to the school. He didn't know what to say to her. I'm sorry didn't seem adequate or appropriate. If he had had his way, he would have beaten Michael Lane so badly he would never want to hurt another person, but he couldn't. He was an officer of the law. "This is wrong," Abby said softly. "No man should be allowed to hurt his family." Nick didn't say anything- he agreed. The next morning Abby drove to Florrie's house hoping that they hadn't left yet. If they hadn't, she was going to try again. As soon as she pulled up, she knew that they were gone and that they had probably left not long after they did. She hoped that Florrie would remember what she told her and that she would use the phone number if she got into trouble. Now she had to tell Niko that she had failed. Florrie was gone. ***** Saul changed his shirt four times wishing that he knew what Isadora's favorite color was. Finally he decided to go with a white dress shirt and dark slacks. He ran his hands through his dark hair that had just been cut by Cora. "This isn't a real date," he murmured and then he grinned. "Of course it is- we're just not alone." As he finished dressing, thoughts of Harry crept in. What would he say about his interest in a black woman? Would he be placed on the list of those that Harry hated? He had tried several times to catch Harry at work, but had either just missed him or Harry was avoiding him. He suspected the latter. Saul was almost certain that Harry's mother had told him that he had come to the house looking for him. He sighed. The time to talk to Harry was getting short unless he kept going to his house. In two weeks his job at the train station would end and he would be a full time college student. His stomach did a flip at the thought. He had never imagined anything like this happening. He had never imagined falling in love with a woman of color either, but yet; both of those things had happened. The more he thought about it, the more he realized that maybe things were meant to happen as they did- definitely not killing his father or going to prison, but the rest of it- he was convinced that he would still have met Jacob Lincoln or someone like him and he would still be here getting ready for a date with the woman of his dreams. He was tempted to set a goal of when he would go on a date alone with her, but nixed the idea. He would go as slowly as she needed him to. He could and would wait for her. He had the feeling that she would be well worth the wait.