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The Scrapbook

By: The Scrapbook



"Don't worry Brat, you know I love you. If it turns out you are pregnant, we'll get married. End of problem," Tony said with a smile.

Grinning, Steph threw her arms around his neck, "Well I love you too, but let's hope and pray that when the time comes, we don't HAVE to get married. My parents would be much happier and I'm sure yours would too. Now, what are we doing tonight? I feel like partying."

She had her answer a few minutes later when the convertible came to a stop in the same place by the lake. Steph instantly knew what he had on his mind when Tony smiled and looked at the back seat. This time there were no doubts, he wore a condom and she did enjoy it.

**********

The day of her graduation Steph felt like shit. What should have been one of the greatest nights of her life, turned into pure hell. Her period was over a day late which had her nerves tied in knots, which made her stomach hurt, which in turn left her feeling nauseous. She prayed the stomach pains were pre-menstrual cramps.

**********

Now, a week later, while sitting at another commencement Steph wondered, 'Why did mom insist I attend Amber's graduation? So what if she finished college, so have thousands of others. What's the big deal? And why does half of Wetap feel compelled to be here?' She was amazed while looking around at how many employees and their families were there.

'Where I need to be is at the pharmacy getting a pregnancy test,' Steph thought to herself. 'As soon as I get away from here, that's where I'm headed. 

'God, I pray I'm wrong, but I'm never late, not even one day. I am always on time, every twenty-eight days regular as clockwork. Now it's been more than a week. I'm fucked... I just know I'm pregnant. Mom and dad are going to kill me.

Later that day, her worst fears were confirmed. She cried.

**********

"I told you 'no problem.' We'll get married and I'll make you and the baby the happiest two people alive," Tony reassured her. "Look at it this way, instead of one Brat, I'll have two," he laughed.

Steph felt so relieved that she squealed, threw her arms around his neck, and planted a long drawn out kiss on his lips. 

"Wow, you keep that up and I'll be the happiest man alive," Tony jokingly told her.

"Well, when are we going to tell our parents? The sooner the better, I don't want to be showing at the ceremony."

"Okay, but let's think this through. There are a lot of things to take into consideration before we jump in any direction," he warily said.

"Like what?" a leery and worried Steph asked.

"Well for one, we don't want to screw up our future. My parents are going to go through the roof. I have no idea what they will do." Tony suggested with a very serious look on his face, "They might even decide not to pay for my college expenses. Where would that leave us? 

"Even with my scholarship, there'll still be a ton of extra expenses, especially now with a baby on the way. No, we have to think it through carefully. We'll need all the support our parents can give us. Making adversaries of them could be suicidal to our future."

Just as she was about to lose her patience waiting to see where he was headed with this conversation, Tony blurted out, "I've got it."

"I'm certainly glad," Steph said sarcastically. Then after a short pause, added, "Well, are you going to share it with me?" 

Laughing, he replied, "Of course, we're a team now. We share everything." After another short pause to finalize his thoughts, Tony continued, "But, we're not going to tell anyone a thing until I've gotten my first semester allowance and living expenses from my parents. Then it will be too late for them to back out. If nothing else, that will get us through the first semester and give them time to adjust to the idea. I know they'll come around sooner or later. Once the baby is here, they'll be hooked for life. They'll adore their grandkid... trust me." 

Showing more than a little concern, she asked, "And when will all this be taking place? We don't have forever to make plans and decisions. There is a set timetable growing while we're talking, you know?"

He chuckled, "Look Brat, I'm well aware of the 'growing timetable.' But knowing my parents, they won't turn loose of the money until the last minute. That'll make it at the end of the summer, we have to wait until then."

Steph exploded, "DAMN IT TONY, that'll make it almost too late.... What if something goes wrong?"

"Too late... what are you saying Brat, too late for what? And what do you mean if something goes wrong?" He asked in a puzzled voice.

Now crying, Steph ashamedly replied, "Too late to get an abortion if you can't marry me." Her crying now turned to embarrassed sobbing.

"Brat, hon... forget that idea. Nothing, and I mean nothing is going to prevent us from getting married when the time comes. I only want the best for us. All I'm asking is that we approach everything in a practical manner. It's not only for our future, but for the baby's as well," Tony iterated as he took her in his arms and comforted her. "Don't worry, everything will work out. It has to, we love each other."

**********

Steph was a nervous wreck. Tony's parents had paid his college expenses yesterday and deposited his first semester allowance into his checking account. Last night he finally told her, "It's time Brat, tomorrow is the day, so be ready. When I pick you up, we're going straight to my house, tell my parents, and then we'll talk to yours."

'Damn, bet I didn't get two hours sleep last night... maybe three hours max.' She thought to herself, 'My insides are shaking so bad, hope it doesn't hurt the baby.' 

Steph looked in the mirror, 'God, I look horrible. These dark circles under my eyes ought to make a good impression on his parents. Oh hell, why am I worrying about impressions? It's not as though they haven't seen me a hundred times in the last few months. Get a grip girl. You're going to need it before this day is over.'

She suddenly realized, 'It's not his parents I have to worry about. Oh God, this is going to kill mom and dad. I know they love me and will stand behind me, but it's not what they've hoped and dreamed for all these years. This can't be the way they'd envisioned having grandchildren either. God, what have we done?'

**********

It was turning into one of those late summer scorchers. The heat wasn't helping her nerves as Steph watched the minutes slowly tick off the clock. 'Damn,' she wondered, 'why didn't I ask Tony what time he was picking me up?' Her feet hurt from pacing the floor, it was almost lunch time.

'I'll give him till noon, then I'm going to call and get his ass out of bed. How can he sleep in on a day like this? I can't even breathe, let alone sleep,' Steph thought.

After fixing herself a small snack, she was too nervous to eat. Barely able to swallow her first mouthful, Steph dumped the rest into the trash as her stomach began to play hell with that single bite. 'It's time,' she thought and, picking up the phone, dialed Tony's number.

**********

"Aw, there you are," a strange voice floated through Steph's head. As her vision cleared, she looked up to see her Doctor leaning over and peering into her eyes. 

"She's going to be fine. Just a little lump on the head, but we'll keep her overnight to make sure. Blood pressure is a little high, but a good night's rest should take care of that," he said. 

Steph heard, "Thank goodness," and immediately recognized her mom's voice. 

Raising her head to look around the small room, she saw her parents standing at the foot of her bed. Steph looked at their loving, but concerned faces and tears welled up in her eyes as she remembered, 'They still don't know.'

Suddenly Steph was overwhelmed with confusion. "How did I get here? What happened?" she asked.

Her parents looked at each other. Finally her mother shrugged and replied, "We don't know. I found you lying unconscious on the living room floor. Evidently you passed out and hit your head on the corner table. We called an ambulance and have been praying ever since. Thank Goodness the doctor doesn't seem to think it's anything serious."

Now Steph began to remember, 'Tony was supposed to come and pick me up. I grabbed a bite to eat and still not hearing from him, I called his house. Damn, I knew by the sound of his mother's voice that he had told them, I'm sure of it. I am so fucked... got to get my parents out of here before I lose it.'  

She quietly asked, "Mom, dad, will you excuse me, I'm feeling awfully tired. Must be the medication, I'm going to roll over and try to get some sleep if you don't mind?"

"Of course baby," her dad said, "we sort of dropped everything when your mother found you. There are some things we need to take care of. We'll be back after dinner. That'll give you time to get some rest." 

They came around the bed and after kissing her, said, "We love you sweetheart, now get some sleep."

Right after they left, the doctor came over and sat on the edge of her bed. "Steph, I've known you all your life. I've treated every cut and scrape you've walked in here with.... Do your parents know you're pregnant?"

She broke down, the tears flowed, "No sir, not yet. The plan was for today, but things didn't work out. I'll tell them as soon as I get home. They have to know."

The doctor smiled and nodded 'Yes.' As he rose to go, Steph saw Mark standing in the doorway behind him. 

'Oh no, he heard it all. Mark knows,' but instead of feeling ashamed or embarrassed, oddly enough, she felt relieved. 'Why wouldn't I?' Steph pondered.  Her thoughts were confirmed as she looked into the smiling but understanding face of her best friend on earth. 

It took almost two hours for Steph to fill Mark in and tell him the whole story, especially since her stress caused her to repeat several things over and over. He patiently let her rattle on about her problems as she unloaded her worries and concerns, after all, what are friends for? 

'That's odd... this is the most relaxed I've felt since the day I agreed to be Tony's girl.' Steph thought to herself.  'I never realized how much I've missed my long talks with Mark.' 

As her best friend sat and listened, he became very upset, but kept it to himself, when Steph told him how she had been treated over the phone. "He isn't here and won't be back anytime soon." Tony's mother had contemptuously informed her. "He caught an early morning flight to the university."

When Steph asked about leaving Tony a message, she was arrogantly informed, "For the life of me, I can't imagine why.... But, if my son wants to get in touch... I'm sure he has your number by now." 

Stressed to the max and going on very little sleep, the news, the taunt, and the insulting attitude of Tony's mother proved to be too much. Steph had fainted and evidently hit her head as she collapsed. 

"What am I going to do? I'm a nervous wreck and I'm scared to death. My parents are going to kill me."

He laughed, "Yeah, sure they will. You get a good nights rest and I'll be here when they let you out of this money making prison. Tell your mom and dad I'll pick you up tomorrow and bring you home. Don't worry, I'll be there when you tell your parents. Surely they won't kill you... not in front of a witness." 

For the first time in a long time, Steph laughed, a real laugh. It felt good. As always, Mark had a way of putting everything in perspective, making it seem simple. She no longer felt afraid, not with him at her side.

**********

They had just sat down on her parents couch when Steph nervously said, "Mom, dad, I...."

Suddenly Mark interrupted her, "We need to tell you something and it's very serious. All we can ask is that you try to be as understanding as possible."

Her mom and dad glanced at each other in confusion as they sat in their easy chairs. The look on their faces said it all, they had no idea what was coming.

Before anyone could speak, he continued, "We felt you needed to know that Steph is pregnant. She is going to have... you're going to be grandparents."

Immediately spinning in her seat, Steph stared in open mouth shock at Mark. She was trying her level best to get her head wrapped around what he was saying and what it meant. 

Everyone looked up as her dad jumped out of his chair and bellowed, "Say that again please, I don't think we heard you correctly."

Mark stood and calmly replied, "No sir, you didn't misunderstand. I regret having to inform you this way, but Steph is going to have a baby. It's now a fact we have to deal with."

"I'll deal with you... you fuckin' punk. Get my daughter in trouble then have the gall to march in here like you own the goddamn place. Why I ought to...," her dad approached him with clenched fist.

Steph's dad got right in the young man's face before spinning off and circling the room. He did that three times as his wife and daughter sat nervously watching. Mark stood his ground each time. His demeanor wasn't threatening, but he made his thoughts perfectly clear, 'Sir, I will take whatever you decide to dish out.' 

Finally Steph's mom angrily said, "Now hon, that's not going to do a damn bit of good. Get a hold of yourself and calm down. The kids have made a mistake, but they're trying to do the right thing. They've come to us with their problem. Let's try to help... if nothing else, let's at least not make the situation worse."

Her dad stopped. "You are either the stupidest son-of-a-bitch I've ever met... or the bravest young man alive... or... maybe both," he said. Before plopping back into his chair, he added with red faced anger, "Ok... I know you've talked it over. What's your game plan at the moment?"

Mark glanced down and could see the shock on Steph's face at what he'd said and done. While continuing to look at her, he replied, "Well I can't answer for Steph, and it is her life we are talking about. So I'm going to let her make the decision as to what she wants, and I will support her choice, no matter what it is."

"I... I... damn it, I don't know what I want or even what I should do. But at the moment, I think it would be best if you left so that I can talk with my parents alone. I want their advice before I decide anything," Steph said. "I'll call you later, after we're finished." 

"One question before you leave, young man," her dad spoke up. "Are you willing to marry my daughter if that's what she decides?"

"DAD!" Steph almost screamed in surprise. 

"It's a fair question," her dad replied, "and you have to know in order to consider all your options."

Before anyone could say another word, Mark spoke up, "Yes sir, I am. I would consider it an honor to marry your daughter." 

Once more she sat staring at him in the same open mouth manner as he turned to walk out the door.

**********

Steph called Mark later that evening. After a couple of questions, which he answered to her satisfaction, the wedding was set for the middle of the following month.

**********

For the first time, Steph's dad finally smiled at Mark. It was right before the wedding. He walked up, stuck out his hand and said, "Welcome to the family son. I want you to know that I think you're one hell of a fine young man to step up to the plate and assume your responsibilities."

As Mark shook hands with his future father, he couldn't help saying, "It isn't a chore sir. I've loved her... all my life. I not only consider it a privilege, it's my pleasure."

Her dad just smiled and nodded while gently squeezing Mark's arm. Then after patting him on the shoulder a couple of times, Steph's dad turned to walk off, trying his best to hide his misty eyes. Mark noticed though and smiled as he pondered, 'Must be a senior high school trait that all boys carry through life.'

Four and a half months later, their daughter was born.

**********

'That was almost five years ago. In all that time not a word from Tony. Now here he is, evidently having an affair with Marcie. How could this have been going on without Ken or me knowing a thing? Especially since we haven't heard a thing about Tony being back,' Mark wondered.

Then staring across the table, he asked, "When? Not only when, but how was Marcie able to do this without you suspecting a thing?" 

His friend's face was etched with sorrow as he slowly shook his head and replied in a quavering voice, "Mark... it's... not Marcie. Turn the page." 

After flipping to the next page, Mark was momentarily confused. But suddenly he shot out of his chair with such force that it slammed backwards across the room, bouncing off the cabinets. The next two pages were nothing but old pictures of Steph and Tony. Mark remembered them, but thought they'd been trashed years ago. 

When asked what she had done with them, he recalled Steph's exact words, "I put them where they belong, in the scrap heap with the rest of his mementos. Nothing of his is left in this house."

Moving with such speed that Ken was actually afraid, Mark slammed the scrapbook shut and grabbed it up to throw across the room. His arms were in forward motion when he caught himself and held fast as the book came around with such force that Ken ducked. With his neck bulging, Mark raised it above his head, still fighting his raging desire to bounce the goddamn thing off the walls.

Finally he slammed the book back down on the table. Not with enough force to damage either, but hard enough to spill coffee and cause Ken to jump in his seat. Mark turned and grabbed a dishtowel. After mopping up the coffee and picking up his chair, he sat back down. 

Stone faced and stiff as a board, Mark started slowly going through the scrapbook, one page at a time. Occasionally he would stop to study some of the more recent photos of Tony or glance down one of the many clippings about his accomplishments in sports. There were more than a few about his academic awards as well. 

Every now and then Mark paused to read one of the many letters that unbeknownst to him, his wife obviously had been receiving during the last five years. It seemed a few of her friends had gone to the same university as Tony and were secretly keeping her abreast of his ever advancing life and career. Several mentioned that occasionally he would ask, "How are Steph and the baby doing?" She and her friends evidently felt that the regular mail was safer than email. 

There was not one single correspondence from Tony, or any indication that the two of them had tried to contact each other personally. Mark didn't know if that fact made him feel better... or worse. 'If it turns out that he doesn't really care about her... what a waste of time... and lives all of this will have been,' Mark thought to himself. 

He also realized, 'This is why I've wondered many times about that faraway look in Steph's eyes. And the reason our relationship always seems so hot and cold in spite of her being a devoted mother and going through the motions of being a good wife.' 

Mark thought, 'For the most part, she is full of glowing love, looking at me with those adoring eyes. There are also the times when she can't seem to get close enough to me, or enough of me.' 

He knew, 'That's what kept me going, hanging on, and got me through the other. Every so often, especially of late, she would become distant, preoccupied, almost like a different person and I sensed something was missing. Now I know what... or who was missing and where she was.' 

'But how could Steph have received all these letters and I never noticed?' Mark wondered, then in a flash realized, 'Of course... Marcie... it had to be.' 


The Scrapbook



Even with all his natural optimism, Ken knew this was one of those rare times when it was best to just watch and listen. Without saying a word he sat in painful silence, looking on as his friend emotionally fought his way from page to page.

After finally closing the book, Mark spun it around and slid it back across the table. 

"What do you want me to do with it?" Ken asked with a puzzled expression.

"Before the girls get home, take and put it back where you found it," he calmly replied.

"I need to know what you intend to do, Mark. As you can guess, I have some serious issues to take up with Marcie. But I don't want to do anything that might interfere with your plans."

"You won't have to wait long," he informed Ken. "I'll be doing something very soon.... Trust me, when the time comes, you won't have to ask, you'll know. 

"The recent letters from her friends said Tony plans to attend our five year reunion. That's only three weeks away. I think we can count on him being there. If so, I need those three weeks. Please bear with me?" 

"No problem Mark," his friend replied, "whatever you want." Ken felt it was the least he could do, especially since Marcie's thoughtless actions had probably destroyed the two couples' long standing friendship. 

Sadly, Ken realized, 'Marcie thinks the world of Mark and would never dream of hurting him.  Her problem is blindly charging ahead, always trying to please everyone without ever stopping or slowing down to analyze her actions or their consequences. In her mind, I'm sure she was just doing a favor for her best friend. 

'But Mark is my best friend and I know the way he thinks. It will be difficult for him to forgive Marcie for what he perceives as her betrayal. Speaking of that, I guess it's Steph I should feel sorry for. What's really sad is that even though she doesn't seem to realize it, I know Steph loves Mark dearly. What a screwed up mess." 

**********

Fortunately, Richard and Amber still owned the largest ballroom in town. He had it built years ago, and immediately made it available, free of charge, for all school and alumni functions. The only requirement has always been that the individual committees provide their own decorating and clean-up. It's their sole responsibility to make sure that after each event, the building is left in the same condition they found it. 

Most graduates have been through its doors more than once, attending not only their proms, but other special events, and in later years, class reunions. Richard and Amber were enthusiastically and fondly invited to every function, and always made an effort to attend or at least make an appearance, when possible. Through the years, there was not a single high school class which didn't have at least one 'Wetap Kid' in its graduation ceremony. 

Amber laughed as the limo pulled up in front of the R & A Center, "Everyone says it stands for us. They call it Richard and Amber's Center?" 

"I know, Miss Amber," he chuckled. "But, you know well as I, the 'R and A' stand for recreation and activity, and were in the name before I met you. Although, it does make one wonder if the school board might have had a premonition before they made their choice," Richard replied with a chuckle. "I am glad I let them name the building, it could not have worked out better."

Her free hand lovingly caressed one of his lapels as she wrinkled her nose and fondly informed him, "I know.... But it's more fun and romantic to believe it stands for us."

"Yes it is, Miss Amber," he said with a nervous twitch in his voice.

A little startled, she inquired, "What did I say."

"It is not anything you said Miss Amber," Richard smiled, "but since the day of your graduation, I get nervous when your hands get near my lapels."

She burst out laughing. He silenced her with a gentle loving kiss. 

Whenever Richard and Amber attend an event outside of Wetap, at least two of their most trusted employees are required to be security escorts. Tonight it was Ethan's turn along with Daryl who was also serving double duty as chauffer.

After opening the limo door, Daryl smiled as he took Amber's hand to help her step out. 'It's amazing,' he thought, 'how efficient she has become at doing everything one handed while the other keeps Richard's cane clasped tightly over her heart.'

Ethan opened the front door as they approached. Nodding his head, he greeted, "Richard, Miss Amber... Miss Amber I have to say, you look absolutely stunning this evening."

Blushing, she graciously accepted the compliment, "Why thank you Ethan, and how are Chris and the kids?"

Never tiring of telling about his kids, with a beaming smile he replied, "They're fine Miss Amber. All four are the healthiest rug rats at Wetap, and the orneriest. Except the two oldest are no longer rug rats. Our oldest daughter will be in the fourth grade next year, turning into quite a young lady, takes after her mom."

"I take it the adoptions are complete?" Richard asked. 

"Yes sir, "Ethan replied, "the two oldest are now officially mine also. By the way Richard, Chris and I do appreciate what you did in getting the judge to approve the final paperwork. Our attorney wasn't sure if we could have gotten the adoptions through without your help."

Richard smiled and replied, "Ethan, it was truly my pleasure." With a soft twinkle in his eyes, he asked, "And your son, how is he?" 

"Well I can tell you this, whatever Chris buys me to wear, she has to get him an identical set. The first thing he wants to know every morning is what I am wearing so he can dress to match."

Richard and Amber laughed. "Does he still want to be the same thing when he grows up?" Amber asked.

"Yes ma'am, it's been the same answer ever since he was little and they returned to Wetap. He wants to be me when he grows up."

They couldn't help laughing again. "Ethan, that is priceless," Richard chuckled. "You will never get a greater compliment than that." 

"Our two youngest daughters are old enough now to really give their mother fits. And you don't have to say it... I know what you're thinking. Thank God they look like their mother instead of me," Ethan laughed with great pride. It was easy to tell that he loved his family dearly.

Everyone was still laughing when another couple walked up. Richard and Amber turned to see who as Ethan welcomed them, "Mark... why Steph, don't you look lovely this evening."

During the exchange of greetings, everyone was shocked as they looked at Richard. None of them could remember ever seeing him without a smile before. 

Richard said, "Mark, I have the information you requested. As soon as I can get free, I will send word and you can drop by my office. It is at the end of the lobby, to your left as you go in the door." 

"No problem," Mark replied. "Please let me know when you're ready."

Steph looked puzzled, but didn't want to ask her husband what it was all about in front of everyone. She knew he would tell her later.

As they entered the ballroom, Mark spotted Tony and evidently so did Steph. She instantly pretended to be looking elsewhere, but every time her eyes swept the room, they paused momentarily in Tony's direction. Steph finally noticed her husband watching and immediately turned her head away, blushing. 

'It's going to be an interesting evening,' Mark thought.  'We might not like the outcome, but one way or the other, all our questions will be answered before this night is over.'

Shortly after Mark and Steph found their table, Ken and Marcie arrived and joined them. Of course between dances, Steph and Marcie were comparing notes on how their fellow classmates had changed in the last five years. Their observations caused quite a bit of laughter and everyone appeared to be thoroughly enjoying themselves. 

**********

A couple of hours later, the reunion was in full swing. Mark was having a good time in spite of Steph's effort not to get caught gazing starry eyed at Tony, which she was doing quite often. Her former lover, on the other hand, obviously didn't share Steph's concerns as he stared long and hard at her with unabashed desire. 

Even though Steph was asked and had accepted several dances with former classmates, Tony wasn't one of them. He kept his distance in her husband's presence. 

But as Mark watched, he was sure, 'It's only a matter of time before Tony will make his move. He's like a fox circling the hen house. There's no way, outside of being shot, he'll pass up this opportunity.' 

Several of the people in attendance were watching with great interest, some out of curiosity, others out of concern, but a few out of selfish hope for various and differing reasons. Besides Tony, there was another, a real fox, praying for an opportune opening. 

Under normal circumstances, out of respect for Mark's marriage, Kasey would never think of trying to put a move on him. However, tonight was different. She'd been keeping an eye on events all evening, just waiting for Tony to make his move. 

Kasey had already decided, 'If Steph is stupid enough to accept advances from her old boyfriend, then all bets are off. That will give me the excuse I need to try and lull Mark out onto the dance floor.' Then she said to herself, "And I'll be damned if I'm going to turn down the perfect opportunity to get my foot in the door first." 

As the evening progressed, Kasey's subtle glances may have gone unnoticed by the men, but not the ladies. Steph's imagination jumped on the opportunity to assume her husband was reciprocating, which helped ease her feelings of guilt. 

'I just know if I wasn't here, Mark would be dancing every song with her. He's always had a special place in his heart for Kasey. Can't say that I blame him... she is absolutely gorgeous. ' Steph was stunned as a strong surge of jealousy... and fear suddenly swept through her. She had never before had a single thought about the possibility of losing her husband.

As Ethan approached their table, Mark knew Richard had sent for him. It was time to get the answers to the questions, all of them. 

"Excuse me Steph, but Richard would like to borrow your husband for a few minutes if you can spare him," Ethan joked.

Since Richard was Mark's employer and their livelihood depended on him, she laughed and replied, "No problem, but bring him back soon. He still has a lot of dancing left in him and I intend to squeeze out every drop before the night is over," she chided.

After Mark followed Ethan out the door, Tony knew it was time. Steph's eyes were beckoning him. 

"So... I see you are still one of those," Tony said as he walked up to her table.

Steph smiled and her eyes twinkled as she inquired in a jokingly sarcastic voice, "One of what?"

Tony humorously mocked her in his reply, "You know damn good and well what, a 'Wetap Brat.'" 

"Yes I am," Steph replied in the sweetest sounding laughter he still had ever heard. 

When Tony offered his hand, she took it. To those who were watching, and most were, they seemed to glide out onto the dance floor. 

Marcie nervously glanced at her husband and said, "I hope Mark doesn't get upset."

Ken's eyes were narrowed and focused on Tony and Steph as he replied, "It's way too late to be concerned about that. Plus you've got problems of your own to worry about."

Her voice carried uncertainty, "What problems? Did I do something wrong?"

"Marcie, I love you, but we have some very serious issues to deal with. Before the night is over, we will come to a better understanding of what our marriage and relationship mean and what our responsibilities are to one another. But for now, I think it would be best if you just sat there with your mouth shut and not say a word."

With a twinge of anger, she opened her mouth to reply.

At that moment, Ken turned and gave her a level stare, then calmly but forcefully said, "The scrapbook.... Need I say more?"

Marcie's face turned three shades of red as her anger abated. Her mouth closed as her eyes became riveted with fear. Too embarrassed to look at him, she lowered her head in shame. Ken shook his head and joined everyone else watching Tony and Steph.

About ten minutes later while everyone's focus was still on the new couple, Mark eased back through the doors unnoticed. 

'Please let me be wrong,' he prayed, but after glancing at Steph's empty chair, knew he wasn't. With no one still paying attention, Mark slid behind a small crowd standing next to the door. From that vantage point he could observe without being seen. Following everyone's line of vision, he spotted his wife on the dance floor. 

His heart dropped when he realized she was locked in a tight embrace with her former lover. Steph had a dreamy look even though her eyes were closed as she rested her head on Tony's shoulder. Mark bristled when he noticed the smirk on Tony's face as her former lover nestled and caressed Steph's head with his own. 

"I could use a breath of fresh air," Tony said. Steph, floating on a cloud of euphoria, paid little attention as he led her out the patio glass doors. With eyes closed, she leaned her head back, enjoying the wonderful feel of the crisp evening air.

Her eyes opened just in time to see her former lover leaning in for a kiss. Steph glanced through the plate glass windows and saw everyone watching. She pressed her hand to his chest to stop him. Tony followed her gaze and realizing her embarrassment backed off. He didn't miss the fact Steph hadn't actually said, "No."

"That's enough fresh air, I think we need to go back inside," she smiled. Of course her former lover was only encouraged by her lax attitude.

Even though Mark couldn't hear what was said, he had closely watched their every move. Now he was left wondering, 'Why didn't Steph kiss him? Was it because she didn't want to... or was it too embarrassing in front of all these witnesses?' 

As they stepped back into the center, Tony said, "I need to make a trip to the men's room." Without thinking, Steph followed along at his side. 

Mark watched them head to the hallway that led to the restrooms. As they reached the entrance, he started across the room to follow them. Emotionally preoccupied, Mark didn't even notice when Kasey and Amber latched onto his arms as they joined him. 

When Steph and Tony reached the restroom area at the end of the hallway, he grasped her arm and spun her around. "Brat, this is long overdue," Tony said while pulling her to him. Before she could think or react, her former lover kissed her. Steph poured herself into the kiss as memories and fantasy became instantly blurred in her mind. Her hands pressed into his sides as she pulled him tight.

The trio reached the hallway entrance just in time to see Tony spin Steph around and kiss her.

"Oh no," Amber moaned.

"I'm sorry, Mark," Kasey said while tightening her grip on his arm. 

"Ladies, please excuse me," he said. Then gently pulling lose from their grasp, Mark spun around and headed back across the room. Kasey caught up with him just as he reached the entrance. 

"Mark, wait," she almost shouted. His mind was so clouded that her voice barely registered, but out of courteous habit, he stopped and turned. 

"If you need to talk, please give me a call. Besides being a friend, I'm also a good listener," Kasey whispered to him.

With no expression other than a frown, Mark nodded, appearing to understand, but in reality was only trying to clear his head. As he stood staring across the room, the only thing Mark kept seeing was his wife kissing her former lover in that hallway.

**********

Tony smiled as Steph pulled back from the kiss. "Damn Brat, your kisses still turn me every which way but lose."

Steph shook her head and her eyes narrowed, smiling she said with enlightenment, "Sorry Tony, but yours don't... not anymore, at least not for me. By the way, 'Brat' no longer exists if you don't mind, and even if you do, the name's Stephanie, and I'm very partial to it. Now, if you will please excuse me... then again, even if you don't, my husband is waiting. I need to get back to him. I've been away far too long and have a lot of loving to make up for. The sooner I get started, the better. Goodbye Tony, I truly wish you the best," she said, then headed for the ballroom.

As Steph stepped out of the hallway she glanced around looking for her husband. When Steph finally spotted Mark standing by the lobby doors, her heart leapt. He looked so handsome, she felt so proud of him. Her eyes misted from the sudden lump in her throat as her love welled up. At that moment all Steph wanted was to hug her husband so tight he would never doubt how much she loved him. Catching his eye, Steph smiled and waved. Mark shook his head, turned, and walked out. 

'What's up?' She wondered. 'What was that all about? Oh god, I hope he didn't get bad news from Richard.'

Steph started across the room to find out what was wrong when Amber grabbed her arm and said, "Come with me." 

Surprised by Amber's actions, she allowed herself to be guided towards one of the adjoining side rooms. Finally Steph demanded, "Where are we going?" 

"Just come with me," Amber said again as she led her into an empty room and shut the door behind them.

Ken and Marcie had watched the entire scene unfold in front of them. 

"Where is Mark going?" Marcie asked.

"He's leaving," Ken stated, his voice loaded with sorrow.

Although Marcie was concerned as to why her husband looked so depressed, she still inquired about her friend, "Without Steph?" 

Standing up, Ken stared down at his wife, "It's Steph he is leaving Marcie."

Marcie's initial look of confusion suddenly exploded with, "Oh god no." She responded to her own shock with, "He can't..., he loves her, and she loves him."

Ken glared at Marcie once more, "Well he is." Then he sternly suggested, "And if I were you, I would get my ass out of that chair, out the door, and into our car." 

Marcie didn't look to the left or right, but it wouldn't have mattered. Her vision was blurred by tears as she cried all the way to their car. Even though her evening had been cut short, she knew it was just the beginning of a long night.

**********

Meanwhile Tony stood in the entrance to the men's restroom drying his hands. Turning slightly, he did a basketball shot at the trashcan in the corner and smiled as the wad of paper towels did a perfect drop into the open top. 

His thoughts returned to wondering, 'What in the hell just happened? Did I miss something? Steph was supposed to melt in my arms. She has been staring at me off and on all night. The signals were all there. Ok, I just need to give it "that old college try" one more time.' 

Stepping out into the ballroom, Tony looked around but couldn't spot Steph or Mark anywhere. "They couldn't have left that soon," he said to himself while heading for the main lobby where he was immediately greeted by Ethan.

"Richard would appreciate it if you would join him in his office," Ethan informed him.

Tony tried to step around Ethan as he sarcastically replied, "Sorry, I have more important things to do at the moment. By the way, did you see Steph come this way in the last few minutes?"

Ethan blocked him and firmly replied, "No I haven't, but what Steph does or where she goes is none of your concern. However, I will tell her husband you asked. Now, will you please join Richard in his office?"

"Fuck you asshole. Either get out of my way or I'll move you out of the way," he threatened, glaring at Ethan.

Even though Tony was a few inches taller, several years younger, and probably twenty pounds or so of muscle heavier, he got the shock of his life. All of a sudden the young man found himself pressed up against the wall by the open palm of Ethan's hand in the center of his chest. 




The Scrapbook



Before Tony could get his bearings and react, Daryl walked up and asked, "Having problems with a customer, Ethan? Need some help?"

Ethan's eyes never left Tony as he replied, "No thanks Daryl, nothing I can't handle." Then focusing his full attention back onto Tony, he said, "Now Mr. Wiseass, I'm going to politely ask one more time. Please join Richard in his office. He would like to talk to you."

Tony felt he could handle either one separately, but wasn't sure about taking them on together. Besides, Ethan's strength had put him in a slight state of confusion. Needing a few minutes to regroup, he nodded his head and said, "Lead the way."

As he entered the office, Richard said, "Have a seat Tony. I hope it is alright if I call you Tony?" He courteously inquired. "At the same time, feel free to call me Richard."

Angrily, Tony snapped, "No it's not okay, I'm not one of your Wetap flunkies. You don't own me and I don't appreciate being physically forced to be here, thank you."

"Too bad you were not a 'Wetap kid,' it might have saved both of us some time and negated the necessity of this meeting." Richard calmly and factually stated.

Deciding to be a little more cautious because of Richard's tone and choice of words, he asked, "And what difference do you think that would have made?"

"First off, you would most likely be sporting a more civil and respectful attitude without being required to develop one," his host again calmly replied.

"Okay, enough of this bullshit, I suppose you think your high and mighty wealth gives you the power to force your will on others? Or do you intend to call in one or both of your muscled assholes to beat me into submission?" Tony sarcastically replied. "And be aware, I don't think you have enough muscle between them to get the job done."

"Tony, please rest assured that I would never, under any circumstances, resort to physical confrontation to 'force my will' as you call it on anyone. If that is what it would take, then my goals would not be worthy in the first place. No, the only changes I seek to accomplish are the ones I hope you achieve yourself."

"Then let's save both of us time and trouble, Mr. Richard. You have nothing I want and the sooner I get out of here and away from you, the better."

"That is fine, Tony. I take it then that you are submitting your resignation effective immediately. If so, I expect your desk to be cleaned out and cleared off first thing Monday morning. Believe me, there is a list as long as my arm of qualified people who would love to have your job."

**********

During the same time, Steph and Amber were having a 'heart to heart' of their own. It started as soon as the door closed behind them. 

"I don't have time for this crap. I need to go find Mark," Steph stated through gritted teeth.

"Will you never get tired of being a stupid bitch?" Amber shot back at her.

Fit to be tied, Steph raised her hand and spouted, "You may be a few years older and married to one of the richest men alive, but I'll be damned if I'm going to take that from anyone."

"You can lower that hand slowly and calmly," Amber hissed, "or you can nurse a broken wrist when I'm done. I didn't survive on the fucking streets by letting dumbass bitches push me around. It's your choice girl, but I'd advise you to start getting smart in a hurry." 

Amber's eyes were literally daring her to strike. Glaring into their depths, Steph hesitated as she felt the icy finger of fear for the first time in her life. Her pride began to shrink from the bitter cold of Amber's absolute fearlessness. 

Suddenly Amber's eyes seemed to burst into raging fire. Steph would swear that she could actually feel the heat which finished making a believer out of her. As Steph began to lower her hand, she watched Amber's persona slowly return to compassionate understanding.

"I'm truly sorry," Steph said with a little quiver in her voice, "but I really must go find my husband. I've got something important to tell him."

Amber shook her head, "You can try, but I think you're about five years too late."

"What do you mean?" She asked.

"Stephanie, you should have gotten your head out of your ass and been communicating with Mark long ago. It may be too late now." 

"What the hell are you talking about Amber? I just need to be with my husband."

"Mark saw you kissing Tony. Where do you think he is? Your husband left and he's certainly not looking for you."

"Oh God No... no... don't tell me that. It can't be... not now... now that I know," Steph cried as she dropped into one of the metal chairs that lined the wall.

Confused, Amber had to ask, "Know what?"

"That after all these years, I never really loved Tony. It's always been Mark, and only Mark."

"Well you certainly have an unusual way of showing it Stephanie. Do you always kiss the man you don't love?"

"No, you don't understand... and until tonight, I didn't either. Even though I loved and cared for my husband, I had never fully let go of or gotten over Tony. At least, I thought I hadn't. Now it turns out that it was only infatuated fantasy. Oh God, what am I going to do?" 

"What do you mean you hadn't let go of him?" Amber questioned.

"You don't know the whole story. Tony and I were close, I mean very close. At least we were until he took off for college. I never got to have what some call 'closure' or a chance to deal with my feelings. Due to the fact I was pregnant, the pressure of feeling desperate caused everything to happen so fast."

"Oh God, your daughter, she's not Mark's?"

Red faced, Steph realized she'd let the 'cat out of the bag.' "No one was supposed to know," she said. "Please don't tell anyone. My daughter thinks Mark is her daddy and as far as I'm concerned, he is."

"Don't worry, no one will ever hear it from me," Amber assured her. "But all the more reason to wonder about what happened tonight... why?"

With pouring tears, Steph continued, "I have been so..., you were absolutely right, a stupid bitch. It's been eating at me, Tony's success, his accomplishments, his degree, his career. All the while I've been constantly comparing my husband to him." 

"Stephanie, you can't do that. What Mark has done for you and your baby...."

"I know that now, but until tonight, I was living in some half assed fantasy world that left me feeling I had missed out on everything. Don't say it, I know, I have it all and the best of it too. But until that kiss tonight, I didn't realize it," she confessed. 

"Damn it girl... your husband swore Richard to secrecy, but not me, and I know something you evidently don't."

With a quizzical expression, Steph looked up.

"Mark would have put Tony's accomplishments to shame, but he sacrificed all for you and your daughter. It's quite apparent your husband never told you that his senior year he had applied to several universities, but with Richard's help had been accepted to Harvard. 

"To meet their requirements Mark had to take a pre-requisite course that summer before your wedding. He couldn't complete it in time to be accepted for the fall term, but was all set to begin classes at the start of the spring semester. 

"Then suddenly Mark came to Richard and told him you were going to have a baby and that you two were getting married. I've never seen my husband so disappointed, yet so impressed with anyone the way he was with Mark that day. 

"Richard agreed to let him work full time at Wetap so you could have housing on the estate. He's never given up hope that your husband would go back to school."

"Noooo, not Harvard...! Damn, I can't believe... yes I can, that's my Mark, only he would give up a chance at a Harvard degree to help me. 

"God, how selfish can I be, I must take the cake. Amber, I truly need to find my husband. There is so much I have to make up to him." 

"I believe you," Amber said. Then she added sadly, "I just hope you haven't waited too long. I know for a fact Mark was putting off some major decisions that depended solely on your actions tonight. Several days ago, he came to Richard and informed him that you two may be getting a divorce." 

"DIVORCE," Steph jumped up and shouted in shock. "What fucking divorce? My husband has never mentioned anything about a divorce," she sobbed. "What the fuckin' hell is going on?"

"All I know is Richard was crushed by the news," Amber replied, "but didn't ask why, that is between the two of you. He did ask if there wasn't possibly some way it could be worked out. Mark said he would know after tonight. His exact words were, "Steph and Tony will provide the answer at the reunion." 

Still in shock, she cried, "Amber, I have no idea why he suspected something might happen tonight, at least between Tony and me. But it doesn't matter, I blew it... and probably everything else," Mark's young wife sobbed at the full understanding of what her actions had done. 

Suddenly Steph said, "Excuse me, I have to go find my husband, for my daughter and me, for both our sakes. We love Mark too much to just let him go. Even if it's too late, I have to try. Whether he knows it or not, we need him. He's the center of our lives," she exclaimed while hurrying out the door.

Shaking her head in sympathy, Amber remembered how she'd almost lost Richard out of her own foolish stupidity. Amber smiled at the thought, 'True love is difficult to defeat though. If anyone should know, it would be me.' Recalling her own pain during the time when Richard had left and didn't return for two years, Amber felt a prayer of thoughtful hope, 'Hang in there girl. Even if it takes years... believe me, the love is worth it.'

When Steph got to the front door she asked, "Ethan, do you know where Mark went?"

"All I can tell you is that your husband came barreling through here and out the front door. From the expression on his face, I can only assume that he didn't plan on coming back. A few minutes later his car went flying by, headed in that direction," Ethan pointed down the street. "Where he was going, I have no idea."

With a slight sniffle she replied, "Thank you. Could I get you to help me with one more thing, please? I need a cab soon as possible." He could tell it was taking all her effort to hold back the tears.

"There are two parked at the end of the block," Ethan informed her. Then he turned and asked, "Daryl, would you please escort Steph down the street to a taxi?"

**********

Back in Richard's office, Tony had suddenly lost all his pompous bravado, "What the hell are you talking about? What resignation? I don't work for you."

"No...? Do you not work for one of the largest privately owned corporations in the world?" Richard asked.

Now a very concerned Tony cautiously stated, "Yes. But what does that have to do with you?"

"Actually, quite a lot... but out of curiosity, who did you think owns the company where you are not only gainfully, but I might add, very lucratively employed?" Richard calmly traded barbs with him.

"I was told that we are owned by an international holding company, which in turn is part of a conglomerate of holding companies," Tony quietly replied.

"Quite correct," Richard continued, "but, did it ever cross your mind to ask who owns the controlling interest in the conglomerate?"

All of a sudden Tony lost a little color, "Please, don't tell me I work for you."

"I am sorry to inform you this way, but yes, you do. That is unless you seriously want to tender your resignation." Richard goaded him.

"No... I mean no sir. I have no desire to resign my job." Tony now sat down, almost collapsing into a chair.

"Then for the sake of argument, I will now assume that it is alright to call you Tony? And as I said, feel free to call me Richard. Do we have any more issues with that?"

"No sir... I mean Richard, none whatsoever," the now subdued sounding young man replied.

"Tony, you weren't aware that I've been keeping tabs of your progress and accomplishments throughout your high school and college career. I do this with not only Wetap Kids as you call them, but also with local kids who show potential. 

"Over the years, it has been my privilege to help many of them. Several, such as yourself, have secured positions not only at Wetap, but also throughout various companies in which I own at least a controlling interest. Do you have any questions so far?" Richard paused to ask.

Intrigued, Tony courteously replied, "No sir, please continue." 

"Well I will try to make a long story short, since I know you want to return to the festivities. Let us just say I was very instrumental in your being hired at your current job. I actually insisted they place you over two other very qualified individuals. Out of curiosity, are you aware of the unwritten ethic or moral code we live by at Wetap?" Richard asked.

"Yes sir, at least somewhat. It's pretty common knowledge and joked about quite a lot," Tony embarrassingly answered.

Richard chuckled, "That is alright. I have probably heard most of them. But as you know, I insist everyone living at Wetap take them very seriously. However, I would never dream of trying to impose them on the numerous employees working throughout our various companies. 

"There is one exception though. I firmly believe that upper management represents my corporations and therefore represents me. Tony, you are upper management and along with your peers, I do insist that you adhere to those very same principles.  

"Ever since hiring on a few months ago and especially tonight, your actions have been atrocious. I do hope to see some immediate improvement... starting now. Have I made myself clear?"

Red faced, Tony replied, "Yes sir, no problem, I understand fully."

"Tony, as you probably know by now, your current CEO plans to retire in ten years. I had originally hired you as one of the possible candidates for his replacement when the time comes. But I feel it necessary to be totally honest in case you wish to reconsider your plans. 

"The decision has been made as to who will be groomed for that position. I am sorry to say Tony, it will not be you. I have no doubt, if you keep up your current progress, you will have the number two slot secured when the time comes." Richard paused again to give him time to comment.

After having perked up at the mention of the CEO position, Tony slumped when informed about being out of the loop. "I wish I had known this before I accepted the job," he said. "I might have considered other options."

Richard nodded and smiled in understanding, "I could not have told you then even if I wanted to. The choice had not been made when you first started to work for the company. Actually, your actions tonight helped to finalize the decision. 

"But if it is your desire to pursue other employment, you may still do so. I will make sure there is a glowing report to go with your resume if that is what you decide. But, I know for a fact that you could not have secured another position starting at even half of your current salary. Especially when taking the perks into consideration, and an almost guaranteed advancement to the number two slot in the corporation. 

"To date you have been doing an outstanding job, and are very personable in spite of your outrageous behavior, which I hope we have outgrown as of this evening. At your present level of progress, I have no doubt you will have a fantastic future. It is your choice, but I think you would be very foolish to gamble it away by relocating to another firm."

Tony stood and said, "You're right. Not only do I have a good job, but I truly enjoy it... and I do appreciate what you've done for me. Besides, I've never had a desire to be the coach, it's always been more fun being the quarterback," he quipped with a smile. 

Richard laughed and while they were shaking hands added, "By the way. It is time to leave the married women alone and find a nice lady of your own."

Tony smiled, "As I said, no problem. It will never happen again, you have my word." While walking out the door, he thought, 'Well shit, guess that almost makes me a "Wetap Kid," but I'm smiling... go figure.' 

**********

Contrary to his efforts, a tear finally escaped and rolled down Mark's cheek just as he strode into the diner. Finding the corner of his mouth, the brackish taste matched his thoughts. 'Five years of loving and trying... all for nothing... because of a single... oh hell, that kiss isn't the problem. It only represents what's been there all along... just under the surface.' 

Mark noticed Helen standing behind the front counter, butt propped against the back one, sipping a cup of coffee. He couldn't help thinking, 'Some things never change.' 

Glancing up, Mark expected to see the same smiling face that always greeted him. But with his raw emotions on full display, it was obvious that he was very upset about something. With her concern showing, she only nodded. 

Not looking for sympathy, Mark diverted his eyes and headed for an empty booth as Helen continued to somberly watch his every move. 

Reaching down, she grabbed a menu, tucked it under her arm, and proceeded to follow him. He looked up just in time to see her reaching into her apron pocket for an order pad and pen. 

Then shaking her head, she shoved them back in and said, "Hell, I've worked here too long. I can tell by looking that food is the last thing on your mind. I'll be right back with your coffee since that's the only thing you're going to order." 

In spite of his pain, Mark thought with a solemn grin, 'No wonder everyone loves Helen. We were all pulling for her even before Bobby proposed. They sure make a nice couple. Plus Bobby's disposition has been a lot better since they got married. He hasn't been near as surly. 

'Overall, Helen and their two kids have been a nice addition to the Wetap family. I wish I could say the same for Steph and me, especially the part about kids.' With that thought, another tear rolled down his cheek.

After coming back with two cups in one hand and a pot of coffee in the other, Helen set them on the table and slid into the other side of the booth. While pouring both, she shook her head and said, "It's Steph... isn't it?"

With a deep sigh, he questioned, "Does it show that much?"

"Your wife loves you a lot more than she realizes.... And believe me, Steph knows that she loves you a lot," Helen flatly stated.

"You haven't even asked me what's wrong," he responded in surprise.

With a sympathetic smile, she chose a lighthearted way to inform, "Mark, I've worked in this diner for... well, forever. I've been here so long I'm not even sure anymore if I had a life before it. Come to think of it, I may have even been born here.

"But one thing I've learned in all that time is how to read and understand people. Bartenders don't have a thing on waitresses when it comes to sob stories. There's nothing I haven't seen or heard. 

"When attending parties or picnics at Wetap, you think I haven't noticed how Steph always seems to be holding back. And it's a crying shame because I've never seen a woman more in love with her husband. But when your wife does show affection, her love and pride for you just brim over. So, whatever problem you're experiencing doesn't really matter. The dilemma is getting Steph to realize and understand the depth of her feelings for you." 

With sad conviction, he said, "I'm afraid it's too late for that." 

Before Helen could respond, they both noticed a taxi go by and watched as its brake lights came on. From the look on Mark's face, she realized there was no doubt it would turn around and come back. The passenger had evidently seen his car parked in front of the diner. 




The Scrapbook



"Excuse me, I remember there's something I have to do," Helen said while sliding out of the booth. After picking up the coffee pot and her cup, she topped his off as they both watched the taxi pull into the parking lot. 

Helen had barely gotten settled into her usual resting place behind the counter before the desperate and distraught young wife came flying through the door. Steph glanced up, but found the only thing leveled back at her was open disgust. After noticing the total look of disdain, she agonized, 'Not Helen too.... Oh god, I must have been a bigger "bitch" than I realized.' 

'Serves you right,' the waitress angrily thought. But out of sympathy, her eyes and head nodded towards Mark. 

Steph had seen her husband through the plate glass windows as her taxi pulled in. She knew there was no way Mark could have missed seeing her get out of the cab though he hadn't bothered to look in her direction. Even with his back to her, Steph realized Mark had to be aware she was now standing in the diner. Yet he still made no attempt to turn around. 

'God, how bad have I hurt him?' Steph wondered in anguish. 

On her way to Mark's booth, she had to pass in front of Helen. Steph heard her whisper, "Good luck girl, you're going to need it,"

Glancing at the waitress, she acknowledged Helen's hostile support with a weak smile and an understanding nod. Suddenly Steph paused and in a half sob whispered, "I love him so much."

With a smirk, the waitress hissed in a low voice, "Well, it's about fuckin' time you figured that out. I just hope it's not too late."

"Helen, I'm so afraid...," Steph choked in a soft reply. 

Eyes glaring, the waitress quietly snapped, "Knock that shit off. Take your ass over there, and do your damnedest to try and save your marriage, but more importantly, the man you love. Besides, I'm not going to stand here whispering all night. Now quit wasting time girl, get to it." 

Mark didn't look up as his wife slowly approached his booth, he didn't need to. "Have a seat Steph. Want something to eat or drink?"

Steph slid into the other side of the booth, but before she could answer, Helen set a second cup on the table and filled it. "Two cups of coffee... and I'll bet no one is hungry yet. But if you change your minds, I'll be standing right over there behind the counter, just shout," she said before turning and walking off.

"Mark, I...," Steph started to speak, but he cut her off.

"Steph, why have we never had any more kids? Guess I should ask more specifically, why have you never wanted to have my kids?"

In a stunned voice, she replied, "Mark, when did I ever say that? I've never even hinted that I didn't want to have more kids."

"Well Steph, it's been almost five years since we said 'I do,' and our daughter is now four years old. I can't help but wonder how much longer you intended to wait before suggesting we have another." 

With tears, she confessed, "At first, I was deeply afraid if we had another, our daughter would be left out. Now I know it was stupid, but at the time I was afraid you would love ours more than her. My biggest fear was that our daughter would have to take a second seat in our family for the rest of her life." 

"And how long did you feel that way?" He painfully asked.

"Oh Mark, it didn't take long to see how much you truly loved her. In just a few months, all my fears were gone. I knew you would never love another more than you loved her. You are the most loving and devoted father I know."

"Ok Steph, I can accept that. So, now what's your excuse for the last four years? Why have we not had another child? I understand that planning your family is important, maybe you wanted to space them five years apart, ten years apart, or were you waiting to make sure the next, if there was one, would be with Tony again?"

"Mark, I... I...," and the silence grew longer.

Seeing she had no true answer, he continued, "Forget that for the time being Steph...."

"No Mark, you have it all wrong. I love you and want a bigger family... with you," she said through flowing tears. "You have to understand there was never any doubt about loving you. But, I didn't realize how much until tonight," 

"What happened tonight that changed everything Steph, I didn't see anything special. Other than you finally got back together with your old lover. Isn't that what you've wanted all along...? Hasn't that been your greatest desire?" 

"No Mark, not even close, although I confess that I have always wondered about a few things. For instance, what it would have been like if Tony and I had gotten married, if he still felt anything for me, and how we'd react if we ever ran into each other."

"Well Steph, tonight was your opportunity. If you didn't get at least two of those questions answered then feel free to go back to the dance... and Mr. Perfect. You're only wasting your time here anyway." 

"Oh Mark... it was quite a shock, but I got a lot more than just my answers. When he kissed me, which I am truly sorry you had to see, but I swear.... my emotional reaction was so weird, I almost laughed. It felt like I was kissing my brother. Suddenly I knew... I don't love Tony. I doubt if I ever did." 

"Well Steph, I'm glad you at least found it humorous. It's only taken five years for you to destroy your marriage, destroy your family, and learn what... that it was all for not? Sorry, I find that sad."

"Mark if you decide to leave, I can't stop you. But please think of our daughter, whether you care about me or not."

"That's not fair Steph, that's really hitting below the belt. You know how much I love her."

"You're right Mark, it's not fair and I'll never play fair when it comes to watching over my family. That's what a good wife and mother does. She takes care of her family, her loved ones, and my two greatest loves are you and our daughter. So don't expect me to play fair, I'll do anything in my power not to lose either of you. If I could turn back the clock and undo all the pain I've caused, I would. The only exception, I would never un-wish our daughter, she's too precious." 

"God no Steph, next to you there's no one I love more."

"So you do love me?" She smiled.

"There's never been any doubt of that Steph, but it doesn't make a bit of difference. I've never been totally happy and I am not willing to continue with this farce we've been calling a marriage. 

"By the way though, you are correct and that's the problem. A good wife and mother does take care of the ones she loves, devoting all her time to providing for their needs and trying to make them happy as possible. The same as a husband and father does for his family. Let me ask you Steph, have I ever slighted or failed to give one hundred percent to you and our daughter?" 

"God no Mark, you are the most devoted, caring, giving, loving husband and father a woman could ask for."

"Well Steph, apparently it wasn't enough."

"What are you talking about Mark, of course it was. You couldn't have done anymore for us."

"Not me I'm talking about Steph... it's you."

"Mark, I know I screwed up tonight, but for five years I have been there, taking care of you and our daughter, devoting myself to our family just like you."

"If that were the case, Steph, then we wouldn't be having this conversation. We would be at the re-union, dancing, laughing, visiting with old friends, and having a wonderful time. So something must have occurred in those five years to keep that from happening."

"Ok Mark, I know you're making a point. Just say what's on your mind, I can't argue with what I don't know."

"I only have a couple of more questions Steph. If someone doesn't give a hundred percent to their spouse, does that mean they don't love them?"

Cautiously, Steph replied, "It would definitely leave room for doubt and concern.... Plus create some real questions and issues to deal with." 

"Then tell me how you give back or make up for all the time you weren't devoting to me Steph."

"Okay, enough of the head games Mark. What time are you talking about?"

Leaning forward, he unloaded on her in a heavy voice. "What say we start with all the time you spent reading through newspapers and magazines, hunting for any article about Tony that you could find. How much of 'my time' did you then devote to cutting out and pasting them, along with the letters and photos into 'Mr. Perfect's scrapbook'? On top of that, how about all the time you spent reading and answering those letters from your friends. In your obvious concern about what Tony was doing and saying, how many times did you read each letter? You had to be hoping to find something important about Mr. Perfect that you might have missed every time before.  Or were you just rekindling and savoring the sensations they made you feel for your lover? Let's not forget the photos. How many hours did you sit looking at them, desiring, fantasizing, and wishing it was him you were married to instead of me?" 

Her face paled as she realized he not only knew about the scrapbook, but had evidently seen it. Steph stammered, "Mark... I...." 

"Why go to that much trouble if you didn't take time to enjoy it. How many of my hours did you spend reminiscing and daydreaming while going through Tony's scrapbook when no one was around?"

Shaking her head, Steph tried to insist, "It wasn't like that Mark, I...."

"How much of my time did you spend calling or emailing your friends to get current pictures of Mr. Wonderful? I know some of those photos are more recent ones, or were you in direct contact with him before the re-union? Maybe you never did lose contact with him."

"No Mark... the pictures...," tears started gushing from her eyes as her face went from white to deep scarlet over her embarrassing shame and frustration. "There was never any contact with Tony until tonight at the re-union."

"Too bad Steph, just think, you could have spent the last few years with him instead of me. You could have actually been making love to Tony instead of only fantasizing about him while wasting your time fucking me." 

"No Mark it wasn't that way. I've always known that I love you. But all my life I've been a person who sees things better when reflected against one another. That stupid kiss tonight burned off every fantasy I ever had about Tony. In that instant, I was able to see how total my love is for you." 

For the first time, Steph began to feel her marriage, her family, her happiness, and the man she loves slipping away. Growing desperate, she blurted out, "Tony... I mean Mark... damn it all to hell!!!"

For the first time since the conversation started, Mark sarcastically chuckled, "Thanks for making my point."

Steph broke down and started sobbing, "No, no, nooo... it's not that way, I really do love you. I know that now."

"Well if that's true, then more is the pity, because I'm through," Mark flatly stated. "As of tonight, I'm out. I couldn't face another day of competing with your fantasies if my life depended on it. 

"A few days ago, I told Richard I'd like to take advantage of his half day work and school program, but tonight he insisted that I go full time. Since I have a family to support, Richard is going to pay for everything and set it up as a loan. 

"Arrangements have been made so that you can continue to live at our hom... in our house at Wetap. I will pay him back after I graduate," he informed her.

With giant tears rolling down her cheeks, Steph pleaded, "No Mark, please stay. You can still go to school, I'll do anything I can to help, but don't leave us. We both love and need you so much. This is going to break our daughter's heart."

It was Mark's turn for big tears, if he had a soft spot, it was his daughter. She was the apple of his eye. "Sorry Steph, I can't deal with it anymore. Plus going to school full time will demand all my attention. I would like to have our daughter every weekend if possible, I hope that's okay with you. 

"And Steph, just so you know, even though I am deeply hurt, I'm not blaming you. The simple fact is I have no one to blame but myself. Only a very foolish man would ever marry a woman who hasn't professed her love for him before the wedding. I never asked that of you before we got married, that's my fault, I should have." 

With that, Mark slid out of the booth. Before turning to leave, he looked out the plate glass window and sadly said, "Ya know Steph... you shouldn't have let that taxi leave, you'll need a ride home."

Then as Mark turned to leave, she quietly whimpered, "But I do love you, I always have."

Walking up to the counter, he reached in his pocket. The pain reflected on his face melted Helen's heart. She waved him off saying, "Coffee's on me tonight." 

Mark hesitated with a blank stare, then as her words sank in, he nodded. Before turning to go out the door, he paused one more time and said, "Please make sure my wife gets home safely, ok?"

Through misty eyes, Helen nodded, thinking, 'Wetaps are a different breed, but it's a good difference. That's why I fell in love with and married Bobby. Who knows, maybe in the process I've finally become one myself."

**********

"Jane...?" Mark spoke into the desk intercom.

"Yes Sir," the now familiar voice of his secretary came back.

"Think you will ever be able to call me Mark?" He asked with a slight chuckle. 

He heard soft laughter, "Maybe someday... Mark. What do you need?"

"Jane, when my ten o'clock arrives, please show him in. Then hold all calls and make sure we aren't disturbed if you would."

"No problem sir... Mark, consider it done."

Picking up a bottle of water, he stood and stared out his office window. Mark unscrewed the top and took a couple of long swallows. He didn't feel nervous, but evidently this upcoming meeting, plus the one tomorrow with Richard, was making him edgy. 

It had been almost four years since Mark stormed out of the reunion and his marriage. He had made good use of the time by fast tracking through college. After proving his ability to handle the extra hours, the university had no problem letting him carry the maximum allowed each semester. 

Even in his summer classes Mark managed to achieve the highest grade point average possible. His credentials now included every scholastic award and honor the school had to offer in his curriculum. 

In his final year a company had approached him with a career opportunity, contingent upon his graduating. After listening to their offer, Mark made an appointment and discussed it with his mentor. With Richard's strong recommendation that he do so, Mark happily accepted a starting position with the corporation. 

It wasn't until after he had actually started to work that Richard informed him of the company's true ownership. Mark realized, 'He wanted me to accept it out of ambition, not obligation.'

Now here he was, one of their assistant vice-presidents, all trying to work their way up the chain of command. His office might have been stuck on the third floor, known as the junior exec level, but his goals and ambitions were soaring much higher. They were striving to catch up with his eyes and heart, which were already set on the top floor, where the CEO and real vice-presidents had their offices. 

But it had been a long and difficult grind. To Mark, his most important accomplishment had been to spend every weekend possible with his daughter. Scheduling his studies and devoting time to her had stretched him to the max numerous times, but she was worth it. 

The most difficult part when picking up or returning his daughter was seeing her mother. Even though Steph always wore a friendly smile, the pain and sadness that seemed etched in her face only served to heighten his own. 

For him it was especially trying when they had to get together to make major decisions about their daughter's activities or to attend one of her special functions. Mark always wanted to meet in a neutral atmosphere, like a coffee shop or diner, but he would lose the argument every time. They would end up in a nice restaurant with Steph invariably wearing one of several dresses he had always enjoyed seeing her in. 

He had to give her credit, she never seemed to give up or quit trying. Her eyes were always pleading, begging for a sign of hope. And every time, without fail, Mark would feel an overwhelming urge to reach out and comfort her. But, just when he would be on the verge of breaking, the memory of 'the scrapbook' always came roaring back.

In an attempt to move on, Mark had gone out on a couple of dates. Since the efforts made him feel he was cheating on Steph, the pursuing guilt became unbearable. In the end, Mark cut both short with the excuse, "Sorry, but I have an extremely early work day tomorrow." Finally he gave up trying altogether. He realized it was useless until his love for Steph began to fade, but knew in his heart that would take time. 

'Confession is supposed to be good for the soul,' Mark thought as he admitted to himself, 'I've never been able to bring myself to file for a divorce... evidently neither has Steph.' 

As it turned out, the arrangements Mark had made for his wife and daughter to stay at Wetap weren't needed. Shortly after he left, Steph went to work for Richard as his personal secretary. Her new job was all the qualification needed for her and her daughter to live there.

But now it all seemed so futile. Two weeks ago Mark learned that Steph had taken a new job with one of Richard's companies on the coast. And of course, she was taking their daughter with her. They would be leaving tomorrow. His heart ached at the thought of how seldom he would now get to see his daughter. 

Not allowing himself to even entertain the idea, Mark immediately dismissed a fleeting thought that he would miss both of them. But it did help him to understand why Steph felt the need to put some distance between them.

'I'm glad that Ken and Marcie got their problems ironed out fairly quickly. Even though I still don't know what Marcie expected, in spite of her attempts, it took me a lot longer before I could listen to and accept her apology. But I'm glad I finally did, they've been good friends too long to lose them. 

'The bitterness she and Steph felt towards each other at first was almost humorous. Marcie laid her marital problems at Steph's feet and Steph countered with, "No one twisted your arm, girl." When Ken told me about the battle royal, I couldn't keep from laughing. But I am glad they eventually worked it out and made up. It helped when they both began to realize what they did is not what friends ask of or do for one another.' 

He turned just as his ten o'clock appointment walked in the door.

"Your secretary said it was okay to come in. Hope I didn't interrupt anything?" Tony cautiously asked.

As usual, Mark was caught slightly off guard by the close resemblance between his daughter and her biological father. When looking at Tony, it always made him feel a brief wave of false sentiment before it crashed into the wall of reality. "No, not a thing," he declared, "I made sure my calendar was cleared so we wouldn't be disturbed."

"Mark, I requested this meeting because we have to end this situation before it gets worse. Ever since you took this job a few weeks ago we've been going out of our way to avoid each other. That won't work, and can't continue."

"I agree Tony. And since we're both employed by the same company, it seems inevitable that sooner or later we'll end up on some of the same projects together. So, I'm all ears, what do you have in mind?"




The Scrapbook



"Sorry Mark, but after tossing it around for a couple of days, I'm not any closer to a solution than when I started. The only conclusion I've been able to reach... I think it would be best if we just sat down and put all our cards on the table so to speak. Try to 'hash it out' between us. See if we can't come up with an amiable or at least tolerable solution that will allow us to work together. 

"I know you don't care for me personally or what happened. And I can't say that I blame you. I do want you to know that I've changed a lot in the last few years. Guess you might say I finally started growing up. 

"Let me begin by offering my sincere apology for that night at the reunion, I was way out of line. I can promise you, nothing like that will ever happen again."

As Tony spoke, Mark studied his face. Now he sat reflecting on the words. A little surprised, Mark discovered he had no doubts about their sincerity. 

"Okay, apology accepted," Mark said and stuck out his hand which was readily grasped in a heart felt handshake. "I would like to know one thing though," he added.

"Fire away. I'll answer any and all questions I can, Mark. I have nothing to hide." 

"Out of curiosity Tony, did you ever have real feelings for Steph, or was she just a plaything for your pleasure and amusement?" 

Tony's countenance suddenly fell and Mark realized that he had never seen him look so defeated. 'Hell, I've never seen Tony anywhere but in "the winner's circle" and always reeking with confidence.  This is not the arrogant boy that I've always known.'

'Mark, this is just between you and I, please never repeat it outside this office. But back in high school I thought Steph was the love of my life. It was my full intent to marry her. I only left for college that morning because, unbeknownst to me, my parents had already bought my plane ticket. Even as I boarded the plane, they assured me everything would be taken care of. 

"It was only after I'd arrived, settled in, and started my classes that they called to inform me about the announcement of your wedding plans. I tried to call Steph, but her mother kept telling me that she was out and would have to call me back.  

"I finally figured out afterwards that her mom was only stalling me. Anyway, the next thing I knew, a few days later, you two were married. I assumed that Steph married the man she truly loved. 

"But at the same time, I have to be honest. Looking back now, I think it was nothing more than a deep high school infatuation. If I had really been in love with Steph, why didn't I hop a flight and at least try to stop her from getting married? I didn't even send an email or write a letter. 

"I've come to accept the fact that I ended up using your wedding plans as an excuse to sidestep my responsibilities. Deep down, I think I was scared, not only of getting married, but also of having a family and the thought of what that would do to my overall future. I know it sounds shallow and selfish, well... it was. 

"On the one hand, I had what I thought was my love and desire for Steph, on the other I had college, an athletic scholarship, and career plans. It seemed as though the two were at odds. I guess the only way to describe my feelings at the time, I wanted my cake and eat it too. 

"You made it easy. By stepping in and doing what I should have, you provided me with the perfect copout. I couldn't be held accountable if I was no longer responsible."

Caught by surprise, Mark asked, "Then why did you put a move on my wife at the reunion?"

Now Tony looked surprised, "That's easy to answer. I was no longer afraid, my education was complete, my athletic career was over, and I had a great job. Remember, I said I wanted my cake and eat it too. Well it was time to get the cake. I wanted it all. 

"If I had any doubts, they were erased the moment I saw Steph that night. In that instant, along with the memories, I wanted her back, no matter what the cost. Mark, I am truly sorry for that."

"Tony, I'm a little confused. If that's true, then why didn't you try to get back with Steph after our separation?"

With a surprised look, Tony replied, "Evidently she didn't tell you Mark, but I did try. Let's have no misunderstanding though, I only called her because you were out of the picture. I learned my lesson the night of the reunion, which as I said, will never happen again."

"What do you mean you tried? Tony, if it's not too personal, I would truly like to know what happened."

"It's really no big deal, Mark. After I heard the two of you had split up, I just picked up the phone. After what happened at the reunion, Steph seemed surprised I would call, but even more so when I asked her out."

An overly anxious Mark quickly fired, "And what did she say."

"Well if Steph had accepted, it would be public knowledge and you wouldn't be asking. Your wife let me know that even though the two of you were separated, she was still a married woman and very much in love with her husband. Steph informed me the only desire she had was that you would eventually forgive her and the two of you could put your family back together.

"And that was it? You only called once?" Mark pressed the issue.

Tony frowned, "You know me better than that. But I did only call her twice. I gave it a rest for a few weeks and when the word was out the two of you were still separated, I tried again...."

"And?" Mark semi demanded.

"This time I was told in 'no uncertain terms' to never call again. I knew then she was loyal and serious about remaining faithful to you. It was at that point I decided to let Steph go... forever. Whatever we had before was over. I accepted that and have even moved on myself."

From the smile on Tony's face, Mark had to ask, "Oh yeah, in what way?"

"I'm happy to announce that as of last night, I am, or we, my fiancée and I, are now officially engaged. We have been dating for over a year and corny as it sounds, have fallen madly in love with each other. But this time, I know for a fact that it's true love. She's fantastic, what else can I say?"

"Anyone I know?" Mark asked.

Tony squirmed in his chair, then pleaded, "Now whatever you do, please don't get upset. She and I love each other very much and really believe that even though we discovered each other late, we were truly meant for each other."

Mark frowned, "Okay, but quit beating around the bush, who is she?"

With a grin, Tony proudly announced, "Kasey."

A feather could have knocked Mark over at that moment. But as he sat there for a few moments analyzing the two of them together, strangely, it slowly started to make perfect sense. 

Kasey had evidently given up on landing Mark. She had tried several times to get together with him, but between his daughter and school, he never seemed to have time for anything... or anyone else. 

As Mark sat reflecting on the chain of events, he recalled, 'I also had to finally face the fact, I still loved my wife. There was no room or desire to work someone else into my life. Damn there still isn't. It's going to take a lot longer than I ever realized to get over Steph."

Suddenly for the first time since their meeting started, Mark smiled as he offered his hand again and sincerely said, "Congratulations Tony. I'm truly happy for both of you and sincerely wish you the best."

Mark noticed Tony had a distracted look as they shook hands. "Is there something else?" He asked.

"I'm kind of surprised you didn't ask about my feelings for my daught... your daughter," Tony responded.

Shocked, Mark realized he hadn't even stopped to think Tony might actually care about his... their daughter. 'Damn, I don't know if I really want to go there,' Mark thought to himself. 'But it's a fact of life, and can't just be swept under the rug.'

"You're right, Tony. To me she has always been my daughter and I never think of you as her father. That's my fault."

Before he could say more, Tony interrupted, "Mark, rest assured, I would never and will never do anything to interrupt or interfere in your relationship with... your daughter. I do hope you understand though, that not being able to know or have any kind of meaningful relationship of my own with her is the most painful thing in my life. 

"I'll never repeat this again, but if you ever need any kind of help, financial or otherwise for her, please call me immediately." With that statement, Tony didn't cry, but he did shed a tear.

Mark was at a loss for words, then realized there was actually nothing more to be said about the subject. He nodded his head. 

After discussing the company and some mutual projects, they stood and shook hands one more time.

As Tony walked out the door, he thought, 'I've been wracking my head ever since the reunion. Trying to figure out who they, or should I say Richard, had selected to be our new CEO. At the time, no one, and I mean no one working here would, or could meet the standards, qualifications, and criteria needed. 

'Now I'll be damned if I didn't just have my first meeting with our future CEO,' Tony chuckled to himself. 'Mark will make a good one. Funny... the thought of him at the helm even makes me feel good about our company's future.'

**********

As Mark closed the door of his vehicle, he looked up the steps leading to the front doors of the Wetap mansion. 'Funny,' he thought, 'I remember the first time I climbed those steps. My dad came here for a job interview and he let me tag along. I was just a little kid. 

'While he was inside I sat out here waiting, right on these very steps. I never dreamed that behind those doors a job offer was being made which would end up determining my father's entire future. In turn, he probably didn't realize so much of my future was unconsciously being decided along with his. 

'Back then those doors looked so big. At the time I had no idea how big they truly were... and still are. Many lives besides ours have turned on their hinges.'

There was one other memory of that day. Mark recalled it with a bittersweet fondness. While waiting patiently for his dad to return, a little girl about his age came skipping up. She had been watching her feet and suddenly noticed him sitting there on the steps. 

Although startled at first, the little girl broke into a smile. After the smile came the sweetest sounding laughter Mark had ever heard... and then she said, "Hi. My name's Stephanie." 

He fell in love with her at that very moment and has been ever since. After shaking the heart rending memory from his head, Mark walked up the steps. 

Just then one of the doors swung open and he looked up to see Gordon smiling as always. Mark realized, 'I never noticed before, but he's really beginning to show his age.' Then he remembered, 'Gee, it's been over twenty years since Gordon first held that door for my dad.'

Suddenly Maria walked up and informed him, "Mark, Richard is expecting you, but Steph is in his office at the moment. Sorry for the inconvenience, but their business should be concluded shortly."

While sitting on the sofa in front of his employer's office, he noticed several pieces of luggage sitting in the foyer. 'They must belong to my wife and daughter, their flight is today. Richard is probably finalizing some last minute details since, technically, she will still be working for him.'

As the office door opened, Steph and his daughter walked out with Richard right behind them. She seemed very surprised to find her husband sitting there. As he stood up, his daughter shouted, "Daddy, daddy," and threw her arms around his waist.

"Well Steph," Richard said, "you've done an excellent job. And even though we'll miss you, I know your new employer will appreciate you just as much. Your taxi should be here any minute. Gordon will carry your luggage out, so relax, have a good trip, and don't worry. You'll do fine at your new job. I've already laid the ground work for your arrival."

Then turning to Mark, "I'm sure you want to say goodbye. So when you're finished, just come on in," he said before going back into his office.

Steph had that same longing look, but, as usual, smiled when she stepped forward and kissed him on the cheek. "Good luck and take care of yourself," Steph whispered in his ear.

Mark was fighting hard to hold back a flood of tears. It didn't help when his daughter, while still holding on, looked up and pleaded, "Daddy, I don't want to go, I don't want to leave you."

Looking down at her, Mark held back a half choke as he caressed the top of her head and said, "You can't let mommy go by herself. She needs you to help look after her."

Steph took their daughters hand and said, "Come on baby. Daddy has an appointment and we have to wait for the taxi."

After pulling himself together, Mark entered Richard's office and shut the door behind him. Taking a seat in front of his employer's desk, he said, "Richard.... First off I want you to know there's no way I can express all the gratitude I feel for what you have done for me and my family. We owe everything to you." 

"Well Mark, even though I do appreciate that, you don't owe me a thing."

"Yeah, I only wish that were true," the young man chuckled. "But I want you to know, whatever the tab is, it's worth it." 

"No, truly Mark, you don't owe me a thing. We're even."

Looking confused, he informed, "I'm referring to my school costs and family expenses, Richard. They must add up to a small fortune by now."

"It probably would have except for the fact that while working here, Steph has applied all her earnings toward your debt. I'm happy to inform you that she kept it paid in full while you were going to school, and even had a little left over. Enough to help her get set up when she starts her new job." 

"Paid in full?" Mark inquired in shock.

"Every cent," Richard replied with a smile.

"But... but no one told me a thing," Mark stammered.

"That was at her request," his employer replied, "as you know, when people request confidentiality, I respect their wishes. Now, if you have nothing else, I think the taxi has arrived and I'd like to see your wife and daughter off."

As they came out the front doors, Mark noticed that Amber and Daryl had joined them to say goodbye. When Gordon picked up Steph's bags, she took her daughter's hand and they followed him to the taxi. They stood patiently waiting while he loaded their luggage. 

After shutting the trunk, the taxi driver opened the back door for them. Their daughter turned and ran back up the steps, throwing her arms around Mark once more. Hugging him with all her might, she said, "Please daddy, I love you. I don't want to lose you." 

With tears in his eyes, Mark dropped to one knee and squeezed her tight, "You might be leaving sweetheart, but you will never lose me. I love you too much, I'll always be there for you." 

Steph said, "Come on baby, we have to go, it's time." Still crying, their daughter returned to her mother who helped her into the taxi. Before getting into the cab Steph turned, giving her husband one last soulful look. Then with obvious reluctance, she joined her daughter in the backseat and said, "Thank you," to the driver as he shut the door behind them. 

Standing beside Daryl, in front of Richard and Amber, Mark was stoically suppressing an almost uncontrollable desire to shout, "STOP, wait, this is all wrong." Instead, he just looked on as his wife and daughter strained to get one last glimpse of him before the taxi started driving away. 

Richard waited until Mark's misty eyes turned to look up at him, "Isn't this where the good gentleman is supposed to go running after the nice lady? In this case a fantastic one, well worth chasing in my opinion."

"If it weren't for that damned scrapbook," Mark mumbled, but not quite to himself.

Amber had been standing with her free arm behind her back. As she brought it around, they noticed her hand was holding what appeared to be a jar of ashes. "You mean the scrapbook that has been nothing but ashes since the night of the reunion when Steph burned it?"

Soon as he looked at the jar, Mark turned, bounded down the steps, and bolted for his vehicle. Jumping into the driver's seat, he started the engine and at the same time punched the speed dial on his phone. 

After two rings Mark recognized the familiar sound of Steph's message service and mentally cursed, 'Damn it.' Then in desperation he tossed the phone into the passenger seat and took off in pursuit of the taxi which was slowly disappearing around the first curve. 

As Mark neared the turn, he began slowing down. Suddenly with a loud 'bang' his vehicle almost swerved out of control. Barely able to guide it to the side of the road, Mark jumped out only to find that one of his front tires had blown. 

This time he couldn't help cursing out loud as he yelled, 'GODDAMN IT ALL TO HELL,' while kicking the tire.

Then, without thinking, reacting more out of emotional frustration than anything else, Mark took off after the taxi on foot. After rounding the curve, he was running all out, waving his arms and shouting, "STOP, Stop... oh god, please stop." Just when Mark didn't need it, an excruciating runner's pain flared in his side. 

All of a sudden he was awash with a feeling of hopelessness while helplessly watching the tail end of the taxi slowly begin to fade in the distance. Tears started running down his face as a slight sob escaped his lips. Mark slowed to a trot while he squeezed his side in a tight grip trying to ease the pain. 

Just as he was about to give up and stop, Mark saw the glow of brake lights come on in the distance. In spite of the pain, with renewed hope he took off in a dead run.

**********

Amber stood grinning as both men slipped their hands into their pockets and retrieved their respective money clips. Daryl peeled off a single bill and handed it to her. She couldn't resist a slight chuckle and said, "Thank you." 

Richard held his bill, each end clasped between a thumb and index finger. He snapped the bill a couple of times before asking, "And just how did you know Mark would go after her?" 

Even though holding the cane in her hand, Amber was still able to reach around and snatch the bill out of his grasp while giggling, "Thank you kind sir." 

Then still grinning, she answered, "Because I always bet on true love. It has never let me down. And since it always prevails, I can't lose. Now, would you two gentlemen like a chance at double or nothing?"

"Oh lord, what are we betting on this time?" her husband asked.

"Whether or not Mark will catch up with the taxi," his wife replied with a big smile as her eyebrows bounced up and down a couple of times.

Daryl enthusiastically responded, "If you are betting he will, I'll take some of that action. Mark may be young and in good shape, but that taxi is already winding out to about forty-five miles per hour headed for the main highway."

Richard was a little more skeptical, "I'm going to take the bet, but as much as I love you, I don't trust you. I'd be willing to bet that you, my love, have something up your sleeve," he laughed.

Amber snapped her fingers, "Pay up, both of you."

Her husband burst out laughing and said, "I knew it."

Daryl immediately interjected, "Wait a minute, we haven't lost the bet yet."

"Oh yes you have. George and his crew have the road blocked with their backhoe just before you get to the main highway. I already had it arranged," now it was Amber's turn to laugh.

Daryl chuckled as he handed her another bill. Richard did one of his notorious smiles as he asked, "Are those really the ashes of some scrapbook?"

"What ashes? Oh you mean these," Amber said while holding the jar up high for all to see. "I don't know what would ever give you that idea," she said laughing.




The Scrapbook



"Didn't you tell Mark those were the ashes left over after his wife burned some scrapbook?" Daryl asked.

"You must be hearing things. Steph told me years ago how upset her husband was over a scrapbook. All I said was that she had burned it immediately after returning home that night from the reunion. 

"Don't tell me that you thought these were the actual ashes? Surely I didn't give that impression. Why, these are nothing more than some left over ashes after cleaning out one of our fireplaces. I was on my way to throw them in the trash," Amber devilishly laughed.

Both men joined her, laughing out loud as Richard added, "You are so devious, did you pick that trait up while living on the streets?"

"Nope, that comes from being a helpless romantic. What I learned on the streets was how to set up suckers to win their money. Now pay up, a bet is a bet."

Richard started to peel off another bill then handed her the entire money clip and all. "You'll just end up winning it anyway," he said with another of his loving smiles. His wife melted into his arms as they lovingly held each other tight.

"We are going to keep the jar of ashes," her husband informed her with a warm smile. "It will be another fantastic story to tell our grandchildren." 

"And the point of the story will be?" Amber quizzically grinned.

"How only you, their bewitching grandmother, could make true love rise and take flight from a jar of worthless ashes." With a loving smile, Richard added, "That in itself, is miraculous." 

"Hear, hear," Daryl added in fascination.

**********

As the taxi slowly rolled to a complete stop, Steph wondered, 'What is going on?' 

There was a backhoe blocking their path. With its bucket and scoop fully extended, it stretched clear across the roadway between the fences on each side. 

Steph watched as George meandered over, his slow gait didn't surprise her. She smiled and thought, 'He's never hurried to anything in his life. But like everyone else, I think the world of him. His slow, laid back, casual attitude belies his ability to get things done.' 

The taxi driver rolled down his window and asked, "What's going on, I need to get this lady to the airport." 

George leaned against the taxi driver's door, spit out his toothpick, and said, "Sorry for the delay, but we should be finished very shortly. And trust me, when we're done, everyone will end up where they belong." 

Glancing down the road, George tapped on the back door window. The driver looked at Steph, she said, "It's okay, lower it."

As the power window went down, George leaned over and asked, "Did you forget some baggage, Steph?" 

Noticing his eyes were fixed on something back down the road, she testily inquired, "What are you talking about George?"

"Well either you forgot something important when you left or you stole someone's wallet, because no one runs that fast without a damn good reason," George implied.

Spinning around, Steph and her daughter saw Mark in the distance running, waving, and shouting. 

"OH GOD MARK, HANG ON BABY, I'M COMMING," Steph screamed as she immediately started fumbling with the door handle, panicking to get out. George reached down and started opening the door for her, but not fast enough. 

Steph literally finished kicking the door open and bailed out, almost falling, forgetting she was wearing high heels. Hopping on one foot at a time, Steph jerked her shoes off and threw them in the ditch as she broke into a full run, screaming and crying at the top of her lungs all the way. 

As he watched her running to him, Mark was now able to slow down, the pain in his side had become unbearable. As Steph got closer he realized she wasn't going to stop. Moving over to the side of the road, Mark stood in the grass, waiting.

Still crying and screaming, Steph leaped the last few feet. Mark did his best to catch her as they went tumbling to the ground. 

With her husband pinned beneath her, Steph grabbed his face and glued her lips to his as their love poured out. Between their sobs and whimpers the kiss was almost impossible to maintain. But after four years of pent up passion, neither was willing to break the connection, both fought with their very souls to keep it going. 

They knew it was much more than just a kiss. It was a rekindling of all their hopes, dreams, and desires, which along with their love, grew stronger with every passing second. 

**********

Meanwhile, in the back seat of the taxi, a very frightened pair of young eyes had watched as her mother went crying and screaming down the road. Slowly edging over to the door, she glanced nervously up at George. 

Seeing the scared young face staring up at him, George gave her a questioning look. 

"Are my mommy and daddy going to be alright?" She asked on the verge of tears.

After seriously pondering the situation for a moment, he replied, "I think for the first time in their lives, your mommy and daddy are going to be a lot more than just ALRIGHT."

Timidly she asked, "Do you think it would be okay if I went to check on them?"

Through misty eyes, George replied, "It's not only okay, but I think you should go check on them," as he once more reached down and opened the door.

After gently slipping off the edge of the seat, Steph and Mark's daughter took a few slow hesitant steps in the direction of her mom and dad. It reminded George of how someone would act if they were trying to sneak away without being noticed. A couple of steps later she picked up speed. Then, evidently feeling she'd finally distanced herself enough, broke into a full run.

As he watched her chasing down the road after her mother, George thought, 'Girl, I don't think they know it. But right now, they need you more than they ever needed anything in their life.' Then reflecting on his own family, he realized, 'Kids... the ties that bind.' 

**********

As Mark lay on the ground, he had to ask, "One question, what about that damn scrapbook? I'll never be able to forgive or forget that."

Lying against his side, propped up on one elbow, Steph's free hand was stroking his hair. She lovingly looked down at him and replied, "Then you'll just have to hang on to your memories, because the night of the reunion, the first thing I did when I got home, I burned it. Nothing will ever rise out of those ashes. They were swept out with the trash years ago. 

"I do have a new one though. It has all the accomplishments of the father of my kids."

"Kids?" he asked.

"I do believe it's time we seriously consider extending our family," Steph added.

Mark asked, "You think our daughter needs a little sister?"

"Nope," she said, "I think a little brother is more in order, one who's just as wonderful as her dad."

He lost his smile.

"No Mark, don't go there. Never let that thought cross your mind again." Steph stressed the point, "You are her father, always have been, and always will be."

At that moment, their daughter came running up, "Daddy are you okay?" 

"Now, do you have any doubts?" Steph smiled as tears rolled down both their cheeks. She turned to hold out her free arm to their little girl, who with a laugh and giggle, squealed as she jumped on top of them. All three laughed, hugged, and kissed. 

Watching, George thought, 'Now that's the way a loving family should be.' 

As he turned to signal his crew to move the backhoe, they were shocked. None of them had ever seen George smile before. 

*********** ********** ********** ********** 

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