Date: Wed, 5 Nov 2008 11:21:33 -0500
From: lila_is@live.ca
Subject: Steppin' Out -/highschool/Book 3/Chapters 16-18

This is a series of works of gay erotic fiction. If you are offended by
such material or if you are not allowed access to it under the laws where
you live, please exit now.

This work is copyrighted by the author and LBL Services Canada. 1990-2008

and may not be copied or distributed in any form without the written
permission of the author, who may be contacted at: lila_is@live.ca

Any and all celebrities mentioned in this story have no affiliation to this
piece of writing and I make no claim to their person as my own. All
Mentioned places and people are factious and any bearing resemblance to
anyone person or place is purley coincidental

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

INTRODUCTION:

Steppin' Out (Book 3) On the straight and Narrow - Copyright 1997-2008
By Lila Mosher Full series already E-published on line, if you wish
to read it all in it's entiriety please Mail Lila and ask for the link thanks.

A love lost, a love gained, two families
become closer as a third is added
to the extended family tree Aikrii and Mani
have created for themselves. Even through
the sorrow each love thrives to florish
to the best it can be. A tear jerker so
be sure to have lots of tissues!


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

Thanks to ALL who have mailed me already due to book 1's listing, the
responses are amazing, I can't believe some have already ready all THREE
books!  (on line) The books main web site has hit an all time high of
45-50000 page hits respectivilly each month and it's mainly due to the
listing here in Nifty, thanks Also note if you read the books on line
there IS a forum for fans to post comments in :D So please by all means
use it to have your say about what you read or mail me :D either way is great.



Please enjoy book 3 ...keep watching here for
the next chapters to be posted, ALL will be
listed here in due time, thanks again everyone!!!

PS summer vacation is almost over and to those
who read all my stuff on line so far, I WILL
be back to writing SOON (2nd week of September)
so keep your eyes out on the series main web site
you'll see book 4 and 5 getting compleated :D
enjoy what I have now and PLEASE post in the
forums I LOVE to hear from fans, really I do! :)

Lila


Chapter 16 -- Rock-a-bye Baby
***************************

February came to Kearney and Shore Road with a gust and a flurry mess of
snow, for three days it snowed and Nye was stuck at home helping out with
the shoveling which seemed to be an endless non stop task.

"Holy shit is it ever gonna end?" he asked his brother as he and Mani
shoveled out the private walk to his place for like the fifth time that
day. They had already done the main walk to the house and the plow had been
through twice already today.

"I hope it does soon" Mani said looking up at the dark clouds. "I'm on the
verge of a heart attack with all this shoveling." He took off his hat and
wiped his brow he was sweating from the exertion but at least he wasn't
cold.

"Ahh you're just getting old bro!" Nye said laughing his ass off as his
brother stood there slacked jawed and totally shocked at Nye's joking
comment.

"Ahh I see I got you." He snickered as his brother threw a snowball at him.

"You turd I'll get you for that." Mani laughed as the snowball fight
ensued. It lasted only a short time before Mardi poked her head out the
door and called them both in for hot chocolate so they could warm up.

"I just listened to the weather station and it seems there's more snow on
the way guys so I guess we best wait till it's stopped before you both go
out to freeze your asses off again."

Mani chuckled, "We have to keep it up, you could pop any day now." He said
nodding towards the tiny womans massive belly, she had exploded in the last
month and was nearly as round as she was tall. Sefron kept telling her she
was going to be able to roll to bed at night at the rate she was going. She
got mean when he did that but it was a playful mean.

"Well if worse came to worse Aikrii could always call a chopper in." Mardi
laughed as Mani looked amused at the concept of Mardi being air lifted from
the house to get to the hospital.

"Don't worry Mani, women give birth at home quite often, if it happens
we're prepared Sefron made sure of it."  She kissed his cheek and rubbed
her belly watching little miss Faith wiggle her foot across her mom's
belly.  Mardi giggled as she felt her moving.

"I have things to do guys, no more pulverizing each other with snowballs
now ok. Oh and if Sefron calls from work tell him to bring home some apple
pie, I've got a hankerin' of a craving as Sefron calls it and this one
wants me to fill it." She rubbed her belly chuckled as she went up stairs
to do laundry.

"Should she be doing house work so close to her due date?" Nye asked Mani a
bit concerned.

"It's called the 'nesting' instinct, it happens just before a little one is
born, kind of an animal instinct, let her be you'll only piss her off if
you keep her from doing what she thinks needs to be done, mom warned me
about this." Mani finished off his drink and rinsed his cup and put it in
the dishwasher. He walked over to the phone and called Aikrii at work.

"Hey sexy" he smiled at the phone when Mani called him that. "Hey hun,
everything ok at home?" He asked as he typed out a new string of coding
into the program he was working on.

"Yes just fine, I was calling to see if you're coming home early, just
heard we have another mess of snow coming and I don't want to have to get
the dog team out there to get you." He chuckled at his own joke. Aikrii
smiled at the comment.

"Worried about me baby?" He asked.

"I don't want cold feet making me squeal tonight dear." Mani said with a
chuckle.

Aikrii looked at the phone with a cocky smile and said "Ok babe just for
that I'm gonna have to ice cube you into submission."

Mani eeped over the phone at the concept of being frozen to death. "No
thanks hun, I much rather warmth.  So when you coming home?"

Aikrii looked at his watch, it was Friday and he had been into the office
all week with no issues thou the snow had been a bitch to get
through...'fuck it' he though. He flicked off his computer after saving his
work. "I'll be home in about thirty minutes ok hun, keep them buns warm for
me." He smiled as he hung up and went to go grab his jacket. On his way out
Troy stopped him and asked him how his latest product was coming along.

"Well actually, I had an issue with a string earlier but managed to see my
typing error in the basic programming, never thought that a simple command
could be such a pain in the ass," he chuckled as he scratched his head. "So
how's life on your end?" He asked Troy.

"Oh very well thanks, we're launching your last product this month and
here's hoping we make as much as we did last year on your translator." Troy
beamed he loved it when his company got top of the line products especially
ones Aikrii created, he was such an innovative person. "So, your foster
daughter, Becky is it? Hows that going along?"

Aikrii beamed he adored that kid and was tickled pink over her as she
progressed not only in school but as a family member, she was even starting
to 'show' and Aikrii and Mani coddled her and she told them it drove her
nuts. He told try that he was pleased to know that the adoption had gone
through in less than two months and that was only because her parents gave
social services permission to pass her on to them soul custody no questions
asked. He wasn't pleased they gave up on her so easily but he was more than
happy to give her what her parents apparently were unwilling to do for her.

"I'm glad to hear she's fitting in so well, when is she due?" Troy asked

"Well last we had her checked she was about fifteen or sixteen weeks along,
her exact conception date is iffy, but we have been told around the end of
July." Aikrii was looking forward to that as well as the planned second
honeymoon he had planned for Mani this summer.

"Anyway boss man I have a hubby at home looking for me to get there before
he has to send a dog sled team through the snow to rescue me so I shall
toddle off here and I'll try to be in on Monday I want to get this last
product done so when the prototype comes out I can take my vacation time in
July, I have big plans and I don't want to see them muffed up." He smiled
and waved to Troy as he left the office eager to get home to the love of
his life.

"She is acting all weird" Selina said to Nye in agreement as she watched
Mardi flit through the house like she was on a caffeine boost. Just
watching her Selina was getting tired.

"I don't know what got into her she hasn't stopped since yesterday. Sefron
tried to stop her and he got nailed, I think it's the first time I've ever
seen her so off her norm." Nye was getting concerned but Sefron walked in
and had her apple pie she had asked for earlier that day so here was a
hopeful reprieve to her 'nesting' frenzy.

Sefron stopped by the table and set down the pie and looked at
Nye. "Worried huh?"

"Yeah, hows your arm from yesterday?" He asked him recalling how Mardi had
actually smacked him.

"I'll live, she's small, hormonal and feisty but her slaps are like those
of large mosquitoes, no big deal, I can handle her." He chuckled his hearty
chuckle and as soon as Mardi flitted by him he scooped her up, much to her
protesting and firmly planted a kiss on her lips while she beat on his
shoulders. He chuckled even more.

"Umm, my kitten is getting claws huh?" He waited till she stopped
squirming.

Mardi stopped and she sighed. She was feeling off and she knew it but
seeing Sefron made her calm some.  "I'm so sorry hun, I don't know what's
gotten into me, I want to scream and cry and hell I don't know."  She
sighed again and rested her head against his shoulder.

"I brought you pie." He said, his deep voice lulling her into her comfort
state. She looked over and saw it on the counter and smiled and then kissed
him for the kindness he still gave to her even when she was being so bitchy
to him.

"Thanks baby." She wiggled again wanting down, she was craving this all day
and wanted some now.

He divvied the pie up to her and everyone else, Sefron was worried, he
never seen her like this but he was quiet about his concerns he would watch
her for the next few days and see how things went.  When she was done
eating she noticed she looked very tired and he insisted on taking her up
for a nap.

"I got stuff to do Sef, I don't want to sleep." She said trying her
damnedest to keep him from coddling her like a child.

"I understand you have things to do, but you're also ready to go any day
now and if you wear yourself thin you'll have to have a C-section if you
can't deliver our angel on your own. Is that something you want to do?" He
waited for her to answer, instead she caved and let him lead her to their
room.

Once there there she got a bit more energized thou and flirted with him.

"Your being so wonderful baby." She smiled and kissed him and waited for
him to melt like he always did.  "I'm sorry if I am so cranky, I feel so
huge." She looked at her belly and grimaced, she couldn't even see her feet
anymore. He tucked himself up beside her as she crawled into bed. He rubbed
her belly ever so slowly making her moan with pleasure. She kissed him
again, with more urgency.

"Are you ok to play around?" He asked her

"I can't see why not, not like I've gone into labor or anything, besides I
might sleep better."  She grinned her sweet wicked little grin and half ass
pounced on him, well as best as she could considering her awkward size, she
always choose top now days since it gave her more control over their love
making.

She had him moaning in pleasure within minutes and he was stroking her
belly which only encouraged her to push on more. She climaxed before he did
and the rippling sensations that she caused on him was enough to bring him
over the edge. He shouted her name as he held on to her keeping her from
moving anymore. Warmth spread throughout her and she sighed in
satisfaction. It didn't last long that time around but she didn't care, she
was however sated and now happily tired out. He kissed her belly and her
breasts and and then her lips last as she slid from his lap. He smiled she
was glowing more now than she had been earlier and she looked pleasantly
happy. He tucked her in against his chest and wrapped his arm around her
belly, even thou it was only around supper time he drifted off to sleep
with her. He smiled as he fell asleep he loved moments like this.

Mani looked out the door at the swirling mess that was floating to the
ground at a fast paced rate.

"I think we should make sure we have candles and some water bottled up" He
said to Aikrii who had only gotten home about ten minutes before the storm
hit them. They were standing facing the patio window door Aikrii was
wrapped in Mani's arms gathering the warmth from him after battling the
elements, it was cold out as well as messy.

"I'll go check the basement for the propane stove to, we might need it if
this keeps up." He kissed Aikrii's cheek and let him go and headed to the
basement. Aikrii just stood there staring at the mess that was coming down
with a vengeance. Nye walked into the living room and noticed his brother
in law looking out the window.

"Sure looks rotten doesn't it." He stuffed his hands in his pocket and
stared.

"I think I should call the plows again and make sure they keep the roads
plowed here as much as possible, call it a hunch." Aikrii said looking over
at Nye.

Nye was wondering why he had said that but he was sure Aikrii was smart
enough to do what he thought was right.  It wasn't even ten minutes that
Mani was back from hauling stuff up from the basement and filling the water
jugs that the power went out.

"Now how ironic is that?" Mani said as the pump in the house stopped
working. "Glad you called that one Aikrii."  He said over his shoulder as
he put the lid on the bottle.

"Mom use to always say, be prepared as it's when you least expect it that
crap happens. I guess she was right."  He smiled back at Mani who walked
towards him. "I think we'll have to start the fireplace soon to we don't
want it to get too cold in here."

"Thank god for propane." Mani said as Nye went over to check the
thermostat. "It's still reading twenty three degrees Celsius in here, do
you want me to turn it on now?" He asked.

"Might as well, least the house won't get chilled enough to worry about it
later." Aikrii said as he turned back to look out the window. Mani returned
to standing and snuggling behind him. Nye flitted around the house putting
up candles and lighting a few. He found the hurricane lanterns and lit them
as well. He managed to get upstairs and knock on Mardi and Sefron's
place. Sefron answered the door.

"Damn it's dark." Sefron said.

"Yeah power is out, you two ok?" Nye asked.

"Yep." He looked back into the apartment to see if Mardi had come out of
their room but she was asleep when he got up. "I think she's still sleeping
she was pretty wiped when I finally got her to crash."

"Well if you need anything call down to Aikrii's cell he has it on him and
I have mine to, the house phone is out."  Nye passed him two flashlights
and went back down stairs.  *********************************************


Becky was scared shit less, the power went out on her way home and she had
no idea if they were going to make it.  Her friend Marie's mom Anita could
hardly see out the car window and with the street lights all off she had to
be super careful.

"We'll make it little one don't worry" Anita said smiling to the young lady
in the back seat.

Anita took nearly two hours to get home from Kevin's place. A trip that
usually only takes thirty minutes.  They arrived and Anita punched the
number to Aikrii's cell into her own. She greeted Aikrii on the other end
and told him she was in the driveway with Becky that she would have to stay
with them since it was almost impossible to travel now. Aikrii and Mani
both met them at the door and ushered them in quickly.

"I think when we redo the place with the guests home Aikrii we should add a
damn garage as well." Mani grumbled as he wiped the snow from his head.

"Hun we'd loose the side porch since the only place we could put it would
be through the kitchen that is unless we chopped down the tree by Nye's
place and built a full porch cover from the garage to the foyer doors."
Aikrii waited to see if Mani was serious when he got

"Anything would be better than a mess like this" Aikrii knew he was just
grumbling. Aikrii didn't think a full garage was needed anyway, at least
not yet.

Becky hugged Aikrii and then Mani in turn. She was happy to be home safe
and sound. Anita brushed off her head as well and smiled at Mani and Aikrii

"I must call Master Trask and let him know it's not possible for my
return. Is there somewhere in private I can make my call?" She asked

Aikrii showed her the guest room and told her the room would also serve as
her sleeping quarters till she could return to the Trask home.

"Much appreciated Mr. Oratii" She said bowing.

"Oh gosh, Anita don't bow dear, You're a guest here not a maid in our home
ok." He smiled warmly at the older lady who was sort of baffled since she
was so use to always being in 'service' mode. It's all she knew. She smiled
back and said she'd try her best to be a guest. Aikrii chuckled realizing
she probably didn't feel any different here than at Kevin's place.

Anita returned to the kitchen about ten minutes later and thanked Aikrii
for the use of the room.

"No problem!" He said "I wouldn't want to see you try to get back home in
this mess."

"Yes, Master Trask said the same. He was worried I didn't make it here and
was trying to call, I guess he forgot the house phones out this way die
when the power goes."

"Must have." Aikrii said looking back out the window again, the snow was
finally easing up. He picked up his cell again an dialed out. He was making
sure the plows would be by before retiring tonight he didn't want to take
any chances.

It was only seven thirty in the evening, Becky was starved she went to find
her dads after she had gone to get change into something less wet and
cold. Carefully feeling her way back down the stairs with a small flash
light she found them in the kitchen. Aikrii was just hanging up his phone
when she walked in.

"I'm hungry." She said.

"Oh I can whip up some stuff for everyone." Anita said "I don't get to cook
often since Francis took over the kitchen back home" She smiled at Aikrii
and waved him away when he protested at the offer.

"Nonsense, you let me stay I will cook." With that she took the propane
stove and a few pans and went nuts cooking for them all. It was the
delicious smells of sauteing onions and green peppers along with hamburger
that woke Mardi from her sleep. She rolled over and noticed how dark it
was. Sefron was sitting up in bed beside her reading a book by flashlight.

"Is the power out?" Mardi asked

"Yeah for about a half hour now. You sound refreshed, how do you feel?" He
looked at her holding the light up and over his head so not to blind her
but so he could also get a better view of her.

"My tummy's a bit on a roller coaster but I'll live." She smiled "I think
I'm hungry thats why, I smell something good to." She slid from their bed
"Come on I need light and I want food."

Sefron chuckled and followed his lovely wife. He was getting hungry as well
and the delicious smells were making his tummy growl as well. He wondered
if it was Mani cooking or Becky. He was surprised to see it wasn't either.

"Wow, something sure smells good" Mardi said as she walked into the
kitchen. She took a deep breath of the wondrous smells. She looked over to
the candle lit kitchen area to see Anita from Kevin's place cooking up a
storm.

"Oh! You got stranded here?" She asked.

"Yes, too much snow, I almost didn't make it here, wasn't going back, sit
there will be plenty in a few minutes." Anita gestured to the stools around
the island table that was in the middle of the kitchen, she was a bit put
off at how close it was to the sink and made the comment off hand, that was
when Aikrii smiled and he and Mani went to either end and put their foot
into the small hole at the base and pushed down, two sets of wheels lowered
as it raised the island, which was now mobile.

"There now you can push it to where you want it to be." Aikrii said
smiling.

"Oh my! What a fantastic idea, who came up with that?" She was looking down
and still impressed at the concept.

"Aikrii did, he's always inventing ways to make things easier on
people. This in just one of them."  Mani smiled giving Aikrii a hug he was
always proud of Aikrii's accomplishments.

"Such a fantastic idea, it should be marketed." She said looking at the
young man

"Oh it is. Jeff Wonder's uses it as part of his designs when people ask for
an island very few turn it down once they know how it works."

"How do you get it to go back down? She asked

"There's a release button under the cabinet. It's all done with simple
hydraulics." Aikrii explained showing her where the release button was. She
was still impressed. She finished making supper which turned out to be a
wicked homemade spaghetti sauce and noodles. Mardi wolfed down two plates
and Aikrii even went for seconds thou he didn't finish his second plate he
was mighty stuffed. Becky to finished two plates off. All sat in the living
room around the fireplace as it heat the room.

"Man that was good." Sefron burped and it made Becky giggle and his wife
give him a dirty look.

"Hey! What?" He said looking at her. "He's got Italian heritage, if I don't
burp it's rude!"

"He didn't cook" Mardi pointed out. Sefron was licked he excused himself
but still smirked, that was one of his best burps yet. Aikrii chuckled and
Nye was still laughing his ass off.  Mani snuggled in against Aikrii's side
as he watched Anita and Becky play cards on the floor by the fire
place. Sefron was holding Mardi in his lap when she yelped and grabbed her
belly.

"Oh shit, you ok?" He asked her rubbing her belly, he then felt how hard
her belly was.

Mardi panted relaxed and nodded. "Wow bad boot, I think baby face here is
over excited over supper."  She grinned again. And laid back against him
again. Anita looked over at the tiny lady in concern.

"You sure you're ok?"

"Oh yes, I'm fine." Mardi did relax again and Selina brought over a blanket
to her and Sefron.  Mardi fell asleep in his lap within minutes.

"She's been over working herself and not sleeping much, I'm glad to see her
sleeping now."  Sefron said while stroking her hair. "I'm going to get her
upstairs ok, Aikrii can you help with the light?"

"I will" Anita offered seeing that Aikrii and Mani were comfortable.

"Thanks Anita" Sefron smiled as he shimmied his arms around his wife and
easily lifted her up.  Even pregnant she was light. Anita took the lantern
with her as she followed the couple up stairs.  She left it with Sefron and
made her way down on her own, being use to navigating in the dark at
Kevin's home on many occasions when he was young and had wandered helped
her master the dark.

She made it back to the living room and looked out the window to the snow,
not even nine pm and it was pitch black out. She looked over at Mani and
Aikrii who were now on the floor with Becky playing as a team a game of go
fish with Nye and Selina. Becky was sitting on Mani's lap pulling out the
cards that had been called she was giggling happily. Anita was pleased to
see that Marie's friend had found herself a place to be that was
safe. Anita looked back at the snow and sighed, at least it stopped. The
plow went by which perked her up, she was missing her own home. She flipped
open her cell and dialed out to her daughter and wandered to the guest room
so she could talk to her.

"Stay there mama, it's still much too slippery to be on the road. I want
you to promise me" Her daughter said when her mom called and told her she
was thinking of coming home.  Anita sighed she wouldn't hear the end of it
if Master Trask heard she did something foolish and being an example for
her daughter she promised to stay put. She hung up her phone and wandered
back out to the living room. Becky was hugging Aikrii and saying good
night.  She looked over at Anita and asked her

"Can you walk me upstairs with the lamp, I don't need it to stay in the
room."

"Sure hun, my pleasure." Anita smiled

Becky hugged Mani and kissed his cheek he gave the girl a squeeze back and
told her to sleep well.  She walked towards Anita and said good night to
Selina and Nye on her way out. Selina gave her a quick hug to. Anita took
the lamp and brought it upstairs with her getting Becky tucked into bed and
then she went back down to the rest of the homes occupants.

"I think I will retire to" Anita said, it's getting late and I don't
normally get to go to bed early so I shall take advantage if this
opportunity. She smiled as she laid the lantern on the coffee table.
"Thanks for your hospitality Aikrii and Mani, it's been a pleasure." She
bowed as she was use to doing and left to go to the guest room for the
night. Selina being the helpful one she was scooped up the lantern and
followed her and helped her get to her room safely.

Selina returned to the living room with a smile. "I like her Aikrii, she's
so mild mannered. Ever think of hiring someone like her on a more permanent
basis here? It would help when all the kids that you plan on having are
here." She giggled as he smiled at her comment about kids.

"I've thought about it a few times actually, but then I think where would
we put them."

"Ummm, that might be a bit easier than you think." She blushed and kind of
sputtered, she had something to say and Aikrii knew it.

"How's that?" Aikrii asked as Mani looked at his brother a bit confused but
he had two clues what was coming.

"Ummm..." Nye looked over at Selina and just shot out what needed to be
said "We're going to be moving out in April to our own place bro I hope
this isn't an issue."

"Nope no issue" Mani said to his brother "I knew it would possibly come
since you two plan on getting married."  Aikrii was a bit sad thou and they
could see it in his eyes.

"Oh Aikrii..." Selina went to him and hugged him "We'll still be close by"
She pulled back and looked at him "Twenty one Shore Road went up for sale
last month, I bought it but it won't be finished with the planned
renovations till April so we won't be far ok." She kissed his forehead and
he smiled he was happier now.  "Your such a romantic you know that?" He
smiled and blushed again.

She had him pegged right, if he could keep everyone he loved or cared about
in one huge home he would but even he knew that it wasn't always
possible. He hugged Selina back. "OK but you better come visit lots ok.
Now as for a maid I think Mani and I should talk about that." He looked
over at Mani "Think we should have a live in?"

Mani didn't mind doing dishes, he loved to cook and laundry wasn't that big
of a chore, he'd been doing it all along most of his single life, he use to
help his mom a lot as well but it would be nice since they could afford to
have someone do the tasks for them. He looked over at Aikrii.

"Double the laundry load with an infant right?"

Aikrii nodded, "Last I heard it can be like that."

"I'll still be able to steal the kitchen?" Aikrii chuckled at the question
and walked over to him and hugged him around his waist.

"I'm sure whom ever we hire will be willing to have a day off and let you
take over if you so choose to do so."  Aikrii kissed his nose.

"Then if you think having a live in housekeeper will help then by all
means, but will we do it now or after Nye and Selina move out?" Mani looked
around and thought that it would be nice to have one around now since Mardi
was due soon.

"We'll hire now and let them use the guest room till Nye and Selina move
out, it's not an issue I don't think, I'll talk to Kevin I'm sure he'd have
a good one he could refer us for hiring." Aikrii smiled as Mani relaxed and
Selina and Nye felt better knowing that their moving wasn't going to be a
big issue. In fact after the housekeeper issue was talked through Aikrii
and Mani congratulated them both and Selina showed them pictures of her new
home that she had gotten from the real estate agent who turned out to be
the same lady who had sold them their house. Her home was beautiful and
large. Mani was impressed he had seen the house a few times when he had
driven past it but never suspected it was so big. He passed back the papers
and again congratulated her on her purchase.

The snow had all but stopped it was quiet in the Oratii-Tskii home. The
power had returned around midnight and Aikrii's calls had lead to the roads
to his place being plowed out often and it was a good thing as at four am
in the morning Aikrii and Mani were abruptly awoken. Sefron busted into
their room.

"Gotta go! Waters broke! Baby time!" He flew off on a tizzy Mardi was
calmly walking down the steps when Mani poked his head out the door while
Sefron was whizzing about like a lunatic. Aikrii slipped into his housecoat
as he walked down towards Mardi who had stopped on the step while having a
contraction. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder steadying her.

Aikrii looked at Mani. "Go get Anita ok I think we'll need her."

Mani hurried down the steps and got Anita who returned abruptly. "I had a
feeling this was going to happen just from what was said." She took the
lead and managed to get her down stairs and made her sit.

"Call an ambulance Mani." Anita directed.

"Aikrii grab her jacket ok and her boots help get them on." She looked at
Sefron and reached out to grab him

"What are you doing?" She asked him.

"Bags, car seat and health cards." He rambled.

"Good you're done now sit with her till the ambulance gets here, encourage
her to breath."  Anita got up and placed what Sefron had gathered at the
front door. Aikrii had gotten her boots on her feet and they were slipping
on her jacket when the ambulance showed.

"Everything will be ok" Anita assured Sefron who still looked a little
lost. "Aikrii, Mani you can go follow them if you wish I'll stay for Becky
if you need me to."

Aikrii was excited as much as Sefron was and Mani was ecstatic so when she
offered they jumped at it.  Hugging her quickly they grabbed their own
stuff and headed off to follow the ambulance to the hospital.
*****************************


Canadian hospitals were always accommodating which always pleased Sefron
not to mention Aikrii and Mani who were privileged to be there when
Sefron's daughter was born.

Sefron held her hand and Mani was wiping her brow off with a damp cloth
Aikrii was holding her other
 hand talking to her, Mardi was quite pleasant and didn't say much of
anything she just concentrated on having her baby, Aikrii was impressed at
how strong she was.

"Push! Count to ten...hold it...Good! Breath. Again!" The OBGYN encouraged
her to keep up the pace and at 6:12 am on February seventh of 2009, Faith
Susan Richa Nairs was born weighing a whooping eight pounds and three
ounces. She was medium complected and had so much hair it could be braided
immediately.  She was laid on Mardi's belly who immediately kissed her head
and smiled she looked at her hubby and said.

"Look at the beautiful life we made together." He smiled he was so
happy. He reached over to the beautiful little girl and touched her cheek.

"Hi baby girl I'm your daddy." he sucked in a breath of sheer joy when she
opened her eyes and looked at him as she gripped his finger. She had the
bluest eyes he'd ever seen on a dark complected child.

"Oh my god Mardi she's beautiful, you created a beautiful baby girl hun!"
He kissed her forehead and started to cry with joy. "I love you!" he
said. She smiled back "I love you to baby."

Mani and Aikrii stood side by side watching the tender moment it was quite
touching and they were both happy for their friends. It was then that Mardi
looked at Mani and Aikrii and asked them

"Would you like to hold her?" Mani's eyes went wide

"Oh really can we?" he was bubbling with joy and everyone could see it

"Sure, might as well train you now we still have five months or so before
your own gets here."

She giggled as she passed Faith to Mani who got to hold her first. Faith
promptly peed on him and he laughed at the warmth spreading across his
shirt. He kissed her forehead. "Thanks for the christening I needed that."
Aikrii laughed quietly as he leaned in against Mani as they both fawned
over the beautiful little girl that Sefron and Mardi had.

Mardi fell asleep a few hours later while Aikrii, Mani and Sefron fawned
over the beautiful little girl.  The nurses had to shoo Mani and Aikrii
out. They drove back home all excited for their own little bundle of joy to
join them. When they pulled in Becky was all excited and greeted them
outside asking what Mardi had and what the baby's name was. Mani filled her
in on details and told her if she wanted to see Mardi she could go to the
hospital to see her later tonight when they released Mardi to go home. Most
hospitals in Kearney usually released their maternity patients if there
were no difficulties within six hours.

"I can't wait till this one is born, I feel butterflies now." Becky said to
them as she rubbed her own belly which was just starting to show a tiny
bit.

"We're pretty excited for you to." Mani said giving her a hug.
*******************************************



Anita had called Kevin and told him about the baby coming and how Mani and
Aikrii would be needing her there for a bit since Becky was still too young
to be left on her own for any length of time. Kevin understood fully and
insisted it was ok with him if she stuck around there. Mani told her she'd
be compensated for her time at the house helping since she'd be loosing
work at Kevin's. This she was grateful for.  She ended up staying the whole
week before she got her next job position.

It was a week later when Mani's inquiry to Kevin about a housekeeper, was
how she got her new job at Mani and Aikrii's home. Kevin asked them if
they'd be happy keeping Anita on there since he was now over staffed
anyway, he also told her it would be ok with him if she did take the job
either way it was up to her.

She graciously took the job with Aikrii and Mani and helped out Sefron and
Mardi as much as she could.  This family was quite entertaining. He
daughter Marie also loved it since there was someone close to her own age
there with her.

Aikrii looked over the pictures on the computer that Mani had taken of
Faith. There must have been about fifty photos. There were about twelve
different poses and about five different outfits. Mardi and Sefron
definitely would have a lot of pictures of their daughter with a
photographer in their midst.

Mani beamed with pride at the bang up job he did on her pictures. He had a
special affiliation with the little girl being the first to hold her. He
already spoiled her for Mardi and Sefron and that was fine by them. Aikrii
pointed to the picture of her in her car seat beaming her toothless grin
her blue eyes contrasting so sharply against her dark skin.

"I adore this picture. She looks so happy." He smiled at Mani who grinned
back. Mardi walked up to him, she was holding Faith.

"It's one of my favorites as well, I think we'll get that one framed." She
passed Faith to Mani who took to cooing to the snuggly sleepy head in his
arms. She grinned a gassy grin and fell to sleep.

"Ahh such an angel." He kissed her forehead and looked at Mardi.

"Yes Mani, you shall make a really good papa when your little one comes,
you already have the magic touch to make her sleep." Mardi looked lovingly
at the little angel sleeping in his arms and smiled.


Chapter 17 – Happy, happy Birthday baby
************************************

"So what are we going to do for my birthday, today IS Valentine's day after
all." Mani looked over at his hubby as Mardi came back from placing Faith
down in her playpen.

"I don't know what would you like to do?" Mani leaned over Aikrii's office
chair and kissed him, Aikrii reached up and touched his arm, holding
on. Mani smiled when they broke apart. "Mmmm now that's always a nice
present."

"What's that?" Aikrii said smiling.

"Well knowing you have to hang on when I kiss you." Mani grinned being
silly.

"The only thing I want to get drunk on babe." Aikrii winked.

"So how about we go out for supper?" Mani asked him.

Mardi was the one to interject there. "Ummm, guys sorry to bust your
bubbles but, I thought would be home tonight and Sefron and I have to get
out and replace the car seat we bought the strap is busted, I was hoping
you'd watch Faith for an hour" She looked at Aikrii as she knew he would
never turn her down. She couldn't very well take Faith with them in the car
seat that was broken so she was in a bind.

"We'll stay." Aikrii looked at Mani who understood and was also happy to
keep home this year with him.

"Oh thank you!" Mardi tackled Mani in a hug. She was some strong for a tiny
woman.  She kissed Aikrii's cheek and squished him to and winked smiling.

"I'll make it up to both of you ok." with that she took off for upstairs to
track down Sefron.

Aikrii had been waiting for Mardi's cue and was pleased to see things were
going off without a hitch so far. He grinned to himself as he watched Mani
toddle off to the living room to check in on the little angel sleeping. He
picked up his cell and dialed out. "It's a go, start the count ok...it's
three now they will leave around five ok." he waited to hear the answer
from the other end. "Yeah, one hour gone. I'll expect your call soon. Yes
by seven we'll come to you."  he paused "Uh-huh...no just make it look good
ok." He smiled. "We'll be there, yes Nye thanks" with that he hung up.

The plan was simple enough keep Mani home, at least till after seven. He
had to make sure everyone was gathered in the same page before moving in to
the hall he had rented at Fulton Plaza for Mani's birthday. He also had to
keep the TV off so Mani come across the possible leaked info on the
celebrations, it never seemed to fail an it wouldn't be a surprise if
someone leaked it and he heard it before they got there. He smiled as he
hung up and turned his chair around and got up.  He walked to the living
room to see Mani just standing there looking down at the little one.  He
slid an arm around his waist.

"Penny for your thoughts." Aikrii said to him.

"I was just admiring her face hun, she's gonna be a beauty when she's
older. I think I'll have fun having her as a model when she gets old enough
if her mom has no objections." He grinned

Aikrii looked at the child and agreed with Mani she would be a
beauty. Anita walked in then, she to was in on the whole plan and would be
leaving with Sefron and Mardi to "Get groceries" She would return to
babysit for Mardi since She and Sefron would be playing at the event.  Her
daughter Marie and Becky were "At the mall" actually they were at the mall
but picking
 up a bunch of things with Jeff for the party as Aikrii had requested. He
snuggled in against Mani's shoulder and smiled against his shirt, This was
going great so far he just hoped things stayed balanced he wasn't looking
forward to glitches happening and any good programmer knew glitches tended
to crop up but he had this planned pretty good, so he was going to keep his
fingers crossed.


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

She was tickled pink to see Matt at the mall.

"What are you doing here?" She asked him as he slipped up behind her and
gave her a hug.  He had changed a lot since she had met him back Christmas
time. He was calmer, more focused.  He greeted his uncle Jeff with a smile
to who ruffled his hair and smiled back.

"I'm here to get a new cell phone. Mom's insisting I have one now. I guess
it's better than her flipping on me, she'll be able to call me cause I
forget lots." He grinned she knew he was forgetful but at least with his
extra effort he was putting forth now days hopefully his mom wouldn't
"flip" as often.

He had told her about his mom's temper and she told him to tell Dante or
Josh, but he said all she did was yell lots so it was no big deal. It was
getting her mad enough to tell his step dad the days events. It was then he
needed to worry, the ominous way he had said this she assumed that his step
dad hit him, but he never really told her he did, she again figured he did
thou since there were days when he would be really depressed or very quiet
and it worried Becky.

"Well great, you can come with us. Mani's birthday is today and we need to
get a few things."  Jeff passed his own cell phone. "Call your mom I don't
need her freaking on me."  Jeff knew his step sisters verbal rants could be
vicious so he was making sure Matt was covered.  When Matt's mom answered
the phone he told her where he was and who he was with. Jeff too the phone
when he saw Matt frown.

"Sis listen he's ok with me alright. I'll bring him home shortly." He
waited and he frowned seething he uttered low to her as the kids headed
father forward out of earshot. "For fuck sakes woman I'm not gonna fucking
molest him. Sheesh!" He rolled his eyes at her praddling taunts. He hated
it when she got like this. "I'll have him home soon he's with Becky and I."
He heard her ramble on about the "Fourteen year old tramp" and he
reciprocated with his own shot. "You've got no room to talk!  So stop being
a bitch and let the boy have some supervised fun, so help me god Janice,
don't make me call mom." Matt's mom shut up pretty quick. If there was one
person in Jeff's family who could out do is step sister it was his step
mom, he adored his step mom.  He hung up the phone and caught up to his
charges. They headed to the Zellers and went about picking up the items
that Aikrii had on the list that he had given Jeff and Becky.  Jeff helped
them and within an hours time they had all they needed. He took the kids
back out to the truck and headed to take Matt home who had also gotten his
new cell phone.  He paid for it for Matt and when he dropped him off he
spoke to his sister.

"It's his phone, I don't want to find out your stupid jack ass for a spouse
took it from him."  He waited to see what she'd say but he knew she'd keep
quiet the thoughts of mother showing was a threat she hated. Janice hated
her mother's interfering and had said so on many occasions.  The reason
being is the woman could take Matt from her in a heart beat and she knew
it.  She looked at Matt and told him to get his school work done and saw
Jeff out.  "Remember Janice, he may not tell me everything but if I ever
find out that Mike his hurting him so help me god I will get mom involved."
She didn't say a word she just shut the door.

Jeff got into the truck and started it. He was in a semi-foul mood but he
wouldn't take it out on anyone.  Kolten would make him smile again. He
drove to Fulton Plaza and he and Becky got out and headed inside.  Kolten
and a few others were already there. He called Aikrii and told him where he
was. He heard him say that Sefron was just getting ready to head out. Jeff
looked at his watch, nearly five, they had two hours left.

"Ok, thanks for the heads up. I'll let Nye know when he gets here ok." with
that he hung up and helped everyone who was there get things set up. Kolten
did make him smile again to; which did brighten his mood.  Maybe he'd go
get Matt and bring him.  *********************************************

Dante was talking to Matt who had called his place. He looked at his watch
and noticed the time.

"Yeah I can come get you if you really need me to, is it important?"

"Yes, Becky said I should talk to someone and well, I can't talk to mom."

Dante knew this day would come sooner or later but he had to go so he
looked at Josh as he covered the mouth piece and told him he'd meet him at
the party. He called Aikrii and told him what was up.

"I know you have all this stuff planned but well I think I'm going to need
his expertise, can I shanghai him?  I'm hoping it won't take long."

Aikrii thought and then realized that having Mani with someone who could
bring him to the reception other than him would make it less suspicious.

"Yes actually it's a good idea, not the best way to start his birthday but
I think keeping him busy will be a good thing. Thanks Dante I'll tell him
your on your way to get him. Anita is here so Faith is covered. I'll tell
him I have things to do at work, this should actually help instead of mess
up my plans." Aikrii chuckled it was falling into place a lot better than
he though.

Aikrii notified Mani what was up and told him Dante was on his way to get
him. Mani was a bit put off but Aikrii reminded him it was a child who
needed help and just because it was his birthday didn't mean that people
stopped hurting.

"You're right..." He sighed. "I'm being selfish." He ran his hands through
his hair.  "I just wish today wasn't so messed up."

"Hun it's ok I'll make it up to you, I promise ok. I have some work to do
for the office, Dante says it shouldn't take long ok. So you help him and
I'll take you out to supper later ok."  He put both his hands on either of
Mani's cheeks and kissed him soundly.  Mani smiled when they broke apart.

"I love you."

"I love you to."

Mani was happier. He grabbed his jacket and headed out the door.  Dante
picked him up and they were off.

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


It was six thirty now and Dante was still stunned at the info that Matt had
given him, now all he had to do was find proof.

"Matt you're one hundred percent positive on this, this isn't some nasty
joke is it?"

"I'm telling you Dante he's selling drugs at my school, he's got other boys
who work for him, and since he can't actually hurt me without getting into
shit he does what mom does, they say nasty shit. She knows to!" Matt was
still upset. He hadn't even told his uncle or Becky all of this, he did
trust them but Dante was whom he trusted the most. Dante had brought his
friend Mani who Matt also liked.

"So he verbally abuses you?" Dante asked

"Yes but he's also told me if I say anything he'd get his boys to put the
fear of god into me.  Mom doesn't know that part yet." He frowned. "Uncle
Kevin paid for my phone only he doesn't know that Mike is making me be a
messenger. If I don't he'd hurt me, I know he will. I'm scared"

"Shit! Shit! Shit.." Mani wasn't happy. He looked at Dante.  "We need proof
Dante we can't do a damn thing without proof."

Matt looked devastated. "Hey hey..." Dante reached for his arm and laid a
reassuring hand on him arm.  "It' s ok we'll figure out something for now,
act like you told no one ok.  I think between Mani and I and our
connections we can figure out something."  He looked over at the poor child
who was apparently scared out of his mind now.

"Where do you want to go if the local authorities haul you out of there?"
He asked Matt

"Will that happen?" He asked he was worried now.

"Yes sometimes it does." Mani answered "but it's ok, don't worry no one
will be able to hurt you."

Matt thought a minute and then answered "Uncle Jeff's, that's where I'd
want to go, he's always been nice to me."

Mani wrote the info down and Dante and Matt agreed that they did all they
could do for now.
 Mani had to contact a few people and hopefully get what they needed to
stop the illegal actions of Matt's step dad. Looking at his watch he was
shocked to see it was now nearing seven.

"Damn I got to get going Dante, Aikrii and I are suppose to meet for supper
and I should go home and get changed."

"Ok I'll drop you off. Matt where do you want to go? Home? Can I stay with
you for a bit?"

Dante said sure and took Mani home.

He entered a quiet home. Looked around and found Anita in the kitchen with
little Miss Faith snuggled in her arms contently staring up at her. He
walked over to Anita and reached for the little bundle.

"Where is everyone?" he asked as Faith drooled on his shirt. He wiped her
lips with his cuff, he didn't care, it was just drool.

"Your darlin hubby is still at the office but said for you to call him he'd
meet you for supper, I do believe he's got reservations at some fancy
restaurant. Sefron and Mardi took some time out and I gladly agreed to sit
for them, and as far as I know Selina and Nye are over at the house she
bought checking things over." Anita waited to see what he was going to say.

"Well I have to go get dressed, today has gone to shit and well I want at
least sometimes with Aikrii."  He passed Faith back to Anita and headed
upstairs and jumped into the shower and got dressed.  When he was done he
called Aikrii who said he would get Dante to come get him Since Josh and he
would be joining them. Mani was fine with this and waited outside for him
to show.
 When he arrived Dante seemed a bit better off compared to how he was when
they were dealing with Matt.

"Thanks for coming earlier" Dante said to him in regards to Matt.

"No problem, it's part of my job. Have you thought of an idea to help him
out?"  Mani was still mulling through a few idea of his own.

"No but thats ok, I think the local authorities will manage to fix his
troubles, I plan on seeing someone first thing tomorrow about it."

They pulled in at Fulton Plaza and Mani looked up at the looming hotel and
he knew inside was one of the top restaurants in all of Kearney.

"Wow, he said he'd make it up to me, now I feel under dressed." Mani looked
over at Dante and realized he wasn't dressed fancy either.

Dante chuckled "It's ok it's a casual sort of thing." with that he got out
of the car and Mani followed. They made it to the front of the restaurant
and Mani asked for the reservations under Tskii-Oratii and the maître d'
informed him he didn't have that name. It confused him.  He looked at Dante
who shrugged his shoulders. Mani got his cell out and called Aikrii.  A few
minutes later Aikrii showed. An took Mani's hand and lead him to where he
was at when they called. Mani noticed they didn't go into the main entrance
of the restaurant.  He looked at Aikrii confused but his confusion was soon
rectified.

"SURPRISE!!!" Every year it seemed that Aikrii was always the one being
surprised by Mani so this time around he did it for him and man was he
surprised. He gripped on Aikrii's arm and jumped. He laughed once the
initial shock wore off and then glomped poor Aikrii for the special
birthday celebration.

Turned out that Mani's party was done in a special manner alright. Since
Mani supported a lot of different foundations and charities Aikrii had set
it up so that there was a 'silent' auction for a few of the prints of some
of the images Mani had done either through photography or through
painting. He had only done one print of 'The Sleeping Prince' and it had
already fetched well over thirty grand and that was for a print alone. Mani
was holding on to Aikrii's hand tightly still excited over the whole
thing. His friends passed him cards and each new one would have a note in
it saying there was a donation made for so much to a foundation of his
current interest in it. He was tickled pink. He was even more impressed
when he spotted Sefron and Mardi who had the band going.

"Oh my god! You two!" He hugged them both 'Thanks this is wicked!"

Mardi just giggled. "Gotta give my daughters godfather a rockin band for
his birthday, might as well be us." She giggled again as she watched Mani
gush with joy. It was cute to see.

Mani's birthday was a loving event that was well recorded and everyone
enjoyed themselves.

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


The lull of the winter seeped into the spring like that of a lovers kiss
melting a soul, it trickled on making new life bloom. Mother Nature was
generous this year with her displays of affections on the land. March saw
to Sam and Xavier being together for one year and Xavier surprised everyone
by being the one who proposed to Sam. He was happily delighted when Sam
said yes.

Nye and Selina moved out of their respective homes on April first and into
the home up the road Selina had bought. Dante and Josh said their house
felt so empty without someone there, so they to started to look for another
foster child they could help. When Aikrii asked them how many they were
willing to help Josh said as many as they could. Aikrii directed them to
the 'Young Moms 4 Life' center and told them that there were plenty of
young girls who needed help for not only themselves but for their children
to. April fifteenth saw to a quiet celebration on Aikrii's request for his
birthday as he wasn't interested in going all out for it.  A visit from his
family and time with Mani was all he requested and he happily got it. Josh
and Dante's dream of owning their third shop was fulfilled on the twenty of
April and Selina became the full out manager to Jump Street at the Kearney
Mall. Celebrations for her and Nye were quite the thrill for both of them,
She had three new employees and shamelessly did the same thing her own
fathers did when they first opened shop.  She christened the office with
Nye's help.

"Oh my god I can't believe I just pulled a stunt my dad's would have done."
She giggled as Nye kissed her forehead.  She was still sitting on his lap
straddled over him, she looked still dressed, her long skirt hid what she
had been actually doing. Nye twitched still inside of her and made he
chuckle.

"I guess their raunchy habits have worn off on you. I'm delighted to say
the least." Nye laughed when she playfully smacked his shoulder and then
kissed him.

"Baby keep that up and I'll christen this place for a second time." He made
his point by arching upward making her gasp and growl, she bit him; which
only made him moan with pleasure. Good thing the office was sound proof
otherwise the patrons along with the staff would have had the quaint sounds
of two souls loving each other floating through the building. Panting they
broke apart. Nye being cocky looked at his future wife and said

"Third times a charm." he chuckled at her shocked look.

"Good god Nye you're unbearable sometimes." She kissed him and headed to
the offices bathroom.  She cleaned up, He did the same. They took to the
main floor of the shop and were both happy to see everything was going
fine. Josh and Dante rarely even came to this shop anymore since she knew
what to do. They reaped the profits, they paid their staff and they kept
the jobs going for all involved. It was getting to be a lucrative market
for Josh not to mention Dante got the best part, all of Josh's attention;
which meant he spent a great deal of time either working with Dante who was
still coaching and or he helped while Dante did his volunteer work at the
local youth center.

May came quickly and Mardi and Sefron celebrated their anniversary as
well. Anita took over for them for the night and Aikrii and Mani gave them
a special evening get away which was located at Fulton Plaza in the
penthouse suite. Mardi was stunned at the room.

"Oh my god it's amazing!" She gasped it was like an over sized
apartment. It had a jacuzzi in it's bathroom and a huge king sized bed in
the bedroom and there was a lot of other neat little gifts and
surprises. Sefron wasted no time. He wasn't letting her out of their bed if
he could help it.  It had been a great feeling being a parent but with
night feedings and tired evenings Sefron was feeling the pinch, there were
days he was lucky he could move but he wanted to shower attention on his
beautiful wife and there were other times she was so exhausted from raising
their little one she fell asleep on the couch with her curled up in her
arms. Love making wasn't on the high list of things to do now days so
tonight he was taking full advantage of their time together.

The first thing he did was turn on the music to a light classical tune. He
turned down the lights and then hauled out the champagne that was chilling
on ice in a bucket on the table where a fruit basket was sitting. A note
told him a meal would be prepared for them all he had to do was call and
request it. He did so and ordered the risotto with wild mushrooms and
scallops, he wasn't disappointed at the meal either. The portobello,
crimini, and shiitake mushrooms made for a delightful dance on the palette,
tantalizing to them both and the parmigiana-reggiano made the smells enough
to drive ones senses into over time. The meal in it's own state a sensual
experience. Sefron was quite happy with the results of this gift. Mardi was
in heaven and fawned over Sefron much to his delight. He pulled her to the
couch and lit the fireplace and they curled up together talking and
caressing each other enjoying each others uninterrupted time together.

He ran his fingers along her cheeks making her smile and close her eyes
leaning her head back exposing the delicate skin of her neck. He was hungry
for his time with her and teased the sensitive skin with his lips making
her reach for his head and winding her fingers in his hair.  Nibbling he
made her gasp as she felt her belly warm and tingle.

"Good god Sefron, that feels so good!" she said huskily, that was all he
needed to encourage him to move them to the next room. As dusk fell
Sefron's wife Mardi was brought to the brink of orgasmic pleasure. She
screamed out his name many times and was left panting and throughly loved
yet very sated. She fell asleep in his arms, not so dissimilar to that of a
kitten who'd been stroked into a lull. He chuckled as she squirmed on his
belly all tucked up.  Their anniversary was one neither would forget.

The next morning was a big deal in itself as it was both Josh's and Kevin's
birthdays.  Aikrii surprised his 'adopted' brother with a nice gift for
both him and Dante.  A two week vacation to Australia; which made him
simply ecstatic.

"Oh my god!" He hugged him and showed Dante the tickets "I always wanted to
go here, Think you can get the time off?" He was beaming, it was a trip he
had been wanting to do he just never got around to the traveling part he
knew he could do now.  Dante nodded and smiled and then mouthed a thank you
to Aikrii over Josh's shoulder as he hugged him again, Josh was still giddy
at the trip. Mani chuckled over the very happy Josh.

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

The month quickly marched on, Selina celebrated her eighteenth birthday and
Nye treated her to a special night on the town and Becky finished her
classes for the summer and on June 28th she got her report card and passed
with flying colors. Her studies for piano progressed rapidly and so was her
pregnancy. Her doctor told both Aikrii and Mani that she should be due by
the end of July, in finding out this they asked Becky if it was ok with her
if they went on a short vacation since their anniversary was coming
soon. She asked who she would stay with and Aikrii and Mani both told her
that Selina was more than happy to help out she would be staying with her
at her new home for the time being. Becky asked them where they were going.

"We're going to Tuscany, Florence there's a nice little villa there that
we're going to stay at called the La Pinevanella in Grosseto." Mani smiled
at Aikrii, he loved their time together and was looking forward to this get
away. "I hope your not upset Becky but we do need our time together to and
we'll be home lots after that."

"Oh I don't mind at all, have fun!" She hugged them both. "I shouldn't
complain anyway, you did after all give me so much so heck if a few weeks
is what you need take it, I can find plenty to do here." She grinned again,
she knew her and Matt would be able to swim in Selina's pool to and she so
loved swimming.

Her adoptive parents were thrilled to learn that she wasn't upset and Mani
was even happier that it wouldn't be a big deal getting their plans set
since Aikrii had most of it already planned and booked.

"Gee babe, I love how organized you are sometimes." He hugged him again.

"Just think in a few weeks well be in Italy enjoying all the culture they
have to offer."

"When do we leave and return? Mani asked. He was always concerned and
needed to know things like this, still ever so much the worry wart.

"We leave on the thirteenth and return on the twenty first" Mani said
checking the itinerary he had.

"Great, I'll plan my time off for then." He kissed him again and headed off
to do just that. Sefron would need to work those eight days. He was
definitely looking forward to this trip.

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

The flight lasted fourteen hours. There were a few stop but that didn't
bother either of them, the over night flight was peaceful, they just curled
up against each other when they flew from Philadelphia to Frankfurt
Germany, their flight landed around eight am local time and they had an
hour and a half layover. Aikrii grabbed Mani's strap on his carry on bag,
half pulling but trying also to stick close to him and they walked through
the airport terminal in Germany.  He didn't know this area well he'd only
been here once and he was quite little then.  When their flight was called
to leave they hurried to their gate and boarded, the stewardess who spoke
English quite well approached Aikrii and asked him if he would want
anything all he needed to do was ask. The best for one of their most
important passengers. Aikrii chuckled.

"I take it you know who I am then?" He asked

"Indeed I do." She said with a wide grin.

"Then can you please include my partner in the most important passenger
list as well for without him I wouldn't exist today." He smiled back and
she chuckled "Oh don't you worry we won't forget Mr. Oratii. You may like
to know that Celia Fulton is also flying with us today."

"Oh my god! Really?" Aikrii said looking around.

"You know her?" The stewardess asked

"I should she's the step mom of my adopted brother." He laughed at the
womans surprise.

"I shall have her seat exchanged so you all may sit together if you so
wish."

"Ask her if she wishes to sit here, if she says yes then we have no problem
with it." Aikrii said.

Turns out Celia was thrilled to learn that Aikrii and Mani were flying to
Florence as well.  She was going to see a friend of hers from college along
with her friends mother.

"Oh my! Aikrii! Mani! What a pleasure to see you both." She reached over
the seats and planted a light kiss on each of their cheeks.

"We're thrilled to see you here to. We were told you were on here as well
as the stewardess knew who we were." He chuckled when she filled him in on
details the flight here was habitual of keeping tabs on big wigs who used
their services.

"I take it your recognized often?" Aikrii asked.

"Yes and some days it's annoying." She sighed but she was still happy. She
filled them in on the few visits she had with Josh and her kids and he had
spent time together out at her ranch. She said he was a blessing. Aikrii
got pleasure out of knowing she had accepted him like one of her own
children.  She also informed them that she finally got to meet Darren's
newest interest and they were both surprised to hear that she wouldn't tell
them who it was.

"He'll introduce when he gets the chance. Let's just say I was sort of
expecting something just not what he brought." She was tickled a tiny bit
at their awws of disappointment but she felt they should wait.

Their flight landed, said their good byes to Celia and then they were off
on their grand adventure.  Their rented car was waiting for them and Aikrii
was pleased at the luxury car the service had provided for them. The Saturn
was quite large and luxurious. Mani was thrilled and enjoyed the drive to
their rented cottage at the La Pievanella Villa in Grosseto which wasn't
too far outside of Florence. They would spend a lot of time between
Florence sight seeing and visiting the wonderful beaches. Aikrii was
looking forward to it.

Their first day there saw to them relaxing at the Villa and dining out at
one of the many fine restaurants in the local area. The evening was sweet
and a walk along the beach made a perfect end to a perfect first
day. Aikrii was on the beaches boardwalk bench while Mani stood in front of
him looking out at the water. He sighed loving this moment. He looked down
at Aikrii and smiled and tenderly stole a kiss from him. Aikrii shivered
with loving tingles at the feeling of his lips. He always was amazed at the
beautiful fireworks Mani could still spark.

"Thanks for taking me here hun, this is amazing." Mani smiled his violet
eyes dreamily looking into his jade green ones.

"Anything for the one I love." He said back. Standing and hugging him. They
both walked along the beach for about an hour before retiring for the
evening.

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

Their visit to Florence was cut short the day of their anniversary which
was the nineteenth of July.  At about 8 am they received a call from Nye
telling them that Becky was in the hospital, This meant that it was 3 in
the morning back home. He called Aikrii's cell often to keep them updated
but it still took them nearly a day to get back home and they missed the
birth time as Aikrii's phone died. Becky was having her baby early. They
managed to get a non stop flight out at ten am local time which was shorter
by nearly three hours since there were no stop overs. So eleven hours later
the same day by four in the afternoon they landed back in their home town
of Kearney and rushed to the hospital to see Becky. Becky was in her room
with Zack and was thrilled to learn that Aikrii and Mani were back
home. She smiled up to them and passed Zack to Mani.

"Your now proud papa's to one baby boy. I named him Zachary but you can
pick his middle names."  She said grinning as they looked shocked to hear
that she was giving them that chance, since they had told her she could
name him what ever she wished.

"I know," Aikrii said quickly still all excited over this event. "Since
you're the angel who brought him to us do you mind if we give him the Hindi
name of Thave? It means Angel." Aikrii looked at her and she nodded, she
liked the middle name it was definitely unique.

"The doctors said we could go home tonight if I wanted to." Becky looked
tired but happy.

"What time did you have him?" Aikrii asked her as he went over and tucked
her back in.  "You look wiped."

"I had him at twelve minutes after seven this morning. You know he weighs
nearly nine pounds, the doctor thought I was going to have to have a
c-section that sacred me."  She cringed at the thought.

"I'm just glad it's done, they made me get this thing in my back so I
couldn't feel my butt, man was I ever itchy!"

"That was an epidural hun and it tends to do that." Mani smiled he was
loving this.  Zach was a fair size and a sleepy lug. He was in love with
that angel of a boy, their son, just saying it was nice and man it felt
good. He stroked his cheek and walked back over to Aikrii and passed the
bundle to him. Mani reached over to Becky and kissed her forehead, looked
into her eyes and said "Thank you. Now rest, I'll see when the doctors plan
on releasing you." He walked out of the room but
 not before kissing Aikrii's cheek and touching Zach's fingers. Aikrii sat
on the edge of the bed holding him and looked at Becky.

"You know he's right you look wiped, are you sure you want to be home?"
his eyes held concerned.

"I missed you guys and I want to be home. Sefron set up the crib to in your
guys room just so you know." She smiled as his eyes widened. He had
forgotten about the crib and was glad Sefron was thinking. Mani returned
with her doctor who said there were no complications and she was a strong
young lady, She was free to go home if Aikrii and Mani wanted to sign her
out since she was a minor and they are her official guardians.

"Well guys lets go, I need sleep and food, and you two can now start the
first day of parenting."  She pointed to the car seat Nye had brought which
was in the corner.  Since it was warm enough all Zack needed was his jumper
she had dressed him in and a light sheet.
 They were on their way to start their family and both couldn't be happier.


Chapter 18 - Happy, Sad, Silent *************************

July 25th


Tension was in the air, they huddled in the van watching the screens and
monitoring the situation before them.  Wilks had been investigating this
situation since Dante informed him of the goings on at the school.  Matt's
grandmother Sandy was also aware of the situation and already had the works
going to get Matt accepted into Jeff's home as soon as the sting went down.

"Suspect in sight" the walkie talkie crackled.

"10-4, copy that. Stand by for signal." Wilks listened to the transmissions
and made his response.  He watched Matt on the screen the child was a
trooper but he could tell he was scared; which in it's own rights was good
since scared is how Mike wanted Matt anyway so he could get him to do what
he wanted.

"Bastard." Wilks muttered as he watched Mike pull up in front of the
school. Two weeks ago it was the same thing and the same boys that came
with him. Matt backed off as they all piled from the car. The boys with a
basket ball to make it "look good" in case they were being watched.  Mike
patted down Matt to make sure he didn't have a knife or other weapons. The
wireless mic was on a guitar shaped pin Matt was wearing on his jacket so
it wasn't suspected as anything.  Thank god for technology Wilks thought as
Mike started to talk about the next deal.

"You have to go tell CJ that we'll be making the drop around six tomorrow
night and I want you there, you can help us move the stuff."

"You never said I had to help, I don't want to be involved in this shit."
Matt said a bit pissed now.

"Look you little fucking punk," He grabbed Matt's jacket "I got your mom
wrapped around my finger, so if you don't want to make a permanent
disappearance I suggest you do as you're told, otherwise my boys will make
sure you never see your mamma's pretty face again. Got that!"

"You can't make me do it I won't" He cried as Mike shook him jarring his
teeth.

"I've got twenty five kilos in the car and another fifty coming tomorrow
for tomorrow's drop, you're gonna help whether you want to or not, stop
being a pussy you little ass."  He shoved Matt hard. Matt staggered. Looked
shocked and ran. Mike watched him go laughing and screaming at his
retreating back

"You better show if you know what good for you!"

It was just as he was screaming that the swat team converged in on Mike and
his bratty cronies.

"FREEZE!" Wilks yelled. "Mike Geno, You're under arrest!" He had his gun
aimed at the small time thug who actually pissed his pants as he was
cuffed. Wilks grinned he was pleased to see the jackass get his just
deserts. Mike saw Matt who was sitting in another squad car.

"You're dead you fucking rat!" he screamed so hard he spit. The officer who
was reading him his rights as he was walking him to his own car clocked him
one behind the legs with his night stick.  He went down and cursed at the
officer.

"Keep your mouth shut!" the officer yelled, "You're threatening the life a
minor if you don't want more time that what you're already in for I suggest
you shut up now!" He roughly hauled him up to his feet again and marched
him to the second waiting squad car. Matt on the other hand was feeling
much better. Jeff had been waiting for him around the corner and let him
huddle in his jacket and cry. He was shaking like a leaf and Jeff knew he
was scared.

Matt thought back to his flight from his mother's boyfriend, the threats
and his uncle being there when he needed him most, as he sat in the back
seat of the cruiser now and watched Mike get hauled off. He could see him
screaming but he couldn't hear him since Jeff who was beside him had given
back his MP3 Player and he was listening to it. Jeff was waiting to see
Matt's reaction to the man who had been verbally abusing him get hauled
away, Matt just watched quietly as the man struggled against the officer
who held him. Mike managed to break away and ran towards the cruiser that
Matt was in.

Matt watched him approach the officer who had him before in hot
pursuit. Mike was only focused on Matt not in getting away, Mike only
wanted hurt him, and he knew it. He stood frozen as Mike crashed into the
side of the car screaming at him, Matt couldn't hear a word and he didn't
even flinch or move. He just sat there, staring with a blank expression on
his face.  No fear, no hate, no joy...nothing.

Matt just watched as Mike was tackled by the arresting officer and another
and wrestled to the ground and escorted to the second awaiting vehicle
again only with his hands and feet shackled now. Jeff reached for his
nephew, who still didn't react. Jeff pulled out a earphone out of Matt's
ear as he watched his nephew's head swivel following the action that was
unfolding as they officers tried to put Mike into the vehicle who only
tried to kick them over and over again.

"You ok?" Jeff asked him.

"Huh?" Matt stared at Jeff like he wasn't even there.

Jeff pushed Matt's hair from his face and placed a hand on either of his
cheeks and turned him towards his face and spoke again, hopefully getting
his attention.

"Are you ok?" he asked looking at the non emotional child he remembered as
being hyper and happy.

Matt nodded. He was still feeling like he was floating. Not there. Watching
everything like it was a movie being played on a TV screen only he was one
of the stars. He could read Jeff's lips, but he couldn't hear him all that
well, most he could hear with the blood rushing through his ears and
head. He was terrified and yet calm. He didn't know what to do.  So he sat
there.

Jeff pulled his nephew close to his side and placed an arm over his
shoulder holding his nephew close.  He took out his phone and called
Janice, his sister was going to be pissed. She answered and he could tell
she was upset. Janice's mom Sandy would be there now. She would be passing
her the court documentation telling Janice that her parental rights had
been revoked and that Matt was in foster care under Jeff's supervision due
to neglect. Janice knew it was him calling and screamed into the phone,

"You fucking bastard, I hope your happy you ruined my life!"

"NO sis you ruined your own, I was only saving the one worth saving out of
all of this," He looked down at Matt who had returned to listening to his
MP3 player. "I want to talk to mom."

"Fuck you and go to hell!" she hung up on him. He called again, this time
his Sandy answered.

"Hi Jeff" she was pleasantly pleased to see her daughter get the treatment
she deserved for abusing her son. She was pleased to know her grandson
would finally be safe.

"Hi mom." He said to the woman who had raised him, she might not be his
real mom but she sure did a great job, he adored her, Janice rebelled
against her from day one, Jeff could never understand why.

"How did it go there? Does she know what's going to happen?" He waited for
her to give him details.  He knew his sister would have his head but it
would be worth it in the long run.

"She's well aware of what happened and why. She also knows she has to
attend court and a few other prerequisites in order to see Matt again and
thats only supervised visits."

Sandy sighed "I don't understand it Jeff, how come she has to be this way,
your not even biologically mine and treat me with more respect than she
does." He could hear the sadness in his step mom's voice "What did I ever
do so wrong to have her hate me so much that she'd take it out on poor
Matt?"

"Mom, stop. Remember what you always told me it's not your fault when
people act up, they make their own decisions, she choose her path, you're
just making sure that Matt isn't being dragged down the same destructive
one and I am here to help." He adored his nephew and he was going to make
sure he knew that he was there. Hell it was Jeff who paid for his swimming
classes thou Matt didn't know. Jeff paid for a lot of things along with
Matt's grand mom. Sandy did a lot for the boy even if he wasn't aware of
it.

"I'll be there soon to pick up some of his stuff ok, I think he's going to
want a few things."  He looked down again and noticed that Matt had
snuggled in against him and had fallen asleep with his MP3 in.

He gently removed one of the ear buds then shifted him and removed the 2nd
one.

"We'll be there in about two minutes ok mom."

She smiled to the phone on her end and said "Ok, I'll be here when you
show." and hung up.  She looked around the small home and shook her
head. The dishes in the sink must have been left neglected for days or so
it seemed. The only clean space she could find was Matt's room.  She picked
around for a bit then she walked into his room and opened his closet. His
suitcase was in the top part and she hauled it down. Constable Moore popped
his head in the door.

"Ma'am, your step son is here." He slid out as Jeff poked his head in the
door. He walked over to his step mom and hugged her tightly. "Thank you for
helping." he said s he rested his chin on top of her head smiling and
giving a extra squeeze for emphasis on his gratitude.

"Hunny, any time" she said as she pulled back from his loving hug. "He
needs someone in his life like you, I'd have taken him myself if I wasn't
so damn busy. Least I know he's in great care when he's with you.  How's
Kolten taking this?"

"Kolt is looking forward to him staying with us." Jeff smiled knowing how
excited Kolt was since Kolten already knew Matt and though he was an
adorable little bug back when he met him the first time.

"Good" Sandy patted Jeff's hand and pointed to Matt's bag, "Well we best
get things packed up for him, where is he?" She asked looking around the
door way for him.

"He's asleep in the cruiser, I think the stress kinda made him sleepy." as
an after thought he threw in his own concerns. "Mike lunged at the cruiser
earlier today when he wiggled free from the officer, I expected Matt to at
least scream or jump when he slammed into the cruiser, but he didn't move.
Almost like he was frozen." Jeff sighed "I think I want you to recommend he
see a psychiatrist or a therapist." He looked over at his step mom who
pondered the situation. She turned and looked at Jeff.

"Hun if you think it's important enough then I'll make sure someone gets
around to setting him up with one of the centers therapists. It may take a
bit thou so try to keep a close eye on him."

He nodded and continued to help her fill his suitcase. "Thanks mom." They
finished off their task and loaded his case into the trunk of the cruiser
and Jeff hugged his step mom and headed off. They were dropped at his place
and Jeff shook Matt gently.

"Wake up sleepy head we're here." he said smiling down at the boy who
rubbed his eyes looking around.  Matt noticed that they were at his
grandfather's place. He looked at Jeff confused.

"Why are we at Nanna's and Pappie's? I thought we were going to your
place?"

"We are" He chuckled again, "We have to switch cars for one. Since I don't
think Constable Moore would want us to keep his cruiser, and I have to go
check in on your grand dad and make sure his nurse doesn't need anything"

"Pappie needs a nurse?" Matt was confused. "Yes Matt, he's sick so he needs
someone to look after him"

Matt looked at his uncle. "How come Nanna Sandy doesn't?" he asked the
obvious

"She has to work, the nurse needs to get paid kiddo." He ruffled the boys
head when he said "Oh!"  Jeff sighed it has been a stressful few months and
everyone knew it wouldn't be long before Jeff's dad would pass on. James
had been hanging on for quite a bit now. They got out of the cruiser and
fetched Matt's bag from the trunk. Jeff walked over to the Green Ford
pick-up truck and placed the bag into the bed and thanked constable Moore
and waved as he drove off.

"Come on kiddo you should probably see Pappie, I think you'd brighten his
spirit" He draped his arm over his shoulder and walked up the stairs to the
front door and opened it and ushered him in.

Matt looked around it had been a very long time since he'd been here
last. He saw Kolten walking towards them and smiled a huge smile.

"Broggie!" he said running towards him and glomped him in a hug. Kolten
chuckled. "Broggie?"  he said looking at Matt. "Yup, remember the Kermit
thing you did? I keep thinking a British frog, so Broggie is what you got
stuck with." Kolten's eyebrow raised as he laughed over the newly known
nickname. "Ok Broggie it is." He let Matt jump up on his back and
piggy-backed him "So how was the rescue?"  he asked half mouthing it and
half speaking so not to make Matt upset.

"It's ok Kolten, he knows whats going on he requested to stay with
us. Things went ok and I think it's a good thing to talk to him openly
about whats going on so he knows he can come to either of us."

Kolten half looked back at the small boy on his back. "How you feeling
about all of this anyway?"

"I'm glad to be out of there, I didn't like Mike and I'm glad he's gone."
Matt shivered at the thought of Mike.  "He came after me today..." He
paused. "It was weird, I felt nothing. I wasn't scared. I wasn't numb, I
wasn't anything. It was...." he tried to find a word for how he felt when
he seen Mike lunge at him screaming words he couldn't hear. "hollow?" He
said not too sure that was the right word. Kolten stopped and let him slid
off his back.

"So, empty is how it felt...Now would you say empty as in, you don't care
what happens next or as in you think nothing is going to happen? " Kolten
was curious and he knew he had to ask just the right questions in order to
get a thoughtful response from Matt without scaring him.

"I really don't know" Matt said looking at Kolten then at Jeff hoping for
some reassurance.  "It's ok not to be sure Matt." Jeff said to his nephew
as Kolten nodded assuring him his uncle
 was right. "At least you gave the feeling a word and thats a good step."
Matt smiled at least no one here yelled when he didn't have answers.

Changing the subject Jeff said, "Come on lets go see Pappie" as he lead the
boy along to see his grand dad.  Kolten followed he had been there talking
to James for most of the morning. Kolten liked Jeff's dad.  When Matt seen
his grand dad he smiled but he also noticed that he was hooked up to a
monitor and a few other things so he was a bit sadden to see him ill.

"Pappie." He said as he crawled up onto his grand dad's bed and sat beside
him James looked at his grandson and smiled "Well, well if it isn't
muchkin, You've gotten as big as a tree!"

"I'm fourteen now." he hung his head "but I didn't really grown none, I'm
still smaller than everyone else and I still get picked on." He looked at
his grand dad.

"Pappie, how come you're sick? Do you hurt?" Matt was worried and had to
ask. "I'm sick because I'm getting old kiddo, it happens sometimes and no I
don't hurt anymore, the lady over there takes good care of me and your
nanna Sandy looks after me very well to." He reached his hand over to Matt
and patted it. "Don't you worry about me none, ok you just be happy and be
a good boy ok." James smiled at his grand son knowing that he wouldn't be
around to see him grow but knowing Jeff would take good care of him now. He
knew what had happened Sandy had told him last night what was going on, but
only after he had pestered her since he noticed how quiet she had been for
the last few weeks and it usually had to do with something Janice done and
he knew it all too well. James looked at his son with questioning eyes,
Jeff knew he was wondering if Matt was ok. Jeff could only shrug and mouth
'We'll talk later' Jeff didn't want to worry his father while he was so
weak but knowing his dad he's pester him till he caved. It was his dad's
constant need to know and fix things that got him and Kolten back together
after he had returned from England so he knew it was something he would
have to come back to chat with his dad about. He smiled at his father and
looked over at Matt.

"We really got to get moving kiddo, the house is only up the road ok. We'll
come back for supper and we can chat more then ok." Matt nodded and hugged
his grand dad who was beaming after seeing him again, it had been too long.

"You best bring him back it's been nearly two years since I seen him last."
Jeff's father gruffed, the remark was a not so nasty dig at Matt's mom but
Matt only chuckled about it.

"We will dad, you rest and we'll see you at supper time ok" He leaned down
over the bed and kissed his dad's cheek.  Kolten went to Jeff's dad and
hugged him. They said their good byes and headed off. Kolten didn't say
much on the way back to Jeff, but he jabbered a mile a minute to Matt
hoping to get him to relax and it seemed to work, the drive took all of
three minutes to Jeff's place which was really only around the corner and
up a long driveway.  When Matt got out he was stunned to see Jeff's home
was completed. Last time he had been there it wasn't done and Jeff had been
living in a small cabin which was still to the side of the house.

"Wow uncle Jeff this place sure grew!" He was awe struck then he
frowned. Jeff stopped and looked at him.  "Whats wrong?" he asked his
nephew.

"Everything keeps growing and I don't." He looked mad now and it was pretty
much the only emotion other than hyper that Jeff had ever seen in his
nephew. Jeff walked over to him and put his arm over his shoulder.  "Give
it time it will happen, you're just a late bloomer."

Matt cussed then under his breath. "Bullshit, I hear that all the time and
it ain't happened yet."  He crossed his arms and then the tears
started. Jeff didn't know what to do maybe the move was setting in, or
shock or what ever the phase was but he didn't want Matt to feel so bad, so
he did the only thing he knew Matt would really understand. He got to his
level and hugged him, tightly. Mat hugged him back and still cried. Jeff
picked him up looking at Kolten who grabbed Matt's bag, he to was concerned
for the boy. Matt just sobbed on his shoulder as they walked to the house.
When they got in Jeff sat on the couch and waited. The small boy in his
arms was having a hell of a time coping and he just needed this time to let
it out and Jeff wasn't going to stop him from doing what needed to be done
and that was releasing all his frustration. When Matt stopped as suddenly
as he had started Jeff got concerned again. Matt was quiet and again like
he was in the cruiser he was blankly staring.

"You ok?" Jeff asked him.

"Yes, I'm sorry I'll be good." He stared at Jeff who felt like he was being
stared through.  Jeff looked at him hard. "Matt...Matt!" He raised an
octave hoping to get Matt to snap out of his daze. Matt blinked and looked
at his uncle.

"I'm sorry uncle Jeff, I promise to be good. I didn't mean to do that." His
tears started to come again but he was holding back sobs.

"Matt did you feel empty again?" Kolten had a funny feeling about something
since this looked so familiar and if he was right it was the same way his
dad use to get years ago and they had put him on medicine for it.

Matt shrugged he didn't know. Jeff just let him curl up in his lap and
looked at Kolt.  "I think I need to call Sandy. How about you bring his
stuff up to his room, I'll be there in a second ok." Kolten nodded and Jeff
reached out his hand and gave Kolten's palm with his thumb a heart stroke,
and then a smile his way of telling him he loved him without having to say
it out loud around others who might not be comfortable with that kind of
affection. It worked for them and Jeff knew that Matt knew he was gay but
right now he had to concentrate his affections on Matt who needed him just
as much as Kolten did.

Kolten picked up Matt's bag and brought it upstairs. When he returned Matt
was asleep in Jeff's arms again he had passed out. Jeff with a bit of help
managed to get to his feet off of the couch and brought Matt to his room
laying him down on his bed and then he went back down stairs. Kolten met
him in the kitchen. He went to Jeff he could see the concern. He hugged him
around the waist.

"Call her, tell her what's up. I'm concerned to Jeff. He looks like my dad
did when he was diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder. He'll have
to be put on medicine for it if thats the case but well it's best he gets
treated now before it gets too bad." Kolten knew what he was talking about
he watched how his dad's life turn upside down because of his troubles. He
didn't wish to see that happen to Matt.

Jeff nodded his head and went to the phone and made the necessary
calls. Sandy did her part and he did his now only time would tell how
things went. July was turning out to be a bless filled yet stress filled
month all around.

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

It was about three weeks later that Matt finally came around, he seemed
back to his normal self.  He was diagnosed with D.I.D. and treated
accordingly. Jeff and Kolten were warned to watch him closely as the
medicine he was on could also cause some adverse side effects but he seemed
to be handling things quite well. In fact He and Becky were hanging out
more. School would be starting for both of them and they were both going
into grade ten. Jeff calmed and Kolten was able to concentrate on his
studies as well and spend what time he could with Jeff who helped him a
great deal. Mani was a frequent visitor along with another friend of his
who did sessions with Matt. When Mani went back home from those sessions
he'd leave Becky there for their visits and then come back later to pick
her up, and Becky in turn would help Mani by filling him in on what Matt
said after the sessions, or Matt would come back with Mani and go to their
home and it was still the same thing, so in all they were all helping each
other.  Becky also was getting to be a better person in many ways because
of Mani, Aikrii, Matt, Jeff and Kolten supporting her decisions. Zack was a
blessing to, even thou she was sort of detached from her son she still
loved him a great deal. He was a month old now and when she would come back
from her visits with Matt and she would sit with Zack and talk to him and
write stuff for him in the special baby book that Mani and Aikrii got
her. They had asked her to write her thoughts for him so he would know his
mom when he got older, even Matt encouraged her to do this when he was
there, today was one of them days.


August 19th, 2009


You're a month old today, baby boy! Wow time flies! Matt is here with
me. Remember mommy told you he's a friend of mine. He says you've gotten
big since he seen you last to. I am impressed, Aikrii and Mani spoil you
to. It's so funny to see Mani when he carries you around the house, your
eyes get so big when he hums to you or does his papa bear growl. I
giggle. When Aikrii sings to you you seem to go off into this lulled trance
and stare so hard at him. Aikrii loves you so much to you can see it when
he sings for you. Your daddies are so good for you and I am so very glad I
choose them to care for you. I love it because I get to see you grow up
to. I can see how much they care. I know they will give you what I wouldn't
be able to because I'm so young.  BUT Remember I still love you, even if
I'm too young to care for you on my own least I did what has been the best
decision on your behalf. She drew a big smiling heart with a happy face in
it and wrote below it. Mommy loves you.

Rebeca

Matt hugged her and smiled as he read over her words while he sat beside
her. He had Zack tucked sideways in the crook of his arm in his lap, Zack
was contently drooling down Matt's arm and staring at his moms face
smiling. Matt looked at him and said to Becky. "I think he's got gas, I can
feel his belly rumbling."  Becky laughed Zack always had gas. She reached
for him just as Mani walked in the living room.

"I'm done writing in his book." She nodded towards the book she had placed
on the floor as she took Zack in her arms and stood up laying his against
her chest and patting his back. She smiled as Mani picked up his book and
walked it over to the book shelf and placed it back in it's spot. Zack let
out a tremendous belch that made even Mani jump and everyone laughed.

"Wow baby boy, you're gonna make the truckers jealous with a burp like
that." Becky said as she turned him and cuddled him in the crook of her
arm. She smiled down at him as he grabbed for her finger still drooling.

She looked at Main who was still smiling over the who scene. "Can he be
teething yet?" She asked him

"I can't see it." Mani said "Why do you ask?"

"Oh it's cause he's drooling so much and thats something Mardi said Faith
did lots before she got her first teeth."

"Yeah but Faith is also six months old now and she was five months old when
she started drooling so badly."  Mani reached for Zack and Becky passed him
over. Mani pushed back Zack's lips to look at his gums which looked
fine. He was just a drooler apparently. "I think he'll be ok, but it's nice
to see you asking questions its a good first step in being responsible." He
reached over and hugged her to. She giggled.

"I was just curious thats all." She smiled.

"It's always good to ask." Mani said. Matt then stood up and threw his
question in on the whole conversation.

"Speaking of asking, can I take Becky to a movie?" He turned red after he
asked which was done in a rush.  She giggled at his bashfulness. Mani was
smiling warmly at him.

"Yes Matt you two may go to a movie if you wish. When would you like to
go?"

"Friday" He smiled eagerly. Mani propped Zack on his shoulder and rubbed
his back as he looked at Matt.

"Ok, no problem, which movie time are you planning on?" Mani wanted to know
when he was dropping them off and picking them up since neither drove the
the bus didn't quite make it out that far yet thou the walk wasn't that far
it still wasn't that good late in the evening.

"I was hoping we could see the nine o'clock show and uncle Jeff could drop
us off and you could come get us."  Matt beamed he was getting excited and
Mani was happy to see this and he would relay the news to Jeff and make
sure he allowed him to go, seeing Matt coming around was a thing they were
all striving for.

"Sure I have no troubles with that." Mani said smiling at the now very
happy young man.

"So what made you ask me?" Mani asked. "Uncle Jeff says it's proper when
you want to date someone to ask their parents. Since you take care of Becky
it's proper isn't it?"

Beck was red now and still giggled and then hiccuped Mani chuckled.

"I guess your uncle is being very wise to teach you this, yes it's
proper. Thank you for being considerate.  Next step, ask Becky if she wants
to go." Becky was already shaking her head yes but Matt just laughed he had
forgotten that part and he was red, but seeing her agreeing to go made up
for his folly.  Mani only let of a slight chuckle. He turned to go to the
kitchen to let them both be to talk over their date plans when Becky
pointed to Zack. He had fallen asleep on Mani's shoulder. So he happily
took him up to his and Aikrii's room and laid him in his crib and turned on
the baby monitor.  Picking up the second base he walked out of the room
just as the phone rang.

Becky handed the phone handset to Mani as he come down stairs. She gave him
the puzzled look as if to say she had no idea who it was. Aikrii walked in
the door at that moment and seeing her quizzical look he was wondering what
was going on.

Becky walked over to him and gave him a hug. "I don't know who it is on the
phone thats all.  They sounded very official like." She said
smiling. Aikrii relaxed then as he walked over to Mani and kissed his
cheek, Mani gripped his arm and held onto him tightly, his eyes were
getting larger and larger and Aikrii could feel his anticipation just
flowing through him like electricity.  Mani started to talk rapidly and
smile like made.

"Oh my gosh! Thank you! Yes, Yes I'll let him know he's right here. Thank
you again."  He hung up the phone then turned to Aikrii and with the
biggest smile he picked up his partner and swung him completely around all
giddy.

"WHAT!?" Aikrii said when Mani let him down.

"Our adoption of Zachary. It went through this morning, the papers on being
couriered over as we speak.  We're officially his parents!" Mani was
jumping up and down now. "We have TWO kids now!" He was giddy.  He looked
over at Becky scurried to her and picked her up squished her and swung her
around as well and kissed her cheek. "THANK YOU BABY GIRL!" Mani was so
thrilled. She was giggling like mad.

"Your welcome dad." She said smiling again. "I'm happy to hear that it went
through, makes me feel better knowing you won't have anymore
hassles. Here's hoping it will help when you try for your next one."  She
smiled again.

Mani was beyond thrilled he was ecstatic. "You two should celebrate" Becky
suggested. Aikrii liked that idea and nodded. "I'll be here and if I need
help I'll ask Anita." Becky said. Besides it wasn't a big deal looking
after Zack when she had help. She rather enjoyed it. She smiled as her
adoptive parents giggled and hugged each other. She walked out of the room
tugging Matt along with her winking "Let's give them some private time."
Matt chuckled knowingly. They went to the living room and knocked on Nye's
old apartment door, Anita lived there now. She poked her head out the door.

"Can we barge in on you?" She asked the older lady who was like a second
mom to her.

"Sure sweetie, Marie is just eating something." They walked in and filled
Anita in on the scuttle butt that was going on and Anita delighted in the
news.

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

Friday came with a wonderful summer shower and a beautiful rainbow at the
end. Matt happily spent most of the day with Becky at his uncles place and
when the evening rolled around they got more excited over the date coming
up. Jeff gave Matt some money and told him to remember his cell phone. They
headed off and Matt was in heaven. Jeff dropped them off at the pizza joint
next to the theater and told them to meet him at the theater after the
movie was over. He'd stay in town to pick them up.

"Aw, you don't have to do that Uncle Jeff, I can call you when the movie is
over."

"No thats ok I have to pick up a few things anyway, have fun and be good
ok." He hugged his nephew and let them off on their merry way.

Matt took Becky's hand and walked into the pizza joint. They ordered their
meal and sat down.  It was when they were half way done their meal that
Matt noticed two fellas staring at him and Becky. He recognized one and
spoke to her quietly.

"Umm, I think we have to go now Becky." He took her hand and smiled at her
hoping she would just leave.

"What's wrong?" She asked.

"I see someone I don't want to deal with, lets go out the side door we can
cut across the alley and go to the theater that way ok." She nodded and got
up they deposited their trash in the bin and they headed to the side
door. When Matt looked back the two who he seen were gone. He wondered
where they had gone to. Pushing open the door he lead Becky out the side
door, happily chatting to her and smiling.

"Hey look if it ain't the rat and his little whore." Matt turned around to
see the two from the pizza shop.  He recognized the one fella who use to go
to his school and work for Mike.

"Hey I don't want any trouble guys." Matt said scared Becky was behind him.

"Too late asshole, you ratted out Mike and well he tends to keep his
promises. Your gonna be permanently erased from history." The first boy
stepped forward and thats when Matt noticed the board. He was terrified
now. "Becky run and get help. RUN! NOW!" He lunged at the boy with the
board. He wanted to see her get away and the blow he got to the head wasn't
as hard as he expected since he went towards the boy. He heard a bang and a
thud. His body felt like it was in jell-o as his head swam from the
blow. The second boy kicked him in the guts thats when he noticed something
cold against his head. He head sirens and the first boy yelled. "Fuck!
cops, I told you not to use that!" The first boy with the board whacked
Matt in the head again. Matt groaned holding his skull it really hurt. He
rolled over and through the haze he saw Becky on the ground. He tried to
scream out to her, his voice was strangled. He crawled to her as he did so
he hauled out his phone. He could hear the ones who assaulted him running
away. He hit speed dial.  The only words he could mutter were "help, ally."
He passed out, six feet away from where he could see Becky. He was trying
to reach for her. It's where the police and Jeff found them both.
***************************


He woke up. He was groggy. His head was killing him. He groaned. He looked
around and saw Jeff, Mani and Aikrii.  He could hear others
whispering. Mani and Aikrii were all puffy eyed. Aikrii looked like he had
been crying and Kolten looked a mess as well. Matt tried to speak but
manged a squeak. It was enough to get everyones attention thou. The room
went dead quiet. Jeff went to his nephew.

He looked at him and pushed the hair back from his face. He had a sad look
in his eyes but he was happy to see Matt was awake.

"Did they catch them? Is Becky ok?" Matt asked weakly. Jeff's eyes teared,
"They caught the boys who hurt you yes, but I have some bads news Matt."
More tears fell from Jeff's eyes as he told his nephew the two words no one
who loves someone wants to hear.

"I'm sorry son, Becky's dead."

The scream from Matt could be heard down at the other end of the hall of
the ward he was being held in.  It was the last sound he made and no one
could get him to talk after that.

********************************
This series is published on line books 1-3 (4 in the works) if intrested
mail Lila for the direct link to my series main web site so you can read it
all

lila_is@live.ca