| SMALL BLESSINGS BY TIMA |
CHAPTERS 26 - 30 |
SMALL BLESSINGS
chapter 26:
[Todd and Tea share intense eye contact for several moments. Tea is the one who looks away first. She also moves out of his personal space.]
Todd: I win!
[Tea speaks as she's walking toward her bedroom.]
Tea: The baby's awake.
Todd: You can't use the kid as an excuse, Delgado.
[Tea returns to the living room a few moments later, with Little Enrique in her arms.]
Todd: You woke him up? You could have just said that you didn't want to screw tonight.
Tea: I did say that. And, I didn't wake him. That's your style, not mine.
Todd: We're not done here, Delgado. As soon as the kid falls asleep again, we're getting back to what we were doing.
Tea: What makes you think you'll even be here then?
Todd: I know you.
Tea: You haven't known me in a long time, Todd.
Todd: I know you. You're almost as obsessed with winning as I am. You won't give up on our game until we're basking in my victory.
Tea: We won't be having sex tonight, my friend. You'll have to accept that.
Todd: I won't force you. I won't have to. You'll be begging me.
[Tea laughs as she hands her nephew to Todd and disappears into the kitchen.
Todd sits down and tries to place Little Enrique next to him, in a seated position against the back of the sofa, but the baby immediately starts to slide to the side. He then places him in the corner of the sofa so the back and arm of the sofa hold him in place.
Todd sits facing him, with his hands ready to grab Little E if he starts falling again.]
Todd: I've already taught you some of the basic stuff about chicks. There's a lot more to learn, but you'll have to figure some of it out on your own. Every chick is different, anyway. There's just no logic to them, not like us guys who always make perfect sense. I guess I should probably teach you something about everyone else, too. The most important thing that you'll ever need to know is that you shouldn't trust anyone. They're all out to get you. Okay, maybe not everyone. You can trust your aunt. But, that's the only person you should ever really trust. Everyone else will screw you over, if you let them have the chance. If you have any thoughts about trusting me, don't. I wouldn't screw you over, kid, but it's just a good idea never to count on me. I guess your aunt finally figured that out. A long time ago, she was one of the few people I could count on to trust me. She believed in me. I blew it. Never blow it, kid. Not with the ones that count. With the ones that don't count, who the hell cares, right? But, with the ones that really matter, never let it get screwed up. I know, living the life of a loner sounds perfect. You don't have anyone depending on you. You don't have anyone that you have to come through for. If you screw things up, there's no one there who cares. There's no one around for you to disappoint. It sounds perfect, right? Just trust me, that's not the life that you want.
[Todd quietly stares at the baby until Tea returns to the living room with Little E's bottle.]
Tea: Is my special man sitting up?
Todd: You've seen me sit before.
[Tea flashes a smile at Todd as she hands him the baby's bottle.]
Tea: Don't move him yet. I want to get a picture.
Todd: You're obsessed, Delgado.
Tea: I can't help it, he's adorable.
[Tea finds the camera and takes a picture of her nephew.]
Tea: I think he wants the next one to be with his new friend.
Todd: I think he wants his grub.
[The baby's face turns to distress.]
Todd: I told you.
Tea: Go ahead and feed him.
Todd: You can do it.
Tea: I think he wants you to do it.
[Little E begins to cry. Todd picks him up and cradles him in his arms. As he places the bottle to the baby's mouth, Tea takes another picture.
Todd is silent while he feeds the little boy that could have been his nephew, had his life turned out the way he had wanted it to several years earlier.]
Tea: Are you okay?
[Todd doesn't respond.]
Tea: Todd?
[Todd looks up at the mention of his name.]
Todd: Huh? What?
Tea: Are you thinking about your family?
Todd: I was thinking that you're right...we shouldn't blow this.
Tea: I don't want to give you the wrong idea, but sharing love, isn't blowing it.
Todd: It is when I'm involved.
Tea: Maybe it doesn't have to be that way. Maybe if you go back to Llanview and really try, things could work out the way you want them to.
Todd: The reason you want me gone, is it because of how you feel about me, or is it because of the kid?
[Tea is uncertain how to respond to Todd's question.]
Todd: I really want to know, Delgado.
Tea: I do have to think about him and how any relationships I have will impact on his life.
Todd: You think I'd screw him up?
Tea: I certainly hope that you won't be continuing with your chick lessons when he's older. Other than that, I don't think that you would do anything detrimental to him. Not on purpose, anyway.
Todd: You think I'd do it accidentally?
Tea: If I allow you to be a part of his life, I need to know that you won't abandon him because of whatever happens between us.
Todd: If we were together and then we split up, you're the one who would keep him from me.
Tea: I would never do that. I know what it's like. I wouldn't put you through that. I wouldn't put him through that. If he forms a bound with you, you'll always be welcome in his life, as long as I'm certain he'll be safe. There have been times in the past when your life was so out of control, when you were out of control. If that happens again, I would have to do what was best for him. But, as long as that's not the situation, you can be a part of his life, if you want to.
Todd: You want me to be around for the kid?
Tea: I'm sure he would enjoy being around you. You just have to promise me that you won't try to spoil him.
Todd: Buying him a house, with a yard, and a swimming pool...that's not spoiling, is it?
Tea: I can provide a home for my nephew. What my nephew really needs is love. If you can offer that, there is an opening available.
Todd: What about you?
Tea: I love him very much.
Todd: I meant...
[Silence fills the room. Todd watches the baby in his arms for several moments. When he speaks again, his eyes don't dare to look up into Tea's.]
Todd: You're scared to have me around the kid because you think I'll end up ditching him. Is that the same reason you're scared to have me around you?
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SMALL BLESSINGS
chapter 27:
Tea: It's late. This isn't the time for this discussion.
Todd: When would the time be? After we finish up in the bedroom?
Tea: We're not having sex.
Todd: Why do you keep saying that?
Tea: Because, I mean it.
Todd: No, you don't.
Tea: Yes, I do.
Todd: It's not what you want.
Tea: I thought you just said that you didn't want to blow this...whatever this is.
Todd: You think a quick fuck would blow this?
Tea: Please, stop using words like that. I can just imagine my grandmother's reaction if that ends up being Little E's first word.
Todd (to the baby): Can you say fuck?
Tea: Todd!
Todd: Seriously, Tea, are you saying that if I don't have sex with you, I get to keep spending every night here, hanging out with E and sharing a bed with you?
Tea: I don't know if every night would be a good idea.
Todd: Why not? You're not seeing anyone, right?
Tea: Not seriously.
Todd: Just fuckable male friends?
Tea: I'm starting to rethink the idea of you spending any time here at all.
[The ex-spouses are silent for several minutes as Todd finishes feeding the baby.]
Todd: You can burp him.
Tea: That's part of the job you signed on for.
Todd: I know you've noticed that I'm not wearing a shirt. I don't feel like having the kid puke on me. I already took one shower tonight.
[Tea sits down next to Todd and takes the baby from him. Todd quickly stands up.]
Todd: I'll be in the bedroom.
Tea: I'll be bringing the baby in there in a few minutes so don't get any ideas.
Todd: You're saying I shouldn't wait for you under the covers with nothing on and a smirk on my face?
Tea: No, you shouldn't. Actually, you should stay in here and change the baby's diaper.
[Todd yawns in an exaggerated manner.]
Todd: I'm really tired. I need to lie down.
[Todd leaves the living room. As he enters Tea's bedroom, the light that Tea left on minutes earlier, illuminates the room. He takes the opportunity to do some investigating.
Minutes later, Tea returns to the room with the baby and finds Todd going through the contents of a large trunk.]
Tea: Todd!
[Todd looks toward the doorway.]
Todd: The kid looks drunk.
Tea: He's tired. What are you doing?
Todd: I was looking for the kid's toys.
[Tea places Little Enrique in his crib and turns her attention to Todd.]
Tea: Leave my things alone, Todd.
Todd: These aren't your things. I have a right to look at this stuff.
Tea: No, you don't.
Todd: This thing is filled with packages addressed to my kid, that gives me the right to know what the hell's going on here.
Tea: It's nothing. Just forget you saw them, especially since you shouldn't have been going through my things to begin with.
Todd: You sent all this stuff to Starr?
Tea: It's not important.
Todd: It is if you've been sending Starr stuff and she hasn't been getting it.
Tea: I want you to drop this.
Todd: How long has this been going on?
Tea: What do I have to do to get you to drop this?
Todd: Let me comfort you...my way.
Tea: Very funny, Todd.
Todd: You think I'm kidding?
[Tea gives him a tired and unamused looked.]
Todd: Okay, I am...this time. Didn't Blair let Starr keep anything from you?
Tea: Everything that I've sent has been sent back unopened.
Todd: I'm surprised.
Tea: Are you? I'm not.
Todd: I would have thought that Blair would have opened all of the packages, taken the stuff out and gave it to Starr, pretending it was from her.
Tea: Okay, that wouldn't have surprised me. But, I guess having anything around that came from me wasn't want she wanted.
Todd: It wasn't her decision. Starr needs to know about this.
Tea: No, she doesn't.
Todd: Starr hates Blair right now, anyway. This will give me more ammunition against her.
Tea: I don't want you to tell Starr anything about this.
Todd: Why not? Blair's been keeping all this loot from her, Starr will be really ticked.
Tea: Please, don't.
Todd: Sometimes I think Blair's the female version of the not-so-great Peter Manning.
Tea: Your father did that to you?
Todd: Yeah. Did yours do that, too?
Tea: Not that I know about.
Todd: You're lucky.
Tea: Not really. It just means that my mother never bothered to send me anything after she walked out.
Todd: I guess it sucks either way.
Tea: You don't really want to put Starr through finding that out, do you?
Todd: She'll find out someday, anyway. It's better if she hears about it now.
Tea: Why?
Todd: If it's later, she'll also find out that I knew and kept it from her.
Tea: I can see your point.
Todd: So, I get to take all this stuff with me in the morning?
Tea: She won't want some of it. She's too old for it now.
Todd: I'll take it all so she can see just how lousy Blair is.
Tea: Don't use this as a way to get back at your ex-wife.
Todd: Why not? She knew that you loved Starr. Even worse, she knew that Starr loved you. She should have let you send her stuff.
Tea: I don't know why I thought any of my gifts would get through. She wouldn't let me see her, she wasn't likely to accept my packages.
Todd: I doubt Starr knows it's Blair's fault you never saw her.
Tea: Do not tell her that, too.
Todd: If it naturally comes into the conversation...
Tea: It's late. We can argue about this in the morning. We should try to get some sleep.
Todd: We?
Tea: Yes, Todd. You need sleep, too.
[Tea climbs onto the bed and gets under the covers.]
Todd: You go ahead. I'm not done...helping you organize.
Tea: You are not going through anymore of my things.
Todd: I need to know what the kid has so I don't buy him stuff he already has.
Tea: Ask me. I'll tell you what he needs.
Todd: He needs a house, with a yard, and a great big dog.
Tea: No dogs!
Todd: But, it's okay if I buy him a house?
Tea: Why are you so convinced that I can't take care of my nephew's housing needs?
Todd: Because, you're not loaded, like I am.
Tea: That doesn't mean that I can't find a nice place for us.
Todd: I think the kid would enjoy one of those skating ramps in his backyard, so he can learn all kinds of dangerous stunts.
Tea: I think I'll be enough of a nervous wreck when he starts learning how to walk.
[Todd joins Tea on the bed, and under the blankets.]
Todd: You've got a lot of cool stuff coming up.
Tea: Walking...talking...
Todd: Learning how to belch really loud.
Tea: Will that be part of your male bonding with him?
Todd: Proper belching does attract the chicks.
Tea: In what culture?
Todd: You forgot to turn the light off.
Tea: You were the last one to get into bed.
Todd: I'm the guest. Besides, don't you want to check on the kid again before I comfort you some more.
Tea: Will there be more comforting?
Todd: Not with the light on.
Tea: We're not having sex.
Todd: We'll see about that.
[Tea gets out of bed and checks on her nephew. Seeing that he's comfortably sleeping, she turns off the light and returns to the bed.]
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SMALL BLESSINGS
chapter 28:
[As Tea gets back into bed, she finds Todd closer to her side of the bed than he had been moments earlier. This forces her body to instantly come into contact with his body.]
Tea: Todd?
Todd: Are you ready for some more comforting?
Tea: I need to ask you something.
Todd: Do you talk this much with all the guys, before you let them have sex with you?
Tea: We are not having sex. That is what I want to ask you about, though?
Todd: You're not going to ask me about my first time, are you?
Tea: No.
Todd: Good!
Tea: Is that a bad memory for you?
Todd: You just lied.
Tea: Okay, we won't talk about that.
Todd: Let's stop talking all together and get to the part where I comfort you by kissing you a lot.
[There is a long silence before Todd speaks again.]
Todd: Aren't you going to tell me that we won't be kissing while we continue not having sex?
Tea: I'm thinking.
Todd: It's been a while. You probably need me to refresh your memory about what it's like when I kiss you.
Tea: Before we do that...
Todd: That's a yes! Who's going to move the kid to the living room?
Tea: Why do you want to have sex with me?
Todd: That's pretty obvious, isn't it?
Tea: No, it isn't. I need you to tell me why you're suddenly so anxious to be with me.
Todd: Can't you just pretend that you think it's a compliment, without all the words?
Tea: This is one instance when I need your words.
Todd: I want to do you because you're a hot chick. Now, can we get to the fun part of comforting?
Tea: Can't you take this seriously?
Todd: I'm serious. You're hot!
Tea: Thank you.
Todd: Now that we've got the mushy part out of the way...
Tea: That's your idea of mushy?
Todd: That's about as mushy as I get these days.
Tea: Tell me what it's been like for you.
Todd: Are you trying to make me give up?
Tea: I need to understand this.
Todd: You really want to know?
Tea: Yes.
Todd: I've been a bastard to just about everyone. And, I've enjoyed every second of it.
Tea: I don't believe that. In the past, you always regretted it when you let your anger, and need for revenge, get out of control.
Todd: I don't seem to have that problem anymore.
Tea: Why are you here? Why aren't you in Llanview wreaking your havoc, if that's what you enjoy so much?
Todd: As my lawyer, you have to keep your mouth shut, right?
Tea: Are you in some kind of trouble?
Todd: Probably. But, that's not why I want you to keep this to yourself. I have a reputation to maintain.
Tea: Whatever you tell me is private. You know that.
Todd: I came here because, as much as I enjoy being the creep everyone loves to hate, sometimes it gets to me. Sometimes, I want there to be at least one person who looks at me like I'm not the monster I know I am. I figured that if I came here I might find the one person on this stupid planet who doesn't look at me like I'm scum, or like I'm a great, big disappointment.
[Tea is touched that Todd values her opinion of him.]
Tea: Todd...
Todd: So, obviously, I came for Little E.
[Tea turns toward Todd and pushes at his body in a playful manner. Todd quickly places his arms around her and holds her to him. She settles her body against his with her head against his bare shoulder. For several moments, they both enjoy the physical contact. Tea is the first to speak again.]
Tea: If we had sex, do you think that would make you feel better about yourself?
Todd: Probably not. Physically, it would probably feel okay, though. I'm willing to give it a try.
Tea: I don't think I'm ready. I don't want to rush into anything.
Todd: Rush? It's been years, Delgado.
Tea: I know. We've waited this long...
Todd: In other words, you never want me doing that to you.
Tea: Don't use the Todd Manning rules of translation right now.
Todd: Why not? They're always right.
Tea: They are not. If we ever do move our relationship into that area, it shouldn't be a casual thing. It shouldn't be sudden, or because we've both been having a difficult time lately. It should be for the right reasons.
Todd: I have no idea what the right reasons are.
Tea: When it's right, you'll know it. You'll feel it.
Todd: Tea?
Tea: Yes?
Todd: I think I'm feeling something. Yes, I'm definitely feeling something. You can feel it, too, if you want to.
Tea: We're not having sex. I'm tired of having to say that.
Todd: I'm tired of you saying it, too.
Tea: I mean it. You'll have to accept it. If you can't, you can stop comforting me right now.
Todd: The kid's asleep. I have nothing better to do.
Tea: I'm going to try to sleep again now.
Todd: Aren't you afraid that I'll do stuff to you while you're asleep?
Tea: I trust you.
Todd: You're the only one.
[Tea snuggles even closer to him and rests her arm across his naked upper body, wanting him to feel comforted, too. She soon falls asleep. He stays awake and enjoys the feeling of having her in his arms.]
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SMALL BLESSINGS
chapter 29:
[The next morning...
Tea awakens to the wonderful feeling of being pressed against Todd's body, her face resting against his naked chest. She smiles, enjoying such a rare pleasure.
When Tea finally moves her head, she looks up at Todd's face, at the almost peaceful quality of his features as he sleeps.
Not wanting to disturb his much needed sleep, Tea slowly removes herself from the bed. She quietly approaches her nephew's crib on the other side of the room. She gently lifts the baby and carries him out of the room, closing the door behind her.
She enters the living room and places a groggy Little E into his motorized swing and turns it on.]
Tea (whispering): I'm sorry I had to wake you, but Uncle Todd needs to sleep and we both know that you'll be loudly demanding to eat soon.
[Tea speaks softly in Spanish for a few more minutes until the baby falls back to sleep.
Seven hours later...
Todd awakens in Tea's bedroom and finds that both Tea and Little Enrique are no longer sharing the room with him. If he was a paranoid man, finding both Tea and Little E gone would convince him that his ex-wife had run off with her nephew to get away from him.
Since he is a paranoid man, he rushes for the door and yanks it open, moving quickly into the living room. He stops suddenly as he finds Tea in front of the window, the baby safely in her arms, as she sways from side to side, while singing softly in Spanish.
When Tea looks in Todd's direction, the smile on her face threatens to melt all of his internal defenses.]
Tea: I think he's getting used to the sound of my voice.
[Not knowing how to handle the potentially emotional moment, Todd turns and leaves the living room, quickly entering the safety of the bathroom.
Tea looks down at the content baby in her arms and speaks to him.]
Tea: Uncle Todd is not a morning person...even though it's already after noon.
[Several minutes later...
Todd returns to the living room and finds Tea gone but Little Enrique in his swing. He approaches the baby and kneels down in front of him.]
Todd: You really like this thing, huh? Maybe I could have one of these made for me. The only thing I've found so far that really helps me sleep is your aunt. Tell me, kid, did your aunt say anything about me? Does she hate me? Like me? Some other 'L' word? Chicks aren't easy to read, sometimes, so when you figure out how to talk, let me know the truth. I have to go pretty soon but I'm coming back. I need you to help me out, while I'm gone. If your aunt has any other guys showing up when I'm not here, I need you to take care of them for me. If they get anywhere near you, I want you to puke on them, okay? If you can't get close enough, just start screaming really loud until they leave. If it looks like they're wearing a toupee, I want you to grab onto it really tight and yank it off their heads. Do whatever you have to do. If you help me out, and this thing works out between your aunt and me, I'll give you a company to run when you get older. Do we have a deal?
[Todd reaches out and takes one of the baby's hands in his own and shakes it, sealing their deal.]
Todd: Right now, I need you to do that sleeping thing so I can have some time to work on your aunt before I have to leave.
[Todd waits a few moments. The baby doesn't fall asleep but he does continue to calmly enjoy his swing.
Todd stands up and leaves the living room, entering the kitchen. He sits down at a small table in the corner of the room.]
Tea: Are you in the mood to speak yet?
[Todd grunts in response.]
Tea: Would you like something to eat?
[Todd grunts in agreement.]
Tea: One grunt for pancakes. Two grunts for oatmeal.
[Todd grunts...once...twice...three times.]
Tea: You'll have to help me decipher the grunt code. I'm out of practice.
Todd: Chocolate and beer.
Tea: I see your diet hasn't improved any. I may have some chocolate, but you're out of luck with the beer. Would you settle for coffee?
Todd: I guess, if I have to.
[Tea moves around the kitchen, gathering his breakfast, as she continues their conversation.]
Tea: I'm also making you toast.
Todd: They have chocolate toast now?
Tea: You can put a chocolate bar between two pieces of toast and make a sandwich.
Todd: Okay. Do you have any marshmallows?
Tea: Your eating habits will have to change around my nephew when he gets older.
Todd: Why?
Tea: For obvious reasons.
Todd: They're not obvious to me.
Tea: Are you going back to Llanview today?
Todd: Are you happy to be getting rid of me?
Tea: I think Little E will miss you.
Todd: Are you going to keep me from ever seeing him again?
Tea: Of course not.
Todd: So, I should come back tonight?
Tea: I don't think that would be a good idea.
Todd: Why?
[Todd's anger rises as his paranoia rises.]
Todd: You have another guy booked for sharing your bed tonight?
Tea: No, Todd. I just thought that you would want to spend some time in Llanview and not have to drive all the way back here tonight.
Todd: I could do it. I don't sleep at night, anyway.
Tea: Honestly, I don't think it would be a good idea. I think this is a confusing time for both of us. We need time to think about everything, and to think about how a relationship with each other would fit into our lives, and to determine what kind of relationship we'll be having exactly.
Todd: So, how long am I supposed to stay away and pretend that I'm thinking about all that junk?
Tea: Let's start with one week.
Todd: Let's start with me coming back tomorrow night.
Tea: We'll compromise.
Todd: Okay. I'll be back tomorrow night.
Tea: Compromising does not mean that you get your way and I don't get mine.
Todd: It does in my mind.
Tea: Well, it doesn't in mine. The compromise that I was suggesting is that you wait a week before coming back here, but we'll talk on the phone a few times between now and then. Is that acceptable?
Todd: I'll see you tomorrow night.
Tea: You will not. Give me some time to think about this, Todd. If it were just me, I could rush into this again, not allowing myself to be concerned with the possible consequences. It's not just me this time. I have to make sure that I'm doing what's right for my nephew.
Todd: The kid thinks I'm cool.
Tea: He does seem to like you.
Todd: You're gonna count that, right?
[Tea places the individual contents of Todd's afternoon breakfast sandwich on the table in front of him.]
Tea: I will take that into consideration. Now, I'm going into the living room because watching you eat that would make me ill.
[Tea leaves the kitchen. Todd makes his sandwich and begins to happily eat it.]
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SMALL BLESSINGS
chapter 30:
[Several days later...
Todd has stayed in Llanview, despite wanting to visit Tea again. It's not easy for him to stay away, but he's trying to give Tea the one week of space she told him she needed for her to think about possibly pursuing some sort of relationship with him again. Todd hopes that by giving her this one week she'll decide to let him be in her life every day again. If she doesn't come to the right decision at the end of the week, he's prepared to camp out in her life, anyway, until she does come to the right decision about their future together.
As a way of distracting himself, while away from Tea, Todd has been working almost non-stop, except for the time he spends with his daughter. Starr has been spending time with her mother again, which is making Todd even more stressed out and in need of Tea's calming presence. He's wanted to call her many times in the last few days but has held himself back, not wanting to tip her off to just how much she still matters to him. He doesn't want to give her that power until he knows it's safe to do so.
Since Todd doesn't call her, Tea has called him each day. Usually, they only talk for a few minutes, with Tea doing most of the talking. But, each enjoys the daily contact with the other.
On this day, Todd is in his office, bellowing orders to his staff. It's late in the day and Tea still hasn't called. Since she usually calls earlier in the day, Todd's mood is rapidly deteriorating.
When his phone finally rings, he tells the several staffers in his office to go away and, once alone, pounces on the phone.]
Todd: It's about time, Delgado.
Tea: How did you know it was me?
Todd: I told my secretary not to send any calls through that were from idiots.
Tea: And, that left only me?
Todd: Well, you, Starr and Little E. Starr's off with Blair somewhere and Little E can't talk yet so, yeah, that left you.
Tea: Actually, that's why I was calling, I think he just spoke.
Todd: Is that why you're calling so late? He's been chatting you up this whole time?
Tea: It's not that late.
Todd: Later than usual.
Tea: I didn't realize we had a usual.
Todd: Whatever. What did the kid say? Did he tell you that he wants to see me again?
Tea: I think he said hi. I know he probably didn't, but I was talking to him and saying hi to him and he was making noises and it sounded like he said hi back to me.
Todd: You were probably just hearing what you wanted to hear.
Tea: I know, but I swear it sounded like that's what he said.
Todd: Put him on the phone. Let him say it to me and I'll tell you if that's what he really said. Better yet, I'll be there tonight and he can say it when I walk in the door.
Tea: You agreed to a week, remember?
Todd: The kid's talking now. This is no time to be focusing on stupid stuff. I should be there when he finally says -- Todd is cool.
Tea: I think my hi may have been wishful thinking, but you're not going to get what you want for some time.
Todd: So, you still don't want to have anything to do with me?
Tea: I'm talking to you, aren't I?
Todd: You're probably spending this week packing your place up and when I show up you'll be gone.
Tea: I'm not even looking for a place yet. I'm still trying to get everything else organized.
Todd: Have you been having a lot of friends over to see the kid?
Tea: A few.
Todd: Did he puke on any of them?
Tea: Luckily, no.
Todd: So, they were all chicks?
Tea: What makes you think that?
Todd: Nothing. Never mind. Do you need me to bring dinner tonight?
Tea: Please, give me one week, Todd. I don't think that's too much time to ask for.
Todd: That's easy for you to say.
Tea: Is Starr spending the night with Blair again?
Todd: Yeah. I don't know why? I can afford to buy her better stuff.
Tea: She must have missed her mother. That's natural.
Todd: Nothing about Blair is natural.
Tea: So, you and Blair haven't worked things out yet?
Todd: She lied to Starr about those packages you sent her that she never got. Do you still think I should work things out with my other ex?
Tea: Did you expect her to admit the truth?
Todd: No, but I thought my kid was smart enough not to fall for all her lies anymore.
Tea: She wants to believe her mother. Let her.
Todd: No way. I found out that, back when you were still living here after we split up, when Starr would ask about seeing you, she was told the reason she couldn't was because you didn't want to waste your time with her anymore since I wasn't around to earn point from for being nice to her.
Tea: Starr told you that?
Todd: She also told me that Blair told her that your work was more important to you than she was.
Tea (angrily): That...
Todd: Do you still think it's a good idea for me to have Starr spending all this time with her mother?
Tea: Of course. I may not like your other ex-wife. I may not see any redeeming qualities in that...
Todd: You can go ahead and swear, Tea. I'm a big boy.
Tea: I won't allow my anger to get the better of me. Did you tell Starr that there must have been a misunderstanding and that none of that was true?
Todd: I told her that Blair was lying her head off, just like she always does.
Tea: You didn't?
Todd: You wanted me to lie to her, too?
Tea: Despite everything, Blair is Starr's mother.
Todd: So? She's also a liar.
Tea: Was Starr upset?
Todd: She asked Blair about it and Blair told her I was lying. Now Starr's mad at me.
Tea: Just let it drop, Todd.
Todd: I'm not letting Blair get away with it.
Tea: It's not worth upsetting Starr over.
Todd: Aren't you ticked off at what Blair did?
Tea: Of course. But, it's in the past. I don't want to be responsible for any rifts in Starr's family.
Todd: You're not. Blair is.
Tea: Let's just drop it, okay?
Todd: Fine. I'll leave right away and I'll be there as soon as I can.
Tea: Todd...
Todd: I want to see the kid.
Tea: You will...after you've given me a week. I should go now.
Todd: Tea?
Tea: Yes?
[Todd wants to tell her that he's missed her, but chooses not to.]
Todd: Nothing. Never mind.
[Todd hangs up the phone.]
to be continued...
***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****
2001 COPYRIGHT BY TIMA
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