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| LAST CHANCE BY TIMA |
CHAPTERS 11 - 20 |
PREVIOUSLY...
Tea: You may just have to accept that your paper is gone.
Todd: Never.
Tea: Look, Todd...
Todd: You make it happen. I want my paper back.
***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****
chapter 11:
Tea: I'll see what I can come up with.
Todd: Good. Now, what about getting my kid back?
Tea: That's between you and your ex-wife...your other ex-wife.
Todd: Would it be hard for me to get custody now that you and I aren't together? Although, we are still living together.
Tea: Because you refuse to leave.
Todd: This is my home.
Tea: No, now it's my home. You're my guest. Besides, do you really want to go through another custody battle. Starr is older now. She'll be more involved. She'll know what's going on.
Todd: I've hurt her enough.
Tea: Work something out with Blair.
Todd: I'll try. You could help me with the negotiations.
Tea: It would be better if I weren't involved.
Todd: If I do it alone I'll probably end up saying something stupid and blowing the whole thing.
Tea: Just keep in mind what's best for Starr and keep your temper under control and everything will be fine.
Todd: I'd feel better if you were there. You know, to take care of the legal stuff.
Tea: I'm not your lawyer.
Todd: So you keep saying.
Tea: Because it's true.
Todd: Whatever. So, what do you do all day if you're not working anymore?
Tea: Um, I don't know. I guess whatever I feel like doing.
Todd: Like what?
Tea: Well, I read.
Todd: That trashy stuff?
Tea: What trashy stuff?
Todd: You know, that romance garbage.
Tea: Why would I want to read anything like that?
Todd: Well, you used to.
Tea: I did not.
Todd: Oh, come on, Tea. I used to go into your room at night, remember? I saw what you were reading when you fell asleep.
Tea: Oh.
Todd: Look, it's no big deal. So, what else do you do besides read?
Tea: Nothing.
Todd: You can tell me.
Tea: Nothing is what I do. I eat, read, sleep, watch television. My life is very boring.
Todd: It was...now I'm back.
Tea: Right.
Todd: So, if Blair isn't at the Sun anymore do you know where I might find her?
Tea: Well, she was working at the Banner. I don't know if she's still working there though.
Todd: You're kidding, right? What is going on with this town?
Tea: Things have changed since you left.
Todd: No kidding. What other bizarre things have happened? You're not going to tell me my kid has a nose ring, are you?
Tea: Not the last time I saw her.
Todd: Bo's still running the 'Arrest Todd Manning whether he did it or not' police department, right?
Tea: Yeah, and Hank's still prosecutor.
Todd: Viki still runs the Banner. I know that will never change.
Tea: Actually, I've had the impression that Kevin's been running it lately.
Todd: Why would Viki want to destroy her own paper?
Tea: Maybe she thinks Kevin's doing a good job.
Todd: Yeah right!
Tea: Club Indigo burned down.
Todd: Did R.J. give up on being law abiding and go back to a life of crime?
[Tea looks away uncomfortably.]
Todd: What?
Tea: Nothing.
[Todd finds it odd that Tea won't make eye contact with him.]
Todd: You and R.J.?
Tea: What about us?
Todd: Are you trying to get into his pants or is he trying to get into yours?
Tea (angrily): That's none of your business.
Todd: You haven't slept with him yet, right? You said you've only slept with one person since I left. It was the boring cop, right? Well?
Tea: You abandoned me. You don't deserve the intimate details of my life.
Todd: You're the one who walked out on me so don't be blaming me.
Tea: You faked a personality disorder.
Todd: So?
Tea (frustrated): Forget it.
[Tea quickly grabs her keys and leaves the penthouse.]
chapter 12:
[R.J. opens his apartment door to find Tea standing in the hallway.]
R.J.: Well, Tea, I wasn't expecting to see you. Come in.
Tea (nervously): This was a stupid idea. I shouldn't be here.
[As Tea turns to leave, R.J. places his hand firmly on her arm to stop her.]
R.J.: Before you leave why don't you come in and tell me why you came.
Tea: I don't know.
R.J.: We could go somewhere else if you'd prefer.
Tea: I should leave.
R.J.: Is something wrong? Did you have another encounter with the saintly cop?
Tea: No.
R.J.: Then what has you so upset?
Tea: Nothing.
R.J.: It looks like something to me.
Tea: I want to forget. I want to forget everything. I thought maybe you could help me to forget.
R.J.: What are you trying to forget? Sykes?
Tea: No.
[Tea moves closer to R.J. She moves her hand along his strong chest.]
Tea (seductively): I don't want to talk about it. Why don't you gets us some wine and we'll find something to do that doesn't require talking.
[R.J. backs up into his apartment but Tea follows with her hand still caressing his chest. As her lips kiss his neck he pulls completely away from her.]
R.J.: What is this about?
Tea (approaching him again as he closes the door): What do you think?
R.J.: Tea, you've made it clear that you're not interested in having a relationship with me.
Tea: We could be good together. You could make me forget.
R.J.: What are you trying to forget?
Tea: Myself. (as her lips come close to his) Help me.
[R.J. puts his hand on her shoulder keeping her at a distance, preventing her from kissing him.]
R.J.: Am I the person you really want to be with right now?
Tea: Yes.
R.J.: Then look in my eyes and tell me that. Tell me that I'm the one you want to be with.
Tea (looking in his eyes): I want this. I need this.
R.J.: But do you want me? Do you need me?
[Tea looks away.]
R.J.: I didn't think so. Has Sykes really got you this messed up?
Tea: This doesn't have anything to do with him.
R.J.: Then who, or what, is this about?
Tea: I have to go.
R.J. (blocking her exit): Wait. I think I deserve to know why you just flung yourself at me. What were you trying to use me to hide from?
[R.J. notices tears forming in Tea's eyes. He places his hand comfortingly on her cheek.]
R.J.: What is it?
Tea (grabbing his hand with her own): Please, make love to me. You could make it stop hurting just for a little while. It hurts so much.
R.J.: What does?
[Tea tries to speak but can't say the words. R.J. steps away from her to get some tissues for her.]
R.J. (moving her toward the couch): Sit down.
Tea: I should leave.
R.J.: I could call someone. I could call Carlotta. You could tell her what's wrong.
Tea: No.
R.J.: I hate to see you hurt like this, Tea. If you can't tell me what the problem is then tell me who to call. There must be someone who can help you.
Tea: There's only one person and I can't tell him. He's the problem.
R.J.: Sykes?
Tea: No...Todd.
R.J.: Todd? Are you still hung up on him? After everything he did to you? How could you let him continue to have this kind of effect on you after all this time?
Tea: He came back.
R.J.: What?
Tea: He just showed up at the penthouse. He insisted on staying there.
R.J.: So, you moved out?
Tea: No. I wouldn't give him the satisfaction of throwing me out of my home again.
R.J.: So, you're living together again?
Tea: Sort of.
R.J.: Did he tell you where he's been? Did he make excuses for what he did to you?
Tea: No.
R.J. (gently touching her tear stained face): Are you still in love with him?
Tea (standing up): Do you really think I'm that pathetic? Why would I love him? He doesn't love me. He never did. (starting to cry again) He never loved me.
R.J. (standing up and approaching her): Maybe he did. Maybe he still does.
Tea: No. He's not capable of love...at least not for me. (pressing her body against his) Make love to me. Show me what it's like for someone to love me.
R.J.: But you don't love me.
Tea: Does that really matter? I know you'd enjoy it.
R.J.: I'm not interesting in being used, Tea.
Tea (pulling away): You don't want me anymore either. Maybe you're just like Todd. The only times he seemed to want me were when I was gone. When I was there he didn't care. I was just a challenge. Maybe it's me. Maybe there's something wrong with me. No man ever really wants me.
R.J.: I hate to say this but Sykes seemed to want you.
Tea: Oh, he didn't have a clue who I was. He had this idea in his head of who he wanted me to be. It didn't even involve me. He kept telling me he knew who I was but he never bothered to really look at me, to see who I really am.
R.J.: What about Todd? Does Todd know who you really are?
Tea: I tried to show him. I wanted him to know me. I wanted him to want me but I'm just not worth wanting. Maybe I should have stuck with John. At least he wanted me even if it wasn't the real me. At least he didn't push me away all the time.
R.J.: Would you really want to spend your life with someone who forces you to pretend to be someone you're not?
Tea: It's better than being alone.
R.J.: It doesn't sound like much of a life to me. Tea, if Todd is who you want then go after him.
Tea: I would just get hurt.
R.J.: You're hurting now.
Tea: I would just end up humiliating myself.
R.J.: So? At least you'll know that you tried. You don't want to spend the rest of your life regretting that you didn't take the chance, do you?
Tea: Do you regret it? Taking the chance with me, I mean.
R.J.: No. I wish my timing had been better. Now I know that even if Sykes hadn't gotten to you first you still would have been in love with Todd so we never would have really had a chance.
Tea: I never meant to hurt you.
R.J.: I'll survive.
Tea: You really are a great guy. If I had gotten involved with you before my heart got so twisted up with Todd maybe we would have had something great.
R.J.: Well, I know if we had you wouldn't be in some other man's apartment looking for comfort. I would have given you everything that you needed.
Tea: I'm really sorry, R.J.
[Tea kisses him softly on the cheek and then leaves.]
chapter 13:
[After driving around for a while, Tea returns to the penthouse. She's relieved to find that Todd isn't in the living room. She hopes she can avoid seeing him for the rest of the evening. She doesn't trust herself with her emotions still so on the surface.]
Starr: Tee!
[Tea quickly turns around as her step-daughter rushes across the living room toward her. Tea instantly kneels down and embraces the child as she runs into her arms.]
Tea: Sweetie, I didn't know you were here.
Starr: Daddy wanted to surprise you.
Tea: Well, it worked. I'm very surprised.
Todd: Uh, we waited as long as we could but I really have to get her back now.
[Tea looks up and sees Todd standing near the kitchen. He notices the sadness that temporarily disappeared when she first saw Starr return to Tea's eyes.]
Tea (giving Starr another hug): I'm so glad I could see you today. I really needed one of your hugs.
Starr: I'm glad too. Now that daddy's back I'll get to see you all the time like I used to, won't I?
Tea (looking at Todd): Well...
Todd: You'll get to see lots of Tea, Shorty, but right now we have to go.
[Todd can tell that Tea doesn't want Starr to go.]
Todd (to Tea): You know, if you wanted to you could come with us.
Tea: I don't know.
Todd: You and Starr can talk on the way. You know, you can talk about whatever it is that girls talk about together.
Tea: I don't want to intrude on your time together.
Todd: I told you before you can't intrude when it's family.
[Tea wonders if Todd really meant what he just said or if he's playing another game with her but she does want to spend time with Starr so she agrees. They leave together. After dropping Starr off Tea and Todd drive back to the penthouse in silence.]
Tea (entering the living room): Are you hungry?
Todd: I don't know. I guess.
Tea: I could make us both something.
Todd: If you feel like it.
Tea: If you'd rather order in?
Todd: No, I've survived your cooking before. I can take it.
Tea (smiling a little): Okay.
[Tea goes into the kitchen while Todd nervously paces in the living room. After beginning dinner Tea returns to the living room with plates and utensils.]
Tea: I thought we could eat in here unless you'd rather...
Todd: No here is fine.
[Todd reaches for the plates and utensils Tea is carrying and one of his hands lands on top of Tea's hand. Tea feels an immediate and very strong reaction from her body. She lets go and Todd places everything on the table. Tea feels the urge to either run into Todd's arms or run from the room. She chooses to leave the room.
Todd sits in one of the chairs confused about what to do. He knows what he wants to do but he's afraid of how Tea would react and he's afraid that if he were to hold Tea in his arms the way he wants to he'll get scared and pull away again. If Tea still feels something for him, like he hopes she does, then he has to be certain he won't pull away from her again. He knows it would hurt her and he's determined not to hurt her ever again. First, he has to make sure Tea still loves him so he won't get hurt. Then, he has to make sure he can give her what she needs so she won't get hurt. Unfortunately, he has no idea what to do or how to do it.]
chapter 14:
[Todd is pacing in the living room when Tea returns with a big bowl of pasta.]
Tea: Is something wrong?
Todd: What could be wrong?
Tea: You're pacing.
Todd: I was just thinking.
Tea: About what?
Todd: You know, the usual...getting my paper back, getting Starr back.
Tea: Well, you were able to see Starr today. That's good.
Todd: Yeah, she looks great, doesn't she?
Tea: She certainly does. I'm glad you included me. You didn't have to.
Todd: Yeah, well, I thought she might miss you. You used to spend a lot of time with her.
Tea: I always enjoyed my time with her.
Todd: You didn't bring anything to drink.
Tea: I'll go get something.
Todd: No. I'll do it. What do you want? Wine?
Tea: Um, maybe I shouldn't.
Todd: Why not?
Tea: I don't know, I want to keep a level head.
Todd: I wasn't trying to get you drunk.
Tea: I didn't think you were. Wine would be fine.
Todd: Are you sure?
Tea: Positive.
Todd: Okay.
[Todd leaves and soon returns with a bottle of wine and two glasses. They sit down together and begin eating. There is an intense silence between them.]
Todd: This is stupid.
Tea: What?
Todd: Us. It's like we're strangers who don't know what to say to each other. We used to talk all the time.
Tea: When you weren't ignoring me.
Todd: We should be able to talk now.
Tea: A lot has happened.
Todd: Then there should be even more to talk about.
Tea: Do you want to talk about getting your paper back?
Todd: Do you have any new ideas?
Tea: No.
Todd: Then what's the point?
Tea: We've always done better when we stick to business topics rather than...
Todd: Rather than what?
Tea: Personal things.
Todd: Well, maybe there are some personal things we should talk about.
Tea: Like what?
Todd: You tell me.
Tea: You're the one who brought this up. (lying) I was just fine with both of us eating silently.
Todd: You didn't notice any tension in that silence?
Tea: No. Did you?
Todd: No.
Tea: Well, good.
Todd: But now that we're doing this talking thing maybe we should continue.
Tea: Anything in particular you want to discuss?
Todd: You must have questions.
Tea: About?
Todd: Me.
Tea: None that you'll answer, I'm certain.
Todd: You never know.
Tea: Why did you pretend to love me? Why didn't you just honestly tell me that all you wanted from me were my lawyer skills?
Todd: What?
Tea (standing up): Never mind. I'm not hungry anymore. I cooked so you clean up. I'm going to bed.
[Tea quickly goes upstairs leaving Todd confused.]
chapter 15:
[Tea paces in her bedroom, angry at herself. She let Todd see her feelings. She can't do that again. She needs to protect herself. She can't let him get to her. She won't. Why does he have to still look at her with that look in his eyes? She used to think there was love behind that look but now she knows there isn't. He doesn't love her. He never loved her. He just liked playing games with her. She won't let him anymore. If anyone is going to play games it's going to be her and this time she'll win. She won't let her guard down, she won't let her heart get involved.
Todd paces in the living room thinking about Tea. He wants to go to her, to tell her everything, to say all of the words he's been rehearsing since he left town so many months ago. He can't do it though. It would be too risky. It would give her too much power. He can't let her have that kind of control over him. He won't. He has to stay calm. If he follows his heart it will only lead him into an ambush. He knows that from experience.
Upstairs, several minutes later...
Todd stands outside the master bedroom. He listens for any noise. He doesn't hear anything. He assumes Tea must have gone to bed already. Todd goes to Tea's old room and lies down on top of the covers fully clothed.
It's a restless night for both Tea and Todd. Neither can stop thinking of the other. They both want to be were the other is but both are too stubborn to be the one who gives in. And neither wants the other to know what their true feelings are for fear of risking too much.
Hours after Tea abruptly ended dinner...
Tea cautiously enters her former bedroom. She finds Todd lying with his back propped against the headboard. His eyes are closed.]
Tea (whispering): Todd? Are you awake?
Todd (opening his eyes): Yeah.
Tea (slightly startled): Oh.
Todd: What do you want?
[Tea doesn't know if she should follow through on her plan. Now that she's in front of Todd she wants to follow through with it even more but she's also afraid of going too far...of losing herself again. Looking at Todd, his clothes wrinkled, his hair ruffled she decides she has to take the chance even if she may end up looking like an idiot.]
Tea: Todd...
Todd (getting impatient): Yeah?
Tea: Well, um...
Todd: Hurry up already.
Tea (blurting out the words before she can change her mind): Would it be okay with you if we had sex tonight?
Todd (in complete shock): What?!
Tea: Would it?
Todd: What the hell are you talking about? Is this some kind of set up?
Tea: No set up. Look, I'm a woman...
Todd: I noticed.
Tea: And you're a man...I noticed. We both have needs. Well, I know I do and I assume you do, right? So, I thought maybe we could take care of that together. I know you don't feel that way about me. That could be a good thing. It wouldn't mean anything. No attachments, no expectations, no commitments. It could just be sex. We could help each other out with our needs and that would be that. We never have to talk about it. We never have to do it again unless we both wanted to. We could have the fun without worrying about any of the heartache because clearly neither of us cares about the other person, right?
[Tea realizes she's talking too much and too fast and that Todd isn't saying anything. She hopes he believes her that she doesn't care about him. She doesn't want to scare him off. She'd rather make love to him, really make love, but if that can't happen then she'll be his lover if he'll let her. He hasn't responded though and every second of his silence convinces her more that he'll reject her. She's about to leave the room when he finally makes eye contact with her.]
Todd: You're serious?
Tea: I'm very serious. I know you don't think of me that way...you know, sexually. It would be okay if you...uh...needed to think about someone else...someone you are attracted to.
[Tea sits down beside Todd on the bed and places her hand on his leg. She waits for a moment to check his reaction. His facial expression gives her no clue what he's thinking but he hasn't forced her to remove her hand so she leaves it where it is and begins squeezing his leg and sliding her hand up and down slightly.]
Tea: Sometimes it's hard for me to sleep. Is it hard for you?
Todd: You know that answer.
Tea: Maybe this would help. Maybe it would relax you. I know it would relax me. You can release all of your tension and then you could sleep.
[Tea's hand moves up his leg slowly until she is cupping him through his pants. She slowly massages and strokes him.]
Tea: Does that feel good?
Todd: I don't know.
Tea: You don't know if it feels good?
Todd: I don't know if this is a good idea. Sex always messes everything up.
Tea: That's when emotions get in the way. We don't have to worry about that, right?
Todd: Right.
Tea: Let me make you more comfortable.
[Tea reaches her other hand over and undoes his belt. Todd reaches his hand out to stop her.]
chapter 16:
Tea: Do you want me to stop? It feels good, doesn't it? I could make you feel really good, Todd. Let me try.
[Todd lets go of her hand and reaches over to turn off the lamp by the bed. He knows he'll regret this but he wants...he needs...to feel Tea's hand on him. He's dreamt so many times about making love to her, feeling her hands touching him, about touching her. He needs to know what her body feels like next to his, what it feels like to be inside her. As Todd feels himself spring out of his underwear as Tea pulls them down he starts to panic. He feels like he has to get away and hide before she realizes how ugly he is, before she turns away from him with disgust. Tea doesn't give him the chance to move though. The second she starts to stroke him, her bare skin against his, Todd can't move, can't breathe, can't think. The only thing he can focus on is the sensation of Tea touching him. Too soon her hand leaves him. He expects her to run from the room. He keeps his eyes closed not wanting to watch her leave. After several seconds he feels her reposition herself over him.
Todd's mind feels like it's going to explode as he realizes what Tea is about to do. He prepares himself. He wants to remember every moment, every sensation, of this experience because he knows that Tea will regret it and never let it happen again. This moment has to be enough for him for a lifetime.
Tea tries not to allow herself to think too much about what she's about to do. This is just sex. Nothing more. It can't be more. She knows that Todd doesn't feel that way about her. This has to be enough. She tells herself not to try to turn this into love making. He'll reject her if she does. She needs to keep it purely physical, no emotions, no calling out his name, no declaring her love no matter how much she may want to.
When Tea feels she has herself under control enough she begins to lower herself onto Todd. They both have their eyes closed trying to savor the sensation as he sinks further into her. They both do everything they can to keep their true feelings hidden. No moaning or gentle touches. They both have the urge to kiss each other but neither acts on that desire. It's just sex. That's all it is. Nothing but sex.
Their bodies play along with the deception but their hearts can't. They each feel a tremendous pressure in their chests along with a need for their bodies to be more connected. They can't kiss, they can't press their bodies together or hug. Tea places her hands on Todd's chest to brace herself as Todd's hands go to her hips. They control themselves and don't caress each other the way they both want to but in their minds they both imagine touching and being touch all over.
They both are so excited they know it won't take long. They want to draw it out but they want it to end quickly too so they can separate before they can't control themselves anymore and reveal too much to each other. Neither trusts their body to keep their secret for long.
As they both climax, their bodies quiver in unison. They both try to hold on a little longer, not wanting the contact to end yet. When it's over there are no hugs...no words of love. Tea simply removes herself from Todd, picks up the clothes she discarded earlier and leaves the room.
Todd's body starts to shake from all the pressure of holding back his deep desire. He places his hands on the part of his chest were Tea's hands had just been and wishes that she were still there. He considers going to her, taking her in his arms, telling her everything but he doesn't.
In the other bedroom, Tea collapses on the bed. Tears are already falling down her cheeks. She sobs quietly not wanting Todd to hear her and know how she really feels. He can't know that it meant more to her than it did to him. She won't let him have that kind of power over her again.]
chapter 17:
[The next morning both Tea and Todd delay leaving their bedrooms as long as possible. Each hoping the other has already left for the day so they can delay the awkwardness of seeing each other after what happened the night before.
After being awake for a couple of hours, Todd peeks his head out of his bedroom door. He doesn't see or hear Tea. He tentatively makes his way downstairs. He's relieved not to find Tea in the living room. As he walks toward the kitchen he literally bumps into Tea as she enters the living room.]
Todd: Sorry, I didn't see you there.
Tea: That's okay. I wasn't paying attention.
[There's an awkward silence as they both look away, uncomfortable with the feelings they have for each other and their memories of the previous night.]
Todd: So...
Tea: I was just about to leave.
Todd: Oh?
Tea: Yeah, uh, I have something to do.
Todd: Something to do with getting my paper back?
Tea: Uh, no, actually it's...uh...it's personal business.
Todd: Okay. Sure.
Tea: Right. Well, I'll just go then.
[Tea quickly grabs her things from a nearby chair where she left them a few minutes earlier and quickly leaves. Todd stands there stunned for a moment before picking up the phone and making a call.
Later...
Todd answers the door and quickly pulls his guest into the penthouse.]
Todd: What took you so long?
Viki: I came as soon as I could.
Todd (nervous): Right. Sorry.
Viki: An apology? From you?
Todd: I'm not myself today.
Viki: Who are you?
[Todd gives her a look that says he's not amused.]
Viki: Sorry, I thought you appreciated DID humor. (looking at him closely) What's wrong?
Todd: Nothing. Are you going to grill me about my whereabouts or what?
Viki: Believe me I will but first tell me what has you so wired.
Todd: It's nothing. It's really nothing. It didn't mean anything.
Viki: What didn't?
Todd (changing the subject): I heard about, you know, what happened to Jessica and her kid. That's too bad. Jessica's a decent person, she didn't deserve that.
Viki: I don't think anyone deserves to lose a child. Speaking of children, have you seen Starr?
Todd: Yeah, yesterday.
Viki: You didn't tell me on the phone, how long have you been back?
Todd: Couple of days. I tried calling, you weren't home.
Viki: What about all of the time you were gone? Was I not home every time you tried calling?
Todd: I didn't try.
Viki: And why is that?
Todd: I don't know. (getting a far away look) I don't know anything anymore.
Viki: What is it? You are more nervous than I've ever seen you before.
Todd: This is my normal way. Maybe you just never really paid attention to the way I am before.
Viki: Is it Starr? You said you saw here. Did it go well?
Todd: Yeah, it was great.
Viki: Have you seen Tea yet? Is that what this is about? Are you nervous about seeing her again? Do you even want to see her again?
Todd: See her? Oh, I've seen her. You have no idea.
Viki: Did it not go well? Was she angry?
Todd: No, I'm pretty sure she wasn't angry. Well, not at the time anyway. Now she probably regrets it.
Viki: Regrets what?
Todd: If I told you something would you keep it to yourself? I mean, you couldn't tell anyone and you can't tell Tea I talked to you about it.
Viki: Okay.
Todd: Promise?
Viki: I promise. What happened?
Todd: We...um... You know, I shouldn't talk to you about this...you're my sister.
Viki: Being your sister means you can tell me anything.
Todd: But this isn't the kind of thing you tell your sister. I don't really have any friends though and Tea hasn't gotten my paper back yet so Briggs doesn't have to listen to me so I don't really have anyone else to talk to. I used to talk to Tea about stuff but there's no way I can talk to her about this.
Viki: Well, then it looks like you're stuck with me.
Todd: We sort of did something last night, something we never did before.
Viki: We?
Todd: Yeah, me and Tea.
Viki: You and Tea...
Todd: We sort of...you know...kind of...um...well, we...I guess we...we had sex.
Viki: You're back together? That's wonderful.
Todd: No. No. Not back together.
Viki: But you slept together?
Todd: Well, there wasn't actually any sleeping involved.
Viki: You had sex?
Todd: Yeah. That's all it was...just sex. Nothing more.
Viki: Is that how you wanted it?
Todd: She said it didn't have to mean anything that I could think about someone else. She thinks I'm not attracted to her.
Viki: Are you?
Todd: It doesn't matter. It didn't mean anything to her.
Viki: Did it mean something to you?
Todd: She just left and went back to her room.
Viki: I'm confused -- her room?
Todd: Yeah, she lives here. Didn't you know that?
Viki: Now I'm really confused. You had sex last night, you are living here together again but in separate rooms...why?
Todd: She refused to move out.
Viki: You told her to move out after you had sex?
Todd: No. She's been living here for months. Didn't you know that?
Viki: I had no idea.
Todd: That's right. Tea told me you ditched her after I left. You know I thought you'd take care of her. You know, make sure she was okay, that she wasn't alone. I thought you'd be having her over to your place all the time...convincing her to wait it out, you know, to wait for me to come back.
Viki: You could have asked me to do that.
Todd: I didn't think I had to. You knew how I felt about her I thought you'd just do it. I didn't know you'd abandon her too.
Viki: I did not abandon her. I have had many changes in my life since you left. I've been very busy. Besides, I didn't know it was my job to take care of your ex-wife for you.
Todd: Maybe she wouldn't be my ex-wife if you had done what I wanted you to do.
Viki: It was your job to make your marriage work, not mine.
Todd: You know, when I got back here she was all alone. Most of the people in this town never really cared anything about her and she knew it. Now, with this thing between her and Carlotta she doesn't have anyone. Maybe that's why last night happened. Maybe she was just lonely.
Viki: What happened between Carlotta and Tea?
Todd: I don't know exactly but they're not speaking.
Viki: I had no idea.
Todd: Maybe she was just horny.
Viki (shocked): Todd!
Todd: What? Haven't you ever been with a guy just for the sex? Wait. Don't answer that. I don't want to know.
Viki: Since you've been back have you told her that you still love her?
Todd: I kind of hoped I wouldn't have to. She used to be able to know stuff without my having to tell her.
Viki: Well, I would think what you did to her before you left probably would make her doubt her judgment when it comes to you.
Todd: I can't tell her.
Viki: Why not?
Todd: It's too big a risk.
chapter 18:
[After leaving the penthouse Tea really didn't know where to go. She needed someone to talk to but there wasn't anyone. Even if she were still speaking to Carlotta she certainly couldn't talk to her about Todd, not with the horrible things Carlotta has been saying about Todd and the way she clearly wants Tea to be with John Sykes. No, Carlotta would not be understanding about Tea wanting to be with Todd again. Tea briefly considers going to R.J.'s but decides against it. She doesn't want to hurt him any more than she already has. Too bad her old friend Rachel's prison term was extended. Even though Rachel never liked Todd she could sometimes put that aside for Tea's sake.
Knowing that there's no one she can go to Tea drives around for a while trying to figure out what she was thinking last night. How could she be stupid enough to just act like that without thinking it through thoroughly? Now what? She had sex with her ex-husband who she happens to be sharing a penthouse with. How can she go back there again? How will she be able to look at him and not need to touch him again, need to be with him? Having sex with Todd didn't eliminate her desire for him, it increased it.
When Tea finally gets tired of just driving around she returns to the penthouse. As she opens the door she's surprised to find her former sister-in-law sitting on the couch. She notices Todd is standing by the window. They don't seem to be in the middle of a conversation. Tea finds this slightly odd but since it's Todd she's not too surprised.
At the sound of Tea entering both Todd and Viki turn in her direction. Tea notices a slight smile on Viki's face. She wonders if Todd told Viki about how pathetic she was the night before. Maybe they both laughed about how desperate she was. No, Todd could never talk about something that private.
As Tea takes a few more steps into the penthouse, Viki stands.]
Viki: Well, I should be going. Tea, it's good to see you again. You look lovely...almost radiant.
[Todd groans.]
Tea (confused): Um, thank you. You don't have to leave because of me. I'll just go upstairs and leave you two alone.
Viki: No, you don't have to. I need to be going. I think Todd is done talking to me today anyway. Perhaps he's in the mood to talk to you now.
[Todd groans again but doesn't take his eyes off of the view in front of him.]
Tea (quietly): I doubt that.
Viki: You never know what could happen. (turning toward her brother) Todd, I'm glad you're back. We'll discuss where you've been very soon, okay?
Todd: No.
Viki: Maybe you should try to get some sleep tonight. You seem a bit cranky.
Todd: Go away.
Viki: Did I mention how much I've missed you're unique conversational style?
Todd: Did I mention that every minute with you makes me wonder why I came back?
Viki (to Tea): See if you can do something to put him in a better mood. I don't want him to be like this when he comes to my house tomorrow night for dinner.
Todd (turning around to face Viki): Wait. What? I'm not going anywhere.
Viki (to Tea): Why don't you come too. I would love to have you. You and Todd could come together.
Tea: Um, I don't think that would be a good idea.
Viki: Why not?
Tea: Uh...
Viki: Is there some reason that you and Todd can't come together? I understand the two of you are back together...living together, that is.
Todd (to Viki): Leave her alone. She's not going anywhere and neither am I.
Viki: Are you afraid that if people see you together that they'll get the wrong idea?
Todd: Why are you doing this?
Viki: All I'm doing is inviting you both to dinner.
Todd: I know what you're doing and it's not going to work. Your dinner invitation has been rejected. You can leave now.
Viki (to Tea): I'll call tomorrow with the time.
[Viki quickly leaves.]
Tea: What was that about?
Todd: I made the mistake of speaking to my sister again. I always knew communication was a bad thing.
Tea: You didn't tell her about... (Todd looks away) Did you? (Todd doesn't respond) You told her?
Todd: She nagged it out of me.
Tea: Great. I hope you both had a good laugh at my expense.
Todd: Tea...
[Tea doesn't wait to hear Todd's explanation as she quickly races upstairs.]
chapter 19:
Todd (outside Tea's bedroom): Delgado? Delgado?
Tea (pacing angrily): Go away.
Todd: Look, I didn't say anything bad. I just told her that we had sex. That's all.
Tea: That's all?
Todd: It's not like she's gonna tell anyone else.
[Tea quickly jerks the door open startling Todd.]
Tea: What if I told someone? How would you feel?
Todd: Did you?
Tea (looking down): I didn't have anyone to tell.
Todd: I won't talk about it anymore, okay? I didn't mean to upset you. I was just...you know...kind of surprised that it happened.
Tea: It won't happen again.
Todd: I know that.
Tea: Good. I don't want anyone to get confused about what last night was.
Todd: No confusion here. I know exactly what it was.
Tea: Well, that's good. So, we understand each other?
Todd: I guess.
Tea: Okay.
[Tea closes her door again still feeling completely confused. Todd stands on the other side of the door also feeling completely confused.]
Later that evening...
Todd (in the living room): Delgado? Hey, Delgado?
Tea (arriving at the top of the stairs): You bellowed?
Todd: Uh, yeah. Dinner's ready.
Tea: It is?
Todd: Yeah.
Tea: Did you order in?
Todd: No.
Tea: You cooked?
Todd: I can do that.
Tea: You never did before.
Todd: Never felt like it before.
Tea: And tonight you did?
Todd: Look, do you want to eat my stuff or not?
Tea (descending the stairs): Um, sure.
[They eat dinner speaking very few words to each other and then go to their separate rooms.
Hours later...
Tea enters Todd's bedroom.]
Tea (quietly): Todd?
Todd (opening his eyes): Yeah?
Tea (uncomfortable): Um...
Todd (after a long moment of silence): Okay.
Tea: Okay?
Todd: Okay.
Tea: Okay.
[Todd turns the light off next to his bed. Tea continues to stand in the same spot for several moments as her brain tries to talk her out of doing this again.]
Todd: Um, did you want to do this standing up?
Tea: Did you?
Todd: Well, um...you know...last time was...um...it was...okay. We could do it differently though, if you want.
Tea: I don't know.
Todd: If you don't want to...
Tea: No.
Todd: You don't want to?
Tea: No. I mean, no, that's not what I meant.
Todd: Do you want to?
Tea: Do you?
Todd: I asked you first.
Tea (turning around): Forget it.
Todd (quickly climbing out of bed and approaching her): Wait.
[Todd grabs her arm before she can make it to the door. She immediately stops. Her body slightly shakes. Todd doesn't notice since his body is also slightly shaking.]
Todd: Look, you came here, right? You don't have to leave yet.
Tea (turning toward Todd): This is a bad idea. I don't want you to get the wrong idea.
Todd: I won't.
[Todd places his hand on the side of Tea's leg and slowly moves the material of her nightgown up. Tea finds it hard to breathe as her body begins to have slight orgasmic shocks at just the thought of Todd touching her. When her nightgown is finally all the way up her leg, Todd touches her bare skin and is surprised to find she isn't wearing any underwear. Tea loses her balance and falls further into Todd's arms as her body weakens at his touch. Todd holds onto her more tightly than he had planned as he feels her start to fall.]
Todd: Are you okay?
Tea: Um, yeah. I just lost my balance.
Todd: Maybe we should sit down.
Tea: Okay.
[Todd moves backward toward the bed while keeping one hand firmly on her bare leg and the other hand around her waist forcing her to follow him. When he gets to the bed he lets go of Tea as he sits down on the edge of the bed and quickly kicks his shoes off his feet.]
Todd: Did you want to sit?
Tea: Sure.
[Tea tentatively takes a seat next to Todd on the bed. They both sit there not moving, each wishing the other would make the next move. Todd shuffles his body slightly which causes his leg to come in contact with Tea's hand. They both jump slightly away from each other at the initial shock of the contact. A moment later, Tea very cautiously brings her hand down onto the top of Todd's leg. She massages his leg for a minute before removing her hand. She takes his hand in hers and places it high up on her own leg under her nightgown. Todd leaves his hand completely still as Tea returns to massaging his leg as her hand moves slowly upward. Just as she gets to the top of his leg she stops. Todd definitely doesn't want her to stop.
Tea repositions herself on the bed so she's facing Todd. This forces his hand to fall between her legs. He quickly pulls his hand away and gets off the bed.]
chapter 20:
[Even though she knows his touch wasn't intentional, Tea still enjoyed the brief moment of contact and definitely wants him to touch her there again. She stands up and slowly approaches Todd as he paces on the other side of the room.
When Tea takes his hand in her own he stops pacing, he almost stops breathing. She places his hand on her breast. He can feel her nipple through the material of her nightgown, this terrifies and excites him at the same time. With her hand still on his, Tea moves his hand across her chest to her other breast. Very slowly she then slides his hand down her stomach. She can hear his breathing change as she moves his hand further down until it's between her legs again. She removes her hand from his as her hand and attention return to his body.
She strokes him the best she can through his pants waiting for some sign from Todd that he's ready to move on. His hand isn't moving but at least he's still touching her. She moves her body against his hand a couple of times trying to encourage him but his hand continues to stay still.]
Tea (quietly): Move your hand.
[Todd quickly takes his hand off of her body and steps away from her.]
Tea (approaching him again): I didn't say remove...I said move. (taking his hand again) This is how I want you to touch me.
[Tea lifts her nightgown and places his hand against the bare skin of her leg for just a moment before moving his hand in between her legs and moving it around. When his finger unintentionally enters her she moans with pleasure. She didn't intend to do that but she couldn't help it. Hearing her and knowing that it's what she really wants, Todd moves his hand freely against her, allowing his fingers to enter and pleasure her. He wanted to do that earlier but he was afraid that once he touched her in such an intimate way he wouldn't want to stop. He was afraid that she would sense his physical desire for her which would then make it even easier for her to uncover his emotional desire.
Tea undoes his pants and lets them fall to the floor. She strokes him through his underwear for a moment before needing to touch his flesh again. She's been consumed with the memory of how it felt since the previous night and needs to feel it again.
They both concentrate on giving pleasure to the other while enjoying the sensations running through their own bodies. After a couple of minutes they both move toward the bed. Todd lays down in the same position he had been in the previous night. Tea pulls up her nightgown and gets on top of him. As she slides down onto him she allows her nightgown to fall around their bodies.
Todd initially places his hands over her nightgown but quickly moves them under so he can touch her skin as he guides her up and down on him. They both try to make it last for as long as they can but when Tea's body starts to climax Todd's body quickly follows.
Tea collapses on top of Todd, exhausted and very physically satisfied. Without consciously realizing it Todd's arms encircle Tea and hold her even tighter against him. Several moments later his brain begins functioning again and he realizes that he's hugging Tea. Getting scared and thinking that he gave too much away, Todd quickly lets go and moves his arms to his sides. The loss of Todd's touch brings Tea back to reality. Thinking that he's signaling to her that the sex is over so he wants her to leave she rises and quickly leaves the room.]
to be continued...
