Téa looked into his warm, loving eyes and smiled. She knew Rodd had come out.

*****

"Rodd?" Téa wanted to make sure it was he.

Rodd smiled. "Of course. When Todd is feeling . . . " Rodd hesitated and chose his words carefully, "a need for closeness that he can't handle, he goes inside. Me, I have no problem being close to my Téa." Rodd moved in closer to her.

Susannah stepped over to where they sat. "Hello Rodd. It's nice to see you. You haven't been out for a while."

"Doctor Hanen, how are you? Good I hope?" Rodd turned to her and smiled. He had been so happy to see Téa, he had not even realized they weren't alone.

"Thank you Rodd. I'm fine. How are you feeling?" Susannah asked as she smiled at him.

Rodd paused for a few seconds. He evaluated his condition. He looked pleasantly surprised. "I feel much better than I did the last time I was out." Rodd looked around the room. He saw the staff, Viki, Sam, Kevin and Dorian there. "Doctor Hanen, I'm sure I have you and the staff to thank for the improvement in my health. Thank you." Rodd stood up. He turned to Téa. He took her hand and knelt down to be on eye level with her. "Are you able to stay for a while?"

Téa looked into Rodd's eyes. There was no fear in them, only tranquility, warmth and love. Téa knew there was no mistaking that. "Yes, I'll stay for as long as you want me to, Rodd."

"Well then, we send for your things because you are going to stay forever." Téa looked uncertain. Rodd started to laugh. "It is a joke Téa. I make a joke. Don't be nervous. I know you have to leave at the end of the day."

Téa smiled. "I'm sorry. I just . . ." She was embarrassed.

"It is okay. You are not used to jokes anymore. I know. It has been too serious around here when Todd is out. So you stay, yes?"

Téa looked into his eyes. She smiled and nodded.

"Good! So now we can make some plans for the rest of the day. I'm sorry I can't offer to take you out to someplace nice." Now it was Rodd's turn to be embarrassed.

"Rodd, you don't have to take me anywhere. Just being here with you is enough to make me happy."

Rodd gently squeezed Téa's hand and stared so deeply into her eyes that Téa's breathing became erratic and she started to perspire. Everyone else in the room seemed to vanish as Téa continued to be swept into Rodd's amazing eyes.

"My Téa. I know. Still I wish I could make the town red for you."

Téa laughed. She knew he meant "paint the town red." "Rodd, I always have such a good time with you. I don't need to do special things. I'm happy to have a chance to talk with you and get to know you better. You don't have to entertain me," Téa assured him. Her voice was trembling.

This was not lost on Rodd. "I want you to know me, Téa. I want you to know me, Rodd. I have so much I want to share with you."

Sam and Viki and Susannah and her staff exchanged looks and smiles. Kevin looked on. He hated the tug of jealousy he felt. Téa's reactions to Rodd were clear to everyone.

Frank had an idea. He whispered to Susannah. She whispered something back to him and they both approached Téa and Rodd.

"Rodd, Téa. Frank had an idea. Would you both like to have lunch together and watch a video afterward?" Susannah suggested.

"Yes! I would love that! Rodd, do you like that idea?" Téa asked hopefully. She genuinely loved the idea.

"Of course Téa. Anything that makes you happy makes me happy too."

They could all tell something was troubling Rodd.

"We don't have to. If there's something else you'd rather do, it will be fine with me." Téa did not want to make him unhappy in anyway.

"Rodd, can you tell me what the problem is?" Susannah inquired.

Rodd looked a little ashamed and shrugged. "The video's you have here, they are for the children, yes? I know the hospital cooks do the best they can and . . . I just want more for my Téa."

Frank smiled. "Hey buddy, you didn't hear the rest of the plan. I was going to ask you and Téa if you would both like some take out from an Italian restaurant near here."

"And I have some videos in my office that I think would be more to your liking and to Téa's" Susannah offered.

They could see the surprise in Rodd's eyes give way to happiness when he realized they meant it. With a grateful smile on his lips, Rodd turned to Téa again. "This sounds good to you, yes?"

"Oh yes! This sounds very good to me," Téa confirmed with a huge smile.

"Okay, you got it buddy. Is there anything special you'd like to eat?" Frank looked from Rodd to Téa as he asked that.

"Any kind of pasta dish is fine for me," Téa declared.

"Yes, pasta and my Téa. A delicious pair," Rodd stated.

Téa blushed. She was now fully aware of the others in the room.

"Thank you Frank. Téa and I would both be very happy with pasta and I remember my Téa liking hot crusty bread. Do you think you can get some?"

"You got it pal. I'll bring it to the dining area of the dayroom when I come back." Frank informed him.

Téa wondered how he knew about the bread. "Rodd, did we ever have Italian food together?" Téa tried to remember if Todd had ever acted more like Rodd during any of their dinners together.

"I wish we had, but no. I would watch sometimes, when you and Todd had dinner out. Todd was stronger then. He did not easily relinquish any of his time with you. I would have whispered to him to mind his table manners, but it would have made him afraid. So I just watched my Téa from afar and hoped someday it would be I sitting across from you, and now it is," Rodd said happily.

"Would you two like to come to my office and pick out a video?" Susannah asked.

"Thank you Doctor Hanen. We will be very careful with it and make sure to rewind," Rodd promised seriously.

Susannah laughed. "Don't worry. I don't charge if you forget.

Rodd laughed. "You and Frank are very kind. Everyone here is. I know my parents will want to meet you someday to thank you for the care you've given me."

They all realized the sadness in Rodd's statement. His belief in his good, kind, happy family was as strong as ever.

Rodd turned to Téa. "Will you excuse me for a few minutes? I want to say hello to Viki and Sam. I also see there are others here. Todd is very popular, yes?"

"Yes, Rodd, you all are very popular. Everyone loves to visit with all of you." Téa made sure to add.

"It is all right to keep you waiting for a few minutes, Doctor Hanen?" Rodd asked politely.

"You take all the time you need," Susannah encouraged.

Rodd headed for Viki and Sam. "How are you both? Happy I hope. I want very much for you to be happy," Rodd said to them.

"We are Rodd. We are very happy to see you and even more so to see you having a good time," Viki said as she rubbed his arm.

Rodd looked closely at Sam. "Sam, Todd loves you very much. He has always wanted for you to be his father. You know this, yes?"

Sam realized that Rodd, like most of the other alters, was extremely sensitive to his moods and feelings. Sam placed his arm around Rodd's shoulders. "I do know. I still like hearing it. Thank you Rodd. I'm very happy Todd has you."

"Todd has you too, Sam. He knows it. Don't worry." Rodd patted Sam's back.

'My God, he's trying to comfort me!' Sam thought.

Rodd headed off to the other side of the room. Dorian was shocked when he sat down in the chair alongside hers. Rodd held his hand out to her. "We have never been properly introduced. My name is Rodd." Dorian was so taken back that she dropped her purse when she reached out to take his hand. "Allow me," Rodd offered. He retrieved Dorian's bag for her.

"Thank you Rodd. You are very different from Todd. Have we ever met?" Rodd’s eyes surprised Dorian the most. The warmth and serenity in them was inviting. She found herself staring into them.

"I was out often when Todd was married to Blair. I'm sorry I did not announce myself. I hope you understand."

"Yes, of course I do." Dorian assured him. She wondered just how much of that marriage Rodd had been out for.

"You've changed your hair. It's shorter. It's very flattering," Rodd complimented.

"Well, thank you." Dorian smiled and fluffed her hair. "I did cut it a few days ago. I was a little concerned about going this short and. . . ." Dorian caught herself. She suddenly felt self-conscious when she realized what she was discussing with some part of Todd. She couldn't get over how easy Rodd was to talk to.

Rodd sensed her awkwardness. He smiled. "No, it is the perfect length to frame your face to perfection. Well, I'm off. It was very nice getting to meet you officially."

'Isn't he a charmer? I'm going to have to talk to Blair about that young man.' Dorian smiled and thought to herself.

Rodd next approached Kevin. "I'm happy to see you again. I hear you have been very kind to the children. I know Miss Perkins would want me to thank you for that."

"No need Rodd. I love Timmy and Adam very much and I'm getting to know and hopefully love Tom. I care very much about him."

"I don't know Adam, but I'm sure he is a very nice little boy. I do know you have made Timmy, and now Tom, happy."

"Thank you for telling me that." Kevin felt unsure and uncomfortable dealing with Rodd.

"Kevin, you are a good person and a good man. I know you have a son you love very much. Todd was very afraid he couldn't be a good father. Sometimes, he still is. You know what a wonderful father he turned out to be. He almost let those fears keep him from his precious Starr. Please, don't let your fears keep you from your boy. Once he gets to know you, he will love you as much as Timmy does." Rodd smiled. "You are quite the hero to our Timmy. He thinks the world of you."

Tears filled Kevin's eyes. He had heard similar sentiments about his relationship with Duke from his mother and Susannah. Somehow hearing them from Rodd made him feel that perhaps he could be the kind of dad to Duke that he wanted to be. He couldn't believe that Rodd, of all people, was calming his fears.

Rodd placed his hand on Kevin’s shoulder. "You are too hard on yourself. You and Todd have that in common. Don't feel you are a bad person. Téa, she is easy to love. I think you will find your Téa. Don't give up. You never know when you will find love or it will find you."

Kevin felt his face flush. He was mortified that Rodd knew what was in his heart. Kevin needed to know if Rodd was mocking him. He looked directly into Rodd's eyes. He saw no pretense, sarcasm or anger. He only saw warmth, compassion and honesty. He realized he was looking into the eyes of a friend, not an enemy.

"Rodd . . . I . . . I . . ." Kevin didn't know what to say. He did know that Rodd had instilled the tiniest glimmer of hope in a soul that had felt barren just moments ago.

"You will be okay, yes?" Rodd asked.

"Yes, you don't have to worry about me." Kevin paused for a moment and then continued. "Rodd, thank you." Kevin added simply.

Rodd patted Kevin's shoulder and smiled at him one last time. He then headed back to Téa.

"Téa, shall we go see what movie we want to watch. I'm hoping for a Kung Foo film." Rodd laughed when he saw the crestfallen look on Téa's face. "I tease you again. I detest any kind of violence. I want to see something romantic. That is your choice too, yes?

"Oh yes! That is my favorite kind of movie. I haven't allowed myself to. . . ." Téa caught herself before she said any more.

"Romantic movies only make you sad when you can't be with the person you love. I know. I feel the same way." Rodd volunteered. "So, let's hope that now you can once again feel good and not sad after seeing one."

Téa was not sure how he meant that. Did he mean because he hoped she would be having a relationship with him, or because he knew Todd was closer to coming back to her? Téa was afraid to ask. She also felt confused. She recognized that she had very strong feelings for Rodd. She felt like she was betraying Todd, like she was cheating on him. A part of Téa told her to stay away from Rodd. Another part not only wanted to spend time with him, but realized how hurt he would be if she didn't. Téa needed to talk to Susannah about this, but now was not the time. She would not hurt Rodd for the world. She also could not fight being drawn to him the way she was.

Susannah and Bill had spent so many long nights in her office, when Todd was in crisis, that she had quite a few videos. Many of them romantic enough to please Susannah and not so gooey that Bill would cringe. Susannah unlocked the cabinet. "Go ahead. Help yourselves to whatever video you'd both like to see."

Téa and Rodd looked through the tapes. Both of them reached for While You Were Sleeping. Their hands touched. They looked at each other and smiled. Both felt the electricity when their hands came together. "I missed this when it came out. I never did get to see it. I heard it's a great movie. Have you already seen it?" Téa asked Rodd.

Todd had been in Ireland when the film was released. When he came back there had been more on his mind than renting videos. Rodd had not come out much then. Todd had been filled with bitterness and anger. Sexual feelings for Blair were few and far between. "No, I have never seen this film," Rodd answered as he looked at the case. "It looks like something my Téa will enjoy, so I will enjoy it as well."

"Frank should be back with your lunch in a while. After you eat we will set the tape up in the dayroom. How does that sound?" Susannah posed.

"Magnificent!" Rodd responded enthusiastically.

"Thank you Doctor Hanen. This means a lot to both of us." Téa emphasized the word both.

"Rodd, may I speak with you for a moment?" Susannah motioned for him to step to the side. She didn't want to make him self-conscious in front of Téa.

"Rodd, are you aware that Todd's body has seizures. He and possibly all of you are epileptic?

Rodd looked more sad than frightened or ashamed. "Yes, Tom told Miss Perkins and she told me. She is very worried about us. I'm sorry for those who have been afflicted."

"It is possible that you may have seizures too. If you should start to feel odd, have a sudden headache or become suddenly nauseous, have any odd sensations like an odd taste or smell, or see lights flashing please let someone know immediately and get yourself safe. That means if you are near your bed, go to it, lie down and turn on your side. If you are not near your bed, lie on the floor and turn on you side. Rodd, I'm sorry to bring this up on such a happy day. You need to know. Don't worry. Todd's body hasn't had a seizure in a few days. The medication may be starting to work."

Susannah paused to see his reaction. He didn't seem upset. He was listening to her calmly. She continued. "I'm also telling you this right now because Todd's body needs medication to control the seizures. It has been administered through your feeding tube. It's time for you to have your meds. Will you allow one of the nurses to administer it?"

"Of course I will. I know the children, Pete and Todd are very afraid of receiving medicine. I am not. I do whatever needs to be done to help keep everyone healthy."

Susannah was relieved and happy to hear that. "Why don't you go to your room with Janet. She will give you your meds. I'd also like you to rest for a while. Todd's body has been through a lot today. Perhaps Téa would like some time to freshen up as well. I will tell her to meet you in the dayroom in an hour. How's that?" Susannah wanted to spare Rodd having to be medicated in front of Téa and she knew how much he truly needed to rest.

"That is good." Rodd agreed. He looked down at the sweats he had on. "Todd does not by any chance have any other kind of clothes here, does he?" Rodd asked.

"No, I'm sorry. He doesn't. Rodd, Todd's body has lost a lot of weight. Don't worry. Slowly you are all gaining it back. The problem is most of Todd's clothes will no longer fit any of you and. . . ." Susannah stopped and thought for a moment. She remembered a nice men's clothing shop on the same block as the restaurant Frank was getting the take out from. "Rodd, can you please excuse me for a few minutes. Why don't you go with Janet and I'll tell Téa to meet you back in the dayroom."

Rodd left with Janet and Susannah headed for Téa.

"Téa, Rodd had to go get his medication and rest for a while. I think he might also need a little time to prepare for his afternoon with you. Can you meet him in the dayroom in about an hour?"

"Yes, of course. Doctor Hanen, can I speak with you for a few minutes?"

"Sure, let's go to my office."

When they got there Susannah asked Téa to wait in the outer office. "I need to make a couple of quick phone calls. I'll be with you in about five minutes," Susannah explained.

"Of course," Téa agreed.

Susannah stepped inside her office and beeped Frank. When he called back she explained the situation to him. Frank knew just what was needed. Susannah next called the clothing store and made arrangements using her credit card.

"Téa, I'm sorry. Would you like to come to talk in my office now?"

"Yes, I would like that very much," Téa acknowledged. She walked with Susannah into the inner office.

As soon as she saw Susannah leave, Dorian headed for Viki.

"Sam, would you please excuse Viki for a few minutes. I really need to speak with her?" Dorian asked sweetly.

"I hear you've been here . . ." Viki looked at her watch, "for more than two hours now. It must be something very important," Viki stated sarcastically.

"You and Todd are still my family. Your welfare concerns me greatly. Sam, will you excuse us?"

Sam looked at Viki. "Are you okay?"

"Yes, honey. I'm fine. Dorian won't be long. Why don't you wait for me in the family lounge? I need to get my purse and then we can go to lunch. Viki wanted to tell Sam that they had an appointment to see the judge at three that afternoon. She hoped by the time they came back to the hospital Sam would also be Todd's legal guardian.

When Kevin saw Sam leave his mother standing alone with Dorian he headed over to them.

"Mom is everything all right?" Kevin asked immediately.

"Hello Kevin. I hear that Cassie has decided to divorce you. I know it's just a formality considering you haven't been a husband to my daughter in a long time. I'm just happy she came to her senses and realized you didn't love each other and that you needed your freedom."

"Dorian!" Viki exclaimed.

"It's all right mom." Kevin put his hand up to let Viki know he could handle it. "It was a mutual decision Dorian! Not that it's any of your business. Cassie and I love each other enough to realize that the marriage wasn't working and we were making each other miserable. Some people would rather walk away than deliberately hurt those they claim to love."

"Yes, well the important thing is that Cassie has her life back while she can still pick up the pieces. Perhaps it's not too late for her to get her family back together."

"Dorian, you hated Andrew as much as you do Kevin. If he and Cassie were to reunite, you'd find some way to ruin that for Cassie too," Viki bitterly declared.

"Are you blaming me for Cassie and Kevin getting a divorce?" Dorian was furious.

"You are the one who ran to Cassie with lies about Kevin and Téa," Viki answered coldly.

"Lies! You can stand there and say they were lies when even little Tom knows the truth!" Dorian shot back.

Kevin looked away from Dorian and his mother. There was too much truth in what Dorian said. He felt shame wash over him.

"Tom is seven years old, Dorian! He saw Kevin and Téa together. He didn't understand what Kevin was going through. Now he knows there is nothing between Kevin and Téa." Viki's tone made her exasperation with Dorian clear to all.