Chapter 21

Caroline stood in the doorway watching her husband
sleep on the window bench of Kendalls' old room, "He's
been here all night dad."

"I figured. We should get going. I'm not sure if she
has anything planned." They turned away from the room.

"Are you going to see her?"

Michael turned back to his son, "Maybe."

"Please dad I'm not in the mood. I know you're going.
Make sure you bring her some orange juice. She likes
that in the morning."

"Alright we'll pick some up for her."

"And those chocolate chip muffins from that bakery in
town. When she can't have Lucys' she likes those.
Kings Bakery right Caroline?" he reached into his
pocket pulling out his wallet.

"Yes that's the name."

"Here. Give this to her." He handed his wife a bunch
of money; "She might not take it if she knows it's
from me. Tell her it's from you."

She kissed her husband, "I love you."

He looked at his father one last time before sitting
back on to the window bench, focusing his eyes to the
floor.

        ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


"Ken you need food!" Jeff stuck his head in the fridge
after checking the cupboard.

"No shit. Run down to that cute little bakery and get
something." She climbed up on the counter running her
foot up his leg, pinching his butt with her toes.

"Hey now cut that out." He swatted her foot away.

"I can't help it, I looooooove that booty." She pulled
him by his T-shirt between her legs, locking them
around his waist, "Especially in those jeans." She
kissed his ear, "Do you really have to go?"

"Yes I do. But I'll be back before you know it."

"Ha! Right. Why do people tell others that? It never
happens. Not even." the knock at the door cut her off,
"Gramps? He's never up and about this early on
weekends." She scooted to the door, "Who is it?"

"Gramps."

"Wow. Hey there.mom?" her eyes widened, "What are you
doing here? Never mind get in here." She grabbed her
mothers little arm, yanking her in, "I want you to
meet Jeff."

"He's here?" Gramps grinned.

"Yeah he stayed last night because it was my first
night in here. He kept the shadows away." She turned
around to find an uncomfortable Jeff fidgeting with
the bottom of his T-shirt, "Oh you." She walked over
to him reaching for his hands. She kissed his cheek,
whispering in his ear, "Don't be nervous. Mom this is
Jeff."

She smiled at the nervous young man, "Hello Jeff."

"Hi Mrs. Morgan." He extended his hand to her.

"Very polite. One with manners Kendall. A step up from
the last one. It's very nice to finally meet you. My
daughter speaks quite fondly of you." She touched
Kendalls' cheek.

"Morning Jeff."

"Morning Mr. Morgan."

"Please call me Gramps. We brought breakfast." He held
up two paper bags.

"Good thing because she has nothing." He winked to her
laughing, smiling when she stuck out her tongue, "Did
you see that?"

"I did. Snippet."

Caroline wandered around the loft under the watchful
eye of her daughter. Kendall knew she was memorizing
the place to report back to her father. Jeff handed
her a cup of orange juice, squeezing her hand for
comfort.

"Kendall this place is," she turned to her daughter,
"Absolutely fabulous. I love it."

Kendall let out the breath she realized she was
holding, "Thank you. It was pretty cheap too huh
Gramps?"

"I hate to do this." Jeff started.

She gripped his hand, "I know. It's time."

"Thank you for breakfast but I have to get going. I'm
leaving for California later today with my brother."

"Yes your brother mentioned that last night. Good for
you son."

"Thanks. It was nice to meet you. I'm sorry to have to
leave. I was really hoping we could talk more." He
shook her mothers' hand again.

"We will. When you get back we'll have dinner. Good
luck. California is beautiful this time of year."

"I'll walk you out. I'll be right back." She waited
for him to grab his bag and coat then walked him into
the hall.

He set his stuff down in the hall and took her into
his arms, staring into her sad eyes, "I don't want to
go."

"I know." She gripped his biceps, "But you have to."

"Yeah I do. Your mom is nice. I'm glad she came for
you. You must be relieved?" he kissed her forehead.

"I am. Not my forehead baby, right here." She pointed
to her lips, "Better make it a good one too."

He smirked, "It'll last for days."

"It better." Their mouths met, tongues entwining. She
held his head by her hand and hands full of hair until
they pulled apart.

"I gotta get out of here." He held her face, pressing
their foreheads together, "I love you."

"I love you too." She pushed him towards the stairs,
"Go before I try to stop you. I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too." He looked at her one last time,
feeling guilty as hell when he thought he saw tears.

She waited until she couldn't hear his footsteps
anymore then returned to the loft, falling into Gramps
outstretched arms the tears streaming down her face,
"I miss him already and he isn't even out of town
yet."

"Oh angel." Caroline caressed her back, "It's hard, I
know. But you'll get through it. We're here."

"Thanks. He was really glad you came mom. It meant a
lot to both of us. I'm ok granddaddy." She wiped her
face and took a seat on the stool, "Sit down you two.
I'm sorry it's so messy. I haven't had anytime to
unpack and put things away."

"Don't worry cupcake."

"Kendall here." Caroline handed her the money from her
father.

Kendall looked at her hand, "Mom no. I don't need it
but thank you."

"Cupcake take it. It's an olive branch from your
father."

She blinked in shock, "Daddy? But why?"

"We're not quite sure but he was adamant about it. I
think he figures that if you're not going to live
home, he needs to know that you have money to take
care of yourself. Please take it."

"Is this his way of asking to be forgiven? Because if
it is, I won't. Money won't make this right. He knows
what will and until then all is not forgiven." She
tossed the money onto the counter.

Caroline sighed, "Yep you're your fathers daughter."

Chapter 22

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