2020-10-15 - News of Death

 2020-10-15 - News of Death 

Josh Greene sat in his office and listened carefully to the voice on the other end of the phone.  His gave was somber as he nodded.  “Yes, they live here.”  He listens a bit more.  “Tell me what happened.”  and he is silent again, although not for a long time.  “I see.  Yes, of course I will.”  he assures the caller.  “Thank you for letting us know.”  he ends the call and sighs deeply.  Straightening, he looked at both the clock on the wall and the one on the computer.  Both told him it was a little bit after seven in the morning.  For what he had to do, it was probably as good a time as any and possibly better.

He checked his uniform, and went into the bathroom, to double check himself in the mirror.  He looked good.  More, he looked professional, but he always did.  Returning to his office, he went into his desk drawer and took out his very official Chief’s cap and put it on.  After that, he went out to the main area and quickly held the morning briefing, which now included this news.  But it was Josh’s job as Chief to deliver the news, so once he was finished with the briefing, he took the Alexandra ATV and drove it to the house on Third Street.  The residence of Sharon and Nolan Lancaster.  Parking squarely in front of the row house, he got out and, hat firmly on his head, walked up the steps and rang the doorbell.  Given the hour, Sharon and Nolan were most likely preparing for their day.

Sharon was bustling about in her simple grey pantsuit and lilac blouse getting ready for work. She had been pouring her coffee into a thermos with one hand while she finished her last bite of toast and fasted an earring with her other hand. It had been a mad scramble since she slept through two snooze cycles. And now the doorbell was ringing “Oh what now?” She gasped in frustration. She had been trying to go in a little early. She screwed the lid on her coffee and padded in her stocking feet to the door and opened it to a policeman, no...the chief of police in full uniform “Hello?” She greeted him with a bit of a puzzled look “Chief Greene isn’t it?” She remembered from Brett’s arrest as well as just his notoriety within the town.

Nolan had been up, but was double checking his homework.  He had put the coffee on for his mother before making them both toast.  Now he was sure his homework was done and right.  It had been such a good vacation that he had blown it off until the last minute, which was unusual for him.  He was picking up his backpack, ready to go when the doorbell rang and had one hand on the back door on his way out to pick Elise up and walk to school with her when he heard his mother speak the name Chief Greene.  He didn’t turn the nob, but did turn around, his heart in his throat thinking the worst.  Brett had escaped and was coming after he and their mother.

Josh took his hat off the moment the door opened.  He’d delivered this news more times than he liked, but not in a couple of years.  The earthquake and subsequent fog had actually taken a few of his men and he had been at the door of many a widow.  But this was a bit different.  “Yes, Mrs Lancaster.”  he confirms.  “May I come in, please?”  he really didn’t want to drop this bombshell at her feet in an open doorway.

Sharon looked worried now and stepped back. “Yes...please…” She moved so the chief could come in. She had just heard Nolan moving around and had seen him that morning. Hell he made her coffee and toast so he was fine. Was it Brett? Was it Flynn? Was it her mother? Had something happened to her in the nursing home? So many of them were struck by Covid…….her mother was the worry that made the most sense and she fixated. Her mother was old and had alzheimer's.She didn’t even remember Sharon or the boys' names anymore. Maybe it would be a blessing if it had happened quickly. But it would still make her heart ache. “What’s happened Chief Greene?”

Nolan took a step into the kitchen and slipped his shoes off of his feet.  The chief of police wanted to come in and talk.  Moving further in, Nolan’s mind can only go to two people.  One of whom was his father, who was out of prison and god knew where, and the other was Brett, who was still in prison.  He moves to his mother’s side and takes her hand, leading her to the couch.  No matter what the chief had to say, Nolan was willing to be it would go down easier if his mother was sitting.

Josh stepped in, but did not take off his shoes immediately.  Protocol didn’t require him to even go this far into a house to deliver this kind of news.  But this was Alexandra, and they tended to march of their own tune more than half the time.  He didn’t really know Sharon or Brett Lancaster, but they were members of the town and so they deserved to be treated like town members.  His fingers played at his hat brim and he expected that was the real reason for taking off the hat to deliver such news.  He looks at Nolan and then between the two of them.  “I’m afraid I got a call from Burnaby Youth Custody Centre this morning.”  he begins.  “Brett died early this morning of injuries received during a fight.”  he doesn’t say more, although he knows more.  It is a matter of whether they want to know more or not.  He knows this family was torn apart by Brett’s crime and he would understand if they thanked him and sent him away.

Sharon feels Nolan’s hand and lets herself be led to the couch and sits. She watches the police chief and his fingers on his hat. The man was nervous, or looked to her to be so. This was bad. She somehow knew even before he said it that it was Brett, her older son. Her hand went over her heart as the words Burnaby youth custody centre came out of his mouth. It was Brett. He had broken her heart with the choices that sent him there. Now it was still healing and he had died, never to be redeemed. “A fight?” She keeps her hand on her heart and nods, frowning. She wasn’t crying immediately, she was trying to understand. She looked at Nolan and then back at Josh “A fight?” she asked again.

Nolan sits besides his mother as Chief Green tells them what happened.  He looks up and nods to a chair, if the man wants to sit down.  Putting his arm around his mother, he takes a deep breath and tried to feel anything except relief that his brother is dead.  “What happened, Chief?”

Josh comes in and ignores the chair.  “According to the staff at Burnaby, another inmate attacked Brett on Thanksgiving.  From what they could get from the attacker, Brett had raped his girlfriend a year ago.  The fight was broken up and Brett was taken to the infirmary.”  he sighs softly.  “He was pronounced dead at 5:24 this morning.”

Sharon leans into Nolan for support and digests what the chief is saying. How long had Brett been raping women? How could he become this? She knew part of the answer but she had thought she got him out….not soon enough. Or was he just born with the worst parts of Flynn? But even Flynn had goodness…..why Brett? Sharon’s heart isn’t breaking this time but she feels it ache like it’s hollow. She turns the blame on herself and crumbles “How could I raise a child who hurt so many people? I know Nolan’s good….but how could Brett do these things? I’m afraid to ask the police for a total number…..I didn’t want him to die for it though…..but i don’t know how long they could have kept him in that jail…...how….why? What the hell did I do wrong? I got him out….we came here…..” Now the tears come and for so many reasons as her hands go up over her face and she just sobs and sobs.

Nolan keeps his arm around his mother’s shoulders as he listens.  So Gen wasn’ the first try.  For all he knows, she could have been the first failure.  And someone’s boyfriend hadn’t been able to really get revenge until now.  Thanksgiving.  He kept his own ungenerous thoughts to himself and focused on his mother.  “Mom … it’s not your fault.”  he tells her and holds her close as she cries into her hands.  He would happily let her cling to him.  She had one son left.  By her own words, he was the good son.  And now the bad son was gone.

Josh doesn’t answer any of the questions Sharon asks.  He knows how many cases had come up, but it was now a moot point.  But he stays for now, to see if there are any questions he can answer.

Sharon has a cry and then sniffs and wipes at her eyes and looks at Nolan “Thank you…” and then at Josh “Do we need to do anything? What happens to his….to his body? I mean do I have to…” Then she asks the question she really wants to “What happens if we don’t request his body...his remains? What will they do with the vessel that he used in this life?” It’s an odd question she knows. She grew Brett, carried him in her body. But she didn’t want to have to deal with his after all he’d done.

Nolan listens to his mother.  “I can take care of all of that if you want me to, Mom.”  he offers.  He looks at Josh and inhales, hoping he looked more a man than a boy.  “We don’t want to claim his body.  He’s done enough.  Isn’t there like … a place for that if the body isn’t claimed?”

Josh nods, slowly.  “There is space allocated in a cemetery near Burnaby for prisoners whose bodies are not claimed.”  he tells them.  It was, for good or ill, not an uncommon practice in the prison system.  “All you have to do is … well, nothing … for 60 days.  It may be longer with Covid, of course.  Or you can sign the forms refusing to claim the body.  Whenever you want.”  he tells them.

Nolan nods and, before his mother can say anything.  “Just tell us where to sign.” he is presuming, but his brother’s death is like a light at the end of a tunnel for him.

Sharon looks overwhelmed by having to do or not do anything even though she had asked the question “I just want to think about it. Like you said...if we do nothing, they take care of it too….” She looks at her watch “Nolan...I’ll call the school. And I’ll call work….”

Elise Girard looked at the clock on their microwave. Nolan was late today. She hoisted her backpack and decided to go see if he slept in and collect him instead, she walked the distance between the houses and knocked on his back door. It had been really nice having him and his mom for Thanksgiving, despite all the stuff happening for her brother.

Nolan sighs and nods a little.  “Alright, Mom.”  but he looks at Josh.  “We’ll figure it out.  Thanks for stopping by, Chief Greene.”  its as much a dismissal as he can manage.  “Mom, I’ll put some tea on for you.”  it isn’t a request.  He stands and heads into the kitchen, spotting Elise outside of the back door.  Before he gets the kettle, he goes out and looks at her.  “Um, I’mnot going to school today …”  he tells her.  “Um … Someone killed Brett in Burnaby.”  he blows out a breath, not really knowing what to say.

Elise had started to smile as she saw Nolan’s face and then when he tells her the news her jaw drops “Oh my god.” She climbs up the steps and wraps her arms around Nolan “I’m not sure what to say but….I love you. I understand you and your mom need to…..do whatever you need to do. I’ll pop back after school maybe and see you guys?”

Sharon stands and offers Chief Greene her hand to shake “I know this is probably a terrible part of your job. Thank you for doing it with such dignity and compassion Chief Greene. We’ll be in touch if we need to be. You take care.” She can hear Elise’s voice and Nolan talking to her out back.

Nolan wraps his arms around Elise and hugs her.  “I love you, too.” he tells her first off.  “I’m not sure what to say or do either.  It’s a shock and not a shock all at the same time.  The boyfriend of a girl Brett raped last year wound up in Burnaby too … and killed him.”  he sighs.  “Oh … you can tell Gen.  I mean .. small town, t’ll probably get out sooner or later.  But .. but now she’s safe.  Really safe.”

Josh takes Sharon’s hand and shakes it.  “It is, but I try and do it as best I can.  You are very welcome and I will see you both around town.  If you need us for anything, you know where to find us.”  and he nods once again and leaves, back to his office and serving Alexandra.

Elise’s eyes go wide as she eases back from the hug but still keeps her arms loosely around Nolan “Oh my god. I can’t even. I will tell her, discreetly though. Yeah it’ll get out but it doesn’t need to happen in one day.” She lifts herself up on her tiptoes and gives Nolan a gentle kiss “Go be with your mom. I’m a text away though. I’ll come by after school but I could at lunch too...just let me know. I could make you and your mom dinner later even….whatever you need I’m here for you.” The first bell rings at the school which they can hear from where they are and Elise looks ruefully in that direction “I should go….”

Sharon shuts the door after Josh leaves and walks upstairs as she dials the credit union “Tina? Hi it’s Sharon...listen I’ve gotten some...news this morning…” Her voice becomes muffled as she rounds the corner on the stairs, heading to her bedroom to change into more comfortable clothes for a day at home instead of work. She can be heard chatting with Tina for about 5 minutes and then shuffling around opening her dresser drawers and the door to her wardrobe before coming back downstairs in another 5 minutes in a pale blue sweatsuit and sitting on the couch with her coffee thermos looking a little stunned.

Nolan nods at how she wants to tell Gen.  He leans down to kiss her.  “Come by if you want.  I don’t really know what’s going on yet.”  he hears the bell and steals a final kiss.  “I love you … have a good day, okay?”  because he’s not sure he will be.  He goes back in the house and starts the hot water while his mother is upstairs.  By the time she comes down dressed in sweats, its ready.  Steaming but ready.  He made it chamomile to help her relax and offers it to her with one hand, while reaching to take the thermos with the other.  Then he sits in the silence.  He has his own thoughts on Brett being gone, but for now just lets the silence envelope them.

Elise happily kisses Nolan back and smiles at him a bit “I love you too…...have whatever needs to happen in yours….see you later.” And she steps back and walks quickly towards the school. There’s still time before the final bell so she finds Gen in front of her locker and leans in “Hi…..bathroom chat.” She requests without a prelude of why. If Gen follows her to the closest one she’ll kick open all the stall doors before she even starts talking to make sure they’re alone and then head jut for Gen to join her in the far corner, speaking in hushed tones “Brett Lancaster is dead. He was killed in a prison fight…..some guy whose girlfriend he raped. Nolan said I could tell you….and….that you’re safe now from him ever coming back here.” She bites on her thumb watching Gen for her reaction.

Sharon accepts the cup of tea and the care from her loving son and sighs “Thank you.” She sits in silence too for awhile and then says “Nolan...you’ve had to grow up so fast. I’m sorry. I should have taken you both somewhere else as babies. I don’t know with Brett though. Nature, nurture…...we’ll never know. Believe it or not your father came from a family of kind people. You never met them because he was estranged from them. And I know it’s hard to believe but I feel like they instilled some good in him, I saw it anyways….but...oh there’s so many layers….” she sips and leans back on the couch.

Gen is working to maintain her school locker and keep it organized.  It’s part of her keeping her mind on other things.  Elise stops by and insists on a bathroom chat.  Curious, she finishes up and follows.  Elise nearly sweeps the room like a government agent, which amuses Gan.  But then she is in a corner being told that Brett Lancaster is dead.  She also delivers Nolans message and Gen hears it, but only stands and blinks for a few seconds.  “Mon Dieu …..  Oh … Dieu Merci.”  she covers her mouth with her hand and blinks.  “I mean ..  I’m …  I …  I’m …”  she blinks again.  “How is Nolan … and his mother?  I …  I mean … I’m trying …”  she barks out a laugh and presses her hand over her mouth.  “I’m trying hard not to laugh .. like .. well like I just did.”  she admits and again sort of chokes out a laugh.

Nolan sits sideways on the couch and listens to his mother.  “You did the best you could, Mom.  Don’t second guess everything.  You can’t.  That’s not fair to you.  You could never have known.”  he sighs and closes his eyes to hear of his father’s family.  “Well, maybe he was the bad seed but …”  he tightens his jaw.  “I don't’ know about that Mom.  There being any good in Dad.  I just …  no.” he shakes his head.

Elise observes Gen’s reaction ready to offer anything needed. Hugs, tissues, signing her up for kickboxing…..whatever. But the laughing was one she hadn’t guessed at and Elise shrugs “As my Dad says, feel all your feelings? Laugh if it’s laughter?” The second bell goes and Elise completely ignores it. This was life and death stuff after all, literally. School could wait. She sighs “I think Nolan...doesn’t know what to think yet. I didn’t see his mom so I’m not sure. I’ll drop in on them later. But right now I’m here for you. Whatever you need today. I mean it’s good news in a  way but also maybe brings up...all the shit?” She’s not sure what to say or ask as this is a highly unusual situation.

Sharon knows she can’t change Nolan’s mind but Flynn had  moments of goodness. They were her weakness. “I understand what you’re saying. I sometimes wondered if the moments he seemed good were an act...but then I met your Aunt Aida and Uncle Rohan….they’re so kind. One day I’ll take you to them. They run a diner named after your grandfather in East Vancouver called Archie's. You have cousins you’ve never met…….it makes me sad. We can never know what’s really in anyone else’s head but our own so there are some answers we’ll never get.” she sips again. “I wish we could have helped your brother somehow. But maybe the world ...maybe this is the balance. I feel horrible saying it. I brought him into the world…”

Gen sighs.  "Apparently it's laughter?"  she offers and then also ignores the bell.  "It's bringing up old stuff, but not like you might think.  I mean ... I ...  I think Dante might be tempted to throw a party."  she sighs.  "I'm not sure I'm not tempted.  He was so awful and he tried ..."  she blows out a breath.  "And now he's dead and I ...  I was afraid he would escape and come after me ... and ...  and Brett threatened Nolan ... remember?"  she shakes her head and leans against the wall, still absorbing the news.

Nolan loves his mother, but sometimes he thinks she might be a little naive.  He listens to family history.  His father's family history.  They weren't all monsters.  "Someday ... maybe."  he agrees.  Then the subject goes back to Brett.  "I tried to help him ... or at least tell him not to do what he  was doing.  I didn' know he was .... well ... I knew he was having sex, but not that he was raping girls …”  he reaches out for his mothers arm.  "There's no way you could have known ... you don't look at a baby and know what they will do when they grow up.  I guess that's the scary part, eh?  I mean ... will my kids be more like you or more like Dad?  More like me or more like Brett?"  he sighs and plays with the thermos he took from her.

Elise shrugs “Ding Dong the Rapist is Dead Party...Wizard of Oz style...in juvie….yeah Dante might get a weird rep for that.” She rubs Gen’s arm “I know Gen….believe me I know….I’ve been super scared for both you and Nolan and keeping it in check.”

Oh Canada comes over the PA system followed by Levar with the morning announcements “And there will be intramural volleyball playoffs again tonight in the gym….come cheer folks on. Tickets for the play go on sale today in the cafeteria…..and let’s not forget our slips for pizza lunch next week….you all like pizza don’t you?” He drones on with a few more items.

Elise makes a bit of a face “Eh we’re officially absent now...maybe we should skip? I’ve never skipped school before...have you Gen?” She gives her a scandalous look. After Brett dying school was so unimportant.

In room 9-10 attendance was taken and Gen and Elise were indeed marked absent. Nolan’s mother had called in for him after calling work so his absence was noted with a parent call.

Sharon patted her son’s hand “I know you tried honey. I did too. Mind you i had no idea the scope of what he was doing….” She nods about having no idea who babies will become and then smiles at Nolan in spite of it all “Maybe they’ll just be short and obsessed with sushi.” It’s a tease about Elise and him having kids someday in an obvious way “But that wouldn’t be such a  bad thing.”

Gen snorts another laugh.  “Well maybe he will celebrate.  Maybe WE should celebrate.  Or maybe I should celebrate.”  she sighs again as the announcements come on.  “Oh fuck volleyball.”  she grumbles, glaring up at the speaker.

Arthur VanBuren hangs up the phone in hiis office with a sigh.  The school had already gotten the call from Sharon Lancaster about Nolan’s absence, but he also got a call from Josh Greene explaining things and he turns to his computer.  He removes Brett Lancaster’s name from the official rolls.  He was not a student .. and now he never would be.  Thinking about that boy and those around him, he gets on his phone to his secretary, telling her to run do the 9-10 homeroom and pick up that one class attendance sheet.  Busy as he was, he still had a general idea who hung out with who and what students were up to … especially some of his higher profile students.

Nolan purses his lips at his mom not knowing.  No one knew, but decided not to voice that aloud, at least not immediately.  Then he smiles.  “I don’t think I’d have a problem with that, someday.”  he realizes the implications of that and blushes.  “You just want more fish in your diet.”  he teases.  He’s basically put the house on a diet and he thought his mother was actually losing weight.

Jennifer Wong was the morning secretary. It worked well with getting her kids here on time and then she could be home for them after school. She hangs up the phone and trots down to the 9-10 room and does a quick knock to get Mr. Arnett’s attention. He’s already into a long speech about the minute details of how the various levels of government in Canada interact when he sees her and passes over the attendance. Jennifer mouths a thanks and fast walks back to the office, dropping it off to Mr. VanBuren before her phone rings again and she’s back to the front desk.

In the bathroom Elise looks at Gen “Are you in volleyball? It’s not until after school...we could come back….we should go to Earthcakes and eat something chocolate….and then run on the beach...as a volleyball warm up for you. Actually you can run. I’ll just make sad sand angels.” she jokes. “You should do something though….or maybe like some kind of fire pit thing in your yard where you write down all your terrible thoughts about Brett and burn them up. One of the Banff Babes….Emma….she used to burn things. I think it was some kinda coffee table Wicca or some shit. But seriously every time she went through a breakup or even flunked a quiz…...burn baby burn…”

Sharon laughs at her son’s blushing “I like Elise. She’s good for you. She’s good to both of us. And yes I do like her sushi, and yours. Fish is good.” Sharon was getting healthier under Nolan’s rules. It wasn’t a drastic outer change yet but she could feel it working. More energy, less colds and flus, less winded when she was walking. She was a little slimmer but more she felt stronger and just better. And her heart felt stable, strange now emotionally but physically stable.

Gen snorts.  "I am NOT in volleyball.  I play hockey, thank you very much .. but not here.  Now the only sports I play are with Dante."  she winks and brightens.  "But chocolate sounds like the perfect idea."  she gou make sand angels and then Nolan can wash all the sand out of your hair.  It'll take his mind off that demon brother of his."

Arthur nods as the attendance list is put on his desk.  He remembers seeing Gen as he was on his way to his office and now puts his mind to where the 9-10 lockers are and where they most likely she went was, if they hadn't left the school.  He knows who is close to who and who is enemies with who.  He picks up a pen and begins to write n small sheets of paper.  He slips them into his suit coat pocket and leaves the admin offices for the nearest bathroom to the 910 lockers.  He leans into the door, feeling a bit like a spy ... or a child .. but then knocks, trying the door.  "Gen?  Elise?"  he calls, trying to open the door.  If it's unlocked he will walk in on them.

Nolan smiles.  "I love her, Mom."  he tells her.  "And she loves me ... in spite of ... everything."  he feels a stab of anger.  Brett touched everything in his life still.  "And fish is good and good FOR you."  he reminds her.  "You look better than ever and you were never exactly an old hag."  he teases.

Elise giggles and thumb points at herself “Ringette, biatches….ooooh tonsil hockey. I know it well. But I think you made it to the playoffs. We’re still at the start of our seasons, training…” She snorts. “I like the idea of Nolan washing my…” Then the door opens after a male voice calls their names and knocks “Mr. VanBuren! I was going to say hair…...on my head...not anything rude…” She blushes deeply and realizes they’ve been busted, which is likely worse than him thinking she was talking about anything her boyfriend might be washing on her person. “That’s a….great tie today Sir. Really brings out your eyes.” She offers awkwardly.

Sharon looks truly happy for Nolan “I can see it. And it makes me happy, for you both.” She laughs “Well good to know I haven’t reached the hag stage yet. Warn me if i don’t see it coming dear.” She sips her tea a lot more relaxed at this point.

Gen laughs genuinely, then looks a little shocked that Elise and Nolan haven't made it through the season yet.  Then Mr VanBuren walks in and she freezes too. "Uh .. Hi Mr VanBuren.  Yea .. great tie..."  she knows time is over and she should be sent back to class.

Arthur walks in and arches his brows at the girls.  He smooths his tie.  "Why thank you, ELise."  he accepts all compliments, even if delivered with the hopes of not getting into trouble with him.  He goes into his pocket and pulls out the small notes.  "Permission slips to be out of school today."  he tells them.  "I know what happened and I know that neither of you would be of much use in school today, given the circumstances.  So here's the permission.  If you're confronted, just show the slips and have them call me if it means that much to them."  he nods and turns.  "See you tomorrow, ladies."  and he's gone.

Nolan beams and shrugs.  "I don't know Mom ...  you might not reach that hag stage."  he bites his lip.  "Someday you'll start dating again and I'll have to accept you've grown up and are going to leave me someday."

Elise looks down at her permission slip like the principal has handed them winning lottery tickets and then looks up at Gen “He can DO that? Mr. Van Buren...the magic man. Well then.” She pockets hers “We should...probably call our parents if we’re going to be out and about in town so they don’t actually think we’re skipping. Word travels. And then the skipping plan but with full permission?” She looks at Gen in question.

Sharon gives Nolan’s head a little affectionate nudge shove “Empty nest syndrome? At your age? Oh don’t worry honey no one’s even checking me out. I mean being the mother of a criminal might keep them at bay. I had an almost date with another bank manager when I went away on that business trip to Denman Island. But I’m not even sure I know how to talk to men anymore….” She throws up her hands and laughs “Not a huge priority. Let’s just get through the day.”

Gen blinks at the sheet in her hand and watches the door close behind the principals back.  "He's the principal.  I guess he can do whatever he wants.  And this is a small town, so ... word travels."  she sighs.  "Yea.  Let's call our parents and keep these close.  I do need to not be trying to deal with this and history at the same time."  she pulls out her phone and is soon talking to her parents.

Nolan nods and sighs melodramatically.  "They grow up so fast."  he smiles.  "Maybe, but that'll pass and I'll have to keep the guys away with my hockey stick.  I think I'll make up an application for them."  he grins.  He wants his mother to be happy.  "Maybe I am an ass hole, Mom ... but ... I think things are looking up."

Elise calls her parents too and then taps her phone to click off “Now chocolate...then beach.” She never even opened her own locker as she corralled Gen to talk so she still has her bag and quilted red plaid jacket on. But if Gen needs her stuff from the locker they’ll stop and grab it and then head out. “Let’s not walk right in front of Nolan’s house…..I don’t want to freak him out. He’d probably figure it out mind you but we’ll go on your side and I’ll still check in with him at lunch. Not about him washing my hair.” she laughs and qualifies as they walk “Although that does sound kinda hot….and sweet. Has Dante ever washed your hair? And I don’t mean like shaower sex….more like being romantic as an individual act of love and cherishing...which of course could lead to shower sex…” She giggles.

Sharon has to laugh and then shakes her head “We’ll see.” She sighs “You might be right but I still feel bad agreeing. I don’t know how to feel right now.”

Gen nods and heads for her locker to get her coat and bag.  “Then around the back of my house and to town?”  she suggests.  “Or around the 4th street side in front of your house?”  she considers.  “The 4th street side.”  she grins as they leave the school.  “Yes, Dante has washed my hair and not even being sexual.  It turned out like that.  He has his own bathroom, so … we sometimes get dirty while getting clean.”  she elbows her friend.  “What is going on with you and Nolan .. or what’s NOT going on?  Are you two saving yourselves for marriage?  Or … are you still not sure about him?  I know you're not a virgin … but … what’s up?”

Nolan sighs.  “I …  I’m trying not to … feel the way I’m feeling, Mom.  I really am …”  he bites his lip, afraid that his feelings might even be so bad as to drive his mother away from him.

Elise holds up a finger “Yeah 4th……” She smiles “Dante sounds like a sweet guy….I mean I know he is.” She laughs about getting dirty and clean and then she sighs “Oh no I’m sure. I love Nolan. We’re just slow…..it’s ok. He doesn’t want to push me because some part of him is afraid of being like Brett. I don’t want to push him because I don’t want to trigger his fears if we get all turned on….maybe Brett dying will somehow resolve that in him. Honestly….I went on the pill. Like just so it’s not fully effective for a bit. But I’d happily go to bed with Nolan like tomorrow...of course now he’s in this chaos so not this week..” she laughs. “I don’t really know how to….I mean it sucked but Parker initiated everything and so I never had to work at that…..now I think it’s on me.”

Sharon looks at Nolan ``Are you still going for your counselling appointments? We should make sure you have one this week. How are you feeling? Feelings are just feelings Nolan...but you need an outlet….you need to not bottle them.”

Gen considers it.  “That makes sense.  He’s very sensitive about not being compared to Brett.  And yes, this is a bad week.  Maybe in November.  October here is just .. fucking weird.”  she smirks.  “But afterwards .. when the pills have taken effect and all this is behind … then .. you may just have to literally take him by the hand.  And if even that doesn’t work just out and out tell him you want to make love.”  she bites her lip.  “I’m getting on the pill too.  They’ll definitely take effect before Dante comes back so …”  she shrugs.

Nolan nods.  “I’m still going and I have one tomorrow.’  he assures her.  “And … right now I feel …”  he blows out a breath.  “Like its about fucking time.”  he lowers his eyes to the floor.  “Mom … I’m glad he’s dead.  Now I don’t have to be afraid anymore.”  he remembers the last thing he saw Brett do … point at him.  “Now he can’t make me be the one to kill him.”

Elise nods “He is and I understand why. What is it with October? I mean Halloween but god there were those people that murdered one another….then one of our custodians...like days ago. Should we all be carrying swords or little personal alarms...not that those do anything but make an annoying noise. I vote for swords. Not a phallic reference despite the other thing we’re talking about. I’ll work up my courage with Nolan, hopefully before you’re getting dirty and clean with your free man. So are you thinking condom free? I’m still paranoid enough that I might go for both.”

Sharon looks relieved about his appointment and nods. Then she looks down as Nolan talks. She had seen the threat and it had been part of what had broken her heart….the attack. One son against the other. “I never wanted it to come to that either. To put you in a position where you had to make a choice like that. Do or die…...now it’s over. You can live your life without that. You can be young and play hockey and be in love and get your schooling and follow all your dreams Nolan.”

Gen shakes her head as they walk.  "Fuck if I know ... but I mean ... it's not like there haven't been bad things that happen when it's NOT October."  her attack had been in the summer.  Then she nods.  "Yes.  I'd love to go condom free.  I'm not worried about getting pregnant.  Obviously we're not trying but I already know I'll have Dante's baby.  More than one even."  she speaks of it like it's a foregone conclusion.

Nolan blows out a breath.  "I always thought it would.  Ever since Brett started working with and for Dad.  But now .. yea.  I can maybe live without looking over my shoulder.  Just me and you, Mom.  Just me and you."  he looks up at her earnestly. 

Elise agrees “Yeah I know but the old school folks talk about this month...weird things to overhear like extra murders.” She looks curiously at Gen “I could see you and Dante with a small herd of children.” she giggles “I like kids. Babies kind of freak me out though. All the drool. Why are their heads so damn soft? I know you need to have them as babies to get the bigger ones but I kinda relate to the bigger ones better. Like 3 year olds are super cute...you know? And they can eat sushi at that age…...it’s the drooling squishy head mush eating that sets me on edge. Maybe Nolan can take care of that part.” She jokes.

Sharon looks back with the same earnestly “Just me and you kid. We can do the rest just fine now. I mean we live here...it’s good. Good people. Safe, especially now. Even though there was a nother murder this week…..not people we know at least….this time. Scary to have two so close together in a  small place.”

Gen laughs.  "I'd love a large family.  Dante is a biological only child, but he wants kids too.  Yes, we've talked about it."  she stares. "So your kid will be weaned on sushi.  That ... makes perfect sense for you.  Just don't make Nolan nurse.  He really doesn't have the boobs for it."  she teases.  She doesn't want to talk so much about the odd other goings on.  It's almost scary.

Nolan smiles at it just being him and his mother.  "Yea ... a lot of the kids say it's like this every October.  Like ... a haunted house but the whole island."  he snorts, like it's a fine joke.

Elise smiles “See….a herd. Sushi is the perfect child sized food. Maybe that’s why I love it with my little hands.” She gasps and laughs “You know men can technically lactate if they start pumping. Biologically speaking…..file that under weird shit read on the internet. But I would never mess with his beautiful pecs. His body….I’ve only felt it through his shirts but oh Gen…...it’ll be amazing seeing him shirtless even…..he feels so perfect to me. Sorry to go on…...I suspect you feel the same about Dante. And I’m not trying to make you miss him more. I mean he’s probably getting more fit right….don’t they like lift weights and like make bricks and stuff?”

Sharon shakes her head “That could be fun if it wasn’t real…..what a weird thing for one month…...I do hope they like Christmas here. They could use a little cheer after all this...we all could.”

Gen giggles.  “Yes.  You never got past finger foods.”  she teased.  “Sushi and chicken nuggets.”  then she lust laughs.  “See …  I can’t even imagine Nolan trying to nurse a baby.”  she sighs.  “Dante already is fit.  He does lifts in his doorway.”  she shudders.  “Elise he isn’t in a prison movie set in 1920.”  she can’t help but smile.

Nolan nods.  “I guess … it’s just surreal.”  then he smiles.  “Snow … oh skating on snow covered ice.  That could be fun.  Even just walking around .. snowmen and igoo’s.”  he jokes.

Elise shakes Gen’s arm excitedly “But finger foods are the best foods! Sushi rolls, chicken nuggets…” She lets go and claps her hand “Mini quiche! Oh the mini quiche is so happy. And cheese in little cubes…..I love cheese cubes. I’m like a mouse….just nibbling away.” She makes a little mousy face and puts her fingers to her mouth pretending. Then she laughs “So no like chain gangs and pickaxes in a  mine? I always felt that was problematic. I mean can’t they just pickaxe through the chains? Oh wait that’s like the whole plot of those movies right?” She feigns total ignorance and puts the back of her hand to her head “How did the prisoner’s ever get away?” They’re getting closer to Earthcakes now and back on the sidewalk. “I could see Nolan shirtless with a  baby he’s not nursing...or shirtless with a platter of sushi. Actually I’ve totally had that dream before…..” She giggles “Oh my god.” Then she gets honest “I’ve never actually wanted a guy like I want him….does that make sense? I mean I had sex with Parker and never had a single fantasy or dream about him shirtless…....that makes me sound super mean but it’s true. He was kind of a little guy, like me….not to stereotype about size and race but his parents were Korean…..whatever Banff right. Tons of Asian kids in my school. Half my teachers thought I was one of them sometimes.”

Sharon laughs “We’re going to skate around snowmen and igloos? I’m not convinced this West Coast island gets THAT much snow and ice but we’ll see. You need some serious deep snow to cut blocks for an igloo.” She’s half teasing.

Gen is shaken by her friend as she lists various finger foods.  "And those mini eclairs.  Tea sandwiches."  she suggests more.  Then she shakes her head.  "No, it sounds like they get like chores to do and school to go to.  Kind of like being grounded except half the people in the place want to beat up or rape the other half.  Dante didn't tell me this.  I looked it up.  They're really really dangerous places."  she listens to Elise go on about Nolans chest and shrugs.  "I think it makes sense, but I dont know.  I've never been with anyone but Dante .. and never will be, I think.  But it sounds like you're like me in ... this is the guy for you and you know it."  she smirks.  "And the way you're talking you might be moving your hands on him even before you're moving his hands where YOU want them."  she giggles.

Nolan sighs exasperatedly.  "Mom ... you're ruining it."  he nearly whines.  "But fine ... never mind the igloos, and I guess they don't get THAT much snow here.  But I think it'll still be fun ... because we're free now.  We don't have to be afraid or nervous that someone will come knocking .. or that we'll get hurt in our own house."  He sounds pretty earnest.

Less about her desire and more about her feelings. Elise concedes “He’s it for me. I hope I am for him. I know I get goofy but I can see my whole life with Nolan Lancaster. I did not expect this. It’s like being struck by lightning. We had that electricity thing the first time we touched….kissed. Makes me almost afraid we’ll electrocute ourselves if we make love but i still want to do it. But honestly we could do this….what we’re doing right now and I’d still happily grow old with him.” She makes a face about prison “I want Dante out of that place. I hope neither of those things happen to him….my god. I mean I know he can fight. I’ve seen it. Gen I’ve never seen anyone fight like that...he was relentless. I know he was doing it to save you. So i hope if he has to save himself he can fight just as hard. Does he have people he gets along with...you know they could look out for each other? I mean not like a gang because that’s bad too but like friends?”

Sharon smiles at Nolan “Sorry…...and yes we’re free to enjoy everything this town and life has for us now. We could practically leave our doors unlocked….maybe in November.”

Gen grins.  "That lightning thing will pass.  It was like that with me and Dante.  Like a static shock, but the first time he touched me we were in the woods and he was walking dogs.  But that touch and I knew he was the one.  My first, my only."  she sighs.  "Keep hoping.  He's making good grades.  And he DOES have a friend.  Oddly in for nearly the same as him ... but he couldn't get the attempted murder charge off of him.  He's there until he is 18 but he might also get out ... Natalie ... the lawyer that helped me with Brett ... is taking his case.  Not Dante .. his friend Eugene."

Nolan grins.  "Well I like it here.  I even liked it here ... before."  he means when Brett was alive.  "It's pretty and people mostly seem to care about each other.  But ... If this is an average October ... yikes.  I mean ... it can't be like a curse, because ... Brett did his thing in the summer."

Elise listens with interest “That’s exactly how it feels, static. And I guess I would be Nolan’s first….but I don’t need anyone else but him. I wish I’d waited for the right one…” She laughs and shrugs and then nods about Dante’s friend “Wow that’s a hell of a coincidence. I hope Natalie can help him. She seems pretty kick ass” Then Elise has an odd thought “do you think that guy who killed Brett got himself locked up so he could do it?”

Sharon smiles and then nods “Yes it’s full of good people. I don’t understand how it all works. And you’re right about Brett. I mean maybe there’s the curse and then other things still happen whenever….”

Gen shrugs.  “I think it’s alright tha you didn’t wait .. because as much as I tease … SOMEONE is going ot have ot take Nolan by the hand and guide him until he’s comfortable telling you he wants you without being afraid he’s his ass hole dead brother.”  and then she nods.  “Yea, except his story is way worse.  Compared to this guy Dante’s life was a fairytale.”  and she stops a moment.  “I …  I don’t know.  I mean … there's only the two youth centers to begin with … and … juveniles don’t have the pull to pick their places.  Dante only did because Levi is a force of nature with a law degree.  No …  I think they guy got sent there .. sw Brett and killed him.  And I hope it took a long time.”  She stops in front of Earthcakes and opens the toor.  Immediately her face relaxes a bit and a small smile flits on her lips.  Mini cakes, mini eclairs, mini cupcakes, mini pies and all in regular size are on the shelves.  There is even a small display of Halloween and Fall themed pastries.  “Earthcakes…..”  she breathes.

Nolan nods.  “Maybe.  But … do curses exist?  And whats cursed.  This island?  Us?”

Elise was settling into the idea of being that for Nolan more and more. This was not the time but with him she could face anything when it was the time. “I will….when it’s not a crisis.” She frowns about this Eugene person “Worse than Dante’s? Didn’t his mom kill herself and he found her?” She nods about Levi and then the guy who killed Brett….but then….they’re in the land of tiny treats and Elise stops everything and just stares in awe “Oh…...my…...goodness….Gen!” She hops and squeals “All the tiny things!” She looks at Zilpha like she’s a goddess of tiny treats “Can I do a little combo of the little things? I think I could eat at least 4 small things….”

Sharon chuckles “According to some of my staff….this island has some supernatural stuff going on. Now I’m ever the skeptic but I know what I’ve seen at work and it’s….odd. People not knowing basic banking...online anything...like they’re new to the internet. Better now but at first. And I’m not talking just about older people. Before we got here, this island was apparently cut off from the world…..not just by Covid and the ferry closures. By a sort of fog...literal and other…..after an earthquake. Have you heard anyone talk about the fog? At school? I know Elise’s family is newer to the island as well so I don’t expect she’d know. But some of your classmates who have grown up here? There’s other word magic….honestly this part sounds like an old wives tale but apparently people fall in love faster here than anywhere and feel like they’ve been hit by lightning with literal sparks between them. But they say it can go the opposite way too…..it can draw out someone’s evil. Now I don’t want to believe it….but if it’s true, maybe it made Brett worse, not better. I have no idea. And that relates to the October high crime I suppose?”

Gen approaches the counter.  "Yes .. I'd like ... oh ... something tiny and chocolate.  All of the tiny and chocolate, please.  To go."  she looks at Elise.  "I need to keep walking."

Zilpha grins.  She likes this tiny little sprite who can't seem to make up her mind.  Both of them.  "So one of everything with chocolate in it ..."  she nods and gets out a baker's boc.  "Cakes..." she begins to load up.  "And cookies and a couple of mini pies."  she murmurs to herself as she packs for these girls.

Nolan listens to his mother and nods.  "I've heard of the fog."  he admits.  "Kids who have like a gap in movies and games .. like three years worth.  They can do the internet, but there have been changes they don't seem to get.  I wasn't sure at first.  It just sounded silly to me.  But I didn't get out a lot.  Mostly I heard it from the drunk kids at Brett's parties when you weren't home, so I assumed they were high or dunk .. probably both."  then she mentions falling in love and he bite shis lip.  "I had this .. crush at first sight with Elise, Mom.  I didn't persue it much but Brett knew ... that's how he got me to distract Elise the night he tried to rape Gen Beaulieu.  So .. of course it didn't go anyplace.  But the night he went away ... and you had your heart attack.  I spent the night at her house.  And every time we touched was like ... a static charge.  And ... Mom I swear I was in love with her by the time I came back the next day .. I didn't say that, of course, but ...  like being hit by lightning."  he considers.  "I can see it making Brett worse.  But he was already bad, so who knows.  He raped at least one girl before we moved hee.  A year ago."

Elise beams “I can walk and eat tiny foods. It’s my superpower.” She whips out her card “I’ll buy...seriously today is more of a rollercoaster for you...let me treat. And Oh my gosh Zilpha….I keep almost calling you Sylvia. I’m sure you’ve heard about the play...but I know your name is Zilpha. I play Lara...the female lead who has to ….kiss everyone….well the two male leads. Neither of them is my boyfriend but he’s being cool about it…” She sighs “I don't know why I’m telling you all this…” she gets ready to tap her card and looks up at Gen “Oh and one of them is my best friend’s brother…” She laughs.

Sharon nods “OK...so you kind of know.” Then she grimaces about Brett’s parties and then her eyes widen about Elise “Huh so maybe the love thing is true? That would be much nicer than the other…….again I still don’t know how to feel about your brother. I’m ok with how you feel and I understand it. Of course.”

Gen is amused at Elise's hyper behavior.  Her cheerfulness was contagious.  Then she giggles.  "You can kiss my brother .. he's a professional."  she blinks.  "Well THAT came out all wrong."

Zilpha cants her head.  "Someone is playing me?  Oh I do hope they do it right."  she rings Elise through.  "Just be careful.  Boys sometimes pretend everything is good when its not.  Look for the signs."  she smiles and hands them the box, then takes a cloth and begons cleaning, as if she were alone.

Nolan nods.  "Kind of.  And yea .. I wish it was only the love.  But isn't it science?  For every action there is an equal and opposite REaction?"  he sighs softly.  "You knew a different Brett, Mom  Than the one I knew and the one Dad knew.  We had to keep so much secret from you.  I hated lying but ...  I had to."

Elise had been smiling and giggling about Gen’s joke about Rene the professional kisser and about to say Mabel when Zilpha says boys sometimes pretend everything is good when it’s not. She suddenly feels anxious about Nolan. I mean it wasn’t ok now but not about theatre. “OK...thank you I will…” She takes the box and begins to walk out and turns to Gen “That was funny…...but then it got freaky….” she starts walking a bit more “K now I’m freaking out about kissing your gay brother...even if he is a professional…” she laughs “God!”

Sharon chuckles “Oh god, you are learning things in school. Newton’s laws I think?” Then she frowns deeply “I’m sorry you had to be in that position. No more secrets Nolan. OK? If something happens please tell me...I’ll always help you. Even if you get drunk or get someone pregnant or well we don’t have a car anymore so you can’t crash it….but you know what i mean…”

Gen blinks when Zilpha gives ... advice.  she waits until she and Elise are two doors down before she replies.  "Yea ....  I ... I think it's OK to kiss Rene.  God knows he and Tristan are practicing so much it can't possibly be a bad experience for you."  she teases.  "And I am sure Rene knows you're a girl and not Tristan the only man in his sights."

Nolan laughs.  "Yea, Mom.  I am not JUST a dumb jock."  he teases.  "No more secrets mom ... " and then she goes on and he blushes but nods.  "Not even if I get drunk, or get Elise pregnant.  I'll come to you, I promise."  he blushes.  "Not that Elise and i are ..  you know .. havin sex.  Because ... fuck Mom I'm so scared of being Brett ... shit some of the kids still call me the rapists brother."

Sharon rolls her eyes “I do not think you’re a dumb jock.” Then she looks stressed “Oh Nolan...you are not your brother. And which kids?! So help me god I will call that principal and find out who their parents are...that is NOT ok with me!” Mama Bear has spoken and then she softens “Nolan, even I can see how much you and Elise love each other. I’m not going to tell you how to have your relationship but you’re not him…….still always use condoms….until you’re old and married….but don’t be afraid of intimacy with someone you love.”

Elise blinks “Wow go Rene. I mean as long as he doesn’t call me Tristan and mess up the script we’re golden…” she laughs. “I’d actually be more worried about Nolan feeling weird about Romeo...he’s single…..girls follow him. I mean girls follow Nolan too so if he gets annoyed at me over fiction in theatre I don’t even know what to say. “ She opens the box and talks to the treats “Hello pretties….which of you shall we eat first……”

Gen giggles.  "Thats worse than callign the wrong name during sex, eh?"  she teases.  "Oh well ... A lot of guys have their little band of followers.  Rene's shrank, but he still has some.  I think they are waiting for him to stop liking boys."  she rolls her eyes.  "And I've seen those girls following Nolan.  Didn't he get confused when one of them asked him out to the dance nad he turned her down so fast it wasn't even funny?  He barely notices them, the big hockey star jock."  she giggles and peers into the box, reaching in and pulling out one with blue icing.  "You're mine!"  she declares and pops it into her mouth, unable to speak for goodness sounds.

Nolan watches his mother get downright defensive, which is something hes never seen, because he never asked for her protection.  He wasn't now either.  "DOn't worry about it, Mom.  I get a lot of them on the hockey rink.  The one place I can take out my aggressions in a constructive way.  And legally."  he smiles.  "But ...  I kinda like how you got all ...  mamma tiger for me, Mom."  he looks at her.  "Well ...  I plan on it ... unless one of us is allergic or she's on the pill.  I um ...  never ... um .. well ..  you know I've never ...  just ... never ..."  he stammers.

Elise take a little chocolate eclair and comment snack “Homophobic vulture ladies…..it’s not like we have a shortage of boys. I’d say we’re a pretty even split. I mean ok...some are gay….some of the girls are lesbains so it all works out I’m sure. I’m sure some are bi.” She pops the eclair in her mouth and has to pause conversation while she sort of walk dances and makes her own happy foodgasm sounds “My god…..that was good for me too.” She teases Gen about her reactions too. She smiles “I don’t think Nolan has any idea how fucking cute he is. Which makes him all the more endearing.” She looks into the open box again like she’s hunting treats and contemplates.

Sharon still frowns “Kids can be so cruel. I’ve never understood that. And of course I’m a mama tiger. You’re all I’ve got kid, and I love you.” She gives him a kind look “Nolan you’re 15. Take your time. Don’t be afraid but also don’t do it because everyone else seems to be. Here’s a secret no one tells you when you’re young….no one knows what they’re doing most of the time. So be with someone you can talk things out with and figure each other out. That’s the important part. And condoms and consent of course. But you know all that.”

Gen sort of guides them in the direction of the beach. "They have their moist little panties set on that French accent, I bet.  The girls were after Sasha for the same thing."  she rolls her eyes.  Then she giggles about Nolan.  "You're probably right.  Do you think they got treated differently?  That pretty blond haired blue eyed sociopath versus his brown haired decent human being brother?"

Nolan is touched.  "I love you too, Mom.  I just thought ....  I mean .. Bret was literally the golden child and I was mud..."  then he grins.  "Mom ... I'm just afraid whatever Dad gave to Brett he gave to me too ... and I'm definitely waiting on consent.  I love her."

Elise happily veers to the beach “Could be the accent. I mean he’s cute. So’s Sasha. Maybe it’s a blonde thing. You’re blonde and cute too….not that I’m hitting on you. But social experiment wise with hair colour, and hell maybe there’s racial layers in this part. The Banff Babes…..I’m Metis...not that everyone can figure that out from a glance….so let’s just say dark hair for the sake of a visual. Emma is Japanese and Ava is a white blonde girl. On Twitter when we made our banffbabe accounts Ava immediately had 3 times the followers. And she’s the least talkative in our videos so it wasn’t based on what she said or did. In fact she does most of the tech stuff. And I don’t know about Brett and Nolan. I wouldn’t think from their mom because Sharon adores Nolan and I can see that. I’ve never met their dad….it sounds like Brett was more like him...bad news. But you mean like at school or in hockey? I mean Nolan’s a really good hockey player and he’s smart. Brett was just a  violent asshole.”

Sharon smiles a bit and then it falters “Oh god….tell me I never reinforced that idea in your head? Bret being the golden child? He was a charmer….like your father. But I always knew you were genuine and kind no matter what. I really did try to treat you as equals. You are not Brett and you are not your father. Nolan. You are your own person and your morals shine through you. I’m sure Elise knows that. She’s a good person and she loves you for you.”

Gen looks at Elise.  "You're fucking georgeous."  she tells her friend.  Then she listens to the story of the blonde and her followers.  "Yea ... us great white goddesses."  she sighs.  "I guess I mean in general.  You know Sasha's case was so easy our father barely got billed for two hours of Levi's time.  Because Sasha is white and blonde.  And Dante isn't and Levi is still working on the case trying to get him out."  she sighs and sniffs.  "It's not fair.  But at least Brett got his in the end."

Nolan shakes his head.  "Yo didn't."  he's quiet for a moment.  "Dad just ... I always knew he prefered Brett ... I guess because they look exactly fucking alike.  He .. um ...  I mean .. I know I was an accident, mom.  At least Dad said he hadn't wanted me.  Another mouth to feed and shit."  he shrugs.  "Elise loves me.  I know it.  Its scary, but I know she does."

Sharon grips her teacup “I can’t fucking believe your father said that to you.” She looks ashamed a bit about something and then looks up at Nolan “I told your father a lie, a big one. You weren’t an accident, not to me. He only wanted one child and when I got pregnant with Brett he told the obstetrician we both wanted me to have a tubal ligation after delivery. He ended up being a cesarean so it would have been easy for them to just go in and do it. But your father wasn’t at the birth. He didn't want to be…..so...I withdrew consent and didn’t have it. I wanted another baby….I wanted you in my life Nolan. I was deliriously happy to be pregnant again even though it was soon. I hid it from Flynn until it was too late for him to suggest I terminate the pregnancy. I know the laws. I would have had more if i could have but then he would have been horrible to more of you….” She sighs “But I fear he took all that out on you and I’m sorry. I did have my tubes tied after you were born. Because again he wasn’t at the birth. And it was another cesarean birth so I asked and they did it. I was already cut open so no suspicion. He didn't really understand the female body anyway….” She reaches out and smooths Nolan’s hair “You were wanted….are wanted….not at all an accident…...and you’re more like me than Brett ever was.  It turns out you were the baby I waited for and the son I was meant to have.” She smiles “Don’t be afraid of love. You deserve all the love Nolan.”

Elise smiles “Aww thanks Gen. It’s not fair. I agree. But for some reason, it’s a little better in Alexandra. I have no idea why but hey let’s enjoy that. As soon as we can get your boy back here anyway.” She bumps into Gen and they’re at the beach “K let’s eat another before we turn into sand creatures.” she opens the box again and takes out a mini pie “Oh you beautiful tiny pie….yomphl…” she intones and she pops the whole thing into her mouth and chews.

Gen grins.  "I really love it here.  I miss Dante, of course, but he'll come home and we'll be together again ... and I don't have to worry he'll see Brett and kill him anymore."  she sits and picks another, popping it into her mouth.  "These are so fucking good."  she glances at ELise.  "Man your hair ...  I'm trying to grow mine out, but I dunno ....  I guess the grass is always greener on somebody else's head."

Nolan listens to the story and, by the end of it was smiling.  "Thanks then, Mom.  For holding out for me."  he bites his lip.  "I'm not afraid so much of love as ... as shat they would do to someone I love."  he sighs.  "Brett wanted to rape Gen to gain power over Dante ... I never want that to happen to Elise, so ... another reason I'm glad he is dead and gone now."

Elise nods “Yes we want to keep Dante here so no one to kill is good…….although I’d honestly help hide the body if he had had to. “ She’s only partially kidding. She shakes her head around “I haven’t been wearing my toque as much. Although winter is coming…” She jokes and then smiles “Nolan loves my hair so I’m kinda working it.” She blushes “My subtle not quite seductions.” She laughs “Maybe I should start wearing off the shoulder tops and lacey bras….I’m so not good at being sexy.” She snorts.

Sharon had looked a little emotional talking about her babies and then even more stricken at Nolan’s words “Oh my god…..I don’t even know what to say about that. Yeah….I’m glad he can’t hurt anyone else, especially not Elise. She is so sweet and happy. Like a breath of fresh air that girl. So much good energy.”

Nolan smiles just to be thinking about Elise.  “Yea .. she really is.  I’m going to marry her someday, Mom.  I know I am … if I can pluck up the courage.  I already told her we move at her pace, so maybe she’ll have to ask me.”  he chuckles.

Gen looks at Elise’s hair.  “Well it’s not an issue anymore, so no need to help us hide the body.”  she grins.  “Do you ever just put his  hand on your head so he can stroke it.”  she giggles.  “I mean … you seem to be the one selecting the pacing.  And I had to do a little of that with Dante, but it wasn’t my head.”  she winks.  “He just never had a girl he wanted to do more than just fuck, you know?”

Sharon can’t help but bem at Nolan about his feelings for Elise and his desire to marry her “Well I approve so I hope she does.” she has to laugh. Her sweet Nolan, not pushing any woman into anything ever. It gave her hope.

Elise smiles “Sometimes. I do love it when he plays with my hair. His hair is also amazing and I can barely keep my hands out of it. I seem to be...yep.” Then she giggles a bit at Gen’s next part “You go girl. Clearly you’re the whole package for Dante like he is for you so I’m glad he was...teachable?” she smirks.

Gen smiles.  “See you two are making progress.  Now you just have to go another step.  Because I bet that spark when you kiss in only the beginning.  I know it was with Dante.”  and she smiles.  “It’s … interesting.  He taught me what he liked and I taught him.”  she giggles.  “Nothing like a man asking you ‘like this’ until you can’t answer him anymore.”

Nolan beams.  “Good.  I hope she does too and your approval means everything, Mom.  It really does.”  He leans back a bit.  “Moving here really was a great idea, Mom.  Thanks for it.  I know why you did it, but it helped me, if nothing else.”  he looks around the living room.  “It feels really like a home, if that makes sense.  I worried when you were working so hard to get us away from Dad.”

Elise smiles at Gen and then gives a little shudder “You’re dangerously inspiring and today is not the day to try and jump Nolan’s bones. But I’m making mental notes. I swear oh sextologist.” She teases. Then she puts the bakery box on a log and her backpack down beside it “But right now I’m also making sand angels…” And with that she drops to the sand on her back and sweeps her arms and legs to create one “Come on you know you wanna?”

Sharon laughs and then sighs “I know. It’ll happen for you both I’m sure.” She looks thoughtful “You father was released and it’s been quiet. I think my plans to keep our address from him have worked. Or he’s moved on to other things. Not our problem Nolan. He doesn’t know we’re here. Brett’s gone. I think we’re truly free, just you and me.”