Chapter XLIII

The next two days passed without incident or even interaction.  Charisma and Brianna were going hard and long both days in opposite directions.  Esmeralda didn’t actually see either of them either day.  While there was evidence that they were both still working when she entered their offices, neither of them made an appearance while she was cleaning and she was too tired to go looking for them.  However, since she knew she’d see them on Sunday, she simply did her work and headed out.

So now it was Sunday morning and she and Saphira were sleeping in, knowing Charisma had arranged for Turq to bring them over in time for an early luncheon with Brianna.  They had no idea when Brianna was due to arrive, but were happy at this point to cede all the planning to Charisma.

Saphira awoke first, and spent the first few minutes simply holding Esmeralda and breathing her in.  She brushed a tender kiss over Esmeralda’s forehead and smiled when Esmeralda mewed in her sleep before curling up more tightly into her.  She closed her eyes and breathed a prayer before the sound of the bedroom door opening brought her attention back to her surroundings.  She craned her neck, brow furrowing when she saw Ruby hesitantly poke her head into the room.  Saphira cocked an eyebrow in Ruby’s direction, then jerked her head just slightly to encourage Ruby to enter the room fully.  Ruby looked at the two of them tangled up together and noted Esmeralda’s stillness.

“Is she all right?” Ruby asked in the barest whisper, lifting her hand and gently pushing a lock of hair away from Esmeralda’s cheek.  She took a seat on the bed at Saphira’s behest.

“As well as she has been, Ruby,” Saphira replied shortly.  Ruby covered Saphira’s hand with her own and squeezed it lightly and Saphira dropped her eyes back to Esmeralda.  “Sorry, Ruby.  It’s just....”

“No worries, Kid,” Ruby said with a teasing grin, eliciting the glare she hoped for though the worry never left her eyes.  “At least she’s got some serious time off coming up soon, right?  She doesn’t have to go to work when Congress goes on their holiday break, does she?”

“No, and no one’s looking forward to that more than I am.  Heaven knows it can’t be anything but good for her to have nothing to do for a few weeks but rest and try to get caught up.”

“You gonna want me to cover your shifts for you?  So you can stay home with her?” Ruby offered.

Saphira tightened her fingers around the hand that still clutched her and shook her head.  “I appreciate it, Ruby... more than you can possibly know.  But you know and I know that we can’t do that.  As frustrated and aggravated and furious as I am about everything, I’d never put Es in more danger by flaunting the rules like that.”

“I know, Saphira, but I think she might need you to help her heal.”

Saphira shrugged as much as she was able.  “Maybe, but we’ll have to cross that bridge when we come to it.  Now was there something you needed?”

“Not really.  I wanted to check on the two of you and I needed to let you know that Turq said she was available whenever you’re ready to head over to Charisma’s but not to rush.  We all know Es needs to rest and I’m sure your friends know it as well. Turq and Jas both told me about bringing you two home this week.  The girls and I will be around the house today for a little while at least.  With the weather a little warmer today than it’s been, we’ll probably go out and run a few errands this afternoon.”

“You all go do whatever needs doing even if that just means getting out and enjoying the fresh air and sunshine for a little while.  Es and I’ll be fine.”

“Is there anything we can get you?  Anything we can take care of?”

Saphira shook her head.  “Not that I can think of, but if Es comes up with anything, we’ll let you know.  Today is mostly about helping Charisma and Brianna feel more comfortable together,” Saphira added with a wry twist to her lips.  “Not really sure how that’s supposed to work, but then not much about this whole process makes a lot of sense to me either.”

Ruby chuckled and patted the hand she still held before removing her clasp.  “Honestly, Saphira?  I’m not sure the whole process makes much sense to anyone but Him, but we don’t question His ways.  We simply do our jobs and hope for the best.”

“Doesn’t that make you nuts?” Saphira asked seriously.  “Don’t you ever wish you could be more proactive?  And what about when things go awry?”

Ruby gave Esmeralda an uneasy glance, noting that she was still sleeping deeply despite the whispered conversation taking place around her.  She wondered briefly how she’d ended up as part of this particular discussion, knowing better than most what a hot-button topic this could easily become. 

“Sometimes,” Ruby responded thoughtfully.  “Sometimes it would be very satisfying to go in and beat a couple heads in to get the results we wanted without all the games and politics involved, for lack of a better way to put it,” she confided.  “Because there are politics involved in every mission... just usually not overtly or to this degree,” she added with a small smile.  “But since human beings have free will, we don’t get the option to do that.  We can only put forth the opportunity; they have to make the choice.  Even if we were able to compel the consequence we desired, free will means they could easily reverse any outcome we achieved by force.”

“Well I have to tell you, Rube – I pretty much think this way sucks.  Especially since you can’t even guarantee the outcome to be what you want it to be.”

“I know.  And it’s harder for an avenging angel like you to appreciate this kind of work.  It pretty much goes against the grain of every instinct you’ve got.”

Saphira snorted, then stilled when Esmeralda shifted against her.  “No kidding,” she finally muttered when Esmeralda settled against her again.  “But I’ll do it for Es for the rest of my eternal life if it means we stay together.”

Ruby cocked her head.  “Maybe that is what Charisma and Brianna need to discover.”  She rose and backed away from the bed slowly, finding the doorknob unerringly without moving her eyes from Saphira’s.  “Go back to sleep, Saphira.  Es needs the rest and it won’t hurt you any either.”

“Yes MOM,” Saphira lipped, but the suggestion made her eyes start drooping without her conscious permission.  “You’ll let us know....”

“If anything happens, you’ll be the first to hear,” Ruby assured her.  “But in the mean time....”

“I’m goin’, I’m goin’,” Saphira protested sleepily.

“Good girl,” earning her a menacing glare from baleful blue eyes.  But before Ruby could do much more than chuckle the eyes closed and Saphira’s breathing evened out in sleep.  Ruby watched them for a minute longer, then let herself out of the room.  Then she went to the kitchen to see what she could make up for comfort food, wanting to have something ready for them when they got up.  Maybe things would make a little more sense then.

************

Kent glowered at his watch as the train pulled into the station.  Not for the first time did he wonder about his sanity in doing this.  Still he was convinced there was something going on with Charisma whether she would admit it or not and he wanted to know what it was.  He figured he deserved that much truth.

He ran a hand over his face, wincing at the rough stubble.  It made for good subterfuge, but it also made his face itch terribly. He grabbed his overnight bag and pulled his ball cap a little lower over his eyes, fairly confident he wouldn’t garner a second look here but unwilling to risk recognition either.  Because despite everything he knew and everything else he suspected, he still cared very much for Charisma... both as his wife and as the mother of his child.  He had no desire to embarrass her or damage the reputation she’d spent years cultivating.

Kent crossed the street and unlatched the gate, walking directly to the garden house in the back even as he gave thanks for fraternity brothers who didn’t ask questions.  He let himself in, dropping his bag on the table and crossing to the coffeemaker to start it brewing.  Then he headed for the bathroom to take a quick shower before heading to Charisma’s.

He idly noted just how accurate that assessment was.  While the Manhattan apartment was definitely his, the house here in Washington absolutely belonged to Charisma.  Kent wondered how they had managed to stay together as long as they had considering how completely separate their lives really were.  Then he shook his head and stuck it beneath the running water to rinse the shampoo, hoping to drown out the thoughts what were starting to go round like a whirligig.  There was nothing productive in continuing down that particular path... at least not right now.

By the time he was showered and dressed his coffee was ready and he poured himself a cup and stepped outdoors.  It was still chilly but not with the bite in the air that had been present the weekend before.  Kent was grateful for that.  He didn’t want to wind up with frostbite while he was doing surveillance on his wife.  That would be a hell of a thing to have to explain to anyone and Kent wasn’t sure whether Charisma or the authorities would be worse though he suspected that honor would fall to Charisma.

So he stood on the back patio, well insulated against the cold with his hands wrapped around his coffee mug for added warmth.  He could just make out a landmark or two in the distance and wondered again how he’d come to this.  It wasn’t that he hated the capital; it had a life and a vibrancy all its own.  But it couldn’t compare to the throbbing pulse that pounded through Manhattan like a living entity.

Still if he was wrong, he would be happy to continue living here with his family – going back to New York for only short periods of time to work when the mood struck him.  As Adam got older, that would probably be more frequently.  He wanted to introduce his son to the wonder and magic of the City that more than anywhere else in the world was home to him.

With a sigh Kent finished up the remainder of his coffee and returned indoors, rinsing out his cup and placing it in the sink before snatching up the thick leather coat and grabbing the keys from the table.  Then he went to the garage and climbed into the tiny car his friend had loaned him and set off for the house he and Charisma shared here.

************

Adam ran into his mother’s room and jumped on the bed, not landing on her, but near enough that she groaned at being jolted awake.  He giggled and pulled the pillow away from her face, squealing when long fingers crept out from beneath the covers that swaddled his mother to tickle his sides unmercifully.  After a minute or two however, Charisma relented, knowing if she wasn’t careful Adam would end up having an accident in her bed.  And she didn’t want that for his sake as much as for her own. 

She pushed the blankets down under her arms and pushed the hair back from her face, smiling when Adam scooted up the bed to help.  Then he cupped her cheek with one small hand.  “Br’anna come today?” he asked seriously.  Charisma smiled softly at him.

“Yes, and Es and Saphira too.”

“Good!” he exclaimed promptly.  “When?”

Charisma turned to the clock, nearly groaning when she realized just how early it was.  She grabbed Adam and tucked him in next to her.  “Not for a little while yet.  Maybe we should rest up before they get here.”

Adam looked at her dubiously, then closed his eyes and yawned when she started rubbing his belly.  It only took a moment, and he was sleeping again.  Charisma stared unguardedly at his innocence for a long moment, then closed her eyes and joined him.  From her spot in the corner Amber just shook her head and grinned.

***********

It really wasn’t that much later when Charisma awoke the second time and she lay still wondering what had woken her.  She listened carefully, but there was no sound to be heard other than Adam’s breathing and the ceiling fan that whirred overhead.  She sat up and stretched, then rose from the bed, tucking Adam in carefully before she moved to the bathroom to get ready for her day.

By the time she was done, Adam was awake and by the time he was ready, it was past time for breakfast.  They made it downstairs and had a small bit of breakfast before Charisma bundled them up.  Then they went outside to burn off some energy before their company for the day arrived.

It was to this scene that Brianna arrived.  She had been hesitant to arrive too early though Charisma had been less that forthcoming about an arrival time.  All she’d been able to get out of the woman was ‘come early and plan to stay past lunch’. 

So she’d leisurely risen and eaten breakfast, checking email and looking over some notes from her friends and former colleagues.  Then she decided a nice, decadent soak in the tub would go a long way towards helping her relax, and it had done so well she’d almost fallen asleep in the water.

Still once that was taken care of, she really didn’t have much to do without turning to work for a diversion, and more than anything she didn’t want to work today.  So she put in a call to Jas and soon they were on their way to Charisma’s for lunch.

Adam spotted her first and he didn’t even hesitate.  Instead he ran directly towards her, trusting her to make sure she caught him when he lunged for her.

“BR’ANNA!!” he shouted as he leapt into her arms.

“Hey, Little Man!” Brianna replied with a hug, holding him firmly as he latched on with both arms and legs.  “How ya doing?” smiling when he laughed.

“GOOD!” Adam shouted and Charisma winced in sympathy with Brianna’s, knowing how that hurt.  Brianna kissed the top of his head and lowered him to the ground, expecting him to run back towards his mother.  Brianna tilted her head at him when he held onto her hand.

“Adam?”

“Br’anna stay,” he maintained with a fierce scowl.  Brianna chuckled and tousled his hair. 

“I’m staying, Adam.  But maybe we should go over to your mom.  She looks kind of lonely.”

Adam didn’t release her hand; instead he started pulling Brianna along with him, still screaming at the top of his lungs.  ‘’MAMA!” 

Charisma’s eyes met Brianna’s and they shook their head in reaction before chuckling.  Charisma jerked her head towards the house and invited, “Would you like to go inside?”

Brianna bit her lip thoughtfully and looked around.  “Not really,” she confessed.  “It’s so nice out... unless Es and Saphira are inside and waiting for us?” she queried.

“Not at all.  I told them to take the time they needed this morning.  Es is looking tired again and I don’t want to be the reason she’s run down.”  Charisma shook her head.  “I’m worried about her.”

Brianna nodded.  “So am I.  I wish there was something we could do for them.  They’re good people – they been good friends.”

“I know, but we both know they won’t take charity.”  She met the green eyes studying her so intensely.  “Maybe between us we can come up with a way to help that won’t step on their pride too much.”

“I’d like that,” Brianna agreed.

Charisma nodded.  “We’ll work on it.  In the meantime – DUCK!” Charisma yelled with a laugh, but not quickly enough for Brianna to evade the large plastic rubber ball that hit her squarely in the back of the head.  She stuck her tongue out at Charisma, then turned to find Adam standing behind her laughing.  She grabbed the ball from where it had rolled, and slowly started stalking him with an evil smile.  Adam took one look at her face and screeched, running as fast as his legs would carry him to hide behind his mother.

Charisma’s eyes widened when she saw Brianna’s focus change and she took off running, severely hindered by the child she now carried in her arms.  Brianna took that into account as she gently lobbed it in their direction, hitting both mother and son in the face before she took off running in the opposite direction.

Adam howled in laughter.  Charisma just looked gobsmacked by the fact that Brianna had actually deliberately hit her with the ball.  She set Adam down on his feet and whispered in his ear.  Then her expression turned feral and she snatched up the ball while Adam went running after Brianna.

It was SO on.

************

There was much screaming and hollering that could be heard all the way to the gate when Turq pulled up in the car.  She exchanged glances with both Esmeralda and Saphira, then drove through and up towards the house.  When they arrived they shared looks again, but these were filled with mirth.

In the middle of the lawn were two sprawled bodies with Adam running back and forth between them. He was bouncing the ball off of each of them in turn, laughing and shrieking every time one of them reached for him, then scampering back to the other.  When he saw the car he dropped the ball and ran towards it.

“ADAM!” both Charisma and Brianna screamed, but they were too far away to do anything but watch.

Saphira was out before Turq could stop, yanking him out of its path and into her arms without missing a beat.  Turq slammed on the brakes where she was and waited for her heart to slow before she put the car in park and slid out from behind the driver’s seat to help Esmeralda out.

“You all right?” she asked, sotto voce.  Esmeralda merely nodded.  They turned to Saphira who held Adam and she nodded as well.  Then they all turned to find Charisma and Brianna running back up the hill, and Saphira placed Adam in Charisma’s arms as soon as she reached them.

“Everyone all right?” she asked after hugging Adam tightly for a moment.  When she got affirmatives from everyone, she turned to Saphira and Turq.  “Thank you... both of you,” she said on a shaky breath.  “I don’t know what I would have done....”

“Don’t think about it, Ri,” Brianna instructed.  “Nothing good can happen going down that road.”

“She’s right,” Esmeralda stated firmly.

Charisma took a deep breath and nodded, then she cleared her throat.  “Shall we go inside for a while then?  I thought we’d have fondue for lunch.”

“That sounds lovely,” Esmeralda assured her with a smile.  “I love fondue and it will give us plenty of time to visit with each other.”

“And before you ask,” Charisma assured them all with a shaky smile.  “Adam is getting a PB&J; it’s his favorite.”

“Mine too,” they all agreed and headed inside chuckling.


Chapter XLIV

“Senator Tagherty?” Turq’s voice made them all pause and turn back to find her still standing next to the car.  Charisma crossed to meet her, extending her free hand to Turq who accepted it with alacrity, squeezing it briefly before releasing it again.  “Is there anything else, Senator?”

“Oh... God no, Turq. What you did....”

“I’m glad I was able to, Senator.  Are you certain there’s nothing else I can do?  Perhaps call Ame?”

“I hate to do that.  She’s supposed to be off.”  She gave Turq a wry look.  “Of course so are you.”  She sighed deeply then nodded.  “Give her a call; if she can come over for a few hours, I’d count it as a favor.”

“Yes ma’am,” Turq said as she pulled out her phone.  “Do you want me to stay...?”

Charisma shook her head.  “No, no.  If Ame’s agreeable, bring her over and you can have the rest of the day.  If you’re shaking like I am....” burying her nose in Adam’s hair for a moment.

“Mama!!” pointing imperiously towards Brianna before turning and grabbing at the buttons on Charisma’s shirt.  She covered his hand.

“Son, give Mama a minute, all right?” He turned his attention to her hand, playing with her fingers.  She looked back at Turq.  “I’ll ask Brianna to take Es and Saphira home.  I’m sure she won’t mind.”

Turq nodded.  “As you say, Senator,” raising the phone to her ear and relaying her request to Ame.  It only took a minute and she was nodding Ame’s agreement to Charisma and sliding behind the wheel of the car.  Charisma watched her take off, then headed back to the house to join the friends who waited by the front door.

************

“MAMA!  DOWN!!”  Adam shrilled as they entered the door, twisting as he tried to pull away.  Charisma gasped and hugged him to her harder.  “MAMA!!”

“ADAM!” Brianna said firmly, but just loud enough to be heard.  Everyone froze and Adam turned big blue eyes towards her, then lunged, scrambling up Charisma’s body.  “No,” Brianna instructed him quietly.  He stuck his finger in the side of his mouth, then reached for her again.  She held up a finger and shook her head.  “No, Adam,” she reiterated kindly.  “You scared your mama and now you’re hurting her.”

Adam leaned back so he could look at Charisma, blinking when he saw tears in her eyes.  Gently he patted her face.  “Mama scared?  Love Mama,” he whispered, throwing his arms around her neck.

“Love you too, Little Man,” Charisma replied, hugging him tightly once more and kissing the top of his head.  He returned the kiss to her cheek sloppily when she loosened her hold.

“Mama good,” he said with a cheerful laugh.

“Your mama is very good,” Brianna assured him, putting one hand on Charisma’s back and the other on Adam’s.  She turned to look Charisma in the eye.  “How about I take him for a few minutes?  I’ll get him cleaned up while you get his lunch ready.  He’ll be safe with me, Ri – I promise.  I’d never....”

Charisma nodded.  “I know you wouldn’t, Bri,” patting the hand that rested on Adam’s back.  “Are you sure...?”

“Yeah,” Brianna pledged as she shifted Adam into her arms.  “We’ll go wash up for lunch and maybe have a little talk about running in front of a moving vehicle.  Thank God for swift reflexes,” giving Saphira a look. 

“No kidding,” Charisma muttered.  “Thanks, Bri.  I....”

“I know,” Brianna responded compassionately with a smile.  “Now go get lunch started,” she commanded with a strained chuckle.  “I’m starving.”

“Me too,” Esmeralda agreed.  “Can I give you a hand?” she offered Charisma.  “I’m pretty sure Saphira and Brianna can manage Adam.  Maybe with two of them he won’t go streaking through the house.”

Charisma’s laughter was stressed, but it was the best she could do under the circumstances.  Still she nodded gamely and took Esmeralda’s arm.  “Maybe I should lay out some towels... just in case.”  She turned back to the two women standing in the hallway with Adam cradled between them.  “There’s a half bath down the hall on the left,” motioning past her and Esmeralda.  “And there are several full baths including Adam’s upstairs if you really want to risk it.”

Saphira and Brianna traded looks and shook their heads simultaneously.  “We’ll stick with the downstairs for now.  It shouldn’t take you that long to fix a PB&J.”  Saphira turned back to meet Brianna’s eyes and gestured her towards the bathroom.  “After you, Senator Walker.”

Brianna glared.  “You’re just trying to start something, aren’t you?” she growled, causing Adam to laugh at the sound she was making.  Saphira’s eyes widened innocently.

“Me??” pointing to her chest.  “I’ve never tried to start something in my whole life,” making Brianna howl in relief at her nonsense.  Charisma couldn’t help but chuckle at the look of wounded outrage reflected on Saphira’s face, and though she knew they were carrying on ridiculously to lighten the still-tense atmosphere she could feel her muscles starting to uncoil and relax.  When Saphira stuck out her lip and frowned mightily, she had to laugh out loud.

“What??” Saphira whined.  “I haven’t – you can ask Es.”

“She really hasn’t,” Esmeralda confirmed.  “Saphira doesn’t start things; she finishes them.”

Before either woman could comment or question, Adam decided he’d been silent long enough.  “BR’ANNA!!  GO!!”

She shifted him until she could push a finger against her ear trying to eliminate the ringing Adam’s screaming had caused.  “Inside voice, please, Little Man,” holding his eyes until he patted her face.  “But you’re right; we’re not getting anything done standing around here.  Chop, chop, you two,” she said to Charisma and Esmeralda.  “We won’t be but a couple minutes.”  They disappeared down the hall and Charisma and Esmeralda looked at one another and nodded, turning without a word and headed to the kitchen.

They never did find out what Brianna and Saphira had said to the little boy, but they heard him running down the hall seconds before he ran into the kitchen and wrapped Charisma up at her knees.  She was thankful for rapid reflexes and Esmeralda’s hand at her back besides when Adam collided with her.  She bent and lifted him up for a kissing, smiling when he wrapped his arms around her neck.

“Sorry, Mama,” he murmured, tightening his hold when she squeezed him.

“I love you, Adam.”

“Love Mama,” he replied, then leaned back to look at her when she slackened her grip.  “Eat now?” peering over her shoulder at the sandwich sitting on the counter behind her.

“You hungry?”

“YES!!” he affirmed cheerfully.  She carried him to the table and seated him at his place, scooting the chair close before taking the sandwich and sippy cup of milk from Esmeralda’s hands.  She riffled her hand through his hair and moved back to the counter.

“The resilience of children, hmm?” Esmeralda commented wryly.  “We should all be able to maintain our equilibrium so easily.”

“At least then I wouldn’t need to have a stylist who covered the gray every couple weeks.”

“Oh, I don’t know, Charisma,” Brianna commented from the doorway as she and Saphira entered the kitchen.  “I think you would probably look very distinguished with gray.  It looks good on your mother.”

“Yes, but my mother is a grandmother,” Charisma replied drolly.  “It fits her image.”

“But not yours?”

Charisma paused thoughtfully, then turned to remove the raw food she had prepared earlier.  She set the platters on the counter before she spoke.  “I don’t think so... at least not right now.”  She focused on Brianna a long moment, then looked at Esmeralda and Saphira.  “So much of this job is about imagine and how the public perceives us.  Sometimes I think the scrutiny is worse than the politics.”

“Is it worth it?”  This from Brianna who held Charisma’s gaze until Charisma looked away.  But before Charisma had a response, Adam chimed in.

“Mama!  All done!” cringing away from her when she approached him with a wet towel.  So naturally a knock sounded at the back door before Ame stuck her head in.  “AME!!”

There were several reactions to his screech. Ame’s brows flew into her hairline; Brianna chuckled; Saphira and Esmeralda exchanged glances with one another and then Ame; Charisma blew out a frustrated breath then grabbed and missed when Adam jumped from the chair and made a beeline for Ame.  Without looking up Ame raised her hand for the towel she knew Charisma held and Charisma tossed it to her.  The towel and Adam arrived at the same time and Ame caught Adam by the hands and wiped them off, then did the same to his face despite his squirming.  Then she scooped him up in her arms and headed out of the kitchen.  It was silent for a full thirty seconds before the four women left behind turned to each other and burst into laughter. 

“Wow!” Brianna said after taking a deep breath and getting her laughter under some semblance of control.  “Who was that masked woman?” causing another round of giggles to peel throughout the room. 

“That was my wonderful and long-suffering nanny, Ame.  She agreed to come sit with Adam for a while so we could have a little time to regroup after the morning’s excitement.”

“Would you prefer we leave, Charisma?” Esmeralda asked sincerely.  “I can only imagine how you feel after watching that.  I know how I felt and Saphira is old enough to take care of herself... most of the time anyway,” giving her mate a smirk.  Saphira just stuck out her tongue.

Charisma shook her head.  “I’d like you to stay unless you need to go home.”  She moved over and tilted Esmeralda’s chin so she could look into her eyes.  “We’re a little worried about you, Es.”

Esmeralda covered Charisma’s hand.  “I’m fine, Charisma.  I promise.”  She paused and gave an impish smile.  “I am a little hungry, though.”

Charisma’s smile broadened. “I can fix that.”  She moved back to the counter.  “C’mon on.  Have a seat and I’ll get things on the table.”

“Need some help?” Brianna offered.

Charisma met her eyes briefly and nodded.  “Sure.  If you’ll grab the platters, I’ll get the fondue pots.”

Saphira stepped up and took the pots out of Charisma’s hands.  “You need to get the oil and stuff out.  I don’t know where it is.”

“Good point,” Charisma allowed with a grin.  “Does everyone drink wine?”

“Could I have milk?” Esmeralda asked.  “Wine gives me a headache.”

“Absolutely,” Charisma agreed, turning back to the refrigerator.  “Are you sure you want milk?  I’ve got soda, lemonade, flavored water....”

“Milk is good,” Esmeralda assured her.  “I drink a lot of milk.”

“That would explain the great skin,” Brianna muttered, smirking at Esmeralda.  Esmeralda stuck out her tongue and crinkled her nose.  Then they settled in to putting lunch on the table.

************

“Oh... I’m so full,” Saphira groaned as she leaned back in her chair.  She tilted her head in Esmeralda’s direction and gave her puppy dog eyes.  “How could you let me eat so much?”

Esmeralda sputtered and set her milk back on the table, wiping her lips before she turned a forceful glare on Saphira. “Excuse me?  Let you??  Since when do I let you do anything?”

“Wasn’t there something in our wedding vows about love, honor and keep from overeating?”  Esmeralda snorted and threw her napkin in towards Saphira.

“You’re so ridiculous.”

Saphira grinned rakishly and waggled her eyebrows. “I know – it’s why you keep me around.  Cheap entertainment.”

“That’s debatable,” Esmeralda mumbled.

“Which part?”

“Yes,” she agreed, recognizing what Saphira was doing and knowing their playing like this would help Charisma and Brianna to relax a little more.  Not that they weren’t more comfortable together, but there had still been a few awkward moments and silences.  Esmeralda bit her lips to keep from smiling when Saphira narrowed her eyes, but she couldn’t stop the sparkle from twinkling out of her own.

“Fine.  Just for that, you can wash the dishes.  I’m gonna go see if I can find my little buddy.  I bet he won’t pick on me.”

“Yeah about that....” Charisma started as Saphira rose from her chair.  “They’re probably in the playroom – up the stairs and down the hall on the right.  You’ll be able to hear them.  Will you ask Ame to come downstairs, please?  And be careful not to let him jump on you.  He may be little, but he’s not small and if you’re as full as you say you are it could get ugly.”

“Got it,” Saphira said.  “Is it all right if I bring him back downstairs?”

“Absolutely.  I know he wanted some time with all of you.”  Saphira nodded and headed out the door.  Brianna and Esmeralda rose and started moving things to the sink while Charisma put the leftovers away.  It wasn’t long before the kitchen was spotless and Ame was standing in the doorway waiting for Charisma’s instruction.

With only a few words Ame was headed back out and the rest made their way towards the study.  Saphira met them as she and Adam made their way down the stairs together.  Then they were all entering Charisma’s private sanctum.

She had debated long and hard about leaving her album out, but in the end it remained on the coffee table it had been sitting on for the last couple weeks.  Adam looked around carefully, then turned to his mother.

“Mama?  Ame?”

“She’s gone home, Sweetie.  She’ll be back tomorrow.  Saphira thought you might want to play with her for a little while.  She doesn’t have friends to play with very often like you do.”

Adam nodded sagely and took Saphira’s hand to lead her over to his place in the study.  When they reached the sofa where Brianna was ensconced, he patted the album that sat in front of her and pronounced, “Br’anna.”  Then without another word, he continued taking Saphira over to the nest of pillow that were his and tugged her to sit down beside her.

Esmeralda watched them, smiling when Adam handed Saphira his favorite book and curled up in her lap. Suddenly Esmeralda felt very much like a fifth wheel and she wondered if there was a graceful way to extract herself from Charisma and Brianna and go sit with Adam and Saphira.  Then she turned her attention to the two of them and realized they had forgotten she was sitting there.

“Is this...?” Brianna began, then stopped when Charisma nodded her head.

“Yes.  I was sharing my memories with Adam the other day.”

Brianna tilted her head.  “And what do you remember, Charisma?” reverting to the formality from before.  Charisma bit her lips in frustration, then blew out a calming breath.

“I remember... so much,” she replied softly.  “But I still don’t understand why you left.  Why did you leave me, Bri?”

Brianna shook her head.  “You’re still not ready to hear that, Charisma.  And besides – we’re being rude,” motioning to Esmeralda who had moved to sit with Saphira and Adam.  Brianna and Charisma spared a long moment to appreciate the beautiful family portrait they created together before turning their attention back to one another.

“We’re not being rude, Bri.  Esmeralda knows... well, she knows a lot and understands a lot more.  More than I do it seems at any rate.  She knows we’re learning to become friends again; I think she’s just trying to give us that chance.”  She gave a defeated sigh.  “Why won’t you talk to me, Brianna?  I think I deserve to know why you left like you did.”

Brianna caressed the smooth album underneath her fingertips.  “When you ask the right question, I promise I will tell you the truth, Charisma.  But you’re not going to ask until you’re really ready to know.”  She looked back at Adam, carefully cradled between Saphira and Esmeralda.  “They make a stunning family, don’t they?”

Charisma nodded.  “It’s a shame they can’t have their own.  I’m glad to share Adam for a little while.”

Brianna smiled.  “He seems to be enjoying it.”  She took a good look around the room.  “This space is very much you.  I miss my home office.”

“Are you going to look for a more permanent place to live?”

“No.  I really have no plans to stay here after my two years are up.  Most of my so-called colleagues make me want to throw them in jail on principle.  It’s probably better if I go home.”

“Maybe you just need a different focus,” Charisma offered.

“I’d take up writing again if I wanted a different focus,” Brianna replied drolly.  “And that reminds me... I heard from Professor Mac.”

“Really?  Do tell.”

From their corner Saphira and Esmeralda watched the interaction and nodded to one another in satisfaction.  While Brianna and Charisma weren’t pouring over the photo album like Esmeralda had expected them to after Adam’s nudging, they were obviously much more comfortable talking to one another.  At least they seemed to have lost the tension that had been plaguing them all day.  Then they turned their attention back to Adam, hoping the day would progress a little more smoothly than it had before. 


Chapter XLV

“Mama?” Adam asked some time later, bringing Charisma’s and Brianna’s attention back to the present.  They blinked awkwardly at each other before turning their heads in his direction, noting Saphira and Esmeralda had remained in Adam’s corner and were quietly talking.  Charisma smiled at her son and tousled his hair, making him laugh and climb in her lap.  He cupped her cheeks with his chubby hands and stared into her blue eyes... close enough that Charisma needed to cross her eyes to keep him in focus.  “Mama?” he reiterated, waiting for her to respond.

“Yes, Son?  What can I do for you?”

“Pictures?” he asked, leaning forward until their foreheads touched.  Brianna covered her mouth, trying not to laugh aloud at the image they made.  She spared a glance towards Esmeralda and Saphira and saw they were doing much the same thing only with better success.  Charisma gave Adam an Eskimo kiss, causing him to laugh again and making her smile.

“What pictures, Son?”

“Mama pictures... Br’anna.”

Charisma frowned and Brianna picked the album up off the table, passing it towards Charisma and nudging her with it.  “I think he means this,” she suggested.

“Yes!” he agreed firmly, patting the cover for good measure.

Charisma bit her lip.  “Maybe we should see if Saphira and Esmeralda would want to look at something like this, Son.  They may be ready to go home.”

“No go home!” he stated fiercely.  “Stay!”  He jumped from Charisma’s lap and went over to the corner where Saphira and Esmeralda were comfortably entrenched.  He tugged on Saphira’s hand, wearing a severe scowl on his face and a command of “Come!” on his lips.  Esmeralda and Saphira exchanged a long glance, then Saphira allowed Adam to ‘help’ her to her feet.  She released his hand but he held on, not wanting her to change her mind.

“Adam, I need to help Esmeralda up.  Would you like to help too?”  She extended her free hand to Esmeralda and Adam followed her example and did the same.  Esmeralda rolled her eyes briefly at Saphira, then accepted the help.  When she was upright she brushed a kiss over first Adam’s forehead and then Saphira’s.

Then Adam was tugging on them both impatiently, and they dutifully followed him back to the divan where Charisma and Brianna remained watching their little tableau.  He dragged them over to the sofa opposite the one Brianna and Charisma were currently seated on and dropped their hands so he could crawl up on the couch between them.  Then he turned the full-force of puppy dog blue eyes on his mother first, then the rest of them.

“Pictures, Mama?  Pwease?”

“Did you ask Saphira and Esmeralda if they’d like to stay?”  Adam tilted his head back and smiled at them beguilingly.

“Stay?”

Esmeralda and Saphira looked at one another across him and then turned to look at Brianna who was snickering and Charisma who was smirking at them complete with a cocked eyebrow.

“Do you ever get the feeling we’ve been set-up?” Esmeralda asked without a hint of rancor or malice in her tone.  Saphira just chuckled and shook her head.

“I get the feeling we’re going to look at pictures,” she stated with a grin.  “But you two are going to come over here and join us, right?”

“Of course,” Brianna replied, getting up immediately.  She made a move to sit on one side of Esmeralda, but Esmeralda shifted to one end while Saphira did the same on the other side, causing there to be space in the middle.  Brianna pursed her lips briefly, then picked up Adam and set him on her lap as she took a seat beside Saphira.  Charisma naturally sat between Brianna and Esmeralda, and soon they were all comfortable squished on the couch.

“All right,” Charisma offered with a deep sigh.  She hadn’t actually expected them to capitulate so easily and now was in the embarrassing position of having to expose a part of herself she hadn’t allowed out in almost twenty years.  “First I’d like to apologize in advance to both Saphira and Esmeralda, since this will be like looking at someone’s vacation slides for the two of you.  If at any time you want to stop just let me know.  I know this visit hasn’t exactly been a standout kind of day for either of you and I don’t want to drive you off completely by boring you to death.”

She stopped speaking immediately when Esmeralda’s hand landed gently on her arm.  “Charisma, we’d be delighted to share your pictures with you; it’s been a long time since Saphira and I were last in Europe together.  I imagine there are a lot of places you went that we have seen as well.  But if it makes you uncomfortable, you don’t have to share.  We wouldn’t do that.”

“How...?”

“Student of human nature,” Brianna responded before Esmeralda could answer.  “You should’ve heard her tell me about myself when I was moving into my office.  It was astounding and a little unnerving.”

“I can understand that,” Charisma said, giving Esmeralda a small smile.  “You do realize you have an uncanny ability, right?”

“Yes, but as I told Brianna when we met – it’s a skill I’ve learned and honed over the years.  Now,” she continued without hesitation, “it’s getting late and it might be for the best if we postpone this little trip down memory lane.  That way you can sort of mentally prepare for it.”

“You’re sure you don’t mind?” looking around at the others expectantly.

“I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was a little disappointed,” Brianna confessed.  “But I also know how I’d feel sitting in your place.  So it’s all good,” she finished on a small breath.

“Besides, that just means we can do this again, right?” Saphira quipped.

“Oh you bet,” Charisma affirmed eagerly.

“MAMA!” Adam cut in impatiently, reaching for the book that remained on the coffee table out of range.  “Pictures?”

“Not tonight, Little Man,” holding up a finger when he started to wail.  “Adam, if you’re going to be ugly, Brianna and Esmeralda and Saphira won’t want to come back and visit again.  Now hush,” taking him from Brianna when his keening turned into soft sobs.  “They’ve promised to come back again just to look at the pictures, all right?”

He nodded, but buried his face in her neck, crying and hiccupping.  Charisma looked around at the women she called friends.  “Sorry,” she apologized.

“Why?” Saphira asked bluntly.  “He’s had a long, busy day.  That’ll wear anyone out.”

“Speaking of....” Brianna said as she removed her phone from her pocket and turned it on, wincing when it started vibrating in her hand.  “Let me call Jas.  It shouldn’t take long for her to get here and we’ll get out of your hair,” she said to Charisma.  Then she turned to Esmeralda and Saphira.  “We’ll give you a ride home as well – no arguments,” scowling fiercely and pointing at them.

Saphira held up her hands.  “Who am I to argue with a US Senator?” causing both Charisma and Brianna to howl in unexpected laughter.  Adam looked up from Charisma’s arms, face wet and eyes still filled with tears, laughing just because everyone else was.  Brianna finally waved a hand at her face to try and get some air.

“You forget we’ve both heard the stories, Saphira.”

Saphira stuck out her tongue that Adam naturally grabbed.  Then the laughter started again and Brianna stepped away to make her call to Jas.  She paused as she reached the door, looking around carefully.  If she hadn’t known better, she would have thought there was someone in the house with them.  But she didn’t see anyone and put it down to the stressful day.  In minutes she’d contacted Jas and was returning to Charisma’s office with a final glance behind her as she crossed the threshold.

************

Kent stepped out of the shadows he had ducked into when Brianna had come to the door.  He moved back towards the study, curious to hear how the day would end.  It had been enlightening thus far.

************

Adam clapped when Brianna re-entered the room and jumped from Charisma’s lap before she had a chance to react.  But Brianna was ready and she dropped to her knees to catch him.  Unfortunately she underestimated the strength of his excitement and when he hit her full-force, he knocked her flat of her back and landed on top of her.

“Oof!” Brianna gasped, as she hit the floor hard, hitting her head though she never lost her hold on him.  Adam just laughed and held on tightly, bumping his head against her lips.  Brianna winced and closed her eyes; Adam snuggled down into her body, tucking his head beneath her chin.  He closed his eyes in satisfaction.

“Br’anna good,” he declared sleepily.

By this time the other three women in the room had hastened over to where Brianna lay completely still on the floor, her breathing deep and even.  Charisma got one look at her face and bit her lip in dismay even as her eyes widened.  That’ll make a hell of a talking point tomorrow, she thought as she stepped out of the office and headed right down the hall to the bathroom.  In only a moment she was returning with a wet washcloth in her hand.

Meanwhile Saphira and Esmeralda had moved to kneel by the two still on the floor.  Esmeralda put a hand on Brianna’s head and shoulder while Saphira gathered Adam into her arms and stood.  Once she was able to step away, Esmeralda gently shook Brianna.

It only took a moment and Brianna groaned.  “Don’t move around yet, Brianna,” Esmeralda instructed.  “We need to make sure you don’t have a concussion,” sliding around to the top of Brianna’s head when Charisma reentered the room and knelt down beside her.

“How ya feeling?” putting a hand on Brianna’s forehead even as she lowered the cloth to her lips.  Charisma gently wiped the blood off of Brianna’s face, wincing when she flinched even under the light touch.  Brianna tried to smile, but it looked more like a bloody grimace than anything else.

“Like I got hit by a Mack truck.  Did somebody get the number of the one that ran me over?”  She turned her head slowly, her face contorting in pain.  “Is Adam all right??” spotting him in Saphira’s arm.  “He’s not hurt is he?”

Esmeralda eased Brianna’s head around until she was looking at the ceiling again.  “Adam’s fine.  He fell asleep on you.  Saphira moved him so we could get a better look at you.  Now close your eyes; I need to check for concussion.”

Brianna did as Esmeralda instructed and a moment later opened them to find Esmeralda staring at her eyes – first left, then right.  Then she smiled and patted Brianna’s shoulder.

“No concussion, but you’re liable to have quite a headache tonight and that fat lip is gonna stay with you for a couple days.”

Brianna reached a hand up and felt her lip, cringing when her fingers met her lip.  “Ow.”

“Yeah,” Charisma agreed.  “He did quite a number on you.”  She pushed her hair back out of her face.  “You know, I was hoping we could do this again.  I mean I know we’ve got a break coming up, but I thought it’d be nice to have another girls’ day when the holidays were over.”  She looked at Brianna and then around the room, shaking her head.  “Now I’m not so sure.”

A buzz sounded at the front door and Charisma stood.  “Don’t go anywhere,” she stated with authority.  “I’m going to go see who that is and get some ice for your lip.  Be right back.”

Charisma stepped from the room and went to the buzzer first, acknowledging Jas’ request and opening the gates.  Then she moved on into the kitchen for the ice.  Kent watched her buzz the car up and head for the kitchen, knowing he didn’t have long.  He peeked into the office, seeing Saphira holding his son and watching Esmeralda help Brianna gingerly sit up.

Then he moved away from the door and headed out the back way.  He’d seen enough for this trip; he was pretty sure this wasn’t the ending any of them had expected to have.  Saphira and Esmeralda exchanged glances when he left but said nothing.  And then Charisma was returning to the study with a bag of crushed ice for Brianna’s lip.

Gently she and Esmeralda eased Brianna to her feet, each holding onto an arm until they were certain she was stable.  Only then did they release her and Brianna immediately perched on the arm of the couch.  Before Charisma could move in take a better look at the damage her son had inadvertently caused, a knock sounded on the door.  Esmeralda put a hand on her arm.

“Would you like me to get that, Charisma?”

“Would you mind?  I’d just like to check....”

“Charisma,” Brianna protested softly.  “I’m fine,” a twisted smile gracing her features when Charisma raised a skeptical brow into her hairline.  “Okay... maybe fine is stretching it a little at the moment, but I’ll heal.  I’m betting this will cause quite a bit a gossip to race through the building tomorrow.”

Charisma snorted.  “Of that I have no doubt.”

“I’ll be all right.  It was an accident.  It’s nice to know that he likes me so much.  Next time, I’ll bring a helmet.”

“And a defibrillator,” Charisma joked weakly.

“Yeah... one of those too.  Now don’t you need to take your son and put him to bed?”

“I probably should,” she replied with a smile as Esmeralda returned with Jas trailing along behind her.

“I thought Jas could give me a hand making sure Brianna got to the car all right,” Esmeralda said, answering Charisma’s unspoken question.  “I’m not sure I could do anything but fall with her if something went wrong and since Saphira still has Adam....”

“Here,” Charisma said to Saphira extending her arms.  “Let me take him.”

“Are you sure you wouldn’t like me to carry him up for you, Senator, since I already have him?  It’s not any trouble.”

“Saphira, you’re a terrible liar, but I appreciate it.”  She turned back to the other three who were just starting towards the door together.  “You all take it easy getting to the car.  Saphira and I will be right back.”

Esmeralda raised her eyebrows at Saphira and Saphira carried the precious bundle she held to Esmeralda.  Esmeralda leaned forward and brushed a kiss over his cheek, smiling when Brianna did the same.  Then without a backwards look they proceeded to the front door while Saphira went to the staircase.  Charisma stood frozen for a long moment, then hurried out of the study and up the stairs in front of Saphira.

It didn’t take but a moment and Adam was tucked soundly into bed.  Saphira placed a kiss on his forehead, and Charisma did the same.  She flipped on the monitor and slipped into her room to grab the receiver before motioning Saphira down the stairs, raking her hand through her hair in frustration.  The day hadn’t been anything like she expected or hoped.

Saphira turned to her when they reached the front door and Charisma took it as a matter of course.  “Thank you for having us over, Charisma.  Despite the unplanned-for excitement, I really did have a good time.”

Charisma pulled on the hand she held until she was holding Saphira in a firm hug.  “Thank you,” she whispered in a hoarse voice.  “What you did....”

“He’s a good kid, Senator.  I’m glad I was able to make a difference.”

“More than you know, my friend.  More than you know.”  She turned and found Esmeralda standing beside the car and took Saphira’s hand as they walked down the steps.  “Thank you,” she offered sincerely as she put Saphira’s hand in Esmeralda’s.  “Despite everything this was a good day for me.”

“For us too, Charisma.  Thank you for having us.”

“Well,” she replied with a slow smile, “if you are brave enough to attempt it again, I’d like to have you both over again sometime soon.”  Esmeralda and Saphira looked at one another, then nodded at Charisma.  “Good!” she exclaimed, clapping her hands together.  “We’ll plan on it.”

“Me too?” inquired a voice from inside the car. Charisma leaned down until her eyes met Brianna’s, shadowed in the interior.

“You are always welcome in my home, Bri.”

Brianna didn’t say anything but nodded and smiled, closing her eyes again as she leaned her head against the back of the seat.  Charisma straightened and held the door, motioning Esmeralda and Saphira into the back with Brianna.  Then she shut the door and looked at Jas who had been standing by the driver’s door.

“Drive safely.”

“I will, Senator.  Have a good night.” 

Charisma went back up the steps and watched the car out of sight.  Then she went inside to settle down for the night.


Chapter XLVI

“Brianna?” Esmeralda said softly, laying a hand on Brianna’s arm and waiting for her eyes to open.  Brianna blinked slowly, bringing Esmeralda’s face into focus, then frowning when she noticed the worry in the green eyes studying her face.  “Brianna?” Esmeralda repeated.

“Hmm?”

“Brianna, we’d like for you to come home with us.  I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to go home alone tonight.”

“I thought you said I didn’t have a concussion.”

“You don’t, Sweetie.  But a little tlc will go a long way to making you feel better.”

“Don’t argue with her, Brianna,” Saphira instructed.  “Even you can’t win when Esmeralda gets an idea in her head,” grinning at Esmeralda impishly.  “Besides, she’s right.”

“I’m being ganged up on,” Brianna complained good-naturedly.  “I appreciate it, guys, but I couldn’t impose on you like that,” snickering when Esmeralda and Saphira raised their eyebrows simultaneously.  Then she covered her mouth with the ice bag Charisma had given her.  “Ow.”

“Yeah, he did a good job while he was at it,” Esmeralda commented.  “And you wouldn’t be imposing – we’re insisting.”

“He’ll be a great tackle when he gets old enough to play football,” Saphira stated.  Brianna snorted.

“He already is.”  She shifted so she could look at both of them.  “Would one of you be willing to stay with me instead?  I don’t mean to seem ungrateful, but I’d have to go home anyway to pack up my stuff or we’d have to head over at an ungodly hour of the morning tomorrow so I could get ready for work.”

Esmeralda and Saphira traded a glance, then Saphira tapped on the glass separating them from Jas.  Jas rolled down the window and met Saphira’s eyes in the rearview mirror.  “Change of plan – we need to drop Esmeralda and the Senator at the Senator’s apartment.  Then you can give me a ride home if you would,” knowing Jas wouldn’t object.

“Senator?” needing Brianna to give her approval.

“That’s fine, Jas.  Thanks.”  Jas nodded her head and altered course to get Brianna home first.

They reached the apartment building and Esmeralda and Brianna exited the car and made their way into the lobby.  Saphira and Jas waited until Esmeralda waved them off, and they climbed back in the car and headed for home.

************

The security guard met them at the door, noting Brianna’s swollen lip instantly.  “Senator Walker?  Is everything all right?”

“Yes, David.  I had a run-in with a little boy’s head.  This is my friend Esmeralda.  She should be on my cleared list,” waiting for him to go back to his desk and bring up the information on the computer.  He looked up at her and nodded.

“Yes ma’am.  I just need to get some information from her and then she’ll be free to go upstairs.”  Esmeralda passed him her government custodial ID that helped to expedite the process and soon she and Brianna were headed upstairs.

Brianna unlocked the door to have Esmeralda usher her inside first.  She went right in to the kitchenette and placed the bag of ice in the small refrigerator, then turned to find Esmeralda leaning on the doorjamb.

“Why don’t you go climb in the tub for a little while and I’ll see about getting something together that will be easy on your lips and your stomach.”

“Thanks, Es.  I’m sorry....”

“Don’t be, Brianna.  I’m happy to do this for a friend.  And unless you need me to physically pick you up, this is something I can do.  Let me help.”

Brianna’s eyes smiled though she was careful not to with her mouth.  “You already have... more than you know.”  She moved out into the tiny living area and said, “I won’t be too long.  Make yourself at home though I’m not sure what you’re going to find in that kitchen.  I don’t keep a lot here.”

“I’ll find something, and if I don’t we can have something brought in.  Now go on. You’ll feel better if you relax a little bit.”

Brianna stepped into the bedroom, but left the door cracked so she could still talk to Esmeralda.  “Can I ask how you got volunteered for babysitting duty, Es?  Not that I don’t appreciate it because I do.  It’s nice knowing someone cares, ya know?  But I also know that you’re not up to snuff yourself.  And even though I’m more comfortable with you just because I feel like I know you better, I’m a little surprised Saphira didn’t insist on staying with me.”  She started the water running in the tub and cinched the knot on her robe tighter, then moved back to the bedroom door to find Esmeralda looking through her cabinets and fridge.  “I did warn you,” she added with a smile.

“I thought you were exaggerating,” Esmeralda said dryly.

“Just the facts, ma’am,” Brianna drawled, getting a smile from Esmeralda for her efforts.

“As for why me,” Esmeralda continued, moving out of the kitchen and walking towards the couch.  “Believe it or not, I have the most nursing experience between us.  Remember I said Saphira didn’t start fights... she finished them?  I’ve doctored my share of bumps and bruises and scrapes over the years.  And as you pointed out, you’re more comfortable with me so why not make you as comfortable as we can; you’ll heal better.”  She kicked a good-sized plastic container that was sitting next to the couch but not completely hidden by it.  “Ow.”

“Ooh... sorry about that.  A friend brought that over to me the other day and I haven’t found a good place to put it yet,” pushing it back out of the way.

“My fault,” Esmeralda said.  “I should have been watching where I was going.  Let me go check on your water before it runs over,” crossing into the bedroom and causing Brianna to head back towards the bathroom with as much speed as she could muster... which wasn’t very much at all.

Esmeralda had the water turned off by the time Brianna arrived behind her, and she pulled a towel out and placed it on the counter before turning to look at Brianna.  “Is there anything else you need?”

“I don’t think so.”

“All right.  I’m gonna get out of here to give you some privacy, but if you need anything, just holler.  I’ll be right here.”

“Thanks, Es.  And if you’d like to call Saphira, please feel free.  The place came complete with an analog phone.”

“Thank you, Brianna.  Now get in before your water gets cold.”  And without another word she was out the door, pulling it closed behind her.

************

“Saphira?  Is everything all right?” Ruby asked as Saphira and Jas stepped into the house together.  She looked pointedly around them.  “Where’s Es?”

Saphira shook her head.  “That’s quite a story.  Could we have some tea while I tell you about our day?”

Ruby didn’t answer more than to turn around and head to the kitchen.  Jas stopped by the living room to let the rest know to join them in the kitchen.  When they were all there and seated, Saphira began her tale.  The tea was made, steeped, doctored and drunk before Saphira finished and the first thing Ruby did when she was done was to pour fresh tea around the table.

“Well,” she finally concurred as she sat back with her cup in her hands.  “That was definitely quite a story.  Is everyone okay... relatively speaking, that is?”

“I think it shook Charisma up a lot more than she was letting on.  But other than that and Brianna’s run-in with Adam’s head and the floor... yeah.  I was never in any real danger and Es knew that.  We were mostly bystanders for this whole thing.”

“So what’s your opinion, Saphira?”

Saphira shook her head.  “Um... NO.  You really don’t want my opinion; it involves serious amounts of head bashing and butt kicking.”  Everyone at the table tittered.

“So what’s the plan then?” 

Saphira shrugged.  “I dunno.  Es is staying with Brianna tonight just to be sure she’s okay.”

“So do I need to head over there?” Coral asked.  Amber had ridden over to Charisma’s with Jas, enjoying the rare opportunity to have company for a little while.  Saphira bit her lip thoughtfully as she considered Coral’s question.

“Ya know what?  I don’t think so, but you may want to swing by later.  You can check on them and see if Es needs anything.”  Coral nodded.  That seemed reasonable.  “And if you could,” Saphira continued, smiling when Coral arched an eyebrow at her, “run by Charisma’s as well.  I’d like to know if there was any backlash from today’s adventures.”

“Oh,” Ruby cut in.  “Mal called.  She was at the house watching Kent today.”

“Yeah? What’d she say?”

“Not a lot.  Said he was ducking in and out of shadows in the house trying to keep an eye on things without being caught.  Said he didn’t seem angry when he left – mostly resigned... like he expected to see what he saw.”  Ruby frowned.  “But from what you told us there really wasn’t anything to see.”

“There really wasn’t,” Saphira confirmed.  “There might have been if we’d looked through that album but as it was....”

“Maybe he knows something,” Opal offered.  Saphira tilted her head in question.

“What do you mean?”

Opal sighed.  “I doubt he’s looking for overt displays of affection.  C’mon, guys... he’s been married to Charisma for a number of years.  He more than almost anybody knows exactly how important appearances are to her in her line of work.”

“Okay, so...?”

“So if I was him and I suspected something had changed with my wife, I’d be looking for the subtle things with her.  Like I said – he knows Charisma isn’t going to go running through the streets naked or be photographed going in and out of a sleazy motel.  But if she smiles more or starts inviting friends over more often than colleagues, he’s going to start paying attention to the little stuff.”

“So you think he knows what’s going on?”

“I think he’s pretty sure he thinks he knows what’s going on,” Opal said.  “But since I don’t know what he’s thinking....”  She shrugged.  Saphira nodded and turned to Ruby.  “Is Mal still here?”

“As far as I know.  She told me that they would be supposed to be here overnight.”

“All right,” Saphira said, sliding her chair back from the table and standing.  She picked up her cup and drank the last swallow, wincing at the bitter, lukewarm beverage.  “Ew,” shuddering slightly.  “I’m gonna go....”  A shrill ringing cut into her thought.  “Answer the phone,” she continued without missing a beat.  She stepped out into the hall and lifted the receiver.  The rest could hear the smile in her voice when she realized Esmeralda was on the other end.  So they sat back to wait, curious to know what Saphira had planned next.

************

Charisma stood in the doorway of Adam’s room, simply watching him breathe.  It brought tears to her eyes, and she took a deep breath and swallowed hard, blinking her eyes to keep the tears from escaping.  She pushed away from the door, sniffing once before she crossed to stand at Adam’s bedside.  Charisma pushed his hair back off his face, then leaned down and kissed him.  Then she pulled the blanket up over his small body and kissed him again before she headed out of his room.

She eased his door closed without shutting it completely, then leaned against the wall and closed her eyes for a long moment.  When she felt her equilibrium return Charisma pushed off the wall and moved down the hallway towards her own room.

She walked into her room, setting the monitor back beside her bed, taking a few minutes to listen to Adam breathe.  When she felt a measure of peace and control settle into her soul she took her phone from her pocket and studied the faceplate for a long moment before she scrolled through her phonebook until she found the name she was searching for.  With barely a second’s hesitation, Charisma pushed the button and listened to it ringing, waiting for the call to be picked up.

“Charisma?  Honey, is everything all right?” Kent asked with concern.  Despite what he’d seen earlier he was still surprised that she’d called him.  Fortunately his greeting was enough to add to her sense of stability and she chuckled.

“Everything’s better now, Kent – thank you.  We haven’t talked in a while so I thought I’d give it another shot since today’s performance was early.” 

He nodded his head though she couldn’t see him.  “I’ve been trying to return your call, but we seemed to be playing at cross-purposes lately.

“Yes – we’re pushing really hard to finish up our business before the holiday break.  So how are you holding up?  How’s the play?”

“Well, we’re getting good reviews so we’re all pretty happy with it.”

Silence fell between them and it quickly grew a little awkward.  Kent couldn’t help but compare it to the exuberance he’d seen in Charisma earlier that day.  Before it could drag out too long, he opened his mouth to speak just as Charisma seemingly decided to do the same thing.

“So why did you call me the other night?”

“Adam gave me a bit of a scare today.”

Silence fell again and Kent cleared his throat, indicating his intention to speak.  “I’m sorry... Adam did what?”

“He gave me a bit of a scare today.”  She paused and bit her lip, blinking her eyes again as a wave of remembered terror shuddered through her body again.  She gave a shaky sigh.  “I had some friends over today and Adam ran out in front of the car as it pulled up to the house.”  She cleared her throat inelegantly, sniffing slightly before she continued speaking.  “If it hadn’t been for Saphira’s quick actions, he could have been hurt... or worse.”  Now she let the tears flow.

“Is he all right?  Are you?” Kent swallowed hard, realizing he’d missed something pretty significant trying to get into the house undetected.  He’d watched Brianna and Charisma playing with Adam and it had twisted his gut uncomfortably, and when he’d heard the car approaching the house, decided he needed to get indoors.  He rubbed a hand over his face, realizing his insides were shaking as bad as his outsides were.

Charisma’s wry chuckle brought him back to the present.  “Adam’s fine.  Saphira is like a grown-up playmate and he adores her; thinks she’s the coolest thing to come along since PB&J.  Me on the other hand... I have the feeling I’m going to be shaky for a while.”

“Do you need me to come home?” he offered, hoping she’d say yes.  For once he wanted to be part of the family instead of an individual that did little more than share space and responsibility.

He could hear the smile in her voice when she spoke and it made him feel marginally better when she spoke.  “Oh Kent... I appreciate that.  You don’t know how much.  But I wouldn’t want to pull you away from your show... not when you’re doing so well.  We’re both all right, and we’ll see you at Mama’s soon, right?”

“Absolutely,” he agreed with as much enthusiasm as he could muster.  “Mother already told me I’ll be there.”

Charisma laughed.  She loved her mother-in-law, but she was definitely a formidable woman.  “How is your mother?”

The discussion went on for several more minutes and for a change it flowed like good conversation is supposed to.  When it wound down Charisma cleared her throat and spoke softly.  “Thank you, Kent.”

His brow furrowed in confusion, and even though she couldn’t see his expression Charisma could hear it in his voice.  “For what?”

“Being there for me to talk to,” Charisma replied after a moment’s hesitation.  She wasn’t sure she could put into words what she really wanted to say, but she felt comfortable offering that.  It was true even if it wasn’t complete.

“Oh, Sweetheart.  I’ll always be there for that.  I promise.”

“You’re a good man, Kent Rockwell.”

He snorted.  “Let’s not let that get around, all right?  I make such a great villain.”  Charisma laughed again and he smiled, reminded once more why he loved her.  “However, I need to go.  I haven’t had dinner yet and I’ll bet you haven’t either.  And before you say it, yes, you have to eat.  Image may be everything in your business, but you can’t afford to skip meals, Charisma.  Not if you expect to keep up with Adam.”

“I know – I think I’m going to have to give Ame a raise.”

“You do that.  And call me if you need anything.”

“You too, Kent.  Thanks.”

“Anytime, Honey.  Goodnight.”

“Night.”

************

Mal gave Saphira a look when Kent hung up the phone.  Saphira nodded – she’d caught it as well.  “Keep up the good work, Mal.  Don’t be surprised if you hear from Es in the next few days.”  Mal nodded her understanding and Saphira took a last look around before she headed back to the house.  Tomorrow was going to come soon enough.


Chapter XLVII

When Esmeralda had ended her call with Saphira, she’d rung the security desk to find someone who was cleared for grocery delivery.  It only took a few minutes and she had ordered enough food for both dinner and breakfast.  So the following morning she was already cooking when Brianna finally crawled from the bed.

Brianna glared at her while accepting the coffee Esmeralda was offering.  Aside from wrinkled clothes that looked as though they had been slept in because they had, Esmeralda appeared much the same as she did everyday.

“It’s not fair,” Brianna grumbled, wincing when the hot cup touched her swollen lip, but still sighing in relief when the first taste of coffee reached her tongue.  Esmeralda stirred the eggs she was scrambling and pulled the bacon out of the pan.  In only another minute, Brianna was sitting at the counter eating a hot breakfast, courtesy of Esmeralda.

“What’s not fair?” Esmeralda asked as she lifted a forkful of eggs to her mouth.

“It’s not fair that you can literally roll off the couch and look like that,” gesturing in Esmeralda’s general direction.  “The rest of us have to work at looking good, you know.”

Esmeralda frowned and glanced down at herself.  “Um... Brianna...?”

Brianna shook her head. “Don’t even try.  Your clothes are wrinkled, sure.  But your hair is neat; your eyes are bright; there are no sleep wrinkles on your face....”  She paused and looked at Esmeralda more carefully.  “You did sleep, didn’t you?”

Esmeralda smiled.  “Yes, Brianna.  I slept.  I just sleep lightly when I have a patient.”

“Oh... oh Es, I’m so sorry....” halting as soon as Esmeralda’s fingers touched her arm.

“Don’t be, Brianna.  I’m good at this and though I wouldn’t wish harm to someone just so I could heal them, I’m proud to have the skill necessary to be able to do so if it’s needed.”

“Well, I’m glad you’re here, and I appreciate your efforts even though I do look like I was on the losing end of a title prizefight.”

“Could be worse – you could look like you got thrown off a cliff.”

Brianna snorted.  “Pretty sure I’m not going to care too much if I’m dead.”

Esmeralda rolled her eyes. “Fair enough,” she conceded.  “Now eat your breakfast.  If you’re going in to work today, you’re gonna need your strength.”

“I need my strength every day in that place.”

Esmeralda tilted her head thoughtfully and gazed at Brianna with curious eyes.  “Can I ask you something?” waiting for Brianna to agree.  “Why did you take this job?  Wait,” she commanded, holding up a hand before Brianna could speak.  “I know you were flattered to be asked; anyone would be.  But you were never interested in politics in school and by your own accounts abhor them in and out of the office.  And you knew Charisma was here, and you’d gone to great lengths to avoid any sort of contact between you for twenty years.  So what changed?”

“I did... or at least I hoped I had.  I figured these were professionals so there had to be some professionalism here, right?  I never realized people that do politics for a living are a hundred times worse than those who practice office politics.  For them it’s all about the games they can play and the deals they can make.  It’s not about what they can do for their constituents or making the world a better place – it’s all about THEM and what THEY can get out of it.”

“And Charisma?” Esmeralda prodded.  She couldn’t argue with Brianna’s take on government politics.  She’d seen way too much from the inside to disagree with her assessment.

Brianna shrugged and played with the remnants of food on her plate.  “I told you, Es - I really didn’t expect to have more than a passing interaction with her.  And when I realized that wasn’t going to be the case, I made an effort to make peace with her.”  She sighed.  “I meant what I said before, Es.  I’m not a home wrecker.  But if Charisma is willing to be friends again, I’m not going to say no to that.  I can’t.”

Esmeralda nodded.  “Okay, Brianna... I believe you.  Now... how do you feel?  I already know how you look,” chuckling when Brianna stuck out her tongue.

“My headache is mostly gone though there’s a good-sized knot back there that is really tender to the touch.  My lip is very sore... bruised on top of being split.  But as long as I don’t smile and I keep from touching it, I should be all right to get through the day.  I’m glad a break is coming up though.”

Esmeralda sighed.  “I think everybody is; I sure am.”

“Do you and Saphira have any plans?  I know from what you’ve told me you can’t go home.  But are you going to do anything special together?”

“We’ll be spending the day together; that makes it special for us.”

“Oh,” Brianna replied, her tone a little dejected.

“Brianna?”  Esmeralda placed a concerned hand on Brianna’s shoulder and lightly squeezed.  “Is something wrong?”

Brianna smiled up at Esmeralda, patting her hand before she slipped from under the soft touch.  She stood and grabbed both plates, taking them to the sink before she answered.  “Nothing at all.  I was going to see if you wanted to join me, but I know how little time you two really have together and you’ve already given up two days trying to make me and Charisma more comfortable.”

Esmeralda didn’t reply immediately, giving Brianna time to wash up the few dishes.  When she was done Esmeralda dried them and handed them to her to put away.  Then she turned and met Brianna’s eyes.  “I’ll talk to Saphira.”

“You’re sure?”

“Brianna,” Esmeralda smiled, her eyes twinkling.  “When you’ve been a couple as long as Saphira and I have, you learn to make time for your friends.  If you don’t, they tend to fade way and even if you find them again, there’s no going back.  Things are never the same.”

Brianna nodded but didn’t say anything immediately.  Esmeralda’s words hit too close to home.  She swallowed the lump in her throat and then cleared it to speak.  “Would you be interested in meeting Mama O, by any chance?”

“Excuse me?”

Brianna chuckled.  “Sorry – Mama O is Okasa Tagherty... Charisma’s mom.  I spend one day around each holiday season with the Tagherty clan.”  She took a deep breath.  “When I walked away from Charisma Mama O insisted I stay in touch.  It was her price for keeping silent to Charisma about me.  And to be fair I was glad she did.  It kept me part of the family.”

“She sounds like a good woman.”

“She is,” Brianna agreed without hesitation.  “She’s bossy, but she’s got a heart of gold.”

“I’ll tell you what – you talk to Okasa and I’ll talk to Saphira and if they’re both amenable to it, we’ll see about spending some time over the break together.  Saphira and I are always up for making new friends.”

“And Okasa would adopt you both in a heartbeat.  You’re her kind of people.”

“Broke?” Esmeralda joked.

“Real,” Brianna said seriously.

************

Jas wasn’t surprised to see Esmeralda climb into the back of the car with Brianna, but she was a little taken back by Brianna’s directive.  “Jas, drop me at the office, then take Esmeralda home and wait there until she’s ready to go to work, all right?” watching Jas blink in surprise and hearing Esmeralda’s gasp.  She held up a hand before Esmeralda could protest.  “Let me do this for you.  It’s little enough after what you’ve done for me.”

“Thank you, Brianna.  I appreciate it.”

“Anytime,” Brianna assured her with a smile.  She leaned back and watched the traffic move slowly towards the Senate Building.  “If you get a chance to talk to Saphira before you come in tonight, let me know.  I’ll be talking to Okasa in another day or two just to confirm things.”

“You sure she won’t mind you springing us on her?”

“I’m telling you, Es... she’s gonna love you both.”  Jas pulled up and jumped out of the car, opening the door for Brianna only to have Esmeralda follow her out.

“I can’t sit back there by myself,” she announced.  “It’s too weird.”

“Whatever makes you happy, Es,” Brianna said as she grabbed her briefcase and headed towards the door.  “I’ll see you tonight.”

Esmeralda and Jas watched her enter the building, then Jas opened the passenger door for Esmeralda, getting a look for her trouble.  “Get in, Es.  It won’t kill you to let me do this for you.  Besides,” she added with a grin, “it’s my job.”

Esmeralda rolled her eyes, but slid into the seat with a grin.  Jas slammed the car door closed behind her and ran around to the driver’s side, then pointed the car for home.

************

Saphira was sitting at the kitchen table with Amber and Coral when they heard the limo pull up.  While that wasn’t necessarily an unusual occurrence, Saphira was hoping Esmeralda might be with Jas this time and she rose and went to the front door.  Amber and Coral traded amused looks.

“She’s got it bad, huh?” Coral joked.

“Still – I swear you’d think they were newlyweds the way they carry on some days,” Amber snarked. 

“You’re just jealous,” Saphira spouted as she came around the corner holding Esmeralda’s hand.

“No kidding.  Sometimes I wonder if He was and that’s why you were punished as severely as you were,” Amber said, watching four sets of eyes grow big at her words.  She sighed.  “Don’t any of you sit there and tell me that thought hasn’t crossed your mind at least once,” gratified when silence met her words.  “All right... so what’s going on?  Charisma had a great case of the shakes last night.  She even called Kent and they had actual conversation for almost ten minutes.”

Esmeralda sighed.  “Let me take a quick shower and we’ll pool our stories.”

************

Brianna walked quickly down the hall, ignoring the looks and whispers she could already hear coming from the aides and staff members.  She stepped into her office, hearing the gasps of her own staff before they immediately turned back to their work.  Indi came around the desk and followed her into her inner sanctum, taking her coat and moving towards the closet as Brianna made her way to her desk and took a seat.  She dropped her briefcase on top and leaned back in her chair.

“Well?” she said a touch impatiently.

“Senator?”

“Aren’t you going to ask?”

“Are you all right, Senator Walker?  Have you seen a doctor?”

Brianna raised an eyebrow.  “Aren’t you the least bit curious about what happened?”

Indi rolled her eyes and gave her a droll look.  “Would answering DUH be considered impertinent, Senator?  Of course I’m curious.  I am also a professional so beyond ensuring you’re suffering no lasting damage, it’s not my place to ask.”

“You don’t like gossip?”

“I suppose it has its time and place,” Indi conceded, “but personally I have to say no.  It generally spreads beyond the truth and can hurt people enormously.”

“Personal experience?”

“Yes ma’am,” was all Indi said.  Brianna waited for a long moment, then nodded her head in acceptance.

“All right then... for the record, I was assaulted by a child’s head.  He jumped and I caught him.  I also caught his head with my mouth.”

“Ouch.”

Brianna snorted.  “No kidding... that was about what I said.  But that’s what happened so if anyone actually asks, feel free to tell them the truth.”

“Yes ma’am.  Is there anything particular you need for me to take care of this morning?  I’m already working on refining the legislation like we talked about on Saturday.”

“Call Senator Charisma – let me know when you have her on the line.  Otherwise keep working on that piece.  I’d like to have it ready before we leave so I can present it as soon as we return.”

“Can do, Senator.  I’ll let you know as soon as Senator Tagherty is available.  Would you like some coffee or tea this morning?”

“Thank you, Indi.  Tea would be wonderful.”

“Coming right up, Senator,” Indi said and made her way out the door, closing it softly behind her.  Brianna slid her laptop from her briefcase and quickly got down to work.  It only took moments for her to become engrossed and she nearly jumped when Indi stuck her head in the door again.

“I have Senator Tagherty on line one,” she said as she carried the tea tray and placed it on one side of Brianna’s desk.  Then she turned and left without another word.

“Charisma?” Brianna said as soon as the door was shut.  “Are you okay this morning?  How’s Adam?”

“I’m all right,” she admitted softly.  “It will probably be a while before I sleep through the night again, but it could be so much worse,” she added shakily.  “Adam on the other hand doesn’t even seem to remember what happened.  He slept through the night and got up this morning bouncing off the walls.”  Charisma chuckled.  “I am seriously going to have to give Ame a raise.”

“Running her ragged?”

“Like you would not believe.”  She paused a moment, then decided to plunge ahead.  “Listen... I’m glad you called.  I was wondering if you’d consider joining the family for the holiday this year.  I know it’s been forever, but it’d mean a lot to me if you’d join us again like you used to.”

Brianna cleared her throat awkwardly.  “Have you talked to Okasa about this?”

Charisma frowned.  “Do I need to?”

Brianna offered a discomfited chuckle.  “Well it is her house, Charisma; that kind of makes her the hostess.  I’d love to come, Ri, but I’ve already invited Esmeralda and Saphira and Ruby to spend the day with me,” making a mental note to make sure Esmeralda knew Ruby was invited along as well.

“Bring them with you,” Charisma said impulsively, causing Brianna to look askance at the speakerphone.  “You know Mama would love them.”

“I’ll tell you what, Charisma – I’ll talk to Okasa.  If she is willing to have us all there AND Es and Saphira and Ruby are willing to be part of a big family gathering, we’ll be there.”

“I’ll give Mama a call and let her know to expect your call.  I’m sure she’ll be thrilled to hear from you.”  Only then did Brianna realize how thoroughly and completely Okasa and her entire family had kept their interactions with Brianna over the years a secret from Charisma.  She wondered if this might come back to bite them in the ass.

“Maybe not as much as you think,” Brianna muttered and then realized she’d spoken aloud.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Charisma demanded and Brianna could hear the frown in her voice.

Brianna sighed.  Best to have it done with now, I suppose.  “Charisma, I never lost touch with Okasa or your family.  They never mentioned it because no one wanted you to be uncomfortable about it.”

“I see,” Charisma said slowly, her tone sending a chill over the wires that Brianna felt in the depths of her soul.  “Well then – it shouldn’t be a problem for you to join us.  Now if you’ll excuse me....”

“Charisma....”

“No, Brianna.  I can’t talk about this right now.  I’ll see you later.”  And she hung up the phone without giving Brianna a chance to say goodbye.

“Dammit!!” Brianna cursed as she jammed the off button on the speakerphone.  “That could have gone better.”  Then she turned back to her work.  Despite everything that was suddenly complicating her personal life, Brianna still had a job to do.  And even though she wanted to rush down to Charisma’s office and straighten things out, she had a responsibility here that didn’t allow it at the moment.  She could only cross her fingers and hope she got the opportunity to explain things later and that Charisma would actually listen to what she had to say.  Then Brianna sighed and got back to work.

************

Okasa looked at the phone receiver she held in her hand, waiting to see if it would catch fire after Charisma’s call.  When it didn’t immediately she placed it gently in the cradle and headed off to find Patrick.  It seemed things were finally moving... and apparently so were they.


Chapter XLVIII

“Gramma!” Adam exclaimed when Ame opened the door for Okasa and Patrick.  Okasa grinned and bent down to pick Adam up, lifting him into her arms with a groan before crossing the threshold.

“My goodness... you’re getting big, Little Man.”

“Adam Mama’s big boy,” he proclaimed proudly.  Patrick followed them in and set their bags just inside the door. 

“You got a hug for your Pop Pop, Boy?”

Adam squealed and reached, causing Okasa to wince and hand him over to Patrick.  Without another word Patrick took him Adam and headed towards the backyard.  Ame knew Patrick would bundle Adam up before they went outside so she picked up the bags and turned to Okasa.  “Would you like to go with them?  I can take your bags upstairs.  The Senator called to have me prepare your room before she arrived.”

“How angry was she?”

“Ma’am?”  Ame knew what Okasa was asking, but she was going to make her actually ask the question if she wanted the answer.  Okasa just gave her a look. 

“Please don’t prevaricate with me, Ame.  I know how furious she was when she called me this morning.  How angry was she when she called you?”

“Well, ma’am – I know she was very short and to the point when I spoke to her.  But she wasn’t angry... at least not with me.  She sounded tired and busy.”

Okasa nodded.  She’d expected as much; she’d actually expected worse.  She had a feeling Charisma was more hurt than angry, and that was something she could work with.  “I imagine she did.  Thank you, Ame.  I know you don’t want to break any confidences, but I needed to know that.”

“Can you fix it?” Ame asked, then blushed when Okasa’s head snapped around to meet her eyes.  Okasa stared at her for a long moment, then nodded at what she found and smiled.  She opened the door Ame gestured to and took one of the bags from her hands.

“If she gives me a chance... yes.  If she’s already made up her mind?  Probably not.  Won’t stop me from trying, though.”

Ame nodded and set the second bag on the bed then went to the door.  “If there’s nothing else....”

“Actually....” Okasa started.  Ame turned back and waited.  “I’d like to join you in the kitchen.  Have you decided what’s for dinner?”

“Adam asked for hamburgers and fries.”  She shrugged.  “I actually haven’t made those in a while, so I was going to do those.”

“Sounds good.  Can I help?”

Ame smiled.  “Sure.  You know where the kitchen is.  I’ll be in there if Patrick hasn’t decided he needs rescuing before you get downstairs.”  Okasa snorted.

“Considering we don’t see that boy as often as either of us would like, I think it’s more likely that we’ll need to drag them in for supper.”  Ame laughed and left while Okasa turned back to her unpacking.

************

Brianna was slumped over her desk with her head cradled in both hands when Esmeralda entered her office much later that evening.  She rushed to Brianna’s side only to have Brianna look up at her as Esmeralda reached her side.

“Brianna?” she asked softly, recognizing the misery in her eyes.  “What’s wrong?”

Brianna blew out an exasperated breath.  “Nothing a kick in the ass wouldn’t cure,” she muttered, her sadness turning to anger.  Esmeralda backed up slightly and scratched the back of her neck awkwardly. 

“I’m gonna go out on a limb and say it’s not me you’re angry with.”

Brianna snorted.  “Not even close though I can be if you’d like me to add you to the list.  Apparently, my stupidity knows no bounds today so I could certainly add that to my list of dim-witted actions.”  Esmeralda held out her hand, extending it a second time when Brianna hesitated.  Brianna gave Esmeralda a wry smile and shook her head.  “How do you do that?”

“Do what?” Esmeralda asked with a furrowed brow as they walked to the sofa and took seats in either corner.

“Make me feel better just by caring.  I know you can’t do anything to fix this or make it better, but I also know as surely as I’m sitting here that just sharing it with you will not only make me feel better, but will probably give me some insight on how to do something about it.”

Esmeralda blinked.  “Um... experience?” causing Brianna to laugh.

“See what I mean?  I feel better already.  I don’t know what I would’ve done if I hadn’t met you and Saphira that first night here.  Talk about right place, right time.”

“I’m glad, Brianna.  We both are.  Now why don’t you tell me what’s wrong?”

“Yeah – I’m trying to figure out where to start,” rising and crossing to her mini-fridge.  Without asking, she pulled out two chocolate milks.  She tossed one to Esmeralda who grinned when she caught it, then shook hers, looking down carefully as she eased it open.

“I generally find the beginning to be a good choice,” Esmeralda responded, giving a chuckle when Brianna stuck her tongue out.  “Oh... before I forget, Saphira said we’d be pleased to join you if we won’t be intruding.”

“Well, that’s a great segue,” Brianna muttered as she returned to the couch, smiling wryly at Esmeralda’s arched brow.  She proceeded to tell Esmeralda what had occurred between her and Charisma earlier that day.  “She needed to know; I understand that.  But I probably could have found a better tack to take than just blurting it out like that.”  A pause.  “I think I hurt her feelings,” Brianna added in a much softer tone.

“You probably did,” Esmeralda agreed bluntly.  “But as you said – she needed to know and better now than when you arrive and her brothers greet you like old family instead of acting like it’s been years since they’ve seen you.  I’m thinking she wouldn’t take too kindly to being made a fool of like that.”

“I think she already feels that way.”

“Then you need to make her realize that wasn’t the case at all.”  Esmeralda bit her lip thoughtfully.  “Have you spoken to her mother?”

“Only briefly.  Apparently Charisma called her the moment we were off the phone and pretty much ripped her a new one in the iciest calm and polite manner possible.  She called me right after and said they were headed down at Charisma’s insistence.”

“And have you talked to her?”

Brianna shook her head.  “No – not since I faux pas’d this morning.  She asked for a little bit of time to process – what could I say?”  Brianna sighed deeply and rubbed a hand over her eyes.  “Why do I let her do this to me?  Why do I let her make me crazy?  Why can’t I just cut my losses and let her go?” the last whispered tearfully.  Esmeralda gently took her hand.

“Because you love her, Brianna.  That’s reason enough.”

Brianna chuckled though there was a hint of a sob as well.  “I guess it is.”

“So what are you gonna do now?”

“Wait for her to call me, I guess,” shaking her head when Esmeralda did.  “No?”

“No,” Esmeralda stated firmly.  “Stop being so passive about this.  If you want Charisma in your life again – even as simply a friend – then DO something about it, Brianna.  Find that determination you had when I first met you.  Stop giving Charisma all the control.”

“That’s going to cause a fight, you know.”

“And the problem with that is...?  Brianna, a little passion is not a bad thing even in friendships.  It brings vitality and excitement and enthusiasm.  Otherwise things become lackluster and boring.  And that just causes things to wither and die on the vine.”  Esmeralda took a deep breath and met Brianna’s eyes.  Brianna blinked, stunned by the fire that was sparking from Esmeralda’s eyes.  “Make a decision, Brianna, and stick with it.  At least things will be resolved one way or the other for good and you can finally move forward... either with Charisma in your life or with her out of it forever.”

“You make it sound so easy.”

“It’s only as difficult as you make it, Brianna.  I’ve been where you are, remember.”

“Yes, I remember – but I think yours was actually worse.”  Esmeralda shrugged but didn’t comment.  She knew what she thought, but she wasn’t going to give voice to it.  She figured she had gone as close to the line as she dared without crossing it.  She wasn’t going to push anymore.

They sat in silence for a long moment before Esmeralda realized Brianna was deep in thought.  Without a word she rose and began her cleaning.  Once again she was behind, but with any luck it would be worth it.  In the meantime she had plenty to do.

She was almost finished when Brianna started from her brown study, suddenly realizing she was sitting alone in her semi-darkened office.  Then she turned and saw Esmeralda packing away her cleaning supplies.

“Done already?” she asked, then glanced at her watch when Esmeralda smirked at her.  “Holy shit!” she exclaimed, then slapped a hand over her mouth.  “Sorry – I ‘m trying to do better here at least.”

“No worries, my friend,” Esmeralda assured her with a smile.  “But I need to get finished.  I don’t want to worry Saphira any more than necessary.”

“Would you like a ride to the diner?”

“No, Brianna – thank you.  I appreciate it, but I just can’t.”  She held up a hand.  “Before you ask....  For one thing I can’t keep accepting limo rides to the diner from you just on general principle.  Trust me when I tell you that would cause you more grief and controversy than you suddenly getting a girlfriend.  For another I’ve still got work to do and you should probably go home and get some rest.  I’d be willing to bet you’ve got a pretty good headache going again.”

“How can you tell?”

“I recognize the signs.”

Brianna nodded once and winced.  “You’re right.  I’d like to hear more about the grief and controversy thing – I can’t imagine offering a friend a ride could possibly be considered worse than me being a participatory lesbian.”  Esmeralda snorted and Brianna smirked.  “Sorry – I like that better than practicing.  That implies I’m still working on it and I feel confident I know what I’m doing.”

Esmeralda laughed aloud.  “That always makes for a much more pleasant experience for all involved.  Now go home.  You can worry about all this,” motioning around the room, “tomorrow.”

“Anybody ever tell you you’re bossy?” Brianna grumbled, even as she rose to do Esmeralda’s bidding.

“Saphira,” Esmeralda offered deadpan.  “Constantly.”

“She’d be right,” Brianna muttered, gathering her things and crossing to stand beside Esmeralda.  “Thank you, Es.  Thank you for the kick in the ass and for being my friend.  I hope Saphira knows how lucky she is.”

“She does – I remind her every day,” Esmeralda said with a smirk.  Brianna just laughed and gave Esmeralda a brief hug.  Then she headed for the door, holding it and gesturing Esmeralda through ahead of her with a flourish.

“Goodnight, Es,” she offered when they made it back out into the main hall.

“Goodnight, Senator Walker,” eyes twinkling at the mock-glare that garnered her.  “Sweet dreams.”

************

“I almost wish I could have stayed,” Ame said to the other angels as they put dinner on the table.  “Charisma was furious.  I imagine Amber’s getting an earful to share with Es in the morning.  I know Okasa is.”

“That woman needs to learn to loosen up,” Coral commented as she leaned against the doorjamb watching the activity taking place around her.  “Honestly, at least Brianna knows how to go with the flow once in a while.”

“Speaking of which,” Ruby said, “why are you still here?  Aren’t you supposed to be covering her right now?” with a pointed look at the clock.

“I was,” Coral replied emphatically.  “Es sent me back.  Said she needed to talk with her privately.” 

“About...?”

Coral shrugged.  “I dunno – I didn’t ask.”

“You would make a seriously sucky spy.”

“Yeah, but I make a great guardian,” Coral replied immodestly.  “So it’s all good.”  She straightened and grabbed her phone.  “Jas just texted.  Gotta go.”  Then she was gone.  Ruby looked around at the rest of them and indicated the table.

“C’mon ladies.  It’s time to eat.  We’ll hear about it eventually, I’m sure.”

“That’s one reason that despite everything I wanted to be part of this assignment.  Es keeps everyone in the loop as much as possible and she shares the credit.”

“Not sure credit’s gonna help much in this instance; not as long as they are out of favor.”

“As long as this one works out, I don’t care.  This one feels really personal, you know?  Like we’re actually part of the fight for a change instead of simply out on the fringe of things.”  Heads nodded around the table, but there were no more words for a while.  And when they finally came again the conversation moved on to other subjects.

************

Charisma was cool and composed by the time she entered her home, but it was a cold fury that seemed to burn through her veins.  She wasn’t sure why it made her so angry.  After all, she wanted Brianna to be part of the family again, didn’t she?  She wanted things to be like they had been twenty years before when they’d been best friends and had the whole world ahead of them.   Of course, she had a husband and child now, but that shouldn’t change too much between them, right?

And then to find out that while she was doing without HER best friend – the same best friend that had walked out of her life without even bothering to say goodbye – her family had continued to enjoy her companionship....  Charisma was ready to blow.  She was only holding it together at the moment because it was Adam’s time. 

She came in like she did every other evening, thanking Ame and dismissing her, then taking over Adam’s bath and bedtime.  Only once he was settled down and tucked into bed did she venture downstairs to find her parents.

She found them much where she expected them to be – in the kitchen waiting for her to join them for dinner.  Instead she stepped into the room and leaned against the doorjamb with her arms crossed protectively over her chest.  She didn’t even offer them a welcome but jumped right in with both feet.  “So would one of you like to tell me what the HELL is going on??  When did I become a lesser member of the family??”

“Charisma....” Okasa soothed as she approached.

“Don’t,” she growled.  “Don’t take another step.  I want you to stand there and explain to me why I am just now finding out that MY BEST FRIEND has been part of your lives for the last twenty years when she hasn’t been a part of mine??  Hmm??”

“Did you ask her?” Okasa responded calmly.

“Excuse me?” Charisma said, blinking.

“Did. You. ASK. HER?”

“No... I’m asking you.”

“Maybe you should be asking her, Charisma.  Or maybe you should ask yourself why you let her walk out of yours.  Because I will tell you this – she tried to walk out of ours, and I wouldn’t let her.  I refused.  Her only condition was that you not know.”

“WHY??”

Okasa sighed and walked over to the refrigerator, removing the raw burgers she and Ame had made up earlier.  Then she jerked her head at Patrick who had remained silently watching the tableau.  Okasa had asked for his support, and he had given it freely.  But he was happy to let her take the lead.  Charisma may have been a Daddy’s girl, but when it came to this he was in way over his head.  Okasa had always been more successful dealing with their daughter’s stubborn streak.  So he lit the indoor grill and started placing the burgers on the rack while Okasa continued to take things from the fridge and place them on the counter.

“Mother,” Charisma growled.  Okasa sighed again.

“Charisma, if you want to know, you’re going to have to talk to Brianna.  I made her a promise, and I’m not going to break it.”

“Fine,” she snarled, pushing off the doorjamb.  “I’m not hungry,” she threw over her shoulder as she slammed out and headed for her study.

“Charisma!  Charisma!!” Okasa called after her.  She exchanged a look with Patrick.

“That went well,” he commented benignly.  Okasa glared at him.  He just shrugged and turned back to his cooking.  This was going to be a hell of a visit.

Part 9