Growing Up Brady And Johnson (Read 5,162 times)

[André DiMera]

So glad Kayla told Steve what she found out. They put the pieces together quickly.

[wildheartashley]

Chapter 74


Steve and Kayla were woken from a peaceful sleep early the next morning. The phone on their nightstand began to ring. Steve groaned heavily as he rolled over in bed,and glanced at the alarm clock. The clock read 5:45 AM. Steve got out of bed,and swiftly walked over to the nightstand, hoping that the ringing telephone wouldn’t wake Kayla or Benjy. He picked up the phone. “Hello,” Steve said groggily into the phone’s receiver.

By this point, Kayla was sitting up in bed, groggily rubbing the sleep from her eyes. She reached over to the nightstand lamp, and flicked on the light. She glanced at the alarm clock,and noticed the time. She sat listening to Steve’s side of the conversation, wondering who her husband could be talking to this early in the morning.

Steve nodded as he continued to talk. “Okay, we’ll be waiting. We won’t tell Benjy anything.” Steve nodded one last time. “Okay,” Steve said. “Thanks Abe.”
Steve hung up the phone,and slowly walked over to his side of the bed. He slowly sat down on the edge of the bed.

Kayla looked at her husband in alarm. “Steve,” Kayla said. “What is it? What did Abe want so early in the morning?”
Steve swallowed hard before answering. “Baby, that was Abe Carver on the phone. Your brother and Janet Banning are coming over to talk to us.”
Kayla looked a bit puzzled as she tried to take in Steve’s words. “Now?” She asked. “About what?”
Steve shook his head. “Don’t know Sweetness. Abe just said that it had something to do with Benjy,and that Roman was coming to talk to us. Abe said something to the effect that the news should come from Roman.”
“Is it about Ellen?” Kayla asked.
Steve was silent as he got up from the bed. He didn’t answer as he began to quickly dress. Kayla got out of bed,and did the same. Within ten minutes, both Steve and Kayla were dressed in casual lounging clothes, and downstairs in the kitchen, waiting for Roman and Janet Banning. Kayla busied herself in the kitchen, beginning to brew a pot of coffee. Just as the coffee was finished the doorbell rang. Steve answered the door, grateful that the bell couldn’t wake Benjy, and also grateful that the sound asleep boy upstairs wouldn’t be able to hear the adults downstairs.

Both Roman and Janet Banning entered the house. Kayla took one look at her big brother, and instantly knew that something was wrong. Steve motioned for everyone to sit down at the kitchen table.
Does anyone want coffee?” Kayla offered. “It’s a fresh pot.”
“No thanks Kay,” Roman politely declined. Janet Banning also did the same.
“What’s this all about?” Steve asked. “Abe called and said that something had happened.”
Janet nodded. “Yes,” she said. “It’s about Benjamin’s mother, Ellen.”
Kayla felt a pit begin to grow in her stomach. “What about Ellen?” She asked in a shaky voice.
Roman reached across the table, and took his sister’s hands in his own. He stared at her with sympathetic eyes. “Kayla. Steve,” Roman said. “Ellen is dead.”
Kayla let out a small whimper. She quickly recoiled her hands from her brother’s grasp, and flung her right hand to her mouth. “No,” she croaked.
“What happened?” Steve asked.
“A call came into the station around ten thirty last night,” Roman explained. “Two officers went over to Ellen and Bart Hawk’s home. Apparently a neighbor had made a call to the station that they heard screaming and quite the commotion from the Hawk residence. When the police entered the house, they found Ellen dead in the living room.”
“Benjy,” Kayla said as she softly began to cry.
Steve took his wife’s hand in his own. “What about Bart Hawk?” Steve asked in an even tone.
“He’s in police custody,” Roman said. “He’s being charged with domestic abuse and homicide.”
“Ellen,” Kayla quietly murmured.
“I’m so sorry,” Janet Banning spoke up.
Kayla began to openly cry. “I saw Ellen at the clinic a few times,” Kayla said in between light sobs. “She had told me that her husband had been abusing her. I had encouraged her to go to the police, but she said that she was fine.” Kayla’s voice broke off as she turned away from the group.
“Mrs. Johnson,” Janet said in a calm tone. “This is not your fault. You mustn’t blame yourself. You did all that you could for Ellen.”
“Kay,” Roman said softly. Kayla turned to face the group again. “Kay, listen to me.” Roman’s words were gentle. “You did all that you could do for her. You and Steve are doing the biggest thing of all. You’re giving that boy upstairs a loving and safe home.”
“What will happen to Benjy?” Steve asked. “He’ll continue to stay with Kayla and I, right?”
Janet nodded. “Yes, of course,” Janet assured. “It’s plain to see that you and your wife have provided a loving and secure home for Benjamin. With the loss of his mother, I would never remove him from your care.”
Kayla breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you.”
Janet nodded. “I’m assuming that you’d like to tell Benjamin yourselves.”
“I think we should,” Steve said. “He’s grown attached to me and Kayla.”
Kayla nodded. “I think he should hear it from us.”
Janet nodded. “I completely understand. You could probably explain it to him in a better way then I could.”
“Why don’t I stay,” Roman offered.
Kayla nodded gratefully. “I’d like that.”

Janet got up from the table,and excused herself from the group. She promised that she would come back later on that day to check on Benjy. Steve walked Janet to the front door, thanking her before seeing her out. Steve then went back into the kitchen, and sat with Kayla and Roman as they waited for Benjy to wake up.

[André DiMera]

Poor Ellen! Thank goodness Bart is in custody! This is gonna be so hard to tell Benjy!

[wildheartashley]

Chapter 75


Kayla paced nervously as she, Steve, and Roman waited for Benjy to wake up. She had no idea how they were going to tell him about his mother.
“Kay,” Roman said gently, “Why don’t you sit down.”
“I can’t,” Kayla said.
“Baby,” Steve said. “Wearing a hole down in the kitchen floor isn’t going to help.”
Before anyone could say another word they heard footsteps padding down the stairs. Benjy emerged into the kitchen, and looked at the group of adults. Benjy looked confused as he took the group in. He began to sign. “No school today?”
“No buddy,” Steve said. “Kayla and I wanted to keep you home today.”
“Benjy not sick,” Benjy signed. “Feel fine.”
Kayla knelt down in front of Benjy. As she spoke her tone was gentle and loving. “Benjy, Steve and I need to talk to you. Okay?”
“Not in trouble?” Benjy signed. “Not want Benjy anymore?”
“No. No. No,” Kayla said quickly. “It’s not that at all, honey.”
“Let’s go into the living room” Steve suggested.
Kayla nodded. Benjy took Kayla’s hand, and Kayla led him into the living room. Steve trailed behind them as Roman did the same. Kayla sat down on the couch. Benjy snuggled up beside her, as Steve sat to the other side of Benjy. Roman took in the site before him. “Why don’t I go get doughnuts,” he offered.
Benjy clapped his hands excitedly. “Benjy want doughnuts,” he signed.
Steve interpreted for Benjy. Roman nodded, and quietly left the house, promising he’d be back soon.

Once Roman was gone, Benjy turned to Steve and began to sign. “What wrong?”
“Kayla and I have something to tell you, little man,” Steve said in a choked voice.
Benjy looked at both Kayla and Steve expectantly.
Kayla then began to speak in a shaky voice. “Benjy,” she said slowly and as clearly as she could muster. “Roman and Janet Banning came to see Steve and I early this morning to talk to us about your mother.”
“Mama,” Benjy signed expectedly. “Mama okay?”
“No,” Steve said gently. “Benjamin, there was an accident last night, and your Mama was killed.” Benjy didn’t move from his position on the couch. His hands were still as he sat staring at Steve with a stunned expression on his face.
Baby,” Kayla said as she gently touched Benjy’s arm.
Benjy slowly turned his head to face Kayla. He began moving his hands slowly as a big tear trickled from his left eye. “Mama dead.”
“Yes,” Kayla said sadly. “Your mother is dead.”
Again, Benjy sat staring straight ahead. Steve began rubbing Benjy’s arm. “We’re so sorry buddy,” Steve said.
“How?” Benjy signed. “How did Mama die? Did Bart hurt Mama?”
By this point big tears were rolling down both of Benjy’s cheeks. There were no muffled sounds, as the little boy looked to both Steve and Kayla for answers. Kayla’s heart broke as she watched Benjy helplessly. She wanted to answer his questions, but she wasn’t sure if she should. Should Benjy know the truth as to what a monster his father was?
Steve then spoke. “Yes, Benjamin,” Steve said in a calm, clear tone. “Bart did hurt your mother.”
“Bart made Mama die,” Benjy said. It wasn’t a question, rather a statement of trying to understand.
“Yes,” Kayla said, taking a lead from Steve. “Bart did this.”
“No,” Benjy signed. “Mama.”

Benjy let out an excruciating muffled cry. His moan was deep and painful as more tears spilled down his cheeks. Benjy threw himself at Kayla. Kayla wrapped Benjy into a tight hug as he continued to cry in his own way. Kayla too began to cry softly as she continued to hold Benjy. Steve moved closer to his wife, and he too wrapped Kayla and Benjy in a tight hug. Steve did not cry, but his eyes glistened with tears as he held his family. He knew that he couldn’t say anything to Benjy that could take away his pain at this very moment. All he could do was be there and hold him.

Steve, Kayla, and Benjy stayed in this giant bear hug for what seemed like forever. Over time Benjy’s cries and muffles began to subside, and he just laid in Kayla’s embrace. Steve eventually broke away, and looked helplessly at his wife and Benjy. Kayla continued to hold Benjy in her arms, gently rocking him. Benjy laid in her lap, with his right thumb slightly in his mouth, sucking it. Kayla gently wiped Benjy’s tear stained cheeks with her free hand as she gently talked to the boy. “I got you, baby. Kayla has you. It’s going to be okay. You’re safe. Shh. I got you.”
Steve got up from the couch, wanting to go into the kitchen to get a breather. As much as he loved his wife, seeing Benjy in this much pain, and knowing that Steve couldn’t do anything for him, made Steve feel broken.

Steve sat down at the kitchen table. He put his head on the table top, and began sobbing, quietly as so Kayla would not hear him. Ellen was gone. Benjy and Jennie’s mother was gone. Ellen, the woman, whom Steve had fathered a child with was gone. As Steve continued to cry, he made a promise to himself that he would find Jennie. Even if that girl turned out not to be his daughter, Steve would bring Jennie home for Benjy. He had too. For Jennie and Benjy were the only family that the other had left.

[André DiMera]

That was such a heartbreaking chapter.

[krw627]

Sitting here crying for Benji and Jennie. Such an amazing scene. Please apply to write for the show. This drama is what's missing.

[wildheartashley]

Chapter 76

Kayla peered down at a sleeping Benjy, who was still nestled on her
lap. She gently slid the child from her lap, as to not wake him, and
gently laid him on the couch. She took the throw blanket from the back
of the couch, and gently covered Benjy up. She got up,and lightly
kissed the boy’s forehead. Kayla then walked into the kitchen, looking
for Steve.

Kayla found her husband standing at the kitchen sink, staring out the
window. Kayla quietly went to Steve. “Honey,” Kayla said softly. Steve
did not respond. “Steve,” Kayla said, a little louder as to grab his
attention.

Steve turned to face his wife upon hearing his name. “Hey baby,” he
said in a thick voice.

Kayla looked at Steve, and noticed that his eyes were red and puffy,
probably from crying. “Hey,” Kayla said quietly.

“How’s Benjamin?” Steve asked.

“He’s sleeping,” Kayla said. “Poor thing cried himself to sleep.”

Steve sighed heavily. “I can’t believe Ellen is gone.”

“I know,” Kayla said sympathetically. “My heart just breaks for Benjy.”

Steve nodded. “What about Jennie?”

Kayla took Steve’s hand,and led him to the kitchen table. They sat
down, hands still clasped. “I’ve been thinking of her, Kayla,” Steve
confessed.

“That’s understandable,” Kayla said. “Jennie has lost her mother too.”

“But she doesn’t even know,” Steve said in a choked voice.

“I know,” Kayla said. “But nothing has changed in your search. Steve,
you are still going to look for her.”

Steve shook his head. “No, baby, something has changed. Jennie’s Mama
is dead. If I do find her, I’ll have to tell her that.”

Before Kayla or Steve could say another word, the doorbell rang. Kayla
got up, and went to answer the door. Just as promised earlier, Janet
Banning had returned to check on Benjy. Janet entered the house,and
instantly noticed a sleeping Benjy on the couch.

“Let’s go into the kitchen” Kayla suggested.

Kayla took Janet into the kitchen, and the women joined Steve at the
kitchen table. “How did he take it?” Janet asked in concern.

“He cried himself to sleep,” Kayla said. “It was hard for him.”

Janet nodded in understanding. “How are you both holding up?”

“We’re okay,” Kayla said. “We just want to help Benjy grieve in the
best way that we can.”

“Actually,” Steve said. “I’d like to talk to you about something.
Something that Ellen had told Kayla and I before she passed.”

Kayla looked at her husband slightly unsure. “Steve, are you sure you
want to do this now?”

“We need to, Sweetness. For the children.”

Janet looked to Steve and Kayla in curiosity. “What is this about?”

Kayla looked to Steve one last time. He gently squeezed her hand in
reassurance. Kayla took this as a sign, and began to speak. “Ellen had
come to see me at the clinic a few weeks ago, and she had confessed to
me that she was Benjy’s mother, and that she also had another child,
that she had given up quite some time ago.”

Janet didn’t say a word. She sat patiently listening. Kayla continued.
“When Ellen told me this, she told me that she had given her daughter
up for adoption years ago, but Ellen never knew if she had been
adopted. She had closure with Benjy, knowing that he was with me and
Steve, but she had no closure for her daughter, Jennie.”

“I see,” Janet said understanding the situation.

Steve then jumped into the conversation. “Kayla had suggested for
Ellen to come see me,and that perhaps I could help find Jennie. Just
to reassure her that her daughter was fine.”

“Were you able to do that for her?” Janet asked curiously.

“I’ve kind of hit a road block,” Steve confessed. “It turns out that
Jennie was never adopted. She was supposed to be, but the couple who
was to adopt her backed out when they got pregnant. Jennie was then
placed in the state’s care here in Illinois. She’s been in the system
ever since, at least that’s what my search has come up so far.”

“I’m sorry,” Janet said sympathetically. “But why are you telling me this?”

“Mrs. Banning,” Kayla said. “Jennie is Benjy’s big sister. They’re
siblings. We need to find her for Benjy. They’re family.”

Janet nodded. “What aren’t you telling me? I get the feeling that
someone is leaving something out.”

Kayla gulped hard. She took Steve’s hand, and gave it a light squeeze.
Steve nodded, knowing what he had to say next. “Mrs. Banning,” Steve
said. “I believe that Jennie might be my daughter. I had a one night
stand years ago with Ellen, before she had married Bart Hawk. She told
me that I am the father of Jennie.”

Janet was quiet for a long moment, absorbing what she had just
learned. “So, you want to find your daughter, Mr. Johnson? Is that
correct?”

Steve nodded. “Yes,” he said. “I need to find her. Even if I’m not her
father, she and Benjy are siblings. They need to be together, even if
she’s not my daughter.”

Kayla then chimed in “Mrs. Banning, Steve and I want to take Jennie
in, if we can find her.”

“You mean if this girl hasn’t been adopted,” Janet clarified.

“Yes,” Kayla said. “That’s correct.

Janet nodded slowly, understanding what was being asked of her. “And
you want me to search my system to see if I can find Jennie, since
she’s in the state’s care?”

“I wasn’t going to ask that,” Steve admitted. “But in the light of
today’s events, could you please help us?”

Janet was quiet for a long moment. Kayla finally spoke. “Please,” she
gently pled. “For Benjy.”

Janet sighed lightly. I can’t make any promises, but what’s Jennie’s full name?”

Kayla beamed gratefully at the social worker.

“Jennifer Rose Bosworth,” Steve said.

Janet retrieved a notebook from her bag,and wrote down Jennie’s
information that Steve gave to her. She promised the Johnson’s that
she would try to find Jennie within the state’s system, but she
couldn’t make any guarantees. Both Steve and Kayla thanked her for her
help. Janet then excused herself, and promised that she would be in
touch if she were to find any news about Jennie.

Kayla got up from the table,and walked Janet out. She then went back
into the kitchen.

Steve was anxiously pacing the kitchen. “I still want to talk to
Frankie,” Steve said. “Maybe he can tell me something.”

“You will,” Kayla assured.

Just then Benjy wondered into the kitchen. “Hey there,” Kayla greeted.
“How was your nap?”

Benjy looked from Kayla to Steve. He began to sign. “Benjy hungry. Want food.”

“Sure,” Kayla said. “Would you like a sandwich?”

Benjy shook his head no. “Benjy want chowder,” he signed.

Steve looked at Kayla knowingly. “Let’s go get some chowder. How about it?”

Kayla nodded, knowing what her husband’s agenda would be. “Chowder
sounds great,” Kayla agreed.

[André DiMera]

Glad Janet’s going to help look for Jennie, though Steve and Kayla have already found her without knowing it.

[wildheartashley]

Chapter 77


Carrie had spent all day at school trying to avoid Jennie and the cheerleaders. She still had no idea how she was going to get herself out of stealing Jennie’s notebooks, and she had a feeling that this would be the topic at that afternoon’s cheerleading practice. Carrie was hoping that she could leave practice quickly with not having to talk to the other girls, especially since she had to get to the pub to work as part of her punishment.

After practice, Carrie quickly gathered her things to leave the gym. “Brady,” Lisa said. “We need to talk to you.”
Carrie gulped hard. She turned to face Lisa. “Yeah.”
“It’s about over the weekend,” Lisa said.
Carrie groaned lightly. She was hoping that the girls didn’t hear. She sank onto the bleachers, bracing herself as to what would be said next.

All of the girls stood in front of Carrie. Carrie did her best not to look at any of them. “I don’t like snitches,” Lisa said. “You just had to tell your dad that we had vodka milkshakes at my party. Why?”
“I’m sorry,” Carrie said. “It’s just,” Carrie’s voice trailed off.
“It’s not our fault that you can’t hold your liquor,” Jessie said snidely. “Since you had to open your fat mouth, now we’re all grounded. All thanks to you.”
“And my parents said that I can’t have any more sleepovers,” Lisa chimed in.
“You’re such a buzz kill,” Rachel chided.
Megan and Lindsay nodded in approval. Sarah just stood with the other cheerleaders, staring at Carrie.
“I had to tell my dad,” Carrie spat back. “And this whole Jennie thing.”
“Oh no,” Tori interrupted Carrie. “Since you got us all in trouble, you will steal those stupid books from Jennie.”
“And what if I don’t,” Carrie challenged. Carrie didn’t know why, but she was feeling brave.
“If you don’t get those books, then you’re off the squad,” Lisa said.
“So you better do it,” Rachel chimed in.
Carrie sat in silence. She felt like she had been punched in the stomach. She hated how the girls were treating her,and she knew it was wrong, but she did love cheerleading. At this point, she felt like she had no choice, but to go along with the other cheerleaders.
“I’ll take your silence as a sign that you’re still in to get the books,” Lisa said. “And the sooner you get them, the better. Remember, do this, or it’s off the squad.”
Lisa, Tori, and Nikki began laughing. “Come on girls,” Tori said. “Let’s go.”
“And we will be watching,” Lisa said. “So don’t try anything goodie goodie.”
The girls gathered up their things to leave. Sarah was the only one to still be standing near Carrie. Sarah looked at Carrie. “I’m sorry,” Sarah mouthed quietly to Carrie.
“Sarah,” Lisa called. “Let’s go.”
Sarah didn’t look back as she walked quicly away to join the other cheerleaders.

Carrie was now alone in the gym with her thoughts. That conversation did not go as she wanted it to go. Carrie quickly gathered her things,and left the school. Carrie walked to the pub, alone with her thoughts. She knew what the girls were asking of her was wrong. She couldn’t hurt and betray Jennie like this, but she felt stuck. She knew that she should probably tell an adult, but who? Carrie thought about maybe telling Frankie what was going on. Maybe he could help, but then Carrie thought of Jennie. Carrie wasn’t sure if she should tell Frankie, especially since what Jennie had shared with her about Frankie. Carrie thought that he would be really disappointed in her, and Carrie wanted Frankie to think that she was cool. Maybe talking to Frankie wasn’t a good idea after all. Once arriving at the pub, Carrie knew that she had to focus on her work. She would have to worry about Jennie and the cheerleaders later.

[André DiMera]

At least Carrie attempted to stand up to the girls. Wish she had stuck to her guns, and that Sarah would have backed her up.

[wildheartashley]

Chapter 78

The Brady pub was bustling with activity for a Monday evening. Kayla, Steve, and Benjy sat at a booth. The family of three feasted on bowls of clam chowder, fresh baked bread with butter, and a salad for Kayla. As Steve finished his meal, he glanced around the pub. He knew that Frankie would usually help Shawn and Caroline out on the really busy nights,and tonight was no exception as patrons continued to enter the pub. Within a few minutes, Steve saw Frankie walk out of the kitchen, and hand Carrie a tray of drinks. Steve took the opportunity to wave Frankie over to their table. Frankie grinned as he walked over to where Steve, Kayla, and Benjy were sitting.
“Hey guys,” Frankie greeted. He signed as he spoke.
Benjy put down his soup spoon, and began signing to Frankie. “Hi,” Benjy signed. “Max here?”
Frankie nodded no. “Sorry, buddy,” Frankie replied. “Max is upstairs working on his homework. He said that you weren’t at school today. Are you okay?”
Benjy quickly looked to Kayla and Steve for reassurance in what to say. Kayla smiled warmly. “It’s okay, Benjy,” she coaxed. “You can tell Frankie.”
Benjy nodded. Benjy began to sign. “Benjy not at school today. Not sick. Just had a sad day.”
Frankie ruffled Benjy’s hair sympathetically. “I’m Sorry, Benjy. Hopefully tomorrow will be better.”
“Frankie,” Steve interrrupted. “Could you take your break? I need to talk to you about something.”
Frankie nodded. “Sure. Just let me go tell Pop. I’ll be right back.”

Frankie disappeared back into the kitchen. Within ten minutes, he reemerged carrying a hot fudge sundae back to Steve and Kayla’s table. Frankie beamed as he sat the sundae in front of Benjy. “For you,” Frankie signed. “Maybe this will make your sad day a little less sad.”
Benjy grinned in appreciation at Frankie. “Thank you,” Benjy signed.
“Thanks, honey,” Kayla said. “That was sweet of you.”
Frankie blushed slightly. “Don’t worry about it,” Frankie said lightly. “Oh, this is for you,” Frankie said to Kayla, as he pulled an extra spoon from the pocket of his apron. “I know how much you like sundaes.”
Kayla giggled as she took the spoon. “Thanks.”
Benjy smiled. “Benjy and Kayla share sundae,” he signed.
“If that’s okay with you,” Kayla said.
“Benjy share,” Benjy said as he began to scoop into the ice cream.

On that note, Steve got up from the table, and excused himself. He motioned for Frankie to follow him outside. They sat at a vacant table. “What’s up?” Frankie asked curiously.
“How was the homecoming dance?” Steve asked.
“Uh, good,” Frankie said. “But seriously, Steve, you didn’t bring me out here to talk about the dance. If that’s the case, we could have done that inside. What’s up.”
Steve sighed heavily. “You are a man of observance, Francis.”
Frankie snickered. “Seriously, man,” Frankie said.
“I need to talk to you about Jennie,” Steve said.
Frankie looked at Steve in alarm. “What about Jennie? Is she okay?”
Steve was quiet for a moment. He was trying to figure out what to tell Frankie. Steve finally spoke. “Yeah. She’s fine. I’m just looking for her, and I’m hoping that you could help me.”
“What can I do?” Frankie asked. “And why do you want to find her?”
“A woman came to me a few weeks back, wanting me to look for her daughter whom she had given up years ago. She told me that her name is Jennie, and I know that you were living with a girl named Jennie in your last foster home. Just wondering if their is a connection.”

Frankie was silent for a long moment. “And if you find Jennie? Then what?”

It was Steve’s turn to be quiet. Frankie wasn’t giving him a lot of choice. Steve knew that he had to tell Frankie the truth, at least part of the truth. That might be the only way that he could learn more about Frankie’s foster sister. Steve breathed as he began to talk. “I’m looking for Jennie, because she’s Benjy’s big sister. I ran into a road block in trying to find her. Kayla and I just got word today that Benjy’s mother Ellen had died. Ellen had come to me, asking me to help her find her daughter Jennie. I told her that I would, if nothing else for Benjy. But I need to know the girl’s last name that you lived with.”

Frankie’s color drained from his face. “Bosworth,” Frankie said in a small voice. “Jennie’s last name is Bosworth.”

This was the information that Steve was hoping for. Frankie had just confirmed what Steve was hoping for. Now to get more information from the boy.

[André DiMera]

So glad Frankie was able to give Steve info on Jennie, and that Steve updated him on what happened! Can’t wait to see if Frankie tells him more!

[wildheartashley]

Chapter 79


Frankie stared at Steve with a stunned expression. “Jennie is Benjy’s sister?”
“Yeah,” Steve said. “She is, and I want to find her for Benjy and Ellen.”
“But Ellen is dead,” Frankie said, trying to take everything in.
Steve nodded. Frankie,” Steve said. “I’m hoping you can help me. “Ellen’s maiden name was Bosworth, before she married Benjy’s father.”
Frankie nodded slowly, beginning to put the pieces together in his head. “I know where Jennie is,” Frankie said slowly.
Steve rubbed his hands together excitedly. “Great, man. Where’s she at?”
Frankie hesitated. “No,” he said. “I want to talk to her first. She used to trust me. Please. I know where she’s at. Jennie is Carrie’s friend. Jennifer and I took her home the other week. She’s living at a group home.”
“Yeah,” Steve said. “I figured as much. Kayla and I have seen Jennie a few times around town. Kay and I thought she might be Ellen’s daughter, but I remembered what you had said to me before about her. That’s why I wanted to talk to you first.”
“I want to help,” Frankie repeated. “Please let me talk to her. I can go to the group home. She’s shy around new people, especially men.”
Steve didn’t object. Although, he thought that Jennie seemed okay around him the last time he had seen her at the park. “Okay,” Steve relented. “You can talk to her first.”
Frankie flashed a frantic expression. “I couldn’t help her when we lived together. I need to try now.”
Steve put his hand up in surrender. “I get it, Francis,” Steve said. “You need to do this, and you will.”
Frankie breathed a sigh of relief. “Thanks man.”
Steve patted Frankie on the shoulder. “It’s cool. Come on, you better get back in there. Kayla and I should get Benjy home too.”

Frankie nodded as he and Steve got up from the table, and went back into the pub. Frankie went back into the kitchen to continue his work, as Steve went to get Kayla and Benjy to go home.

****

Carrie couldn’t believe how busy the pub was for a Monday night. She had always been a customer, watching her family work, but now, she too was working. Carrie spent her shift taking orders, and running orders to tables. Half way through her shift, Carrie noticed Lisa and Tori walk into the pub. The girls took a seat in a booth, where they could see the entire restaurant. Carrie was hoping that the girls wouldn’t see her. She was hoping even more so that she would not have to wait on them.

“Hey Brady,” Lisa called out. “Over here.”
Carrie groaned slightly as she made her way over to the girls. “Hey,” Carrie said lightly.
“Wow,” Tori said. “Is manual labor part of your punishment?”
Carrie nodded yes, not wanting to say much.
“That’s harsh,” Lisa said. “We’re grounded, but you know, snicking out is always an option to get past the grounding.”
“Yeah,” Tori echoed. “That’s how we’re here.”
Carrie tried not to look surprised. “What can I get you guys,” Carrie said as sweetly as she could manage.
“We’ll take two Cokes,” Lisa said.
Carrie nodded.
“Oh,” Tori said, “And make my ice crushed, not cubed.”
“Got it,” Carrie said, not breaking her sweet demeanor. She was determined not to let the girls get to her especially with her family so close.

Carrie went back to the kitchen, and put the drink orders in. Within a few minutes, Carrie retrieved the beverages, and took them to Lisa and Tori. She sat the drinks in front of the girls. “Can I get you anything else?”
Tori grinned. “Actually, I changed my mind. I’ll have a chocolate milkshake.”
Carrie groaned a little louder then she had meant to. “Seriously? I just got your soda.”
“Hey,” Tori scoffed. “The customer is always right. And this customer wants a milkshake with extra whipped cream. Got it?”

“Got it,” Carrie said, now not hiding her annoyance. She briskly took the discarded soda away.
Tori and Lisa began giggling as Carrie left the table.

Carrie went back into the kitchen with the soda. She dumped the drink down he sink, and shoved the glass at Frankie. Frankie looked a bit taken back.
“Everything okay?” He asked.
“Fine,” Carrie said, trying to control her annoyance. “I need a chocolate milkshake with extra whipped cream.”
Frankie nodded,and quickly assembled the milkshake. He handed the shake to carrie. “How’s that?”
Carrie took a cherry, and plopped it upon the mountain of whipped cream. “Better,” she said as she urned to leave the kitchen.
Frankie called after her. “Hey Carrie, is everything okay? I can help you ou on the floor if things are.”
Carrie cut Frankie off before he could finish. “Things are fine,” she quickly said. “The customer is always right.”
She quickly left the kitchen, Tori’s milkshake on a tray. Frankie looked after Carrie as he shifted uncomfortably. He made his way over to the kitchen doors, and watched through the glass window.

Carrie made her way back over to Lisa and Tori. She presented the milkshake to Tori. “Here you go,” Carrie said with gritted teeth. “Enjoy.”
“I will,” Tori said, not bothering to say thank you.

As Carrie was making her way away from the girls, she noticed Jennie walk into the pub. Carrie’s stomach dropped in dread, knowing what Tori and Lisa were probably going to goat her into doing.
“Looked who walked in,” Lisa said. She motioned to Jennie.
“Let the games begin,” Tori said. “Hey, Brady, it’s now or never.”
“And it better be now,” Lisa said. “We’re here, so get those books.”
Lisa motioned to Jennie. Carrie looked towards Jennie,and noticed that Jennie had her bag with her. Carrie’s stomach dropped, knowing what she had to do next.

[André DiMera]

So glad Frankie agreed to help Steve!

Carrie doesn’t have to do anything. I get she wants to be a cheerleader, but why would she want to be friends with those two over Jennie? If the opportunity arose, they’d be just as horrible to her as they want her to be to Jennie, they’re already starting.

[wildheartashley]

Chapter 80

Jennie glanced around the pub, and noticed Lisa and Tori sitting at a table. She had come to visit Carrie, but upon seeing the cheerleaders, she wondered if coming was such a good idea. Jennie then breathed a sigh of relief when she saw Carrie. Carrie gave Jennie a slight wave, as she made her way over to Jennie.
“Hey,” Carrie greeted.
“Hi,” Jennie said nervously. “I just came to say hey and see how the sleepover went.”
Carrie groaned. “It’s a long story. Why don’t you go outside, and sit at a table. I’ll go get you a soda. I can take my break,and we can talk.”
“Um, just water,” Jennie said. “No money,” she said shyly.
Carrie nodded in understanding.
Jennie nodded, and went outside to sit. Carrie then went in the kitchen to get Jennie’s drink.

Once Carrie left the main dining room, Tori began to snicker. “Let’s go outside, and make sure that Brady is true to her word.”
Lisa nodded. The girls got up from the table, discarding their drinks,and went outside to assume a hiding position.

Carrie went into the kitchen. “Grandpa,” Carrie said, “Can I take my break now?”
Shawn grinned warmly at his granddaughter. “Sure, darling,” Shawn said. “You’ve been working hard. You’ve earned it.”
“Thanks,” Carrie said quickly. “I’ll be outside with my friend Jennie.”
Shawn nodded. “Why don’t you take out two Cokes for you and Jennie.”
Carrie nodded. Carrie got two Cokes,and left the kitchen.

Frankie took notice of the exchange. He went to the kitchen window, and noticed that the cheerleaders were no longer sitting at their table out in the dining room. He didn’t know why, but Frankie didn’t have a good feeling. Something told him that he should take his break too.
“Hey, Pop,” Frankie asked. “Can I take my break too?”
“Sure thing son,” Shawn agreed.
Without saying another word, Frankie quickly left the kitchen. He went out the back door of the pub, and snuck around the side of the building. He wanted to have a good view of Carrie and Jennie, and yet not allow himself to be found out by the girls. Little did Frankie know though that Lisa and Tori had the same idea. On the opposite side of the building, they too were hiding out, watching Carrie and Jennie.

Carrie emerged from the pub, with the sodas in hand. She walked over to where Jennie was sitting. She slid into a seat across from Jennie,and presented the soda to Jennie.
Jennie smiled gratefully at Carrie. “I told you that water would have been fine.”
“I know,” Carrie said. “But my grandpa insisted on the soda.”
“Thanks,” Jennie said quietly. “Um, so, how was the sleepover? Did you have fun?”
Carrie fidgeted with her straw for a minute. “Um, it was okay. I ended up going home early.”
“Oh,” Jennie said in surprise. “Why?”
“I wasn’t feeling well,” Carrie explained.
“Are you feeling better now?” Jennie looked concerned.
“Yeah,” I’m fine,” Carrie said, trying not to make eye contact with Jennie.
Just then, out of the corner of her eye Carrie saw Lisa and Tori. They were standing behind Jennie. Lisa mouthed the words “do it.”Carrie felt her stomach drop. Carrie glanced around quickly, and noticed Jennie’s bag sitting on the ground,next to her chair.
“So do you work here all the time?” Jennie asked in curiosity.
Carrie didn’t respond. She had to think of a way to get the books from Jennie. Lisa and Tori were watching her.
“Carrie,” Jennie said. “Are you okay?”
“Um, fine,” Carrie said. Her hands began to shake. Just then Carrie toppled her drink over. Coke and ice spilled out of her glass, spilling onto the table,and onto the ground.
“Oh gosh,” Jennie said as she jumped up. “My bag.”
“I’m so sorry,” Carrie exclaimed as she too got up.
“That’s okay,” Jennie said.
“Is your bag okay?” Carrie asked.
“I think so,” Jennie said as she knelt down to look at her bag.
“I’m so sorry,” Carrie said as she knelt down beside Jennie.
“I’ll go get some paper towels,” Jennie offered.
“Thanks,” Carrie said.
Jennie quickly went into the pub, not noticing Lisa or Tori, who had quickly went back into their hiding spot. Carrie was now alone, yet she fully wasn’t alone, knowing now that she was being watched.
Lisa and Tori emerged from their hiding spot. “Do it,” Tori hissed. “And quick before she comes back.”
“Now,” Lisa demanded.
Lisa and Tori had Carrie fixed in their gaze. Carrie unzipped Jennie’s backpack, with shaking hands. She quickly found the notebooks,and pulled them out of the bag.

Carrie stood up, just to see Jennie come out of the pub, with paper towels in hand. Jennie walked over to Carrie. “What’s going on?” She asked. Jennie looked around,and noticed Lisa and Tori.
“What are you doing in my bag?” Jennie asked in alarm.
Carrie froze, with Jennie’s notebooks in her hand. She was stuck. She had to say something.