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FAMILY -or- WE'RE ALL MAD HERE "Here is footage of the young star as she joined the band Dusty Rose on stage this weekend at the Staples Center," Austin Meadows spoke under the footage on TMZ's Monday night broadcast. "The starlet wowed the audience when, after thanking the audience for their contributions to The Dusty Rose Foundation, she joined the band to perform the band's first big hit, a cover of Jim Croce's 1973 song, 'One Less Set Of Footsteps.'" They played a ten second snippet of John performing and the anchorman said, "Holy Moses, Austin, that girl has some pipes, doesn't she!?" "She really does," Meadows was thrilled to have such great access to the the lives of John, Ed and Rose, and he was playing up their successes and their importance in the entertainment world to the hilt. "You know, she's recently auditioned for a role in an upcoming Disney musical featuring Anna Kendrick and Lily James. After seeing this performance, I think Disney would be crazy to not sign her today!" "I gotta agree, Austin," the anchorman smiled, then turned his gaze to the camera. "Next up, what Australian singer is finding herself in hot water after getting arrested for driving under the influence? Find out after this." As a commercial for Twix candy came on the screen, Don pushed the mute button on the remote at the condo. "I think you guys may have just been the first people to find a way to keep Austin Meadows on a leash." He smiled and stood. As he pulled on a zip-up sweatshirt, he said, "it looks like we'll be wrapping up the shooting a few days ahead of schedule. When are you guys headed back east for Christmas?" "Bebe's in school until the twentieth, so we can't leave until at least then," Rose stood and gathered the empty coffee mugs. "Good," Don nodded. "Viv and I would like to have you guys over for a Christmas celebration before you go. Nothing fancy, just dinner. Just you guys, Bebe and Blaine, Blaine's mom if she'd like to join us. I'll talk to Marion, too - see if she's available, but I know she has a place in Vail and she like to spend as much time skiing as possible." "Sounds great," Ed said as the meandered towards the door. "So, where is the princess on this chilly Monday evening?" Dan asked. "She's out with her friends. There's a cinema that shows 'classic' movies for five bucks on Monday nights. She conned her friends into seeing something she heard was good." Ed shook his head. "Imagine, a bunch of teenaged girls, and Blaine, of course, going to see an old movie." "That's great. She can learn a lot from the 'classic' films." Don admired Bebe's desire to get better at her craft. "What movie?" "Umm, I think it's called 'What's Up, Doc.' I never heard of it," Rose put the mugs into the sink. Don made a grunting, confused sound. "'What's Up, Doc!? Ok, that's not a classic! A classic is Brando, Bogart, Cagney, Lombard, Astaire, Hepburn... 'What's Up, Doc' is a comedy with Ryan O'Neal and Barbara Streisand. Great film - great cast - great script, but not a 'classic.' There's only a handful of films that came out after 1970 that can be considered 'classics.'" Ed laughed. "How about 'Jaws,' or 'Taxi Driver,' or 'Schindler's List?'" "All 'classics,' but they're not like the real CLASSICS! James Cagney losing it in the prison cafeteria after he hears his mother died in 'White Heat...' that's a classic. Ingrid Bergman in 'Casablanca' or 'Notorious' - classics." "You'd be surprised what Bebe and Blaine watch when they're hanging around," Rose said. "They love that old stuff." "Old stuff," Don huffed. "I better leave before I get angry." He kissed Rose's cheek. "Good night, sweetheart." "'Night," Rose replied. "Hey, how are you two going to survive away from each other, now that you're really a couple?" Ed chuckled. "Not to worry. I rented a house about halfway between my parents and Rose's parent's houses. We'll deal with Christmas like an old married couple. Christmas Eve at one house, Christmas morning at another." "Excellent!" Don shook his hand and left. "Should we tell Bebe that we're staying together for Christmas?" Rose asked. "I don't know," Ed shrugged. "Let's talk about it before we tell her. She's a good girl. She should be able understand." "We need to head home, soon," John said as he nibbled on carrot sticks at the food court. "Uncle Ed will kill me if I'm a minute later than 10:30." John was wearing a cute, light weight, long-sleeved-bell- sleeved, white sweater with a scooped neck, over which he wore a tan New-England-plaid jumper-dress, complete with a bib and shoulder straps. "You know," MK ate a fry and sipped on her strawberry shake, "when I imagine what it's like to be a star on a TV show, it's never anything like your life. Shouldn't you be living it up, or living on the edge? You know, all that kind of stuff? Instead, you hang around with us, go to Catholic school, dress like a nun and follow every rule that your young, hunky uncle makes. If I realized that being a star was as boring as being a nobody, I don't think I would have been envying all those Disney Channel kids my whole life." John shrugged. "This is how it is for me, anyway. And besides, I love hanging with you guys." "Oh, that's sweet." Ella slurped the last of her mocha shake, "but sometimes I wonder if we're just chaperones for you and Blaine." Blaine laughed at that. "Great chaperones you guys would make. 'You guys need to fool around more! You guys need to take it to the next level!' If we followed your advice, we'd be pushing a baby carriage down the street before school started next fall." "Funny you should mention kids!" MK teased. "Shhh." John looked irritated, yet coy. "Huh? What did I miss?" "Oh, nothing." MK gave a sly grin. "It's just that, the other day, we were talking about kids and, how many did you say you wanted, Bebe? Was it six? No, twelve? No, eighteen. Yes, I'm sure that was it. You said you wanted eighteen kids!" John and Ella laughed, Blaine just looked shocked. "Excuse me, kids," an older man interrupted. "Hi, Bebe. We met a few weeks ago at my country club. I just wanted to say, 'Hi.'" John looked up and immediately recognized the man from the brunch at Don's club the morning after 'Civil Disobedience' premiered. "Mr Rosen." John smiled and shook the man's hand, "how nice to see you." He turned to his friends. "Guys, this is Mr Rosen. Mr. Rosen, these are my friends, Mary Kate and Ella and my boyfriend, Blaine." "Nice to meet you, kids," the man said pleasantly. "Call me 'Larry.' I don't want to interrupt. I just wanted to say hi and tell you that I am still very impressed by your work, Bebe. I even saw some footage of you singing at The Staples Center on TV this afternoon. You sounded great! Keep up the great work!" John smiled. "Thank you, Larry, that's very nice of you." "Not at all. Well, I must get going, so, goodnight, ladies. Blaine." They all said goodbye and returned to their chatter, but after a moment or two, John jumped up and looked in the direction the man had gone. "What's wrong?" Blaine asked. "What? Oh, nothing. I just thought of something. I need to talk to Larry before he leaves. I'll be right back." John hurried as quickly as his slightly slippery flats would allow. When he reached a side corridor, he saw Larry approaching the exit. "Larry!" He called, but the man didn't respond. "Larry! Mr Rosen" he yelled louder and ran as fast as he could. Larry heard something and turned, surprised to suddenly have to catch Bebe Foley as she slid on the soles of her flats into his arms. "Bebe? What's the matter?" John huffed to catch his breath. "Oh, Nothing..." Big breath. "Can I ask you something?" "Sure, Bebe. What's up?" John looked around for a moment. "Is it true that you run everything in L.A.?" He chuckled. "That is a bit of a Don Ferry over statement, but I am very well connected. Why? Do you need help with something." John nodded. "As a matter of fact, I do." "That's a wrap!" the director called out. "We are closed for business until next year! We have food and beverages - adult beverages and some for the kids, too - in the studio next door. So, happy holidays, everyone and let's go get drunk!" There was a big round of applause from everyone. People hugged and kissed each other as they wrapped up cables and shut down computers, peeled off wigs and wiped off makeup. Marion stepped up beside John and wrapped her arms around him in a big hug. "Merry Christmas, Bebe. I hope that next year is even more exciting than this year has been for you." She planted a wet sloppy kiss on his cheek. "Thank you, Nana." John giggled and kissed the older woman, back. "And thank you for all of your advice on the show. I really appreciate all of you patience and wisdom." "Oh, poo!" Marion laughed. "I don't have any 'wisdom' for you, Bebe. I'm just a work-a-day actress. I've been lucky enough to hitch my wagon to a few winners along the way, but I've never been as lucky as I have been lately. Between you and Don, this show has become a phenomenon. Thank you, sweetheart." She kissed him again. As they reached the dressing rooms, John asked, "Are you going to stick around for the party?" She smiled and shook her head. "No, Bebe. There's something you should know about your Nana. Once upon a time, your Nana partied way too much. So much, in fact, that she partied herself right out of a marriage and a nice steady job on a detective series. And, well, to cut a long story short, twelve steps later, I stay away from parties like this one. I'm meeting my friend at the airport and we are headed to my place in Vale where we shall ski and eat well for the next six weeks." "That sounds lovely," John smiled. "It is, sweetness. As you go through life, dear, remember that the perks of this business can kill you if you're not careful. Ok?" She kissed him once more. "Ok." John kissed her again. "Merry Christmas, Nana." "Bebe!" John turned to see Kylie coming down the hallway. She had not been called for shooting that day, but had come just for the party. "Hi, Ky!" John smiled. "Merry Christmas!" "I got you something," Kylie smiled and handed John a pretty little gift bag. "Oh, thank you." John kissed her cheek. "Come one in. I have something for you, too." In the dressing room, John handed her a small box, wrapped in red foil. "You first," Kylie insisted. John opened the bag and found a complete cosmetics kit manufactured by the company for which Kylie had become the spokesperson. "Oh, Wow," John giggled. "Thanks! This is great!" "I know it's a little cheesy - giving you a present that I got at a discount - but it's really good stuff. My skin has gotten a lot better since I started using it." "Oh, don't be silly." John looked at the selection of applications and colors in the kit. "I love it. Open yours." Kylie opened the box to find a little necklace with a small, circular medallion attached. On one side was Kylie's name, beautifully inscribed into the silver circle. "Oh, how nice!" "Turn it over." John was grinning. On the back, Kylie found another inscription. 'My favorite neighbor. Love, Bebe' "Oh!" Kylie sighed as she blinked back a few happy tears. "That's so nice, Bebe. Thank you! And I only got you some makeup." They hugged. "Don't be silly. I love it!" John assured her. "Help me change and we can go to the party." Kylie unbuttoned the back of John's dress and helped him step out of it. As John stepped into a sleeveless, black dress with a generously flared skirt and a print that featured little Santas and fancily wrapped gifts all about it, Kylie gushed, "Oh, That is absolutely adorable, Beebs!" John looked in the mirror while Kyle zipped up the back and hooked the hook and eye at the top of the zipper. "Thanks. I thought so, too." He pulled the little, silver B.B. and chain out from under the dress and made sure that hung perfectly. "You can pull off 'cute' much better than I can," Kylie brushed the hairspray out of John's hair. "I think I'm just too busty to be 'cute.'" John laughed. "Oh, Poor you. Maybe we should start a charitable foundation for gorgeous redheads with perky C-cups." Kylie and MK were both very well stacked young women and, when he'd first met them, they made him feel a bit inadequate. Even Ella, who was a full B-cup, could be a little intimidating when they all really dressed up, but Blaine seemed to like John just as he was, so what difference did it make? There was a knock on the door and Rose stuck her head in. "Oh, hi, Kylie. Do you girls need any help in here?" "No, thanks." John slipped his feet into little, kitten heeled sandals, "Kylie got me dressed. We're all set." Rose opened the door all the way. Kylie and John joined her in the hallway and they proceeded to the party. "There's my girls!" Don shouted loudly as they entered. He ran to them and swept Rose right off of her feet and into a traditional carrying- over-the-threshold hold and he kissed her cheek with great theatricality. "My beautiful first-born!" He returned Rose to her feet, then grabbed Kylie, who let out a surprised squeal as Don lowered her into a dramatic tango-dip as he kissed her cheek. "My baby's best friend and neighbor." He let Kylie stand and he looked at John and his eyes narrowed. "And you!" John took a confused step backwards, but Don closed the space between them in a flash and scooped up John as he had Rose, then made a run for the small stage at the other end of the studio where a DJ had set up to play some dance music, later. John was both thrilled and scared by the sensation of being carried like this. He felt weightless and protected, and he loved the way that his skirts billowed as Don ran, but the feeling of potentially falling was always present and made the experience more exciting. When they reached the stage area, Don did not put him down, but continued to support him, effortlessly. "Excuse me, my friends," Don said into the microphone and the members of the cast and crew grew quiet. "My friends... my very good friends," he began, very excited, "I believe that you all know my youngest child, Bianca-Bebe-Alexandra." Everyone applauded politely while Don kissed John's cheek. "Well, ladies and gentlemen, this little girl has just given us all a very great Christmas present." Now, there was a murmur of interest amongst the guests. John turned and looked at Don, shocked. "Don, I didn't get them anything." "Oh, But you did, sweetness. You did." He grinned. He turned his attention back to the guests. "I just got a call from the network and they told me that Bebe's on-screen time has been testing off the charts with audiences of all ages and, because of her popularity, and all the hard work that you have all put into making this show something different and special, Civil Disobedience has been the number one network television show on TV since our premier, AND..." he paused for dramatic impact, "it has just been picked up for an additional two seasons with an option to renew for years to come! Congratulations, everyone! It looks like we're all going to be employed for a long, long time!" Everyone cheered and hugged each other. Most of the people in attendance, all of whom were very talented, had worked their tales off on failed project after failed project, but they all knew that this show was different. And now, thank heavens, they could rely on a steady income for the next few years. This meant more than just extra cash. This meant nice homes and good schools. The ability to afford to get married. To have kids. To live without worrying about foreclosure or repossessions. At least for a while. "Oh, my God! That's fantastic!" John screamed and threw his arms around Don's neck as he lowered John to his feet. "And not only that," Don smiled as he spoke into John's ear, "I made sure that you and Uncle Ed and Cousin Rosie and Nana Marion all had extension bonuses built into our contracts. Because we've been picked up, you get a pretty impressive bonus." John was gobsmacked. "How impressive?" "Would you find five million impressive?" John's eyes went wide. "Five millio... you mean we each get a million dollars?" Don laughed hard. "No, Bebe. We each get five million and believe me - you are worth every penny, my love. To me and to the network." John's mouth had been hanging open while Don spoke. "Five? Each?" Was all he could muster as Don hugged him tightly. "How does it feel to be rich, angel?" John was finding it hard to breath. "I thought I was already rich." He mumbled, overwhelmed. "You were comfortable, before, honey. NOW, your rich!" John stood stunned for a moment, then said, "I need to make a phone call," and he hustled towards his dressing room, his skirts flowing as he ran. Don walked down from the stage and accepted hugs and handshakes of congratulations until he met Ed who asked, "Is everything ok with Bebe? She left in a rush." "I think so," Don laughed. "She said she had to make a phone call. Probably calling her mom." "Or Rita," Ed chuckled. "Hey, getting off the subject, just a bit, I just got a call from your friend, Hank Miller." Don looked a little more serious at the mention of the private detective's name. "Is anything wrong?" "I don't think so, but it looks like I'm going to have to go to court tomorrow. All three of teachers from Notre Dame have worked out a deal with the district attorney and their entering their pleas to the judge. He said that the judge MAY allow me to make a victim-statement, if I want to." "Do you want to?" Don shrugged. "Yeah, I guess," Ed shrugged as well. "I guess I'll see what they say and I'll make a decision then." "Ok, but take Rosie with you," Don advised. "Why? I'm the only named victim." "True," Don winked, "but she's a lot cuter than you are. The judge will like that." Ed shook his head. "That's a little cynical, isn't it? Maybe even a bit sexist." "It is," Don smiled, "but it's all theater, my friend. Dress the set correctly and the audience will be drawn in." Ed saw his point and nodded. "Wait," he pointed out, "what if the judge is a woman? Or gay?" Don laughed. "Wear a nice suit." "Are you sitting down, darling?" Rita asked through the phone. "I am," John fibbed. Actually, he was standing in front of Notre Dame, waiting for a car to pick him up. "We got them to concede to everything, Bebe. You'll be finishing up Civil Disobedience the first week of May and you'll start recording vocal tracks for the Disney project on May 15th. Then, you have a six week shooting schedule and you'll be back to your precious Cape Cod by mid-July. How does that sound?" John let out a big breath. "That sounds AMAZING, Rita!" "What? What? What sounds amazing?" Kylie asked, with Ella and MK getting excited, as well. "Did you book the movie?" John nodded, but plugged his free ear to hear Rita over his friends' squealing. "And you're clearing a really nice chunk of change for this one, too!" "Really? How much?" John knew that the question sounded mercenary, but he needed to ask it, none the less. "How does three and a half million sound for your first movie, PLUS a little taste of the back end?" Again, John breathed a huge sigh. His mother had been a professional educator at the top of her field her entire life. She'd publish five books and was considered an expert in her field, and if she worked until she was a hundred and fifty, she wouldn't make three and a half million dollars and, if you combined this with the bonus he'd earned yesterday, John had earned over eight million dollars in two days! Was that even possible!? "Thank you, Rita!" John's voice was shaking. He wasn't sure if he was laughing or crying, but he was definitely shaking. "Thank you, so much!" "You're welcome, baby." Rita giggled at the excitement in her client's voice. "We'll talk soon. Congratulations!" The girls were pushing hard for information and John did his best to relate what limited information he had. Who was in the movie? Lily James and Anna Kendrick. What was it about? He only knew he was the youngest of three sisters. When would it be released? No idea. Suddenly, something occurred to John. "Guys, I need to just send a couple of texts." The first was to his mother. The next to Ed, Rose and Don. Then he wondered if he should send another. He needed some advice, but he wasn't sure if he should impose on someone he barely knew. Oh, well, it was worth a try. If he offended the recipient, he'd apologize and that would be that. Resolved to take the chance, John typed, 'HI, CHRISSY. THIS IS BEBE FOLEY FROM CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE. I DON'T KNOW IF YOU REMEMBER ME. WE MET AT THE STAPLES CENTER. I DON'T MEAN TO IMPOSE ON YOU, BUT I NEED SOME ADVICE. WOULD YOU MIND IF I ASKED YOU A FEW QUESTIONS?' When he read the text, it seemed a little odd, but the only other person he knew with lots of money was Don and if he asked Don about this, he'd definitely tell Ed and Rose and they'd say 'no' to his plans. He needed to talk to someone who wouldn't tattle on him to anyone and Chrissy was the only person he knew who might understand. Finally, he pushed the 'send' icon. He took a deep breath, knowing that, even if Chrissy was willing to respond, she was very busy, so it would take hours or even days to get a response, but, within seconds, his phone vibrated in his hand. It was a response. 'HI, BEBE! DID YOU REALLY THINK I DIDN'T KNOW WHO YOU ARE? SO GREAT TO HEAR FROM YOU! WHAT CAN I DO FOR YOU? IF I CAN HELP YOU AT ALL, I WILL.' John felt great relief. 'THANKS. IS THERE SOMETIME THAT I MIGHT BE ABLE TO CALL YOU AND ASK YOU SOME QUESTIONS?' 'HOW ABOUT RIGHT NOW?' Chris replied. 'THEY'RE STILL SETTING UP OUR SOUND SYSTEM. SOUND CHECK IS AT LEAST A COUPLE OF HOURS AWAY.' John was shocked that someone as famous as Chrissy was being so nice to him. He pressed the number under Chris' name. It only rang once before he heard a voice on the other end of the connection. "Hi, Bebe? How are you? How's Blaine and Joanne?" John stumbled over his words. "They're both good, and I am too, I guess, but could you give me a little guidance about something?" "Of course, honey," the voice was very friendly. "What can I help you with?" "Yes, Your Honor," Ed said. "I would like to say a few things." "Step up to the podium, then, please, Mr McNeal," the Judge, a handsome man in his fifties, indicated a wooden desk with a microphone that was at the railing of the courtroom. All three defendants had spoken from the same location. When he reached the microphone, he said, "Thank you, Your Honor. Your Honor, I am more than a little shocked to have heard what was said here today. These people, Your Honor, they're asking for no jail time and I can't imagine how that could be appropriate. They targeted my niece, Your Honor. At the time, a fourteen year old child who was a student at the school that employed them. That should have been a safe place, Your Honor. Instead, it was a place that they used to extort money from the families of their students. And this man threatened me on one occasion and, on another, he attacked me while I waited outside my niece's voice teacher's house. He dressed as a police officer and attacked me. I have no idea why he's not in prison for that, let alone the extortion charges." "May I ask a question," the judge interrupted. "Yes, Your Honor." "How old are you, Mr McNeal?" "I'm twenty-one, Your Honor." "And how is it that you are taking care of your niece?" Ed sighed. "Bebe is not really my niece, Your Honor. I am a close friend of her family and she has always called me Uncle Ed, so I have always referred to her as my niece. Since moving out here to work on a TV show, I have shared custody of Bebe with my girlfriend." He indicated Rose who was sitting in the courtroom. "And who is on the TV show, Mr McNeal?" The judge was writing notes. "You or your girlfriend or the child?" "All of us, Your Honor." The judge looked up. "Really? That is unusual." "Yes, Your Honor." "You do understand, Mr McNeal, that, if I grant these people a suspended sentence, as they are requesting, that is not letting them off the hook. They will be on a very short leash. If they make any mistakes, they will find themselves thrown into jail in a heartbeat." Ed nodded. "I do understand, Your Honor." "All of these defendants are first time criminals, Mr McNeal. The court needs to take that into consideration.? ?They are also people who were charged with protecting young girls, but instead, they preyed upon them and their families. I turned to the police for help and got none, so I turned to a private investigator. Had I not, there?s no telling how many more children and families would have been abused by these vultures. In fact, when that man attacked me, I was arrested by the police for defending myself and my good name was smeared in the press. These are bad people, Your Honor. Very, very bad people. They may deserve a second chance, but not until after they have served a sentence. Until they?ve had their freedom taken away from them, had their sense of security and well being taken away from them as they have taken it away from my family and many others.? The judge nodded. ?The court will be in recess for one hour, at which time I will share my decision with all parties. Mr District Attorney, I?d like to see you in my chambers in fifteen minutes. Thank you, everyone. Court is at recess.? The judge stood and the court officer called out, ?All rise!? Everyone stood until the judge had exited. ?So, I gave my guy a call and he said he?d be in his office for the next hour or so,? Chrissy?s voice came through the phone. ?He can talk to your bank and work everything out for you. You?ll just need to have an adult sign the papers for you.? ?Ok,? John replied. ?Thanks, so much. I?ll talk to my cousin. I don?t think my uncle would allow me to do this.? ?Why?? ?He?s just very cautious, you know? Rose is a little more understanding.? ?Alright, Bebe. Let me know if you need any more help.? ?I will, Chrissy. Thank you so much for all of your help!? ?All rise. Court is now back in session,? the officer called. Everyone stood, then sat back down. ?The defendants will, please, step to the rail,? the judge instructed. Ms Stephanie, Mr Carlin and Ms Gabriella stood with Ms Gabriella?s husband, who was still acting as the attorney for all three, stood beside his wife. ?It appears,? the judge began, ?that not all of the information required for sentencing was presented prior to Mr McNeal?s testimony. After reviewing the arrest records and the evidence as well as a conversation with our esteemed District Attorney, I find that I cannot accept the terms agreed upon between the defendants and the District Attorney?s Office. I will, however, accept the guilty pleas entered previously.? ?Your Honor!? Ma Gabriella?s husband nearly shouted. ?I must object strenuously! We had a deal...? ?You had a deal with the District Attorney?s Office, Mr Montez, not with me. Before your clients entered their pleas, I made it clear that the agreement was only tentative. The final sentencing is up to me and, quite frankly, Mr Montez, after hearing from Mr McNeal and reading the background of this case, I am disgusted with the agreement between your clients and the ADA. These people abused the trust of the people who were put into their care and I was not made aware of the pending prosecution of Mr. Carlin for the attack on Mr McNeal?s person. In fact, Mr. Montez, I am inclined to punish your clients to the fullest extent of the law and to report you and the ADA assigned to the case to the California Bar Association. Neither of you deserve to be practicing law in this state. Am I making myself clear, Mr Montez?? ?Yes, Your Honor,? the lawyer stuttered, ?But...? ?The conversation is over, Mr. Montez!? The judge?s anger was obvious. ?One more word and I will hold you in contempt. Now, I am going to ask you a question, Mr. Montez, and your answer will be either ?yes? or ?no? and no other words will be uttered. The question is, do you understand me, Mr. Montez?? ?Yes, Your Honor,? the lawyer said, ?but...? ?That?s three words too many, Mr. Montez,? the judge gaveled and surprised everyone in the courtroom. ?Mr. Montez, you are in contempt of this court. Officer Casey, please remove the attorney to a holding cell. I will deal with him, later.? The big, ruddy faced court officer grabbed the lawyer?s upper arm and lead him away, shouting all the way. ?To continue...? the judge started, it Ms Stephanie interrupted. ?Your Honor, we need to have an attorney.? ?Silence!? The judge gaveled, again. ?You have already entered a guilty plea with the assistance of your attorney. You do not need an attorney present for me to pass sentence.? The three of them looked at each other in a panic. For a moment, Rose felt bad for them, but then she recalled what they?d done to her family and she got over that. ?Having entered individual guilty pleas, it is the judgement of this court that all three of you shall serve a sentence of no more than five years for the crime of extortion and theft in the amount of more than five thousand dollars.? The three defendants looked as if they?d been hit with hammers. ?Your sentences shall be served in a minimum security prison and, if you all behave, you may be eligible for parole in thirty two months. You shall be escorted from this court to a prison to begin your incarceration.? ?Your Honor, please!? Ms Stephanie was panicked. ?I have to deal with some personal issues - closing up my apartment, finding someone to care for my cats, storing my car...? ?I apologize if the State of California is inconveniencing you, but you will have to deal with all of these issues by making collect phone calls from the prison.? Ms Stephanie looked as if she was about to burst, but the judge stopped her by saying, ?And before anything else is said, I see that there are several more extortion cases pending for the bunch of you. I cannot guarantee that I will be the presiding judge, but I can guarantee there will be little or no sympathy for you when those cases are presented ? AND ? Mr Carlin, you still have a criminal assault charge to face. I would recommend that you forget about looking for someone to babysit your cats and find someone to adopt them. You may not be out of prison in time to ever see them again.? Everyone in the courtroom was stunned by the vehemence of the judge?s words. ?Please remove the prisoners,? the judge said to the court officers. As they were escorted out, it hit Ed and Rose both that these people, once pillars of the community, were no longer citizens, but prisoners. Everything had been resolved so strangely quickly and instead of filling them with a sense of righteous justice, it left them feeling empty and sympathetic. It was an awful feeling and one that they never hoped to experience again. ?Well. I don?t know about anyone else.? Don chuckled as he pushed back from the table and folded his napkin, ?but I can?t eat another bite!? The dinner had been excellent. It was catered by a restaurant in Brentwood in which Vivian was a silent partner. It was a primarily sea food banquet in the ?Spanish Cuisine? tradition. John had grown up with a lot of Puerto Rican school friends, sharing their food traditions in class and in the cafeteria, and since coming to LA, he?d had a lot of Mexican food, but this tasted like nothing he?d ever eaten before and he?d enjoyed every morsel he?d eaten. Judging by the other plates around the table, everyone else had, too. ?Let?s go into the great room and open some presents.? Vivian stood and invited everyone. They had also hired a waitstaff for the evening, so they would attend to clearing the table. Back home, John had had some friends with ?great rooms? ? large rooms that would usually have a TV, a sectional sofa and, maybe, a pool table or a foosball table, but Don?s was more like a ?great hall? from a castle. It had to be well over fifteen hundred square feet, with eighteen foot high ceilings that featured beautiful beams and artistic tiles, as well as a fireplace tall enough for Ed to have walked straight into without bowing his head. There was a Christmas tree in the center of the room that was big enough to have looked good in the court yard at Rockefeller Center. Wreaths made of boughs of holly with deep green needles and bright red berries hung everywhere, as did balls of mistletoe and huge, shiny, silver balls. ?Oh, Vivian, it?s just so beautiful!? Joanne said, not for the first time, as the entered. ?Thank you, but to be honest, I hired a decorating company this year. I could never have found the time to do all of this myself. I did pick the theme, though. Can anyone guess what it is?? ?Other than Christmas?? Ed asked playfully. Rose gave him a shot in the ribs, as she giggled at his dad-joke, The she said, ?Well, I have a guess. I see a lot of bright silver balls that remind me a lot of a certain necklace that I see constantly hanging from my cousin?s neck. Might the theme of this year?s party be ?Bebe??? ?Well, yes, I suppose,? Vivian laughed, ?but the necklace was actually my inspiration. Did you know that necklaces with silver balls on them are one of the hottest jewelry items being sold this holiday season? How do you like that, little Miss Popular? You?re a trendsetter!? John smiled and hugged Blaine around the waist. ?Not me. Blaine bought it.? ?But it?s how it looks on you,? Don teased as he pulled her away from Blaine, ?that makes it popular.? John blushed. He was wearing the same Christmas themed dress he?d worn to the studio party. Don led John to a side table where champagne had been poured. ?Help me pass these out, sweetheart.? When all of the adults had flutes of champagne, Don handed John and Blaine flutes with sparkling grape juice. Then he held his glass high and said, ?A toast! To new friends! May we all become old, old friends together! Merry Christmas, everyone!? ?Merry Christmas!? everyone called back, in response. Then they all clinked their glasses together. There were sounds of ?mmm? when they tasted the very pricy champagne. ?And one more toast. To our own personal unicorn, Bebe! She?s barely begun her TV career an she?s already embarking on a film career. Let?s all hope that next year brings her as much success as this year has! To Bebe!? ?To Bebe!? They all replied. The phone chimed early on a Sunday morning. John was cuddled in his bed when he heard it. He grabbed his phone and after noting that the time was 5:23am, he saw that he?d received a text from Nancy. This could be good or it could be bad. He took a moment before opening the text. ?HI, BEBE. I JUST GOT MY PHONE BACK AND I WANTED MY FIRST TEXT TO BE TO YOU. WHAT I WANT TO SAY IS ? I?M SORRY. I WAS A PIG TO YOU FROM THE MOMENT I PICKED YOU UP AT THE AIRPORT IN PROVIDENCE LAST JUNE. I SHOULD HAVE SUPPORTED YOU, BUT, INSTEAD, I JUST ATTACKED. I?D LIKE TO SAY THAT WAS BECAUSE OF THE PERCOCET, BUT THAT WAS ONLY PART OF IT. IT WAS ME. I HAD TURNED INTO A SELFISH PERSON AND I TOOK OUT ALL MY FRUSTRATION ON YOU EVERY YIME I SAW YOU. PLEASE FORGIVE ME. ALSO, THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP. I FEEL BETTER THAN I HAVE IN TWO YEARS. I FEEL LIKE MYSELF. IT?S NICE TO BE ABLE TO THINK STRAIGHT AGAIN. SOME HOW, I WILL PAY YOU BACK. I LOVE YOU AND I MISS YOU. I?LL SEE YOU IN A WEEK OR SO.? John read the text three times before he started to type a response. ?I LOVE YOU SO MUCH, NAN. PLEASE, DON?T EVER LEAVE ME AGAIN. I NEED YOU TO BE OK. I CAN?T TELL YOU HOW I FEEL JUST READING YOUR TEXT. I MISS HAVING MY SISTER.? A minute passed and then three texts came through, ?I?M BACK TO STAY, JOHNNY? ?OOPS? ?BEBE? John smiled, then typed, ?JOHNNY IS FINE.? ?All packed?? Ed asked. He?d been watching his favorite holiday movie, ?Elf,? on the coach when John climbed on and cuddle next to him. ?Yep. All set.? He watched the silliness on the screen for a few minutes, enjoying Ed?s warmth and knowing he?d be missing it while they were back home. ?And you?re ok with me and Rosie staying together during the holidays?? ?I think it?s great. Really, I do.? Ed kissed the crown of John?s head. ?Thanks, honey. I didn?t know how you?d react to all this.? John shrugged. ?Two people I love are in love with each other. Why would that bother me?? Ed kissed his head, again. ?Did you say goodbye to Blaine?? ?Yes,? the single word was drawn out and frustrated. ?He?s already on his way back to Florida to spend the holidays at his grandparents? house. They?re stopping off in St Louis to see his aunt on the way.? Ed smiled at the petulance in John?s voice. He patted his head, gently. ?I know you?ll miss him, but is just for a few weeks.? ?I know.? On the screen, Zooey Deschanel began singing a Christmas carol while on the coach, John?s breathing slowed and became more steady until he drifted off to sleep with his head on Ed?s chest. ?Don?t worry about it, Marilyn. Ed and I will drop her off. It?s really not a big deal.? Rose was talking on her cell phone as the plane flew over Indiana. ?We?re staying in Boylston, so a quick spin to Worcester isn?t that big a deal. You take care of Nancy and we?ll take care of Bebe.? Rose listened for a few minutes, then said, ?Ok, well, you send us a text when you?re a half an hour from home and we?ll head to your place. That way, she?s not alone. Ok? Alright, Marilyn. No, it?s no trouble at all, honestly.? She disconnected the call and looked over the sleeping form of John to speak to Ed. ?Marilyn?s picking up Nancy. They?re letting her put a couple of days early because of the holiday. So, why don?t we just go find our place and make sure everything is ok, then we can take Bebe home when Marilyn gets back?? Ed nodded. ?Ok, but I?m sure she?d be ok for a few hours by herself if we brought her home first.? ?Marilyn asked us to keep her with us until she was home. She said that she didn?t want her coming home to an empty house.? Ed shrugged. ?Ok. Seems a little weird, though.? ?She?s just trying to keep both of her girls safe and happy, Ed. I think she?s very concerned about Christmas turning into a battle like Thanksgiving did.? That made sense. ?When are you delivering Bebe?s present?? Rose asked, quietly. Ed smiled. ?I?m picking it up from the shop tomorrow morning. I talked to Marilyn. She?s taking them all to midnight Mass and she?s leaving a key taped behind the wreath on the door for me to use to get in. I?ll sneak in, drop it off and sneak out again.? ?Just like Santa Claus,? Rose smiled. ?Do you think we could stop at a McDonald?s and get a vanilla shake on the way home?? Nancy asked as they pulled out of the rehab center?s parking lot. ?Sure, honey,? Marilyn smiled. ?Anything you want.? It was nice to see Nancy looking so rested and relaxed. Her skin looked better than it had in a couple of years and her eyes were clear. ?I?ve been craving one for, like, two weeks.? ?We could stop someplace nice and get a milkshake, too, you know.? ?I know, mom, but the thing is, I?m craving that strange, unnatural stuff that goes into a McDonald?s vanilla shake. Real ice cream just won?t do it.? Marilyn laughed. They rode in silence for a few minutes, until Marilyn asked, ?How was it?? ?How was what?? ?How was it... in there?? ?In rehab?? Nancy smiled. ?Not as bad as you?d expect. I mean, I had some withdrawals, but nothing like some of the others people. There was a girl dealing with a heroine issue and she really had a tough time. I kinda became her personal attendant for a couple of weeks. It was really rough for her. Lots of vomiting, cold sweats... stuff like that.? Marilyn listened. Nancy?s voice was clear and even. It wasn?t until this moment that she realized that her voice had sounded edgy and anxious for a long time before she went into rehab. Then something that Nancy said hit her. ?What do you mean, you became her attendant?? Nancy smiled. ?Well, we were all assigned jobs and if we had medical training and if we felt like we could handle it, we helped out with other guests.? Marilyn seemed surprised. ?Really!? Is that ethical?? ?Oh, I think so,? Nancy nodded. ?It was good for me, too.? ?How so?? ?Well, when I first went there, I thought that my medical career was over. I figured I?d be getting a real estate license or going back to school to teach middle school science or something, but they let me jump right back into my field ? with supervision, of course. Anyway, it clarified things for me. I mean, I know that it?s not going to be easy to get back into a hospital, but I?m going to do it. No matter what I have to do, I?m going to put this behind me and be the best doctor I can be.? Marilyn reached across the dark cabin of the minivan and took her daughter?s hand in hers, then pulled it back across and kissed the fingers that were intertwined with hers. ?That?s wonderful, dear. I?m so proud of you. I know it?s been tough, but I hope that you can make a new start, now.? ?That?s the plan, mom.? They drove a while longer before Marilyn spoke again. ?What about Walter?? Nancy rolled her eyes. ?Yeah,? she sighed. ?What about Walter?? Marilyn waited patiently. Eventually, Nancy continued. ?There was a time that I actually did have feelings for Walter, but now I see that he was just using me. I need to stay clear of him, obviously, but I imagine that, if I stay in New England, he?ll eventually catch up with me.? Marilyn agreed. ?As much as I hate to even think about it, honey... maybe you should consider relocating.? ?Yeah, mom,? she pulled her coat a little more tightly around her, ?but where would I go? I thought about asking my friend, Ginger, if I could crash with her down in Atlanta, or Ellen from med school, she lives in Oregon, but they?re both still residents themselves, so they really can?t afford to have a rehabilitated junkie living with them.? ?Oh, Nancy, don?t describe yourself like that!? ?Why, mom? I?m reconciled to it, but the point is, if their employers find out, then they?ll lose their jobs, I can?t ask them to take that chance.? Marilyn drove on for a few minutes before stating the obvious. ?You could, maybe, ask your sister if you could move in with her for awhile.? Nancy shook her head. ?I think she?s sacrificed enough for me, mom. I?m not going to ask for that kind of help after she?s given me a second chance.? Marilyn nodded, but after a few minutes of silence, she said, ?Well... think about it, anyway. I think she may be open to it if we frame things the right way.? Nancy nodded halfheartedly, but suddenly brightened up and pointed to an oncoming sign. ?Look! There?s a McDonald?s at this exit. Could you pull off?? ?Sure,? Marilyn said as she turned on her right-turn blinker. ?This is nice!? Rose said as they entered their rented house. ?Good job, Uncle Ed!? She teased. ?What do you think, Beebs?? John looked out the window at the view of the reservoir below. ?This is really gorgeous! Congratulations, guys! It?s kind of perfect!? Ed flopped onto the huge, soft sofa with a sigh. ?Any place would be perfect as long as I had my girls with me,? he laughed. ?Oh,? Rose giggled, ?such a romantic!? She jumped and landed on top of Ed, who let out a big groan. ?Ooooooh!? He over-played the impact her landing. ?Did you gain weight?? She sat back, eyes wide and a smile playing on her lips. ?Gained weight? Well, that?s it! I?m going to go stay with Bebe!? She pretended to be offended and started to stand, but Ed stopped her and pulled her close. ?Ok, but Bebe?s house doesn?t have an indoor pool!? Rose stopped and pretended to consider things for a moment. ?Ok. I?ll stay.? It was after 4:30 when Ed pulled into Marilyn?s driveway. The sun hadn?t quite set yet. Marilyn?s minivan was in the driveway, but there were only a couple of lights on and the outside of the house was cast in that strange, oppressive, December twilight that only seemed to engulf New England in the days leading up to Christmas. ?I hope that you have a better time at Christmas than you did at Thanksgiving, Beebs,? Rose said, as she unbuckled her seatbelt. Ed was already out of the car and headed to the passenger side of the car to help Rose and John to get out. When Ed opened John?s door, he swung his legs out, but then said, ?Maybe it would be best if I just went in alone.? Ed and Rose exchanged concerned glances. ?Are you sure, Beebs?? Rose asked. John nodded. ?Yeah, I think so. I haven?t seen Nancy since she... Well, you know... and I don?t want to put any pressure on her if she?s not feeling great, or, well, if she?s self conscious about anything, I guess.? ?Ok,? Rose smiled. ?I love you sweetheart. Take good care of yourself and call if you need me, ok?? John leaned over the seat and kissed Rose?s cheek. ?I love you, too, Rose. See you soon.? Rose touched his cheek as he pulled away. ?Yeah. See you soon.? Ed had pulled John?s bag from the trunk and pulled the handle up so it could roll easily. ?I?ll walk you to the door,? Ed said. When they reached the stoop, Ed shrugged and handed the bag?s handle to John. ?Well, I guess this is goodbye for a couple of weeks.? John hugged the bigger man and said, ?I guess. I?ll miss you.? ?I?ll miss you, too, Bebe. Geez, it seems like I?ve been your Uncle Ed for forever. I?m really going to miss you.? He squeezed John more tightly and lowered his head to kiss the side of John?s head. When they separated, John stood on his toes and kissed Ed?s cheek. ?I love you. See you in a couple of weeks. Merry Christmas.? ?Merry Christmas.? Ed hesitated before walking away. When he turned his back and headed towards the car, John turned and entered the house. When Ed pulled himself into the car, Rose could see that his eyes were watery. ?You going to be ok?? He nodded and laughed at himself. ?I?m fine. That was just harder than I thought.? John could hear his mother and sister speaking to each other upstairs. Everything sounded calm and normal. He took off the lovely, white coat with the white faux-fur collar his mother had bought him in November and hung it in the entry closet. Then, he took off his shoes and walked softly up the stairs. He didn?t know exactly why he as was sneaking around, but he felt like he needed to get a feel for the chemistry between his mom and Nancy before getting involved, himself. When he reached the upstairs landing, he waited and listened. The conversation seemed light and somewhat mundane. ?I?m going to have to either drop fifteen pounds pretty quickly or go buy some bigger clothes. I ate better in rehab than I have since I moved out for college,? Nancy said, with a little laugh. ?I?ll help you buy some new clothes,? Marilyn said. ?You look good at this weight. Your face looked very thin before.? ?Gee, Thanks, Mom,? Nancy retorted. ?You know what I mean, honey...? Nothing seemed out of sorts, so John moved closer to the door to Nancy?s room. He peeked around the door frame just in time to see Marilyn take a seat on the bed next to Nancy. She put her arm around her daughter and her daughter let her head rest on her mother?s shoulder. ?Welcome home, baby,? Marilyn sniffled a few happy tears back. ?I?m sorry I put you through all of this, mom. I don?t know how I got so deeply into everything. I thought I had it all under control and then... I didn?t.? They sat in silence for a moment, then Nancy asked, ?Do you think I can ever make things right with Johnny? I was pretty hard on him on Thanksgiving.? ?Nancy,? Marilyn laid her head on her daughter?s, ?I think that he understands that everything you said was said out of shame and fear. He knows you love him.? ?I do, you know mom. And I?ll never be able to thank him for his help.? ?You don?t have to,? John said from the doorway. The two women turned and saw him. They both smiled. ?Merry Christmas,? he said as he came to the bed and joined them. Nancy wrapped her arms around him. ?Merry Christmas, Johnny.? On Christmas morning, John and Nancy were both awakened by the smell of Marilyn?s ham-strata, a baked omelette which she only made on Christmas morning and which smelled glorious. They both rolled out of their beds and pulled on new, warm chenille robes that Marilyn had bought them as Christmas presents and had insisted they open them before going to bed. They met on the landing, Nancy in blue, John in white, and walked down the stairs together. Just as when they were kids, Marilyn had piled gift upon gift upon gift under the tree. It looked like a picture from a catalog. Most of the gifts, they knew, would be inexpensive, practical gifts ? gloves, scarfs, socks, things like that ? but there would be one or two special ones for both of them. ?There are my babies!? Marilyn was grinning far too brightly for someone who?d been out late to attend Midnight Mass at St John?s Church on Temple Street. It wasn?t their usual parish, but St John?s was the oldest Catholic Church in the US and Marilyn wanted this Christmas to be a special one. ?Merry Christmas, mom,? John and Nancy said together. ?Come on and sit down. We?ll have our Christmas breakfast, then open the presents!? Marilyn?s smile was sincere and reflected her relief that all the drama of the past few months seemed to be behind them all. ?Oh, my God, mom.? Nancy covered her mouth as she chewed a bite of hot strata. ?This is the best thing I?ve ever tasted!? ?It is delicious, mom,? John agreed. ?Oh, thank you,? Marilyn tasted it herself. ?Oh, That is good! Mmmm!? Just at that moment, there was a knock at the door. ?Come in!? Marilyn called, causing John and Nancy to exchange confused glances. Who would visit on Christmas morning and why didn?t their mother seem surprised that someone was knocking on the door? ?I hope I?m not too late for breakfast!? Mr McManus said, as he took off his hat and coat. ?Hi, girls. I hope you don?t mind me joining you. Your mom invited me, but I didn?t know if I?d be able to make it.? ?Not at all.? Nancy smiled as she stood. ?I?ll get you a plate and silverware. Would you like some coffee?? ?Just orange juice, if you have it,? he bent and kissed Marilyn on the lips. ?Merry Christmas,? he said, quietly. John smiled and looked at Nancy who was putting Mr McManus? silverware on the table. ?Well, well, Well,? Nancy smiled. ?It looks like there?s a story to be told here.? ?Don?t be fresh,? Marilyn blushed just a little. ?Joe and I have been... seeing each other for a couple of weeks. Nothing more.? ?Nothing more ? yet,? Mc Manus smiled. They finished the meal and left the dishes for later. They opened the mundane presents first. All lovely, but practical. Then Marilyn presented her ?special presents.? ?Here you go, girls,? she handed each a small, beautifully wrapped box. They opened them together. Inside was a silver ring for each of them. They were beautifully simple bands. On each one, though, was inscribed, ?I am stronger because my sister loves me.? ?Oh, mom.? John wiped a tear from his eye. ?They?re just... perfect.? Nancy couldn?t hold back her tears. She hugged John, then stood and hugged her mother. ?Thank you, mom. I love it, so much.? Mr. McManus smiled and pulled out a small box of his own. ?Well, I guess that rings are all the rage this Christmas.? He handed it to a very confused Marilyn. ?Joe?? she stammered. ?I didn?t think we were exchanging presents.? ?We?re not,? he smiled, ?but I?m giving one to you.? Marilyn trembled slightly. No. He couldn?t be asking me that. Everyone watched and waited as Marilyn removed the wrapping paper. When she cracked open the jeweler?s box, she gasped. ?Oh, Joe!? She sputtered. ?Oh, my God! Oh, Joe!? John and Nancy leapt up to see the ring. It was beautiful. A delicate, gold band with a very substantial, princess cut diamond at the center. John and Nancy ooo-ed and ahh-ed at it, but Marilyn just held the box in her left hand, her right hand splayed on the flat of her chest, just below her throat. Finally, Joe, stood and took the box from her. He removed the ring, then took Marilyn?s hand and slide the ring onto her ring-finger. ?I know we?ve only been dating a few weeks, but we?ve known each other a good long while. What do you say, Marilyn?? ?Oh, Joe,? she almost swooned before saying, ?I say ?yes,? Joe.? There was joy and there were hugs and kisses and congratulations. Everyone was happy. ?Oh, look,? Nancy pointed to the side of the tree, ?there?s a big green box that has Bebe?s name on it.? John bent, held his hair back and read the label. ?For Bebe from Rose and Uncle Ed.? ?Huh,? John said as he took the large box and placed it in the middle of the floor, then sat cross-legged beside it and ripped the paper. In the plain cardboard box were several small parcels wrapped in white tissue paper. He pulled the largest parcel out and opened it, revealing an elaborately carved canopy bed, that was painted white and was approximately the right size for a Barbie Doll to use. John blinked. ?Huh,? he said again. ?They got you a doll house?? Nancy asked, amused. ?I don?t know.? John pulled out another parcel and found a chest of drawers that matched the bed. When he was done, he had added two nightstands and a blanket chest to the set of matching furniture. Confused, he looked into the box once more and found an envelope with the name ?Bebe? written on it. He opened it and read, ?Merry Christmas, Bebe. Uncle Ed and I wanted to get you something special for Christmas, so we decided that the best thing we could buy you was a pretty and feminine bedroom set. Right now, the furniture in your bedroom at home has been replaced with full sized versions of miniature set in this box. From now on, our little princess will have a bedroom that is fit for a princess. We love you. Rose.? John read the letter to everyone, a bit chocked up as he read it. ?Isn?t that sweet?? Marilyn said, Looking at the miniature chest of drawers. ?They sound like very nice people,? Joe said with a smile. ?It?s a beautiful set.? Nancy inspected the miniatures, too, and then felt a twinge of guilt. ?I?m sorry, everyone, but I haven?t been able to do any shopping this year. I?ll try to make it up to you on another Christmas.? ?Don?t be silly,? Marilyn laughed. ?Just having you at home, happy and healthy is enough for me and your sister, isn?t it?? She looked to John. ?It is,? John smiled, but then he stood and moved to a side table and opened a drawer. He pulled out a few envelopes and handed one to his mother and two to his sister. ?Merry Christmas,? he said. ?Umm, Johnny...? Nancy started, but stopped and looked at McManus. ?Oh... um... I call Bebe ?Johnny? sometimes. I have since she was a baby.? ?It?s ok, honey,? Marilyn explained. ?Joe figured it all out that day that he helped us to get rid of Walter.? ?Don?t worry,? Mr McManus waved his hand in a dismissive manner. ?Even if I weren?t dating your mother, I?d never tell anyone about your secret.? Nancy seemed relieved, then returned her attention to John. ?Johnny, you?ve already given me the rehab stay and money for a car. I think that?s plenty.? John nodded. ?Ok, but it?s Christmas, so just accept what I?ve given you, please. Mom, why don?t you go first.? She shrugged and opened the envelope. She gasped when she saw tickets and paperwork. ?Johnny!? A Baltic Cruise!? Oh, my heavens! I can?t accept this! It?s got to cost more than ten thousand dollars!? ?Don?t worry, mom,? he smiled and pulled his comfy robe tighter around him. ?I told you, I got the Disney movie. I can afford it.? Marilyn looked at McManus. ?Joe? How would you like to take a Baltic cruise for our honeymoon?? He chuckled. ?Well, that?s much nicer than the weekend at Lake Winnipesaukee that I had planned!? ?Thank you, baby,? Marilyn leaned back and cuddled into Joe McManus? embrace. ?Now you,? John said to Nancy. ?Make sure you open them in order.? Nancy noticed that each envelope had a small number in the upper left hand corner. ?Ok.? She opened the first and smiled. ?Oh,? Nancy was pleasantly surprised and showed the others. ?It?s a ticket to visit Johnny in L.A. in two weeks. That?s really nice, Johnny, thank you, but I can?t confirm that I can go, yet. I need to look for a job.? ?Ok,? John nodded. ?Open the next one.? Nancy did, and this time, she removed a letter. She eyed her brother suspiciously, then read the text and looked a bit shocked. ?What is it, honey?? Marilyn asked. Nancy looked at John and shook her head, baffled, then looked at her mother, unable to speak. ?Just read it,? Marilyn was a bit confused. ?Ok,? Nancy sighed, then read aloud, "Dear Dr Nancy Foley. After speaking to my colleagues and with the consideration of a recommendation from one of our hospital board of directors, Mr Lawrence Rosen, we are very happy to offer you a position in residency at the Holmes Clinic. Due to your recent substance abound issues, you?re your appointment will be accompanied by a one year probationary period which will require biweekly blood and/or urine analysis. Should these tests result in a positive test for unprescribed, regulates substances, your position will be terminated, however, upon the successful completion of one year of employment, no further testing will be required. Your yearly salary and the fifty-two week breakdown of payroll is below. Should you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me using the contact information in the letter head. I look forward to meeting you. Sincerely. James A. Rudick, Clinic Administrator.? There was silence in the room until Marilyn asked, ?Who is Larry Rosen?? ?A friend of mine,? John shrugged. ?Well, a friend of Don Ferry?s, actually, but he?s doing this favor for me and in return, I am appearing at a fundraiser for his country club in February.? Nancy was dazed, but she mutter, ?Johnny, I really appreciate this, but... I just don?t know, I mean, moving clear across the country where I don?t know anyone...? ?Nancy,? Marilyn said, ?don?t discard this chance too quickly.? ?And besides, you know me,? John said, a bit hurt that the same thing hadn?t occurred to his sister. ?Well, Yeah, I know you, but... I mean, where would I live? I can?t just move in with you and your crew. I?d upset things there.? ?Open up the third envelope,? John smiled. Nancy?s hands were shaking as she ripped the envelope open. ?Oh, my God,? she whispered as she read the contents. ?What is it?? Marilyn asked. Nancy held the sheet of paper up. Marilyn stood and took it from her daughter. ?Well?? Joe asked from the loveseat. Marilyn shook her head. ?It?s a lease to sublet a condo. It?s made out to ?The Foley Family Trust.?? ?It?s just downstairs from where I live,? John beamed. ?Close enough so I can still be there for you, but far enough away that you can have as much privacy as you want.? John was surprised by the silence in the room. ?Did I do something wrong?? He asked and pulled his soft, white robe more closely around himself. ?Not at all, baby.? Marilyn shook her head. ?It?s just... Johnny, it?s a lot to take in. I mean... Johnny, you can?t keep spending like this.? ?And I won?t have to, now, mom. Everything will be back to normal. I?m just trying to help.? ?And you have, baby, but...? Nancy interrupted. ?Johnny... thank you. I mean that sincerely ? thank you, and even though this is happening way too fast and it?s kind of scaring the living crap out of me... I?m going to do it.? John relaxed. ?Are you sure, honey?? Marilyn was concerned. Nancy had made the decision her mother had wanted her to make, but was it the right one? ?You?ve been through a lot, you know...? ?Mom,? Nancy stood and hugged her. ?This is exactly what we were talking about. A new start in a new city, far away from Walter and my reputation in Boston. This will be good for me.? Then she turned to John and held her arms wide. ?Come here.? He did and Nancy hugged him and rocked him from side to side. Then she laid a big, smacking kiss on his soft cheek. ?My little sister taking such good care of me. Unbelievable! Thank you, Bebe.? John wiped a tear from his eye. ?You?re welcome, Nancy. Merry Christmas.? Marilyn perused the documents that John had given Nancy. She showed the plane ticket to Joe and smirked. ?No return flight. ? she shook her head. Joe took the ticket and looked at it, laughing. ?Pretty sure of herself.? As Marilyn looked at the other papers, she said more loudly, ?May I ask a question?? John and Nancy separated and John said, ?Sure.? ?What, exactly, is ?The Foley Family Trust??? ?Oh,? John smiled. ?I was speaking to a friend who has both a personal and a charitable trust and she told me how they work and got me in touch with a lawyer to set this one up. I?m putting any money I get from movies into that trust and it can be accessed by any of the three officers, any time and for any reason. The good part is that we don?t pay any taxes on that money unless we take it out of the trust.? ?I see,? Marilyn folded her arms. ?And I suppose that the three officers are you, Rose and Ed?? ?No,? John laughed. ?You and Nancy and me. That?s why I did this. So you guys would always have money if you need it. You can get it any time you want, for any reason and never need to tell me why.? Everyone stared at him, numb. ?Of course, you?ll have to sign the paperwork. I have it in my bags. We?ll need to see a lawyer to act as a witness when you sign.? ?Alright, Alright, Alright,? Marilyn tried to gather her thoughts. ?Three questions. One ? how did you manage all of this when you?re a minor? Two ? who is your friend who told you how to do this? And three ? how much money is in there?? ?Well, there?s not an awful lot of money in there, just the money from the Disney movie, so... in the neighborhood of three million dollars.? ?Oh, good God,? Marilyn muttered as both she and Nancy sat on the couch in shock. ?Obviously, since I?m legally a minor, I couldn?t sign any legal papers, so Rose signed it for me and as for my friend who set me up with a lawyer, you know the band Dusty Rose?? ?Yes,? they all replied, with a leery intonation. ?Well, Chrissy, the lead singer helped me.? ?Oh,? Nancy said, with a laugh. ?Chrissy from Dusty Rose, the most successful band of the last decade, is your friend. That makes perfect sense.? Marilyn leaned forward and rested her elbows on her knees and shook her head and looked at Joe with an exhausted look. ?I?m sorry, Joe. I?d like to say that things aren?t normally this surprising, but that would be a lie.? He shook his head. ?Honestly, after spending a couple of hours with you people, nothing would surprise me.? Marilyn smiled and shook her head. ?As a matter of fact,? Joe joked, ?if Bebe had said that her friend was Paul McCartney, I would have just accepted it.? Marilyn reached over and took his hand, kissing the back of it. ?You?re going to do fine around here, Joe. Just fine.? THE END BUT Look for more from these characters in ?Bebe Goes To Hollywood? coming soon.