Subject: Rot Soaps From Here to There Parts 7-10 From: pd061394@quartz.nbnet.nb.ca (A) >From Here to There Part #7 written by A editor in chief: Emily S It is late the next morning before Blake finally rolls out of the hotel bed. Seemingly suffering no ill effects from the previous evening, she is none the less plagued with the question of what to do about Rick. She takes a quick shower, grabs a steaming cup of coffee and checks her watch. Time to return to the boys. Ross rushes around straightening up the house, watching his sons playing together on the floor. He wonders what to do about the letter. He had re-read it twice, fascinated by Blake's revealing account. He couldn't just take the letter; she'd notice it was missing. He finds a manila envelope and attempts to copy her script. Carefully slipping the pages inside, he seals it and tosses it back into the desk drawer, hoping she won't notice. Holly lets herself in. Holly: Hi, Ross. How'd it go last night? Ross: Oh, it went well. The boys and I had a splendid time... (to the boys) Didn't we, boys? Holly takes off her coat. Ross: Holly, I've been thinking. Holly:(feeling a little punchy) Brain exercise is good, Ross. Ross: I just think that enough time has passed. What I am saying is that I= am capable of dealing with Blake. There is no reason for you to continue to act as a liaison between us. Holly:(pleasantly surprised) Oh? Ross: I'm a big boy. I can handle Blake. Holly:(amused by his naivet=E9, she thinks to herself) That kind of thinking will do you in every time. Well, Blake, it looks like you are finally going to get your chance. (out loud to Ross) That's good. A civil relationship between you and Blake will only help the boys. Ross:(going with her lead) Exactly. I'm doing this for the boys. Holly:(not convinced he is telling the whole truth) Whatever your reasons, Ross, good for you. I guess I'll be going. Ross: Thank you, Holly. I do appreciate everything you've done. Holly leaves. As she is pulling out of the driveway, Blake's car pulls in. Holly waves and continues on her way. Seeing Ross' car still in the driveway, Blake wonders what is up. Not seeing anyone when she walks into the house, she calls out. "Hello? Hello? Anybody home?" She hears the babies giggling. Ross walks in holding them both. Ross: Hi. Blake:(concerned) Is something wrong? Did Mom have to leave suddenly? Ross: Oh, no. I told Holly that we didn't need her to act as a go-between= any longer. We are adults; surely we can be civilized... for the boys' sake. She can't take her eyes off him. Her heart is aching just to touch him. Knowing this isn't the time to push, she collects the boys from him and settles on the sofa, talking to them and giving them hugs and kisses. Blake: Mommie missed you guys. And, how were my favorite little guys for their dad? Seeing her for the first time in two months is a bit shocking to him. After such a long absence, he realizes he isn't quite ready to leave yet. Ross: The boys... (He reaches over and takes Kevin from her.) The boys and I had a high ol' time. I cannot believe how much they have changed. Everyday= it seems. (Without catching himself) You are looking good. Blake:(carefully) Our boys are growing like bad weeds. You=92re looking= good, too. It has been a long while. Jason squirms out of her arms. She puts him down, and he crawls over to= Ross, waving his arms impatiently waiting to be picked up. Blake: Where one goes, the other always follows. They miss you. The doorbell rings. Ross: Expecting someone? Blake: No. On her way to the door, she looks out the window. He hears her utter "Damn!" under her breath. She only opens the door part way. Blake:(shortly) Rick, what are you doing here? It isn't a good time. Rick:(blase) I'm here to see my son. Blake:(trying to keep her anger in tow) You aren't scheduled until tomorrow evening. Rick: Make an exception. Blake:(holding her ground) No! Rick:(getting snarky) After last night, I didn't think you would be in any shape to care for the kids today. Blake: I'm FINE. Now, if you would please just leave. Rick:(persistent, not about to let her win) Not until I see Kevin. Blake:(pissed) I'm closing the door now. I'll be out in one minute to deal with you. She slams the door, leaving him steaming on the other side. Ross has busied himself playing horsy with the boys, much to their delight. Blake: Ross, would you mind terribly watching them for a few more minutes? I have something I need to take care of. Ross; Sure, go ahead. (interested in this particular turn of events) After she walks out and closes the door, he picks up the boys and moves around the room for a clearer view. Blake looks furious, and he can tell= that Rick is ranting and raving. Blake: I can't take your constant pushing, Rick. You have to back off. Rick: Or what, Blake? (knowing she is just blowing air) Blake: Or, I really don't know, Rick. But you are scheduled for two weekly visits with Kevin. Showing up unannounced is disruptive. Rick; I see Ross is here. Blake: Yes, so? Rick:(trying a different tact to diffuse her anger) So, I'm sorry. I thought he would be gone by now. Blake: Whether Ross is here or not is beside the point. We have a schedule. Stick to it. And furthermore, don't ever presume to treat me like you did last night. Ordering me around? What the hell was that? I am not your wife, I am not your girlfriend and I am not your damned baby-sitter! You have no claim on me. So, back the hell off before this gets ugly. Rick:(shaking his head, furious) I don't need this, Blake. Blake: Good, neither do I. I will see you tomorrow night at the scheduled= time. Rick turns around and walks back to his car. He slams the door and squeals= out of the driveway. Blake walks calmly back into the house. Ross;(nonchalantly) Is everything ok? Blake:(noncommittal) For now. >From Here to There Part #8 written by: A editor in chief: Emily S Ross kisses Kevin and Jason good-bye and leaves. He gets in his car, and as he drives towards his apartment, he can't get the sound of her, the smell of her, or the breathtakingly beautiful look of her out of his mind. Not about to admit he is being petty, he none the less enjoyed the obvious conflict between her and the good doctor.=20 He mutters, "Served the bastard right."=20 Feeling inexplicably buoyed, he turns on the radio. As Anne Murray's voice croons across the airwaves, he adjusts the volume slightly. Through each lifetime runs rivers to cross. What if there is no life line and you're sinking or lost? Just believe in your direction; Let your heart explore. 'Cause you can't reach new horizons Standing on the shore. There are mountains we need to climb. But, the mountains standing in our way are only in our minds. And, the risk of going nowhere Is the greatest risk of all. So, listen to that voice that says, "I'll catch you if you fall." On the other side of doubt is faith. On the other side of pain lies strength. The journey may seem endless, And you know the road is rough. But, on the other side of fear... is love. On the other side of doubt is faith. On the other side of pain lies strength. The journey may seem endless, And you know the road is rough. But, on the other side of fear... is love. The thoughts that have invaded his consciousness make him angry. He turns= the radio off and mutters, "It isn't that easy!" ********************* After Ross drives off, Blake waits until he is out of sight before turning her attention back to her babies. Blake:(happily) What exactly did you two do to Daddy? Today was a very big step, boys. Remembering something, she goes to the desk drawer and yanks it open.= Feeling let down, she sees the letter is still there, unopened. Before slamming the drawer shut, something catches her attention. She picks up the envelope, looking at it intently. She chuckles. "Oh, you are good, Ross. Thought I wouldn't notice a little forgery? Ha!! Makes one wonder why you went to so much trouble. It certainly took you long enough, Counselor. After two months, I didn't think you would ever get around to reading this!" Jubilant, she joins the boys on the floor. "Boys, Operation 'Win Daddy Back' is now underway. Score one for the home team!" >From Here to There Part #9 written by: A editor in chief: Emily S A few weeks have passed since Ross and Blake have reached their new arrangement. It is a beautiful summer day, and Blake is walking the boys in= the park when she runs into Phillip. Blake: Hi. Phillip:(pleased to see her) Hi, yourself. It's been a while. (peering down= at his little cousins who are pulling each other's hair and howling) Hi guys! (to Blake) You're looking good. Blake: Thank you. I'm feeling great. Phillip: (stands up) Why do I have the sneaking suspicion that my uncle has something to do with this? She shrugs her shoulders. Phillip: I take it you are making progress? Blake: Let's just say we got over the first hurdle. The others will follow. Phillip:(admiration in his tone) You sound pretty sure. Blake: I have to. Life without him is no life for me or our boys. Phillip buys a chocolate ice-cream cone. "May I?" Blake: Oh, sure. If you can deal with the mess, be my guest. The boys love ice-cream. The messier, the better. Rick, on a break from the hospital, is wandering around the park when he= spies Blake, Phillip and the boys. He approaches. "You shouldn't be feeding them ice-cream like that. You know, Kevin is more susceptible to infections." Blake and Phillip look at each other and then at him. Blake: Hi, Rick. He has had it before, and it's fine. Rick:(condescending) I just think if Kevin is going to have ice-cream, he should have one of his own. He doesn't need to be subjected to Jason's germs. He isn't as strong. Blake:(unable to hide her ire) Newsflash, Doctor: If it goes in Jason's mouth, it somehow finds its way to Kevin's mouth. (stating the obvious) They're twins; they share. Rick:(never willing to concede defeat) Maybe you should separate them more. Blake: I've talked to their pediatrician, who assured me it would do more harm than good to separate the boys for the sake of a few shared germs. Rick: I think I'd like to talk to their pediatrician. Blake: Knock yourself out. You know where he works! Rick: I meant on your next scheduled appointment. Blake: (shooting him her vilest, "go to hell" look) Rick, I know how to care for *my* babies. She wheels off, without looking back. Phillip: Rick, you sure are walking on thin ice. Rick: What's your point, pal? Phillip: My point is, it isn't smart to push Blake. **************** Later that week finds Ross and Phillip having supper at Company. Ross is showing Phillip the latest pictures of the boys, and Phillip is proudly sharing his newest pictures of Lizzie. Ross: It has been far too long since we have done this. Phillip: It is enjoyable to pass the time with a man who is as wild about his sons as I am about my daughter. Ross:(getting to the heart of why Phillip asked him here out of the blue) What's going on at Spaulding? Phillip: Don't ask. The dastardly duo are on the rampage. Ross: Roger and Amanda? Phillip: Oh, yes. That's part of the reason I asked you here. I desperately need someone on my side. Ross: What about Alan? Phillip:(laughs bitterly) You are kidding. I only trust Alan to twist the knife once Roger plunges it into my back. Ross: Ah, Spaulding family unity. Phillip:(gets to the point) I'd like you to come back to Spaulding, as head legal counsel and my right hand man. (tries to gauge how receptive Ross is= to the idea) Ross sits back in his chair to contemplate the offer before him. Phillip's cell phone rings. Phillip: Hello, Phillip Spaulding. Blake: It's Blake. Phillip: What can I do for you, Blake? (Her name gets Ross's undivided attention.) Blake: Did you mean it before when you offered to help me out if I were ever in a bind? Phillip: Yes. What's up? Blake: Both of the boys have a bad case of the croup. I can't manage them both and the steam bath the doctor suggested. Phillip: No problem. I've done that. Help is on the way. Blake: Thanks. Phillip hangs up, putting his phone in his pocket. Phillip: Ross, I'm sorry I have to cut this short. Ross: (puzzled) Why? Phillip: That was Blake. Kevin and Jason each have a case of the croup, and she is running around a little frazzled. Ross:(sarcastically) And, she didn't call the good doctor? Phillip: Rick? Ross:(takes a drink) Who else? Phillip: I know you and Blake don't talk, but Rick is out of control. He is making her life hell. I told Blake if she ever needs an extra hand she could call me. Ross:(incensed) She could have called me. Phillip:(grins) Please. (admonishing him) Besides, I thought she could only reach you through Holly. Ross:(amazed, wondering the extent of Phillip's involvement) Why are you taking up for her? Phillip: Taking up for her, no... But, from where I'm sitting, her choices= were bad or worse. I gave her a third option. I really need to get going. Ross:(puts his hand out to restrain Phillip) Let me go. Knowing this is what Blake would want, Phillip nods in agreement. As Ross walks away, Phillip finds himself hoping Blake can pull it off. No two= people should be that miserable. >From Here to There Part #10 written by: A editor in chief: Emily S Blake is frazzled, trying to keep the boys calm in order to ease their coughs. As she is bending down to pick up a lost soother, she hears someone at the door; she yells. "Phillip, just come in. It's open." She rinses off the soother and carries Jason and Kevin back out to the living room. She is stunned to see Ross standing there. "Ross?" He is staring at her. She is wearing a pair of shorts that accentuate her great legs and a brightly coloured tank top that is drenched and clinging to her. Her hair is pulled off the nape of her neck, and curls are stuck haphazardly, encasing her face. Unbeknownst to her, she looks stunning. Repositioning the twins on her hips, she hands Jason to Ross. Both boys are naked but for their diapers. Ross blinks and takes his son. His physical reaction to her disturbs him. He hopes she didn't notice. He tousles Jason's matted hair and tosses his jacket on the sofa. Ross:(to Jason) Hey, champ. Your mom says you and your brother aren't doing so well. Blake:(relieved to have some help) What are you doing here? I was expecting someone else. Ross:(eyes wandering again) I know. I was with Phillip when you called. I told him I'd help you out. Blake:(nods) Oh. I gave them their medication, and the pediatrician said to keep them in the steam to soothe their coughs. I can't do it alone. The little monsters like to squirm too much. He grins, and, as the boys break into another fit of coughing, they head for the steam filled bathroom. As they pace around the room, it's filled with steam and an awkward silence. Blake: S'ok, baby. (patting Kevin's back) Ross, feeling hot and uncomfortable, gains a new appreciation for Blake's mothering skills. Ross: It never ends does it? Blake:(bouncing Kevin to keep him from fussing) What? Ross: Taking care of these two. (Makes a face at Jason that send him into peals of laughter followed by a fit of coughing) I guess you make it seem so easy that I forget what a monumental task it is. Blake:(wipes the water droplets off Kevin's head and hands the towel to Ross) Its hard, that's true. But, I wouldn't trade a minute of it. I love= our little guys. Ross: I know you do. An hour and a half have passed. The medication has taken affect. The boys are breathing easy and are lying quietly, curled together in their playpen. Blake:(rubbing her sore neck) I'll be right back. I think we dropped Jason's Pooh in the bathroom. He'll be wanting it before he goes to sleep. Exits to the bathroom, where she opens a window and finds the lost bear. he picks it up and hugs it, sinking to the cool floor exhausted and= relieved.=20 Moments later, wondering where she has got to, Ross goes looking for her. He stands in the doorway, alarmed to see her in tears. "Blake, is something wrong?" She turns around, quickly standing up. "No."=20 She wipes her face with a towel. Ross:(chiding) Come on, Blake, obviously something is wrong. It isn't like you to sit around crying.=20 He finds himself suddenly fighting the strong desire to go to her, to hold her, to wipe away the tears. Being openly vulnerable like this always was particularly difficult for him to resist. Blake:(brushes him off) I'm just tired. I'm also relieved... that the boys are ok. Ross:(admires her tenacity in caring for the children, tries to reassure her) I think they are both feeling much better. Blake: (biting her lips, warding off a fresh set of tears) I know. It's just that sometimes I get scared. You know. (Knowing that he can't really understand) Ross:(loses himself in the vulnerable look in her eyes) You're a good= mother, Blake. Blake:(wonders what he is thinking, wishing she could just fall into his arms, safe. Refusing to torture herself any longer) I'd better get Mr. Pooh to Jason. As she walks by Ross, she is stopped by a firm hand grasping her shoulder. Before she can react, his mouth covers hers. With his arm firmly around her waist, he holds her tightly to him. The intensity of their first physical contact is overpowering. Her arms circle his neck, clinging to him as she puts her soul into this kiss. For a brief second he pulls away, but, unable to face what he sees in her eyes, his lips seek hers again. His heart is pounding so hard he can't think. He kisses her deeply, leisurely, enjoying the heat of her lips on his as they probe vigorously. Her fervor only heightens his. As their breathing quickens, abruptly he pushes her away, furious at himself. Ross:(in a husky voice) This should never have happened. Blake:(pauses, catching her breath, before replying) You are absolutely right, Counselor. (in a warning tone) Please see that you keep your urges in check next time. He stands there, gapping after her, uncertain if he is more furious at himself or annoyed by her blatant turn-down. He feels like she just dosed his ego with a bucket of ice water. Head held high, she struts by him, thinking to herself.=20 "You got off easy this time, Mr. Marler. Next time I'm playing for keeps." Try an forget that =20 -Blake 04/01/97 >> >"Republicans understand the importance of bondage between mother and= child." >--Former U.S Vice-President Dan Quayle on Republican Family Values. >> >"Republicans understand the importance of bondage between mother and= child." >--Former U.S Vice-President Dan Quayle on Republican Family Values.