Author Anon

“Amanda, we need to have a talk,” says Michael.

Amanda sits down.

“We’ve only skimmed over this topic several times, but now we have to talk it out,” continues Michael. “There’s to be a hearing on Lucas’s custody.”

Amanda is silent.

“As you know, he was given my name when Stephanie declared that he was my child. Of course, she left no will, so the court assumes I will take responsibility. However, a complaint was already lodged and I wanted to contest the paternity. Although David has already admitted to being the father, legally, we will need a blood test to confirm.”

“And will he?”

“I don’t know. I guess if it’s a court-mandated order he can’t really deny them.”

“So, what do you want from me?” asks Amanda.

Michael sighs, then gets up and paces the room. “I’d like to know your opinion of all this.”

“As I’ve said before, I doubt David will be much of a father. Of course, that’s for him to decide. But if he gives up his rights, I think someone needs to stand up before the courts take him into foster care.”

“Would you consider it?” asks Michael.

“I don’t know,” says Amanda.

Michael looks at her, surprised. “I thought you were pretty attached to him.”

“I am,” says Amanda. “But that doesn’t mean I feel I can be his mother.”

“Why not?”

“I’ve still got residency to complete. Then a new job. I don’t know if I’m ready to have a family. Why? Did you think I wanted to adopt Lucas?”

“I thought you might.”

“Are you still wondering if I’d consider marrying David to adopt Lucas?”

“No. I was wondering if you’d marry me and adopt Lucas.”

Now, it’s Amanda’s turn to be surprised. She smiles. “First of all, you haven’t proposed. Secondly, if I do agree to marry you, it would not be for Lucas. Thirdly, only after we’ve agreed to marry can we discuss the possibility of adopting Lucas. I know how you feel about Lucas and I don’t want you to feel coerced into adopting him just for me.”

Relieved, Michael pulls her to him. “I love you, Amanda. Forgive me for being selfish, but I don’t want to share you with anyone right now.”

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“He hasn’t left that place in twenty-four hours,” says Nicholas. “Do you suppose there’s another way out that we don’t know about?”

“Not in a dump like that,” says Gavin. “But anything’s possible. Everyone we’ve seen, though, has come and gone through that door.”

“What about a disguise?” asks Nicholas.

“Hmmm. I don’t want to think about that possibility,” says Gavin. “That’s how he got away from me once before.”

“Do you remember what it was?”

“I didn’t even know he was in disguise until after the fact.”

“Well, then, we’ll have to consider that a possibility. How will we recognize him?”

“Wait,” says Gavin, looking through binoculars. “That old man going through the trash. I’ve seen him somewhere before. What do you think?”

Nicholas takes the binoculars. “I’ve never seen him before. Might be, he just looks like every other homeless guy out there.”

Gavin opens the window and calls out, “Balloo!” The old man turns around and looks up. Seeing binoculars fixed on him, he runs away.

“That’s him!” cries Nicholas. “That’s Black. I’d know those eyes anywhere.”

“We’d better hurry,” says Gavin, racing for the stairs.

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“Why are you selling?” asks Mark.

“I’d like to retire,” says Jim Gagne. “It’s been a good business, but I don’t want to worry about it anymore. I’d like to stay up late and sleep in. I had help, of course, but I did the managing.”

“A lot of loyal customers?” asks Mark.

“Oh, yes. We have college kids as well as the downtown office workers. We suffer later in the evenings, when people would rather go to Happy Hour next door.”

“You never tried to fight the competition?”

“I was too old by the time they came along. Perhaps, you’d like the challenge.”

“Perhaps,” says Mark.

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“Oooh, I love the colors,” says Carrie.

“And I love all these glittery sequins,” says Leslie. “We’ll need to order some jewelry accessories as well.”

“Oh, I can’t wait to open our shop!” says Carrie.

“It won’t be long, now.”

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Melanie is brushing her hair, preparatory for bed. As she watches herself in the mirror, she sees a figure gliding by.

“So, you think you can sit in my chair and sleep in my bed,” says the figure.

Melanie turns around, gasping. She sees no one. Running to the door, she almost collides into William as he enters.

“Whoa,” he calls. “What’s wrong?”

“Did you see anyone leave?” asks Melanie.

“No. Should I have?” asks William.

“Someone was here.”

“Who?”

“Julia.”

“Julia? What are you talking about?”

“I saw Julia. Or someone dressed up like her.”

William looks at her, questioningly.

“I’m not crazy,” Melanie says. “I saw her.”

“I think you’re a little overworked. Maybe you should take a rest tomorrow.”

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Filed under: All That Glitters