#robert bennett

[cokiemace]

Rue dancing with her dad (gif)

[airbornearchivesss]

𝐏𝐎𝐈𝐆𝐍𝐀𝐍𝐓 𝐁𝐋𝐔𝐄𝐒

(𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐧𝐞: 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐫)

𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐧

𝟔𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟏𝟗𝟒𝟒

The flying fortress jittered in the unforgiving night sky, it was supposed to be dark— yet the unmistakable flames of fire and shrapnel caught the moonlight, creating an image of what could almost be described as the sky on the 4th of July.

It’s quite beautiful. Edith thought, however the thoughts were soon knocked from her head as the plane she was boarded on jilted sharply, causing her to stumble into the soldier infront of her.

“Hey, watch it Anderson!” The man turned, giving her a hostile look.

Robert.

“Whatever.” Edith snarked back, that man always knew just how to get on her nerves, and to think she was supposed to trust him with her life- she scoffed to herself- she couldn’t trust him as far as she could throw him.

The girl’s frown was cut off quickly when she heard the shout of “One okay!”, she suddenly remembered where she was, her stomach began churning once again– the feeling of imminent doom circling her body.

Would she even make it out of the plane? Could she make it to the ground without being hit? Or would a German capture her as soon as she landed? surely then she would be tortured.

By the time Edith’s invasive thoughts had concluded, it was her turn to check Robert’s equipment.

“Six okay!” She yelled.

She felt Archie Cox tugging at her equipment from behind her, ensuring it was safe and ready— “Seven okay!”

I’m here to help people. The young girl thought, how can i help anyone if i’m waiting on my own demise?

Before Edith knew it, she was at the door, the only thing blocking her and the sky happened to be Robert. She had never been so thankful for him. She felt the vicious wind whipping her face, tinting her cheeks a deep red as the sensation stung her— the deafening roar of gun fire whacking from plane to plane began bursting her ear drums, the sounds getting closer and closer the more she thought about it.

Then, her blockage jumped, now it was just her facing the sky, except she wasn’t just facing the sky. Edith was facing her future. She would be jumping into her new life, something she wasn’t sure she was prepared for- but she had to do it.

And so she did, she jumped.

𝟏𝟐𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟏𝟗𝟒𝟒

It had been 4 gruelling months since Edith had been assigned to Fox Company, 4 months since she had started training that pushed her to her limits— however, she wouldn’t change it for a second.

She had to admit, although it was hard and testing (both physically and mentally), it also opened a door to a new opportunity for her. Edith knew she was incredibly privileged, as a woman, to even get a chance to be on the front lines along with her fellow paratroopers. She also knew many women would kill to get the same chance as her— so she didn’t take it for granted.

There were plenty of moments she enjoyed, but the ones she relished in most were the ones where they were all able to be young and forget the weight they carried on their shoulders. In a year’s time, each soldier would be changed forever, whether that be by death or trauma; but the nights that they forgot that were the best. When they would dance carelessly in the pubs of England, drinking as much as they could before the sun rose and duty called, those were the moments that mattered.

༄

“Hey Edie!” A voice hollered from behind her.

Edith halted her pencil on the page, turning her head to see who had called her.

“Oh, hey Archie,” she smiled as the soldier approached her, “you okay?”

“Yeah, just thought i’d come check up on ya’. Haven’t seen you around all day.” Archie told her.

Archie was the definition of sweet, he’d be the first to check up on someone if he noticed something was wrong, and he was always there for those that needed it. He would be a great leader one day, Edith thought as she scooted over for him to sit beside her.

“I’m okay, just thought i’d come relax by the good scenery for a while, hopefully catch something good to sketch.” She nodded at him, a smile painted on her soft lips.

“Mind if i take a look?” He asked politely.

“Sure!” Edie passed him the sketchbook without missing a beat, she knew he enjoyed it.

Archie had mentioned once that Edith’s sketches of nature reminded him of his wife back home, Lizzie he had said her name was. He mentioned once that she was an avid nature and art enjoyer too— when Archie had first shown Edith the photo of Lizzie, Edith immediately knew why the man’s wife reminded him of nature.

She had beautiful blonde hair, bright blue eyes and a smile to die for. Her pure spirit practically glowed- even through the off-coloured photo. Since the first time he mentioned Lizzie, Edith had been sketching photos of her surroundings for Archie to send home.

“Here, i drew this one for Lizzie, actually.” Edith said, taking back her sketchbook and flicking through it until she found the sketch she was looking for.

Her drawing was of a beautiful lake she had discovered in her free-time. A short dock sat in the shallow water, slightly rotted but a perfect example of nature. It had wild flowers curled around the wooden beams and ancient trees that surrounded it. The sun shone through the small gaps between tree branches, creating a perfect reflection of the still landscape.

Edith tore the paper out and handed it to Archie, the man taking it eagerly and scanning it.

“This is beautiful Edie! Lizzie’s gonna love it!” Archie chuckled lightly, happy with the sketch.

“I hope so.”

Edith’s legs buckled beneath her— she was tired, hungry and very lost.

She knew it had to have been at least 12 hours since she landed. The sky was clear and bright now, and there was no sign that war had brimmed the skies just hours earlier. The only issue Edith had, however, was that her rations had been lost while she fell through the sky rapidly— well that, and she was all alone.

I need to find someone, Edith thought. She wouldn’t last much longer on her own, especially with no food, water or company. The medic tried to find someone, anyone, but there was no luck— no sign that anyone had ever been where she was.

No sign of any life.

If Edith was being honest, she was scared. All she wanted right now was to be at home, gossiping about boys and doing her hair with her bestfriend, Ruth. Oh, how she missed Ruth, her bestfriend was just about the only one that understood her in this godforsaken world.

Her ankles ached as her knees began feeling heavy from carrying not just herself, but all of her equipment too— which began feeling like 1,000 pounds the longer she carried on.

As Edith stumbled further on, all that raced through her head was thoughts of her company, where were they? were they all dead?

Edith began losing more hope with each step she took. As the last of her faith was about to fall, it rose right back up.

The meeting point— or so she hoped.

It could be Krauts, popped into her mind before she had the chance to think of anything else, but what chance did she truly have? It was either die of starvation, or get captured by the Germans.

Neither of those choices exactly appealed to Edith, but she knew being captured was her best bet. The Germans would be make her a prisoner of war, yes, but she also knew they weren’t allowed to harm POW’s— and they would eventually send her back to the States.

Edith pondered for a quick second, or it could be the American’s. She thought, but she knew she couldn’t think for too long, or she would collapse.

So with that, she headed forward.

The closer she got, the more springy her steps were. She was feeling hopeful— and Edith’s hopefulness was validated when she heard the familiar accent of American’s.

“Oh thankyou God!” Edith shouted to the sky, a disbelieving laugh falling from her dry lips.

Edith ran like she never had before, the pain in her body being long forgotten as she rushed through the gates.

Her rapid eyes darted around the place, paratroopers were everywhere. Maybe her company was too.

“Hey, have any of you guys seen Fox?” She gasped at a pair of men that had walked past her.

“No… Sorry.” One of the men answered, staring in confusion at the woman stood before him. Edith knew what he was thinking, what the hell is a woman doing here? Not that she could blame him, that was usually every man’s reaction when they first saw her.

Edith sighed as she carried on, passing them swiftly. She needed to find her company.

Finally, she spotted Colonel Sink— a familiar aged face.

“Sir,” Edith saluted, out of breath, “Have you seen F company, sir?”

The Colonel looked down to a tattered piece of paper infront of him that had writing scattered all around it.

“Well, sorry Anderson, doesn’t look like anyone but you and Robert Bennett are accounted for from F company.” Sink offered a sympathetic look, “Why don’t you go join Easy? They’ll take care of ya’, and that’s where Bennett is too.” He finished, nodding toward the direction of Easy company.

“Thankyou, sir.” Edith nodded, walking in the direction he nodded.

Robert? While Edith didn’t like the man, she couldn’t deny she was a little happy to hear a familiar name, even if it was his. Her heart thudded slightly as she dwelled on what Colonel Sink had said, “no one in Fox company is accounted for.”

Surely at least a small group of them would’ve made it back by now.

A dull ache presented itself once more in Edith’s body as she trudged to find Easy. Her eyes scanned, looking for the face of Robert. Then she found him.

A breath of relief left her mouth.

“Bennett.” Edith said coldly as she approached him.

He was sat infront of a broken tree stump, and he looked just as rough as she did. He was surrounded by the men of Easy, most of them talking amongst themselves, but some of them sat silently, staring blankly ahead— thinking of what they had witnessed.

“Anderson.” Robert replied, clenching his teeth before a sarcastic smile slid onto his bloodied and mud covered face.

“Hey, who’s this Bennett?” A soldier nudged Robert, his face curious.

“Edith Anderson, our medic, unfortunately.” He introduced, mumbling his dig at the end.

“A girl, on the front lines? How the hell’d you manage that?” The man asked, not out of malice, but out of genuine wonder.

“Trust me, it wasn’t easy.” Edith scoffed.

“Yeah I bet, i’m Hoobler, Donald Hoobler. Nice to meet you!” The man greeted, moving forward to shake the woman’s hand.

“Edith, nice to meet you too— but please for the love of god, call me Edie.” Edith returned the handshake, smiling lightly, her and Hoobler were going to get along.

“Men!” An authoritative voice shouted, causing Edith to turn. She saw a red headed man, his face painted with black and green stripes, helmet tucked under his arm.

Each man from Easy turned their attention to the man.

“I need volunteers, we’re making an assault, taking some German artillery guns.” He shouted once again, making his voice clear to those around him.

While there weren’t many of Easy there, the ones that were put their hands up— eager to take some Germans down.

She felt a hand go up beside her, Robert.

Edith sighed, knowing she would volunteer— after all, she was a medic, and if a team was making an assault, they would no doubt need a medic.

Before she could raise her hand, the red head nodded and walked away into a broken shed building, no doubt to make a plan.

“Shit!” Edith cussed at herself, stepping back to chase the man down.

“Sir, Sir!” She called as she stumbled through the entrance of the shed.

The man turned, eyebrows raising slightly in surprise as his gaze fell on the female medic.

“I’m Edith Anderson, sir, F company.” She started.

“Lieutenant Winters, Easy Company.” He nodded, although one of his eyebrows remained quirked, silently asking her what she was wanting.

“Let me come on the assault, sir, i’m a medic— i can help.”

𝐀/𝐍: 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐮𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫! 𝐈 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐲 𝐚𝐬 𝐢𝐭’𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐰𝐞’𝐥𝐥 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫!

𝐢’𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐚𝐲 𝐚 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐰 𝐰𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 @rosiecheekswindswepthair 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬, 𝐢 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦!💕

(dividers from @uzmacchiato)

[dailyeuphoria]

My sister! That’s right. Your sister, yeah.

[joyexe]

bruce.wexler via instagram " Here’s a little downtime while filming last night’s episode. That performance from @zendaya - Totally incredible. Equally inspiring were @iamnikaking and @stormreid. My tv fam!!! And Sam’s vision….. wowwowwowwow!!! Get watching if you haven’t. @euphoria #euphoria #euphoriahbo @hbomax @hbo #ruesdad #ruesdaddy #ruebennett #zendaya #brucewexler "

[cptrs]

[jxpper]

rue bennett  +  her father’s red hoodie

[dandylion240]

Holding Lynn’s hand tight Casey tried to reign in his rising anger. Why should she be here? It was her fault his brother was fighting for his life. Why had Gene allowed himself to be manipulated into helping her? That woman should have gone to the police if she thought her daughter was in danger. He glared across the room at Amelia. He couldn’t understand how his father could be nice to her when she was the one responsible for what happened to Gene. The other individual responsible was out of sight, the only decent thing she’s done since she left Gene.

Leaning over Lynn pulled Casey close to her “Honey quit throwing daggers at that poor lady. Don’t you think she feels bad enough as it is?”

Shrugging Casey attempted to turn away unwilling to acknowledge her words. He wanted that woman to know she was responsible for what happened. Lynn held his face between her hands forcing him to look at her. “I’m sorry but if it weren’t for her my brother wouldn’t be here.”

“I know but that’s no reason to take it out on her. She couldn’t have known Wallace would have tried to kill her or that Gene would play the hero and step in front of her. You know Gene reacts first then thinks. It’s who he is. It’s what we love and hate about him.” Lynn gently rubbed her hands along the side of his face “you know I love you right?”

“Never doubted it for second,” Casey gave her a slight smile. “I hope that Gene is lucky enough to find someone who will love him back. He deserves to have what we have.”

“How do you know he hasn’t already found it?” she asked.

“If you’re referring to Aimee, forget about it,” Casey growled “I’ll personally pound some sense into Gene if he takes her back.”

“Don’t be like that,” Lynn chided “there’s a reason why he went to rescue her when Amelia asked him for help. He loves her ….” She pulled Casey closer when he tried to pull away. “I know you don’t want to hear that but it doesn’t make it any less true.”

Sighing heavily he nodded “if Aimee hadn’t left him the way she did. She nearly broke him. How do I forgive that? I thought she was the one. He was so happy. I’ve never seen him like that before. Then she goes and leaves him and we don’t even know why.” Looking at Lynn “all I want to do is protect my brother. I wasn’t there for him when we were kids. I didn’t understand what was going on then but now I can’t simply sit back and let him get hurt again.”

“Oh baby I know,” Lynn held him close feeling the pent-up sobs he held inside shaking his body. “Gene doesn’t hold the past against you and neither should you.” Holding his face between her hands she looked deep into his deep brown eyes “he loves you and he knows you love him. Never doubt that.”

“Bbbbut what if he doesn’t make it through this? I’ve already lost one sibling I don’t want to lose another.” Casey let the sobs take control as he let Lynn hold and comfort him.

“Robert” Michael shouted as he jumped up from where he was sitting beside Casey. In his haste he tripped over Casey’s feet and fell face first into the carpet. Chuckling a little Casey helped him up. “Thanks” Michael mumbled as he jumped into the arms of their older brother Robert.

Casey stood back content to watch Robert for a moment. There were four kids trailing behind him. He recognized the two oldest girls. He was shocked at how big they had gotten since the last time he had seen them. There were two others a boy and a girl and realized they were the reason why Robert disappeared to protect them. Fleetingly he wondered why Robert would have brought them along but answered his own question. Robert no doubt didn’t know anyone well enough to entrust his kids too, plus after the traumatic events of losing their mother it would have been difficult to leave the kids behind.

Casey waited until Michael was done talking to Robert before approaching him. “Rob ….” was all he was able to get before he was enveloped in a bear hug.

“It’s so good to see you,” Robert mumbled in his ear “I’ve missed you so much.”

“I missed you too,” Casey mumbled back “I wish we were reuniting under different circumstances.”

“So do I brother” Robert held him at arm’s length asking “how is he?”

Shaking his head “I don’t know. We haven’t heard anything other than they had the best neurosurgeon performing the surgery. Other than that nothing.”

Robert looked around at all the familiar faces. His gaze landed on Lynn and smiled “I knew she’d be good for you.”

“Who? Lynn?” Casey asked.

“Of course Lynn. Don’t you remember I helped interview the nanny’s for Eddie. I liked her the best. How is Eddie?”

“Growing like a weed,” nodding towards the kids standing behind Robert “like yours I see. I hardly recognized the girls.”

“Kids come and meet your Uncle Casey,” Robert waved his kids over introducing them “Jennifer, Diana, Amanda and Alexander.” The kids mumbled various things that sounded like greetings. They seemed a bit subdued and overwhelmed by their surroundings.

Casey stooped down and asked “would you like to see your cousins Jazzy and Steph?” They nodded their heads remembering the girls from when Gene had stayed with them while their father was in the hospital. “I can take you to them.”

Casey got up and took a step when Robert grabbed his arm “where are you taking them?” Worry clear in his voice.

“Not far. Aimee has been taking care of the girls in her room,” Casey explained.

“Ok that’ll be ok,” Robert mumbled. Casey walked away as Robert was practically attacked by their father in his excitement to see his son again.

Poking his head into Aimee’s room he announced “I have a few more kids for Aimee’s daycare.” He noticed how Aimee jumped at the sound of his voice. “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to scare you,” he apologized.

“It’s ok,” she mumbled in a flat tone.

Casey backed his way towards the door hesitating “I’m glad he didn’t hurt you too much Aimee.”

She raised her eyes towards . “thank you but you don’t have to worry about me,” she spoke so low it was difficult to hear.

“Well we’ll let you know when Gene is out of surgery,” he offered. He looked at Aimee unsure why he was reluctant to leave her alone. Something about her demeanor was crying out for reassurance.

“I’d appreciate that,” she said still in a flat listless tone.

Taking a step forward “you may not believe this but no one hates you. We’re upset with how you ended things with Gene. Gene deserved better. He loved you like I had never seen him love anyone else before….”

“Then why did he kiss that girl?” she asked standing facing him.

“What girl?” Casey asked confused “do you mean Tracee?”

“No not her,” she fumbled in her purse for the magazine she kept since it was delivered to her. She didn’t know why she kept it. It hurt so much to look at the picture of Gene kissing that girl. She handed it to Casey.

Taking the magazine Casey frowned remembering when this was taken. “You can’t believe everything written in this rag. This person ambushed Gene as he was leaving the hospital. They had known each other in high school. She was the one who started Gene on drugs. She forced herself on him just for the paparazzi to take the picture. She was paid well for the photo-op. Gene didn’t know anything about it. He was too busy trying to disentangle himself from her.” Casey threw the damaging picture into the trash can “she almost got her claws into him again that night. You broke him up so bad but he fought his demons and called me for help. Everything in that rag was made up lies.” Looking at Aimee he asked “is that why you got involved with that person?”

She nodded as tears flowed down her cheeks “I thought Gene had moved on. Didn’t love me anymore. By the time I figured out it wasn’t true it was too late. I wanted to tell him but Wallace he … he ….”

Casey moved and pulled her in close. Her tears soaked his shoulder. The kids looked at them with sad eyes until Jennifer asked “is she ok?”

Casey nodded “she’s upset about Uncle Gene. She’ll be ok in a minute,” he reassured them.

Previous/Next

[dandylion240]

The following month was spent with Robert and Patricia screening prospective nannies. They provided Casey with the ones they felt would be the best candidates for the job. Lynn a young woman with a flair for the dramatics and a gift for music. Eleanor a graduate student from business law looking to pay off her student loans. The final candidate was Pamela who had a winning smile and happy disposition. Patricia liked her best feeling she would be a good fit for Casey and Eddie. Robert on the other hand had reservations about her sincerity. She was a little too smooth and nice, he had the impression she was hiding something.

Casey reviewed the candidate qualifications and read the comments that Robert included from their interviews. He decided that the only way he was going to be able to decide which nanny would be the best fit for him and Eddie was to give each of them a trial run. Each would have one week, living in his house so that he could observe how they interacted with his son and for him to see if he could tolerate them living in his house.

The first one was Pamela, she arrived Monday morning with a brilliant smile and ready laugh that sounded like music. Casey couldn’t help but be drawn to her upbeat personality. She had been there for four days and Casey thought about cancelling the other two candidates. He enjoyed coming home evenings to the sound of his son laughing as Pamela lavished Eddie with attention. Smiling Casey went to change clothes.

Upon entering his bedroom, Casey had the uneasy feeling that someone had been through his things. He couldn’t place his finger on why, nothing looked out-of-place, just a little rumpled. Opening his dresser drawer his normally meticulously folded clothes were wrinkled as if they had been moved and put back. He didn’t have much and what little he had was in the bank, except for his rainy day fund. He had been saving, setting a little aside from every paycheck for Eddie’s birthday. Kneeling he pulled out the bottom drawer, it too looked rumpled and out-of-place. Taking out the small tin, pulling off the lid. Empty! Just the other day he had over five hundred dollars in it.

“Pam we need to talk,” he said upon entering Eddies room.

Looking up Pamela smiled nodding, she picked up Eddie placing him in his playpen. She followed Casey out into the living room “what’s up?” she asked sweetly.

Grimly Casey held out the empty tin “did you take it?”

Staring at the tin then back at Casey she shook her head.

“Don’t lie to me,” Casey said through clenched teeth “I know someone’s been through my things. You’re the only person I know whose had the opportunity to do it.”

“It wasn’t me,” Pamela crossed her arms daring him to contradict her.

“If not you, then who did you let into my house?” Casey asked refusing to back down. “I’m not stupid so don’t treat me like I am.”

With a smirk she came up to him “no you’re just an easy mark. If I had wanted to, I could have emptied this entire house. Instead I took your measly five hundred dollars.”

“I want it back,” Casey insisted.

“You’re dreaming,” she replied.

Balling his hand into fists Casey knew he’d never see his money again. “You’re done,” Casey told her. “I want you out of my house tonight.”

“But …. but I don’t have anyplace to go,” she sputtered her beautiful blue eyes misting up.

“You should have thought of that before you stole from me,” Casey said unmoved by her tears.

“You can’t just throw me out,” she protested.

“Again how is that my problem,” he shot back at her.

“What about Eddie? Who’ll watch him if you send me packing,” she smiled thinking she had him over a barrel.

Wanting nothing more than to wipe that irritating smile from her face he pulled his phone out. “Hey Rob, how’s it going?…. Good ….. Hey I need a favor. The nanny isn’t working out and I’m in need of a babysitter for the rest of the week ….. That’s great, thank you …. The next nanny starts on Monday … I’ll talk to you later …. ok good night.”

Smiling back at her “as you probably already heard Eddie’s taken care of. Now get out!”

Early Monday morning the new nanny arrived, smiling at Casey as he opened the door. “Hi I’m Eleanor,” she held out her hand.

Taking her hand Casey liked what he saw so far “come in Ms….”

“Just call me Eleanor,” she suggested walking past him.

“Ok,” Casey agreed a little put off by her informal ways. Frowning as he watched her inspect the room she was in. Not one word or question about his son had Casey wondering why she was there.

Completing her circuit around the room she pointed towards the easel “do you paint?”

Shrugging Casey said “yes” to her question.

“Oh these are lovely,” she said looking at the many paintings spread throughout the room. “Did you paint them?”

“Yes,” Casey crossed his arms as his irritation grew at her many questions. “Aren’t you the tiniest bit interested in knowing anything about my son? You know the one you’ll be watching.”

“Oh we have all day to get to know each other,” waving his question away. “You’re really good, have you thought about getting a manager and setting up an exhibit?”

“No,” Casey shook he head “look you’re here to care for my son, not to be my manager. Don’t you think you should be asking me relevant questions about Eddie’s care instead of my artwork?”

“What else do I need to know? I’ve read his file, he doesn’t have allergies, disabilities or illnesses. He’s a kid, what else is there to know?”

“Spoken like someone who doesn’t have kids,” Casey mumbled. Glancing at his watch “damn I’m going to be late.” Looking at Eleanor he wasn’t sure he wanted to leave his son in her care.

Smiling sweetly at him “go don’t worry about Edwin, he’ll be just fine.”

Letting himself be pushed out his own door, Casey stood outside rubbing his neck. Sighing he went to the car and pulled out his phone “Rob would you mind checking on Eddie throughout the day? …. No I don’t like the new nanny …. She’s more concerned about my lack of a manager then Eddie’s welfare …. She didn’t even know his name, called him Edwin …. Thanks Rob I owe you one.”

Coming home that night, it was unusually quiet. He’d gotten so used to coming home and hearing his son’s laughter that worry creased his forehead as  unpleasant memories of the past came to mind.  Eleanor jumped up from the couch as he entered the room.

“Oh good you’re home,” she clapped her hands “I’ve made a few inquiries …”

“Where’s Eddie?” Casey asked cutting her off.

“Taking a nap,” she said “now as I was saying…..”

“He shouldn’t be sleeping now,” Casey walked into his son’s room. “He’ll never sleep tonight.” Turning on the light, Eddie popped up from his crib “daddy home.” He lifted his little arms up to Casey.

Cuddling his son Casey felt the unmistakable dampness in his son’s diaper.

“How long has he been in this wet diaper?”

“How should I know when he wet himself?” Eleanor shrugged. “He wasn’t wet when I put him down.”

“and when was that?” Casey asked feeling his anger rise as he changed his son’s diaper observing the unmistakable evidence of a rash beginning from a dirty diaper that had been on too long.

Shrugging “I don’t know maybe an hour or two. I was busy and he was fussy so I put him down for a nap.” Making a face as the smell from the soiled diaper reached her nose, “besides I was working for your best interests in setting up an art exhibit at the gallery. I know what I’m doing, that is what I went to school for ….”

“I don’t need an exhibit or manager,” Casey said snuggling Eddie to him. “What I need is a good nanny to take care of the best interests of my son.”

“You’ve got it all wrong. You’re an amazing artist, you just need the right person to be your manager. I can be …..”

“You don’t get it do you?” Casey said his tone low and steady, his anger bubbling under the surface. “What if I don’t want to be famous?”

“Of course you do, everybody does,” she looked at him like he had grown a second head.

Scowling at her “I already have notoriety, I don’t want or need to be famous. I like what I do. I enjoy being an art critic. Painting is my hobby not my life.”

“But it could be so much more,” she said enthusiastically only hearing what she wanted to hear. Her eyes sparkling as she continued to try to persuade him to her way of thinking “Just one exhibit that’s all I ask and you’ll see how good you really are.”

“Weren’t you listening?” Casey asked his voice harsher than he expected. Eddie looked up at him in surprise beginning to whimper “Shhh it’s ok little man, Daddy’s not upset with you,” he comforted his son hugging him close.

“I don’t understand,” she said voice quivering on the verge of crying. “I only wanted to help.”

“You could have helped by doing your job and taking care of my son,” Casey sighed “look I’ll do the exhibit but this,” waving his hand “isn’t going to work. I need someone I can rely on to look after my son. I need someone I’m confident will have his best interests first not have their own agenda. I’m sorry.”

“I could stay until the end of the week,” she offered “I promise this won’t happen again.”

“I appreciate the offer but no I’ll make other arrangements.” Casey watched as she walked dejected into her room to pack.

Tossing Eddie into the air he wondered if he’d ever find the right nanny to watch his son. “Two down one to go,” he said out loud “What do you think little man, will the next nanny be a keeper?” Eddie giggled nodding his head “I hope you’re right.”

The last Nanny was due to arrive any minute and Casey could feel his anxiety sky rocketing. Would this one be the right fit for him and Eddie? He reviewed the comments Robert had written down for him. He noticed that this one was Robert’s first choice. Maybe he should have started with her instead of wasting his time with the other two.

A soft knock on the door jolted him out of his thoughts as he went to answer it. A young woman with bright red hair stood in front of him. Looking up she smiled holding out her hand “Hi I’m Lynn Matthews and you must be Mr. Bennett.”

He smiled as he took her hand, noting she was friendly and confident. “Please come in Ms. Matthews,” he stood aside to let her pass, closing the door behind them.

Turning Lynn smiled again “you mentioned in your son’s profile that he doesn’t have any allergies but I was wondering if there are any foods he doesn’t like. You know like beets, I hate beets and won’t eat them, no matter how they’re disguised.”

Chuckling a little “my son’s not a picky eater but thank you for asking.” Casey found himself drawn to this young woman and her obvious interest in getting to know his son by asking thought out questions.

“I love children and I helped my mom run a daycare in our basement when I was growing up.” She glanced around the room and Casey braced himself for the next question to be about his artwork. “You have a lovely home Mr. Bennett. Do you mind if we sit?”

Surprised that she hadn’t mentioned his artwork and a little embarrassed that he hadn’t invited her to sit, he motioned towards the sitting area “please sit make yourself at home.”

“Thank you,” she said after settling done on the couch and waiting for Casey to sit. “You mentioned that your son doesn’t have any illnesses but if he were to become ill and I have to take him to the doctor, are there any medications he’s allergic to?”

“None that I’m aware of,” Casey replied. They spent the next several minutes discussing Eddie and what he expected from her as his nanny. “Basically Ms. Matthews I want someone who will take an interest in my son and give him the attention he needs while I’m gone. At night, when I’m home I expect to care for my son myself and you are free to pursue whatever interests you have. I understand you’re into music?”

“Yes, eventually I hope to make a name for myself in the music business.”

“I hope you reach your goal,” Casey told her getting up from the chair. “I’m sorry I have to be leaving for work now. Do you have any other questions before I go?”

Smiling as she stood “yes does your son prefer being called Edward or Eddie?”

Shrugging Casey laughed “I don’t know if he has a preference yet. He answers to both.” After walking towards the door he added “just don’t call him Edwin.”

“Why would I do that?” She laughed confused.

Shaking his head Casey sighed “the last nanny kept calling him Edwin and didn’t seem to notice there was a difference.”

Laughing harder Lynn snorted “I bet I know who that was, Eleanor right? She probably was more interested in you and managing your artwork than in watching Eddie.”

“Do you know her?” Casey asked.

“You could say that,” Lynn smiled at him “she was my room-mate. When she found out I was a musician she offered to be my manager. When I refused she took offense and moved out.”

Chuckling a little Casey said “I could see her doing that.” Glancing at his watch he knew he had to leave or he’d be late for the third Monday in a row. He enjoyed talking with Lynn and how she was able to be herself. How many girls would snort while laughing? In a way he found it endearing and totally not what he would have found attractive a couple of years ago while he was in college. He had a tendency to go for the more sophisticated ladies but his luck with that left him with a son and an ex-fiance. Shaking his head he was about to close the door when Lynn’s voice stopped him.

“Mr. Bennett?” Lynn called “how do I reach you if something comes up and I have to reach you?”

Coming back inside he wrote his contact information down for her than ran out of the house. He arrived at his desk without a minute to spare but at least he wasn’t late. Sitting down he realized that this was the first time he’d come to work without the familiar worry of leaving his son. He was confident that Eddie was in good hands.

A weight was lifted from his shoulders and he sighed in relief. He got through work with a bounce in his step and a smile on his face and a mind preoccupied with a pair of pretty green eyes. Shaking his head he tried to concentrate on appraising the artwork in front of him and not on his son’s new nanny. A smile crept across his face as his mind once again drifted off.

Coming into the house he heard the unmistakable sound of his son giggling in his room. Walking to his son’s door he watched as Lynn tickled his son sending Eddie into fits of giggles. Eddie looked up and squealed “Daddy’s home.” He lifted his little arms out towards him. Lynn seeing Casey standing in the doorway walked over to him.

Taking Eddie from her, Casey snuggled him close. “So how was your day?”

“Lynn fun. She play with me,” Eddie said with a brilliant smile on his face. “Like Lynn.”

“Do you think she should stay?” Casey asked him. Nodding his head enthusiastically Eddie squealed in delight as Casey tossed him in the air. It felt good to come home from a long day at work and be able to enjoy time with his son.

After feeding Eddie his supper and settling him in his playpen Casey joined Lynn in the living room. Lynn was softly playing a guitar, the melody soft and soothing. Something Casey hadn’t heard before, tearing his eyes away, Casey went to his easel and began to paint. Inspired by the music he was listening to and the easing of the anxiety he had been carrying around with him. He had no awareness of the passage of time until Lynn asked from behind him “would you like something to eat?”

Shaking his head he tried to bring his mind back to the present but all he could do was stare dumbly at her. “I’m sorry what did you say?” he managed.

Laughing softly “I’m not much of a cook but I made a salad. There’s enough if you’d like some.”

“Um thank you,” Casey said as he began the tedious task of cleaning his brushes and putting his paints away so they wouldn’t dry out. Sitting down Casey asked “that song you were playing earlier, did you write it?”

Nodding Lynn looked down at her plate “I wrote it after my mom passed away.”

“I’m sorry,” Casey mumbled. “I didn’t know.”

“It’s ok,” Lynn told him. “She always encouraged me to go after my dreams. Without her support I doubt I would be here today.”

“Sounds like an interesting story,” Casey said smiling to encourage her to continue talking.

“Not when it’s your story. You see when I was younger I went through a rebellious period in my teens. I felt like I was going to self destruct. You know drinking and wild parties, stuff like that. I put my parents through hell but I eventually turned my life around.”

Listening Casey couldn’t help but think of his younger brother, Gene. Maybe he should have been a little more supportive instead of brushing him off, thinking his dreams were foolish. Tuning back into Lynn’s voice he heard her say.

“When my mom got sick I told her about my dream of being a musician. I remember telling her I wasn’t sure if I was strong enough to resist the temptations of the lifestyle. That maybe I should just listen to all the doubters and give up before I even tried.” Looking up with tears in her green eyes she asked “do you know what she told me?”

Shaking his Casey wished there was something he could say to comfort her.

“She told me to never quit just because it’d be easier than facing my fears.” She smiled wiping tears from her eyes. “She told me I was stronger than I gave myself credit for.”

Reaching across the table Casey took her hand in his “your mother was right.” Squeezing her hand, Casey promised himself that he would be more understanding and supportive of Gene in the future. He wondered if it was too late to tune into Sim Idol and see how Gene was faring on the show.

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