#robert bennett

[cokiemace]

Rue dancing with her dad (gif)

[pookiestheoneliveson]

Robert Bennett and Frank Cox

[sas-irl]

Legend alert

[dandylion240]

Sitting across the table from Casey Lynn smiled over at him “finally we have the house to ourselves.”

Casey put the newspaper down “it’s strange how quiet it is now that we have the place to ourselves.”

“I can think of something to make a little noise,” Lynn replied as she got up from her chair. Holding out her hand “we should take advantage of the time we have before Eddie comes home from school.”

Eyes brightening Casey took her hand as she led him to the bedroom. “I thought you wanted to wait until the wedding night.”

A mischievous grin spread across her face as she pulled her top over her head. “That was when I thought your family would still be here.” Approaching Casey she began to unbutton his shirt “besides we could use a little practice.”

Helping her remove his shirt he leaned in and kissed her, sucking lightly on her bottom lip. “I think you might be right,” Casey agreed “I’m a little out of practice.” He deepened the kiss as her hands wandered across his chest.

Laying in each other’s arms Casey felt content to never move again He nuzzled into her neck mumbling “I love you.”

Smiling Lynn ran her fingers through his hair “I love you too.”

They drifted off to sleep in each others arms. Casey awoke with a jerk at the sound of “dad?” his son asked above his head. Moaning Casey cracked on eye open to find Eddie standing above him looking concerned. “Daddy are you alright?”

“Yeah I’m fine,” Casey replied as he pulled the blankets around Lynn’s bare shoulders. “Do you need something?”

Shaking his head Eddie looked at his dad curiosity bright in his eyes “why are you and Lynn in bed? Are you sick or something?”

“No we’re fine,” Casey said sitting up, glancing at the time “did you just get home? Do you need help with your homework?” Casey asked hoping to distract Eddie’s attention to something else.

“Yes … no …” Eddie replied to his dad’s questions. he turned large eyes on his dad and asked “why don’t you have any clothes on?”

Dropping his head into his hands Casey groaned. This was definitely not the conversation he wanted to have with his five-year old son. He felt the bed start to shake as Lynn stuffed a hand over her mouth to keep from laughing out loud. “Son why don’t you go start your homework and I’ll come out in a little bit and we’ll talk, okay?”

Nodding Eddie walked towards the door, his eyes clearly showing the confusion he felt. Stopping at the door Eddie turned around asking “you’re sure you’re alright?”

“Positive,” Casey said confidently smiling at him as Eddie slowly closed the door behind him. Turning to Lynn “stop laughing this is so not funny.”

“Sorry,” Lynn said smiling up at him. “I guess we lost track of time.”

“Did we ever,” Casey leaned over and kissed her before jumping out of bed to dress. “What should I tell him we were doing?”

“I don’t know,” she said watching him dress “you’ll think of something.”

Walking out into the living room Casey found Eddie sitting on the couch staring out the window. “Hey buddie,” Casey said sitting beside him “what did you see when you walked into my bedroom?”

Shrugging Eddie mumbled “the blanket was down. Your arms were around Lynn. I didn’t see much honest. Just enough to know you weren’t wearing anything.”

Sighing Casey asked “what do you think we were doing?”

Eddie looked briefly up at his dad before turning back to gaze out the window. Shrugging “it’s what Frankie told me you’d be doing. You know all that mushy stuff, kissing and touching. Frankie said he’s seen his parents do it a lot.” Eddie’s face turned bright red before he hid his face in is hands.

Casey pulled his son close “I don’t think Frankie should be telling you stuff like that.” Casey wondered what else this Frankie kid was telling his son. But he couldn’t worry about that now. “Eddie it’s perfectly normal for adults who love each other to express their love in special ways …”

“Without their clothes on?” Eddie said interrupting his dad.

Chuckling a little “yes sometimes without clothes. It’s a special moment shared between two individuals who love each other.” Casey attempted explain.

“It’s sounds gross,” Eddie interrupted again.

“It might be to you,” Casey agreed “if you don’t want to see Lynn and I being yucky again knock before you come into our room, okay?”

“or keep my eyes closed,” Eddie said laughing.

“You could do that but knocking would be best,” Casey conceded. “Think you can remember to knock first before coming in?”

“Yeah I think I can,” Eddie smiled leaning into his dad “I love you.”

“Love you to son,” Casey smiled down at him.

“Son this is it,” William said turning towards Casey with a smile.

“Can’t wait,” Casey mumbled as he tried to fix his tie.

“Here let me do that,” William offered “are you nervous?”

“What do you think?” Casey laughed “I’ve been looking forward to this day and my stomach is twisting itself into knots.”

“It’s only natural,” William told him “there it’s perfect.” He stepped back to admire his work “don’t touch it.” William instructed as Casey reached up to inspect his work.

“Sorry I …” Casey bit his lip forcing his hands to his sides.

“Take a few deep breaths and relax,”William advised him.

Casey took his dad’s advise and tried to relax. The door opened to let Robert and Gene in and Casey couldn’t hide his smile. He was grateful to have both of his brothers here to share in his joy. It had been a close thing that neither one could have been there. Robert and his family had been in hiding until fairly recently and Gene almost died. It was hard to imagine that was all six months ago. “Have I told you how happy I am to have both of you here today,” Casey asked throwing an arm around each of them.”

“I do recall hearing something being said last night,” Robert teased.

“and” Gene continued “how he couldn’t make it through the day without us.” He smiled smugly at his brother.

“Oh I think I’d manage just fine without you,” Casey muttered “I’m just glad I don’t have too.”

Robert and Gene looked at each other “we love you too bro,” they said together.

Gene was about to add something when Shon stuck his head into the room “they’re almost ready.” Looking over at Casey he smiled “Case breathe this is the easy part. It’s the wedding night you have to worry about.”

Feeling his face flush Casey looked away “I think we have that part figured out.”

“Well,” Shon shrugged with a mischievous glint in his light blue eyes “I certainly hope so.”

As everyone started to file out of the room William took Gene by the arm and asked “how are you and Aimee doing?”

“We’re fine,” Gene said refusing to meet his dad’s eyes.

“It hasn’t improved in the intimacy department has it?” William asked concerned for his son. He could see the building frustration in him. With Gene that was never a good thing. “Have you talked to her about it?”

“I’ve tried,” Gene looked up at his dad “it’s still the same old brick wall.” Gene hung his head “I’m trying to be patient. To be understanding. It drives me crazy that she was with Wallace but she won’t let me touch her.” Leaning his back against the wall he looked around the room “she jumps whenever I talk to loud or flinches in reflex as if I’m going to hit her, which I’d never do. I hate what he did to her. I don’t blame her. It must have been hell living like that.” Sighing Gene pushed off against the wall “but I can’t live on eggshells, afraid I’ll do something to cause her to shrink into herself even further.” Taking a pace or two away he added “maybe the person I fell in love with doesn’t exist anymore.”

“Give her time,” William began but broke off as Gene stared coldly at him.

“I’m tired of waiting. It’s the same old song and dance. I deserve to have someone to love me. I can’t keep putting my life on hold until she figures things out.”

“Then tell her how you feel,” William told him. Putting an arm across Gene’s shoulders “I’ll support you with whatever you decide. If Aimee isn’t the girl for you I’ve no doubt someone else is. The last thing I want you or any of my kids to do is settle. But before you do anything you owe yourself and Aimee the truth. Sit down and discuss your feelings together. Don’t jump to conclusions.”

“I’m planning on doing that this weekend. Thanks dad.” Gene smiled before hugging his dad tight. “We better join the others so we can get Casey and Lynn married off.”

Today, tomorrow and for the rest of our lives I promise to stand beside you To dance with you in times of joy To lift you up in time of sadness To rejoice with you in times of health To comfort you in times of illness I promise to come to you for comfort, encouragement and inspiration I promise to love you every joyous day for the rest of our lives.

And this concludes their story. I'll be returning to posting the current gen's story soon. Just in case you're wondering many of the sims in the current story are direct descendants of William Bennett's and the sims featured in this story.

I know there are many story plots that were left hanging and were continued in other stories regarding the Bennetts. If you wanted to read them you can find them here:

Not so Ordinary Life - William is the founder and the very beginning of the Bennett's and Robert and his family were the main heirs.

Several of the spares were given their own stories.

Not So Peaceful Life - Continues the story of Evelyn and Shon

Not So Quiet Life - It began with Casey but it continues on from Eddie and currently with Eddie's grandkids.

Not So Reckless Life - Continues the story of Gene and Aimee

Previous

[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.

Previous/Next

[dandylion240]

Casey tried to control his nerves as he walked towards the door to the law office. He was thankful that his brother Robert was meeting him here, glancing around he smiled in relief seeing his brother walking towards him.

“You ready for this?” Robert asked giving him a reassuring smile patting him on the back.

Casey tried to return the smile but found he couldn’t. He was too nervous contemplating what the lawyer would tell him, shrugging “as ready as I’ll ever be.”

Entering the office, Casey extended his hand “Mr Greene I’m Casey Bennett.”

“And this is?” the lawyer waved at Robert.

“Oh this is my brother, Robert,” Casey said in introduction.

“Ah yes you’re the one I spoke with on the phone,” Mr Greene said extending his hand. “So how can I help you?” he asked sitting down.

“Well um …” suddenly tongue-tied Casey didn’t know what he wanted to say. Taking a deep breath, steadying his nerves he tried again “my fiance left my infant son alone with a note stating how she didn’t want to be a mother anymore. I was hoping you could help me ensure she doesn’t come back later and try to take my son away from me.”

“I take it your fiance is the biological mother of your son?” the lawyer asked.

“Yes if you call someone who leaves their baby alone for hours a mother, then yeah she is.”

“May I see the note?” the lawyer asked ignoring the belligerent attitude Casey displayed.

Reaching in his pocket, taking out a well-worn crumpled piece of paper and handed it to the lawyer. After a moment of silence while the lawyer read and reread it Mr. Greene looked up “do you mind if I have a copy made of this?”

“No make as many as you need,” Casey told him.

Coming back into the office the lawyer handed Casey a copy “we’ll need the original on file in case we need to go to court.” Sitting down Mr. Greene said “tell me about your relationship with your fiance. How you met, when you met, where … that sort of thing so I can see the full picture.”

This was the moment Casey dreaded. The moment he had to admit to being an idiot. His reluctance must hae shown on his face. “It’s alright son, I’m not here to judge you. But the more you tell me the better I can do my job.”

“Alright,” Casey sighed giving in “we met in college.”

“Was it an exclusive relationship?” Mr Greene prompted.

“Not at first. We each saw other people.” A small smile tugged at Casey’s lips as he recalled memories for his college days.

Mr Greene observed it “I can imagine, I was once that age and I remember my college days.” Breathing a little easier Casey relaxed, feeling more at ease. “When did the relationship become exclusive?”

“When Hannah told me she was pregnant,” running his hands through his hair “I told her I would take care of her and the baby.”

“Did you discuss alternatives to having the baby?”

“You mean abortion right?” Casey scowled at the thought “Hannah from the start wanted to terminate the pregnancy, even asking for money to get an abortion. I’m the one who wanted to have the baby. She only agreed when I asked her to marry me.”

“You never told me that,” Robert said shocked at the revelation.

“Why would I?” Casey dropped his head into his hands. “Why would I want to be reminded that I agreed to marry someone so that they wouldn’t kill my baby?”

“I think you dodged a bullet.” Both Casey and Robert jumped in surprise at those words. The lawyer smiled at them “I believe Hannah had ulterior motives to marrying you other than to have someone care for her unwanted child. It’s obvious that she thought your family had money and she thought she’d be able to cash in on it.” Raising his hand to forestall any objections he continued “I see it all the time. Your family has a certain notoriety around here and you can’t make a move without it being reported on in the news. You’re our very own celebrity family in these parts.”

“That doesn’t mean we have money,” Casey grumbled.

“True but many people cash in on this kind of fame all the time. I’m sure this young lady figured she could talk you into selling your story to the tabloids or a movie producer.”

“How did you know?” Casey asked bewildered.

Shrugging “I guessed,” Mr Greene leaned back from his desk. “I’ve been around and I’ve seen it all. Hannah fits the profile. When did you tell her no?”

“The night of our engagement party. She wanted to ask dad to agree to let me sell my story. It’s more his than mine and if he wanted everyone to know the whole story it would have to be his decision. He’s been under a lot of stress lately, I told her under no circumstances was she to approach the subject with him.”

Robert nodded agreeing with his brother, remembering the argument he had witnessed between Hannah and Casey that night. Casey continued “Hannah became unreasonably angry over it and said I was being unfair.”

“When was the party?”

“Last week,” Casey replied “I guess that was the beginning of the end.”

“Can’t argue with that,” Mr. Greene leaned forward “how did she treat your son?”

“Not well,” Casey swallowed hard as he remembered how she treated Edward, her son. “Not like a new mom would. She never picked him up, cuddled him or any of the things you would expect. It was almost like Eddie irritated her.”

“You suspected she was neglecting him while you were at work?”

Nodding Casey looked down at his feet “yes. I’d come home and he’d be screaming shut away in the bedroom, starving, wet and frantic.” Rubbing his eyes trying hard to remove the ugly images from his mind. “Hannah would be in the living room, ear buds in deaf to his cries.”

“Ok I’m beginning to get the picture,” Mr Greene smiled at Casey radiating confidence. “We’ll start proceedings and declare Hannah an unfit mother on grounds of neglect and child endangerment. Then we can proceed to declaring you sole custodian for your son.” Getting up he shook hands with Casey than Robert “cheer up, you’ve done the right thing by coming to me. Most of the time in cases like this the mother never comes back and if she does she’ll be facing jail time for her crimes.”

“Thank you Mr. Greene,” Casey said before leaving “you’ve set my mind at ease.”

Walking outside to his parked car Casey waved goodbye to Robert. Getting in the car he sat behind the wheel reviewing what was discussed in the lawyer’s office. It wasn’t what he’d expected but he was glad he listened to his brother and kept the appointment. Sighing as he backed out of his parking spot he couldn’t help but feel that Eddie was the one who lost in all of this. Because of Hannah’s selfishness Eddie was robbed of his mother. Part of Casey wished he could shield his son from ever knowing his mother had abandoned him.

Next

[whoisthis-lvrgrl]

also the scene of Rue speaking at her dads funeral WRECKED me