~~Their Destiny~~

[Mrs. Angela Hubbard]

Angie was upstairs trying to finish up some work. Just as she was getting close to finishing her very important journal the doorbell rung. Looking up, her hair fell back and she sighed. “This better be important.” she scolded getting up going down to the front door. “Yes.” she said opening the door.

“Hey baby… I hope I’m not bothering. If you‘re busy I can come back.” Opal said with a shy smile.

Angie slipped a curl behind her ear and smiled. “No… We are never to busy for you come on in.” Angie said stepping to the side and letting her in.

“I won’t be long I just wanted to see my adorable grandbabies.” Opal exclaimed clapping her hands once.

“Well Kathy is still at school and Melissa is with Thaddeus. Just me.”

Opal kissed Angie’s cheek and walked through the foyer. She went into the living room and took a seat on the sofa. “So how is everybody doing?”

“Fine… Tad and Melissa have been out everyday this week and Kathy… Well she’s just a joy to be around. Doesn’t know when to sit still.” Angie teased as she sat beside her and turned to her.

“Am I bothering… Really?”

“No… I was just upstairs going through stuff.” Angie replied seeing something was on her mind. “What’s wrong? Is everything alright?” she asked very concerned about her mother in law.

Opal took her hands and held them. “I have this feeling something bad is going to happen. I don’t know what it is or when it’s going to happen but I can feel it. It’s like something’s going to change this family for good.”

Angie looked at her. She already knew sometimes her mother-in-law got a little into the cards but still she never doubted her. “Opal everything is fine. Me and Thaddeus are happy. Kathy is having a ball and Melissa… Well she’s being the little bundle of joy we always wanted.” Angie expressed wondering where she was coming from. Just as she was about to speak more on it the alarm chimed letting them know somebody entered the back door. Turning around her baby came running/walking in the living room. “Hey baby!” Angie exclaimed leaning over to pick her up.

“Hey to you too.” Tad said coming in and kissing the top of her head.

“Actually I was talking to the baby… But I guess since you already answered you don’t get a hello kiss.” she teased.

“Oh I’m getting my hello kiss.” Tad leaned back down and gave her a kiss. He then walked over to his mother and pulled her into a hug. “Hey momma… What brings you over?”

“Oh there is a law saying I can’t visit?” Opal kissed his cheek and reached for Melissa. “Hey little one… Oh look at ya! Ya look tired, what has that ole daddy of your’s did to ya.”

Tad looked at her and smiled. “I didn’t do anything. We just went to the park, took her to toys r us and just a father, daughter day. Is that so wrong?”

“Only when you tire the poor child out. Listen I’m going to go lie her down.” Opal stood up. “Come on little one. You got to get your beauty sleep.” Opal walked out the room and went up stairs.

“Now where were we?” Tad asked moving closer and pulling her into his arms.

“Well my dear I believe we were right here.” Angie teased going in for the kiss. Only to be stopped when the front door opened and slammed. They looked over and saw Kathy standing in the door. “How did you get home? School doesn’t let out for another two hours.” Angie said standing up and straightening out her shirt.

“Somebody came and got me early.” she said looking at somebody standing by her that Angie and Tad couldn’t see.

“Who?” Angie asked walking closer.

Kathy smiled and held her hand up. “Stay there!” she ordered. Tad was now standing behind Angie just as curious. Opal saw the person before they had a chance to come out. “Oh my lord!!!” she said covering her mouth.

“What!” Angie and Tad said as they ran to the doorway and saw him. “Frankie!!!” Angie squealed going into his arms and holding him close.

Tad smiled and just knew she was loving it. He knew Frankie was coming home, but he didn’t know he was going to get Kathy first. Stepping up, Frankie and Tad shared a hug as well as Opal and Frankie. “It’s so good to have you home son.” Opal said rubbing his back.

“Now you didn’t go down there and changed up on us. Did ya? You still the same Franklin?”

“Yes Ma’am… In the flesh.” Frankie took off his service hat and looked at his mother who was in tears. “I’m home.”

Angie’s mouth was covered as she cried and went back into his arms. “My baby!” she squealed again. “Oh my god… I’ve missed you.” Angie held him close making sure he was aware just how much she scared him. Frankie held her and when she let him go they walked into the living room.

“Frankie!!! You have to meet somebody.”

“Who?” he asked sitting by his mother.

“Daddy where is me-me?”

“She’s upstairs taking a nap.” Tad said rubbing his daughters shoulders.

“Me-me?”

Angie smiled. “Right… Me and Tad… Well we sort of had a baby.”

Frankie looked wide-eyed not believing his ears. “Baby… Now come again.”

“You heard her… We had another baby.” Tad said sternly before they all started laughing.

“Ma I thought…”

“We all thought the same thing… Until… Well long story short… Until I was four months along. No symptoms, just the weight gain. And thanks to your father over there made me go to the doctor.”

“Yea he called her fat!” Kathy teased going over to sit on her brother’s lap. Opal stood by Tad rubbing her hands. Something was coming. But what, she didn’t know. But she did know when it come it was going to come strong.

[tadndix]

Good Start!

[Mrs. Angela Hubbard]

Thanks... Had to start somewhere.

[tadndix]

Tad was watching his wife smile when he noticed his mother looking off. He took her hand and looked to his family. “We’ll be back.” he said.

“Hurry back babe… I think this deserves a family outing.” Angie smiled as she showed Frankie a picture of his sister.

“Will do.” Tad and Opal walked out and went into the kitchen. “Momma what’s wrong?”

“Nothing honey. Why does anything have to be wrong. You think just because I look like something is wrong. Something is wrong.” She rambled.

Tad struggled to keep up with her. He grabbed her shoulders and looked at her. “Momma you rambling like this let’s me know something is wrong.” he pointed out.

Opal sighed and looked at her son. “I don’t know… it’s just something about the weather. I feel like something bad is going to happen. Well I’m not sure if it’s really bad but I feel something is going to happen to this family.”

“Momma nothing is going to happen.” Tad took her back to the living room and they stood in the doorway. “See Angie has her son, I have my daughter, we both have each other and most of all Melissa. Momma everything is fine.” Tad said hoping she understood.

“Your.. You’re right. I’m just freaking out a little. Maybe I should go home and get some rest.”

Angie heard this and got up. “Kathy honey, take your brother upstairs and let him meet Me-me.”

“Yes ma’am.” Kathy took Frankie’s hand and they ran upstairs. Angie made sure they were gone before walking over.

“You’re not going with us?” she asked wrapping her arm around Tad’s waist.

“No.. I’m feeling a little under the weather. Need to get home and let the old coot take care of me.”

“Momma Angie’s a doctor she could check you out.” Tad said looking down at Angie who nodded in agreement.

“Yea it won’t take but a minute.”

“Uh.. No I just need a hot bath and a warm bed. Tell Frankie I’m sorry I couldn’t join you all. But listen I promise to make it up.” Opal kissed Tad’s and Angie’s cheek before getting her purse.

Angie looked at Tad. “I’ll walk her out.” Tad whispered giving her a kiss and walking to the door with his mother. They walked out onto the porch and he helped her down. “Momma are you sure you’re ok.”

“Yea honey I’m fine.. Just. Just love your family. You never know when something might come in and take over.” Opal warned kissing his cheek again and getting in her car.

Tad watched her pull out and went back on the porch. What she was talking about he would never know. He loved his family more than he knew and he was sure nothing would change that. He and Angie been married for almost two years, had a one year old baby girl and Kathy their little busy body. What more or less could he ask for. Figuring some ready would do some good for his momma he went back in the house and looked around for Angie.

“Angela!” he called going into the kitchen. “Hey you.”

“Hey honey… Are you sure she’s ok?”

“Yea honey she’ll be fine. Let’s just give her some time. Meanwhile let’s go get ready for the family outing. I think we both could use a shower.. Together.”

“Whoo. You are in my head.” Angie smiled as she walked over to him. Tad wrapped his arms around her waist and leaned down to kiss her.

“You have a very naughty head.” Tad and Angie went upstairs to get ready while Frankie and the girls got reacquainted.

[Dix C. Martin]

After Opal got back to her place, rather then hitting the tub and then bed, she went to the living room and pulled out her tarot cards, her Ouija board, as well as her sentimental but not too functional crystal ball for inspiration. There was something in the air and she had to figure out what.

While she knew it would create a stir, it wasn't all that unwelcome a presence. In fact it seemed very familiar. Tuning into every one of her finely honed senses, she decided her best bet would be the Ouija board. It wasn't her tool of choice but it did the best work when it came to presences and identities.
Something she knew was needed in this particular case, at the very least it would give her some type of clue.
"What in tarnation.,"
Opal choked out in confusion when she saw the cryptic result.
"In the stars..."

*************************
"God, never thought I'd have to go without it again."
The petite blond thought on the verge of tears, reaching for her nonexistent star pendant that yet again was off her neck.
All the while trying to keep hidden in the shadows and slip away from this hellhole of a backwoods clinic, where she'd been comatose for two years, and held hostage for two weeks after she'd woken up but unfortunately, was still cut off from the world by some menacing meddling staff.
All thanks to the man who'd given her her life back with his miracle antidote, but was bent on keeping her from living, at least the way she wanted. Leaving her no choice but to cut and run in the dead of night and pray David Hayward gave up on her entirely.

Much to her relief, she wasn't in some far off Swiss chateau or an African hut, just a secluded woodsy cabin on her home continent and thankfully in her home country.
Luckily she'd had a chance to sneak into a nurse's quarters and found an outfit besides a hospital gown.
But she didn't have a dime to her name, and had no time to get to a phone before she had to hop out her window, before her nightly round of unneeded meds.
Wandering aimlessly she was literally stranded and scared out of her mind.
Frantically she cut through the seemingly never ending forest until she caught sight of a highway, albeit deserted.
Exhausted she looked for passing cars, cabs, trucks, any method of transportation to get her to civilization, until finally she saw by some miracle a passing van.
Not caring who was driving or where they were headed, so long as they could get her in reach of a phone, she raised her right thumb and luckily got an older couple's attention.

"There something we can do for you ma'am?"
"Oh c'mon now let her in!!! The poor dear's shaking like a leaf!"
"Emma come now, she's a perfect stranger!"
"And in desperate need of a kind face, come in honey and sit down."
The kindly chubby woman said she shifted over a bit in the backseat and made room for her teary eyed passenger.
"T..thank...thank you."
"It's no trouble dear. You know you look just like my Rosie you know that?"
Emma chirped as her husband looked back and nodded with a smile before clearing his throat.
"So what you go by dear?"
"D..Dix, Dixie."
"Not surprised with that charming drawl of your's. Now, where are you headed?"
"P.Pennsylvania."
"Ohhh, well that's a bit out of our way. I'm afraid best we can do is drop you off at the state line. Do you have money?? Not that it matters you're getting some anyways."
Emma said as she reached for her bag.
"Stop shaking your head. It's just money, just to get you back on your feet."
She insisted as she handed Dixie fifty dollars and too exhausted to protest, she took the bill before drifting off.
When she woke Emma was gently shaking her awake and they were about to get out at a diner, just outside of Philly.
"Alright dear, here...buy yourself some dinner, and I checked, the payphone works. You should be good to go."
"I..I don't even, I can't."
"No need sunshine. No need."
Emma said comfortingly, melting Dixie's heart as she pulled her into a fierce hug.
"Take care now."
"You too."
Dixie said as she went over to the nearly empty diner while Emma and her husband drove off. But before she could even think of calling anyone, she needed to do a repair job and eat something. Badly.
And after getting back from the bathroom, looking as presentable as she possibly could given the hour and her wiped out state, she took a seat at the counter.
"Just some coffee and, um a cheeseburger please."
"Gosh our fry chef's getting paid overtime tonight."
The waitress chuckled, pouring Dixie a cup, as she gestured to a tall handsome man with chocolate colored skin wearing a worn, evidently beloved leather cap that only partly concealed a crease in his forehead, who was two stools over and apparently had ordered the same thing.

Chuckling a bit she gave him a shy smile which he returned, before she took a sip of her coffee and nearly gagged at how bitter it was.
But not wanting to insult the waitress, she quickly tried to cover up her near spit take.
"Sorry. Hot."
She said sheepishly but when the waitress had her back turned she grimaced and quickly used the napkin to wipe the taste out of her mouth, getting a subtle but hearty laugh out of the kind eyed stranger nearby, getting her blushing bright red.

[Chief J. Hubbard]

The man ducked and dodged from everybody he saw. He been in hiding for 20years and yet he was still hiding out. He barely spent time with anybody, running each time they got close. After so many months of being away from his beloved he started acting out and becoming a playboy for sure. He had women and each one lasted one night. He never sought fit to make it long term because like the last he was leaving and they didn’t hold his heart.

Jesse Hubbard had been going by Frank or Jesse Grant for 20years. Watching his back, going into high and low places just to keep him and his family safe. Not too much his family because his wife had remarried a look a like him and it broke his heart the day he saw them. He never imagined a pain worse than that. He would take a gun shot wound any day. Watching the woman he made a woman kissing another man that looked like him broke him down. He started drinking more and more, sleeping with women every night and running the next morning. One thing was for sure even on the run he was healthy. Never missed a meal, and went to small town clinics for check-ups, always had enough money in his pocket to stay the night at a motel and freshen up.

Now 20years later he was passing back through the last place on earth. He never wanted to end up in Pine Valley but things happened and he just so happened to be sent this way. Again. All though it was his second time back he still felt like it was his first time. The first time he came back he saw Thaddeus but they didn’t get off to well. He made him take care of his Angie and Frankie. He made him promise to keep his secret.. His secret. Tad tried like hell to keep him there but Jesse just couldn’t. And seeing Angie like he saw her, brought feelings he hadn’t felt in a very long time. He felt love and the need to hold her and only her. But he had to remain undercover despite the temptation.

Now he sat in a small diner waiting on some type of food. He would usually order coffee but he learned the hard way never to do it. They were either to thick, to thin or just plain old dark water. He just couldn’t stand it. He ordered a cheeseburger and some fresh fries. He pulled his cap low when the bell of the door dinger signaling somebody was entering. The lady who had been trying to find out his information was finally off his back. But the hat sat low only a few minutes as he heard that down south accent. Looking over he saw a beautiful, vanilla, petite, brown/blond hair beauty, two seats away from him. He returned the smile and picked up his water before letting out a hearty laugh when she spit out the coffee.

The waitress was away so he spoke. “Next time opt for the water instead. It’s a lot safer and tastier.” he suggested with a smile before dropping his head and laughing.

“Thanks.” she said still wiping the taste from her mouth.

Jesse took 2salt packs and handed them to her. “It works.” he smiled as his eyes lit up at her smile. “Don’t do it all at once. Once you got it just swish it around and throw it back.”

The woman looked at him and he smiled with confidence, “Trust me.” he said deeply.”

[Dix C. Martin]

Taking the salt packets, Dixie decided she may as well take his word for it and tore one open, and luckily the promised quick swish did the trick.
"Mmm, nice. Tell me, how many cups of mud you have to try before mastering that?"
"Just a few, always been a fast learner." The man replied with a teasing smirk.
"Ha, wish same could be said for me."
She sighed with a laugh as the waitress came back with their burgers and fries, and clearly both starving, they promptly picked them up at the same time, getting her chuckling.

"Hey..."
She said getting his attention and toasted him with a tiny lift of the burger.
"To taking on the early, early , morning rush."
"Yeah I'll eat to that. To the graveyard shift crowd."
"Not long may our heartburn thrive."
Dixie weakly joked before taking a bite of the sad attempt at a cheeseburger, surprising herself with how chipper she was acting despite being dead on her feet.
But decided to chalk it up to two years of nothing but beauty sleep and a lack of anyone resembling a friendly face since she awoke, til now.

Then suddenly she was overcome with a rush of guilt and sorrow, not used to flexing her wit muscles with a man besides her soulmate.
And after eating another bite of burger and her fries, politely excused herself deciding to check out the payphone situation.
Only to hear a busy signal and a disapproving sigh from the waitress.

"Sorry honey, one second signal comes through no trouble and the next you wish you had a tin can and string. Wish I'd been here to tell your friend the same thing earlier."
"I..look, you got a cellphone on hand or something? I'm sorry, don't mean to be rude but I..I have got to make a call."

Dixie said, her tone coming out snappier and more accented then she would've liked but it didn't matter. Reality had just come back to bite her, and she couldn't sit here chatting it up over burgers when she had a family and life to reclaim a few towns over.
"Sorry doll, no."

Glancing over at the man still seated she judged from his expression he wouldn't be much help either.
"Man the reception is godawful here. I'm so sorry miss, wish I could be more help."
He said sincerely making Dixie all the more upset at how she was dragging perfect strangers into a guilt fest thanks to this fine madness she was in.

"I...is there someplace else 'round here I could go? I'm sorry to sound like such a burden, it's just..it's an emergency."
"Well there is a motel in these parts, it's about four miles up the road I think."
"I...that's..that's fine. Thank you so much. Well, best be on my way I suppose. Got a long walk ahead of me."
Dixie weakly laughed as she pulled the crinkled fifty from her pocket not catching the looks of disbelief on the other two faces present.

[Mrs. Angela Hubbard]

Back in PV

The Martins were out the house and on their way to nice family restaurant. While their children played hot hands in the back seat she and Tad were holding hands. The place wasn’t far out so it didn’t take long for them to get there. Find a parking spot and get a booth. The whole time Angie and Tad were holding hands.

“They are always doing that.” Kathy whispered to Frankie who was unhooking Melissa.

“We’ll they are married. They are suppose to do that. Do you want them fighting and saying bad words?” Frankie asked closing the door and following behind the 2year newlyweds.

“No! I like them like that, but they do it at school to. When they come get me, it’s like they are never apart. So weird.”

Frankie chuckled as they took a seat. He was glad to see his mother happy again. After the split up with Jacob she had fallen so deep nobody could reach her. But when they brought in Tad he picked her right on up and took care of her. One thing led to another thing, and another thing led to them getting married. Frankie was allowed to walk his mother down the aisle and for that he was happy. Angie and Tad were a beautiful couple. They rarely fought and they were always seen kissing or hugging.

Truth, if it wasn’t Thaddeus his mother could have been worse off than just drinking heavy. He was so afraid of that he didn’t even want to think back that far. Back to reality he looked over at them and started laughing. Through dinner they talked, laughed and joked about everything. When the check finally came Tad handled it and they were just sitting around talking.

“I have some good news.” Frankie said bouncing his sister up and down on his lap.

“Oh?” Angie asked curiously.

“I have been discharged. My work in Iraq is finish.”

“Does that mean---” Angie said as she got all emotional.

“It means’ I’m home for good.” he announced.

Angie wanted to go over and pull her baby into a hug. Which she did when Tad got up and let her out the booth. “Oh baby… I am so proud of you.” Angie cried kissing all over his face.

Kathy was giggling away as she watched them. “Momma you getting lip-stick all over his face.” Kathy said making everybody at the table go quiet.

Tad looked to his daughter and thought he was hearing things. Angie and Frankie were both the same, stunned silent. It had taken awhile for Kathy to warm up to Angie and even then it was still rocky. Tad spoke, “Kathy what did you just say?”

“I said she was getting lipstick all over his face.” Kathy replied wondering why the stares. “What I do?” she asked babyish.

Angie looked at Tad. “Tad she…”

“I know.” he replied rubbing Angie’s back. “Honey did you just call Angie momma?”

“Y… Yes… I… I mean… I mean that’s what she is right.” Kathy asked getting nervous. Frankie got up with the baby and let his mother slide in next to Kathy. “Did I say something wrong?” she asked her eyes getting watery.

“N… No honey… You didn’t say or do anything wrong… You just shocked us.” Angie said as thumbed away a tear that was starting to roll down her cheek. “I… I never expected it.”

“I can’t call you momma?” Kathy asked looking from Angie to Tad.

“Do you want to call her momma?” Tad asked reaching over and rubbing her shoulders. He didn’t want her doing anything that didn’t feel right.

“She is my momma.” Kathy said not understanding what was going on.

Angie saw the fear and pulled Kathy in her arms. “Whatever you want me to be… I’ll be.” Angie said rubbing her back. Kathy hugged Angie back and there was finally a little sunlight on this end. Kathy called Angie momma and from there it could only get better. Angie looked up at her husband lovingly.

“Come on you two… Let’s take a walk before we go home.” he suggested when Angie and Kathy pulled apart and Angie tucked some hair behind her ear.

“Yea what do you say we go for a walk.” Angie said looking to her children. Melissa started clapping her hands and reached for her daddy. Kathy nodded and stood up with Angie.

“You know ma… I really need to go see a few more people but I promise I won’t be long.” Frankie said leaving a tip.

“Are you sure?”

“Yea… I’ll be fine.” Frankie said with a big smile as he hugged his mother and kissed his cheek. He then leaned down to Kathy and hugged her. “See you later on mini Martin.” Melissa squealed and started rocking in Tad’s arms. “I’m sorry.” Frankie said going over to his baby sister and giving her a kiss. “See you later mini mini Martin. I promise when I get back we’ll catch up. You both can tell me what I’ve missed.” he suggested.

Like she understood Me-Me clapped her hands and Kathy shook her head yes. Frankie and Tad bided farewell and he was gone. Tad looked at his girls. “Alright little ladies let’s go for a stroll in the park.” he said as they walked out and went to their car. Once everybody was in they drove to the well lit park.

[tika24]

I like what's going on here. I've always wondered about Angela Hubbard and Thaddeus Martin's past. Like with Jacob when did the split up and what not. You guys are better than the actuall writers.

Interested in Dixie and Jesse... Those big flirts. Can't wait for more

[tadndix]

With Kathy and Melissa playing directly in front of them Angie and Tad sat on the bench holding hands. “Ma-Ma.” Melissa cried waddling over to them. Melissa rubbed her eyes and held her mother’s legs. “Sleepy.” Angie leaned over and picked her up. Tad rubbed her head and looked to Kathy.

“Is it time to go?” Kathy asked bopping on her father’s lap.

Melissa laid her head against her mother’s chest and Tad nodded. Angie rubbed her back and kissed her head. “You rest my little angel.” she whispered as they stood and walked back to the car. Because Melissa was already sleep and Angie didn’t want to disturb her, she sat in the back with her laying in her lap and Kathy sat up front. Only because they lived like ten minutes away. Once they were all in the house, Angie took her sleeping daughter upstairs while Tad and Kathy talked. Tad took Kathy to kitchen and they sat at the table.

“Ok you’re ready to talk?” he asked.

“About what… I didn’t do anything bad.” Kathy replied wide eyed.

“I didn’t say you did anything wrong… I want to talk about you calling Angie momma.”

“You told me to be nice to her.” Kathy said softly not understanding why the big deal.

“Yes I did but I also told you to take your time.” Tad said moving over to the chair next to her. “Listen are you calling her momma just because or do you want to call her momma.”

“I want to…”

“Are you sure because when you first came back you and Angie weren’t the best of friends. I mean I was afraid I was going to have to lock you both up and make you talk to each other.”

“I’m over that now… She’s fun and I like her. She makes you happy, makes Me-me happy and she makes me happy…”

“Well only if you are sure about that.”

“I am.. And I know momma is my real momma but it would sound kind of silly if I walked around calling her step momma.” Kathy said as she started laughing.

“Yea that would be a little silly. Well I am glad you and Angie are getting along. I am glad you are finally letting her in and letting her take care of you.” Tad expressed. Kathy got up and hugged her father.

“Me too daddy.” Kathy kissed his cheek and looked at him. “Now I am going to bed. Night!”

“Night honey!” Tad called before she went upstairs. Tad got up from the table and went to lock the door. Since Frankie was back he didn’t worry about setting the alarm. Afterwards he went upstairs and saw Angie and Kathy talking. He didn’t want to bother them so he went to the master bedroom he and Angie shared for more than a year.

He then thought about it and went to the phone. While the water was running and called his mother. She picked up almost to fast.

“Tad.. Tad. Oh Tad it’s so bad.” she cried pacing the room.

“Momma what are you rambling on about?” he asked unbuttoning his shirt.

“In the stars!” she cried.

“In the stars? Momma have you been doing those cards again?”

“Tad I..”

“Momma I told you to lay down and get some rest. Go do it.”

“But..”

“Momma go lay down.. I’ll call you in the morning.” Tad ordered. Opal smacked her lips and agreed. “Goodnight.”

“Yea yea, goodnight.” she said slamming the phone down.

Tad shook his head and put the phone down. In the stars, what are earth was that suppose to mean.

[Mrs. Angela Hubbard]

After giving Melissa a wash up and laying her down to get a good night’s rest. Angie cracked the door and went to Kathy’s room. She saw her struggling with something and chuckled. “You need some help with that?” Angie asked as Kathy dropped whatever and turned around. The glass shattered and she looked down. Angie walked in and Kathy tried to keep her from going near it. “Kathy I can’t let glass stay on your floor. You or your sister could get hurt.” Angie said as she walked closer and picked it up. It was a picture of her mother. Angie put the broken frame on the night stand and got up.

“Don’t touch it.” Angie ordered walking out the room and going downstairs. She came back up with the broom and dust pan. “I’m sorry.” Kathy said backing up from the mess. Angie chuckled again and went down to clean it up. Once it was up and there were no signs of glass she dumps the chards and looked at Kathy. “What are you apologizing for?” she asked picking up the broken frame and taking the picture out.

Kathy thought she was going to throw it way but instead, Angie threw the frame away. “I thought you were mad I broke the frame.”

“Of course not honey…” Angie said wondering why she would think that. Angie put the picture back on the night stand and sat on the edge of Kathy’s bed. “Come here.” she said softly patting the area beside her. She walked over and sat by her. “Honey I want you to know it is ok to talk to me about your mother.”

“I know but…”

“But what?”

“I don’t want you to get mad because I talk about her. That’s why I thought you were going to get mad when you seen her picture.”

“No… I would never get mad. I know you miss your mother and I know you’ve had it tough since you were born but don’t feel like you can’t talk to me about it… I can’t replace your mother and I won’t try…” Angie spoke as Kathy nodded. “It is ok if you don’t feel comfortable calling me momma. I completely understand… I don’t want you doing or saying anything just to make me happy. You understand me?”

“Yes ma’am I understand… But can I ask you a question…” Angie nodded. “Did you know my momma?”

Angie nodded somewhat. “Not very well… I met sometime ago when she was giving birth to your brother. I helped them bring JR into the world.”

“Was she nice then too?”

“I couldn’t tell then… But I knew she cared deeply about her children. She was willing to do whatever just to make sure everybody was healthy.”

“Even with me?”

Angie didn’t know how to answer that question. She only knew about the story with Dixie from Tad. He use to call her and tell her he was having so much trouble finding his little girl. “Especially you… She wanted you to be a healthy happy little girl.” Kathy smiled big and leaned over and hugged Angie. “Thank you!”

“For what?” Angie asked rubbing her back.

“For being there.” Kathy simply said as they pulled apart. “I’ll always be here.” Angie replied before kissing her forehead and standing up. “Now it’s time for you to get some sleep. It is a school night and you have field trip in the morning.” Angie pulled the covers back while Kathy crawled in. She tucked her in and reached for the picture. “I promise to return this… With a new frame.”

“Ok.” Kathy replied before turning to her side. “Good night.”

“Goodnight sweet pea.” Angie said before turning off the light and walking out the room. She cracked the door and went to her and her husband’s room. She put the picture on the dresser and turned to Tad who wasn’t even in the room. Angie walked into the bathroom and saw him relaxing in the tub.

“Were you hiding from me.” her arms crossed and leaning against the doorway.

“Actually I was waiting for you… Are the girls down for the night?”

“Yep they are both sleep.”

“Well in that case… Why don’t you join me for a little swim.” he said reaching for her hand.

Angie giggled and shrugged her shoulder. “Why not.” she said undressing and walking slowly over to the garden tub. She got in and eased against Tad’s chest. “This feels good.”

“It better… You know I don’t like bubble baths, but I do it for you.”

“Well I thank you kindly Sir Thaddeus.” Angie joked pushing the bubbles around her chest. “So have you talk to your mother since we been home?”

“Yea… She said something about in the stars. I don’t know what that means but I do know she didn’t go home and sleep.”

“Maybe you should talk to her tomorrow. Go over there and sit with her. See what she’s talking about.” Angie replied turning to face him.

“I…”

“Don’t I… me… Your going over there and your going to talk your mother.” She ordered not giving him room to argue. “Angie…” he whined. “Thaddeus you are going over there and you are going to talk to her. You hear me.”

“Fine!” he barked before pulling her in his arms. “Tad, your slick but not that slick.” Angie cleared as she leaned in and took his lips. She wrapped her arms around his neck and he wrapped his arms around her waist. “I love you…”

“hmmm… I love you too.”

[Chief J. Hubbard]

Outside PV

After some major convincing he finally got her to let him lend her a ride. For her to say she was going to walk 4mile all alone was enough. He couldn’t let her do that, especially with it being so late. The ride was quiet and for the woman beside him it was a relief she didn’t have to walk. Keeping his eyes on the road, rain just started pouring around them.

The woman beside him jumped and he chuckled. “Good thing you didn’t walk. You would have been soaked to the bone.” he joked getting a disgusted look from her. “Ok just kidding but aren’t you glad I was there to save the day.. Or night.”

“Yea, yea, don’t flatter yourself.” she clipped.

“Excuse me.” Jesse replied wondering where the nice woman went to. This wasn’t the lady he just met in the restaurant. He looked over at her again and thought about it. “You know I never caught your name.”

“Because I never threw my name.”

“Ok.. This is harder than I thought.” Jesse mumbled clearing his throat. “My name is Frank.” he said nicely.

She looked at him closely and softened up. “I’m Dixie.. Listen I’m sorry I’m just tired.”

“Hey no need to apologize to me. I completely understand.” he replied not understanding at all.

Jesse made it to the motel and as soon as he pulled up the rain got harder. Thundering and lightening out the wazoo. Thank goodness he didn’t have that far to go. Jesse looked at Dixie and smiled. “If you want I can wait until you get through.. Just in case you need to go somewhere else.”

“I.. Thank you but I couldn’t ask that. I don’t want you going out of your way for me.”

“It’s no problem.. Really.” he assured.

Jesse got out with her and they walked in. There was an old man behind the desk looking at the news. Jesse walked up and cleared his throat. “Excuse me can we use your phone?”

The old man turned around. “Sure it’s in the corner.” he said turning back to the small TV. Dixie scoffed and walked over to use the phone. Only when she picked it up everything went out. “Dag blasted!” the old man scolded taking out some flash lights. He went to the door and stepped out. “Looks like we are in for a rough night. Every light on the street is blown.”

Jesse frowned, “I.. I can’t stay here. I have to get somewhere.”

An old woman came to the front. “Not in the weather you don’t. Listen it should slack up by morning. I’m sure whatever you have to do can wait.”

Dixie put slammed the phone down and walked to the desk. Jesse stood off to the side. How could this be happening to him. He felt like he was living in a nightmare. The one chance he had to go see his son was now blown because of d**n storm.

[Dix C. Martin]

Slamming the phone down with enough force behind it to shake the wall, Dixie took a few deep breaths trying to keep it together before going over to the desk.
Knowing she had no chance of getting through to the older couple, and too tired to try and fight them, after glancing at Frank standing in the corner, closing her eyes she shook her head before speaking.
"'Scuse me, how much for two rooms."
She asked, frustrated all the more at her accent slipping but had no control over it when her brain was only half functioning.
"20 dollars." The man said only to get a nudge from his wife and rolled his eyes.
"Excuse Larry here. We'll only be needing ten dear."
"Ten?? Isn't that a little.."
"It's the running cost for, one, room. Alls we got left."
"Sorry honey."
Larry said casually as Dixie felt ready to explode.
"There isn't any other arrangements you could make??" She asked with pure desperation in her voice as Larry shook his head.
"Fraid not, unless you'd care to sleep in the tool shed."
"Son of a..."
Dixie muttered under her breath, and slammed her hand on the desk before running it through her unruly dirty blond, more dirt then blond, mess of curls that reached her shoulders.
"Is there at least a couch?"
"I think you'll make it work." Larry said as he handed Dixie the key while Frank came up behind her.
"Just follow Bea."
"Thanks a lot dear."
Bea grumbled, rolling her eyes as she led them to a cramped, albeit clean room with a beat up recliner, a bed in the corner, and a cabinet with a TV and VCR, along with some dusty videos.
"Just changed the sheets and there's some towels in the bathroom down the hall. Enjoy your stay."
The old woman chirped before walking out as Dixie scoffed before plopping into the recliner. But when she reached down to try and turn the knob, the footrest sprang out with such force the chair jolted back and nearly threw her out of and off.
Something that under normal circumstances she would laugh out loud at. But with the state she was in it wasn't remotely amusing, just agitating enough to make her wanna scream, cry or both.

Glancing up she saw Frank cracking up and rolled her eyes bitterly, not amused.
"Oh c'mon, you gotta admit. It was pretty funny."
"Not from where I'm sitting."
Dixie scoffed as she quickly got up from the chair and with her arms crossed protectively in front of her, took a seat on the bed.
"Okay look, I get you're dead tired and all, but I did keep you from walking the streets in a thunderstorm all night. Least you could do is be a little nicer to put up with til we can get outta this crapshack."

Frank said bitterly, obviously fed up with her.
"Well hey I'm sorry I'm having a little trouble keeping up appearances as your friendly faced bright eyed diner buddy but I wasn't planning on this."
Dixie snapped only to feel guilt kick in again, leading her to kick the bed.
"And obviously, you weren't either."
She sighed before taking a deep breath and meeting Frank's gaze sheepishly.
"Look, I'm no night owl even on a good day. It was a downright miracle I managed to appear semi-human back at the diner. You..you've been nothing but a saint to me, going all outta your way like ya did, and all I've come off as is an ungrateful witch. I..I really am sorry."
Dixie said apologetically, her eyes red and shiny with sleep deprivation as she glanced up at him sheepishly.
"I...look, you can take the bed, okay? I think I may have beaten the chair over there into submission."
She chuckled as she tried to get to her feet only to have her knees buckle a bit.
"Whoa...hey, easy there."
Frank said as he helped steady her.
"You sure you're alright?"
"I..I will be I'm sure. Thanks."
Dixie said as she carefully made her way back over to the recliner.

[Mrs. Angela Hubbard]

~~In PV~~

After taking a bath together, Angie and Tad walked hand in hand to the bed and she sat down. She smiled at him as he walked over and lit the candles. “So I believe I know where this is leading to… Again” Angie hinted as he nodded and walked over to the Ipod that was hooked up portable speaker system. “Better believe it.” he replied turning on some slow music and walking back over to the bed. He stood her up and she wrapped her arms around his neck. “You know sometimes I wonder where I would have been if you weren’t my friend.”

“Well I would like to think about this… Not about what could have been. Let’s live in the moment. Remember our pact?”

“How could I forget… Never think about the past, always think about the present and our future.” Angie said as he smiled and wrapped his arms around her waist.

“Correct Mrs. Martin.” Tad applauded as he kissed her neck. “You wanna lie down.” Angie nodded her head yes and Tad eased her back on the bed and got up to remove his robe. He untied her before going back and kissing her neck. She moaned in hopes that he would give it to her good.

Just as Tad eased her robe off the thunder outside clapped, making the lights flicker. She looked up at him, “Doesn’t sound to good out there.”

“Once I get you in my arms you’ll forget about that silly storm.” Tad laid on top of her and as soon as they started caressing each other’s body’s they heard a baby’s cry. Both jumped up and Angie tied her robe before walking out and going to Melissa’s room. Melissa was standing up in her crib crying.

“Ma-ma…” she whined reaching for her and making it look like she was grabbing for her. Angie walked in and picked her up. She sat in the chair and tried to rock her daughter back to sleep. Only she wasn’t having it. Melissa tossed and turned, whined and sobbed, each time breaking Angie’s heart. “Momma’s right here… I’m not going anywhere.” Angie promised laying her head on her daughter head. “Ma-ma…” she whined again.

“Ok… Ok…” Angie comforted as she stood up and walked out the room. She was walking in the bedroom when everything in the house just went out. Luckily the candles in the room was there. Melissa cried louder and louder, fearing the dark. “It’s ok baby… Tad go check on Kathy.”

“No need she’s already here.” Tad said as Kathy came from under the covers with her hair all over head. “I don’t like rain.”

“You and me both.” Angie laid Melissa in the bed and instantly she crawled over to Kathy. Shaking her head at the two Angie looked up at Tad and smiled. “Maybe I should……” She started looking down at her robe and remembering nothing was under it. Angie walked over to the dresser, retrieved some clothes and by flashlight went into the bathroom.

Tad looked at his girls and watched how Melissa laid on Kathy and fell asleep. Kathy was laying back against the pillows and she too fell asleep. Grabbing some clothes he went to the bathroom with Angie. “Hey baby, their sleep.”

“Tad we are not about do that…” Angie was dressing by candlelight.

“Why not, they can’t hear us.” Tad said walking up behind her and slipping his arms around her waist. Angie picked her head up and looked at him through the mirror. “Really? Well I remember on one or two occasions they did. Remember Opal pulling us aside.” Angie spoke hoping he remembered the night Melissa tried to mock their sounds. And Opal couldn’t believe her ears she pulled them to the side. “Well that was an accident.”

“Not happening Thaddeus.” Angie finished dressing and turned to face her husband, “But don’t worry baby it’ll happen. Just not tonight.” she pecked his cheek and walked out the bathroom, hanging her robe behind the door. Tad sighed and went on to getting dressed. Angie walked over to the bed and laid down. They both felt her and moved over to her side. Melissa laid on her chest and Kathy laid in her arms. They weren’t sleep at all.

Just as Tad closed the bathroom door, it started lightening and a big clasp of thunder shook the earth almost. “Daddy!” Kathy shrieked jumping out the bed and into his arms. Melissa was against Angie’s chest shaking and whimpering.

“Tad let them stay with us tonight.”

“I wasn’t going to make them go back…” he said getting in the bed and laying Kathy on the side of him. Just then he got up, blew out every candle and used the flashlight to get back to the bed. “You think Frankie’s ok?” Angie asked glancing out the window. “I need to call him.” she said easing Me-me to the side and getting up. “Angie he’s fine.”

“How do you know?” she asked. “He went into his room when you were getting Melissa.”

“Why didn’t you say something?”

“Because he was tired and he just wanted to sleep. Now come to bed.”

“Tad, my----”

“Angela get in this bed.” he said sternly. Rolling her eyes she sighed and walked back over to the bed. “Just for that… That is not happening for a very long time!” she replied in the same tone. Soon everything was back to their comforters and sleep washed over them.

~~Opal's~~

Opal was in her house still doing her tarot cards. After seeing “In the Stars”, she figured she could get more clues by doing another reading. She dealt the cards and saw something else that struck a nerve. Death, torture, love and time. “True Love Prevails.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Nobody knew just how much their love’s life changed. It could be for the best or the worst either way their love and faith would be tested. True Love trumps all but true friendship and the storms they battled together, comes in place. True Love Prevails, it is In The Stars, written in gold.

[Chief J. Hubbard]

Frankie or Jesse watched as Dixie sat in the chair and shook his head. After he locked the door and looked outside onto the dark road he sighed. There was no way he was going to get any sleep with the weather being so bad. Every time there was a storm he stayed up and watched the lightening strike sometimes counted them. Crazy he know but it was something that somewhat kept him calm. Frank walked back over to the bed and looked at the blond woman in the corner.

“Listen you seem like somebody who’ll put up a fight but I am the same way.” Frank spoke standing up.
“What are you talking about?” Dixie asked looking up at him.
“Go get in the bed…”
“Excuse me!”

“I said go get in the bed… I may be a stranger but I’m a gentleman. You don’t deserve to be sleeping on that, so go get in the bed and get some sleep.” Frankie ordered not meaning to sound harsh.
“I hate to be rude right now, but you don’t tell me what to do.” she barked back.

Frank pulled his head back in amazement and knew where this was going. “Don’t make me do this…”

“Make you do what?” she asked crossing her arms.
Frank popped his fingers and leaned down to pick her up. “uh!!! How dare you!” she shrieked hitting his chest and kicking for him to put her down.

Frank wasn’t having it at he walked to the other side of the room and laid her on the bed. “I was being nice… You forced me.”
Dixie taken back by his attitude stood up and crossed her arms. “I will not sleep on that.”

“You will and I say so!” Frank barked. They stood toe to toe as the weather outside got louder and the lightening struck like fire. Dixie shrieked and ran behind him to hide from the window.

“You stand up against me but you run from thunder and lightening. I thought cow-girls weren’t afraid of a little rain.” Frank said sarcastically.
“I.. I’m not afraid.”
“Doesn’t seem that way to me… You’re not as tough as you say you are.” Frank walked away from her and sat in the chair. “Well I guess you should go to sleep. The weather isn’t going to ease up in the next hour.”

Frank reclined back and pretended to close his eyes. He could see her from his lowered lids and saw that she was just standing in the middle of the floor. Praying that this wouldn’t be all night he sighed.

“Are you going to stand up there all night… Do you need a teddy bear in the bed with you.”