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Continued...

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Scene: Chez Rendezvous.

Felicia Bordeaux taps her perfectly manicured nails in the same tedious fashion that Terrence remembers as a child. He always knew that is was best to simply listen and let whatever dramatic ordeal that she had to unleash out before he made any moves.

"So you see Terrence, it's obvious that by her lack of response she is obviously not interested in what someone like you has to offer. Instead, she's going to run amok with those hoodlums and other vigilantes we dare not speak of. I had a bad feeling from the start when I met her..."

Terrence bites his lip and pulls everything he has in to try and not to respond. Unfortunately for him, he wasn't as good at this as when he was a child.

"Then, Mother, why did you hire Liz ? And why did you try introducing her to me? You obviously had to have seen something in the woman."

"Well, I thought my initial feelings were wrong about her. Obviously though..." Felicia takes another sip of wine before continuing, "The woman was just out for money."

"Money? What in the hell?" Terrence shakes his head in disbelief.

"She obviously knew how much my assets were worth- and you obviously would be well off in addition. I think as soon as she realized she couldn't get her claws on my money, she took a run for the hills."

"Mother, that's ludicrous. Liz is a lawyer, after all. She makes pretty damn good money-"

"Yeah, if she would ever win a damn case!" Felicia interrupts, obviously still harboring resentment for her loss last year.

"Mother, come on. It's not Liz' fault that you didn't get everything you wanted in the last divorce. I mean, it was your fourth...and you did get a lot if I must mention..."

"Terrence, don't talk back to me. I slaved for that behemoth for months. I deserved every damn thing that I was entitled too."

"As you say, Mother. I just think you need to give Liz some slack. She's obviously just playing hard to get...I meet girls like her all the time."

"Oh? And why do you never mention them to me? I'm starting to think you're some kind of wild playboy by night...The thought is absolutely disturbing."

"Look, just let me handle this...and I won't mention Liz again if she upsets you this much."

"Damn right you won't- and you won't be having anymore contact with that tramp." Felicia commands before taking another sip.

"Excuse me? I'm not sixteen anymore, mother." Terrence shakes his head in disbelief.

"I'm warning you, son. Further contact with Liz is only going to cause you pain and frustration. I'm just looking out for you."

Felicia smiles and sets her right hand over his as she gives it a quick tug.

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Scene: The Preston Residence, College Greens District.

Kayla Preston looks down in astonishment at the beautiful new life cradled in her arms. It was only days prior when she experienced a horrifying nightmare in the hospital that led her to believe that both Rick and Haylie were gone. Ever since her return home she couldn't take her eyes off either- they were truly her heroes for getting through such an ordeal.

"Do you want me to hold her for a bit?" Rick calls out from the kitchen before heading her way.

"No hon, we're fine...everything's perfect."

"I'm glad to hear that. It's been a long time since I've seen such a smile on your face. I really don't want it to ever go away."

Kayla smiles once more after his response. "Oh Rick, how could I feel any other way right now? I have my dashing husband and our beautiful baby here with me...it's all that matters. Yes, so there was a little damage to the house...but not nearly as extensive as what others experienced."

"Very true. Although you really have Liz to thank as well. She really pulled together everything she had to help deliver Haylie. We were both so scared..." Rick trails off.

"I'm sure she did." Kayla smirks.

"Come on, I'm serious. She was really concerned about you and the baby. She even came to the hospital to be there for us rather than going back to her own home and seeing what damage had occurred."

"You mean she went to the hospital for you?"

Rick looks away for a moment before thinking of an appropriate response....if there ever was one at this point.

"Look Kayla, I know you've gone through a lot...Jesus, we almost lost you and the baby. However, you really need to get off this kick you have regarding Liz. She's a good friend and she's staying in my life- whether you like it or not."

"Excuse me?" Kayla's smile quickly fades. "I think as your wife I should have some damn say in who the hell you hang out with."

"To a reasonable degree."

"Well, we'll just see how reasonable I can be. Look Rick, I'm not here to control your life and tell you what to do...I'm just looking out for your best interest....and I don't think that includes having Liz Bryant in your life."