The home of Gary and Valene Ewing.....morning
"Hmmm, breakfast smells good," Gary says.
"Bacon, French toast, and orange juice."
"No one can make some bacon like you, Val," Gary says, kissing her. He walks over and takes a seat at the table. "So what are your plans today?"
"Well, I'm driving out to the cemetery in a little while."
"Oh?," Gary says.
Val sighs deeply as she places a plate on the table and takes a seat. "Yeah. Today would've been Eric's birthday, so I thought I'd go out and place some flowers on him, and on Mama. Mama. I miss her. It's hard for me to believe she'll be gone two years this summer. I still keep expectin' to see her walk in here when I'm fixing breakfast in the morning, offering to help."
Gary reaches out and takes her hand. "You and your mother had a very special relationship, Val, especially in the last ten years."
"I know. It wasn't always like that. But I am glad that Mama and I were able to become as close as we were. I'm real glad she moved back here after Al died."
Gary and Val's son Bobby walks into the kitchen. "Well, good morning," Gary says. "Sleep well?"
"Not a wink," Bobby replies.
"Yeah, I am," says Bobby, pouring himself a cup of coffee. "I haven't seen Meg in almost five years, since she went away to law school. I only hope she's as anxious to see me as I am to see her."
"Why wouldn't she be?" Gary asks.
Meanwhile.....the home of the Mackenzies....
"I can't calm down," says Karen. "Mac, how can you just sit there? Our daughter's coming home today and you act like it's nothing."
"Honey, Meg is just coming home from law school, not from a tour of duty overseas. Besides we just saw her on Mother's Day."
Mac stands from his seat and walks over to her. "Meg is 28-years-old. She's hardly a baby."
"She'll always be MY baby," Karen says.
"Mine too. And yes, I'm EXCITED THAT MEG IS COMING HOME! Happy now?" Mac asks with a smile.
Karen laughs. "You know the only thing that could make today more special would be.....if Eric were here, too."
"Yeah, I know," Mac says sadly.
"I'm gonna drive out to the cemetery before it's time to go pick Meg up."
"Want me to come with you?"
"No, thanks. I'd rather do this alone. His birthday. Wow, I can't believe my son would've been 50-years-old today. And Diana's 51. Mac???"
"What?"
"I just realized I have a 51-year-old daughter. Oh my God, for the first time, I feel really.......OLD."
Mac smiles and puts his arms around her. "My sweetheart, you will NEVER be old," he says.
Karen smiles. "You always did know how to make me feel better." Mac hugs her tightly. "But I AM old," she says. "WE'RE old."
The home of Daniel and Betsy Ewing Avery....
"Kids, would you PLEASE stop that!?" Betsy yells at them, but to no avail, as the children ignore their mother and continue running wild. Betsy sighs in frustration.
Daniel comes down the stairs at that point, talking on his cell phone. "Yeah, it's no problem," he says to the person he's talking to. "When can we expect you? Yeah, that'll be great. Meg's coming home today. Yeah, Karen and Mac are gonna pick her up at the airport this afternoon. Okay, great. See you soon. Bye, Jason." Daniel hangs up the phone with a smile and walks over to his wife.
"What did your brother want?" Betsy asks.
"Great news," Daniel says.
"So I gathered from all the times you said 'great' during that conversation. What's the news?"
"A houseguest? What houseguest?"
"Jason asked if it would be alright if Dylan comes and stays with us for the summer."
Betsy's mouth drops open in shock. "Your brother asked if he could send his 15-year-old son to stay with us for the summer? And you said YES?"
"Well, sure," replies Daniel. "Honey, I thought it'd be okay."
"But, you love Dylan."
"Of course I love Dylan. But, Daniel......"
"Look, it'll be okay," Daniel says. "Dylan is a good kid, and he's responsible, too. He can help out around here a lot this summer, and he can help with the kids, you know how good he is with them. Besides, Jason says that Dylan's been having a rough time of it since since the divorce. He kinda thought that him coming here would help him. And he sorta needs a mother figure in his life right now. Lord knows Angela hasn't been much of a mother to the boy. But, if you want, I'll just call my brother back and tell him that Dylan can't come."
"No," Betsy says. "Of course you can't do that after you already told him he could come." She pauses for a moment, then lets out a deep, breath. "Okay. So, I guess we're gonna have a 16-year-old boy around the house for the summer. Great."
Daniel smiles. "I knew I could count on you. Hey, I have to get to the hospital for a while to make rounds, then I'll be back to help you do some more unpacking before the dinner party for Meg tonight."
"Oh, by the way, when is Jason bringing Dylan?" Betsy asks.
"Oh, ummm, he'll be here late this afternoon."
"This after......."
"Bye, honey," Daniel says, silencing Betsy with a kiss. "I'll see you in a couple hours." Daniel quickly grabs his bag and hurries out before she can say anything else, leaving Betsy frustrated with her husband and irritated by the noise her two small children are continuing to make.
Grand View Memorial Park Cemetery.....
As Karen turns to walk back to her car, she spots Val, her back to Karen. After a brief pause, Karen walks over to her.
"Val?" Karen says.
"Oh, hi, Karen. I didn't see you there."
"I was just at Eric's grave. Today's his birthday."
"I know," Val says. "I brought some flowers for him, and for Mama."
Karen looks down at another grave and smiles broadly. "Lilimae," she says, looking at the grave of Val's
"Are you alright?" Val asks her friend.
"I'm just fine. Today is hard, of course, but, it helps a lot knowing that Meg will be home in just a few hours."
Val smiles at her.
An office building in L.A....
Sitting at his desk, Brian has his chair turned around facing the window, his back to the door, so he doesn't see his mother when she walks in. "Amy, do you have those quarterly reports for me yet?" Brian asks.
"No, but would you settle for a lunch invitation from your mother," Abby says.
Brian turns around in his swivel chair and smiles. "Mom," he says, standing to greet her.
"Hello, Brian," Abby says, walking over to him.
Brian greets his mother with a kiss on the cheek. "What brings you here?"
"I was just in the neighborhood and thought I'd treat my handsome son to lunch."
"I'm sorry, Mom, but I really can't today. I'm swamped. Besides, Kate's supposed to come by."
"She's fine, Mom."
"Well, I suppose I'll take a raincheck on that lunch. Umm, will you and.......Kate......be at Karen and Mac's dinner party tonight welcoming Meg home?"
"Good," Abby says with a smile.
"Mom, why is it that every time you mention Kate's name, you say it like you've just tasted something bitter?"
"Well, darling, you know that Kate and I have never really gotten along. However, she is the mother of my grandson, so I make an effort to tolerate her."
Brian's intercom buzzes. He presses the button on his desk. "Yes, Amy?"
"Mrs. Cunningham is here," Amy says.
"Thank you," says Brian. "Send her in. Mom, if you'll excuse us."
Abby smiles. "Of course." As she's walking out, Kate walks into the office. "Kate, you're looking lovely today."
"Thank you, Abby," Kate says.
"See you both at the party tonight," Abby says, then walks past Kate and leaves.
Kate closes the door. "Party?"
"Yes. Don't tell me you've forgotten."
"Oh, that's right. Mac and Karen's dinner party for Meg's homecoming. I had forgotten, with everything else going on. Do you really think we should go to a dinner party, considering?"
"We're just separating, Kate. One of us isn't terminally ill. And don't worry. I'll have my stuff out of the house by tomorrow."
"Good. The sooner the better."
"I don't hate you at all, Brian. I just think this has gone on long enough."
"I agree. Now the hard part will be telling the kids."
"Molly's an adult. She'll handle it. It's Trevor I'm worried about. Seventeen is not an easy age."
"No, it's not," says Brian.
"What happened to us, Brian?" Kate asks. "We were so happy when we were first married. But then you became successful in business and you changed."
"I didn't change, Kate. I just tried to build something for my family. For my kids."
"We didn't need a lot of money, or a big house. Our son didn't need a company for you to leave him. All we needed......was you. But instead of being happy with that, you allowed your mother and my Uncle Greg to talk you into believing that financial success would make you, and us, happier. What a lie that was, huh?" Kate walks to the door and starts to leave.
"You were unhappy for so long, but you never said a word to me," says Brian. "Instead you just went out and found yourself a boyfriend."
"I did say it to you, Brian. MANY times. You were just too busy building your precious company that your refused to listen. And yes, Doug was there for me at a time when I was lonely and needy. Needs my husband should've been fulfilling." Without another word, Kate walks out of the office.
Los Angeles International Airport....
"Mac, what time do you have?" She asks.
"I have the same time you have. Relax."
"She should've been here by now."
"Karen, RELAX," Mac says. Then he spots Meg through the crowd. "Karen. Look, there she is."
Karen turns and looks in the direction Mac is pointing and smiles. She and Mac make their way through the crowd and meet her. "Meg!" Karen says.
"Hi, Mom! Dad!" Meg says as she embraces her adoptive parents tightly.
"Oh, honey, we're so happy you're home," Karen says.
"Me too!"
"How was your flight?" Mac asks.
"Well, let's get you home," says Karen. "So you can rest up before seven o'clock."
"Why? What happens at seven?"
"We're having a small dinner party at the house in honor of your homecoming."
"Small, yeah, right," Mac says. "Your mother has invited almost everybody we know."
"Oh, Mom, you really shouldn't have gone to all the trouble."
"NOTHING is too much trouble for my baby girl's homecoming," Karen says.
"Will, uh, will Bobby be there?" Meg asks.
Karen puts her arm around her daughter as they walk. "Yes, of course Bobby will be there."
Meg sighs and smiles.
The Avery home....later
"MEG!" Betsy says happily. She turns off the vacuum and hugs her friend. "Meg, I didn't hear you come in."
"I know. I wanted to surprise you."
"Well, how does it feel to be back in the old neighborhood?" Betsy asks.
"Daniel's fine. He had to make rounds at the hospital."
"And my beautiful niece and nephew?"
Betsy smiles. "Very hyper. At least most of the time. I put them upstairs in our bedroom watching Frozen for about the twentieth time. That movie's about the only thing that keeps them quiet. And, guess what? Jason and Dylan are driving in today."
"Really? Wow. I haven't seen my oldest brother in three years. I bet Dylan's practically grown up by now."
"Practically," Betsy says. "Dylan is actually gonna be staying with us for the summer."
"Oh that's great. Ummm.....Betsy......"
"Bobby's just fine," Betsy interrupts
"How'd you know what I was gonna ask?"
"Because we've known each other our whole lives, and I just had a feeling you were curious about my brother."
"We haven't seen each other in five years," Meg says. "I'm not sure what we'd even have to talk about. Or if we'd be able to talk at all."
"Well, if you're anxious to find out, now's your chance," Betsy says, walking to the living room window.
"What?"
"He's shooting basketball across the street right now."
Meg walks over, looks out the window and sees Bobby across the street. She hesitates a moment. "Betsy, would you excuse me? I think I'm gonna go say hi."
"Sure," Betsy says with a smile.
A minute later, as Bobby is shooting some basketball alone on his goal in front of Gary and Val's house across the cul-de-sac, Meg walks over to him.
"Bobby?" Meg calls to him.
Stunned at the sound of her voice, Bobby hesitates for a moment before turning around. He looks at her
She walks closer to him. "Hi."
"Hi. You.......you really look........great," Bobby says nervously.
"How've you been?" Bobby asks.
"Fine. And you?"
"Fine."
Meg laughs. "Would you listen to us? We haven't seen each other in five years, and our first conversation since I went off to school is so......awkward."
"I know. It shouldn't be. I've missed you, Meg. I made a lot of mistakes, and I'm sorry."
"Bobby, we both made mistakes," Meg says.
"Yeah, we did. Maybe now that you're back, we can.......I dunno......start over."
"A new beginning?"
"Something like that."
"Maybe. I'd really like that. Has there been anyone else in your life?"
"No one serious," replies Bobby. "You?"
"No one serious."
Bobby moves closer to her and gently touches her face. "Meg. God, I've missed you."
"I've missed you, too," Meg says.
Bobby leans in and kisses her.
Karen and Mac's home.....that night
"Hi," Karen says happily, hugging Kate and Brian. "Come on in."
"Where's Meg, Aunt Karen?" Molly asks.
"Oh, she's around somewhere, sweetheart, come on in."
"Trevor, how are you?" Karen asks.
Standing nearby, Abby sees her son and his family and excuses herself from the woman she's speaking to and walks over.
"Well, if it isn't my handsome son and my even handsomer grandson," Abby says.
"Hi, Grandma," Trevor says.
"Hello, sweetheart," Abby says, kissing her grandson on the cheek.
"Trevor, Eric is here," says Karen. "Why don't you find him and say hello."
"Sure," Trevor says, walking away from the adults.
"Well, you guys know to make yourselves at home," Karen says.
"Sure," Kate says. Karen smiles and walks away.
"Excuse me, I think I'll help Karen," Kate says, walking away, leaving Brian and Abby.
"Mom........don't start," Brian says. "I think I could use a drink." Brian walks past his mother.
Abby turns and watches her son as he walks away. She smiles.
"Ya know, babe, one would almost think from that grin on your face that you're hoping there are problems in the marriage of your son and my niece," says the voice of Greg Sumner from behind Abby.
The smile disappears from her face as she turns to him. "Now why would you say that?"
Abby takes offense to Greg's comment, and angrily walks away from him. After a moment, Greg walks over to Meg, who is chatting with Bobby and Molly.
"Excuse me," Greg says. "Can I have heard with Meg?"
"Sure, Uncle Greg," Molly says.
Bobby smiles at Meg, then walks away with Molly.
"Ya look really beautiful tonight," Greg says.
"Thank you. And thanks for the check you sent, that was really generous."
Greg smiles. "Least I can do for my own daughter."
The smile disappears from Meg's face.
"Hey, I say somethin' wrong?" Greg asks.
"No. Nothing."
"Does it still bother you, even after all this time, when I refer to you as my daughter?"
"Maybe a little. Look, I love you very much and, I'm very proud to carry your DNA. But you know I've always looked on you as 'Uncle Greg.' I'm sorry. I hope I didn't hurt you, saying that."
"Not at all, kid. I agreed a long time ago that Mac was your father."
"I love you, and thanks again," Meg says, kissing Greg on the cheek. Then she turns and walks away to join Karen and Val.
Across the room, Gary stands alone, watching Bobby and Molly carry on a conversation. Noticing him, Val walks over to her husband.
"Lovely party, itn't it?" Val asks.
"Yes. Yes it is. Very lovely."
"Gary, what's wrong?"
"Yes, she has."
"I was watching her over with our son. Her brother. My son and my daughter, and they don't even know they're siblings."
Val looks at him. "Gary......"
"Val, I know what you're gonna say. I agreed eighteen years ago that Brian was gonna raise Molly and she'd be known as HIS daughter. But lately I've been rethinking that decision."
"Why?" Val asks.
"Val, I know what my brother Bobby went through with Lucas when Lucas found out that he was Bobby's son instead of Ray's. And Mac and Karen went through the same thing with Meg when she found out Greg Sumner was HER father. I don't want Molly finding out the truth about who she is by accident."
"You're thinking about telling her?"
"Yes, I am. Molly's twenty-one now. I think it's time she knew the truth. I plan to talk to Brian and Kate about it soon."
"And when were you planning to talk to ME about it?" Val asks. "Gary, have you even thought about how this would affect OUR children?"
"Honey, Bobby and Betsy are adults, not children who need to be protected from the truth. I've made up my mind. I'm gonna talk to Brian and Kate in another day or two."
Val watches him with worry as Gary walks away from her, concerned about how her husband's latest decision could affect their lives.
Meanwhile, the doorbell rings. Mac walks over and opens the door and Betsy, Daniel. his brother Jason Avery, and Jason's 15-year-old son walk in.
"Well, it's about time you guys made it," Mac says, kissing Betsy on the cheek.
"Sorry, we're late," Betsy says. "Daniel had an emergency at the hospital."
"Well, it's fine I'm glad you guys are here. Jason, how's it goin?"
"It sure has, too long," Mac says. "Hey, this can't be your kid."
"Yep, it is," says Jason. "Mac, this is my son Dylan."
"Nah, it can't be. Dylan? Last time I saw you, you were only waist high. Howya doin'?"
"Great," the boy says quietly.
Across the room, Trevor Cunningham is hanging out with his second cousin, Eric Fairgate, son of Michael and his ex-wife Lori. The boys are the same age and have always been close.
"Dude, this party is soooo lame," Eric says.
"Yeah, tell me about it."
"Hey, what's up with you, anyway? You seem kinda down tonight."
"Yeah? What about 'em?"
"They haven't said anything yet, but, I know they haven't been getting along too good for a while. I've heard 'em talking, and, I think they might be getting ready to split up."
"And that's what bothering you?" Eric asks.
"Well, yeah."
"Dude, everybody I know's parents have split up, including mine. It's no big deal, you just learn to live with it."
"It doesn't even bother you that your parents got divorced?" Trevor asks.
"Yeah, well, I sure don't my folks getting divorced."
"Look,cuz, I see you're pretty uptight. I've got somethin' that'll help that."
"Oh yeah? Like what?"
Eric looks around to make sure no one is close by to hear. "Come out back with me," he whispers.
"What?"
"Just come on," Eric says, walking into the kitchen and motioning Trevor to follow.
"Everyone, may we have your attention, please?" Mac says, gently tapping his wine glass with a spoon. "Hey, hey. Quiet down for just a minute, please." He pauses for a moment until everyone gathers around and is quiet. "Thank you," he continues. "First of all, Karen and I would like to thank you all for coming here tonight to celebrate the very special homecoming of our daughter, Margaret, aka Meg MacKenzie. As you all know, Meg has been away at law school the last few years making her old man proud by following in his footsteps and earning a law degree......"
"Which she intends to put to good use," Karen says, interrupting her husband. "Meg, your father and I, and everyone in this room, are very proud of you. And we love you. And I would like to propose a toast......to Knots Landing's newest future attorney at law, Meg MacKenzie."
"Here, here," Daniel says as everyone raises their glasses in a toast.
Meanwhile, as everyone else is gathered inside, Eric and Trevor sneak onto the patio and then around to the side of the house, beside the fence separating Mac and Karen's home from the home next door.
"Bro, what's up?" Trevor asks.
"Shhhhh, keep your voice down," says Eric. He takes his cell phone out and turns on the flashlight. Then he reaches into his jacket pocket and pulls out a marijuana blunt and shows it to Trevor. "Check this out."
"Dude, what the hell?" Trevor asks. "Are you nuts?"
"Let's light this baby up," Eric says.
"No way, we can't."
"What are you, scared or somethin'?"
"I just don't wanna get caught and get in trouble."
"You won't," Eric says. "Everybody's in the house partying it up. The adults are all drinkin' alcohol. We might as well have somethin' to make us feel good, too. Come on. Don't tell me ya never tried the stuff."
"Well, yeah, sure I have," Trevor says nervously.
"Come on, then." Eric takes a cigarette lighter from his pocket, places the blunt in his mouth, and lights it as Trevor looks on nervously, unsure of whether he wants to try the weed, but at the same time not wanting his cousin to think he's a wimp. He watches Eric inhale a deep breath of the stuff, then he coughs. "Here," Eric says, passing it to Trevor.
Trevor takes it, looks at it for a second, then takes a hit. Immediately, he starts coughing. As he passes it back to Eric. Dylan walks up on the boys.
"What are you guys doing?" Dylan asks, startling them both.
"Hey, what the......" Eric starts, as he and Trevor quickly stand to their feet.
"Who the hell are you?" Trevor asks.
"You related to Daniel?" Trevor asks.
"Yeah, he's my uncle."
"What the hell are you doing out here?" Asks an angry Eric.
"Just wanted to get outta there for a while. I saw you guys come out here. Kinda figured that's what you were doin'."
"Oh yeah?" Eric grabs Dylan by the jacket collar. "Well, look, Avery, you say one word about this to anybody, and I'll......"
"Chill out, bro," Dylan says, pulling out of Eric's grasp. "I'm not gonna say a word. Not if you share."
Eric and Trevor exchanged annoyed looks as Dylan smiles at them.
Mac and Karen's bedroom.....later
"Yeah, it was terrific."
"It's been quite a day."
"Yep."
"I'm glad Meg came home today. ESPECIALLY today."
"Why especially today?" Mac asks.
"Well, today being Eric's 50th birthday, it was kind of hard. But Meg coming home, the party, and having everyone here tonight really helped."
"I'm glad," Mac says sleepily.
Karen turns out the light on her side of the bed. "Did you notice Meg and Bobby?"
"Mmmmhhmmmmm."
"I think they're still in love. Even after all this time," Karen says, continuing to talk after Mac has closed his eyes, trying to go to sleep. "Wouldn't it be nice if they resumed their old relationship and got married? That would make us in-laws with Val and Gary. You know what would be weird?"
"What, Karen?" Asks a sleepy Mac, annoyed.
"If Meg and Bobby got married. That would mean that Gary and Val's son would be married to our daughter, and their daughter would be married to Laura and Richard's son. Funny how all our kids have kept it in the neighborhood, huh?"
Mac groans and looks at his wife. "Karen?"
"Yes?"
"It's almost two in the morning. We've had a busy day. Do you think we could get a little sleep tonight, maybe?"
"Oh, honey, I'm sorry. You must be exhausted. Okay. Go to sleep." She kisses him. Mac rolls over and closes his eyes. Karen lays on her back, eyes wide open, too excited by the day's events to sleep.
Meanwhile....
"I've missed you so much," Bobby says.
"I've missed you, too. I've thought about you every day for the last five years."
"Meg, I'm sorry for what happened," Bobby says. "I was just a young hot head in those days, and I never should've let things end the way they did."
"Bobby, it wasn't all your fault," Meg says.
"But most of it was," says Bobby.
"Do you realize it's two in the morning? We've been out here talking for over two hours."
Bobby smiles. "Time flies when you're having fun."
"I'd better get home and get some sleep," says Meg.
"Yeah, I guess so," Bobby says. He looks deeply into Meg's eyes, then kisses her again.
"Umm, Bobby," Meg says. "If I don't leave now, I'm afraid I'm not going to."
"That's the idea," he says, kissing her again.
The Ewing home.....the next morning
"Good morning," Bobby says.
"Morning," Meg says, sitting up in bed. She picks her cell phone up from the table and looks at it. "Oh wow. It's almost 8:30."
"Yeah. Sleep well?"
Meg looks at him and smiles. "I slept great. Bobby, last night was incredible. Not exactly how I imagined our reunion would be."
"Better or worse?" Bobby asks.
"It was amazing having you in my arms again," Bobby says, pulling her into a kiss. After a moment, he lets her go and smiles at her. "You wanna go down to breakfast?"
"Maybe I should go home and have breakfast with my folks."
"You sure?"
"Yeah. I'm sure." Meg's expression grows serious. "Bobby, last night was great. And waking up in your arms this morning has been great. But......." Meg pauses for a moment.
"But what, Meg?"
"I think we should take things slow. At least for now. For the time being let's just enjoy.......this," Meg says, kissing him again.
"Just sex and nothing more serious?" Bobby asks.
"For now. Bobby we were both.......well, we hurt each other a lot the last time. I wanna make sure that won't happen again. Does that make sense?"
Bobby nods. "It makes sense. Okay. We take our new beginning slow. For now. And I've got no problem enjoying incredible sex with the most beautiful woman in the world for the time being."
Meg laughs, then gets out of bed. "I should get home."
"Hey, you wanna go down to the beach later this afternoon? The way we use to?" Bobby asks.
Meg slips her shirt on and looks at him with a smile. "That would be great," she replies. She slips on her pants. "I'll see you then. Just text me when you're ready."
"I sure will."
Meg walks over, leans down, and kisses Bobby one more time, then leaves.
Meanwhile....next door at the MacKenzie home....
"Morning," he says, kissing her.
"Hmmm, good morning. Is anyone else up?" Karen asks.
"I heard Michael stirring around. Haven't seen or heard a peep out of Meg of Eric yet."
"Morning," Michael says, walking into the kitchen. "Mom, breakfast smells great."
Karen smiles. "I made your favorites."
Michael takes a seat at the table. "I sure never had a breakfast like this when I was married to Lori. She was lucky if she didn't burn something when she tried to cook in the microwave."
Karen laughs at her son's comment.
"Eric seems to be well adjusted since the divorce," says Mac.
Mac looks across the table at his stepson. "What? For real? You and Lori have been divorced for three years?"
"Yep."
"No way. Really? Seems like just last year. Hmm. Where's the time go?"
"Time always goes faster the older you get," Karen says, placing a plate of bacon on the table.
"Karen, would ya please stop reminding me that I'm gettin' old? I can see that for myself every mornin' when I look in the mirror, I don't need you reminding me every day."
Michael laughs.
"Morning, guys," Eric says as he walks into the kitchen. "What's all the arguing about?"
"No one is arguing," Karen says. "And WHEN are you gonna cut that hair?"
"What's wrong with the hair?" Karen repeats. "Nothing, except that I don't know whether to introduce you to people as my grandson or my granddaughter. Anyway, honey, would you go upstairs, please, and ask Meg if she wants any breakfast?"
"Sure," the boy replies, taking a sip of his orange juice. He gets up from his chair and leaves the room.
"And knock before going into her room," Karen calls after him. She then looks at Michael. "You're his father, can't YOU make him cut it?"
"Mom, Eric's seventeen. He's old enough to decide how he wants to wear his hair. Now if he ever comes home completely covered in tattoos or any weird body piercings, I'd put my foot down. But, he's a good kid and I think if long hair is all we have to worry about with him, we're in good shape."
"I guess you're right," Karen says, taking a seat at the table.
Eric returns at that point. "Meg wasn't in her room," he says, retaking his seat at the table.
"Well, did you knock on the bathroom door?"
"She wasn't in the bathroom either, and her bed didn't look like it had been slept in."
"Oh, well, where in the world could she?" Karen wonders.
Eric smiles. "My money is.....she spent the night next door. With a certain dude she hasn't seen in five years."
Mac and Karen exchange uncomfortable looks. Meanwhile, as the family has breakfast in the kitchen, Meg quietly sneaks in the front door, and tip toes upstairs.
The Avery Home....
"Are you done?" Jason asks.
"I'm done."
"You hardly ate a bite," says Daniel.
"I'm just not hungry."
"What are you gonna do?" Jason asks.
"Just go outside and ride my skateboard."
"Alright, you can go."
Dylan gets up from the table and leaves the room. He grabs his skateboard in the living room and then exits the house through the front door.
"It's okay," says Daniel.
"Look, I really wanna thank you both for having Dylan here for the summer. I really think it'll do him a lot of good. And I'm sure he's pretty anxious to get away from me for a while."
"Oh come on, you don't mean that," Daniel says.
"Unfortunately, little brother, I do. You see, Dylan blames me for the divorce, and in his eyes, his mother could do no wrong. I couldn't very well tell him the truth about her, now could I? I mean, how do you tell a 15-year-old kid that his mother is a lying, cheating, backstabbing little tramp who walked out on him?"
"Aren't you being a little harsh?" Betsy asks.
"No, Betsy, I'm not. Thankfully, because Angela really didn't want custody of Dylan, there was no ugly court battle. She wanted to live it up, and having a teenager around would interfere with her lifestyle."
"What'd you tell Dylan about his mother?" Daniel asks.
"Oh, I didn't have to tell her anything. You see, when Angela is actually WITH Dylan, she's great with him. She lets him do stuff that I never would, but, I guess that's part of her appeal to him. She's a real attentive mother. For about a day and a half, and then she gets restless and wants to go back to her party girl lifestyle and her loose friends. And her revolving door of men."
"I'm sorry, Jason," says Daniel.
"Don't be, little brother. I'm the one who was dumb enough to marry her and stay married to her for fifteen years. Ya know, for a brief time, I almost regretted ever meeting Angela Prescott. But, then I remember that, if I hadn't met her, I wouldn't have that wonderful kid who just walked out of this room a few minutes ago. And I wouldn't trade Dylan for anything in the world. I'm sure gonna miss him this summer, but, I think this change will do him good."
"I'm sure it will," Betsy says with a smile.
"I wish I could, little brother, but I have a law practice, remember? I have a big case coming up next week, and I have to spend a few days preparing for it."
"Okay. Well, then, Betsy and I do expect you to take a few days off later this summer and come stay with us."
"I'd like that," Jason says. "You know, for the blacksheep of the family, you turned out alright, Danny."
"Blacksheep?" Asks a confused Betsy.
Jason smiles. "That's what our Dad use to call Danny when he first found Danny had decided to go to medical school instead of law school. Poor Dad thought he was gonna have two lawyer sons following in his footsteps. But little did he know that he his youngest would go on to become one of the best neurosurgeons on the entire West Coast at such a young age."
The home of Brian and Kate Cunningham....
"I'll be out soon," he says.
"There's no hurry."
"Really? The way you've been acting, I thought you were anxious for me to get out of here."
"I never said that."
"At least the kids took it better than I expected," Brian says.
"Did they?" Kate asks. "I'm not so sure. Strange thing is, they didn't seem all that surprised."
"Fine."
Brian picks up his suitcase and walks to the door, then he turns back to his wife. "I agreed to move out, but I only ask that you promise me one thing."
"What's that?" Kate asks.
"That you won't move your boyfriend into this house."
"After we separate, you have no say over what I do."
"Maybe not, but this is still MY house. And the first time I catch that guy here, I'll toss you both out, and I'll move back in."
"You can't do that."
"Oh yeah? Just try me, Kate," Brian says. He looks at her for a moment, then walks out of the bedroom with his suitcase.
A moment later, Brian comes down the stairs carrying his suitcase, and he finds Molly and Trevor waiting for him in the living room, Molly standing at the bottom of the stairs, and Trevor sitting on the sofa.
"Yes, I am," replies Brian.
"Trevor and I had both hoped something had changed," Molly says. "That maybe you and Mom had worked things out somehow since you told us about this last night."
"Your mother and I have had.....problems......for a long time," Brian says. "You know that your mother and I love you both very much."
"Dad, is there no way you and Mom can work this out?" Molly asks.
"I'm afraid not, sweetheart."
Trevor looks at his father angrily for a moment, then stands and quickly rushes out of the house.
"TREVOR!" Brian calls after the boy.
"Dad, just let him go," says Molly. "This is a lot harder on Trevor than it is on me. I'm older, and getting ready to move out on my own. But Trevor, he needs time to get use to this. Time to adjust to us not being a family anymore."
"Oh, Molly," Brian says. "Honey, we'll always be a family, whether your mother and I are together or not, we're still a family."
"Maybe so. But it's not the same."
Brian looks at the young woman with sadness, then embraces her.
Meanwhile, Trevor walks down the hill from his home until he comes to a tree. The boy angrily kicks the tree, tears in his eyes. Even though he knew his parents were having problems, he'd hoped they would work it out, and even after Brian and Kate told him of their impending separation the night before, he still held out hope for his family. But seeing his father actually about to leave with a suitcase, made it all real to him. Trevor takes a seat beside the tree a short distance down the street from the Cunningham home.
Gary and Val's home.....later
"Oh, hi, Karen," he says.
"Hi. Where're you off to in such a hurry?" Karen asks.
"To pick up your daughter. Meg and I are goin' down to the beach."
Karen smiles. "Wonderful. Well, have a good time."
"Thanks. My mother's in the kitchen," Bobby says as he quickly leaves.
Karen closes the door and walks into the kitchen, where she finds Val sitting at the kitchen table drinking a glass of ice tea.
"Hi, Val," Karen says.
"Well, hi. You want a glass of tea?"
"I'd love one. Don't get up, I'll get it." Karen walks to the refrigerator and takes out the pitcher of tea. "I just saw Bobby on his way out."
"Yeah," Val says. "He and Meg are going to the beach."
"So he told me," Karen says, pouring herself a glass of tea. "It's so wonderful to see our kids reunited, isn't it?"
"Yeah it is."
"You know, Meg didn't come home last night. I'm sure she spent the night here with Bobby."
"Yes, she did," Val says. "I wasn't gonna say anything."
"Why? They're adults. And I'm happy for them. Aren't you?"
"Mmhmm," Val replies, seeming disinterested.
"Val, is everything okay?"
"I could tell," Karen says, taking a seat at the table. She reaches over and takes Val's hand. "I'm listening. What's wrong?"
"It's Gary."
"What's the matter with Gary?" Karen asks.
"The other night at Meg's party, Gary was watching Molly. We talked about it, and he's seriously thinking about telling Molly the truth."
"That he's her father?"
"Uh-huh."
"But, why, now, after all these years?" Karen asks.
"Gary was watching Molly talking to Bobby, and, he's afraid that she'll find out the truth somehow, by accident."
"He does have a point."
"I know," Val says. "You remember Gary's brother Bobby, don't you?"
"Sure."
"Well, Gary's brother went through almost the same situation with his youngest son, Lucas. You see, Lucas's mother ended up marrying Gary and Bobby's brother Ray. Bobby agreed to let Ray raise Lucas as his own son, and Bobby never made any claim on him. But then, last year, Lucas found out that Bobby was his father totally by accident, and, well, it was kind of ugly. Oh, since then Bobby and Lucas have formed a close relationship, but there for a while, things were pretty bad. Gary doesn't wan the same thing happening if Molly finds out the truth from someone else."
"Mac and I were pretty lucky when Meg found out the truth about Greg," says Karen. "I certainly understand where Gary's coming from, but, I don't think that right now is the best time to tell Molly."
"Why not?" Val asks.
Val's mouth falls open in shock. "What? No. They always seemed so happy."
"I guess looks can be deceiving. It's sad what's happening to families these days. Seems like every younger couple we know is either separated or divorced."
"Betsy and Daniel being the exception," Val says. "I'm really sorry about Brian and Kate. Hopefully when he hears, Gary'll decide that now isn't the time to complicate things for them any further."
"Let's hope so," Karen says, managing a smile.
Meanwhile.....across the street at the Avery home....
"Well, that's everything," Jason says. He turns to Daniel. "Take care, little brother."
"Yeah, you, too. And don't worry about Dylan. He'll be fine."
Jason smiles. "Oh, I know. I know he's in good hands." He walks over to his son and places both hands on the boy's shoulders. "Son, you be good, now, and do what Daniel and Betsy tell you."
"Yeah, sure," Dylan says.
"I love you, son," Jason says, hugging the boy. "I'll call you tonight." He walks back over to Daniel and Betsy. "You two take care,"
"Have a safe trip," Betsy says.
"I will. Bye." Jason smiles at his family, then gets into his car. Daniel, Betsy, Dylan, and the children watch as he drives away.
"Well, I hate to run, but, I have to get to the hospital," says Daniel.
"Will you be home by dinner?" Betsy asks.
"I should be. I only have a few patients to see this afternoon. Dylan, see you when I get home. Maybe we can shoot some baskets."
"Yeah, okay."
"Have a good day," Betsy says, kissing her husband. Daniel walks to his car, gets in, and drives away. After he's gone, Betsy turns to Dylan. "Well, what would you like to do for the rest of the day? We could take a swim in the pool, or we could take the kids down to the beach. Your choice."
"Humor you? I don't know what you mean."
"Oh, come on. We both know you don't really want me here."
"Dylan, why would you say such a thing? Of course we want you here."
"No, you don't," Dylan says. "I could tell when we got here. You don't want me any more than my parents did."
"That's not true," says Betsy. "And Dylan, of course your parents want you."
"Oh yeah? Then why did my Dad bring me here and dump me off on you and Uncle Danny?"
"He brought you here to spend the summer, because he thought you needed a change, and that you'd enjoy yourself."
"Nah, that's bull. My Dad might pretend to be this really great father, but really, he didn't want me anymore and he brought me here because he didn't know what else to do with me. He couldn't send me to my Mom because he didn't even know where she is. He's a liar, Aunt Betsy. He suckered you and Uncle Danny, and he stuck you with his kid."