- Grandpa promised to take us to see you at the theater... Why didn't you tell us you were in town? –
- I'm sorry, baby. I took a few days off to be with mom and grandma... I didn't know if I should tell you the truth –
- Why not, Deanna? Is it because of Dad? - Ethan asked her
- I don't want to cause any trouble... –
- The only one causing trouble is Beverly! - Naomi told her angrily.
- Come back, Deanna, so she'll go away - The little boy's innocence
- I can't do that, grasshopper. Anyway, Naomi, it's not right for you to say such things –
- But it's true! She hangs around the house all the time. Ethan asked Dad if they were boyfriend and girlfriend and he said they weren't. If they're not, then I don't understand why she's always here," Deanna looked at Ethan.
- Anyway, try to get along with her, okay? –
- I don't like her," the girl said.
- When are you coming? - Deanna changed the subject.
- We don't know... –
- How about coming to one of the rehearsals? The play doesn't open until next week... But tomorrow we'll have a dress rehearsal with costumes –
- Yes, great! I'll call Grandpa and tell him –
After knowing that she was in town and arguing with Beverly again to remind her where she belonged, Daniel had realized that what he was doing with her was wrong. No matter how much Beverly insisted and offered to "satisfy" him, he just used her. He didn't understand why he did it, he had never been like that with any woman, it disgusted him what he had become. It would have been easier to hire someone, but he didn't often think about that, unless it was Deanna or her memory, it just happened.
In fact, Deanna had opened the door to something completely new for him: direct desire, free, without prejudice or ostentation. She gave herself to him because she loved him and expressed that feeling with her body, and there is no more dangerous addiction than the chemistry of two souls meeting and vibrating at the same level.
And he had become addicted. As if she had dug deep inside him and found the lava that had been buried and hidden to let it flow unhindered. This heat that burned him had made him accept Beverly's "favor. And now things were out of control. He had to get it over with.
The Ambassador glowed with the energy and bustle of rehearsal preparations. A dress rehearsal with costumes and decorations was a lot of work; every department had been working nonstop since early morning to get everything ready.
Deanna was waiting under the stage, ready to take care of the last details, when Marcus approached her.
- There's a Crusher at the door with three kids who say you invited them -
- I did! I forgot to tell you, I'm sorry... Can you let them in? -
- Sure...
Nerves came over her, it had been so long since she had seen the children in person. Leonard was watching her from the upper seats, as always, curious and a little crouched. Suddenly, a child's voice called her name and the next thing she knew, he was running to her arms.
- Deanna! Deanna! -
Jonathan hugged her tightly and cried.
- Don't cry... you'll make me cry too -
- Deanna! -
Next was Naomi and she also ran a little to give her a hug.
- "Baby doll! -
- I missed you so much - the little girl told her with wet eyes.
- Oh, for God's sake! Don't cry too, I can't stand it -
Ethan approached her walking, he had suppressed the urge to run like his siblings. But when he was in front of her, he didn't hesitate to embrace her completely. Deanna did the same and finally the tears escaped her eyes.
- You are so big... -She told the boy between sobs.
- I missed you - he replied without letting go.
- Me too... all three of you... - I
- I guess I'll get a hug too... -
Charles came up behind her, he had taken his time to arrive.
-Of course...
And she embraced him tenderly, for that was what Charles inspired in her: tenderness. The former father-in-law did not spare the strength of his arms either.
- Ah, my dear Deanna! - he said to her.
Leonard was still half-hidden upstairs, watching the scene. He sighed deeply. No matter how far or how long she went, the bond she had with these children would not be broken. They simply loved each other. It didn't surprise him that they felt that way about Deanna, how could they not love her, or that Deanna couldn't stop looking after those children. He sat back and sighed again.
- Thanks for bringing them -
- Not at all! It gave me an excuse to say hello to you -
- How are you, Charles? –
- Well, well... A bit old, but well... -
- Will you stay? I'll ask the boys to set you up... -
- Oh, no! I just came to drop them off. I'm saving myself for opening night, I don't want to spoil the surprise... -
- Are you sure about that? -
- Yes, don't worry. They promised me they'd behave themselves and let me know when they want me to pick them up -
- That's fine.
- Thank you, Grandpa! - said the little boy.
It was like entering a magical world, full of lights and music. The three stayed on the edge of their seats, watching absolutely everything. Only they occupied the seats behind the orchestra pit, as if it were a private and exclusive performance.
When the rehearsal was finally over, Deanna came down to get them.
- Would you like something to eat? In my dressing room we can eat and drink whatever we want... And since it's a little late, how about... Cheeseburgers! I'm starving...
- Yes! - Jonathan exclaimed enthusiastically.
- Great! Will you tell your grandpa, Ethan? Tell him if it gets late, I can take you out -
Leonard got up and walked out. For some reason, he felt his time with her was running out.
Deanna had taken off her clothes and put on her street clothes. They enjoyed dinner together, amidst props, makeup, lights and mirrors.
-Well, it's getting late and you have class tomorrow... I'll drive you back... -
- No need, Dad sent me a message that he's coming to pick us up - Ethan told her.
- Your father? –
- Yes, he said, Grandpa must be in bed by now -
- But... I can drive you -
- He's on his way -
Oh, for heaven's sake! What would it feel like to see him again? She had to see him, she couldn't just leave the children at the door for him to pick them up. She warned the staff that he was coming and to let him in. Her palms were sweating and her heart was pounding.
They waited for him in the pews. Naomi was the first to see him enter.
-Hi, Dad.
Oh, my goodness!
-Hi, honey.
His voice.
-Daddy, we had cheeseburgers, the little boy informed him.
She had to get up.
Deanna was going to drive us home- Ethan told him.
Her legs were shaking.
-Hi Deanna.
She finally got up and turned around.
-Hi Daniel.
Why did he look so good? Please!
- How are you?" He asked without taking his eyes off her.
- I'm fine and you? -
She could smell his perfume... wood and sandalwood.
-Thank you for taking care of them.
Leave at once.
-It's nothing, I missed her.
He just looked at her, staring deep into her eyes. Those expressive eyes full of silent words. And Deanna's pulse started to race. She felt as if her legs would give out at any moment. The last time she had seen him, she had simply left him, without looking back. Just to see him standing there, with that intensity and that characteristically imposing look, made her insides explode like thousands of firecrackers all at once.
- We'd better go... - He said to his children.
- We will come back - Naomi announced.
- Sure... whenever you want -
- Bye, Deanna -
And they left. As soon as they passed the door, she collapsed on the chair. She still loved him madly.