The Broken Road, part 11

By Courtney & Lori

"You know any place we pick to live has to have a fire escape," Felicity said
as she snuggled closer to Ben as they watched the sun set that day from the
fire escape.
"Oh yeah? Why's that?" Ben asked, tightening the arm he had around his
girlfriend.
"Because they seem to agree with us and I like having a place to be alone
with you."
"Well, there's always our bedroom," Ben pointed out. "It's sure a lot warmer
than out here is right now."
"Yeah, I know," Felicity said softly.
"Just not ready for the ghosts?" Ben asked.
"Something like that."
"It's okay. The couch pulls out and Sean said we can use that if we want."
"Well, we have a while before we have to go to bed. I think we should talk
about a more pressing matter right now."
"Such as?"
Felicity sat up and looked Ben in the eye. "What we're going to tell our
parents."
"So, I guess waiting till the baby turns eighteen is out of the question."
"Ben, be serious."
"Okay, okay." Ben moved so that he and Felicity were sitting across from each
other. "What do you think we should do?"
"Honestly? I think we should just flat out tell them."
"You're serious?"
"Yes. I mean if we wait much longer we might as well let the baby tell them.
I'm not gonna be able to fly home this summer cause I'll be in my eighth
month by the time school ends so I'm gonna need to tell my parents something
and what about your mom?"
"I think Mom will understand."
"Because she went through the same thing?"
"Exactly."
"You know, my parents are going to expect us to get married."
"My mom wouldn't force something like that upon us. Not after what she went
through with my dad."
"So we're gonna have one big family feud on our hands," Felicity said as she
turned around and laid her head on Ben's lap. "Any suggestions to alleviate
tension?"
"Between our parents?"
"Yeah."
"Not a one."
"A lot of help you are," Felicity teased as she laid her hands on her
stomach. "I just can't help thinking that my parents are gonna send me to
some convent and have you murdered."
"Nah, they won't do that."
"And how can you be so sure?"
"Because I won't let them. If it comes down to it, Felicity, we can always
just leave."
"Just forget everyone and everything and say 'See ya'."
"Exactly."
"Idea has merit but first I think we should try talking to our parents."
"You sure you're ready for that?"
"No. But we should start thinking about telling them soon. My parents are
flying in next week to see what's going on."
"So then?"
"I figure we make them dinner and then over desert we drop the bomb on them."
"And then run for cover so none of the debris from the fallout gets us."
"What about your mom?"
"I'll call her and tell her she's gonna be a grandmother. She can't kill me
over the phone."
"You'd be surprised. Mother's are capable of doing just about anything, face
to face or otherwise."
"I guess you'll find that out soon."
Felicity took a deep breath. "Oh god, that still sounds so weird." Her eyes
searched for Ben's and locked onto them. "Are you scared?"
"Terrified, but I think as long as we have each other we'll be fine."
"I hope so."
"I know so." Ben leaned down and kissed Felicity gently. "I love you."
"I love you, too."

* * * * *

The phone rang just as Felicity was walking into the loft that Friday
afternoon. She rushed over to pick it up on the third ring. "Hello?"
"Honey, is that you?" she heard her mother's voice ask.
"Mom, yeah, hi," Felicity said with a smile.
"Hi sweetheart, I was just calling to confirm our arrival time with you
for tomorrow."
"Oh, okay," she said as she searched the counter for a pencil. Finding
one, she quickly jotted down the information on a napkin.
"So, I guess we'll see you tomorrow, then," her mom said. "I've missed
you so much, honey."
"Me, too, Mom . . ." she said into the phone. "Mom . . ." she hesitated.
"There's something I should tell you . . . something you and dad need to
know."
"What is it, Felicity?" her mom asked, concern filling her voice at the
worry she heard in her daughter's tone.
"I . . . well, I wanted to wait until you got here tomorrow, but I'm not
sure that's a good idea. I mean, after I tell you what I've done . . . well,
you may not want to see me very much," she admitted sadly.
"Oh honey, nothing could make that happen. Just tell me, it's okay," she
assured her.
"Promise not to hate me?"
"I could never hate you, Felicity. You know that."
"Okay, well . . . you remember Ben, right?" she asked tentatively.
"Yes, of course."
"Well, we're sort of . . . moving in together," she finished.
"Oh? Well . . . I mean, that's fine, dear. You're an adult. If you think
that's what you want then I don't--"
"That's not all," Felicity interrupted her. "Mom, I'm pregnant," she
blurted. Her mother was silent for a long time and Felicity stroked her
growing belly nervously as she listened for her reaction. "Mom . . . please
say something," she softly pleaded.
"Felicity . . . I just . . . I didn't expect this . . ." she stammered.
"How long?"
"I'm due in June," she replied.
"So, that's why you weren't home for Christmas," she said knowingly.
"Partly, yes," Felicity conceded. "I'm sorry, Mom. I wanted to tell you
sooner, I was just . . . so scared. I didn't know what to do and I didn't
know what you'd say. And Dad . . . well, I'm still not sure what he'll say.
I'm afraid he'll never speak to me again once he finds out." Her bottom lip
trembled as she imagined her father's reaction to the fact that his
19-year-old daughter was soon to make him a grandfather.
"You're dad will be okay, don't worry about that. He'll be surprised and
a little upset at first, but it'll work out. We'd never lose you because of
this, honey, I promise you that," her mom said. This made her feel a little
bit better and she sighed.
"Thanks Mom, it's good to hear you say that."
"So, do you want me to tell Dad, or would you rather wait till tomorrow
and tell him yourself?" she asked her daughter.
"He might take it better from you," Felicity said. "Do you mind breaking
the news for me?"
"No, I think it might be best this way. I'll tell him tonight after
dinner," she said.
"Mom, tell him I'm sorry. I didn't plan things this way, really,"
Felicity said as tears streamed down her cheeks.
"Oh Felicity, I know that. Shh, sweetie, it's going to be alright."
Felicity sniffled and nodded, as though her mom could see the gesture. "So,
what are your plans?" her mother asked then.
"We don't know yet," she admitted. "We want to get married eventually,
but that might be a while. Do you think you and dad can be okay with that?"
"I guess we'll have to, won't we?" she replied. "Well, it's your life,
honey. I just hope you know it's about to change drastically," she warned.
"I know . . ." she said. "Mom?"
"Yes?"
"I'm really scared," Felicity said. Her voice sounded so small, like that
of a child. It made her mother think of a little girl in curly pigtails that
would curl up in her lap during a thunderstorm. She suddenly longed for that
little girl again.
"That's good. It's a scary thing, being a mother. Someone will be
depending on you for the rest of your life." Her voice softened then as she
added, "But, I think you'll do just fine. I believe in you . . . I always
have."
Felicity smiled. "Thanks Mom. I love you."
"I love you, too, sweetie. I'll see you tomorrow."

* * * * *

"Ben?"
His girlfriend's sleepy voice made him look up from the video he was
watching. Flicking off the TV he smiled at her. "What's up?"
"You tell me." She shuffled over and sat down beside him. "It's three a.m.
and you're out here watching a video instead of in bed with me."
"I'm sorry did I wake you?"
"No. What's wrong Ben?"
"I don't know. I guess I'm just a little worried about seeing your parents
tomorrow."
"Mom said she'd smooth the way with Dad and even if she can't we'll still
have her in our lives and we'll have your mom. Speaking of which, how'd she
take it?"
"Not bad. She was surprised to say the least but she loves me, she
absolutely adores you, and she said she'll support whatever we decide. She
also said she'd like to be here when the baby's born if that's okay."
"It's fine with me. I love your mom," Felicity smiled. "I hope I'm half the
mother she was because I can say with certainty she raised an incredible son."
"Yeah? Well your parents didn't do a bad job, either." Ben pushed the hair
back from her face and then drew her closer.
"Are you sure you want to be there tomorrow at dinner with my parents?"
Felicity asked. "Last chance to back out."
"You are not getting rid of me that easily. I think it's time to show your
mother and father we're a united front and that I'm here when the going gets
tough."
"I like the sound of that . . . united front," Felicity said yawning.
"What were you watching?" she asked as she picked up the remote and flipped
the TV back on. After she recognized the video she smiled. "I thought I
left this in
Palo Alto."
"I kinda pilfered it from your room the day you were packing."
"Why?"
"I like it. We had a good time in Hawaii and I wanted to be reminded of it."
"So how often did you watch this when I was in Atlanta?" she asked as she
turned the TV off again.
"At least once a week."
"I have a confession to make."
"Okay."
"That picture of us on my grandparents' ranch, with the horses in back of us?"
"Yeah."
"I must have stared at it at least twenty times a day the entire time I was
gone."
"Well, now we don't have to."
"Right, cause now we have the real thing." Felicity yawned again after her
statement and smiled at Ben. "What do you say? Bed?"
"Bed." The two stood up and walked back to their room where they fell fast
asleep.

* * * * *

"Ben!" Felicity called up the stairs. "Ben! Are you almost ready?"
He stuck his head over the stair rail and smiled down at her. "Yeah, be
down in a sec," he replied.
"Hurry, they'll be here any minute," she called back. She heard his shoes
clomping down the steps and looked up from the salad to smile nervously at
him. "Are we ready for this?" she asked. He looked at her hands and saw how
much they were shaking, then went to her side and wrapped her in his arms.
"We're completely ready. They already know . . . that's half the battle,"
he told her.
"I don't think we can really comment on the battle until we actually see
my dad face to face. Oh Ben, I'm just so scared that he's going to freak
out." She turned to wrap her arms around him as well and they stood in a
silent embrace for a moment. Then, the doorbell sounded and broke their calm.
"This is it," she whispered as she looked up at him. He reached down and
grabbed her hand and gave it a squeeze.
"Come on, let's do it," he said with a smile. She smiled in return and
they walked to the door together. Felicity opened the door and smiled
nervously at her parents.
"Felicity," her mom said happily and immediately stepped forward to hug
her daughter tightly.
"Hi Mom," she replied happily as they hugged.
"It's so good to see you, honey," her mother said as she held her for a
moment longer. Then, she stepped back and looked her up and down. She didn't
say anything more, but the smile she gave her daughter spoke volumes.
Felicity nodded her thanks to her mother for her understanding.
Mr. Porter stood back from the scene and looked his daughter over as
well. His eyes clouded with worry as he took in her appearance. In his mind,
she was still such a little girl. He'd never have imagined she was ready for
this. But, they'd all soon find out.
"Daddy," Felicity said tentatively.
"Hi Princess," he said with a smile, finally stepping up to hug her as
well.
"Well, come in, please," Felicity said as she waved them both into the
loft. "Have a seat," she told them. Her parents went to sit on the couch and
she took Ben's hand as they stood before them. "You both remember Ben,
right?" she asked.
"Yes, of course," her mother smiled. Mr. Porter nodded with a
tight-lipped smile.
"Nice to see you both again," Ben said as he smiled nervously at his
girlfriend's parents. He knew he wasn't their favorite person on the planet
at that moment. That much was obvious. He just wasn't sure what to say to
them. 'Sorry I ruined your daughter's life,' seemed a bit much, so he just
stood there trying not to fidget.
"Well, dinner is about ready so if you guys want to go ahead and sit down
. . ." Felicity said. Her parents nodded and got up to follow her to the
table.
Ben started into the kitchen to help Felicity, but her mother shooed him
to his seat. "I've got it, dear. You sit." Reluctantly, he obeyed. When the
two women had gone, Ben looked at Mr. Porter and offered a timid smile.
"So, are you planning on marrying my daughter, Ben?" the man asked him
suddenly.
"S-sir?"
"I'm sure Felicity's . . . condition hasn't escaped you, son. Are you
planning on marrying her or aren't you?" Mr. Porter asked calmly.
"W-well . . . um, y-yes sir. I . . . I love Felicity very much and . . .
we, um, we want to get married. I just . . . we're waiting until . . . um . .
."
"Until?"
"Until we're ready," Felicity finished as she came back over to the
table. Having heard the conversation, she looked at her father and said,
"Daddy, Ben loves me and I love him. We're going to have a baby in a few
months, and no, we aren't married . . . yet. Someday we will be, but not
because we have to. Because we want to. In our own time," she stated
emphatically. Ben was amazed at the determined look in her eyes as she spoke
to her father. She wasn't backing down from him for even a moment.
"Well . . . I suppose I can live with that, then," Mr. Porter said.
"Good," Felicity smiled as she took the seat beside Ben's. Her mother
came back in and sat beside her father and they all began to eat. Soon, they
started a little small talk to lighten the mood and by the end of the meal
things didn't seem so bad after all.

* * * * *

"Okay, that's it," Felicity said to Ben as she placed the last dish back
into the cabinet. Her parents had gone back to their hotel about a half an
hour before and she and Ben had just gotten done cleaning up from dinner.
"I'm exhausted," she told him as she leaned against the kitchen counter.
"Me, too," he agreed. "Wanna hit the hay?"
"Sounds like a plan," she replied and he took her hand to lead her
upstairs. As they made their way through the living room, the front door
opened and Sean entered.
"Hey guys, going to bed already?" he asked.
"Yeah, we're wiped out," Ben told him.
"How'd dinner go?" Sean asked.
"Pretty good," Felicity told him. "Thanks again for clearing out of here
for the night. I really appreciated it."
"No problem," he replied. "Well, you two lovebirds go get some rest. Hey,
were there any leftovers from dinner?"
"Yeah, they're in the frig. Help yourself," Felicity told him.
"Thanks, g'night," he called after them.
"Night," Ben replied, then led Felicity to their bedroom.
"So," she said once they were under the covers together, "are we still
going to look at that apartment off McGill Ave tomorrow?"
"Yeah, fine by me," he said as she snuggled close in his arms.
"I think things went well with my parents."
"I hope so. I really don't want them to hate me," he replied.
"They don't hate you," she assured him.
"What your dad was saying about us getting married . . ."
"Don't worry about that," she said.
"But, I think he's right, Felicity. We should get married."
"We do not have to get married just because I'm pregnant," she insisted.
"Do you honestly think that's the one and only reason?" he asked. "God, I
love you more than life . . . of course I want to marry you."
"I want to marry you, too. I just think . . . well, we should get
settled, wait till the baby comes . . . then, we'll talk about a wedding."
"Why wait?" he wanted to know. "It doesn't have to be a big wedding."
"I know . . . I just . . . I'd rather not be this enormous fat chick in
my wedding photos, okay?"
He smiled and squeezed her in his arms. "You are *not* fat," he said.
"I'm huge and you know it," she said.
"No way, you're gorgeous. I've never seen a pregnant woman who was more
beautiful than you are. You're the most beautiful woman in the world," he
told her as he leaned down to capture her mouth in a soft kiss.
Felicity smiled as their lips parted. "Now I know what I keep you
around," she said with a grin. "You always know just what to say to make me
feel better."
"It really is true," he told her sincerely. "I want you to be my wife . .
. no matter what. And if it means we wait till the baby comes, well then, I
can wait. I'd wait forever for you," he said softly.
"You're the most wonderful man on earth," she said as she kissed him
again.
"If only that were true," he laughed a little.
"It is to me," she told him.
"Well then, that's all that matters," he replied and they sunk down under
the comforter together.

* * * * *

"You honestly think this'll work?" Sean asked as he tasted some of the potato
soup Felicity was making for dinner.
"It worked for Ben and Noel, why can't it work for Elena and Ben?" Felicity
said as she lightly swatted at Sean's hands.
"Cause Elena doesn't like seeing her friends get hurt and Ben hurt you."
"Yes, but I got over it and forgave Ben and it's time for Elena to do the
same."
"I wish you luck. Noel's in on it, right?"
"Right, and I still wish you were staying."
"Not a chance. One reconciliation dinner per school year is my limit." Sean
checked his watch. "I'm outta here. Got dinner plans waiting for me at
Epstein's."
"You know something Sean?"
"What?" he said as he turned to look at her.
"You're a chicken."
"Cluck, cluck," was his reply before he left.
Felicity shook her head before going back to her cooking. The soup was just
about done and the double-decker cheeseburgers and cheese fries with
chocolate shakes were almost ready as well. All she needed were her dinner
companions.
"Hello?" There was one now. She turned around to see Ben coming in.
"Hi."
"Something smells awesome in here. Cooking again?"
"Yep. The soup's ready if you want some."
"You know that's an awful lot of food. Are we expecting your parents again?"
Felicity giggled a little before answering, "No, my parents are safely back
in California. I invited some friends for dinner."
"Oh yeah? Who?"
The doorbell saved Felicity from answering. "Would you get that? I don't want
the fries to burn."
"Okay." Ben went to the door and pulled it open. "Noel, hi."
"Hey." Noel moved to reveal Elena behind him.
"Elena." Ben was shocked to say the least. He knew Elena hadn't forgiven him
for the whole Julie debacle so he didn't think she'd be making any
appearances at the loft any time soon. Yet, there she was.
"Hi Ben," she said as she entered walking to the kitchen where Felicity was.
"Noel?"
"Yeah?"
"Why do I have the feeling I've been set up?"
"Probably because you have," Noel smiled as he, too, walked into the loft.
"Great," Ben muttered as he shut the door and turned around. He groaned. He
was beginning to get the feeling that this would be a long night.

* * * * *

"Felicity, dinner was great. Thanks for inviting us," Noel said to his
friend as he set his napkin on his plate.
"Yeah, thanks," Elena echoed with a tight smile. She'd been quiet all
evening. When they'd left the house together, Noel hadn't told her where they
were going. By the time she'd realized that they were going to the loft, it
had been too late to back out. Not that she hadn't tried, but Noel had
convinced her not to return home. Still, the strained dinner conversation
that went on mostly between Felicity and Noel, had her reconsidering and
wishing she'd just gone back to the apartment alone.
"Hey Noel, how about helping me with the dishes," Felicity said as she
stood up and gathered a few plates.
"I can help you," Ben and Elena said simultaneously. Felicity hid a grin.
"That's okay, I want to talk to Noel. You two go sit in the living room.
We'll be in soon," she told them. They both watched reluctantly as Felicity
and Noel carried the dinner dishes into the kitchen and left them alone
together.
"Well . . . I guess we should go sit in the living room then," Ben said
unsurely.
"Yeah . . ." she murmured and got up to leave the table. He followed her,
watching her take a seat at one end of the sofa and he sat in a chair on the
other side.
"So . . ." he said after a moment.
"So," she replied curtly, her eyes staring coldly at some spot off to his
left.
"I know that you know as well as I do what those two are trying to do,"
Ben said finally.
"Yeah, I know what they're up to," she confirmed. "But, it really doesn't
change anything."
"Look Elena . . . I want to apologize," he began.
"There's no need to apologize to me," she said quickly.
"Yes, there is," he continued. "I was an asshole. I can admit that. I . .
. I honestly never meant to hurt Felicity. You have to know that I love her.
You've got to see that, don't you?" he said, his voice carrying a hopeful
tone.
"I see that you did the most awful thing in the world to her, that's what
I see," Elena replied bitterly.
"She's forgiven me," he reminded her softly. "Can't you please try to
accept that?"
"I accept it," she snapped, swinging her head around to look him sharply
in the eyes. "You two are together again. Fine."
"She wants you to be okay with this," he said.
"I know that she does. I'm just not sure I can do that," Elena admitted.
"You hate me that much?" he asked.
"I hate what you did to her that much," she answered.
"I hate myself for that, Elena. You've gotta know that." He shook his
head sadly as he looked down at his hands. "I try everyday to think of some
way I can ever make it up to her . . . but I'm not sure that's possible. I
can never take back what I did, never. I think my punishment will be having
to live with that for the rest of my life." He looked up at her and saw hr
expression soften just a little. It wasn't much, but at least it was a start.
"I can never forget what you did to her. She's my best friend," Elena
told him. He nodded that he completely understood. "But, I suppose if
Felicity can get past the fact that you were a miserable lout who didn't
deserve a second chance . . . well, I guess if she loves you enough to do
that then I can respect that and tolerate you."
He smiled a little. "Thanks Elena, that means a lot."
"I'm not doing it for you. I'm doing it for her," she said
matter-of-factly.
"I know, but it means a lot to me that you would even consider it."
"Well, don't screw up again," she warned with a crook of her eyebrow.
He had to laugh at that. "And face your wrath? No, not a chance," he
assured her. Elena didn't reply but even she cracked a smile.
"Well, well, looks like you two are having fun without us," Felicity said
as she walked into the living room and heard the laughing.
"What's going on?" Noel asked as he sat beside Elena. Felicity stood
beside Ben's chair.
"We came to an understanding," Elena told them.
"Friends?" Felicity asked hopefully.
"Well, not enemies," she said.
"That's close enough," Felicity smiled. "So, what do you guys want to do
now? Watch a movie?"
"Sure, sounds good. What have you got?" Noel asked.
"Sean has a million movies. Let's go pick one," Ben suggested. Noel
nodded and the two got up to head into Sean's room together.
Felicity walked over and took Noel's seat beside Elena. "Thank you," she
said to her friend.
"For what?" Elena asked. "All I did was agree to be in the same room with
him without cursing. It's not that big of a deal."
"It's a big deal to me and you knew that. Thanks, it means a lot to me,"
Felicity said.
"You still glad you took him back?" Elena asked.
"Every day," she replied.
"He loves you, I can tell. When he looks at you it's like . . . I dunno.
It's like no one has ever looked at me before. Like you're the whole world to
him." She looked over to smile at Felicity. "I hate what he did to you, but
I'm glad things worked out for your sake. I think he's the one."
"So do I," Felicity smiled back.
"So, I wonder what movie those two are going to come up with?" Elena
mused.
"I don't know, but I'm sure it won't be one we - Oh!" she stopped short.
Elena looked just a little frantic. "What?" she asked.
A smile spread across Felicity's face. "Nothing. Nothing's wrong, I mean.
It's just . . . feel." She took Elena's hand and laid it on her stomach. "Oh,
there it was, did you feel it?" she asked.
"Yeah," she nodded. Felicity looked at her friend and saw her face filled
with wonder. "That's . . . wow, that's amazing."
Ben and Noel reentered the room and Felicity waved them over. "What's
going on?" Noel asked.
"The baby. C'mere," Felicity replied and he sat beside her on the
opposite side and placed his hand over her belly to feel the baby move within
her.
"Wow . . ." he breathed as he felt a kick. "Does that hurt?" he asked as
he looked up at her.
"No," she smiled. "It actually feels pretty amazing." She looked up then
and smiled at Ben, who was standing off to the side and watching the scene
happily. His eyes on her were so tender. She suddenly knew just what Elena
meant about the way he looked at her. It was pretty amazing.
When the baby had finally settled down, Felicity moved to sit on the
loveseat and Ben sat down beside her. "What movie are we going to watch?" she
asked.
"Well, first we picked Rambo," Noel admitted. "But, we knew we'd get sent
back for a different one, so we decided on When Harry Met Sally instead."
"Sean actually owns When Harry Met Sally?" Elena asked in disbelief.
"Sean owns all kinds of chick flicks. I was shocked that we found Rambo
in there actually," Noel said.
Ben laughed. "Sean is a complicated man."
"Tell me about it. So, where is he tonight anyway?" Elena asked.
"Dodging the two of us no doubt," Ben replied.
"Actually, he's having dinner with a friend," Felicity said.
"Who?" Ben and Elena asked at the same time.
Felicity giggled. "Um, actually . . . Julie."
"Julie?" Elena asked, her expression marred by a grimace.
"Yeah, they've been getting together a lot lately," Felicity replied.
"I didn't know that," Ben said. "As a matter of fact, how did you know
that?" he asked.
"Sean told me, that's how. He actually asked me if I'd be upset with him
if Julie moved in here after you and I move out."
"What did you tell him?" Ben asked.
"I told him no. Why would I be mad about that?" she asked.
"Well, I guess I can see how you would be," Noel said.
"Yeah, me too," Elena added.
"I have no problem with Julie. We haven't talked much, obviously, but I'm
not mad at her. Not anymore," Felicity said.
"You're a better woman than I am, girl," Elena sighed.
"Nah, I just know that mistakes happen. I've made a few myself. Besides,"
she said as she snuggled closer to Ben, "I'm completely happy at this point
in my life. I don't want anything to stand in the way of that."
Ben leaned down to kiss her forehead. "I'm glad to hear that," he said
softly to her.
"So, wanna watch the movie?" Noel asked.
"Sure, put it in," Felicity said.
They all sat together watching the movie; Ben and Felicity cuddled
together on the loveseat and Noel and Elena sitting across from them on the
couch. Elena had her feet up in Noel's lap and his head was laid lazily on
the back of the sofa. She looked over at Ben and Felicity. He sat with his
back to the arm of the loveseat and she was sitting right in front of him,
her back to his chest. His hands were gently rubbing her abdomen and a small
smile played at Felicity's lips. Elena had never seen two people looking more
in love. She'd always doubted people's ability to change their ways, but with
Ben she was pretty sure he had. He didn't seem to want anyone but felicity.
She was enough for him. And, if that were true, that was enough for Elena.
She smiled to herself, then turned her attention back to the television.

* * * * *