Heir to a Fortune

[Isolde]

Selena

"Wait a minute," I called, standing beside Connor's plate with the sticky knife I was using to cut his waffles dripping onto the table,"W..w..walking? Kindergarten? Nobody told me I had to walk every day!"

But he was gone, out the door and I could hear his car starting up and pulling out of the driveway. Looking at the two boys, I sighed.

"Okay, lets see if we can do this," I said as Connor shoved another cut up piece of waffle in his mouth before the first one was swallowed. "You two eat and I will go see what you have to wear today."

Putting the knife in the sink, I went to the boys' room and did just that. I managed to throw two outfits together and headed out just as the two boys were done. I grimaced. There was syrup from head to toe.

"First things first. Into the bathroom," I said knowing they would have to be clean before they went anywhere. And I thought hair jell was wiggly. These two put the little alien slime creatures my cousin's children played with to shame. It took me some time to make sure I had gotten all the syrup as they continually moved and I kept cleaning the same spot over and over again.

Finally I was satisfied with my job though and the kids were dressed.

It almost wasnt bad, walking the munchikin to school. Though we kept having to go back to the house for all the things we forgot. Backpack (he pronouced it packpack) and homework (this he simply named yuck and I could agree with him there) and a couple other things.

Soon he was dropped off and Connor and I were on our way back home. You know, I never noticed how nice of a day it could be when you had to walk it instead of spinning through it in a sports car.

When we got home, I washed up the kitchen, doing further damage to my nails but getting it pretty well done. The dishes may not have been perfect and the decorations werent exactly straight but it was clean.

"Okay, rugrat," I said to Connor as I stood there,"You got any idea what else I am supposed to do?"

 

[Najia]

Melody

She knocked on the door and then let herself in. She had seen Selena and the younger boy coming back up the walk and into the house as she pulled into her apartment.

Getting the bags from her car, she walked over to the house and had knocked.

"Anyone here?" She called knowing very well that they were,"I brought some stuff for you."

Seeing Selena in the living room, she motioned her to come into the kitchen.

"I got a bunch of stuff that you can cook up real easy as well as some quick but nutritional snacks for the kids," She said to her as she started pulling things out of the bags,"I figure if you cook a real good meal twice a week your boss wont mind fast fixings the rest of the time. Let me show you how to fix these and the ends and outs of the stove and tomorrow I will come and give you cooking lesson number one."

She told Selena to get some toys for the baby while they talked and, once he was settled into his playpen, they sat down for a heart to heart. Getting up and giving the baby juice and snacks and checking on him every once in awhile.

By the end of a few hours, Selena knew how to read instructions and how to turn on and off the stove. Melody felt bad when she was told about what had happened that night. It was just normal to think someone would know to turn off the stove.

Looking at the clock, Melody could see that it was almost time for lunch and then Selena jumped up and said she had to go get Lyndon from school and Melody offered to stay and watch the little one who had fallen asleep.

Watching Selena rush out of the door, she thought to herself,"There might be hope for that debutant afterall."

 

[Isolde]

Selena

It was a quick trip to the school and then back to the house. After Lyndon was settled with a snack Melody taught me how to use the washing machine. My first try was a disaster and we ended cleaning up suds from the floor before we could continue.

Melody then sent me around to each bedroom with a basket to collect dirty clothing while she helped Lyndon with his E is for Elephant homework.

It wasnt difficult until Melody yelled upstairs to me to make sure that I checked under the beds. You would not believe what two young boys can hide under there. I was sufficiently grossed out by the time I was done and I made a mental note to come back with something for the trash pile that was now there.

Going to Jake's bedroom, I tentively pushed the door open and went inside. I felt like an intruder but my instructions were to get all of the clothes.

My employer's room was nice and neat. It honestly didnt look like he spent alot of time here. Of course he probably spent most of his time with the boys.

Heading into the Master Bedroom, I picked up all the clothing left over from his shower and then headed back out the door. That was when the picture on the dresser caught my eye and I was drawn to it even though I knew I as invading his privacy.

It was a picture of Jake, the boys...a little bit younger and a woman I assumed was the Lyndon's and Connor's mother. The picture was askewed on the dresser unlike the other things which seemed to have their place. It was as if this item as picked up and held alot.

Hearing Melody call to me again, I left to head out the door when I noticed something made of cloth peeking from under the bed. Kneeling down, I reached under and grabbed what was under there which turned out to be some magazines and a towel which was damp.

It puzzled me for a moment why the towel was here and not in the bathroom and then I looked at the magazines. My eyes opened wide and I quickly pushed the magazines back under the bed. Lifting the towel, I could now smell the musky odor and it dawned on me that this was not the towel that he dried off with after his morning shower and there was a very good reason for it being there.

Now, I am was no virgin, but the thought of finding something like this in my employer's bedroom caused a blush to creep up my neck and into my face. I chided myself for feeling that way. I mean he was a man and he had needs and his wife was not there.

He must have put alot of time into the boys too and my admiration went up for him a bit. I think I started seeing him in a new light.

Throwing the towel into the basket, I headed to the laundry room to put my new found skills to work. Melody said she had to go and I gave her a genuine thank you before she left.

Looking at the clock, I noticed that Jake would probably be back soon and begin dinner after sitting the boys at the table and telling them to draw a picture for their dad for when he got home.

Thank heavens for Melody and her little hints. The boys loved the idea and went right to work on their 'masterpieces' while I started cooking the 'Hamburger Helper' meal we would have tonight. It wasnt caviar but it would be my first meal that I cooked totally alone.

 

[Anakin20]

Jake

I arrived back home after another tough day at the office. My boss had called, but only to ask if the woman had arrived, which I told him she had. I wanted to ask about her, but I thought that might not be appropriate.
I entered the front door and was greeted by both my bundles of energy and saw Melody and Selena chatting while getting dinner ready.
"Hi, honeys! I'm home!" I said jokingly. I didn't even say that kind of stuff when my wife was alive.
"Mmmm, smells good. What's cooking and which one of you do I kiss?" I grinned widely, just so they knew I was kidding.
"Ewww kissing," said Lynden.

 

[Najia]

Melody

Melody heard the door open and waved goodbye to Selena. "Got errands to do," She said as she passed by Jake.

"And you can save that for the cook," she added as she passed him,"Selena's the one that did it all tonight. I am just an innocent bystander."

"See you guys later," I called to Lynden and Conner as I closed the door behind me and headed for my apartment. I was pleased that I was going to be able to report some good things to my Aunt when I called her later. Of course I was leaving out how I was helping the situation but I Selena seemed kind of nice and she needed a friend.

 

[Isolde]

Selena

I waved to Melody and laughed at Lynden's comment.

"Okay, guys," I said,"time to wash up. Show your dad your pictures you drew and then you have to wash for dinner."

Looking at Jake with a smile, I said,"I have been told that the refridgerator is the honored place for such masterpieces so, if you will do the honors and then get them washed up, I will serve dinner."

Moving to the cupboards and taking out the plates, I begin to serve as Jake coped with his welcome home.

 

[Anakin20]

Jake

I scooped the boys up, and they were bubbling with stories of how they enjoyed their day with their new nanny. I was very happy. I had been distracted a little at work, wondering. (Okay, wondering if the house was going to be burnt to the ground)
Once we were all cleaned and I was changed, I headed back to the kitchen, a wriggling boy under each arm.
"Can we cook these for tomorrow's dinner?" I said to Selena, and the boys giggled and kicked.

 

[Isolde]

Selena

I laughed as and shook my head as he put the boys down in their seats.

"Two tough guys like them? Might be a bit stringy. I think we better stick to whats in the fridge."

Lynden's chest seemed to swell when I called him a 'tough guy' and I had to fight from laughing at it and risk hurting his feelings.

After everyone was settled we begin the meal. Conversation was pretty much Lynden babbling on about things. I was suddenly shy for some reason. It could be because of the fact that I was not used to 'family' dinners.

My father was usually away taking care of business and my mother was usually off on some charity event. I basically grew up with servants.

The food was good. It may have been the fact that it was the first meal I cooked by myself but I thought it was done rather well and I couldnt hide a satisfied smile as I ate.

Cleanup was easy too. While Jake took the fiesty tots in and bathed them (this seemed like his special time with the boys so I didnt interfere) I cleaned the kitchen and dining room.

I got done just in time to avoid being run down by two little whirlwinds as the boys raced for the TV and sat down in front of it. It seemed that Jake had promised a Disney movie and the first one to get settled picked the movie.

As Jake followed the boys out, I got up my courage and put a hand on his arm. The picture and the things I found under his bed that night were stuck in my mind and I just couldnt get them out. I knew I had to broach the subject of how lonely he must be or it would bug me all night.

"Jake," I said in a low voice so that the boys didnt overhear,"I have been thinking. You know, being a single father cant be easy and its probably been awhile since you have been out. Why dont you go out for a few hours tonight? I can take care of the boys. I figure a bedtime story wouldnt be too hard to manage," I grinned at the joke,"and they will be asleep before you come home...."

I didnt finish the sentence but let it hang between us. I was trying to let him know that, if he decided to spend some extra time with a lady he met that I it would be okay. I just wasnt sure how to put it without saying it right out.

 

[Anakin20]

Jake

I was wondering where this was coming from, but I was sure greatful for the offer.
"You know, that's a great idea, but of course you tell me tonight when all the guys have other plans. Grant's working nights, Miller's got his bowling league and Danny's having his family over for dinner. Perhaps tomorrow night. The guys will be thrilled. Perhaps I can go play poker for once, since tomorrow's Friday."
I felt the heat from her arm and remembered the visions I had of her last night. Thankfully, she didn't know about them, or else it would be a lot more awkward. Maybe she'd knock me on the head again and let me look down her robe.
"Tonight, tonight is for my boys. I really love spending time with them."

 

[Isolde]

Selena

I nodded my head. Of course he couldnt just up and leave. I was so used to doing it that I just assumed that others could. I guess life is alot more spontaneous when you dont have responsibilities.

"Alot more empty, too," A thought came into my head as I looked over to where the boys were eagerly waiting for their father to come and put the movie in. Now where had that come from? But the thought stayed with me as I took my hand slowly off of Jake's arm. I dont know why I let it linger there, it just seemed to feel nice...the heat of his arm against my hand.

"Right," I said and smiled to let him know I understood,"Tomorrow it is then. Maybe the boys and I will order pizza and play some board games. I saw some in their room. You go enjoy the movie with them. I'll be in my room if you need me."

Moving away, I looked back at the family scene and I got a pang in my chest. Those boys were going to have some really great memories of thier childhood. Somehow I was a little bit envious.

 

[Anakin20]

Jake

Both boys looked back at her.
"I don't think the three guys in this room want you to leave, Selena."
I touched her hand as she pulled her arm away.
"Don't go. We'd love for you to stay and keep us company."
I looked into her eyes.

 

[Isolde]

Selena

I looked up and back as Jake's hand caught my own and suddenly I was staring into his eyes. For a minute I couldnt move. For a minute I didnt want to.

Then the restlessness from in front of the TV caught my attention and Jake's words begin to filter through. 'Three Boys'? Meaning Jake wanted me there too? For some reason that statement, though I knew that it didnt mean anything, made my heart beat faster. The fact that I was wanted in such a family setting made me glow.

"S..sure, if I'm not intruding," I said, my voice kind of wavering,"Though, I'm not up on Disney movies. I'd love to watch the movie with you. Just let me get into something more comfortable."

Hurrying into my room while Jake and the boys debated on the movie, I opened up my suitcases which I hadnt had time to unpack.

Searching through them, I found a pair of, non brand name, jeans that looked servicable and some T shirts. Picking the top one up, I saw that it had a logo. "Spoiled Brat".

"Ha Ha, very funny, Daddy," I said, the sarcasm dripping from my voice. I almost put it down but then picked it up again. Okay, he wanted to play the game, fine. I could play that game too.

Donning the jeans, which fit perfectly...Daddy always did have an eye for things, and hugged my figure but still gave me room to move and be comfortable, I pulled the T Shirt over my head and looked into the mirror.

Grabbing my brush, I let down my hair and ran it through the honey brown tresses, letting it curl naturally to frame my face.

I must have taken longer than I thought because when I came out, Jake had already made popcorn and was getting the boys settled.

"Okay, guys, sorry I took so long but I am a girl and you two," I pointed to Lyndon and Connor," Will find out that waiting while a girl gets ready is the least of a guys worrys."

Looking at Jake, I said,"Ready when you are, Boss."

 

[Anakin20]

Jake

I almost swallowed a mouthful of popcorn whole, but I managed to keep my composure, clear my mouth and say, "excellent, you didn't take long at all. Popcorn's ready and so are we."
I smiled, really impressed with her hair and the way the jeans and shirt fit.
"Spoiled Brat?" I thought to myself. "Maybe she is. Interesting."
I handed her the bowl of popcorn.

 

[Guest]

Selena

I sat down on the couch and accepted the popcorn from Jake just before being dog piled on by the two boys. In a flurry of little feet and hands, they had climbed up with Jake and I and were snuggling into position to watch the show.

Lyn (as his dad called him) was snuggled up to Jake's side with his father's arm around him and I found myself with a two year old bundle who was snuggling into my arms.

Putting down the popcorn, I put my arms around Connor. I could smell that 'just out of the bathtub' scent on him and, somehow, it was comforting and relaxing.

The one movie turned into two and, before that one was done, Connor had fallen asleep in my arms and Lyn was on his way too. Carefully Jake took the boys to the bedroom and tucked them in as I stopped and rewound the movie that was only half way watched.

Putting it up with the other videos, my eyes caught the titles of the movies...some of which I had never seen. I wondered if Jake would mind terribly if I watched one. I hesitated to go in and disturb his time with the boys and I simply let my finger move across the cases instead.

I almost jumped from my skin as I heard his voice behind me. I hadnt realized he had come out of the boys' room.

 

[Anakin20]

Jake

I saw she was looking through my movie collection, glad that the naughty stuff was locked away in my room.
I went up behind her and said, "I want to convert them to DVD, but I don't have the time, or money right now."
I noticed she jumped and said, "Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. Next time I'll knock before I come in the living room. Heck, at least you didn't headbutt me this time."

 

[Isolde]

Selena

I placed my hand on my chest to steady my heartbeat which wasnt getting any better with him standing so close.

A giggle escaped my lips and I put a hand over my mouth to stiffle the all out laugh that was welling up. It's not nice to laugh at your employer.

Settling my mirth down but still having a smile on my face, I said,"I was just wondering if you would mind me watching one. I'm not too sleepy and I know you have to go to work tomorrow so I would keep the volume down on the TV."

 

[Anakin20]

Jake

"Oh, sure. It is getting kind of late, go ahead. Of course, I don't have any 'adult' titles out here, it would be dangerous with two boys about. As it is, most of the action flicks and stuff like that are high up, away from prying fingers."
"Any ideas about what you were interested in?"

 

[Isolde]

Selena

"Well...,"I begin and then paused before continuing,"Most of my friends dont know this about me but I really like a good comedy or action film. I dont see them often because I dont want to tell my girlfriends. They would totally not understand why I didnt want to sit in a movie theater bawling my eyes out when I could be watching something that didnt make me feel like my emotions were out for display."

"Sooo...I am not too familiar with the titles of anything that isnt a 'chick flick' because I dont have the guts to say what I would like to see instead of being dragged along with them."

"And I am sure this is totally not interesting to you but what I am really trying to say is 'Help'. Could you reccomend something that would be good to watch and not make me want to fall asleep within the first two minutes of the movie?"

 

[Anakin20]

*pulls out Gone in 60 Seconds*
Let's try this one, okay?

 

[Isolde]

Selena

OOC: Ohhh...I like your tastes in movies.

IC: I took the movie from him and looked at the jacket. Cars, crashes, cute guys. I could handle this.

Placing it in the VCR, I went over and sat down, picking up the bowl of what remained of the popcorn.

"Umm...if..if you dont have to go to bed right now, you could watch it with me," I said nervously. God, why did he make me so nervous. And it wasnt just him being my boss. "If not thats okay but movies are better when someone else is watching them with you."

 

[Anakin20]

Jake

"I have about an hour, so, I will watch it with you for a bit, but if I fall asleep, you'll wake me up, right?"
I settled on the couch beside her, my heart racing. She was just being polite and nice, so why was I so nervous?

 

[Isolde]

Selena

I smiled at him and nodded. "One wake up call promised," I said as he settled in to watch the movie.

The movie started and I should have been into it. The plot was good, I like Nicholas Cage and the cars were just up my alley. Heck, Daddy had several of them in his garage. But all I could think about was Jake sitting so close to me.

At one point I handed him the bowl of popcorn and my hand brushed over his. I wondered if he knew I let my own hand linger there. I couldnt help it, I was still remembering my hand on his arm.

"What are you doing?," The thought crossed my mind,"He is your boss for heavens sake." Swallowing, I pulled my hand out of the popcorn and tried to turn my attention back to the movie.

 

[Anakin20]

I was drifting off until her hand brushed across mine lightly. She made it look like she was going for popcorn, but something told me she wasn't. I let my hand glide along hers and pretended to get some popcorn.
"Would you like something to drink," I asked. "I can get you water with ice or something."
Did that really come out of my mouth? I couldn't believe it!

 

[Isolde]

Selena

I looked over at Jake and smiled. "You look bushed. Why dont you let me get drinks. I think there are sodas in the fridge."

Grateful for the excuse to do something besides not watch the movie, I headed for the kitchen and grabbed two sodas and poured them into glasses with ice. Melody had shown me how to get the ice cubes from the tray without bashing the poor things.

Bringing the drinks back in, I noticed that Jake had dozed off. Well, he had worked that day and still had work to do tomorrow. Putting down the glasses, I went over and knelt before him, reaching out to wake him up when I stopped and simply stared at him.

Sleeping like this, he reminded me of Connor when he was taking his naps. It seemed like all his worries had melted away in sleep and it gave me time to study his face.

He really was handsome. His hair had drooped down to where it brushed his brows and I found myself reaching up and brushing the hair away. My finger running lightly along his cheek and chin before I stopped myself.

I could feel my heart pounding and I put my hand to my chest. What was I doing? Get a grip on yourself, girl!

Just then Jake begin to stir and I pulled myself together enough to say,"Jake, time to get to bed. You fell asleep."

 

[Anakin20]

Half asleep, he mumbled, "You have to kiss me first"