Todd has spent most of the day in silence. Tea has spent part of the day at work and the rest trying to stay out of his way at the penthouse. She knows that he's nervous about seeing his family again and concerned about how he'll explain his absence, especially to Starr.

They both also realize that since Tea is pregnant they won't be able to pretend that Todd just returned to town. Neither knows how the people they care about will take the news that Todd has been back for so long without contacting anyone besides Tea and that Tea kept his presence a secret.

Finally, the time arrives for them to leave to go to Viki's. Tea drives them in her car. They barely speak during the drive, each lost in their own thoughts, rehearsing in their minds what they'll say during the awkward moments they know will be far too frequent during this evening.

When they arrive at Llanfair, Todd ducks down so no one will see him. Todd's plan calls for Tea to enter the party alone while Todd waits outside for the moment when he'll reveal himself.

After parking her car, Tea caresses Todd's back reassuringly and gathers the presents she brought with her, before exiting the car.]

Viki (opening the front door to Tea): Tea! I'm so glad you could make it.

Tea: Thank you for being so generous and allowing me to share this time with your family.

Viki: Of course. You may no longer be sharing your life with my brother but I'd like for us to remain friendly.

Tea: I would like that too.

Viki: Before you ask, I haven't heard from Todd.

Tea: Well, you never know with Todd. He has a way of popping up when and where you don't expect him to.

Viki: That is true. Well, I'm always hopeful, especially around the holidays.

Tea: Of course. Is Starr here yet?

Viki: Yes. Blair dropped her off this afternoon.

Tea: Did you tell her I would be here?

Viki: Yes, I did. I think Starr is upstairs right now. Join the others and I'll see if I can find Starr so you can spend some time with her.

Tea: Thank you.

[Tea leaves her coat in the foyer and opens the doors to the living room. She's not surprised by most of the people attending Viki's gathering, except Carlotta. She hadn't expected anyone close to her to be there. She thought she would at least have a few days before she had to explain about her renewed relationship with Todd.]

Carlotta (approaching Tea): Merry Christmas!

Tea: Merry Christmas! I wasn't aware that you'd be here.

Carlotta: Are you disappointed?

Tea: No. Of course not. I just wasn't expecting it.

Carlotta: Our children may be having difficulties in their relationship but Viki and I are still friends.

Tea: Of course. I'm sorry. I'm just a little on edge tonight. Forgive me.

Carlotta: Holidays can be stressful times.

Tea: They certainly can.

Carlotta: I imagine it must be difficult for you to be here and have to face reminders of that disastrous marriage to that man.

Tea: Marriages...plural.

Carlotta: Don't remind me.

[Tea is saved by the sound of small feet approaching.]

Starr: Tee!

[Tea kneels down on the floor and embraces Starr as she rushes into the room.]

Tea: I've missed you so much.

Starr: I missed you, too. And, I really miss my daddy.

Tea: I know you do, sweetie.

Starr: Tee?

Tea: Yes?

Starr: Can I ask you something without you getting mad at me?

Tea: Of course. You can ask me anything.

Starr: Have you heard from Daddy? Aunt Viki told me not to ask you because it would make you too sad. Did I make you sad, Tee?

Tea: No. I'm not sad and I'm certainly not mad at you.

Starr: On Thanksgiving when we were talking about Daddy you had that look on your face like you had a lot when you loved me and Daddy and lived with us.

Tea: First of all, I still love you. I always will. That will never change. And, about your daddy...

Starr (getting excited): Have you seen him? Did you tell him I missed him?

Tea: Actually, I have something for you.

[Tea hands Starr one of the gifts she brought with her.]

Starr: Is it from daddy?

Tea: Open it and find out.

[Starr rips into the packaging, flinging it aside to get to the present.]

Tea: It's a two-way radio. Have you ever used one of these before?

Starr: No.

Tea: Well, let me show you how it works.

[Tea explains to Starr how to operate it. Starr is disappointed since what she really wants is her father not an electronic gadget.]

Tea: Go ahead and give it a try.

Starr: Maybe later.

Tea: Starr, trust me, this is a good gift.

Starr: I'm sorry. I like it. I really do, Tee. Thank you.

Tea: Come on, try it out just once, okay?

Starr: What do I say?

Tea: Anything you want to. Think of it as being like talking into a phone.

Starr (into the two-way radio): Hello?

Todd (through the two-way radio): Starr.

Starr: Daddy! Daddy, is it you?

Todd: It's me, Starr.

[Tea watches Starr's face suddenly turn sad.]

Tea: Sweetie, what is it? What's wrong?

Starr: Is this like the tape daddy made before he left? I wanted to talk to him for real.

Tea: Why don't you ask him? If he answers your questions you'll know it's not a recording.

Starr: Daddy, are you real?

Todd: I'm more real than most people wish I was.

Starr: Daddy! It is you. You are real. Did Tee tell you I missed you? I missed you a lot, daddy.

Todd: I know you did. I missed you a lot, too. I'm sorry I left, Starr.

Starr: Are you coming home? I want to see you.

Tea (with tears in her eyes): Sweetie, if you want to see your daddy all you have to do is turn around.

[Everyone in the room turns toward the patio doors and are stunned to see Todd standing there. Starr pushes passed everyone as she runs toward the door. Todd opens the doors and falls to his knees as Starr jumps into his arms and they hug each other tightly.

For a moment all eyes are on the reunion between Todd and Starr until a few people look toward Tea for answers. Tea doesn't initially notice the scrutiny since her focus is completely on the image of Todd and Starr finally together again. After wiping away the tears from her eyes, Tea notices the stares in her direction.

Todd is oblivious to other people being in the room. Viki ushers assorted members of her family out of the room. A few want to stay and question Todd themselves but Viki insists that everyone leave to give Todd and Starr some privacy. Even though she has a multitude of questions herself, she recognizes that right now Todd needs to have time with his daughter.

With everyone else gone, Viki encourages Tea and Carlotta to exit the room as well. Viki enters the foyer and closes the door behind her, leaving Todd completely alone with his daughter.]

Carlotta: What is going on here, Tea?

Tea: What does it look like?

Carlotta: It looks like you've gotten yourself mixed up with that man again. Did you learn nothing the numerous times he has hurt you in the past.

Viki: Ladies, let's go into the kitchen to discuss this.

[Tea is glad for the reprieve, even if it is only for a few seconds. She's dreaded this moment, although, it's completely worth it for the opportunity of seeing Todd with Starr together again.]

TO BE CONTINUED