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Love…And Anger - Part One

January 1999

Carlotta’s Diner…

Blair Cramer and Max Holden sat in an out of the way corner booth in the diner. It was a working lunch for them. Blair noticed Téa Delgado walk in and take a seat at the counter. Carlotta poured Téa some coffee. Blair just frowned.

“Téa walked in,” said Blair to Max taking a bite of her sandwich.

“So what?” said Max drinking his water.

“Well, I’ve been thinking about bringing out my big guns,” said Blair.

“I’m nervous. I really don’t want to go back to jail again,” said Max.

Blair rolled her eyes at him, “Neither do I. Look at her - Miss High and Mighty - all that money - you know the reason why people become golddiggers is because they never had money before…”

“You would know,” injected Max.

“That’s right - I do know. Téa was poor in another life. I wonder how she could afford law school?” Blair ate a potato chip.

“She got a scholarship?” questioned Max picking a chip out of her plate. Blair slapped his hand.

“She didn’t get that many scholarships,” said Blair, “I bet she’s got a few skeletons in her closet.”

“And you don’t?” asked Max.

“Where is she from? New York City?” questioned Blair.

“Yeah,” said Max.

“That’s a big closet,” remarked Blair.

Téa brought her hands to her face and rubbed her eyes.

“Tired?” asked Carlotta.

“A little,” said Téa. She took a sip of her coffee.

“Hank working you too hard?” asked Carlotta as she stood behind the counter.

“No. In fact, he says I work too hard and don’t take enough time off,” replied Téa.

“Why do you do that to yourself? Push yourself like that?” asked Carlotta.

“What else do I have to do with my life?” questioned Téa.

“Live it. Stop hiding behind things…like your job. Stop licking your wounds - move on,” encouraged Carlotta.

“Move on to what Carlotta? I feel like I’m at a crossroads but neither the right nor the left look appealing,” replied Téa.

“Téa,” said Carlotta, “Let Todd go. He’s not here anymore.”

“Let him go you say? It’s easy to say - hard to do. Todd still thinks of me or he wouldn’t have sent me that key. And you heard his note - Todd knows what I do - even from afar. Todd Manning’s heart has not let go of what he feels for me. Love isn’t a light switch Carlotta. You just don’t turn it off with a flick of the finger,” said Téa.

Carlotta softly frowned, “No, love isn’t a light switch Téa.”

Roseanne walked in and joined Carlotta behind the counter grabbing a sandwich from the tray. Carlotta and Téa stared at her.

“What? It’s my lunch break at school,” explained Roseanne.

“Are you going to pay for that?” questioned Téa.

“Yeah,” said Roseanne, “What do you care? You could afford lunch for everyone in here.”

Carlotta nodded her head, “I see you’ve got a poor attitude today.”

Roseanne rolled her eyes, “And Téa doesn’t?”

“Look Roseanne, I’m not in the mood to hear how you think I wronged you yet again,” replied Téa, her voice weary.

“It’s all about you, isn’t it?” shot back Roseanne, “The world revolves around Téa Delgado and her poor broken heart.”

Téa frowned wishing Roseanne could have picked a better time to have a fit, “Oh, and the world doesn’t revolve around Roseanne Delgado and her poor broken heart, does it?”

“No. I’ve lived a tough, poor life…” started Roseanne.

“And I didn’t? Growing up in New York?” finished Téa.

“Like you had it rough? My father helped put you through law school. And you just took his check. Where’s my check, huh? For his own daughter? What did you ever give my father in return?” asked Roseanne raising her voice.

“What I gave my brother in return for his support - through law school is none of your business!” said Téa raising her voice in return.

Blair, sitting in her corner, raised an eyebrow.

“That’s enough you two!” said Carlotta getting between them.

Téa and Roseanne sneered at each other.

Blair walked up behind Téa with her arms crossed, “So Téa, just how grateful to your brother were you? What did you do for him?”

Téa turned around and snarled at Blair, “Go away Blair. This is none of your business.”

“I wouldn’t sic you on any of my brothers,” retorted Téa.

“Struck a nerve?” asked Blair, “I think I just might pay Manhattan a visit.”

“Blair - get real. Who is going to watch Starr again?” questioned Téa, “While you go gallivanting…”

“Hold it right there. Dorian and Kelly are twice the role models you’ll ever be for Starr…”

“Right. Dorian and Kelly. The picture of stability. Have you ever thought of taking a parenting class Blair?” asked Téa sarcastically.

“You will never see Starr again,” said Blair slowly and deliberately.

“Don’t push me Blair. I have rights as Starr’s stepmother,” retorted Téa.

Max and Carlotta got between them. Roseanne giggled.

“Stop it. Now,” said Max firmly.

There was a brief pause.

“I leave for New York tonight to find out all about your brothers and your dirty little secrets,” said Blair evenly.

Téa didn’t give Blair what she wanted, “You go Blair. Just keep in mind you might have a surprise waiting for you when you get back.”

Blair turned around and walked out.

Love…And Anger - Part Two

January 1999…

NYU, New York City

It was early in the morning when Blair Cramer strolled into New York University’s School of Law. The receptionist was just getting settled in.

Blair confidently strolled up to the receptionist, “I’m Blair Cramer. I’m a reporter for a Pennsylvania newspaper called the Sun. One of your alumni has been named a local ADA and we’re doing a piece on her so I’m doing some background research. Can you help me out?”

The receptionist looked a bit frazzled since it was so early in the morning, “Ah, I can only give out limited information.”

“That’s fine,” said Blair.

“The name?” asked the receptionist.

“Téa Delgado,” replied Blair.

The receptionist walked out and returned a few minutes later with a file. She sat down at her desk, looked over the file and then up at Blair.

“Téa M. Delgado attended NYU from 1988 to 1992 and earned a B.S. in Political Science with summa cum laude honors and was selected to the Alpha Chi Honor society. From 1992 to 1995 she attended NYU’s School of Law earning a Juris Doctorate and once again graduating with summa cum laude honors. She was a member of the school’s mock trial team and law review. In 1995, she passed the NY State Bar.”

“Is that all?” asked Blair.

“That’s all I can tell you,” said the receptionist. Her phone rang. Blair hovered over the desk debating whether or not she should bribe the receptionist. The receptionist put the file in a “to-be-filed” box, hung up the phone, and stood up, “I’ll be right back Ms. Cramer.” She walked into a back room.

Blair picked up Téa’s file and began to go through it. On top was Téa’s application to the law school. She noticed the marital status block. Married. She looked at the date.

“So, in 1992, Téa M. Delgado was married?” muttered Blair rather surprised at finding out that information.

Blair looked at Téa’s 1993 transcripts. The marital status block said “Legally Separated.” Interesting. Blair picked up Téa’s 1994 transcripts - the marital status block said “Single.”

“Why not divorced?” muttered Blair. She put the folder back and left.

Blair was sitting at a computer terminal at the records section of City Hall. She was going through old newspapers trying to find anything on the Delgados. It was tedious work. She went to the “society” section and plugged in Téa’s name. She hit search. An August 18th, 1988 article appeared. Blair read it.

“Téa Marisa Delgado married Antonio Miguel Castille in a private Catholic ceremony at St. Theresa’s Church in downtown Manhattan. The bride is from Manhattan, New York. The groom is from Madrid, Spain. In attendance from the bride’s family were her brothers, Delmonico, Enrique, and José Delgado…”

Blair exited and searched on a general menu for “Antonio Castille.” An article came up dated December 15th 1993. She read it outloud…

“In what is believed to a gang related shooting, two people were found shot to death outside of a local Manhattan restaurant. They were identified as Antonio M. Castille…”

“So, Téa, you’re ex is dead? Involved in gangs?” muttered Blair. She ran a check on Enrique Delgado but nothing new came up. Next, she ran a check on José Delgado. A recent article came up.

“Owner and Manager José Delgado has turned The Condado into a ‘must’ place to visit for authentic Puerto Rican cuisine…”

“Well, maybe José can shed some more light on Téa’s mysterious marriage…” muttered Blair. She looked at her watch. She had to buy an evening dress if she was going to The Condado tonight…

The Banner

Llanview, Pennsylvania…

Viki Carpenter was swamped. She sat behind her desk up to her eyebrows in acquisition forms. The phone rang.

“The Banner. Viki Carpenter speaking,” she said in a business tone of voice.

“Ms. Carpenter? My name is Dr. Simon Lake. I’m your brother’s psychologist…”

“What?” muttered Viki taken aback, “I haven’t seen Todd since November…”

“I understand this might be a shock to you Ms. Carpenter but your brother sought out my services for a problem he was suffering from DID, I believe you are familiar with the term?”

Viki’s mouth dropped, “I don’t understand. Todd told me he had faked…”

“I assure you, he wasn’t faking. He’s undergone extensive treatment while in my care and he’s ready to go home,” finished Lake.

Viki could feel the adrenaline flowing through her body, “Where are you Dr. Lake?”

“Chicago. How soon can you be here?” asked the doctor.

“I’ll be on the next flight out,” said Viki. She arranged for someone from Lake’s office to meet her at the airport and she slowly hung up the phone, her body numb. She had suspected Todd’s DID was real but hadn’t thought Todd was aware that it was. She briefed Mel that she was leaving and made arrangements to go to Chicago.

Dorian’s Mansion…

Téa walked up to the door and paused, taking a deep breath. Blair had been gone only a day but Téa had taken Blair’s threat seriously. No doubt, Blair was in NYC right now digging up…Téa put the thought out of her mind. That was a long time ago. She was nervous. Blair hadn’t allowed her to see her stepdaughter for quite awhile. She wondered if Starr would be happy to see her. She brought her hand to the doorbell when she began to hear screaming - a man and a woman. She rang the doorbell but the screaming continued. Téa tried the door. It was unlocked. She poked her head in. Dorian and Mel’s voices filled the mansion. Téa looked over to the staircase. Starr was on her knees crying, holding out her hand. Her hand was bleeding from broken glass. Téa immediately became concerned for Starr and rushed over to her. Starr looked up at Téa through her tears.

“What happened Sweetpea?” asked Téa picking the girl up in her arms and rushing into the kitchen. She put her scarf over Starr’s hand to clean up the blood on her hands.

“I was taking a glass of milk to my room when I tripped on the stairs Tee,” said Starr. She felt calmer in Tee’s arms. They could still hear Dorian and Mel’s shouting.

They got to the kitchen and Téa cleaned up Starr’s hand. It looked a lot worse than what it was. Once Téa cleaned up the blood, Starr only had a few minor cuts. Téa took a tissue and wiped Starr’s face.

“There. Feeling better, Sweetpea?” asked Téa.

Starr nodded her head, “I’m glad you’re here Tee. I’ve missed you a lot. I’ve missed Daddy a lot too. Is Daddy back yet?”

“Ah no, Sweetpea,” said Téa softly, “But I’m sure that wherever he is, he misses us.”

“Do you know where Daddy went Tee?” asked Starr.

“No.”

“Do you know where Mommy went?” asked Starr.

“I only know she said she was going to New York City,” said Téa.

“Auntie Dorian and Unca Mel fight all the time,” said Starr sadly.

“Are you happy here Starr?” asked Téa gently.

“Sometimes. When Mommy’s here. But Mommy’s almost never here. I miss living with you and Daddy,” said Starr sadly.

“Oh, Starr,” whispered Téa. She brushed the bangs off Starr’s forehead.

Dorian waltzed in and yelled at Téa, “And who let you in? And why are you here?”

Téa became incensed, “It’s a good thing I did let myself in. Starr was hurt and crying and you were totally oblivious to her needs.”

Mel walked in but upon seeing Téa became calm.

“You need to leave right now. You know Blair’s wishes when it come to Starr,” spat Dorian.

“This place is a madhouse. It’s no place for a child,” said Téa icily.

Dorian grabbed from off the countertop, “You’re not taking her out of this house.”

Téa crossed her arms, “I’ll be back in two hours Dorian. In two hours I’ll be serving you with a temporary custody order issued by a family court releasing custody of Starr to me until her mother returns.”

“You’re not serious,” said Dorian.

“Don’t fight,” said Starr.

“I’m going to do the right thing. And that means getting Starr out of this madhouse. And if you’re not here in two hours I’ll slap a kidnapping charge on you so fast your head will spin.” said Téa.

Dorian held Starr tightly in her arms. Téa reached out and took Starr’s hand, “I’ll make you happy. I promise,” said Téa softly to her stepdaughter.

Dorian swatted Téa’s hand away. Téa walked out.

That Evening

NYC, “The Condado”

Blair Cramer was impressed by the façade of the restaurant as she walked out of the cab and onto the street. She drunk in the building’s aesthetics, took a breath, and slowly walked in. As she approached the host the sights and sounds of the restaurant overwhelmed her. She had on an evening gown that fell to her knees. Over her shoulders, a matching black coat complemented her gown. She wore her hair up.

“Do you have a reservation, Miss?”

“Cramer,” said Blair holding out her hand, “Well, no, but I’m hoping José Delgado would accommodate me.” She gave the host a bright smile.

“Should José know you?” came a voice from behind her. She turned around. She opened her mouth then closed it quickly. The man behind her was dressed in a classic black tuxedo. He was tall, about six foot, with soulful deep brown eyes and his hair…! For an Hispanic man, his hair was a light, wavy, brown and it came down past the bottom edge of his tuxedo’s collar. Blair found herself surprising attracted to his handsome man. He carried and air of authority, power, and money about him.

“Ah, no…he shouldn’t know me. But I know his sister, Téa Delgado,” said Blair seductively.

“And how do you know his sister?” asked the man.

“It’s a long story. I’m Blair Cramer,” she said holding out her hand.

He took her hand and kissed the back of it, “José will be late. Perhaps I can help you. I’m…a friend of his. You can call me, ah…Leon.”

Blair smiled at him.

Leon nodded to the host and escorted Blair to a familiar table. He ordered some wine that was promptly brought out to him.

“Shall we toast?” asked Leon pouring them a glass of wine and handing a glass to Blair. Blair raised her glass.

“What too?” she asked.

“To interesting acquaintances,” said Leon.

Blair couldn’t take her eyes off him.

“Do you find me attractive?” asked Leon softly.

“Yes,” said Blair as if in a trance, “Do you find me attractive?”

“Most definitely yes,” he replied.

There was silence between them as they made a connection.

“Ah, you said you knew José’s sister?” fumbled Leon with the question.

“We don’t get along,” said Blair.

“Do you want to hurt her?” asked Leon.

“No. No. You know she’s like a bad penny - always turning up when you never want her too,” said Blair.

“How so?” asked Leon.

“She’s married to my ex-husband, Todd Manning. My daughter, Starr, adores her and well...I’m jealous…” said Blair honestly.

“And how can José help you?” asked Leon.

“I have a few questions for him,” said Blair.

Leon poured her another glass of wine and handed it to her. She put her hand over his. Their eyes locked.

“What is it about you?” she whispered.

“You feel it too?” asked Leon drawing closer to her.

“I feel something,” replied Blair sliding closer to him. They parted lips and exchanged a hesitant but desire filled kiss that grew in intensity between them. Blair could feel her body react to his kiss and she liked it.

They sensed a presence over them and looked up. A man stood over the table dressed in a three-piece suit, “The boss wants to see you in the back.”

Leon parted from her and stood up, “I’ll be back.”

Blair smiled at him.

“The boss?” muttered Blair, “That’s got to be José.” She got up and followed Leon.

Leon walked through the kitchen, “How long has Bobby been here, Pedro?”

“Not long,” replied Leon’s companion. They walked through the back door and into the alleyway. Leon paused to drink in the sight.

Two Hispanic men dressed in leather held a third man, barely conscious, blood dripping from his nose. Another man dressed in a suit looked up at Leon.

“Do you have Rico’s instructions, José?” asked the other man in a suit.

“Leon” reached into his tux and pulled out an envelope. He opened it up and read the note.

“Bobby, Rico wants you to teach him a lesson but spare him his life,” said “Leon”.

Bobby nodded his head.

“Wait!” said “Leon” firmly. Bobby held up his hand to the two holding the injured man.

“Leon” walked down the steps and stood before the injured man. He paused, made a sign of the cross and whispered, “Forgive me Lord, a sinner.” Then he looked to Bobby. Bobby gave the signal and the two men began beating the third. “Leon” looked at the ground, turned around and looked up. Blair Cramer was standing in the doorway watching the incident. Their eyes locked.

“José, who’s that?” asked Bobby looking at Blair.

Pedro put his hand on Blair’s arm to stop her from leaving. She didn’t think to struggle she had other things on her mind.

“José? Your name is José, not Leon?” questioned Blair.

“My name is José Leon Delgado.”

Blair put her free hand to her lips - her body shook. This mysterious, handsome stranger she had felt such a strong attraction too…was Téa’s brother! She felt Love…and anger all in one wave of adrenaline.

“José - who is the girl?” came Bobby’s question.

“My woman,” said José evenly.

“You know what has to happen to now. She shouldn’t have followed you,” said Bobby.

“No. Take us to Rico. He will understand,” said José firmly turning to face Bobby.

Pedro forced Blair to walk with him through the alley. They approached a limo.

“José - what’s going on?” asked Blair as José fell in step beside her.

He turned to her and whispered, “Your life is in danger and I am trying to save it.”

Pedro opened the door and shoved Blair inside. José took a seat next to her.

“Who is Rico?” asked Blair.

“Enrique Delgado, my brother, the head of the organization, and the man who can spare you your life,” said José, “I caution you now - don’t talk. Speak no ill of Téa. Let me do the talking - if you want to live.”

For once in her life Blair did what she was told.

The same evening,

Chicago, Illinois…

Viki stood face to face with her brother, Todd Manning in Dr. Lake’s office. Dr. Lake left to give them some privacy. Todd looked fit. He had lost weight and even cut his hair. He still had his goatee.

“Well, aren’t you going to say something? Anything?” asked a nervous Todd.

“So, to your surprise the DID was real?” asked Viki.

“Yeah - seems we have a lot in common,” muttered Todd, “But I’m better. I’m really better this time, Viki. I’m intergreted.”

Viki smiled, “Now what Todd?”

“Now what?” asked Todd, “I want my life back! I want my family back - you, Sam, Starr, and Téa - if she’ll have me.”

Viki’s face softened, “Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you Todd Manning.” She held out her hand. Todd took it and pulled Viki into a warm embrace.

“I knew you would believe me - you’d help,” said Todd his voice shaking.

They parted and Viki looked into his eyes, “I love you. That will never change. Now, how can I help you?”

“I know Blair still has the penthouse. And I need a place to stay until I win Téa back,” said Todd.

“Of course you can stay at Llanfair,” said Viki as it began to sink in…

“And I’ll need your help in winning Téa back…” added Todd.

Viki paused, “Oh no, Todd. You’ll have to take on that challenge yourself.”

“Viki…”

“Todd…”

There was a pause.

“Do you have follow up therapy?” asked Viki.

“Yeah,” said Todd, “The doc is coordinating for a therapist now.”

“Good,” said Viki.

“Thanks Viki. This isn’t…easy for me…” said Todd awkwardly.

“Well, you’ve got quite a few challenges ahead of you Todd,” Viki’s warm smile helped to calm him down. He was nervous about going back but he always got what he wanted. And he wanted his life back. And life met getting Téa, Starr and the Sun back. He had thought a lot about Téa over the last few months. Her personality. Her face - her eyes - the way she laughed - the way she made him smile. He had to have her in his life and getting help - getting better was the only way that was going to happen. Well, he was intergreted now. He had dealt with a lot of painful, emotional issues…issues he knew he would have to discuss with her if they were to truly become intimate - and he knew he wanted that. He’d had dreams about touching her where he hadn’t - caressing her soft skin - and soon, hopefully, his dreams would come true. He smiled at Viki.

“Take me home,” he said.

Viki’s nervousness dissipated a bit as she saw Todd’s smile. She returned it.

That Evening…

Llanview, Pennsylvania…

The doorbell rang to Dorian’s mansion. Dorian opened the door. Téa shoved a court order in Dorian’s face. Dorian looked up. Behind Téa stood Bo Buchanan and a uniformed police officer.

“What’s this?” snarled Dorian.

“It’s a temporary custody order issued by Judge Goldberg who presides over the Llanview family court giving me temporary custody of Starr until Blair returns,” said Téa evenly.

“I’m not letting Starr out of this house,” said Dorian raising her voice.

“You don’t have a choice Dorian,” said Bo stepping into the house. Téa and the cop followed him in, “Now, where is Starr?”

Mel walked in, “She’s upstairs in her room.”

Bo turned to Téa, “Go get her.”

“No!” cried Dorian stepping in front of Téa.

Bo nodded at the cop who grabbed Dorian. Dorian struggled. Téa walked up the stairs. After ten minutes, Téa walked down the stairs carrying a shoulder bag and holding Starr in her arms. Starr wasn’t crying but she looked sad. Dorian stopped struggling when she saw them. The cop let them go. Dorian approached Téa and Starr.

“Starr, sweetie, do you want to leave?” asked Dorian, “Mommy will be home soon.”

Starr nodded her head, “Yes, Auntie Dorian.”

“Why? Don’t you love your Mommy?” asked Dorian.

“Yes, Auntie Dorian but Mommy’s never here and you and Unca Mel are always fighting,” said Starr, “And I miss Tee.”

Dorian pulled away and turned her head, “Go,” muttered Dorian, “Before I have second thoughts.”

Téa let slip an expression of regret and walked out the door with Starr in her hands. Bo and the cop followed her.