(part 21 by RogerLuvr)

Todd and Viki started out the door again. Kevin was not going to let this go without a fight. He charged through the French doors of the library and shouted at his mother and "uncle."

"What's a matter, Uncle Toddy? You need your big sister to fight your battles?" Kevin said with an evil smirk on his face.

Todd's eyes were filled with rage as he slowly turned toward Kevin.

"What the hell is your problem, Kevin!?" Todd questioned.

"You are, Manning! You have brought nothing but heartache to this family, starting way back when I was arrested for the rape that YOU did. You sat there and let me take the heat with you and your buddies, and never once did you try to stand up for me," Kevin said, pointing his finger at Todd.

"Damnit, Kevin, that was six years ago. Don’t you think it's time you let it go? Believe me, if I could, I would. But you see, it is with me everyday," Todd stated as he pointed to his scar. "And I am sure you will be happy to know that it will be with me til the day I die."

Viki stood there watching two people she loves go at each other. But for now, she was going to stay out of it. Maybe it's time Kevin and Todd had this chat.

"Family or no family, God, I wish I would have pulled the trigger that day in the woods. Remember that, Todd? The day you took 14 people hostage and threatened to blow us all up. The same day you had a knife to your sister's throat. Does any of this ring a bell with you,Todd?!" Kevin shouted.

"You think I forgot that?!" Todd screamed. "I wasn't going to hurt anyone. I was sick of all you Buchanan's trying to railroad me for murder! You all think you own the world around here. My God, you make me sick! I came from money, too. Remember? And I have more money then you will ever think of having. But you know what, Kevy? I am still me, and I don't kiss anyone's ass! Look at you. You think you are something, but you know what? I didn't break up a marriage, make someone choose me over their own child. Where is Cassie now, Kevin?" Todd smirked.

Kevin lunged for him. He went to take a swing, but Viki stepped in.

"Stop it, Kevin! Stop it this minute!" she shouted.

Kevin looked at his mother in total disbelief. He lowered his hand and walked away. A second, later the sound of the back door being slammed was all they heard. Todd and Viki stood there in silence for a moment. He could see that she was shaking. He slowly walked over to her and put his hand on her shoulder.

"Viki, I'm sorry. I just don’t know if I can stay here. I don’t want to come between you and Kevin. He is your son and, for whatever reason, I know you love him."

Viki turned to face Todd; she had tears in her eyes.

"I just don't know what to do about you both. I love you both so terribly. I know you and Kevin will never go back to being friends like you were in college before..." She paused.

"Before I raped Marty. Is what you were going to say?" Todd asked as his eyes went to the floor. "That is a day I will never forget, nor should I. I think maybe I should go, maybe even leave town. I should have never come back. I have hurt too many people here. Maybe Starr will be better off without me."

"Don't you ever say that," Viki commanded. "That child loves you more than anything in this world. She needs her Daddy. She needs your love."

"I am no good at love, Viki. Look what happened to Blair and me. Look what I did to Téa. That's how I show love!"

"Both of them loved you very much. They loved you for who you were..." Viki started.

"Yeah, Blair was about the only woman I could be myself with. And the minute she thought, I was dead, she hopped into bed with another man. And Téa. All she wanted to do was change me, to show my feelings. Hell, look at what I did to Rebecca. I made her leave town. And might I say that it was another Lord that went insane and started raping people. But who was the first perso n Bo went looking for?! Powell turned into a serial rapist and tried to frame me. Shit, when you think about it, all the people with the Lord blood are looney tunes. Even your daughter, Meagan, had a little of the DID thing going on. And, let's face it, Sis. You are not all there yourself!"

"You're right, Todd. About all of it. But I got the help I needed, and you need to, too. Powell got the help he needed. You are a Lord, and however you view that is up to you. But I KNOW you are a fighter. You never would have made it through your childhood if you weren't. C'mon, Todd. Don't give up. Fight!" she said as she looked at him with sad, concerned eyes.

The latest installment is rated...hmmmm....let's say PG-13 for language. Just thought I'd better warn those of you who are easily offended. V is taking us in a new direction with this part. It should be very interesting to see where the other authors go from here. If anyone else is interested in joining us, please contact me.

Em

(part 22 by VTW)

Todd sighed tiredly. “I’m not givin up Viki. It’s just…I’m just really sick of all the bullshit, ya know?” He ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. “I mean, how much time has to pass before the people in this town forget, huh?”

Viki put a hand on her brother’s shoulder. “You know what, Todd? The hell with all the narrow-minded people in this town. They’re a pack of hypocrites, every last one of them. There is not one person here that hasn’ t made mistakes, so you just need to focus on you…not them, and that includes Kevin.”

Todd felt a flare of anger. He’d love nothing better than to punch that asshole, Kevin, right in his sanctimonious mouth. “You’re right, on all counts. I can’t let what other people think affect me.” He laughed bitterly. “I can’t change the past. But I can sure as hell look to the future…my future and Starr’s.”

He cupped Viki’s face. “I don’t often say this but, I really love you, Sis,” he said softly.

Viki’s eyes filled with tears. Those words were more precious than gold to her. “Oh Todd,” she whispered. “I will always be here for you, you know that. You’re my blood…my brother…” She placed her hand over his and closed her eyes briefly.

Todd cleared his throat. “I need to move out, Viki. No wait…” he interrupted, when she began to speak. “You know that I have to. I won’t come between you and Kevin. Jess and Joey, too, for that matter. Besides, I need to make a home for my daughter…and myself.”

Viki nodded her head. “Yes, I do know, honey. And you are right. I just got used to having you here.”

Todd laughed softly. “It’s nice to hear that. I suppose I should get in touch with an agent to show me around some properties.”

“Hey!” Viki said excitedly. “I can’t believe I forgot this,” she laughed.

“What?” Todd wanted to know.

“Come on…I’ll show you,” she said mysteriously.

*****

They tromped through the woods for what seemed like forever. “Jeez, Viki. Where the hell are you taking me?” he panted. “Man, I’m out of shape,” he huffed in disgust.

Viki giggled. “It’s not much farther.”

Todd looked around. “I had no idea your property extended out this far.”

“Yes I know. Okay, I want you to close your eyes, Todd.”

Todd smiled. “Why? Is someone gonna leap out of the bush and yell boo?”

Viki raised a retiring eyebrow. “Just do as I say.”

“Alright, alright,” he muttered. He closed his eyes and let his sister lead him a few yards through the forest.

“You can open them now.”

Todd opened his eyes. “Jesus!” He exclaimed. He turned to her. “How long has this been standing?”

The house was small but in good shape. It had a wraparound porch and two small pillars on either side of the steps. It needed a good coat of paint. But the roof looked sound. The front yard was weedy and full of crabgrass. It had a great oak tree though.

Todd walked around; one of the wood shutters was off its hinges. The front door needed to be replaced. But still and all, it had major potential. Viki walked up and joined her brother.

“This house belonged to one of our ancestors. Randolph Lord, I believe his name was. He was a total recluse and some say he was a little crazy.”

“Well then I’ll fit right in,” Todd quipped.

Viki threw back her head and laughed. “I’m glad to see you still have your sense of humor, little brother.”

Todd turned to her excitedly. “This place could really be something. All it needs is a little fixing up! Hell, I could do it.” He turned serious for a moment. “Can I live here, Viki? I mean I’ll pay you just like I would any other property…”

“Will you shut up!” She exclaimed. “I will not accept one dime from you, Todd. This is yours, to do with whatever you want. I would not have shown it to you if I hadn’t thought you might want to live here.”

Todd blinked back tears. “Uh…thanks, Viki,” he said gruffly.

“I can call a contractor and get things moving tomorrow,” Viki commented.

“No!” Todd walked up to the porch and bounced a little on it, testing its strength. “I can’t let you do that, Viki. Besides, I want to fix this place up myself.” He grinned like a boy. “It’ll be a blast. I’m good with a hammer and nail, ya know. I’m gonna go to the hardware store and get all the stuff I need.” He peered into the window. “Hey, let’s take a look inside.”

His excitement was so infectious that Viki giggled. “Okay, let’s…”

The inside was musty and full of cobwebs. Todd threw back the curtains and a huge cloud of dust hung in the air. When it cleared he and Viki looked around with a critical eye.

The floor was wood and in excellent shape. All it needed was a good buffing. It had a marble fireplace and mantle intricately carved with curlicues and swirls. Todd ran his fingers across it. “Wow…look at the craftsmanship,” he said softly.

“Yeah, and look at the wanes coating on the ceiling,” Viki commented.

Todd looked up and nodded. “This place is a gem.”

He walked into the kitchen. It was large and sunny. It boasted a black and white check floor. The appliances were old, but it only added to the charm of the room. The cupboards desperately needed a paint job and the windows were filthy, but it was a homey, cheery kitchen.

“Todd,” Viki called. “You’ve got to see the bedrooms.”

Todd ran down the hall like a kid. Viki was in the master bedroom. It was large and bright. The bathroom had a claw foot tub and fireplace. Todd shook his head amazed. He felt excitement curl around his heart. This place would be perfect for him and Starr…and the woman he loved.

He walked out of the master bedroom and into the other bedroom. The house had three. He stood stock-still. He and Viki looked at each other. “Starr,” they both said at the same time.

The room was large and airy, with a sloped ceiling and a long window seat. It would be perfect for a little girl. Todd’s mind was busy picturing what it would look like when he was through with it. It would be a labor of love.

The other bedroom was just as large with huge windows facing the backyard. Perfect for a nursery. Todd closed his eyes and let the delicious thought float around his head. He snapped his eyes open and followed Viki out of the house.

For the first time in a long time he felt excited about something. He felt he had a purpose.

“Viki?”

She turned to him. “Yes, Todd?”

He shuffled from one foot to the next. “I don’t want you to tell anyone about this place. Or…or me living here and fixing it up. I just want this to be between us, okay?”

Viki nodded, understanding. “Of course, Todd. I will not breath a word to anyone,” she whispered solemnly.

Todd smiled whitely. “Good. I just want it to look the way I see it in my head, before anyone else sees it… ya know?”

“Yes, Todd…I do know.” To see her brother so enthused warmed her heart.

“Well, let’s get going then,” Todd said impatiently, practically dragging Viki by the hand. “I have a list a mile long to make.”

*****

Todd wiped the sweat from out of his eyes and continued sweeping out the main room. He was dressed in a pair of faded, ripped jeans and a tight white T-shirt. He was soaked in perspiration, and it felt great. Santana blasted from a boom box in the corner of the room. Todd felt happy and light.

He pulled his hair back and quickly tied it in a ponytail. He made a quite a dent on the inside of the house.

He took down the old, tattered draperies and threw them away. The windows were now clean and sparkling. He had cleaned out both fireplaces and swept out the bedrooms. All the windows were open, letting in the crisp, fresh air.

He was in the process of sweeping out the main room. He brought a sleeping bag, water, fruit, a loaf of bread, and some peanut butter. He planned on sleeping in his house that very night. He needed to claim it and call it his own.

Thank God Viki had pulled a couple of strings and had gotten the electricity and water was turned on. He was gonna need a hot shower when the day was out. He sniffed under his armpits. Yep, absolutely!

He swept the dirt into a dustpan and carried it outside. He dumped them into a plastic garbage bag and stretched, rotating his neck this way and that. A movement in the woods caught his eye. He squinted and peered into the dense forest. That’s when he saw her. He stood perfectly still and didn’t move a muscle.

She was without a doubt the most beautiful female he’d ever laid eyes on. She stood poised for flight. Any move on his part would make her run, he was sure of it.

Her soft, brown hair fell almost to her knees. It was wavy and shiny. It reminded him of that fairy tail Rapunzel. In fact, she didn’t look quite real. Or rather, like she didn’t belong in this time.

Her eyes were large and liquid brown with the longest lashes he’d ever seen framing them. Her features were perfect and symmetrical. She was dressed…unusual. She wore a filmy long dress, sea foam green in color. It softly molded itself to her slim, petite curves.

Todd felt a faint stirring in his groin. He felt like a sweaty giant. He licked his dry lips. He took a small step in her direction. “Excuse me?” He asked carefully. “Are you lost? What’s your name?”

“Arabella,” she said softly. Her voice was clear and bell-like.

Todd was surprised that she answered him. “That’s a beautiful name. Do you live around here, Arabella?”

He took another tentative step towards her. The woman turned and fled through the woods. One moment she was there and the next…vapor.

“Hey!” Todd called. “Don’t go!” He swiftly ran down the steps and to the spot where she stood.

Nothing… no sign of her, just the sounds of the forest. Todd slowly walked back to the porch. He shook his head in wonder. Living here was going to be better than he thought.

He hoped his mysterious and exquisite looking neighbor would put in another appearance. He smiled softly and began working once more. The house needed a ton of work, and he was up for the challenge.

(to be continued)

(part 23 by Em)

Todd had been working tirelessly on his house. In the mornings, he would see Gary, his therapist, at his office, then head straight to the house. His efforts were paying off. He had completed the renovations on the front two rooms and the master bath and was tackling the kitchen with fervor. The strenuous labor had paid off, not only on the house, but on Todd, as well. He was in excellent shape, as good as his college football days. Maybe even better.

Viki visited him frequently, always taking at least a few minutes of each day to stop by to see his progress. She was very impressed with his carpentry skills; she’d never have guessed he possessed that particular talent. She was thrilled to have him so close by. She was equally thrilled to see him staying out of trouble and continuing his therapy.

She had stopped by one brisk October morning to bring him a late breakfast of muffins and juice after his therapy session. She was a bit alarmed to find the front door standing wide open with Todd nowhere in sight. She entered cautiously.

“Todd?” she called.

When she received no reply, she began to search the house, starting with the front parlor. Not finding him there, she forced herself to stay calm. She had a bad feeling about this.

“Todd? Answer me,” she demanded.

She found him in the kitchen staring out the window in a daze.

“Todd, sweetheart? Are you okay?”

He didn’t acknowledge her presence. She placed a hand on his shoulder and shook him slightly.

“Todd? Todd?! What’s wrong?” She felt the panic rising inside of her.

Without breaking his gaze out the window, he answered, “Look, Viki. Do you see her? She’s so beautiful.”

She looked in the direction he was staring. Perplexed, she asked, “Who, sweetie? Who are you talking about?”

“Over there. Standing by that skinny bunch of trees. See? Her name’s Arabella. She told me that a few weeks ago.”

Viki squinted at the trees; the yard was barren except for the small stand of birches Todd had indicated. She then turned back to her brother with a look of concern. There was no one in the backyard.

(part 24 by Smiles)

Viki laid her hand on Todd’s shoulder.

“I think you’ve been working too hard and not getting enough sleep, little brother. You’re starting to see things. There’s no one in the yard,” Viki gestured toward the area where Todd had pointed. “I think you need to take a break. I’ve got a great idea! Why don’t you come up to the main house, and I’ll make you a nice, home-cooked meal. I bet you haven’t been eating well either, have you?”

Todd continued to stare past her at something in the yard.

“Todd, do you hear me? Todd?”

“I hear you, sis. Relax. But I swear I met this beautiful young woman the other day. She was just standing there a few minutes ago. Where the hell did she go?”

Todd craned his neck to look past Viki again. Viki sighed. Her brother definitely needed a break.

“Come on, love, let’s go get some lunch.” Viki tugged at Todd’s sleeve.

Todd focused on Viki’s face and smiled at her cheekily.

“OK, if you insist. I am starved.”

Viki turned and started for the door. Todd walked over to the window and rubbed his eyes wearily. Was he hallucinating? Had he dreamed this beautiful creature? Silently, he shook his head. No, she had been real. The only question he had was when would he see her again?

“Todd,” Viki’s voice was impatient.

“Coming,” he yelled.

Reluctantly, he turned and followed her out the front door. They walked silently toward Llanfair. Suddenly, out of the woods came a blood-curdling scream…

(to be continued)

(part 25 by Missin)

Todd and Viki heard the blood-curdling scream and ran out to where they heard the sound. Todd raced and envisioned his beautiful stranger in trouble. Up ahead he saw the form of a woman, hurt on the ground grasping her ankle. He slowed down; puzzled he asked, "What are you doing here? How did you find this place?"

Viki caught up to Todd, and said, "Blair?"

"Viki, I followed you out here. I wanted to know if you had heard from Todd. Obviously, you have!” she stated as she grasped her ankle. "I tripped on that rock; I twisted my ankle"

Blair turned to Todd. "Starr has been asking to see her daddy. You can't just walk in and out of her life, Todd. She wants to be a part of your life!"

Todd looked down, regretfully thinking of all the lost time with his daughter. Confused, he looked toward Viki, then Blair, then into the woods. Could his head be so screwed up that now he's seeing people that do not even exist? he thought.

He turned towards Blair and extended his hand to her. "Come on. Let’s go.”

(to be continued)