Marc was finishing up his packing when Rudy walked in. “Hey Marc, you’re hurting my feelings.” Rudy teased. “Are you that anxious to get home, it’s only 6:00 in the morning.” Rudy had spent the night at the lab. He wanted to make sure Marc was ok.

“I just want to be ready when dad and Matt get here.” Marc pointed out. “I don’t mean to hurt your feelings Rudy. I am just anxious to get home.”

“I understand, but they won’t be here for at least another two hours. Rudy laughed. “Why don’t you crawl back into bed and rest?”

“I’m not tired Rudy. I just want to wait for them.” Marc said.

“Well ok, but it’s going to be quite a wait. You can watch TV if you want.” Rudy left the room.

At Oscar’s house Oscar was just getting ready to wake up when Matt bounded into his room. “Dad, Can we go get Marc now?”

“Matt, it’s only 6:00 in the morning.” Oscar explained.

“I know but I want to go get him.” Matt urged.

“We’ll go in a little bit. Let me get dressed first. Ok?”

Dejected Matt went back to his room He called out to Marc and the two of them spent the rest of the time talking.

At 7:00 Oscar and the other kids arrived at the hospital. Oscar caught Rudy just as he was going into Marc’s room. “You’re sure he can come home today?”

“He’s more than ready, he’s been up since six.” Rudy stated

Oscar couldn’t help but laugh and pointed to Matt. “Yea I know what your saying. Him too. How is his hearing coming along?”

“He’s getting used to it. Jaime has worked with him on learning how to isolate what he wants to listen to.”

“Yea she told me she had been helping.”

“I really didn’t want to do it but I had no choice. The infection was worse than I thought when I originally looked at it. Like I told you his eardrum burst when we were in surgery. If Danny hadn’t caught it…”

“I’m just glad you were able to help him. Now when he grows you don’t have to replace his eye, just his arm and legs.”

“That’s right.”

“What actually happens Rudy? I mean why is he in so much pain?” Oscar wondered.

“What happens is the same thing that happens when you outgrow a pair go pants, your body becomes to big for them. Marc’s body starts to ‘pull away’ from his bionics.

“I see” Oscar muttered.

They stepped into Marc’s room “Ready to go son?” Oscar asked.

“I sure am!! Let’s go home.”

Oscar turned to Rudy who gave his nod of approval “I need him back here next week for a check. He passed all of his tests with flying colors. I just want to keep a very close watch, because this procedure is very new. And of course most of that I can do at home.”

“I understand anytime Rudy, just let us know.” He turned to the boys. Come on guys, I thought I would take you to breakfast before I take Dan to school. Jaime said she would meet us, and take you guys home to get started on your studies.

They started down the hall. Oscar looked closely at the twins. Then he turned to Rudy “They are growing, aren’t they? I think I’m going to have to buy them new shoes. Matt was at the end of his today. Maybe I’ll take the afternoon off and take them shopping.”

“Sounds like a winner to me.” Rudy agreed.

They got in the car and Oscar headed for the twin’s favorite diner to have breakfast.

Marc and Matt were so happy to be together again and Joey was happy at having both, of his brothers back.

They pulled into the parking lot of the diner and everyone got out of the car. Jaime was waiting inside for them.

“Hi”, she greeted, “I have a table already for us.” She smiled at Marc. How are you doing Marc?”

“Ok I guess.” Marc said looking around.

They followed Jaime back to the table. “Steve!” Marc cried. “I was hoping you would be here.”

“Hey would I miss breakfast with my favorite partner?”

Marc shook his head as he climbed on the chair beside Steve.

“You feeling better little partner?” Steve asked after the waitress had brought them their menus.

“I feel great.” Marc replied.

That’s good.” Then he turned to Matt. He wasn’t about to make that near fatal mistake again. “And how are you doing sport?”

“I’m f fine t to S Steve.” Matt smiled.

“What do you want for breakfast boys?” Oscar asked the twins.

“We want the little cow poke.” They answered.

“Ok “ Oscar smiled, that sounds good to me. When the waitress came back Oscar ordered three little cowpokes for the twins and Joey. “What do you three want?” He asked Steve Jaime and Rudy

“We’ll get out own.” Jaime said.

“No you guys do so much for the kids. I’m buying you breakfast.” Oscar offered. “Hey it’s not to often you find me in such a generous mood I’d take advantage if I were you.”

“I suppose you don’t want the little cowpoke?” He asked Danny.

“No, I’ll just have two eggs scrambled and sausage “ Danny ordered.

Oscar ordered breakfast for everyone.

Before talking Steve looked around. “So you think this new procedure will work with Marc.”

“I’m pretty sure it will. I mean this is brand new to me.” Rudy explained. “Like I told Oscar the best we can do is to watch Marc very closely.”

“I don’t think you have to worry about that. You live with them and Jaime teaches them We should have more than enough people watching him.”

“Yea I’ll give you that one Steve.” Rudy said as the waitress set everyone’s plates down in front of them.

After breakfast Jaime took the children home to get started on their studies,

At the house, Jaime got started with the kid’s school lessons for the day. She was so proud at what they had accomplished. She was preparing to give them the tests the woman from the board of ED had sent over.

“Now that Marc gave you a couple of extra days study time…” Jaime teased.

“I timed that one just right didn’t I?” Marc teased back.

“You most certainly did.” Jaime laughed.

They had just gotten started on the tests, when the phone rang. “Oh hi Oscar what can I do for you. I was just about to give the twins a test?”

“I am taking off early I need to take the twins shopping for some new shoes. Matt could hardly get his on this morning. I’m sure with the last two changes Marc has had, his shoes are to small too.”

“I’ll have them ready. Are you taking Joey?” She wondered.

“No, I’ll leave him with you. If that’s ok?” Oscar stated. “I don’t think he needs new shoes just yet in fact I just bought some for him. I think we’ll do the new shoes today and then maybe they also need new jeans and all that. I’ll check into that tonight.

“That is just fine.” She assured him. “Do you want me to bring them to you? I could take Joey for ice cream or something while you’re busy with the twins.”

“That sounds like and excellent idea.” Oscar agreed.

“Good then I’ll meet you in the parking lot at about 3:00?”

“Great see you then.” Oscar related.

Rudy and Steve had come down to Oscar’s office. They were discussing the day’s events when Oscar noticed the time. “If you gentlemen will please excuse me, I have to take my sons shopping. They need new shoes. Jaime is meeting me downstairs.” Oscar informed them.

“We’ll see you later then.” Rudy turned to Steve. “If you come with me, I’ll take a look at that problem you were telling me about before.”

“Yea I think you better. I’ll see you later Oscar. “Steve stood and followed Rudy down the hall. “

Oscar met Jaime in the parking lot. “You two ready?” He asked the twins. Then he turned to Jaime. “Have they been behaving themselves today?”

“They behave themselves most of the time.” She told him.

“I know, but sometimes when they have been separated for so long they have a tendency to go a little overboard when they do get together.”

“I’m well aware of that.” Jaime laughed.

Oscar took the twins in his car and they drove down town. “So what do you guys think, is Jaime a good teacher? Oscar asked as he pulled into traffic.

“She’s great” they spoke together.

At the shoe store Matt and Marc picked out the shoes they wanted ‘great job Rudy’ Oscar thought when the twins measured for the same size.

“Here Matt walk around in those let see how the fit.” Oscar said. “You to Marc.”

He turned to the salesman. We’ll take them two of each.”

In another hospital across town another boy sat in a hospital bed, he head and face incased in bandages. He too was getting restless when his Doctor walked into the room.

“Good morning. Ready to take those bandages off?” The doctor asked

The small figure nodded.

“Then let’s get started then. He began to slowly cut away at the bandages. He got down to the final layer. “Are you sure you want to go through with this?” The dr. asked him one more time.

Again the figure nodded.

“Ok then” The final layer came off. The Dr held up a mirror for the boy to see. “How do you like it ‘Marc’?” He asked.

The boy looked exactly like Matt and Marc. He looked over at the dr. and in a thick Russian accent spoke for the first time. “It’s perfect Dr. Strinsky, absolutely perfect.

“You are almost finished. You have been practicing Marc’s voice for sometime now. I think you are ready for the assignment before you. Alexi I mean Marc.”

“When do we make out move?” Alexi was getting restless.

“Settle down young friend. We will get our chance. We will follow Mr. Goldman all day tomorrow if we have to. We must take Marc when no one else is looking.” Roman spoke softly.

“Why can’t we go today?” Alexi wanted to know

“You are to anxious. You still have much to learn. I have some pictures to show you of Marc and his family. You will need to know their names on sight if you are going to fool the family.”

“Yes, yes I see what you are saying.” Alexi agreed speaking in Marc’s voice. He smiled at Strinsky.

“That is very good son.” I would almost swear I was speaking to Marc.”

“You are speaking to Marc Goldman Strinsky.” Alexi stated. “Do you have the pictures with you Roman.”

“Yes I do Marc.” Roman Strinsky laid a number of photos in front of the boy. “Now you look these photos over. I will test you later.”

Roman left the boy to attend other matters.

Alexi began sifting through the pictures in front of him.

Jaime met them outside the ice cream store “I like the new shoes guys.” Then she noticed that Oscar had four boxes. “What’s this?” She asked.

“They each picked out different shoes, I figured I better buy them both the same thing, just in case they decide one morning they want to wear the same shoes.”

“I think you made a wise decision I’ll see you at home. Do you want me to start dinner Oscar?”

“It’s already to go I made my chili over the weekend. Marc likes it quite a bit. All you have to do is put it on the stove. Just put it on around 4:00 on low.”

“I will do that.” Jaime told him

“I have to get back to work other wise I would take them shopping some more. I’ll take them tomorrowafter noon. They are outgrowing everything.

“Well that’s what kids do best Oscar.” Jaime explained

“Yea I guess you are right. I’ll see you later. I shouldn’t be much later than 6:30.”

“By the way did you give the kids the tests?” Oscar wondered.

“Yea I sent them to Shelia already. She has to grade them. Then she will let us know exactly how the kids are progressing.”

“They seem to be doing just fine.” Oscar surmised.

“Well I better get them home. Don’t worry I’ll put the chili up for you.”

“Thanks, I appreciate it.”

Jaime took the kids home, and Oscar went back to work. He had about an hours worth of work to do.

Oscar was just about finished when Rudy poked his head in. “Oscar I’m leaving I’ll take Danny home with me.”

“That’s fine Rudy, thanks.” Oscar gave him a wave as Rudy left. “We’re having chili for diner.”

“That sounds great. I’ll see you at home then.” Rudy said.

“I just have a couple of things I need to finish up and I should be right behind you Rudy. Thanks for giving Danny a ride.”

“No problem.” Rudy and Danny left.

After finishing his work and making a few phone calls Oscar left for the day.

“So guys how are the new shoes?” Oscar asked as they all sat at dinner. “Rudy I really have to commend you. They wear the exact same size shoe. It is really remarkable.”

“I was hoping you would tell me that.” Rudy said taking a bite of chili. “I have been using Matt as a guide. So it was pretty easy.”

“Well I must say Rudy you and Dan did a great job.” He turned to his oldest son. “How was you day today, Dan?”

“It was great dad. I had a physics test. I think I did pretty good.”

“I have no doubt that you did.” Oscar stated. “Marc and Matt had a test today too. How do you think you guys did?”

“It w was e easy.” Matt informed him…”

“How bout you Marc? Was it easy for you too?”

“Yea. It was pretty easy.” Marc agreed.

“I do not understand one thing Strinsky. This other boy, he looks just like Marc too.”

“I explained that to you Alexi. They are twins. That is why you have to be very careful. The other boy, he may suspect you are not his brother.”

“I understand now Strinsky.”

“You also realize you will be on your own to get the information we have instructed you to get. We will not have contact for several days.”

“Well” Dan said standing up from the table. “I have some homework to do. I’ll be down in my office.”

“Hey if you finish before it’s time for bed how bout a game of chess?”

“You’re on. I don’t have too much. I should be up in about a hour or so.” Dan headed down the basement steps.

Oscar turned to the twins. “I think you guys could use a bath tonight. It’s been a while.” Oscar exclaimed.

“Aw Dad.” They said together. “Do we have to?”

“Yes you have to. Now go on up and get ready. Then you can watch TV.

They ran upstairs to get ready for bed.

“I don’t know Rudy. Anymore they hate to take a bath.” Oscar observed.

“They’ll out grow it, don’t worry.” Rudy assured him.

“So Alexi are you ready?” Strinsky asked

“Yes I have studied all of them just ask me who is who. I can tell you with no problem.”

“Very good.” He showed Alexi the pictures the Soviet Embassy had obtained for them.

Alexi was right He named everyone in the photos without making one mistake. “You see Strinsky I am more than ready for the mission before me.”

“I do believe you are. We will act tomorrow. Hopefully we can grab Marc by tomorrow afternoon.”

After they finished their baths the twins came back down stairs.

“Did you wash your hair?” Oscar asked

“D didn’t know w we w were s supposed t to.” Matt said.

“That’s the deal guys, when you take a shower, your wash your hair.” Oscar scolded. Now you get to take another shower tomorrow so you can wash your hair.’

“Uhhgg!” The cried.

“Well we will worry about that tomorrow.” Oscar told them. In the mean time you can watch some TV.

The twins sat and watched their favorite TV show. Oscar read the paper and Rudy and Dan played chess.”

“Ok boys.” Oscar said to the twins who were watching TV, time for bed. I’m taking the afternoon tomorrow. You guys need new clothes. So I’ll have Jaime bring you into town again.”

“Ok dad” Marc said. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

Night Matt.” Oscar called.

“N night d dad.” They both went upstairs to their room

“Another hour Dan and you need to get to bed too

I know dad. I’m just about finished” He moved his final piece. “Check Mate.”

Rudy laughed. “Ok chess champ bed time.”

Danny stood and walked across the room. “Dad, if you’re taking the twins shopping would you pick up something for me?”

“Sure Dan. What do you need?” Oscar asked

“I need more white shirts for school. Mine are getting rather tacky.”

“Ok Dan I’ll pick you up some. See you in the morning.”

“Yea, see you in the morning dad.”

“Strinsky I must know, what do you plan to do with the real Marc?” Alexi asked.

“That does not concern you my friend. You need your rest. You go to sleep.

“You plan to kill him don’t you?” Alexi began to laugh. I know you don’t want to tell me but those are your plans. I know you to well Strinsky.” Alexi continued laughing

Alexi fell asleep on the other bed in the hotel room. Strinsky watched him closely. “I only hope you can full fill this mission my young friend.”

Jaime arrived at the usual time the next morning. “As I said yesterday. I need you to bring the boys back into town this afternoon. We tried on clothes last night. They have outgrown just about everything they brought when they moved here.”

“Like I said, that’s what kids do best.” Jaime told him.

“Well we know they have at least grown a half an inch cause of the fact that Marc has had to be changed twice now.” Oscar was saying. “Each time at a quarter inch he added.”

“Well I suppose I better get going. I still have to drop Dan off. Rudy hasn’t left yet. I just wanted to let you know in case you heard someone roaming around.”

“Thanks for the warning. Have the kids had breakfast?”

“Yea. They are in the other room watching cartoons waiting for you.”

“Well I better get them started.” Jaime said walking toward the living room.

“I’ll see you this afternoon then.” Oscar called after her.

“Ok Oscar, what time?” Jaime asked.

“Say around 2:00” Oscar told her.

“You want me to keep Joey again?” Jaime wondered.

“Yea, I can get more done. He is a pretty good kid, but… Well you know.”

“I understand. I’ll take him to the library. They have a story time there for preschoolers.”

“That sounds like a wonderful idea. I’m sure Joey will love it.”

Jaime walked into the living room “Ok guys, time to get started.”

The twins got up and turned off the TV and headed for the dinning room “Dan I think your dad is waiting for you.” Jaime called as Dan passed through the dinning room.

I know. I have to get some money. I forgot they are having a book fair at school today. I want to get some books to read just for fun.”

“That sounds like and excellent idea. Anything the twins might be interested in?”

Danny thought for a moment. “Yea we have little ones that go to our school I’ll get something for them too.”

“That would be great. How about The Hardy boys” Or something like that.”

“That sounds good. I’ll see what they have.” Dan started out to meet Oscar.

At the same moment Roman Strinsky woke Alexi early. “Wake up Marc we must be ready at a moments notice.”

Alexi sat up and rubbed the sleep out of his eyes. “Strinsky I just thought of something. I will not be wearing the same clothes as Marc…”

“After we capture him, you will change into his clothes. It will be simple.”

“Alexi began to laugh again. “He will have no use for them anyway. I’m sure the undertaker won’t care what he is wearing.”

“I told you not to worry about that Alexi.” Roman scolded

“Who is Alexi? I am Marc.” Alexi corrected.

“Then start acting like Marc.” Roman scolded. “I told your father you were to young for this assignment. I tried to tell him it would be easier if we used Col. Austin. You are just a child’

“Strinsky! My father wanted to use Marc because it would be easier to capture him than Col Austin. You work for my father, you must do as he says or you will never hear the end of it. Understand?”

“Yes I understand.” Roman stated.

“That is good I want to hear no more talk like that.”

“No I will not mention it again. Please do not tell your father.”

“I won’t as long as the subject of my involvement is not brought up again.”

“It won’t be I assure you.” Strinsky said.

“So what do we do now?” Alexi asked.

We will stake out the house. The tutor must take them out sometime during the day.”

“That sounds like an excellent idea.” Alexi agreed.

They left the hotel room and got into the car. “Now remember we are mostly interested in the Omega project if we can get the information. It will all be worth it.”

“I understand I will get the information you want.” Alexi stated. “Are you sure this Omega project is worth it.”

“Your father seems to think so. Get into the car we have to drive to Arlington.”

“Why Arlington?” Alexi asked.

“That is where Goldman lives.” Strinsky explained.

They got in the car and Strinsky started the engine.

“Ok guys I’m going to work Jaime will bring you into the City around two. I’ll see you then.”

“See you then dad.” Marc said.

Oscar and Danny left the house. Rudy emerged in the dinning room. “ I over slept this morning. I better get going. By the way Marc how are you feeling?”

“I feel just fine Rudy. Are you sure they will grow with me?”

“I sure hope so. We will know if you keep up with Matt. That will be the true test. You seem to feel it after you have grown about a quarter of an inch so if you go beyond that with no pain. We should be well on our way.”

“I’m sorry Jaime I didn’t mean to interrupt their study time. Don’t forget to bring the kids in. Oscar thought around two He told me to remind you if he forgot.

“Well he didn’t but thanks Rudy. I’ll see you later.” She turned to the twins. “Ok guys lets get started…”

Strinsky and Alexi left the hotel parking lot and proceeded to Oscar’s house. “They have a pretty elaborate security system. Other wise we would just have you go on to the property and take care of things.” Strinsky explained as they started their drive to Arlington.

“It is better if we take him outside the home anyway.” Alexi sneered.

“That is true. Now I have explained the lay out to you, you have studied the plans to the house. You know where every room is.” Strinsky asked.

“Yes I do.” Alexi assured. “Don’t worry about it. My father has trained me for this day for many weeks. Especially when he discovered that Marc was dark haired and dark eyed like me.” Alexi explained.

“That is true Alexi.” Strinsky agreed.

“You were right about the security system Strinsky. I did not know they had a guard. And such a high fence.” Alexi noted as they drove past Oscar’s house and hid in a group of trees across the road.

“I did my homework, they had some trouble a while back. Alexi you must be careful with the way you speak. You must use the contractions for words such as ‘can’t and won’t. You must not say ‘can not, will not.” Do you understand?”

“Yes Strinsky I understand.” Alexi sighed knowing it would be hard.

Jaime and the children spent the morning studying. “Ok guys let’s call it a day. Who wants left over chili for lunch, then you can have some free time before we go meet your dad.”

The twins and Joey cheered. ‘Chili sounds great!” Marc exclaimed. “Jaime can we play a game while we wait for lunch?”

She thought for a moment. “Why don’t you read a book, then after lunch you can play a game if you want to.”

The twins went into the living room and started reading. Joey sat at the table and read out loud to Jaime while she fixed lunch.

After they ate the kids went upstairs to play a game, Jaime cleaned up from lunch by then it was time to leave.

“It is about…” Alexi started.

Strinsky threw Alexi a stern look.

“I mean it’s about time they left.”

“Yes I was hoping you would be with the family by now. One other thing I forgot to mention.”

“What’s that Strinsky?” Alexi asked.

“Try to stay away from Matt as much as possible. He and Marc are twins, I’m sure it won’t take him long to figure out you are not his brother.”

“I know how to handle it Strinsky.” Alexi explained.

“I hope that you do. We have done this many times Alexi. But never when a twin was involved.” Strinsky pulled his car behind Jaime as she drove the children into the City.

They met Oscar in the parking lot again. “Hi guys ready to get some new clothes?” Oscar asked.

“Yea!” the twins yelled.

“Well then, let’s go then!” I’ll see you in a couple of hours Jaime I’ll just meet you at the library.”

They all climbed into Oscar’s car and headed for the children’s clothing store.

As they drove through traffic Alexi and Strinsky were right behind them.

In the clothing store Strinsky and Alexi kept their distance.

“Here guys.” Oscar said handing the twins several pairs of pants and shirts. “Try these on. You will probably need something new to wear for good as well.”

He turned to the attentive sales clerk who could tell he was going to make a big commission on this sale.

“Would you please bring us some dress pants and suit coats for them to try on?” He asked.

“Yes sir!” The clerk noted.

He brought back several pairs of dress pants in the size requested. “Well” Oscar said. I think we have caused enough damage here.”

Oscar stood at the cash register so he could pay for what he had picked out. Plus the shirts Dan had requested.

“Dad, I have to use the rest room.” Marc said. He went to use the bathroom. The two soviets lost no time. They followed Marc into the bathroom and drugged him.

Alexi quickly changed into Marc’s clothes then joined Matt and Oscar, as they were getting ready to leave the store…

As soon as Alexi left the bathroom to join his ‘family’ and begin his assignment Strinsky quickly changed Marc into the clothes Alexi had on. Then he waited for the right moment.

“Marc, good you’re back. We need to go. Jaime will be waiting for us. Oscar picked up the packages of the counter and they headed for the door. Oscar turned once again to the sales clerk. “Thanks again for all your help.”

“No problem sir, anytime you bring them back here and I’ll assist you personally.”

Oscar and the boys left the store. The sales clerk eyed another potential customer with money and turned his attention to her.

Alexi crawled into the back seat with Matt. ‘Whew they do not suspect I am not Marc stupid people.’

The minute Oscar and the children left the store Roman Stringski carried the still sleeping Marc now dressed in Alexi’s clothes, out of the bathroom.

When the sales clerk looked at him he used his pre-planned excuse. “My son.” He said. “I do not know what is wrong with him. He told me his stomach hurt so I took him into the bathroom. He fainted. I think he is really sick. Where is the nearest hospital?”

The clerk not paying much attention to a non-paying customer simply pointed up the street. “There is one about two blocks up, you can’t miss it. I hope he feels better.” He then returned to the person he was waiting on.

“Me too, we are only visiting here.” Roman lied. “My wife, his mother will be very upset.”

“I’m sure he’ll be fine.” The clerk assured as he rung up the purchase. If he had paid attention he would have noticed that the child in Strinsky’s arms was an exact ‘triple’ to the two boys he had just waited on.

Roman left the store and headed for a car parked along the street. He placed Marc in the trunk and drove to nearby hotel so Marc could sleep off the effects of the drug.

He parked in the slot that was assigned to his room. He got out of the car and opened the trunk. He wasn’t worried about he hotel manager seeing him carry Marc past the front desk. After all Alexi looked just like him, and he had made himself seen in the lobby of the hotel. He lifted Marc out of the trunk and carried him up to his room.

As he passed the manager’s desk the manager looked up. “I see the little fellow had a busy day,” he observed.

“Yes.” Strinsky agreed “A very busy day.” He got on the elevator and pushed his floor number.

He placed Marc on the bed. Then he pulled a syringe out of his suitcase and placed it on the dresser. Then he walked over to the door and locked it.

Strinsky could have injected Marc right then. But he enjoyed watching the person see and knowing that they were about to die. It was a certain look they got. It gave him some sort of thrill. So he would wait till Marc came around.

Jaime met up with Oscar and the kids outside the library “Listen Jaime I think I’ll just take the kids home. It took longer than I thought it was going to take.” Oscar explained. “We had trouble deciding what shirts to by. They wanted different, but for each one they picked out, I bought two. I also bought the shirts Danny needed for school. By the way, did Joey enjoy his story time?”

“Yes he did. And I think you made a great choice in buying their shirts alike.” Jaime told him. “I would have done the same thing. I’m sure Dan will be glad you remembered his shirts. He called and wanted me to remind you by the way.”

Jaime looked at Matt and Alexi. “So did you two have a good time with your dad?” She asked.

“Yea. W we d did.” Matt answered.

Alexi nodded. He figured the less he said the better. He also thought he would take Strinsky’s advise and stay away from Matt as much as possible.

“Oh Oscar, I left some things out at your house. I’ll stop by and pick it up before I go home if that would be all right? She asked as she got into her car. “I’ll be by after dinner.” She said as she started her car.

“That sounds just fine I’ll see you in just a little while then.” Oscar called after her. Then he turned to the boys. “Well men why don’t we go see what we can round up for dinner. I’m starved.”

“M me t too.” Matt exclaimed. “What are w we g going t to have?”

“I don’t know just yet. I’ll talk to you guys about it at home.” Oscar told them.

Joey kept looking at Alexi. He grabbed Oscar’s finger and wouldn’t let go. In fact he was holding on so tight that Oscar finger started to hurt.

“Hey what’s the matter son?” Oscar asked as he tried to put Joey in the back seat. He finally gave up and let him sit in the front seat beside him. “You act like you’ve see a ghost or something.”

Joey said nothing and continued to look at Alexi from a distance. He kept turning to the back seat and looked from Matt to Alexi.

“Joey!” Oscar scolded. “Turn around and put your seat belt on. “Come on son.” This continued the whole way home

I don’t get what’s wrong with you Joey.” Oscar said as the pulled into the garage. “You sure are acting strange.” He turned to Alexi.

“Marc what would you like for dinner tonight. I thought one night a week I would let you boys decide what to have for dinner. And since you just got out of the hospital yesterday, I elected you to be the first.”

Alexi knew just what to say. He knew what Marc’s favorite food was. “I would like hot dogs.” He said as they all got out of the car and walked into the house. He was scared to say too much. He didn’t really know what Marc would say in this situation. And Roman had told to not get to involved with the family.

“Why did I even bother to ask?” Oscar said to himself. “Listen guys. I’ll be right back down I’m going to go change my clothes before dinner.”

“S sounds g good d dad.” Matt said. “C come on M Marc let’s p play a g game till d dinner. You c coming J Joey?”

Joey shook his head. “I’ll play in my room.” He said quietly.

“Again Oscar thought to himself. ‘What is bothering that boy? I just don’t understand it. Usually the twins can’t keep him out of their room. Oh well maybe Joe is mad at one of them for something or another.’ Oscar dismissed it.

After he changed his clothes Oscar looked in on the kids. Joey was in his own room drawing pictures. The twins were playing checkers.

“Dinner in just a little while guy.” Oscar said before he went on downstairs and started dinner.

Just as he was ready to make dinner Rudy, Danny and Steve came in. “Steve I don’t mean to sound rude but what are you doing here?” Oscar wanted to know.

“I gave Rudy and Danny a ride home. Rudy’s car wouldn’t start so I offered to give them a ride. Jaime is meeting me here in just a few minutes. She said she had some things to pick up some things that she left here. Then we’re going out for dinner.”

“Well I guess that would be ok.” Oscar teased.

“She is practically right behind us.” Danny mentioned. “ By the way dad what’s for dinner? I’m starved.” Danny added.

“Marc’s favorite. Hotdogs.” Oscar told him.

“Well it’s not mine,” Danny turned up his nose. “I think I’ll just have a cold meat sandwich I have a lot of homework.”

“I would rather you eat with the family Dan.” Oscar scolded. “You know how I feel about that. I think the family should eat together.”

“I know. Well ok. But I do have a lot of homework. I need to get started on it as soon as I finish”

“Dan? Am I not giving you enough time to do you school work?” Rudy asked. “I mean if you ever need more time, just let me know. Ok?”

“I will. I’m sorry Rudy I worded that wrong. I get a better share of it done at work, but I still have stuff I have to do here. I have a lot of the stuff I need to do on my computer here. But I will remember that Rudy.”

Rudy nodded “Just so long as I don’t keep you from you studies. I feel it is very important that you get all of you homework done.

“I will.” Danny agreed.

Marc and Matt walked into the kitchen. “Is d dinner about r ready?” Matt asked.

“It will be in just a few minutes.” Oscar answered.

“Good I’m hungry.” Joey said following his brothers. He turned to Matt. “After dinner want to play checkers Matt?”

“Sure” Matt answered.

“I’ll play too.” Alexi said.

“No!” Joey screamed, “I don’t want to play with you!! I don’t like you!” He ran upstairs. Oscar, Rudy and Steve stared after him in astonishment.

Then Steve was angry. “Why would he say something like that?” Steve wanted to know. “I don’t think it was very nice. Not very nice at all He started after Joey.

Oscar grabbed his arm. “Look Steve. I know you’re protective of Marc, and that’s fine. But remember Joey is only four years old, he’s a baby and doesn’t mean what he saying” Oscar tried to calm him down.

“We’ll see about that.” Steve thundered. Pulling away from Oscar and heading toward the kitchen door.

Rudy stood in the doorway blocking his way.

“Get out of my way Rudy!!” Steve barked.

“No way Steve! I agree with Oscar just calm down. Joey is just a baby.” Rudy added. “He told me just the other night he didn’t like me and that I wasn’t his friend anymore…

“Why?” Steve demanded.

“Because I made him eat his carrots at dinner. He really doesn’t know what he’s saying. Children say that all the time when they are mad, or you do something they don’t like. Now let’s just calm down, ok?”

Steve calmed down a bit. “I’m still pretty upset.

“Let me go get Joey and we’ll talk about this.” They followed Oscar as he went to the bottom of the steps “Joey come down here a minute son I want to talk to you.”

Joey slowly walked down the stairs. “What is it dad?” He asked.

“It’s ok son. I just want to talk to you. Now what’s all this you don’t like Marc?” Oscar asked him.

“Yea!!” Steve stormed “What has gotten into you!!”

Oscar turned to Steve. “Steve I’ll handle it. Just listen to yourself you’re screaming at a four year old child.” Oscar chided.

Oscar bent down and gently picked Joey up. “Come on son let’s go to the kitchen and talk about this.”

They walked out into the kitchen Matt and Alexi sat at the table talking to Danny.

“Dan I need to have a talk with Joseph here would you take Marc and Matt upstairs and keep them busy.”

Reviewing the situation in his head Danny took Alexi and Matt up to their room

“Now Joey” Oscar started after Dan had taken the ‘twins’ up stairs. “Why don’t you like you brother?”

Joey looked from his dad, to Rudy and then over to Steve whose face had gone form purple to dark pink.

“He’s not my brother.” Joey said.

The three adults looked at one another then back to Joey.

“What do you mean son.” Oscar persisted.

“He looks like Marc, but he’s not. I don’t know who he is.”

The grown ups couldn’t believe what they were hearing. They all turned and looked back at Joey.

“I don’t understand Joey.” Oscar stated. “Of course he’s Marc.” Oscar tried to assure the small boy.

Joey shook his head. “No he’s not.”

“This is silly” Steve interjected. “I’ve never heard of such nonsense!!” Steve roared.

...Continued