Path To Power

Lydia looks over at Michael. They are both buckled into the back of sedan with a professional driver/bodyguard at the wheel. "Well it’s a relief to have that done. Your other little brother or sister seems to be doing just fine." Lydia pats her stomach but then she frowns. "You mustn’t worry about your Mum’s baby, Michael. It’s a relief to know this baby is fine, but women have been having babies all the way back to Adam and Eve and most of that time without vitamins and ultrasounds."

"AJ and I haven’t even thought of a name. It’s much too soon to even know if it’s a boy or a girl. Which is why I haven’t picked colors for the nursery. Definitely going to have to do that." Lydia pulls a small journal from her bag. "I haven’t another appointment for a month. What about you? What did Dr. Cam say?"

"It’s looking good for that day." Lydia runs her fingers down the morning. "It’s rather nice to have that hour to myself while you talk to Dr. Cam. I think I’ll bring a book. It can be my reading time. Ever since your father and I married all I’ve been reading is news and business reports and they are just depressing."

"You see and that doesn’t make sense to me." Lydia muses aloud. "It’s lovely to be able to pick your family. I picked AJ after all and he’s my family now." She puts her hand to her stomach. "This baby is going to be biological. Your brother or sister. AJ’s child. There is no just about it. If biology wasn’t important why are you so excited about your mother having another baby?" "AJ is your father. Your mother’s husband may be your daddy, or your papa or whatever you want to call him. Because AJ is your family too, you never have to worry about being alone while you’re waiting for your mother to come home because you’ll have me, and this baby, and your great grandmother Lila. And your biological grandparents Alan and Monica. Your Aunt Skye... we were helping her yesterday. Your cousins Ned and Dillon. Dillon comes over to the house quite frequently. Then there is your biological great grandfather, Edward. I haven’t quite figured him out yet."

"That is very good to know. We’ll have to keep a close eye on him. That’s the other thing about families..." Lydia sighs. "My grandfather raised me after my parents were killed– boating accident. I was about your age in fact. And I did love him. He was my grandfather after all but he was... difficult. Every family seems to have at least one. I guess that your great grandfather Edward is ours."

Lydia half turns toward Michael. "There is no reason why you can’t see your Uncle Jason. You should call him and have him come over to see you." Lydia gets very serious. "Things are... weird, Michael. Your father knows your mother is still alive. Of course AJ believes your mother is alive because she is just too stubborn to ever leave you for long." Lydia gives the boy an affectionate caress over his red hair but doesn’t say what AJ really thinks. And too mean to die. "We don’t understand why your mother’s husband said she was dead. Maybe he’s trying to trick the people who stole your mother. That is what your Grandmother Bobbie believes."

"Oh Michael." Lydia sighs. What she wanted to say was directly counter to everything she’d tried to tell AJ to do. It’s normally so easy to tell someone what to do than to do it yourself. But there would be all kinds of hell if she actually said what she was thinking. If you really want to see her then I’ll bite my tongue and be nice to her just as I’d expect you to do if you don’t like my friends. But you know she married AJ before I did? While I am very happy they are divorced so your father could marry me, Courtney and I are not going to be friends. And I’m afraid that if she said anything mean about AJ I would have to pull all her hair out. Which is not very grown up of me. "If you want to see your Aunt Courtney perhaps you should ask your Grandmother Bobbie to arrange something over at her house. I’m sure your Grandmother Bobbie would like to see your Aunt Courtney as well."

Maybe the CPS worker understood the stress involved in waiting but she calls right at 9am to let Skye know that she’ll be there within half an hour. She could have called at eight. Hell at seven. Nobody was sleeping in. Skye felt like she hadn’t gotten any sleep at all. Even the effects of Cole getting her into the hot tub the night before hadn’t lasted long. Cole had made breakfast. Nothing impacted Kyle’s appetite but the only reason she’d had some toast was to avoid throwing up when the civil servant was here. That would have been just fabulous?! Probably put in the report that she was bulimic or something. Skye fluffs a pillow and looks around the spotless living room. Even work hadn’t distracted her.

"You’re so amusing." Skye rolls her eyes and looks around. Is there anything that might put a little asterisk on their application? She looks at the mantle. The shotgun is put away in a locked cabinet which if the stuff ever hit the fan out in the isolated house they’d be at a disadvantage. Having Javier dead didn’t really ease up the concern on that front. "I just wish she’d get here."

"Don’t call me Babe. I’ve heard Kyle start calling Maxie that and it’s just not a good practice. He starts doing that to all women and he’s going to sound like a used car salesman or worse a movie producer looking for some action on his casting couch." Skye looks at her lover. He rode a close line as far as his dress: white shirt and slacks. It wasn’t his court/ funeral outfit but it wasn’t his kicking around the house outfit either. Skye raises her voice. "Kyle, she’s here!"

"Hey yourself." The CPS worker replies. She looks beyond Kyle to the couple standing in the middle of the living room. She knows Kyle’s uncle of course but this is the first time meeting Skye Quartermaine. Frankly if there is any hope for Kyle at all it would be his uncle’s girlfriend. Coleman Radcliffe under normal circumstances wouldn’t ever be considered for a foster parent. A half blind, deaf, one legged octogenarian on a respirator would have a better shot if they were even somewhat blood related to Kyle. Unfortunately for Kyle nobody was stepping forward except his uncle and the girlfriend. "Hello, I’m Casey Marcos. I apologize for the early hour; I’ve court later."

Kyle points in the direction of his section of the house and leads the way. The CPS worker follows and Skye and Cole trail after. Marcos is very efficient, but it’s an easy home study really. She’d walked into hell holes to get kids before: crack houses and meth labs. Held her breath to keep from throwing up from the smell of rotten food or stockpiled dirty diapers. There are elements of her job that are trips to the worst places people can do to each other, worse to their kids.

Kyle has his own room, hell he practically has a suite because the room next door has the overflow of all his things. There is a bed in the third bedroom for guests but it is clearly set up as Kyle’s living room. Which explains the pristine condition of the living room she’d walked into. Here are the computer, the play station, his sporting gear that didn’t fit in his bedroom. There isn’t a separate entrance but the window would do if the kid decided to cut out in the middle of the night. Going back into the main living area Marcos goes into the kitchen and opens up a few cupboards, there is one whole cupboard set aside for a variety of cold cereals and then the fridge. The fridge is also well stocked.

"Yeah, she took chips off the grocery list." Kyle quips. "Skye figured if I was hungry after dinner I could have cereal since they at least have vitamins in them. And playing soccer, Coach told Skye none of the players can afford to eat crap just for the calories. Ninety minutes is a long time to be running. So when the guys come over they don’t get any junk food either."

Kyle is the one that explains. "My Mom used to give me money whenever I wanted. Uncle Cole told me from day one that wasn’t going to fly. If I wanted spending money then I’d have to earn it. That’s why I work some hours doing clean up at Jakes..."

"Because I’m playing soccer, Uncle Cole pays the insurance and stuff on my car and doesn’t charge me rent even though he bitches I could eat him and Skye out of house and home. He wasn’t going to go for it at first. It was Skye’s suggestion. She said if I was playing sports then I shouldn’t have to get a job for the summer. Because if I was good I’d get a scholarship to college, they do drug testing and she figured that my stoner friends wouldn’t be playing soccer."

Marcos nods and covers a little grin. It sounded as if that was a direct quote. And laying things out that way she could understand why Kyle’s uncle would go for it. "There is no alcohol in the house. Kind of strange for a guy who owns a bar."

"I’m an alcoholic." Skye declares flatly. "I’ve had a relapse within the last year but before that I was sober for over ten years. If someone wants alcohol they can get it. That’s a reality of the disease. But I won’t have it in the house. Cole has seen me at my very worst. Both Cole and Kyle have been very supportive of my sobriety."

Cole takes Skye’s hand and twines his fingers through hers offering nonverbal support. Skye didn’t try to hid the fact she had a problem with alcohol but she didn’t exactly take out a billboard either. "I know you’re not a fan of mine but lets just lay it out there. There isn’t a thing Kyle could think of doing that Skye and I haven’t tried between the two of us. Because of the bar and because of Skye’s history we can spot impaired at 20 yards. The kid has a roof, a bed, and regular meals. You may not like him working at Jakes and I really don’t give a fuck if Kyle hates it. If he hates it then he’ll arrange his life so that he won’t be working in a bar or restaurant. And if he’s ever down on his luck, I know he’ll never starve because he’ll always be able to get a job."

Kyle is the one that jumps in here. "I’m not a baby. Sure, Uncle Cole and Skye both work. They even work really screwed hours and they could be called in whenever. We eat dinner late after I get done with soccer practice. If I’m pulling hours at Jakes then I’m up early otherwise I like to sleep in. It’s summer. The guys from soccer might come over because you know, the lake. But my girlfriend can’t come over here unless Skye is here. Her dad’s idea, not mine. I always have my cell on me and it’s always charged or I’m busted. Skye and Uncle Cole are like this..." Kyle winds two fingers together. "... with the soccer coach and Maxie’s dad, the Police Commissioner. They know what I’m doing even if they aren’t all up in my face."

Marcos continues to ask questions but it only confirms what she’d seen almost from the get go. This is a vibrant supportive family unit. They weren’t the Father knows Best or the Cosby’s but frankly she’d never seen a family that was– outside of television. "Okay I think I have what I need." She glances down at her watch. "The report will be done by the end of the day and signed off by the judge probably tomorrow to make everything official. I’ll need to know if your mother shows up again, Kyle. Now that you guys are official she’s going to have to answer a few questions before you can move back in with her." Marcos packs up her report and recaps her favorite pen stuffing them both in the messenger style bag that holds her life while she is on the road. "Skye, would you mind walking me out to the car?"

Marcos unlocks the door and casts her bag onto the front passenger seat. She stands in the open door. "I think you know I was prepared to not be impressed. Between your record and Kyle’s uncle..." She shakes her head. "But I’ll admit it. You two are just what that kid needs. I’ve seen too many kids from so called good homes who have been ruined because the parents would rather give them money than time. And it ticks me off. It’s avoidable, and I could be spending my time with the children who really need me, the ones who will be dead or on the street if someone doesn’t step in." "I wasn’t coming in here totally blind. I have talked to the Police Commissioner, Kyle’s soccer coach and his neighbors at the old house. All that information will be in the report too. It makes it pretty damn clear there’s a clear division in Kyle’s life. His life when his mother was his sole influence and when his uncle stepped in. Even with my initial reservations, it was a slam dunk that Kyle’s uncle would be allowed to foster him. Now that I’ve seen things with my own eyes..." Marco takes a second and then continues. "I’d really like to convince you and Mr. Radcliffe to become licensed foster parents for just the reasons all of you mentioned– we have too many of the older kids transitioning from inpatient alcohol and drug treatment back into the same situations that created them."

Reggie had referred Faith to the Greenhouse when she showed up at the mansion. The moist, warm climate is the best place for Lila. Being surrounded by plants and flowers raised the older woman’s spirits like nothing else. There is a café table and chairs set up at the far end of the green house where Lila could take tea or dictate directions to the gardening and landscaping staff. Today Lila is there with Lydia working on the plans for the Fourth of July picnic in the park while both of them keep an eye on the red haired boy wrestling with three dogs on the back lawn.

"Too much info, Lila." Faith shakes her head to remove the image. "Ran into Wilson down on Courtland." Lila looks at Lydia out of the corner of her eye and then shakes her head at Faith. Faith gives a put upon sigh and then changes the subject. "What are you two doing?"

Lila indicates a chair with an arthritically curled hand. "Now that Skye has that beautiful house on the lake we should really try to convince her to hold the next Fourth of July celebration at her house. I’m sure it’s a wonderful view of the fireworks over the lake."

Faith nods. She already knows Lila isn’t planning on being around for the next Independence day celebration. Lila’s suggestions takes on a different weight. "Edward would probably love that. He could cruise up on the boat and avoid the holiday traffic. You think you can get Monica there?"

Lydia smiles. "AJ told me the same. I’ve not set my sights as high as peaceful, Grandmother Lila. We agree if I can manage to actually have a turkey on the table without the dogs eating it; the dinner will be a check in the success column."

"True enough." Lila agrees with a smile. "Why don’t you take this folder with you. It has all my contacts and the timetable. You can make a copy of it for Skye if she decides to do the Fourth next year. It will have all the information you need for entertaining here in Port Charles."

"Thank you. I appreciate your support on this so much." Lydia replies. She has the feeling that there is a conversation going on between Faith and Lila that neither of the women want her a part of. "I should get Michael and Rosie. Michael seemed to enjoy the soccer match when we went to see..." How does one describe Kyle’s relationship to Skye? "...Skye’s young friend Kyle play. AJ wants to take him again." Lydia rises to her feet and starts gathering her things. "I’ll call you later if anyone says anything different from what you’ve arranged, Grandmother Lila."

"Even if you just want to talk, Darling or have any questions at all." Lila agrees. She waits until Michael is called in and gives her a kiss on the cheek as a goodbye, after Lydia gives her one to show him what is expected. Only after the two and the big dog are gone and Reggie had corralled Annabelle and Raoul does she give Faith her full attention.

"Of course. And I do hope you will let me know immediately if you find out that he is selling anything other than marijuana. Marshall and I have an agreement that he would not involve himself in the... distribution of any chemicals. We were so hoping by now that he wouldn’t be involved in.... retail at all."

"It’s actually good that you found out, my dear. I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask you for your assistance with this as well. Marshall came to me after he was having difficulty with his hydroponic growth. He was over fertilizing the plants and burning the roots. I agreed to supply him with some lovely composting tea that I make myself. Does wonder for plants."

Lila frowns at Faith. "In exchange he agreed to no more chemicals and that he would give me ten percent of his yield. Marshall is very ambitious and knows the real financial reward is in working in wholesale rather than retail. You’re going to be the best one to take care of this for me after I’m gone. The others just don’t have your green thumb, Faith."

"Consider it a charitable donation, Darling. Marshall will deliver a tenth of his yield to Sally’s father at the senior center. He runs the meals on wheels not just to the elderly but also those disabled because of cancer, HIV or AIDS among other things. I am hoping that by the time Marshall finishes with school that his landscaping business will provide him with sufficient income that he’ll be cutting back on the other and giving his entire crop to charity."

Lydia and Skye are set up underneath the huge umbrella with the cooler between them. Ice tea with mint is the beverage of choice as they watch Kyle and the older kids work with the Peewee. Michael and Rosie are both out on the field kicking the ball around and barking up a storm respectively. Lydia leans over. "And then Michael asked me if Aunt Courtney could come over to the house. What am I supposed to say about that? I’m sure she’s a lovely girl but I’d just as soon invite a mouse into the house?! I knew Carly was going to factor into my marriage until well past Michael’s majority but do I have to put up with all of AJ’s ex wives?"

"Oh he wasn’t. Cole got shot over it. He was keeping an eye on Courtney while AJ was down in Washington trying to get his money back. Keeping an eye on Courtney is an euphemism. He was semi stalking her. AJ wanted to find out who she’d call if she was afraid. Well he found out. She shot Cole and called Jason. The marriage didn’t last long after that. And AJ was drinking back then. AJ drinking is not a good thing, Lydia. I love AJ but if he’s drinking then your priority is going to be protecting yourself and the kids."

"Agreed. But he would drive. And he would say mean things he would regret in the morning. AJ for the longest time was what we call in the program a dry drunk. He might not be drinking but he wasn’t doing anything to support the not drinking. It was just a matter of willing himself not to drink. Very big with the macho men and very easy to slip into the next vodka straight up that’s offered. This time around he’s been working a program and seeking support. But that doesn’t mean that he’s not an alcoholic. That Michael doesn’t have a greater chance of being an alcoholic. That the baby you’re carrying may have a problem with alcohol."

"And hemophilia ran in the Russian monarchy." Lydia shrugs. "I’ll do my reading and be vigilant but see no reason to borrow trouble. Inviting Courtney Matthews wannabe Morgan into my home is borrowing trouble. Oh and Grandmother Lila wanted me to give you your copy of this." Lydia hands over the folder.

Skye grimaces. "I know you want to do the whole Thanksgiving thing to bring about world peace or some such crock but I’ve been to the Quartermaine Thanksgiving, the Quartermaine 4th. The reason why the 4th works so much better is because it’s held in a public place. The Quartermaines will throw a fit in public-- just look at what happened in the Grille. But in private there isn’t even a hesitation before it goes ballistic." She takes the folder anyway and tucks it into her tote that holds her laptop and the rest of her work on the road gear. "I’ll talk to Cole after he sees the 4th in the park. How did it end up with Michael?"

"Do what?" Bobbie walks up on the duo. She pauses to applaud some fun play on the field and gets Michael’s attention and waves at him. "I called AJ; he said you’d be here with Michael. Is Michael going to be taking up soccer? Lucas always played baseball. I’m afraid I’m rusty on this game."

Skye gets up from her chair and goes over to the SUV. There is another folding chair there and she brings it out for Bobbie. Bobbie sets up next to Lydia. "I’m getting better because I’ve been watching Kyle’s games since the summer league started."

"I saw a few matches in Europe but frankly the crowds are scary over there." Lydia shrugs. "Michael was asking about Jason and Courtney today. I explained Jason is looking for Carly which is why he hasn’t been in as frequent contact. Then he asked about Courtney. I’m sorry. Carly is one thing. She is Michael’s mother but I am not going to have a parade of AJ’s ex wives thru my house."

"I would love to say yes but I really need to talk to AJ first. Things are finally settling down a bit. Michael is doing well with his counseling and opening up some to AJ. Having Jason, Courtney or even Carly’s husband bad mouthing AJ or that he is working things through with Dr. Cam would just make Michael’s life hell because he is not going to live back in that environment when his mother isn’t there to protect him."

"Look. Look." Skye gets the other women’s attention to what is going on the field. Kyle is feeding the ball to Michael working on passing as they move toward an open goal. At the very last minute Kyle feeds the ball to Michael so he can kick it into the goal. All three women starting cheering like it’s the finals of World Cup. Michael shrugs his head down, bringing his shoulders up and his face matches his hair.

"That’s Kyle right? He helped Maxie close Kelly’s when she pulled a double." Bobbie studies the teenager who just made a little boy’s day. She’d seen him around Kelly’s of course but never really got involved in the drama that is the teenagers’ lives. "Maxie told me what was going on. I can’t believe his mother would empty the house of furniture and not even bother to call her son." Bobbie shakes her head. She's done some stupid things as a parent but had never been intentionally cruel like that. "I can’t believe he went to CPS– voluntarily." Bobbie shudders. When she was younger than Kyle she probably could have used a little help from the Florida version of CPS but knows she would have run from their intervention. There is no way she would have been separated from Aunt Ruby or Luke even if it would have been for her own good.

"Kyle has always marched to his own drummer." Skye sighs. "And of course neither Cole or I could tell him that it was the wrong thing to do. Because it was the right thing to do. The very complicated, nerve racking right thing to do. But its turned out. The CPS worker that Kyle went to did the home study this morning. She says everything will be cleared through the judge by tomorrow and if Kyle’s mother shows up she won’t be able to just snatch Kyle– which she could have before. So there are a lot more protections for Kyle and Cole both."

"Well when he stopped gaping like a fish out of water? It was all Hell No." Skye nods. "And I can understand why. He loves Kyle and would walk thru fire for the guy. He’s willing to make the investment in time and loss of privacy for Kyle. He was scrambling for a reason that wouldn’t make him sound like a total jerk. Which was entertaining in itself."