Morningstar Manor

Ang had been shopping, very briefly, she felt increasingly like she was not just going to have a baby, but a baby elephant, and it was most uncomfortable to walk far, but, she had wanted some new things for the baby, and for herself. A taxi to Michael's Bros and back, easy, but she'd been a little too energetic and now sat, at least half asleep, in the Mocha, stirring a cup of tea, while contemplating the possibilities of getting help up to the apartment... for her, never mind the bags!

She was happy though, the baby was kicking well but not on anything particularly tender, and it felt strange, but she thought the head might have dropped down, which would explain that lumbering waddle much better... of course that had other implications too... She looked up as people came and went, half hoping to see Emma, or Alec, or well, anybody who might lend her a hand, or at least some conversation!

Bea exited the bathroom to head toward the bedroom, her shoulders hunched a bit and her step quickening as the surprising coolness of the apartment assaulted her through her pajamas.

"Wheeeeeeeere is spring," she said with a shiver as she dove under the covers next to Eli, then promptly tucked her cold toes against his legs. "Didn't it start sometime this week?"

They'd gone out tonight to dinner, figuring the ability to take advantage of Eli's job wasn't very often, so they should have a night out and some recognition. Even with Bea's stalker potentially lurking about, it was a random momentary notice type thing, and there were a ton of people in the restaurant.

Eli had managed to talk to some people at the bar while they were waiting for a table and at the end of the night found their tab entirely paid off. Which made him think he was seeing things wrong. Or maybe it'd been the drinks he'd ordered that caused that. He remembered leaving the restaurant in a cab, remembered getting out of the cab and the elevator ride up the the apartment, but not a whole hell of a lot else.

"Baby? How'd my stuff get left here?" He asked after stumbling through the door and nearly kicking an olive drab colored canvas bag that looked about the same size as Pippa. His camouflage sat on top of that, folded neatly, with his cap finishing it off.

Saturdays, in general, were somewhat lazy days. The day of the week most Manorites were bustling about, getting done what was pushed off during the week. In that nature, there were quite a few residents milling around.

Memphis had taken his basket down to the laundry, dumped his clothes in the washer and fled off to the game room where he set up the pool table.

Travis was sitting in the Mocha, attempting to study a video lesson for his ASL class.

Also in the Mocha, turning the pages in a book, sat Chad. He looked like he was reading. Honestly, he was thinking about several things.

Logan and Appa were playing outside, taking advantage of the piles of leaves.

Just down the hall, Erin was in the process of collecting her mail.

Roxy had taken off to the roof, to lounge about in the hot tub and have a bit of a lazy afternoon.

In the garage, Eli was scrambling to get everything out of the trunk. He'd gone out and gotten groceries, to include dog food, which was a pain in the butt to juggle.

Between the elevators and a truck, Tristan was commanding a moving crew, overseeing the process of merging his and Rhiannon's apartments. Some things were going to storage Rhiannon had set up, other things were being moved to a storage room at his club. He made a mental note to follow up with the TA within the next week.

"Oh 'scuse me." Eve said to one of the movers as she slipped past with a messenger bag strapped across her shoulder. Figuring she should probably stay out of the boss's way, she went off to the back corner of the lobby to open her laptop and check her calendar for DeRossi appointments.

Ashlynn was humming softly to herself as she ran on the treadmill. The gym was not a place she'd ventured to often the last time she lived here, but it was pretty nice and quite convenient now.

Memphis was out in the garage, looking over Lucy. He could have sworn there was a scratch on it the last time Travis had brought it home, but now it was gone. Something was either messing with him, or the boy had gotten it fixed. Either way, the scratch wasn't there now and Memphis was looking for evidence.

Travis had indeed scratched the precious red fender on Lucy, though his brother had taught him touch-up work at least. He'd fixed it out in Macy's driveway while she sat on the hood and talked to him. Once in the elevator he hit the button to take him up to the pool, though he was more interested in the roof, where Charlie had taken him previously.

Erin sat in the Mocha, curled up on the couch by the fireplace and reading a book. She was waiting for Callan to get home. He'd had some shoot to do at dusk and she didn't feel like being in the apartment alone since he'd taken Amelia with him.

Tristan was in the process of wading through business emails in his office when Dave tapped on his door. Once inside he handed Tristan a purple envelope and left again. Contemplating just exactly what this could mean, he set it aside. Picking up his phone he texted Rhi. When's the next baby appt again so I can make sure to go?

Chad was frustrated with the way everything had seemed to come down on his head. There had been another body found, a gruesome one that had been left for a while, and now the press had gotten hold of the story. He'd spent his afternoon taking turns being yelled at by the higher ups and being screamed at by worried City residents that called the station.

Logan had been down to get the mail and take Appa outside. He saw his father walk across the lobby as they came in. Knowing the look on his face, he decided it might be best to let him have space for a bit. But a nagging feeling crept over him and he headed off to Olivia's apartment. Things just weren't right around here and he was curious if she'd want to listen.

Roxy had been downstairs doing laundry this evening. Until the lights had flickered on her and gone out. Remembering what had happened the last time the lights flickered, she left everything where it was and went upstairs. From the lobby she texted Spencer to let him know she wasn't there anymore and went into the Mocha for some tea.

Eli was looking over some websites on his little laptop. It was a bit embarrassing for him, to be researching low sperm count and how to fix it, so he was in a back corner of the library. He kept glancing up periodically though, hoping that if somebody did come up to him, he wouldn't have to share what he was researching.

Memphis was in the garage, giving Lucy a bath while Travis carried their bags of groceries inside. While he was on the way past the elevators, Erin was on her way up. She had stopped into the Mocha and grabbed treats for later, so her hands were a little full. Tristan was on his way out, and had come down the stairs or else he would've held the door open for her. He ducked into the Mocha to grab coffee before work.

Meanwhile, Logan was out in the garden with Appa and contemplating what to do for dinner. He got out his phone and texted Chad, who happened to be in the mail room, to find out if he was on his own or if Olivia was coming to dinner. It was a safe assumption, Logan figured, after the third night Chad had come home after midnight.

Eli had been checking the mail as well and when Chad's phone sounded, he checked his as well. Finding nothing on it he shrugged and tucked it back into his pocket.

"...his name is Travis and you have to be nice," Bea said with a grin to Eli, even though she knew Eli was rarely ever anything but nice. "I figure we can go out to dinner and bowling. I called Macy and she said it was cool." 

They stepped into the lobby, bea wearing a pair of skinny jeans, her zombie shoes, and a black tube top, and she pointed out Travis. "And we have to remember to keep conversation going in case they don't hit it off," Bea said with a wave to Travis.

Bea and Eli had taken the dogs out for a nice long walk to Riverwalk park tonight after dinner. Eli had suggested it so Pax could socalize with other doggies. Plus it was a nice night outside.

He let Pax off his leash, patted his head and said firmly "Sit" as he showed him a ball. Pax's attention focused as he sat then waited for Eli to throw the ball.

Eli had gotten up early today, wanting to get his calls done and over with as little yelling as possible. So he started with his commander first. After a bit of fast tracked talking, some pleading, and a lot of yes sir's, he had paperwork filed for an extension on his leave.

Item one on the list - done.
( Read more... )

Bea and Eli had parted ways in the lobby and she'd waited until he'd got back on the elevator to sneak back out of the Manor and drive across town to Professor Wentworth's studio down by the campus. She'd confided in Mrs. Wentworth a year or so ago about a few of the problems at home, not nearly all of them but some, and after convincing Anastasia she didn't want to tell anyone else, Anastasia had told her that she was welcome to stay in her studio when things got really bad, and showed her where they key was. Bea would never steal anything, but the couch had been a very safe and comfortable haven.

Now it was the middle of the afternoon and she was sneaking back into the apartment, hoping Ray was gone. It seemed as though he was, if the eerie silence in the apartment was anything to go by.

( Read more... )

Bea had told her mother on one of her breaks that she had a date tonight, and her mom had let her borrow a silver sweater set that was still pretty but would still cover her arms. She paired it with another pair of jeans, these ones newer and with fewer holes, and put on a pair of black flip flops. She felt silly. Her hair was curling all over the place, but there wasn't much she should do.

When she left the bedroom to grab her purse, Ray was in the living room, the tang of cigar smoke thick in the air. She froze. He wasn't supposed to be here. They'd filed for a restraining order at least four times, but her mother always let him back in. Fuck.

"Where are you going dressed like that?" he asked, eyes dark.

"Out with a friend," she replied tightly as she walked over to pick up her purse. She listened for her mother, but the bedroom door was shut. She had to be in there. Fuck, fuck, fuck.

"I can see your tits," he said plainly. "And look at me when I talk to you. You know what happens when you walk around dressed like that."

She did know because he'd shown her. Off and on for years. Her hands started to shake, but she grabbed her keys and headed for the door. She was worried about her mother too, but the security here was stellar. He wouldn't have gotten in unless she allowed it. What had she been thinking?

Ray snagged her arm just as she reached the door and brought her back close to him. Her stomach rolled and she turned her face away. "You've forgotten your manners," he hissed, the cigar hovering dangerously close to the exposed skin of her collarbones. "I should remind you. But maybe later." He breathed against her neck, pressing into her side. "Later, when I can give you a proper demonstration." 

Bea jerked her arm away and walked out of the apartment, her arms crossed tightly under her chest. She wouldn't go home. It was as simple as that. She'd have her bit of fun and then she'd go stay with someone else. Professor Wentworth, maybe...

Musing to herself and still shaken up, she went to the lobby and waited for Eli.

Most people stayed as far away as possible from their jobs on their day off, but not Bea. She loved the Mocha. It smelled better, looked better, was much cooler and offered better people-watching than her little apartment on the fifth floor with her mother did. 

So there she sat at a little table for two with the opposite chair empty, reading Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.

Man, zombies were kind of gross.

Eli had come in from working a weird shift and been unable to sleep. So he'd gone to the gym, found that too stifiling and went on a run. Now with his ipod strapped to his arm and sweat beading off his body, he entered the lobby. The air conditioning hit his skin and made him grin, feeling all the goosebumps and relief.

"Hell yes. Just what I needed." He said, to nobody in particular but more just to say it.

Eli was still on leave, and on the phone with his boss. Out in the garden he paced as he squared away some appointments for paperwork, explained vaguely what he had in his plans and begged for an extension on his leave. Sure, he had the time, but he needed the approval.

~*~
Travis was down in the laundry room, trying to find a cool place to wait. The floor was hard, but it was cool, and he sprawled out on it as he waited.

~*~
Erin had finished he shit at work and was settled in to the Mocha with some iced coffee thing. This was her weekend off and she was planning for her and Callan to go visit her parents. She smiled, considering that they would be taking his car and a Porsche in her father's driveway would be a first. They couldn't say he wasn't good enough for her this time.

~*~
Roxy was in the mail room, getting the mail for her and Spencer. She looked over the envelopes, a little worried that something would come up at a different store and Spencer would have to sort it out again.

Even at night, Eli was sweating his balls off in this place. Had he thought Iraq was bad, Africa had nothing on it. What sucked more was this place happened to be a Marine base and they didn't have many internet accessible places. Nor the privacy he'd want to have when talking to Bea over it.

Knowing that Eli had been writing letters like a madman and anxious he couldn't hear from Bea, the Chaplain snuck him a cell phone and said for him to use it wisely.

Of course, he headed to the back side of the latrines and called Bea. The three rings it took for her to answer twisted his gut as he considered she just might not answer.

Eli had gone to the little service they had arranged in the mess tent. It wasn't much, just the Chaplain and a scattering of guys. Some of them there because they needed to stay awake, some there to worship and others were just there to be included. Eli was one of the guys that fit into all three categories.

He sat through the service, cursing himself in his head for being here. He missed Bea's birthday and he wasn't even someplace he could call her to tell her he missed her, that he loved her. He wanted to be home right now, with her wrapped up in his arms, having celebrated all night for her birthday. His mind wasn't where it needed to be and he was glad they weren't in hostile territory anymore.

It was then and there that Eli decided, regardless of how dedicated he was to his job, he couldn't stay in any longer than his current term. He couldn't put her through this every six months or less. His heart ached thinking about their life together being ripped apart courtesy of Uncle Sam and he shook his head then swore out loud.

Of course, the swear made the Chaplain stop and everybody turned to him. He picked up his hands, shrugged and told them "I missed my girlfriend's birthday. I can't call her, I can't email, I don't know how to do this."

His Chaplain stepped forward, laid a hand on his shoulder and nodded. "One day at a time, my boy, one day at a time."

He didn't want to write this letter at all, but he had to. He had to let her know what was going on and why he wouldn't be able to be online for a while.

( letter #67 )

He'd been thinking about a lot of things recently. Most of it was Bea, some of it was work. It should be the other way around, he thought to himself after 1SG. Deluca clapped his hand on Eli's shoulder. Eli jumped. It wasn't a pretty feeling considering he had been cleaning a gun at that time. It was in pieces at least.

"Sir?" He asked, unsure why his First Sergeant was stopping to talk to him.

"Scott. Your mind is missing today, isn't it?" He asked pointedly.

Eli sighed. "Sorry, Sir. Just some things at home with my girl going on. I'll try my best to keep it out of work hours." It was just hard when he was trying to figure out how he was going to balance everything. She wanted babies. He didn't think that would be a demand for at least another year. Then again, she wasn't demanding either, just saying it'd be nice which he couldn't disagree with.

His 1SG sat beside him and picked up the next gun in line to be cleaned. "Just remember where you are now, Scott. If you forget, you could not make it back to her."

Eli nodded slowly, understanding the consequences of forgetting his place. "Yes sir. She'd never forgive me if I didn't come back, Sir. Nor would her Grandfather."

Wordlessly the men went back to cleaning their guns.

Even though he was going to Rhiannon's for dinner, Tristan had arranged a delivery for Anastasia. Nothing huge, just flowers and a box she could share, should she choose to. On the flowers was a note. Happy Easter. How about planning a bestie day soon?

~*~
There was a delivery going to another apartment as well, again because he couldn't organize it himself Eli had left the arrangements to his sister. Hopefully Bea didn't mind lots of candy and a lightly coloredbouquet. The note in her flowers said He'll be home soon, just remember he loves you and I'm here if you need anything else. ♥ Liz

It was three in the morning where Eli was. He couldn't sleep and just wanted to talk to Bea. The last package he'd gotten from her had included a better webcam and a microphone so he could talk to her. With the new accouterments tucked into his pockets, he traveled swiftly and stealthily to his work.

His key got him in the doors, and he carried the rest of his gear to not make noise. All the lights stayed off until he got to the office area, where he flipped on one light and started a computer. He plugged everything in, sat down and signed on. Her name was light up hen he logged on and he smiled.

oohhh baby what a sight for sore eyes...