At From Hell Court:

Isabella *brings Abberline into her apartment.  Not until they’re inside does she realize how messy it is; she hasn’t concerned herself with household chores and there’s dirty laundry on the floor and chairs as well as dirty dishes in the kitchen.  Quickly starts to gather the laundry*  Sorry about the mess … *picks up a bundle of clothes from the couch*  Have a seat.  *she throws the clothes into the laundry basket and continues to the kitchen where she finds the brandy and two glasses.  She sets the glasses and brandy on the coffee table and takes a seat; pours a glass for them both and shrugs*  To messing up?

Abberline *smiles faintly, pulls off his jacket and throws it on a chair*  To messing up.  In every way, it seems.  But you saw my room at From Hell Court, so I shouldn't say anything ... *he lets his gaze wander around her apartment, accepts the brandy and downs it fast.*  I still don't understand why you want to live alone at From Hell Court.  You shouldn't.  Who was the nice man you referred to?  I gather there is someone not belonging to the dark and dangerous category?  It can't be Donnie, though ... *he reaches for the brandy and pours himself another drink, yawns.*

Isabella *takes a drink of the brandy and looks around the room*  It doesn’t always look like this … *she finishes her drink and pours another*  I know it’s not the safest of neighbourhoods, but I still feel more at home here than I would at a street such as Neverland Avenue … I suppose it reminds me of New York, where I lived till my mother passed away and later when I went to college.  *she deliberately keeps another reason for living in the Court to herself as she knows it would only get her a lecture and she would have to tell him parts of her past that she doesn’t share with anyone.  Laughs a little*  Oh, it can’t be Donnie?  Well, you’re right, it’s not … it’s … *hesitates, then a smile escapes her and she feels herself blush a little* … it’s Hanson.  *Rolls her eyes as she notices the expression on Abberline*  Yes, I know, most of you find him a little annoying for always trying to follow procedure, but really, he just wants to do a good job.  He’s been good to me and we have fun together.  *Smiles again*  He makes me laugh.

Abberline:  And now you are thinking if he is too good for you.  Maybe he is, he seems like an innocent puppy to me ...  What could he give you?  *and he gazes at her again intensely and searchingly*  Are you sure that you want to laugh?  *he smiles at her, puts down his glass*  It's getting late, I should be going home already.  You must be tired, are you?

Isabella *lowers her eyes*  I don’t want to mess up his life … *looks up and meets his gaze*  I don’t know … there’s so much darkness in my life, maybe he could bring some light into it.  *Shrugs*  Perhaps the things about him that makes me smile now, won’t be as charming down the road, but who would know?  Sands suggested that I’d get bored … maybe he was right.  *Smiles a little*  I am exhausted, but I doubt I’ll be able to fall asleep.

Abberline:  Or maybe you will bring darkness into his life.  Have you thought about that?  *while he wonders what the deuce could be charming in Hanson*  Do you want me to go?

Isabella:  As I said, I don’t want to mess up his life and I don’t want to hurt him, which I fear that I will if we got together.  So yes, I have thought of that.  *Thinks about his question for a moment; on one hand it is getting late and, with alcohol in the picture, the risk of a repeat of the events at the warehouses is increasing.  On the other hand, they did discuss what happened … and why it happened.  And she’s not overwhelmingly keen on being alone; smiles a little*  You can stay for a while longer if you want.  I don’t mind the company.  But I understand if you want to go home and see your kids.

At Vice Mayor Lisa’s:

Corey *pulls up to the house, and parks the car in the drive.  He's a bit sad being there.  He's happy for Lisa and Cesar, but at the same time wishes he could have done something to hold onto her.  But he knows that she never stopped loving Cesar, and that this is for the best.  He gathers the papers from the seat, gets out and walks up to the door.  He takes a deep breath and rings the bell*

Cesar *having put the flowers in a vase, hears the bell, goes to the door, opens it, smiles*  Corey, thank you for helping us.  *he reaches out, shakes hands with him*  Please, come in.  *he brings Corey inside, closes the door*  Lisa would like you to meet her upstairs, you’re to escort her to the gazebo.  *glances at a clock in the hallway*  We still have a little time, would you care for a drink?  There’s some brandy in the den, and we’ll be opening some champagne after the ceremony.  *he takes Corey to the den, pours two glasses of brandy, hands him one; taps his glass against Corey’s*  To the best man, cheers.  *smiles, takes a drink*

Corey *returns the handshake, follows Cesar into the house*  Thanks aren't necessary; I'm glad to help.  *Follows him to the den*  Yes, a glass of brandy would be great.  *After Cesar's toast, offers up one of his own, clinks glasses with Cesar again*  To the bride and groom.  *He takes a drink*  So, has Aaron arrived yet?  I have to admit, I was a bit shocked when she called me about this.  But I'm happy for both of you.  Have you decided on a honeymoon yet?  *He looks at Cesar, all dressed up.  He suddenly feels very jealous of him.  Looks at his watch.*  She's probably ready to do this; she can be so impatient.  Maybe I should go check on her?  *suddenly remembers the papers*  Oh!  I almost forgot these; if you want to go ahead and sign all the places marked for you, we can have this part out of the way.  *Places the papers on the desk, hands Cesar a pen.*

Cesar *watches him carefully, nods*  Yes, I’m all for getting the paperwork out of the way.  Aaron should be here very soon.  *he takes the pen from Corey, signs, hands the pen back*  There, done.  *smiles*  Lisa is impatient at times, but even she knows we can do nothing until Aaron arrives.  However, I’m sure she would love to see you.  Why don’t you go on up to her, I’ll take care of a few things down here.  Just up the stairs and to the left.  Oh, and Corey … *he smiles at him, understanding* … Lisa is very grateful for your assist.  She thinks the world of you.

Corey *avoids his looks at him*  Good, well, I'll take these papers to her and get her signatures.  Yes, she can be impatient, but a lot of that comes from her job.  I'll go make sure she's okay.  Thank you.  *He almost glares at Cesar now, sensing a bit of sarcasm.*  I'll go check on her.  Tell us when Aaron arrives.  *Corey goes up the stairs, finds the room and taps gently on the door*  Lisa, hey, it's me.  Can I come in?

Lisa *Hears Corey at the door.*  Come in!  *Corey enters*  Wow, am I glad to see you!  *Goes to him, kisses his cheek.*  You look terrific!  So, are things okay downstairs?  Has Aaron arrived?

Corey:  No not yet.  *Looks her over.*  Wow, you look terrific!  I brought the papers up for you to sign.  Cesar already signed them.  *He hands them to her, she takes them, signs, and hands them back to him.*

Lisa:  Thanks!  Are you sure I look okay?  Corey, I'm so nervous!  I'm so glad you are here.  *She stares into his eyes.*  I hated asking you to be here today.  I know it's not the best of situations for you.  Thanks so much for doing this.  I really appreciate it.  Maybe one last kiss goodbye?  *She leans forward, kisses him gently, pulls back, looks in his eyes.*  I want to thank you for being here.  It means so much.  *She straightens his tie, looks at him again with a warm smile.*  You're the best! Well, go on now, and let me know when Aaron arrives.  I'll be so honored to have you walk me to Cesar.

Corey *Almost speechless from the flood of words from her.*  Yes, well, let me go see if Aaron has arrived.  I'll come for you as soon as they are ready.  *He leaves the room; not sure what to say or do.  That kiss ... why did she have to do that?  He shakes it off, heads downstairs to see if Aaron has arrived*

Cesar *having heard Aaron’s car pull up, opens the door, greets him, brings him inside*  Aaron, good to see you!  Come in.  *they go to the den, Cesar pours him a drink*

Aaron *smiles, toasts*  To the bride and groom.  This is a wonderful surprise!  *they drink*  I take it all the papers are in order?  Where is the happy bride?

Cesar:  She’s upstairs, I think she’s ready anytime.  Her friend Corey went to see about her, he’s going to walk her down the aisle.  *quietly*  I’m afraid he doesn’t like me much.  The two of them have a history, you know.

Aaron:  Well, I wouldn’t worry about it.  I don’t know Corey really well, but I know him well enough to be sure he wouldn’t have agreed to be here if he couldn’t handle it.  *he looks up, sees Corey coming down the stairs*  Ah, there he is.

Cesar *turns, to Corey*  How is she, is she ready?  I suppose we can start anytime.  *to Aaron*  Perhaps you and I should go on to the gazebo, Corey can bring Lisa.

Corey *descends the stairs*  Ah, I see you made it Aaron!  *approaches, shakes his hand*  And here are the signed documents.  *hands them to Aaron, then looks to Cesar*  Yes, she's ready.  She looks lovely.  So, if you two are ready, I'll give you a moment to get to the gazebo, then I'll bring her out.  *He goes to the kitchen to fetch the bouquet, and then climbs the stairs, taps on the door*  Lisa? It's time.

Lisa *Checks herself one last time in the mirror, gets the wedding band, and opens the door*  Ok, I'm ready.  *She hands the ring to Corey, and takes the flowers from him.  She takes his hand, and he leads her down the stairs, through the hall, and they exit out the patio doors.  Corey offers her his arm, and they proceed out to the garden path that leads to the bridge.  As they cross it, Lisa can see Cesar and Aaron in the gazebo; Cesar is smiling and she can't help but smile back at him.  When they reach the gazebo, Corey walks her up to Cesar, kisses her cheek and moves off to the side.*

Aaron *looks on, smiles, clears his throat*  We are gathered here today to share with Lisa and Cesar their joy as they begin their life together.  I’ve known the two of you for some time, and soon after receiving Cesar’s call earlier, I decided that the words of Kahil Gibran would be most fitting for this happy occasion:

Love has no other desire but to fulfill itself.
But if you love and must needs have desires, let these be your desires:
To melt and be like a running brook that sings its melody to the night.
To know the pain of too much tenderness.
To be wounded by your own understanding of love;
And to bleed willingly and joyfully.
To wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving;
To rest at the noon hour and meditate love's ecstasy;
To return home at eventide with gratitude;
And then to sleep with a prayer for the beloved in your heart and a song of praise on your lips

Aaron *looks at Corey, then to Cesar*  This has been very short notice, do we have rings?  *Corey hands Lisa’s ring to Aaron; Cesar brings his diamond ring from a pocket, gives it to Aaron.*  Very good.  Now, Lisa, Cesar, please face each other, and join hands.  *he watches as Lisa hands her flowers to Corey, then turns to Cesar, who’s beaming at her; they take each others’ hands, then look at Aaron, who smiles*  Now, before the exchanging of the rings, I believe you both would like to share your vows.  Lisa, you may begin.

Lisa *turns back to face Cesar, looks deeply into his eyes*  Cesar, my love, on this day I take you as my husband.  We once parted ways under clouded judgment, but we found our way back to each other.  I can't imagine a day without you in my life.  You are my strength, my passion; the light of my life.  You make me complete.  I will forsake all others for your love.  I promise to love, honor, cherish, and care for you until we are parted by death.  Il n'y a pas de plus grand amour que le nôtre.  *smiles at him*

Cesar *smiling, eyes shining, murmurs to her*  Ma trésor, you’re so beautiful and radiant.  *he clears his throat, speaks a little louder, but with great tenderness in his voice*  Lisa, today I take you for my wife.  Now we will feel no rain, for we’ll be shelter for each other.  Now there will be no loneliness, for we’ll be companion to one another.  There is only one life before us, and our seasons will be good and long.  I promise to love, honor and cherish you, no matter what lies before us, for as long as we both shall live.  Tu es l'amour de ma vie.

Aaron *holds up the rings*  Because a ring has no end or beginning, it signifies the continuation of true love.  Lisa, please take Cesar’s ring, place it on his finger, and repeat after me:  ‘This ring is a token of my love.  I marry you with this ring, with all that I have and all that I am.’

Lisa *takes the ring from Aaron, takes Cesar's hand, puts the ring on his finger*  This ring is a token of my love.  I marry you with this ring, with all that I have and all that I am.  *looks up at Cesar, beaming.*

Aaron *nods; to Cesar*  Cesar, please take Lisa’s ring, place it on her finger …

Cesar *takes the ring that he’d seen his mother wear, slips it onto Lisa’s finger; holds her hand for a moment, gazing at it, blinking back happy tears.  He suddenly looks up, sees Lisa and Aaron looking at him expectantly, colors slightly*  Désolé!  *to Lisa*  I give you this ring as a token of my love and devotion to you.  I pledge to you all that I am and all that I will ever be as your husband.

Aaron *smiles broadly*  By the power vested in me by the state of California, I now pronounce you husband and wife.  You may kiss.  *Cesar takes Lisa into his arms, kisses her lips tenderly.  Aaron beams at them, announces*  It is my pleasure to present Mr. and Mrs. Cesar Verón!

Lisa *after Cesar's kiss, pulls back from him; looks at him, beaming*  I can't believe we did it! I've never been so happy!  And this ring … Cesar, it's so beautiful.  *she stares at the ring; it's so beautiful in its simplicity.  She steps over to Corey, kisses his cheek and takes back her flowers, then turns her attention to Aaron; kisses his cheek as well.*  Thank you both for being here and all you've done for us today. Cesar and I appreciate it very much.  *she turns back to look at Cesar, gazing in his eyes; still speaking to Aaron and Corey*  Will you excuse us?  I would like to go to the house and share a toast of champagne with my husband now.  *She takes Cesar's hand, and leads him out of the gazebo, down the path, back towards the house.*  So, my love, we still have to decide on this honeymoon ...

Cesar *calls back to Aaron and Corey*  Thank you both!  *he grins as Lisa firmly leads him away from the others, to the house*  I can see who’s boss around here!  *they enter the house, find the champagne chilling.  Cesar pours glasses for them both, hands Lisa one*  To my beautiful bride.  *they clink the glasses together, drink.  He nods toward her ring*  That was my mother’s ring.  I never hoped to find a woman I would wish to have wear it.  It looks as if it’s made for you.  *he gazes at her, eyes smouldering*  The honeymoon … I was thinking about that earlier, and I have an idea.  If you prefer to know everything, we won’t do it, but … I’d like to surprise you.  *he smiles mysteriously*  Pack about a week’s worth of clothes, mostly comfortable, casual, for warm weather … and bring one good dress.  Then let me whisk you away, and you’ll find out where I’m taking you when we get there.  I feel very certain you’ll like it.  *he takes her glass, sets it down next to his, turns to her, takes her in his arms, looks deeply into her eyes*  What do you think, care to start our life together on a little adventure?

Lisa *clinks glasses with him*  To my handsome husband *drinks with him.*  Oh Cesar, I'm so honored to wear your mother's ring.  It means so much that you wanted me to have it.  *Feels herself melt under his gaze; listens to his words about the honeymoon*  Yes, whatever you want .. adventure it is.  I don't want the details.  I want you to surprise me.  I will pack right away.  *she kisses him, reluctantly pulls away, and goes up the stairs to the bedroom to pack.*

Cesar *watches her go, lights a cigarette while he waits.  He glances out the window, sees Aaron and Corey talking.  He considers going out to chat with them, but somehow he feels better just being alone with his thoughts right now, on this happiest day of his life.  He's just anxious to escape, so they can be alone.  He's already paid Aaron for his services, Aaron and Corey know where the champagne is, they'll be fine.  As he finishes his cigarette, he looks up, beams as he sees Lisa coming down the stairs, carrying a suitcase and smiling happily.  Without a word he approaches her, takes the case from her, sets it on the floor, takes her in his arms and kisses her deeply.  He releases her, they smile, he picks up her suitcase and grabs his as well, which he had packed earlier and set by the door.  Lisa links her arm in his, they quickly leave the house through the front, take one of her cars; Cesar helps her into the passenger side, then quickly gets in behind the wheel.  He starts up the car, pulls away from the house, and they head off for their secret honeymoon*

At Bournemouth House:

Raven *opens the door, mouth drops open in surprise as he sees Kat*  M-Mother!  *he rushes to her, flings his arms around her*  I’m so glad to see you!  Are you all right?  *looks up at her anxiously*

Kat *Returns his hug*  I be most pleased to see ye as well luv.  *Looks into his eyes and replies in a serious tone.*  Raven, there be somethin' I gotta do.  It involves convincin' yer father te do what 'e'll 'ave no likin' for.  'opefully given 'nuff time that would change and 'e'll see it as the right way te go, savvy?  *Hesitates, removes a ring from her finger holds it out to Raven*  I want ye te take this and hold it secret, least 'til I say elsewise, eh?  Then maybe we can go inside and see Chiana.

Raven *looks at her carefully, takes the ring from her, examines it.  He looks at her again, his eyes solemn, nods*  Sure, Mother, I’ll keep it safe.  You can count on me.  And if you'll tell me more about what's goin' on, I'll try to help you convince Father.  *he puts the ring carefully in a secure pocket, looks up at her, smiles*  I’m so glad you’re here.  Father’s away, I don’t know where he is, he said he was goin’ to work.  *he takes her hand*  But come see Chiana, she’s been missin’ you.  I don’t know if she’s awake, Candy fed her awhile ago an’ then put her to bed in your room.  *he takes her upstairs, brings her to the master bedroom, to Chiana’s bed.  He peeks in at her, smiles*  Oh, she’s just woke up!  Sit down, Mother.  *he brings Kat over to the bed, sits her down; he goes to Chiana, reaches down, carefully picks her up, brings her to Kat, puts her in Kat’s arms*  There, sis, Mama’s back.  *grins*

Chiana *gazes up at Kat, smiles, waves a tiny fist, coos*  Ma-ma!

Kat *Chiana wiggling in her lap.*  'old on luv, ye've been growin' a bit I see.  *glances at Raven*  Ye both be growin' up a might too fast, it seems.  Raven, do ye recollect back when ye first seen yer father and ye mistakenly thought 'e didna want ye or e'en see ye and 'ow that made ye feel??  Ye wouldna wish that feelin' on 'nuther child would ye?

Raven *smiling at Chiana, hears Kat’s words, his smile fades*  No, never.  That was a horrible time, one of the worst things I ever felt.  I … I wanted to die.  *he looks at Kat, tries to sense what she’s talking about, can’t quite get it*  Wh-who are you talkin’ about, Mother?  Are you … *he smiles a little at the thought, even though he knows that many problems would come along with it* … are you havin’ another baby?

Kat *Quickly*  No, not that.  I chose not te.  *Winces as Chiana captures a fist of her hair and pulls.  Looks at Chiana, remembering the fear that Chiana might possibly harbor any of Metrea's traits and what could happen if another babe threatened her place at the center of her da's universe.  Now everything seems to have turned upside down and backwards.  It was Metrea's child that concerned her, being raised to hate her own sister and brother.  Someday maybe even becoming a threat to their lives.  Sighs, looks back at Raven, searching for the words to tell him.  Realizes there are none that can explain how Abby accidentally slept with his aunt.  Stammers*  Maybe t'would be best if I just wait for yer da, eh??

Raven *watches her closely, eyes narrowed; he’s sensing something from her, something about Abberline and Metrea; but it seems so impossible, he can’t bring himself to speak of it.  He nods slowly*  Okay, Mother, whatever you want.  *he decides to drop it; he’s been missing Kat so much, he wants to enjoy their time together.  He smiles, nods toward Chiana*  Look at her grab your hair!  She missed you.  We both wish you’d stay … but if you can’t, I understand.  But please let me know where you’re stayin’.  I waited so long to find you, an’ I want you in my life.  *he pauses, thinks of something*  Mother, can I bring you anything?  Something to eat or drink, while we wait for Father?

Kat *Smiles nervously.*  No worries, sweet.  I intend te be near at hand for a time at least.  *Thinks, Abby will have no rest from me until he sees reason.*  Aye lad, a bit of rum might just take the edge off.

Raven *nods, dashes from the room, soon returns with two glasses and the rum bottle from the sitting room.  He sets the glasses on the table next to the bed, fills one glass near capacity, puts a little splash in the other glass.  He hands the full glass to Kat, takes the other one for himself.  He straightens his posture, as if he’s about to make a speech, clears his throat*  Mother … I know I shouldn’t drink, I’m too young, but I wanna say something.  Awhile back, when Manouche found me at Marchand’s, we were allowed some rum, an’ she gave me a little taste.  *grins slightly*  I didn’t like it!  I still don’t … but … it did give me a little courage then, an’ I feel like I should have some now.  *he pauses for a moment, then the words gush forth in a flurry*  I don’t always know everything that goes on between you and Father, but I want you to know that I love you both, an’ I never really thanked you for leavin’ me with someone as wonderful as True Dreamer, she took such good care of me, an’ she told me wonderful stories about you, an’ I’m proud of the stuff I inherited from both of you.  I was always so proud to be your son, an’ … I still am.  *he stops suddenly, feels a little self-conscious.  He grins boyishly, and his hair falls into his eyes, so much like Abberline’s.  He pushes it back impatiently*  I’m proud of you, too, Mother.  *he glances at Chiana, who’s staring at him very solemnly; he leans forward slightly, taps his glass against Kat’s*  To the Cassidy-Abberlines, an’ to True Dreamer.  An’ … *he suddenly looks very grim, in a rather grown-up way* … to hell with Marchand.  *drinks*

Kat *Staring at him in astonishment raises an eyebrow*  Son, sometime I think ye may 'ave spent entirely too much time with Manouche.  *Gulps down some rum*  She be the onliest one I know that could stand a chance o' matchin' that verbal avalanche.  Cheers luv.  *Finishing off her rum.*