Part 2

Cash watched as Houston drove the car through the fast food restaurant drive through. She smiled after hearing the large order, and shook her head when asked if she wanted something.

With sure hands Houston steered the car back onto the road while she dug into the bag for her fries. "So what do you want to do?"

"I have no clue," Cash replied as she watched the road ahead of them. "I should go home and wait for the fallout of what happened. But..."

"But what?" Houston asked with her mouth full.

The tall passenger laughed. "Your manners sure have diminished since I last spent any time with you."

"Hey, I'm hungry." Houston tried to sound hurt, but failed miserably.

The only sounds in the car for a few minutes were Houston eating and the passing cars.

"So are you going to tell me what the but was?" Houston glanced over at her passenger.

"Yeah, I was going to say, 'But I don't want to'." Cash sighed. "I need to get out of there and get Tara and Trent away from my father."

"Well, that's why you hired me, remember?" Houston answered. "If you want we could go in tonight and get the children. I can take you to a safe house."She thought of the small apartment that Carol, Karen and herself have used to many times to count, in order to keep beaten and frighten woman safe from people that were suppose to love and cherish them.

"I think that would be better than going home and waiting to see what happens. He's up to something, and I don't want us to be around when it happens," the suddenly scared woman stated. "We need to go now. I can sneak us in the back way. It shouldn't take us more than 15 minutes to be ready."

"What about your father? Won't he be waiting up for you to see how your big date went?" Houston made a quick u-turn so they were heading in the right direction.

"He might be, but usually he waits until breakfast to give me the third-degree." Cash rubbed her hands together to warm them up. "I know I owe you a big explanation of why I did what I did, and I promise when we get to safety I will tell you everything."

"Okay," Houston nodded as she reached back into the fast food bag for her cheeseburger.

It took the women twenty minutes to get to Cash's father's house. They stopped before the turn in and parked.

"I think we should walk up. That way no one will hear the car and come see," Houston stated as she undid her seatbelt. "Do you want me to come with, or wait here?"

"I think just in case I do get stopped you should stay here. That way I can do my best to bluff my way out of it." Cash opened her door but stopped before she got out. "Thanks."

"Not a problem. It's what I do." Houston shrugged her shoulders. "Now get going so we can get out of here. I'm going to call Karen and Carol so they can get the safe house ready."

Cash nodded her head and quickly climbed out of the car and headed up the driveway to the side of the house and around to the back door. Slowly she opened the door and looked into the dark kitchen. Not seeing or hearing anything, she slipped in and made her way around the table to the door. Cash cringed slightly when the door creaked. "Damn it."

Houston watched the tall woman make her way into the dark before she reached into her pocket and grabbed her cell phone. She hit speed dial and waited for it to be answered. "It's me. How soon can you and Carol have the house ready?" She waited and listened to the reply. "Okay, get started. I'm waiting for her to get the kids, and then we'll be on our way."

Cash snuck up the steps towards her daughter's room. Before she could even open the door she heard movement downstairs and someone walking up the same steps she had just walked up. "Just one break is all I have ever asked for. But do I get it when I really need it? Nope."

She turned to head to her room and wait for whoever it was to go to bed, but was stopped by a soft cough.

"Excuse me Ms, but are you okay?" Maxwell asked as he reached the top step. "Is there anything I can do for you?"

"No, Max I was just checking on the kids and heading to bed." Cash smiled as she walked to her door. When she reached her doorknob a soft hand touched her shoulder. "Is there something else Max?"


Max nodded before he waved for her to follow him to the closet. He opened the door and grabbed three duffle bags and set them by her feet.

With a curious look Cash bent over and unzipped one. "Clothes?"

"Yes, Ms. One is for you and the others are for the children." Max waited for Cash to stand. "If you get Tara I'll get Trent ready."

"How did you know?" the stunned woman asked as she reached for his hand.

Max squeezed the soft fingers that were holding on to him. "I saw you walk by a window downstairs and figured it was time. Otherwise you wouldn't have tried to sneak into the house."

"Busted. Promise you won't tell my father. Please," Cash begged with tears running down her face.

Max dropped her hand but quickly wrapped his arms around the woman's body. "I swear as your friend I won't say a word. Plus, if there is anything else you need of me, all you have to do is call and I will come." He leaned back and let his own tears fall. "On my honor."

"Thank you so much Max." Cash placed a loving kiss on his cheek.

Max cupped Cash's face and returned the gesture. "You are like my own daughter, and I would do anything for you."

The two stood in the hallway for several minutes before Max leaned down and grabbed the bags. "Lets go get the children ready and you out of here."

******************************

Houston sat on the top of her car's hood and watched the stars blinking above her head. Every minute or so, she would look over her shoulder for any sight of Cash and the children. Her insides were doing jumping jacks. "How will I act towards the kids? Will I freeze, or maybe let slip that I was suppose to be part of their lives? God I'm so freaking nervous."

A snap of a twig broke her thoughts and she slid down to the cement. She saw Cash and someone else each holding a child coming towards her at a fast pace. Without being asked she opened the rear door and waited for the two to load the sleeping kids in.

"Houston, I want you to meet Maxwell. He has been working for my family since forever." Cash quietly introduced the two people beside her.
"Your Houston?" Maxwell looked to Cash as he stuck his hand out. "It's a great pleasure to meet you."

Houston gave Cash a raised eyebrow as she shook Max's hand. "Nice to meet you as well."


"Well, we'd best get going," Cash whispered as she looked back to the house. "I want to be as far away as we can get before morning."

"You remember what I said, and when you can, somehow let me know you are safe." Max hugged Cash one more time before turning around and making his way through the night back to the house.

******************************

Carol and Karen both stood in the small apartment looking to make sure everything was covered. Enough groceries in the refrigerator to last over a week, and new linens covered each of the beds. A few new toys put on shelves for Trent and Tara, and some books for Cash to read if she didn't want to watch TV. They both knew that this would be the hardest part of hiding their charges. The waiting and anxiety of being found in a place that is unknown and sort of like a prison.

"I hope it doesn't take long for this to end." Carol sat down on the couch. "The children will be driving Cash crazy in three days."

"I know, but not much we can do about it. We just have to wait for the DA's office to get the case finished and they can prosecute Dunn and his cronies," Karen stated as she finished off her bottled water. "They should be here anytime now. Do you want to wait?"

"Might as well." Carol closed her eyes and the two sat in silence until they heard a key sliding into the lock.

"We can put them in the bedroom to the right. Yours will be right across the hall on the left," they heard Houston say.

Carol stood up and walked into the kitchen. She poured everyone a glass of ice water, and set up a small try of already made sandwiches. "Karen, could you please come in here and help me carry this in."

"Sure," Karen replied as she walked into the room. "I just checked on them and they are getting the kids settled in the beds.

Carol nodded her head and followed her friend.

Houston stood back and watched Cash carefully take off Tara's and then Trent's shoes before pulling the covers back so each child could be covered by the soft blanket and cotton comforter. She smiled at each one before placing a gentle kiss on the tops of each head. Suddenly her heart lurched. This is what had been taken away from her. The sight and pleasure of her children growing up and turning into the people they are supposed to be. The nightly rituals of bedtime stories, and glasses of water. Hugs and kisses and love that can only come from a child's innocent heart. Unable to stand watching any longer she walked out of the room.


Cash saw the look on the blonde woman's face as she left. She knew that no matter what her excuse was, it would never bring back the time she had taken away from Houston and the two precious babies she looked at now. "May God watch over you," she whispered, and left the room to face the music.

******************************

Carol and Karen watched Houston stomp into the living room and slouch into the chair.

"Problem?" Karen asked with a raised eyebrow.

Houston shook her head. "Oh no, everything is just fine and dandy."

"Bullshit." Karen stood up to walk in front of the seated blonde. "Spill it."

Houston leaned her head back and closed her eyes. "I just realized once again what I have been missing these last few years, and I had to walk away from the scene before I truly lost it."

"Maybe now would be a good time for me to explain," Cash said as she walked into the room. She looked at Carol then Karen. "Could you two please give us some time alone?"

"Sure." Carol stood up and grabbed her purse. "If you need anything just call. You have our cell numbers.

Karen followed Carol down the hallway to the front door. And made sure to lock the door before she closed it shut.

******************************

Cash stood in the doorway and took a deep breath. She knew the next few minutes were going to be harsh. "I deserve what I get," she whispered, and walked in.

Houston knew the second the tall woman stepped into the room. Without looking up she asked, "Why?"

"I thought I had no choice. My father found out about the kids. He threatened me, and I had to go with him," Cash stated.

Houston stood up and stared to pace. "Frankly, if you don't get into more details I will really blow my top." She stopped right in front of Cash and looked her straight in the eyes.
Cash lowered her head and nodded. "I have told you how my father is. You know he has ruled over my entire life." She looked back up and met green eyes. "Until you popped in, and it was unlike any way I have ever lived."

"Then why did you leave? We had everything." Houston waved her arms at her side.


The tears started to fall down Cash's cheeks. "He said he'd kill you."

Houston was speechless for several seconds. "Well I wasn't expecting that, but that still doesn't explain why you didn't come to me and tell me. We could have figured it out. We could have fought this instead of you taking off and not confiding in me. You took my children away from me. I have never been so hurt in all my life. I swear I hated you for so long." She glared at the now crying woman. "Now I just feel sorry for you."

"What?" Cash asked, shocked by that last statement. "Sorry for me?"

"Yes, because you had something that could have beaten anything in our path, but you chose to run." Houston moved back to the chair she had been sitting in. "You tossed away the love I had for you and those two in the other room." She pointed in the direction where Tara and Trent were sleeping.

"I didn't toss anything away. I thought I was keeping you safe. I thought I was saving your life over my own welfare and my children."

"Bullshit, you took the easy way out," Houston snapped back. "The easiest thing you could have done, you did."

"You think it was easy to leave you and take away our children?" Cash started to pace. "That is so far from the truth."

"Truth, I'll tell you the truth." Houston stood back up with anger seeping from every pore. "Was it easier for you to think how I would react to an empty house after getting off of work? Was it easier for you to take my heart and tear it into thousands, if not millions of pieces?"

"How do you think it felt to me, knowing I was doing something that would hurt you?" Cash yelled back. "Never in my life did I want to do that. I know my father. He will and has done things so that he gets his way. No matter the price." The upset woman covered her face. "You didn't hear how he described what he would do to you," Cash gasped. "It was unthinkable."

"I think he accomplished just what he set out to do," Houston replied. "He got you and the kids, and he almost destroyed me." Houston made her way to Cash. "He won just like he always has, and you walked right into it."

"No," Cash cried.

Houston knew she shouldn't, but couldn't help herself. She wrapped her arms around the sobbing woman and held her tight. "I just wish you had come to me."

"I've wished that since the day I left." Cash laid her head on the shorter woman's strong shoulders.


Houston closed her eyes and held the woman that she had loved without question. After a long while Cash straightened and moved away from Houston. "I don't deserve that."

"Deserve what?" Houston asked softly.

"Your compassion." Cash took a few more steps away from the blonde. "I'm going to go take a shower," she mumbled, and quickly made her way to the bedroom where her bag was, and then headed to the bathroom.

Houston watched the woman hastily leave, and then she heard the click of the bathroom door as it closed and locked. "I never could stand it when she cried." She hit the back of the couch with her palm. "Damn it."

******************************

Cash stepped out of the shower and dried herself off. When she was done she looked at her reflection in the mirror. She could only see parts of her face because of the condensation from her hot shower. Seeing nothing but a shell of who she really was, she tossed the damp towel at the mirror and started to get dressed in her pajamas.

She unlocked the door and stepped out; the soft sound of music could be heard from the living room. Wondering what the lyrics were, she slowly made her way down the carpeted hallway, but stopped just shy of the entrance.

I open my eyesI try to see but I'm blinded by the white lightI can't remember howI can't remember whyI'm lying here tonight
Cash watched as Houston closed her eyes and leaned her head back against the chair's back and listened.

And I can't stand the painAnd I can't make it go awayNo I can't stand the painHow could this happen to meI made my mistakes I've got nowhere to runThe night goes onAs I'm fading awayI'm sick of this lifeI just wanna screamHow could this happen to me


Everybody's screamingI try to make a sound but no one hears meI'm slipping off the edgeI'm hanging by a threadI wanna start this over againSo I try to hold onto a time when nothing mattered
And I can't explain what happened
And I can't erase the things that I've doneNo I can'tHow could this happen to meI made my mistakesI've got nowhere to runThe night goes onAs I'm fading awayI'm sick of this lifeI just wanna screamHow could this happen to meI made my mistakesI've got nowhere to runThe night goes onAs I'm fading awayI'm sick of this lifeI just wanna screamHow could this happen to me

The hidden woman watched as the silent woman slapped at the stop button and sighed. Wondering what the song meant to the other woman, she decided that it wasn't any of her business anymore, and quietly walked to her room and closed the door.

Houston knew the instant Cash had opened the bathroom door, but didn't care if she heard the song. When she had first heard it a few months ago it had hit a sensitive spot in her, and ever since then she had played it over and over again until she had the whole thing memorized down to the last note.

She figured it could mean different things to different people. She was still uncertain what it meant to her, but that didn't bother her too much; she just felt something as the music played softly to her.

******************************
"Who is she?" Trent asked his sister as they stared at the sleeping woman.
Tara shrugged her shoulders. "I have no idea."

"Hey you two, leave her alone and come over here and get breakfast," Cash whispered softly while she opened a box of cereal, "Or you won't get to watch cartoons."

"Okay Mom," both children replied before shuffling their feet to the table.


"Hey I want the blue spoon." Trent reached across the table and snatched the utensil. "You can have the green one."

Tara shook her head. "No, give the blue one back or I'm telling Mom you took it from me."

"Hush you two," Cash scolded. "A spoon is a spoon."

"Not so Mom," the bed-head boy stated. "The blue one gives you super powers."

Cash raised an eyebrow. "You don't say." She opened the milk and started to pour it over the sugary breakfast. "Where did you hear this?"

Trent thought for a minute before he answered. "It's just a known fact. Everyone knows that."

The three at the table looked over when they heard a soft laugh. Cash gave Houston a small smile before she went to start the coffee.

Houston stretched before she sat up with a loud yawn.

"Who are you?" Tara asked with a mouth full of food.

Cash turned around and scolded her daughter. "You know better than to be rude."

"But Mom," the young girl whined, "How am I suppose to find out things if I don't ask?"

Trent nodded his head as a drip of milk slid down his chin.

"She does have a point," Houston replied as she stood up and made her way down the hall to the bathroom. It took her a few minutes before she made her way back into the other room. She walked up to the seated children and held out her hand first to Tara. "Hi, I'm Houston." She repeated the same action with Trent before walking around to grab a cup for some coffee.

"Why are you named after a city in Texas?" Trent asked curiously. "Do you have a brother named Dallas? Is that your first name or last name?"

Houston laughed, "no I don't have any siblings and McKinney is my last name."

"What's your middle name?" Tara jumped in with her own question.

Houston looked at Cash who shrugged her shoulders as she sipped her own drink. "Sorry, but they have always been inquisitive."

"No problem," the blonde stated. "I really dislike my middle name."

Trent started to bounce in his seat. "Is it Bertha or Bulla or something like that?"


Cash nearly spit out the coffee she had just drunk. Houston had to make a quick dash to the sink to spit out her own mouth full.

Trent looked from one woman to the other, then to his sister. "What did I say?"
"Who knows?" Tara replied.

******************************

"Where are the children?" Joseph asked as he sat down for his breakfast.

Mrs. Baker set a cup of steaming coffee to the man's right side. "They are not down yet."

"Well, I suggest you go get them," Joseph stated coldly.

Mrs. Baker bowed slightly. "Yes, Sir." She quickly left the room and headed up the stairs to Cash's room. She knocked softly, and when she didn't hear anything she opened the door and stuck her head in. "Miss Cash?" When she spotted the bed, she closed the door and walked to first Trent's room then Tara's. "Oh my."

Joseph looked up when Mrs. Barker came back in. "Well?"

"I'm sorry Sir, but they are not up there." The old woman's voice quivered in fear.

Joseph slammed his hand on the table. "What do you mean they aren't up there? Where in the hell are they?" He stormed past the shaking woman and headed up the stairs to see for himself.

"Cash?" he yelled out before he opened the bedroom door and looked in. "When I get my hands on you¼" The outraged man slammed the door closed. "Maxwell," he shouted.

Max made his way out of the kitchen and up the stairs. "Yes, Sir."

"Do you happen to know where my daughter is?" Joseph eyed the skinny man.

The nicely dressed man shook his head. "No Sir. Isn't she in her room?"

Not bothering to answer the question Joseph stepped up to the man and grabbed his shoulders. "Did she come home last night?"

"I'm sorry Sir. I went to bed early," Max replied calmly.

Mrs. Baker looked from one man to the other, knowing Maxwell had just lied. She knew now that Cash and the children were somewhere safe.

"Call the police and get them here." Joseph ran down the stairs towards his office. As soon as he entered he called Patrick. "My daughter better not be with you. I swear if you have tarnished her reputation any worse then it already is, I'll kill you."

"Excuse me?" Patrick answered still half asleep.

"Patrick wake your ass up," Dunn ordered loudly.
"Mr. Dunn. Sorry, I was sleeping and I didn't expect your call." Patrick quickly sat up.

Joseph growled. "Where is my daughter?"

"Sir, the last time I saw her she was at the restaurant leaving with some woman friend of hers," Patrick informed the outraged man.

"What?" Joseph bellowed. "What woman?"

"Some blonde woman who was having dinner there. Cash got up to go to the bathroom, and next thing I know I'm being tossed over a table by her friend," Patrick said hoping to get some sympathy from the powerful man.

Joseph didn't respond; he hung up the phone only to dial another number. "She's gone. Get all the information you have on the blonde and get over here. NOW." He hung up the phone, but didn't let the receiver go. His knuckles started to turn white as the grip tightened. "I'll kill them both."

******************************

Trent and Tara sat in front of the TV watching some cartoon. They didn't pay any attention to the woman watching them with wondering green eyes.

"Want more coffee?" Cash asked as she stood behind Houston. "What are the plans for today?"

Houston shook her head. "No thanks, and as for plans, I will be going to the DA this afternoon to let him know that you are in protective custody."

"Will he want to talk to me?" the tall brunette asked as she finished off her own morning drink.

Houston shrugged her shoulders. "He may, but it will be under my rules. Your father has too many friends in high places, and your safety couldn't be guaranteed. Doing it my way, you and the kids will be."
"I have no doubt." Cash went to rub her hand down Houston's arm but stopped herself. "I trust you."
"Thanks," Houston grinned. "Well I better go get dressed."

"Okay." Cash moved back to let the woman by.

******************************

"She's in a safe and secure location?" the DA asked as he shuffled through papers and folders that covered his desk.

Houston pointed to the top of the balding man's head. "They're on top of your head."

"Thanks," the man replied as he grabbed his glasses and set them on his nose. "I have the numbers I need to get a hold of you or your two friends. Right?" He looked up over the top of his bifocals.

"Yes, all the numbers are the same. Just call us when you have a day set, and I will make sure she is here and ready to do what needs to be done." Intense green eyes met TC's tired old ones.

TC nodded his head. "Okay, I'm guessing two, maybe three weeks."

"See you then." Houston stood up and held her hand out.

The DA stood up and gently took the offered hand. "Be careful Houston. Joseph Dunn is an evil man, and he will try to do anything he can once he finds out who the star witness is." He glanced down at his watch. "Which should be any time now."

"Trust me. I've learned first hand what kind of power this man has." Houston gave a small wave and walked out the door right into Joseph's path.

"Well look who we have here," Dunn growled. "What have you done with my daughter?"

"Who?" Houston answered with a puzzled look. "Do I know you?"

Joseph grabbed the front of Houston's shirt and slammed her against the wall. "I suggest you tell me and back off from this." He got within a hair's breadth. "You will regret everything."

TC opened his door and looked out. "Is there a problem? Because if there is I'll call security."

Joseph moved back and smiled at the DA. "Just having a talk is all."

"Sure." TC glared at the man he knew was nothing more than a snake with legs. "Houston?"

Houston straightened her shirt. "Don't worry TC." She stepped away from the wall and started down the steps to the outside.

Joseph went to follow her but was stopped by a hand on his arm "What?" he asked the man next to him.

"Guess we'll see you in court soon." TC smiled with delight.

"You never know what the future holds Mr. Buckner," Dunn snapped.

"That's right. Are you prepared to pay for your past?" TC leaned against the doorjamb with a satisfied grin.


Joseph didn't respond at all before he walked away down the stairs. As he made his way down he grabbed his cell phone.
******************************

Cash dozed on the couch. The boredom of sitting around the small apartment with nothing to do was getting to her. "Hell, it's only been one day and I'm already going stir crazy." She glanced over to her children and smiled. She was thankful that they seemed content, and not bored out of their minds like she was. "I need to find something to do, or I'm going to totally lose it."

About thirty minutes went by as Cash watched TV and flipped through a book before Houston walked in with her hands full of bags. "Hi."

"Hi. How did it go, and what do you have there?" Cash went to stand and help but the smaller woman shook her head.

"Stay," Houston said as she set the bags down on the floor. "I bought some stuff for you because I know you hate to be cooped up inside." She reached in and pulled out a handful of paintbrushes. "Thought you would like to paint some."

Cash felt her heart soar with excitement. "Oh my God. Thank you so much." She jumped up and started to empty all the bags. "You've thought of everything."

"You're welcome." Houston smiled as she watched the brunette run the tip of a paintbrush across her palm. "I've got more stuff in the trunk of the car."

"Really?" Cash practically bounced.

"Let me go get it, and you can set it up wherever you want." Houston turned around and headed back outside to her car. When she walked back in, her hands were once again full, this time with a painter's easel and several small canvases. "Hope this can get you started."

"It's more than enough." Cash let a tear fall down her cheek. "It's been forever since I painted."

"Why did you stop?" Houston asked as she set the stuff down.

The tall woman shrugged. "My father thought it was stupid and childish." She looked up to meet understanding green eyes. "I didn't want the hassle."

"Fighting for what you dream is never a hassle." Green eyes never left the other woman's gaze.

******************************

"You need to find out where she is. If you don't, everything will come crashing down." Joseph poked the man in the chest.

"What does she know?" the other man questioned. "She can't know too much."

"Apparently she must know a lot, since she is their star witness," Dunn replied sarcastically. "You need to find the blonde, and then you'll find Cash." He lit up a cigar and blew smoke up into the air. "If you have to, take the blonde out."

"I'm not going to be part of a murder." Andy Locke stood up and looked at his business partner.

Joseph shrugged his shoulders. "What's the difference? We've been embezzling money from our employees' retirement funds. That will kill more people slowly. What I have in mind for that bitch is so much worse."

******************************

Karen and Carol stepped out of their office and started to walk towards where they had their cars parked. They didn't pay any attention to the casually dressed man following thirty feet behind them.

"Should we stop by and see how our charges are doing?" Carol asked as she pulled her keys out of her purse.

Karen stopped at her silver Corolla and looked at her friend. "No, I think we should stay away for a few days. If Houston needed us, she'd have gotten in contact with us."

"True," Carol mumbled. "I just want to know how things are."

"I do too," her more patient friend smiled, "But we should give them time to get used to each other. Who knows, maybe the spark is still there and they can work things out."

Carol sighed. "Do you think Houston will put herself out there again?"

Karen thought for a few seconds. "Honestly, I don't think she ever stopped loving Cash, and taking this job over her broken heart proves that."

"I know, but will they get back together?" The woman had a twinkle in her eyes.

"You are a hopeless romantic aren't you?" Karen laughed when she saw her business partner shrug her shoulders. "I think anything is possible."

"Hot damn_" Carol bounced up and down. "So can we run by tomorrow?"

"Ok, we can run over before we open up." Karen pushed Carol towards her own car and waved. "See you then."

"Bye." Carol waved back as she opened her driver's side door.


The man hidden by the corner of the building grinned to himself and opened his cell phone. "I should have the place tomorrow." He waited for the reply, then closed the phone back up and quickly made his way to his car.

******************************

Houston sat at the table eating her dinner as she watched the other three people picking up around her.

"You want some more milk?" Tara asked as she held up the gallon of milk.

Houston nodded her head and spoke around a mouth full of food. "That would be great."

"You really shouldn't talk with your mouth full," Trent stated as he put a glass in the dishwasher.

Cash turned quickly. "Trent, you shouldn't talk like that to an adult."

"But Mom she shouldn't," Trent whined. "Grandpa says so."

The dark haired mom froze.

Houston noticed this and stood up. "Hey Trent, you're right, I shouldn't talk with my mouth stuffed with food." She waved him off to the living room. "Why don't you and your sister go watch TV? I'll finish up in here."

The two children looked to their mom to make sure it was okay. When they saw the small smile, they took off and yelled, "Thanks Houston."

"No problem." Houston grabbed Cash by her elbow and had her sit down. She took the towel out of her hand and tossed it on the counter. "You okay?"

"Yes," Cash sighed. "For some reason it just hit me wrong."

"Don't worry about it. It's going to take some time for you to feel you're living your own life now, not the one your father wants you to lead" Houston knelt down and looked at Cash's face. "They are smart kids, and once they have been away from him for a while they will lose some of what he has pounded into their brains. Sure some of it isn't good, but good manners are always a nice thing to know."

Cash started to laugh. "True. It's kind of gross."

"It sure is." Houston reached up and grabbed her fork which had a piece of steak on it, and started to chew. With a childish grin she stuck out her tongue. "See?"


"You are still a big kid at heart." Cash ran her hands through the short blonde locks. "I always loved that about you."

"Just not enough to stay," Houston stated flatly.

Cash closed her eyes and sighed. "Wrong. Enough that I didn't want my father to get into your life and ruin it."

Houston stood up. "He did just that anyway. Didn't he?"

******************************

It was around two in the morning when Cash put the paintbrush down and left her bedroom. The only sounds she heard were the soft voices from the television. In bare feet she made her way to Tara and Trent's room and opened the door. She was surprised when she saw the two beds still made, and the kids nowhere to be seen.

"I bet they fell asleep watching TV," she whispered to herself as she turned and stepped into the living room. The sight that met her eyes made her smile. On the couch, Houston was softly snoring with Tara sleeping on her chest, and Trent under her legs with his head resting on a pillow.

"Wish I had a camera." Cash felt tears form, and didn't try to stop them from falling. She knew that if she had stayed with Houston she'd have hundreds upon thousands of pictures of these three. "Why did I have to be such a coward?"

After burning the moment into her memory, Cash first picked up Trent and took him to bed, then she did the same with Tara. She kissed both on the tops of their heads and wished them sweet dreams.

She headed back into the living room and grabbed the blanket that rested over a chair to cover up the sleeping blonde. As she was about to lay the cover over the sleeping form, something caught her attention from under the low collar of Houston's shirt.

"What's that?" Not worrying that she would wake up the sleeping woman, she pushed the fabric down so she could see. "Oh God," she gasped and leaned back, as the image of the tattoo of a broken heart with her name written in it made her cry.

******************************

Continued in part three

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