Beginning, Section II, Next Section

Chapter 3

"I just couldn't believe it, Jane! I mean, I've known both Fries and Mr. Darcy about the same amount of time, but I had never heard either of them speak so... so... so much! And Mr. Darcy seemed to enjoy Fries' presence and vice versa but as soon as Fries was gone, Mr. Darcy reverted back to his old, grouchy self." Elizabeth gave a short laugh. "I must have looked like I saw a flying elephant. I was so amazed."

Jane patted her sister's head lovingly. "Maybe you should leave Fries with Mr. Darcy. It might be a mutual benefit. If Fries talks with Mr. Darcy, that's terrific and could lead to the breakthrough you've been searching for with Fries. And the boy has an effect on Mr. Darcy to cheer him up at least. It must be horribly tedious and mundane to lie in that bed all day, day in and day out with very little company."

"I don't understand why he doesn't have company. He must have some family. He's probably so grouchy he doesn't have any friends."

"Lizzy, that is unkind!"

"Oh, I know. But why is he so grouchy to me? Is it just me then? He just doesn't like me and so he's perfectly charming to everyone else?"

"I doubt that. What reason would he have to dislike you?"

"I don't know. Because I feed him? He has some Freudian conflict with not being able to provide his own food."

"You're being silly."

"I know. You're right. Maybe I should leave the two of them together more. It certainly would help me out. I don't want to just yet, though. I'll leave the two of them together one more time to see if it wasn't just a fluke."

"Oh, I almost forgot. While you were gone a call came through from the social worker you gave Fries' drawings to."

"And?"

"I don't know. They only left their name and number."

"The suspense is killing me," Elizabeth exclaimed as she picked up the phone and walked off to call the social worker.

Three days later, Elizabeth came in looking harried. "Do you mind if I cooked dinner here? Jane didn't have a chance to cook last night so I've had to ad lib my way through the day."

"Sure."

"Is there anything in particular you want?"

"No."

"Oh, and do you mind if Fries came in? He's in the car."

"Sure."

Elizabeth left to fetch Fries. The boy came in holding a book and a drawing. Fries walked right up to William's bed and handed him the two objects. "Look. I drawed that for you and I brought a poem."

"You did? Thank you so much! Are you going to read the poem to me?"

Fries didn't need any more urging. He climbed onto the bed and settled into the crook of William's arm. Fries opened the book so William could see.

William could not help but smile when Fries slowly and carefully read, "The Cat and the Hat."

William watched as Fries slowly ran his finger over each of the words and read them out. William encouraged and helped out when it was needed, gently correcting his errors. Twenty minutes later, Elizabeth came in with a plate of hot food and a cup of milk.

"Move over, Fries, so I can put this on Mr. Darcy's lap."

Fries obediently moved out of the way. William began to eat in silence, feeling like a caged animal because of the two pairs of eyes watching him. Elizabeth seemed to sense her rudeness and turned her attention to Fries.

"Did you find that book in the library?"

Fries nodded.

"All by yourself?"

He nodded again.

"Did you read it to Mr. Darcy?"

He nodded again.

Elizabeth seemed to give up trying to get Fries to talk and simply occupied herself with washing dishes in the kitchen.

"Do you like it, Mister Darcy?"

"You can call me William."

"Okay. Did you like it, William?"

"I did, very much. And the next time you come, you can read me another book, okay?"

Fries nodded eagerly. "Okay."

As soon as William was finished, Elizabeth washed his dishes and left, taking Fries with her. William was more sorry to see them go than before.

William eagerly listened for the sound of Elizabeth coming in the door. She was late today! He wasn't that hungry, he was just anticipating talking to Fries again. For some reason he could not fathom, he really enjoyed the boy's company. Fries lightened up his horribly depressing, boring days.

Finally, he heard the door opening. He composed himself to look unexpectant. Elizabeth walked in without Fries. William tried not to look disappointed.

"Is Fries not with you today?" he asked nonchalantly.

"Well, I wanted to talk to you about him."

William wasn't sure to be worried or not. He waited for her to continue.

Elizabeth stood clasping and unclasping her hands. William suddenly realized she was only a couple of years younger than he was.

"I can't put Fries into school yet because he is so behind. His last foster family didn't send him to school. So he is seven years old with a math and reading level of a four-year-old. Fries is also not communicating with anyone. ...Or, rather, he wasn't. He won't talk with me, even. And not for my lack of trying." She paused. "You have managed to get through to him. I don't know how. I was wondering if you would be interested in tutoring him. We don't have to say it's tutoring per se. But if you could read with him and show him how to count and add and things like that, it would be a tremendous help." She paused again, thinking. Then she turned to him. "So? What do you think?"

William was shocked. He couldn't believe she was asking him this. He had never taught anyone in his life he could remember and certainly was not used to being around children. Surely Fries was no different with him than other people. And why him? He didn't try anything special. He voiced this opinion.

Elizabeth sighed and said, "I've thought hard about why he's opening up to you. And my educated guess would be that because you are... bedridden, you don't pose a threat to him. Wh-When I first took him under my care, he had been beaten by his foster father. It was the foster mother who finally called the police and was put into intensive care herself. So when he sees you, he knows he can always be safe just by getting out of reach of the bed." Elizabeth had a rueful, apologetic look on her face.

"Sooo... is he only going to talk to immobile people?"

"No, but he'll start learning to trust people again with first you, then hopefully me and Jane and then children. Then slowly he'll start trusting more people. It'll take time and sometimes children in his condition are affected for the rest of their lives in some way. But he will be a lot better."

"I see."

"So are you willing to tutor him or not?"

"I'll do my best. I have no experience, so don't expect miracles."

"I don't expect them. But you'd be surprised at how often they happen anyway. I'll provide you with whatever materials you should need and... I'm going to waiver your fees for my services in some small return. Is that agreeable to you?"

William nodded, barely understanding why and how.

Elizabeth gave him his lunch and then said, "I'll bring him starting tomorrow from when I give you lunch until I come back to give you supper. All right?"

He nodded.

The following day, Elizabeth walked in and saw Fries snuggled against William's side on the bed, his head resting on William's shoulder. William's face was one of embarrassment and awkwardness, but he didn't move for fear of waking the child. Elizabeth chuckled quietly. William was stuck with a sleeping babe, watching Sesame Street on the television no less.

"Is this a daily ritual you enjoy?"

William's face went a deeper red. "The remote control fell down the side of the bed. I thought I would start off showing him this show. I'd heard it was beneficial for children. But he fell asleep."

Elizabeth said before picking up the still sleeping Fries, "He's a little old for Sesame Street. But you could certainly learn how to teach from the show."

William was too uncomfortable to reply. Elizabeth took Fried down to the car so he could remain asleep. William and Elizabeth didn't speak while she gave him supper.

Everyday, Elizabeth brought Fries to William for tutoring. Fries had no knowledge he was being 'tutored'. He just made friends with William who had new and interesting activities everyday. Fries was a quick learner and William found he enjoyed teaching him. Elizabeth had to go through some red tape to allow this arrangement to continue, for William had no credits in teaching. She didn't even know what he had ever done for a job.

As a result of the arrangement, Elizabeth spent less time with Mr. Darcy and more time the other children while Fries was with him. When Fries was home, Elizabeth made a special effort to get Fries to talk about his visits.

On top of Fries' daily lessons, Elizabeth let him watch Rosie's ballet classes sometimes as well as start taking piano lessons. He never again expressed an interest in coming to DM's football games.

Time passed and progress was made. Fries talked to more people, but always remained a quiet, introspective boy.

Finally, one day William informed Elizabeth that he was moving to his aunt's house and would no longer be able to tutor Fries. Elizabeth was truly sorry for this. Fries had improved immensely with William. She now felt he was able to attend a small school with some extra attention and help. In fact, it would be better for him, for he should interact with other children his age.

William was even more sorry than Elizabeth that he was leaving. He had grown really attached to Fries. But he had no choice in the matter. His aunt was almost kidnapping him from his present location and carting him off to the 'countryside' to improve his health and spirits--and to, no doubt, fall in love with his cousin.

William asked to be alone with Fries the day before he was supposed to leave. William had also requested that he be the one to let Fries know he was leaving.

"Come here, Fries."

"William! I brought you some French fries today."

William tried to smile, and took the fries from his hand. Unable to tell him the sad news yet, William patted his bed, signaling that Fries should climb up and sit by him.

Fries eagerly climbed onto the bed and settled into the crook of William's arm. Together, they shared the French fries in silence.

Finally William pulled the courage together to say what he needed to say. It was one of the hardest things he had ever done.

"Fries, you've learned a lot with me."

"I did?"

"Uh huh. And now it's time for you to join other kids your age and learn more. I can't teach you anything more."

"I have to go to school? Why can't I stay here with you?"

"I'm... I'm not going to be here anymore."

"Why not? Are you going to Heaven?"

"No, why do you say that?"

"My mother said she was going away for a little while and now she's in Heaven."

"No, I'm just moving in with my aunt."

"Where is your aunt?"

"She lives in the countryside about five hours drive from here."

"Seven hours?"

"Yep."

"When will you be coming back?"

"I don't think I will be coming back."

"Never?"

"I don't know."

Fries' face fell. "I don't want you to go," Fries stated simply.

"I know. I don't want to go either. But it'll be good for both of us. You'll have a new teacher and classmates."

"What about you?"

"I'll have someone to help and take care of me."

"I'll do that."

William laughed a little. "You can't do it. When you're older maybe you can."

Elizabeth knocked quietly on the door. "It's time to go, baby."

Fries looked miserable. He turned and buried his face in William's shirt. "I don't want to go," William heard him say.

It was torture for William to gently push him away. Elizabeth held her hand out to Fries. He got out of the bed and took her hand. With the saddest look in his eyes, Fries looked back at William and then silently walked out of the room.

William would have said 'Good bye', but he was unable to, his throat choked up.

Three years passed. Several of the children in the Bennet's house were taken by loving families but though Fries received two offers, he chose to stay with Elizabeth and Jane. William wrote to Fries at first, but with only one side of a relationship able to write very well, it soon petered out. Fries succeeded at school but never managed to make any friends. It didn't seem to bother him at all.

"Elizabeth, why don't you come out with me tonight? You need a break."

"I can't leave the house empty."

"It will hardly be empty."

"No, I meant without a baby-sitter."

"Storm is here. She's upstairs doing her homework or practicing her Tae Kwon Do in the garage. She's quite capable of holding down the fort, especially with the young ones asleep."

"I don't know, Jane. I feel awkward about it."

"You shouldn't. You're such a worrisome mother hen."

"I think I have more reason to worry than most mother hens. My chicks have already been hurt by the foxes before."

"Come on, Elizabeth. You need to relax once in a while. And it has been quite a while since you did anything relaxing without the kids."

"I like being with the kids, thank you very much."

"I know you do. But it is good for you to get away once in a while. Please Lizzy. Charles will have his friend there and it would be so much better if he didn't feel like a third wheel."

"Hold on, hold on! Are you setting me up with a blind date?"

"No, not exactly. Lizzy, really. Could you try it for once?"

"As soon as he knows I have eight children already he'll be out the door."

"I'm not asking you to marry him. I'm asking you to have dinner with Charles, his friend and I. Is that so much to ask?"

Elizabeth gave in. "All right, I'll go. But I haven't anything appropriate to wear."

"Nonsense. Your cream wrap skirt and red top will do fine. We're not going to some really fancy place. Go and change. We have to go soon."

"Isn't he picking you up?"

"No, he's meeting us at the restaurant."

Elizabeth quickly got ready for the outing. (She refrained from calling it a 'date' in her mind). She talked to Storm and then the rest of the children still awake, warning them to go to bed when Storm told them and to obey her. She made sure she had her cell phone and then told Jane she was ready.

They arrived at the restaurant a little late. Their two dates had already sat down at their table so Elizabeth and Jane walked over to join them.

Elizabeth walked around the table and saw to her great surprise, William Darcy. They stared at each other in astonishment until Jane said, "Elizabeth, this is Charles Bingley."

Elizabeth turned her attention to the man sitting at the table. He held out his hand she shook, giving him a faint smile. She felt odd standing when the two men were sitting.

Charles said, "I'm very pleased to meet you, Elizabeth. This is my best friend-"

"William Darcy. Yes, we've met," she said with a small smile. "He used to be a client of mine and was kind enough to single-handedly teach one of my children."

Charles looked in surprise at his friend. "I had no idea you did that? When were you their client?"

"When I was in bed for seven months."

"Oh yes. I recall. I was trapped in Europe and could not come to your aid. You taught one of their children?"

William laughed shortly. "I wouldn't call it teaching, Charles. We just did things together."

"Oh."

The four of them ordered and then returned to conversation.

"I see you have improved, Mr. Darcy."

"In some ways, yes."

"Explain to me how you have eight children," said Charles. "You said Elizabeth would be better at explaining it than you."

"Eight?" asked William. In fear, he asked, "Some have left you?"

"Of course. I do not adopt all of these kids. Indeed, I'm not sure if I could. I've had quite a few go to decent, permanent homes."

"Is... is Fries still with you?" he asked hesitantly.

"Oh yes. He received two offers to go to a home, but refused them."

"H-how is he?"

"He's doing just fine, thanks to you. He is still quiet and shy, doesn't have any friends really, but is not unhappy in the least."

"Good," William said, relieved.

"I'm sorry, Charles. I was sidetracked. When our father died, he left us a large fortune and a huge mansion. Being only in our early twenties and never having been brought up with the wealth, we wanted to do something useful with our inheritance. I was a sociology major fresh out of college with wild and daring ideas for saving the world. I quickly learned I couldn't do it all, and the mansion was unused and falling into disrepair. So I started to turn it into a hostel for children needing a home. Over a couple of years, it turned into a home for particularly troubled children to recover in. When they have recovered from the shock and trauma, they can be adopted and/or transferred into another foster home. We've really become almost a small orphanage except that not all of our children are orphans."

"That is incredible," said Charles. "Where does the catering business come in?"

"Oh, that's another charitable thing we do on the side. Jane cooks meals and I deliver them to people in need of good meals but who can't afford expensive catering. Clients only have to pay for the food."

Soon, Charles and Jane began to talk with each other. Elizabeth found herself having to talk to William. She still felt awkward talking to him. He never seemed easy around her.

"Tell me more about Fries," he said.

Elizabeth smiled slightly. "He has excelled in schoolwork. He prefers drawing still, but paints as well. He has learned the piano and is still taking lessons. When not occupied with those things or reading, he just watches people. He doesn't talk, just watches with those brown eyes of his."

William smiled wistfully.

"He still remembers you, you know."

"He does?"

Elizabeth nodded. "You're welcome to come over and visit him if you want. I'm sure he'd love to see you again. Are you just passing through?"

"No, actually. I moved in with Charles this month. He's rescued me from my aunt's."

"You've been at your aunt's house ever since you left here?"

William nodded. "It wasn't the best arrangement but I didn't really have a choice."

"I don't see why."

"There were complications," he said vaguely.

The evening passed pleasantly. Elizabeth found she did relax a little more than she did when she was around the kids. At 10:30 she excused herself to call Storm and make sure everything was all right.

She came back and said there was no answer. Jane could see Elizabeth was too worried to enjoy the rest of the evening. With an apologetic look at Charles, Jane said they would be going. They said goodbye and again Elizabeth found it odd that the gentlemen did not stand.

It was arranged that Elizabeth should bring Fries to William and Charles' apartment for an afternoon. Saturday was the most convenient for Elizabeth's busy schedule. So the following Saturday, William apprehensively awaited their arrival. He had carefully placed himself at the table, playing solitaire while he waited.

Finally, he heard a knock on the door. "Come in," he called. Elizabeth entered and tentatively smiled a greeting. Behind her, walked in Fries. He had grown so much! William could not say anything for a full minute. Shyly, Fries came forward, and said, "I brought you some French fries."

William somehow sensed Fries' need of reassurance. He needed to know William still cared... was still his friend. William smiled, trying his damnedest not to cry.

"My favourite," he managed to say. He beckoned him over to the table.

"Have a good time, you two. I'll be back in a couple of hours," said Elizabeth, and then left the apartment.

When she had left, Fries sat down across from William and said, "Watcha doin'?"

"I'm playing solitaire. Do you know how to play?"

Fries shook his head.

"Come round here, and I'll teach you."

William spent the next two hours teaching Fries several card games (not gambling ones, though) and eating the French fries. They talked about the time they had spent apart--not too much, just to get it over with so they could start their friendship anew.

When Elizabeth returned, William was showing Fries how to play Rummy. Elizabeth raised an eyebrow and asked, "You're not teaching him poker, are you?"

Fries looked to William, and asked eagerly, "Can you teach me how to play poker?"

William laughed, pulled at the forelock of hair always in his eyes, and said, "Not until you're 21."

"Come on, Fries. It's time to go."

"Will I see you again?" Fries asked William.

"Definitely."

Jane begged and pleaded and finally persuaded Elizabeth to come out to dinner again with her, Charles and William. Elizabeth didn't see why she was so needed since William never talked to her anyway unless it was about Fries. This evening was no different. William ate silently and would very occasionally add something to the general conversation. Elizabeth still felt a twinge of annoyance and dislike towards him. She could never really dislike him since he befriended Fries so steadfastly. Elizabeth valued Fries' judgment so highly that she knew William must not be too bad. But she had never seen evidence of this shown to anyone other than Fries. But Elizabeth still felt she did not know the man that well.

Elizabeth vowed she wouldn't go out with him again by the end of the evening. Jane who sensed Elizabeth's annoyance and pique, tactfully suggested they be heading home since the children were on their own again.

Elizabeth usually dealt with children before adolescence. However Storm never left the Bennet household. She had consequently challenged Elizabeth and Jane's skills of mothering to the very limits. The fact that both sisters were still younger than age 30 became a factor. Storm could have been Elizabeth's younger sister. It sometimes helped because Elizabeth could point out to Storm that she had been a teenager not long ago. Elizabeth did her very best to understand Storm, but most importantly, to listen. She treated the girl as an adult with respect, but also understood she could not be expected to handle full responsibilities like an adult and was still a child in many ways. Storm still found ways to test the limits. Elizabeth, with no role model to follow, often worried she was messing up Storm's life. She often felt she was inadequate for the task of bringing up Storm to adulthood. Storm was the first child she had kept to this age. After all was said and done, Storm respected Elizabeth for what she did, and when her friends were getting into less than legal activities, Storm would ultimately think of how disappointed Jane and Elizabeth would be. She would lose their respect, which she valued highly. In school, she did try if only to please them. Storm's conscience guided her down the straight path.

When Storm turned sixteen, Elizabeth and Jane bought her a sturdy, used car in return for her help with transporting the younger ones to activities. This allowed the sisters a little more time to maneuver.

William heard the knock on the door. "Come in," he called.

The visitor tried to open it, but the chain lock prevented them. William realized his mistake and went over to unlock it. He backed up and was surprised to see Elizabeth standing there instead of Fries.

Elizabeth's look of utter shock was unmistakable. She was staring. William backed up some more. "What?" he said sharply.

"Y-you're in a..."

"A wheelchair. Yeah, so? Haven't you ever seen a guy in a wheelchair before?"

He turned around and wheeled into the living room.

Elizabeth, still trying to recover from her surprise, managed to say, "I didn't know you used one." She went through in her head all the times she had ever seen William, and realized she had never once seen him standing or walking. That was why he had never stood at dinner and why he was always behind the kitchen table waiting for Fries. He couldn't walk?

Chapter 4

"How long have you used one?"

"Since a couple of years ago. Didn't you know?" his voice still held deep bitterness and his back was still facing her.

"N-no. I... I had no idea."

"I thought my cousin told you, or at least Charles, Fries or Jane."

"No. No one told me."

"Yeah, well. Now you know. So pity me from a distance and leave me alone."

William waited for her to leave, listening for the sound of the closing door. It didn't come.

Elizabeth walked around to face him. "Much as I would like to oblige you, I'm afraid I have been sent here on a mission. Fries is unwell today and did not in the least want to miss meeting you. He only remained in bed on the condition that I come and take his place."

"You don't have to stay."

"I can't break a promise I made to Fries."

"Well what do you suggest we do?" he challenged her.

"When was the last time you went outside?"

"I don't remember."

"Then let's go out."

"Where?"

"Just along to the lake a couple of roads from here."

"Fine." William got his jacket and then led the way out of the apartment, locking the door behind him and leaving a note to Charles just in case he came home while his roommate was out.

At first they were silent. It took William considerably more effort to wheel himself along than it took Elizabeth to walk. She wasn't sure if she should offer to push him. Finally she decided that his abominable pride would be too hurt if she did offer, so she walked uncomfortably by his side until they reached the park. Once there, Elizabeth found a pleasant grassy spot and sat down, immediately picking up a blade of grass to shred in her discomfort and awkwardness.

"What am I supposed to do now?" William asked. "Sit on the ground with you?"

"If you want," she replied.

"How do you expect me to do that?"

"Oh, I'm sure you could sit down here if you wanted to. Your upper body must be strong enough."

William didn't move. They sat in silence looking at the lake and the people moving around it with children, friends or dogs. Finally, William asked, "What's wrong with Fries?"

"He just has a fever. I kept him from school yesterday but he's still on the mend."

"Send him my love and wishes."

Elizabeth restrained herself for a couple of minutes then splurted out, "What is it that you don't like about me? I don't understand why you're a totally different person to Fries!"

William was stunned. How long had she wanted to ask that? Finally, he replied, "It's not you."

Elizabeth waited for further explanation but none came. "What do you mean it's not me? Who is it then? Do you dislike my sister Jane so you take it out on me?"

"No, it's nothing personal. I don't... get along with people."

"Then how come you're so great with Fries?"

"I don't know. I can't explain it."

"Is it all children, then? Do you have a bond only with children?"

"I don't know, Fries is the only child I've been around and gotten to know."

"Well... do you think you could try and be pleasant to me?"

William shrugged.

"Why are you antagonistic to grown ups? Is it something to do with-"

"Don't."

"What?"

"Don't analyze me, I don't want to be talking to a psychologist."

"I'm not a psychologist."

"But you sound like one."

"Fine. Can you think of a subject we could converse over with civility? ...Besides Fries."

William thought about it for a minute. Finally he asked, "Why do you run the foster home?"

Elizabeth gave a short laugh. "That's a short question with a long answer."

"We have a while. It's not like I have anything else to do."

"I grew up with my mother and stepfather. I have three younger sisters. I hated it. I was forced to call my stepfather dad, when he never ever treated me like a daughter. Neither he nor my mother ever loved me, and she pretty much admitted so to my face. The one thing I craved throughout my childhood was love. Mother liked Jane at least because she was beautiful, but still never acted like a mother should. My stepfather was an ex marine and would be abusive to us at times. My mother would only backhand us after fifth grade and we were too old to get spanked on the behind. My stepfather would slap us so hard there would be finger marks still on our cheeks. I wasn't allowed to go anywhere, didn't have a car to get there anyway, and so, in short, my childhood was miserable."

"What about your father? Wasn't he the one with the money?"

"Yes, he was. He also had married and my stepmother in no shape or form wanted to be raising children. So father was pretty useless. We never saw him, only heard from him occasionally, and never knew he was rich. Neither did my real mother, otherwise she never would have divorced him."

"So how does this connect to the foster home?"

"Well...I worked my butt off to get a scholarship to college, I left and vowed never to return to the house again. My mother was relieved to see me go at last, too. So I went off to college, and worked my way through to a college degree. Then my father died and left everything, all the wealth and mansions and stuff we never knew he had, to Jane and I. I still don't understand his reasoning for it. My younger sisters were furious and after we said they weren't getting a penny of it, they refused to speak to us again. My mother instantly tried to become my best friend, but I shoved her back into the mud. Jane and I both wanted to do something useful with the wealth, but it took a couple of failures to realize the best way we could use it. And so now I try and give other children the loving home I never had."

"So you analyze yourself, too, huh?" he asked.

"No, one does not have to be, or go to, a psychologist to know that something was missing from my childhood and I want to give it to other children."

"How do you know how to bring up children if you weren't brought up right yourself?"

"I guess I'll have to say trial and error. How does any mother know how to raise a child if she never had any parents? You learn. You try things and if they don't work, you try other things. I have learned, after so many children in my care, some of the tricks of the trade."

"Do you like what you do?"

"Oh, I love it."

"Are you ever going to get married and have kids of your own?"

"I doubt it. I can't seem to get a date, let alone a husband. The number one turn off for a man is learning that the woman already has eight children."

"Don't you explain to them that they're foster children?"

"It doesn't seem to make a difference."

"Do you want children of your own?"

"I've dreamt of it like any woman has, but I don't think I will. There are too many children without loving families in this world to bring in any more. I'd rather adopt."

"Have you ever adopted any of the foster children that came through?"

"No, not officially. But Storm has been in my care for over five years and Fries has had two very nice offers of adoption that he turned down, so he might be with me for a while. So by default, I might have a few children I can claim to be mine. Have you ever thought of adopting Fries?"

William was surprised by this query. "Me? Adopt Fries?"

"Sure. He'd probably agree to it."

"But I don't know the first thing about raising a child."

"I didn't when I first started."

"I don't think I'd be allowed to anyway. I don't have an income large enough."

"What do you do?"

"Nothing. I live off my insurance and social security."

"Oh, yes, that would be a barrier to your adopting anyone. So what do you do all day if you don't have a job?"

"Nothing. I help around the apartment. I've learned how to cook in the oven, since I can't really reach the stove without burning myself. I keep the place clean- Charles is horribly untidy- and do other odd things."

"Aren't you terribly bored all day?"

William shrugged. "One gets used to the slow life. I did spend ten months in bed. At first it was torture, but after a while, you learn to sleep a lot and twiddle your thumbs."

"You could do things if you wanted."

"Like what?"

"You can always get a job if you were willing. If you don't think you need to, you could volunteer your time. There are plenty of places who could use your help. It just depends on your interest. Humanity, the environment, politics, or the community. Just search around the web for things that interest you and you could get passionate about."

"How do I volunteer there, then?"

"You call up a place and ask them if they could use someone like you. If they say no, that's great, find someone who really needs you."

"What if I end up not liking it?"

"Then try again to find something you will like doing. You could always split your time between two organizations, too. Oh bother! I'm going to be late picking up Carrie from swimming. Do you need help getting home or are you all right here?"

"No, I'll stick around."

"Send my regards to Charles. It was nice chatting with you."

William nodded and then said good bye. He watched Elizabeth walk towards the road and then turned his attention back to the lake.

"Hold still!"

Fries watched silently.

"Whatcha doin'?" asked Rowena.

"What are you doing, not 'whatcha'."

"What are you doin'?"

"Doing. I am braiding Morgana's hair while it's wet so it will dry wavy."

"Cool! Will you do that to me?"

"What do you say?"

"Please?"

"If you take your shower, yes I will."

She took off for the shower, only to find it occupied by Storm.

Rowena came back to Elizabeth, who turned Morgana's head forward. "Stop turning your head," she said for the third time.

"Lizzy, Storm's in the bathroom."

"Well you'll just have to wait your turn."

The evening chaos had only just begun. It was always a big effort to get all the children to go to bed. Forms of bribery usually were required, like braiding hair, reading stories, and promises of activities the next morning. Fries was the easiest child. He rarely ever said anything, never resisted going to bed, and even helped Elizabeth and Jane with some of the young ones. Tonight he just watched. Inside, he felt excited, but he didn't show it. Tomorrow he would be going to visit William.

Fries looked forward to his visits to William. William treated him normal. Like he was an average boy. William was his friend, not his grown up mentor or his social worker, or his foster mother. And tomorrow, he would be going to his first concert. It was a symphony. Elizabeth had taken him shopping to get some nice clothes to wear to it. William had promised good seats. He wanted to get to bed early so he would be rested for it tomorrow evening.

Elizabeth noticed Fries standing off to the side. She smiled at him. Fries walked over to her. Despite the noise from the other children, Elizabeth asked him quietly, "Are you all ready for bed?"

He nodded.

"Give Jane and I a kiss and go off to bed."

Fries leaned down and kissed Elizabeth's cheek. Elizabeth dropped a piece of Morgana's hair to wrap it around Fries' waist. "I love you," she said and kissed him on his cheek.

Fries smiled at her. "Love you, too."

"Go on. Get a good night's sleep. I'll come in later to tuck you in."

Fries went off to find Jane, while Elizabeth turned her attention to Morgana's long brown hair.

Storm came out of the shower and Rowena eagerly took her turn in the bathroom.

Elizabeth heard shouts in one of the rooms. She handed Morgana two pieces of hair to hold onto while she went to investigate the noise. In Robin's room, she found he and Harry in a deathlock.

"Stop it, you two! This instant!"

"He took Chewie!"

"I did not! Let go!"

Elizabeth pried the two young boys apart. She roughly sat Robin on his bed and Harry on the deskchair. "What is going on?" she asked.

"Robin took Chewie," Harry accused.

"I did not! I haven't seen Chewbaca since yesterday."

"That's cuz you have it."

"Do not!"

"Do too!"

"Stop it. Harry, have you looked everywhere for him? Is he down the side of your bed, in the play room, out in the garden?"

"I don't know," he whined.

"You should not assume Robin has taken Chewbaca. Go and look for him. No, actually, I want you to go to bed right now."

"But what about Chewie?"

"We can find him in the morning. Go on. Now."

Harry opened his mouth to protest again, but the look on Elizabeth's stern face stopped him. He pouted and left Robin's room.

Elizabeth turned to Robin. "Robin, did you take Chewie?"

"No, Beth, I didn't. Honest!"

"All right. But I want you to help Harry look for him in the morning. Now have you brushed your teeth? Have you washed your face? Okay, then. Into bed."

Elizabeth tucked him in and kissed him goodnight.

"Lizzy!!" Elizabeth heard Morgana calling. Remembering she had left the girl holding her half-finished hair, Elizabeth hurried back to Morgana's room.

William looked into the mirror putting on his tie. Charles crouched at his feet putting on his socks and shoes. "What are you going to see again?"

"It's Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. I thought I would take him to something he would be sure to like."

Charles laughed. "I don't think there's much chance of him falling asleep at the end of that one!"

William grinned, smoothing the tie and tightening it.

"You really like this lad, don't you?"

"You're only just realizing this?"

"Why are you so attached to him?"

"I can't explain it. It's so exhilarating to have him look up to me like he does. And at the same time, I can laugh at things with him like I would with you. He's so special. I feel silly, but I can't explain it."

"Don't feel silly. I think it's incredible."

"Are you ready to go?"

"Sure."

"Thanks for driving me."

"Are you kidding? It's no skin off my back! I get to spend the evening with Jane. I don't understand why you don't go out more often. You used to always go out."

"Exactly. I used to."

"So why don't you still go out more? I don't mind taking you places if that's what's stopping you."

"It's not that."

"So what is it?"

William stopped and faced him, bitterness in his face. "You want to know? Well before the accident everyone flocked around me, I was fine, I had friends, I had dates, I had a life. But when they found out I was crippled, I wasn't good enough for them. Remember Caroline? How she practically stalked me and would never leave me alone? I haven't heard from her since the accident. My condition has put everything into perspective. William Darcy the man was popular and happy, William Darcy the cripple is shunned and disdained."

"Good grief! You have got to do some soul searching! So what if they don't like you anymore? Move on. This is a perfect opportunity to find out who sees you for who you really are."

"Well, you and Fries are the only ones I have found."

"Come on! What about Jane? And Elizabeth?"

"They're different."

"How so?"

"They didn't know me as a healthy man."

"So? Neither did Fries. You're never going to make this into a solid argument. Anyway, we're going to be late. Let's argue in the car."

Once in the car, William didn't say anything. Charles left him to himself until they pulled up to the Bennet's mansion. Before getting out, Charles turned to William and said, "I think you're being an absolute fool. How are you going to lead a happy life if you're constantly letting this handicap defeat you? So what if your old acquaintances have shunned you. The rest of us are here now, and you're the only one who loses by pushing them away."

William refused to reply.

"And brighten up. This is a special night for Fries, remember."

"Don't go advising me about Fries."

"Whatever," replied Charles, getting out, realizing William was in a foul mood with him.

Charles went up to the front door and knocked. A minute later, William saw Elizabeth open the door. She smiled and greeted Charles, then went inside to reappear a couple of minutes later with Fries who was impeccably dressed in a suit. Elizabeth followed Charles and Fries to the car. As Fries got in, she said to William, "Thank you so much for taking Fries. Have a pleasant evening, and I will see you later on tonight."

She backed away and waved as the car pulled away from the mansion.

On the way to the concert hall, Charles did most of the talking since neither William nor Fries was inclined to talk. Half an hour later, they pulled up in front of the concert hall. Charles retrieved the wheelchair from the boot and set it down on the curb. Then he helped William into it while Fries stared in wonder around him at all the people and splendor of the night.

When William was situated, Charles said a cheery goodbye and drove back to the Bennet's mansion. William guided Fries into the luxurious foyer. The carving on the walls was so ornate it was nearly OTT. (over the top). A grand staircase swept upwards in front of them. People milled about in fine dress. Fries just gazed at everything in awe as he clutched onto William's wheelchair to keep from being separated. William couldn't help but smile at the boy's reaction. He moved forward and gave their tickets to the man standing there. He directed them up the stairs and to the right. William just calmly stared at him and said, "Is there some... alternative route I could take?"

The man flustered and stammered, "Oh, of course. Hold on one moment and I will fetch you some assistance."

A minute later an usher appeared to take them to an elevator. They moved out of the elevator when it had stopped and the usher guided them to a place where Fries could sit next to William.

While they waited for the concert to begin, William had Fries read the program to him, explaining words and terms he didn't know.

"William Darcy?!"

William turned to the speaker, and recognized Marcia Wilson. He had thought her a good friend before his accident. She had sent some flowers to the hospital, and that was the last he'd heard of her.

"Miss Wilson," he acknowledged coldly.

She laughed. "Oh no, dear. I'm Mrs. Kilpatrick now."

"Congratulations."

"How are you? I haven't seen you in ages."

"I'm well."

"It was really too bad about your accident."

William didn't reply.

"William," came a small voice and a tug at his elbow.

William looked back to Fries, who pointed to something in the program he didn't understand.

"In a minute," he replied quietly.

"Who's this?" asked Marcia.

"This is Fries, my protégé and best friend."

Fries peered cautiously round William's shoulder.

"Fries? What a funny name!" she laughed.

The lights dimmed signifying the beginning of the concert.

"I must go and find my husband. We must do lunch some time soon! Goodbye."

Within seconds, she was gone. William turned to face the stage, trying to keep the bitterness from showing in his face. Fries tentatively looked up at him. William smiled at him. "I'm sorry. Where were we?"

Soon the concert began. Fries eagerly watched the orchestra. The concert gave William time to think about what Charles had said earlier that evening. He thought about how miserable he tended to be these days. Maybe Charles was right. He should stop moping around the house and find something productive to do. Hadn't that been what Elizabeth advised him to do?

Through the whole concert, William sat and thought things through, making resolutions and plans. He decided to take Elizabeth's advice in working for some charitable organization. Problem was, there were too many to choose from. He would have to sift through them and find the right one for him.

By the last movement, William had sorted his life out. He mentally apologized to Beethoven for ignoring the music while he did so. But of course he paid attention to the last movement. Who couldn't? Fries, to William's surprise, hadn't fallen asleep in the concert. On the contrary, he had eagerly watched everything with keen eyes, listening to the myriad of sounds blending to make the symphony.

When the grand piece concluded, Fries joined the audience in clapping enthusiastically. His hands soon tired, though. They waited until nearly everyone else had left before moving to the elevator. They went outside and waited for Charles to arrive on the busy main street, now filled with concert-goers.

"Did you like the concert," asked William.

Fries nodded eagerly, not resisting a smile. This made William smile. He was always happy when he could make Fries happy.

Soon, Charles pulled up and helped William into the car. On the drive home, Charles talked about what he and Jane had done. Fries just stared out of the window. William tried harder to be pleasant.

When they reached the Bennet mansion, Elizabeth and Jane came outside to greet them. Elizabeth hugged Fries. "Did you have a good time?" she asked.

Fries nodded.

"Come inside and tell me all about it. Mr. Darcy, Charles, won't you come in for a cup of tea or coffee?"

Charles smiled and said, "Of course. We'll be there in a minute."

The other three went inside, leaving the door ajar. Charles got the wheelchair out and helped William into it.

"Why did you say we'd go in? It's too much hassle to move me about."

"Nonsense. You've never been inside their house. It's delightful and you might actually enjoy it. Besides, I wanted to. You're welcome to sit out here in the car if you want."

William remembered his recent resolutions and stopped complaining. Besides, he felt like he was becoming a crotchety old man.

Charles helped him up the steps into the house until William was able to move about on his own. He followed Charles slowly into the kitchen, taking a moment to look around him at the lovely house. It wasn't like what he expected. He didn't know what he had expected. Something snobbier? Something less nice?

He finally came into the kitchen to see Elizabeth putting a kettle on the stove, Jane sitting with Charles and Fries at the table, and a third girl standing chattering to Elizabeth about someone named Rob.

Elizabeth saw him at the door, and said, "Fries, won't you introduce Mr. Darcy to your sister?"

Fries stood and walked over formally, looking quite the charming gentleman in his suit. "William, this is my sister, Storm. Storm, this is my best friend, William Darcy."

Storm flashed a smile. "It's great to finally meet you, Mr. Darcy. I've heard about you for so many years!"

William smiled and shook her proffered hand. "I do believe Fries has told me all about several of your escapades. And please, call me William."

"He has, has he?" she said, mock glaring at Fries. "I thought he barely talked to people. But I suppose all those secrets he keeps must go somewhere."

Fries grinned impetuously at him. He knew he was Storm's favourite brother.

Elizabeth led them over to the table, and moved aside a chair so that William would have a place. They sat there for over an hour, drinking tea and eating biscuits while they first listened to Fries' brief description of the evening, and then they discussed other topics of interest.

Finally, Elizabeth said they should all head off to bed. Fries said goodbye and then Elizabeth sent him upstairs to go to bed. Charles helped William out to the car and then said goodbye to Jane.

The two sisters stood together watching the car leave the drive.

Chapter 5

William acted on his resolutions the very next day, searching the internet for an organization he could join and work for. He found one he liked and that he felt would use his expertise and knowledge. He called up the local office and asked if they could use his help, explaining his background and current situation. The man seemed unsure, and put William through to the head of the local office. William explained himself to her, and she expressed an interest in meeting him. William said he could go down there that afternoon, and they set up a time for him to meet her.

William hung up feeling better about himself than he had in a very long time. He was excited about the prospect of working there- hoping to do good for the world. Well, it was a lofty goal, but one that made him feel proud of doing the work.

The problem was finding out how to get there. Charles was at work, and William had never tried going out alone. With difficulty, he managed to change into some business clothes. He had the most trouble with putting his pants on. He succeeded somehow. Next, he looked up the nearest train station to his apartment and to the office. Then he looked up the times and decided he would try to make it there by train.

William set off in plenty of time, and managed to make it all the way to the train station. He got on the train and counted seven stops, then got off. He took the ramp up to the street, and started to his left.

Ten minutes later, William was lost. He was downtown, there were people rushing past him, bumping into him, and he was getting more and more flustered. He managed to get inside a coffee shop and move to the corner of the room, trying to figure out where he went wrong.

He asked a couple sitting at the table next to him where ------ Street was.

"It's on the west side of town."

"What side is this?"

"East."

Oh dear, thought William. Now what do I do? Call Charles.

Charles was away from the office indefinitely. After that, William didn't know whom he could call. He sat there thinking, upset with himself, and letting his spirits quickly plummet. Finally, he thought about calling Jane. She would be kind enough to help him somehow if she could. He called Fries' number, having memorized it years ago.

Elizabeth picked up. "Hello?"

"Hi, this is William. Is Jane there?"

"No, she's out, can I take a message?"

"Um, no."

"Is something wrong?" asked Elizabeth, thinking maybe it had to do with Charles.

William considered telling her for a minute, and then decided she wouldn't laugh, and told her his predicament.

"Oh dear. Well, I would think the best solution is for me to come pick you up in the van. Can you hold on there till I arrive?"

"No, don't come all the way here just for this."

"What else would you propose? You can't just hit the streets cold turkey like that. It takes getting used to for anyone, especially for one hindered by a wheelchair. I'll come and pick you up. I'm afraid I won't be able to bring Fries. He's still at school."

"That's all right. I appreciate this a lot."

"Buy yourself a mocha or something. See you in about half an hour."

William hung up and buried his head in his hands. He couldn't remember when he had been so embarrassed before. He needed this woman to come pick him up like he was a lost child in the city. What she must think! What the lady at the office must be thinking! He'd be over an hour late at this rate. His good day was turning into a very, very bad day.

Forty minutes later, when William was beginning to wonder where she was, Elizabeth's van pulled up to the handicap spot conveniently located in front of the shop. William left the place to meet her.

Elizabeth smiled brightly at him. "Sorry it took me so long. The traffic was worse than I expected."

"It's okay. Thank you for taking a couple of hours out of your busy day."

"Don't mention it. I've brought dinner for a couple of clients to take on my way home, so don't think of it as a complete waste of time. Besides, I'm glad I was able to help. Now, how do we do this? I'm afraid I'm not strong enough to lift you all the way into the van."

"I can lift myself into the seat if you can take care of the chair."

"Fine."

William hoisted himself up into the front seat with his arms. He had developed his arm muscles while being confined to the wheelchair. He instructed Elizabeth how to fold the chair up, and she put it in the back. She got in and started to pull out into traffic.

She laughed a little and said, "I felt this was the first time I could truly justify using a handicap parking spot."

William decided not to take offense, and instead said, "How many times have you parked in one when you couldn't justify it?"

Elizabeth looked at him with amazement. Did he just make a joke? Naw, he couldn't have.

That was a turning point for William. It was like things had gotten so low, he could go nowhere but up from there. He decided not to be embarrassed about his condition. He decided to lighten up. And he decided to become more independent.

Elizabeth dropped him off at the office and William went up to the thirtieth floor. He apologized profusely to the lady, but she was remarkably kind and understanding. They talked for half an hour, before William got up the guts to ask her if they could use him.

She laughed. "Of course, we can! You were hired five minutes after you showed up! We could certainly use someone of your expertise. I'm afraid we're tight for space here, though. I won't be able to give you an office."

"Would it be feasible for me to work out of my home?"

She thought about it. "Yes, I suppose you could. But I would like you to come here for a couple of weeks to see how we work, to learn the ropes."

"Of course."

"If you need assistance getting to work, I might be able to see if someone can bring you in. A car pool of sorts."

"I would like to learn how to manage public transportation, if you don't mind excusing my tardiness if things go wrong again."

"That's quite all right. I admire your courage for trying again. The train schedules are absolutely atrocious! If you're not careful, you could find yourself in the countryside. Well, I'm so pleased you will be joining us Mr. Darcy. You've answered a few of our prayers. Come, why don't I show you around the office now?"

William spent the rest of the day, looking around, and familiarizing himself with people and systems. At five, he left and by some miracle, managed to find his way back to his apartment.

When he returned, Charles was there, frantic with worry. "Where have you been?" he demanded.

William explained. Charles scolded him for going out without his assistance.

"You're the one who said not to let my handicap defeat me. So I decided to become more independent. I dressed myself this morning, too."

"All right, if you're sure. But don't hesitate to call on me for help."

The following day, Charles went with him on the trains to show him where to go. William arrived at the office on time, and was quickly introduced to the staff. He spent the day looking around and going through some of the files they had lying around. He talked with several of the other workers and began to get an assessment on the organization. He brought papers home with him to read over for the following day. By the second week, he had gained enough confidence to start advising changes and alterations in their plan of action.

William stayed with the organization, happy with his resolve and with his work. It gave him something to occupy his time, it gave him a feeling of self-worth, and it gave him a venue to reach out to the world somehow. Time passed faster than it had ever done before....

2 Years Later

"Good evening, Elizabeth."

"Good evening, William. I'll be back to pick up Fries at 5."

"Won't you come in and have a drink or something?"

Elizabeth hesitated, then agreed. He had never asked her in before.

Fries went to get some drinks without being asked. He had adopted William's home as his second home long ago.

Elizabeth sat down at the table. "How is your new position coming along?"

"Excellent. I feel like I'm doing some good, like I'm actually needed and not just a surplus."

"That's great. Do you enjoy it?"

"Very much. It's challenging and rewarding."

"Are you getting paid for your work?"

"No, I declined wages. I don't need them. What I would be getting paid is going into a trust fund for the organization to use later I suppose."

Fries placed glasses on the table and poured juice into them. There was a slight pause before William asked, "How are things going in the big house?"

Elizabeth couldn't help laughing. "Things are hectic as usual. Since it's near the end of the school year, all the children are getting restless. Storm has exams she's studying for. Or at least I assume it's studying. I have a couple looking to adopt one, but I'm not yet sure if I'll agree to it."

"Why wouldn't you?"

"I'm extremely picky about who adopts my children."

"Some would say beggars can't be choosy."

"Except we're not beggars. The fit has to be right. I'm not sending a child off when there's a risk they could be hurt somehow. And that isn't just covering abuse. I also mean if there is a chance that the child won't be loved enough."

William turned to Fries. "What have you been up to?"

He shrugged.

Elizabeth gave Fries a look. He grinned impishly back. "Been playing."

"Piano?"

He nodded. "Bit of guitar, too."

"Where'd you pick up a guitar?"

"School. Teacher has one."

"How are you doing with your lessons?"

Fries shrugged.

Elizabeth answered, "He's doing excellently."

"As I would expect from my boy," replied William, ruffling his hair.

"What are you two going to do today," asked Elizabeth.

"I thought we'd take a trip into the city. I'm sure there's some museum or gallery he hasn't been to."

"Good luck," she replied, laughing.

"Anyway, it's up to him. Why don't you go online and look up something to do?"

Fried went into William's office, leaving the two adults.

Elizabeth stood up to leave. "Thanks for the drink. I'll leave you two to your adventures then."

William followed her to the door. He paused there, wiping his sweaty hands nervously on his trousers and said, "Would you like to go out with me next Friday night?"

"Fries and I?"

"Um, no, just the two of us. It's okay if you don't want to, I understand."

"What did you have in mind?"

"Well, the university is putting on Gilbert and Sullivan's Pirates of Penzance, so I thought we could maybe go out to dinner and then see it." Unconsciously he ran his hands through his hair. He couldn't remember when he'd felt this nervous.

"That sounds nice. I'll just have to make sure Jane can stay home then."

"Shall I call you on Thursday?"

"Sure."

"Okay. Well, um, I'll see you at five?"

Elizabeth nodded, tucking her hair behind her ears again. "Have fun," she said, and left.

William heaved a huge sigh of relief when he closed the door.

"So?"

William spun around, startled.

"So what?"

"What did she say?"

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Of course you do. William, I'm not a child anymore. I'm twelve. I'm also quick on the computer. I found something to do."

"That's good. Where do you have in mind?"

"First tell me what she said."

"She said yes."

Fries smiled.

"I don't know why you're smiling," replied William grumpily. "Most kids are resentful of other men dating their mothers."

"But you're not just any man and she's not just any mother. It certainly took you long enough to ask her, Geez."

"You're remarkably straightforward today!"

Fries just gave him a significant look. "Come on. We don't have long today."

"Where are we going?"

"I found out there's some Shakespeare in the park going on in Forest Meadows. How's that?"

"Sounds great. You want to pack a picnic?"

"Can you get me a blanket? I'm not sitting in your lap anymore. It's highly undignified for a boy my age."

William kept a straight face and went to fetch an old blanket from the closet while Fries packed a picnic lunch.

During the intermission of The Merry Wives of Windsor, Fries asked William, "What are you going to do with Elizabeth?"

"Dinner and a musical."

"Rather prosaic, don't you think?"

William stared at the lad. "And since when have you become an expert on dating?"

"Oh, so it is a date!"

"No. We're friends and I'm taking her out."

"And since when have you taken Elizabeth out as a friend, or at all?" He didn't wait for an answer. "You better be careful with her."

"I can not believe I'm hearing this. You know me better than anyone. What do you think I'm going to do? Besides, it's none of your business."

"Wrong. It is my business. She's my mother. And you're my best friend. And best friends always stick their noses in your business. And sons always look out for their mothers. And you don't know everything. You don't know how fragile Elizabeth is."

William had never heard Fries talk in such a manner. "You're only twelve. What could-"

"William," Fries interrupted. "You've always said I'm really mature for my age. You've never flaunted my age to me before. Why now? I'm telling you you don't know everything. Be careful."

William felt too puzzled and out of his league to continue arguing with him anymore. Besides, the show was starting.

Chapter 6

William confirmed their date on the Thursday, and it was agreed she would pick him up at 5:30. William felt rather embarrassed about her picking him up. It didn't feel right. But there wasn't anything he could do about it. He had let to learn to drive a car without using his feet, and he doubted he ever would.

When he was in the van the following night, Elizabeth asked, "Has Fries been acting odd lately?"

"You mean more odd than usual?"

She nodded.

"A little. Why?"

"I don't know. He just sat there watching me as I got ready to leave."

"You think he's upset about me asking you out?"

"That's the only reason I can think of."

"He's just being protective of you. Which actually surprised me. I didn't expect Fries to act that way."

"Neither did I." After a pause, she asked, "What did he say to you?"

"The usual."

Elizabeth smiled a wry smile. "What is the usual, may I ask?"

"Oh you know, don't break her heart or I'll come after you. That sort of stuff."

Elizabeth laughed. "I take it as a good sign. He's looking out of his own box. Being protective of others is a sign of selflessness."

"You still do it."

"What?"

"You still analyze everyone."

"If it bothers you that much, I'll just shut up."

"I thought you weren't allowed to use those words in your house."

"We're not in my house."

"Hypocrite," William mumbled.

"Have you had some previous issues with psychologists or something?"

"There you go again!"

"What's your problem with it? It's a perfectly natural thing to try to find reasons behind behavioral patterns."

"I guess I like things simple. Take them at face value."

"But you can't always do that. If a child steals a loaf of bread, would you not ask why he is doing it? What if it's out of starvation? Wouldn't that merit a different punishment from a motive of greed?"

"That's different."

"No, it's exactly the same thing."

There was silence for a while. It was tense but not malicious. Finally, William said, "My problem with your analysis... is that you always come very close to the truth. And it's unsettling to have your inner soul exposed so unceremoniously. You haven't had the training of a psychologist to be gentle when you do it. You just state as a matter of fact, instead of being careful with someone else's inner workings."

Elizabeth didn't reply for a couple of minutes. "I'm sorry. I didn't realize."

"I know you didn't. That's why I'm telling you. It's all right for you to delve into reasons why and how in your mind, but... don't use it as fodder for light conversation."

"Am I that bad?" she asked in a small voice.

"No, but you're close. You have a good heart, so it's not that bad."

They pulled up to the restaurant, parked in a handicapped spot. William handed her the sign to hang from the rearview mirror. Elizabeth got him his wheelchair and held it steady as he hoisted himself into it. Then together they went into the restaurant. Once inside, William was able to get a good look at her. She looked very nice. She wore black sleek trousers and sleeveless, periwinkle blouse with flowers embroidered at the bottom. Her hair was piled on top of her head, a few curls dangling freely.

They were led to a table, and the waiter took away the second chair. Elizabeth sat down in the remaining one. They soon ordered and began to talk once more.

At one point during the meal, William asked, "How come you've never asked how I came to be handicapped?"

"It was never my place to ask."

"Everyone else considered it their place to ask."

"I'm not everyone else."

"I see that. So you've never been curious."

"Well, I have wondered. If you want to tell me, that's fine, but I would never push you to tell me. But I will ask where you went to when you left five years ago."

"Oh, I went to my Aunt Catherine's in the country. She claimed I wasn't getting enough attention there, so she had me moved there."

"Didn't you have a choice?"

"Not really. I wasn't in any condition to say no."

"Still, that's rather mean."

"As soon as I was able to move about on my own fairly easily, I moved back here."

"Why did you move back here? Couldn't you have gone anywhere?"

"No. I needed someone to live with. I couldn't live on my own. So Charles was good enough to take me in and he lived here."

"So you didn't move back because of Fries?"

"I admit he may have subconsciously affected my decision, but I had no idea he would even remember me."

"It never ceases to amaze me how attached the two of you are. It defies all reason."

William became self-conscious at her words. "Why?"

"I don't know, he's just very different around everyone. Including me."

"No, he's not."

"Yes, he is. He talks a lot more with you. He's more open and forceful with you."

"Do you have any theories in your analytical mind about why?"

"That's what I meant. It defies all reason."

"Oh, I see. If you don't know why, then it defies all reason."

"Of course."

William just shook his head and laughed. They were silent for a minute or two while they ate.

"Do you go often to the University's productions?" Elizabeth asked.

"I try to go to most of them, yes. I just like to support what they're doing. And of course I get a night's entertainment out of them."

"Have they been very good?"

"They are excellent for a University. The music program there is one of the best in the country."

"Don't they use mostly graduate students, though?"

"Yes. The chorus tends to be the undergrads."

"So you like Gilbert and Sullivan?"

"I wouldn't say it's my favourite kind of opera, but yes, I do enjoy it. One has to watch it keeping in mind that it's satire. Otherwise it can seem very corny and overdone. It's rather like the pantomime in that way."

"I shall have to wait and judge for myself. I don't think I've seen any Gilbert and Sullivan, though I am familiar with the music."

William and Elizabeth continued through the pleasant meal to converse on various topics. William tried not to be surprised at how much they did have to talk about. He felt rather ashamed that he didn't expect it. Elizabeth was a wonderful person, and he should have seen it before. But for some reason he hadn't. He enjoyed talking to her. More than anyone else he had met. Even Charles was more fun to be around than to talk to. And Fries wasn't one prone to talking. Apparently Fries talked more around him than anyone else. He couldn't help but be flattered. He still couldn't fathom why Fries and he got on so well. If William had to leave, he would seriously consider taking Fries with him. But he knew he wasn't going anywhere. He had a nice, rewarding job to occupy him, he had a pleasant flatmate, and a staunch friend and companion in Fries. He never stopped to wonder why a twelve-year-old boy was his closest friend besides Charles.

They had lost track of the time and were a little late to the performance. The overture had already begun when they sat down in their seats. A minute later, the curtains rose and Pirates of Penzance flooded the stage in boisterous bravado and raucous singing. Seeing the look of intrigue and delight on Elizabeth's face, William sat back in his wheelchair and enjoyed the show. He had been a little apprehensive that Elizabeth wouldn't like this kind of entertainment. He should have known better. He also should have asked Fries for an opinion. ...Maybe his friend could be more useful in the future.

During "When a Felon's Not Engaged in His Employment", one of William's favourite songs, Elizabeth's pager started to vibrate. She took it from her pocket and glanced at the illuminated message. Swearing softly, she looked over at William.

William could see it was something really important. He nodded and she got out of her seat. She didn't have to worry about disturbing anyone since they were sitting at the end of the row where there was a space for wheelchairs. She walked up the aisle hurriedly and William followed at a slower pace as it was difficult to roll the wheelchair uphill.

In the lobby, Elizabeth found a payphone, and dialed the number.

"Hello? This is Elizabeth Bennet."

William waited patiently.

"Can't you see I'm actually out of the house for once? This is the first time I've taken a break from the children since... since... well I don't remember when was the last time! ... Okay. Yes, I understand. ... I know, I know! You don't have to give me the lecture again. ... Don't give me that crap! I was watching an opera and you interrupted my evening out!"

There was a much longer silence. Elizabeth leaned against the wall, and covered her face with her hand. In a tired, strained voice she asked, "How bad is it? ... Where shall I pick her up? ... Yes, I have room. ...I'll have to bring my date with me. ...I drove. ...It's none of your business. I'll be there as soon as I can and... just... just don't tell her anything, will you? I don't know how many times you've messed up! Bye."

Elizabeth slammed the phone down and turned away from William to curse viciously, her hands clenched into fists. She took a deep breath and then without turning around, she said, "Do you mind leaving? I suppose I could leave you here and have Jane pick you up."

"I'll come," was William's simple reply.

They left the opera house and made their way to the van, parked conveniently nearby in the handicapped space. Elizabeth stowed the wheelchair in the back and then got in, slamming her door unnecessarily.

At least five minutes passed before Elizabeth broke the uneasy silence. She appeared calmer when she said, "I'm really sorry about this. I rarely get emergency calls, but it's just my luck that I'd get one tonight."

"Don't worry about it. It just means we'll have to go out again some other time."

Elizabeth smiled slightly. "It'll be a while before I can go out at night. Usually when I have a new foster child, I stay at home just in case." She paused, then shyly said, "At least it'll give me something to look forward to."

William couldn't help smiling. He reached over and took one of her hands, giving it an affectionate squeeze. Elizabeth smiled in return, and let him hold her hand. It was reassuring when she needed the reassurance. She hated getting new cases. They were always so emotionally difficult to handle. And Elizabeth's short temper when dealing with child neglectors and abusers was always a challenge to control.

After another five minutes, Elizabeth pulled her hand away to use it to drive. "The child is a girl; nine years old. Her mother wasn't feeding her and the authorities found her in a room filled with garbage and her own feces. She has the usual difficulties: not speaking, malnourished, probably not schooled, and most likely won't trust grown-ups for a while. It is my job to help her overcome these difficulties with as much ease as possible. I'm thinking that it would be wiser to bring you in with me and introduce you to her right away. I think it a better idea than leaving you here and surprising her when I need to coax her to trust me enough to get in the car."

"Will she react to me the same way Fries did?"

"Good question. I don't think so. Fries had different problems. His foster father beat him, so he didn't have as big a problem with trusting women like me than trusting men. That's why he felt all right around you. You didn't present a danger. From what I hear, this girl has been neglected, and I'm guessing is pushing everyone away from her. It's a defense mechanism. Push them away and you won't get hurt." She paused to think for a minute. "I just need you to be kind, not pushy, and let me do most of the talking. You're going to see me do my very odd first-contact act. Don't question what I do while she's in our company. I'd be happy to explain afterwards."

William nodded. This was a totally different side to Elizabeth. She was firm; she was the Boss. He was surprised to find it didn't bother him. Usually women acting so bossy irked him. But Elizabeth knew what she was doing. She had done it many times before. And William was glad to see her in action.

Elizabeth pulled into the station, parked the car, and looked at him keenly. In a different, softer tone of voice, she said, "William, I'm so sorry you have to see this. I should have gotten Jane to pick you up."

"No, no. It's fine Elizabeth, really." He could see she wasn't convinced. "Elizabeth," he said again. She looked at him. "It's fine," he said firmly, holding her eyes with his. He took her hand again. "Don't worry about me. I'll follow your lead. I'll enjoy watching you take another helpless child under your wing with so much love it'll make me jealous. I'll support what you're doing in thought and action. And hopefully I will be able to watch you turn this child into a strong young woman with a happy future ahead of her." He gave her hand a squeeze again. "Don't worry about me," he repeated.

Elizabeth smiled a quivering smile.

"Now let's go and collect this child from the hands of the clumsy Keystone Cops."

Elizabeth laughed and said as she got the wheelchair out, "They do actually have police specially trained to handle traumatized children, you know."

"Huh," grunted William as he hoisted himself into the wheelchair. "Amateurs compared to you."

"You flatter me, Milord," she cooed, as she went in.

William gave her a dashing smile and then followed her inside.

Elizabeth went into the station nodded to the man at the desk. He pointed her to a nearby office. The social worker Elizabeth had talked to on the phone stood outside of the office, waiting for her. When she walked up, he looked at her from top to bottom in a manner that made William bristle and Elizabeth sneer in disgust.

"My, my, my. Don't we look hot tonight!"

"I may look hot, as you so charmingly put it, but you sure don't." She eyed his significantly rumpled clothes.

A nasty look passed over his face.

"Your work is done. Run along," said Elizabeth, in a patronizing manner.

She knocked and walked in, William on her heels. Inside, there was an officer and a young girl. Elizabeth signed some documents and then looked at the girl.

The child was tiny. Elizabeth never would have guessed she was nine years old. There was barely anything but skin covering her fragile bones. Her eyes were hollow and seemed to take up most of her face. Her skin was pale and sallow. Her hair was thin and lank, cut messily at chin-length. Her clothes were obviously police station clothes. Ill-fitting and mismatching. She sat on the chair in the corner, sucking her thumb and staring at the newcomers, her legs dangling lifelessly as her feet didn't reach the floor.

When the policewoman had left the office, Elizabeth crouched down and smiled. "Hi, my name's Elizabeth and this is William. You can call me anything you like. Liz, Beth, Lizzie, I don't mind. As soon as you're ready, you can choose your own name! All the children who come to live with me get to pick what name they will be called. Now, we need to get home to feed you and put you to bed. I'll bet you're tired from tonight's excitement. Do you want me to carry you, or do you want to walk?"

Elizabeth expected the girl to either refuse to budge, or to walk. Instead, the child raised the arm that wasn't used in her thumb-sucking, begging to be picked up.

Elizabeth reached out and lifted the girl onto her hip. The girl wrapped her free arm around Elizabeth's neck, and rested her head on Elizabeth's shoulder.

Elizabeth stood, and while holding the child tightly in her arms, looked at William with surprise evident in her face. William's own face was tender and kind, more so than Elizabeth remembered seeing before, except when he was with Fries. Maybe he did have a soft spot for children.

William led the way out to the van. He waited as Elizabeth gently sat the girl down in the front seat, and buckled the seatbelt around her. Then Elizabeth turned her attention to helping William in.

On the way home, Elizabeth gaily chatted about the home and all the other children, occasionally looking to William for verification or his opinion. Finally, they reached the Bennet's mansion.

Elizabeth helped William out first, and when he was settled in his chair, Elizabeth crouched down at his knees and said in a low voice, "William, this may seem rather presumptuous and forward... but would you mind staying here for the night? I really don't feel good about leaving even for a forty-five minutes to take you home."

"No, I don't mind staying here at all," replied William, trying his very best not to sound too eager or pleased.

Elizabeth picked up the girl and William closed the van doors. He followed as far as he could to the door, managing somehow to get over the bumpy threshold. After closing the front door, he decided he had better settle down and wait until Elizabeth was quite through with taking care of the little girl. He had no idea where to go and even then, doubted he could get there on his own due to the many stairs about the place.

Elizabeth, meanwhile, had carried the girl upstairs to one of the empty bedrooms on the girls' hall. She laid the girl down and fetched one of her own big shirts to act as a temporary nightgown. Elizabeth undressed her, and tucked her into bed.

Elizabeth had intended to feed her first thing when they reached the mansion, but the child was nearly asleep anyway, so Elizabeth decided it was best to wait a few more hours.

She leaned down and kissed her good night. She turned on the nightlight, and closed the door. Elizabeth descended the stairs and found William still waiting by the front door.

"Oh, William, I'm so sorry. I should have told you where to go."

"It's all right. I understand you needed to take care of the girl. How is she?"

"Out cold."

"Has she spoken yet?"

"No, but that's not unusual. Come on, let me show you where the guest bedroom is."

"Will I be able to get there?"

She looked at him. After a pause, "Oh."

William raised his eyebrows. Did the fact that he was in a wheelchair really never cross her mind?

"Yeah, yeah I think so."

"Lead the way."

Elizabeth led him across the spacious living room down a hall, past what he saw to be the laundry room. She pointed to the next door and said, "That's the bathroom, and this is the bedroom."

She opened the door and showed him into a very nice, neat bedroom.

"We don't use it that much. Every now and then, we'll have prospective adoptive parents who need a place to stay."

"It's very pleasant indeed."

"Well, everything you need should be here. If you happen to need anything else... um, I guess you could reach me by using the telephone. This is a different line from our usual one. So you could just call here and I'll pick it up. I'm used to calls in the middle of the night. I'm a light sleeper."

She was babbling uncharacteristically. She laughed hesitantly. "Hmm, well, I'll let you get to sleep then."

She blushed a deep crimson, turned away, and began to walk out of the room.

"Thank you," said William. "And good night."

"Good night," she said as she walked down the hall.

The following morning, Elizabeth went into Fries' room after checking on the new girl. Elizabeth shook him awake.

"What?" he mumbled, still half asleep.

"Guess who's downstairs in the guest room."

"Who? New parents? I told you I don't want to go anywhere else."

"No, not new parents."

He was silent a while, scrubbing the sleep out of his eyes. Finally, he said, "I give up. Who?"

"William!"

"William? You mean you slept with him?!"

Elizabeth was more shocked than she could ever remember being before. She stared at him for a second and then as she saw him about to say more, her hand shot out and covered his mouth rather roughly. She leaned forward on the bed, putting her face close to his. Fries' eyes were wide with fear.

In a dangerously low voice, Elizabeth said, "I don't know where you would know about that sort of thing considering your age and your usual character, but I will have you understand that despite what you have heard or read, I would never do such a thing. Not only am I a woman willing to wait until I am married to sleep with someone, you, of all people, should know that William is an honorable gentleman who would never take advantage of a woman."

She paused.

"I received an emergency call last night during the opera and had to go to the station to pick up a new foster child. William was with me since I had driven him. I was not willing to leave the child here long enough to take him home, and so he agreed to stay in the guest room."

She paused again.

"I want you to go downstairs... greet William... and ask him this exact question. 'Where do babies come from?' And if he says to ask the question of anyone else, I want you to say I told you to ask him. ... And I want you to sit there and listen to him. Understand?"

Fries nodded, his eyes still wide open.

Elizabeth released her hand from its grip on his face, and walked out of the room, closing the door firmly behind her.

It was a very meek and humble Fries who walked down the stairs that morning to see William. He dreaded asking the question, but knew he would suffer worse consequences if he didn't ask it.

He knocked on the guest room door and opened it upon command. He saw William up and sitting at the window watching some of the early risers playing in the back garden.

"Hello," William said, happy to see Fries.

"Hi."

William noticed Fries' rather down-turned attitude. "What's wrong?"

Fries threw himself on the bed and sighed a deep sigh. "I pissed off Elizabeth big time this morning."

"Really? How did you manage that?"

Fries didn't want to say how. "I just made a really bad comment. I shouldn't have said it really, but she had woken me up and I wasn't thinking straight."

"What did you say?" asked William, curious about what could make Elizabeth so angry.

"I don't want to tell you. It's really embarrassing."

"All right."

"She was more mad than I've ever seen her before."

"Well, it's not like she'll ever stop loving you. Did you apologize?"

"I didn't get a chance to. She left."

"Well apologize to her the next chance you get."

"I will."

There was a long pause. Fries had intended to ask William about the previous night, but that was before he had been given the Herculean task of asking this ridiculous question.

He decided to bite the bullet. "William, can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

Without making eye contact, Fries asked, "Where do babies come from?"

"Excuse me?" said a stunned William.

"Where do babies come from?"

"That's what I thought you said. Well, that's a really good question, and one I thought you would have known the answer to by now. Actually... I think Elizabeth is a better one to answer it."

"She said to ask you."

"She did, did she?"

Fries nodded, still not making eye contact.

"Well..."

Fries endured a good thirty minutes of the embarrassing lecture, too humbled to inform William that he knew. It was no less torturous to William, who found himself playing a father figure to a boy he was used to seeing as his friend. Finally, when William seemed to have ceased talking, Fries suggested they go eat breakfast.

Charles was coming over for dinner, so William decided to stay at the Bennets' until Charles could take him home. William and Fries soon recovered from the morning's ordeal, and spent the rest of the day together talking, playing music, or playing games.

Elizabeth spent most of her time with the new girl. Feeding her a little at a time, and showing her around the big house, introducing her to the other children.

Jane was busy as usual keeping an eye on the children and cooking meals.

Dinner was the usual huge affair with all of the children and Charles, William, and Jane sitting around the table. Elizabeth was still with the new girl, who had yet to speak a syllable or to take her thumb out of her mouth.

After dinner, Charles and William decided to go home. Elizabeth left her new charge for a few minutes to say goodbye.

Aside from everyone else, Elizabeth and William said good night. "Again, I'm sorry last night was ruined. I enjoyed it anyway."

"So did I. Would you like to go out with me again sometime?"

Elizabeth smiled shyly. "Yes, but not for three weeks at least."

"I understand. Well, good luck with the new girl."

"Thank you."

"Good night."

"Good night," she replied, and returned to the new girl's room.

Continued In Next Section