HOME AGAIN, HOME AGAIN

Part 4

By Meloira

Vicky and Jake had opted for an intimate christening. Beside themselves and the boys, Michael, Donna, Nick and Cindy had been the few allowed to attend. The party afterward however was a much larger affair. Jake had seen fit to invite nearly every soul in Bay City and almost all of them had taken him up on the offer of free food and a good time.

Carl watched the throng from the second floor nursery window. He had volunteered to change the baby just before the first guests arrived and the two of them had yet to make an appearance.

"Carl?" At the soft whisper of is name, Carl turned to see Vicky standing in the doorway. "Everyone is wondering where we’re hiding the baby." Vicky smiled what Carl had always thought of as her special smile—one reserved for those she loved most.

"I know I should’ve brought the little angel down ages ago, but for some reason I felt the need to wait."

Vicky walked across the room and gave him a quick hug. "I guess it is a little overwhelming, huh?" She whispered in his ear. Carl chuckled.

"Overwhelming doesn’t begin to cover it. Look at them Vic." Carl pulled away from her and gestured out the window. "So many of those faces are as familiar to me as my own, and yet, they are all strangers to me. I feel like an interloper again. But then, I suppose I should be accustomed to that by now. I’ve been the outsider for as long as I can remember. Perhaps my being the child’s godfather was the wrong choice Victoria."

Vicky wanted to strangle the upright citizens of Bay City for treating this man so cruelly. They would never realize the hell they’d put him through.

"Hey, stop that." Vicky tugged on his hair to get his attentions. "Have I told you yet how much I like your hair this way? Not too long, not too short. It suits you; makes you look rather roguish. In fact, you’re looking pretty damn good for an old man. Maybe I married the wrong man." She watched as Carl’s cheeks reddened. "Ah, I made the great Carl Hutchins blush."

"If I’d been a few years younger…Jake would have had a fight on his hands." He looked down at the crowd. "I suppose we should go down now. I see the Cory’s have arrived."

"Did Amanda come?" Vicky nudged him out of her way. "Damn! Little Miss Debutante is on the premises. Of all the nerve to show up her after all the trouble she gave us. You know Carl, I’ve come to understand why those people nearly drove you mad."

"Calm yourself Vic. Remember, you still have to live with ‘those people.’ Now, shall the guest of honor and I show our faces?" The person in question chose that moment to stir from her nap. "There she is now. Ah, my little one, waking up at last are we? It seems that the thundering herd downstairs is beginning to demand your presence." Carl gingerly picked up the baby.

"You never cease to amaze me Carl. Who knew you could change a diaper? If only they could see you now." Vicky couldn’t help but stare at the sight of Carl and her daughter. Sometimes he reminded her of Ryan…

"Oh, the diaper thing? That was pure instinct. It’s been years since I’ve done it. Unfortunately, I’ve never gotten to do this with my Norie."

"Right, I’d nearly forgotten about the adoption. Is Norie short for something?"

"Elinor." Carl shifted the baby in his arms as she began to fuss. "Elinor soon-to-be Hutchins. She’s been a wonder Vic, a sheer wonder. She makes me realize what I’ve missed."

"Well c’mon, let’s get out of here before they start tearing the house down looking for us. I’ll even let you carry the kid. I think we’re supposed to let Jake do this big introduction or something before you come out. That man I married." Vicky shook her head in wonder.

Leaving the nursery, they headed down the cottage stairs and walked into the kitchen. They could hear Jake’s voice booming from the backyard. Just then he came through the backdoor and nearly ran into the three of them.

"Vic. Carl. Great. Let’s do this. I’m just dying to see their faces when Carl strolls out with our little bundle of joy."

"Jake," Carl drawled, "I’m beginning to think you only asked me here for the shock value. Do you really think keeping my presence a secret was such a wise thing to do?

"Who cares about wise? Besides, most of ‘em probably wouldn’t have shown up if they’d known. This way we get to slip the high and mighty a micky courtesy of the McKinnons. Ready?"

Vicky watched Carl out the corner of her eye. She couldn’t read his expression. Oh well. "I’m ready."

"So am I. Let’s get this over with."

"Great. Come on Vic." Jake grabbed he wife’s hand and pulled her onto the back porch. In the kitchen, Carl sighed and rolled his eyes. The things he let Vicky talk him in to.

Above the commotion outside, Carl heard Jake’s voice.

"Excuse me everybody." The crowd couldn’t seem to quiet down. "Okay people, listen up!" All noise stopped. "That’s better. Now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for; at least those of you who didn’t show up to mooch off my generosity." Vicky elbowed her husband none too gently. "The newest addition to the McKinnon family has been getting a little beauty rest, not that she needs it, but now she and her godfather have decided to honor us with their presence. Godpoppa, if you please."

Inside, Carl drew a deep breath. "That’s our cue little one." Carl managed to open the door just as Jake finished his spiel.

"Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce you to our little miracle, Bridget Bella McKinnon."

The sun blinded Carl as he stepped outside. He expected to be greeted by oohs and ahs as the crowd saw the baby for the first time, but all that could be heard were muffled exclamations. As he regained his sight, he cast his eyes upon the horde. Most of them were staring at him with wide eyes and slack jaws. Carl’s face broke into a smile as he glanced at his partners in crime.

"You were right Jake. This is priceless."

Just then a commotion broke out amongst the partygoers, as they demanded answers. All Jake and Vicky could do was double over in laughter.

Cindy had been apprehensive all day. She’d thought Jake’s idea of keeping Carl’s return a secret borderline stupidity. But now, seeing the looks on the faces of Bay City’s elite, Cindy thought it was well worth it. She knew everyone was dying to know everything about the man they’d cast out. She also knew they’d have a hard time getting it out of him.

Cindy caught sight of Rachel. She had watched Carl’s former wife closely since the Cory clan had arrived. When Carl had made his appearance, she’d observed Rachel’s behavior. It had not pleased Cindy. Engagement or not, Rachel still felt something for him. Well, Cindy thought, she’ll mess with my father over my dead body.

"Stop looking like you’re going to kill someone, that’s my job." Cindy grinned.

"Well, Big Daddy. How does it feel to bring the party to a screeching halt?" Cindy held out her glass of water.

"Thanks, it is rather hot for September. As for everyone’s reaction, you’d think the devil himself had been holding that child. I’m sure they’re all wondering just how in the world Carl Hutchins managed to bounce back this time. You’d think they expected me to give up and stay in that damn wheelchair. Oh, Vicky has asked us to stay the rest of the day. I told her maybe." Carl finished the glass of water. "So, have you been playing nice with the other children?"

"Of course, don’t I always? As for staying, we’ll see. You know, I don’t think anyone here remembers me. Not a soul has spoken to me yet, but look at ‘em now. They’re staring at me like I’m a two-headed snake. I bet they think we’re married. By the way, did you notice she was here?"

Carl grimaced. "Yes. I’ve decided to let her make the first move."

"Good thinkin’ pops. Speaking of which, incoming." Cindy nodded at a point just behind him. She grabbed his shoulders to keep him from turning. "Don’t disgrace yourself by looking. Never let them see you look."

"Is it Rachel?" His voice was a whisper.

"Yep, and does she have a look in her eye. Maybe I should go."

Carl placed his hands on her waist. "Oh no you don’t young lady. You’re facing this one with me."

The tone of his voice brooked no argument, so Cindy braced herself for the oncoming storm.

Carl’s appearance both surprised and pleased Amanda. When she’d seen him that morning, she hadn’t even thought he could be in Bay City for the christening. Actually, she hadn’t been able to think much at all since it had happened so fast. She hadn’t even been able to thank him.

Then, seeing him up there, holding little Bridget, she’d nearly collapsed. Twice in one day he’d robbed her of words. A rare thing indeed.

However, she hadn’t been surprised to see him with that red head. It appeared Carl was back to his old habit of younger woman. But then, the woman didn’t look like a typical hanger-on. Maybe before long there’d be little Hutchins running around. The idea of Carl changing diapers was comical to Amanda.

"Amanda." She felt someone touch her shoulder.

"Hey Mom. Have you seen the baby?"

"No. Not yet." Amanda didn’t like the way Rachel looked.

"Did you see him Amanda?"

"It was kinda hard to miss him Mom."

"He can walk Amanda. I can hardly believe it." Rachel’s voice trembled as she spoke. "They all doubted him. They didn’t believe."

"We didn’t believe Mom. None of us did. Not even you." Rachel averted her eyes. "So, are you going to talk to him?" No answer. "I’ll take that as a yes."

Rachel sighed. "He’ll never approach me Amanda. The way things were between us before his accident…I hurt him. Besides, no matter what, I’ll always feel drawn to him." Before Amanda could stop her, Rachel went to find Carl.

"Bogie at ten o’clock and closing. Prepare for core meltdown gentleman."

"Cynthia, stop." In spite of himself, Carl was laughing. Not a good thing to do when your ex-wife is headed your way.

"Carl." To his credit, Carl did manage to fake his surprise rather well. Still holding Cindy around the waist, he turned to greet Rachel.

"Rachel, what a pleasant surprise. I had wondered if you’d be here." Carl watched as Rachel turned his comments around in her head, searching for hidden barbs, finding none. She was afraid of him again. Or at least, wary of him.

"I was definitely surprised to see you," was her cautious reply. "I had no idea you’d be here. I had no idea you could walk." She raked her eyes over his body as though memorizing it. After all this time, he still looked amazing to her.

"It is rather a surprise isn’t it? Last time I was n Bay City I was flat on my back. I guess it shows what a man can do with a little help from his friends." Carl’s smile was warm. "Might I add Rachel, that time has been kind to you. You’re still as lovely as the last time I saw you."

"Carl? Are you going to…you know?" Cindy tugged his hair to get his attention.

"Sorry darling, nearly forgot. Rachel, it seems introductions are in order." For the first time, Rachel noticed Cindy.

"You look familiar." Rachel’s eyes narrowed as she took in Cindy’s presence. "Have you ever been to Bay City before?"

"I lived here for a few months actually. I worked at the hospital."

"You were a nurse weren’t you?"

"Yes." Cindy squirmed; she had never felt so scrutinized.

"She was one of the finest they had Rachel."

"I’m sure she was." Rachel’s gaze never left Cindy. "You were the one who helped Grant with the bomb. Cindy something-or-other."

"I had no idea what he was up to. I didn’t know." Cindy was beginning to feel uneasy.

"That’s all changed though hasn’t it my love?" Cindy glanced up at Carl, silently begging him to be careful. "Rachel, let me introduce you to…"
"Cynthia Hutchins." Cindy held out her hand, but Rachel ignored it.

"Hutchins." It was a statement rather than a question. Now Rachel gave her full attention to the younger woman. When she looked back at Carl, her lips curled in an uncustomary sneer.

"And to think, I’d believed you’d left behind your life of consorting with criminals. What did you do Carl? Pick up the first pretty young thing that came along? After me, I thought you’d prefer to play with real women."

Cindy felt her father tense. Please let him bow out gracefully Lord, she silently prayed. Please, I’ve been a good girl.

Carl finally breathed. Then Cindy spied his Cheshire smile. "Actually Rachel, Cynthia is my daughter."

Rachel’s jaw dropped. Cindy fought her urge to laugh out loud at the spectacle. Leave it to Carl to get back at the old biddy and sound so nice doing it.

"Now, if you’ll excuse us, I believe Vicky is motioning the two of us over. Oh, and by the way, congratulations on your engagement. I wish you every happiness. Come Cynthia, our family awaits."

For the second time that day, Carl left behind yet another speechless Cory woman.