THE WIRES OF ITS CAGE

Geoffrey approached Samantha with something like trepidation. Hewasn't at all sure she'd be happy to see him. She was sitting on thebridge over the Abyss, looking forlorn and small in the vast chamber.He had heard her sobbing from a long way off, carried by theincredible acoustics of the place. It was this sound he had followedto find her. Now, as he stood in the chamber entrance, he couldn'tthink of a thing to say. Why did he always have such a difficult timetalking to her? He decided on a noncommittal call.

"Hey, Sam...what's up?"

She lifted her head abruptly at his inquiry, surprise writtenacross her face. The tears she had shed hung damply upon her face,but she made no attempt to brush them away. "Wh...what are you doinghere?" she demanded in a hoarse whisper. "He's your friend. Or areyou just here to gloat?"

Her accusation stung him, but he admitted to himself that, fromher perspective, he must seem like an unlikely ally. "Just becauseKipper's my friend doesn't mean I...I agree with everything hedoes...or says." He sat beside her on the bridge, dangling his legsover the edge as she was doing. "He was wrong, Sam. I told him so,after you...left."

She snorted. "You mean after he ran me off!"

"Yes," he acknowledged. "I'm sorry I didn't speak up before that,but I was stunned by what he said to you. I thought...well, it seemedlike he really cared for you."

"Yeah, that's what I thought, too," she replied bitterly. "Guesswe were both wrong." Samantha shook her head. "I don't know what Icould have done to have made him so angry...."

Geoffrey couldn't believe his ears. "Stop that!"

Samantha looked up at his sharp rebuke.

"I can't believe you actually think any of this is your fault! Youdidn't do anything wrong!"

She smiled wryly as she regarded him. "You know that for a fact,do you?" She was amused at his indignant manner.

"Sam...he's never treated you...." Geoffrey struggled to put hisfeelings into words, but hesitated, unsure of what her reaction mightbe. After all, it was Kipper she liked. She probably didn't want tohear any love-sick confessions from him. Still, Dad always told himto follow his heart. The truth couldn't hurt, could it? The worsethat could happen was she'd laugh at him. He'd probably die on thespot if that happened, but it was worth the chance.

"Look, I've never said anything before, because I know you andKipper...." No, that wasn't the right approach. Damn, why did thishave to be so complicated? What he felt wasn't complicated at all, infact it was amazingly simple. He loved her. Ever since they werechildren, he'd loved her.

"What?"

Now Sam was impatient. In Geoffrey's eyes, it was one of her fewfaults. So many times he'd tried to express his feelings to her inthe past, but she'd never given him enough time. Then this wholething with Kipper had started, and he'd retreated from the scene,watching in painful silence as the girl he cared about fell for hisbest friend. He'd held his tongue when Kipper had been unkind oruncaring towards her. It wasn't his place to criticize or evencomment. He'd ached when Kipper's thoughtlessness had hurt her,almost reaching out to comfort her on several occasions. But always,he'd held back. Not this time, though. If she'd let him, he'd makeher forget the unhappy times with Kipper. He'd be good to her, listento her, share her joys and pain. If she'd only let him.

"Sam..."

"What is it, Geoffrey?" Samantha was starting to get mad. She wasfeeling sorry for herself, wholly miserable, and this tongue-tied guywas keeping her from a good cry.

"Stop it, please, Sam!" Desperation gave him the courage to standup to her. "You always cut me off. I'm trying to tell you something.I know I'm having trouble getting it out, but please listen!"

Her mouth already open for a retort, his last comment caused herto reconsider the request to get lost that was on the tip of hertongue. She pressed her lips together in a grim smile. "O...K...,"she said with an exaggerated show of the patience she did not feel.

Suddenly, Geoffrey was struck by the futility of it all. Shewasn't in the mood to hear what he had to say. She probably wouldn'tever want to hear it. She'd never once even looked at him, not in theway she'd mooned over Kipper. Maybe he should just leave her alone.That's what she really wanted, wasn't it? "Oh, hell, Sam...nevermind. I'm sorry I bothered you."

Geoffrey rose to leave and was surprised when he felt her hand onhis arm, restraining him.

"I'm sorry, Geoffy." Using the diminutive she'd adopted when theywere kids, she gave him an apologetic smile. "I'm mad at Kip andtaking it out on you. Please don't go. I'll sit quietly until you saywhat you want to say, 'K?" She gave his arm a squeeze before lettinggo. Even after she took her hand away, though, the memory of hertouch burned through him like wildfire.

"Sam...Samantha...I...." Jeez, why was this so hard? He took adeep breath, then plunged ahead. "It's killing me that Kipper hurtyou. If you were my girlfriend, I'd never hurt you. I'd care for youand protect you and...." He wound down, appalled at how much he'dsaid. He hadn't meant to reveal so much, yet, at least it -- most ofit --was out. He hadn't quite worked up the nerve to tell her thateven though he'd never acted like it, or said anything, he'd alwaysloved her. That the only dream he held in his heart these days wasthat one day she would love him too. But surely it must be obvious toher? Surely he didn't need to say it?

He risked a glance at her. Her mouth was hanging open again. Oh,God...here it comes, he thought.

"Is this some kind of joke? 'Cause believe me, Geoffrey, it isn'tfunny."

"No joke, Sam. I'd never joke about something like this. Promise."His eyes presented his appeal to her. She gazed long and hard intothem. She found honesty there. Some embarrassment too. And a lot ofsomething else...affection?

Samantha looked down at her hands. "I'd better not hear youlaughing with your buddies over this tomorrow." The suspicion in hervoice broke his heart.

"Hey, you never knew, all these years. You really think I'd tellanyone else?"

His small joke caused her to smile briefly, charmed in spite ofherself. She wanted to be mad at all men right now. She wanted tobelieve they were all like Kipper. But thinking back, little episodesstarted coming together in her mind, and suddenly, she believed him.

Even when they were children, Geoffrey hadn't teased her like theother boys did. When they got treats from William, she recalled timeswhen Geoffrey would give her half of his, claiming he wasn't thathungry. She'd never thought twice about it, taking the extra as herdue. But he was always doing nice things for her, even when shehardly ever remembered to thank him. And just last Winterfest, whowas the one guy who'd asked her to dance when she was stillrecovering from the flu? Father had only let her come for a littlewhile, and all her friends had kept away from her, afraid they'dcatch it. But not Geoffrey. He'd brought her some punch and sat andtalked with her, then offered her a dance. At the time, she'd turnedhim down thoughtlessly, not wanting to be seen dancing with him whenit was Kipper she'd wanted to dance with. But he hadn't abandonedher, even after that rejection. And he'd even walked her back to thehospital chamber, missing out on the fun, in order to be sure she wassafely tucked in.

Samantha cast an appraising glance over the young man by her side.He'd been a silent presence in her life for so long, she'd hardlynoticed him. But now that she took a good look at him, she realizedhe was kind of cute. He had those sweet freckles on his nose, and anendearing smile. And those eyes...you could believe what you saw inthose eyes, she knew now.

"OK, Geoffrey."

"OK? OK...what?"

"Just...OK."

She sat looking down into the Abyss, swinging her legs. Slowly,she placed her hand beside his on the bridge. Slower still, his owncrept over and covered hers. They sat in silence for a long while,her heart healing...and his singing.

_ _ _

"Have you noticed?"

"Hmmm?" Looking up from his bowl of vegetable stew, Vincentfollowed Catherine's eyes to where their oldest son was sitting.Usually, the family ate together, but this lunchtime had found thetwo of them alone with their eighteen-month-old, who was snuglyasleep in one of his doting Father's immense arms. Geoffrey wasensconced in a corner of the dining chamber, seated next to a vibrantSamantha, his own stew sitting forgotten as he gazed at her with raptattention.

"How could I help but notice, Catherine. He's glowing so brightly,I imagine it would hurt my eyes to stare at him directly."

Catherine chuckled. "I believe you're right!" Her laugh became asoft sigh. "Amazing, isn't it? One minute, he's a child running toyou over a skinned knee. The next, he's risking skinning his heartagainst the fickle nature of a teenage girl."

"I admit it is...difficult to let go. But he must follow hisheart, Catherine. If it leads him to the rather...irrepressibleSamantha...." He left the rest of his comment to her imagination, butshe knew what he meant. Geoffrey was a quiet, sensitive boy, but, asthe old adage put it so well, "still waters run deep." Samantha,quicksilver and mercurial, outgoing and outspoken, demanding andimperious, seemed the exact opposite of him in every way. That hewould be drawn to her surprised them, even disconcerted them.

Catherine glanced shyly at her Bondmate. "We should be ashamed ofourselves, Vincent. After what Father put us through...."

"....We should be the last to judge. Yes, I realize the dichotomy.I am as uncomfortable about what I am thinking as you, no doubt." Heshook his head as he flashed her a quick but rueful grin. "We areonly human, my love."

Catherine gazed solemnly in the young people's direction. "I justhope she's gentle with our son. He deserves the best."

Leaning to whisper in her ear, Vincent turned her slight frowninto a smile of delight when he murmured, "That's not possible, for Ialready hold claim to that treasure, my dearest heart!"

_ _ _

"What's the deal, Geoff?" Kipper accosted Geoffrey as he andSamantha were leaving the kitchen chamber. They had shared clean-upchores, even though only Samantha was scheduled to work, and wereplanning to go back to her dormitory chamber to study. No one wasaround except William, who was whistling amid the clatter of pans ashe began to prepare for the evening meal, oblivious to the potentialaltercation brewing behind him.

"What do you want, Kip?" Geoffrey stood his ground, defiantlyholding Samantha's hand.

"I want you to get your hands off my girl, that's what!" Kipperturned to regard his erstwhile girlfriend. "Sam, c'mon. We need totalk."

Samantha seemed to waiver a bit. She dropped Geoffrey's hand, butdidn't immediately join her former boyfriend. "We...we have nothingto talk about, Kipper. You told me everything I needed to knowyesterday." Her eyes began to sparkle as tears filled them. The hurthe had inflicted by his thoughtless words was apparent to the olderboy, perhaps for the first time.

His face reflected his sudden concern, but his apology flowedhaltingly. "Aw, Sam, I didn't mean anything. It was just...youinterrupted me when I was with the guys, and...well, I just said that'cause they...expected me to go with 'em...and...."

"You told me, clearly, to get lost. 'You're a huge pain in therear and I don't need a hemorrhoid' were your exact words."

"Oh, Sam, please. It was a joke! Can't you take a joke?" He triedto brush off the insult, but he could see she wasn't appeased.

In a quiet voice, Geoffrey intervened. "It wasn't funny to meeither, Kip."

Kipper stared at Geoffrey, amazed that his usually quiet friendwould challenge him, then his eyes narrowed and he replied in asarcastic tone, "Yeah, sure, you would say that. You've got anulterior motive. You saw an opportunity to get into Sam's pants."

"That's not true!" Anger flared in the younger boy, causing aflush of rage to infuse his cheeks. He curled his hands into fists,but managed to hold them to his sides. He did not want to fight withhis friend, but what the boy had suggested was outrageous andoffensive.

Insolently, Kipper replied, "If it's not true, why are you gettingso upset?" His eyes flashed with irritation. "C'mon, Sam, I promise Iwon't say anything like that again. Let's go. I've got something toshow you." He reached out his hand, expecting her to take it. Stillshe hesitated.

"What?" Despite her intended demeanor of injured pride, Samantha'squery betrayed her interest.

"You'll have to come with me to find out. Let's go." Impatientnow, he wiggled his fingers to gain her attention. When she didn'tmove fast enough to suit him, he snapped his fingers in her face."Come on!"

Samantha stared at Kipper, his impudent manner a far cry from thecourteous, deferential way Geoffrey treated her. When he'd firstarrived, she'd been happy to see him, had wanted to go with him, butnow.... Reviewing her options and the recent experiences she'd hadwith both boys, she came to a decision. "No, Kip. I'm not going withyou. You really hurt me yesterday...and that wasn't the first time.I...don't want to be with you anymore."

Shock and hurt gave way to a look of feigned indifference.Casually, Kipper dropped his arm and flung a "Fine!" at her as heturned and stalked away.

Looking after him in silence for a long moment, Samantha finallytook a deep breath and shyly reached to grasp Geoffrey's hand again."I'm...I'm sorry, Geoffy." The apology encompassed not only the scenehe'd witnessed, but the fact that for a moment she'd been ready to goback to Kipper.

Geoffrey was still shaken by the implication of her letting go ofhis hand. It had wounded him to realize that she was willing, atleast initially, to return to the boy who had hurt her feelings sobadly. She hadn't gone, of course...but if Kipper had been a bit moresincere with his apology...would she have?

"Come on. Let's go do our homework." Her words shook him out ofhis reverie, and he nodded, then turned to her and smiled gratefully.She was with him, holding his hand. She had chosen him, afterall.

_ _ _

Samantha yawned widely. "It's late, Geoffy. I think I've gotten assmart as I'm going to get tonight!"

He smiled and closed his notebook. "Thanks for your help with themath, Sam."

"No problem!" She smiled at him as he rose to leave. Suddenlyawkward, he didn't know what to do.

"So...I guess I'll...see you tomorrow?"

"Sure! Where else am I gonna be?" Realizing his discomfort, shesought to ease it. "C'mon, I'll walk you back to your chambers."

"You don't have to...it's a long way."

"I don't mind. I could use a walk to work the kinks out before Igo to bed. Come on!" She reached for his hand and tugged it. Hefollowed willingly.

As they walked, Samantha talked about an amazing variety ofsubjects, seeming to jump from one to another with no breath inbetween. He didn't mind, though. He was content just to be with her,to know that she enjoyed being with him. He was in heaven. He smiledand nodded at appropriate intervals, and Samantha, with her captiveand captivated audience, didn't slow the stream of words until theyreached the side tunnel leading to his chamber.

"Well, here we are. I guess I should get back. It is late."

Geoffrey nodded dumbly. He felt self-conscious suddenly, facingher. He wanted desperately to do...something. But he wasn't surewhat...or even how.

Samantha smiled sweetly at him. He'd been her defender today. Herknight in shining armor. He deserved some token from her. Since shedidn't have a ribbon to bestow like the ladies of yore.... Samanthareached out to cup the unresisting Geoffrey's chin in her hand, thenshe rose on tip-toe to place a brief, gentle kiss upon his astonishedmouth.

The feeling of her warm soft lips upon his was incredible, likenothing he'd ever felt before. He melted and hardened all at the sametime. His body became a battleground of yearning, joy, lust, andexhilaration. She had kissed him!

Desperate to re-live that sensation...just once more...he reachedout for her. Tentatively enfolding her in his arms -- they seemedsuddenly stiff, his hands like lumps of lead -- he bent and brushed aclumsy, off-center kiss against her lips, tasting the sweet dew ofher slightly open mouth, thrilling to the lushness revealedthere.

Aware of the effect she'd had on him, and very pleased withherself, Samantha smiled as she disengaged from his embrace, thentwirled and flounced away down the tunnel. As she turned the cornerout of sight, Geoffrey struggled to remember how to breathe.

_ _ _

"Sam? Sam!" The harsh whisper cut through her dreams, slowlywaking her. The lone candle in the dormitory chamber had burned low,indicating it was very early in the morning. She wasn't sure what hadawakened her at first, then she heard it again: the low call of hername. Throwing back the covers, she slipped into her robe andslippers and tread softly out of the chamber. Outside the entrance,she encountered Kipper.

"Kip!" Surprised, she hissed at him, "It's so late...what do youwant?"

"You, Sam. I want you back."

Disgusted, she replied, "Go back to sleep, Kip." But before shecould turn to go back inside, he grabbed her shoulder.

"Why? What's Geoffrey got that I don't?" Although he tried to actcocky, his voice betrayed a hint of his true feelings -- stunneddismay.

"Well, for one thing, he'd never wake me up early in the morningto ask me stupid questions." Now that she was fully awake, Kipper'saudacity was irritating her more and more.

"Sam...we've been together for so long...what's it been....?"

"Six months." Just like him not to remember, she thoughtpetulantly.

"Six months! I'm sorry if I said some things that hurt you. I canbe pretty insensitive at times, I know that. But...Sammi...does hekiss you like I do?" The hand on her shoulder drifted to her cheek,and he ran his index finger lightly across her lips. Samanthaquivered at the intimate gesture. "Does he?" Kipper leaned closer andpressed his lips tenderly to hers once, twice. The third time, hiskiss grew more insistent, and he drew her easily into his arms as hedeepened the kiss.

Her entire body shivered with the powerful feelings he aroused inher. Until Kipper, she'd always been "one of the guys." None of theboys had treated her like a woman. Then he had walked with her to theChamber of the Falls one lazy afternoon, and their horseplay hadturned into...something else. Exploration and discovery, amazementand delight. Ever since, no matter how they might fight, whenever heheld her, she was lost. His kisses made her feel so weak and flutteryinside, and she craved the affection, the touch, that made her feelso grown up, so feminine.

As he pulled back, her eyelids drifted open. "Oh, Kip," shesighed.

"You're my girl, aren't you?" It was part plea, part demand.

"Yes!"

Trying to disguise the relief he felt, he murmured, "OK, then.I'll see you later this morning. Meet me for breakfast?"

At her enthusiastic nod, he backed down the tunnel, smiling andwaving, before turning and running back to his own dormitory.

A brief flicker of concern about Geoffrey passed throughSamantha's mind as she made her way quietly back to bed. "He'llunderstand," she decided, nodding to herself, before she pulled thecovers to her chin and closed her eyes, dreaming of Kipper'skisses.

_ _ _

"Hi, Sam!" Seeing her enter the dining chamber, Geoffrey rose fromhis seat and rushed over to her.

"Oh...hi, Geoffy." She brushed past him with no more than a briefglance, her eyes searching the chamber until they alighted onsomeone. "See you later, 'K?"

He turned to follow her with his eyes, noting with dismay that shewas joining Kipper at a table in the corner...the same table at whichhe himself had met her for lunch just yesterday. His heart lurched.She couldn't....! But his eyes didn't lie. Something had happenedbetween last night and this morning. Between that glorious kiss...andthis rude awakening.

Numbly, he returned to his seat. Catherine, although trying toslip oatmeal between the stubborn lips of baby Jacob, had missed noneof the by-play, but wisely said nothing except, "Another muffin,sweetheart?"

Geoffrey shook his head, his eyes never leaving the corner whereSamantha was now playfully punching Kipper on the arm. Catherinewatched him, her heart breaking for him, until he finally turned backto his meal. Then, abandoning for the moment her attempts to feed herrecalcitrant younger son his breakfast, she dropped her eyes andpretended to concentrate on devouring one of William's deliciouscreations. Surreptitiously, she watched her eldest as he stared intohis plate, his meal forgotten. Suddenly, he mumbled, "May I beexcused?" and left before receiving an answer. Vincent walked intothe chamber just as Geoffrey rushed out. In his turmoil, the boyhadn't even noticed or acknowledged his Dad.

Vincent's puzzled eyes went first to Catherine, then, followingthe nod of her head, to the scene in the corner of the chamber. Theireyes met again, in mutual and silent sympathy. As he sat beside hisBondmate, he said, "So...what we feared has already come topass."

Sensing the sudden troubling of his spirit, she murmured, "Wecouldn't have prevented this, Vincent."

He nodded. "I know."

She patted his hand. "If you'll finish feeding Jacob, I think I'llgo back to our chambers. If Geoffrey's there, maybe he'll talk tome."

"No...I think this is a time for...for a man-to-man discussion. Hewill not be feeling kindly toward the female of the species at thismoment, my love, not even one as rare and special as yourself." Hisgentle jest was meant to assuage the discouragement she was feelingthat her son had not immediately sought her company in his pain.

She smiled and acquiesced, silently handing him a muffin. Vincenttook it from her, his fingers lightly caressing hers as he did so,before he rose and left the chamber.

_ _ _

"Geoffrey, may I come in?"

Standing at the entrance to his son's chamber, Vincent tried tofocus on the situation at hand. All the way here from the kitchenchamber, his mind had been replaying his relationship with Lisa, hisfirst and only attempt -- until Catherine -- to brave the mysteriesof romantic love. As ardently as he had adored Lisa, thatrelationship had nearly ruined his life. It had taken many years, andthe spectacular devotion of his Bondmate, to overcome all the fearsand doubts engendered by the abrupt and disturbing termination ofthat relationship. He realized his son's situation was muchdifferent, but he understood all too well the thrill of first love,the anguish of rejection, and the devastation and self-doubt whichfollowed.

He found Geoffrey sitting on his bed, a picture of dejection.Slumped over, his forearms resting on his thighs, the boy lookedmiserable...and so very lonely. Vincent sat beside him, copying hisstance by leaning on his own knees. He looked over into the boy'sface, noting with concern the reddened eyes, the evidence of copioustears shed.

"I'm sorry, son."

Geoffrey snorted. "I thought she...." Tears choked his voice andhe couldn't continue, lapsing into silence as he tried to control hisemotions.

Vincent waited, knowing the boy had more to say, sitting patientand still until it came bubbling up to be purged from his bitterheart.

Finally, Geoffrey turned, looking at the older man with pleadingeyes as he said, "Why, Dad? Just last night...she...she kissed me.Now...she acts like I don't exist. What did I do to make her leaveme?"

Vincent drew his son into an embrace and kissed the top of hishead before replying. "I'm sure you did nothing wrong. I saw you withher yesterday, and you treated her with respect and affection."

"Maybe..." he mumbled against his Dad's chest, "...maybe she hatedthe way I kissed her...I didn't know what to do, how to touchher...maybe I...revolted her...." Hot tears fell, burning his cheeks.He burrowed deeper into the comforting embrace, desperate for thehuman contact, the acceptance and love he had always found withinthose arms.

"No, Geoffrey, no. Believe me...I know from...personal experiencethat...when a woman loves you...it does not matter in the least ifyou have any...experience. She will not care. She will not berevolted, I promise."

Geoffrey sat up, the surprising revelation causing him to forgethis own misery for a moment. "Was it...was it that way for you...andMom?" He was intensely curious about this aspect of theirrelationship. Knowing that his Dad's physical appearance was dauntingto newcomers, he had lately wondered how his Mom and Dad had handledthe more intimate aspects of their early relationship. He hadunderstood intellectually that there had to have been a "first time"-- but he had never realized that his Mom was his Dad's first timeever. He could well understand the trepidation his Dad must havefelt, the fear of rejection, the paralysis of not knowing what to do,what to expect.

Vincent smiled, a faraway look stealing over his face. "Yes." Hesaid no more for a moment, then turned to his son, noting the franklycurious stare on his face. Perhaps some insight into his ownsituation would help the boy to understand.

"Your mother, Geoffrey...well, you have been blessed by her love,so you know how powerful and cleansing it is. She fought for ourright to love, even when I was not strong enough to get past the fearof what...of what I am...and how I might...possibly...hurt her." Hisvoice had become a hoarse whisper, and Geoffrey strained to hear him."I was...unsure...terrified. But she was like cool water, like asoothing balm. In her arms, I...I became beautiful. And she guided meso gently, my fear fell away."

Geoffrey let out a long sigh. He knew intuitively that his Dad hadnever spoken these words to another living soul. They hung like aprecious bond between them, a measure of the trust and faith whichhis Dad had in him. He was immeasurably grateful for them...and forthe man who had adopted him as his own.

"Thank you, Dad."

Vincent nodded.

Emboldened by the intimacy just divulged, Geoffrey tenderedanother question, one which might shed more light onto his ownunhappy situation. "Can I ask..." he began tentatively.

"You may ask me anything," Vincent responded quietly.

"Did you ever...well, was there ever another guy....?" Now that hewas in the middle of the question, he realized he didn't have adiplomatic way of asking it. But his Dad understood his intent wellenough.

"Yes. There was a time when...when your Mother became...interestedin...someone else." To this day, the pain of that memory still hadthe power to wound him. He took a shuddering breath beforecontinuing. "She...became close to a man Above...a rich, powerfulman. One who could give her the world."

"Were you...did you...how did you...handle it?"

Vincent shook his head. "Not very well, I'm afraid. I loved hermore than my life, but I believed...that she would be happier withthis...other. The pain was...unbearable."

From the expression on his Dad's face, the fascinated boy couldwell believe it.

"But I did not tell her of my pain, Geoffrey. I bore it insilence, dying a little more each moment. At some point...shedecided...thank the gods!...that she did not love this man. You wouldthink I had learned a hard lesson, but no. There were othertimes...when I misunderstood her feelings toward another, and still Iwould not stand up for my right to her love.

"I was a terrible student," he admitted wryly. "Always having torelearn the same lesson. Finally, though, I understood. Catherinegave me the confidence to believe in my right to love." Vincentgrasped his son by the shoulders as he said, "You have that right,too, son. Do not let this situation crush your belief in love, in itsterrible splendor and potency."

Geoffrey nodded solemnly. He had much to consider. His Dad had away of giving advice that didn't sound like instruction. He justshowed him a way to approach a problem, then allowed him to decide ifit was relevant to him. He really appreciated that his Dad consideredhim intelligent enough to make his own choices. But sometimes hewished his Dad would just tell him what to do!

Kissing the older man on the cheek, he murmured, "I'm glad youguys worked it out, Dad."

Vincent regarded his son with frank affection. "So am I. Would youlike for me to stay with you a while?"

"No...no, I'll be OK."

Vincent rose and got to the entranceway before he turned once moreto address his son. "Know that I am a patient listener, Geoffrey.Anytime you need to talk...."

His son nodded with gratitude. "I know."

_ _ _

The class was rapidly filing out of the chamber, the Englishlesson over. Geoffrey tugged at Samantha's sleeve, catching herattention. "May I please talk with you?"

Looking over her shoulder at her departing friends, she saidimpatiently, "I need to go."

Resolutely, he faced her down. "This will only take a moment."

She shrugged and said, "OK," but she remained standing.

Geoffrey licked his lips, took a deep breath and began. "I knowthat you and Kip have made up. I'm happy for you, Sam, I really am,if that's what you want. But please remember that...I'm always herefor you. If you need me for anything...to talk...anything. OK?"

She nodded her head, then looked at him sharply, guiltily. "Iprobably should have said this before now but...I'm really sorry forwhat happened. I was mad at Kip and...and you were there and being sonice...."

He held up his hand, forestalling further explanation. "Iunderstand. But I want you to know...that time we spent together wasthe most wonderful time of my life. I care for you...more thananything, Samantha. Please, always remember that."

Suddenly very serious, she replied, "I will. Thanks, Geoffy. I'msorry." She looked over her shoulder again as someone called hername, and when she turned back to him, all trace of solemnity hadvanished. She was once more the capricious child. "Gotta go!"

After she left, Geoffrey slowly lowered himself into a seat in thenow deserted chamber. A hurricane lamp sat on the table before him,the flickering light it cast painting his face with a mercurial blendof highlight and shadow. Staring into the candleflame, his facecontorted in misery, he wept.