Chapter 15: Sophomore

For the rest of September, Danny and Helen shared monster duties with Larissa, but towards the end of the month, her teething pains must have lessened for she became a mostly happy girl again. She was also tentatively beginning to crawl, signifying the need to childproof both Trudy’s house and Danny and Ashley’s apartment. In a rare show of involvement, Tyler hired a specialist who went over both places with a fine comb and installed sliding covers over the electrical outlets, safety hooks inside the silverware drawers, gates at the tops of stairs, but also induction stoves in the kitchens. Trudy grumbled a little because she could not use her favorite copper casserole anymore, but she adjusted quickly. Irina just shook her head over the fuss, claiming that nothing would ever be completely safe, and that Danny and Helen just had to grow eyes in the backs of their heads like parents had done for aeons.

Regular courses started then. Danny and Helen coordinated their courses somewhat, enabling one of them to skip a class if needed, with the other keeping track and collecting assignments. That also led to frequent collaborations of the two, with Ashley often joining them to work on assignments.

Once a month, it was Danny’s time to beg off for two days while Lucy visited Philadelphia to shoot the Two Bucks commercials. Helen accepted that seemingly without rancor. Those visits were the highlights of Danny’s months, a chance to be a carefree college student, and of course a chance to blow off some steam. Lucy seemed to enjoy the arrangement as well, claiming that she had no time for the hassles of having a boyfriend.

Thus, the fall moved along rather uneventfully, with both Danny and Helen checking off courses and requirements, looking after Larissa, and trying to have a life on the side. It was in late November when Helen called in a few markers. Danny was dropping off Larissa at Trudy’s house and a seemingly embarrassed Helen asked him in.

“Can you come in for a moment? I have something to discuss with you,” she said, making him review his recent behavior for possible screw-ups. “No, you did nothing wrong,” she added with a small smile.

“Sure,” Danny answered, wiping his shoes on the mat before entering. Trudy had polished hardwood floors of which she was rather protective. He carried Larissa inside and deposited her in the playpen next to the dinner table. They both busied themselves peeling the little girl out of the layers of clothing and then sat down at the table.

“Danny, I have a favor to ask,” Helen started, and Danny nodded.

“Sure. What can I do for you?”

“Can you pick up Larissa on Saturday and keep her until Sunday around noon? I have a date on Saturday.”

It took Danny a conscious effort to nod. He could not object, he reminded himself, having spent the last Friday to Sunday with Lucy.

“Sure,” he made himself say. “I have nothing planned, so no problems.”

Now, was there a trace of annoyance in Helen’s bearing?

“So you have no problem?” she asked.

“No. I mean, you have my back whenever Lucy comes visiting. It’s only fair to reciprocate.”

“Oh, yes. Anyway, I met a guy in English composition. He’s temping at an insurance company, and they have a Christmas party. He can bring a companion, and I’m it. I haven’t been to any party in almost four years if you don’t count the stupid prom night shindig at Triple-P. I just want to blow off some steam, you know?”

“As I said, fair enough,” Danny managed to say. Against all reason, his stomach tightened when he envisioned Helen dancing and cavorting with some future claims adjustor. With an effort he willed away the feeling. “You probably need it.”

“I guess I do,” Helen said a little listlessly, but then she gave him a smile. “Thanks. Can you pick her up around eleven?”

Danny nodded. “Will do. A-anything else?”

“No, that’s all. I’ll see you on Saturday then.”

“Sure thing. You take care. See you!”

By the time he reached his car parked in the street outside, he had to force himself to unclench his fists. What did he expect? He spent two to three days every month with Lucy. He had no claim whatsoever on Helen. And, he had to admit, she was working her butt off at Penn during the week and was a patient and loving mother for Larissa. She deserved some fun, didn’t she?

His brain said yes, but his gut strongly disagreed.

At least he was saved from picking up Larissa and seeing Helen on that Saturday. Ashley volunteered since she wanted Danny to do the shopping, and when he returned to the apartment, Larissa was playing in her little room, with Aunt Ashley watching her.

“Umh, Danny? Helen thinks you have problems with her dating that guy?” she asked.

“Uh, no, why should I? She always takes Larissa when Lucy visits. So why should I complain?”

“You tell me.”

Danny gave himself a mental nudge. “Nope. No problem. It’s only fair that she gets to let her hair down for once.”

“Okay, but what if she and this guy start something a bit more involved?”

Danny made himself shrug. “Then I’ll just have to get used to it. Yes, she’s still a bit under my skin. I also feel a bit protective about her. Hey, she’s Larissa’s mother. She’s her own woman, though, and doesn’t need my meddling.”

“Okay. You don’t have to like it anyway. Just accept it.”

“I’m working on it,” he answered wryly.

He was still relieved when Lynn volunteered to return Larissa on Sunday afternoon, claiming that she wanted to ask Trudy about something or other. Therefore, Danny did not see Helen before Monday afternoon when he returned Larissa from the daycare. She opened the door and looked at him apprehensively.

“Hey, you. Everything all right?”

By now, Danny had been able to cope with the situation, and his smile was not forced.

“Yup, no problems. That cow, Mrs. Woodrow, she was giving me the evil eye again.”

Woodrow was one of the daycare nurses, and she seemed to have taken a dislike to Danny.

“Oh, damn. Just ignore the stupid bitch.”

“Yeah. Probably for the best. Did you, uh, have a good time Saturday night?”

Now the apprehension was palpable. “I guess. There were all those stuffy insurance types, and some of them were kinda obnoxious. Guess they figured that me coming with a temp, I’d be wanting to move up the food chain. Of course, Brock was no help. He’s scared to ruin his chances at the place. Well, I handled it.”

“Sure you’re okay?”

“Yeah. I found the CEO’s wife in the powder room. We chatted a bit and I let her know about the unwanted attention. After that, everything was okay. The boss man even danced with me to express his regret. Of course, Brock was worried, but the big man gave him a friendly handshake when we left.”

“So, everything was peachy then.”

“Mostly,” she said evasively. “Okay, so let’s get Larissa to her room. How’s the diaper situation?”

“Ninety percent fresh rating,” Danny quipped, making Helen smile against her will.

“You’re useful,” she said. “Thanks for handling it so well.”

“Well, I’m counting on you for Lucy’s next visit. So it’s only fair. Listen, I have to split. I’ll pick Larissa up tomorrow as well.”

“Yeah, thanks, and see you!”

Strangely, there was no repeat of Helen’s request in the next weeks. Lynn, who was good friends with Helen, seemed to know something, but she kept her mouth shut. It was Helen herself who spilled the beans a week before Christmas. Danny needed to know about her plans for Christmas. The Westbrooks were set to leave for Kitty Hawk, but Danny was a little torn, not wanting to miss Larissa’s first Christmas. Having secured Marsha’s okay, he asked Helen when he dropped off Larissa.

“Umh, Helen? I never had a chance to ask, but do you want to join us in Kitty Hawk again, you and Trudy?”

Helen seemed happy about the offer.

“That would be great! I enjoyed it so much last year. Are you okay with that?”

“Of course. Why not?”

“Well, you’ve been a bit distant the last weeks, ever since I went to that ball.”

“Nothing to it, really. I just wanted to give you some space.”

“Well, I don’t need space, but I can use some companionship. Trudy is traveling in Norway of all places. She’s doing a cruise to watch the polar lights. I was afraid I’d have to stay back alone with Larissa.”

“I wasn’t sure you’d want to come, what with ... Brock, right?”

“Oh, that! Brock is history. He’s been history ever since that weekend.”

“Oh, I had no clue, sorry,” Danny hastened to say.

“Well, at least I know now that Lynn can keep her mouth shut. Well, it’s not a big secret. Brock and I ... well, we spent the night in a downtown hotel. Let’s just say that he and I have opposing concepts of how a relationship should be. I didn’t leave my asshole father to have a boyfriend from the same mould.”

“Domineering?”

Helen seemed to contemplate what she wanted to say, but then she shrugged.

“He was ... well, doing me from behind ... doggy style, you know, and then he suddenly started slapping my ass. It hurt. Obviously he’s seen too many porn clips on the internet. I gave him a bloody nose with my elbow and left.”

“Wow, good for you,” Danny managed to say, once again fighting his irrational jealousy. “So you dumped him?”

“That, and I called my new friend, Maggie. The CEO’s wife, you know? Told her what an asshole Brock is. He won’t work there anymore.”

“Well, good riddance!”

Helen poked him with her index finger. “See, that’s what I liked about you, about our night in Allentown. You were not acting out some porn fantasy. I’m sorry that it hurt you so much, you know, me being promised to Edward and that shit. Yet, I’m very glad that it was you who took my cherry, even with all the hassle that followed.”

“Well, we got Larissa out of it, so let’s not complain.”

Helen gave him a quick hug. “That was sweet of you to say. I feel the same. At least she’ll have two loving parents, not two domineering freaks like my parents.”

“So, shall I pick you up on the 23rd, like 10 o’clock?”

“The Volkswagen?”

“Yeah, I better. We have to load the stroller, the playpen, and lots of other stuff. We better take the mom bomb. Plus, there’s Lucy. Oh, I forgot to say that. Is that a problem?”

Helen shook her head. “No problem, unless she’s got a problem with me. Ashley and Caitlyn will also come?”

“Sure; my Mom too. By the way, did you hear the gossip? Ash and Lynn came out last week. Walked hand in hand to the cafeteria and kissed. Some asshole was starting to make stupid remarks, but Lynn tore him a new rectum. She’s something else.”

“You really love her, don’t you?”

“Yeah, I really do. She’s like my sister, almost like Ash. I hope they’ll manage to stay together.”

“She’s one of my few friends, too. She’s always helpful and supportive, but she’s also funny as Hell.”

“Well, at least if she’s not gunning for you. Then she can be a holy terror.”

“If you’re nice, she’s nice too,” Helen defended her. “So, Danny, thanks for the invite, and I better start packing things. How many days?”

“Figure ten days, until after New Year. Better pack the gown you wore at that ball. We’ll have dinner guests on New Year’s Eve. Don’t ask me who, but they’ll be loaded for sure.”

“A fancy dinner? That’s another suitcase at the least!” Helen grinned. “It’s a good thing we’re taking the bigger car.”

The Volkswagen was indeed packed to the gills. Fortunately, Danny had been able to slip some of his own luggage into Ashley’s BMW. Lucy was riding shotgun while Helen sat with Larissa in the rear. The two young women had exchanged friendly hugs and had dutifully told the other how good they looked. Danny was breathing a little calmer as he navigated towards the interstate, following Ashley’s car. The elder Westbrooks, with Irina, had left earlier and were probably halfway there already. Danny and Ashley were taking it easy. Leaving I-95 at Christiana, they took Highway 13 through Delaware and then crossed into Virginia. They were getting close to the Chesapeake Bay Tunnel, when Ashley set her turn signal to left, to drive into the Exxon station where Danny had picked up Lynn over three years before. The place had not changed much, Danny thought.

“Why are we stopping here?” Lucy asked.

Danny grinned. “This is the historic landmark where Sir Daniel the Brave rescued the Maid Caitlyn from a fate worse than death.”

“White Knights and Seafood, how convenient,” Lucy quipped. Over the years, she’d heard the story a few times. Helen had not.

“Huh?” she asked from the backseat.

“Just one of the many places where Danny punched an obnoxious asshole on the nose. That time it was for Lynn’s benefit. Let her tell the story.”

“Oh, I will. It sure sounds like Danny’s M.O.,” Helen giggled.

“Iff a broblem cannod be solved by violence, dry more violence,” Danny quipped in a horrible, faux Austrian accent.

Next to the gas station there was a seafood restaurant, and that was where Ashley parked the Beemer. Danny took the spot next to her, and they all alighted from the cars and stretched.

“Ash and I always stop here on the way,” Lynn smiled at Helen. A split second later, she jumped into Danny’s arms and kissed him with emphasis. “This is where my life changed. Have I ever said thanks, Danny-Boy?”

“I seem to recall a number of instances where the fair Maid Caitlyn rewarded her knight.”

Lynn beamed. “A pity the brave knight has other damsels now!”

“Behave, you imp!” Ashley scolded her partner, but she stepped close to Danny too and kissed. “He only rescued you at my behest.”

“And I bet you believe that too,” Lynn grinned, letting go of Danny and winking at Helen. “Don’t mind us; we’re just being silly.”

They woke Larissa and heaved her out of her seat. The smell of full diapers was strong. Danny grabbed Larissa’s kit bag and headed for the restrooms while the rest of the gang headed for a large table. It took Danny a few minutes to have everything within reach, but then he managed the pit stop with all the experience of a seasoned daddy. Emerging from the restroom with a now wide awake Larissa on his arm, he joined the others at the table.

“I ordered the fried lobster patties for you,” Ashley told him, knowing him and his tastes quite well.

“Great! The kiddie menu for Lynn again?”

“You’re gonna pay for that,” Lynn singsonged with a grin.

“He’s cocky today,” Ashley remarked. “It’s a good thing we can count on Irina to make him toe the line in the next days.”

“Her and Tyler,” Helen added.

The girls kept ribbing him for a few more minutes, but then the food arrived and their mouths became occupied otherwise. Danny felt great. They were all having fun together, and even Helen was joining in the banter. The only one holding back was Lucy, and Danny was making a note to himself to ask her later if she was feeling uncomfortable.

Soon they were on the road again and after paying the tunnel toll crossed under the Chesapeake Bay. They kept the easy cruising speed, making for a relaxed travel. They arrived in the mid-afternoon, and for the next thirty minutes, Danny was schlepping suitcases, bags, boxes and all the other stuff from the two cars to the house while Ashley, Lynn and Lucy took over the distribution into the various bedrooms. Meanwhile, Helen was feeding Larissa and holding her until she fell into a satisfied sleep while Irina and the elder Westbrooks watched them with fond smiles.

Once everybody was settled in, the whole patchwork family assembled in the living room to have coffee, tea, Christmas cookies and gingerbread. Lucy was telling the others about her last months at OSU and about the growing popularity of her and Chris DiBiasi’s YouTube channel. Marsha was listening in intently, admitting that she was thinking of starting one herself for her stores. Lucy thought that was a good idea, but that Marsha should talk to Chris who was the creative brain behind their show.